Environmental Monitoring Report July – December 2015
Sri: Clean Energy and Network Efficiency
Improvement Project
Prepared by Ceylon Electricity Board for the Asian Development Bank. This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed
herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff,
and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any
designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the
Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status
of any territory or area.
There are four Packages under Loan2892/2893 : Clean Energy and network Efficiency Improvement Project. This report contains all four package’s Environmental Monitoring Report Separately.
1 PRO
Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report
Reporting Period : July 2015 to December 2015
Date : 15th January 2016
ADB Loan No. 2893 - SRI (SF)
Clean Energy & Network Efficiency Improvement Project
Package 1
Prepared by Clean Energy & Network Efficiency Improvement Project – Package 1(CENEIP-P1), Ceylon Electricity Board for the Asian Development Bank.
This environmental safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower and made publicly
available in accordance with ADB's Public Communications Policy 2011 and the Safeguard Policy
Statement 2009. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of
Directors, Management, or staff.
2 PRO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NO. ITEMS PAGE
Executive Summary 3
1.0 Introduction 3
1.1 Brief Project Description 4
1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule 5
A. Progress Status 5
B. Implementation Schedules for Sub projects 6
2.0 Compliance to National Regulations 7
3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement
8
4.0 Compliance to Environmental Management Plan 10
5.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from Stakeholders 14
3 PRO
Executive Summary
The Central Environment Authority has already granted their approval for the Initial
Environmental Examination (lEE) of the project with the consultation of all the Departments
concerned. All Divisional Secretaries were also informed of all the environmental and social
issues and mitigation measures to be adopted and currently various complaints and issues
raised by the public are inquired to address them and find solutions for the satisfaction of
every stake holder. Project implementation has been commenced already. Therein the filling
work of land for constructing Mannar Grid Substation has been started and profile
surveying, tower spotting and soil investigation along the transmission line routes from
Anuradhapura to Mannar through Vavuniya were 95% completed.
1.0 Introduction
Electricity consumers in the Mannar District is provided with electricity at 230V (single
phase) and 400V (three phase) using long distance 33,000V distribution lines and
33,000/400V primary substations. Due to this reason, the electricity supply reliability and
the parameters of the supply (mainly the required voltage) are hampered substantially for
many years. The necessity of addressing this aspect was finally becomes a reality now.
Ministry of Power & Energy and the Ministry of Finance & Planning, successfully
negotiated a loan from Asian Development Bank to construct the much awaited
132,000/33,000V grid substation in Mannar and also to construct a 125km long 220,000V
transmission lines from Anuradhapura via Vavuniya to Mannar by connecting Mannar too
with the national power transmission grid.
The second most important objective in the construction of 55km long transmission line
from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya is the replacement of already available 132,000V
transmission line which is more than forty (40) years old. This transmission line is the major
and only back bone line that carries bulk electricity energy from the central part of the
country to north. The new transmission line is constructed in 220,000V capacity for catering
the future requirements in the North and Mannar enabling the transfer of more energy for
the development activities and new settlements.
Government of Sri Lanka strongly believes the need of changing the fossil fuel dependency
on electricity generation, mainly due to two factors. One factor is the ever increasing cost of
fossil fuels, draining of hard earned foreign reserves & scarcity of fossil fuels expected to be
seriously felt in next few decades to come. The other most important factor is the necessity
of reducing the pollution of the earth atmosphere by decreasing fossil fuel burning for
power generation, and addressing the needs with harnessing more and more clean energy
resources. Mannar District is also identified as a potential wind energy resource region.
Hence it is proposed by National Electricity Generation Planners that around 350 MW of
wind energy plants shall be developed in the Mannar District and that energy shall be
4 PRO
evacuated to the National Power Grid 220,000V Electricity transmission system. The
transmission line constructed under this project shall be utilized for that purpose as well.
1.1 Brief Project Description
Asian Development Bank provides financing of US $ 27.57 million for the Clean Energy And Network Efficiency Improvement Project - Package I (Mannar Transmission Infrastructure) under their loan 2893 - SRI (SF).
The Project consists of two lots:
Lot A:
Augmentation of Vavuniya 132/33kV grid substation and construction of Mannar 132/33kV grid substation
Lot B:
New Anuradhapura to Vavuniya 55km, double circuit, two Zebra, 132kV transmission line and Vavuniya to Mannar 70km, double circuit, Single Zebra, 132kV transmission line (Designed for 220kV operations)
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1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule
A. Progress Status
The updated status of environment activities for the two sub projects up to
December 2015 is given below.
Sub
Project Description Status
Lot
A
Augmentation of Vavuniya 132/33kV grid substation and construction of Mannar 132/33kV grid substation
1. Private land acquired for Mannar GSS.
2. No forest land acquisition for Mannar GSS.
3. No wild life sanctuary involved in Mannar GSS.
4. No major adverse environmental issues identified.
5. Surveying of the Mannar GSS land is completed.
6. Air, water & noise monitoring shall be carried out during post construction stage.
7. Approval for development of Mannar GSS land from Land Reclamation & Development Corporation is obtained.
Lot
B
New Anuradhapura to Vavuniya 55km, double circuit, two Zebra, 132kV transmission line and Vavuniya to Mannar 70km, double circuit, Single Zebra, 132kV transmission line (Designed for 220kV operations)
1. Profile surveying, tower spotting and soil investigation of the line route is 95% completed.
2. Necessary approvals were taken from Department of Wild Life Conservation, Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Irrigation, Department Archeology.
3. Air, water & noise monitoring shall be carried out during post construction stage.
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B. Implementation Schedule
Sub Project
Activities
2014 2015 2016 2017
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
Selection of transmission line corridor
√ √ √ √ Wayleave estimations & compensation payments are in progress
Clearance of 35m line corridor
√ √ √ √ P P P P P P
Equipment layout and installation
√ √ √ P P P P P P
Mechanized construction
√ √ √ P P P P P P
Access to and site clearance at tower footings
√ √ P P P P P P
Construction of access roads
√ P P P P P P
Excavation for construction of tower foundations
√ P P P P P P
Controlling erosion/silt run off
√ P P P P P P
Handling and transportation of materials to and from the site
√ √ √ P P P P P P
Provision of facilities for construction workers
√ √ √ P P P P P P
Tower foundation and stringing works in farmlands/ paddy fields
√ P P P P P P
Earthworks in new GSS site resulting in erosion/silt run off
√ √ √ P P P P P P
Minimizing the nuisance to nearby properties
√ √ √ P P P P P P
Q: Quarters √: Activity Done P: Activity Planned ── : No Activity
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2.0 Compliance to National Regulations
The relevant applicable Acts and Legislations to the project is given below and until now
all the applicable Acts and Legislations are being complied.
1. National Environmental Act No.47 of 1980, amendment No. 56 of 1988, and other
amendments
2. Sri Lanka Electricity Act No.20 of 2009
3. Amendment to Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 31 of 2013 (dated 17th August 2013)
4. Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act,No.35 of 2002
5. Sri Lanka sustainable energy Authority Act, No.35 of 2007
6. National Environmental (Protection & Quality)Regulations,No.01 1990.
7. National Environmental (Ambient Air Quality)Regulations,1994.
8. National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations No. 1 1996
9. Fauna and Flora Protection(Amendment) Act 1993 (No.49 of 1993)
10. Forest Ordinance Act No.13 of 1966
11. Forest (Amendment) Act No.65 of 2009
12. Felling of Trees(Amendment Act No.01 of 2000 and Act to Amend felling of trees
control)
13. Agrarian Services Act (No.58 of 1979)
14. Agrarian Development Act No.46 of 2000
15. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act 1996
16. Flood Act No.22 of 1955
17. Monuments and Archaeological Sites and remains Act,1958. Act No. 24 of 1958
18. Antiques Ordinance, 1960
19. National Involuntary Resettlement Policy
20. Land Acquisition(Amendment) Act, No.13 of 1986
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3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement
Product Sche
dule
Par
a
No.
Description Compliance
Loan 2893 -
SRI (SF)
5
2
The Borrower, MOPE, CEB and SEA shall make available all counterpart funds required for the timely and effective implementation of the Project including (a) any funds required to make land or roof top spaces available for the Project; (b) to mitigate unforeseen environmental, resettlement or social impacts; and (c) to meet any additional costs arising from design changes, price escalations or other unforeseen circumstances.
Complied
4
The Borrower shall ensure, or cause CEB and SEA to ensure, that the preparation, design, construction, implementation, operation and decommissioning of the Project, each Subproject and all Project facilities comply with (a) all applicable laws and regulations of the Borrower relating to environment, health, and safety; (b) the Environmental Safeguards; and {c) all measures and requirements set forth in the respective lEE and EMP, and any corrective or preventative actions set forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report.
Complied
The Borrower shall ensure, or cause CEB and SEA to ensure, that all bidding documents and contracts for Works contain provisions that require contractors to: (a) comply with the measures
relevant to the contractor set forth
Complied
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8
in the lEE, the EMP and the RP (to the extent they concern impacts on affected people during construction), and any corrective or preventative actions set forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report;
(b) make available a budget for all such environmental and social measures;
(c) provide CEB and SEA with a
written notice of any unanticipated environmental, resettlement or indigenous peoples risks or impacts that arise during construction, implementation or operation of the Project that were not considered in the lEE, the EMP or the RP;
10
4.0 Compliance to Environmental Monitoring Plan
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored Method and Frequency
Institutional
responsibility Compliance
Pre-construction
Selection of
Transmission
line corridor
Traversing through
protected areas,
Traversing above
houses/buildings.
Excessive
requirements for
clearance of way-
leaves.
Land use restrictions
in areas of high
population density.
Avoid traversing above
Protected and densely
populated areas as much as
possible
Avoid/minimize traversing
above houses/buildings
wherever practicable
Examine alternative routes,
and select the route causing
the minimum impacts on
long-term land-use, and
minimum possible removal
of trees
Protected areas in the
vicinity
Number of buildings
along the line route,
urban and suburban
centers of population
crossed by the line,
proportion of line route
through such areas
Visual inspection, Records
by GSs.
During preliminary route
selection, reviewed during
field visits and in final line
design survey, further
reviewed after the notices
are issued and DS’s rulings
CEB Complied
Construction
Clearance of 35m line
corridor
Loss of crops and
therefore adverse
impact on economy
and food security
Payment of appropriate
compensation
% people who received
appropriate
compensation
Visual inspection, Records
by GSs.
Monthly Along the line,
especially home gardens
CEB Being complied
Loss of teak trees in
the Mihintale Forest
Reserve
Enrich similar areas
from the same Forest
Reserve
The extent of the land
enriched
With the corporation of
Forest Department.
Before the project
completion
CEB & Forest
Department
To be complied
11
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored Method and Frequency
Institutional
responsibility Compliance
Equipment layout and
installation
Noise and vibrations
caused during
Construction activities
Construction techniques
and machinery selection
seeking to minimize
ground disturbance.
Noise levels.
Condition of using
machinery.
Measuring noise levels.
Contractor's reports on
using machinery.
Visual inspection.
Weekly
CEB & Contractor Being complied
Mechanized
construction
Noise, vibration and
Operator safety
Construction equipment to
be well maintained, and
operated to minimize the
noise &vibrations.
Construction
equipment status.
Hours of operation.
Noise and vibration
levels
Measuring noise and
vibration levels.
Contractor's reports.
Visual inspection.
Weekly
CEB & Contractor Being complied
Operation of heavy
Machinery in night hours
to be limited to very urgent
cases only.
Use low noise mechanical
equipment or use baffles,
proper scheduling of
construction
Minimize the vibration
from piling and
compaction by using
suitable equipment
12
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored
Method and
Frequency
Institutional
responsibility Compliance
Construction of access
roads
Disruption to
Hydrological pattern
Resort to the best practice
guidelines provided in the
Chapter5
The status of closure of
Access roads
CEB and Contractor
reports.
Visual inspection.
Quarterly
CEB & Contractor Being complied
When left as it is will
lead to encroachment
and increase human–
animals conflicts
Remove the access roads
after construction and
reinstate to previous
condition
Excavation for
Construction of tower
foundations
Air and water pollution
due to dust and runoff
Re use of excavated
material as much as
possible
Air, water and soil
quality,
Stability and
availability of bunts
Measuring air and
water quality
CEB and Contractor
reports.
Visual inspection.
CEB & Contractor Being complied
Cover the piles with
polythene
Soil erosion and
Contamination of
water ways
Use soil conservation
Practices i.e.berms, dykes,
coirmats, sand bags
Cover the areas exposed
during construction with
ground vegetation
Water collected in
excavated areas
Avoid rainy seasons if
possible
13
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored
Measurement and
Frequency
Institutional
responsibility Compliance
Handling and
Transportation of
materials to and from
the site
Dust pollution in
Surrounding areas
Damp the work sites
With water
The number of times
the construction site is
wetted,
The number of uncovered
vehicles bring material and
their speed of travel,
Laboratory tests
Visual inspection,
CEB and Contractor
Reports,
Air and water quality
Monthly
CEB & Contractor Being complied
Apply speed limits to
the vehicles
use tarpaul into cover
the material during
transport
14
5.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from
Stakeholders
The selected line route has been carefully selected with the participation of all concerned
parties [including the Government Agent (GA), Divisional Secretaries & relevant state
organizations] and all the factors such as reserved areas clearance from the Airport aviation
air strip, communal issues etc.
Telephone numbers are available for public to contact the project officials for raising any
complaints, requesting information etc. Moreover public can make their complaints, views,
comments etc via the official web site of CEB, www.ceb.lk.
People can raise their complaints and grievances through relevant Government Officials in
their areas; Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretary. They can also contact PUCSL.
Presently objections hearing meetings with objected people are being held within all the
divisional secretary areas affected by the project, followed by the wayleave estimations and
compensation payments with the participation of relevant divisional secretaries.
CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD
ADB Loan Number 2892-SRI
Clean Energy & Network Efficiency Improvement Project- Package 02
Environmental Safeguard Measures
July to December 2015
Project Name: Clean Energy & Network Efficiency Improvement Project- Package 02
Implementing Agency: Ceylon Electricity Board
Project Status: Lot A, Lot B and Lot C – Pre-Construction Stage
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Location Duration Institutional responsibility
Implementation schedule
Taken Action To Mitigate
Pre-construction
Grid substation
construction
Disturbance to people
occupying land closer
to the GS, owing to
land filling and
construction
Maintained adequate
clearance between
the dwellings and
retaining structures
built at GS
GS During the
design
CEB Before the GS
construction
structural layout is
finalized
Layout design was
done as per the
mitigation measures
Storm water releases Design the storm
water release drains
to have adequate
capacity
GS During the
design
CEB Before the GS
construction
drainage layout is
finalized
Designed as per the
mitigation measures.
GS Equipment
specifications
and design
parameters
Release of harmful
chemicals and gases
Poly Chlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs) will
not be used in
substation
transformers or any
other equipment.
Exclusion of PCBs in
GS Tendering CEB During drafting
specification in
tendering and
selection in tender
evaluation
Equipment were
finalized as per the
mitigation measures
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Location Duration Institutional responsibility
Implementation schedule
Taken Action To Mitigate
Pre-construction
Selection of
transmission line
corridor
Excessive requirements
for clearance of way-
leaves and land use
restrictions in areas of
high population density
Select the optimum
line route to minimize
the way leave
clearance
Along the
line
corridor
Preliminary
Design
CEB Before line route
is finalized
Line route was
selected through
paddy fields
wherever possible
and minimize
number of buildings
under the line
Line traversing across
environmentally
sensitive areas with
possible impacts to
biodiversity and
excessive clearance of
vegetation
Line route across
forest and high grown
cultivation areas to be
minimized, and routed
through areas with
low-grown vegetation
and agriculture, such
as paddy and low
grown vegetables
Along the
line
corridor
During
preliminary
route selection
CEB Before the line
route is finalized
Line was routed
through areas with
low-grown
vegetation and
agriculture, such as
paddy and low grown
vegetables
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Location Duration Institutional responsibility
Implementation schedule
Taken Action To Mitigate
Pre-construction
Escape of
polluting
materials
Environmental
pollution
Transformers
designed with oil spill
containment pit, and
with emergency oil
release and storage
system.
GSs During
commissioning
tests and
compliance
checking of
civil works
CEB During design and
construction of
the GSs
Initial specifications
were set as per the
mitigation measures.
GSs to include storm
water drainage and
sewage disposal
systems to avoid
surface water
pollution.
GSs During design,
Mention in
specifications,
and
compliance
checking after
construction
CEB During design and
construction of
GSs.
Designed as per the
mitigation measures.
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Location Duration Institutional responsibility
Implementation schedule
Taken Action To Mitigate
Pre-construction
Explosions/ Fire Life Hazards to workers Design of GS to
include fire detection
and control systems
and firewalls to
compliance with fire
prevention and
control codes in Sri
During design,
Mention in
specifications,
and
compliance
checking after
construction
CEB During design and
construction of
GS.
Designed as per the
mitigation measures.
Provision of fire
fighting equipment to
be located close to
transformers.
Designed as per the mitigation measure
Construction
Equipment
layout and
installation
Noise and vibrations
caused during
construction activities
Construction
techniques and
machinery selection
seeking to minimize
ground disturbance.
GS
locations
During
approval of
construction
method
statement
CEB Throughout the
construction
period
Selected as per the mitigation measure
Mechanized
construction
Noise, vibration and
operator safety
Construction
equipment to be well
maintained.
GS and
Tower
locations
During the
period of
construction
CEB Throughout the
construction
period
Complied as per the
mitigation measure
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Location Duration Institutional responsibility
Implementation schedule
Taken Action To Mitigate
Construction
Temporary
blockage, loss of
service of
utilities
Loss of power supply to
local areas, when
distribution lines
crossing the new
transmission line are
switched off
Minimize the
duration of line
shutdown by careful
programming of work
N/A During the
period of
stringing the
conductors.
CEB and
Contractor
Throughout the
construction
period
Power interruptions
are arranged as per
the mitigation measure
Site clearance at
GS
No impact to the
external environment
Debris to be disposed
in accordance with
local authority
regulations and
advise.
GSs When the site
is cleared by
the contractor
CEB and
Contractor
Throughout the
construction
period
Site clearances were
carried out as per the
mitigation measure
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Project activity Project activity Project activity
Project activity
Project activity
Project activity Project activity
Construction
Access and site
clearance at
tower footings
Temporary obstruction
of access roads,
waterways, clearance
of trees and shrubs
Culverts to cross
waterways, minimize
disturbance and
clearing of vegetation
Tower
footings
During and
after the
construction
period
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
To be complied
Storage of
chemicals and
materials
Contamination of
receptors (land, water,
air)
Transformer oil will be
securely stored above
high flood level, until
the transformer(s) are
filled-up.
Location
of
transfor
mers
During
construction
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
To be complied
Provision of
facilities for
construction
workers
Contamination of
receptors (land, water)
due to sanitation needs
Provide construction
workforce with
temporary facilities to
include proper
sanitation, water
supply and waste
disposal facilities.
Camp
sites for
Workforc
e
During
construction
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
Provided as per the
mitigation measure
Environmental Safeguard Measures
Project activity Project activity Project activity Project
activity Project activity
Project activity
Project activity Project activity
Construction
Encroachment
into farmland
Loss of agricultural
productivity
Avoid construction
during period of
cultivation and
cropping in paddy
fields and seasonal
crops
Agricultu
ral area
at tower
footings
and
along the
transmiss
ion
During
construction
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
To be complied
Nuisance to
nearby
properties
Losses to neighbouring
land uses/ values
Specifying careful
construction
practices.
Construc
tion sites
During
construction
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
To be complied
Health and
safety
Injury and sickness of
workers and members
of the public
Contract provisions
specifying minimum
requirements for
construction camps
Construc
tion sites
During
construction
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
Maintains as per the mitigation measure
Contractor to prepare
and implement a
health and safety
plan.
Contractor to arrange
for health and safety
training sessions
1
Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report
Period : July 2015 to December 2015
Date : 15th January 2016
ADB Loan No. 2892 - SRI (SF)
Clean Energy & Network Efficiency Improvement Project
Package 4
Prepared by Clean Energy & Network Efficiency Improvement Project – Package 4(CENEIP –P4),
Ceylon Electricity Board for the Asian Development Bank.
This environmental safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower and made publicly
available in accordance with ADB's Public Communications Policy 2011 and the Safeguard Policy
Statement 2009. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of
Directors, Management, or staff.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NO.
ITEMS
PAGE
Executive Summary 3
1.0 Introduction 5
1.1 Brief Project Description 5
1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule 6
A. Progress Status 6
B. Implementation Schedules for Sub projects 7
2.0 Compliance to National Regulations 8
3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan
Agreement 9
4.0 Compliance to Environmental Management Plan 11
5.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received
from Stakeholders 16
3
Executive Summary
1. Asian Development Bank (ADB) is proposing to extend $130 million loan to power sector of Sri
Lanka for the Clean Energy and Network Efficiency Improvement Project with a focus to identify
transmission and distribution subprojects for evacuation of renewable energy (wind, hydro and solar)
and overall improvement of network efficiency.
2. The distribution component of the Clean Energy and Network Efficiency Improvement Project
includes the following subprojects:
(i) Vavuniya – Kebithigollawa 23 kilometers (km), 33 kilovolt (kV) line and gantry at Kebithigollawa;
(ii) New Anuradhapura – Kahatagasdigiliya 31 km, 33 kV line and gantry at Kahatagasdigiliya;
(iii) Kiribathkumbura – Galaha 15 km, 33 kV line and gantry at Galaha; and
(iv) Galmadu Junction – Pothuvil via Akkaraipattu 60 km, 33 kV line and gantries at Akkaraipattu and
Pothuvil.
3. 250 sq. m. plot of land required for gantry based switching stations for Kebithigollawa,
Kahatagasdigiliya, Galaha, Akkaraipattu and Pothuvil will be government lands. The Vavuniya-
Kebithigollawa line (23 km) passes two forest reserves (Kapundkalipulam and Padaviya), home
gardens, paddy fields, and crosses the Sinnapuluk Kulam and Dutuwewa dry zone tanks. The
Kiribathkumbura-Galaha line (15 km) is based in hilly region and passes through home gardens, tea
gardens, paddy, pinus and rubber plantations. The New Anuradhapura-Kahatagasdigiliya line (31 km)
passes through paddy fields, home gardens, chena lands, scrub jungle and secondary forests; the
Galmadu Junction-Akkaraipattu line (18 km) passes through densely populated area, home gardens,
paddy fields, and degraded lands. The Akkaraipattu-Pothuvil line (42 km) passes through paddy fields,
home gardens, edge of tanks (Komari and Paladi), scrublands and degraded lands. All the forest reserve
areas traversed by the lines are degraded forests, which were cleared during the conflict period.
4. The proposed project will have number of positive impacts and negative impacts to the existing
environment as follows:
(i) Significant improvement of the quality and reliability of the electricity supply to the project affected
area according to current demand is the main positive impact.
(ii) Removal of trees for distribution lines is the main negative impact to the proposed project area.
(iii) Environment pollution due to cut and fill operations, transportation of construction materials,
disposal of debris, disturbance to the farming activities, nuisance from dust, noise, vehicle fumes, black
4
smoke, vibration etc. due to construction activities are the short term negative impacts due to proposed
project.
(iv) There will be loss of agricultural productivity due to obstruction and reduction of the land of paddy
fields as well as cutting of home gardens, coconut and rubber plantations; which will be compensated
based on established rates by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
5. Potential adverse environment impacts associated with distribution lines have been avoided or
minimized through careful route selection.
The alignment is sited away from major settlements, whenever possible, to account for future urban
expansion. Forests areas and thick vegetation areas are avoided wherever possible; however, route
alignment passes through scrublands, cultivated paddy fields, rubber cultivations, rubber plantations,
tea cultivations, etc. The lines will also pass through degraded forest areas but avoid any national park
or sanctuary. The alignments in this project have also avoided wetlands and geologically unstable areas,
which can also pose foundation related problems. Land will only be purchased and acquired for one
gantry based switching station and no land will be required for placing distribution towers on private
land. Physical damage to the crops during the construction phase of the project will be compensated at
the time of damage as per Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) norms. Associated impacts on agricultural
land will be restricted to the construction phase and will be temporary in nature. Agricultural land will
not be lost permanently at the base of the distribution tower. After construction, agricultural land within
the distribution corridors can be used again for farming purpose.
The Divisional Secretaries & all the relevant government bodies have already granted their approval for
the project with the consultation of all the Departments concerned. All Divisional Secretaries were also
informed about the environmental and social issues and mitigation measures to be adopted and various
complaints and issues raised by the public are inquired to address them and find solutions for the
satisfaction of every stake holder. Project implementation has been commenced already. Surveying,
soil investigation & tower spotting are completed & foundation work has started in all five tower lines.
5
1.0 Introduction
1. The power sector has undergone significant policy level and structural changes in the recent past:
• Sri Lanka Electricity Act passed in Parliament in 2009; • Assumption of the role of electricity regulator in April, 2009 by the Public Utilities
Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL);
• Creation of Functional Business Units (FBUs) within Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) with one unit
each for generation and transmission and four geographical units for distribution function; and
• PUCSL issued licenses to all FBUs. FBUs have been filing tariff petitions since 2010.
2. In January 2011, ADB approved the Sustainable Power Sector Support Project with focus on
distribution system strengthening, rural electrification and distribution improvement, energy efficiency
and renewable energy development.
3. ADB is proposing to extend $130 million loan to Sri Lanka’s power sector for the Clean Energy and
Network Efficiency Improvement Project. The specific focus of this assistance is to identify
transmission and distribution subprojects, which could be funded. The subprojects identified for the
ADB financing are focused on evacuation of renewable energy (wind, hydro and solar) and overall
improvement of network efficiency.
1.1 Brief Project Description
Asian Development Bank provides financing of US $ 14.92 million for the Clean Energy & Network
Efficiency Improvement Project - Package 4 under the loan No. 2892 - SRI (SF).
The Project consists of two lots:
Lot A:
(i) Vavuniya – Kebithigollawa 23 kilometers (km), 33 kilovolt (kV) line and gantry at Kebithigollawa;
(ii) New Anuradhapura – Kahatagasdigiliya 31 km, 33 kV line and gantry at Kahatagasdigiliya;
Lot B:
(i) Kiribathkumbura – Galaha 15 km, 33 kV line and gantry at Galaha; and
(ii) Galmadu Junction – Pothuvil via Akkaraipattu 60 km, 33 kV line and gantries at Akkaraipattu and
Pothuvil.
6
1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule
A. Progress Status
The updated status of environment activities for the two sub projects up to December 2015 is given
below.
Sub
Project
Description
Status
Lot A
Vavuniya – Kebithigollawa 23 km, 33 kV line and
gantry at Kebithigollawa
New Anuradhapura – Kahatagasdigiliya 31 km, 33
kV line and gantry at Kahatagasdigiliya
1. Way leaves clearance of private
lands completed
2. Preliminary & profile survey
completed
3. Soil investigation completed
4. Tower spotting completed
5. Foundation of towers ongoing
Lot B
Kiribathkumbura – Galaha 15 km, 33 kV line and
gantry at Galaha
Galmadu Junction – Pothuvil via Akkaraipattu 60 km,
33 kV line and gantries at Akkaraipattu and Pothuvil.
1. Way leaves clearance of private
lands completed
2. Preliminary & profile survey
completed
3. Soil investigation completed
4. Tower spotting completed
5. Foundation of towers ongoing
7
B. Implementation Schedule
Sub Project Activities 2015 2016 2017
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Selection of line corridor √ √
Clearance of line corridor √ √ √
Preliminary Survey ── √ √
Profile Survey ── ── √ √
Tower Spotting ── ── √ √
Soil Investigation ── ── ── √
Excavation for construction of tower
foundations ── ── ── √ P P P
Construction of tower foundations ── ── ── √ P P P P
Tower erection ── ── ── ── ── ── P P
Conductor Stringing ── ── ── ── ── ── ── P P
Preliminary civil works of gantry ── ── ── ── ── P P
Foundation works of gantry ── ── ── ── ── P P P
Earthing of gantry ── ── ── ── ── ── ── P
Erection of structures ── ── ── ── ── ── ── P
Installation of equipments in gantry ── ── ── ── ── ── ── P P
Testing & Commissioning ── ── ── ── ── ── ── ── P
Q: Quarters √: Activity Done P: Activity Planned ──:No Activity
8
2.0 Compliance to National Regulations
The relevant applicable Acts and Legislations to the project are given below and until now all the
applicable Acts and Legislations are being complied.
01. Agrarian Services Act (No. 58 of 1979)
02. Agrarian Development Act No. 46 of 2000
03. Ceylon Electricity Board Act, 1969
04. Electricity Act 2009
05. Fauna and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act 1993 (Nº 49 of 1993)
06. Felling of Trees (Amendment Act No. 01 of 2000 and Act to amend felling of trees control)
07. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act 1996
08. Flood Act No. 22 of 1955
09. Forest Ordinance Act No. 13 of 1966
10. Forest (Amendment) Act No. 65 of 2009
11. Irrigation Clauses Act 1973
12. Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, No. 13 of 1986
13. Monuments and Archaeological Sites and remains Act, 1958. Act No. 24 of 1958
14. Antiques Ordinance, 1960
15. Motor Traffic Act No. 60 of1979
16. National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, amendment No. 56 of 1988, and other amendments
17. National Environmental (Protection & Quality) Regulations, No 01 1990.
18. National Environmental (Ambient Air Quality) Regulations, 1994.
19. National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations No. 1 1996
20. National Involuntary Resettlement Policy
21. Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 35 of 2002
22. Soil Conservation (Amendment) Act No. 24 of 1996
23. Sri Lanka sustainable energy Authority Act, No. 35 of 2007
9
3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement
Product
Schedule Para
No.
Description
Compliance
Loan
2893 -
SRI (SF)
5
2
The Borrower, MOPE, CEB and SEA shall make
available all counterpart funds required for the
timely and effective implementation of the Project
including (a) any funds required to make land or
roof top spaces available for the Project; (b) to
mitigate unforeseen environmental, resettlement or
social impacts; and (c) to meet any additional costs
arising from design changes, price escalations or
other unforeseen circumstances.
Complied
4
The Borrower shall ensure, or cause CEB and SEA
to ensure, that the preparation, design, construction,
implementation, operation and decommissioning of
the Project, each Subproject and all Project
facilities comply with (a) all applicable laws and
regulations of the Borrower relating to
environment, health, and safety; (b) the
Environmental Safeguards; and {c) all measures
and requirements set forth in the respective lEE and
EMP, and any corrective or preventative actions set
forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report.
Complied
8
The Borrower shall ensure, or cause CEB and SEA
to ensure, that all bidding documents and contracts
for Works contain provisions that require
contractors to:
(a) comply with the measures relevant to the
contractor set forth in the lEE, the EMP and the RP
(to the extent they concern impacts on affected
people during construction), and any corrective or
preventative actions set forth in a Safeguards
Monitoring Report;
(b) make available a budget for all such
environmental and social measures;
Complied
10
(c) provide CEB and SEA with a written notice of
any unanticipated environmental, resettlement or
indigenous peoples risks or impacts that arise
during construction, implementation or operation of
the Project that were not considered in the lEE, the
EMP or the RP;
(d) adequately record the condition of records,
agricultural land and other infrastructure prior to
starting to transport materials and construction; and
(e) reinstate pathways, other local infrastructure,
and agricultural land to at least their pre-project
condition upon the completion of construction.
11
4.0 Compliance to Environmental Monitoring Plan
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored
Method and
Frequency
Institutional
responsibilit
y
Complia
nce
Pre-construction
Selection of
Transmission
line corridor
Traversing through protected areas. Traversing above houses/buildings. Excessive requirements for clearance of way-leaves. Land use restrictions in areas of high population density
Avoid traversing above Protected and densely populated areas as much as possible Avoid/minimize traversing above houses/buildings wherever practicable Examine alternative routes, and select the route causing the minimum impacts on long-term land-use, and minimum possible removal of trees
Protected areas in the vicinity Number of buildings along the line route, urban and suburban centers of population crossed by the line, proportion of line route through such areas
Visual inspection, Records by GSs. During preliminary route selection, reviewed during field visits and in final line design survey, further reviewed after the notices are issued and DS’s rulings
CEB Complied
Construction
Clearance of line
corridor
Loss of crops and
therefore adverse
impact on
economy and
food security
Payment of appropriate
compensation
% people who
received appropriate
compensation
Visual inspection,
Records by GSs.
Monthly Along the line,
especially home gardens
CEB Complied
12
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored
Method and
Frequency
Institutional
responsibilit
y
Complia
nce
Equipment
layout and
installation
Noise and
vibrations caused
during
construction
activities
Construction
techniques and
machinery selection
seeking to minimize
ground disturbance.
Noise levels.
Condition of using
machinery.
Measuring noise levels.
Contractor's reports on
using machinery. Visual
inspection.
Weekly
CEB &
Contractor
Being
complied
Mechanized
construction
Noise, vibration
and operator
safety
Construction equipment to be well maintained, and operated to minimize the noise & vibrations.
Construction
equipment status.
Hours of operation.
Noise and vibration
levels
Measuring noise and
vibration levels.
Contractor's reports.
Visual inspection.
Weekly
CEB &
Contractor
Being
complied
Operation of heavy Machinery in night hours to be limited to very urgent cases only.
Use low noise mechanical equipment or use baffles, proper scheduling of construction
Minimize the vibration from piling and compaction by using suitable equipment
13
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation measure Parameter to be
monitored
Method and
Frequency
Institutional
responsibility Compliance
Construction of
access
roads
Disruption to
Hydrological
pattern
Minimize the use of
access roads along
sensitive areas &
make the access
roads as short as
possible
The status of
closure of
Access roads
CEB and Contractor
reports.
Visual inspection.
Quarterly
CEB &
Contractor
Being
complied
When left as it, it
will lead to
encroachment and
increase human –
animal conflicts
Remove the access
roads after
construction and
reinstate to previous
condition
Excavation for
Construction of
tower
foundations
Air and water
pollution due to
dust and runoff
Re use of excavated
material as much as
possible
Air, water and soil
quality, Stability
and availability of
bunts
Measuring air and
water quality
CEB and Contractor
reports.
Visual inspection
CEB &
Contractor
Being
complied
Soil erosion and
Contamination of
water ways
Use soil conservation
Practices
Cover the areas
exposed during
construction with
ground vegetation
Water collected in
excavated areas
Avoid rainy seasons
if possible
14
Project Activity Potential impact Mitigation
measure
Parameter to be
monitored
Method and
Frequency
Institutional
responsibility Compliance
Handling and
Transportation of
materials to and
from the site
Dust pollution in
Surrounding
areas
Damp the work
sites with water
The number of
times the
construction site
is wetted,
The number of
uncovered
vehicles bring
material and
their speed of
travel,
Laboratory tests
Visual
inspection,
CEB and
Contractor
Reports,
Air and water
quality
Monthly
CEB & Contractor Being
complied
Apply speed
limits to the
vehicles
Cover the
material during
transport
15
5.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from
Stakeholders
During initial stage of the project the, discussions with groups and individuals were conducted to
make them aware of the proposed project. Thus, the project-affected community residing beside
the proposed distribution line has gained a reasonable knowledge about the potential grievances.
The selected line route has been carefully selected with the participation of all concerned
parties [including the Government Agent (GA), Divisional Secretaries & relevant state
organizations] and all the factors such as reserved areas clearance from the Department of Forest,
communal issues etc. Telephone numbers are available for public to contact the project officials
for raising any complaints, requesting information etc. Moreover public can make their
complaints, views, comments etc via the official web site of CEB, www.ceb.lk. People can raise
their complaints and grievances through relevant Government Officials in their areas; Grama
Niladhari and Divisional Secretary. They can also contact PUCSL. Objections hearing meetings
with objected people were held within all the divisional secretary areas affected by the project,
followed by the way leaves estimations and compensation payments with the participation of
relevant divisional secretaries were done.
16
6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
Impacts are manageable and can be managed cost effectively - environmental impacts are likely to
result from the proposed distribution system development. Careful mitigation and monitoring,
specific selection criteria and review and assessment procedures for candidate subprojects have
been specified to ensure that minimal impacts take place. The impacts can be reduced through
mitigation measures such as correction in work practices at the construction sites, or through the
careful selection of sites and access routes.
The proposed project will have a number of positive and negative impacts on the existing
environment. Significant improvement in the quality and reliability of the electricity supply to the
project affected areas according to the current demand is the main positive impact. In addition,
electricity supply will help agricultural activities, students and public, increase land value, create a
lot of income generating activities, enhancement of safety at night, and increase mobility during
night.
Environment pollution due to cut and fill operations, transportation of construction materials,
disposal of debris, nuisance from dust, noise, vehicle fumes, black smoke, vibration etc. due to
construction activities are the short term negative impacts due to the proposed project.
Proper GRM will have to be implemented to overcome public inconvenience during the proposed
project activities.
Benefits far outweigh negative impacts - the proposed project will improve operational efficiency
and quality of power, reliability of the system and at the same time will reduce losses. Supply of
power to the region will boost economic development of the area by strengthening the power
distribution infrastructure. Overall, the major social and environmental impacts associated with
distribution subprojects are limited to the construction period and can be mitigated to an acceptable
level by implementation of recommended measures and by best engineering and environmental
practices. The impact matrix depicts that the project will not have significant negative
environmental impacts and the project would help in improving the socio-economic conditions of
this developing state.
Distribution subprojects require land only for gantry based switching stations but do not require
land for laying the distribution lines. The alignment is sited away from major settlements,
whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion. Forests areas and thick vegetation areas
are avoided, wherever possible; however, route alignment passes through scrublands, cultivated
paddy fields, rubber cultivations, rubber plantations, tea cultivations, etc. The lines will also pass
through degraded forest areas but avoid any national park or sanctuary. The alignments in this
project have also avoided wetlands and geologically unstable areas, which can also pose
foundation related problems. No land will be required for placing distribution towers on private
land thereby avoiding any relocation of project affected people.
17
The proposed construction activities will cause significant environment impact and most of the
potential environment impacts are temporary in nature mainly restricted to pre-construction and
construction periods. The Environment Management Plan (EMP) and the Environment Monitoring
Plan (EMoP) have been prepared for the project and responsibilities for implementation assigned.
The anticipated environmental impacts can be easily mitigated through implementation of EMP.
Overall, the social and environmental impacts associated with distribution project are limited to the
construction period and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementation of
recommended measures and by best engineering and environmental practices.