SFG1714 REV World Bank Financed Second Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Final Client: Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission Prepared by: Beijing Zhongzi Huayu Environmental Technology Co., Ltd 18 March 2016 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Background and Significance ............................................................................................... 1 1.2 Relationship with Relevant Plans..................................................................................................... 2 1.2.1 Relationship with Industrial Policies ............................................................................................. 3 1.2.2 Relationship with Gansu Provincial Policies and Plans ................................................................ 3 1.2.3 Relationship with Relevant County Policies and Plans ................................................................ 5 1.3 Applicable Laws, Regulations and Policies ...................................................................................... 7 1.3.1 Laws, Regulations Governing Environmental Protection and Relevant Policies ......................... 8 1.3.2 Local Regulations and Departmental Rules .................................................................................. 9 1.3.3 World Bank Safeguard Policies ................................................................................................... 10 1.3.4 Technical Documents .................................................................................................................. 11 1.3.5 Relevant Plans ............................................................................................................................. 11 1.3.6 Project Documents and Relevant Materials ............................................................................... 12 1.4 Applicable Standards ...................................................................................................................... 12 1.4.1 Environmental Quality Standards ............................................................................................... 13 1.4.2 Pollutant Emission Standards ..................................................................................................... 15 1.4.3 Comparison with WB standandsand Gap Analysis..................................................................... 18 1.5 EA Category, Methodology and Scope........................................................................................... 20 1.5.1 EA Category of the Project .......................................................................................................... 20 1.5.2 EA Scope....................................................................................................................................... 21 Chapter 2 Project Description ....................................................................................................... 24 2.1 Project Composition, Investment and Schedule ........................................................................... 24 2.2 Project Components ....................................................................................................................... 26 2.2.1 Kongtong Mountain Subproject .................................................................................................. 26 2.2.2 Jingchuan County Subproject ...................................................................................................... 29 2.2.3 Zhuanglang County Subproject ................................................................................................... 31 2.2.4 Tanchang County Subproject ...................................................................................................... 33 2.2.5 Kang County Subproject .............................................................................................................. 35 1 2.2.6 Hezheng County Subproject ........................................................................................................ 37 2.3 Environmental Protection Targets ................................................................................................. 45 2.3.1 Acoustic and Atmospheric Envirnment Protection Targets ....................................................... 45 2.3.2 Water Environment Protection Targets...................................................................................... 47 2.3.3 Ecological Environment Protection Targets ................................................................................ 52 2.3.4 Social Environment Protection Targets ...................................................................................... 54 2.4 Review of Auxiliary Environmental Facilities ................................................................................ 56 2.4.1 Kongtong Mountain Subproject .................................................................................................. 56 2.4.2 Jingchuan County Subproject ...................................................................................................... 56 2.4.3 Zhuanglang County Subproject ................................................................................................... 57 2.4.4 Tanchang County Subproject ...................................................................................................... 58 2.4.5 Kang County Subproject .............................................................................................................. 58 2.4.6 Hezheng County Subproject ........................................................................................................ 59 Chapter 3 Environmental and Social Baseline............................................................................. 60 3.1 Topography and Landforms ........................................................................................................... 60 3.1.1 Gansu Province ............................................................................................................................ 60 3.1.2 Pingliang City ............................................................................................................................... 61 3.1.3 Longnan City ................................................................................................................................ 62 3.1.4 Hezheng County ........................................................................................................................... 64 3.2 Climate ............................................................................................................................................ 71 3.2.1 Gansu Province ............................................................................................................................ 71 3.2.2 Pingliang City ............................................................................................................................... 71 3.2.3 Longnan City ................................................................................................................................ 72 3.2.4 Hezheng County ........................................................................................................................... 74 3.3 Hydrology ........................................................................................................................................ 74 3.3.1 Gansu Province ............................................................................................................................ 74 3.3.2 Pingliang City ............................................................................................................................... 75 3.3.3 Longnan City ................................................................................................................................ 76 3.3.4 Hezheng County ........................................................................................................................... 78 3.4 Ecological Environment .................................................................................................................. 78 3.4.1 Gansu Province ............................................................................................................................ 78 2 3.4.2 Pingliang City ............................................................................................................................... 79 3.4.3 Longnan City ................................................................................................................................ 81 3.4.4 Hezheng County ........................................................................................................................... 83 3.5 Ecologically Sensitive Areas............................................................................................................ 83 3.6 Baseline Cultural Relics and Other Cultural Resources ................................................................. 91 3.7 Social Baseline ................................................................................................................................ 96 3.8 Monitoring and Evaluation of Baseline Environment Quality ...................................................... 97 3.8.1 Monitoring of Baseline Environment Quality ............................................................................. 97 3.8.2 Evaluation of of Baseline Environment Quality.......................................................................... 99 3.8.3 Assessment Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 124 Chapter 4 Assessment of Environmental Impacts during Construction ................................. 125 4.1 Impacts on Ecologically Sensitive Areas ...................................................................................... 125 4.1.1 Relevant Laws and Regulations................................................................................................. 125 4.1.2 Relationship between Kongtong Mountain Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas ..... 135 4.1.3 Relationship between Jingchuan County Subproject and Water source Protection Area ..... 136 4.1.4 Relationship between Zhuanglang County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas ....... 136 4.1.5 Relationship between Kang County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas .................. 137 4.1.6 Relationship between Tanchang County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas .......... 140 4.1.7 Relationship between Hezheng County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas............ 140 4.2 Impacts on Eco-environment ....................................................................................................... 141 4.2.1 Impacts on Landforms and Soil in the Prorject Areas .............................................................. 141 4.2.2Impacts of Water and Soil Erosion ............................................................................................. 143 4.2.3Analysis of Impacts on Vegetation Destruction ........................................................................ 145 4.2.4 Analysis of Impacts on Wild Animals ........................................................................................ 146 4.3 Impacts on Atmospheric Environment ........................................................................................ 147 4.4 Impacts on Acoustic Environment ............................................................................................... 149 4.5 Impacts on Water Environment ................................................................................................... 150 4.6 Impacts of Solid Waste ................................................................................................................. 152 4.7 Impacts on Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................... 154 4.7.1 Relevant Laws and Regulations................................................................................................. 154 4.7.2 Domestic Sewage and Production Wastewater ....................................................................... 157 3 4.7.3 Construction Fugitive Dust ........................................................................................................ 157 4.7.4 Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................................... 158 4.7.5 Solid Waste ................................................................................................................................ 158 Chapter 5 Assessment of Impacts during Operation ................................................................ 160 5.1 Positive Impacts/Induced Impacts ............................................................................................... 160 5.2 Impacts on Important Ecologically Sensitive Areas ..................................................................... 161 5.2.1Impacts on Nature Reserves ...................................................................................................... 161 5.2.2 Impacts on Scenic Areas ............................................................................................................ 161 5.2.3 Impacts on Geological Parks ..................................................................................................... 161 5.2.4 Impacts on Forest Parks ............................................................................................................ 162 5.2.5 Impacts on Wetland Parks ........................................................................................................ 162 5.2.6 Impacts on Drinking Water Source Protection Areas ............................................................... 162 5.3 Analysis of Ecological Impacts ...................................................................................................... 162 5.3.1 Assessment of Impacts of Land Use Changes ........................................................................... 164 5.3.2Assessment of Impacts on Vegetation....................................................................................... 164 5.3.3 Assessment of Impacts on Terrestrial Animals......................................................................... 165 5.3.4Ecological Impacts of Tourism Activities ................................................................................... 166 5.4 Analysis of Impacts on Water Environment ................................................................................ 168 5.4.1 Impacts of Sewage ..................................................................................................................... 168 5.4.2 Impacts of Surface Runoff ......................................................................................................... 170 5.5Analysis of Impacts on Ambient Air .............................................................................................. 170 5.6Analysis of Impacts on Acoustic Environment.............................................................................. 172 5.7Analysis of Impacts of Solid Waste on Environment .................................................................... 174 5.8Impacts on Physical Cultural Resources........................................................................................ 176 5.8.1 Analysis of Impacts on Cultural Relics ...................................................................................... 176 5.8.2 Impacts on Other Cultural Resources ....................................................................................... 177 5.9 Cumulative Impacts Analysis........................................................................................................ 177 Chapter 6 Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................................................ 179 6.1 With- and Without-Project Analysis ............................................................................................ 179 6.2 Optimal Design of EA Items .......................................................................................................... 181 6.3 Comparative Analysis of Site Selection........................................................................................ 182 4 6.4 Comparison and Selection of Toilet Alternatives ........................................................................ 184 Chapter 7 Public Disclosure and Consultation .......................................................................... 188 7.1 Objevctive and Methods .............................................................................................................. 188 7.2 First Round Public Consultation ................................................................................................... 188 7.2.1 First Round Informationt Disclosure ......................................................................................... 188 7.2.2 First Round Public Consultation ................................................................................................ 192 7.2.3 Results ........................................................................................................................................ 194 7.3 Second Round Public Consultation .............................................................................................. 202 7.3.1 Second Round Information Disclosure ..................................................................................... 202 7.3.2 Second Round Public Consultation ........................................................................................... 208 7.3.3Results ......................................................................................................................................... 210 Chapter 8 Social Impact Assessment .......................................................................................... 221 8.1 Social Assessment Methodology ................................................................................................. 221 8.2 Key Findings of Social Assessment ............................................................................................... 221 8.2.1 Key Stakeholders of the Project ................................................................................................ 221 8.2.2 Poverty in the Project Areas ..................................................................................................... 223 8.2.3 Ethnic Minorities in the Project Areas ...................................................................................... 224 8.2.4 Women in the Project Areas ..................................................................................................... 225 8.2.5 Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement ...................................................................... 225 8.2.6 Main Social positive impacts of the Project ............................................................................. 225 8.2.7 Potential Social Risks of the Project.......................................................................................... 226 8.2.8 Mitigation measures for social impacts .................................................................................... 227 Chapter 9 Environmental and Social Management Plan.......................................................... 228 9.1 Key Experience and Lessons ......................................................................................................... 228 9.1.1 Key Experience........................................................................................................................... 228 9.1.2 Key Lessons ................................................................................................................................ 230 9.2 Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities ........................................................................ 230 9.3 Environmental Codes of Practice and Mitigation Measures ....................................................... 234 9.3.1 ECOP During Construction ......................................................................................................... 234 9.3.2 ECOP during Operation.............................................................................................................. 235 9.3.3 Specific Measures for Activities in Special Sensitive Areas ...................................................... 235 5 9.3.4Specific Measures for Sewage Treatment ................................................................................. 235 9.4 Physical Cultural Resources Manangement Plan ........................................................................ 257 9.4.1 Main Regulations and Specifications ........................................................................................ 257 9.4.2 Protection Measures for Cultural Resources ............................................................................ 258 9.4.3Acceptance and Post Evaluation ................................................................................................ 263 9.5 Social Impact Management Plan.................................................................................................. 263 9.5.1 Strengthening Targeted Management...................................................................................... 263 9.5.2 Development of Project Implementation Plan......................................................................... 264 9.5.3 Implementation of Community Development Activities ......................................................... 265 9.5.4Carrying out Relevant Thematic Studies ................................................................................... 266 9.5.5Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation ........................................................................ 266 9.6 Environmental and Social Training Program ............................................................................... 266 9.7 Environmental Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................... 269 9.8 Supervision andReporting Mechanisms ...................................................................................... 273 9.8.1 Purpose and Methods ............................................................................................................... 273 9.8.2 Supervision and Reporting ........................................................................................................ 274 9.8.3 Grievance Redress and Variation Mechanisms ........................................................................ 275 Chapter 10 Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 279 6 Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Project Background and Significance In order to expand the sectors utilizing foreign capital in Gansu Province, enhance the province’s capacity in cultural heritage protection and promote tourism development in the province, between 2006 and 2013 Gansu successfully implemented the World Bank financed Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project (Phase I Project). The project used a World Bank loan of US$38.4 million, had 9 subprojects in two regions, the Hexi Corridor and central Gansu, and alleviated funding shortages and inadequate inputs in heritage protection and tourism development. In reviewing its implementation process, the project brought in new ideas for cultural and natural heritage management; improved management institutions are the organizational guarantee of project implementation, work principles and management approaches suiting local realities are important preconditions of successful implementation and effective tools for achieving implementation progress, close collaboration among different departments is key to smooth implementation, and institutional innovation and flexible arrangements for using saved funds are the driving force for sustainable project development and important measures for achieving project objectives. Successful implementation of the project has offered a number of valuable experience and lessons. The long lead time of the project affected the enthusiasm of scenic areas in participating in the project and increased unexpected risks; already defined investment models for some subprojects could not well adapt to local realities, leading to midway exit of a few subprojects; during early stages of project implementation, the implementation progress was delayed and implementation difficulties and costs increased due to lack of experience in implementing World Bank projects; the procurement procedures did not adapt to realities in western China, especially during early stages of implementation, complex procurement procedures somewhat delayed implementation progress; affected by reforms of government institutions and project agencies and prolonged preparation and implementation periods, staff of some project agencies changed frequently and lacked work continuity. In order to further promote cultural and tourism development in the province, in 2013 Gansu Provincial Government developed a series of protection, development and investment plans in cultural, heritage protection, tourism and other sectors, with the aim to achieve integrated cultural heritage protection and tourism development. Given the great success achieved, with the assistance from the World Bank, in the Phase I Project, Gansu Provincial Government hoped to continue to seek for World Bank support and hoped the 1 Bank continue to help the province carry out new explorations and innovations in heritage protection and sustainable tourism development while building on good practices of the project. The proposed Second World Bank financed Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project (Phase II Project) is the extension and expansion of Phase I Project, but it would not simply replicate or expand the scope of the Phase I Project. Phase II Project areas would be selected building on the experience of Phase I Project while avoiding the problems of scattered subprojects, extensive coverage and high management costs. Moving away from Dunhuang City with already concentrated investments in building the city into a renowned international cultural and tourism city and Hexi Corridor Cultural and Tourism Zone with already accumulated capital in cultural and natural heritage protection, the Phase II Project would focus on areas east to the provincial capital of Lanzhou, i.e. the eastern section of the Silk Road Economic Belt, including areas nearby Lanzou and southeastern areas of Gansu. Implementation of the Project would protect cultural and natural heritage, address regional poverty and promote shared prosperity. Pursuant to Environmental Impacts Assessment Law of the People’s Republic of China, Regulations on Administration of Environmental Protection for Development Projects, Circular on Strengthening Administration of Environmental Impacts Assessment of Development Project Financed by International Financial Organizations, the World Bank’s safeguard policies, as well as domestic and World Bank’s environmental assessment procedures, Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission has engaged through public tendering Beijing Zhongzi Huayu Environmental Technology Co., Ltd to undertake environmental assessment for the Project. After contract signing, the company has immediately organized relevant technical staff to conduct studies of the proposed project, carried out site investigation, collected relevant data, and prepared Environmental Assessment for the World Bank Financed Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project II based on engineering analysis, environmental impacts analysis and prediction. This EA analyzes positive environmental impacts of project implementation, identifies, screens and predicts its potential negative impacts, and proposes effective and targeted mitigation measures and an environmental management plan to address major unavoidable negative environmental impacts. Therefore, the EA can provide evidence for the World Bank to conduct independent appraisal of the Project and for decision-making and administration by the government’s comprehensive and environmental management authorities. 1.2 Relationship with Relevant Plans 2 1.2.1 Relationship with Industrial Policies Components of the Project would include natural heritage protection, construction of tourism facilities and infrastructure. Implementation of the Project would be in line with Article 34 of Guiding Catalogue for Industrial Restructuring (2014 version) (amended in 2013): …; 2) countryside tourism, eco-tourism and forest tourism, industrial tourism, sports tourism, revolutionary base tourism, ethnic minority folk-custom tourism and other comprehensive tourism resources development services; 3) tourism infrastructure construction and tourism information services; and in line with Article 36 of the Catalogue: …; 6) cultural relics protection and facility construction; …; 19) non-physical cultural heritage protection and development. 1.2.2 Relationship with Gansu Provincial Policies and Plans 1.2.2.1 Relationship with Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan On February 24, 2011, Gansu Provincial People’s Government issued Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan for National Economic and Social Development Plan, whose Article 10 in Section Four of Chapter Two describes “unique cultural tourism base development projects, which aim to strengthen cultural heritage and cultural relics protection and construction of infrastructure in cultural parks and scenic areas, and develop exquisite tourist routes…â€?; Section Two of Chapter Six urges to “develop 321 exquisite tourist routes with focus on developing and promoting the Silk Road and Chinese Civilization-Yellow River tourist routes while developing the province into a tourist attraction and destination in western China…â€? The proposed project would protect cultural heritage and cultural relics and build infrastructure in selected scenic areas and these components are in compliance with relevant tourism plans in Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan. 1.2.2.2 Relationship with Gansu Provincial Master Plan for Tourism Development Gansu Provincial Master Plan for Tourism Development urges to “accelerate tourism infrastructure development and take more efforts to develop tourism transport with priority being given to roads in national and provincial scenic areas and forest parks.â€? The Project would build infrastructure for selected scenic areas, including improvement of tourism infrastructure and enhancement of service functions of scenic areas. Therefore, implementation of the Project is in line with relevant requirements in the master plan. 1.2.2.3 Relationship with Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan for Tourism Development Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan for Tourism Development presents the province’s six key tourism projects during the 12th five-year period, which includes construction of infrastructure in scenic areas 3 with focus on roads, water supply and drainage, power supply, sanitation, telecommunication and tourism service facilities. The proposed project would construct roads, water supply and drainage, power supply and sanitation facilities for selected scenic areas to improve infrastructure in and enhance service capacity and levels of these scenic areas. Therefore, implementation of the project is in line with relevant requirements in the plan. 1.2.2.4 Relationship with Pingliang City Master Plan for Tourism Development (2006-2020) Given the distribution of tourism resources and peculiarities of regional transport in Pingliang City, the overall layout of tourism development in the city has been planned as a “1133467â€? pattern, namely, one development center, one economic circle, three development axes, three tourism resource areas, four passenger mobilization centers outside the city, six tourism collaboration regions (belts) and seven tourism groups. The Project’s Kongtong Mountain Subproject, Jingchuan County Subproject and Zhuanglang County Subproject fall under the one development center proposed in the master plan, which is located at the border of Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia provinces and is an important support to the three provinces’ tourism collaboration network. Therefore, the proposed project is in line with the province’s tourism development master plan. 1.2.2.5 Relationship with Longnan City Master Plan for Tourism Development (2006-2020) Longnan City Master Plan for Tourism Development sets four development zones for the city, namely innovative culture-based leisure zone; health-preserving holiday zone; mountainous area folk customs experiencing zone and ethnic minority folk customs experiencing zone. Tanchang County Subproject falls under the innovative culture-based leisure zone. As an important county in the city’s northwest, Tanchang County is known for its beautiful natural sceneries with Guan’e Gully as a core scenic area. The subproject is the core part of Guan’e Gully (Hadapu) Scenic Area and its implementation would cover Hadapu, create a quality tourism route and catalyze tourism development in Longnan City Wangxiadong, Cheng County Xixiasong and Hui County Santan scenic areas. Therefore, implementation of the subproject is in compliance with requirements of the city ’s tourism development master plan. Kang County Subproject falls under mountainous area folk customs experiencing zone, whose components would be in line with relevant requirements of the city’s tourism development master plan, which urges to “build Yangba Town into a comprehensive tourism services center, tourists transport center, conference center and health-preserving holiday center in the countyâ€?. 1.2.2.6 Relationship with Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture 12th Five-year Plan for National Economic and Social Development Plan Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture 12th Five-year Plan for National Economic and Social Development Plan urges to expand and strengthen the prefecture’s tourism industry, implement an exquisite 4 tourism strategy, enhance cultural experience of tourism, build the prefecture into an important tourist destination in Lanzhou metropolitan area and along the Hui minority folk culture tourism route, strengthen scenic area planning, development and management, expedite development of tourism projects, star hotels, ethnic minority cultural industry park and tourism products, expand access to tourism investments and financing, actively encourage investment entities with strong financial capacity to take part in tourism industry development, and strengthen collaboration with nearby tourist destinations. The Linxia Subproject would build infrastructure in Songming Rock Scenic Area in Hezheng County of the prefecture, whose components are line with relevant planning requirements in the prefecture’s five-year plan. 1.2.3 Relationship with Relevant County Policies and Plans 1.2.3.1 Relationship with Jingchuan County Urban Master Plan (2013-2030) Jingchuan County Urban Master Plan (2013-2030) urges to develop four “tourism brandsâ€? of “King Mother’s Home Town, Buddhism Center, Hot Spring Recreational Center and Wanyan Ancient Villageâ€?. The Project would have a subproject in the county, which is Jingchuan County Subproject, whose main components include heritage protection and infrastructure constrrution and are in line with relevant planning requirements in the plan. 1.2.3.2 Relationship with Jingchuan County National Eco-county Development Plan Jingchuan County National Eco-county Development Plan (2012-2020) sets the overall tourism industry layout for the county, which is “One Circle and One Belt, Four Major Parks and Eight Base Pointsâ€?, including Jingzhou Ancient Town as the axis, county seat core cultural industry circle focusing on “West King Mother’s Cultureâ€?, Family Ruan Culture, Li Shangyin Tang Dynasty Poem Culture, Wanyan Folk Culture, Dayun Temple Buddhism Culture, Revolutionary Base Culture, ecological culture and hot spring culture, and 50-km stone cave corridor Buddhism culture sightseeing belt building on Stone Cave Temple of Wangmu Palace, Nanshiya Stone Cave, Nanshi Cave Temple, Zhangba Stone Cave Temple, and Luohandong Stone Cave Temple… The Project would have a subproject in the county, which is Jingchuan County Subproject, whose main components include heritage protection and infrastructure construction and are line with relevant requirements for tourism planning in the plan. 1.2.3.3 Relationship with Jingchuan County Cultural Industry Development Plan The targets of Jingchuan County Cultural Industry Development Plan (2014-2030) are to “consolidate Buddhism culture in Dayun Temple and ‘West King’s Mother’ culture in Wangmu Palace and create a landmark scenic area of religious and folk culture in Gansu; build Dayun Temple National Archaeological Site Park and Wangmu Palace Key National Folk Culture Park, and create a 5A religious and folk culture tourism area…â€?. The Project would have a subproject in the county, which is Jingchuan County Subproject, whose main components include heritage protection and infrastructure construction and are in line with requirements for tourism planning in the plan. 1.2.3.4 Relationship with Zhuanglang County Tourism Development Plan Pursuant to Zhuanglang County Tourism Development Plan, there are four functional zones in the county: Yunya Temple-Chenjia Cave Scenic Area, history and culture-based tour area, 5 agriculture, border area and folk customs based tour area, and river system based sightseeing area. These four zones are defined around the Yunya Temple as the core scenic area, with the county town as the center and with National Highway 304 as the axis. The proposed Zhuanglang County Subproject includes heritage protection and development and infrastructure construction and is in line with relevant requirements in the county’s tourism development plan. 1.2.3.5 Relationship with Hezheng County Urban Master Plan (2013-2030) Hezheng County Urban Master Plan (2013-2030) sets three targets for the county’s tourism development: 1) promote ancient animal fossil, Songming Town and “Hua’er folk culture tour; 2) strengthen tourism infrastructure construction, enhance tourism service levels and develop a well- functioning tourism market covering catering, accommodation, transport, recreation, tourism and shopping services; and 3) increase the share of culture in tourism. Implementation of the proposed Hezheng County Subproject is in line with relevant planning requirements in the county’s urban master plan. 1.2.3.6 Relationship with Tanchang County Master Plan for Tourism Development (2015-2025) (1) Overall layout A spatial structure comprising “two centers and one axis, one scenic area and multiple scenic spotsâ€?. Two centers: Tanchang County Tourists Transport and Services Main Center (main center) and Hadafu Tourists Transport and Services Sub-center; One axis: a tourism industry belt and a sightseeing belt along National Highway 212 as the axis; One scenic area:Guan’e Gully Scenic Area; Multiple scenic spots: “Revolution Times Cultural Innovation Centerâ€?, “Qiang Ethnic Minority Green and Eco-friendly Leisure Centerâ€?, countryside tourism demonstration spot, health-preserving industry demonstration spot and “Hanyuanguchaâ€? Religious Culture Center. (2) Development targets To develop tourism into a “happiness-orientedâ€? livelihoods industry helping farmers increase their income and get rich and develop tourism services as an important means for the county’s rural residents to get rich; inherit traditional cultures of Qiang, Tibetan and other ethnic minorities in the county and build the county into a cultural exchange platform targeting at both China and the world; build on tourism development to promote ecological protection, enhance environmental awareness, improve environmental quality, improve human living environment and build the county into an eco-friendly county in China . 6 (3) Creation of culture-based tourism products To create ethnic minority culture-based tourism products building on Guan’e Gully and E’man Gully scenic areas; and create Yangma Ancient Town military culture based tourism products. (4) Strengthening cooperation and building Guan’e Gully Scenic Area into a large 5A scenic area As there is no 5A scenic area in Longnan City, Tanchang County would try to build the Guan’e Gully Scenic Area into a large 5A scenic area to promote the city’s and the county’s tourism development. (5) Lessons learned and guidance During its development, the Guan’e Gully Scenic Area shall focus on ecological protection, eco-tour and cultural development. In the process of developing culture-based tourism, it shall focus on developing culture-experiencing tourism products. In addition, it shall also pay attention to interaction and cooperation with surrounding scenic areas and rely on the existing resources to improve the area and build it into a 5A scenic area. Therefore, implementation of the subproject is in line with the county’s tourism development master plan. 1.2.3.7 Relationship with Kang County Tourism Development Plan The plan covers 8 towns and 13 township within the jurisdiction of Kang County, including Chengguan Town, Dabao Town, Pingluo Town, Anmenkou Town, Lianghe Town, Changba Town, Yangba Town, Yuntai Town, Wangguan Township, Sitai Township, Dananyu Township, Miba Township, Wangba Township, Nianba Township, Douba Township, Dianzi Township, Douping Township, Baiyang Township, Taishi Township, Tongqian Township and Sanheba Township. Total area of these towns/townships is 2967.95 km2. The plan focuses on Meiyuan Gully Natural Scenic Area, Wanjiadaliang Health Preserving Tourism Area, Qinghe Primeval Forest Area, Baiyun Mountain Forest Park and Longchi Mountain A’luexing Forest Park, as well as on developing scenic spots and scenic areas adjacent to the above areas and parks, including Longshen Gully Scenic Area, Wangba Countryside Scenic Area, Qinglin Gully Scenic Area and Longwang Mountain Scenic Area. The proposed project Kang County Subproject is located at Yangba Town of the county, which falls under the scope of the plan. The proposed folk culture display center, tourist service center and viewing platform to be built belong to Meiyuan Gully Scenic Area, which comply with relevant requirements of the plan. 1.3 Applicable Laws, Regulations and Policies 7 1.3.1 Laws, Regulations Governing Environmental Protection and Relevant Policies 1. Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (Revised in 2014), January 2015 ; 2. Environmental Impacts Assessment Law of the People’s Republic of China, October 2002; 3. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control, February 2008; 4. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Ambient Noise Pollution, October 1996; 5. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Atmospheric Pollution Prevention and Control, January 2016; 6. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid Waste (Revised in 2015), April 2015; 7. Land Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised), August 2004; 8. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Soil and Water Conservation, March 2011; 9. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting Clean Production, July 2012; 10. Law of the People’s Republic of China on Wildlife Protection, August 2004; 11. Law of the People's Republic of China on Protection of Cultural Relics, April 2015; 12. Forest Law of the People’s Republic of China (Revised in 1998), 2009; 13. Detailed Rules for Implementing the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control, March 2000; 14. Regulations on Implementing the Law of the People's Republic of China on Soil and Water Conservation (Decree 588 of the State Council), January 8, 2011; 15. Regulations on Environmental Protection Administration of Construction Projects (Decree 253 of the State Council), November 1998; 16. Regulations on Implementing the Forest Law of the People’s Republic of China (Decree 278 of the State Council), January 29, 2000; 17. Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Nature Reserves, October 9, 1994; 18. Regulations on Scenic Interest Areas (Decree 474 of the State Council), September 19, 2006; 19. Regulations on Protection and Administration of Geological Relics (Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, 1995); 8 20. Measures for the Administration of National Wetland Parks (Trial) (February 2, 2010, Document 1, State Forestry Administration); 21. Regulations on Wetland Protection and Administration (March 28, 2013, Decree 32, State Forestry Administration); 22. Regulations on the Protection of Basic Farmland (Decree 257 of the State Council), December 1998; 23. Regulations of the People's Republic of China for River Course Administration (Decree 3 of the State Council), March 1988; 24. Decision of the State Council on Various Issues Relating to Environmental Protection (Document 31 issued in 1996 by the State Council), August 1996; 25. Catalogue for Classified Administration of Environmental Impacts Assessment for Construction Projects, June 2015; 26. Regulations on Control and Management of Pollution in Protected Drinking Water Source Sites (Revised), October 2010; 27. Catalogue of Restricted Land Use (2012 version) and Catalogue of Banned Land Use (2012 version) (jointly issued on May 23, 2012 by Ministry of Land Resources and National Development and Reform Commission); 28. Guidelines on Disclosing Information by the Government of Environmental Impacts Assessment of Construction Projects (Trial), Ministry of Environmental Protection, January 1, 2014; 29. Circular on Further Strengthening Supervision and Administration of Development Activities Involving Nature Reserves (Document 57 issued in 2015 by Ministry of Environmental Protection); 30. Suggestions of the State Council on Further Ensuring Effective Protection of Cultural Relics in Development Activities in Tourism and Other Sectors (Document 63 issued in 2012 by the State Council). 1.3.2 Local Regulations and Departmental Rules 1. Gansu Provincial Regulations on Environmental Protection (amended in 2004), June 4, 2004; 2. Gansu Provincial Regulations on Administration of Nature Reserves, September 26, 1999; 3. Decision of Gansu Provincial People’s Government on Various Issues Concerning Environmental Protection (Document 12 issued in 1997), February 20, 1997; 4. Procedures of Gansu Province for Implementing Wildlife Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (amended in 2010), September 29, 2010; 9 5. Procedures of Gansu Province for Implementing Forest Law of the People’s Republic of China, September 26, 1999; 6. Gansu Provincial Regulations on Cultural Relics Protection (amended in 2010), September 29, 2010; 7. Procedures of Gansu Province for Implementing Water and Soil Conservation Law of the People’s Republic of China, June 4, 2004; 8. Gansu Provincial Regulations on Water and Soil Conservation, October 1, 2012; 9. Gansu Provincial Regulations on Wetland Protection, November 28,, 2003; 10. Gansu Provincial Zoning Plan for Surface Water Functional Zones (2012-2030) (Document 4, 2013); 11. Circular on Implementing Interim Provisions on Preparing the Chapter about Public Consultation in Environmental Impacts Assessment of Development Projects (Document 98, 2001), Gansu Environmental Protection Department, October 25, 2001; 12. Opinion on Further Strengthening Environmental Protection (Document 17, 2012), Gansu Provincial People’s Government, February 15, 2012; 13. Procedures for Administration of Environmental Supervision of Development Projects (Trial) (Document 66, 2012), Gansu Provincial Environmental Protection Department, April 10, 2012; 14. Provisions of Gansu Province on Responsibilities for Environmental Protection Supervision, Decree 101, Gansu Provincial People’s Government, August 7, 2013; 15. Circular on Further Strengthening Protection of Drinking Water Source Sites, Gansu Provincial Department of Environmental Protection; 16. Emergency Preparedness Plan of Gansu Province for Addressing Emergencies at Drinking Water Source Sites (Document 136, 2014), Gansu Provincial Department of Environmental Protection, June 30, 2014; 17. Opinion on Strengthening Protection of Non-physical Cultural Resources (Document 99, 2012) jointly issued by Gansu Provincial Finance Department and Cultural Department; 18. Study of Gansu Provincial Tourism Development Strategy (2014). 1.3.3 World Bank Safeguard Policies 1. World Bank Operational Policy and Procedures: Environmental Assessment (OP/BP4.01) 2. World Bank Operational Policy and Procedures: Natural Habitats (OP/BP4.04) 3. World Bank Operational Policy and Procedures: Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12) 10 4. World Bank Operational Policy and Procedures: Physical Cultural Resources (OP4.11) 5. World Bank Procedures: Information Disclosure (BP 7.15) 1.3.4 Technical Documents 1. Technical Guidelines on EIA: General Principles (HJ/T2.1-2011); 2. Technical Guidelines on EIA: Atmospheric Environment (HJ2.2-2008); 3. Technical Guidelines on EIA : Surface Water Environment (HJ/T2.3-1993); 4. Technical Guidelines on EIA : Groundwater Environment (HJ610-2011); 5. Technical Guidelines on EIA: Acoustic Environment (HJ2.4-2009); 6. Technical Guidelines on EIA: Ecological Impacts (HJ19-2011); 7. Guidelines on Environmental Impacts Assessment of Highway Projects (JTG B03-2006); 8. Technical Guidelines on Control of Ambient Noise and Vibration (HJ2034-2013); 9. Technical Guidelines on Assessment of Environmental Risks of Development Projects (HJ/T169-2004); 10. Technical Guidelines on Integrated Management of Soil and Water Conservation (GB/T16543.1-16453.6-1996); 11. Technical Guidelines on Soil and Water Conservation Schemes for Development Projects (SL204-98); 12. Technical Guidelines on Dust Prevention and Control in Urban Areas (HJ/T393-2007). 1.3.5 Relevant Plans 1. Guiding Catalogue for Industrial Restructuring (2011 version) (amended in 2013), Document 21, NDRC; 2. Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan, February 2011; 3. Gansu Provincial Regulations on Administration of Nature Reserves, September 26, 1999; 4. Gansu Provincial Plan for Ecological Protection and Development (Document 36, 2015); 5. Gansu Provincial Zoning Plan for Ecological Functional Zones, Gansu Provincial Department of Environmental Protection, October 2004; 11 6. Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan for Environmental Protection (Document 51, 2012), General Office of Gansu Provincial People’s Government, June 11, 2012; 7. Gansu Provincial Zoning Plan for Surface Water Functional Zones (2012-2030) (Document 4, 2013), January 5, 2013; 8. Gansu Provincial Master Plan for Tourism Development; 9. Gansu Provincial 12th Five-year Plan for Tourism Development, 2011; 10. Pingliang City Master Plan for Tourism Development (2006-2020), 2006; 11. Longnan City Master Plan for Tourism Development (2006-2020), 2006; 12. Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture 12th Five-year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, 2011; 13. Master Plan for Gansu Taitong-Kongtong Mountain National Nature Reserve (2006- 2015), 2006; 14. Master Plan for Gansu Pingliang City National Geological Park; 15. Master Plan for Gansu Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, 2009; 16. Jingchuan County Ecological County Development Plan, 2013; 17. Jingchuan County Cultural Industry Development Plan (2013-2020), 2013; 18. Master Plan for Gansu Taizi Mountain Nature Reserve, 2008; 19. Tanchang County Master Plan for Tourism Development (2015-2025), 2015; 20. Gansu Provincial Plan for Chinese Giant Salamander Nature Reserve; 21. Zhuanglang County National-level Ecological County Development Plan (2012-2020), 2012; 22. Approval of Gansu Provincial People’s Government for Adjusting the Scopes of Protected Areas of Centralized Drinking Water Source Sites in Kongtong District and Three Counties of Pingliang City (Document 60, 2015), 2015. 1.3.6 Project Documents and Relevant Materials 1. Project Engagement Letter; 2. Feasibility Study of World Bank Financed Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project II; 3. Baseline Environment Monitoring Report for the World Bank Financed Second Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project. 1.4 Applicable Standards 12 1.4.1 Environmental Quality Standards 1.4.1.1 Atmospheric Environment Pursuant to the requirements in Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012), Category I standard shall be enforced for areas within nature reserves and scenic areas and Category II standard for areas outside nature reserves and scenic areas. Specific standard values are provided in Table 1.4-1. Table 1.4-1 Ambient Air Quality Standards Concentration Threshold for Concentration Threshold for Item Category I Standard Category II Standard Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average SO2(mg/m3) 0.150 0.050 0.500 0.150 NO2(mg/m3) 0.200 0.080 0.200 0.080 TSP(mg/m3) - 0.120 - 0.300 PM10(mg/m3) - 0.050 - 0.150 PM2.5(mg/m3) - 0.035 - 0.075 The following subprojects would implement Category I standard: Kongtong Mountain Subproject, Zhuanglang County Subproject, Tanchang County Subproject, Kang County Subproject, Hezheng County Applicable subprojects Subproject (Songming Rock Scenic Area); the following subprojects would implement Category II standard: Jingchuan County Subproject, Hezheng County Subproject (all villages and Hongruijiayuan Community of Songming Town). 1.4.1.2 Water Environment Surface water environment quality standards for the Project’s scenic areas are detailed in Table 1.4-2. Table 1.4-2 Surface Water Environment Quality Standards (mg/L, excluding pH) Category I standard in Category II standard in Category III standard in Surface Surface Water Environment Surface Water Environment Standard Water Environment Quality Quality Standards (GB3838- Quality Standards (GB3838- Standards (GB3838-2002) 2002) 2002) Concentration Threshold Concentration Threshold Factor Concentration Threshold (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) pH 6-9 6-9 6-9 13 Category I standard in Category II standard in Category III standard in Surface Surface Water Environment Surface Water Environment Standard Water Environment Quality Quality Standards (GB3838- Quality Standards (GB3838- Standards (GB3838-2002) 2002) 2002) Dissolved ≥7.5 ≥6 ≥5 oxygen permanganat ≤2 ≤4 ≤6 e index COD ≤15 ≤15 ≤20 TN ≤0.2 ≤0.5 ≤1.0 NH3-N ≤0.15 ≤0.5 ≤1.0 TP ≤0.02 ≤0.1 ≤0.2 Petroleum ≤0.05 ≤0.05 ≤0.05 Sulphide ≤0.05 ≤0.1 ≤0.2 Fecal ≤200 ≤2000 ≤10000 coliform Guan’e Gully, Daheba Gully, Zhulinsi Reservoir, Yunya Yanzhi River, Kongtong Ming Lake, Yanzi Lake, River (Zhuanglang County Reservoir (Kongtong Mountain Yinping Lake, Zhenzhu Lake, Subproject); Min River Subproject); Jing River, Rui River Yinping Lake, Zhenzhu Lake, (Tanchang County (Jingchuan County Subproject); Applicable Guan’e Lake, Lijie Lake, Subproject); Danancha Shuiluonan River (Zhuanglang rivers/lakes Yueya Lake (Tanchang River (Hezheng County County Subproject) County Subproject); Xiaoxia Subproject); Yangba River, River (Hezheng County Taiping River (Kang County Subproject). Subproject) The Project’s groundwater environment quality standards are detailed in Table 1.4-3. Table 1.4-3 Groundwater Environment Quality Standards (mg/L, with exception of pH) Category Category I Category II Category III Standard Groundwater Environment Quality Standards (GB/T14848-93) pH 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 permanganate ≤1.0 ≤2.0 ≤3.0 index NH3-N ≤0.02 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 14 Category Category I Category II Category III Total hardness ≤150 ≤300 ≤450 Chloride ≤50 ≤150 ≤250 Sulfate ≤50 ≤150 ≤250 Total dissolved ≤300 ≤500 ≤1000 solids Nitrate ≤2.0 ≤5.0 ≤20 Nitrite ≤0.001 ≤0.01 ≤0.02 Iron ≤0.1 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 Lead ≤0.005 ≤0.01 ≤0.05 Total fecal ≤3.0 ≤3.0 ≤3.0 coliform Kongtong Mountain Subproject Applicable Tanchang County Hezheng County Jingchuan County Subproject subprojects Subproject Subproject Zhuanglang County Subproject Kang County Subproject 1.4.1.3 Acoustic Environment Acoustic environment quality standards to be enforced for all subprojects are shown in Table 1.4-4. Table 1.4-4 Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (dB(A)) Category 0 I II IVa Applicable Subprojects Daytime 50 55 60 70 Nighttime 40 45 50 55 All subprojects Basis of Acoustic Environment Quality Standards standards (GB3096-2008) 1.4.2 Pollutant Emission Standards 1.4.2.1 Atmospheric Pollutant Emission Standards 15 Comprehensive Emission Standards for Atmospheric Pollutants (GB16297-1996) would be enforced for fugitive emission of dust. Concentration threshold for monitoring of fugitive emission is provided in Table 1.4-5. Table 1.4-5 Comprehensive Emission Standards for Atmospheric Pollutants(Extract) Pollutant Concentration Threshold for Monitoring of Fugitive Emission Monitoring Point Concentration (mg/m3) Particulate Maximum concentration point outside the 1.0 boundary Applicable subprojects All subprojects 1.4.2.2 Water Pollutant Emission Standards For Kongtong Mountain Subproject and Kang County Subproject, domestic sewage after being treated would be used for scenic area greening and greening standard in Urban Wastewater Reuse and Urban Miscellaneous Water Quality Standards (GB/T18920-2002) would be applied. Specific standard values are given in Table 1.4-6. Table 1.4-6 Urban Wastewater Reuse and Urban Miscellaneous Water Quality (for Greening) (Extract) No. Item Standard (mg/L) Applicable Subprojects 1 Total dissolved solids ≤ 1000 2 BOD5≤ 20 3 NH3-N≤ 20 Kongtong Mountain Subproject, Kang County Subprojectand Jingchuan County Subproject 4 Anionic surfactants≤ 1.0 Total fecal coliform 5 3 (number/L)≤ Domestic sewage from Tanchang County Subproject would be connected to urban sewers and treated by Tanchang County Wastewater Treatment Plant while treated wastewater would be discharged following sewer connection standards. Category IA standard in Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant Pollutant Discharge Standards would be enforced for Hezheng County Subproject, whose domestic sewage would be collected by drainage network and 16 discharged after being treated by Songmingyan Town Wastewater Treatment Plant under the subproject; Category IA standard would be enforced for Jingchuan County Subproject, whose domestic sewage would be discharged into the Jing River after being treated; Category IB standard in Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant Pollutant Discharge Standards would be enforced for Zhuanglang County Subproject, whose domestic sewage would be discharged into the Shuiluonan River after being treated. Detailed standard values are provided in Table 1.4-7. Table 1.4-7 Standards to be Enforced for Wastewater Discharge (Unit: mg/L) Sewer Connection Category IA Standard in Category IB Standard in Standards for Tanchang Urban Wastewater Treatment Urban Wastewater Treatment Standards County Wastewater Plant Pollutant Discharge Plant Pollutant Discharge Treatment Plant Standards Standards Pollution Concentration Threshold Concentration Threshold Concentration Threshold factor (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) pH* 6-9 6-9 6-9 SS 230 10 20 BOD5 220 10 20 COD 400 50 60 NH3-N 35 5 (8) 8 (15) Sulfate 1.0 1.0 1.0 Petroleum 30 1.0 3.0 Animal and 100 1.0 3.0 plant oil Applicable Tanchang Hezheng County Subproject Zhuanglang County subprojects CountySubproject Subproject Note: Number outside brackets represent the control indicator when water temperature is >12℃ while number in the brackets represent control indicator when water temperature is ≤12℃. 1.4.2.3 Noise Standards for Ambient Noise Emission at Building Construction Site Boundary (GB12523- 2011) would be enforced for construction noise from all subjects, Category I standard in Standards for Emission of Social Life Generated Noise (GB22337-2008) would be enforced for noise from social life within protected areas of the Project, and Category II standard in Standards for Emission of Social Life Generated Noise (GB22337-2008) would be enforced for noise from social life outside protected areas of the Project. Specific standard values are given in Table 1.4-8. 17 Table 1.4-8 Noise Emission Standards to be Enforced Category I Category II Standards for Noise Emission Applicable Subprojects Item Standard in Standard in at Construction Site GB22337-2008 GB22337-2008 Boundary Daytime, dB 55 60 70 Nighttime, 45 50 55 dB (GB12523-2011) All subprojects Standards for Emission of Social Life Standards for Ambient Noise Standards Emission at Building Generated Noise (GB22337-2008) Construction Site Boundary (GB12523-2011) 1.4.2.4 Solid Waste Storage and disposal of domestic waste generated by staff and tourists of the Project would follow General Industrial Solid Waste Storage and Deposal Ground Pollution Control Standards (GB18592-2001). 1.4.3 Comparison with WB standandsand Gap Analysis In terms of implementing environmental regulations and standards, both the World Bank and China follow the principle of enforcing stricter applicable standards. The proposed project would need to meet both China’s and the World Bank’s standards, thus need to conduct a comparative analysis of the two sets of standards. 1.4.3.1 Ambient Air Related Standards Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) and the General Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines (the General EHS Guidelines) have different cycles for the assessment of ambient air quality (e.g. hourly average, daily average and annual average) and relevant data cannot be compared and analyzed one by one. Compared with the General EHS Guidelines, Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) have clearer categorization of standards. Given most of the project areas are located within the special protected areas, such as nature reserves, scenic areas and forest parks, among others and ecological protection would be the focus, Category I Standard in Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) would be enforced, whose concentration thresholds are stricter than those in the Ambient 18 Air Quality Guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Given human health would be the focus of protection in villages, towns and residential quarters, Category II Standard in Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) would be enforced, some indicators of which are lower than those in WHO’s Ambient Air Quality Guidelines, but meet the requirements for demarcation of local ambient air quality function areas. If higher standards are adopted, significant financial and material inputs would be needed and their implementation would be more difficult technically. Ambient air is a regional issue and carrying out air quality control efforts only in the project areas would not have strong operability. Therefore, Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) would be enforced for ambient air quality in the project areas. This can meet requirements for air quality in the project areas. Construction activities under the project would have minimal impacts on ambient air, pollutants are mainly emitted in a fugitive manner, fugitive emission standards in Comprehensive Emission Standards for Atmospheric Pollutants (GB16297-1996) are more representative and targeted. However, the General EHS Guidelines does not provide standards for fugitive emission of air pollutants; if the guiding emission values for small and medium sized combustion facilities in the General EHS Guidelines are compared with emission standards in GB16297-1996, the latter is stricter. Given the above, Comprehensive Emission Standards for Atmospheric Pollutants (GB16297-1996) would be enforced for air pollutantemission in the project areas. 1.4.3.2 Water Related Standards Compared with the General EHS Guidelines, Surface Water Environment Quality Standards (GB3838-2002) and Groundwater Environment Quality Standards (GB/T14848-93) have different quality standards for different water bodies and have quantified a range of water quality indicators, which facilitate water quality monitoring and evaluation. Therefore, Surface Water Environment Quality Standards (GB3838-2002) and Groundwater Environment Quality Standards (GB/T14848-93) would be enforced for water environment quality in the project areas. Compared with emission standards for treated domestic sewage in the General EHS Guidelines, the Standards for Emission of Pollutants at Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants (GB18918-2002) has stricter and more targeted indicators, which are separated into Category IA and IB. Therefore, Standards for Emission of Pollutants at Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants (GB18918-2002) would be enforced for domestic sewage emission under Hezheng County, Jingchuan County and Zhuanglang County subprojects; sewer connection standard would be enforced for Tanchang County Subproject, which meets local requirements and does not have comparability; as all domestic sewage under Kongtong Mountain Subproject and Kang County Subproject would be treated and used for greening in the scenic areas, the greening standard in Urban Wastewater Reuse and Urban 19 Miscellaneous Water Quality Standards (GB/T18920-2002) would be enforced, which is stricter than domestic sewage treatment and emission standards in the General EHS Guidelines. 1.4.4.3 Sound Related Standards Compared with the General EHS Guidelines, Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (GB3096-2008) has more detailed categories of standards and more targeted quality standards for different regions.Categories 0, I and II standards to be enforced for the project are stricter than relevant standards in the General EHS Guidelines while the Category IVa Standard is only for special areas along both sides of aterial roads, which is more applicable to local relalities. Therefore, Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (GB3096-2008) would be enforced for the project. Compared with the General EHS Guidelines, Standards for Emission of Social Life Generated Noise (GB22337-2008) has different standards for areas both within and outside the project’s protected areas, which are more applicable to the project features and more stricter. In addition, Standards for Ambient Noise Emmisison at Construction Site Boundary (GB12523-2011) would be enforced for and more targeted at construction sites of the project. 1.5 EA Category, Methodology and Scope 1.5.1 EA Category of the Project EA category of the Project is defined according to requirements for environmental functions in the project areas and features, nature, size and scope and level of impacts of the Project and in compliance with Circular on Strengthening Administration of Environmental Impacts Assessment of Development Project Financed by International Financial Organizations (Document 324, 1993) issued by the former State Environmental Protection Administration, relevant technical guidelines for environmental impacts assessment and the World Bank OP4.01 on Environmental Assessment. Specific EA categories are described in Table 1.5-1. Table 1.5-1 EA Categories of Development Projects EA Environmental Impacts EA Contents Category Projects having potential significant A A full EA is required for such projects environmental impacts 20 Projects having limited potential adverse Normally, a full EA is not required for such environmental impacts in terms of impacts scope projects, but specific EA or impacts analysis is B and level; such impacts can be significantly required pursuant to engineering features mitigated through specified advanced techniques and features of environmental factor of these and mature control measures projects Normally, EA or impacts analysis is not Project having no or minimal environmental required for such projects and only C impacts environmental management filing is needed Given the nature, size and level of impacts of the Project and environmental features in the project areas, environmental impacts of the Project would be short term, less significant and reversible, EA category A would be applied. 1.5.2 EA Scope Table 1.5-2 EA Scope Medium Factor Scope and Contents 200m from the central line of a road on either Ecological Water and soil erosion side of the road; 500m from the boundary of land environment occupation for other buildings or structures Vegetation Vegetation affected by construction activities Within 200m from the boundary of construction Acoustic Construction noise site and around the quarry environment Noise during operation Communities within 200m from construction sites Rectangular area 2.5km away from the center of Waste gas during construction construction site Ambient air Rectangular area 2.5km away from the center of Waste gas during operation construction site Water Wastewater from construction Project areas environment Domestic sewage during operation 1.6 Environmental Impact and EA Factors This EA has adopted a matrix approach to identify major environmental issues of the Project (see Table 1.6-1 for details). 21 Table 1.6-1 Environmental Impacts Identification Matrix Factor Pollution Factor Construction Period Operation Period Particulate â–³ - Atmosphere SO2 â–³ - NO2 â–³ - COD â–³ â–³ SS â–³ â–³ Water NH3-N â–³ â–³ TP â–³ â–³ Noise Noise â–³ â–³ Solid waste Solid waste â–³ â–³ Note: â–² Significant impacts; â–³ moderate impacts. Based on the above tale, major environmental issues of the Project are impacts of domestic sewage and domestic waste on the ambient environment. Pursuant to the results of environmental impacts identification, factors for this EA are provided in Table 1.6-2. Table 1.6-2 Assessment Factors Medium Baseline Environment Assessment Factor Impacts Prediction Factor Atmosphere SO2, NO2, PM10, TSP, PM2.5 — pH, dissolved oxygen, COD, permanganate index, NH3- COD, SS, NH3-N, Fecal Surface water N, TN, TP, petroleum, sulphate, fecal coliform coliform pH, total hardness permanganate index, NH3-N, Groundwater — chloride Noise Leq(A) Leq(A) Eco-environment Animal and plant resources — 22 Domestic, comprehensive utilization and amount of Solid waste — disposal Environmental ï¼? COD, SS, NH3-N, TP risk 23 Chapter 2 Project Description 2.1 Project Composition, Investment and Schedule The Project includes 6 subprojects in 6 counties (districts) in 3 cities (autonomous prefectures), namely, Pingliang City, Longnan City and Linxia Prefecture. The selected scenic areas are, as a miniature of cultural and natural heritage of Gansu province, have strong representation. All of these subprojects include three components: heritage site conservation and development, community basic service delivery and capacity building and project management. This EA would provide separate introduction to each subproject. Investment by subproject is given in Table 2.1-1 and a location map of the project is shown in Figure 2.1-1. Table 2.1-1 Project Construction Sites Competent Investment City (Prefecture) County (District) Subproject Authority/PMO (RMB 10,000) Kongtong Mountain Kongtong District Kongtong Mountain Subproject Scenic Area 25,034.77 Administration Jingchuan County Pingliang City Jingchuan County Jingchuan County Subproject Administration of 14,370.36 Culture, Radio, Film & TV Yunya Temple Scenic Zhuanglang County Zhuanglang County Subproject Area Administration of 14,640.90 Zhuanglang County Tourism Administration Tanchang County Tanchang County Subproject 15,498.47 of Tanchang County Longnan City Tourism Administration Kang County Kang County Subproject 18,140.88 of Kang County Hezheng County Linxia Autonomous Hezheng County Hezheng County Subproject Administration of 16,810.06 Prefecture Culture, Radio, Film & TV Project implementation period: the planned is 5 years (2016-2020) and total project investment is RMB10,449.554 million. 24 Figure 2.1-1 Subproject Distribution of World Bank Financed Second Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project 25 2.2 Project Components 2.2.1 Kongtong Mountain Subproject Table 2.2-1 Summary of Kongtong Mountain Subproject Category Name of Works Components Base: No work is done to both mountains and the front base and rear supports, exposed base and step body are removed. Side faces and “elephant eyesâ€? of the exposed base would be Repair, restoration and protection of built with grey bricks while base ancient buildings: restoration works edges, steps and ramps with ashlars; for Xiangshan Temple Hall, Jingle Floor: the floor bricks are removed Palace Hall, Taiqing Palace Hall, and replaced by grey square bricks Lianhua Temple, Mituo Temple Hall, sized 300×300×80; Wall surface: All Wangmu Palace Hall and Wendao cracks would be grouted. Paint finish: Palace. The primary coating would be cleared for new paint finish. Meanwhile, floor of the temple would be paved with grey bricks and surrounding greening would be arranged. Surface drainage would be rearranged, Construction all mortar joints would be repaired, a Main Works works of the Repair of ancient towers: Lingfeng sand road would be built, the original scenic area Tower, Lingmi Tower, Putong Tower, grey brick fences would be removed Yinxiang Tower, Huairui Monk Tower, and built. An archaeological survey Dache Tower and Yingxueshanren would be made. The tower foundation Tower of lime-soil compaction piles would be dealt with and all original components are restored. The Administration Building of Xiangshan Mountain Parking Lot of the Xiangshan Scenic Area Administration Kongtong Mountain is in a double- Building storey reinforced concrete framework structure, with a floor area of 260.00 m2 The scheduled grass planting tiles The current Xiangshan Mountain reach an area of 3,500m2, 1 office Parking Lot is reconstructed into a building would be built for heritage tourism transport center. management, security management for the Xiangshan Scenic Area and logistics guarantee; A 340m-long 26 Category Name of Works Components landscape corridor would be built as a platform for tourists in the peak to overlook the east side of the Kongtong Mountain. An ecological parking lot would be built at a recessed site 1km off the Xiangshan Mountain top, which covers an area of 3,500m2 An ecological parking lot refers to an Xiangshan Mountain eco-parking lot open parking lot whose ground is would be built. paved with air and water permeable paving materials and planted with certain green plants like trees at certain spacing to form a shade cover, thus forming organic combination between parking space and landscaping space. A total of 35 wing-rooms would be Residence improvement for religious repaired and their surrounding personnel environment would be improved. 3 places on both sides of Pingjing Highway, 5 places along the Ticket Center of the ropeway on the southwest side of the reservoir and 1 Geological disaster control place along the road up to the mountain on the east gate of the park. Slope cutting + slope toe retaining wall support protection and anchor lattice on the middle-upper part. Trail on north bank of Tanzheng Total length of all trails amounts to Gorge, trail from Pavilion of Eight 20.75km, which is in boardwalk Fairies to Buddhist Lodge, trail of structure with a width of 1.8m; A total Feng Gully Scenic Area, trail from of 17 recreation platforms, 26 Xiangshan Mountain to Houzhi Gully, sightseeingpavilions, 1landscape Transport works plank road from Leisheng Peak to platform and 25 break pavilions would Zhongtai and trail of Yueshi Gorge be built. Maintenance and reinforcement of Comprehensive maintenance and the Tongtian Bridge in Tiantai reinforcement of the bridge structure Mountain 27 Category Name of Works Components Extension would be made to three Wharf reconstruction and extension wharfs on the north bank of the Tanzheng Gorge Xigou Village Hardening of 4.5 km community road Fire pool of the Xiangshan Mountain Scenic Area Pool Volume: 200 m³; Pipeline for use of reclaimed water DN50 pipeline for use of reclaimed Water supply & within the scenic area water with a length of 8km drainage and firefighting Sewage pipeline within the scenic DN 200 Sewage collection pipeline, works area with a length of about 5.5km Water supply tower and pumping Water supply capacity: 55.54m3/d; well built for Miaozhuang Village and two 50m3water storage tanks. Dongshe Community, Public and auxiliary A 10KV overhead line is laid below the works Power supply line from the Xiangshan trail for underground reconstruction. Power supply Mountain to the Jingle Palace and Total length of the reconstructed works from the Jingle Palace to Houzhi Gully cable line is about 2.8km, in the same direction as the original overhead line. Lighting works LED solar landscape garden lamps 86 in Xigou Village. Various scenery (scenic spot) introduction boards, road signs, Signs and Wutai and Huangcheng Scenic Areas warning signs and indicating signs, markings amounting to a total number of 210, would be added. A small buried sewage treatment station with a capacity of 15m3/h would be built. Domestic sewage, after treatment in the septic tank and Huangcheng Sewage Treatment oil separation, is removed with BOD5 Station Environ- through secondary biochemical mental Sewage treatment in A/O process and the protection treatment buried integrated sewage treatment works equipment. Same process as above, with a Wutai Sewage Treatment Station capacity of 15m3/h Sewage Treatment Station in the Same process as above, with a Xiangshan Scenic Area capacity of 10m3/h 28 Category Name of Works Components A total of 26 environmentally friendly Public toilet toilets would be installed as appropriate; Hundreds of imitated ecological trash bins would be installed; Solid waste disposal 2 garbage trucks would be purchased 1 buried garbage collection point Installation of 25km scenic area protective fence. Other works Filing and management of old and famous trees, with bilingual signs added. Note: for an environmentally friendly toilet, flushing is replaced by foam generated by foam liquid and foam is checked by light sensing signal, constantly keeping foam in the toilet bowl at a certain height. Foam can effectively block smell and lubricate the toilet bowl, making the excrement flow smoothly into the biochemical tank for treatment. As being immediately covered by foam, the excrement is invisible, providing toilet users with a comfortable environment while effectively impeding the spread of pathogenic bacteria in the excrement and curbing breeding of flies and mosquitoes. 2.2.2 Jingchuan County Subproject Table 2.2-2 Summary of Jingchuan County Subproject Category Name of Works Components The Jingchuan County Museum would be built in Chengbei New District of Jingchuan County Newly Built Jingchuan with a floor area of 4,000m2, which is composed Museum works County Museum of 4 function rooms including display area, exhibit warehouse, visit and activity area and visitor service area. Culture Wanyan Folk Culture Cultural exhibition activities would be carried Main Works exhibition room Exhibition out. Water proofing for the warehouse for an area of 370m2, ground renovation in the temple for an Maintenance and Maintenance area of 839 m2, lawn planting for an area of 443 protection of works m2, construction of a new gate, construction of Chenghuang Temple a new tablet pavilion and construction of an exhibition hall. 29 Category Name of Works Components Reinforcement Reinforcement and Reinforcement of cliffs and repair of Buddha and repair restoration of Arhat statues, relief sculptures and frescoes. works Stone Cave Hardening of roads in Luohandong Village and Road hardening Wanyan Village, amounting to a total length of project 3.4km. A 1.5km scenic area trail would be arranged in Scenic area trails the Luohandong-Hanjia Gully Stone Caves Traffic works 2 small bridges cross Hanjia gully of the Imitation wood plank Luohandong-Hanjia Gully Stone Caves, with road 1.4km imitation wood plank road An ecological parking lot of 700m2would be built Parking Lot in the Luohandong-Hanjia Gully Stone Caves. 1.64km and 1.7km water supply pipelines would Water supply pipe be laid respectively at Luohandong Village and the Wangmu Palace. Water supply & drainage and 5.26km sewage HDPEdouble - wall firefighting Sewage pipeline corrugated pipeline and 1.1km UPVC drainage works pipeline would be laid at Luohandong Village Design for improving rainwater facilities in the Public and Rainwater lifting Chenghuang Temple auxiliary works Luohandong-Hanjia Burying 2.6km lighting power line of 10KV and Power supply Gully power supply 0.4KV and installing 1 125KVA box-type works line transformer LED solar landscape 80 at Wanyan Folk Village and 40 at Lighting works garden lamps Luohandong Village Signs and Installing 91 guide signs in the Luohandong- Scenic area markings Hanjia Gully Stone Caves 1 set of integrated sewage treatment facilities Sewage Sewage treatment and 5septic tanksto be built at Luohandong treatment station Village Environmental 4flush toiletsin the Chenghuang Temple and protection Public toilet Luohandong-Hanjia Gully works Setting up 6 garbage collection points at Solid waste disposal Luohandong Village and 152trash bins in the Wangmu Palace and Luohandong-Hanjia Gully 30 Category Name of Works Components 2 garbage trucks would be purchased Building a 160m2comprehensive administration building in the Luohandong-Hanjia Gully Caves Other works Setting up facilities including safety fences and remote monitors in the Zhangba Temple, Jiangjiaping, Fenghuanggou, Taishan Temple and Tomb of Prince Han 2.2.3 Zhuanglang County Subproject Table 2.2-3 Summary of Zhuanglang County Subproject Category Name of Works Construction Works Size Management of 5 geological Geological disaster Natural heritage disaster points in scenic area and management in scenic protection setup of 1 set of geological area disaster warning system. Reconstructing 7.05km-long cement-concrete Dianzixia-Yanchangzi pavement with 4.5m-wide base firefighting access and 3.5m-wide pavement Building Fogoumen- 7.56km-long cement-concrete Yunya Temple pavement with 4.5m-wide base firefighting access and 3.5m-wide pavement Construction of 7.8km long with 3m-wide gravel firefighting access in pavement Main Works scenic area Repair and improvement of Scenic area existing 5.54km-long battery car improvement Improvement of lane connecting Hongya Temple, battery car lane Yunya Temple and Da Temple with pavement being widened to 4m and base widened to 4.5m 1. Jingwa Temple-Yunya Temple trail: cement-concrete pavement to dressed stone pavement; 1.8m Construction and wide and 1.42km long; improvement of trails 2. Construction of Yunya Temple trail: 1.8m wide and 16.18km long, including 2.34km long anti- 31 corrosion wood trail and 14.47km long dressed stone trail. 1. Improvement of 2,000 m2 parking lot at Qiansanmen Tourist Service Center,200 m2 battery car parking lot at Hongya Construction and Temple; improvement of 2. Construction of 300m2 eco- parking lot battery car parking lot at Da Temple; 3. Construction of 1800m2 Fomengou paking lot. 1. Construction of 530m2 Fomengou Tourist Service Construction and Center; improvement of tourist service centers 2. Improvement of 200m2 Qiansanmen Tourist Service Center 1. Construction of water supply system: 1.78km pipeline, 18 valve wells, 5 water meters; Scenic area water supply and drainage 2. Construction of drainage system: systems 8.83km pipeline, 2 sewage pump stations, 4 septic tanks, 1 set of integrated sewage treatment facility (with capacity of 7m3/h). 5 panoramic instruction signs, 30 explanation signs, 50 guide signs Signs and markings and 100 advisory signs would be installed. Environmentally friendly toilet, waste Build 12 environmentally friendly toilets (environmental transfer station, Environmenta flushing free toilets), 1 compression-type waste transfer garbage collection l protection station, 7 garbage collection points and purchase 110 trash point, dustbin, works bins, 1 suction-type sewer scavenger and 2 garbage trucks in suction-type sewer the scenic area. scavenger and garbage truck. Community Road hardening 2km village road hardening development Solar garden lamps 80 sets 32 Purchase of mobile retailer stalls and improvement of 10 mobile retailer stalls and 10 inscribed boards of farmer horizontal inscribed inns boards of surrounding farmer inns 1. Management staff training (27 participants); Capacity 2. Scenic area practitioners training (60 participants); enhancement 3. Community residents training (80 participants). 2.2.4 Tanchang County Subproject Table 2.2-4 Summary of TanchangCounty Subproject Construction Category Name of Works Components Works Establish the topic of the Research on History, Folk Qiang and Tibetan Customs and Culture of the Qiang and Tibetan Folk Culture Nationalities of Guan’e Gully of Tanchang County for Research protection and exploration of local Qiang and Tibetan cultures. Reinforce and repair the only existent 14 ta-ban Rescue protection building s (8 in Luren Village and 6 in Xinping of 14 existing Village): including integral reinforcement of truss, wood board amendment of cracks in the beams and columns, roofed houses recover deterioration and apply roof waterproof Heritage and operation. Protection of Main Works the Qiang Folk Re-organization Writing of Qiang and Tibetan song and dance Culture and performance dramas and purchasing of clothing for rehearsal and of folk dances of performance, making of folk musical instruments Qiang and Tibetan and purchasing of traditional musical instruments Nationalities Select 7 wood board roofed buildings with small Build the “Liveâ€? adjacency and stable structure as the Qiang Folk museum of folk Culture Museum, respectively displaying: culture of the needleworks and garments; musical instruments Qiang and Tibetan and dances & songs; history of the Qiang Nationalities Nationality; worship ceremonies; customs; production and farm implements; architecture. 33 Construction Category Name of Works Components Works Build training Modify 5 existing wood board roofed buildings into centers for culture training centers and establish e-records for successors of the literature on the Ben Religion Ben Religion Reconstruct facades of buildings in Luren Village and Xinping Village, which fail to comply with the Comprehensively primitive Qiang and Tibetan cultures of ancient transform village villages Choose adjacent or retained areas for appearances building 6 new wood board roofed buildings on the premise of respecting the original appearance of the village. The control approach of combining detention with discharge would be applied. A detention dam wouldbe respectively built in the middle reach of the main gully and the branch gully for retaining Zhuwaping Gully solid matter. Exhausting embankments would be debris flow distributed on both banks of the middle and disaster control downstream reaches to ensure the gully banks are not eroded. The site near the gully entrance shows flat topography where sludge deposit field would be arranged. Collapse disaster control of the Slope cutting + slope toe retaining wall support Comprehensive mountain protection and active protective net on the middle- management of opposite to upper slope geological Yinpinzhai Village disaster points in the scenic Leigu Mountain Slope cutting + slope toe retaining wall support area Trail collapse protection and active protective net on the middle- disaster control upper slope Daheba Zhima River-Eman Slope cutting + slope toe retaining wall support Tianchi Section protection and anchor lattice on the middle-upper landslide disaster slope. control Landslide disaster Slope cutting + slope toe retaining wall supporting + control of left anchor lattice at each level + interception and bank of Guan’e drainage ditch + slope face greening. Gully entrance 1 online geological disaster monitoring platform 34 Construction Category Name of Works Components Works Total 11km, including 4.5km from Wukesong to Shibagongli, 4.0km from Shibagongli to Power supply Laying 10KV Zhimaheliang (one 400KVA transformer station), works power cables and 2.5km from Shibagongli to Leigu Mountain top (one 400KVA transformer stations). New 64km HDPE double-wall corrugated pipeline Public works (DN 300), 18.016km UPVC water drainage pipeline Sewage pipeline and 240m DN300 steel pipeline; construction of one Sewage works within the scenic integrated pumping station at Xinchengzi Villag; area destruction and restoration of 50,000m2 of concrete pavement. Lighting works Solar street lights 45 sets Sewage Septic tank 14 tanks treatment Environmental protection 10 new flush Public toilet Land area: 800m2 works toilets Purchase of garbage trucks 2 Survey and identify rare national priority protected plants, register and establish records for them and hang labels for priority protection. Individually Rare wild plant survey and filing name ancient and famous trees and rare species (once) and maintain their normal development; preparation of a picture book about rare wild Other works plants. Erection of 400 signs for plant introduction, nature protection and firefighting, 5 panoramic instruction Guide sign system signs, 100 explanation signs, 200 direction signs and 175 advisory signs. Building of smart scenic area information systems 2.2.5 Kang County Subproject Table 2.2-5 Summary of Kang County Subproject Name of Category Construction Works Components Works 35 Courier hostel on Floor area: 210m2, including a tea culture display area, northern Ancient tea making display area, tea tasting area and tea selling Tea Horse Route area. Single-storey and partially double-storey framework building with a coverage of 260 m2, of which the first Buildings/ Yangba Scenic floor mainly includes the reception hall, ticket windows, Area structures Administration guide room, medical room and toilet and the second floor the tourist tea room, lounge, offices, promotion Building room and meeting room. A slope retaining wall of 700m2 and a 100 m2 sightseeing platform would be also built. Gross floor area: 430m2 , one storey on the ground, two Tourist Center areas: tourist service area and office area. Contruction of 13.56km wood plank road for patrol with pavement covered by anti-corrsion materials, which Meiyuan River starts at the ticket barrier of Meiyuan Gullyand ends at Scenic Area Liujiaba Village, including two sections: entrance to Youfangba and Xiaomomo Mountain to Liujiaba; 1.8m Main Works wide; 13 break pavilions. Trail from Xiaomomo 14.792km long and 1.8m wide with gravel pavement. Mountain to Nangoukou Build a 15.23km Yinbazi-Xiaomomo Mountain firefighting Transport Firefighting access access, which conforms to the technical standard of Class works from Xiaomomo IV Highway at designed speed of 10km/h; according to Mountain to relevant standards, its width shall be 5m, but is reduced Liujiaba to 3.5m to mitigate impacts on the scenic area. Patrol access from Xiaomomo Build a 13.17km Xiaomomo Mountain-Liujiaba patrol Mountain to access and a camping area, paved with pebbles. Liujiaba (including wood plank road) The Yinbazi Scenic Area Parking Lot is built on the open Ecological parking space east of the entrance to the scenic area gate, who lot floor area reaches 1,600m2. It’s an ecological parking lot All residents in the scenic area drink spring water, which is conveyed through Water pipelines to the collecting bank in gravity flow, boosted up to the elevated supply water tower by a clarified water pump and further supplied to each Public works household through the distribution pipelines. Power The existing 110KV transformer substation is used. Power consumption of supply the scenic area is drawn from the substation respectively at 35KV and 10KV 36 in double-wire loops. In principle, power cables in the scenic area are in direct buried installation. Water drainage in the scenic area uses rainwater-sewage separation system, where rainwater is discharged into nearby mountain streams by taking Drainage advantage of surface slope. Sewage pipeline and integrated sewage treatment facilities would be built for Youfangba Village. Heating Air-conditioning system would be applied for heating. Environment Toilet A total of 16 environmentally friendly toilets. al protection Garbage Inside Village: Add 2 garbage transfer trucks, 2 road sweepers and 350 trash works collection bins. Another 70 trash bins would be distributed in the scenic area. 1. Training of 29 person/times for administrative staff; 2. Training of 150 person/times for employees in the scenic area; Others 3. Training of 1,289 person/times for residents; 4. Building 20 scenic spot introduction boards, 50 scenic spot guide boards, 200 scenic area road signs, 500 plant introduction boards and 124 safety warning signs. 2.2.6 Hezheng County Subproject Table 2.2-6 Summary of Hezheng County Subproject Category Name of Works Components Hardening 20.5km roads in such 6 administrative villages as Bianpo Village, Cheba Village, Community Dashanzhuang Village, Diaotan Village, Ketuo Village road hardening and Zhongxin Village; unpaved pavement to cement- concrete pavement, 4-4.5m wide. Improvement Repair and improvement are planned for the existing of existing main road amounting to 3.792km; paving 5cm thick Transport scenic area Main Works asphalt with width remaining to be 6m. works main road Improvement and repair are planned for the 11.28km- Construction of long trail and another 7.62km-long trail would be built scenic area in Songmingyan Scenic Area. For the improvement and trail in the repair section, existing concrete pavement would be improvement improved to dressed stone or anti-corrosion wood period pavement; for the new section, width would 1.8m and would be increased to 3.2m at some parts. 37 Category Name of Works Components Building of Building 450m2 community Hua’er Training Centers in Hua’er (a style community 5 administrative villages: Bianpo Village, Cheba Village, of folk song) Hua’er Training Dashanzhuang Village, Diaotan Village and Ketuo Training Center Centers Village. Comprehensively upgrade the existing 1,900 m2 Comprehensive Storehouse storehouse of the Fossil Museum into a standard upgrading of improvement cultural relics storehouse of constant temperature and storehouse. humidity. Change Lay 5km-long 10KV cable and 4km-long low voltage overhead cable from scenic area gate- Xinsi Gully and from 317 Power supply power cables provincial highway-scenic area gate (overhead line) works in the scenic and change the box-type transformers along scenic area into area gate-Xinsi Gully into 2 100KVA box-type buried-type. transformers. Public and auxiliary works Install 240 LED solar garden lamps in 6 administrative Install solar Garden lamp villages: Bianpo Village, Cheba Village, Dashanzhuang garden lamps works Village, Diaotan Village, Ketuo Village and Zhongxin in communities Village. Signs and Songmingyan Add 20 panoramic indicating signs, 50 explanation markings Scenic Area signs, 50 guide signs and 120 advisory signs. Rainwater and sewage pipelines would be laid along street of the town, with the length of sewage pipeline being 25.076km. Sewage is discharged into the Sewage Treatment Plant in the north of the town and rainwater into near water bodies. A sewage treatment Environmental Town Sewage plant covering an area of 0.76ha is to be built outside Sewage protection Treatment the planning zone in the north of the town. Designed treatment works Plant sewage treatment capacity is 500m3/d for the near term, 1,000 m3/d for the long term with the A/A/O treatment technique to be used. Mechanical thickening and dehydration technique would be used for sludge treatment.Sludge would be transported to domestic waste landfill. 38 Figure 2.2-1 Kongtong Mountain Subproject 39 Figure 2.2-2 Jingchuan County Subproject 40 Figure 2.2-3 Zhuanglang County Subproject 41 Figure 2.2-4 Kang County Subproject 42 Figure 2.2-5 Dangchang County Subproject 43 Figure 2.2-6 Hezheng County Heritage Protection Subproject 44 2.3 Environmental Protection Targets 2.3.1 Acoustic and Atmospheric Environment Protection Targets On the basis of site survey by the project team, acoustic and atmospheric environment protection targets are shown in Table 2.3-1. Table 2.3-1 Summary of Acoustic and Atmospheric Environment Protection Targets Number of Distance from Item Name Components Name Location households/ construction site people (m) Kongtong Road hardening Xigou Village Both sides 235/1024 In the village Mountain Xiangshan Parking Subproject Gaoling Village Both sides 111/461 1,300 Lot Repair of Jingchuan County Museum Chengguan Town West side 6032/25216 In the town and Chenghuang Temple Jingchuan County Jingchuan County Occupational Southeast side 5,514 people 450 Museum Education Center Wanyan Folk Jingchuan Culture Exhibition Wanyan Village Northwest side 476/2124 In the village County Room Subproject Zhangba Temple Zhangbasi Village South side 361/1765 20 safety Shuiquan Temple Shuiquansi Northwest side 370/1851 10 safety Village Emergency reinforcement of Luohandong North side 398/1537 20 the Arhat Stone Village Cave cliff Shiqiao Village of West side of Road hardening 211/1022 In the village Handian Town scenic area Zhuanglang Building and County reconstruction of Subproject Guoman Village Scenic area ecological parking 197/857 In the village of Handian Town entrance lot/tourist service center 45 Number of Distance from Item Name Components Name Location households/ construction site people (m) Landslide disaster Guan’e Village of North side of control of left bank Chengguan Town Guanzhu Gully 216/1,046 In the village of Guan’e Gully (including Yaping Ticket Center entrance Village) Guan’e Tibetan West side About 180 people 260 Primary School Washeping Village of East side 168/712 290 Chengguan Town Lijie Village of West side 114/487 395 Chengguan Town Xinchengzi North side of Village of Ticketing Center Xinchengzi 204/962 70 of E’man Gully Tibetan Scenic Area Township Sewage pipeline to be built Lugangtou Tanchang Village of County Southeast side of Xinchengzi 111/484 Through Subproject Liulinwogui Tibetan Township Xinping Village of North side of Xinchengzi Eman Gully 207/830 Through Tibetan Tourist Service Township Center Yuezangpu Village of Southeast side of Xinchengzi Eman Gully 123/626 Through Tibetan Scenic Area Township South side of Luren Village of TCM Herb 180/830 In the village Ancient village Chengguan Town Museum protection of Luren Village and Xinping Xinping Village of North side of Village Xinchengzi Eman Gully 207/830 In the village Tibetan Tourist Service Township Center 46 Number of Distance from Item Name Components Name Location households/ construction site people (m) Youfangba Wood patrol access South side 80/281 10 Village in Meiyuan River Scenic Area Laojiangba North side 58/214 150 Village Patrol access from Xiaomomo Liujiaba North side 30/126 100 Mountain to Kang County Liujiaba Subproject Courier hostel on Youfangba Northern Ancient North side 80/281 10 Village Tea-Horse Route New Tourist Service Yinbazi Northwest side 83/280 200 Center New ecological Northeastern Yinbazi 83/280 500 parking lot side Hezheng Ancient Hongrui Jiayuan Animal Fossil Residential Southeast side 1000/4000 150 Museum Compound Bianpo Village Adjacent 366/1760 In the village Hezheng Cheba Village Adjacent 476/2425 In the village County Songmingyan Dashanzhuang Subproject Hua’er Cultural Adjacent 529/2709 In the village Village Heritage Protection Project Diaotan Village Adjacent 436/2173 In the village Ketuo Village Adjacent 389/1935 In the village Zhongxin Village Adjacent 448/2257 In the village 2.3.2 Water Environment Protection Targets Water protection targets for all subprojects are shown in Table 2.3-2. For water intakes and for drinking water source reserves, please refer to Table 2.3.-3. 47 Table 2.3-2 Summary of Water Environment Protection Targets Relationship and Water Function of Water Subproject Protection Target distance with Width(m) Quality Body Subproject Target Kongtong About 15m from the Agricultural Kongtong Mountain 30 â…¢ reservoir irrigation Mountain Reservoir Subproject About 20m from the Yanzhi River 5 â…¢ Landscape water riverside About 390m from the Jingchuan Jing River 50 â…¢ Landscape water riverside County Subproject About 530m from the Rui River 20 â…¢ Landscape water riverside About 20m from the Drinking water Yunya River 20 â…¡ riverside function About 20m from the Agricultural Zhuanglang Shuiluonan River 20 â…¢ riverside irrigation County Subproject Landscape, Zhulin Temple Close to the reservoir Area agricultural â…¡ Reservoir dam 0.37km2 irrigation, drinking water source Landscape and Crossing of sewage Min River 2239.3 â…¡ agricultural pipeline irrigation Landscape and Crossing of sewage Guan’e Gully 10 â…  agricultural pipeline irrigation Landscape and Crossing of sewage Daheba Gully 8 â…  agricultural Tanchang pipeline irrigation County Subproject Landscape and About 10m to west of Area about Ming Lake â…  agricultural sewage pipeline 2,000m2 irrigation Landscape and Sewage pipeline laid Area about Yanzi Lake â…  agricultural alongside the lake 100m2 irrigation Landscape and Sewage pipeline laid Area about Yinping Lake â…  agricultural alongside the lake 240m2 irrigation 48 Relationship and Water Function of Water Subproject Protection Target distance with Width(m) Quality Body Subproject Target Landscape and Sewage pipeline laid Area about Pearl Lake â…  agricultural alongside the lake 700m2 irrigation Landscape and Sewage pipeline laid Area about Guan’e Lake â…  agricultural alongside the lake 600m2 irrigation Landscape and About 80m to east of Area about Eman Lake â…  agricultural sewage pipeline 200m2 irrigation Landscape and Sewage pipeline laid Area about Lijie Lake â…  agricultural alongside the lake 300m2 irrigation Landscape and About 70m to west of About Yueya Lake â…  agricultural sewage pipeline 720m2 irrigation 8 cable bridges to be Meiyuan River built in the project 5 II Agricultural water Kang County cross the river Subproject Firefighting access is Taiping River 5 II Agricultural water parallel to the river Xiaoxia River Close to river 5 â…  Landscape water Hezheng County Landscape and About 20m from the Subproject Danancha River 8 â…¢ agricultural riverside irrigation Table 2.3-3 Water Intakes and Drinking Water Source Reserves Scale of Relationship subproject Name Water Body water Reserve zoning with Subproject plant Demarcation of Category I Drinking Water Reserve: Range of the Centralized Kongtong source reserve About 250m drinking water 6,205,000 Category I Reserve for Mountain of Kongtong outside Category for Yangzizhai m3/a Yangzizhai Drinking Water Subproject District, II Reserve Source of Kongtong District is Village Pingliang City the circumscribed quadrilateral of the circle with 49 Scale of Relationship subproject Name Water Body water Reserve zoning with Subproject plant a radius of 200m centered as all water intake wells in the drinking water source, which covers a total area of 1.71km2. Four boundaries of the Category I Reserve are respectively: west boundary: 200m west of 11# and 12# wells; north boundary: Kongtong Ave.; South boundary: Pingjing Highway; East boundary: Baishi Gully Demarcation of Category II Reserve: Range of the Category II Reserve for Yangzizhai Drinking Water Source is the circumscribed polygon of the circle with a radius of 2,000m centered as all water intake wells in the drinking water source, which covers a total area of 6.15km2. Four boundaries of the Category II Reserve are respectively: west boundary: East of G22 Expressway; South boundary: South end of Juxian Bridge- Pingliang West Toll Gate of G22 Expressway - South Slope; East boundary: Qingnian Rd.; North boundary: North bank of Jing River. Category I Reserve, with an area of 0.48km2. Water Area: All reservoirs in the catchment area below Drinking water Zhuanglang Within range of normal water level, reaching source place of Zhulin Temple 90,000,00 County Category II an area of 0.048km2; Zhuanglang Reservoir 0 m3/a Subproject Reserve County Land Area: All land in the catchment area below the 1,967.30m elevation of dam crest. Land area of Category I Reserve is 0.033km2. 50 Scale of Relationship subproject Name Water Body water Reserve zoning with Subproject plant Land area of Category II Reserve is 8.925km2. Water Area: Coverage of all water-gathering areas extending 3,000m from the 1,953.30m elevation of the normal water level at the northwest intake towards upstream northeast and southeast (excluding water area in Category I Reserve), amounting to 0.491km2; Land Area: Coverage of all land within the water- gathering areas extending from the northwest water intake northeast, southeast and southwest towards all ridges below the 2,100m elevation line (excluding land area in Category I Reserve), amounting to 8.434km2. Radius of the Category I Reserve for Yangliuwan Drinking Water Source is 200m, amounting to a control area of 0.919 km2. The Jingchuan Jingchuan Within range of Category II Reserves County Yanliuwan Jing River Category II / respectively for Shuiquan Subproject Water Source Reserve Temple and Yangliuwan Drinking Water Sources are integrated into one with a radius of 2,000m and a control area of 90.57 km2. Category I Reserve: The sewage pipeline is Water Area: Its length ranges distributed from 1,000m up the water Tanchang Guan’e Gully intake and 100m down and its 720m off the County Drinking Water Guan’e Gully / width is 5m; downstream Subproject Source Guan’e Gully Land Area: Its length is equal Drinking Water to that of the waters in Source Category I Reserve and depth of land along the bank has a 51 Scale of Relationship subproject Name Water Body water Reserve zoning with Subproject plant horizontal distance of 50m from the river bank. Category II Reserve: Water Area: Extending up by 2,000m from the upstream boundary of the Category I Reserve; Outer boundary at the downstream is 200m from the boundary of the Category I Reserve; Land Area: Range of the entire basin. 2.3.3 Ecological Environment Protection Targets Ecological environment protection targets for all subprojects are shown in Table 2.3-4. Table 2.3-4 Summary of Ecological Environment Protection Targets No. Subproject Protection Target Overview of Protection Target The subproject occupies a total of 72.17mu Woodland woodland 180.43t/a of plant loss incurred from Terrestrial plant permanent and temporary land occupation of works Various fishes in the Kongtong Reservoir Kongtong Aquatic organism occupied 1 Mountain Subproject Wild animals within the impact scope of the Wild animal subproject Taitong-Kongtong The subproject is located in the experimental area Mountain National of the Taitong-Kongtong Mountain National Key Nature Reserve Nature Reserve naturalhabitat Gansu Pingliang The subproject is located in the Category I, II and Kongtong Mountain III protected areas of the park. 52 No. Subproject Protection Target Overview of Protection Target National Geological Park Gansu Kongtong The subproject is located in Gansu Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area Mountain Scenic Area The subproject occupies a total of 72.17mu Jingchuan Grassland grassland 2 County Subproject 35.58t/y biomass loss incurred from permanent Terrestrial plant temporary land occupation of works Woodland The subproject permanently occupies a total of 228.1mu woodland Terrestrial plant forest vegetation loss incurred from permanent land occupation of works Aquatic organism Various fishes in Yunya River, Shuiluonan River and Zhulin Temple Reservoir Wild animal Wild animals within the impact scope of the subproject Zhuanglang 3 County Yunya Temple The subproject is located in the landscape leisure Subproject Provincial Level Scenic zone of the Yunya Temple Provincial Scenic Area Area The Yunya Temple Provincial Level Scenic Area has Key Yunya Temple National the same area as the Yunya Temple National naturalhabitat Forest Park Forest Park and the subproject is located in the area. The subproject is located in the Yunya Temple Yunya Provincial Danxia landform of the Yunya Provincial Geological Geological Park Park The subproject occupies a total of 215.33mu Grassland grassland 323t/a of plant loss incurred from permanent and Terrestrial plant temporary land occupation of works Kang County Wild animal Wild animal to be affected is giant Salamander 4 Subproject Meiyuan River Scenic Area wood pratrol plank road and firefighting access from Yinbazi to Gansu Giant Key Xiaomomo Mountain are located in the buffer Salamander Nature naturalhabitat area of the Reserve, involving Meiyuan River and Reserve Taiping River. All adjusted components of the subproject are outside the reserve. 53 No. Subproject Protection Target Overview of Protection Target Meiyuan River Wetland Meiyuan River Scenic Area wood pratrol plank Park road is in the buffer area of the park. vegetation losses due to permanent and Terrestrial plant temporary land occupation for works Various fishes in surface water bodies of Min River, Guan’e Gully, Daheba Gully, Ming Lake, Aquatic organism Yanzi Lake, Yinping Lake, Pearl Lake, Guan’e Lake, Lijie Lake, Yueya Lake and Eman Lake Wild animals within the impact scope of the Wild animal subproject Tanchang New 11km-long 10KV power cables,Leigu 5 County Mountain Trail collapse disaster control area and Subproject Tanchang Guan’e Gully Daheba Zhima River-Eman Tianchi Section National Geological landslide disaster control are are located in Park, Gansu Category I Reserve and others are located in Key Category III Reserve. naturalhabitat New 11km-long 10KV power cables,Leigu Mountain Trail collapse disaster control area and Gansu Guan’e Gully Daheba Zhima River-Eman Tianchi Section National Forest Park landslide disaster control are are located in Category I Reserve. The subproject occupies a total of 29.94mu Grassland grassland 27.86t/y biomass loss incurred from permanent Terrestrial plant land occupation of works Wild animals within the impact scope of the Wild animal Hezheng subproject 6 County Gansu Taizi Mountain Subproject Main roads and tourist trails to be built are located National Nature in the experimental area of the Reserve Reserve Key naturalhabitat Hezheng County Ancient Animal Fossil Main roads and tourist trails to be built are located National Geological in the Cateogry III Reserve of the park Park 2.3.4 Social Environment Protection Targets Social environment protection targets are shown in Table 2.3-5. 54 Table 2.3-5 Summary of Social Environment Protection Targets SN Protection Target Overview of Protection Target Farmland water irrigation facilities along the project; existing roads and S1 Infrastructure housing buildings Impacts of construction on existing road traffic and access of S2 Traffic Obstruction surrounding nearby residents Applicable subproject All subprojects For location map of subprojects and sensitive targets, refer to Figures 2.2-1 to 2.2-6. 55 2.4 Review of Auxiliary Environmental Facilities Given that auxiliary environmental facilities of all subprojects would have a direct bearing on the impacts of the Project after its implementation and operation, such facilities are reviewed below. 2.4.1 Kongtong Mountain Subproject 1. Sewage treatment method Septic tanks would be used for domestic sewage and fecal treatment within the scenic areas. Capacity of the septic tanks of the Huangcheng Scenic Area, the Zixiao Palace Scenic Area, the East Terrace and the Central Terrace reaches respectively 216m3, 30m3 and 216m3 and 100m3. Sewage treatment system of the scenic area, which is not yet connected to the municipal pipeline, has a capacity of 487m3/d. Part of the sewage is collected by fecal suction trucks on a regular basis and delivered to Pingliang Tianyu Sewage Treatment Plant 15km away from the scenic area, which has a design capacity of 50000m3/d. 2.Garbage treatment method Domestic waste of the Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area is mainly transferred by garbage transfer trucks to Pingliang city waste disposal site for uniform disposal. 15km away from the scenic area, the disposal site that is located in Yangqu Gully southeast of Baofeng Village, Liuhu Township, Kongtong District, Pingliang City has a urban garbage disposal capacity of 375t/d. Total storage capacity of the garbage landfill is 2,130,000m3. As a standard sanitary landfill, it adopts double HDPE impermeable membrane. Garbage leachate is dealt with in biochemical + anti-osmosis process. Domestic waste from the project is about 11t/d, only accounting for 3% of the daily capacity of the landfill, so no major impactswould be produced. 2.4.2 Jingchuan County Subproject Sewage pipeline of the newly built Jingchuang County Stone Cave Art Museum and ArhatStone Cave Relics Protection Program would be connected to the network of the Urban Sewage Treatment Plant on northeast corner of Jiangjia Village, Wenquan Development Zone located on the south bank downstream of the Jing River. The plant that covers an area of 31.78mu consists of such 4 parts as sewage treatment, sludge treatment, auxiliary buildings for production and life and supporting pipeline. Sewage is disposed of in CASS process and Chlorine dioxide disinfection, thus meetingCategory IB standard set forth in the Standards for Emission of Pullutants at Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants (GB18918-2002) and is directly discharged into the Jing River after biological treatment and disinfection. 56 Major setups of the plant include feed water control well, coarse screen room and sewage pumping station, fine screen and vortex-type grit chamber, CASS biological reaction tank, disinfecting tank, chlorine dosing room and blower room; Sludge is disposed through mechanical thickening and dehydration process and mud cake is transported away for landfill. Its major setups include aeration storage pool and sludge thickening and dehydrating station; Supporting works for the pipeline mainly include completion of main sewage pipeline in the Chengbei New District, reconstruction of the main sewage pipeline in the old urban area, building of the main sewage pipeline in the Industrial Park and completion of the main pipeline from the Industrial Park to the Sewage Treatment Plant, with the total length of pipelines amounting to 25.4km; Sewage treatment capacity would top 10,000m3/d, 25.4km sewage pipelines would be newly added, density of sewage network would reach 9.43km/km3 and its coverage would amount to 70%, capable of effectively bearing production and domestic sewage discharge. Garbage produced after implementation and completion of Jingchuan County Stone Cave Art Museum and Arhat Stone Cave Relics Protection Programs would be delivered to the domestic waste landfill site by special garbage truck. The landfill site, completed and put into use in 2010, is located near the Gaofeng Temple and is about 2km away from the nearest point of the project. 15,200m2 impermeable membrane has been laid in this standard sanitary landfill site, in which the garbage leachate is dealt with in biochemical + anti- osmosis process. The site has a design volume of 240,000m3, an effective volume of 210,000m3, a daily disposing capacity of 49t and a design service life of 10 years, fully meeting production and living needs. 2.4.3 Zhuanglang County Subproject 1. Sewage treatment method Septic tanks would be used for domestic sewage and fecal treatment within the scenic areas. After treatment, they would be cleaned and transported by villagers from Shiqiao Village and Guoman Village for farmland irrigation as farm manure. 2. Domestic waste treatment Domestic waste in the scenic area would be delivered to Zhuanglang County Waste Landfill Site for sanitary landfill. About 18.4km away from the scenic area, Zhuanglang County Waste Landfill Site, which is located in Lizhuang Village, Shuiluo Town of Zhuanglang County, has a design waste landfill capacity of 720,000m3 and can dispose 135t domestic waste each day. The site was completed and put into use in July 2010. As a standard sanitary landfill, it adopts double HDPE impermeable film. Garbage leachate is dealt with in biochemical + anti- osmosis process. 57 2.4.4 Tanchang County Subproject After completion of the subpproject, drainage of Guan’e Gully Scenic Area would apply to rainwater and sewage separation system. Rainwater runs into nearby surface water bodies through ditches while domestic sewage in the tourism area, Luren Village, Lijie Village, Washeping Village, Guan’e Gully, Xinping Village, Daheba Village, Lugangtou Village and Yuezangpu Village is connected to septic tanks, collected by sewage pipeline after treatment in septic tanks and conveyed to Tanchang County Sewage Treatment Plant for centralized treatment. It is prohibited to discharge any untreated sewage into natural water bodies or the scenic area ecosystem. The sewage pipeline adopts gravity flow. All main DN300 pipelines are laid along roads in the villages. Tanchang County Sewage Treatment Plant, located at First Terrace of north bank of the Min River south of urban Tanchang County, takes up an area of 1.32hm2 and adopts CASS process. Effluent after Chlorine dioxide disinfection meets Grade 1B set forth in the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater and is reused as greening water or urban miscellaneous water. Put into operation in October 2015, Tanchang County Sewage Treatment Plant with a near (2015) and future (2020) sewage treatment capacity of 4,000m3/d and 6,000m3/d respectively is now in sound operation (actual treatment is 1,200m3/d), whose tail water meets the requirements specified in the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater . Waste generated after completion of the subproject would be conveyed to Tanchang County domestic waste landfill site by trucks. Occupying an area of 4.8mu, Tanchang County domestic waste landfill site, located in Hongshi Gully about 2.5km northwest of urban Tanchang County and about 6km north of the Guan’e Gully Scenic Area, is a standard sanitary landfill site with lining, of which the garbage leachate is collected through pipelines and sprayed on the surface layer of the landfill site. The site has a total volume of 340,000m3, an effective volume of 300,000m3, a daily domestic waste disposal capacity of 44t and a design service life of 15 years. Tanchang County domestic waste landfill would meet the needs of the subproject. 2.4.5 Kang County Subproject Field survey on communities participating in Kang County Yangba Scenic Area shows all farmer households in the communities have built their own septic tanks for sewage treatment, after which the sewage is used for irrigation of their own farmland. Flush toilets are built in the scenic area and sewage is directly discharged after treatment in septic tanks. 58 At present, domestic waste is collected together and conveyed to Yangba Town waste landfill site for centralized treatment. Yangba Town waste landfill site that covers an area of about 49.5mu applies sanitary landfill. The site is located northeast to the scenic area about 4.0km away. As a standard sanitary landfill, it adopts double HDPE impermeable membrane. Garbage leachate is dealt with in biochemical + anti-osmosis process. Meanwhile, auxiliary living management zone, access road and garbage collection and transportation system are also built. The site has a daily domestic waste disposal capacity of 18t/d, a total volume of 150,000m3, an effective volume 130,000m3 and a design service life of 15 years. Daily disposal capacity of the site is Category II. The site is also equipped with facilities including auxiliary living management zone, access road and garbage collection and transportation system are also built. Solid waste produced in the scenic area takes up 1.33% of the daily disposal capacity of Yangba Town waste landfill site, indicating the site is capable of meeting the need of the project. 2.4.6 Hezheng County Subproject 1.Wastewater treatment Currently, Songmingyan Town does not have a wastewater treatment plant. The proposed subproject would build one wastewater treatment plant with the near-term designed treatment capacity of 500 m3/d and the long-term capacity of 1,000 m3/d. Wastewater would be treated using the A/A/O technique. Treated wastewater would meet Category A standard, some of which would be reused for greening and the remaining would be discharged. 2. Domestic waste treatment Domestic waste in the scenic area would be transported to Hezheng County Landfill for sanitary disposal. Located in the county, the landfill is 14km from the county town and 20.4km from the scenic area. Completed in 2007 and operated since then, the landfill has a total designed volume of 340,000 m3 and daily treatment capacity of 32 tons. As a standard sanitary landfill, the landfill uses double-layer HDPE membrane for seepage control and the method combining bio-chemical treatment + reverse osmosis (RO) for leachate treatment. 59 Chapter 3 Environmental and Social Baseline 3.1 Topography and Landforms 3.1.1 Gansu Province Gansu has complex landforms, where the mountainous regions, plateaus, plains, river valleys, deserts and Gobi are in staggered distribution. The terrain inclines from the southwest to northeast. The topography of Gansu shapes a long and narrow strip, with the length of 1,655 km from the east to west and the width of 530 km from the north to south. The landform could be divided into six regions with different features: —Longnan mountainous region: This mountainous region is located in the south of the Wei watershed, east of Lintan and Têwo County and west of Qinling. The mountains and hills are higher in the west and lower in the east, with the landscape of both Jiangnan and "Five Ranges". —Longzhong and Longdong Loess Plateau: Located in the middle and east of Gansu Province, this region extends from the east to the border of Shaanxi and Gansu Province, and Wushaoling to the west. This area has innumerable treasure, with abundant oil reserve and water energy resources in Liujiaxia, Yanguoxia and Bapanxia. —Gannan plateau: It's located on the north edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—known as the "Roof of the World", with average altitude over 3,000 meters. As a typical plateau, it is a key base for developing animal husbandry industry in Gansu province and an important water conservation area for the Yellow River. —Hexi corridor: Running across Qilian Mountain to the north, North Mountain to the south, Wushaoling to the east, and the border of Gansu and Xinjiang to the west, Hexi corridor is a narrow strip stretching from the east to west, inclined from the south to north. It is known as an oasis in desert, with flat land, good farming conditions and plentiful sunshine. —Qilian mountain area: Located in the south of Hexi corridor, this area is covered with snow all year round. Covering twisted glaciers, it functions as a natural solid water reservoir for Hexi corridor, with vegetation cover vertically distributed. 60 —North area of Hexi corridor: This area, called North Mountain Land, is a strip running over 1,000 km from the east to west, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,600 m. This vast area of featureless mountain and desert is hard for crop farming. Gansu is a mountainous province, whose land forms mainly consist of mountains and plateaus. The major mountains include Qilian Mountain, Wushaoling, Liupanshan Mountain, Aerjinshan Mountain, and Mazongshan Mountain. Most of them orientate from the northwest to southeast. The forest resources are centralized in these mountainous areas, from which most rivers form their headstreams. 3.1.2 Pingliang City Situated in the west of the Loess Plateau, Pingliang city is located in the uplift part in the middle of Longshan and Liupanshan Mountain. Mixed with valleys, gullies, and hills, the terrain is higher in the west, lower in the east, uplifted in the middle and inclined from the south to north. The altitudes range from 890 to 2,857.5 m. The city consists of three landforms: tablelands and gullies in the east of the Loess Plateau, mountains in the middle and south and hills in the west. 3.1.2.1 Kongtong District Kongtong Mountain Subproject is located in the areas between Liupanshan Mountain and hilly areas in the eastern Loess Plateau. Liupanshan Mountain is a Mid-Ridge with the elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 m. It consists of two parallel mountains running from the south to north: The west mountain is the main peak of Liupanshan Mountain (i.e. narrowly defined Liupanshan Mountain) and also known as Large Guanshan Mountain, with the elevation over 2,500m and the main peak reaching a height of 2,942 m. The eastern mountain is called Small Guanshan Mountain, with the length of 70 km, the width of 10 km and elevation ranging from 2,000~2,400m. A basin, filled with loess evolved from the Tertiary Period of the Ecocene Epoch, Oligocene and Quaternary Period, is situated between the Large and Small Guanshan Mountains, with a width of 5 km. The mountainous areas are separated by south-to-north and north-north-to-west rifts, forming typical stair-step mountainous lands. Three rising steps are shaped from eastern hills to the summit of Large Guanshan Mountain in the west. Classified by landform genesis, this area consists of etching structured Mid-Ridge, etching structured Lower-Ridge, etching loess hills and etching structured valley terrace. Please refer to Figure 3.1-1 for its geographical location. 3.1.2.2 Jingchuan County 61 The landform of the project areas is typical loess hills, inclined from the northwest to southeast, where Hanjia Gully and Luohandong are located. The landform of the Wangmu Palace and Wanyan Tribe are loess terrain, with uneven edge and exposed bedrock in the gully. The land surface is flat and spacious. Dayun Temple area is Category I terrace, with flat and spacious land. Please refer to Figure 3.1-2 for its geographical location. 3.1.2.3 Zhuanglang County The terrain of Zhuanglang County is higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest, with elevations ranging from 1,405 to 2,587 m and average elevation of 1,700 m. The northeast part is bedrock mountainous areas, as a part of Liupanshan Mountain, which was formed in the new structure movement of Himalayas. Zhuanglang County is located at the hilly areas on the Loess Plateau. The landforms include bedrock mountainous area, loess hill and valley. The bedrock mountainous areas account for 32% of total areas, including middle-and-high mountainous areas and low hilly area. The middle-and-high mountainous area is located in the ridge of Liupanshan Mountain. Due to folded structure and cut by flowing water, this area is full of twisted ridges and valleys, with high coverage of forest and grassland. The low hilly area forms a V-shape, and the land is eroded seriously. The loess hilly area accounts for 63.3% of total areas, while valley area only accounts for 4.7%, which mainly refers to Zhuanglang River valley, Shuiluo River valley terrace and Hulu River basin, including river bed, flood plain and 1st, 2nd and 3rd category terraces. Please refer to Figure 3.1-3 for its geographical location. 3.1.3 Longnan City Situated in a fold and thrust belt running from the east to west in Qinling Mountain, Longnan is located in a junction of Qinba Mountain, Tibetan Plateau and Losses Plateau, lying in a transition area from China's second terraces to the third terraces. Longnan City lies in the transition area of the Southern Gansu Plateau-the edge of Tibetan Plateau-in the west, the Loess Plateau in the north, Sichuan Basin in the south, Qinling Mountains and Hanzhong Basinin the east. The terrain of the city is featured higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with an average altitude of 1,000m. The West Qinling Mountains and Minshan Mountain stretch into Longnan from the east and the west, respectively. High mountains and deep valleys interweave with hills and basins, forming the unique and complex landform in this region. Xili Mountain in the north of Longnan City is a low mountain valley featuring loess terrain, with the altitude around 1,800 m. In the east, Huicheng basin is situated between the north and south of Qinling, with a length of over 100 km and a width of 10 kilometers, presenting a hilly valley terrace, at the altitude around 1,000 m. 62 Mountain peaks around Longnan: In the north, there are Dalaliang Ridge and Min'e Mountain, while Toumaju Mountain on the border of Gansu and Shaanxi is situated in the east. In the west, Congdi Mountain is situated on the border of Gannan, and Motian Ridge is located on the border of Gansu and Sichuang in the south. With an altitude of 4,187m, the highest peak Xionghuang is situated at Tunzhai Township in the northwest of Wen County. At the altitude of 550 m, Guanzi Gully is the lowest point in Zhongmiao Township in the southeast of Wen County. It is also the lowest point in Gansu Province. 3.1.3.1 Kang County Kang County is located in Longnan Mountain in the south of Western Qinling. In terms of geological structure, the County consists of folded belts of Kunlun Qinling Mountain. The terrain is featured higher in the west and middle, while lower in the east, south and north. The Dalongwang Mountain is the highest peak in the county at the altitude of 2,483m, while the lowest altitude is 560 m in the county. The project areas is located at Meiyuanhe Valley, surrounded by steep mountains on the two sides with luxuriant vegetation. There is a small and flat terrace in the foothills. Washed by twisted river, the steep and vertical cliffs are formed on the concave bank, with exposed rock strata. Some parts of concave bank form a small terrace due to sedimentation. Please refer to Figure 3.1-4 for its geographical location. 3.1.3.2 Tanchang County On the edge of Tibetan Plateau, Tanchang County is located at the junction of Western Qinling and Min Mountain. Washed by Min River and Bailong River, Tanchang County has a complex landform, mixed with ravines and gullies and presenting distinctive mountain features. The terrain inclines from the northwest to southeast, and consists of mountains, hills and valleys. Deep mountains and valleys are commonly seen in the south, while most loess hills are located in the north. The elevations range from 1,138 to 4,154 m in the county, with average altitude of 2,300m. The highest point is Leigu Mountain at the altitude of 4,154m, while the lowest point is the gully in Shawan Town at the altitude of 1,138m. The average altitude of Tanchang County is 1,748m. Guan'e Gully scenic area is located in the south of Western Qinling and south bank of Min River. The landforms include high mountains, deep valleys and rolling hills, inclined from the 63 southwest to northeast. Terraces are well formed on the two sides of Guanzhu Gully and Eman Gully, while these terraces are not wide. Please refer to Figure 3.1-5 for its geographical location. 3.1.4 Hezheng County The terrain of Hezheng County is higher in the south and lower in the north. The south part is rocky mountainous area, as an extension of Qinling Mountain in the west. The north part is losses hilly area with the features of Losses Plateau. Based on Taizi Mountain, the County is divided into four valleys and two gullies by four mountains extending towards the north- south and two mountains extending towards the east-west. There is a flat land in the northeast of the ticket office in scenic area, offering a flat and spacious terrace meeting Category I land standard for Xiaoxia River. Entering the scenic area, there are valley roads with steep mountains standing on the two sides, with a small and flat terrace lying in the foothills. Please refer to Figure 3.1-6 for its geographical location. 64 Figure 3.1-1 Geographical Location of Kongtong Mountain Subproject 65 Figure 3.1-2 Geographical Location of Jingchuan County Subproject 66 Figure 3.1-3 Geographical Location of Zhuanglang CountySubproject 67 Figure 3.1-4 Dangchang County Subproject 68 Figure 3.1-5 Geographical Location of Kang County Subproject 69 Figure 3.1-6 Geographical Location of Hezheng County Subproject 70 3.2 Climate 3.2.1 Gansu Province Situated in northwest of China, most of parts in Gansu are dry and enjoy a temperate monsoon climate featured by an apparent transition towards continental climate. The annual average temperature of the whole province is 0℃-16℃. Altitude and temperature are varied across the province. The annual precipitation across the whole province is 36.6-734.9 mm. The precipitation gradually reduces from the southeast to northwest. The rainfall drops significantly in the area west to Wushaoling, while rainfall is abundant in Longnan and eastern Qilian Mountain. The frost-free days are varied in Gansu. There are around 280 frost-free days in Longnan valley, while only 140 days in Gannan Plateau. 3.2.2 Pingliang City Pingliang enjoys a temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate. Average annual precipitation of the city is 420-600 mm, average temperature is between 7.4 and 10.1℃ and average annual temperature range is 9.7-12.8℃. The average frost- free days are 156-188 days. Average annual sunshine hours are 2,144-2380 hours, and annual solar radiation is 123-134 kcal/cm2. The whole Pingliang City has a temperate climate, with abundant rain and sunshine. It is cooler in Pingliang's summer than Xi'an and Lanzhou. Guanshan forest zone is a good summer resort. 3.2.2.1 Kongtong District Taitong-Kongtong Mountain is located in northwest inland, with a temperate semi- arid continental monsoon climate. It is cold and dry, blowing northwest wind in winter and spring, while it is hot and humid in summer and autumn. Annual average temperature is 8.6℃. The temperature reaches the highest in June-August, with monthly average temperature around 18℃. The average highest temperature is 21.0℃ in July. The temperature drops the lowest in December-February, with average temperature around -4℃. The lowest temperature is -5.2℃ in January. Diurnal temperature range is 11.6℃, and annual temperature difference is 26.2℃. The extreme highest temperature ever recorded was 37.3℃(August, 3 1944) and the extreme lowest temperature reached -25.4℃(December 13, 1975). The frost days start from early October and end in late April. Annual wind speed is 2.1m/s. The air is humid, with annual average air pressure of 86,600 pa. 3.2.2.2 Jingchuan County 71 Located in inland, the researched area is a continental monsoon climate. The County has a short spring and autumn, with radical temperature changes. Valley and basin areasare hot in summer, while plateau and mountainous areas are cooler in summer. The winter is long and cold. The County has abundant solar power while with less precipitation. Annual average precipitation is 555mm, while annual average temperature is 10.0℃. The annual average temperature reached 10.8℃ in 1973, while the lowest annual average temperature was 4.5℃ in 1964. 3.2.2.3 Zhuanglang County Zhuanglang County has a continental monsoon climate and is affected by western upper air winds in the most of the year. The wind prevails from the northwest in winter and from the southeast in summer. It has six months in winter and a short summer. Autumn comes earlier and spring comes late. It has plentiful solar power and little precipitation. Annual average temperature is 7.9℃. January is the coldest month with average temperature of-5.5℃, while July is the hottest month with average temperature of 19.9℃. The annual average precipitation is 548.7 mm, and annual precipitation varies greatly, with a difference around 400 mm between the largest and smallest year. The precipitation in spring, summer, autumn and winter account for 17.9%, 52.2%, 28.0% and 1.9% of the precipitation in the whole year, respectively. Most of precipitation is concentrated in July, August and September. The wind would blow from the northwest in winter and from the southeast in summer. Dry and hot wind would blow from the south in summer, affecting the maturity of summer crops and growth of autumn crops. Drought, hail, flood and other meteorological hazards frequently occur. 3.2.3 Longnan City In a horizontal distribution, Longnan City has three kinds of climate: north subtropical climate, warm temperate climate and mid-subtropic climate. North subtropical areas include the south of Kang County and Wudu, east of Wen County, Bailong River, Baishui River, Jialing River Valley and shallow mountainous area. There are two high temperature zones in this area. One is Bailong River, Baishui River bank, valley and shallow mountainous areas, with annual average temperature of 2- 14℃,≥10℃accumulated temperature of 4,000-8,000℃. The precipitation is around 600 mm. The arable land is around 300,000 mu, accounting for 6.7% of total land area. The City is a farming zone with two hot seasons in a year. The other is Jialing Valley and Huicheng Basin. The annual average temperature is 10-12℃, and ≥10℃ accumulated temperature is 3,500-4,000℃. The arable land is around 1.7 million 72 mu, accounting for 37.8% of total arable land in the city, yielding crops triply in two years. The warm temperate zone includes central, east and south regions, with the altitude between 1,100 and 2,000m, ≥10℃ accumulated temperature 2,100-4,000℃, the precipitation of 500-800 mm, arable land around 1.5 million mu, accounting for 33.3% of total arable land in the city, yielding crops quadruply in two years. The mid- subtropic area refers to the north and west region of Longnan City, mainly including the most parts of Tanchang County and Xihe County, Jinchang, Maying County, Chiba and Li County in Wudu District. This region lies at the altitude above 2,000 m, ≥10 ℃ accumulated temperature less than 2,100 ℃, the lowest temperature below -20℃, with around 1 million mu arable land, accounting for 22.2% of total arable land in the city. The agricultural areas could yield crops once per year or twice in three years. 3.2.3.1 Kang County Kang County is a typical transition climate from warm temperate to subtropical climate. It is warm and rainy and one of the counties in Gansu Province with the largest precipitation. Over the years, annual average temperature remains 11 ℃, relative humidity is 74%, annual average precipitation is 777.5mm, annual average temperature is 10.0℃, and annual average evaporation is 1,062.4mm. The temperature shows distinctive characteristics of vertical climate zone, because of rolling mountains stretching from the east to the west. The surveyed area is located in Kang County, Longnan City. The terrain is the mid-ridge at the altitude above 1,400m. The annual average temperature is 5-10℃, with the highest temperature reached 35℃, while the lowest temperature was -5℃. The frozen period falls in January with the temperature ranging 0~-3℃. Affected by terrain, vegetation, and other factors, the precipitation is distributed unevenly, illustrating a decline trend from the southeast to northwest. The surveyed area is located in Yangtian River Valley, with annual precipitation of 554.2mm. The precipitation varies greatly in different years in the area. According to the data from Wudu meteorological station, the largest precipitation recorded was 1,162.2 mm in 1961, while the smallest precipitation was 494.6 mm in 2002, 2.3 times less than that of in 1961. The precipitation also varies in different months. 56% of precipitation is concentrated in July-September, accompanied with more heavy rain and rainstorm. The data show that the largest precipitation in a day was 146.7 mm, 48.00 mm in an hour and 320.4 mm in a shower of rainfall. 73 3.2.3.2 Tanchang County Tanchang County has distinctive vertical climate changes as the altitude is varied between the north and south. It is situated in a transition area among north- subtropical, warm temperate and plateau climate. With a temperate continental monsoon climate, it is warm and humid in Tanchang County. Annual average temperature is 8.8℃. Average temperature is -2.9℃ in January and 19.2℃ in July. The extreme highest temperature is 34.4℃, while the extreme lowest temperature is -16.9℃, ≥10accumulated temperature is 2,689.6℃. Annual frost-free period is 160 days. Average precipitation is 633.8cm. The precipitation is concentrated in June- September, accounting for 61% of total amount in the whole year. The average evaporation is 1,348.6 mm, and average relative humidity is 68%. The longest frozen soil depth is 45cm. 3.2.4 Hezheng County Hezheng County has a north-subtropical continental climate with the features of plateau climate (i.e. spring comes late spring, autumn comes earlier, winter lasts long and summer is short). There is heavy rain and snow in spring, while it is hot and short in summer accompanied with many thunderstorm and hailstorm. The temperature drops quickly in autumn. Overcast and rainy weather frequently occurs. The winter is long and dry. Annual precipitation is 639 mm, concentrated in July and August in Chinese calendar. Crops are easily affected by the flood in autumn. It is humid in the south, while dry in the north or humid in the north while wet in the south, due to different altitudes and climates between the south and north. Annual average sunshine hours are 2,457 hours, while frost-free periods are 133 days and annual average temperature is 5℃. 3.3 Hydrology 3.3.1 Gansu Province Surface water is scare in Gansu Province, and water resources exhibit a decline trend. Water resources in Gansu are mainly distributed across nine river systems in the Yellow River, Yangtze River and inland river drainage basins, with an annual runoff of 60.3 billion m3. Among them, there are 78 rivers with runoff above 100 million m3. Inland river basins include Shiyang River, Hei River and Shule River systems, totalling 15 rivers, with an annual runoff of 17.45 billion m3 and covering an area of 270,000 km2. The river water in Gansu Province enjoys a good quality, classified as Category I or Category II water quality. 74 3.3.2 Pingliang City Pingliang City is part of Yellow River basin, next to Jing River and Wei River. Nearly 20 river branches run across the city, with a runoff of 2.67×109m3 and the depth of runoff is 54.55 mm on average. In the west, there is Hulu River--a branch of Wei River, with a drainage area of 3.72×103 km2, while Jing River runs across the east, with a drainage area of 7.42×103 km2. These two rivers are main surface water sources for Pingliang City, which are polluted to some extent. The precipitation is the main water source. The groundwater resources mainly consist of shallow ground water, stored between the earth surface and impermeable layer. The groundwater reserve is 4.40×108m3 in the city, most of which is geothermal water. The water quality is similar to groundwater and the salinity is slightly higher than river water, suitable for human and animal drinking. 3.3.2.1 Kongtong District Groundwater is a result of synthetic action of meteorological, hydrogeological and topographic factors. The groundwater in this reserve is mainly sourced from rainfall and stored river water. Kongtong District enjoys favorable meteorological conditions, unique landforms and geographic structure, leading to diversified water types and distributed differently. By the features of groundwater storage, groundwater could be classified into the following types: river, phreatic water in ravines, phreatic water at loess layer, phreatic water over bedrock and confined water between layers. In the project areas, the groundwater sources include atmospheric precipitation, rainfall, snow and rainfall leakage, vertical seepage of irrigation water and river water, and lateral supply from fracture water in bedrock and undercurrent in gullies). Rivers flowing across Kongtong District are either part of Jing River system or Wei River System, which are two water systems among five Yellow River water systems. There are 162 rivers in total. Among them, Jing River system flow across the reserve, including eight rivers (i.e. Jing River, Jie River, Dalu River, Xiaolu River, Panjian River, Dacha River, Jian River and Sishilipu River). Jing River is the largest river among these eight rivers. Sourced from the east of Liupanshan Mountain in Jingyuan County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, it flows across the whole region, with a length of 75 km. Jing River has average runoff of 56m3 per second, whose stream and branch have a drainage area of 1.72 km2. At Kongtong Gorge, average flow is 3.88 m3/s, and the largest flow reached 58.5m3/s (on September 25, 1963). Now, Kongtong Gorge Reservoir has been built here. 75 The water quality is good in this area, suitable for human and animal drinking. The water resources could be used for drinking or farming irrigation, with good development value. Only water in some areas is not suitable for drinking, with poor quality. 3.3.2.2 Jingchuan County Jingchuan County has plentiful water resources. Five rivers (Jing River and its branches) flow across the county. Jing river flows 58 km with a drainage area of 743 km2. Over the years, the average runoff remains 352.56 million m3, total groundwater resources amount to 35.36 million m3 and exploitable water is 54.99 million m3. 3.3.2.3 Zhuanglang County There are four rivers (e.g. Hulu River, Zhuanglang River, Shuiluo River and Chaligou River) in Zhuanglang County, as part of Wei River system. The runoff is 161.06 km long, with a drainage area of 938.25 km2 and average runoff of 257.7 million m3. Water supply in the county reaches 101.7 million m3, accounting for 39.5%. There are 2,353 branch gullies with a length over 500 meters, totalling 1,871 km. Among them, there are 224 Category I rivers, with a total length of 762 km, 303 Category II rivers, with a total length of 445 km, and 1,826 Category III rivers, with a total length of 664 km. 26 rivers have frequent water flow on the surface. 3.3.3 Longnan City In Gansu Province, Longnan City is the only county in Yangtze River valley. Many rivers and high mountains are located in Longnan city, which are riddled with waterfalls and streams. All rivers in the city are part of Jialing River water system, including 48 Category I branches (e.g. Bailong River and Xihanshui River), with a total length of 1,297 km; 751 Category II branches (e.g. Baishui River and Min River), with a length of 4,756 km; 1,651 Category III branches, with a length of 4,313 km; 1,312 Category IV branches, with a length of 3,428 km. With rivers mingled together, the river density reaches 0.5 per square kilometer. Main rivers are summarized as follows: The branch of Jialing River runs across southeast of Liangdang County and Hui County, with a length of 86.2 km, annual 76 runoff of 2.2 billion m3 and a drainage area of 2,556 km2. Xihanshui River, a Category I branch along the upstream stretch of Jialing River, runs through Li County, Xihe County, Cheng County and Kang County, with a length of 205.6 km, annual runoff of 1.67 billion m3 and a drainage area of 9,569 km2. Bailong River, the largest branch in Jialing River upstream, runs across Tanchang County, Wudu County and Wen County, with a length of 229.5 km, annual runoff of 9.38 billion m3 and a drainage area of 13,200 km2. Baishui River, the Category II branch of Jialing River, runs through the city starting from Shijiba Village, Yuwen County and meets Bailong River at Guantouba of Yulei Township. The River has a length of 107.3 km, annual runoff of 3.43 billion m3 and drainage area of 3,040 km. Bailong River is situated between 33° and 34° north latitude and the isothermal line of 0℃ in January as Qinling and Huai River. Rivers in the south of this line are not frozen. Thus, Bailong River is known as a natural line to separate northern and southern China along with Qinling and Huai River. 3.3.3.1 Kang County Kang County has plentiful water resources and is part of Jialing River system of Yangtze River Valley, with a runoff of 1.094 billion m3 and groundwater reserve of 577 million m3, including stable water reserve of 197 million m3 and adjusted water reserve of 380 million m3. Many water channels flow water all year round. The drainage area exceeds 50 km2 and there are 15 rivers with the lowest water flow not less than 0.05 m3/s. Separated by Wanjiadaliang, these rivers flow to the south and north respectively, forming two streams (i.e. Xihanshui Water System and Yanzi River Water System). Rivers in Kang County are mountainous rivers periodically supplied by rainfall. The river length is not too long, and most of them are only dozens of kilometres long. Seven rivers flowing within the county are Changba River, Dabao River, Sanguan River, Nianba River, Sanhe River, Yangtian River and Maliu River. Eight rivers flow across counties, including Xihanshui (Xiniu River), Pingluo River, Yanzi River, Meiyuan River, Taiping River, Qing River, Yaoping River and Wangba River. 3.3.3.2 Tanchang County Rivers in Tanchang County are part of Jialing River System outflowing Yangtze River, consisting of Bailong River valley and Xihanshui River valley. There are 78 river channels, including 15 rivers and branch gullies with the drainage area larger than 50km2 and annual lowest flow larger than 0.1 m3/s, featured as big longitudinal 77 slope, long flow and concentrated river fall. Theoretically, the hydropower could reach 263,000 kw, with the exploitation amount of 72,000 kw. Now, 11,000 kw hydropower has been developed, accounting for 15.4% of total exploitation amount. Groundwater resources are abundant in the county, amounting to 66.7 million m 3. The water is clean. In Tanchang County, 97% of water is fresh water, and the salinity is 1-2 g/liter. 30% of water is brackish with the salinity of 2-5 g/liter. Chemical compositions in water sources meet the quality standards suitable for human and animal drinking. Min River, Lianggong River and Jiaogong River are main rivers in Tanchang County. Main stream of Bailong River only flows 20 km in Tanchang County. Min River and Jiaogong River meet Bailong River in Tanchang County. Min River: Min River was called Tanchang River, Qiangshui, and Qian River in ancient times. It is a tributary of Bailong River. Sourced from North Qinling watershed, Min River is 100 km long, with a drainage area of 2,239.3 km2. As the longest river in the county, it runs across ten villages and towns (i.e. Awu, Hadapu, Nanhe, Hejiabao, Chenguan, Xinchengzi, Linjiangpu, Ganjiangtou, Guanting and Lianghekou) and then meets Bailong River at Lianghekou Village. The branches flowing into Min River include Lichuan River, Nanhe River, Ganggou River, Guan'e River, Jiajia River, Hong River (Bashangou River), Chela River, Dakeba River, Guanting River and Qinyu River. Over the years, the annual average flow rate of Min River remains 16.7 m 3/second, the lowest flow rate is 2.1 m3/s, and the largest flow rate is 258.0 m3/s. Average gradient is 7.3%. Min River provides bountiful functional resources and water resources for national economic development. 3.3.4 Hezheng County From the south to west, there are five rivers flowing across Hezheng County, which are Danancha River, Xiaonancha River, Xinying River, Yatang River, and Niujin River. The annual average runoff is 362.5 million m3 and hydroenergy reserve reaches 37,200 kw, with the exploitation amount of 25,600 kw. Annual average runoff is 362.3 million m3, and per-capita runoff is 1,847 m3. 3.4 Ecological Environment 3.4.1 Gansu Province 78 Gansu Province features a province with small forest areas. In the whole province, the forestland areas amount to 10.4265 million hectares, with forest areas of 5.0745 million hectares, and a forest coverage rate of 11.28%. The main tree species include fir, spruce, quercus, populous, armandii pine and birch. All kinds of wild plant species are distributed widely. There are main seven categories of forest resources: over 100 oil plants (e.g yellowhorn (pawpaw), cocklebur, Artemisia desertorum Spreng, Myricaria, Juglans cathayensis Dode and Vernicia fordii); nearly 100 species of fiber and paper-making plants (e.g. Apocynum venetum, Caragana, Chinese Alpine Rush, Streptocaulon and Achnatherum splendens); over 20 starch and brewing plants (e.g. acorn, oleaster, fern root, zaminkand, wasabi, and tuckaheo); 20 wild chemical materials and cork oaks (e.g. cork tree, gallnut and pagoda tree); over 100 wild fruit trees (e.g. Chinese gooseberry, cherry, loquat, Chinese chestnut and sea-buckthorn); 951 herbs (e.g. rheum officinale, angelica sinensis, glycyrrhiza uralensis fisch and red astragalus root, cynomorium, cistanche salsa and gastrodia tuer); 10 special fruit plants, such as valuable wild plants (e.g. hair-like seaweed, fiddlehead, edible fungus, potentilla anserine, daylily, nostoc commune, haggis, mushroom and carrageen). Wild animal resources: There are over 650 species of wild animals in Gansu. Among them, there are 24 kinds of amphibians, 57 types of reptiles, 441 kinds of birds and 137 kinds of mammals. There wild animals are mainly distributed in Wen County, Wudu District, Kang County, Cheng County, and Liangdang County. Rangshui River and Danbao in Wen County have been listed as No. 13 nature reserve, where the world-level precious animals could be found, such as panda, golden monkey, musk deer, lynx and ermine. There are also farm-raised sika deer, red deer and musk deer. Among wild animals, there are over 90 nationally protected rare animals, including 24 protected species in category I, 24 protected species in category II and 4,011 protected species in category III. Main poultry breeds include horse, donkey, mule, cow, sheep and camels. 3.4.2 Pingliang City There are five forest, eco-system and wild animal nature reserves in Pingliang City, occupying an area of 74,000 hectares, accounting for 6.6% of total land area. The forest area is 3.97 million mu, with a forest coverage rate of 17.98%. There are 51 families, 84 genera, 254 species plants and 31 species of wild animals. 3.4.2.1 Kongtong District 79 Vegetation area consists of forest and grassland in southern Loess Plateau, and zonal vegetation includes deciduous broad-leaved forest and meadow steppe. There are four types of vegetation: temperate coniferous forest, deciduous broad-leaved forest, deciduous forest scrub and grassland. In the reserve, wild plant resources are abundant, including 103 families, 377 genera and 750 species vascular plants (except for cultivated vegetable and flower crops). Among them, fern plants consist of 13 families, 21 genera and 37 species (including variants), and seed plants (naked seed and angiosperms) include 90 families, 356 genera and 713 species (infra species). Animal resources are abundant in this area, including 194 species of terrestrial vertebrates, belonging to 25 orders and 64 families. Among them, there are 6 kinds of amphibians, 11 kinds of reptiles, 133 types of birds and 44 types of mammals. Among terrestrial vertebrates in this area, there are 14 species of oriental realm, accounting for 7.22%, 110 species of palearctic realm, accounting for 57.22% and 18 ubiquitous species, accounting for 9.28%. Obviously, palearctic realm accounts for a large majority. 3.4.2.2 Zhuanglang County Zhuanglang County is located in the junction of Qilian Mountain and Qinling, with abundant flora and fauna resources. Natural forests are distributed in eastern Guanshan Mountain, mainly consisting of multi-generation coppice and secondary forest. Vegetation distribution is varied at different altitudes. The vertically distributed community composition could be classified into four types (i.e. deciduous broad-leaved forest, red birch forest, subalpine shrubwood and subalpine grassland), and main species include red birch, Chinese scholartree, spruce, aspen, C. myrtifolia, red pine and wouldow. Artificial forests include locust tree, populus tree, Chinese pine and larch as well as commercial fruit forest (e.g. apple, pear, wild pepper and almond tree). Zhuanglang County has many wild animal and plant species, including 57 families, 292 genera and 513 species wild plants and over 100 species of herbs (e.g. precious Chinese herbal medicine poria cocos and glossy ganoderma). There are 32 families, 117 genera and 330 species animal resources, among them, leopard, deer, golden pheasant and ring-necked Pheasant are key nationally protected animals. 3.4.2.3 Jingchuan County 80 Jingchuan County is a transitional belt of forest steppe, rather than a natural forest area. Shrub and tree species are comparably scare. According to the survey data, there are 172 species shrub trees, including 146 species, 1 subspecies, 24 variants and 1 transformation specie (including 100 introducing species and 20 variants), belonging to 46 families and 72 genera. There are 32 species of evergreen trees (15 species of arbor trees and 17 species of shrub), 130 species of deciduous trees (84 species of arbor trees and 46 species of shrub), and 10 species of deciduous climbers. Wild animal resources in Jingchuan County mainly include: 4 species, 2 orders and 3 families of amphibians, 6 species, 3 orders, 4 families of reptiles, 47 species, 24 families and 10 orders birds and 13 species, 9 families and 4 orders of beasts. Totally, there are 70 species, 39 families and 19 orders. 3.4.3 Longnan City Longnan City has abundant flora and fauna resources. According to the survey data, there are over 2,500 species 140 families seed plants, including 54 species nationally protected plants. Among them, there are 6 species of Category I nationally protected plants (i.e. Chinese dove tree, davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana, taxus chinensis var.mairei, gingko, fossil tree and kingdonia uniflora), 21 species of Category II nationally protected plants (e.g. Qinling fir tree and picea brachytyla) and 21 species of Category III nationally protected plants (e.g. paeonia rockii and euptelea pleiospermum). According to the survey data, there are 430 pieces 91 families of terrestrial vertebrates, including 80 pieces of beasts in 28 families. Among them, there are 10 species of Category I nationally protected animals, such as giant panda, golden monkey, antelope and leopard, and 15 species of Category II nationally protected animals, such as rhesus monkey, black bear and forest musk deer. There are 280 species of birds in 43 families, 30 species of amphibians in 8 families, 40 species of reptiles in 12 families and 70 species of fish in 8 families. There are plentiful wild green mountain delicacies, and over 100 species of edible and fungi, such as hericium erinaceus, mushroom, auricularia auricula, Rhizoma Gastrodiae, osmunda japonica and Mulongtou. Agricultural and forest products produced in the city possess distinctive local features. Longnan wild pepper (commonly known as Dahongpao) was a royal tribute in the Tang dynasty and won the golden award at the 1st China Agricultural and Forest Expo. Kang County is listed as one of 27 walnut production bases in China. The bank of Bailong River in Wudu District is rated as the best oliver production zone in China by Chinese Academy of 81 Forestry. These resources lay a foundation for developing local agriculture and eco- agriculatural tourism. 3.4.3.1 Kang County Due to unique geological location and climatic conditions, Kang County enjoys abundant natural species resources, including 161 species and subspecies, 20 families, 3 divisions of woody plants, 161 species, 33 families and 14 orders of birds and 65 species and subspecies, 21 families and 6 orders of terrestrial animals. There are 339 species, 90 families and 19 orders of insects, 76 genera and 6 divisions of floating vegetation (including 30 genera green algae, 20 genera bacillariophyta, 8 genera euglenophyta, 9 genera cyanophyta, 5 genera dinophyta and 4 genera chrysophyta). The number of floating vegetation is 5.29 million - 685,000 per liter, biomass weight of 0.61-1.41 mg/liter. Bacillariophyta accounts for 65.4% of total biomass weight, and green algae accounts for 11.9%, while the rest of divisions account for 2.1-8.3%. There are 57 species and subspecies, 19 families and 6 orders of animals. Among them, there are 28 species, 5 families and 3 orders of fish (such as provincial protected fish (including Jialing schizothoracin, spualiobarbus curriculus, varicorhinus macrolepis and Pareuchiloglanis anteanalis), and 17 species, 8 families and 4 orders of amphibians and reptiles, which include andrias (national Category II protected animals), stream salamander (provincial protected animals), common frog, asiatic toad, soft shelled turtle, eumeces capito, elaphe taeniura, banded wolf snake, zaocys dhumnades, elaphe carinata and protobothrops jerdonii with valuable economic and research value. It is significant to protect wild andrias and its living environment for investigating the origin, phylogenesis, migration, geological distribution and evolution of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates. 3.4.3.2 Tanchang County Tanchang County has abundant biological resources, suitable for plant growth. The County has a forest land area of 1.27 million mu, with a forest coverage rate of 29.7%. The forest vegetation is vertically distributed, mainly consisting of temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous broad leaved forest and subalpine dark coniferous forest, with over 700 tree species in 41 families. The forest areas are distributed in Nanhe, Guan'e Gully, Daheba, Guanting, and Shizi administered by Min River Forest Farm, including 82 tree species (e.g. picea asperata, fir, larch and Chinese pine). Grassland resources are abundant, with annual grass production of 78,000 tons, mainly distributed in Awu, Bali, Chela and Shizi Villages at the altitude above 2,500-3,000m. The main forage grass consists of 73 species and 9 families such as aristida triseta and alfalfa. There are 692 Chinese herbs. Among them, planted precious Chinese herbs occupy 100,000 mu, such as angelica sinensis, codonopsis pilosula, rhubarb, radix hedysari, radix bupleuri and astragalus root. 82 Tanchang County is known as the "Medicine Home of Thousands Years". There are over 30 species of precious wild animals, including national Category I protected animals (e.g. white-lipped deer, serow, black bear, blue eared pheasant, brown eared pheasant, forest musk deer and tragopan temminckii), 23 species of national Category II protected animals (e.g. tufted deer, Sumatran serow, black bear, blue eared pheasant, brown eared pheasant, dwarf musk deer and Temminck's tragopan) and seven species of provincial protected animals (e.g. batrachuperus, muntiacus muntjak, and stone marten). 3.4.4 Hezheng County Hezheng County is located at a transitional area between the Loess Plateau and Tibetan Plateau. The natural vegetation is affected by alpine humid climate in southwest China and semi-dry climate in the Loess Plateau in northeastern China, as well as frequent grazing and human activities. The distribution of natural vegetation is varied with distinctive zoning features. In terms of vegetation belt, the County is situated in temperate grassland. The vegetation consists of dry grassland vegetation, deciduous broad-leaved forest vegetation, coniferous forest vegetation, alpine and subalpine shrub and meadow land vegetation and alpine cold desert vegetation. Hezheng County has many wild beasts in various species. Among them, musk deer, deer, yellow cow, serow, beaver, otter, wolf, hog badger, jackal, leopard, lynx, fox, weasel, squirrel, black rat, wild boar, and dog cat have higher economic values, while serow is Category II nationally protected animals and musk deer and beaver are Category III nationally protected animals. There are over 30 species of wild birds including crossoptilon auritum, tetraogallus tibetanus, blood pheasant, dove, turtle dove, quail, wild goose and magpies. Among them, crossoptilon auritum and tetraogallus himalayensis are Category III nationally protected animals. 3.5 Ecologically Sensitive Areas See Table 3.5-1 for the relationship between six subprojects of World Bank Financed Second Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project Phase II and all ecologically sensitive areas. 83 Table 3.5-1 Summary of all Ecologically Sensitive Areas in the Project Key protection Subproject Nature and Sensitive Approval Approval Subproject sites targets category of area /Sensitive area authority year and and correlation reserve month Trails and Forest ecosystems Kongtong Mountain parking lots to in warm temperate Subproject: Gansu National be built in the zone and wild Taitong-Kongtong Nature State Council 2005.7 subproject are animal and plant Mountain National Reserve located in the resources in forest Nature Reserve experimental area Forest ecosystems Components and biodiversity in Hezheng Subproject: National such as trails are transitional areas Gansu Taizi Mountain Nature State Council 2012.1 located in the of Qinghai-Tibet National Nature Reserve experimental Plateau and Loess Reserve area Plateau Nature reserve Patrol plank Giant salamander roads in the Meiyuan River Scenic Area and firefighting accesses from Kang County Yinbazi to Provincial Provincial Subproject: Gansu Giant Xiaomomo nature Government 2009.11 Salamander Nature Mountain are reserve of Gansu Reserve located in the buffer zone. All adjusted components of the subproject are outside the reserve. The trails and parking lot are located in Kongtong Mountain category-1 Subproject: Gansu National Ministry of reserves; the Pingliang Kongtong Geological Land 2004.1 trails pass Mountain National Park Resources through Geological Park Category II and category-3 reserves; Danxia landform Geological Park Firefighting access, trails and ecological Zhuanglang Subproject: Provincial parking lot are Provincial Geological Provincial Department located in the Park of Yunya Temple, Geological of Land 2013.4 category-1, Zhuanglang County, Park Resources of Category II and Pingliang City Gansu category -3 reserves of the Geological Park 84 Key protection Subproject Nature and Sensitive Approval Approval Subproject sites targets category of area /Sensitive area authority year and and correlation reserve month New 10kv power Sections of typical cables, Leigu geological Mountain Trail structures, collapse disaster Quaternary glaciers control sites and , Daheba Zhima River-Eman Geological Tanchang Subproject: Tianchi Section landscape, National Ministry of mountainous Tanchang Guan'e Gully landslide Geological Land 2014.1 landscape, water National Geological disaster control Park Resources landscape, Park, Gansu sites are located in Category II geological site and reserves, and disaster landscape, other components are located in category-3 reserves Hezheng Subproject: Trails are Ancient Animal National Ministry of Gansu Hezheng Ancient located in fossil Geological Land 2012.11 Animal Fossil National category-3 Park Resources Geological Park reserves All components Kongtong Mountain of the Subproject: Gansu National State Council 1994.1 subproject are Kongtong Mountain scenic area located in the Scenic Area Parks in scenic area the scenic Animals and plants, area All components ecosystem Gansu biodiversity and Zhuanglang Subproject: of the Provincial Provincial landscape diversity Yunya Temple Provincial 2004.10 subproject are Scenic Area People's Scenic Area located in the Government scenic area All components Zhuanglang Subproject: National of the National Yunya Temple National Forestry 1992.11 subproject are forest park Forest Park Bureau located in the forest park New 10kv power cables, Leigu Forest Mountain Trail park collapse disaster control sites and Tanchang National Daheba Zhima Subproject:Gansu National Forestry 2003.12 River-Eman Guan'e Gully National forest park Bureau Tianchi Section Forest Park landslide disaster control sites are located in the forest park 85 Key protection Subproject Nature and Sensitive Approval Approval Subproject sites targets category of area /Sensitive area authority year and and correlation reserve month Provincial Water supply Gansu Jingchuan County drinking pipes are Provincial Subproject:Yanliuwan water source 2012.12 located in water People's Drinking Water Source protection source Category Government area II reserves Water source Firefighting Provincial Zhuanglang Subproject: Gansu access, trails and drinking Zhulinsi Reservoir Provincial battery car lanes water source 2015.6 Drinking Water source People's are located in Drinking protection protection area Government the Category II water area reserve source protection area Kongtong Mountain Provincial Components of Gansu Subproject:Concentrate drinking the subproject Provincial d drinking water reserve water source 2010.9 are about 250m People's of Yangzizhai, Kongtong protection from water Government District, Pingliang City area source area Components of County-level Tanchang Tanchang the subproject water source County Water source Subproject:Guan’e Gully 2011.3 are about 720m protection People’s water source area from water area Government source area Trails in Kang County Meiyuan River Subproject:Meiyuan National Wetland National Scenic Area are River National Wetland Forestry 2014.2 parks wetland park located in the Park in Kang County, Bureau Wetland rational Gansu utilization area Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, the Project would involve six types of ecologically sensitive areas, namely, nature reserve, geological park, forest park, wetland park, scenic area, water source protection area. Baseline of these sensitive areas is described below. 1. Nature reserve 1. Kongtong Mountain Nature Reserve The reserve is a mountain forest ecosystem dominated by warm temperate zone broad-leaf trees, whose protection targets are mountain forest ecosystem and rare plants and animals and their habitats. The reserve boasts rich animal and plant 86 resources. In recent years, administration bureau of the reserve has effectively protected forest resources through a number of measures, such as developing public-good plantations, protecting natural forest resources and implementing the “grain-for-greenâ€? program. Currently, the reserve is well protected. 2. Taizi Mountain National Nature Reserve The reserve is a forest ecosystem, whose key protection targets are forest ecosystem in thetransitional area between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau and wild animals and plants. There are 11 key national protected wild animals in the reserve, including snow leopard, musk deer and serow, 21 key national protected birds, including bearded vulture, accipiter gentilis schvedow and Crossoptilon auritum. There are also 51 rare and endangered and key protected plants in the reserve. Currently, the reserve is well protected. 3. Kang County Giant Salamander Nature Reserve Core area of the reserve mainly includes tributaries of the Jiangling River and mountain stream in six sparsely populated towns/townships in sourthern Kang County, i.e. Yangba, Tongqian, Lianghe, Sanhe, Baiyang and Dianzi towns/townships. These tributaries and streams have abundant aquatic resources, such as aquatic insect, fish, frog and snake, which provide natural food for giant salamander. Thanks to efforts by Administrative Bureau of Kang County Giant Salamander Nature Reserve, natural habitats and breeding grounds for giant salamander have been well protected and there are no artificial destructions and pollution. 4. Geological park 1. Kongtong Mountain Geological Park Protection target of the park is Danxia geological site. The Danxia landform is a cliff- shaped landform with dense and consecutive stone forests and poles and widely distributed caves. Currently, most geological relics and landscape are well protected. 87 Affected by climate factors, the park has some geological disasters, which mainly include mud-rock flow, landslide and collapse. 2. Yunya Temple Geological Park The park thematic geological park dominated by Danxia landform, which accounts for about 30% of the park’s total area. Currently, most geological relics and landscape are well protected. Affected by climate factors, the park has some geological disasters, which mainly include mud-rock flow, landslide and collapse. 3. Guan’e Gully Geological Park The park is a deposit structured geological relic park. Main geological relics include six types of landscape, namely, typical geological structure section, Quaternary glacier landform, geological landform landscape, mountain landform landscape, water landscape and geological relic landscape. Evaluated in accordance with Assessment Criteria for National Wetland Parks issued by the Ministry of Land Resources, the overall score of the park is 91 (out of 100). The park has complex geological structrure as Tanchang County is located on the famous earthquake belt from Lintan County to Min County and to Tanchang County in China. The park has rich rainfall, steep mountains and risks of geological disasters due to wind and water erosion for tens of thousands of years, such as collapse, falling stone, landslide and mud-rock flow. 4. Hezheng County Ancient Animal Fossil Geological Park Protection target of the park is Neopaleozoic ocean (shallow ocean) animal fossils and unearthed fossils correspond respectively to four different mammals in late Cenozoic: giant rhino about 30 million years ago, Platybelodon about 16-20 million years ago, Hipparion about 11-5 million years ago and Equus eisenmannae about 200,000 years ago. Currently, the park is well protected. 88 5. Forest park 1. Yunya Temple Forest Park The park is located in the temperate forest-grassland zone and is at the middle of the belt of transition from temperate broad-leaf forest desert and grassland. As the result of implementing natural forest protection program since 1998, the ecosystem has been restoring and improving. The park boasts abundant animal and plant resources including over 270 plant species and over 118 wild animal species. Currently, ecologicalenvironment is good in the park. 2. Guan’e Gully National Forest Park The park has high mountainvalleys and waterfalls as well as unique plant landscape comprising natural forest, wild flowers and high mountain grassland. The park also features Qing and Tibetan ethnic group cultures and is a good place for holidays, exploration, scientific research and education, picnic and recreational activities. Protection targets of the park are animal and plant species diversity, inheritance diversity, ecosystem diversity and landscape diversity. Thanks to measures taken by Tanchang County Government, such as implementing natural forest protection, barren mountain plantation and “grain-for-greenâ€? programs, the park has a sound ecosystem with densely distributed and rapidly growing trees. 3. Scenic area 1. Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area The area has unique Taoist Thought, religious buildings and protocols, Kongtong martial arts, good natural environment and geological wonders. Open tour spots are concentrated in Huangcheng, Wutai and Xiangshan areas. The area has well maintained facilities and road network. Service facilities and infrastructure in the area can meet needs of tourists. Tour spots such as Yanzi Mountain, Tanzheng Gorge, Wangjia Mountain and Taitong Moutain lack sound associated service 89 facilities and wastewater in some areas is discharged without treatment. Overall conditions are good in the area. 2. Yunya Temple Scenic Area The area boasts dense vegetation, unique Danxia landform, beautiful seasonal forest landscape and a number of relics and historical sites such as the national protected Yunya Temple stone cave. Infrastructure in the area needs to be improved, including aging firefighting access, tourist trails, battery car lanes, tourist service centers and parking lots. Domestic sewage has been discharged without treatment. These bottlenecks have significantly restricted tourist activities and development of the area. 3. Water source protection area 1. Jingchuan County Yangliuwan Water Source Site Potential pollution sources that may harm groundwater quality mainly include domestic sewage and farmland non-point source pollution. Groundwater quality at the site is of Category III. Apart from being used for agricultural and industrial purposes, treated groundwater can be used as drinking water. Overall conditions at the site are good. 2. Zhulinsi Reservoir Drinking Water Source Protection Area Zhuanglang County Urban Water Supply Program uses water from Zhulinsi Reservoir and can supply 9000 m3 of water a day. Pursuant to current water quality monitoring indicators, water quality in the reservoir meets Category II standard in Surface Water Environment Quality Standards (GB3838-2002). There is a 2,800m-long tourist trail between the reservoir and Yunya Temple and tourists need to enter the scenic area via the dam top. Domestic sewage and waste generated by tourists may have potential adverse impacts on water quality of the site. 90 3. Yangzi Village Centralized Drinking Water Source Protection Area Located at Zhaizijie of Kongtong District, the Yangzi Village water source is the existing water source for Pingliang City and can supply 17,000m3of water per day. Potential pollution sources that could affect groundwater quality are domestic sewage, solid waste and farmland fertilizer and pesticide. Groundwater quality is of Category I-III with the exception of α radiation. Apart from being used for agricultural and industrial purposes, treated groundwater can be used as drinking water. 4. Guan’e Gully Water Source Site The site is located at E 104°19′46.7″ and N 33°57′27.1″ with the elevation of 2109 m, and annual runoff of 25 million m3. The site has good water quality, which meets the requirements of Sanitation Standards for Drinking Water (GB5749ï¼?2006). 5. Meiyuan River National Wetland Park The park is located within Yangba Town in southern Kang County and falls under Kangnan Forest Area, which is one of the largest 10 forest areas in Gansu Province. Forest coverage in the Kangnan Area is 83% with rapidly growing and high closing trees. Thanks to efforts by the Administrative Bureau of Meiyuan River National Wetland Park, water quality in the river has met Category III standard in Surface Water Environment Quality Standards (GB3838-2002). Environmental quality, natural landscape and animal and plant species have been well protected. 3.6 Baseline Cultural Relics and Other Cultural Resources Three subprojects under the Project – Kongtong Mountain, Jingchuan County and Tanchang County subprojects - would involve ancient towers, ancient buildings, stone caves, stone inscriptions, and folk culture villages, among other cultural resources. Kongtong Mountain and Jingchuan County subprojects would involve protection and repair of cultural relic; Wanyan Folk Culture Village in Jingchuan County would only involve improvement of existing infrastructure, and Luren and Xinping villages in Tanchang County would only involve reinforcement and repair of “wood board roofedâ€? houses and would not involve protectionand repair of cultural relics. Baseline cultural resources under these subprojects are described below. 91 (1) There are various cultural and natural heritage in Kongtong Mountain scenic area, including ancient buildings, ancient pagodas, ancient temples, inscriptions, horizontal tablets, and ancient and famous trees. There are 8 terraces, 9 palaces, 12 yards and 42 places built on mountains, such as nunneries, temples, yards, towers, and pavilions. Among them, Heavenly City building complex, Thunder Peak building complex and their affiliated cultural relics are classified as national key cultural relic protection sites. The fund for such cultural relic protection is sufficient and these cultural relics are well preserved. However, most of ancient towers and temples lie in a poor condition in the scenic area, lacking necessary protection funds and infrastructure support. These cultural relics are in urgent need of repair and maintenance. In Kongtong scenic area, seven ancient towers are classified as municipal cultural relic protection sites, such as Yinxiang Tower, Basic Tower and Huairui Monk Tower. These towers were built during the Qing dynasty and are in a poor condition. The projectwould carry out a series of rescue, protection, experiment, monitoring and technical research works, to protect the body and carriers of these seven ancient brick towers, and improve the stability of their surrounding environment. The project aims to ensure the stability and durability of cultural relic protection, extend the life of cultural relics, and achieve the purposes of disaster prevention and reduction. Please refer to Table 3.6-1. (2) Over 600 caves and grottos distributed in a “é?žâ€? shape on the edge of mountains on both banks of Jinghe River in Jingchuan County. Among these caves, except for two well-preserved national cultural relics protection sites, Arhat Caves are the largest caves with a higher value than the rest of caves. Now, these two caves are damaged severely in a poor condition. Thus, the projectwould focus on protecting and repairing these two caves. Please refer to Table 3.6-1. Located in Wangcun town in Jingchuan County, Wanyan Folk Culture Village is the largest settlement of Wanyan Zongbi (Wuzhu)'s descendants, with traditional customs best preserved. In the village, ten cultural relics are well preserved, such as Wanyan Ancestral Hall, the portraits of Wanyan Wuzhu, the royal mausoleums of Wanyan Chenglin - the last emperor of Jin and great-grandson of Wuzhu, and Wanyan Heng--son of Wuzhu, as well as Plum Mountain, ancient wells, caves and village gates, witnessed over 800-year history of Wanyan descendants guarding their ancestor tombs. Some traditional rituals have been carried forward until today, such 92 as Shamanism ritual and memorial ceremonies (e.g. horse running, crane, rope and god worship). Wanyan Village is one of 9 cultural projects listed in Jingchuan County Cultural Industry Development Plan. The Plan specifies a series of measures to develop the ecological folk culture tourism in Wanyan Village, such as scenic area development, protecting and carrying forward local cultures (e.g. martial arts, folk culture, food, and dialect), explore Wanyan folk culture, carry out fundamental protection works (e.g. digitalization, archive and restoring of cultural resources), as well as infrastructure building (e.g. exhibition rooms, administration rooms and road hardening). Wanyan Village would be developed into the most influential place to experience Wanyan folk culture in China. (3) Zhuanglang County Yunya Temple Caves were established in the North Wei Dynasty. Going through the changes of dynasties (i.e. the Western Wei Dynasty, the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty, Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty), the Yunya Temple Caves finally took today's shape, based on Yunya Temple as the center, covering eight temples (i.e. Yunya Temple, Hongya Temple, Zhulin Temple, Da Temple, Xi Temple, Chaoyang Temple, Jinwa Temple and Fogou Temple) and Dianwan, Mujiang Cliff and Sanjiaodong Cave in a 5km radius. (4) In Tanchang County, “wood board roofedâ€? buildings are dominant houses of Qiang Ethnic Group. The building has two floors with earth-wood structure and roof being covered by wood boards, above which white limestones are placed. Local people live on the second floor in spring and summer and the first floor in autumn and winter. “Bee housesâ€? are remaining traditional houses in Shawan, Xinzhai and Shizi villages, which have a different structure comprising two floors built with large and small logs and the flat roof being covered by compressed earth, which is used as a ground for drying wheat. Local people live on the second floor and the first floor is used to raise livestock. The door of the “bee houseâ€? is often closed, making it look at a “pillboxâ€?. These houses are interconnected and villagers can visit each other through the roof. Some Qiang and Tibetan houses (wood board roofed) in Guan’egou Village have been damaged seriously, and some buildings have even been demolished due to the impacts of modern culture, man-made damage and natural erosion. Now, there are only 14 such houses left (8 in Luren Village and 6 in Xinping Village). The projectwould adopt rescue protection measures to protect these 14 houses, such as repair, reinforcement, anti-corrosion, hanging tags, and increasing water-proof and drainagefacilities. 93 Table 3.6-1 Baseline Cultural RelicsProtection in Subprojects Name of Cultural Category of Cultural Item Approval Authority Batch/Date Type Subproject Contents Relics RelicsProtection Municipal/County-Level The People's Government Lingfeng Tower Cultural Relic Protection 1988 Ancient building of Pingliang City Sites The municipal cultural relic The People's Government Lingmi Tower 1989 Ancient building protection sites of Pingliang City The municipal cultural relic The People's Government Ordinary Tower 1989 Ancient building protection sites of Pingliang City The municipal cultural relic The People's Government 1. Surface drainage would be rearranged; (2) the Yinxiang Tower 1989 Ancient building protection sites of Pingliang City structural parts would be supplied and all mortar Municipal/County-Level joints would be repaired; (3) a sand road would be The People's Government Huairui Monk Tower Cultural Relic Protection 1989 Ancient building built; (4) the original grey brick fences would be Kongtong of Pingliang City Sites Mountain removed and newly built; (5) an archaeological Subproject Dache Tower Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building survey would be made around the tower; (6) the The municipal cultural relic The People's Government tower foundation of lime-soil compaction piles Yingxueshanren Tower 1989 Ancient building protection sites of Pingliang City would be dealt with; (7) all original components Xiangshan Temple Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building are restored; and (8) setting up the display board. Jingle Palace Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building Taiqing Palace Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building Mituo Temple Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building Lianhua Temple Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building Wangmu Palace Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building 94 Name of Cultural Category of Cultural Item Approval Authority Batch/Date Type Subproject Contents Relics RelicsProtection Wendao Palace Not confirmed —— —— Ancient building County-Level Cultural Relic The People's Government Shiku Temple and (1) dangerous rock control; (2) decay prevention and Arhat Cave 1984 Protection Sites of Jingchuan County stone inscriptions control; (3) water disaster control; (4) preventive measures Hanjia Gully Stone County-Level Cultural Relic The People's Government Shiku Temple and for man-made damage; and (5) preventive protection 2001 Jingchuan Cave Protection Sites of Jingchuan County stone inscriptions measures for wall painting and relievo; County (1) repair warehouse; (2) restore damaged wall; (3) building Subproject Provincial cultural relic Gansu Provincial People's Shiku Temple and Chenghuang Temple 1993 stele pavilion; (4) building environmentally friendly toilets; protection Sites Government stone inscriptions (5) grey brick flooring; and (6) improving drainage facilities; Wangmu Palace Stone National cultural relic State Administration of Shiku Temple and 6th batch Increasing waste treatment facilities Cave protection sites Cultural Heritage stone inscriptions 95 3.7 Social Baseline Socioeconomic status of counties ( districts) where the subprojects are located is provided in Table 3.7-1. Table 3.7-1 Social Development Overview Urban per Proportion of Latest GDP Population GDP per Fiscal Revenue Percentage of GDP Population capita Rural per capita Proportion of Tourist Income Name Area (km2) ( hundred Density capita (hundred million Generated by Three (10,000) Income Income (Yuan) Minorities (% ) in Total GDP million Yuan) (people/km2) (Yuan), Yuan) Industries (Yuan) (%) 1. Pingliang City 11325 350.53 208.67 184 16776 46.28 24.3:38.3:37.4 19086 5395 7.3 16.06 1) Kongtong District 1808 89.85 47.08 260 21387 5.79 16.2:26:57.8 17853 6691 29 28.16 2) Jingchuan County 1409.3 51.04 35.87 255 17999 3.8567 35.5:25.2:39.3 17158 5480 0.5 4.3 3) Zhuanglang 1553 35.57 45.08 290 9286 1.66 34.16:26.55:39.29 18752 4596. 0.25 9.28 County 2. Longnan City 27923 262.9 257 92 10229 49.28 25.2:26.4:48.4 17001 4023 2.2 15 1) Tanchang County 3331 18.9 30.8 92 6236 1.65 26:22.3:51.7 16990 3234 2.57 28.7 2) Kang County 2958 15.29 20.32 67 7524 0.31 26.1:32.1:41.8 14958 3278 3.5 19.62 3. Linxia Autonomous Prefecture 1) Hezheng County 960 11.4055 21.14 220 5395 1.8012 31.4:20.7:47.9 12525 3394 56.2% 52.53% Note: The data comes from National Economic and Social Development Statistics Communique in 2014 of each county (district). 96 Pursuant to Table 3.7-1, population density in the project areas (ranging from 67 to 290 people/km²) is higher than that in Gansu Province (57 people/km²). Of all the districts (counties) in the project areas. Per capita GDP in the project areas (ranging from 5,395 to 21,387 Yuan) is lower than that in Gansu Province (26,427 Yuan), indicating that the project aeras are relatively poor areas in Gansu Province. Fiscal revenue in the Project areas ranges from 31 to 385.67 million Yuan. Of all the districts (counties), Kongtong District ranks first while Kang County comes last. Percentage of GDP generated by the primary industry in the project areas ranges from 16.2% to 35.5%, higher than that in Gansu Province (13.2%), indicating that these areas have a traditional economic structure with agriculture still taking a larger share; percentage of GDP generated by the secondary industry in the project areas ranges from 20.7% to 32.1%, lower than that in Gansu Province (42.8%); percentage of GDP generated by the tertiary industry ranges from 39.29% to 57.8%. With the excpetion of Hezheng County and Kongtong District, tertiary industry in 4 districts has lower percentage of GDP than that in Gansu Province (44.0%); tourism contributes to 4.3%-52.53% of total GDP in the project areas. Of all the districts (counties), Hezheng County ranks the first in terms of the percentage of GDP generated by tourism. Urban per capita income in the project areas (ranging from 12,525 to 18,752 Yuan) is lower than that in Gansu Province (20,804 Yuan). Rural per capita income in the project areas ranges from 3,234 to 6,691 Yuan. Except for Kongtong District, 5 districts (counties) have lower rural per capita income than that in Gansu Province (5,736 Yuan). The proportion of ethnic minorities in the project areas ranges from 0.25% to 56.2%. Except for Hezheng County and Kongtong District, 4 districts (counties) in these areas have lower proportions than that in Gansu Province (8.69%). Hezheng County has the highest proportion of ethnic minorities among all 6 districts (counties) with Hui people being dominant in terms of number of people. 3.8 Monitoring and Evaluation of Baseline Environment Quality 3.8.1 Monitoring of Baseline Environment Quality 3.8.1.1 Point distribution, timing and methodology for atmospheric monitoring 2-3 atmospheric monitoring points would be set up for each subproject. See Table 3.8-1 for specific locations of monitoring points. 97 Sampling was conducted for 7 consecutive days (at least 20 hours per day) to get the daily mean concentration of PM10; sampling was conducted for 4 times per day respectively at 2:00, 8:00, 14:00 and 20:00 for at least 45 minutes each time to get hourly concentration of SO2 and NO2 . The sampling was conducted according to the analytic methods as stipulated in Section 6.2 of the Technical Specifications for Environmental Monitoring and Ambient Air Quality Standards published by State Environmental Protection Administration of PRC (GB3095- 2012). 3.8.1.2 Point distribution, timing and methodology for surface water monitoring Monitoring points would be set up for each subproject and a qualified environmental monitoring company would be engaged to conduct sampling and analysis. See Table 3.8-2 for arrangement of monitoring points. Monitoring was conducted once a day for 3 consecutive days. It was conducted according to the requirements as stipulated in Technical Specifications for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis and Methodology for Water and Wastewater Monitoring (the fourth edition) issued by State Environmental Protection Administration of PRC. 3.8.1.3 Point distribution, timing and methodology for groundwater monitoring Monitoring pointswould be set up for each subproject and a qualified environmental monitoring company would be engaged to conduct sampling and analysis. See Table 3.8-3 for arrangement of monitoring points. Monitoring Frequency: once It was conducted according to the requirements as stipulated in Technical Specifications for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis and Methodology for Water and Wastewater Monitoring (the fourth edition) issued by State Environmental Protection Administration of PRC. 3.8.1.4 Point distribution, timing and methodology for acoustic monitoring 98 Monitoring points would be set up for each subproject and a qualified environmental monitoring company would be engaged to conduct sampling and analysis. See Table 3.8-4 for arrangement of monitoring points. Monitoring was conducted twice a day respectively at daytime and night for 2 consecutive days. The monitoring was conducted according to the measuring methods as stipulated in Quality Standards for Acoustic Environment (GB3096-2008) and Industrial Enterprises Noise Emission Standards (GB12348-2008). 3.8.2 Evaluation of of Baseline Environment Quality 3.8.2.1 Evaluation of baselineatmospheric environment (1) Evaluation factors Evaluation factors for the quality of baselineatmospheric environment are: SO2 ,NO2 ,PM10 ,TSP. (2) Evaluation methods The single standard index method was adopted to evaluate urrent atmospheric quality, namely: Iij= Cij /Csi In this formula: Iij——“iâ€?th pollutant, index of “jâ€?th monitoring point; Cij——“iâ€?th pollutant, average monitoring value of “jâ€?th monitoring point (mg/m3); Csi——evaluation standard for “iâ€?th pollutant (mg/m3). (3) Evaluation standards Normal pollutants at the locations of each subproject are SO2, NO2, PM10 and TSP. Each subproject would be implemented in accordance with relevant standards as stipulated in 99 Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB3095-2012). See Table 1.4-1 for specific standard values. See Table 4.1-3 for evaluation results. 100 Table 3.8-1 Results of Ambient Air Quality Assessment NO2 SO2 PM10 PM2.5 TSP Subproject Location Evaluation Item Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Daily Average Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.018-0.05 0.029-0.042 0.008-0.041 0.019-0.032 0.041-0.048 0.028-0.034 0.102-0.118 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Category I Maximum Exceeding Jingle Palace 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.09-0.25 0.362-0.525 0.053-0.273 0.38-0.64 0.82-0.96 0.8-0.971 0.85-0.983 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.026-0.075 0.045-0.061 0.024～0.049 0.035-0.046 0.041-0.048 0.028-0.033 0.109-0.118 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Kongtong Mountain Category I Maximum Exceeding Xigou Village 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Subproject Standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.13-0.375 0.56-0.762 0.08-0.46 0.7-0.92 0.82-0.96 0.8-0.942 0.908-0.983 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.021-0.057 0.034-0.047 0.012-0.047 0.74-0.48 0.042-0.048 0.029-0.033 0.104-0.119 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Tanzheng Category I Maximum Exceeding Lake Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.105-0.285 0.425-0.587 0.08-0.313 0.48-0.74 0.84-0.96 0.828-0.942 0.867-0.992 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard 101 NO2 SO2 PM10 PM2.5 TSP Subproject Location Evaluation Item Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Daily Average Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.025-0.061 0.039-0.046 0.017-0.046 0.028-0.036 0.041-0.048 0.022-0.031 0.106-0.118 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.5 0.15 0.15 0.75 0.3 (mg/m3) Category II Maximum Exceeding Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.125-0.305 0.488-0.575 0.034-0.092 0.187-0.24 0.273-0.32 0.029-0.041 0.353-0.393 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.032-0.068 0.046-0.053 0.026-0.063 0.036-0.042 0.041-0.049 0.025-0.034 0.102-0.117 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.5 0.15 0.15 0.75 0.3 (mg/m3) Jingchuan County Shuiquansi Category II Maximum Exceeding Subproject Village Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.16-0.34 0.575-0.663 0.052-0.126 0.24-0.28 0.273-0.327 0.033-0.045 0.34-0.39 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.025-0.064 0.037-0.049 0.015-0.048 0.027-0.039 0.040-0.047 0.025-0.032 0.106-0.114 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.5 0.15 0.15 0.75 0.3 (mg/m3) Luohandong Category II Maximum Exceeding Village Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.125-0.32 0.463-0.613 0.03-0.096 0.18-0.26 0.267-0.313 0.033-0.213 0.353-0.38 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Yunya Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.015-0.038 0.026-0.033 0.005-0.028 0.016-0.023 0.040-0.047 0.022-0.032 0.106-0.118 Temple 102 NO2 SO2 PM10 PM2.5 TSP Subproject Location Evaluation Item Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Daily Average National Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 Forest Park (mg/m3) Maximum Exceeding Category I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standards Standard Index 0.075-0.19 0.325-0.413 0.033-0.187 0.32-0.46 0.80-0.94 0.063-0.091 0.883-0.983 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.018-0.049 0.031-0.037 0.008～0.039 0.021-0.027 0.039-0.049 0.028-0.034 0.107-0.119 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Qianshanmen Tourist Category I Maximum Exceeding Zhuanglang County Service Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Subproject Center Standard Index 0.09-0.245 0.388-0.463 0.053-0.260 0.42-0.54 0.78-0.98 0.080-0.097 0.892-0.992 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.029-0.071 0.042-0.051 0.019-0.061 0.032-0.041 0.039-0.048 0.028-0.034 0.107-0.117 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Shiqiao Category I Maximum Exceeding Village Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.145-0.355 0.525-0.638 0.127-0.407 0.64-0.82 0.78-0.96 0.080-0.097 0.892-0.975 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.005-0.007 0.005-0.024 0.013-0.016 0.007-0.013 0.033-0.037 0.017-0.02 0.064-0.072 Kang County Category I Laojiangba Subproject Standards Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) 103 NO2 SO2 PM10 PM2.5 TSP Subproject Location Evaluation Item Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Daily Average Maximum Exceeding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.06-0.09 0.025-0.12 0.26-0.32 0.01-0.03 0.66-0.74 0.49-0.57 0.53-0.6 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.017-0.048 0.008-0.029 0.016-0.018 0.009-0.017 0.041-0.049 0.03-0.033 0.113-0.119 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Category I Maximum Exceeding Yangba Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.21-0.6 0.04-0.15 0.32-0.36 0.02-0.03 0.82-0.98 0.86-0.94 0.93-0.99 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.007-0.037 0.008-0.027 0.013-0.021 0.019-0.022 0.041-0.048 0.025-0.033 0.104-0.118 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.035 0.12 (mg/m3) Category I Maximum Exceeding Yaping Village 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.035-0.185 0.1-0.338 0.087-0.14 0.38-0.44 0.82-0.96 0.714-0.923 0.867-0.983 Tanchang County Subproject Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.005-0.026 0.013-0.021 0.017-0.025 0.023-0.025 0.042-0.048 0.026-0.031 0.101-0.112 Xinping Category I Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.035 0.12 Village Standards (mg/m3) Maximum Exceeding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) 104 NO2 SO2 PM10 PM2.5 TSP Subproject Location Evaluation Item Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Hourly Average Daily Average Daily Average Standard Index 0.025-0.13 0.163-0.263 0.113-0.167 0.46-0.50 0.84-0.96 0.743-0.886 0.842-0.933 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Hezheng County Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.005ND-0.012 0.003ND-0.007 0.007ND-0.011 0.004ND-0.006 0.028-0.049 0.015-0.027 0.047-0.087 Subproject Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.35 0.12 (mg/m3) Songmingyan Category I Maximum Exceeding Scenic Area Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.013-0.06 0.019-0.088 0.023-0.073 0.04-0.12 0.56-0.98 0.043-0.077 0.392-0.725 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Monitoring Value (mg/m3 ) 0.005ND-0.015 0.005-0.009 0.007ND-0.014 0.004ND-0.006 0.104-0.142 0.071-0.082 0.154-0.229 Evaluation Standards 0.2 0.08 0.5 0.15 0.15 0.75 0.3 (mg/m3) Songmingyan Category II Maximum Exceeding Scenic Area Standards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.013-0.075 0.063-0.113 0.007-0.028 0.013-0.04 0.693-0.947 0.095-0.109 0.513~0.763 Level of Compliance Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard 105 3.8.2.2 Assessment of Baseline Surface Water Environment Quality (1) Assessment standards and methods Standards for assessment: Water standards for each subproject are detailed in Table 1.4-2 according to "Gansu Province Surface Water Function Zoning (2012-2030)". Methods for assessment: According to the monitoring results and standard index methods, water quality parameters are evaluated individually. The formula is as follows: Ci , j Si , j = Csi In this formula: Si,j -- the standard index of water quality parameter i at point j, dimensionless; Si,j≥1 means exceeding the standard, otherwise it doesn't exceed; Ci, j-- monitoring value of water quality parameter i at point j, in mg / L; Csi-- standard value of water quality parameter i, in mg / L. Where, standard index of pH is: 7.0 − pH j pH j − 7.0 S pH , j = S pH , j = 7.0 − pH sd (pHj7.0) pH su − 7.0 (pHj> 7.0) In this formula: SpH,j-- standard index of water quality parameter pH at point j; pHj - pH value at point j; pHsu——the upper limit of pH value prescribed in surface water quality standards; pHsd——the lower limit of pH value prescribed in surface water quality standards. (2) Monitoring results and baseline assessment Water quality monitoring and assessment results of the project are listed in Table 3.8-2. 106 Table 3.8-2 Baseline Surface Water Environment Quality Monitoring and Assessment Results (mg / L) Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Monitoring value 8.3-8.35 7.68-7.96 6.06-12.6 1.52-3.28 0.079-0.131 0.012-0.022 0.01-0.04 0.015-0.026 0.81-0.96 330-1400 Standards for - ≤5 ≤20 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.05 ≤0.05 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤10,000 assessment Maximum Category â…¢ Exceeding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tanzheng Lake standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.66-0.69 1.536-1.592 0.303-0.63 0.253-0.547 0.079-0.131 0.24-0.44 0.2-0.8 0.075-0.13 0.81-0.96 0.033-0.14 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Kongtong Mountain Monitoring value 8.21-8.27 7.83-7.94 5.07-5.25 1.28-1.46 0.104-0.136 0.012-0.016 0.01 0.014-0.017 0.87-0.92 330-340 Subproject Standards for - ≤5 ≤20 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.05 ≤0.05 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤10,000 assessment Maximum Yanzhi River Exceeding Category â…¢ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate standards (%) 0.2535- Standard Index 0.62-0.66 1.566-1.588 0.213-0.243 0.104-0.136 0.24-0.32 0. 0.07-0.085 0.87-0.92 0.033-0.034 0.2625 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.30 ~8.33 7.81-7.90 5L 1.16-1.32 0.186-0.194 0.02 0.02 0.018-0.020 0.39-0.43 20 Zhuanglang Category â…¡ Standards for Yunya River 6-9 ≤6 ≤15 ≤4 ≤0.5 ≤0.1 ≤0.05 ≤0.1 ≤0.5 ≤2,000 County Subproject standards assessment Maximum 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exceeding 107 Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.65-0.67 0.30-0.32 0 0.29-0.33 0.37-0.39 0.20 0.40 0.18-0.20 0.78-0.86 0.01 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.33-8.38 7.81-7.98 11.1-12.8 3.86-4.07 0.198-0.206 0.02 0.02 0.021-0.026 0.90-0.93 60-70 Standards for 6-9 ≤5 ≤20 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 0.05 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤10,000 assessment Maximum South Shuiluo Category â…¢ Exceeding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 River standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.67-0.69 0.31-0.33 0.56-0.64 0.64-0.68 0.20-0.21 0.10 0.40 0.11-0.13 0.90-0.93 0.006-0.007 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.25 ~8.29 8.03-8.05 6.06-6.91 1.97-2.14 0.216-0.236 0.01-0.02 0.02-0.03 0.027-0.029 0.44-0.47 90-120 Standards for 6-9 ≤6 ≤15 ≤4 ≤0.5 ≤0.025 0.05 ≤0.1 ≤0.5 ≤2,000 assessment Maximum Zhulinsi Category â…¡ Exceeding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reservoir standards Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.63-0.65 0.34 0.40-0.46 0.49-0.54 0.43-0.47 0.40-0.80 0.40-0.60 0.27-0.29 0.88-0.94 0.05-0.06 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.14-8318 8-8.06 12.6-15.2 4.67-4.92 0.638-0.7 0.12-0.14 0.03-0.04 0.035-0.039 0.91-0.94 2200-2800 108 Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Standards for 6-9 ≥5 ≤20 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 0.05 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤10,000 assessment Maximum Exceeding Jing River (Cross 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Category â…¢ Standard Rate Section of standards (%) Wanyan Village) Standard Index 0.57-0.59 0.06-0.08 0.63-0.76 0.78-0.82 0.64-0.70 0.60-0.70 0.60-0.80 0.18-0.20 0.91-0.94 0.22-0.28 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.03-8.05 7.97-8.05 11.4-13.9 3.86-4.04 0.73-0.771 0.15-0.16 0.03-0.05 0.044-0.05 0.94-0.97 9200-9200 Standards for 6-9 ≥5 ≤20 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 0.05 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤10,000 assessment Maximum Jingchuan County Jing River (Cross Category â…¢ Exceeding Subproject Section of 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 standards Standard Rate Luohandong) (%) Standard Index 0.52-0.53 0.07-0.09 0.57-0.70 0.64-0.67 0.73-0.77 0.75-0.80 0.60-1.0 0.22-0.25 0.94-0.97 0.92-0.92 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.09-8.12 7.91-8.01 11.5-12.2 4.1-4.21 0.675-0.694 0.11-0.14 0.03-0.04 0.03-0.034 0.9-0.94 5400-9200 Standards for 6-9 ≥5 ≤20 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 0.05 ≤0.2 ≤1.0 ≤10,000 assessment Rui River (Cross Section of Category â…¢ Maximum Wangmu standards Exceeding Palace) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.55-0.56 0.08-0.11 0.58-0.61 0.68-0.70 0.68-0.69 0.55-0.70 0.60-0.80 0.15-0.17 0.90-0.94 0.54-0.92 109 Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.33-8.43 5.73-5.78 17.2-18.4 5.95-6.59 0.46-0.471 0.08-0.09 0.01L 0.018-0.02 11.2-11.5 9200 Standard Index 0.665-0.715 1.33-1.405 1.147-1.227 1.488-1.468 0.92-0.942 0.8-0.9 / 0.18-0.2 22.4-23 4.6 Above-standard 0 100 100 100 0 0 0 0 100 100 Rate (%) Upstream of Category â…¡ Minjiang River standards Maximum times beyond - 0.405 0.227 0.468 - - - - 22 3.6 standards Level of Up to Above- Above- Up to Up to Above- Above- Above-standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Concentration 8.16-8.27 5.05-5.1 25.2-26.8 3.25-3.87 0.639-0.649 1.6-1.63 0.01L 0.019-0.021 15.2-15.5 16000 range Tanchang County Standard Index 0.58-0.635 2.35-2.425 1.680-1.787 0.813-0.968 1.278-1.298 16-16.3 / 0.19-0.21 30.4-31 8 Subproject Above-standard 0 100 100 0 100 100 0 0 100 100 Downstream of Category â…¡ Rate (%) Min River standards Maximum times beyond - 1.425 0.787 - 0.298 15.3 - - 30 7 standards Level of Up to Above- Above- Above- Up to Up to Above- Above- Up to standard Above-standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Concentration 8.33-8.42 6.74-6.79 16.1-17.2 2.85-3.23 0.125-0.127 0.014-0.019 0.01L 0.02-0.022 0.73-0.77 1600 range Category â…  Guan‘e Gully Standard Index 0.665-0.71 1.852-1.912 1.073-1.147 1.425-1.615 0.833-0.847 0.700-0.950 / 0.4-0.44 3.65-3.85 8 standards Above-standard 0 100 100 100 0 0 0 0 100 100 Rate (%) 110 Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Maximum times beyond - 0.91 0.147 0.615 - - - - 2.85 7 standards Level of Up to Above- Above- Up to Up to Above- Above- Above-standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Concentration 8.29-8.37 6.24-6.31 15.8-16.4 2.9-3.27 0.044-0.049 0.14-0.15 0.01L 0.025-0.027 0.8-0.84 9200 range Standard Index 0.645-0.685 2.428-2.512 1.053-1.093 1.45-1.635 0.293-0.327 7-7.5 / 0.5-0.54 4-4.2 46 Above-standard 0 100 100 100 0 100 0 0 100 100 Rate (%) Daheba Gully Category â…  standards Maximum times beyond - 1.512 0.093 0.635 - 6.5 - - 3.2 45 standards Level of Up to Above- Above- Up to Up to Above- Above- Above-standard Up to standard Above-standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Concentration 8.16-8.3 6.84-6.91 15.2-15.8 3.1-3.26 0.096-0.107 0.09-0.1 0.03-0.04 0.021-0.023 0.82-0.86 1600 range (mg/L) Standard Index 0.58-0.65 1.708-1.792 1.013-1.053 1.55-1.63 0.64-0.713 4.5-5 0.6-0.8 0.42-0.46 4.1-4.3 8 Above-standard 0 100 100 100 0 100 0 0 100 100 Category â…  Rate (%) Ming Lake standards Maximum times beyond - 0.792 0.053 0.63 - 4 - - 3.3 7 standards Level of Up to Above- Above- Above- Up to Up to Above- Above- Above-standard Above-standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Concentration 8.18-8.31 6.72-6.78 15.1-15.6 3.4-3.41 0.113-0.127 0.1-0.11 0.01L 0.02-0.022 0.94-0.97 3400 Category â…  range (mg/L) E'man Lake standards Standard Index 0.59-0.655 1.864-1.936 1.007-1.04 1.7-1.705 0.753-0.847 5-5.5 / 0.4-0.44 4.7-4.85 17 111 Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Above-standard 0 100 100 100 0 100 0 0 100 100 Rate (%) Maximum times beyond - 0.936 0.04 0.705 - 4.5 - - 3.85 16 standards Level of Up to Above- Above- Up to Up to Above- Above- Above-standard Up to standard Above-standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 7.87-8.11 7.8-7.94 8.41-17.1 2.18-3.1 Not detected 0.03-0.04 0.01-0.04 0.15-0.23 0.47-0.51 1400-2800 (mg/L) Standards for assessment 6-9 ≤5 ≤15 ≤6 ≤1.0 ≤0.2 ≤0.05 ≤0.2 ≤0.5 ≤2000/L (mg/L) Kang County Yangba River Category â…¡ Maximum Subproject (Meiyuan River) standards Exceeding 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 17 50 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.44-0.56 0.10-0.14 0.59-1.14 0.36-0.52 0.01 0.15-0.20 0.20-0.80 0.08-0.12 0.95-1.01 0.70-1.40 Level of Up to Up to Above Up to Up to Above Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Above standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.26-8.36 8.38-8.79 6.8-8.62 0.7-0.96 0.108-0.13 0.012-0.014 0.04L 0.005L 0.111-0.19 40 Standards for 6-9 ≥7.5 ≤15 ≤2 ≤0.15 ≤0.02 ≤0.05 ≤0.05 ≤0.2 ≤200 assessment Xiaoxia River Hezheng County (Cross Section Category â…  Maximum Subproject of Songming standards Exceeding Rock) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate (%) Standard Index 0.63-0.68 0.48-0.65 0.45-0.57 0.35-0.48 0.72-0.87 0.60-0.70 0.40 0.002 0.56-0.95 0.20 112 Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Water Area Item pH DO COD Petroleum Sulfide Total nitrogen Fecal coliform index nitrogen phosphorus Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring value 8.18-8.3 8.38-8.98 6.43-7.21 0.71-0.91 0.314-0.336 0.013-0.015 0.04L 0.005L 0.403-0.49 40-50 Standards for 6-9 ≥6 ≤15 ≤4 ≤0.5 ≤0.1 ≤0.05 ≤0.1 ≤0.5 ≤2,000 assessment Danancha River Maximum (Cross Section Exceeding of Daxia River Category â…¡ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Standard Rate and Xiaoxia standards (%) River confluence) Standard Index 0.59-0.65 0.26-0.41 0.43-0.48 0.18-0.23 0.63-0.67 0.05-0.15 0.40 0.03 0.81-0.98 0.02-0.03 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard 113 3.8.2.3 Assessment of BaselineGroundwater Environment Quality (1) Assessment standards and methods Standards for assessment: According to "Gansu Province Surface Water Function Zoning (2012-2030)", the location of the project is "buffer zone of Jing River in Gansu and Ningxia" with Category â…¢ water body as the target water quality. See Table 2.2-4. Methods for assessment: According to the monitoring results and standard index methods, water quality parameters are evaluated individually. The formula is as follows: Ci , j Si , j = Csi 7.0 − pH j pH j − 7.0 S pH , j = (pHj≤7.0) S pH , j = (pHj＞7.0) 7.0 − pH sd pH su − 7.0 In this formula: Si,j -- the standard index of water quality parameter i at point j, dimensionless; Si,j≥1 means exceeding the standard, otherwise it doesn't exceed; Ci, j-- monitoring value of water quality parameter i at point j, in mg / L; Csi-- standard value of water quality parameter i, in mg / L. Where, standard index of pH is: 7.0 − pH j pH j − 7.0 S pH , j = S pH , j = 7.0 − pH sd (pH ≤7.0) pH su − 7.0 (pH 7.0) j j In this formula: SpH,j-- standard index of water quality parameter pH at point j; pHj - pH value at point j; pHsu——the upper limit of pH value prescribed in surface water quality standards; pHsd——the lower limit of pH value prescribed in surface water quality standards. (2) Monitoring results and baseline assessment Water quality monitoring and assessment results of the project are shown in Table 3.8 114 Table 3.8-3 Baseline Groundwater Environment Quality Monitoring and Assessment Results (mg / L) Total Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Waters Item Sulfate chloride Nitrate Nitrite Iron Lead hardness index nitrogen coliforms Monitoring 279 76 - 0.56 2.01 0.003 0.062 0.03 0.01 <3.0 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¢ standards Tanzheng Lake Standard Index 0.62 0.304 - 0.187 0.100 0.15 0.31 0.1 0.2 - Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Kongtong Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Mountain Subproject Monitoring 274 113 - 1.14 2.04 0.003 0.069 0.03 0.010 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¢ standards Xigou Village Standard Index 0.61 0.452 - 0.38 0.102 0.15 0.345 0.1 0.2 0 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 179 107 21.8 0.87 3.3 0.003L 0.052 0.04 0.010L 3 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¢ standards Wanyan Village Standard Index 0.4 0.43 0.02 0.29 0.17 0.08 0.26 0.13 0.3 0.5 Jingchuan County Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Subproject Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 448 78 75.9 1.68 14.8 0.003L 0.094 0.03L 0.010L 3 value Category â…¢ standards Shuiquan Temple Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment 115 Total Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Waters Item Sulfate chloride Nitrate Nitrite Iron Lead hardness index nitrogen coliforms Standard Index 0.99 0.31 0.02 0.56 0.74 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.3 0.5 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 444 97 68.1 0.56 3.96 0.003L 0.082 0.05 0.010L 3 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 Luohandong assessment Category â…¢ standards Village Standard Index 0.99 0.39 0.02 0.19 0.2 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.3 0.5 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 357 63 15.5 2.74 7.40 0.003L 0.179 0.03 0.010L 3 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¢ standards Shiqiao Village Standard Index 0.79 0.25 0.06 0.91 0.37 0 0.90 0.1 0 0 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Zhuanglang Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard County Subproject Monitoring 310 44 12.6 2.92 4.87 0.003L 0.158 0.03L 0.010L 3 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¢ standards Fomen Gully Standard Index 0.69 0.18 0.05 0.97 0.24 0 0.79 0 0 0 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring Luren Village 137 21 10L 0.76 1.52 0.001L 0.02L 0.03 0.010L 3 value 116 Total Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Waters Item Sulfate chloride Nitrate Nitrite Iron Lead hardness index nitrogen coliforms Tanchang Standards for ≤150 ≤50 ≤50 ≤1 ≤2 ≤0.001 ≤0.02 ≤0.1 ≤0.005 ≤3 County assessment Subproject Category â…  Standard Index 0.913 0.42 / 0.76 0.76 / / 0.3 / / Standards Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 143 23 10L 0.83 1.87 0.001L 0.02L 0.03L 0.010L 3 value Standards for ≤150 ≤50 ≤50 ≤1 ≤2 ≤0.001 ≤0.02 ≤0.1 ≤0.005 ≤3 Category â…  assessment Xinping Village Standards Standard Index 0.953 0.46 / 0.83 0.935 / / / / / Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 146 24 10L 0.91 1.75 0.001L 0.02L 0.03L 0.010L 3 value Standards for ≤150 ≤50 ≤50 ≤1 ≤2 ≤0.001 ≤0.02 ≤0.1 ≤0.005 ≤3 Category â…  assessment Guan'e Village Standards Standard Index 0.973 0.48 / 0.91 0.875 / / / / / Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 50 16 10L 1.12 0.36 0.003L 0.056 0.04 0.03L 3 value Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 Kang County assessment Category â…¢ standards Zhuangke Village Subproject Standard Index 0.11 0.06 0.02 0.37 0.02 0.08 0.28 0.13 0.30 0.50 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard 117 Total Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Waters Item Sulfate chloride Nitrate Nitrite Iron Lead hardness index nitrogen coliforms Monitoring 42 15 10L 0.74 2.04 0.003L 0.025L 0.03L 0.03L ＜3 value Standards for Yangba Town ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¢ standards Standard Index 0.09 0.06 0.02 0.25 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.30 0.50 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 49 14 10L 0.56 1.76 0.003L 0.025L 0.03L 0.03L ＜3 value Category â…¢ standards Standards for ≤450 ≤250 ≤250 ≤3.0 ≤20 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.3 ≤0.05 ≤3.0 assessment Yinbazi Standard Index 0.11 0.06 0.02 0.19 0.09 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.30 0.50 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 227 67 11.54 0.66 0.44 0.03L 0.025L 0.03L 0.05L 3 value Standards for ≤300 ≤150 ≤150 ≤2.0 ≤5 ≤0.01 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.01 ≤3.0 Songmingyan assessment Category â…¡ standards Scenic Area Standard Index 0.76 0.45 0.03 0.33 0.09 0.15 0.63 0.08 0.5 0.5 Hezheng Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to County Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Subproject Monitoring 258 21.29 10.38 0.64 0.48 0.03L 0.025L 0.03L 0.05L 3 value South Category â…¡ standards Songmingyan Standards for ≤300 ≤150 ≤150 ≤2.0 ≤5 ≤0.01 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.01 ≤3.0 Town assessment Standard Index 0.57 0.09 0.02 0.21 0.02 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.3 0.5 118 Total Permanganate Ammonia Total Subproject Waters Item Sulfate chloride Nitrate Nitrite Iron Lead hardness index nitrogen coliforms Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard Monitoring 233 21.7 11.47 0.71 0.47 0.03L 0.025L 0.03L 0.05L 3 value Standards for North ≤300 ≤150 ≤150 ≤2.0 ≤5 ≤0.01 ≤0.02 ≤0.2 ≤0.01 ≤3.0 assessment Category â…¡ standards Songmingyan Town Standard Index 0.52 0.09 0.02 0.24 0.02 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.3 0.5 Level of Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to standard Up to standard Compliance standard standard standard standard standard standard standard standard 119 3.8.2.4 Assessment of Baseline Acoustic Environment Quality Table 3.8-4 Monitoring and Assessment Results of Baseline Acoustic Environment Quality Monitoring value Amount exceeding standards dB (A) Acoustic Standard value Subproject Monitoring point Environment December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 Function Zoning Daytime Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Xiangshan Temple Category 1 49.6 36.2 48.7 38.2 55 45 - - - - Kongtong Mountain Subproject Xigou Village Category 1 50.3 40.9 41.4 39.5 55 45 - - - - Wanyan Village Category 2 49.8 41.9 47.2 39.6 60 50 - - - - Jingchuan County Shuiquansi Village Category 2 58.3 48.3 54.5 47.2 60 50 Subproject Luohandong Category 2 51.0 39.8 50.4 38.7 60 50 - - - - Village Yunya Temple National Forest Category 0 34.2 30.1 35.0 31.3 50 40 - - - - Park Zhuanglang County Qianshanmen Subproject Tourist Service Category 1 44.4 35.1 45.3 36.7 55 45 - - - - Center Shiqiao Village Category 1 35.1 30.2 36.0 32.3 55 45 - - - - Guan'e Village Category 1 54.7 43.4 53.4 43.7 55 45 - - - - Tanchang County Subproject Washeping Village Category 1 53.3 42.9 53.6 43.5 55 45 - - - - 120 Monitoring value Amount exceeding standards dB (A) Acoustic Standard value Subproject Monitoring point Environment December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 Function Zoning Daytime Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Lijie Village Category 1 53.4 44.7 54.1 44.5 55 45 - - - - Luren Village Category 1 54.8 42.7 53.1 42.9 55 45 - - - - Daheba Village Category 1 54.5 43.3 54.0 44.1 55 45 - - - - Xinping Village Category 1 53.5 43.3 54.7 42.5 55 45 - - - - Yaping Village Category 1 52.9 41.1 52.1 42.4 55 45 - - - - Xinchengzi Village G212 1st floor of the first row of Category 4a 61.5 54.1 64.9 55.0 70 55 - - - - houses in the south Xinchengzi Village inner side 200m Category 1 53.4 42.8 54.1 41.6 55 45 - - - - from the south of G212 Yangba Village Category 1 53.9 40 53.4 44.5 55 45 - - - - Kang County Yinba Village Category 1 47.4 39.4 47.1 41.6 55 45 - - - - Subproject Zhengjiahe Category 1 46.3 39 46.9 39.9 55 45 - - - - 121 Monitoring value Amount exceeding standards dB (A) Acoustic Standard value Subproject Monitoring point Environment December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 Function Zoning Daytime Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Tuya Category 1 46.5 37.5 34.3 33.4 55 45 - - - - Xiamajia Category 1 45.7 35.2 34.4 35.8 55 45 - - - - Aihewan Category 1 38.6 37.3 31.7 35.2 55 45 - - - - Laojiangba Category 1 41.3 36.9 31.6 30.3 55 45 - - - - Yinbali Category 1 38.9 37.3 32.8 30.8 55 45 - - - - Youfangba Category 1 35 37.1 30.2 28.7 55 45 - - - - Liujiaba Category 1 33.5 33.6 33.5 28 55 45 - - - - Yinbazi Category 1 42.4 39.3 40.1 41 55 45 - - - - Hongrui Jiayuan Residential Category 1 55.9 49.1 56.7 48.7 55 45 0.9 4.1 1.7 3.7 Compound Hezheng County Subproject Zhongxin Village Category 1 52.0 39.0 50.5 38.8 55 45 - - - - Diaotan Village Category 1 43.8 37.8 43.3 37.7 55 45 - - - - 122 Monitoring value Amount exceeding standards dB (A) Acoustic Standard value Subproject Monitoring point Environment December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 December 25, 2015 December 26, 2015 Function Zoning Daytime Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Day Nighttime Songmingyan Category 0 37.1 30.7 38.3 30.3 50 40 - - - - Scenic Area 123 3.8.3 Assessment Conclusion (1) According to baseline monitoring results, the daily average amount of PM10, PM2.5 and TSP, and the hourly and daily average amount of SO2 and NO2 in the project areas meet corresponding standards of Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012). The baseline ambient air quality in the project areasis good. (2) Baseline surface water environment monitoring results show that as villages and scenic areas in the areas of Tanchang County Subprojecthave no drainage facilities, residents and visitors' sewage have been discharged into the nearest natural environment, causing serious river pollution and water eutrophication, so the surface water there exceeds the standards. With the exception of Kang County Subproject whose three monitoring factors of TN, COD and fecal coliform are above standards, surface water factors of all remaining subprojects meet corresponding standards of Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards (GB3838-2002). (3) According to the monitoring results, environmental quality of groundwater in the project areas meets Groundwater Quality Standards (GB / T14848-93). (4) According to the monitoring results, affected by traffic and social life in the surrounding areas, noise in Hongrui Jiayuan Residential Compound exceeds the standard by a certain margin. The other sensitive points meet corresponding standards of Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (GB3096- 2008). 124 Chapter 4 Assessment of Environmental Impacts during Construction The Project would be implemented mainly in scenic areas and involve nature reserves, scenic areas, protected water source sites, forest parks, geological parks, wetlands and other ecologically sensitive areas. Land occupation by relevant works and noise, waste gas, wastewater and solid waste generated during construction would have some impacts on ecological environment, atmospheric environment, acoustic environment and water environment in the project areas. These impacts are analyzed below. 4.1 Impacts on Ecologically Sensitive Areas The project areas include nature reserves, scenic areas, protected water source sites, forest parks, geological parks, wetlands and other ecologically sensitive areas. The relationship between six subprojects and ecologically sensitive areas is shown in Table 3.5-1. 4.1.1 Relevant Laws and Regulations Relevant national and Gansu provincial laws and regulations include the following requirements for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas: 4.1.1.1 Relevant laws and regulations on nature reserves 1. Provisions of Regulations on Nature Reserve Protection Article 18 Nature reserves can be divided into core areas, buffer areas and experimental areas. Within the nature reserves, a well-preserved ecological system in natural status and concentrated habitats of rare and endangered animal and plant species shall be classified as core areas, which any organization and individual must not access; except upon approval under Article 27 of these Regulations, scientific research activities are also banned. 125 A certain area of the peripherals of the core areas can be classified as buffer areas, where only scientific research and observation activities are allowed. Areas outside of the buffer areas shall be classified as experimental areas, where scientific experiments, teaching and internship, visits and examination, tourism and domestication and breeding of rare and endangered wild animals and plants are allowed. A certain area in the peripherals of the nature reserves can be classified as peripheral reserves, if considered necessary by the local governments that have approved establishment of the nature reserves. Article 26 Unless otherwise provided by laws and administrative regulations, it is prohibited to carry out deforestation, husbandry, hunting, fishing, herb gathering, wasteland reclamation, burning, mining, stone collection and sand excavation activities in nature reserves. Article 27 Individuals are banned from entering core areas of nature reserves. Where access to the core areas is necessary for scientific research, observation and investigations, an application and plan shall be submitted to the administrative authority of the nature reserve and shall be approved by the administrative authority of the people's government on nature reserves at or above the provincial level; access to the core areas of national nature reserves shall be subject to approval by the administrative authority on nature reserves under the State Council. Where it is necessary for the aboriginal residents of the core areas of nature reserves to move out, these aboriginal residents shall be resettled by the local governments of the nature reserves. Article 28 It is prohibited to carry out tourism, production or operation activities in the buffer areas of the nature reserves. Where access to the nature reserves is necessary for non-damaging scientific research, teaching and internship and specimen collection, an application and plan shall be submitted to and approved by the administrative authority of the nature reserve. Any organization and individual engaged in the aforesaid activities shall submit a copy of the results of their activities to the administrative authority of the nature reserve. 126 Article 29 For visits and tourist activities in the experimental areas of national nature reserves, the administrative authorities of the nature reserves shall propose a plan, which shall be submitted to the administrative authority on nature reserves under the State Council after review by the administrative authorities on nature reserves under the people's government at the provincial, municipal and autonomous region levels. 2. Provisions of Regulations of Gansu Province on Nature Reserve Protection The Regulations of Gansu Province on Nature Reserve Protection has the same division of nature reserves as the Regulations on Nature Reserve Protection. Regulations of Gansu Province include the following additional requirements for nature reserve protection: Article 17 Residents in the nature reserves shall observe the rules of the nature reserves, engage in production and living activities without damaging the environmental resources, and assist the administrative authority in nature protection. Article 18 To carry out tourism activities in the experimental areas of nature reserves at provincial, prefecture, municipal (regional), county and municipal (district) levels, the administrative authority of the nature reserve shall propose a plan, which shall be submitted to and approved by the administrative authority on nature reserves under the provincial government. For visit and tourism in the experimental areas of nature reserves, the administrative authority shall carry out stringent supervision and take effective measures to prevent damage to the natural environment and resources. Article 19 Domestic and foreign groups, economic entities and individuals may invest in projects related to protection of environmental resources in the experimental areas of nature reserves and shall be entitled to relevant preferential policies. Participation in the said investment activities shall be subject to review by the administrative authority of the nature reserve and submitted to and approved by the administrative authority of nature reserves under the State Council or provincial government. Article 20 Projects in the peripherals of nature reserves must not impair the environmental quality within the nature reserves. 127 Article 21 Within nature reserves, it is prohibited to: 1) Carry out deforestation, husbandry, hunting, fishing, herb gathering, wasteland reclamation, burning, mining, stone collection and sand excavation activities, unless otherwise provided by laws and regulations; 2) Dump waste; 3) Discharge sewage. 4.1.1.2 Laws and regulations on scenic area reserves 1. Provisions of the Regulations on Scenic Areas Article 26 Within scenic areas, it is prohibited to: 1) Carry out activities that damage landscape, vegetation and terrains, such as creation of mountains, quarrying, mining, land reclamation and building of tombs and monuments; 2) Build storage facilities of explosive, combustive, radioactive, toxic and corrosive articles; 3) Scrape and vandalize scenic spots or facilities; Article 27 It is prohibited to set development zones or build hotels, guesthouses, training centers, rehabilitation centers and other buildings irrelevant to the protection of scenic spots in the core areas of the scenic spots in violation of the planning of the scenic spots; any such facilities that have already been built shall be gradually relocated. Article 30 Construction projects in the scenic areas shall comply with the planning of the scenic areas and be compatible with the landscape, and must not disrupt the landscape, pollute the environment or hinder sightseeing. Where construction activities are carried out in scenic areas, the owner and the construction contractor shall prepare a plan for pollution prevention/treatment and water/soil preservation and take effective measures to protect the landscapes, waters, forestry/grass/vegetation, wild animals and terrains in the surroundings. 128 2. Provisions of Gansu Regulations on Scenic Areas Gansu Regulations on Scenic Areas has the following additional requriemetns for protecting scenic areas: Article 17 It is prohibited to transfer scenic resources and areas. Article 21 Collection of species specimen, wild herbs and other byproducts of the forest shall be restricted within scenic areas. Where such collection is necessary, approval of the administrative authority of the scenic areas shall be acquired, and the approval formalities shall be completed as required by relevant laws and regulations of the state; where key protected wild plants are to be collected, the collection license shall be obtained under law, and collection shall be carried out at designated locations to a limited extent. Article 22 Within scenic areas, it is prohibited to: 1. Use the land in the scenic area without legal permission; 2. Deforest or damage ancient and famous trees; 3. Smoke or use fire in areas where fire use is banned; 4. Hunt or hurt protected wild animals; 5) Engage in husbandry against law; 6)Carry out any other activities that damage the landscape, ecology and environmental health. 4.1.1.3 Relevant laws and regulations on water source protection areas 1. Provisions of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Treatment Article 57 It is prohibited to set sewage outlets in drinking water source protection areas. 129 Article 58 It is prohibited to build, renovate or expand any facilities irrelevant to water supply and protection of water source protection areas in Category I drinking water source protection areas; for any existing buildings irrelevant to water supply and protection of water source protection areas, the people's government at or above the county level shall order demolition or shut-down. It is prohibited to carry out any activities that may pollute the drinking water in Category I drinking water source protection areas, such as cage culture, sightseeing, swimming or fishing. Article 59 It is prohibited to build, renovate or expand any facilities that produce pollutants in Category II drinking water source protection areas; for any existing buildings that produce pollutants, the people's government at or above the county level shall order demolition or shut-down. It is prohibited to carry out any activities that may pollute the drinking water in Category II drinking water source protection areas, such as cage culture and sightseeing, for which measures shall be taken to protect the drinking water source from being polluted. 2. Provisions of the Administrative Regulations Pollution Prevention and Treatment in Drinking Water source protection areas Law of the People’s Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control has the following additional requirements for protecting water source sites: Article 8 Certain water and land areas near the water source intake are classified as category-1 drinking water surface source reserves. The water quality of category-1 reserves must not be lower than the level-II standard in the Environmental Quality Standards of Surface Water and shall comply with the requirements of the Sanitation Standards of Living and Drinking Water. Article 9 Certain water and land areas outside of the category-1 drinking water source protection areas are classified as Category II drinking water surface source reserves. The water quality of Category II reserves must not be lower than the level-III standard in the Environmental Quality Standards of Surface Water. The water quality of category-1 reserves shall meet relevant standards. Article 10 Certain water and land areas outside of the Category II drinking water source protection areas are classified as pro-reserves of drinking water surface source. The 130 water quality standards of pro-reserves shall be such as to ensure the water quality of Category II reserves meet the specified standards. Article 11 Within the pro-reserves of all categories of drinking water source protection areas, it is prohibited to: 1. Carry out any activity that damages the ecological balance of the water environment or damages the water source forest, protected belt and vegetation related to water source protection; 2. Dump industrial waste, urban waste, excretion and other waste to water bodies 3. In principle, transport vessels and vehicles of toxic/hazardous substances, oil and excretion may not enter the reserves, and where entry is necessary, prior approval of the competent authority shall be obtained, with registration completed and measures taken to prevent penetration, overflow and leakage. 4. Use highly toxic and residual pesticides, or abuse fertilizers, or use explosives and drugs for fishing. Article 12 Within all levels of drinking water source protection areas and pro-reserves, the following rules apply: Within Category II reserves, it is prohibited to build or expand facilities that discharge waste to waters. For renovated facilities, discharge of pollutants must be reduced; effluent at the original sewage outlets must be reduced to ensure water quality in the reserves meets the specified standards; it is prohibited to set up wharfs for loading/unloading waste, excretion, oil and toxic substances. 4.1.1.4 Laws and regulations on forest parks 1. Provisions of the Administrative Measures for National Forest Parks Article 18 Within national forest parks, it is prohibited to: 1) Engage in unauthorized collection of flowers, trees and herb plants; 2) Illegally hunt and kill wild animals; 131 3) Doodle or taint trees, rocks, relics and tombs; 4) Damage or relocate facilities in the parks without authorization; 5) Discharge domestic sewage and liquid/gaseous waste without treatment, dump garbage, residues, waste and other pollutants; 6) Smoke in areas other than the designated smoking zones, or use fire, burn candles and set fireworks or firecrackers in areas other than the designated zones; 7) Set booths to sell commodities; 8) Encircle, fill, block or intercept natural water systems without authorization; 9) Engage in any other activities prohibited by laws and regulations. 2. Provisions of Administrative Regulations of Gansu Province on Forest Parks Gansu Provincial Regulations has the same provisions as National Regulations on the Protection of Forest Parks. 4.1.1.5 Laws and Regulations on Geological Parks Provisions of the Administrative Regulations on Geological Relic Protection Article 11 Division of degrees of protection: Category-1, Category II and category-3 protection can be provided for the geological relics in the reserves. Category-1 protection: Category-1 protection is provided for extremely rare international or domestic geological relics with important scientific value, and approval is mandatory for access to such relics. Upon approval of the administrative authority of geological mines under the people's government setting the geological relic reserve, visits, scientific research or international exchange events can be organized. Category II protection: Category II protection is provided for geological relics with important scientific value in a large area. Upon approval of the administrative authority of geological mines under the people's government setting the geological relic reserve, scientific research, teaching, academic exchange or proper tourism activities are allowed. Category 3 protection: Category 3 protection is provided for geological relics with certain value. Upon approval of the administrative authority of geological mines under the 132 people's government setting the geological relic reserve, tourism activities can be organized. Article 17 No organization or individual may engage in activities that may affect the geological relics in the reserves, such as quarrying, soil borrowing, mining, grazing and deforestation. Without approval of the administrative authority, it is prohibited to collect specimen and fossils in the reserves. Article 18 It is prohibited to build factories or other structures not related to the protection of geological relics; existing buildings that may pollute or damage the geological relics shall be rectified or relocated within a deadline. Article 19 The administrative authority may approve scientific research, teaching and tourism activities within the reserves depending on the degree of protection of the geological relics. A copy of the research findings shall be submitted to the administrative authority for archiving. 4.1.1.6 Laws and Regulations on Wetland Reserves 1. Provisions of the Administrative Provisions on Wetland Protection Article 31 Unless otherwise provided by laws and regulations, it is prohibited to: 1) Reclaim wetland, or engage in husbandry and fishing; 2) Fill or drain wetland or change its purpose without authorization; 3) Use or intercept the water source of the wetland; 4) Excavate sand, borrow soil or build mines; 5) Discharge domestic sewage and industrial wastewater; 6) Ruin the habitats of wild animals and the return passages of fish, collect wild plants or hunt wild animals; 7) Import alien species; 8) Engage in any other activities that damage the wetland and its ecological function. 133 Article 32 Construction projects shall not occupy or shall occupy little wetland. Where it is necessary to occupy any wetland, the wetland user shall complete relevant formalities and provide compensation. 2. Administrative Measures for National Wetland Parks (Trial) Article 14 National wetland parks can be divided into wetland culture zones, restoration and reconstruction zones, publicity and exhibition zones, reasonable utilization zones and administrative service zones, which are subject to differentiated administration. Except necessary administrative activities for protection and monitoring in the wetland nurturing zone, no activities unrelated to the protection and administration of the wetland ecological system are allowed. Only wetland nurturing and restoration activities are allowed in the restoration and reconstruction zone. Ecological exhibition and science popularization education can be carried out in the publicity and exhibition zone. Tourist activities that do not damage the wetland ecological system are allowed in the reasonable utilization zone. Administration, reception and service activities are allowed in the administration and service zones. 3. Provisions of Regulations of Gansu Province on Wetland Protection Article 9 It is prohibited to carry out human activities that may damage the wetland, such as land reclamation, excavation, hunting, burning, mining and blasting. It is prohibited to build any non-protective facilities that intercept, collect or discharge water in and outside of the wetland reserve. Without approval of the wetland administrative authority at or above the county level, it is prohibited to build any structures within 50m from the natural waterways in the wetland reserve and the verge of the wetland. Article 10 It is prohibited to discharge wastewater or dump waste in the wetland reserve or protective peripherals thereof. It is prohibited to build new production facilities in the wetland reserve. For existing production facilities, the exhaust level shall meet the national standards, otherwise such facilities shall be relocated within a deadline. 134 Article 11 It is prohibited to put any chemicals that endanger the water and aquatic creatures within 100m from the verge of the wetland. When placing drugs in the scope of the wetland, the health authority shall take precautionary measures along with the local administrative authority, to prevent damage to the biological resources in the wetland. Article 12 It is prohibited to introduce any hazardous species into the wetland. Article 13 In wetland that serves as the habitats of migrants, the scope of protection shall be determined, with special protection measures in specific seasons. Article 14 Exploitation of wetland resources shall be subject to the plan on wetland resource protection. It is prohibited to change the basic function of the wetland ecological system, or overuse resources beyond their renewal capacity or cause permanent damage to the wild animals and plants, or damage the habitats and living environment of wild animals and plants. 4.1.2 Relationship between Kongtong Mountain Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, Kongtong Mountain Subproject would involve four ecologically sensitive areas: Kongtong Mountain Nature Reserve, Kongtong Mountain Secnic Area, Kongtong Mountain Geological Park and Yangzi Village Drinking Water Source Protection Area. Relationship betweenthe Subproject and these sensitive areas is indicated in Figure 2.2-1. Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, no construction activities would be carried out in the core and buffer areas of Kongtong Mountain Nature Reserve and only protection infrastructure would be built in the experimental area of the reserve. Therefore, the subproject complies with the requirements of the Regulations on Nature Reserves and the Administrative Regulations of Gansu Province on Nature Reserves. 135 Under the subproject, some construction activities would be carried out in Category I, II and III reserves of Kongtong Mountain Geological Park. Construction activities in these reserves would not involve blasting, deep excavation and other activities that may harm the Danxia landform. Therefore, the subproject meets the requirements of the Administrative Regulations on Geological Relic Protection. The subproject is located in Kongtong Mountain. During construction, there would be no deep excavation, blasting or felling of trees. Therefore, the subproject complies with relevant requirements of the Regulations on Scenic Areas and the Administrative Regulations of Gansu Province on Scenic Areas. The subproject is adjacent to Yangzi Village Drinking Water Source Protection Area with the nearest distance being about 250m. There would be no construction activities in the area, or activities banned by the Law of the People's Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control and the Administrative Regulations on Prevention and Management of Pollution in Drinking Water Source Protection Areas. Therefore, the project meets relevant laws and regulations. 4.1.3 Relationship between Jingchuan County Subproject and Water source Protection Area Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, buried water supply pipeline under the subproject is located in the Yangliuwan Category II groundwater source protection area. There would be no activities prohibited by the Law of the People's Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control and the Administrative Regulations on Prevention and Management of Pollution in Drinking Water Source Protection Areas. 4.1.4 Relationship between Zhuanglang County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, the subproject would involve four sensitive areas, namely, Yunya Temple National Forest Park, Yunya Temple Provincial Scenic Area, Yunya Temple Provincial Geological Park and Zhulinsi Reservoir Water Source Protection Area. See Figure2.2-3 for the locational relationship between the subproject and the above sensitive areas. 136 All works under the subproject are located in Yunya Temple National Forest Park and Yunya Temple Provincial Scenic Area. The subproject would only include construction of protection infrastructure and there would be no activities prohibited by the Administrative Measures for National Forest Parks and the Administrative Regulations of Gansu Province on Forest Parks or activities prohibited by National Regulations on Scenic Areas and Gansu Provincial Regulations on Scenic Areas. Therefore, implementation of the subproject meets relevant requirements of these regulations. The subproject is also located in the Category I, II and III protected areas of Danxia landform in the Yunya Temple Provincial Geological Park.There would be no blasting, deep excavation and other activities that may harm Danxia landform. Therefore, the subprojectmeets the requirements of the Administrative Regulations on Geological Relic Protection. Some works under the subproject are located in the Category IIwater source protection area of Zhulinsi Reservoir, but there would be no construction, improvement and expansion of facilities discharging pollutants. Therefore, the subproject meets the Law of the People's Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Controland the Administrative Regulations on Prevention and Management of Pollution in Drinking Water Source Protection Areas. 4.1.5 Relationship between Kang County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, the subproject would involve two sensitive areas, namely, Gansu Giant Salamander Nature Reserve and Meiyuan River Wetland Park. The relationship between the subproject and these sensitive areas is shown in Figure 2.2-4. Meiyuan River Scenic Area wood patrol access, firefighting access from Yinbazi to the Xiaomomo Mountain are located in the buffer zone of the Giant Salamander Nature Reserve, and therefore do not meet the requirements of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Nature Reserves. The reserve is currently undergoing adjustment. After the adjustment, the section of the Yangba River from Liujiaba to Yangba Town and the Taiping River would be located in the experimental area, and therefore the trails and plank road. After adjustment, the above works would be located outside the reserve and would meet the requirements of Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Nature 137 Reserves.The locational relationship between the subproject and the reserve before and outside the adjustment is shown in Figure 4.1-1. Under the subproject, Meiyuan River Scenic Area wood patrol access is located in the rational utilization area of Meiyuan River Wetland Park and would meet the requirements of the Administrative Regulations on Wetland Protection, the Administrative Measures for National Wetland Parks (Trial) and the Regulations of Gansu Province on Wetland Protection. 138 Figure 4.4-1 Relationship between Kang County Subproject and Nature Reserve before and after Adjustment 139 4.1.6 Relationship between Tanchang County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, the subproject would involve three sensitive areas, namely, Gansu Guan’e Gully National Forest Park, Guan’e Gully National Geological Park and Guan’e Gully water source site. The relationship between the subproject and these sensitive areas is shown in Figure 2.2-5. Additional 21km-long 10KV power cable, Leigu Mountain Trail collapse disaster control and Daheba Zhima River-Eman Tianchi Section landslide disaster control are located in the Category II reserve of the forest park and other construction activities are located in Category III reserve of the park. There would be no blasting, deep excavation and other activities that may harm the landform. Therefore, the subproject meets relevant requirements of Administrative Regulations on Geological Relic Protection. Under the subproject, the works nearest to the Guan’e Gully water source site is laying of new sewers and is 720m away from the downstream of Guan ’e Gully. Therefore, the subpoject meets relevant requirements of Law of the People ’s Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control and Administrative Regulations on Pollution Prevention and Control in Drinking Water Source Protection Areas. 4.1.7 Relationship between Hezheng County Subproject and Ecologically Sensitive Areas Pursuant to Table 3.5-1, the subproject would involve two sensitive areas, namely, Taizi Mountain National Nature Reserve and Gansu Hezheng Ancient Animal Fossil National Geological Park. The relationship between the subproject and these sensitive areas is shown in Figure 2.2-6. Under the subproject, there would be no construction activities in the core and buffer areas of Taizi Moutain Nature Nature Reserve and only protection infrastructure would be built in the experimental area of the reserve. Therefore, the 140 subproject meets relevant requirements of National Regulations on the Protection of Nature Reserves and Gansu Provincial Regulations on Protection of Nature Reserves. The subproject is also locaatedf in the Category IIIreserve of Hezheng Ancient Animal Fossil National Geological Parkand would not involve blasting, deep excavation and other activities that may harm the landform. Therefore, the subproject meets relevant requirements of Administrative Regulations on Geological Relic Protection. 4.2 Impacts on Eco-environment Main activities of the project destroying eco-environment in the project areas are: subgrade excavation of road works, trench excavation and backfill of pipeline works, building works, landscape works, ancillary works, excavation of subgrade padding field, noise of construction machinery, daily activities of construction personnel, etc. For the road works, excavation of subgrade and subgrade padding field directly causes change of local landform features, soil degradation and stripping of surface weathered zone (detrition belt); construction works and landscape works would directly destroy vegetation within the land scope and in the surroundings; temporary land occupation of trench excavation and backfill of pipeline works would destroy ground vegetation and original ground surface. In addition, treading of staff and rolling of construction machinery would also cause vegetation deterioration and water and soil erosion within a certain area. 4.2.1 Impacts on Landforms and Soil in the Prorject Areas The proposed subprojects are distributed in different areas of Gansu Province. See the table below for the different landforms involved. Table4.2-1 Landform Type of Each Subproject SN Subproject Landform Type Mountain landforms of Liupanshan Mountains 1 Kongtong Mountain Subproject and the landform unit of its eastern Loess Hill 2 Jingchuan County Subproject Gully areaof Loess Hill 141 3 Zhuanglang County Subproject Gully area of Loess Plateau Kang County Yangba Heritage 4 Mountain valley Protection Subproject 5 Tanchang County Subproject Mountain valley 6 Hezheng County Subproject High mountains and valley terrace During implementation of the project, main activities affecting landform types include: building works, road works (including firefighting access, trail, etc.), pipeline works, etc. Elimination of the surface soil layer and destruction of ground vegetation within the operation area directly affects stripping of surface weathered zone (detrition belt) in the project areas, weakening of the ability to resist external environment disturbance on local land system, and reduction of original surface stability. In addition, during the project implementation, surface occupation would also cause disturbance on landforms. Excavation of earth-rock, rolling of transport vehicles and treading of construction personnel, etc. would cause loss of surface covered layer, increase of surface fragmentation, increase of bare land, destruction of native vegetation, and change of original landform features. During the construction of new roads works and pipeline works, it would first excavate 10-15cmsurface regolith along the selected line. Nearly all vegetation on the soil surface are destroyed, and surface soil property changes to a certain extent. Although there is no vegetation in the project areas for construction of buildings and structures, excavation of foundation would destroy the soil. See Table4.2-2 for land occupation types of all subprojects. Table 4.2-2 Statistics for Land Occupation Situation of Each Subproject (mu) Waste Construction Paddy Subproject Woodland Grassland Total land land Field Kongtong Mountain 72.17 9.18 43.99 125.34 Subproject 142 Jingchuan County 6.24 36.4 58.35 100.99 Subproject Zhuanglang County 227.98 227.98 Subproject Kang County Subproject 3.9 55.74 215.33 274.97 Tanchang County 1.44 1.44 Subproject Hezheng County 25.68 4.26 41.17 71.11 Subproject Based on analysis on the nature and characteristics of the project, potential impacts of subproject implementation on the development and utilization of land resources mainly include: 1. During project implementation, use of various construction machinery and equipment, driving of transport vehicles, activities of construction personnel, etc. would cause treading, rolling and surface excavation on the land, destroy the original land to a certain extent, and change current landforms and land use types in the project areas. 2. After completion of the project, with reconstruction of surface configuration and construction of scenic spot protection facilities in the scenic areas, and buildings and infrastructure in the management service area, land use nature and structure in the project areaswould change. 4.2.2Impacts of Water and Soil Erosion Water and soil erosion of the project mainly occurs within the construction period of road works and infrastructure, and its degree is mainly controlled by construction period, bare area after surface excavation, wind speed, etc. 143 Impacts of water and soil erosion of the project construction mainly exists in construction period, earth-rock phase of buildings and structures such as building works, road works (including fire fighting access, trial, etc.), pipeline works and ancillary works, and material obtaining phase of subgrade padding field. See Table4.2-3 for specific water and soil erosion quantity. Table 4.2-3 Water and Soil Erosion Quantity of Each Subproject during Construction Period Construction period Land occupation Subproject area/km2 Quantity of water Erosion and soil erosion modulus/t/km2a /t Kongtong Mountain Subproject 0.084 1600 133.697 Jingchuan County Subproject 0.067 1600 107.723 Zhuanglang County Subproject 0.152 1600 243.180 Kang County Subproject 0.018 1250 22.914 Tanchang County Subproject 0.0008 1250 1.0 Hezheng County Subproject 0.047 1600 75.851 Possible hazards due to water and soil erosion caused by the project mainly include: 1. Destroying land resources and plant resources: Project construction changes land use structure, meanwhile affects vegetation growth, and changes landform and landscape ecology. 2. Intensifyingwater and soil erosion 144 According to the results of prediction of increased water and soil erosion quantity, disturbed area of the project is small. Construction activities damage ground vegetation, destroy surface crust, and cause water and soil erosion easily in case of strong wind. In order to reduce a series of impacts on eco-environment caused by water and soil erosion, effective measures shall be taken to control water and soil erosion and reduce its adverse environmental impacts. 4.2.3Analysis of Impacts on Vegetation Destruction Main factors causing destructios to vegetation during project construction include excavation of subgrade, trench excavation of pipeline works, occupied transport road, human activities, etc., and disturbance of various activities on the surface to some extent. The degree of destructive impacts on ecological system depends on different operating intensity and duration. Excavation surface of subgrade and trench is covered with earth, which affects normal growth of vegetation in the project areas, causes poor growth or death of xerophytes, and reduction of vegetation area in local area. Vegetation within the disturbed scope of subproject construction is common and widely distributed plant species, rather than rare and endangered species. The degree of vegetation destruction depends on different operating areas and thickness of surface soil. Vehicle rolling, walking and rest and other activities of crowd wouldtrample onand destroy vegetation within the occupation range and in the surroundings, causing poor growth and death. Vegetation loss area caused by linear works accounts for a very small proportion in the same kind of vegetation form along the line. Therefore, occupation of land of the project has minimal impacts on quantity of vegetation resources along the line, only causing reduction of partial biomass along the line, with little impacts on destruction of regional ecological integrity. In a word, there is narrow vegetation coverage and scarce plant species in the surroundings of construction scope, and there are no national key protected plant resources, so main environmental impacts of the project after vegetation destruction is destruction of sandy crust, bare surface, increased fugitive dust and new sand-dust source. Plant species affected by the project are widely distributed in 145 the project areas, and they are common species. Therefore, project construction would only reduce the quantity of the affected species in the area without species extinction. It would not cause reproductive isolation and habitat fragmentation of species, or affect natural connection and spread of them. After the project construction completion, renovate and restore the disturbed land to make vegetation distribution gradually restore to natural state, and gradually restore and improve eco-environment of this region. 4.2.4 Analysis of Impacts on Wild Animals Road works, pipeline works, landscape works and building works of the projectwould destroy the original natural environment features to some extent, and thus destroy habitats of wild animals. Intensified human activities such as construction activities, machine running and frequent vehicle driving would affect habitat, foraging and other activities of wild animals. I. Analysis of impacts on habitat of wild animals Way of construction impacts on protected wild animals mainly includes activity and operating noise of construction teams. Disturbance of these factors would narrow habitat space of wild animals. All human activities during construction may disturb partial living environments of animal species, and thus obviously reduce habitats of wild animals. In this region, if human activities cause habitat fragmentation, animals around may be forced to migrate to the south of the scenic area. Therefore, it shall work out the solution for strictly controlling human activity intensity and time arrangement during construction. In the meantime of preventing construction personnel from arbitrarily hunting wild animals, one of the problems that should be solved carefully during project construction is to strive to prevent the construction and operation activities from seriously disturbing normal living of wild animals. II. Analysis of impacts on foraging of wild animals 146 Although there are few kinds of valuable and rare and endangered animal species with regionally important protection values in the project areas due to sparse vegetation and distant water sources, the several animal species impose high requirements on habitats. These animal species always need continuous and large low-yielding desert as their foraging fields, need to build dens in quiet areas far away from human activities, and need to drink water in the place with pore water. Project construction activities in the project areaswould disturb living environments of the above animal species to some extent, and thus causing habitat fragmentation. Land occupation scope of the project construction is small, the impactscope is relatively small, and the impacts on foraging of wild animals are minimal. III. Impacts on animal diversity Protected animals of importance in the project construction range are mainly birds and beasts. They are vigilant inherently, and sensitive to the change of living environments. Project construction changes their living environments to some extent. But they have a large range of activity and strong migration abilities, and would look for similar habitats which are widely distributed in surroundings easily. Project construction only affects part of their activity scopes, so species and quantity of wild animals would not be affected obviously, not to speak of the species composition and structure. 4.3 Impacts on Atmospheric Environment During the construction of the project, main factors polluting ambient air are construction fugitive dust, asphalt smoke, fuel exhaust gas and organic exhaust gas. 1. Fugitive dust During the construction of the project, dust pollution is mainly from: Dust from earthwork excavation, stacking, clearing and transport, backfill and site leveling, etc.; dust-raised pollution caused in the process of handling, transporting and stacking building materials such as cement and sand due to wind effect; ground dust caused 147 by driving of transport vehicles; fugitive dust caused by stacking, clearing and transport of construction waste. During construction, sprinkle water for 4-5 times a day on the road where vehicles pass, to control dust and reduce dust to about 70%, and shorten the TSPpollution distance to 20-50m. Therefore, the effective way to reduce dust raised by vehicles is to limit the driving speed and keep the surface clean, and meanwhile sprinkling water on the road. The effective way to control this kind of dust is to reduce open stacking of building materials and earthworks, and guarantee a certain moisture content. 2. Asphalt fumes Asphalt fumes are generated during asphalt pavement construction, with pollutants composed of THC, CO and NO2. Since the asphalt concrete used for project construction is finished product directly purchased, there is no concrete batching plant and asphalt mixing plant set at the construction site. Thus, asphalt fumes are mainly generated during road pavement in the phase of construction, and asphalt would get solid soon after the pavement. Therefore, the impacts of asphalt fumes is within a limited range mainly surrounding the construction site. 3. Fuel oil exhaust gas It mainly includes exhaust gas from machinery and equipment used for construction, such as the bulldozer and various transport vehicles, with main pollutants composed of SO2, NO2, NmHc, etc. Pollution is sourced from disorganized emission of distributed point sources. Wherein, transport vehicles have relatively high liquidity with similar exhaust emission characteristics to those of surface sources, but the total emission is just average. According to data from analyses of similar projects, the concentrations of SO2, NO2 and NmHc are generally lower than the allowable emission concentration, having very little impacts on atmospheric environment. 4. Organic exhaust gas 148 Before the project is completed and put into use, it would go through a short-term phase of concentrated simple decoration and a relatively long-term phase of distributed decoration. Paint exhaust gas would be generated during that time, of which the emission is disorganized. 4.4 Impacts on Acoustic Environment During the project construction, the noise pollution is mainly sourced from various machinery and equipment at the construction site in the noise level of 75-115dB. Though the construction noise is temporary, if no control measures are taken, it usually leads to relatively severe noise pollution for sensitive points such as surrounding villages because of the long period of project construction and common characteristics of construction machinery, such as strong noise and irregularity. According to the provisions in Emission Standards of Ambient Noise at Construction Site Boundary (GB12523-2011), the day noise for boundary of construction site is limited to 70dB (A), while the night noise limit is 55dB (A); for sensitive points such as villages within the area, the standard limits of Category I standard in Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (GB3096-2008) shall be observed that the day noise limit is 55 dB (A), while the night noise limit is 45dB (A). See Table 4.4-1 for the predicted results of noise reduction in different construction phases of the project. Table 4.4-1 Equivalent Sound Level of Noise Caused by Construction Machinery from Different Distance Unit: dB (A) Acoustic Noise limit at environment quality Distance from boundary of construction site (m) boundary of Construction standards for construction site period sensitive points 30 50 80 100 150 200 250 300 Day Night Day Night Earthworks 90.7 86.2 82.2 80.2 76.7 74.2 72.3 70.7 Foundation 97.0 92.5 88.5 86.5 83.0 80.5 78.6 77.0 works 70 55 55 45 Structural works 83.5 79.0 75.0 73.0 69.5 67.0 65.1 63.5 Decoration 93.5 89.0 85.0 83.0 79.5 77.0 75.1 73.5 works Pursuant to the predicted results in Table 4.4-1, if no noise control measures are taken, the noise at boundary of construction site would fail to meet the requirements of Emission Standards of Ambient Noise at Construction Site Boundary 149 (GB12523-2011) during all construction phases. Within the peripheral range of 300m, the noise during all construction phases, especially at night, shall not exceed the limits of Category I standard in Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (GB3096-2008). It is thus clear that considering the relatively high impacts of noise in various construction phases on sensitive points such as villages within the area, necessary protection measures shall be taken if the noise fails to meet Category I standard. Since the construction is temporary, the impacts of construction noise would come to an end as soon as construction is completed. In general, the impacts of construction noise on the environment is acceptable as long as necessary anti-noise facilities are provided, and it is ensured that no construction would be implemented at night and during noon breaks. 4.5 Impacts on Water Environment Impacts on surface water during construction period mainly include impacts of construction wastewater and domestic sewage from construction workers on surface water environment. 1. Construction wastewater The construction wastewater during construction period is mainly sourced from dirty oil leakage and oil dripping of construction machinery, oily wastewater after washing, wastewater after washing of sand and stone materials at the construction site, etc. Dirty oil leakage and oil dripping of construction machinery and oily wastewater after washing mainly include petroleum pollutants, which would cause oil pollution of surface water where the project is located in case of direct discharge without treatment. Because of high content of SS in wastewater after washing of sand and stone materials, the discharge without treatment would increase the turbidity of surface water. In addition, the runoff formed by rainwater flowing through the materials and machinery at the construction site also contains pollutants such as SS and petroleum. 150 The drum and charging bucket of concrete transport vehicles shall be washed once after each shift with water consumption of 2-5m3 for each time. Construction machinery and vehicles shall be washed after the completion of construction of each day with water consumption of 0.5-1m3 for each time for per vehicle. The wastewater contains a large amount of SS at the concentration of 5,000mg/L as estimated. This part of washing wastewater would not be discharged to outside and can be used for blending of materials and repeated utilization after the disposal of sedimentation, oil skimming and organic compounds removal. According to the characteristics of wastewater, the intercepting ditch shall be set surrounding parking lots and material storage yards for intercepting rainfall runoff. Meanwhile, the oil-separating tank and sedimentation tank shall be set within the construction site for conducting treatment of oil-separation and sedimentation to the collected construction wastewater. Then the treated water having relatively little impacts on the surface water environment where the project is located would not be discharged and would be used for watering dust prevention as well as washing of vehicles and machinery. 2. Domestic sewage Domestic sewage: Thedomestic sewage is mainly from construction personnel. The construction period is estimated to be 18months. The 6 subprojects are all in the south of Gansu Province, with the rainfall less than the south but more than northwest of Gansu Province. On the basis of similar project, it is finally estimated in accordance with80L/person/d, and the water drainage is calculated as80% of the water consumption, as a result the domestic sewage quantity is 64 L/person/d. See Table 4.5-1 for domestic sewage quantity of each subproject. According to analogy survey, sewage water quality is: COD 300mg/L, BOD5 180mg/L, SS 220mg/L, NH3-N 35mg/L. See Table 4.5-1 for total amount of pollutants generated by construction. Table 4.5.-1 Sewage Generated by Each Subproject (t/d) Number of Total quantity Construction Generated Treatment SN Subproject construction during the Purpose period (d) quantity (t/d) method personnel construction (t) Kongtong Transfer the Pingliang Tianyu 1 Mountain 120 800 7.68 6144 sewage with fecal Sewage Treatment Subproject suction truck to Plant the municipal 151 Number of Total quantity Construction Generated Treatment SN Subproject construction during the Purpose period (d) quantity (t/d) method personnel construction (t) pipelines of Kongtong Town Treatment by Jingchuan septic-tank and 2 County 80 800 5.12 4096 Irrigate crops oil-separating Subproject tank Treatment by Zhuanglang septic-tank and 3 County 100 800 6.4 5120 Irrigate crops oil-separating Subproject tank Treatment by Tanchang septic-tank and 4 County 100 800 6.4 5120 Irrigate crops oil-separating Subproject tank Treatment by Kang County septic-tank and 5 100 800 6.4 5120 Irrigate crops Subproject oil-separating tank Treatment by Hezheng County septic-tank and 6 100 800 6.4 5120 Irrigate crops Subproject oil-separating tank 7 Total 38.4 30720 According to current arrangements, construction personnel of Jingchuan County Subproject, Zhuanglang County Subproject, Hezheng County Subproject and Tanchang County Subproject would rent nearby houses outside the scenic area, and excavate a septic-tank and an oil-separating tank near the houses. The treated domestic sewage is collected by the villagers for agricultural fertilizer and irrigation, and naturally purified by soil and absorbed by crops, so causing no impacts on surface water environment. It has little impacts on surface water environment in the area. A septic-tank would be set up for Kongtong Mountain Subproject. The generated domestic sewage is transferred to the inspection well of municipal pipelines of Kongtong Town with fecal suction truck every day. The sewage would be finally drained off into Pingliang Tianyu Sewage Treatment Plant, and would not affect surrounding waters. Manure in septic tanks would be cleaned every six months and would be used as fertilizer or transported to domestic garbabe landfill. 4.6 Impacts of Solid Waste 152 Solid waste from engineeringconstruction mainly includes spoil, construction waste and domestic waste of construction workers generated in the process of excavation. 1. Spoil: Clearing of ground surface, earth evacuation, laying of foundation and slope cutting would generate spoil. According to the calculation of design scheme, the total earth excavation quantity is about 36,485 tons, and the backfill quantity is about 25,831 tons and the total amount of spoil is 10,654 tons. No spoil grounds should be set up in the project areas as these areas are located in ecologically sensitive areas. The spoil would transported to nearby construction project sites for reuse and the remaining spoil which cannot be reused would be transported to the construction waste landfill for disposal. See Table 4.6-1 for details. 2. Construction waste: Construction waste mainly includes stone, concrete blocks, bricks, broken tiles, sand, lime blocks, cement blocks, etc. The construction waste quantity is related to construction level, building type and other factors in construction process, with big difference among data. The construction waste quantity is directly related to construction level, management level and building type. It is the waste quantity obtained by building area multiplying the unit area. The waste quantity of a unit area is 0.03t/m2, so the total construction waste quantity is 635t. The construction waste should be conveyed in time, and those not to be conveyed should be covered in time so as to recover the original landform. The waste is not allowed to stack and throw about to avoid secondary pollution. 3. Domestic waste during construction: The domestic waste quantity for each person is calculated according to 0.1 kg/person·day, so the domestic waste quantity during construction is about 39tons. The waste is collected in a unified way, and conveyed in time to nearby domestic waste landfill for disposal. See Table 4.6-1 for details. Table 4.6-1 Summary of Solid Waste Generation of All Subprojects Construction Domestic Destination of Spoil Disposal of spoil and Disposal of domestic SN Subproject Spoil (t) waste (t) waste (t) construction waste waste To be used by Kongtong development projrects Pingliang Pingliang city waste 1 Mountain 1463 8 9.6 Construction Waste of Kongtong Town and disposal site Subproject the remaining spoil is Landfill transported to 153 Pingliang Construction Waste Landfill To be used by development projrects around Luohandong Jingchuan and Wanyan villages Jingchuan County Jingchuan urban 2 County 2131 137 6.4 and the remaining spoil Construction Waste domestic waste Subproject is transported to Landfill landfill site Jingchuan County Construction Waste Landfill To be used by development projrects around scenic areas Zhuanglang Zhuanglang County and the remaining spoil Zhuanglang County 3 County 1764 25 8 Construction Waste is transported to waste landfill site Subproject Landfill Zhuanglang County Construction Waste Landfill To be used by development projrects around scenic areas Tanchang Tanchang County Tanchang County and the remaining spoil 4 County 1540 30 8 Construction Waste domestic waste is transported to Subproject Landfill landfill site Tanchang County Construction Waste Landfill To be used by development projrects around scenic areas Kang County Yangba Kang County and the remaining spoil Yangba Town waste 5 1842 18 8 Town Construction Subproject is transported to Kang landfill site Waste Landfill County Yangba Town Construction Waste Landfill To be used by development projrects around scenic areas Hezheng County Hezheng County and the remaining spoil Hezheng County 6 1914 417 8 Construction Waste Subproject is transported to waste landfill site Landfill Hezheng County Construction Waste Landfill 7 Total 10654 635 48 4.7 Impacts on Cultural Resources 4.7.1 Relevant Laws and Regulations Requirements of relevant national and Gansu provincial laws and regulations on the protection of cultural resources are described below. 4.7.1.1Law of the People's Republic of China on Protection of Cultural Relics 154 Article 7 All government departments, organizations and individuals have the obligation to protect cultural relics pursuant to law. Article 9 People's governments at various levels shall stress the protection of cultural relics, properly handle the relationship between economic construction, social development, and cultural relics protection, and ensure the safety of cultural relics. Infrastructure constructions and tourism development must comply with the principles for the protection of cultural relics, and shall not damage cultural relics. Article 14 The local people's governments at and above the county level of the place where the famous cities, streets, villages and towns of historical and cultural value are located shall organize the formulation of plans for protection of those famous cities, streets, villages and towns, and incorporate that planning into the overall city planning. Article 17 No additional construction projects or operations such as explosion, drilling or excavation, etc. may be undertaken within the scope of protection of a cultural relic protection site. However, if additional construction projects or operations such as explosion, drilling or excavation need to be undertaken within the scope of protection of such a site due to special reasons, the safety of the site must be guaranteed, and approval must be obtained from the people's government which made the original approval and announcement on the designation of the site, with consent first obtained from the department of cultural relics administration of the people's government at the next higher level; If additional construction projects or operations such as explosion, drilling or excavation are to be undertaken within the scope of protection of a major cultural site protected at the national level, approval must be obtained from the people's government of relevant province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government, with consent first obtained from the department of cultural relics administration under the State Council. Article 18 According to the actual needs for the protection of cultural relics and with the approval of the people's government of the province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government, a certain area for construction control may be delimited around a cultural relic protection site and be announced. Construction projects in such an area shall not damage the historical features of the protected historical and cultural site; the project design scheme must, according to the level of the site, be subject to the consent of the 155 corresponding department of cultural relics administration before it is submitted to the departments of urban and rural construction and planning for approval. Article 19 Within the scope of protection and the area for construction control of a cultural relic protection site, no facility that pollutes the site and the environment thereof may be constructed, neither may any activity that may affect the safety and environment of that site be carried out. The existing facilities that pollute protected cultural sites and the environment thereof shall be disposed of within the prescribed time limits. Article 20 Unmovable cultural relics shall be avoided in the choosing construction sites by whatever possible means; if a cultural relic protection site can't be avoided for special circumstances, the original site shall be protected by whatever possible means. Article 21 Repairing of a protected cultural site shall be submitted for approval to the corresponding department of cultural relics administration according to the site's level; repairing of unmovable culture relics which haven't been determined as protected cultural sites shall be submitted for approval to the department of cultural relics administration of people's governments at the county level which accepted the registration. Repairing, removal and reconstruction of a cultural relic protection site shall be undertaken by an entity with the qualification certificate in this regard. The principle of keeping the cultural relics in their original state must be adhered to in the repairing, maintenance and removal of unmovable cultural relics. 4.7.1.2 Gansu Provincial Regulations on Protection of Cultural Relics Article 5 People's governments at all levels shall reasonably use cultural relics resources, encourage and support the social groups to participate in cultural relic protection and utilization. Article 10 Without the approval of cultural relics administration, no building shall be built in the scope of cultural relic protection and controlled region. If such building is indeed needed, the form, height, size and color and other building features shall meet the environment style specified by the cultural relic protection sites. Article 14 The installation of electric devices and fires for production shall be approved by cultural relic protection administration corresponding to the cultural relic protection sites and local fire protection of public security authorities. 156 Article 17 If cultural relics are damaged or destroyed due to any natural or man- made reason, the local government shall timely rescue them. Article 33 Cultural relic protection sites shall take a certain proportion of ticket revenue for repairing, maintaining and managing cultural relics, if applicable. Such expense shall be supervised by the finance administration, and used by the cultural relic protection sites. Cultural relics protection components under the Project would carry out repair and maintenance of original ancient buildings, stone caves and stone inscriptions, which aim to preserve the integrity and authenticity of cultural relics, rationally utilize and strengthen management of cultural relics and extend the existence of cultural relics. These activities would have positive impacts. Through implementing the Project, the above cultural relics would be improved and protected. Therefore, the Project complies with provisions of relevant laws and regulations. The impacts of the project during construction on nearby cultural relic protection units mainly involve domestic sewage and production wastewater, construction dust, noise and vibration, solid waste and landscape, etc., including impacts of construction operation on cultural relic protection units and impacts of repair and maintenance work of cultural relics on surrounding environment. 4.7.2 Domestic Sewage and Production Wastewater It is inevitable to produce certain domestic sewage and production wastewater during construction. The project does not set production site and construction site within the cultural relic protection range during construction, so there is no adverse impacts of domestic sewage and production wastewater on nearby cultural relic protection units during construction. The domestic sewage produced in the repair and maintenance process of cultural relics is collected and disposed of through environmentally friendly toilets in scenic areas. The production wastewater is reused for landscape planting or road watering after being treated through temporary sedimentation tanks. Therefore, the domestic sewage and production wastewater in the project have little impacts on nearby cultural relic protection units. 4.7.3 Construction Fugitive Dust 157 Dust absorbs polluted gases and includes pollutants that may harm cultural relics. The nature and composition of dust differ with regions and sizes of particulates. Falling dust may change or fade colors of cultural relics. Dust is often a good carrier of bacteria and mould. When falling dust in the air combines with moisture and falls on the surface of cultural relics, a film of surface cover that is hard to be cleaned would be fairly suitable for the existence and breeding of microorganism such as bacteria and mould. Thereore, particulates falling on the surface of cultural relics during construction would harm cultural relics. Due to short duration of exposure, such impacts are acceptable for insensitivecultural relics and sites; for sensitive cultural relics and sites, effective protection measures and segregation measures shall be taken during construction to prevent impacts of dust on the surface of cultural relics. Within the protection scope of cultural relics and control area of development activities, construction activities generating large amount of dust are strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, other measures shall be taken to minimize dust, such as strengthening vehicle management, cleaning mud and dust on a periodic basis, keeping road surface clean, spraying water on a periodic basic, and covering up or enclosing transportation vehicles, among others. 4.7.4 Noise and Vibration In construction, main vibration sources are from vibration of different machines in operation, such as excavation, transport, backfill and mixing. Such vibration has features of impacts, discontinuity, etc.; on construction site; there would be different vibration impacts along with work schedule and replacement of construction procedures. Given aging cultural relics lack repairs and are fragible, the harm of vibration on them would be more significant than that on ordinary modern buildings or structures. Kongtong Mountain Subproject would protect and repair ancient buildings and ancient towers and Jingchuan County Subproject would protect and repair frescoes. Equipment to be used during repair would be small hand tools with low vibration and would only have minor impacts on cultural reclics. Remaining construction activities of Kongtong Mountain, Jingchuan County and Zhuanglang County subprojects are distant from cultural relics and large and medium machinery would not be used during construction. Therefore, vibration of such machinery would be low and have minor impacts on cultural relics. 4.7.5 Solid Waste Some domestic waste and construction waste would also be produced in the repair and maintenance process of cultural relics. The domestic waste is collected with 158 waste containers and other methods, and conveyed away regularly; the construction waste is first reused for road bedding in cultural relic scenic spots, and those unable to be reused are stacked in a unified way and conveyed regularly. Therefore, the solid waste in the project has little impacts on the cultural relic protection units. 159 Chapter 5 Assessment of Impacts during Operation Implementation of the Project would not only protect natural heritage in the project areas, but also improve infrastructure in these areas. Nevertheless, rapid increase of tourists to scenic areas and wastewater, solid waste and noise generated by tourists would have some impacts on eco-environment, acoustic environment, water environment and ambient air in the project areas. These impacts are analyzed below. 5.1 Positive Impacts/Induced Impacts First of all, the environmental protection measures taken during project construction include: Sewage treatment facilities, environmentally friendly toilets, garbage clearing and transportation facilities, etc. After the environmental facilities have been constructed, the scenic area would be able to collect and treat the sewage and solid waste generated by the surging number of tourists, so as to achieve the purpose of effectively controlling the impacts of wastewater and solid waste on the environment of the scenic area, as well as to help improving the ecological environment of the scenic area and its surrounding areas. The environmental protection works of various scenic area projects can effectively reduce the negative impacts of project construction on the environment of scenic area. Second, as the numbers of tourists to the scenic areas surge, the demands for service industries would also expand accordingly. This would vigorously promote the development of tertiary industry in the project areas, changing the production and living patterns of some scenic areas. The development of scenic area would urge local residents to transfer from traditional nomad lifestyle to a tourism-based new livelihood, reduce the pressure on local natural environment. This is conducive to the recovery and protection of nature reserves and achieving the objective of restoring and recovering ecological environment. Third, the hardening and construction of community roads facilitate local villagers' production, transportation of farm materials and products, create conditions for the mechanization of rural production, provide favorable conditions for the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies. It is possible to further optimize farming structure, improve the crops yield per unit area and farmers' income, achieve the form conversion of land resources values, stimulate the development of rural industries, and promote the development of rural industrial economy along the roads. Fourth, the project, after construction, would greatly promote the development of tourism in Gansu Province. Residents of project areas may acquire considerable economic incomes 160 by taking part in the development of tourism industry. In this way, they may recognize the correlation between protecting the ecological environment of scenic area and increasing their own incomes; this is conducive to improving the enthusiasm of local residents to participate in maintaining the environment of scenic areas. 5.2 Impacts on Important Ecologically Sensitive Areas 5.2.1Impacts on Nature Reserves Kongtong Mountain Subproject involves Taitong-Kongtong Mountain Nature Reserve; Kang County Subproject involves Giant Salamander Provincial-level Nature Reserve; Hezheng Subproject involves Gansu Taizi Mountain National-level Nature Reserve. For the relationship between all subprojects and nature reserves as well as corresponding impacts, see relevant contents in Sections 4.1.2, 4.1.5 and 4.1.7.Analysis (see detailed analysis in Section 4.1.5) shows that these subprojects only have some components in experiment areas, that there are not any construction content in core areas and buffer areas. At the same time, no construction personnel or tourist is allowed in the core areas of nature reserves during construction period and operation period. Therefore, these subprojects do not have activities that are in violation of relevant requirements of nature reserves. By rationally selecting routes and sites and reasonably configuring construction sites, the constructionactivities of all subprojects have minorimpacts on nature reserves. 5.2.2 Impacts on Scenic Areas Kongtong Mountain Subproject involves Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, Zhuanglang Subproject involves Yunya City Scenic Area. For the relationship between these subprojects and scenic areas as well as corresponding impacts, see relevant contents in Sections 4.1.2 and 4.1.5.Analysis shows that these subprojects do not employ deep excavation or explosion techniques, that all trees have been shunned during construction. Therefore, there are not activities such as cutting down trees that are prohibited by laws, regulations and relevant plans. By rationally selecting routes and sites and reasonably configuring construction sites, the construction activities of all subprojects have minior impacts on scenic areas. 5.2.3 Impacts on Geological Parks Kongtong Mountain, Zhuanglang, Tanchang and Hezheng Subprojects involve 4 geological parks. For the relationship between these subprojects and geological parks as well as corresponding impacts, see relevant contents in Sections 4.1.2, 4.1.4, 4.1.6 and 4.1.7. Analysis shows that these subprojects prohibit all production and construction activities that may harm the landform of Geological Parks. Implementation of these subprojects would not involve blasting, deep excavation and other activities that may harm the landform. After taking the above-mentioned measures, the impacts of subproject construction activities on Geological Parks would be within the controllable scope. 161 5.2.4 Impacts on Forest Parks Main components works in Yunya Temple National Forest Park and Guan'e Gully National Forest Park are protection of cultural relics and infrastructure construction and there would be no activities prohibited by Measures for the Administration of National Forest Parks and Regulations of Gansu Province for Administration of Forest Parks, and satisfy their requirements. For detailed analysis, see Sections 4.1.4 and 4.1.6. 5.2.5 Impacts on Wetland Parks Wood patrol access in Meiyuan River Scenic Area under Kang County Subproject would involve Meiyuan River National Wetland Park. For the relationship between all subprojects and wetland parks as well as corresponding impacts, see relevant contents in Section 4.1.5. Under the subproject, Meiyuan River Scenic Area wood patrol access is located in the rational utilization area of Meiyuan River Wetland Park and would meet the requirements of the Administrative Regulations on Wetland Protection, the Measures for the Administration of National Wetland Parks (Trial) and the Regulations of Gansu Province on Wetland Protection. 5.2.6 Impacts on Drinking Water Source Protection Areas The proposed components of Kongtong Mountain Subproject are only 250 meters from the closest drinking water source protection area; part of the construction contents of Jingchuan Subproject locates in the Category 2 area of underground water source protection area; the planned trails, firefighting access of Zhuanglang Subproject are located in the Category 2 reserve of underground water source protection area, and Tanchang Subproject is 720m away from the downstream of Guan’e Gully water protection area. For the relationship between all subprojects and nature reserves as well as corresponding impacts, see relevant contents in Sections 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4 and 4.1.6. Analysis shows that these subprojects do not have any activity that is in violation of relevant requirements of drinking water source protection areas, and that the construction activities of these subprojects have minor impacts on nature reserves. In conclusion, the project will not convert or affect significantly any critical natural habitats represented by these officially designated protective areas. 5.3 Analysis of Ecological Impacts 162 Ecological impacts during the operation period are mainly the impacts of subprojects on ecological environment and the impacts of tourism activities on ecological environment. Table 5.3-1 List of Subproject Impacts on Ecological Environment Impacts on Impacts on Impacts on Subproject Components Land Area and Type Sensitive Plants Animals Areas Xiangshan Scenic Spot Administration Building, 11.25mu/construction None None None Tourist Collection & land Distribution Center Having some Kongtong impacts on Mountain nature Trail 66.78mu/forest land Occupation Habitat Subproject reserves and Geological Parks 37.12mu/construction Not involving Road hardening land None None sensitive areas Ecological parking lots of None Luohandong Hanjiagou 9.17mu/waste land Occupation None grottoes Jingchuan Trails and plank road of County Luohandong-Hanjiagou 70.3mu/grassland Occupation Habitat Subproject scenic area None Comprehensive administration buildings 0.75mu/waste land Occupation for Luohandong-Hanjiagou None None Renovate the scenic area's tourist service center, and 1.26/construction land Occupation None None newly build the Fogoumen tourist service center Newly build the Fogoumen ecological parking lot and Dasi 3.6/construction land Occupation None None electriccar ecological parking lot Zhuanglang Ecological renovation of None None 5.4/construction land Occupation County parking lot Subproject Build new trails or expand 31.7/forestland Occupation Habitat Yes existing trails Some impacts Build new firefighting on forest park access from Fogoumen to 137.4/forestland Occupation Habitat and Geological Yunya Temple Park Village roads 13.5/construction land Occupation None None Rebuild Dianzixia- 75.1/construction land Occupation None None Yanchangzi firefighting 163 Impacts on Impacts on Impacts on Subproject Components Land Area and Type Sensitive Plants Animals Areas access, rebuild and repair electric car lanes Tanchang County Flush toilet 1.2/forest land Occupation Habitat None Subproject Post on northern ancient 0.46/construction land Occupation None None tea horse route Some impacts Patrol access on the right 29.70/Grassland Occupation Habitatt on wetland bank of Meiyuan River park Trail from Xiaomomo 18.22/Grassland Occupation Habitat Mountain to Nangou Gully None Yangba Scenic Area None 0.60/ construction land Occupation None Administration Building Kang County None Sightseeing platform of Subproject 0.15/ construction land Occupation Habitat Yangba Scenic Area Yinbazi-Xiaomomo Some impacts Mountain firefighting 157.60/Grassland Occupation Habitat on nature access reserve Yinbazi Tourist Service None None 0.75/ construction land Occupation Center Trail from Xiaomomo None 39.51/ Grassland Occupation Habitat Mountain to Nangoukou Yinbazi ecological parking None 3.90/wasteland Occupation None lot Some impacts Scenic area trail 29.94mu/forest land Occupation Habitat on nature Hezheng County reserve Subproject Sewage Treatment Plant 16.75mu/waste land Occupation None None 5.3.1 Assessment of Impacts of Land Use Changes The development and construction of assessment area would definitely lead to changes in land utilization structure, regional environmental quality and other aspects. The project's buildings would be constructed in villages and towns, and the land type is construction land. Trails and firefighting access are to be constructed with existing roads as possible. After construction, land utilization would change greatly. Forest land, farm land, waste grassland, construction land and other lands would reduce accordingly, but the construction land with tourism service facilities would increase accordingly. 5.3.2Assessment of Impacts on Vegetation 164 After the planned project has been constructed, forest land, farm land, waste grassland would reduce accordingly. After the project has been constructed and other lands would reduce accordingly, forest land, farm land, waste grassland would reduce accordingly, but the construction land with tourism service facilities would increase accordingly. Some vegetation, like forest and farmland, would be encroached. Rapid growing population would result in a series of environmental problems. For example, vegetation would change as a result of population increase, especially in areas with concentrated tourist activities. After the roads of subprojects for motor vehicles have been constructed, the number of passing motor vehicles would increase significantly, so would the emission of exhaust. Motor vehicle emissions are mainly particulates. Pollutants with a diameter of less than 10um would do harm to vegetation the both sides of roads. They would be absorbed through pores on the leaf surface of farm crops, reach conduits through the gaps between plant cells, and then be transferred to other parts. Therefore, vegetation's susceptibility to pollutants is closely related to its pore activity rhythm. The pollutant resistance of most vegetation is stronger at night than in daytime. Vegetation is most sensitive to the ambience during blossom period, during which it is also most susceptible. 5.3.3 Assessment of Impacts on Terrestrial Animals I. Impacts on birds The development of assessment area, especial the construction of project areas, is a conversion process from relatively natural land to tourism-oriented land. During the process, birds would be impactsed as follows: (1) Artificial scenes such as buildings gradually substitute for some natural scenes; (2) Frequent tourism activities would impact the living environment of birds; (3) The abundance (number of species) of bird groups and species diversity would decrease as the development and tourism activities increase; as a result, some birds would move to locations far away from human beings. II. Impacts on animal resources Development of the project areas would not only reduce the diversity of animal species, destroy biological resources, but also result in many ecological environment problems; the change of natural habitats, especially area reduction, segmentation, and quality decline, create a large number of secondary environments; as a result, the numbers of pests (insets and rodents) that are accustomed to secondary environments would increase accordingly. 165 The increase of tourism activities would affect and destroy the living environment of animals, whose species abundance and biodiversity would also decrease as tourism activities increase. 5.3.4Ecological Impacts of Tourism Activities When people enter forest tourism areas and enjoy all kinds of exiting activities, they often create negative impacts on the ecological environment, destroying the continuity of some plants and animals growing in forest environment, jeopardizing the material chain of forest ecological system, or even resulting in the deterioration of ecological environment. I. Ecological environment is destroyed (1) Destruction to environmental composition structure After the trails and buildings have been constructed and put into use, the access of tourists would definitely change soil conditions, cause changes in the composition and structure of ecological environment, and influencing the normal growth of various plants. Forest vegetation is the most important condition for developing forest tourism. The treading, collection and destruction by tourists would directly destroy forest vegetation, compromise the abundance, vigor and regeneration capacity of vegetation. If such impacts exceeds forest's carrying capacity, forest vegetation and environment would be destroyed; the tourism and leisure quality would also be compromised, and forest tourism area would also lose its original attraction. (2) Destruction of soil structure The activities of tourists, be it walking, lingering or resting, may result in soil hardening and lowering of water/air permeability, physical and chemical performance, fertility, reduction of air and moisture flow in the soil, and limitation of growth and development of soil organisms. The specific mechanism is that repeated treading would compact soil, remove the organic layer on the surface, reduce water permeation, and result in mud clogging in clay. Treading the wet soil would reduce pore gaps, reduce water content, impacts the survival and growth of soil organisms, and change aerobic bacteria to anaerobic bacteria, compromising soil fertility. Compacted soil would also increase runoff, resulting in water and soil erosion, invasion of organic pollutants and some harmful elements; in this way, the soil structure would be destroyed. All these would impact the evolution, replacement and development of forest vegetation. 166 II. Living habits of organisms would be affefcted In natural world, organisms are interrelated and interact with surrounding non-biological environment, constituting an ecological environment with certain spaces, structures and functions. In forest tourism areas, plants and animals are interdependent. Various types of forest vegetation form an environment for various kinds of wild animals to live and breed in. The access and frequent activities of tourists would disrupt the normal life of wild animals, disturbing their feeding and resting. Brooding adult birds may leave their nests under disturbance, resulting in thermal loss and increasing the danger of baby birds, or even loss of their necessary habitat scope ("territory"). For their own safety, some animals have to escape from their original habitats into deeper forests. This narrows their living radius, and squeezes their living spaces and environments. III. Impacts of tourists' uncivil conducts Tourists' uncivil conductswould compromise the forest environment quality of assessment area. Some individual tourists may hunt, eat or collect rare wild animals and/or plants. Human intervention poses a serious threat to wildlife. Large numbers of tourists swarm into tourism and scenic areas. The uncivil conducts of some tourists, such as hunting and eating rare animals in the tourism area, reduce the numbers of beneficial birds and animals, driving the species and quantities of animals to the edge of distinction. As a result, plant pests and diseases surge, resulting in the widespread death of vegetation. Some tourists pluck and dig rare plants, break branches, leaves, dig seedlings, fungus and tree roots in the tourism areas. These conducts may hinder the growth of plants, artificially decimate the vegetation, or even push them to distinction, resulting in the changes of plant group structure, and compromising the ecological environment and natural scenes of tourism and scenic areas. In peak tourism seasons, especially during traditional temple fares and holidays, the noise created by excessive tourist flows, various types of motor vehicles and firecrackers would disrupt and destroy the harmonious environment consisting of pine ruffling, animal calling, bird chirping and insect singing. IV. Illegal use of fire and discarding of garbage 167 In forest tourism areas, tourists burn incense, picnic and use fire against the regulation may burn large areas of forests, kill forest animals, drive away small animals. These conducts would deteriorate ecological environment, or even result in the ruin of the forest area. Some tourists have a poor sense of ecological environment protection. They leave behind plastic bags, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and all kinds of garbage in tourism areas. Garbage generated by tourism activities cannot be disposed of in a timely manner; this would result in the pollution of forest, soil and air. V. Ecological environment problems due to uneven temporal and spatial distribution of tourists Affected by climate, holidays and other factors, numbers of tourists to forest tourism areas have seasonal fluctuations. Take Huangshan Mountain for example. Of the tourist flow in 1992-1997, high season (April-October) account for 89.92%, low season(November-March) account for only10.08%; the tourist flow of peak season (May)(17.73%) is 47 times that of bottom month(January)(0.38%). Ecological environment problems due to extremely uneven distribution of tourist in time and space: The number of tourists surges and concentrated tourism activities in tourism high season would definitely result in changes of forest elements and biological resources. Especially that the uncivil conducts of tourists would compromise the regeneration capacity of trees or even kill them. Since the width of trails cannot meet the demands of extra tourists in high season, a lot of tourists would tread on the both sides of trails. This would not only compromise soil structure and soil development, reduce soil's water permeability, but also accelerate soil erosion and destroy forest's ecological environment. In tourism high seasons, food debris left behind by tourists in scenic areas improve animals' survival environment, providing ample food and accelerating their breading; while in tourism low seasons with few tourists, animals depending on food discarded by tourists have to eat bark, harming trees. It is obvious that tourist distribution in high and low seasons has impacts on the structure of forest's ecological chain. 5.4 Analysis of Impacts on Water Environment 5.4.1 Impacts of Sewage The self-developed wastewater pipeline of Tanchang County Subproject would be connected to municipal pipeline after treatment in septic tanks. Domestic sewage of Kongtong 168 Mountain Subproject, Jingchuan County Subproject, Kang County Subproject and Zhuanglang County Subproject would be treated through building new wastewater treatment stations (plants). Hezheng County Subproject would adopt the A/A/O technique and the other subprojects would adopt the integrated A/O technique. Domestic sewage would be treated at wastewater treatment stations (plants) and would meet relevant standards, which are detailed in Tables 1.4.6 and 1.4.7. Therefore, sewage of subprojects would have minor impacts on the surrounding water environment. Toilets under the Project include flush toilets and environmentally friendly toilets with the latter being foam blocked toiles, which consume very small amount of water during operation and do not discharge sewage to outside areas. With the exception of Tanchang County Subproject, sewage discharged by the other subprojects would be discharged to new sewers and treated by new wastewater treatment plants or integrated treatment equipment. Treated wastewater would meet relevant standards. Sewage from toilets under Tanchang County Subproject would delivered to Tanchang County Wastewater Treatment Plant and discharged after meeting relevant standards. Therefore, effluent of flush toilets would have minor impacts on the surrounding water environment.Sewage generated by all subprojects and its destination are given in Table 5.4-1. Table 5.4-1 Sewage Generated by Subprojects (t/d) Sewage SN Subproject Sewage Source Collection Quantity Destination Scope Kongtong Mountain Flush toilets and Domestic New wastewater 1 1123 Subproject kitchen wastewater sewage from scenic area treatment station Jingchuan County Flush toilets and Domestic New wastewater 2 Subproject kitchen wastewater sewage from 70 treatment station villages Domestic Zhuanglang County Flush toilets and sewage from New wastewater 3 Subproject kitchen wastewater scenic area 190 treatment station and service centers Domestic sewage from Tanchang County 4 Tanchang County Flush toilets and scenic area 534 Wastewater Subproject kitchen wastewater and villages Treatment Plant close to scenic area Domestic Kang County sewage from New wastewater 5 Subproject Flush toilets villages close 122 treatment station to scenic area Hezheng County Flush toilets and Domestic New wastewater 6 Subproject kitchen wastewater seweage from 500 treatment station urban area 169 Sewage SN Subproject Sewage Source Collection Quantity Destination Scope and scenic area 7 Total 2539 Disposal of sludge from wastewater treatment stations is analyzed in Section 5.7. 5.4.2 Impacts of Surface Runoff The impacts of road works on surface water environment during operation is mainly from road surface rainwater runoff, the major pollutants of which are SS and oil stain. These pollutants would have certain impacts on the water quality of water bodies once they enter the latter with rainwater runoff. The Project is located in rural areas and would be implemented mainly in scenic areas. The road works mainly includes trunk roads, firefighting access of scenic areas and village roads. Normally, there would be no vehicle driving through firefighting access; and the traffic flows on scenic area trunk roads and village roads are comparatively small; therefore there are comparatively small contents of SS and oil stain on the road surface. According to researches of South China Environmental Sciences Institute under the State Environmental Protection Administration on the pollution of road surface runoff in Southern China, there are comparatively high contents of suspended solids and oil materials in rainwater during the 30 minutes from start of rain to the formation of runoff; after that, the concentration of pollutants declines quickly as the rain continues. At the beginning of rainfall, when road surface runoff enters water body, it would instantly create high concentration of pollutants in the small area surrounding runoff entry points. But as the water body mixes quickly on the section as it flows downstream, the runoff has negligible contribution to the concentration of pollutants in these rivers. It can be concluded that road surface runoff of the Project would have minimal impacts on water quality of rivers. 5.5Analysis of Impacts on Ambient Air Odor generated by domestic waste: During the transfer of garbage, some organic garbage, during decomposition, would emit odor, which is the main impacts on the environment. Odorous pollutants, according to national standards, are those gases that stimulate smell organs and create unpleasant experience and harm living environment. 170 Exhaust of motor vehicles and airborne dust on the road: The main pollutants are CO, NOX, THC and TSP. The road project mainly includes the trunk links and firefighting access of scenic areas and village roads. Normally, there would be no vehicle driving through firefighting access; and the traffic flows on scenic area trunk lines and village roads are comparatively small, and the vehicle speed is comparatively slow; therefore there are comparatively small exhaust emissions from motor vehicles. Compared with the ambient air monitoring results of similar roads, the daily average concentration prediction values of NO2 and TSP on road shoulders are up to the Category I standard value requirements of Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012). Therefore, during the operation period the road projects have comparatively small impacts on ambient air. Odor of sewage treatment plant: Kongtong Mountain Subproject and Jingchuan County Subproject are installed with buried, integrated equipment to prevent the smell of sewage and sludge from emitting to surrounding air; therefore, their impacts on ambient air during operation period can be neglected. Hezheng County Sewage Treatment Plant receives large quantities of domestic sewage, which includes abundant albumen and other organic matters that would decay easily and generate sensitive smell matters such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. This sewage treatment plant would adopt the A/A/O treatment technique; and the sections emitting odors are: Inlet pump room, pre-treatment section (grill, detritus pit) and sludge treatment sections. The main odorous matters are hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol, ammonia and trimethylamine. The most commonly seen are hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. The subproject adopts biological deodorizing method. Odor sources of such as coarse grill and inlet pump room, fine grill and aeration detritus pit, sludge storage tank, sludge drier, and sludge conveyor would be covered and sealed; and waste gases are collected and sent into biological deodorizing device. According to the plan layout, the subproject includes 2 biological deodorizing devices. One is installed to the southwest of Phase I detritus pit for collecting and treating the odor from coarse grill and inlet pump room as well as fine grill and aeration detritus pit; the other is installed to the north of dehydration workshop for collecting and treating odor from sludge storage tank, sludge drier, and sludge conveyor. Compared to similar deodorizing processes, the collection efficiency of odorous gases is 90%, and the biological deodorizing efficiency is more than 85%. Odor from toilets: environmentally friendly toilets in scenic areas are foam blocked toilets, which do not emit odor and would have negligible impacts on the ambient environment. Flush toilets would generate some odor and management shall be strengthened on these toilets through cleaning in a timely manner. If such measures are taken, flush toilets would have minimal impacts on the ambient air. 171 Table 5.5-1 List of Waste Gases Generated by Subprojects (t/a) Category of Air Subproject Location of Air Pollution Source Pollutant Pollution Source Xiangshan Scenic Area Administration Building, Tourist Odor generated by domestic Collection & Distribution Center, Non-point source waste Religious Personnel Residential Kongtong Area Mountain Subproject Xiangshan Mountain ecological Non-point source Motor vehicle exhaust parking lot Linear source Motor vehicle exhaust Village roads Non-point source Fugitive dust on the road Linear source Motor vehicle exhaust Village roads Jingchuan County Non-point source Fugitive dust on the road Subproject Ecological parking lots of Non-point source Motor vehicle exhaust Luohandong Hanjiagou grottoes Scenic Area Tourist Service Center, Fogoumen Tourist Service Odor generated by domestic Center, Zhuanglang County Non-point source waste Comprehensive Tourism Service Zhuanglang County Center Subproject Ecological parking lot Non-point source Motor vehicle exhaust Linear source Motor vehicle exhaust Village roads Non-point source Fugitive dust on the road Tanchang County Linear source Motor vehicle exhaust Village Roads Subproject Non-point source Fugitive dust on the road Yangba Scenic Area Odor generated by domestic Administration Building and Non-point source waste Tourist Center Kang County Subproject Ecological parking lot Non-point source Motor vehicle exhaust Linear source Motor vehicle exhaust Village roads Non-point source Fugitive dust on the road Linear source Motor vehicle exhaust Hezheng County Scenic area main road Non-point source Fugitive dust on the road Subproject Sewage treatment station Non-point source Odor 5.6Analysis of Impacts on Acoustic Environment Main sources of noise during operation of the project are traffic noise, equipment noise, and social life noise. 1. Traffic noise 172 The main source of noise during road operation period is traffic noise generated by motor vehicles. According to the results of the Test of Road Traffic Noise Emission Sources, the average radiation sound levels of various types of vehicles at different speeds are shown in Table 5.6-1. Table 5.6-1Average Radiation Sound Levels of Different of Vehicles Average Driving Average Radiation Calculation Speeds of Various Road Section Vehicle Type Sound Levels Lw, I Formula Types of Vehicles (dB) (km/h) Small-sized 12.6+34.73lgVS 20 53.5 Village roads Vehicle Medium-sized 8.8+40.48lgVM 20 56.4 Scenic area Vehicle main road Large-sized 22.0+36.32lgVL 20 64.7 Vehicle Small-sized 12.6+34.73lgVS 10 47.3 Vehicle Firefighting Medium-sized 8.8+40.48lgVM 10 49.3 access Vehicle Large-sized 22.0+36.32lgVL 10 58.3 Vehicle The Project is located in rural areas, would be implemented basically within scenic areas, and there are no industrial noise and other noise sources in the vicinity. The road project mainly includes the main roads and firefighting access of scenic areas and village roads. Normally, there would be no vehicle driving through firefighting access; and there is almost no traffic at night. Passing vehicles are mainly small-sized ones, and the vehicle speed is comparatively slow. It can be seen from Table 5.6-1that the average radiation sound level of small-sized vehicles at low speed is comparatively low, ranging 47.3-64.7dB. Compared with baseline acoustic environment monitoring results of similar roads, the acoustic environment on road shoulders are comparatively good, and up to the corresponding requirements of Acoustic Environment Quality Standards (GB3096-2008). Therefore, during operation period the traffic noise of the project's road construction has comparatively small impacts on the acoustic environment. 2. Equipment noise 173 During the project’s operation, the main equipment noise source is fans, water pumps, backup diesel generators and equipment in power distribution rooms, whose noise source intensity is 65-100dB (A). After taking sound-proofing buildings and take shock-absorption and sound-muffling measures, there would be basically no impacts on surrounding environment. 3. Social life noise Tourists would generate some social noise when sightseeing in scenic areas. Compared to similar projects, such social noise generally ranges 60-70dB (A). The impacts of social life noise can be mitigated by strengthening scenic area administration and reminding tourists. 5.7Analysis of Impacts of Solid Waste on Environment During the project's operation period, solid waste are mainly domestic waste generated by tourists and solid waste generated by sewage treatment plants. Domestic waste is collected in a unified way by all sites, and then delivered in a timely manner to nearby domestic waste landfill for disposal. The characteristics of domestic waste: Many types of food waste; abundant organic matters; paper, plastic, metal and glass bottle packages; high recycling rate. After collection, the waste is delivered in a timely manner to municipal waste collection point, so as to reduce the generation and effusion of odor. During project operation period, waste volume is estimated as 0.1kg/d•person, then the domestic waste volume is approximately 556.68t/a; Sludge generated by 6integrated sewage treatment stations of Kongtong Mountain, Jingchuan County, Kang County and Zhuanglang County subprojects would be returned to front-end treatment section and there would only be a very small amount of solid waste, which would need only 4 months to be cleaned and the amount for each cleaning is about 2- 3m3. Solid waste generated by sewage treatment stations is mainly leftover sludge, captives of trash racks, and sediments of detritus pits. The solid waste captured by trash racks are mainly plastic bags and waste paper. The project's generation volume is approximately 0.5t/d. The solid waste deposited in detritus pits are mud, sand and suspended matters. The project's generation volume is approximately 0.5t/d. Compared with exiting projects, the project's sludge generation volume is calculated as about 1.64t/d. The project's sludge is mechanically dehydrated with 174 a high-pressure frame filter press; the generated mud cakes are then shipped to the Hezheng County Waste Landfill for disposal. For solid waste generated by subprojects, see Table 5.7-1. Table 5.7-1 Solid Waste Generation of All Projects (t/a) SN Subproject Source of Solid Quantity Destination Composition Waste Domestic Waste of 400.99 Scenic Area Kongtong Mountain Domestic Waste of 158.78 Pingliang City 1 Subproject Communities Waste Landfill Site Sludge from wastewater 36 treatment station Domestic Waste of Scenic Area 17.61 Jingchuan Jingchuan County Domestic Waste of County Urban 2 Subproject 273.02 Domestic Waste Communities Landfill Site 12 Domestic Waste of Scenic Area 45.86 Food waste, Zhuanglang County Domestic Waste of 74.64 Zhuanglang paper, plastic, 3 Communities County Waste metal, glass Subproject Landfill Site Sludge from bottle, etc. wastewater 12 treatment station Tanchang 4 Tanchang County Domestic Waste of 34.47 County Domestic Subproject Scenic Area Waste Landfill Site Domestic Waste of 24.48 Scenic Area Kang County Domestic Waste of 217.91 Yangba Town 5 Subproject Communities Domestic Waste Landfill Site Sludge from wastewater 12 treatment station Domestic Waste of 33.27 Scenic Area Songmingyan 6 Hezheng County Town Waste Subproject Solid waste of Plastic bags, sewage treatment 182.5 Landfill Site waste paper, plants sludge 175 Source of Solid SN Subproject Waste Quantity Destination Composition Sludge from wastewater 598.6 treatment plant 7 Total 2134.13 5.8Impacts on Physical Cultural Resources 5.8.1 Analysis of Impacts on Cultural Relics According to the actual needs for the protection of cultural relics and with the approval of people's governments of the province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government, a certain area for construction control may be delimited around a protected historical and cultural site. Within the area for construction control, no facility that pollutes the site and the environment thereof may be constructed, neither may any activity that may affect the safety and environment of that site be carried out. The repair and maintenance of protected cultural sites involved in the project must abide by the principles of not changing the original form of cultural relics; and the work should be undertaken by an entity with the qualification certificate for cultural relic projects. After the project is completed, it would attract large numbers of tourists, giving play to the role of cultural relic protection sites, improving the reputation of cultural relics sites and scenic areas. It can promote the development of tourism for nearby cultural relic protection sites, deepen tourists' knowledge and understanding of cultural relics protection, greatly enrich people's spiritual life, and expand the funding channels for cultural relics protection. Therefore, the project would have some economic and social benefits. During operation, the project's impacts on cultural relics mainly include impacts of tourist conducts on scenic areas. Tourists would generate some domestic sewage, solid waste and noise; motor vehicles entering scenic areas would generate small quantities of exhaust. Therefore, the entry of tourists would have certain impacts on scenic areas and surrounding ecological environment. Tourists' sense of cultural relics protection can be improved, civilized tourism can be advocated and the negative impacts of tourists on scenic areas can be minimized by rationally controlling the number of tourists and tour routes and promoting cultural relic protection. The Project would mainly involve six scenic areas, namely, Hezheng County Songming Rock Scenic Area, Jingchuan County Luohandong-Hanjia Gully Stone Caves Scenic Area, Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, Tanchang County Guan’e Gully Scenic Area, Kang County Yangba 176 Scenic Area and Zhuanglang County Yunya Temple Scenic Area. The number of tourists to each of these scenic areas is predicted in Table 5.8-1. Table 5.8-1 Number of Tourists to Scenic Areas Predicted Number Predicted Number No. Scenic Area (10,000 people/year) (people/day) Hezheng County Songming Rock 1 79.10 3595 Scenic Area Jingchuan County Luohandong-Hanjia 2 5.34 243 Gully Stone Caves Scenic Area 3 Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area 528.12 24005 Tanchang County Guan’e Gully Scenic 4 103.71 4714 Area 5 Kang County Yangba Scenic Area 131.60 5982 Zhuanglang County Yunya Temple 6 99.36 4516 Scenic Area 5.8.2 Impacts on Other Cultural Resources Increased number of tourists after project operation would catalyze tourism development of local villages, increase income of local villagers, strengthen links of these villages with the outside world. On the other hand, increased number of tourists would also have greater pressure on village roads, sewagetreatment, waste disposal and other facilities. Tourists shall be diverted to villages with better infrastructure to avoid unnecessary environmental pressure on villages that have not been developed. Meanwhile, efforts shall be taken to strengthen development of villages with weak infrastructure. 5.9 Cumulative Impacts Analysis The Project would include six subprojects, each of which would generate wastewater and solid waste, whose cumulative impacts are analyzed below: Waste gas: during its operation, the Project would mainly provide tourist services, all scenic areas will not provide accommodation and catering services to tourists, and the only source of 177 air pollution is a few electric buses used in the scenic areas. Therefore, the Project would only have minimal impacts on ambient air. Wastewater: after treatment in septic tanks, tsewage from self-built sewer network under Tanchang County Subproject would be discharged to the urban sewer network; domestic sewage from Kongtong Mountain, Hezheng County, Jingchuan County, Kang County and Zhuanglang County subprojects would be treated at newly built wastewater treatment stations/plants. The standards to be met for sewage treated at these stations/plants are provided in Tables 1.4.6 and 1.4.7. As treated sewage would meet specified standards, it would only have minimal impacts on the surrounding water environment. As shown in Table 5.9-1, total sewage is 445,800 tons/year, cumulative COD in the sewage is 156.03 tons/year and cumulative NH3-N is 11.17 tons/year. Solid waste: all solid waste generated under the Project would be transported to domestic waste landfills and can be effectively disposed of. There would be zero solid waste and its impacts on the environment would be negligible. Table 5.9-1 Total Pollutant Emission (t/a) Subproject Item Pollutant Amount t/a Treatment Emission Standard Measures Wastewater 21000 Urban Wastewater Construction of Reuse and Urban Wastewater COD 7.35 new treatment Miscellaneous Water Kongtong facilities Quality Standards Mountain NH3-N 0.53 (GB/T18920-2002) Subproject Pingliang City Solid waste Domestic sludge waste, 302.63 Domestic Waste / Landfill wastewater 21000 New integrated Category IA in Discharge Wastewater COD 7.35 wastewater Standards Urban Jingchuan treatment Wastewater Treatment County NH3-N 0.53 equipment Plants (GB18918-2002) Subproject Solid waste Domestic waste, 302.63 County Domest / sludge Waste Landfill wastewater 57000 New integrated Category IB of Emission Wastewater COD 19.95 wastewater standard for Wastewater Zhuanglang treatment Treatment Plants County NH3-N 1.43 equipment (GB18918-2002) Subproject Solid waste Domestic sludge waste, 132.5 Zhuanglang County Landfill / wastewater 160200 Discharge Sewer connection Tanchang toTanchang standard for Tanchang County Wastewater COD 56.07 Subproject Wastewater Wastewater Treatment NH3-N 4.01 Treatment Plant Plant 178 Subproject Item Pollutant Amount t/a Treatment Emission Standard Measures Solid waste Domestic sludge waste, 34.47 Tanchang County Landfill / wastewater 36600 Greening standard in New integrated Urban Wastewater COD 12.81 wastewater Reuse and Urban Wastewater treatment Miscellaneous Water Kang County Subproject NH3-N 0.92 equipment Quality Standards (GB/T18920-2002) Solid waste Domestic sludge waste, 254.39 Yangba Domestic Waste Landfill / wastewater 150000 Category IA standard in Standards New wastewater Pollutantsfor Emission of Wastewater COD 52.5 Hezheng treatment plant Wastewater at Urban Treatment County NH3-N 3.75 Subproject Plants (GB18918-2002) Solid waste Domestic sludge waste, 814.37 Songmingyan Landfill / Chapter 6 Analysis of Alternatives Analysis of alternatives aims to optimize project design from resources and environmental dimensions, compare and analyze the scope and level of impacts of different project designs on ecological environment, recommended the project to optimize design during implementation from environmental perspectives, and provide rational evidence for selecting decisions on project implementation. General principles governing analysis of alternatives are: 1. Quantitative comparison and selection: for each alternative, try to quantify impacts of project implementation on the environment; 2. Comprehensive comparison and selection: carry out comprehensive comparative analysis from environmental, technical, economic, social and other dimensions; and 3. Conformity comparison and selection: the selected alternative needs to conform to requirements of relevant development plans and criteria and adapt to local realities. 6.1 With- and Without-Project Analysis Table 6.1-1 With- and Without-Project Analysis 179 Item The Project Alternative Without-Project Alternative (Zero Alternative) 1. A serious of activities would benefit local residents, including repair of ancient buildings, ancient houses, ancient towers and stone caves; construction of new museums and cultural exhibition centers; and protection of endangered cultural relics, ancient buildins 1. Would maintain current and houses, and geological and cultural sites. situation of the proposed project areas. For example, 2. Consturction of office structures for scenic vegetation would not be area administration, tourist transport centers destroyed; and ecological vehicle parks would contribute to improve the oveall reputation of scenic 2. Would not change land use areas and enhance tourist reception capacity value in the proposed and service quality; project areas (such as no land acquisition); 3. Construction of new tourist trails and imitation wood plank roads would help tap 3. There would be no Main environmental impacts good tourism reosources and create better advantages socioeconomic benefits; during infrastructure construction, such as from 4. Hardened roads would help reduce soil noise, waste gas, erosion, bring convenient access to local wastewater and solid waste; residents and reduce dust generated by vehicles on road; 4. There would be no wastewater, waste gas, 5. New water supply, drainage, sewage and noise and solid waste during midwater reuse pipeline, power cables, ponds infrastructure operation; for firefighting, septic tanks, wastewater treatment stations, public toilets, garbage bins 5. No increase in ecological and garbage transfer stations would benefit load due to increased tourist residents in nearby villages and improve living activities. environment in these villages; 6. Management of spots prone to geological disasters would help mitigate or prevent geological disasters. 1. Occupation of large area of land by scenic 1. Some endangered cultural area office structures, tourist transport relics, ancient buildings, centers and vehicle parks and in many cases, ancient houses, and such occupation is permanent; geological and cultural sites Main have been damaged or 2. Destruction to vegetation during construction, disadvantages destroyed by people or due leading to water and soil erosion; generation to other factors such as of dust, noise, wastewater, waste gasses and natural erosion; soild waste, which would adversely affect ambient environment; 2. Existing tourism facilities are aging and not repaired and 180 Item The Project Alternative Without-Project Alternative (Zero Alternative) 3. Significant disturbances by tourists to local existing equipment is also residents, which could lead to social conflicts. aging. These and other problems have resulted in lower reception levels and inadequate reception capacity of scenic areas as well as sharly declined social and economic benefits; 3. Poor road-related infrastructure does not facilitate access of local residents and vehicles on roads generate dust; 4. Associated environmental protection facilties in scenic areas are inadequate, resulting in some adverse impacts on environment quality in these areas; 5. Local areas are prone to geological disasters. Overall From social and environmental perspectives, the project alternative is more optimal than analysis the zero alternative. 6.2 Optimal Design of EA Items During the Project’s feasibility study, the EA agency, design institute, the Client and other relevant authorities held discussions about a number of alternatives. Based on these discussions, the EA agency optimized the components of some subprojects from environmental perspective. The optimized components are described below. 1. Kongtong Mountain Subproject During the subproject appraisal organized by local authorities, a number of components were proposed, including repair and expansion of Xiangshan Road, and improvement of roads and water supply pipeline at Zhonghe Village and Gaoling Village. After analyzing the above two components and relevant maps of Kongtong Mountain National Nature Reserve, the EA agency found that they components are located in the core area and buffer area of the reserve and do not comply with (National) Regulations on the Protection of Nature Reserves and Gansu Provincial Regulations on the Protection of Nature Reserves and recommended to drop them. As a result of consultation with relevant parties, the two components have been dropped. 181 2. Zhuanglang County Subproject During the subproject appraisal organized by local authorities, a number of components were proposed, including improvement of tourist trails in Yunya Temple Scenic Area. After reviewing the scope of drinking water source protection area of Zhulinsi Reservoir, the EA agency found that the component is located within the Category I protection area and does not comply with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Water Pollution Prevention and Control and Administrative Regulations on Water Pollution Prevention and Control for Drinking Water Source Protection Areas and recommended to drop the component. After consultation with relevant parties, this component has been dropped. 3. Kang County Subproject During the subproject appraisal organized by local authorities, some alternatives were proposed, including re-selection of toilet types in the Yangba Scenic Area and realignment of Meiyuan River wood patrol access. The feasibility study agency recommended that flush toilets would be designed. Given surface water bodies of the subproject areas fall under Gansu Giant Salamander Nature Reserve and pursuant to relevant regulations, wastewater cannot be discharged into the nature reserve and if flush toilets were selected, wastewater cannot be discharged. The EA agency recommended to change these toilets to environmentally friendly toilets which do not discharge wastewater to areas outside them. After consultation with relevant parties, the flush toilet alternative has been changed to the environmentally friendly toilet alternative. After reviewing relevant maps and figures of Meiyuan River National Wetland Park Protection Program, the EA agency found that the alignment of Meiyuan River wood patrol access is partially located in the restoration and reconstruction area of the park and does not comply with relevant provision of Regulations on Wetland Protection, Measures for the Administration of National Wetland Parks (Trial) and Gansu Provincial Regulations on Wetland Protection. The EA agency recommended to drop construction of the access in the restoration and reconstruction area. After consultation with relevant parties, this component has been dropped. 6.3 Comparative Analysis of Site Selection Two alternative sites are proposed for Jingchuan County Museum: Alternative A is Chengbei New District and Alternative B is the existing Chenghuang Temple. These two alternatives are compared and analyzed below: Table 6.3-1 Comparative Analysis of Site Selection for Jingchuan County Museum Relevant Construction in Chengbei New District Use of Existing Chenghuang Temple Factors The site is located in Jingchuan County The site is the existing Chenghuang Social impacts Dayun Temple Scenic Area with a sports Temple, which is located in downtown area center to its south, Jingchuan County 3rd and has many settlements around it. Middle School to its east and planned land 182 Relevant Construction in Chengbei New District Use of Existing Chenghuang Temple Factors for the temple to its west and north. There are no settlements within 300m to the site. Social impacts Located in downtown area and significant during No settlements around the site impacts from construction on local construction residents. Impacts on Groundwater 700m in straight line distance to 75m in straight line distance to source groundwater source protection area groundwater source protection area protection area Impacts on 450m in straight line distance to the Jing 650m in straight line distance to the Na nearby rivers River River Conformity to Conforms to the layout of urban master Conforms to the layout of urban master plan relevant plans plan 1. The temple has lower elevation (than that of urban drainage network), which is prone to 1. Construction of a new center, which waterlogging and does not Impacts on contributes to cultural relics contribute to cultural relics protection; cultural relics protection; protection 2. Construction of a new center, which 2. Very small available area for facilitates full display and exhibition. display and exhibition, not allowing foradequatedisplay and exhibition of many pieces of cultural relics. 1. Together with the Dayun Temple and the Hall of Great Strength, the new center would shape a 1. Many modern display and landscape center, which facilitates exhibition technologies cannot be systematic sightseeing of tourists; adequately used; Impacts on tourism of 2. The new center would allow for use 2. The temple is located in downtown Jingchuan of many modern display and area, making it harder to manage County exhibition technologies, offering the tourists should they stay there for most vivid visual experience; a long period of time; 3. As a stand-alone display and 3. Small area of the temple does not exhibition facility, the new center facilitate movement/evacuation of would help improve the “imageâ€? of large amount of tourists. 50km Stone Cave Corridor Scenic Area. 183 Relevant Construction in Chengbei New District Use of Existing Chenghuang Temple Factors Conclusion Recommended Not recommended Based on the above analysis, this EA recommends Alternative A as the priority alternative. Covering an area of 87.05 mu, the new center would be located in Dayun Temple Scenic Area with convenient transport, evident locational advantages and beautiful natural environment. Two alternative sites for integrated wastewater treatment facilities in the scenic area of Zhuanglang County Subproject: alternative A would be in the scenic area and alternative B would be at Fomengou Tourist Service Center, based on which domestic sewage would be discharged via sewers. The two alternatives are analyzed below. Table 6.3-2Comparative Analysis of Site Selection for Integrated Wastewater Treatment Facilities of Zhuanglang County Subproject Alternative In scenic area At Fomengou Tourist Service Center 1. Located outside water source protection area and minimal 1. Short length of sewer system impacts on the area; and low investment; 2. Inclusion of domestic sewage 2. Short distance of sewage Main from nearby villages and conveyance and low risk of advantages improvement of village leakage; environment; 3. Small area of excavation and 3. Less stringent requirements for little damage to vegetation. effluent quality and low operation costs. 1. Located in Category II reserve of 1. Long length of sewer system and water source protection area high investment; and within the upstream 2. Long distance of sewage Main catchment area of reservoir; risk conveyance and high risk of disadvantages of water pollution; leakage; 2. More stringent requirements for 3. Large area of excavation and effluent quality and high significant damage to operation costs. vegetation. Conclusion Recommended Not recommended 6.4 Comparison and Selection of Toilet Alternatives 184 There are three types of conventional toilets in the scenic areas and local communities: flush toilet, dry toilet and environmentally-friendly toilet (foam-flush). These toilets are compared below. Table 6.4-1Comparison and Slection of Toilet Alternatives Item Flush Toilet Dry Toilet Environmentally-friendly Toilet 1. No need for connection 1. Low cost; pipes and low water use; 1. Sanitary and clean 2. Simple structure 2. Foam can prevent and not prone to and short spreading of odor into breeding flies, construction the air; mosquitoes and period; Main maggots; 3. Movable and location advantages 3. No water use can be adjusted 2. No visual during depending on the pollution, operation; number of tourists; effective control of odor and fresh 4. No need for 4. Small land occupation indoor air. associated and can save more land sewers. area than conventional toilets. 1. Unsanitary and prone to 1. High water use; breeading flies, 1. Operation costs and mosquitoes and need for designated staff 2. Large amount of maggots; to clean solid waste on a Main wastewater during periodic basis; disadvantages operation; 2. Risks of polluting groundwater; 2. Significant investment. 3. Need for associated sewers. 3. Not eye-pleasing and generating odor. Conclusion Not recommended Not recommended Recommended Based on the above analysis, environmentally-friendly toilets are the most feasible and preferred alternative. As these toilets would be located in scenic areas where wastewater is not allowed to be discharged to places outside these areas, flush toilets or dry toilets are not recommended. 6.5Comparision and Selection of Wastewater Treatment Techniques Except for the Songmingyan Scenic Area under Hezheng County Subproject, which needs to take into consideration the needs of nearby resident population, scenic areas under other subprojects would produce small amount of wastewater, which needs to be treated using small integrated equipment. Normally, the integrated equipment uses two types of techniques: AO technique and membrane- biology reactor technique, which are compared in Table 6.5-1. 185 Table 6.5-1Wastewater Treatment Equipment Comparison and Selection Burried Membrane-Biology Reactor Item Small Buried AO Treatment Equipment Equipment The AO technique includes anaerobic A membrane-biology reactor use process, which is used to remove nitrogen membrane separation equipment to Introduction of and phosphorus, and oxic process,which is intercept acticated sludge and large- techniques used o remove organic matters in molecule organic matters in a bio- wastewater. chemical reactor. Scope of Small wastewater treatment stations Small wastewater treatment stations application 1. Buried AO biological treatment technique would be used for secondary treatment via a plug-flow biological contact oxidation pond, which is more effective than a fully 1. Membrane filtration mixed biological contact oxidation technique brings higher pond or a two-cascaded or three- outlet water quality and cascaded fully-mixed biological occupies small area of land contact oxidation pond; is more with no need for secondary adaptative to inlet water quality, semidentation pond; more shock resistant, has more Advantages stable outlet water quality, and 2. Being flexible, can meet would not lead to sludge expansion. different water quality needs Gravel filtering technique would be and not constrained by used for tertiary treatment, which network. Easy modularization can ensure outlet water quality and upgrading. meets the need of reuse; 2. Occupation of small land area and compact placement of equipment; 3. Treated water quality is lower than that of Alternative B. 1. Heavy energy consumption of equipment, high investment 1. Need for large area of land for faeces cots, difficulties in cleaning disposal; membrane pollution; Disadvantages membrane lifespan and 2. Risks of spreading livestock and replacement would lead to poultry diseases and zoonoses. high operation costs. Lifespan of membrane components is normally five years, beyond 186 which membrane needs to be replaced; 2. Higher requirements for equipment operation and management. Conclusion Recommended Not recommended 187 Chapter 7 Public Disclosure and Consultation 7.1 Objevctive and Methods Government departments or project implementation agencies shall consult with potentially affected local groups and local NGOs, relevant experts and other stakeholders on environmental and social impacts of the proposed project. Stakeholders that shall be consulted include groups and individuals that could be affected by the proposed project, such as public institutions, village committees and residents; groups and individuals that could provide knowledge and information for environmental assessment, such as non- government environmental organizations and consultants, who could use their knowledge and expertise to provide information on potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. Public consultation shall be conducted for at least two rounds: the first round at the project preparation stage before the EA outline is finalized, which is to provide information on project overview and potential environmental issues to the affected people; the second round at the time when the EA draft is ready, which is to disclose to the general public relevant environmental information of the project and the disclosure duration shall last for at least 10 working days, after which all relevant materials shall be provided to the affected groups, in forms and languages accessible to these groups. The full text of the EA shall be disclosed at publicly accessible places and announcements shall be made via local media (newspaper, radio, TV or website), keeping the public informed of disclosure duration, venue and methods of feedback. Adequate duration shall be ensured for disclosure to allow time for the public to understand the information and give meaningful comments and suggestions. The EA agency shall properly document public consultation processes, indicating consultation approaches (such as questionnaire survey, discussion meeting and assessment meeting), consultation date, venue, contents, methods, number, occupation, sex, age and address of participants, as as well as summary of public consultation, including comments and suggestions and how the EA would address these comments and suggestions. Survey methods: to learn about views of local people and entities through distributing questionnaires and holding discussion meetings. 7.2 First Round Public Consultation 7.2.1 First Round Informationt Disclosure 188 The first round of information disclosure was conducted mainly through online disclosure, newspaper disclosure and on-site disclosure. Information was disclosed via websites of six county/district governments under the Project, via newspapers of three cities/prefectures under the Project and via announcements and posters at townships/towns and village committees in the project areas. The first round of website disclosure is summarized in Table 7.2-1 and a screenshot of website disclosure is provided in Figure 7.2-1. Table 7.2-1 Summary of First Round Online Disclosure Subproject Duration of Disclosure Website Gansu Kongtong District Government website Kongtong Mountain October 29, 2015 – Subproject November 11, 2015 http://www.kongtong.gov.cn/gskt/zf/gzdt/ggtz/webi nfo/2015/10/1438778416666145.htm Jingchuan County People’s Government website Jingchuan County October 28, 2015 – Subproject November 10, 2015 http://www.jingchuan.gov.cn/html/news/gonggao/2 015/1028/10123.html Gansu Zhuanglang County Yunya Temple tourism Zhuanglang County website November 2-13, 2015 Subproject http://www.yunyasitour.com/wzgg/content_10030_ 177502.html Tanchang County People’s Government website Tanchang County October 28, 2015 – Subproject November 10, 2015 http://www.Tanchang.gov.cn/city.asp?ClassID=131& ArticleID=17172 Kang County October 29, 2015 – Kang County People’s Government website Subproject November 11, 2015 http://gskxzf.gov.cn/show-45-4786-1.html Hezheng County October 27, 2015 – Hezheng County People’s Government website Subproject November 9, 2015 http://www.hezheng.gov.cn/show.asp?id=1052 189 Figure 7.2-1 Screenshot of First Round Online Disclosure First round disclosure through newspapers is summarized in Table 7.2-2 and an image of first newspaper disclosure is given in Figure 7.2-2. Table 7.2-2 Summary of First Round Disclosure via Newspapers Date of Pag City (Prefecture) County (District) Subproject Newspaper Disclosure e Kongtong District Kongtong Mountain Subproject December 25, Pingliang Pingliang City Jingchuan County Jingchuan County Subproject 2 2015 Daily Zhuanglang County Zhuanglang County Subproject Tanchang County Tanchang County Subproject December 29, Longnan City Longnan Daily 3 Kang County Kang County Subproject 2015 Linxia December 25, Hezheng County Hezheng County Subproject Minzu Daily 2 Prefecture 2015 190 Figure 7.2-2 Image of First Disclosure via Newspapers 191 Pictures of first on-site disclosure are given in Figure 7.2-3. (1)Bulletin Board of Kongtong Mountain (2) Disclosure at Xigou Village of Tourism Administration Bureau Kongtong District Figure 7.2-3 First On-site Disclosure 7.2.2 First Round Public Consultation Total 582 questionnaires for individuals were issued for the first round public consultation and all of them were returned; total 75 questionnaires were issued for entities and all of them were returned. Respondents of survey of individuals include residents, teachers and students and shop owners along sensitive spots of the Project and respondents of survey of entities include village committees, schools and enterprises along sensitive spots. Based on survey of ethnic minorities, there are mainly Qiang and Tibetan ethnic groups in the Tanchang Subproject areas and Hui ethnic group in the Hezheng Subproject areas. During the survey, individuals of these ethnic groups and their entities were adequately consulted. Composition of these respondents is detailed in Table 7.2-3. Before the first round public consultation, the project related information was disclosed on local newspapers, government websites and bulletin boards of villages and towns and at entities of stakeholders. During this round of public consultation, individual respondents did not know much about the project due to their poverty and educational levels. However, thanks to on-site communication, questionnaire survey, discussion meetings and other approaches to disseminate project related information, these individuals in the project areas gained some understanding of the project. 192 Table 7.2-3 Composition of Survey Respondents Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Item No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share People People People People People People Agree 73 79.35% 87 91.58% 57 80.28% 98 97.03% 114 99.13% 104 96.30% Conditionally 16 17.39% 8 8.42% 13 18.31% 3 2.97% 1 0.87% 3 2.78% Feedback agree Neutral 3 3.26% 0 0 1 1.41% 0 0 0 0 1 0.93% Oppose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Male 80 86.96% 62 65.26% 58 81.69% 87 86.14% 99 86.09% 77 71.30% Sex Female 12 13.04% 33 34.74% 13 18.31% 14 13.86% 16 13.91% 31 28.70% Han 92 100% 95 100% 71 100% 38 37.62% 115 100% 14 12.97% Ethnicity Other ethnic minorities 0 0 0 0 0 0 63 62.38% 0 0 94 87.03% Below 25 5 5.43% 9 9.47% 3 4.23% 5 4.95% 10 8.69% 25 23.15% 26-35 15 16.30% 23 24.21% 28 39.44% 12 11.88% 31 26.96% 48 44.44% 36-45 27 29.35% 32 33.69% 16 22.53% 37 36.64% 32 27.83% 25 23.15% Age 46-55 29 31.52% 16 16.84% 16 22.53% 34 33.66% 34 29.56% 7 6.48% 56-65 15 16.30% 9 9.47% 7 9.86% 11 10.89% 8 6.96% 3 2.78% Above 66 1 1.10% 6 6.32% 1 1.41% 2 1.98% 0 0 0 0 Farmer 45 48.91% 49 51.58% 52 73.24% 97 96.04% 111 96.52% 24 22.22% Occupation Worker 7 7.61% 4 4.21% 0 0 0 0 1 0.87% 19 17.59% 193 Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Item No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share People People People People People People Official 11 11.96% 8 8.42% 18 25.35% 2 1.98% 2 1.74% 18 16.67% Other 29 31.52% 34 35.79% 1 1.41% 2 1.98% 1 0.87% 47 43.52% Primary education 12 13.04% 11 11.58% 37 52.11% 87 86.14% 55 47.83% 6 5.56% Educational Secondary 54 58.70% 51 53.68% 15 21.13% 14 13.86% 58 50.43% 59 54.63% level education Higher education 26 28.26% 33 34.74% 19 26.76% 0 0 2 1.74% 43 39.81% 7.2.3 Results The results of survey of individuals are summarized in 7.2-4. Table 7.2-4 Results of Survey of Individuals Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Questions and Answers No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share People People People People People People Highly satisfied 19 20.65% 50 52.63% 47 66.20% 74 73.27% 105 91.30% 48 44.44% Are you satisfied with the Satisfied 55 59.78% 39 41.05% 11 15.49% 22 21.78% 10 8.70% 55 50.93% environmental Unsatisfied 17 18.48 5 5.26% 12 16.90% 4 3.96% 0 0 5 4.63% 194 Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Questions and Answers No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share People People People People People People quality of the Highly unsatisfied 1 1.09% 1 1.05% 1 1.41% 1 0.99% 0 0 0 0 Project? Unaware of 24 26.09% 17 17.89% 8 11.27% 6 5.94% 4 3.48% 2 1.85% Are you aware A little 57 61.96% 50 52.63% 25 35.21% 64 63.37% 7 6.09% 94 87.04% of the Project? Clearly aware of 11 11.96% 28 29.47% 38 53.52% 31 30.69% 104 90.43% 12 11.11% Based on your Severe 2 2.17% 1 1.05% 1 1.41% 1 0.99% 0 0 5 4.63% experience and information, Significant 22 23.91% 10 10.53% 17 23.94% 21 20.79% 0 0 10 9.26% what level of harm/impactsof Minor 52 56.52% 67 70.53% 50 70.42% 75 74.26% 114 99.13% 81 75.00% the Project would have on environmental Do not know 16 17.39% 17 17.89% 3 4.23% 4 3.96% 1 0.87% 12 11.11% quality? Do you think Yes 81 88.04% 89 93.68% 55 77.46% 88 87.13% 113 98.26% 106 98.15% whether implementation No 3 3.26% 0 0 1 1.41% 9 8.91% 0 0 1 0.93% of the Project would promote local economic Do not know 8 8.70% 6 6.32% 15 21.13% 4 3.96% 2 1.74% 1 0.93% development? What do you Waste gas 16 17.39% 2 2.11% 5 7.04% 19 18.81% 32 27．83% 15 13.89% think the sources of Wastewater 37 40.22% 24 25.26% 25 35.21% 28 27.72% 31 26．96% 31 28.70% environmental Noise 22 23.91% 50 52.63% 29 40.85% 41 40.59% 5 4.35% 34 31.48% impacts of the Project? Solid waste 71 77.17% 46 48.42% 40 56.34% 24 23.76% 47 3086% 1 0.93% Agree 73 79.35% 87 91.58% 57 80.28% 98 97.03% 114 99.13% 104 96.30% 195 Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Questions and Answers No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share People People People People People People Conditionally 16 17.39% 8 8.42% 13 18.31% 3 2.97% 1 0.87% 3 2.78% What’s your agree attitude towards Neutral 3 3.26% 0 0 1 1.41% 0 0 0 0 1 0.93% the Project? Oppose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The survey form for individuals is provided in Table 7.2-5. 196 Table 7.2-5 Survey Form for Individuals Basic Information of Survey Respondent (Please provide authentic information and your information would be kept confidential. Thank you for your cooperation) Educational Name Sex Age Occupation Level Entity or residence Tel. address Overview of the Project: The Project would be implemented in six counties (districts) of three cities (prefectures) in southeastern Gansu. The six counties are Kongtong, Jingchuan, Zhuanglang, Tanchang, Kang and Hezheng and the three cities are Pingliang, Longnan and Linxia. The Project would select six scenic areas: Kongtong Mountain, 50-km Stone Cave Corridor, Yunya Temple, Guan’e Gully, Yangba and Songmingya-Ancient Animal Fossil Geological Park, which respresent the Silk Road culture, Yellow River Culture and ethnic and folk culture, respectively. Main components of the Project would include: 1) heritage protection and development: building an inheritance base for non-physical cultural resources; protection endangered cultural relics, ancient buildings, ancient houses, geological and cultural sites, constructing museums and exhibition centers; building offices for guard, management and protection; managing environment around heritage sites and controlling geological disasters; building new roads, car parks and tourist service centers, building necessary water supply and drainage, power, telecommunication, sanitation, tour guide and information systems; 2) construction of community public services facilities: building rural roads, water supply and drainage, garbage collection and treatment and wastewater treatment facilities; and 3) institutional capacity building and “soft â€? activities: providing training to relevant staff at various levels; providing multiple training to community residents and tourism practitioners in scenic areas, assisting local communities in developing local economy and improving residents’ living conditions; strengthening training for technical staff engaging in heritage protection, inheritance, project implementation and management. Total estimated investment of the Project is RMB1,0273.269 million; implementation period: 5 years (2016- 2020). Questions and Answers (Please √ the answer you think appropriate) Are you satisfied with the environmental Highly satisfied ( )Satisfied ( )Unsatisfied ( )Highly unsatisfied ( ) quality of the Project? Are you aware of the Project? Unaware of ( )A little ( )Clearly aware ( ) Based on your experience and information, what level of harm/impacts of the Project Severe ( )Significant ( )Minor ( )Do not know ( ) would have on environmental quality? 197 Do you think whether implementation of the Project would promote local economic Yes ( )No ( )Do not know ( ) development? What do you think the sources of Waste gas ( ) Wastewater ( )Noise ( )Solid waste ( ) environmental impacts of the Project? What’s attitude towards the Project? Agree ( )Conditionally agree ( )Neutral ( )Oppoose ( ) What do you think the major environmental issues are in the region? Your other comments and What suggestions and requirements do you have on environmental protection activities suggestions during project construction and operation stages? Contact information of the client and EA agency ( please contact us using the following information for any issues) EA agency: Beijing Zhongzi Huayu Environmental Executing agency: Gansu Provincial Development and Technology Co., Ltd Reform Commission Address： 9, Disheng Nanjie, Beijing Economic and Address: 1, Central Square, Lanzhou Technology Development Zone Contact person: Yang Gong Postcode: 100176 Tel.: 0931-8839048 Tel.: 15195962577 E-mail: gansupmo@126.com E-mail: 377496257@qq.com Results of survey of entities are provided in Table 7.2-6 Table 7.2-6 Results of Survey of Entities Attitude towards Subproject Name of Entity Telephone the Subproject Xigou Primary School of Kongtong Town, Kongtong 13830357762 Agree Kongtong Mountain District Subproject Xigou Village Committee of Kongtong Town, Agree 13993383177 Kongtong District 198 Attitude towards Subproject Name of Entity Telephone the Subproject Kongtong District Tourism Bureau 0933-8217282 Agree Pingliang City Administration Committee for Agree Kongtong Mountain Ecological and Cultural 0933-8714314 Tourism Demonstration Zone People’s Government of Kongtong Town 0933-8711504 Agree Kongtong District Development and Reform Bureau 0933-8215713 Agree Kongtong District Transportation Bureau 0933-8213349 Agree Kongtong District Culture, Sports, Radio and TV Agree 0933-8252530 Bureau Kongtong Mountain Key National Scenic Area Agree 0933-8711212 Administration Bureau Kongtong District Water Bureau 0933-8213509 Agree Wangcun Town People’s Government, Jingchuan Agree 0933-3480308 County Wanyan Primary School, Wangcun Town, Jingchuan Agree 15294033969 County Wangmu Palace Scenic Area Administration Agree 0933-3321517 Bureau, Jingchuan County Jingchuan County Environmental Protection Bureau 0933-3329638 Agree Jingchuan County Transportation Bureau 0933-3321232 Agree Jingchuan County Water Supply Company 0933-3321485 Agree Jingchuan County Tourism Bureau 0933-3321348 Agree Jingchuan County Subproject Luohandong Township Education Office 0933-3440157 Agree Luohandong Vilage Committee 15193338128 Agree Luohandong Middle School, Jingchuan County 0933-3440149 Agree Jingchuan County Culture, Sports, Radio and TV Agree 18793333299 Bureau Jingchuan County Museum 0933-3321950 Agree Jingchuan County Finance Bureau 0933-3326591 Agree Jingchuan County Vocational Education Center 0933-3308249 Agree Jingchuan County No. 3 Middle School 0933-3306088 Agree Wanyan Village Committee, Jingchuan County 13993329259 Agree 199 Attitude towards Subproject Name of Entity Telephone the Subproject Guoman Village Committee, Handian Town, Agree 13689461145 Zhuanglang County Handian Town People’s Government, Zhuanglang Agree 0933-6913132 County Zhuanglang County Shiqiao Village Committee, Handian Town, Agree Subproject 15390538772 Zhuanglang County Zhuanglang County Yunya Temple Tourism Agree 0933-6618129 Administration Bureau Zhuanglang County Tourism Bureau 0933-6820880 Agree Xinchengzi Tibetan Township People’s Government, Agree 15393285247 Tanchang County Tanchang County Water and Soil Conservation Agree 0939-6121539 Bureau Tanchang County Culture and Radio Bureau 15293916046 Agree Longnan City Minjiang Foretry Farm 0939-6127112 Agree Tanchang County Transportation Bureau 0939-6121556 Agree Daheba Village Committee, Xinchengzi Tibetan Agree 18093905814 Township Xinping Village Committee, Xinchengzi Tibetan Agree Tanchang County 18294691442 Township Subproject Luren Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Agree 13830978018 Tanchang County Lijie Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Agree 15009393155 Tanchang County Washeping Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Agree 15809343496 Tanchang County Guan’e Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Agree 13993903193 Tanchang County Tanchang County Environmental Protection Bureau 0939-6123667 Agree Tanchang County Guan’e Tibetan Primary School 13909395196 Agree Yangba Town People’s Government, Kang County 0939-5141072 Agree Kang CountyYangba Scenic Area Administration Agree Kang County 0939-5141266 Office Subproject Yinbazi Village Committee, Yangba Town, Kang Agree 13519392840 County 200 Attitude towards Subproject Name of Entity Telephone the Subproject Kang County Environmental Protection Bureau 0939-5125938 Agree Kang County Water Bureau 0939-5121648 Agree Kang County Housing and Rural-Urban Agree 0939-5121384 Development Bureau Kang County Tourism Bureau 0939-5122398 Agree Kang County Development and Reform Commission 0939-5128114 Agree Kang County Chinese Giant Salamander Nature Agree 0939-5126209 Reserve Administration Bureau Kang County Forestry Bureau 0939-5121376 Agree Tuya Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13993933696 County Laojiangba Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13919573568 County Youfangba Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13649394014 County Liujiaba Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13649394049 County Zhuangke Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13649394840 County Hezheng County Development and Reform Bureau 0930-5521049 Agree Hezheng County Culture, Radio, Film and TV Bureau 0930-5521069 Agree Hezheng County Forestry Bureau 0930-5521067 Agree Hezheng County Water and Hydropower Bureau 0930-5521068 Agree Hezheng County Tourism Bureau 0930-5523709 Agree Hezheng County Power Company 0930-5521065 Agree Hezheng County Hezheng County Planning Bureau 0930-5522108 Agree Subproject Hezheng County Environmental Protection Bureau 0930-5521203 Agree Hezheng County Energy Conservation and Agree 0930-5523939 Supervision Center Hezheng County Leading Group Office for “Work- Agree for-Relifeâ€? and Relocation Project Hezheng County Transportation Bureau 0930-5521098 Agree Hezheng County Songming Town People’s Agree 0930-5570014 Government 201 Attitude towards Subproject Name of Entity Telephone the Subproject Hezheng County Songming Rock Scenic Area Agree 0930-5580181 Administration Bureau Songming Town Hospital 0930-5570378 Agree Diaotan Village Committee, Songming Town 13519309559 Agree Dashanzhuang Village Committee, Songming Town 13993074678 Agree A picture of first round public consultation meeting is given in Figure 7.2-4. Figure 7.2-4 First Round Public Consultation Meeting 7.3 Second Round Public Consultation 7.3.1 Second Round Information Disclosure The second round of information disclosure was conducted mainly through online disclosure, TV disclosure, newspaper disclosure and on-site disclosure. Information was disclosed via websites of six county/district governments under the Project, via newspapers of three cities/prefectures under the Project and via announcements and posters at townships/towns and village committees in the project areas. The second round of website disclosure is summarized in Table 7.3-1 and a screenshot of online disclosure is provided in Figure 7.3-1. Second round TV disclosure is summarized in Table 7.3-2 and a screenshort of TV disclosure is provided in Figure 7.3-2. 202 Table 7.3-1 Summary of Second Round Online Disclosure Subproject Duration Website Gansu Kongtong District Government website Kongtong Mountain January 20 - February Subproject 12, 2016 http://www.kongtong.gov.cn/plkt/xwdt/ggtz/webinfo/2 016/01/1452762083898416.htm Jingchuan County People’s Government website January 20 - February Jingchuan County Subproject http://www.jingchuan.gov.cn/html/news/gonggao/2016 12, 2016 /0120/11046.html Zhuanglang County portal Zhuanglang County January 21 - February Subproject 12, 2016 http://www.gszhuanglang.gov.cn/zwgk/content_56_183 918.html Tanchang County People’s Government website January 20 - February Tanchang County Subproject http://www.Tanchang.gov.cn/city.asp?ClassID=131&ArticleID 12, 2016 =17366 Kang County People’s Government Information website January 20 - February Kang County Subproject 12, 2016 http://www.517kx.com/html/zw/chengxingongshi/2016 /0120/727.html January 20 - February Hezheng County People’s Government website Hezheng County Subproject 12, 2016 http://www.hezheng.gov.cn/show.asp?id=1240 Table 7.3-2 Second Round TV Disclosure Subproject Date TV Station Program (Form) Kongtong Mountain Subproject January 20, 2016 Kongtong District TV Inserted news Jingchuan County Subproject January 21, 2016 Jingchuan TV Jingchuan News Zhuanglang County Subproject January 19, 2016 Zhuanglang TV Zhuanglang News Tanchang County Subproject January 21, 2016 Tanchang TV Tanchang News Kang County Subproject January 20, 2016 Kang County TV Inserted news Hezheng County Subproject January 19, 2016 Hezheng County TV Hezheng News 203 Figure 7.3-1 Screenshot of Second Round Online Disclosure 204 Figure 7.3-2 Second Round TV Disclosure Second round newspaper disclosure is summarized in Table 7.3-3 and images of second newspaper disclosure are provided separately in Figure 7.3-3 and Figure 7.3-4. Table 7.3-3 Summary of Second Newspaper Disclosure City County Subproject Date Newspaper Page (Prefecture) (District) Kongtong Mountain Kongtong District Pingliang Subproject January 20, 2016 Pingliang Daily 4 City Jingchuan Jingchuan County Subproject Zhuanglang Zhuanglang County Subproject Longnan Tangchang County Tanchang County Subproject January 20, 2016 Longnan Daily 3 Cijty Kang County Kang County Subproject Lixia Hezheng County Hezheng County Subproject January 20, 2016 Minzu Daily 3 Prefecture Gansu Legal Gansu provincial level newspaper January 20, 2016 4 News 205 Figure 7.3-3 Second Round Newspaper Disclosure – Minzu Daily 206 Figure 7.3-4 Second Round Newspaper Disclosure – Gansu Legal News 207 Pictures of second round on-site disclosure are given in Figure 7.3-5. (1)Zhuangke Village, Yangba Town, Kang County (2) Kongtong Town, Kongtong District Figure 7.3-5 Second Round On-site Disclosure 7.3.2 Second Round Public Consultation Total 870 questionnaires for individuals were issued for the second round public consultation and all of them were returned; total 106 questionnaires were issued for entities and all of them were returned. Respondents of survey of individuals include residents, teachers and students and shop owners along sensitive spots of the Project and respondents of survey of entities include village committees, schools and enterprises along sensitive spots. Composition of these respondents is detailed in Table 7.3-4. As a result of the first round information disclosure, the more comprehensive second round disclosure and on-site public consultation, questionnaire survey and discussion meetings, individual respondents are fully aware of the Project and environmental impacts of its implementation and have suggested operable mitigation measures. 208 Table 7.3-4 Composition of Survey Respondents Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Item No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share No. of Share People People People People People People Agree 152 100% 116 94.31% 110 100% 145 94.77% 167 98.82% 144 88.34% Feedback Neutral 0 0 7 5.69% 0 0 8 5.23% 2 1.18% 19 11.66% Oppose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Male 105 69.08% 111 90.24% 81 73.64% 122 79.74% 139 82.25% 141 86.50% Sex Femal 47 30.92% 12 9.76% 29 26.63% 31 20.26% 30 17.75% 22 13.50% Han 152 100% 123 100% 110 100% 56 36.60% 169 100% 18 11.04% Ethnicity Other ethnic 0 0 0 0 0 0 97 63.40% 0 0 145 88.96% minorities 25 and below 9 5.92% 5 4.07% 4 3.64% 7 4.58% 6 3.55% 8 4.91% 26-35 26 17.11% 19 15.45% 19 17.27% 30 19.61% 29 17.16% 29 17.79% 36-45 40 26.32% 35 28.46% 21 19.09% 38 24.84% 45 26.63% 37 22.70% Age 46-55 43 28.29% 31 25.20% 36 32.73% 47 30.72% 49 28.99% 46 28.22% 56-65 29 19.08% 30 24.39% 24 21.82% 24 15.69% 40 23.67% 40 24.54% 66 and above 5 3.29% 3 2.44% 6 5.45% 7 4.58% 0 0 3 1.84% Farmer 81 53.29% 102 82.93% 62 56.36% 89 58.17% 138 81.66% 125 76.69% Worker 15 9.87% 2 1.63% 6 5.45% 11 7.19% 9 5.33% 12 7.36% Occupation Official 18 11.84% 3 2.44% 9 8.18% 13 8.50% 6 3.55% 9 5.52% Other 38 25.0% 16 13.01% 33 30.0% 40 26.14% 16 9.47% 17 10.43% Primary 70 46.05% 40 32.52% 58 52.73% 72 47.06% 60 35.50% 55 33.74% Educational Secondary 59 38.82% 62 50.41% 40 36.36% 63 41.18% 92 54.44% 76 46.63% level Tertiary 23 15.13% 21 17.07% 12 10.91% 18 11.76% 17 10.06% 32 19.63% 209 7.3.3Results The results of survey of individuals are summarized in Table 7.3-5. Table 7.3-5Results of Survey of Individuals Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of Questions and Answers Share Share Share Share Share Share people people people people people people What do you think Significant 8 5.26% 12 9.76% 2 1.82% 18 11.76% 0 0 12 7.36% the level of Moderate 15 9.87% 26 21.14% 9 8.18% 32 20.92% 18 10.65% 39 23.93% harm/impacts of the Minor 126 82.29% 70 56.91% 98 89.09% 95 62.09% 151 89.35% 96 58.90% Project on the environment is? Do not know 3 1.97% 15 12.20% 1 0.91% 8 5.23% 0 0 16 9.82% Waste gas 29 19.08% 19 15.45% 28 25.45% 11 7.19% 0 0 20 12.27% Wastewater 69 45.39% 20 16.26% 36 32.73% 75 49.02% 32 18.93% 15 9.20% What do you think the impacts of the Noise 26 17.11% 19 15.45% 25 22.73% 24 15.69% 48 28.40% 26 15.95% Prioject during its Solid waste 17 11.18% 28 22.76% 14 12.73% 27 17.65% 45 26.63% 42 25.77% construction are? Inconvenient access 9 5.92% 30 24.39% 5 4.55% 9 5.88% 44 26.04% 28 17.18% Landscape 2 1.32% 7 5.69% 2 1.82% 7 4.58% 0 0 32 19.63% Noise 46 30.26% 17 13.82% 21 19.09% 11 7.19% 48 28.40% 25 15.34% What do you think Wastewater 7 4.61% 15 12.20% 36 32.73% 69 45.10% 28 16.57% 57 34.97% 210 Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of Questions and Answers Share Share Share Share Share Share people people people people people people the environmental Vehicle exhaust 29 19.08% 21 17.07% 32 29.09% 13 8.50% 17 10.06% 17 10.43% concerns of the Project during its Solid waste 67 44.08% 32 26.02% 16 14.55% 31 20.26% 15 8.88% 41 25.15% operation are? Traffic segregation 3 1.97% 38 30.89% 5 4.55% 29 18.95% 61 36.09% 23 14.11% Strengthening 106 69.74% 55 44.72% 79 71.82% 95 62.09% 114 67.46% 107 65.64% management Mitigation measures that you hope to take Temporary cover-up 16 10.53% 28 22.76% 11 10.0% 32 20.92% 18 10.65% 18 11.04% during construction of the Project Traffic organization 19 12.50% 26 21.14% 9 8.18% 19 12.42% 25 14.79% 26 15.95% Spraying water 11 7.24% 43 34.96% 11 10.0% 7 4.58% 12 7.10% 12 7.36% Strengthening 86 56.58% 62 50.41% 46 41.82% 96 62.75% 75 44.38% 79 48.47% planning and control Mitigation measures that you hope to take Greening 46 30.26% 48 39.02% 41 37.27% 41 26.80% 48 28.40% 56 34.36% during operation of Sound proof the Project 18 11.84% 32 26.02% 19 17.27% 11 7.19% 46 27.22% 28 17.18% measures Other 2 1.32% 0 0 4 3.64% 5 3.27% 0 0 0 0 What do you think Promoting the positive impacts economic 76 50.00% 68 55.28% 45 40.91% 84 54.90% 72 42.60% 85 52.15% of the Project on development reginal development Improving living are? 23 15.13% 36 29.27% 16 14.55% 19 12.42% 45 26.63% 32 19.63% environment 211 Kongtong Mountain Jingchuan County Zhuanglang County Tanchang County Kang County Hezheng County Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject Subproject No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of No.of Questions and Answers Share Share Share Share Share Share people people people people people people Increasing income 53 34.87% 31 25.20% 39 35.45% 50 32.68% 81 47.93% 46 28.22% Do you think whether Yes 152 100% 123 100% 110 100% 153 100% 169 100% 163 100% the measuers as proposed in the EA No 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 are feasible? Agree 152 100% 116 94.31% 110 100% 145 94.77% 167 98.82% 144 88.34% What’s your attitude Neutral 0 0 7 5.69% 0 0 8 5.23% 2 1.18% 19 11.66% towards the Project? Oppose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The survey form for individuals is provided in Table 7.3-6. 212 Table 7.3-6Survey Form for Individuals Basic Information of Survey Respondent (Please provide authentic information and your information would be kept confidential. Thank you for your cooperation) Educational Name Sex Age Occupation Level Entity or residence Tel. address Overview of the Project: The Project would be implemented in six counties (districts) of three cities (prefectures) in southeastern Gansu. The six counties are Kongtong, Jingchuan, Zhuanglang, Tanchang, Kang and Hezheng and the three cities are Pingliang, Longnan and Linxia. The Project would select six scenic areas: Kongtong Mountain, 50-km Stone Cave Corridor, Yunya Temple, Guan’e Gully, Yangba and Songmingya-Ancient Animal Fossil Geological Park, which respresent the Silk Road culture, Yellow River Culture and ethnic and folk culture, respectively. Main components of the Project would include: 1) heritage protection and development: building an inheritance base for non-physical cultural resources; protection endangered cultural relics, ancient buildings, ancient houses, geological and cultural sites, constructing museums and exhibition centers; building offices for guard, management and protection; managing environment around heritage sites and controlling geological disasters; building new roads, car parks and tourist service centers, building necessary water supply and drainage, power, telecommunication, sanitation, tour guide and information systems; 2) construction of community public services facilities: building rural roads, water supply and drainage, garbage collection and treatment and wastewater treatment facilities; and 3) institutional capacity building and “soft â€? activities: providing training to relevant staff at various levels; providing multiple training to community residents and tourism practitioners in scenic areas, assisting local communities in developing local economy and improving residents’ living conditions; strengthening training for technical staff engaging in heritage protection, inheritance, project implementation and management. Total estimated investment of the Project is RMB1,0273.269 million; implementation period: 5 years (2016- 2020). Questions and Answers (Please √ the answer you think appropriate) What’s attitude towards the Project? Agree ( )Neutral ( )Oppoose ( ) What do you think the level of harm/impacts of the Project on Significant ( )Moderte ( )Minor ( ) Do not know ( ) the environment is? What do you think the impacts of the Waste gas ( )Wastewater ( )Noise ( )Solid waste ( ) Incovenient Prioject during its construction are? access ( ) Landscape ( ) 213 What do you think the impacts of the Noise ( )Wastewater ( )Vehicle exhaust ( ) Solid waste ( ) Traffic Prioject during its construction are? segregation What do you think the sources of Waste gas ( ) Wastewater ( )Noise ( )Solid waste ( ) environmental impacts of the Project? Mitigation measures that you hope to take Strengthening management ( ) Temporary cover-up ( ) Traffic during construction of the Project organization ( ) Spraying water ( ) Mitigation measures that you hope to take Strengthening planning and control ( ) Greening ( ) Sound proof during operation of the Project measures ( ) Other ( ) What do you think the positive impacts of Promoting economic development ( )Improving living the Project on reginal development are? environment( )Increasing income ( ) Do you think whether the measuers as Yes ( ) No ( ) proposed in the EA are feasible? What do you think the major environmental issues are in the region? Your other comments and What suggestions and requirements do you have on environmental protection activities suggestions during project construction and operation stages? Contact information of the client and EA agency ( please contact us using the following information for any issues) EA agency: Beijing Zhongzi Huayu Environmental Executing agency: Gansu Provincial Development and Technology Co., Ltd Reform Commission Address： 9, Disheng Nanjie, Beijing Economic and Address: 1, Central Square, Lanzhou Technology Development Zone Contact person: Yang Gong Postcode: 100176 Tel.: 0931-8839048 Tel.: 010-87162828 E-mail: gansupmo@126.com E-mail: 377496257@qq.com The results of survey of entities are provided in Table 7.3-7. 214 Table 7.3-7Results of Survey of Entities Attitude Subproject Name of Entity Telephone towards the Subproject Xigou Primary School of Kongtong Town, Kongtong 13830357762 Agree District Xigou Village Committee of Kongtong Town, Kongtong Agree 13993383177 District Kongtong District Tourism Bureau 0933-8217282 Agree Pingliang City Administration Committee for Kongtong Agree Mountain Ecological and Cultural Tourism 0933-8714314 Demonstration Zone People’s Government of Kongtong Town 0933-8711504 Agree Kongtong District Development and Reform Bureau 0933-8215713 Agree Kongtong Mountain Kongtong District Transportation Bureau 0933-8213349 Agree Subproject Kongtong District Culture, Sports, Radio and TV Bureau 0933-8252530 Agree Kongtong Mountain Key National Scenic Area Agree 0933-8711212 Administration Bureau Kongtong District Water Bureau 0933-8213509 Agree Kongtong District Forestry Bureau 0933-8223719 Agree Kongtong Mountain National Nature Reserve Agree 0933-8711775 Administration Bureau Kongtong Office of Pingliang City Land Resources Agree 0933-8214115 Bureau Kongtong District Environmental Protection Bureau 0933-5938305 Agree Wangcun Town People’s Government, Jingchuan Agree 0933-3480308 County Wangmu Palace Scenic Area Administration Bureau, Agree 0933-3321517 Jingchuan Jingchuan County County Jingchuan County Environmental Protection Bureau 0933-3329638 Agree Subproject Jingchuan County Water Supply Company 0933-3321485 Agree Jingchuan County Tourism Bureau 0933-3321348 Agree Luohandong Vilage Committee 15193338128 Agree 215 Attitude Subproject Name of Entity Telephone towards the Subproject Jingchuan County Culture, Sports, Radio and TV Bureau 18793333299 Agree Jingchuan County Museum 0933-3321950 Agree Jingchuan County Finance Bureau 0933-3326591 Agree Jingchuan County Vocational Education Center 0933-3308251 Agree Wanyan Village Committee 13993364249 Agree Luohandong Township Power Supply Station 0933-3440145 Agree Luohandong Township Hospital 0933-3440269 Agree Luohandong Township People’s Government 0933-3440147 Agree Zhangbasi Village Committee, Luohandong Township 15319336097 Agree Wanyan Village Primary School 13919532164 Agree Jingchuan County Transportation Bureau 0933-3321232 Agree Guoman Village Committee, Handian Town, Zhuanglang Agree 13689461145 County Handian Town People’s Government, Zhuanglang Agree 0933-6913132 County Shiqiao Village Committee, Handian Town 13830315325 Agree Zhuanglang County Yunya Temple Tourism Agree 0933-6618129 Administration Bureau Zhuanglang County Zhuanglang County Tourism Bureau 0933-6820880-- Agree Subproject Shiqiao Forest Farm 0933-6913135 Agree Zhuanglang County Water Bureau 0933-6621642 Agree Zhuanglang County Water and Soil Conservation Agree 0933-6621681 Bureau Zhuanglang County Forestry Bureau 0933-6621071 Agree Zhuanglang County Environmental Protection Bureau 0933-6820905 Agree Xinchengzi Tibetan Township People’s Government, Agree 0939-6126332 Tanchang Tanchang County County Tanchang County Culture and Radio Bureau 0939-6121317 Agree Subproject Longnan City Minjiang Foretry Farm 0939-6127112 Agree 216 Attitude Subproject Name of Entity Telephone towards the Subproject Tanchang County Transportation Bureau 0939-6121556 Agree Daheba Village Committee, Xinchengzi Tibetan Agree 18193933753 Township Xinping Village Committee, Xinchengzi Tibetan Agree 13659393271 Township Luren Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Tanchang Agree 13993913364 County Lijie Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Tanchang Agree 15009393155 County Washeping Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Agree 18193933391 Tanchang County Guan’e Village Committee, Chengguan Town, Tanchang Agree 13993903193 County Tanchang County Environmental Protection Bureau 0939-6123667 Agree Tanchang County Guan’e Tibetan Primary School 13909395196 Agree Yuezangfu Village Committee, Xinchengzi Tibetan Agree 13321393774 Township Lugangtou Village Committee, Xinchengzi Tibetan Agree Township Xinchengzi Village Village Committee, Xinchengzi Agree 15193906652 Tibetan Township Tanchang County Housing and Rual-Urban Agree 0939-6121341 Development Bureau Chengguan Town People’s Government, Tanchang Agree 0939-6123490 County Tanchang County Guan’e Gully Tourism Development Agree 0939-6115188 Limited Company Tanchang County Land Resources Bureau 0939-6121300 Agree Tanchang County Tourism Bureau 0939-6127379 Agree Yangba Town People’s Government, Kang County 0939-5141072 Agree Kang County Yinbazi Village Committee, Yangba Town, Kang County 15809341160 Agree Subproject Kang County Environmental Protection Bureau 0939-5125938 Agree 217 Attitude Subproject Name of Entity Telephone towards the Subproject Kang County Water Bureau 0939-5121648 Agree Kang County Tourism Bureau 0939-5122398 Agree Kang County Forestry Bureau 0939-5121376 Agree Tuya Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang County 18993905911 Agree Laojiangba Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 15393285733 County Youfangba Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13689373615 County Liujiaba Village Committee, Yangban Town, Kang Agree 13649394049 County Kang County Transportation Bureau 0933-5121971 Agree Longnan City Kangnan Forestry Farm 0933-5128296 Agree Kang County Land Resources Bureau 0939-5121225 Agree Kang County Planning Bureau 0939-5123080 Agree Yangba Village Committee, Yangba Town 13830992233 Agree Kang County Culture and Sports Bureau 0939-5151366 Agree Kang County Museum 0939-5939370 Agree Zhenghe Village Committee, Yangba Town 0939-5197120 Agree Meiyuan Village Committee, Yangba Town 18293976527 Agree Shangba Village Committee, Yangba Town 13519393925 Agree Tianba Village Committee, Yangba Town 13519393683 Agree Yangba Town Finance Office 13519393834 Agree Yinba Village Committee, Yangba Town Agree Hezheng County Development and Reform Bureau 0930-5521049 Agree Hezheng County Forestry Bureau 0930-5521067 Agree Hezheng Hezheng County Water and Hydropower Bureau 0930-5521068 Agree County Subproject Hezheng County Tourism Bureau 0930-5523709 Agree Hezheng County Power Company 0930-5521785 Agree Hezheng County Planning Bureau 0930-5522108 Agree 218 Attitude Subproject Name of Entity Telephone towards the Subproject Hezheng County Environmental Protection Bureau 0930-5521203 Agree Hezheng County Energy Conservation and Supervision Agree 0930-5522771 Center Hezheng County Leading Group Office for “Work-for- Agree 0930-5521049 Relifeâ€? and Relocation Project Hezheng County Songming Town People’s Government 13884032212 Agree Hezheng County Songming Rock Scenic Area Agree 0930-5580181 Administration Bureau Diaotan Village Committee, Songming Town 13519309559 Agree Dashanzhuang Village Committee, Songming Town 18793087724 Agree Hezheng County Poverty Alleviation Office 0930-5521193 Agree Hezheng County Animal Fossil Museum 0930-5522792 Agree Hezheng County World Bank Project PMO 0930-5522805 Agree Hezheng County Land Resources Bureau 0930-5521271 Agree Hezheng County Housing and Rural-Urban Agree 0930-5521169 Development Bureau Zhongxin Village Committee, Songming Town 15293902448 Agree Bianpo Village Committee, Songming Town 13830117002 Agree Keqian Village Committee, Songming Town 18093032558 Agree Cheba Village Committee, Songming Town 18093022698 Agree A picture of second round public consultation meeting is given in Figure 7.3-4. 219 Figure 7.3-4 Second Round Public Consultation Meeting 220 Chapter 8 Social Impact Assessment The Project would be implemented in 6 scenic areas, i.e. Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, 50km Stone Cave Corridor Scenic Area, Yunya Temple Scenic Area, Guan’e Gully Scenic Area, Yangba Scenic Area as well as Songming Rock-Ancient Animal Fossil Geopark, which are locatedrespectivelyin 6 counties/district, i.e. Kongtong District, Jingchuan County, Zhuanglang County, Tanchang, County, Kang County and Hezheng County in 3 cities/prefecture, i.e Pingliang City, Longnan City and Linxia Prefecture, which are located in southeastern Gansu Province. The Project would include the following three components: Component 1: Heritage Conservation and Tourism Services Improvement Component 2: Community Basic Services Delivery Component 3: Capacity Building for Project Sites, Institutional Strengthening, and Project Management Support 8.1 Social Assessment Methodology Yishan Yishui Environmental and Social Development Center is the SA agency for the project, formed a 12-person research team and had carried out SA by three groups at30 communities in six counties (district). As a result of public consultation and participatory rural appraisal(PRA), which include field survey, participatory monitoring and evaluation and literature review, the team collected baseline data and information needed for developing the SA report, which was prepared based on consolidation and analysis of the data and information. The report meets the requirements of the World Bank and those inGuidelines on Performance Evaluation of Projects Financed by International Financial Organizations. 8.2 Key Findings of Social Assessment 8.2.1 Key Stakeholders of the Project The World Bank has developed the concept of “stakeholderâ€? in its assistance strategies and divided them into groups. The stakeholder refers to “the people who have influence on or are influenced by the operations and strategies of the World Bankâ€? (World Bank 1994:1). With the premise of poverty alleviation as its target, the SA team divided the stakeholders into the following groups: (1) Community residents, which refer to the targets of developing project, especially those who lack access to information and power and who are excluded from the process of development. The group includes the poor, unemployed women and ethnic minorities. (2) Government departments associated with culture protection and tourism, i.e. agencies that are responsible for the project or implement the project. 221 (3) Private institutions, which mainly include enterprises engaging in service provision, commodity deals, self-employed business owners and vendors in the project areas and adjacent areas. According to the definition above, the SA team drew their conclusion based on the field investigation and identified “stakeholdersâ€? and “key stakeholdersâ€? of the project (See Table 9.2-1). Table 9.2-1 Stakeholder Analysis Administrative Key Stakeholders Scenic Area Area Government Organization Community Private Sector Tourism Bureau of Xigou Village Farmer Inns Pingliang City Jiaju Village Hotels nearby scenic area Kongtong Tourism Bureau of District Kongtong District Gaoling Village Catering companies nearby Kongtong Pingliang City scenic area Mountain Qihe Village Administration Committee of Kongtong Souvenir sales companies Zhonghe Village nearby scenic area Mountain Scenic Area stalls Tourism Administration Luohan Dong Farmer's homestay Bureau of Yunya Temple Wanyan Village Hotels nearby scenic area Zhuanglang County Gongchi Village Catering companies nearby Pingliang City Yunya Temple scenic area Yanfeng Village Souvenir sales companies Tianchi Village nearby scenic area stalls Wangmu Palace Scenic Guoman Village Farmer's homestay Area Administration Bureau Shiqiao Village Hotels nearby scenic area Jingchuan Catering companies nearby County Baili Grottoes scenic area Pingliang City Souvenir sales companies nearby scenic area stalls Tourism Development Luren Village Xinping Farmer's homestay Company Village Hotels nearby scenic area Yuezangpu Village Guan'e Village Catering companies nearby Tanchang scenic area County Guan'e Gou Lijie Village Longnan City Souvenir sales companies Washeping Village nearby scenic area Daheba Village stalls Xinchengzi Village 222 Yangba Scenic Area Yinbazi Village Farmer's homestay Administration Bureau Laojiangba Village Hotels nearby scenic area Kang County Zhuangke Village Catering companies nearby Yangba scenic area Longnan City Liujiaba Village Souvenir sales companies nearby scenic area stalls Songmingyan Scenic Area Diaotan Village Farmer's homestay Administration Bureau Zhongxin Village Hotels nearby scenic area Songmingyan Hezheng Palaeotherium Hezheng and Fossils National Geopark Cheba Village Catering companies nearby County scenic area Palaeotherium Administration Dashanzhuang Village Linxia Fossils Committee Souvenir sales companies Prefecture Museum Bianpo Village nearby scenic area Ketuo Village stalls ★Village is the lowest level of administrative unit in China. Generally speaking, one administrative village is composed of several natural villages. The village mentioned in the report refers to administrative village, which is the same as “communityâ€? or “rural communityâ€? under the project. 8.2.2 Poverty in the Project Areas According to figures released by Gansu Poverty Reduction Office, Gansu province had 4.17 million poor population in 2014, including 1.4697 million poor population in the three cities (prefecture) where the project would be implemented, accounting for 23.68% of the region's rural population. In addition, rural population in the six scenic areas located in 6 counties (district) amount to 3.1986 million, including 707,000 poor people with poverty incidence being 22.1% (See Table 9.2-2). Table 9.2-1 Poverty in the Project Areas Administration Area Rural Poor Poverty Project Area Rural Poor Poverty Population population Incidence Population Population Incidence (10,000) (10,000) (%) (10,000) (10,000) (%) Pingliang city 194.48 40.60 20.87 Kongtong 32.86 3.38 10.30 District Jingchuan 32.04 4.85 15.15 County Zhuanglang 41.52 11.11 26.75 County Subtotal 106.42 12.34 17.4 Longnan city 247.25 64.37 26.04 Kang County 17.23 4.82 28.00 223 Tanchang 28.36 2.32 32.87 County Subtotal 45.59 14.14 30.44 Linxia Hui 174.13 42.00 24.12 Hezheng County 15.84 3.74 23.64 Autonomous Prefecture Total 615.86 146.97 23.68 Total 312.86 70.7 22.10 There are 30 rural communities in the 6 scenic spots. The farmer households in the 30 rural communities total 6,690 with population of 32,019, of whom poverty households amount to 1,860 with population 7,381. The poverty incidence rate is as high as 23%. According to China's poverty reduction strategy, to ensure thatfarmers' per capita disposable income growth rate inpoor regionsis higher than the national average by 2020, ensure that the rural poor is out of poverty based on current poverty line, all poor counties should resolve regional poverty. Hence, all poor people in poor counties are supposed to be out of poverty by 2020 when the proposed project is completed. According to conservative estimation, the project would directly help 7,381 poor peoplein 30 project communities get rid of poverty, and indirectly help 110,715 poor people out of poverty by 2020. The project would contribute 15.66% to poverty reduction in southeastern Gansu. 8.2.3 Ethnic Minorities in the Project Areas Tanchang County Guan'e Gully Subproject would involve three ethnic minority villages: Luren Village, Xinping Village and Yuezangfu village, among which Tibetan people are the majority. There are 833 people in 186 households in Luren Village. Among which, 90 households, 422 people are ethnic minorities, accounting for 84.3% of total population. After implementation of the policy returning farmland to forest, the village community residents have lost almost all farmland they had before. There are 208 households, all together 832 people in Xinping Village. All the community residents are Tibetan, who only own 632 mu of farmland. Yuezangfu Village has 125 households or 622 farmers, among which 90 households or 458 farmers are ethnic minorities, accounting for 73.6% of the total. The area of farmland in the village is 685 mu. In the Hezheng County Songming Rock Scenic Area Subproject, four villages have Dongxiang minority and Hui ethnic minority people. The Dashanzhuang Village has 529 households and 2,709 farmers. Among them, 2,318 farmers in 468 households are Dongxiang minority people, accounting for 85.6% of the total; 391 farmers in 61 households are Hui ethnic minority, accounting for 14.4% of the total. There are 2,428 farmers in 468 households in Cheba Village. Among them, 1,208 farmers in 320 households are Dongxiang minority, accounting for 65% of the total. Hui minority has 300 farmers in 150 households,accounting 224 for 12.4% of the total. There are 1,812 farmers in 335 households in Bianpo Village. Among which, Dongxiang minority has 450 farmers in 110 households, accounting for 33% of the total. Hui Minority has 1,010 farmers in 200 households, accounting for 55.8% of the total. Ketuo Village has 1,935 farmers in 389 households. Among which, Dongxiang minority has 298 households or 1,202 farmers, accounting for 77%. Hui minority has 200 farmers in 50 households, accounting for 10.3% of the total. 8.2.4 Women in the Project Areas Due to unbalanced social and economic development in the project areas, most farmers leave home for migrant work, resulting in an imbalanced loacl labor structure. As a result, the community labor force mainly comprises left-behind women and the elderly. Women have much lower educational level than men, which causes them to lack rights to participation rights, expression, decision-making and the rights to be heard in community affairs. Therefore, in designing the components of the project, adequate consideration shall be given to gender sentivity, community development and gender equality, as well as capacity building so as to promote synergized development of communities and scenic areas. 8.2.5 Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement It has been confirmed that all project activities supported by the Bank would be implemented on the existing farmland; therefore, the project would not involve land acquisition or involuntary resettlement. However, in case where the project implementation would use some land that is voluntarily provided by farmers who would be compensated through land adjustment through “ad hocâ€? villagers’ representative meeting, or in case where the project implementation may need new civil works or involve land acquisition, the Resettlement Policy Framework shall be developed. This would ensure that the area and quality of farmland of affected farmers are not lower than those before such adjustment. Therefore, the SA team prepared a RPF for the project (see the section of Social Management Plan for details). 8.2.6 Main Social positive impacts of the Project (1) The southeastern region of Gansu province and its surrounding areas are rich in cultural and natural resources, but lacks behind in terms of economic and social development. It lacks funds, ideas, technology and international cooperation in conservation and development. Implementation of the project would play an important role in the protection and development of cultural and natural heritage as well as in non-physical cultural resources. (2) Implementation of the project would contribute to improving infrastructure inside and outside scenic areas, improving tourist facilities and increasing jobs during and after the project implementation. 225 (3) Implementation of the project would contribute to improving the management capacity of scenic areas, improving protection of cultural relics and enhancing the overall qualifications of practitioners in the tourism sector, Besides, it would also enhance local residents’ awareness of cultural and natural heritage protection. (4) The project would cover rural poor. Therefore, the project would pay close attention to ethnic minorities, women, the elderly and children in the project areas, and to improving their living environment and creating participation channels for them. (5) Based on conservative estimation, the project would directly help 30 beneficiary communities with 7,381 people to get rid of poverty, indirectly help 110,715 people out of poverty by 2020 when the project is completed, which would contribute 15.66% of poverty reduction to southeastern Gansu. (6) After its completion and by 2023, the project would directly benefit 5.6944 million tourists and community residents, including 5.5833 million tourist and 111,100 community residents. Of beneficiary community residents, female beneficiaries would amount to 62,216. 8.2.7 Potential Social Risks of the Project (1) Risk of lower level of community participation. Civil society organizations of regions where the six scenic areas are located are developing slowly. Only Kongtong District has several associations or organizations that are related to the protection and development of cultural and natural heritage; Songmingyan Town has one cooperative, but there are no community organizations in other subproject areas. In the risk assessment of six subprojects, five subproject areas have the highest risk of non-participation by communities. It is obvious that non-participation by communities may thaw the “twin goalsâ€? of the World Bank. This is also one of the biggest social risks of the project. (2) Risk of heritage damage. Apart from Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, other scenic areas have risk of heritage damage in different degrees. Among them, the Jingchuan County 50-km Stone Cave Scenic Area suffers the most severe damage. Therefore, it is highly necessary to protect cultural and natural heritage in a rescue manner. (3) Risk of large share of poor people. Southeastern Gansu Province, where the 6 project counties (districts) are located, is one of China's poorest regions, as well as the region with the largest poverty-stricken population in Gansu Province. It is of low regional social and economic development level, extensive and deep poverty, fragile ecological environment, frequent geological disasters, backward protection and development of heritage. There is stark contrast between poor communities and prosperous scenic areas. How to coordinate the common development of communities and scenic areas, and let poor communities share the development outcomes of scenic areas; all these have posed challenges and provided opportunities to the project. (4) Risk of lagging development of ethnic minority communities. The ethnic minority groups of Gansu Province are mostly in the Southeast Gansu Region. Affected by geographical locations, natural conditions, infrastructure, education and other factors, the 226 regions in which ethnic minority groups live are the poorest regions in Southeast Gansu Province. These regions have long lagged behind in social and economic development, and there are big challenges of poverty alleviation due to a large number of poverty-stricken population. Therefore, it is dire necessary to formulate community development plans, provide World Bank loan support, establish community organizations, offer capacity building, and develop suitable and characteristic projects for the ethnic minority groups in the project areas. Therefore, on the basis of demand assessment, the social assessment team designed community development and capacity building projects for ethnic minority groups. Tanchang County and Hezheng County should design and implement projects in reference to the Report on Development Plans for Ethnic Minority Groups developed by the social assessment team. (5) Risk of gender inequality. Due to imbalanced social and economic development, many residents of project areas have gone working in other places. As a result, the structure of community labor force is imbalanced. The remaining residents are mostly women, old people and children. And the education level of women is far lower than that of men, and they lack the rights of participation, expression, decision-making and being listened to in community affairs. Therefore, project design should take into full consideration of social gender composition, give priority to community development and gender equality, and design a series of capacity building activities to promote synergized development of communities and scenic areas. 8.2.8 Mitigation measures for social impacts A RPF and two EMDPs have been prepared to address the social risks and impacts based on the social assessment. Selection of civil work sites have avoided damage to local village buildings and special design of scenic facilities such as tourist information centre, cultural exhibition centre, museum, will be consistent with ethnic minority culture and styles. Therefore, impacts on buildings and landscape will be insignificant, and, to some extent, even enhanced. Construction camps will adopt closed management approach, as commonly adopted in China, and workers will receive sensitivity training to respect and value ethnic minority cultures and customs. Therefore, cultural conflict impacts from construction workers can be managed, and the negative impact will be mitigated. The EMDP and SA action plan recommend actions to mitigate the adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts on affected ethnic minority communities. Main measures include that project activities shall be fairly offered to all the 7 ethnic communities in a culturally appropriate way and promote benefits and participation of ethnic minority people (both men and women) in the project. Arrangement for community development budget and support to establishing 31 tourism service-driven community organizations. Priorities will be given to the ethnic and vulnerable people in project villages in terms of jobs, livelihood development or restoration and other economic opportunities resulting from the project. In particular, project resources of technical expert advisory services, incubating of community organizations and budgets will be provided, including those for ethnic intangible cultural heritage protection and promotion via development of local performing arts and tourism- oriented souvenirs. 227 (1) Land Acquisition and Resettlement. By project appraisal, through optimization of design and selection of location, the project civil works will be constructed on existing land in scenic areas which are already state owned land or ready-for-use collective land for village level infrastructure. However, some of the specific locations of land to be used for the project may be adjusted during project implementation, such as new paths and small bridges, small scale of local cultural exhibition centre, and tourism facilities. A Resettlement policy Framework is prepared to provide guidance on dealing with the issues of land acquisition and resettlement if it occurs in the implementation stage of the project, so as to ensure the OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is properly considered and complied with. (2)Ethnic minority. The proposed project will significantly promote the social and economic development of 7 ethnic minority villages with about 6900 ethnic people in Hezheng and Tanchang counties. To address the impacts on ethnic minority people, two separate Ethnic Minority Development Plans (EMDP) have been prepared for these two counties. The project will provide convenient accessibility to and from outside their villages and scenic areas, stimulating tourism, improving infrastructure and creating employment opportunities and income generation. There is broad support from all ethnic minority areas for the project, as the project is seen as a unique and indeed rare opportunity for much needed economic development. Chapter 9 Environmental and Social Management Plan The objectives of this Environmental and Social Management Plan (the Plan) are to provide evidence and basis for environmental management, ensure environmental protection laws and regulations are strictly complied with and environmental protection measures specified in the EA are implemented by project implementation agencies during project design, construction and operation, hence achieving the win-win target of development and environmental protection. 9.1 Key Experience and Lessons The World Bank financed Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project (the Phase I Project) was completed in 2015 and is very similar to the Project in terms of project component. Therefore, reviewing the experience and lessons learned of the Phase I Project would significantly contribute to environmental management of the Project. 9.1.1 Key Experience 228 Implementation of the Phase I Project has played a catalytical and demonstration role from a range of dimensions to other relevant projects within the province. 1. The project has brought in new paradigm of cultural and natural heritage protection and management Implementation of the project has significantly improved the capacity of all participants, enhanced living quality and cultural and natural heritage protection awareness of residents in the project areas and improved tourism infrastructure and service capacity. A few subprojects have demonstrated the international concept of services. Incorporating the new concept of management in future operations is a leading experience of the project. 2. Sound management institutions are the organizational guarantee for project implementation Albeit challenges such as lack of professionals and temporary changes in the management structure during project implementation, PMOs at all levels have overcome difficulties, engaged experts with expertise in different sectors from both inside and outside the province to guide operations of implementing agencies and identify and address new issues/problems during project implementation, and employed professionals to strengthen the capacity of PMOs at different levels. As a result, the project has been implemented smoothly. The Provincial PMO clearly understands that sound management institutions are both the strong support for sustained project implementation and organizational guarantee for smooth project implementation. 3. Standardized and rigid management approaches are effective tools for achieving implementation progress In order to strengthen project management, the province established comprehensive and systematic management approaches. The Provincial PMO developed a series of rules and regulations governing project management, financial management, procurement management, contract management, staff training, resettlement, environmental assessment and loan withdrawal. Relevant laws and regulations governing cultural and natural heritage protection have been strictly complied with and approval systems have been implemented. For construction programs and bidding documents with total investments exceeding U$1 million as well as complex activities, review and no-objection were sought for from the World Bank before they were implemented. For key cultural heritage of national level protection, we have strictly followed the Cultural Relics Protection Law and approvals were 229 sought for from the State Cultural Relics Administration before bidding and construction activities were initiated. The tendering agent and supervision agency for the project were selected through public bidding. During project implementation, the Provincial PMO focused on strengthening cooperation with the tendering agent, strengthening training of staff responsible for bidding, engaging experienced professionals to prepare bidding documents, technical specifications and bill of quantities. As a result, quality of bidding documents was improved and bidding and procurement processes were expedited. To ensure supervision agencies to effectively fulfill their roles and responsibilities, the Provincial PMO requested them to make commitments to construction quality, good governance and self-discipline before they entered into the sites. In addition, the province employed local “self-taughtâ€? experts to provide technical guidance on and “supervisionâ€? over protection, inheritance and comprehensive utilization of ancient buildings, historical sites and non-physical cultural heritage. This approach has maintained the original landscape of ancient buildings and effectively addressed issues/problems relating to project management through establishing and implementing the follow-up and reporting mechanisms. 9.1.2 Key Lessons Overall, implementation of Phase I Project is successful, but there are also some lessons learned, which mainly include: 1. Affected by reforms of government institutions and project agencies and prolonged preparation and implementation periods, staff of some project agencies changed frequently and lacked work continuity; 2. Cultural heritageprotection plans must be developed and approved first before the implementation of corresponding protection activities, but in reality, approval of these plans took a much longer period than expected. In future operations, this risk needs to be avoided; 3. Most project facilities lacked regular maintenance and management, staff were not arranged or lacked capacity; 4. Roles and functions of city and county PMOs have not been adequately enabled during project operation. During daily work, PMOs of scenic areas reported directly to the Provincial PMO and this has somewhat streamlined communication procedures and enhanced work efficiency. But during project completion acceptance, the acceptance was delayed due to the lack of participation by city and county PMOs in the necessary processes. The above experience and lessons have been drawn upon in developing the Plan. 9.2 Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities 230 Environmental management for the Project is the responsibility of Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission and PMOs of six counties are responsible for implementing specific environmental management activities. Institutional arrangements and responsibilities for environmental management are detailed in Table 9.2-1 and Figure 9.2-1. Table 9.2-1 Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities for Environmental Management under the Project Stage Project Stakeholders Responsibilities 1. Carrying out design, supervision, construction, equipment and materials procurement; Project owner and/or PMO 2. Carrying out project tendering and submitting project- related matters to higher level authorities for approval; developing EA and EMP and submitting them for approval. The design institute shall do a good job on engineering survey Design institute and EA and design and revise environmental protection measures in agency accordance with the EA while the EA agency shall do a good job on environmental assessment. Development and reform Supervising and inspecting over the rationality of engineering bureaus and quality design, carrying out tendering and approval, engineering supervision bureaus supervision, quality assurance and construction safety. Design and preparation Supervising and inspecting over the compliance of engineering Construction bureaus and design with relevant laws and regulations governing cultural cultural heritage heritage and scenic areas and approving the feasibility of project administration bureaus components. Supervising and inspecting over the compliance of engineering design with relevant laws and regulations governing nature Forestry bureaus reserves, forest parks and wetland parks and approving the feasibility of project components. Supervising and inspecting over the compliance of engineering Water bureaus and design with relevant laws and regulations governing protection environmental protection of water source sites and approving the feasibility of project bureaus components. Environmental protection Examining whether pollution control facilities are in place and bureaus the design meets relevant criteria. 1. Supervising over implementation of mitigation measures in the EMP during construction; 2. Carrying out dissemination and training of mitigation Project owner and/or PMOs measures in the EMP during construction; 3. Proactively coordinating with other relevant authorities Construction to safeguard legitimate rights and benefits of villagers and supervising over construction activities. Development and reform Supervising over implementation of various measures during bureaus infrastructure construction and safety production rules. Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation Land resources bureaus measures in the EMP during construction of geological parks. 231 Stage Project Stakeholders Responsibilities Construction bureaus and Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation cultural heritage measures in the EMP during construction of cultural heritage and administration bureaus scenic areas. Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation Forestry bureaus measures in the EMP during construction of nature reserves, forest parks and wetland parks. Water bureaus and Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation environmental protection measures in the EMP during construction, especially measures bureaus targeting at drinking water source protection areas. Contractors and construction Implementation of mitigation measures in the EMP during teams construction. Control over construction quality, cost and progress and Supervision engineers fulfillment of legally designated roles and responsibilities for ensuring construction safety. 1. Implementation of mitigation measures in the EMP during operation; 2. Ensuring environmental protection, construction Project owner and operation progress, quality and safety during operation; units 3. Organizing environmental monitoring; 4. Reporting to the PMO and the Bank on implementation status on a periodic basis. 1. Implementation of mitigation measures in the EMP Scenic area administrative during operation; committees 2. Project supervision: protecting the environment and reducing use of relevant materials. Operation Development and reform Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation bureaus measures in the EMP during project operation. Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation Land resources bureaus measures in the EMP during operation of geological parks. Construction bureaus and Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation cultural heritage measures in the EMP during operation of cultural heritage and administration bureaus scenic areas. Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation Forestry bureaus measures in the EMP during operation of nature reserves, forest parks and wetland parks. Water bureaus and Guidance on and supervision over implementation of mitigation Environmental protection measures in the EMP during operation of drinking water source bureaus protection areas. 232 世行贷款甘肃文化自然 Provincial Project Coordination é?—产ä¿?护与开å?‘项目 and Leading å??调领导å°?组 Group (PCLG) Office of Gansu çœ?外贷办 Provincial Foreign Expert Advisory 专家咨询委员会 Loan Administration Committee Committee 平凉市 Pingliang City 陇å?—市 Longnan City 临å¤?å·ž Linxia Prefecture 项目å??调领导å°?组 项目å??调领导å°?组 项目å??调领导å°?组PCLG PCLG PCLG Kang County PMO Dangchang County Jingchuan County Kongtong District Hezheng Conty County PMO 庄浪县 æ³¾å·?县 康县 宕昌县 和政县 Zhuanglang 崆峒区 项目办 项目办 项目办 项目办 项目办 PMO PMO PMO PMO 项目办 KongtongMountainSubproject Dangchang County Subproject 庄浪县 æ³¾å·?县 Kang County Subproject 崆峒山 百里石 宕昌县官 Jingchuan County Hezheng County 云崖寺 Zhuanglang County é?—产ä¿? 康县阳å?? 鹅沟é?—产 和政县é?— 窟长廊 Subproject Subproject é?—产ä¿? é?—产ä¿?护 产ä¿?护å­? Subproject 护å­?项 一场ä¿? ä¿?护å­?项 护å­?项 å­?项目 项目 ç›® 护ä¿?护 ç›® ç›® å­?项目 Figure 9.2-1 Structure of Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities for Environmental Management under the Project 233 Figure 9-2-2 Structure of Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities for social Management under the Project 9.3 Environmental Codes of Practice and Mitigation Measures In order to minimize or eliminate potential negative impacts of the Project on natural environment and ensure expected ecological and environmental benefits of the Project are fully achieved, the following environmental protection measures and environmental codes of practice (ECOP) have been developed. The ECOP and mitigation measures have been developed in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, standards and norms of China and Gansu Province while making reference to the Bank’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. The ECOP and mitigation measures are described below. 9.3.1 ECOP During Construction 234 The Project would involve construction of roads, water and sewage works. Given these works would have similar environmental impacts during their construction, their mitigation measures are similar. These common measures constitute the ECOP and are summarized in Table 9.3-1. 9.3.2 ECOP during Operation In addition to common measures in Table 9.3-1, specific measures during operation are listed in Table 9.3-2. 9.3.3 Specific Measures for Activities in Special Sensitive Areas Specific measures targeting at special ecologically sensitive areas for the design and construction periods are listed in Table 9.3-3 and those for the operation period are given in Table 9.3-4. 9.3.4Specific Measures for Sewage Treatment In addition to common measures in Table 9.3-1, specific measures for sewage works are listed in Table 9.3-5. 235 Table 9.3-1 Environmental Codes of Practice for Infrastructure Works during Construction Estinmated Cost Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB 10,000) Preparation Period 1. Incorporation of EMP into bidding documents; Tendering and bidding ―― 2. Incorporation of EMP into contracts with contractors, construction supervisors and environmental - Project owner - supervisors to facilitate EMP implementation. 1. Optimization and adjustment of construction scheme: remove components proposed during the pre-appraisal by the client that do not meet requirements in relevant laws and regulations governing the protection of nature reserves, drinking water source protection areas and wetland and have severe harmful environmental impacts, such as repair and expansion of Xiang-Yan Comparison and Highway, improvement of roads and water supply pipeline in Zhonghe Village and Gaoling Village, selection of and improvement of trails to Yunya Temple; alternatives ―― - Project owner - 2. Site selection results: recommended site for Jingchuan County Museum: Chengbei New District; recommended site for domestic sewage treatment facilities: Fumengou Tourist Service Center; 3. Recommended toilet alternative: flush toilets are recommended for those inside buildings and environmentally-friendly toilets are recommended for new stand-alone toilets; 4. Recommended alternative for wastewater treatment: buried small AO treatment equipment. Construciton Period 1. Efforts would be taken to rationally arrange construction sites, minimize land occupation, select appropriate construction periods and minimize earth-rock excavation during rainy seasons or on rainy days. Fences would be set up at construction sites to prevent construction materials and County EPBs, construction waste from entering into surface water; housing and rural- Destroying vegetation, affecting urban development farming activities and landscape, 2. Depending on topographical conditions of construction sites, earth-based drainage ditches may bureaus, forestry Earth-rock excavation, disturbing activities of wild need to be set up around the sites and earth-based sedimentation tanks may need to be set up at Construction bureaus, animal site leveling, spoil animals, leading to soil erosion, outlets of these ditches to slow down water flow and allow for sand settlement in sedimentation 1200 units and project husbandary disposal and other inducing geological disasters, and tanks; owner bureaus, water activities resulting in other ecological 3. Efforts shall be taken to combine key water and soil conservation measures with surface bureaus, township destructions and ecological protection measures, and combine engineering measures with botanical measures. Priority shall sanitation impacts be given to implementing engineering measures as they can immediately play an effective role. administration Botanical measures are supplementary measures for water and soil conservation, which can play a offices role in ensuring long-term water and soil conservation and in greening and beautifying the environment in the project areas; 236 Estinmated Cost Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB 10,000) 4. Measures shall be taken to strengthen public communication and education, ban illegal and arbitrary felling of trees and hunting and killing of wild animals. If rare and endangered plants, famous and ancient trees and unique local plants are found during construction, relevant authorities shall be kept informed of and on-site protection measures shall be taken immediately. Construction noise shall be controlled to reduce disturbances to animals; 5. During construction, top soil shall be excavated and piled up in a stratified manner and upon construction completion, temporary facilities shall be demolished in a timely manner, hardened soil shall be loosened and consolidated, and top soil shall be backfilled in a stratified manner to allow for vegetation restorationees. Appropriate vegetation species shall be selected according to local climate features, side slope degrees and geological conditions; 6. Efforts shall focus on fire risk monitoring of construction sites; construction units shall also need to strengthen survey of key plants and famous and ancient trees. Construction activities that may lead to forest fire shall be strictly managed and use of open fire in mountainous areas shall be banned during fire prevention period of mountain forest; 7. Slopes at key sections shall be selected for artistic processing through plant landscaping to demonstrate unique local cultural features. In addition, slope top shall be cut into a circular arc so that it can naturally integrate with mountains. A one-size-fits-all approach shall be avoided for slope cutting. 1. Adopt advanced construction techniques. Adopt the wet crushing method in sandstone and concrete system. Provide dust collection equipment, control vehicle speed, exhaust, and coal emission. Spraying water on construction access. Construction teams shall use clean energy such as liquefied gas and electricity. Strengthen afforestation and construction worker protection to minimize environmental and air impacts; County EPBs, Sand and gravel Dust and exhaust emitted by housing and rural- processing, concrete trucks would have impacts on 2. The washing platform shall be installed in the entrance for vehicles shipping materials and spoil. Construction urban development mixing, materials ambient air The equipment shall meet the following requirements: The spill-proof device shall be installed 120 units and project bureaus, township transport and other around the platform to prevent wastewater from spilling over. The wastewater collection pits and owner sanitation activities; desilting basin shall be set up. Before the vehicle leaves the site, the vehicle body and tyre shall be administration washed and the sludge shall be removed. For vehicles shipping materials and spoil, the height of offices materials and spoil shall not exceed the outer edge of the vehicle. The loading compartment shall be covered by the cloth or use sealed compartment; 3. No concrete and asphalt mixing station shall be set up at the construction site. Construction County EPBs, Construction waste I. Earthwork: units and project township sanitation Soil erosion, riverway blockage (earth-rock and 60 owner with administration and water pollution 1. If the site needs to be excavated at the beginning of construction period, the construction team construction spoil) assistance from offices, health shall fully use natural elevation difference of landform, avoiding digging deep pits; projecet villages bureaus 237 Estinmated Cost Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB 10,000) 2. The earthwork dug out shall be used for leveling land. Rockwork shall be used as foundation rocks for irrigation and side gully works. The earthwork and rockwork shall not be placed randomly; 3. The temporary storage yard shall be arranged reasonably, and shall be set up far away from sensitive spots (such as settlements and schools) and at sites at downwind or side-wind direction of dominant summer wind direction. The earthwork shall be crushed and covered by cloth. Fencing walls and drainage facilities shall also be established around the earth piles; 4. Earth drainage ditch shall be set up around temporary soil storage sites. Desilting basin shall be set up at the exit of drainage ditch to precipitate out sludge in slow flow. II. Constructionspoil: 1. Classify and recycle recyclable waste (waste iron, waste steel and package materials would be sold to salvage station and wast bricks would be used as road foundation); 2. Building waste that could not be recycled shall be piled at the designated places. The loading compartment shall be sealed during the shipping; 3. Water and wind-proof measures shall be taken for temporary piling building waste. Domestic wasteeasily gets rotten, County EPBs, emits disgusting odor, provides Construction township sanitation Domestic waste from Trash cans shall be placed for collecting household garbage. Staff shall be appointed to clean, collect breeding grounds for flies, pests 12 units and project administration construction camps and sort out garbage everyday and deliver to nearby landfill sites for disposal. and bacteria, damages landscape, owner offices, health and even emits poisonous gasses bureaus 1. Wastewater generated from sand processing system: sand sedimentation pool + flocculating settling pond, wastewater after treatment shall be used for mixing concrete and spaying for dust prevention and shall not be discharged to areas outside the construction site; Arbitrary discharge of construction 2. The construction team shall use environmentally-friendly toilets or dry toilets in nearby villages. 120 wastewater and Domestic sewage shall not be discharged to areas outside the consruction site; Construction County EPBs, domestic sewage units and project township sanitation 3. In designing the location of a construction site, adequate considerations shall be given to drainage Pollution to surface water owner with administration and the site shall be far away from rivers. No construction activities shall be carried out within the assistance from offices, water catchment area of surface water. projecet villages bureaus 1. Observe the subsidence of surrounding surface and building. In case of any abnormalities found, Domestic waste leechate seepage and stop to drain groundwater and constructionimmediately; 30 construction of 2. Keep the operation section clean during the construction process, avoid sewage and pollutants foundation works from entering excavation trench to cause sewage seepage; 238 Estinmated Cost Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB 10,000) 3. If fuel needs to be stored onsite, the warehouse shall go through anti-seepage treatment, preventing oil leakage to pollute water body; 4. The storage room for household garbage shall adopt anti-seepage measures; 5. The infrastructure construction shall select in the non-flood period to reduce the impacts of construction on groundwater depth. 1. No-horn sign shall be set up in sensitive spots and measures shall be adopted to reduce noise, such Noise from as using low-noise equipment, control noise source, transmission and traffic noise and preparing noise-proof earplugs for workers, and reasonably arranging construction schedule. County EPBs, construction housing and rural- machinery, Impacts on acoustic environment 2. According to Emission Standards of Ambient Noise at Construction Site Boundary (GB12523-2011), urban development transportation Construction in nearby villages and on reasonably arrange the construction schedule and do not arrange construction or arrange low- 60 bureaus, township vehicles, sand and noise construction at night. The machines with loud noise (e.g. pile engine) shall not work at night units construction workers sanitation gravel processing (22:00-6:00). If close to the sensitive points, do not arrange construction or arrange low-noise administration systems and other construction at night. Also adopt de-noise measures to minimize the impacts of noise on residents. offices construction activities If the continuous construction is needed, the construction enterprise shall seek the approval of related authorities and communicate with residents in advance. Table 9.3-2 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures during Operation Estimated Cost (10,000 Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implemengter Supervisor Yuan) Contruction of barrier dams, diversion dikes, slope foot retaining walls, rock-bolts Reoccurrence of landslides, Measures shall be taken to monitor, manage and analyze spots with hidden Scenic area County governments, Included in total project and lattices, anti-slippery sector collapse and mud-rock risks of geological disasters, enhance geological disaster waning capacity administration county land resources investment pole at slope foot, drainage flow and prevent geological disasters from taking place. committees bureaus canals; slope surface greening Water storage tanks and Scenic area People get drowned when water tanks for firefighting they swim in water storage Measures shall be taken to 20 administration County governments, operations committees county EPBs, township tanks or water tanks for 239 Estimated Cost (10,000 Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implemengter Supervisor Yuan) firefighting operations and 1. heighten walls of water tanks and place glass fragments on the top of sanitation administration animals get drowned after these walls to prevent people and animals from entering the tanks; offices falling into these tanks. 2. build stairs within the tanks to facilitate their maintenance and rescue efforts in case of accidents; 3. strengthen management and public communication and set up waning signs to prevent accidents from happening. 1. Markers and warning signs shall be set up at sections where the pipeline crosses the river; 2. Public commucation about protection of pipeline and relevant facilties Surface water and Scenic area Midwater reuse pipes and shall be strengthend; sewage collection facilties such as accident tanks County EPBs, urban groundwater are polluted due 20 administration sewage pipes shall be set up near main spots where the pipeline crosses the river; development bureaus to broken pipes. committees 3. A special emergency preparedness plan shall be developed and adequate emergency repair facilities and rescue facilities shall be provided. 1. Vehicle exhaust: measures shall be taken to strengthen traffic management and reduce vehicle idling to reduce generation of vehicle Offices for scenic area exhaust; County EPBs, township administration, museums, Impacts of waste gas and 2. Oil smoke from restaurants: restaurants are banned in scenic areas; Scenic area sanitation administration cultural exhibition rooms, odorous pollutants on 80 administration offices, health bureaus, tourist transport centers, car 3. Odor control: set up garbage dumps and transfer stations; arrange ambient air committees industrial and commercial parks and residential areas designated staff to do cleaning and spray disinfectants and transport administration bureaus in scenic areas garbage in a timely manner to reduce odor from garbage; strengthen sanitation management of public toilets, reduce faeces storage and use sealing covers to reduce impacts of odor on regional environment. 1. An online monitoring instrument would be provided for the master sewage outlet of Hezheng County Subproject. Sewage discharge must be suspended immediately if sewage fails to meet the standard, reasons be Scenic area County EPBs, township Impacts of accidentalsewage identified and equipment be checked and repaired within 24 hours. Included in total project administration sanitation administration discharge on surface water Sewage shall be stored in the regulation tank during the accident; investment committees offices 2. For Kongtong Mountain, Jingchuan County, Zhuanglang County and Kang County subprojects, staff shall be designated to mintor sewage discharge. In case of abnormalities with the discharge, the outlet valve 240 Estimated Cost (10,000 Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implemengter Supervisor Yuan) shall be closed and sewage be stored in the regulation tank. Sewage shall be tested and when sewage is not up to standard, equipment shall be checked and repaired. If the repair lasts for a long period, sewage shall be transported to local wastewater treatment plants for treatment. Operation of self-built sewage treatment facilities 1. The impacts of social life noise shall be mitigated by strengthening scenic area administration and reminding tourists; County EPBs, township 2. Vehicle noise: Horn shall be prohibited when vehicles enter/exit to/from Impacts of noise from Scenic area sanitation administration parking lots. Minimize the frequency of boosting and idle speed of motor tourists, equipment and 110 administration offices, industrial and vehicles; vehicles committees commercial 3. Equipment noise: Low-noise equipment shall be used in water pump administration bureaus room, fan room and power distribution room to reduce noise and prevent noise pollution. 1. Feces from flush toilets under Tanchang County Subproject shall be discharged into septic tanks for initial treatment and then delivered via sewage network to Tanchang County Wastewater Treatment Plant for further treatment. Feces from flush toilets under other subprojects shall be discharged into septic tanks for initial treatment and then delivered via sewage network to new wastewatertreatment plants or integrated wastewater treatment equipment for further treatment. Septic tanks shall be cleaned at least twice a year; County EPBs, township Scenic area sanitation administration Feces 2. Biogas generated by septic tanks shall be diverted via pipes to nearby 30 administrative offices, industrial and forest to eliminate impacts of odor; committees commercial administration bureaus 3. Environmentally-friendly toilets do not discharge sewage and feces shall be collected and transported to municipal domestic waste landfill for disposal; 4. During transportation, feces shall not pollute water bodies and construction sites. Feces shall not be accidentally sprayed on grounds around feces loading spots. 241 Estimated Cost (10,000 Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implemengter Supervisor Yuan) Domestic waste shall be collected at garbage collection spots, transported to garbage transfer stations and finanly to municipal garbage landfills for County EPBs, township processing; arrange designated staff to clean garbage collections spots and sanitation administration transfer stations, spray disinfectants and transport the garbage to landfills; Scenic area offices, health bureaus, Domestic waste catridges and used batteries that could be included in office garbage shall 50 administration sanitation departments, be mixed with domestic waste and shall be collected separately to avoid committees industrial and commercial pollution of heavy metals to soil and groundwater. administration bureaus 1. Strengthen maintenance and management of side ditches, road embankments and protection slopes to ensure unblocked drainage of County transportation water; bureaus, township County EPBs, township 100 (cost for drainage transportation Surface water pollution due sanitation administration 2. Arrange designated staff to clean road surface and bridge roads; design is included in total administration to road surface runoff offices, water bureaus, project investment) stations, scenic area 3. Rationally plan for flow directions of road surface runoff and strictly ban transportation bureaus administration the runoff to be discharged directly into sensitive water bodies such as committees drinking water source sites, fish ponds and aquaculture areas. County transportation County EPBs, township 1. Increase greening along both sides of roads to increase exhaust bureaus, township sanitation administration Arterial roads, rural roads, Vehicle exhaustand road dust absorption and reduce spread of dust and exhaust; 80 transportation offices, water bureaus, community roads and administration stations transportation bureaus bridges 2. Arrange designated staff to clean road surface and bridge roads and spray water to control dust. 1. Set up no-horn signs and green belts to reduce noise impacts; County transportation County EPBs, township bureaus, township sanitation administration Traffic noise pollution 100 2. Monitor sensitive spots on a periodic basis and take corresponding noise transportation offices, water bureaus, control measures according to monitoring results. administration stations transportation bureaus Environmental impacts due to County governments, 1. Passage of dangerous goods transportation vehicles is forbidden; County transportation traffic accidents, County EPBs, township bureaus, township transportation of dangerous 80 sanitation administration 2. Safety awareness and ethics education of drivers shall be strengthened transportation goods and other offices, water bureaus, to reduce incidence of traffic accidents; administration stations environmental risks transportation bureaus 242 Estimated Cost (10,000 Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implemengter Supervisor Yuan) 3. Consecutive crash bearers shall be set up on both sides of the bridge road to prevent vehicles from falling into the river; 4. Speed limit signs, no-overtake signs and other warning signs shall be set up at easy-to-notice places on both sides of the bridge to remind drivers and passengers to pay attention to safety; 5. Relevant warning signs shall be set up at road sections with more and sharp curves to remind drivers to slow down at these sections; 6. The Law of People’s Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety shall be strictly implemented and an emergency preparedness plan developed for road transportation. The plan shall include roles and responsibilities of commanding agencies, selection of emergency preparedness techniques and emergency processing steps, provision of equipment and appliances, assurance and dispatch of human and physical resources, and mechanisms for dynamic monitoring of accidents. 1. Trampling on and destroying vegetation, felling trees, collecting and digging 1. Signs shall be set up at appropriate locations of major tour sites and fungus lead to reduced trails to remind tourists not to tread on or destroy vegetation, fell tress, vegetation or even complete collect and dig fungus, hunt birds and other animals, and randomly loss of vegetation; 2. dispose waste; County EPBs, township Excessive hunting and eating Scenic area sanitation administration Uncivil conducts of tourists rare animals result in reduced 2. Scenic area introduction leaflets, tourist manuals, tour maps, entrance 90 administration offices, industrial and number of rare aninals and tickets and packs of some tour souvenirs shall include contents committees commercial even extinction of these reminding tourists to protect eco-environment of scenic areas; administration bureaus animals; 3. Randomly disposed waste which is not 3. Tour guides shall include environmental protection regulations of scenic managed in a timely manner areas in their introductions to tourists. leads to vegetation, soil and air pollution. 243 Table 9.3-3 Mitigation Measures during Design and Construction for Special Ecologically Sensitive Areas Estimated Cost Sensitive Area Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB10,000) 1. Efforts shall be taken to conduct education campaigns for construction workers before construction initiation, strengthen protection of ecologically sensitive areas, and ban artificial destructions to trees, forest and grass, poaching and illegal hunting of wild animals and other activities destroying eco-environment; 2. Construction drawings shall be strictly followed during construction to avoid expansion of construction scope. Construction boundaries shall be clearly defined and workers are banned to County EPBs, enter non-construction areas. Construction processes and design of construction spots shall be forestry optimized to minimize surface disturbances and destructions to vegetation; Construction All ecologically Constructionpreparation and bureaus, land ―― 45 units, project sensitive areas organization resources 3. Setup of borrow pits, spoil grounds, materialyards, mixing grounds and construction camps shall be owner banned in ecologically sensitive areas. Construction activities shall be carried out mainly by local bureaus, water construction workers and non-locals shall rent local houses. Construction accesses shall avoid bureaus crossing and occupation of consecutive forestland and existing roads or waste land shall be used as much as possible; 4. Construction designs of all facilities shall be coordinated with scenic area planning and surrounding environment to avoid changes or damages to the original historical and cultural styles and atmosphere of scenic areas. 1. Nature Reserve (3 reserves) 1. Warning signs shall be set up, banning construction workers and vehicles to enter into core area and Meiyuan River Scenic Area buffer area of the reserve; 1. Gansu patrol plank road, Yinbazi- Land occupation, Giant Salamander 2. Tree felling, rock and sand excavation, waste dumping, wastewater discharging and other activities Xiaomomo Mountain changes in land use Nature Reserve are banned in the reserve; firefighting access patterns, destructions to vegetation, soil 3. Original and adaptive tree species and grass seeds shall be selected for vegetation restoration after Construction County EPBs, erosion, impacts on construction completion to prevent invasion of alien species; 45 units, project forestry animal habitats and owner bureaus activities and 4. Measures shall be taken to strengthenconstruction management, ensure proper handling of 13. Gansu landscape construction materials, spray water in construction areas to control dust, reduce generation of dust Tourist trails and Taitong-Kongtong from construction activities and transportation, prevent impacts of dust from construction and wastewater treatment Mountain National transportation on growth of plants. Fencing walls shall be set up around the construction site to station Nature Reserve mitigate impacts of construction noise on wild animals and prevent construction materials and construction waste from entering into surface water sources; 244 Estimated Cost Sensitive Area Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB10,000) 5. During construction, administrative authorities shall designate staff to increase patrol activities and combat illegal activities such as poaching of animals and illegal felling of trees and collection of forest products; 6. Building styles shall follow local natural building styles with beautiful building shapes and coordinated colors being coordinated with surrounding environment; 7. Construction workers shall help drive wild animals entering into construction sites back to the reserve, and send injured wild animals to wild animal rescue station or report to the reserve’s staff; 8. Construction noise shall be strictly controlled and high-noise equipment shall be banned to enter into the construction site. If such equipment must be used, sound barriers shall be set up around the site at places 50m away from the site and limit use of such equipment in non-breeding seasons of wild 14. Gansu Improvement of main roads animals; Taizi Mountain and tourist trails, building National Nature new trails and laying power 9. An 1m-high and 0.8m-wide access for small animals shall be set up every 500m on tourist trails to Reserve cables allow for passage of wild animals; 10. As giant salamanders live in caves at daytime and go out of caves at nighttime, construction at night shall be banned in the giant salamander nature reserve; 11. Construction activities in the Yangba River and Taiping River in the giant salamander nature reserve shall be carried out during the dry season and construction activities shall be banned in catchment areas of rivers. After sedimentation, construction wastewater shall be used for spaying to reduce dust and shall not be discharged to surface water bodies; construction waste and mineral building materials shall be transported to designated disposal sites away from riverways; 12. Given the musk deer is a coward and lonely animal which rests at daytime and goes out of its habitat in early morning and late afternoon, construction activities in the Xiangshan Mountain area shall be carried out before 7am and after 7pm. 15. Geological Park (4 parks) 1. Gansu 1. Same as measures 2-9 for nature reserve; Land occupation, Pingliang City Tourist trails, wastewater changes in land use Kongtong Mountain 2. Warning signs shall be erected and construction workers and vehicles shall be banned from entering treatment staion patterns, destructions National Geological into Category I protected areas of geological parks; to vegetation, soil Construction County EPBs, Park erosion, impacts on 60 units, project land resources 3. Activities destroying geological sites shall be banned in geological parks, such as blasting, high slope animal habitats and owner bureaus Improvement of main roads cutting and major excavation; 6. Gansu activities and and tourist trails, building Hezheng County landscape, geological 4. Inspection and maintenance of construction equipment shall be strengthened to reduce noise from new trails and laying power Ancient Animal Fossil disasters equipment vibration of equipment and minize impacts of such noise on geological sites; cables 245 Estimated Cost Sensitive Area Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB10,000) Natinoal Geological 5. Engineering measures (such as retaining walls and interception/drainage ditches) and botanical Park measures shall be taken to avoid geological disasters and soil erosion due to instability of man-made side slopes. 7. Yunya All components of Provincial Geological Zhuanglang County Park Subproject (see Table 2.2-3 for details) 8. Gansu All components of Tanchang Tanchang County County Subproject (see Guan’e Gully Table 2.2-1 for details) Geological Park 9. Forest Park (2 parks) All components of 1. Same as measures 2-9 for nature reserve; 1. Yunya Zhuanglang County Land occupation, Temple National Subproject (see Table 2.2-3 changes in land use 2. Vehicles shall be banned from entering into Category I protected areas of wetland parks; Forest Park for details) patterns, destructions 3. Use of fire in construction areas shall be banned, education on fire prevention shall be strengthened, to vegetation, soil systems for forest fire prevention and fire risk alarm and management shall be established and erosion, impacts on management of fire sources for construction activities and living of construction workers shall be animal habitats and Construction County EPBs, strengthened; activities and 30 units, project forestry New power cables, landscape; increased owner bureaus, management of collapse 4. Disturbances of construction activities to animal habitats shall be minimized and young or injured fire risks due to sections of Leigu Mountain increased construction animals shall be handed over to professionals of forestry bureaus; 6. Gansu tourist trail, and machinery, electrical 5. Guan’e Gully National Warning signs about animal protection shall be erected in construction areas and designated staff shall management of landslide appliances and Forest Park be arranged to be responsible for supervision and administration of animal protection activities. sections of road between construction staff Daheba Zhimahe and E’mantianchi 7. Wetland Park (1 park) 246 Estimated Cost Sensitive Area Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB10,000) 1. Solid waste dumping, wastewater discharge, fishing and bird catching are banned in and around protected areas of wetlands; diversion of water from or interception of water to wetlands is also banned; Impacts on water 2. Drainage ditches and sedimentation pools shall be built around construction sites, construction Construction County EPBs, Meiyuan River Meiyuan River Scenic Area quality, habitats and wastewater after sedimentation shall be used for spraying to control dust and rainwater from outside 15 units, project forestry Wetland Park patrol plank road activities of birds and construction sites shall be diverted via drainage ditches; owner bureaus amphibious animals 3. Construction activities shall be conducted in dry seasons and fencing walls shall be set up around construction sites to prevent construction materials and construction waste from entering into water bodies. Construction waste and mineral building materials shall be transported to designated disposal sites away from riverways. 4. Scenic Area (2 areas) 1. Gansu 1. Same as measures 2-9 for nature reserve; Tourist trails, wastewater Land occupation, Kongtong Moutain treatment staion changes in land use Scenic Area 2. Construction activities in scenic areas shall be suspended during high seasons, especially on holidays; patterns, destructions Construction County EPBs, to vegetation, soil 30 units, project construction All components of 3. Construction vehicles and tour vehicles shall be used at different time periods and construction; 5. Yunya erosion, impacts on owner bureaus Zhuanglang County landscape and tourist Temple Provincial 4. Construction workers entering into core areas of scenic areas must have received professional training Subproject (see Table 2.2-3 activities Scenic Area and shall be supervised by construction management staff and supervision staff. for details) 6. Drinking Water Source Protection Area (4 areas) 1. Pingliang No construction activities in City Kongtong District the protection area and the Drinking Water nearest distance between 1. Same as measures 2-3 for wetland park; Source Protection construction site and the Area area is 250m 2. Dupming waste and discharging wastewater are banned in surface water source protection areas. Construction sites shall be far away from surface water bodies and construction activities are banned 5. Zhuangla in surface water catchment areas; Construction Pollution to drinking County EPBs, ng County Drinking Firefighting access, tourist 60 units, project water sources water bureaus Water Source trails, electric bicycle lanes 3. Use of seepage pits and wells to discharge wastewater and other hazardous waste is strictly banned owner Protection Area and digging wells to exploit groundwater is also strictly banned in water source protection areas; 6. Jingchuan 4. During pipeline excavation and backfill, oil and other chemical substances shall not be discarded or County Yangliuwan Water supply pipeline and buried in the trenches to avoid pollution to groundwater. Drinking Water toilets Source Site 247 Estimated Cost Sensitive Area Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB10,000) No construction activities in the water source site and 7. Guan’e the nearest distance Gully Drinking Water between construction site Source Site and the water source site is 720m 8. Ancient and Famous Trees 1. Fences shall be set up around original sites of ancient and famous trees and construction vehicles and equipment shall keep a distance from these trees; 2. Scracthing, postering or hanging articles on these trees and breaking or climbing tree branches are Construction County EPBs, Ancient and famous Destructions Construction activities prohibited; 15 units, project forestry trees anddamages to trees owner bureaus 3. Piling up goods and materials within 5m from the vertical shade of tree crown is prohibited and scaffolds shall maintain a distance from the tree. Using trees around the construction site as support or fixing aid is prohibited during construction. 248 Table 9.3-4 Mitigation Measures during Operaiton for Special Ecologically Sensitive Areas 249 Estimated Cost Sensitive Area Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor (RMB10,000) 1. Nature Reserve (3 reserves) 1. Trees and vegetation shall be planted on both sides of roads to control spread of dust and more automatic air monitoring stations shall be set up in scenic areas to strength route air monitoring; 2. Use of high-frequency loudspeakers to attract tourists is banned in scenic areas; 1. Passing of vehicles: increased exhaust and dust, which would impact vegetation growth; 3. Signs shall be set up at appropriate locations of major tour sites and trails to remind tourists not to shout out, or destroy habitats of birds, beasts and other wild animals, or 2. Increased tourist activities: (1) impacts on bird tread on vegetation; habitats and forcing some birds to migrate to places far away from the crowd; (2) impacts 4. During high seasons, the number of tourists shall be controlled through controlling the on and destructions to habitats of beasts and number of tickets sold; 1) Gansu Kang County reducing richness and diversity of their Giant Salamander Nature species; (3) noise from too many tourists and 5. During high seasons, tourists shall be guided to take garbage out of scenic areas, when Reserve; 2) Gansu Taitong- noise and vibration from vehicles during high convenient. Garbage that cannot be taken out shall be disposed of properly in Scenic area County EPBs, Kongtong Mountain 45 administrative forestry seasons, destroying and disturbing the natural accordance with relevant regulations and rules of scenic areas; National Nature Reserve; committees bureaus and synergized sound of pine trees, beasts, 3) Gansu Taizi Mountain 6. The number of tour routes and the scope of tourist activities shall be controlled during birds and worms; widths of tourist trails National Nature Reserve cannot meet the needs of tourists during over- preparation; unauthorized opening of new routes and damaging and trampling of capacity periods with large groups of tourists vegetation shall be strictly banned. Management of tour vehicles shall be trampling grounds on both sides of trails, strengthened to avoid pollution of exhaust on sensitive plants and avoid frightening to leading to hardened soil and affecting soil animals and provide them with a peaceful living environment; structure and fertility, reducing water 7. Technical staff shall be arranged to conduct periodic monitoring of growth status of penetration of soil, and restricting growth of trees, soil, fertility and pests so that relevant problems can be identified and addressed organism in soil. in a timely manner and a good living environment can be created for trees; 8. Protection facilities shall be built for rare plants close to tour routes, such as protective rails and warning signs to prevent tourists from collecting tree leaves and seeds, touching trees, inscribing on trees and trampling on vegetation. 9. Geological Park (4 parks) 250 1) Gansu Pingliang City Kongtong Mountain National Geological Park; 1. Same as measures 1-8for nature reserve; 2) Gansu Hezheng Coumty 1. Same as impacts 1-2 for nature reserve; Scenic area County EPBs, Ancient Animal Fossil 2. Speed shall be controlled and horning be banned for all vehicles entering into scenic 60 administrative land resources areas to effectively reduce vibration and noise of these vehicles. National Geological Park; 2. Impacts of vibration on geological sites. committees bureaus 3) Yunya Provincial Geological Park; 4) Gansu Tanchang County Guan’e Gully Geological Park 3. Forest Park (2 parks) 1. Same as impacts 1-2 for nature reserve; 1) Yunya Temple National 2. Fire accidents due to arbitrary burning of 1. Same as measures 1-8 for nature reserve; Scenic area County EPBs, Forest Park; 2) Gansu incense or picnic by tourists, burning trees, 30 administrative forestry Guan’e Gully National killing animals in forest, driving away some 2. Smoking and use of fire are strictly banned in forest parks and education campaigns on fire prevention shall be strengthened. committees bureaus, Forest Park small animals, leading to eco-environment deterioration or even destroying the entire forest area. 3. Wetland Park (1 park) 1. Dumping of domestic waste and discharging of domestic sewage are banned in the protected areas and their adjacent areas of wetlands; Frequent disturbances of tourist activities to Scenic area County EPBs, Meiyuan River Wetland habitats of birds and amphibious animals, forcing 2. Use of vehicles transporting hazardous chemical articles is banned on roads within 15 administrative forestry Park some birds and animals to migrate to places far scenic areas; committees bureaus away from the crowd. 3. Garbage cleaning and floating substances removing systems shall be established and improved to ensure timely collection and removal of garbage dumped by tourists. 4. Scenic Area (2 areas) 1) Gansu Kongtong New buildings/structures do not coordinate with Landscape resources and trash cans consistent with themes of scenic areas (such as those Scenic area County EPBs, Mountain Scenic Area; 2) landscape in scenic areas, change or destroy imitating bamboo and wood along both sides of forest paths) shall be arranged or placed 30 administrative construction Yunya Temple Provincial original historical and cultural styles and in intervals at major tourist activity grounds in scenic areas. committees bureaus Scenic Area atmosphere of scenic areas. 5. Drinking Water Source Protection Area (4 areas) 251 1. Sightseeing boats are banned in Category I & II protected areas of drinking water 1) Kongtong Disrict ; 2) source sites; Scenic area Zhuanglang County ; 3) County EPBs, Pollution to drinking water sources 2. Dumping domestic waste and discharging domestic sewage are banned in drinking 60 administrative Guan’e Gully ; 4) Jingchuan water burueas water source protection areas; committees County 3. Same as measures 2-3 for wetland park. 4. Ancient and Famous Trees 1. Protection signs shall be set up for ancient and famous trees; 2. Files shall be kept and sign boards shall be erected for protecting ancient and famous trees. These files shall include a range of information, such as geographical information, growth status, water supply and fertilizer application, pest prevention and control, among others; Scenic area County EPBs, Ancient and famous trees Adverse impacts on growth of trees 15 administrative foresty 3. Tourists shall be prohibited to scracth, poster or hang articles on these trees, break or committees bureaus climb tree branches, collect fruits and seeds or pull of tree bark; 4. Safety protection fences shall be set up for ancient and famous trees without such fences and protection shall be upgraded for existing rare tree species in the scenic areas. 252 Table 9.3-5 Mitigation Measures during Design, Construction and Operation of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Estimated Cost (10,000 Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor Yuan) Site selection: 1. Occupation of new land shall be minimized and use of original maximized; to the largest possible extent, land occupation shall avoid basic farmland, fertile land, forestland and nature reserves, scenic areas, forest parks, drinking water source protection areas, protected cultural relics sites, historical or cultural heritage sites, villages, schools and other sensitive areas. Use of original land shall be maximized. For example, roads under the Project would be paved based on the original roads and no additional land would be occupied; 2. Attention shall be paid to integrated management of mountainous areas, water bodies, farmland, forestland and roads to minimize occupation of cultivated land; 3. Route selection shall be combined with countryside planning to minimize house demolition and reduce project cost and social instability factors. Land acquisition/ Provincial and county housing and rural- occupation, wet 4. Integrated wastewater treatment equipment and Hezheng County Wastewater Treatment Plant shall be placed at low- development and urban development operation and lying land to reduce earth-rock excavation; the number of lifting stations shall be minimized; and the low-lying land shall Already included in reform commissions, bureaus, land Design impacts on not be prone to inundation in rainy seasons; design cost project townships resources bureaus, surrounding and villages, design forestry bureaus, sensitive spots 5. Integrated wastewater treatment equipment and Hezheng County Wastewater Treatment Plant shall be set up and at sites institutes water bureaus, EPBs at downwind or side-wind direction of dominant summer wind direction while keep sanitary protection distance from sensitive targets; 6. Site selection of Hezheng County Wastewater Treatment Plant shall consider sludge transportation and disposal and the selected site shall be close to a road or a river. Considerations shall be given to near- and long-term needs and possibility of expansion. Water and power supply facilities shall be ensured; 7. Selected sites of integrated wastewater treatment equipment shall not have adverse impacts on geological sites and landscape; 8. The site of Hezheng County Wastewater Treatment Plant shall be close to a water body and at downstream of drinking water source protection area. Occupation of farmland and forestland by the plant shall be minimized and the selected site shall have better geological conditions. Construction Environmental Environmental protection measures in Table 8.3-1 would be implemented. / / / impacts 253 Estimated Cost (10,000 Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor Yuan) 1. Management of integrated wastewater treatment equipment shall be strengthened. In case of strong odor around the equipment, the equipment shall be checked and repaired; 2. Safety management. After works are completed and put into operation, workers shall be trained on addressing accidents; all monitoring instruments shall be maintained periodically to ensure their normal operation and enable them to monitor and contol odor; 3. Land use plan. Based on the defined health protection distance, planning authorities shall conduct replanning of land Wastewater County EPBs, water Odor 5 treatment stations bureaus within the scope, clearly ban building of residential buildings, schools, health facilities and other sensitive facilities within the scope; 4. Expand greening area. As wastewater treatment plant would inevitably generate odor, plant area greening design shall be completed in parallel with construction drawings. Flowers, grass and trees shall be planted extensively in the plant area to cover all open ground. Shrubs and pine trees can be planted on both sides of roads within the plant while high and big trees such as poplar and Chinese scholar trees can be planted at plant boundaries to reduce odor impacts. 1. Measures shall be taken to strengthen management of project implementation and operation, ensure that wastewater treatment facilities and efficiency reach the design standards and requirements and ensure long-term and reliable Operation operation of these facilities. Tail water shall be discharged after up-to-standard treatment; 2. Environmental management rules and systems shall be established and improved and on-the-job training programs shall be implemented for all staff; Tail water, domestic sewage 3. All equipment shall be adequately maintained and abnormalities be reduced and removed in a timely manner to avoid County EPBs, Wastewater of staff and above-standard discharge and prevent accident risks; 15 sanitation treatment stations wastewater from departments sludge washing 4. Wastewater outlets of Hezheng County Wastewater Treatment Plant shall be closely monitored with automatic volume measurement devices and automatic sampling devices at end outlets. Online monitoring devices shall be installed to monitor key water quality indicators such as pH, temperature and COD; 5. Monitoring of effluent of integrated equipment shall be strengthened. Sewage discharge must be suspended immediately if sewage fails to meet the standard and equipment be checked and repaired. during the repair, sewage shall be transported to local wastewater treatment plants. 1. Solid waste, especially sludge from Hezheng County Wastewater Treatment Plant cannot be arbitrarily disposed of and Sludge disposal, must be properly collected, stored and transported to sanitary landfills; County Wastewater domestic waste of 10 EPBs,sanitation treatment stations staff 2. Integrated wastewater treatment stations shall be cleaned every 4 months and sludge be transported to the local sanitary departments landfill; 254 Estimated Cost (10,000 Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor Yuan) 3. Sludge cannot be discharged to surface water bodies, valleys, gullies, karst caves, farmland and other non-designated solid waste dumps; 4. Anti-seepage, anti-washing by rainwater and anti-odor measures shall be set up at temporary sludge storage sites within the plant to prevent erosion and secondary pollution; 5. Responsibilities shall be clearly defined for sludge management with management rules being developed and implemented. A monitoring department or full-time (or part-time) staff shall be designated to ensure proper disposal of sludge. Arbitrary dumping, piling and leaking of sludge is strictly prohibited; 6. Sludge treatment shall follow the principle of “reduction, stability and doing no harmâ€?; sludge treatment facilities shall be planned, constructed and operated together with wastewater treatment facilities; 7. Wastewater treatment plants shall establish sludge management accounts to document the amounts of sludge generation, transfer and treatment/disposal, as well as their destinations; 8. Entities engaging in sludge transportation shall have relevant road transportation qualifications. No individuals or entities without relevant qualifications are allowed to engage in sludge transportation. During sludge transportation, anti-seepage, water-proof and sealing measures shall be taken; 9. Awaning shall be placed on the top of the sludge shelter within the plant and the ground must be hardened. Weirs, drainage ditches and collection wells shall be built around the shelter and wastewater discharged from sludge piling and storage shall be conveyed to the wastewater treatment system for treatment; 10. Sludge shall be transported by pipeline or closed vehicles; 11. To reduce sludge amount, priority shall be given to selecting sludge dewatering equipment to reduce water in the sludge to below 60%. 1. Low-noise equipment shall be selected for wastewater and sludge pump houses, bollower and dewatering machine rooms and other workshops with lounder noise; 2. Soundproofing materials shall be used for walls, doors and windows of equipment rooms/houses to reduce impacts of noise on human health; Wastewater Equipment noise 10 EPBs treatment stations 3. The “sound distanceâ€? theory shall be used to reduce noise impacts, i.e. maximizing the distance between sound sources and structures to provide a good working environment for wastewater treatment plant workers; 4. Vegetation and trees such as big and high arbor trees and shrubs shall be planted to reduce noise. 255 Estimated Cost (10,000 Stage Potential Impacts Mitigation/Control Measures Implementer Supervisor Yuan) 1. Arbor trees, shrubs and grass shall be planted in appropriate proportions in the plant area. Local species shall be used to the largest possible extent and alien species shall be reduced; 2. Staff shall be designated to be responsible for greening and management while relevant rules and systems shall be developed to protect green land and ecological environment; 15 (included in Wastewater Forestry bureaus, Ecological impacts 3. Wastewater pipelines within urban areas shall be recovered with soil and hardened and those in the open land shall be infrastructure cost) treatment stations EPBs restored with vegetation. Key areas shall be fenced with iron wire nets and properly managed to prevent animals or people from entering; 4. Inspection and management of wastewater pipelines shall be strengthened to identify and address leakages in a timely manner and avoid potential pollution of leakages to groundwater. 1. Backup equipment shall be provide and emergency preparedness plan shall be developed to address potential accidents; 2. Staff entering into anaerobic digesters shall pay attention to ventilation and before entering, poisonous gasses such as H 2S Wastewater Risks 5 Safety bureaus, EPBs and NH3 shall be detected to prevent harms of these gases to human health; treatment stationsIm 3. Staff walking on top of the digesters shall prevent from falling into the digesters. 256 9.4 Physical Cultural Resources Manangement Plan Three subprojects under the Project would involve cultural relics and ancient buildings, namely, Kongtong Mountain Subproject, Jingchuan County Subproject and Zhuanglang County Subproject; Jingchuan County’s Wanyan Folk Customs Village, Tanchang County’s Luren Village and Xinping Village would involve ancient villages and traditional houses. This Physical cultural resources (PCR) Management Plan is developed to ensure increased eco- environmental benefits during project implementation, minimize or eliminate potential adverse impacts of project implementation on natural environment, and ensure all expected ecological and environmental targets of the Project are achieved. This PCR plan is developed for managing impacts of the project activities on physical cultural resources, complementing to theso-called PCR Conservation plans which would be developedseparately for the repair, conservation and maitainance of these physical cultural resources. Agencies with qualification in cultural relics protection would be engaged to develop these detailed PCR conservation plans for different categories of protected cultural relics before the initiation of construction activities. These plans would be implemented only after they are assessed and cleared by cultural relics specialists and approved by corresponding cultural relics authorities.Construction activities shall be carried out by construction units having received qualification certificates issued by cultural relics authorities and construction authorities. 9.4.1 Main Regulations and Specifications In developing this plan, adequate considerations have been given to lessons learned from the World Bank financed Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project and the requirements of the following legal documents have been drawn on: 1. World Bank Operational Policy on Physical Cultural Resources (OP4.11); 2. Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (2013); 3. Regulations for Implementing Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (2015); 4. Administrative Procedures for Cultural Relics Proteciton Projects (2003); 5. Criteria of China for the Protection of Cultural Relics and Ancient Sites (2015); 6. Administrative Procedures for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments, Ancient Buildings and Stone Cave Temples (2003); 7. Guidelines on the Design of Fire Prevention Facilities for Cultural Relics and Buildings (Trial); 257 8. Gansu Provincial Regulations on the Protection of Cultural Relics (Amended in 2010); 9. Opinion of Gansu Provincial Government on StrengtheningImplementation of Activities Protecting Non-physical Cultural Heritage (Document 99, 2012). 9.4.2 Protection Measures for Cultural Resources The Project would protect and repair cultural relics under Kongtong Mountain and Jingchuan County subprojects; improve infrastructure at Wanyan folk culture village in Jingchuan County and reinforce and repair “wood board roofedâ€? houses at Luren and Xinping villages in Tanchang County. Specific protection measures are listed below. 1. Design and preparation Repair plans and engineering designs for all involved cultural relics need to be approved by their respective corresponding level of cultural relics administration while the design and construction of works shall be carried out by qualified entities with certificates on cultural relic protection issued by corresponding level of cultural relics administration and construction certificates issued by corresponding level of construction administration. 2. Protection of cliffs where stone caves are located To prevent and reduce harm of wind erosion on cliffs where stone caves are located, seepage proof drainage facilities shall be built on the cliff top, change the flow direction and location of surface water and cut off links between links between surface water and stone caves; identify trends and scope of cracks and prevent seepage of surface water into stone caves along the cracks; adopt surface drainage technique in front of stone caves and lower groundwater table; remove moisture inside stone caves, prevent abrupt changes in dry and wet conditions and prevent erosion to cultural relics. In addition, stone cave eaves can be built to avoid direct erosion of sunlight, rainwater, wind and sand on cultural relics. Collapse sections close to cliffs and trees growing on these sections shall be removed and removed earth shall be piled up at stable spots behind the cliffs. After removal, cracks on the top shall be enclosed through injecting filling materials. 258 Cracks of stone cave temples shall be reinforced with rivets or filling materials and seeping and leaking water shall be diverted and intercepted. Wind eroded surfaces of stone cultural relics such as stone sculptures and stone inscriptions shall be protected with organic siliconpolymer materials. (3) Drainage Drainage ditches need to be built to divert rainwater and avoid erosion of stone caves and cliffs where they are located, hence protecting these caves and cliffs. Locations of these ditches shall be at certain distance from cultural relics so as not to affect their foundations. Pursuant to the Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China, Gansu Provincial Regulations on Cultural Relics Protection and other relevant laws and regulations while taking into account realities of cultural relics protection sites, the distance between a drainage ditch and a piece of cultural relics shall not be shorter than 10m.The alignment, slope and section of a drainage ditch should be designed in line with topographic maps to prevent rainwater catchment from immersing or softening original foundation soil. Materials and construction practices used for building a drainage ditch shall be consistent with the surrounding environment. Proper devices shall be provided against blocking. In addition, protective devices shall also be provided. (4) Fire prevention, power use and safety measures Following fire prevention measures in Guidelines for Fire Prevention Design of Cultural Relic Building (Trial), protected area and control area for fire prevention shall be demarcated and fire extinguishers shall be provided. Power use in cultural relic buildings shall be strictly managed; short circuit and overload protection facilities shall be installed for power distribution lines and electrical fire monitoring system shall be set up; N line and PE line of power lines entering into cultural relic buildings shall be clearly separated; cold-light source shall be used for lighting; and switches shall be enclosed. (5) Protection measures for accidentally found cultural relics It is prohibited to move or collect historical and cultural relics that are found during construction without approval. The site shall be protected to prevent them from losing, and construction activities shall be suspended. Relevant information shall be immediately reported to local cultural relics protection authorities. 259 (6) Foundation reinforcement Given aging and not repaired cultural relics are relatively fragile, impacts of vibration on them are much greater than ordinary modern buildings, it is necessary to reinforce their respective foundation. 1. In cultural relics protection areas, environmentally-friendly hole-formation equipment and filling compactors with low noise and vibration shall be used; 2. Hole-formation compaction shall be conducted in batches at an interval. Formed holes shall be compacted promptly to prevent collapse and shrinkage; 3. Integrated planning shall be conducted for discarded dreg and soil during construction and regulations and rules of local environmental protection authorities shall be followed; 4. Appropriate sites shall be planned in advance for discharging and disposing of construction waste, machinery oil stain, domestic sewage and garbage. Polluting local water source and environment is strictly prohibited. (7) Maintenance and reinforcement of cultural relics Pursuant to the Criteria of China for Historical and Cultural Relics Protection and Technical Specifications for Wood Structure Maintenance and Reinforcement of Ancient Buildings, for repair and reinforcement of ancient buildings, proper protection technologies shall be adopted, disasters shall be prevented and reduced, and intervention of historical and cultural relics shall be minimized to maintain their authenticity and integrity. Based on the structure reliability test results, every damaged part that has been confirmed in need of treatment shall be properly treated in the order of priority according to different requirements. In case of deterioration or if structural safety is greatly affected, top support or reinforcement shall be provided promptly. For wood structure maintenance and reinforcement, comprehensive consideration shall be given to the following requirements: 1. On-site checking shall be conducted according to the geological survey report for buildings. The characteristics to be maintained during repair shall be specified; 2. An elaborate repair plan shall be worked out according to the damage condition and complete set of surveying and mapping drawings prepared during the geological survey. In addition, specified application for official approval shall be submitted according to the building's cultural relic protection category; 260 3. Replacement of original structuralcomponentsshall be cautious. Whenever repair and reinforcement are possible, great efforts shall be made to retain original components. When imitating structural components are used, the intensity of motar body shall not be less than MU10 and the intensity of motar shall not be lower than M10; when traditional repair techniques are used, the replacement date (dd, mm, yy) shall be marked in a covert place; 4. Original articles and components that are replaced during repair shall not be disposed of without permission. Instead, they shall be handled by cultural relics authorities in a unified manner; 5. Construction records shall be kept and detailed surveying and mapping shall be conducted for covert structures. Complete sets of technical documents on repair and reinforcement shall be filed for future reference; 6. During repair operations, impacts of vibration on cultural relics shall be mitigated and construction noise and dust shall be controlled. (8) Setup of signboards and instruction plates 1. Signs must include the category, name, publishing entity and date, and sign erection entity and date of the cultural relic protection site. The sign erection authorities could be people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities directly under the Central Government; 2. Signs could be in the form of horizontal tablet with writing from left to right. Signboards must be in a proportion of 3 (horizontal):2 (vertical). Signboard sizes range from 60×40cm to 150×100cm. All characters must be Imitation Song style except that the name of cultural relic protection site could be Imitation Song style, regular script or official script; 3. Stone for protection signs shall be sturdy and durable, in serious, plain, distinct and harmonious color; 4. Description of national cultural relic sites of importance could be in the back of signboards. Separate description boards are allowable. The descriptive text includes name, times, nature, contents, value and protection range of cultural relic protection units. Its contents shall be reviewed by the cultural relic administration departments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government; 5. Signboards shall be complete in function and appearance, and clear and vivid in text and pattern; 6. Material, appearance and style of signboards shall be in harmony with cultural relic type and features as well as surrounding environment and landscape. 261 1. Maximum tourist carrying capacity With their increasing living standards, people have higher demand for cultural and tourism activities. During the peak season, tourists to the scenic areas would surge. To maintain the balance between the reception capacity of scenic areas and the number of tourists so that these scenic areas can serve more tourists and pursuant to relevant requirements in the Code for Scenic Area Planning, tourist capacity of a scenic area is calculated based on its area and the number of tourists to a scenic area shall be controlled based on 1 person/500m 2. The maximum tourist capacitycalculated based on the area of each of the six scenic areas under the project is provided in Table 8.4-1. When the number of tourists reaches the maximum capacity of a scenic area, it is suggested that the Project manage and control the number of tourists through a number of approaches, such as appointment, peak shifting and two-way monocirculation. Table 9.4-1 Maximum Tourist Capacity of Scenic Areas under the Project Effective Tour Daily Maximum Annual Maximum Prediction Area (m2) (Peole) (10,000 people) No. Scenic Area (People/day) Hezheng County 1 Songming Rock Scenic 3595 2160000 4320 95.04 Area Jingchuan County Luohandong-Hanjia 2 243 149000 298 6.56 Gully Stone Caves Scenic Area Kongtong Mountain 3 24005 13850000 27700 609.40 Scenic Area Tanchang County 4 Guan’e Gully Scenic 4714 2870000 5740 126.28 Area Kang County Yangba 5 5982 3650000 7300 160.60 Scenic Area Zhuanglang County 6 Yunya Temple Scenic 4516 2820000 5640 124.08 Area Tables 8.4-1 and 5.8-1 provide the predicted numbers of tourists (based on the feasibility study) for 2030. The daily maximum tourist capacity and the annual maximum capacity in Table 8.4-1 are worked out to protect physical cultural resources and natural resources. The 262 maximum carrying capacity for tourists for each scenic area is estimated in accordance with relevant codes and the total area of the scenic area. These maximum numbers facilitate scenic areas to limit, manage and control the number of tourists. 2. Measures preventing human destructions To minimize man-made destruction to stone caves and frescoes, in front of the cliffs in the stone cave areas, simple railings should be provided and warning signboards of cultural relic protection should be installed in conspicuous places, so as to prevent tourists from scratching, scrawling or carving them. Cultural relic education should be given for shamans living in stone caves, so that they can realize the cultural relic importance and behave well and would not damage cultural relics. In addition, safety facilities should be provided. 3. Other measures Main impacts of construction activities on nearby protected cultural relics would be from domestic sewage and wastewater from production, construction dust, smell of paint, some waste gases from construction machinery, noise and vibration and solid waste. To address the above impacts, the following measures would be taken. Specific measures are provided in Table 9.3-1. 9.4.3Acceptance and Post Evaluation The project organizations in charge shall take the above measures to protect and repair different cultural relic protection sites. Cultural relic protection departments shall promptly organize relevant personnel to accept cultural relic protection units, and assess their repair quality and effect. Those meeting relevant requirement can pass acceptance. Those failing to meet relevant requirements shall be ordered to conduct repair again. And then they shall be subject to acceptance again until passing the acceptance. Upon the acceptance, the acceptance data and documents shall be collected and filed for future reference. 9.5 Social Impact Management Plan To minimize negative impacts of World Bank Financed Second Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project and ensure equal benefits for main stakeholders, corresponding actions and suggestions are proposed for special social risks facing the project. The following measures are to be taken: 9.5.1 Strengthening Targeted Management 263 (1) Establishment of the Provincial PMO. It is suggested to establish a provincial level project management agency, i.e. theForeign Loan Financed Projects Execution Office ofGansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, which will be responsible for organizing, coordinating, guiding and supervising the project related activities. Specifically,the office would have the following roles and responsibilities: provision of operational guidance, staff training, project supervisionto project management organizations at city (prefecture) and county levels during project preparation and early project implementation; timely coordination with central ministries and the World Bank in preparing annual procurement plans, project progress reports and monitoring reports. TheProject involves three cities/prefectures (Pingliang city, Longnan cityand Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture), whose development and reform bureaus would set up their respective project coordination office to be responsible for communicating with and reporting to higher-level administrations and for providing operational guidance to lower-level authorities. The Project includes 6 counties/districts, namely, KongtongDistrict,Zhuanglang County, Jingchuan County, TanchangCounty, Kang Countyand Hezheng County, which have established their respective project management office (PMO). These local PMOs would carry out relevant activities under the guidance of the Foreign Loan Financed Project Projects Execution Office and would be responsible project implementation. Their major tasks include preparing annual procurement plans, organizing tendering for civil works and preparing monitoring reports and submitting them to higher-level authorities and the World Bank, organizing community training, submitting implementationprogress reports in time, and taking overall responsibilities for project construction and contract management. (2) Establishment of implementation agencies. The subproject owner would be responsible for the designing and construction of works under the subproject, consolidating subproject reports, producing reimbursement applications and carrying out financial management and for maintenance of facilities and other specific activities after subproject completion, or for handing over the subproject to the operation and maintenance unit. TheForeign Loan Financed Projects Execution Office is a provincial level implementation agency while Kongtong District PMO, Jingchuan County PMO and Zhuanglang County PMO of Pingliang City, Tanchang County PMO and Kang County PMO of Longnan City, and Hezheng County PMO of Linxia Prefecture are county level implementation agencies. (3) Establishment of supervision agencies. These agencies would be responsible for exercising supervision in compliancewith relevant national and local procedures and regulations. Internal monitoring groups would comprise social media organizations and community organizations. 9.5.2 Development of Project Implementation Plan The proposed project would have construction sites scattering in different areas and would involve a range of works and large amount of funding. During project implementation, balanced considerations would be given to arranging different types of construction 264 activities, whose implementation areas and initiation dates would be rationally defined based on preparation status and the overall requirements for heritage protection and development and taking account of implementation conditions and nature of works. The Project would last for six years from January 2016 when project preparation was initiated to end 2022 when the Project would be completed. 9.5.3 Implementation of Community Development Activities (1)Incubation of Community Organizations The community organization is an important carrier in achieving community participation. Therefore,establishing community organizations can create a platform for community participation. The SA team recommends that the six scenic areas incubate 31 community organizations, 12 of which would be given priority in incubation and be registered with relevant government departments. (2) Implementation of Community Capacity Building Concrete capacity building was designed for each subproject area based on community needs assessment. Capacity building woulddirectly 22,220 people and indirectly benefit 111,100people in the project areas. (3) Implementation of Community Development Projects It is recommended to implement community development projects of community characteristics by focusing on the World Bank’s twingoals of “reducing extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperityâ€?.The budget for community development projects in the 6 scenic areas amounts to RMB12,449,600, of which the budget for community development amounts to RMB9,549,600, that for monitoring and evaluation is RMB 1,800,000, that for monitoring and evaluation is RMB300,000, and that for community co-management research and demonstration is RMB 800,000. (4) Development and implementation of Ethnic Minority Development Plan (EMDP) People benefiting from Tanchang County Subproject and Hezheng County Subproject include ethnic minorities, namely, Qiang and Tibetan ethnic groups of Tanchang Guan'e Gully Scenic Area and Dongxiang and Hui ethnic groups of Hezheng County Songming Rock Scenic Area. The preparation of the action plan for minority development aims to promote ethnic minorities to participate in the project preparation and implementation, ensure they can benefit from the project, relieve their poverty to a maximum degree and minimize negative impacts of the project. The action plan would describe population and social and cultural characteristics of ethnicminorities in the project areas, their demand, impacts of the project on them, measures for ensuring their equal benefits and reducing adverse impacts, and action plan proposed for mitigating negative impacts. To this end, the SA team has prepared 265 the Report on Tanchang County Tibetan Ethnic Group Development Plan and the Report on Hezheng County Dongxiang Ethnic Group Development Plan. 9.5.4Carrying out Relevant Thematic Studies Given potential risks and protection and development challenges facing six scenic areas, thematic studies would be designed to provide decision-making recommendations and theoretical support for sustainable protection and development. Proposed studies include: study and pilot of community participation mechanisms and community co-management mechanisms (estimated cost: RMB800,000). 9.5.5Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation it is suggested that the PPMO employ an independent community development agency(ies) or a senior specialist(s) to carry out periodic monitoring and evaluation of implementation status of community development activities to identify issues/problems and potential risks during implementation and monitor whether attention has been paid to the development of the poor, women, children and ethnic minorities during implementation of these activities. 9.6 Environmental and Social Training Program Environmental and social training aims to provide training of environmental and social management knowledge and skills to project management staff at various levels and communities and tourists in the project areas so that they can fully understand positive and negative environmental impacts of project implementation as well as measures and requirements in the EMP, enhance their environmental protection awareness, improve their management techniques and skills, and effectively implement environmental protection measures, thereby minimizing negative environmental impacts. Environmental and social training would be targeted at three levels of participants, namely, project management staff at different levels (provincial, city, county and township levels), technical staff (including contractors’ construction teams, supervision engineers and operators), community residents and tourists. Environmental and social training would be concentrated at project initiation and combined with other activities. The purpose of the training is to enable all participants to be fully aware of their respective responsibilities in implementing environment-related activities and better understand the reasons for implementing environmental monitoring plan. Environmental and social training aiming to enhance environmental awareness needs to include PMO staff and participating communities, enable them to better understand the relationship between Environmental impacts and their conducts, especially understand how environmental impacts can be mitigated during project operation and how environmental monitoring plan and project implementation would have positive impacts on their production and livelihoods. A proposed training program is provided in Table 9.6-1. 266 Table 9.6-1 Training Program for Environmental and social Staff Cost Number of Duration Participants Contents (10,000 People (Day) Yuan) Understanding and application of environmental protection laws, regulations, standards and codes of practice of the World Bank and Chinese Government applicable to the Project. Social development regulations, World Bank social policies, social instruments of EMDP and RPF of the project. Scenic area administration cases, cultural relics protection and development, ancient building conservation and reconstruction techniques from renowned domestic scenic areas City and county project 10 people management staff, scenic ESMP and its mitigation measures, from each 10 30 area managers and including environmental codes of subproject , technicians practice, social management plan, and total 60 organization, implementation and supervision of environmental and social management for the Project Environmental and social monitoring plan and its implementation, including setup of monitoring points,selection of monitoring factors and definition of monitoring frequency. Environmental management and monitoring mechanisms, supervision arrangements and preparation of environmental monitoring reports ESMP requirements and measures, including for construction and operation Management and stages. 3 people technical staff from ESMP and its implementation, including from each townships and setup of monitoring points, selection of village, total 6 20 communities (including monitoring factors and definition of 81 natural villages) monitoring frequency. Environmental and social management and monitoring mechanisms, supervision 267 Cost Number of Duration Participants Contents (10,000 People (Day) Yuan) arrangements and preparation of environmental monitoring reports Mitigation measures in the ESMP during 2 people construction; in combination with on- from each 2-3 the-job training on environment al construction protection and safety. section 2 people China’s relevant codes of environmental from each practice and requirements for 2-3 construction construction activities section Cultural relics protection and Contractors and their development, ancient building 2 people construction site conservation and reconstruction from each environmental 2-3 30 techniques, and issues for attention to construction management staff and accidentally found cultural heritage section group leaders during construction 2 people Simple noise and dust monitoring from each methods and noise control measures 2-3 construction (self monitoring) during construction section 2 people Procedures and issues for attention for from each 2-3 addressing pollution accidents construction section Relevant measures and requirements in 1-2 people the EMP; environmental protection laws from each and regulations relating to construction, 2-3 construction construction planning and detailed section Supervision engineers supervision rules. 20 2 people Ambient air and noise monitoring and from each 2-3 control techniques construction section Client/operation entities All of the above, ESMP and operation 200 and their environmental and maintenance of environmental 2-3 20 (estimated) management staff protection facilities. General public in scenic Importance of heritage protection and areas (lectures, its relations with individuals 18,000 5-6 times 60 distribution of leaflets (estimated) and other approaches) 1. Methods for correct use of sanitary facilties (such as waste collection, 268 Cost Number of Duration Participants Contents (10,000 People (Day) Yuan) discharge of sewage to pipeline and use and cleaning of toilets); 2. Basic knowledge about cultural relics protection and fire prevention; 3. Methods for effective participation in scenic area protection and tourism development Basic knowledge about heritage and environmental protection Education on environmental and cultural Education for tourists 24,000 200 60 relics protection in scenic areas Total / / 240 9.7 Environmental Monitoring Plan Environmental monitoring aims to fully and timely track pollution developments of the proposed project, learn about implementation and actual effectiveness of environmental management measures of the project, feed relevant information back to relevant authorities and provide a sound basis for the project’s environmental management. Environmental monitoring during project construction and operation would be conducted by qualified entities engaged by implementation agencies in the project cities and counties. These entities should have national certificates in environmental, cultural relics, ecological, soil erosion monitoring, a complete set of monitoring equipment and strong monitoring expertise, and complete monitoring tasks in a satisfactory manner. Sensitive spots with potentially substantial pollution would be listed as monitoring points to track and monitor pollution developments during construction and operation. Selected components of monitoring would be acoustic environment, atmospheric environment, surface water environment and ecological environment. Factors to be monitored would be defined according to pollution features of project activities. National standards as confirmed in environmental assessment for each of the subprojects would be applied for evaluation of environmental monitoring. Specific environmental monitoring plans are given in Table 8.7-1 and Table 8.7-2. 269 Impacts on physical cultural resources are normally estimated and supervised by supervision engineers specializing in cultural relics protection. Table 9.7-1 Environmental Monitoring Plan during Construction Monitoring Estimated Cost (10,000 Subproject Monitoring Item Monitoring Factor Monitoring Point Yuan) Duration and Frequency Unit Cost Total Acoustic Xigou Village, Xiangshan Leq(A) 1.2 environment Taoist Temple Ambient air TSP Xigou Village, Jingle Palace 11 (1) Acoustic Nearby Wangmu Palace on environment: Kongtong northern bank of Tanzheng self Surface water pH, SS, petroleum 2.4 Mountain Lake, Xigou Village section of monitoring; in 18.6 Subproject Yanzhi River case of complaints, a Along construction site of qualified entity Water and soil tourist trails between shall be Ecological conservation, survival of Houzhigou and Xiangshan in engaged to 4 environment animals and plants Kongtong Mountain National conduct Nature Reserve monitoring; (2) ambient air: in Acoustic case of Wanyan Village, Luohandong Leq(A) complaints, a 1.2 environment Village qualified entity shall be Wanyan Village, Luohandong Ambient air TSP engaged to 11 Jingchuan Village conduct County 17.4 Subproject Luohandong Village section of monitoring; Surface water pH, SS, petroleum 1.2 Jing River (3) surface Ecological Water and soil water: self 50-km Stone Cave Corridor monitoring; in conservation, survival of 4 environment Scenic Area case of animals and plants complaints, a Acoustic Shiqiao Village, Dianyan qualified entity Leq(A) shall be 1.2 environment Firefighting Access engaged to Shiqiao Village, Dianyan conduct Ambient air TSP monitoring; (4) 11 Firefighting Access Zhuanglang ecological County Shiqiao Village section of environment: 19.8 Subproject Shuiluonan River, dam section self Surface water pH, SS, petroleum 3.6 of Zhulinsi Reservoir, Yunya monitoring; Cave section of Yunya River investigations conducted Ecological Water and soil Along construction site of when conservation, survival of 4 environment Foyun firefighting access necessary animals and plants Acoustic Leq(A) Guan’e Village, Xinping Village 1.2 18.6 environment 270 Monitoring Estimated Cost (10,000 Subproject Monitoring Item Monitoring Factor Monitoring Point Yuan) Duration and Frequency Unit Cost Total Ambient air TSP Guan’e Village, Xinping Village 11 Sections crossing Guan’e Gully Tanchang Surface water pH, SS, petroleum 2.4 and Daheba Gully County Subproject Water and soil Along construction site of Ecological conservation, survival of power cables in Guan’e Gully 4 environment animals and plants National Forest Park Acoustic Leq(A) Yangba Village, Laojiangba 1.2 environment Ambient air TSP angba Village, Laojiangba 11 Section where Youfangba Surface water pH, SS, petroleum Village road crosses with the 1.2 Yangba River Kang County 17.4 Subproject Along construction site of Meiyuan River Scenic Area patrol plank road and Ecological Water and soil construction site of conservation, survival of firefighting access between 4 environment animals and plants Yinbazi and Xiaomomo Mountain in Gansu Chinese Giant Salamander Nature Reserve Acoustic Diaotan Village, Songming Leq(A) 1.2 environment Rock Scenic Area Diaotan Village, Songming Ambient air TSP 11 Rock Scenic Area Hezheng County Xiaoxia River, Nancha River 18.6 Subproject Surface water pH, SS, petroleum (wastewater treatment plant 2.4 outlet) Ecological Water and soil conservation, survival of Songming Rock Scenic Area 4 environment animals and plants Table 9.7-2 Environmental Monitoring Plan during Operation 271 Estimated Monitoring Monitoring Duration Unit Cost Subproject Monitoring Item Monitoring Factor Monitoring Point Agency and Frequency (Yuan/Time ) PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Xigou Village, Jingle Ambient air SO2 Palace 11000 Reuse water tanks at 1. Acoustic Outlets of wastewater pH, SS, COD, BOD5 Huangcheng, Kongtong environment: Zhongtai and 1200 Mountain treatment facilities and NH3-N self monitoring; Xiangshan treatment Subproject a qualified stations agency would be Water and soil engaged to Ecological Kongtong Mountain conservation, conduct National Nature 1000 environment survival of animals Reserve monitoring in and plants case of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Wanyan Village, complaints; Ambient air 11000 SO2 Arhat Cave Pingliang City 2. Ambient air: a Environmenta Outlets of wastewater pH, SS, COD, BOD5 qualified agency Jingchuan Reuse water tank 600 l Monitoring and NH3-N would be County treatment facilities Station engaged to Subproject Water and soil conduct Ecological conservation, 50-km Stone Cave monitoring in 1000 environment survival of animals Corridor Scenic Area case of and plants complaints; Shiqiao Village, PM10, PM2.5, NO2, 3. Surface water: a Ambient air Dianyan Firefighting 11000 SO2 qualified agency Access would be Zhuanglang Outlets of wastewater pH, SS, COD, BOD5 Outlets at engaged to conduct 1800 County treatment facilities and NH3-N Shuiluonan River Subproject monitoring in Water and soil case of Ecological conservation, Yunya Temple complaints; 1000 environment survival of animals National Forest Park and plants 4. Ecological environment: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Guan’e Village, self monitoring; Ambient air 11000 SO2 Xinping Village investigations Longnan City Connection with pH, SS, COD, BOD5 Terminal of designed would be carried Tanchang 1200 Environmenta sewer and NH3-N sewer out when County l Monitoring necessary. Subproject Water and soil Station Ecological conservation, Guan’e Gully 1000 environment survival of animals National Forest Park and plants 272 Estimated Monitoring Monitoring Duration Unit Cost Subproject Monitoring Item Monitoring Factor Monitoring Point Agency and Frequency (Yuan/Time ) PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Yangba Village, Ambient air 11000 SO2 Laojiangba Outlets of wastewater pH, SS, COD, BOD5 Kang Reuse water tank 600 County treatment facilities and NH3-N Subproject Water and soil Ecological Gansu Chinese Giant conservation, Salamander Nature 1000 environment survival of animals Reserve and plants Diaotan Village, PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Ambient air Songming Rock 11000 SO2 Scenic Area Linxia Hui Autonomous Outlets of wastewater Hezheng pH, SS, COD, BOD5 Prefecture Reuse water tank 1200 County and NH3-N Environmenta treatment facilities Subproject l Monitoring Water and soil Station Ecological conservation, Songming Rock 1000 environment survival of animals Scenic Area and plants 9.8 Supervision andReporting Mechanisms 9.8.1 Purpose and Methods Implementation period of the Phase II Project would be four years. Pursuant to China’s relevant environmental management regulations for development projects and the World Bank’s relevant operational policies, the Borrower (or the client at the subproject level) is responsible for preparing the Monitoring and Evaluation Report on Environmental Management Plan (EMP)Implementation (normally twice a year) with the purpose to ensure all approved requirements and measures in the EMP are implemented, identify, and analyze and review issues/problems in a timely manner so as to control adverse environmental impacts during follow-up activities. Environmental management requires necessary information exchange within different departments of county (city) PMOs, clients, contractors and operators, and requires disclosure of relevant information to external stakeholders and the general public. 273 Internal information exchange can be conducted in a range of forms such as meetings and internal newsletters. A formal meeting must be held every month. All exchanged information shall be documented and archived. External information exchange is conducted once every six or twelve months. Information exchange with collaborators shall be documented and archived. 9.8.2 Supervision and Reporting During project implementation, the Provincial PMO, county (city) PMOs, clients and environmental supervision agencies shall document implementation progress, EMP implementation status and results of environmental quality monitoring and report them to relevant authorities in a timely manner. Specifically, 1. The supervision engineer is responsible for routine supervision over implementation of environmental protection measures, documents EMP implementation status in the daily supervision records and the monthly report and submits weekly and monthly reports to the client and local county (city) PMO in a timely manner. Weekly and monthly reports shall include implementation status of environmental protection measures; 2. Based on implementation status, the PMO organizes periodic patrol of the project, inspects and supervises over EMP implementation, addresses and documents issues/problems identified, and incorporates these issues/problems and their solutions into the six-month report; 3. The external monitoring agency is responsible for supervising over the implementation of mitigation measures during construction and operation and construction progress of environmental protection facilities, supervising over and coordinating the addressing of issues/problems identified to ensure smooth implementation of environmental protection measures, and assisting the PMO in data analysis and reporting; 4. After completing its monitoring tasks, the monitoring agency submits the monitoring report to the client, the PMO and the external monitoring agency, provides clear conclusions on compliance and briefly analyzes reasons for non-compliance based on monitoring data; 5. Based on items 1)-4) above, the county (city) PMO prepares a progress report in a timely manner, submits a copy of the report to the Provincial PMO and city EPB. The report shall include EMP implementation status and effectiveness, especially environmental monitoring results; 6. In case of environmental complaints, the external agency, county (city) PMOs and the Provincial PMO shall keep local environmental protection agencies informed of these complaints and report them to higher levels, when necessary; 274 7. EMP implementation status can be included in the half-year progress report as a separate chapter, which shall be submitted to the World Bank on a regular basis. The chapter mainly includes the following: 1. Project implantation status and brief description of main components at this stage; 2. Implementation of the training program, project variation and adjustments, implementation of necessary EA procedures; 3. Implementation status of environmental protection/mitigation measures, issues/problems and their reasons, as well as follow-up remedial measures; 4. Status of environmental monitoring, key monitoring results, data analysis, and clarification on non-compliance and proposed remedial actions; 5. Whether they are public grievances; if yes, these grievances, their solutions and degree of public satisfaction shall be documented; 6. Overall evaluation of and conclusion on implementation status of the current EMP and suggestions and implementation plan for next year’s EMP. 9.8.3 Grievance Redress and Variation Mechanisms 1. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) To better safeguard the interests of communities and residents, the project will establish a convenient and effective public grievance redress mechanism (GRM). The affected people can lodge his/her complaints at any time. The mechanism is suitable for all people including ethnic minority groups in the project areas. Please refer to the EMDP for specific grievance redress mechanism for ethnic minorities. Principles governing the GRM include: (1) The mechanism should ensure that a framework for community participation and consultation is established and operated during project implementation, that people in the project areas benefit from the project, action plans to avoid or mitigate negative impacts are implemented, and problems or social risks are minimized. (2) Based on the World Bank’s views on the project and the Chinese Government’s requirements for the complaint reporting system, along with successful domestic and international experience, the project should make adequate use of the current complaint reporting system, and establish, improve and operate the mechanism for expressing views and complaints about the project at PMOs and relevant government departments. (3) Village committee leaders in the project areas should enhanceand improve their awareness of policies and the general public and approaches to serving the general public in 275 a democratic manner, be open to public opinion, solve issues/problems and disputes in a fair and rational manner, or report these issues/problems and disputes to higher level authorities to seek for their timely responses. (4) Each administrative village should establish a community organization (CO) and a unit specializing in addressing public grievances. This unit shall comprise the village committee and the CO and carry out relevant activities with the support from the CO and the village committee. The GRMcomprises: 1.Institution of Complaint Acceptance The primary institution of complaint acceptance should be the community organizations and the village committees that principally address residents’ problems during project implementation. When encountering the problem beyond their capability, the village committees and community organizations should hand it over to the township government and the Tourism Bureau, which can report the problem to the county government to seek for its assistance. 2.Complaint handling Procedure Stage 1 When they have comments about or dissatisfaction with the project, villagers and households in the project areas can orally or in print complain to community organizations and village committees. After getting oral complaints, the village or community level organization should address them and make written records. In general, reasonable suggestions or complaints should be addressed within 2 weeks. Stage 2 If the complainant is not satisfied with the decisions or solutions of community organizations and village committees, he/she can appeal to the county PMO, which shall addressthe complaint within 2 weeks. Stage 3 If the complainant is still not satisfied withthe responses or decisions of the county PMO, he/she can appeal to city/prefecture PMO. Stage 4 If the complainant is still not happy about the decisionsthe county PMO or city/prefecture PMO, he/she can to appeal to the provincial PMO. State 5 If the complainant is still not happy about the decisions of the provincial PMO, he/she can appeal to a civil court. Stage 6 276 The complainantappeals to the civil court according to the civil procedural law. Villagers in the project areas shall be kept informed of the complaint procedure illustrated above through meetings and other approachesso that they are aware of their rights to complain. At the same time, the media would be engaged to publish and disseminate the procedure. In addition, different opinions and suggestions on the project should be summarized into information items, which should be timely studied and addressed by governments at all levels. The agency acceptingcomplaints acceptance is not allowed to charge fees. Figure 9.8-1 shows the grievance and appeal procedure. 277 III. Complaint Feedback Mechanism The mechanism of complaint feedback is the internal monitoring mechanism established in the process of complaint by the project. The significance of establishment of such a mechanism is as follows: (1) The complainant shall get the feedback as early as possible, implying the project implementation agency’s attention to the affected families. As a result, residents’ legititate rights and interests can be well protected and their enthusiasm of participation can be maintained. (2) Reflecting problems and deficiencies in the development plan, timely feedback would reach the project owner and operators, who would pay close attentionto the problems and deficiencies and make improvements. The effective mechanism of complaint feedback consists of the standardized system of recording, tracking and regular reporting. (1) The standardized system of recording. A standardized record is the precondition of the collection, classification and organization of the information. The complaint record primarily includes the basic information of the complainer, his/her complaints, the responder and situation checking. (2) The system of tracking. Chances are that a complaint covers many a situation, which cannot be fully solved by the members of the community organization. Therefore, the complaint should be assigned to the relevant professionals to reply. The assignment results in the tracking which is an assurance of the reply reaching to the complaint before the official deadline. (3) The system of regular report. The report is the final step in the procedure of feedback. In fact, the tracking mentioned above has basically ensured the feedback to reach the project owner and operators. But the basic feedback just covers every single complaint without a whole picture. As a result, it is significant to analyze, summarize and report the whole situation of all complaints within the specified timeframe. The report shall cover the current status of unaddressed complaints, key problems identified by the complainant, recommended solutions and rectification measures, among others. These items can be consolidated into a single report or be included in the regular internal monitoring report. II. Environmental requirements in case of project variation Building on the environmental monitoring report and inspection by the monitoring agency, the EMP would make targeted adjustments to mitigation measures to further improve environmental management activities. 278 Based on the distribution of pollution sources and construction activities, relevant agencies would conduct periodic inspection of implementation activities, address identified issues/problems and documents the addressing process. In case of significant deviation to the EMP identified during the inspection, or significant adverse environmental impacts due to project variations, or significant increase in the number of adversely affected people, the PMO shall immediately consults with environmental authorities and the World Bank and establish an environmental assessment team to carry out additional environmental assessment, and to conduct additional public consultation, if necessary. The revised EA which includes the EMP must be submitted to the local EPB for approval and to the World Bank after its approval. The implementation agency and the contractor must also be informed of and implement the revised EMP. Chapter 10 Conclusion The World Bank-financed Second Gansu Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection and Development Project (the Project) falls under the “encouraged projectsâ€? in the Guiding Catalogue for Industrial Restructuring (2011 version) (revised in 2013) and its implementation would be in line with requirements in relevant plans of the province, Pingliang City, Longnan City and Linxia City as well as counties and districts where the Project’s subprojects would be implemented. Implementation of the Project would be supported by local people. After its completion, the Project, while protecting cultural and natural heritage, would promote tourism development, address regional poverty, promote social prosperity and enhance environmental protection awareness of local residents. Although the Project would involve ecologically sensitive areas, such as nature reserves, drinking water source protection areas, scenic areas, forest parks and geological parks and it construction and operation would have some negative impacts on local environment, local environment quality after its completion would meet needs of environmental functions, pollutants would be discharged up to relevant standards and ecological impacts would be minimized so long as implementation agencies truly and effectively implement environmental protection measures proposed in the EMP and strengthen environmental management and monitoring during different stages of the Project. Therefore, from the perspective of environmental protection, implementation of the Project would be feasible. 279 Annext 1.1. Proposed 31 Community Organizations for 6 Scenic Spots in Gansu Province Project Village Name of community organizations proposed to be set up Project Area Pingliang city: Qihe Qihe Village Farmers' co-operatives of tourism (agricultural and sideline products) Kongtong Mountain Zhonghe Zhonghe Village Farmers' co-operatives of tourism (Chinese medicine herbs) Scenic spot Gaoling Gaoling Village Farmer's cooperative of tourism (agricultural and sideline products) Jiazui Jiazui village Farmer's cooperative of tourism ( livestock development) Xigou Xigou village tourism association (farmers' home-stay and catering services) Kongtong Martial Arts Association Baili Grottoes Luohandong Luohandong village Committee for community co-management; in Jingchuan Luohandong village association for tourism (including farmers' home-homestay) county Wanyan Wanyan Cultural & Tourism Association (including a Performance Mission, development of cultural arts and crafts Yanfeng Yanfeng Village Association for Tourism (including development of cultural arts and crafts with grottoes characteristics, Farmers' Home-stay, etc.) Gongchi Gongchi Village Farmers’ Co-operatives for Tourism Tianchi Tianchi village Farmers’ Co-operatives for Tourism Yunya temple Shiqiao Shiqiao village tourism service association (including development of Chinese in Zhuanglang medicine herbs, a performance team and local specialty products) county Guoman Guoman village tourism service association (including development of Chinese medicine herbs, a performance team and local specialty products) Longnan City: Yinbazi Yinbazi Association for Tourism Service (including Farmers' Home-stay,Chinese Medicine Herbs development and Special Arts and Crafts Design and Yangba in Development) Kangxian county Laojiangba Yangba Culture & Art Performing Troupe Kezhuang Kezhuang Village Association for Tourism Service (including development of Chinese Medicine Herbs, local specialty products) p Liujiaba Farmers' Tea Garden Tourism Service Association Guan'e gou in Luren Luren Village Tourism Association (including bee keeping, embroidery and Tanchang farmers' home-stay) County Luren Village Qiang Tibetan Folk Cultural Performance Troupe Guan'e Guan'e Village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, and root carving art) 280 Washeping Washeping Village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, local specialty products and dancing performance) Lijie Lijie Village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, local specialty products and dancing performance) Xinping Xinping village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, local specialty products and Qiang Tibetan Folk cultural performance troupe) Daheba Daheba village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, local specialty products and dancing performance) Xinchengzi Xinchengzi village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, local specialty products and dancing performance) Yuezangfu Yuezangfu village Association for Tourism (including Farmers' Home-stay, local specialty products and dancing performance) Linxia Hui Diaotan Diaotan village Association for Tourism Service Autonomous Prefecture: Zhongxin Zhongxin village Tourism Service Association Songmingyan Dashanzhuang Dashanzhuang and Cheba Association for Tourism and Community & Cheba Development Ketuo Ketuo Village Hua’er Performance Troupe Annex 1.2 CO Development Project Budget in the 6 scenic spots Project Area CO Development Project Budget(Yuan) Kongtong District 1,700,000 Pingliang City Jingchuan County 1,700,000 Zhuanglang County 540,000 Kang County 1,160,000 Longnan City Tanchang County 2,639,600 Linxia Hui Autonomous 1,810,000 Hezheng County Prefecture Total 9,549,600 281 Annex 2. CO incubation and development budget Total City (Prefecture) Project Area Budget (RMB’1000) Linxia Hui Autonomous Songmingyan RMB60,000/CO*5 COs=RMB300,000. 300 Prefecture Kongtong RMB60,000/CO*5 COs=RMB300,000. 300 Mountain Pingliang City Baili Grottoes RMB60,000/CO*5 COs=RMB300,000. 300 Yunya Temple RMB90,000/CO*2 COs=RMB180,000. 180 Yangba RMB60,000/CO*4 COs=RMB240,000. 240 Longnan City Guan’e Ditch RMB60,000/CO*8 COs=RMB480,000. 480 Total (Yuan1000) 1800 Annext 3. An estimation of the number of beneficiary people through community capacity building in the project area Number of Capacity Building Capacity Building Project Area Households people directly beneficiary indirectly beneficiary Kongtong District 614 2378 1064 11140 Jingchuan County 2010 8881 1044 29100 Zhuanglang County 408 1879 1244 9080 Kang County 226 838 1304 5260 Tanchang County 1424 6554 1305 18740 Hezheng County 2278 11499 1305 37780 Total 6,960 32,019 7246 111,100 282