SFG2501 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Submarine Cable System Project Savusavu, Vanua Levu FINAL September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Management Plan i EXCEUTIVE SUMMARY The Government of Fiji plans to invest in a submarine cable system to connect Vanua Levu at Savusavu, with the proposed Fiji (Viti Levu)-Samoa cable. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the Fiji- Samoa Connectivity Project has been undertaken which assessed the environmental and social issues that may arise from an SCS development and provided mitigation and management plans prepared in accordance with Fiji legislation and WB safeguard policies. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) identifies issues associated with the Vanua Levu extension to the proposed Fiji (Viti Levu)-Samoa cable and focuses on the coastal zone and near- shore marine area at several locations in Savusavu. The potential impacts associated with those in deeper waters have been identified and addressed in the IEE. Analysis of potential beach manhole locations, cable corridors and cable landing stations has determined a preferred option (BMH1 – located towards the southern end of Savusavu Airport) which will assist with minimising any potential environmental or social impacts. In this location, the terrestrial ecology is limited and the intertidal marine resources have been impacted by natural activities. In addition, the land is state owned, no additional acquisition of private or iTaukei land is required and there will be no displacement of tenants or other land uses, and no assets or livelihoods will be affected. Management and monitoring plans are outlined in addition to a grievance redress mechanism. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Management Plan ii TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Project Documentation 1 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2 2.1 Project Rationale 2 2.2 Project Components 2 2.3 Project Location 4 3 POLICY, LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 6 3.1 Fiji 6 3.1.1 Administrative Framework 6 3.1.2 Legal Framework 6 3.1.3 Permitting Requirements 7 3.2 World Bank 7 3.2.1 Introduction 7 3.2.2 Operational Policy 4.01 – Environmental Assessment 7 3.2.3 Operational Policy 4.04 – Natural Habitats 8 3.2.4 Operational Policy 4.10 – Indigenous Peoples 8 3.2.5 Operational Policy 4.11 – – Physical Cultural Resources 8 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 8 4.1 Introduction 8 4.2 Location & Setting 8 4.3 Physical Environment 9 4.3.1 Geography 9 4.3.2 Climate 9 4.3.3 Demography 10 4.3.4 Tides 10 4.3.5 Waves 10 4.4 Ecological Environment 11 4.4.1 Introduction 11 4.4.2 Marine Ecology 11 4.4.3 Terrestrial Ecology 14 4.5 Socio-Cultural & Economic Environment 14 4.5.1 Introduction 14 4.5.2 Cultural Heritage Resources 14 4.5.3 Fishing 14 4.5.4 Land Use 14 4.5.5 Marine Traffic 14 4.5.6 Public Consultation 16 5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 17 5.1 Alternative Technologies 17 5.2 Alternative Alignments 17 6 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS, RISK & MITIGATION MEASURES 18 6.1 Introduction 18 6.2 Potential Impacts 18 6.2.1 Deep Subtidal Waters 18 6.2.2 Intertidal Coastal Areas 19 September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Management Plan iii 6.2.3 Land Acquisition and Resettlement 20 6.3 Terrestrial Impacts 20 6.4 Risk Assessment & Impact Identification Methodology 20 6.5 Outcome of Risk Assessment & Impact Identification 22 6.6 Cumulative & Induced Impacts 26 6.7 Relevance of World Bank Safeguard Policies 27 7 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 28 7.1 Introduction 28 7.2 Performance Indicators 28 7.3 Implementation Arrangements 28 7.4 Institutional Capacity 29 7.5 Mitigation and Monitoring Costs 29 8 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 36 9 APPENDICES 38 APPENDIX 1: TOR & ADDENDUM 39 APPENDIX 2: ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 40 APPENDIX 3: INITIAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATION – LIST OF ATTENDEES 41 September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 1 1 Introduction 1.1 Background The Government of Fiji (GoF), plans to invest in a submarine cable system (SCS) to connect Vanua Levu at Savusavu, with the proposed Fiji (Viti Levu)-Samoa cable. This will ensure that Fiji’s second largest island has the same standard of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) access as Viti Levu. The GoF has approached the World Bank (WB) for funding support for Savusavu Branch Project (the Project). 1 An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project has been undertaken which assessed the environmental and social issues arising from an SCS development and presents mitigation and management plans prepared in accordance with Fiji legislation and WB safeguard policies. This report identifies issues associated with the Vanua Levu extension to the proposed Fiji (Viti Levu)-Samoa cable. The Ministry of Communications (MoC) will take the lead during project preparation and execution and will be responsible for implementation as the Implementing Entity (IE). The Ministry of Economy are the formal Borrower of Project funds, and take overall responsibility for financial management; however, MoC (through a Project Management Unit (PMU) that will be established and staffed) will be required to prepare payment-related documentation, financial reports, and arrange audits. The MoC will take leadership of works contracting and management toward establishment of the cable and its connection to the networks of the operators in Vanua Levu. The PMU will work closely with the Samoa Submarine Cable Company and their Technical Coordinator (TC) regarding the management of the cable laying company (CLC) who will be laying the Savusavu branch at the same time as the Fiji (Viti-Levu) – Samoa Cable. As the project approaches ‘Ready for Service’ the MoC will negotiate the transfer to private ownership of the cable system so that the cable may be accessed by operators immediately upon its being ready for service. 1.2 Project Documentation The World Bank has classified the Project as safeguards Category B. As such, the Savusavu Branch Project would have the same classification, requiring an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental & Social Management Plan (ESMP). This ESIA focuses on th e coastal zone and near-shore marine area and the location of the proposed terrestrial infrastructure, which forms the project influence area (PIA). The potential impacts associated with those in deeper waters have been identified and addressed 1 in MCIT 2015 . The Ministry of Communications has commissioned Argo Environmental Ltd (Argo) to undertake an ESIA and ESMP for the proposed cable installation and associated activities for the Savusavu cable landing point in accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Addendum (Appendix 1). The Addendum identified a number of potential Savusavu landing sites which required further evaluation. These sites are the subject of this evaluation and are identified in Section 2.3. 1 MCIT 2015. Initial Environmental Examination. TA-8540 REG, Pacific Information and Communication Technology Investment Planning and Capacity Development Facility - Environmental and Social Safeguards. Samoa Submarine Cable Project. Prepared by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) for the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. July 2015. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 2 2 Project Description 2.1 Project Rationale The Project is intended to deliver high-capacity lower cost Internet services to the relatively disadvantaged Northern Division of Fiji, consistent with the Government’s policy objectives of accelerating development in those areas. Following telecoms market liberalization in 2008, access to ICT infrastructure and services has improved across the country. However, access, particularly to internet, is not evenly distributed. Vanua Levu and neighbouring islands account for about 16 percent of the country’s population (about 150,000 people), but only about 10 percent of total telecom traffic (in aggregate). Demand for Internet bandwidth in the Northern Division is forecast to increase from present levels of about 1.5 Gbps to 19 Gbps in the next 10 years and to 170 Gbps within 25 years. Existing connectivity solutions for Vanua Levu via satellite or microwave links will be insufficient to provide the required bandwidth capacity and quality. High-speed Internet offers wide-ranging economic and social development benefits. In addition, and as evidenced by recent experience in Fiji, an optical fibre cable backbone offers greater resilience than terrestrial backbone (microwave) in the event of cyclones. The objective of the Project is to reduce the cost and increase the availability of ICT services to support social and economic development on Vanua Levu. The Project is expected to contribute to improved public service delivery (including online government services, health and education and financial services); increased private sector development opportunities, and reduced transaction costs for businesses and individuals; and national and regional integration objectives of improved service delivery, trade and communications between Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and other Pacific island economies. 2.2 Project Components The proposed subsea cable route for the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project is shown in Figure 2.1 and identifies the broad alignment of the Savusavu Branch Project. It is proposed to install the Savusavu link at the same time the Fiji-Samoa cable is installed. Figure 2.1: Proposed subsea cable route for the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 3 1 The Project components are described in full in MCIT (2015) . In summary, the infrastructure components will comprise: • Approximately 95km of fibre optic cable from the point of branching with the main cable to the shore (Figure 2.1), laid on or beneath the sea floor using hydro-jetting (Figure 2.2). Hydro-jetting is useful in applications where seabed materials are fairly consolidated and is proposed to be undertaken in submarine areas up to 30m depth beyond which the cable will be laid on the sea floor. The cable will consist of double armoured cable to 200 metres depth followed by single armoured cable to 1000 metres depth (Figure 2.3). • At the shoreward end across the intertidal zone, between the subtidal zone and the beach manhole, the cable will be covered with lightweight protection consisting of standard articulated piping bolted to the substrate. • A beach manhole (BMH) landing facility likely to comprise a small concrete manhole approximately 2m x 2m x 2m. (Figure 2.4). • Use of existing TFL ducting along existing road corridors. • A cable landing stations (CLS). Two options are available for the current Project including the AFL Communications Site across the road from Savusavu Airport runway and the TFL Building in Savusavu. Figure 2.2: Hydro-jetting apparatus Figure 2.3: Fibre optic cable options 1 The cable installation process is also described in detail in MCIT (2015) . In summary, the deeper water routes are extensively mapped so that sensitive marine features (such as hydrothermal vents and sea mounts) are avoided and, for nearshore cable placement, a marine ecologist is required for detailed route planning and divers are used to assist with the cable laying process. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 4 Figure 2.4: Typical layout of a beach manhole landing facility 2.3 Project Location An Addendum to the TOR (Appendix 1) described a recent site visit by Director of Ministry of Communications, FINTEL, TFL and World Bank representatives. The aim of the visit was to identify suitable beach manhole and cable landing station locations for further more detailed site evaluation. These sites are shown in Figure 2.5 and described in Table 2.1. Figure 2.5: Preferred beach manhole (BMH 1-6) locations The outcome of this initial site visit was that detailed marine field work should focus on the two preferred sites for the BMH (1 & 2). This includes the probable submarine cable path from the outer reef to the two beach sites. BMH 3, 4, 5 and 6 are considered potential alternatives but do not require detailed marine surveys or investigations. Section 4.5 presents a summary of the findings of the investigations of these sites the full report is presented in Appendix 2. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 5 Table 2.1: Beach manhole and cable landing stations identified during the initial site evaluation Preference Site Code Site Description Beach Man Hole Locations Most BMH 1 Located at Eastern end of AFL Runway on Government Land. preferred Cable would cross a small section of reef. Within 1km of AFL Comms site for Cable Landing Station. Terrestrial cable would use existing TFL ducts along road reserve. BMH 2 West of Runway on road reserve adjacent to foreshore. Govt Land. Cable would cross the reef via a natural sandy channel. Terrestrial cable would follow existing TFL ducts to either Cable Landing Station option. Least BMH 3 West of Runway – iTaukei land which would require iTaukei Land preferred Trust Board to assist with land acquisition / lease / easement. Submarine cable would cross the reef via a natural sandy channel. Terrestrial cable would follow existing TFL ducts to either Cable Landing Station option. BMH 4 Private land to West of Runway. Currently covered in ‘scrub’ and palms (not plantation). No current land use / agriculture observed. Could not get access to the BMH site during the site visit. Short access path/road across the site from the road or runway would be required and vegetation would need to be cleared. Submarine cable would cross the reef via a natural sandy channel. Terrestrial cable would go under the runway or along road within existing TFL ducts to either Cable Landing Station option. BMH 5 Naidi Bay. BMH at Road Reserve adjacent to the beach / small estuary. Cable would enter the bay without crossing a reef. Several kilometres of terrestrial cable to either Cable Landing Station. BMH 6 Daku Resort. South of Savusavu town in Savusavu Bay. The ‘original site’ drawn in the contractors tender documents. BMH in road reserve. Exposed coastline with evidence of erosion from recent cyclone Winston. Shipping channels, leisure boating, fishing within the bay. Several kilometers of terrestrial cable to TFL site in Savusavu. No existing TFL ducting. Cable Landing Stations AFL Elevated site. TFL cable ducts go along the road past this site Communications and into Savusavu. Site across the The site currently has a small shed that houses communications road from equipment. There is space for a new building / structure and easy runway access directly off the Hibiscus Highway. TFL Building, There is space for new building or internal refit. Existing Savusavu housekeeping is poor and would need to be improved. 5km + of terrestrial cabling required within existing TFL duct along the Hibiscus Highway. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 6 3 Policy, Legal & Administrative Framework 3.1 Fiji 3.1.1 Administrative Framework The following key agencies have responsibilities with regard to the Project development in Fiji: • The Department of Environment which administers the Environment Management Act 2005, compliance of environmental impact assessments with the Act and implementation of environmental management plans by Project proponents and developers. The Department also manages Fiji’s participation in international conventions on biodiversity and the environment. • The Department of Lands and Survey is vested with authority to grant lease over State Land including soil under Fiji’s waters should such a lease be deemed necessary in order to lay the cable. • The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has authority, under the Sea Ports Management Act 2005 and the Marine Act 1986, over the port of Suva and its approaches, including all shipping operations and shore and sea-based installations. • The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests manages fisheries in Fiji and administers the Fisheries Regulations 2004. • The iTaukei Lands Trust Board administers leases on iTuakei land, on behalf of the custom land owners. • The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has responsibilities to manage shipping movements and other aspects of marine safety during cable laying, and administering protective measures once the cable has been laid, such as updating maritime charts with new infrastructure and enforcing no-anchoring zones. The majority of land in Fiji is under customary land ownership by iTaukei. The State owns the seabed below High Water Mark. Customary rights to fishing and marine resources in the reef, or qoliqoli rights, are assigned to much of the coastline. These are administered by the iTaukei lands and Fisheries Commission. 3.1.2 Legal Framework The Environment Management Act 2005 has a geographic jurisdiction to the limit of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Its purpose is to apply the principles of sustainable use and development of natural resources and to identify matters of national importance to Fiji. The Act provides for environmental assessments (EA) to be reviewed by the Environment Management Unit, but there is minimal guidance in relation to submarine communications cables. A public hearing must be undertaken in the vicinity of the proposed development (s34), once an EA is complete. Projects are assessed according to their scale and potential impacts under Part 1 of the Act. The Crown Lands Act (CAP 132) allows for the disposal of State Land permanently or, more commonly, temporarily under lease. Importantly, State Land is defined also to include foreshore land below high water mark and soil under the waters of Fiji. Under the Act, the granting of a foreshore land lease or lease of any soil under the waters of Fiji must be with the approval of the Minister and shall only be granted after declaration that the granting of such lease does not create a substantial infringement of public rights. The Marine Spaces Act (CAP 158A) clarifies that the State owns marine resources from the high water mark to the edge of the EEZ, but also acknowledges the customary marine tenure system of Fiji. The country is divided into 410 customary fishing grounds as recorded by the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission. The Act allows for the Minister of Fisheries to make regulations over many activities within Fiji‘s waters (including foreign fishing vessels access to Fijian fish stocks). The Fisheries Act (CAP 158) established the Native Fisheries Commission under the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to administer a titling system over very reef, river and lagoon in Fiji (Minter 2008). The Commission protects native customary rights to fish in coastal September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 7 (qoliqoli) areas for non-commercial purposes. There are two customary groups (Vanua Nacekoro and Vanua Raranipolo) recognized under this Act as having user-rights for fishing in proximity to the BMH1 & 2. The Fisheries (Protection of Turtles) (Amendments) Regulations 2004 gives absolute protection to turtles and turtle eggs of any species. The Continental Shelf Act (CAP 149) makes provision for the protection, exploration, and exploitation of the natural resources of the continental shelf. Section 6 allows the Minister to make orders prohibiting ships from entering or remaining in any area specified as a ̳safety zone. Section 10 allows the Minister to make regulations prescribing things for giving effect to the provisions of the Act. The Sea Ports Management Act 2005 vests authority over the ports in Fiji (including Suva) in Fiji Ports Corporation Limited. The Marine Spaces Act 1986 and related amendments and regulations contain numerous provisions relating to legal compliance and safety while undertaking a marine operation in Fijian waters. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was signed by Fiji in 1982. 3.1.3 Permitting Requirements 1 MCIT (2015) describes the permitting arrangements for Fiji. In summary, a landing party agreement (LPA) will need to be established between FinTel and the preferred Submarine Cable Company (SCC) and confirmed by Ministry of Communications. FinTel will need to seek permits and approvals from the following stakeholders: • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) will need to be consulted for consent and guidance in laying the cable on Fiji’s Continental Shelf and ensure the cable path avoids interference with navigation of vessels. FinTel will need to submit the LPA, EIA report and letter from the Fijian Government to MoFA, who in turn, provide a formal permit to FinTel and SCC for the Project. • The Department of Lands will provide consent for the cable landing given there is no land acquisition or reclamation required for the cable landing. No adverse impacts to marine areas under customary ownership are anticipated (see Section 6.2.3 for further discussion). • The Department of Environment (DoE) will need to review and approve (with or without conditions) the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the Project and for any new land development for the cable lay. • The Harbour Master at Fiji Ports Corporation Limited will need to be consulted so whether there is a requirement (if any) to notify vessels in proximity to the landing site. • Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) will need to sign an MoU or similar agreement if the cable landing site is within their land. • Savusavu Town Council will need to be notified of the small-scale civil works to install the cable in the foreshore areas. 3.2 World Bank 3.2.1 Introduction The relevant World Bank Policies for this project are summarised below. OP4.12, Involuntary Resettlement is not triggered because the options for land use all involve government owned land. 3.2.2 Operational Policy 4.01 – Environmental Assessment The WB requires an Environmental Assessment (EA) of Projects proposed for WB financing to ensure they are environmentally sound and sustainable, thereby improving decision-making. Operational Policy (OP) 4.01 requires (i) detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine project impacts, (ii) determination of tangible measures to prevent, minimise, mitigate or compensate for those adverse impacts, (iii) public September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 8 consultation and disclosure as part of the EA process and (iv) requires and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to address set mitigation along with monitoring and institutional measures to be taken during design, implementation, operation and maintenance phases of the project. 3.2.3 Operational Policy 4.04 – Natural Habitats OP 4.04 requires the conservation of natural habitats and specifically prohibits the support of projects that involve significant conversion or degradation of critical habitats, as defined by the policy. The policy further requires the EA to identify impacts on biodiversity and species and to determine endemism, endangered species and to determine project impacts on these species and to propose acceptable mitigation and monitoring measures. 3.2.4 Operational Policy 4.10 – Indigenous Peoples OP 4.10 requires the GOF to engage in a process of free, prior and informed consultation with Indigenous Peoples (IP’s), as described by the policy in situations where IP’s are present in, or have collective attachment to, the project area and for the preparation of an Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) and /or Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF). 3.2.5 Operational Policy 4.11 – – Physical Cultural Resources OP 4.11 seeks to avoid the disturbance and/or destruction of Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) as defined by this policy by the projects activities. PCR includes places of worship, buried artefacts, cemeteries, and archaeological assets, etc. The policy further requires, (i) EA to undertake an exhaustive desk review and/or site investigation to pre-identify and locate PCR’s in the PIA, (ii) EA/EMP to propose management measures and (iii) to include “chance find” clauses in civil works contracts during construction and maintenance stages. 4 Description of the Environment 4.1 Introduction This section provides information on the physical, biological and socio-economic elements of the environment, which forms the baseline data set that can be used as benchmarks for future monitoring. The area considered for assessment of baseline conditions (the PIA) consists of the cable route as it enters the nearshore coastal environment, the beach manhole sites and the terrestrial cable route to the cable station. The PIA is defined through consideration of the project footprint including all ancillary project components and potential impacts on environmental, economic and social resources. Table 4.1 outlines the guidelines that have been followed in determining the PIA for the Viti Levu – Samoa cable Project (see MCIT (2015)) which is based on best practices from previous similar studies and by adopting a precautionary approach. Note that the environmental issues associated with the deeper water effects of the cable extending to the Viti Levu – Samoa cable are similar in nature to those addressed in MCIT (2015) and are not addressed here in any detail. All data was obtained by desktop study and a field survey conducted on 15 August 2016. 4.2 Location & Setting The Fiji Islands is comprised of a group of more than 300 islands, of which 105 are 2 inhabited. Spread over an area of 860,000 km of ocean in the central South Pacific, its total land area is approximately 18,300 km, the two major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu make up 10% of the land area. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 9 Table 4.1: Project influence areas delineations and conditions Environment PIA In specific regard to the migratory humpback Important Species Habitat whale population of Fiji, a 1km belt either side of the cable (2km in total) has been identified in WD less than 200m and is described in MCIT (2015). The accuracy of the placement of the cable on the Offshore (>3nm from coastline) sea floor reduces as the depth increases and currents play a part. A 500m corridor either side of the cable is a good precautionary limit for a PIA and is described in MCIT (2015). As the accuracy of cable placement increases, Inshore & Coastal Waters (<3nm the PIA reduces. Taking a precautionary from coastline) approach, a 250m corridor either side of the cable (500m total) has been used for the foreshore 250m radius from the center point of new Terminal stations terrestrial buildings A 50m corridor will be assessed for any terrestrial Terrestrial cable route trenching activities. Many of the smaller islands are low-relief coral atolls. Most of the islands are fringed by coral reefs and, due to the volcanic nature of the islands, and the sea bottom deepens rapidly. This is certainly the case for the coastline adjacent to the Savusavu Airport, which is the subject of the current investigations. Figure 4.1 presents a google earth image of the key site investigated and probable submarine cable route investigated in the current survey. These sites were identified in a previous site visit (see Appendix 1). 4.3 Physical Environment 4.3.1 Geography Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are volcanic with steep terrain, cut by numerous streams and rivers feeding into coastal alluvial plains. A number of islands, Kadavu, Taveuni, Gau, Koro, Ovalau and Yasawa are also volcanic but much smaller in size, with little or no coastal plains and generally with much steeper topography. 4.3.2 Climate Fiji has a tropical climate a with a hot-wet season (November-April) having a maximum average temperature of 32°C and a cool dry season having a minimum average temperature of 14°C. It experiences south-easterly trade winds for most of the year. The combination of the trade winds and steep relief of the volcanic islands results in distinct rainfall patterns on the windward and leeward side, with defined wet and dry zones respectively. The windward side is generally defined as the south-eastern region of the larger volcanic islands. While the windward side receives rainfall almost throughout the year, prolonged periods without any rain are experienced in the leeward dry zones. The wet season results in a changed weather pattern, with rains over most part of the country. The wet season also is characterised by intense low pressure activity in the region, some of them resulting in tropical cyclones and hurricanes with very high winds, up to 120 knots, and heavy rainfall. The wet side receives an annual average of 5.2 hours of sunshine while the dry side receives 6.9 hours of sunshine daily. Average daily rainfall for the wet and the dry sides are 8.3 and 5.1 mm respectively. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 10 The climatic patterns are regularly influenced by the El Nino phenomenon, resulting in reversal of wind and rainfall patterns and prolonged dry seasons. Figure 4.1: Google earth image of the sites investigated in the current survey 4.3.3 Demography The population of Fiji is estimated at 755,000 (1994 Census) with an annual growth rate of 1.9 %. About 90 % of the population live on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu with the remainder scattered over the rest of the group. About 38 % live in urban and peri-urban areas with 19 % concentrated in and around Suva. The rural population is characterised by people living in isolated farmsteads, pockets of medium-density settlements in cane farming areas, and traditional villages throughout the country. 4.3.4 Tides Fiji has a maximum tidal variation of just over 2 meters (meso-tidal). The tides are semi- diurnal (2 tides a day) with a strong diurnal inequality with the twice-daily tides showing considerable variability in amplitude. Inclement weather systems have a marked impact on the tidal height and can cause increased coastal erosion if they coincide with high water periods. The placement of landing points relative to mean sea level will be important to plan well if erosion and related issues are to be avoided. 4.3.5 Waves The most important sources of waves are from trade wind-driven seas and swell from storms to the south. On the northern facing shores of the group, the seasonal northerly swell from northern hemisphere storms replaces southerly swell as an important contribution. Wind seas driven by infrequent tropical cyclones, which can severely affect the September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 11 group, occasionally have a major impact. Winds (and hence wind seas) are predominantly south-easterly to easterly throughout the year. Southeasterlies are much more frequent in winter. In summer, northeasterlies and northwester lies are also quite common. Wind speeds are lowest in January to March and highest in July to August. Wave energy arriving on the southern shores of the two largest islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu tends to be large compared with the northern facing reefs and shores which is significantly less. Tropical cyclones occur occasionally in Fijian waters, mostly from November to April. On average, a little more than one cyclone occurs per year. The variation in wave height through the year (Figures 4.2 & 4.3) is weak both to the south and north of the group, although wave heights are a little higher in the winter on average. The frequency distribution of peak wave period from the Wave rider measurements offshore Kadavu (Figure 4.4) show the dominant waves are most often long-period swell (>10 secs), although shorter wind seas also occur regularly. Wave periods exceeding 20 seconds occur on rare occasions. 4.4 Ecological Environment 4.4.1 Introduction Set out below is a summary of the ecological resource assessment of the key sites undertaken in August 2016. Appendix 2 presents the full report. 4.4.2 Marine Ecology Benthic Community The intertidal reef flat community along the cable route to BMH1 consists of a range of species that commonly occur in Fiji. The intertidal sandflats along the cable route to BMH2 is largely devoid of significant fauna but includes areas of seagrass. The subtidal benthic cover of the reef edge is comprised primarily of abiotic (i.e., non-living) features and live coral species. The coral community is dominated by massive coral species. Benthic invertebrates observed included brittle star and crown of thorns starfish. T3, located in close proximity to the preferred cable alignment to BMH1, has a higher proportion of abiotic features (i.e., coral rubble, sand) compared to live coral. Further offshore, the seafloor extending into deeper waters consists of softer sediments. The benthic community is likely to consist of a range of infauna and epifaunal organisms common in Fiji. Overall, the condition of the subtidal coral reef communities is variable with the more seaward reef being ‘healthier’ and more diverse which is likely to be due to less impact from sedimentation, etc. Reef & Pelagic Species The characteristics of the reef fish communities present can be described as follows: • A total of 36 species were present across all transects. The most common include mangrove red snapper, daisy parrotfish, clown Tang and striated surgeonfish. • Fish abundances are typically low with many being observed as a few (i.e., 2-10) or as single individuals. Only one species have abundances exceeding 100. Transect 3, adjacent to the potential cable alignment to BMH1, had the lowest number of fish species and abundance. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 12 Figure 4.2: Monthly variation in average significant wave height from satellite measurements (red) and waverider data (blue) south Fiji Figure 4.3: Monthly variation in average significant wave height from north of Fiji Figure 4.4: Frequency distribution of measured peak wave period (Tp), for Fiji September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 13 2 A total of 10 species of whales and dolphin are known to use Fijian waters (Table 4.2). Of these only the Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae is considered endangered by IUCN and the Sperm whale Physeter microcephalus vulnerable. For 5 species there is insufficient data available. In addition there an additional 15 species that are considered to be probably present within Fijian waters including Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata , Blue whale Balaenoptera musculus and Fin whale Balaenoptera physalus. Five species of marine turtles have been recorded from Fijian waters (see Table 4.2). The most common species are: Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to their nesting grounds being located at various sites throughout Fiji and are considered to be critically endangered and endangered respectively by IUCN. The other species include: Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), with unconfirmed sporadic nesting incidences but mainly sightings, which are considered Vulnerable by IUCN. No specific turtle breeding habitat was identified or is known to be present in or immediately adjacent to the proposed Project site. Table 4.2: Confirmed cetacean species within Fijian waters Common name Scientific name IUCN Common minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata LC Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae EN Short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus DD Killer whale Orcinus orca DD False killer whale Pseudorca crassidens DD Pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata LC Spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris DD Common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus LC Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus VU Blainville’s beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris DD Notes: IUCN red-list status (IUCN 2016): EN (Endangered); VU (Vulnerable); LC (Least concern); and DD (Data deficient). Table 4.3: Turtle species within Fijian waters Common name Scientific name IUCN Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata CE Green turtle Chelonia mydas EN Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta VU Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea VU Olive Ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea VU Notes: IUCN red-list status (IUCN 2016): CE (Critically Endangered); EN (Endangered); VU (Vulnerable). 2 C Miller, ,Batibasaga,A., Chand, P.,Dulunaqio, S., Fox,M . . , Jupiter, S., Naisilisili, W.,Nand, Y . Sharma-Gounder,S , ,& . Smith, B. 2015. Cetacean diversity, common occurrence and community importance in Fijian waters. Pacific Conservation Biology. January 2016. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 14 4.4.3 Terrestrial Ecology Terrestrial ecological resources at the BMH 1 & 2 sites, along the road corridors from these locations to the possible cable landing station at the AFL communications site have been impacted by past clearance activities and primarily consists of invasive and adventive weed species and rank grasses. No bird species of any conservation significance were identified. 4.5 Socio-Cultural & Economic Environment 4.5.1 Introduction The two preferred manhole sites (BMH) and potential cable routes (CR) are both located within the road reserve, and the cable landing sites (CLS) are located within or immediately adjacent to existing commercial properties. The two preferred landing site beaches are not considered to be of high tourist value and, based on discussions with local villagers, have limited recreational value or use. 4.5.2 Cultural Heritage Resources The consultation process did not identify any cultural heritage resources of significance in close proximity to the preferred BMHs, CRs and CLS’s. While no impacts are anticipated to the cultural heritage resources of Fiji, mitigation measures will be designed to handle “chance finds” of archaeological items. 4.5.3 Fishing Fishing and reef gleaning for subsistence living is undertaken by local villagers on the reef on the eastern side of the main channel and within the channel itself. The reef area on the western side of the channel is a ‘no-take’ area (or ‘Tabu’). Nacekoro and Raranipolo are the mataqali (land-owning units) who have qoli qoli (fishing rights) in the Project area. 4.5.4 Land Use Land use activities in the general vicinity of the Project site are limited to the day to day activities that occur within the Nacekoro Village and Nabaka Settlement, and the residential dwellings present along Nukubalavu Road. Occasional subsistence cropping occurs but there is limited arable land of any significance. AFL operate the Savusavu Airport adjacent to Buka Bay Road and the Communications Centre, located on elevated land to the east of the runway, is a proposed CLS site (Lot 2 DP 1977 7386). Figures 4.5 & 4.6 presents maps showing landownership arrangements adjacent to proposed BMH1, 3 & 4. The key points to note are as follows: • BMH 1 and 2 (not shown) are located in state foreshore land. • BMH3 & 4 are located in private freehold land. 4.5.5 Marine Traffic Although the channel is used by local villagers to access fishing grounds located further afield, the marine traffic is limited. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 15 KEY BMH1 Figure 4.5: Landownership arrangements adjacent to proposed BMH 3 & 4 September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 16 Figure 4.6: Landownership arrangements adjacent to proposed BMH 3 & 4 4.5.6 Public Consultation Consultation with the public has been undertaken as follows: • Discussions with local villagers at the time of the site survey on 22-23 August 2016 • Ad hoc discussions with key stakeholders such as AFL, FinTel Lambasa and Savusavu, etc • An initial public consultation meeting held on 20 September 2016 in Savusavu. In order to maximise local turnout the meeting was widely advertised on local radio and print media as well as through dissemination through local villagers. Appendix _ presents the list of attendees. The response to date has been overwhelmingly positive. Key issues raised to date are: • New ICT service will provide resilience to natural disasters. • Benefits to local business and tourism. • Potential short term impact during construction outweighed by long term advantages. Consultation will be ongoing throughout the project, with further detailed discussions held with local communities during the detailed design phase and prior to cable laying. A stakeholder engagement plan will be prepared by the PMU to provide a framework for how and when to continue these discussions. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 17 5 Analysis of Alternatives 5.1 Alternative Technologies An analysis of alternative technologies has been undertaken in MCIT (2015). In summary, both fibre optic cable and satellite connections were considered during the early feasibility 3 studies , but the latter in use on both states had serious limitations in available bandwidth and was often restricted by the satellite service provider, leaving both states with very limited connectivity. The fibre optic cable would allow for much broader bandwidth and a level of service that is controlled by Samoa, not an external entity. It was therefore agreed that a second and higher capacity fibre optic cable option would be pursued. 5.2 Alternative Alignments Table 5.1 presents an analysis of the two preferred beach landing and manhole sites. Overall, based on an analysis of a range of Engineering & Technical, environmental, social and cost factors, BMH1 landing site is considered the most appropriate location particularly in light of the informal fishing reserve present on the intertidal sand flats area adjacent to BMH2. Table 5.1: Analysis of the two preferred beach landing and manhole sites TYPE ALTERNATIVE LANDING SITES BMH1 BMH2 Marine/Coastal Engineering/Technical a. landing engineering a. Across reef and sands a. Trenching through sands b. proven reliability b. Yes b. Yes c. marine traffic c. Minimal c. Minimal d. coral d. Yes although damaged d. Sands/coral bommies in channel e. existing access e. None e. None Social a. Land acquisition a. Road Reserve (Government a. Road Reserve (Government b. Displacement Land) Land) b. None b. None Environmental a. sensitive sites a. yes a. none b. live coral affected b. yes although damaged b. no c. cetaceans migration c. possible of coast c. possible of coast Cost Requires BMH and cable along Requires BMH and cable along road corridor – similar costs road corridor – similar costs Other considerations Cable station sites in close Cable station sites in close proximity proximity Terrestrial a. trenching distance (to 500m 1.8 km AFL site) b. access disruption Partial road closures Partial road closure c. electromagnetic N/A as landside cable not N/A as landside cable not powered interference powered Conclusion Preferred location - Minimal Least preferred - Likely unsuitable environmental and social impacts given cable route is through fishing reserve 3 World Bank. 2009. Regional Telecommunications Backbone Network Assessment and Implementation Study. World Bank Project Report. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 18 6 Assessment of Potential Impacts, Risk & Mitigation Measures 6.1 Introduction The Cable extension has the potential to create a variety of impacts if it is implemented. These potential impacts can be either positive or negative depending on the receptors involved and other parameters. The impact of this project on the physical, biological and social environment has been assessed using methodology described in this chapter. The impact assessment process initially involves identification of the project’s activities and potential environmental and social impacts resulting from each activity during the project phases. A project activity could include site preparation, construction, reinstatement, operation and maintenance. Within this EIA, an impact is defined as “any change to the physical, biological or social environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an organisation’s activities, products or services”. 6.2 Potential Impacts This section provides an assessment of the potential construction and operational impacts of the proposed Project on the physical and ecological and socio-economic resources on and adjacent to the site. Potential impacts have been identified and evaluated as to whether they are adverse, positive, or have a negligible or neutral impact. These issues are discussed in the following sections in relation to the proposed Project activities. 6.2.1 Deep Subtidal Waters Key environmental issues associated with submarine cable deployment and maintenance 4 have been described previously . Disturbances and impacts caused by cable laying and maintenance should be viewed in the context of the frequency and extent of these activities. The one-off disturbance associated with cable placement is restricted mainly to a strip of seabed less than 5–8 m wide and unless a cable fault develops, the seabed will not be disturbed again within the system’s design life (approximately 25 years). By comparison, bottom trawl and dredge fishing operations are repetitive and more extensive and a single bottom trawl can be tens of metres wide, sweep substantial areas of seabed in a single operation and is likely to be repeated over a year at the same site. A single impact, such as a cable placement or burial, is preferred to continuous, multiple or recurring impacts. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) advocates the freedom to lay, maintain and repair cables outside territorial seas, but these are not necessarily inconsistent with the need to protect deep-ocean habitats and ecosystems, described as follows: • Cable deployment in the deep ocean, i.e. laying of a 17–20 mm diameter tube on the surface of the ocean floor, has a minor if not negligible one-off impact; and • Cable repairs can result in substrate disturbance. However, cable failures in deep water are relatively rare and are mainly caused by major natural events. 4 Carter, L., Burnett, D., Drew, S., Marle, G., Hagadom, L., Bartlett-McNeil, D., and N. Irvine., 2009. Submarine cables and the oceans – Connecting the World. UNEP-WCMW Biodiversity Series No. 31 – ICPC/UNEP-WCMC. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 19 In addition, the submarine cable industry, together with environmental regulators, attempt to reduce or avoid any impact on vulnerable deep-water ecosystems by: • utilizing modern seabed mapping and navigation systems that allow identification of benthic habitats in unprecedented detail and accuracy. Together with modern cable- laying techniques, it is now possible to deploy cables to avoid ecologically and biologically sensitive areas; and • avoiding the deployment of cables on or through habitats such as seamounts, submarine canyons and hydrothermal vents, which are also unsuitable as cable routes due to the risk of natural hazards. For example, canyons are often swept by powerful currents that may abrade or break cables; and seamounts can be volcanically active and subject to landslides and hydrothermal venting. Modern deep-water fibre-optic cables are composed of several pairs of hair-like glass fibres, a copper power conductor and steel wire strength member, which are all sheathed in high-density polyethylene. Where extra protection is required - as for areas of rocky seabed or strong wave and current action - additional steel wire armour is added. Of these materials, cable-grade polyethylene is essentially inert in the ocean. Processes such as oxidation, hydrolysis (chemical breakdown in water) and mineralization are extremely slow; the total conversion of polyethylene to carbon dioxide and water will take centuries. The effects of ultraviolet light (UV-B) - the main cause of degradation in most plastics - are minimized through the use of light-stabilized materials, burial into the seabed and the natural reduction in light penetration through the upper ocean, where the photic zone rarely extends beyond 150 m depth. Any mechanical breakdown of a cable’s plastic sheathing to fine-grained particles on the energetic continental shelf – a potential hazard for marine life – is minimized by armouring and burial. Hence, the overall potential environmental impacts arising from the project are limited. The key environmental interactions are in the near shore areas where cable requires burial to avoid potential entanglement with fishing activities and other human activities. 6.2.2 Intertidal Coastal Areas Potential impacts to both the intertidal reef (adjacent to BMH1) and soft bottom (adjacent to BMH2) include: • Direct loss of habitat in along the cable route. • Physical effects of sedimentation on benthic communities as a result suspension of fine materials and off-site deposition. • Reduction in water clarity due to increases in water-borne suspended solids concentrations and potential impacts on fish communities. • Reduced access of local villagers to traditional fishing areas. However, overall the potential impacts are not expected to be significant due to: • The area disturbed represents a very small proportion of the total intertidal habitat present. • The reef community has already been heavily modified as a result of sediment deposition and wave action. • The short duration of trenching activities. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 20 • Ability of the community to recolonise over time. 6.2.3 Land Acquisition and Resettlement As described in Section 4.5.3, several mataqali have fishing rights in close proximity to the proposed subsea cable route. Given the nature of the proposed cable laying activities (i.e., installation period of short duration with low physical impact) it is not anticipated that these fishing rights, including and access to fishing resources will be adversely impacted. The preferred BMH sites are located within state owned land. In addition, the cable will connect to cable stations to be located either at the AFL communications building adjacent to Savusavu Airport runway or the TFL building in Savusavu via an existing landing point, beach manhole and duct route. No additional acquisition of private or iTaukei land is required. In addition, there will be no displacement of tenants or other land uses. In the highly unlikely event that any assets or livelihoods are found to be affected once the detailed design is completed, (perhaps tree trimming or temporary disruption of roadside stall), then the PMU will assess the losses and considerations with the affected people and ensure that no one is left worse off. The outcome will be documented in the project reporting. 6.3 Terrestrial Impacts The terrestrial environmental and social impacts associated with the proposal are expected to be minor. Cable routes will be situated in public road reserves. None of the infrastructure placements require significant clearance of vegetation or interaction with significant habitats. As discussed above, it is possible there may be minor impacts on neighbouring people or property as a result of civil works, such as tree trimming, temporary, minor disruptions to traffic during installation. 6.4 Risk Assessment & Impact Identification Methodology Risk Assessment is routinely undertaken as part of the ESIA process. In assessing a projects environmental risk, impacts are rated to determine the appropriate response or management actions that should be implemented to minimise potential impacts. The risk assessment methodology for the SCS Project is described in this Section. 5 The commonly adopted Australasian Standard for Risk Management has been used to assess the level of risk posed by the activities associated with the Project and is based on the following: the likelihood or probability of an event; and the consequences of the impacts of that event occurring (see Table 6.1). Table 6.1: Qualitative risk analysis matrix 5 AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines & the HB203:2006 Environmental Risk Management: Principles and Processes. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 21 This is a conventional risk management framework and is considered applicable in the context of this assessment which has a focus on high level identification of biodiversity and ecosystem services risks. It is envisaged that the subsequent ESIA process will provide detail on these risk areas as appropriate. There are four main levels of risk after combining the ‘likelihood’ and ‘consequences’ factors (see Tables 2 & 3). Each level has a response or management control action. The four ‘Risk Levels’ are: • Extreme (E) Risk - those impacts that require immediate action at the highest level of management. • High (H) Risk - those impacts requiring action at senior management level. • Moderate (M) Risk - those that require policies in place to address impacts and monitoring programs. • Low (L) Risk - those impacts that do not require any specific management actions but may be part of routine management and monitoring plans. Table 6.2: Qualitative measures of consequence September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 22 Table 6.3: Qualitative measures of likelihood 6.5 Outcome of Risk Assessment & Impact Identification Tables 6.4 and 6.5 present the results of the risks associated with the proposed SCS Project. Key points in relation to identified ‘Extreme’ and ‘High’ Risk Project activities are outlined in the following Sections of this report. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 23 Table 6.4: Issues & risk assessment - Construction Assessment of Risk Post-Mitigation Mitigation / Activity Source of Risk Description of Potential Impact Residual Impact C L Rating General Comments 1. Employment & OHS Cable trenching, Earthworks, vegetation Employment opportunities 3 B H Positive overall benefit, no mitigation required H Manhole clearance, etc construction, cable installation OHS risk due to Potential human hazards due to large 1 C E Appropriate OSH policy implemented and L Earthworks, vegetation machinery, noise, dust OSH training offered clearance, etc 2. Terrestrial Ecology Cable installation Minor vegetation Direct loss of terrestrial habitat 5 C L Little or no significant vegetation present, no L removal and mitigation required earthworks during cable trenching Terrestrial habitat fragmentation, general 5 C L Little or no significant vegetation present, no L disturbance, pathway for invasive species mitigation required Impact on ecotourism operations due to loss 4 D L Construction period of short duration, no L of business as a result of construction mitigation required activities Earthworks machinery Noise & vibration creating bird (and other 5 C L No species of conservation significance L species) disturbance identified, Construction period of short duration, no mitigation required Soil disturbance, spoil Sediment runoff into downstream 4 D L Minor earthworks required, no spoil disposal L disposal watercourse, visual effects required, mitigation consists of immediate trench re-instatement 3. Marine ecology Cable installation Sub-tidal cable laying Disturbance to soft bottom benthic 5 A H Minor construction footprint, sediments L using cable trencher communities already prone to disturbance, no mitigation required Vessel movements Disturbance to pelagic species such as 4 C M Limited occurrence with species in nearshore L associated with sub- whales, dolphins, turtles coastal environment, vessel movement slow, tidal cable laying using a trained independent observer to be present cable trencher on board Cable installation along Disturbance to coral reef communities due 5 C L Very minor cable footprint, no mitigation L subtidal reef to presence of cable, colonization of cable required Intertidal earthworks Disturbance of intertidal reef communities / 5 A H Minor earthworks required, small construction L during cable trenching birds footprint, short duration activity, mitigation consists of immediate trench re-instatement Subtidal & intertidal Direct & indirect impacts on fish & benthic 4 D L Significant separation between Project site L works affecting informal communities within the adjacent fish reserve and fish reserve fishing reserve September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 24 Assessment of Risk Post-Mitigation Mitigation / Activity Source of Risk Description of Potential Impact Residual Impact C L Rating General Comments 4. Recreational & Heritage Cable trenching, Earthworks activities Loss of or disturbance to potential 2 H H There are no known heritage resources at the L Manhole recreational & heritage resources proposed landing sites, or areas used for construction, cable recreational purposes. Chance findings of installation heritage resources during the course of the project will trigger WB OP4.11 TBC 5. Traffic Cable installation, Additional land traffic Issues due to additional traffic movements, 2 H H Existing roads will be used to deliver and L manhole movements, lane congestion, increased risk of accidents, etc remove construction materials, and deliver construction, etc closures equipment to and from the proposed landing sites. Additional vehicle movements expected to be minimal. No mitigation required. Vessel activity in Potential impact on existing recreational and 4 C M Ports Authority & local residents will be L nearshore coastal commercial vessel activity notified in advance environment 6. Solid Waste Manhole Residual materials Impacts on waste handling facilities 4 D L No mitigation required L construction, etc following construction 7. Noise & vibration All construction Construction machinery Impacts on adjacent sensitive receptors 4 C M Construction activity of short duration, limited L activities and related traffic from excessive noise sensitive receptors in close proximity, apart from appropriate noise attenuators on machinery no additional mitigation required. 8. Air quality All construction Construction machinery Impacts on adjacent sensitive receptors 4 D L Construction activity of short duration, limited L activities and related traffic from excessive dust sensitive receptors in close proximity, apart from dust suppression using a water cart (if required), no additional mitigation required. 9. Subsistence & livelihoods Cable installation Cable trenching Impacts on fish harvested for subsistence as 4 D L Nearshore cable installation of short duration, L activities in subtidal a result of vessel movements mitigation to include notice to locals of areas upcoming activities Cable trenching Impacts on both subsistence commercially 4 D L Construction footprint small and installation L activities across targeted benthic fauna (e.g., sea cucumbers, activity of short duration, subtidal reef already intertidal reef octopus, clams, seaweeds, etc) in impacted, mitigation to include notice to immediate areas of cable trenching locals of upcoming activities September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 25 Table 6.5: Issues & risk assessment – Operation (including maintenance activities) Assessment of Risk Post-Mitigation Mitigation / Residual Impact Activity Source of Risk Description of Potential Impact C L Rating General Comments 1. Employment & livelihoods Cable installation Access to fibre cable Improved telecommunications access to 2 B E1 Positive overall benefit, no mitigation required E1 businesses and residents leading to additional employment opportunities 2. Traffic Cable installation Vessel activity in Entanglement of anchor on cable 4 D L Due to burial and trenching of cable there is L nearshore coastal low risk of this occurring. environment Notes: 1 The ‘extreme’ rating refers to a positive ‘risk’ and residual impact. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 26 6.6 Cumulative & Induced Impacts Cumulative impacts are those that result from the successive, incremental and/or combined effects of an action, project of activity. It is envisaged that the SCS Project will not result in any long term adverse impacts to any identified environmental or social resources. No adverse cumulative or induced impacts are expected for all phases of this project. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 27 6.7 Relevance of World Bank Safeguard Policies WB Operational Policy Application to Project Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures OP4.01 Environmental This OP is triggered by the As outlined in Section 6.2 Implementation of the ESMP (Section 7) Assessment commencement of the SCS Project because there will be minor environmental and social impacts to be managed. OP4.04 Natural Habitats This OP is triggered as there may be A) Cable laying activities in coral A) Use diver and/or marker buoy guided some disturbances to marine ecosystems. colonised near shore areas, cable placement and post lay particularly adjacent to BMH1, surveys to ensure that the cable could cause damage to the live comes to rest on the sea floor in the coral and result in unstable wide channels identified through positioning of the cable. field surveys. B) The laying of the cable in the marine environment will result in B) No mitigations possible, loss of some the loss of a small area of seagrass areas are highly likely, habitat including flora, however, the cable will either be specifically, seagrasses which buried during construction or the provide habitat for juvenile fish cable will bury itself in soft sediments species and benthic over time. Seagrass areas will invertebrates. regenerate over time. OP 4.11 Physical and Cultural This OP is triggered as a precaution. Any physical or cultural resources, as Resources There are no known physical or cultural defined in WB OP4.11 that are resources within the project impact discovered by chance during the area but chance find mitigations are course of the project development will recommended. be covered by the chance find procedures. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 28 7 Environmental & Social Management Plan 7.1 Introduction As outlined in MCIT (2015), the ESMP is organized into two cross-referenced tables, namely the environmental mitigation table (ESMiT) and monitoring table (ESMoT) provided in Tables 7.1 & 7.2 below. These two tables list in detail the mitigation measures and monitoring actions that the Executing Agency has committed to implement, from the planning through the operating period of the project. The ESMP table numbering is consistent such that reference can be made in the bid documentation or during any other monitoring activity and the correct mitigation and monitoring measure will always be found. This approach makes for an ESMP that is practical and can be easily be used during bid document preparation as well as during project implementation. The ESMP will inform the Contractor’s ESMP which will be prepared following detailed design. 7.2 Performance Indicators Given that nearly all of the potential negative impacts would occur during the construction period, and that robust environmental contract clauses will be able to avoid all impacts. Key performance indicators will be as follows: i) confirmation that the ESMP tasks are defined as specific individual or grouped environmental and social clauses in the contract bid documents. ii) confirmation that environmental management criteria are included as part of the contractor selection process, including their experience preparing and implementing ESMPs, working in sensitive tropical locations such coral reefs, recognizing fish aggregation/spawning areas, seagrass meadows and seamounts; iii) a safeguards advisor with marine ecology expertise located and retained as an advisor by the PMU, providing assistance with ESMP implementation, contractor briefing on marine habitat protection, contractor ESMP supervision (including observations during cable laying within the reef), and participation in community consultation; iv) a written record of the briefing on safeguards and inspection of vessels, according to the tasks as they are defined in the ESMP and contract specification, completed with the survey and cable placement contractors, as soon as the contractors have been selected. v) compliance monitoring checklists prepared and being used by the contractor and safeguards consultant and due diligence notes, completed as defined in the ESMP, and making the notes available in an easily accessible file for the contractor, Technical Coordinator, PMU Project Manager and others to use. vi) a written mitigation and monitoring completion report, listing all mitigation and monitoring measures defined in the ESMP, their implementation timing, monitoring and any follow up actions; and, vii) a written record of interviews with local fishers, examining any cable placement issues, vis-à-vis fishing gear damage. The safeguards advisor will be responsible for preparing a performance indicator report on behalf of the PMU, by listing the seven items above and provide a short text to indicate how these items were implemented and their success as of the start of the operating period of the project. 7.3 Implementation Arrangements The Project Management Unit (PMU) within the MOC will provide project management services on behalf of the MOC. It will be staffed by a number of consultants, including a part time safeguards advisor who will assist the PMU project manager with activities such as: ensuring the tender documents attach the ESIA/ESMP, and a requirement for contractors to prepare CESMP in accordance with the ESMP, review of Contractor’s September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 29 CESMP, prepare and implement stakeholder engagement plans, and prepare safeguards reports as part of overall project reporting. Contractual arranagements and supervision of the cable laying company will primarly be done by the SSCC and their TC. The PMU will work closely with this team. The safeguards advisor will ensure that the monitoring and supervision of the cable laying activities are coordinated with the Fiji-Samoa safeguards team. 7.4 Institutional Capacity The Fijian Government has competent environmental compliance staff (Department of Environment) with likely sufficient capacity to fulfil their role in project delivery. Project management staff will have overall responsibility to ensure safeguard compliance in the preparatory and construction phase and will work in collaboration with key agencies with regard to safeguard requirements. The safeguards consultant will fill the gap in institutional safeguards capacity, to undertake the roles as outlined above. The World Bank safeguards specialists will also assist to build capacity for implementation of World Bank safeguards instruments during supervision missions. 7.5 Mitigation and Monitoring Costs The cost of a part time safeguards advisor, with marine ecology experience, to implement the ESMP and monitor the Contractor’s CESMP (including observations during cable laying within the reef area) is budgeted at $US60,000. This work would include all reporting and contractor briefing. Monitoring vessels and any equipment will be provided by the Fisheries Department and/or the villages (paid for as a service by MOC), with the project also paying for fuel. Social mitigation and monitoring measures where required are detailed in the ESMP. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 30 Table 7.1: Environmental and Social Impact Mitigation Table (ESMiT) TIMING/ PARAMETERS POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION 1.0 Pre-Construction Period (Planning and design actions to prevent future impacts) 1.1 Ecological Environment Ecological Disturbance of marine & Prepare routing report based on detailed design Subtidal, Prior to start CLC & TC PMU Environment terrestrial organisms and demonstrating avoidance of significant habitat Intertidal & of Safeguards habitats areas terrestrial Construction Advisor cable route ‘No take’ areas Disturbance of marine Cable alignment to avoid ‘no take’ areas Subtidal & Prior to start CLC, TC, contract PMU organisms and habitats Intertidal of specialist & PMU Safeguards in ‘no take ‘areas cable route Construction Advisor Reef Communities Destruction of coral In contract specifications instruct cable survey Subtidal & Preparing CLC, TC, contract PMU assemblages team to survey cable alignment for coral outcrops, Intertidal bid specialist & PMU Safeguards and design alignment to avoid. Coral assemblages cable route construction Advisor to be marked on design drawings. contract documentati on Species potentially Disturbance of marine Contract specifications to include best practice for Subtidal & Bid & CLC, TC, contract PMU & TC at risk (whales, cetaceans and turtles operating vessels in proximity to marine mammals Intertidal construction specialist, PMU dolphins, turtles) as included in the Code of Environmental Practice cable route contract Safeguards Advisor (COEP) document (see MCIT 2015). docs preparation 1.2 Socio-Economic Environment Community Misconceptions raising Specify in contract docs that at least one Savusavu, Before civil PMU & TC CLC Information people’s fears regarding community consultation prior to commencement of local villages work begins project footprint and civil works, during construction and after project (including potential damages to completion to reduce concerns about construction Nacekoro) marine food supply. impacts. Community Minor concerns/issues Establishment of grievance redress mechanism Local Before civil PMU PMU Grievances developing community prior to commencement of civil works and making villages works begin resentment due to this known to villages during follow up meetings (including unaddressed project before the work begins. Nacekoro) related concerns September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 31 TIMING/ PARAMETERS POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION Access during Failure of contractors to Contract specs to include instruction concerning Residents Before civil PMU Project PMU landside trenching do trenching work with full rehabilitation immediately after trenching with access works begin Manager safeguards minimal damage and completed in one area. affected by advisor access restrictions to Develop notification protocol to provide notice of trenching property access restrictions, comprising the following steps: • Notification of the roadside residents by letter providing details of the project, potential access restrictions and likely timing of activities; • Follow-up telephone contact to confirm letter receipt and offer further consultation; • On-site meetings with affected residents (if requested); and • “Door-knock” notifications of residents 48 hours prior to trenching to provide details of work program, duration of access restriction and contact details in case of grievance. Develop a specific procedure, in consultation with hospital management, to ensure emergency access is maintained to local Hospital at all times. 2.0 Construction Period (Impacts associated with the work) 2.1 Ecological Environment ‘No take’ areas Disturbance of marine According to contract specs., the contractor(s) will Inshore When work CLC, TC, contract PMU organisms and habitats ensure that: Cable is laid along surveyed route Coastal area is under specialist & PMU Safeguards in adjacent fish reserve. providing for a safe distance (≥ 75m) from FR as taken. Advisor per cable laying specifications; & all survey and support vessels are kept at a safe (≥ 75m) distances from FR Reef Communities Disturbance of coral reef Contractor(s) to adhere to avoidance rule and lay Off & When work CLC, TC, contract PMU communities cable along surveyed route, as per cable-laying Inshore is under specialist & PMU Safeguards specification, thus avoiding coral reefs and coastal taken. Advisor outcrops. areas Cable placement in to be diver-assisted to avoid Before work coral heads. in coastal areas begins September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 32 TIMING/ PARAMETERS POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION Species of special Disorientation of Contractor to be provided with ECOP which Oceanic When work CLC, TC, contract PMU & TC Interest – cetaceans due to sea contains detailed guidelines on minimally intrusive deep-sea is under specialist, PMU Cetaceans floor mapping using oceanographic survey method, which need to be areas. taken. Safeguards Advisor standard sonar gear adhered to. Entanglement in cable Control cable tension so that laid cable conforms risk for deep diving to undulations of seabed as per cable laying cetaceans specification and-or provide anchors if needed. 2.2 Socio-Economic Environment Coastal Resource Damage to local As per the contract specifications, contractor is to Offshore, When work CLC PMU Users– subsistence nearshore fishing confine trenching activities to as narrow a corridor Inshore is under Safeguards and artisanal grounds or introduce as possible and restore site when finished and Coastal taken. advisor fisheries greater chances of gear confine trenching/laying activities to as short a areas. entanglement period as possible Request Fisheries authorities to advise local fishers of cable laying activities, dates, and avoidance measures. Consider placing warning markers along cable line in shallow (<10 m) waters. Coastal shipping – Damage to ships Ensure shipping notice is issued, warning of Offshore and When work CLC & TC PMU commercial through cable cable-laying, dates, and safe clearance for other inshore is under Safeguards shipping and ports entanglement. activities. areas taken. advisor Disruption to shipping Request Port Authorities to advise local shipping (particular during cable laying. of laying activities and avoidance measures. issue associated Contractors to provide written statement to TC that with main marine navigation lights and other national shipping maritime measures are closely followed by channel). contractors’ vessels at all times. Land Use Detour from agreed Conduct a series of consultations with Savusavu When work CLC PMU cable alignment government, private sector and non-government is under Safeguards Community perception organizations including women and youth on taken. advisor of cable encroachment progress of work and cable alignment. to ‘no-go’ fishing areas These consultations have the objective of informing all interested people on the work and general alignment location and methods to used. Access Temporary loss of local Provision of electronic and print notices to local During cable When work CLC PMU communities access to communities/ fishermen of construction schedule laying is under Safeguards fishing grounds during and contact person in case of inquiries. taken. advisor cable laying September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 33 TIMING/ PARAMETERS POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION TC and CLC fail to TC and CLC, prior to start of work, present draft Savusavu, At start of CLC & TC PMU Inadequate include villages in final plan to villages and seek input and agreement on Nacekoro & construction Safeguards information alignment planning and final alignment plan, etc. Raranipolo advisor disclosure decision making 3.0 Operating Period 3.1 Physical & Ecological Environment Perceived marine Fear of potential Cable Operating Company to develop inhouse Savusavu At start of Cable Operating MoC pollution from work damages to marine life procedures for receiving and addressing operating Company and impact to food complaints. period supplies by communities 3.2 Socio-Economic Environment Impact associated Failure to adopt Make population aware of ‘internet site blocking When in At all times Service provider MoC with improved measures and continue features available to every subscriber; possibly via use. and An appointed Internet—better mitigation actions a village advisory group. NGO or women’s access to harmful defined in the group sites Construction Period Environmental Completion report. Table 7.2: Environmental and Social Impact Monitoring Table (ESMoT) WHEN/ PARAMETERS PROJECT IMPACT MONITORING FREQUENCY/ OUTPUT IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION 1.0 Pre-Construction Period 1.1 Ecological Environment Ecological Disturbance of marine & Ensure routing report is prepared demonstrating Prior to Routing CLC & TC PMU Environment terrestrial organisms and route avoidance of habitats construction report Safeguards habitats Advisor ‘No take’ areas Disturbance of marine Confirm contract specification in place as During Written and CLC, TC, contract PMU organisms and habitats indicated in ESMP preconstruction signed DD specialist & PMU Safeguards in ‘No take’ areas. period inspection Advisor note-to file September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 34 WHEN/ PARAMETERS PROJECT IMPACT MONITORING FREQUENCY/ OUTPUT IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION Reef Communities Failure to plan route Confirm that appropriate specification contained During Written and CLC, TC, contract PMU around sensitive reef bid documentation preconstruction signed DD specialist & PMU Safeguards communities period inspection Advisor note-to file Species potentially Ocean sonar survey Confirm inclusion in contract specifications When Record to CLC, TC, contract PMU & TC at risk affecting cetaceans. specifications file specialist, PMU Entanglement in cable by are being written Safeguards Advisor deep diving cetaceans such as the sperm whale. 1.2 Socio-Economic Environment ESMP Lack of an experienced Confirm that an experienced safeguards advisor At start of the Note to file PMU Project MoC, World implementation safeguards advisor will is on staff at the start of the project detailed design Manager Bank monitor likely lead to delayed or stage failed implementation of ESMP items, e.g. no clauses in the bid docs. Community Misconceptions regarding Confirm that community consultation activities At key project Note to file PMU project Safeguards Information the project raising are taking place milestones manager Advisor people’s fears regarding project footprint and potential damages to marine food supply. Community Minor concerns/issues Confirm that requirements for a grievance During detailed A note to PMU project Safeguards Grievances developing community redress mechanism is in Contract specifications. design stage file manager advisor resentments due to GRM is also implemented and records kept by At all stages Records unaddressed project PMU. kept related concerns. Access during Failure of contractors to Confirm that specifications are in contract During contract Note to file PMU Project Safeguards landside do trenching work with documents and that notification protocol for preparation that check manager advisor trenching minimal damage and access has been developed. period was quick complete completed rehabilitation or roadside damage September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 35 WHEN/ PARAMETERS PROJECT IMPACT MONITORING FREQUENCY/ OUTPUT IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION DURATION 2.0 Pre-Construction Period 2.1 Ecological Environment Fish Reserve Disturbance of marine Inspect cable laying operation in coastal waters As soon as work Record of Safeguards Advisor TC organisms and habitats in and confirm avoidance takes place inspection FR. inside the and passage into findings— nearshore written and waters photos Coastal and Accidental discharge of Inspect both survey and cable laying vessel of At start of work Written Safeguards Advisor TC Deep Ocean pollutants from vessel. contractor and confirm compliance and for all compliance Habitats vessels used checklist Coral Disruption to coral Inspect cable laying operations in vicinity of coral When work is in Written Safeguards Advisor TC Communities communities formations and confirm compliance vicinity of coral compliance areas report. Defined during Confirm the detailed that CLC design work has coral map Species of Entanglement in cable Discussion with person in charge of cable At start of DD note to Safeguards Advisor TC Special Interest – risk for deep diving placement to confirm understanding re cetacean survey and start file Cetaceans cetaceans sensitivity of cable placement 2.2 Socio-Economic Environment Land Use Straying of agreed to Obtain review and file record/notes/ minutes of Within 5 days of Copy of CLC PMU cable alignment into consultations completed land use issue record of safeguards adjacent areas. consultation meeting advisor Community perception of taking place completed cable encroachment to ‘no-go’ fishing areas. Access Temporary loss of access Inspect material distributed and confirm timely At start of Copy of CLC PMU to fishing grounds for distribution construction material safeguards local communities during where access distributed advisor cable laying. restrictions could arise September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 36 8 Grievance Redress Mechanism No significant environmental and involuntary resettlement issues associated with the proposed project have been identified at this stage. However, a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) is presented in the event that at a later stage there is a need. A grievance could, in theory, arise as a result of fishing gear becoming entangled on the cable, presumed to be due to due to faulty cable placement or as a result of the failure of the contractor to restore the trench following completion of cable installation. The GRM is scaled to the risks and adverse impacts of the Project. If promptly addressed, and using an understandable and transparent process that is gender responsive, culturally appropriate, and at no costs and without retribution, the concerns and complaints of potentially affected people will usually be resolved. The GRM mechanism does not impede access to regular judicial process, but simply provides a simpler access to complaint resolution. The PMU will inform community members about the GRM before commencement of any civil works. This will be done as part of consultation session where engineering details costs and feasibility will be tabled (see Table 7.2 ESMoT Item 3.1). The following six-step mechanism (Table 8.1) is proposed for grievance redress of social and environmental matters. Table 8.1: Grievance Redress Process Step Process Duration 1 Affected Person (AP) / village elected or traditional chief Any time takes grievance to PMU or Contractor 2 PMU or contractor reviews issue, and in consultation 2 weeks with village matai or traditional chief, relevant agencies and contractor (if appropriate), agrees to a solution and records the results. 3 PMU reports back to Mataqali and AP and gets 1 week clearance the complaint has been resolved. If unresolved 4 Mataqali take grievance to MoC staff for resolution (or Decision within 2 the Department of Environment) weeks 5 If not resolved MoC staff or DoE staff must take matter 2 weeks to MoC Permanent Secretary for decision. 6 Permanent Secretary can deliberate for ≤ four weeks 4 weeks and resolve the case If unresolved or if at any stage and AP is not satisfied with progress Mataqali can take the matter to appropriate state or national court. 1 Notes: Adapted from MCIT (2015) During implementation, the PMU project manager will be responsible for interacting with the GRM. The PMU will be the grievance focal point, and receive and address project related concerns, via the designated staff member. Concerns will be resolved first by the PMU project manager and contractor. Affected people will be made fully aware of their rights regarding land ownership and environmental degradation (Fiji Department of Environment). During the construction period the contractor will be a key participant in the grievance redress process, and the PMU Project Manager will need to confirm that the contractor has assigned a GRM coordinator. The safeguards consultant can support this process and provide any guidance / advice as required. Any complaint will be recorded and investigated by the PMU project manager and the contractor (as appropriate). A complaints register will be maintained, and will show the details and nature of the complaint, the complainant’s name, the date and actions taken as September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 37 a result of the investigation. The register will also cross-reference any non-compliance report and/or corrective action report or other relevant documentation filed in relation to the original complaint. When construction starts, a sign will be erected at all sites providing the public with updated project information and summarizing the grievance redress mechanism process including contact person details at the PMU. All corrective actions and complaint responses carried out on site will be reported back to the PMU. The PMU will include the complaints register and reporting on corrective actions/responses in its semi-annual progress reports to the World Bank. Throughout this process, the Department of Environment will always be available to hear public complaints and provide advice if the complainant feels that PMU responses are not satisfactory. The PMU will make sure that this cooperation is available. September 2016 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 38 9 Appendices September 2016 Appendix 1: ToR & Addendum Terms of Reference Environmental Assessment Savusavu Branch of the Samoa – Fiji Submarine Cable Project A. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DETAILS 1. The Government of Fiji (GoF), is planning to invest in a submarine cable system (SCS) to connect Savusavu, Vanua Levu, with the proposed Samoa – Viti Levu cable, thereby connecting Fiji’s second largest island to the same standard of ICT access as Viti Levu. The GoF has approached WB for funding support for Savusavu Branch Project (the Project). 2. Rapid technological changes, a volatile business environment and weaknesses in the regulatory environment can create commercial and sovereign risks for the development of an SCS. In addition, any environmental and social issues that may arise from an SCS development need to be assessed and mitigation and management plans prepared in accordance with Fiji legislation and WB safeguard policies. 3. The objective of the Project is to reduce the cost and increase the availability of ICT services to support social and economic development on Vanua Levu. The Project is expected to contribute to improved public service delivery (including online government services, health and education and financial services); increased private sector development opportunities, and reduced transaction costs for businesses and individuals; and national and regional integration objectives of improved service delivery, trade and communications between Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and other Pacific island economies. 4. The implementing agency, and the project proponent, is the Division of Communications in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MOCIT). Key infrastructure and location 5. The basic infrastructure components will comprise: a. approximately 200km of fiber optic cable (incorporating repeaters) laid on or beneath the sea floor; b. a beach manhole landing facility and cable station at Savusavu. c. The diagram below shows indicative cross-sections of potential cable types. Figure 1 Cross Section of Potential Cable Types 1 Location 6. The location of the MH landing site and cable station at Savusavu has not yet been confirmed, but there are two probable options: a. Beach manhole near the airport and a connection to Telecom Fiji’s (TFL’s) building in Savusavu (buried cable for a short distance along the road edge). b. Beach manhole near the airport and construction of a small landing station 200m above on hill. 7. The defined route and the location of the beach manhole and cable station will be determined through the design process and will be informed by the EMP prepared under this Tor. The Fiji-Samoa route, with the Savusavu branch, is shown below. Figure 2 Samoa to Fiji Cable Route, Showing Suggested Savusavu Branch 2 8. For the purposes of this ToR, the Consultant shall screen the broader area around the airport for high risk areas that should be avoided. Project Design and Installation Process 9. It is proposed that the Savusavu link will be installed at the same time as the Fiji- Samoa Cable. The feasibility studies and surveys will be done concurrently. Feasibility studies include a detailed desk top study of the environmental features and technical aspects of proposed routes, landing sites and on-shore infrastructure. 10. Following the feasibility and safeguards due diligence studies, the main construction- phase activities of the Project will be: a. a detailed marine survey to characterize the route and avoid hazards and/or environmentally significant zones. Surveys include water depth and seabed topography, sediment type and thickness, marine faunal/floral communities, and potential natural or human-made hazards. A marine route survey for a SCS installation commonly assesses a seabed corridor from 1 to 10 km wide with repeat passes where necessary; b. detailed design of the submerged infrastructure – the cable and repeaters. This will determine the cable route and cable types and quantities, and clarify the nature of its deployment on the seafloor – surface laying, or trenching and burial, supplementary protection, etc.; c. confirmation of the detailed design by the GoF; d. application for all relevant permits and authorizations by the various Fiji Government agencies (including preparation of EIA and land access authorisations), and clearance of safeguards documents (such as EMP) by the World Bank; e. construction of a landing facility and cable station at Savusavu. It is likely to comprise a small beach manhole (BMH) approximately 2m x 2m x2m. The shore end, from the BMH to the sea, will be covered with standard articulated piping bolted to the rock shelf then double armoured cable to a depth of 200 metres followed by single armoured cable to 1000 metres depth and then lightweight protection. The marine survey and system design in (a) and (b) above will determine this. f. cable laying – the cable will likely be buried in the shallow water approaches to the landing site and surface-laid along the deep water route. In sections where the cable is not buried it will lie directly on the seabed. Where burying is undertaken, the most effective method is by sea plough (i.e. as a cable approaches the seabed, it is fed through the plough, which inserts the cable into a narrow furrow). g. The exact terrestrial arrangement is still to be defined but likely to involve burying cable between the beach manhole and the cable station and the construction and operation of the cable station (a small building with electrical equipment to allow for connectivity between the cable and the local communications networks). This is most likely to be situated on existing telecommunications or other Government owned land in Savusavu, in the line of sight of existing satellite communications equipment. Scope of WB Safeguards Requirements 11. In accordance with WB safeguards policy OP4.01 Environmental Assessment, an 3 environmental assessment of the Project is required to adequately screen and assess potential environmental and social impacts, and to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). 12. The EMP shall be consistent with the Samoa – Fiji Connectivity Project EMP, as the projects will be implemented concurrently under the same, or similar supply contract, and the risks and issues will be similar in nature and scale. 13. The EMP shall be subject to consultation with affected stakeholders and publicly disclosed prior to the World Bank project appraisal. B. COUNTRY CONTEXT 14. The Project is intended to deliver high-capacity lower cost Internet services to the relatively disadvantaged Northern Division of Fiji, consistent with the Government’s policy objectives of accelerating development in those areas. Following telecoms market liberalization in 2008, access to ICT infrastructure and services has improved dramatically across the country. However, access, particularly to internet, is not evenly distributed. Vanua Levu and neighbouring islands account for about 16 percent of the country’s population (about 150,000 people), but only about 10 percent of total telecom traffic, in aggregate. Demand for Internet bandwidth in the Northern Division is forecast to increase from present levels of about 1.5 Gbps to 19 Gbps in the next 10 years and to 170 Gbps within 25 years. Existing connectivity solutions for Vanua Levu via satellite or microwave links will be insufficient to provide the required bandwidth capacity and quality. High-speed Internet offers wide-ranging economic and social development benefits. In addition, and as evidenced by recent experience in Fiji, an optical fibre cable backbone offers greater resilience than terrestrial backbone (microwave) in the event of cyclones. 15. The majority of land in Fiji is under customary land ownership by iTaukei. The State owns the seabed below High Water Mark. Customary rights to fishing and marine resources in the reef, or qoliqoli rights, are assigned to much of the coastline. These are administered by the iTaukei lands and Fisheries Commission. 16. A list of some of key agencies have responsibilities with regard to the Project development in Fiji. These are: a. The Department of Environment whom administer the Environment Management Act 2005, compliance of environmental impact assessments with the Act, issuance of environmental permits and implementation of environmental management plans by Project proponents and developers. The Department also manages Fiji’s participation in international conventions on biodiversity and the environment. b. The Department of Lands and Survey is vested with authority to grant lease over State Land, including soil under Fiji’s waters, should such a lease be deemed necessary in order to lay the cable. c. The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has authority, under the Sea Ports Management Act 2005 and the Marine Act 1986, over the port of Suva and its approaches, including all shipping operations and shore and sea-based installations. d. The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests manages fisheries in Fiji and administers the Fisheries Regulations 2004. 4 e. The iTaukei Lands Trust Board administers leases on iTuakei land, on behalf of the custom land owners. f. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has responsibilities to manage shipping movements and other aspects of marine safety during cable laying, and administering protective measures once the cable has been laid, such as updating maritime charts with new infrastructure and enforcing no-anchoring zones. 17. An Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan may be required by the Department of Environment for the environmental permit, once the detailed design has been completed. It is not the subject of this Terms of Reference. C. SCOPE OF SERVICES 18. A consulting firm (or team of individual consultants) will be hired to prepare safeguards documents in compliance with WB safeguards policies and the country safeguards requirements of Fiji 1. In general the following tasks are required: a. Undertake a scoping of the environmental and social context, and screening of potential impacts, in the proximity of the likely location of infrastructure; b. Prepare an EMP to cover the Project’s design, construction / installation, and operation and maintenance, consistent with the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project ECMP; c. Prepare an Environmental Code of Practice (ECOP), consistent with the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project ECOP; d. Identify stakeholders, and assist with consultation and disclosure of safeguards documents. 19. The consultant will submit final drafts for comment, and submit a final and acceptable documents. D. DETAILED TASKS FOR THE CONSULTANT 20. The safeguards assessments will be undertaken in compliance with both WB policies and requisite laws of Fiji. Task A: Consultation, Lessons Learned Analysis and Review of Existing Information. 21. The Consultant will be provided with a description of the proposed activity from the Department of Communications. 22. For further background information, the Consultant should review the safeguard documents and consult with the project management unit for the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project (World Bank project no. P128904) and review the technical and safeguards documentation. These consultations should focus on the adequacy of environmental and social safeguards and lessons learnt from project implementation. Similar recent projects include: Tonga-Fiji Connectivity Project (World Bank project no. P113184), Tonga-Fiji Submarine Cable Project (ADB project no. 44172-022), Palau- 1 As discussed in paragraph 18, it is anticipated that the preparation of EIA and environmental permit applications under the Environment Management Act will not be required as part of the scope of work, but the Consultant should ensure that the work is consistent with this and other legislation. 5 Federated States of Micronesia Connectivity Project (World Bank project no. P130592). Task B: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework. 23. The consultant will review and document applicable policy, legal and administrative mechanisms related to both the biophysical and socio-economic environments. This will include the policies, legislation and permitting requirements of the various government Ministries and agencies, relevant international statutes and agreements related to the marine environment and applicable WB safeguard policies. 24. The consultant will also be guided by, and include consideration of, WB’s draft Environmental and Social Safeguard Instruments for the Pacific Island Countries (ESSIP). Task C: Description of the Environmental and Social Context 25. The consultant is to define a suitable project influence area (PIA) based on the proposed corridor of the marine cable, and the proposed location(s) of terrestrial infrastructure, and all reasonable alternatives. This must cover the land-based and reef-based activities. 26. The consultant will compile relevant data on the biophysical and socio-economic environment within, and in proximity to, the PIA. This compilation is to include maps and illustrations where appropriate. The studies will include desk top collation of information and will involve one field visit to Savusavu. The purpose of the data collection is to describe the nature of the environment, describe the social context, identify sensitive sites and receptors that should be avoided by the project. 27. The consultant is required to complete the following surveys within the project area of influence: a. Confirm the land uses and land ownership at probable proposed beach manhole and cable station locations in Savusavu. b. Marine survey of the reef area between the outer reef and the high water mark, along proposed / likely cable routes. This shall include a visual survey of the benthic and pelagic species / communities present in the reef at representative sample sites. Data shall include GPS location, water depth, water currents / movement, weather, water clarity / visibility, substrate, percent live coral cover and general condition of the reef, notable species (fish, hard and soft corals, other invertebrates, mammals, turtles), and notable communities (sea grasses, mangroves and live corals). Shipwrecks and other archaeological, cultural or historical artefacts or sites should also be noted. c. Informal and commercial activities and uses of the reef and foreshore areas, such as fishing, gleaning, sand mining, tourism, shipping or other maritime activities or industries. 28. The following information is to be gathered through desk top review and interviews with stakeholders / key informants: a. Near shore and reef hydrography and bathymetry, tidal data or any other data required to support the marine survey. b. Conservation and marine management areas, including qoli qoli fisheries areas, 6 marine protected areas and terrestrial conservation areas/protected areas. c. Archaeological sites, sites of cultural significance or other physical cultural resources. d. Social context of Savusavu and Vanua Levu. Characteristics should include basic socio-economic data, population, current access to internet and other communications technology and benefits of the project (access to markets, connectivity, employment etc.), issues relating to gender or vulnerable persons in relation to ICT, land ownership and tenure and marine resources ownership and tenure. Task D: Impact assessment 29. The consultant will identify the sensitive receptors in the PIA and identify potential positive and negative environmental and social impacts associated with each phase of the project: Design / Route Selection, Cable Laying and construction of land based infrastructure, (ii) Phase 2- Operations & Maintenance Phase. The assessment will clearly identify any information gaps to be filled during project implementation / detailed design phase. 30. Sensitive receptors may include: protected areas (cultural, conservation, resource management), in-tact / healthy coral communities, breeding or refuge grounds (sea grasses, mangroves), and vulnerable households or communities. 31. The consultant shall also note any areas of potential conflict with the laying of the cable that should be avoided, such as: shipping lanes, anchorage sites, dredging or mining sites. 32. The consultant shall identify the social benefits and negative impacts from the project, with a focus on the connectivity of Vanua Levu to improved communications technology. This should focus on any specific benefits or impacts based on gender or the vulnerability of groups. The EMP should highlight any relevant proactive measures to ensure project benefits to women as well as men. Task E: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 33. The Consultant shall prepare the EMP, in accordance with the outline proposed in Annex 2 and consistent with the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project EMP and the Environmental and Social Safeguard Instruments for the Pacific Island Countries (ESSIP). Task G: Environmental Code of Practice (ECOP). 34. The consultant will prepare a code of environmental practice (COEP) for submarine cables based on the ECOP prepared for the Samoa Cable Project, adapted where relevant for the Savusavu context. The ECOP will be appended to the EMP. Task I: Meaningful Consultations and Disclosure of Safeguard Documents. 35. The consultant will identify potentially affected stakeholders (with the assistance of Government of Fiji representatives) and hold at least one meeting with these stakeholders (as a group, or individually), to present and discuss the findings and proposed mitigation measures in the EMP, and to seek views and inputs before finalizing the EMP. 7 36. The consultant will maintain adequate records of the consultation process and will present a summary in the final EMP. Consultation materials should be translated to the local language and disclosed locally to ensure that there is widespread understanding of the project, its objectives and timeline. Task J: Grievance Redress Mechanism. 37. The consultant will establish and define the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The GRM should be based on existing and traditional mechanisms to the extent possible, and describe the options available to stakeholders and/or project affected persons for redress of any grievances they may have about the process, the identification of eligible people for compensation, the valuing and compensation and any other complaints (including issues or concerns about environmental impacts) they may have with the entire process. It should be consistent with the ESSIP and World Bank safeguard policies. 38. The GRM mechanism should also have an in-built monitoring mechanism to check on responsiveness to complaints or grievances lodged. The different forms of receiving the complaints should be clearly described together with the different stages of the process, who is involved and when. In addition, the GRM shall indicate alternatives, in case the proposed mechanism, for any reason, does not respond to all grievances and complaints. E. REQUIRED SKILLS OF THE CONSULTANT 39. The assignment requires a suitably qualified individual or team with knowledge of, and relevant professional experience with conducting environmental and social impact assessments for similar projects. Experience in conducting assessments and consultations in Fiji will be advantageous. The consultant must have experience in producing ESIA and EMP under World Bank safeguards policies or other similar donor safeguards policies. The following skill sets are required 2: a. Marine ecologist: At least a degree qualification in environmental science, marine science, ecology, resource management or similar. Experience in environmental impact assessment in the Pacific in the past five years and demonstrable experience in competently undertaking scientific marine visual assessment surveys of tropical reefs. b. Social specialist: At least a degree qualification in social science, public policy, planning, anthropology or similar. Experience in public and stakeholder consultation, social impact assessment and / or land acquisition for similar infrastructure projects in the Pacific in the past five years. Gender and poverty assessment experience is an advantage. Experience and knowledge of the laws and regulations of land and natural resources in Fiji is required. 40. A team leader should be assigned who will be responsible to (i) take overall responsibility for quality and timely delivery, monitoring and reporting on all outputs by managing and coordinating the activities of the other consultants; (ii) to prepare a work plan/schedule for the completion of the safeguards documents, consultation and disclosure; (iii) and (iv) prepare the documents as required in Section F. 2 This is not a list of personnel, and one person may be able to fulfill more than one role. Additional team members may be included where necessary. 8 41. Anticipated level of effort required in total: 18 days. F. DELIVERABLES OF THE CONSULTANT 42. The consultant will be required to visit Vanua Levu to compile baseline data, undertake marine survey, to conduct stakeholder and key informant meetings to identify issues. 43. Consultations will be required in Suva, with relevant Government agencies, and in Savusavu with potentially affected stakeholders. 44. Subject to the guidance and approval of the Division of Communications, a set of documents that will comply with WB requirements, consistent with the laws of Fiji, will be prepared: a. Environmental Management Plan, incorporating the ECOP G. Timeline 45. The assignment will be implemented against the following, suggested, timetable. Work is expected to be completed by xxxxx. On contract signing the timetable will be reconfirmed. Milestone Time from Contract Signing Field trip to Savusavu Week 1 Draft documents Week 3 Division of Communications and WB review of Week 3 draft Consultations in Suva and Savusavu Week 3 Final of all documents Week 4 9 ANNEX 1 – RELEVNANT WORLD BANK SAFGEUARD POLICIES Environmental Assessment (EA) (OP4.01) – inter alia, requires (i) detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine project impacts,(ii) determination of tangible measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate for these adverse impacts, (iii) public consultation and disclosure as part of the EA process and (iv) requires an EMP to address set of mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures to be taken during design, implementation, operation of maintenance phases of the project. http://go.worldbank.org/K7F3DCUDD0 Natural Habitats (OP4.04) – This policy requires the conservation of natural habitats and specifically prohibits the support of projects that involve significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats, as defined by the policy. The policy further requires the EA to identify impacts on biodiversity and species and to determine endemism, endangered species and to determine project impacts on these species and to propose acceptable mitigation and monitoring measures. http://go.worldbank.org/GIFQKJA130 Physical Cultural Resources (OP4.11) – This policy seeks to avoid the disturbance and or destruction of PCR as defined by the policy by the projects activities. PCR includes places of worship, buried artifacts, cemeteries and archeological assets, etc. The policy further requires, (i) EA to undertake an exhaustive desk review and/or site investigation to pre-identify and locate PCR’s in the project influence area, (ii) EA/EMP to propose management measures and (ii) to include chance find clauses in civil works contracts during construction and maintenance stages. http://go.worldbank.org/UBUBZD7NA0 10 FIJI Connectivity Project (P159297) Addendum to the TOR for Environmental Assessment 3 August 2016 Outcomes of Recent Field Visit by Project Team 1. The Director of Ministry of Communications, FINTEL, TFL and World Bank representatives visited Savusavu, Vanua Levu, on 21 and 22 July to identify suitable beach manhole and cable landing station locations. Six beach manhole and two cable landing station locations were visited and the relevant field notes are attached. 2. There are two preferred beach man hole (BMH) locations near to the Savusavu airport (BMH1 and BMH2) which are technically feasible, have few environmental and social issues and are on Government land which will should make land acquisition / easements simple. Site BMH1 is at the eastern end of the runway, on Government owned land (Airports Fiji Limited (AFL)) and requires the submarine cable to cross a short section of reef. Site BMH 2 would take advantage of the natural channel in the reef and the submarine cable would come to shore to a beach manhole on the adjacent road reserve. The preferred cable landing station site is on Government land across the road from the runway. The site is used for various communications equipment for AFL, including a small shed and aerials, and there is room for an additional structure. 3. The Ministry of Comms may take two alternatives, or a preferred alternative through to project appraisal by the World Bank. Updates to the TOR for the Environmental Assessment 4. Detailed marine field work shall focus on the two preferred sites for the BMH. This includes the probable submarine cable path from the outer reef to the two beach sites. BMH 3, 4 , 5 and 6 shall be assessed as potential alternatives in the documentation, and will need a site visit, but do not require marine surveys or detailed investigations. 5. Unless the Ministry of Comms provides the consultant with a final preference, the EMP must consider both BMH1 and BMH2 and both cable landing stations in the assessment and mitigation / monitoring plans. 6. The Ministry of Communications and FINTEL have agreed to lead public and stakeholder consultations in Savusavu before the 26th of August. This will be a public meeting and possibly a site visit to discuss the purpose and benefits of the project, and to discuss the potential impacts from civil works and cable laying and present the EMP. The Consultant shall provide materials to support the consultation, but is not required to be present or to manage the public consultation process. The Consultant can undertake separate stakeholder discussions and consultations as part of their investigations. 7. The Consultant is not required to prepare or adapt a specific COEP for Savusavu. Rather the Consultant shall just refer to the COEP in the Fiji-Samoa documentation. 1 Annex 1: Notes From Field Trip 21,22 July 2016 The purpose of the site visit was to identify suitable sites for the beach manhole and cable landing station from a technical and safeguards perspective. A summary of the sites visited are provided in the table below. The preferred sites are: Beach man hole: BMH 2 – West of Runway, Road Reserve, or BMH 1 – Eastern end of Runway, Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) land Cable landing station: AFL Communications Site, over the road from Savusavu runway Site Code Site Description Safeguards Discussion Comparative Safeguards Ranking Beach Man Hole Locations BMH 1 Eastern end of Runway. Potential risks to laying cable Good. across reef (unknown until Govt Land (AFL). ESIA carried out). Need ESIA to identify Submarine cable would cross a Govt land means straight risks with small section of reef. forward land acquisition. MOU laying the or similar could be obtained by cable over Within 1km of AFL Comms site appraisal. the reef. for Cable Landing Station. Terrestrial cable would use existing TFL ducts along road reserve. Some reef use by fishers / gleaners. BMH 2 West of Runway – Road Reserve Govt land means straight Best forward land acquisition. MOU Road reserve adjacent to or similar could be obtained by foreshore. Govt Land. appraisal. Cable would cross the reef via a No significant habitats. natural sandy channel. Terrestrial cable would follow existing TFL ducts to either Cable Landing Station option. BMH 3 West of Runway – iTaukei land Impossible to consult and get Poor land acquisition / lease / Village / iTaukei land to the West easement approvals before of the Runway. appraisal. Will require iTaukei Land Trust Community support or 2 Board to assist with land opposition unknown. acquisition / lease / easement. No significant habitats. Submarine cable would cross the reef via a natural sandy channel. Terrestrial cable would follow existing TFL ducts to either Cable Landing Station option. BMH 4 Private land to West of Runway. Difficult/impossible to consult Poor and get land acquisition / lease / Currently covered in ‘scrub’ and easement approvals before palms (not plantation). No current appraisal. land use / agriculture observed. Could not get access to the BMH Mangroves present and should site during the site visit. Short be avoided. access path/road across the site from the road or runway would be Some vegetation clearance required and vegetation would required for access which need to be cleared. should be minimized. Submarine cable would cross the reef via a natural sandy channel. Terrestrial cable would go under the runway or along road within existing TFL ducts to either Cable Landing Station option. BMH 5 Naidi Bay Govt land means straight Good forward land acquisition. MOU BMH at Road Reserve adjacent to or similar could be obtained by the beach / small estuary. appraisal. Cable would enter the bay without No significant habitats. crossing a reef. Several kilometres of terrestrial cable to either Cable Landing Station. BMH 6 Daku Resort Exposed site which may require Poor more civil works to protect South of Savusavu town in ducting in the road reserve Savusavu Bay. The ‘original site’ along the coastline. drawn in the contractors tender documents. Govt land means straight forward land acquisition. MOU BMH in road reserve. or similar could be obtained by appraisal. Exposed coastline with evidence of erosion from recent cyclone Busy use of marine area Winston. suggests significant 3 consultation would be required. Shipping channels, leisure boating, fishing within the bay. The cable may lead to restrictions in marine area use. Several kilometers of terrestrial cable to TFL site in Savusavu. No Unknown environmental risks existing TFL ducting. for submarine cable (need to be determined in ESIA). Cable Landing Stations: AFL Elevated site. TFL cable ducts go Limited terrestrial civil works Good Communications along the road past this site and required as part of project Site across the into Savusavu. between BMH and Cable road from Landing Station. runway The site currently has a small shed that houses communications Need approval / sign off from equipment. The site has three AFL and possibly Civil communications aerials at various Aviation Authority of Fiji that heights. there will be no interference with aviation operations. There is space for a new building / structure. There is easy access directly off the Hibiscus Highway. TFL Building, There is space for new building or Needs more terrestrial civil Good Savusavu internal refit. works than AFL site. Communications site from Approx. 5km Existing housekeeping is poor and preferred BMH sites, but not from airport would need to be improved. substantial. 5km + of terrestrial cabling required within existing TFL duct along the Hibiscus Highway. Figure 1 Site Visit Locations 1 4 Figure 2 Site Visit Locations 2 5 6 Appendix 2: Ecological Assessment FIJI CONNECTIVITY PROJECT (P159297) SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM SAVUSAVU ECOLOGICAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT Report prepared by Argo Environmental Ltd FINAL September 2016 Ecological Resource Assessment i Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 1 1.3 GENERAL ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION 3 2. METHODOLOGY 5 2.1 COASTAL MARINE ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES 5 2.1.1 Sampling Sites 5 2.1.2 Water Quality 7 2.2 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES 7 3. WATER QUALITY 8 3.1 OVERVIEW 8 3.2 RESULTS 8 4. COASTAL MARINE RESOURCES 9 4.1 HABITAT TYPES 9 4.2 INTERTIDAL COMMUNITIES 9 4.2.1 Introduction 9 4.2.2 Reef Flats 9 4.2.3 Sand Flats 11 4.2.4 Mangroves 12 4.3 SUBTIDAL COMMUNITIES 14 4.3.1 Overview 14 4.3.2 Reef edge 15 4.3.3 Subtidal soft bottom communities 17 4.4 FISH 17 5. TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES 21 5.1 VEGETATION 21 5.2 BIRDS 22 6. SUMMARY 23 APPENDICES 24 APPENDIX A LABORATORY REPORT 25 APPENDIX B MARINE ECOLOGICAL DATA 26 September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 1 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 1. Introduction 1.1 Background The World Bank Project Management Unit in association with the Fijiian Ministry of Communications & Fintel, is proposing to install a branch off the Fiji (Viti Levu)- Samoa submarine cable system (SCS) to Vanua Levu at Savusavu (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Proposed subsea cable route for the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project This report presents the results of an assessment of the nearshore coastal marine (habitat and fish communities), water quality and terrestrial ecological resources of the adjacent coastal marine area potentially impacted as a result of the proposed works. This study has been undertaken to allow the potential impacts of the proposed works on these resources to be determined. 1.2 Proposed Development The proposed works are described in detail in the Project ESIA 1. In summary, the installation works will consist of the following: • The cable at the shoreward end will extend across the intertidal zone, between the subtidal zone and the beach manhole, and will be covered with l ightweight protection consisting of standard articulated piping bolted to the substrate. • A beach manhole (BMH) landing facility likely to comprise a small concrete manhole approximately 2m x 2m x 2m. • A cable landing stations (CLS). Two options are available for the current Project including the AFL Communications Site across the road from Savusavu Airport runway and the TFL Building in Savusavu. Figure 2 presents a 1:20,000 topographical map for the general location. 1 Argo 2016. Environmental & Social Impact Assessment. Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297). September 2016. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 2 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Figure 2: Proposed subsea cable route for the Fiji-Samoa Connectivity Project In addition, approximately 200km of fiber optic cable from the point of branching with the main cable to the shore laid on or beneath the sea floor. The potential impacts of this activity are described in MCIT (2015) An Addendum to the Terms of Reference (see ESIA (2016)) for the current investigation identified six potential BMH sites, two of which were to be investigated in detail (BMH1 & 2) and determined the focus of this study. Figure 3 presents the location of the proposed BMH and CLS locations. Figure 3: Aerial showing the proposed Beach Manhole & Cable Landing Stations The key points to note in terms of the potential construction impacts of the Project on ecological resources are as follows: September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 3 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) • Direct loss of a small area of intertidal marine habitat in the cable footprint which will be recolonised over time. • A potential increase in sediment load from exposed work areas affecting adjacent coastal marine flora / fauna. • Potential loss of terrestrial habitat at BMH locations, along the cable route in the road corridor and at the cable landing stations will regenerate over time. 1.3 General Environment Description The majority of the BMH sites (BMH1-4) are located in Savusavu on the southern coast of Vanua Levu adjacent to Airport Fiji Ltd (AFL) runway. The marine ecological habitat in this area consists of: sandy beach and harder reef flats (located above the intertidal and within the intertidal zone respectively); and sub- tidally, the reef slope and muddy sands of the deeper sea floor. Several subtidal reefs or coral ‘bommies’ are present in the tidal channel. The reef on the western side of the channel is an informal fishing reserve observed by the local mataqali (Nacekoro & Raranipolo).Figures 4 & 5 present potential beach manhole sites, cable alignments and cable landing stations for each of the six sites. 200m TFl building 200m Figure 4: Potential submarine and terrestrial cable alignments and cable landing stations for BMH 5 (top) and BMH6 (bottom) with the potential CLS at the TFL building. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 4 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) AFL Runway AFL Comms Site Boundary of local fishing reserve (aprox.) 200m Figure 5: Potential submarine and terrestrial cable alignments for BMH 1-4, the cable landing station at AFL communications site, and the approximate boundary of the local fishing reserve September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 5 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 2. Methodology 2.1 Coastal Marine Ecological Resources The Addendum to the Project Terms of Reference (see Argo 20161) indicated that “Detailed marine field work shall focus on the two preferred sites for the BMH” i.e., BMH 1 & 2. The methodology outlined below is designed to reflect this intent. Coastal marine habitat and fauna (fish, benthic communities, etc.) adjacent to each BMH and along the potential cable alignments was described during a site visit conducted on 22 August 2016. The assessment of subtidal ecological resources was undertaken along five 30m transects on the subtidal fringing reef at high tide to describe fish and benthic communities present (Figure 2). Benthic cover was identified and described using reef check methodology 2 and counts made of invertebrate and fish species present. A qualitative assessment of intertidal ecological resources was undertaken along 6 transects on the intertidal sand and reef flats adjacent to each of the BMHs at low tide, and taxa observed recorded. 2.1.1 Sampling Sites Table 1 present details of the locations sampled to assess water quality, determine habitat type and undertake fish counts during field investigations. Figure 6 presents sampling site locations. Table 1: Summary of field work tasks undertaken at sampling sites Site/ Water Quality Transect Field Lab Habitat Fish counts GPS Notes ST1/WQ1 S16°48’52.2” E179°20’46.9’’ Reef edge, 670m south of BMH1 cable alignment ST2 S16°48’46.9” E179°20’42.1’’ Reef edge, 350m south of BMH1 cable alignment ST3/WQ2 S16°48’32.0” E179°20’32.1’’ Reef edge, along possible BMH1 cable alignment ST4/WQ3 S16°48’31.0” E179°20’18.6’’ Reef edge in channel, 400m north- west of ST3 ST5/WQ4 S16°48’16.2” E179°20’13.2’’ Reef edge in channel, 730m north- west of ST3 IT1 S16°48’32.0” E179°20’32.1’’ Intertidal reef flats inshore from ST3 (start) - S16°48’28.8” along possible cable alignment to E179°20’35.2’’ (finish) BMH1 IT2 S16°48’16.2” E179°20’13.2’’ Intertidal reef flats along possible (start) - S16°48’12.4” cable alignment to BMH4 E179°20’14.4’’ (finish) IT3 S16°48’32.0” E179°20’32.1’’ Intertidal reef flats along possible (start) - S16°48’28.8” cable alignment to BMH3 E179°20’35.2’’ (finish) IT4 S16°48’14.5” E179°20’02.5’’ Intertidal sand flats along possible (start) - S16°48’11.8” cable alignment to BMH2 E179°20’01.01’’ (finish) IT5 S16°47’49.9” E179°22’16.8’’ Intertidal sand flats along possible (start) - S16°47’46.8” cable alignment to BMH5 (Naidi Bay) E179°22’16.7’’ (finish) IT6 S16°47’05.1” E179°18’56.8’’ Intertidal sand flats along possible (start) - S16°47’05.5” cable alignment to BMH6 (Savusavu E179°18’57.1’’ (finish) Bay) Notes: WQ – Water quality. ST – Subtidal. IT – Intertidal. GPS co-ordinates for ST are inshore point of transect. 2 www.reefcheck.org September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 6 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) IT4 IT3 Intertidal ST5/ IT2 sand flat WQ4 Deep Channel Intertidal ST4/ reef flat WQ3 IT1 ST3/W Q2 Subtidal Reef edge ST2 Open Ocean 200m ST1/ WQ1 Subtidal Reef edge IT5 IT6 WQ5 Intertidal sand flat Intertidal Deep sand flat Channel Figure 6: Subtidal (ST1-4) and intertidal (IT1-6) transects used to describe key habitat types and water quality (WQ1-5) sampling locations September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 7 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 2.1.2 Water Quality Field measurements were undertaken at five sites using a TPS WP-81 (DO (concentrations & saturations) pH, conductivity, salinity) water quality meter (see Figure 6). Laboratory analysis was undertaken for a range of parameters including: TSS (total suspended solids) and turbidity. The water sample was retained in ice in a chilli bin and delivered to the laboratory within the required timeframes using standard APHA 3 analytical procedures. 2.2 Terrestrial Ecological Resources A qualitative assessment of the vegetation present at each BMH was undertaken, and any birds observed were recorded. 3 APHA 1995. Standard methods. 19th Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 8 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 3. Water Quality 3.1 Overview This section of the report provides a comparison of water quality data for the sample collected in the current survey with ANZECC (2000) trigger value guidelines for inshore marine ecosystems in tropical Australia (see Tables 2 & 3). These guidelines have been used as they are considered to be the most applicable. Appendix A presents the raw data from the current survey and Appendix B presents the laboratory report. 3.2 Results Field parameters • Dissolved oxygen saturations are typically below the ANZECC (2000) default trigger value of >90 g/m3 with the exception of sites WQ3 & 4 (93.2 & 106.5% respectively). Dissolved oxygen concentrations range from 5.8-7.1 g/m3. • The water temperature of 24.4-25.1°C reflects the time of day and year the samples were collected. Table 2: A comparison of summarised water quality data for a site located adjacent to the proposed development site with accepted guidelines (mean ± SD presented). Site Parameter WQ1 WQ2 WQ3 WQ4 WQ5 Guidelines1 DO 6.0 5.8 6.2 7.1 5.8 - DO (%) 89.2 86.7 93.2 106.5 85.6 >90 Temperature (ºC) 24.9 25.1 25.1 25.1 24.4 - TSS 0.5 - Turbidity (NTU) 0.35 1-20 1 Note: all results mg / L unless stated. ANZECC (2000) default trigger values for slightly disturbed tropical Australia marine ecosystems. Suspended Material • Total suspended solids concentrations at WQ2 (0.5 g/m3) are low and is likely to be due to the good weather conditions experienced at the time of sampling. • Turbidity at WQ2 (0.35 NTU) is also very low and below the ANZECC (2000) default trigger value of 1-20 NTU. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 9 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 4. Coastal Marine Resources 4.1 Habitat Types As previously described, the habitat of the coastal marine area adjacent to the BMH sites consists of the following: • Beach habitat in the upper intertidal zone at all sites, and mangrove communites adjacent to IT2. • Reef flats (at IT1-IT3) extending across the intertidal to the reef edge containing a range of habitat types including patches of seagrass, seaweed, etc (at IT1). • Sand flats (at IT4-IT6) extending across the intertidal containing patches of seagrass towards the lower intertidal (IT4). • Subtidal reef edge (at ST1-4), and several coral ‘bommies’ in the adjacent channel, which provide habitat for a range of coral, sponge, fish and invertebrate species. • The open ocean seafloor consisting primarily of sand. The different habitat types are described in further detail below. Appendix C presents the raw data from the current survey. 4.2 Intertidal communities 4.2.1 Introduction The intertidal zone of the reef and sand flats extends from the upper intertidal to the top of the subtidal zones. Figs 7-10 present images of individual transect alignments. 4.2.2 Reef Flats Qualitative assessment of the benthic communities present on the intertidal reef flats indicates the following: Intertidal Transect 1 The benthic substrate is dominated by the following elements • Upper intertidal - primarily coarse sands. • Mid intertidal harder reef flats with pools containing: seagrass (Halodule sp.) Halimeda sp. (a green algal turf) and occasional Padina sp. ypical of nutrient enriched environments; abundant brittle seastar (Ophiomastix sp.), and occasional sea cucumber (Holothuria edulis) starfish, sponge and coral species (see Figure 11). • Lower intertidal pools containing coral rubble and a range of seaweed species, occasional corals and crown of thorns starfish. Intertidal Transect 2 • Upper intertidal - coarse sands (beach) and muds in the mangroves. • The mid to lower intertidal – the benthic substrate is dominated by abiotic elements primarily coral rubble and muds. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 10 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Figure 7: Typical habitat along IT1 alignment including sandflats (top), seagrass in shallow pools (bottom left), and seaweed species on the lower intertidal (bottom middle & right) Figure 8: Typical habitat along IT2 alignment including sandflats and mangroves (top of left) at the top of the intertidal and coral rubble (right) lower down the intertidal. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 11 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Figure 9: Typical habitat including sandy beach at the top of the intertidal and coral rubble at IT3 (left), patches of seagrass at IT4 (middle), and largely devoid of biotic material at IT5 (right). Figure 10: Typical habitat including vegetation (left) and sandy beach in the upper intertidal at IT6. Intertidal Transect 3 • Upper intertidal - coarse sands (beach) • The mid to lower intertidal - benthic substrate is dominated by abiotic elements primarily coral rubble and muds. 4.2.3 Sand Flats Qualitative assessment of the benthic communities present on the intertidal sand flats indicates the following: Intertidal Transect 4 • Upper intertidal - coarse sands (beach) • The mid to lower intertidal - benthic substrate is dominated by fine sands and seagrass (Halodule sp.) Intertidal Transects 5 & 6 • The entire intertidal is dominated by coarse sands. September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 12 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Figure 11: Typical species encountered along IT1 including brittlestar and padina (top left), sea cucumber (top middle) and crown of thorns (top right) and along IT3 including seagrass (bottom). 4.2.4 Mangroves Mangroves in Fiji are comprised of seven main species of trees which can be categorised into three functional groups depending on growth habit (see Figure 12): • Red mangrove (‘Tiri’) which grow at the water’s edge, with “prop” roots that stabilise trees in soft mud and wave zones. There are two species of trees which live in this manner, and one sterile hybrid when both species are present. Red Mangroves consist of: Rhizophora stylosa usually found directly fronting the sea; R. samoensis usually found closer to rivers; and the hybrid R. selela consisting of taller trees found in mixed forest. • Black mangrove (‘Dogo’) or Bruguieria gymnorhiza usually found behind red Mangroves in muddy areas that flood at high tide. They may have prop or elbow roots that protrude out of the mud, sometimes both. • White mangrove which are very salt-tolerant trees that grow on dry land immediately behind the wet mangrove areas and can survive occasional salt- water inundation and salty soil. The four species consist of: Lumnitzera littorea; Heritiera littoralis; milky mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha); and puzzlenut tree (Xylocarpus granatum). September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 13 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Figure 12: Mangrove zones based on growth habit The Environment Management Act 2005 recognises mangrove swamp as “an ecosystem of national importance” requiring projects to seek approval from the Environment Impact Assessment Administrator for “a proposal that could damage or destroy … mangrove swamp …” It has been estimated previously that there are over 38,000 hectares of mangrove forest most of which are found on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and that more than 60% of Fiji’s commercially important food fishes use the mangrove at some stage of their life cycle. Mangroves are currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Lands and Survey as an integral part of the foreshore. A National Mangrove Plan was formulated in 1986 but has not been made law and there is currently little protective legislation for mangroves. However, under this plan, the main mangrove areas across Fiji were zoned as: Reserves (Resource Reserve or National Reserve); small scale use not involving clearance (i.e., wood production, traditional use, shoreline protection or sewage processing); or clearance and conversion to dry land use (for urban, tourism or agriculture (not clear felled along water courses). The mangroves in the upper intertidal adjacent to IT2 consist primarily of the red mangrove primarily Rhizophora stylosa (Figure 13). Figure 13: Mangroves in the upper intertidal adjacent to IT2 September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 14 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 4.3 Subtidal communities 4.3.1 Overview Living benthic communities identified, which extend below the lower intertidal into the subtidal zone, consist of the following: • Coral communities located at the edge of the sand and reef flats on the reef slopes and offshore coral ‘bommies’. • The macrofauna associated with the sediments in deeper waters offshore from the reef slope. Figure 14 presents examples of typical flora and faunal species encountered. A C B D Figure 14: Typical benthic substrate found along transects including: Diploastrea sp. (A); Acropora sp. (B); Pocilliopora sp. (C) and Pavona sp.(D). September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 15 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 4.3.2 Reef edge Benthic Cover The benthic cover at the seaward edge of the sand flats on the reef slope adjacent to the Project area is dominated by abiotic elements (i.e., Sand/rock (17.3%) and coral rubble (25%)) (see Figure 15). Live coral (32.3%) is the next most dominant benthic cover. Figure 15: Summary of key benthic types for all subtidal transects The coral community (see Figure 16) is dominated primarily by massive corals (34.0%). The next most dominant type is encrusting and branching corals (18.6%). Foliose corals are present in the lowest proportion (1.0%). Figure 16: Summary of key coral types for all subtidal transects Overall, a number of key points can be made regarding the individual transect data (see Figure 17) as follows: • Abiotic elements (coral rubble, sand and rock), the most dominant benthic type, is present along all transects (except ST2) and ranges from 12% (ST1) to September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 16 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 85% (ST3 & ST5). Coral rubble (94%) contributes significantly to abiotic elements at ST3, and sand and rock (92%) at ST5. Live coral, present along all transects except ST5, ranges from 8% (ST3) to 63% (ST2). • Algae (primarily coralline algae) is present on all transects ranging from 4% (ST3) to 16% (ST1). Interestingly, although the nutrient-indicating algae Padina sp was observed intertidally, it was not identified along any of the subtidal transects. Of the corals present, massive corals are the most dominant of all, ranging from 4 - 14% (at ST3 and ST2 respectively) (see Figure 18). The next most dominant coral cover, branching coral, is present along all transects (where coral is present) ranging from 1 - 10% (ST3 and ST2 respectively). Branching acropora was only found on ST1 (5%) and foliose coral on ST4 (1%). Figure 17: Benthic cover type present on subtidal transects Figure 18: Coral type present on subtidal transects September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 17 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Benthic Invertebrates Small numbers of benthic invertebrates were recorded with key species consisting of crustaceans such as crabs, sea cucumber, giant clam (Tidachna sp.), triton shell Charonia tritonis and crown of thorns Acanthaster planci starfish. Summary The subtidal reef communities present range in condition from relatively good (ST1 & ST2) to poor which is likely to be due to the large amount of recent wave action (ST3) during the recent cyclone and sedimentation (ST5). 4.3.3 Subtidal soft bottom communities Based on discussions with local divers, the channel bootom adjacent to ST4 & ST5 is hard rock seafloor with deeper waters dominated by softer sediments. Although no sampling of these softer sediments was undertaken it is likely that they are dominated by a range of gastropod (snails) and bivalve (clams) mollusc species; crustaceans (shrimps and crabs); echinoderms (brittle star); and polychaete and nemertean worm. 4.4 Fish The results of the current survey of fish present on the reef edge adjacent to the potential Project area are shown in Table 3. The key points to note are as follows: • A total of 36 species are present across five transects. The most common is mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), daisy parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus), clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) and striated surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus). The sixbar wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke) was observed on the most transects (four). • The most abundant species (11-100 individuals) are striated surgeonfish, dark banded fusilier (Pterocaesio tile), daisy parrotfish, rivulated parrotfish (Scarus rivulatus) and mangrove red snapper. Blacktail snapper (Lutjanus semicinctus) is the only species observed in abundances greater than 100. • A large number of species (23 of the 36 species or 64%) were observed on a single occasion with several species only as a single individual. These least common fish species include humpnose big eye bream (Monotaxis grandoculis), tripletail wrasse (Chelinus trilobatus), dash and dot goatfish (Parupeneus barberinus), Indian goatfish (Parupeneus indicus) and halfmoon triggerfish (Sufflamen chrysoptera). • A total of 12 fish families are present with the most common type being snapper, parrotfish and surgeonfish or tang which comprise of 72.2% of the total fish species (see Figure 19). Fish species as individuals (Category 1) or in groups of 2-10 (Category 2) are the most prevalent across all transects comprising 85.7% (Figure 20). • ST3 (adjacent to BMH1) had the lowest number of fish species (4) compared with ST5 (the outer most transect) which had the highest number of species (17) (Figure 21). September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 18 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Table 3: Fish species identified in the current survey along transects located adjacent to Project area Family Scientific name Common Name Transect TOTAL T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Acanthuridae Acanthurus lineatus Clown Tang 2 3 2 3 Ctenochaetus striatus Striated surgeonfish 3 3 2 3 Zebrasoma scopas Brown Tang 2 1 Zebrasoma veliferum Sailfin Tang 2 2 2 Balistidae Sufflamen chrysopterum Halfmoon triggerfish 1 1 Caesionidae Pterocaesio tile Dark banded fusilier 3 1 Chaetodontidae Chaetodon basrosessa Butterflyfish sp 2 1 Chaetodon citrinellus Speckled butterflyfish 2 1 Chaetodon pelewensis Sunset butterflyfish 2 2 2 Chaetodon rafflesi Latticed Butterflyfish 2 1 Chaetodon vagabundus Vagabond butterflyfish 2 1 Heniochus varius Horned bannerfish 2 2 2 Holocentridae Chlorurus bleekeri Bleekers parrotfish 2 1 Chlorurus sordidus Daisy parrotfish 3 3 2 3 Scarus niger Black parrotfish 1 1 2 Scarus rivulatus Rivulated parrotfish 3 1 Scarus schlegeli Yellowband parrotfish 2 2 2 3 Labridae Bodianus mesothorax Splitlevel Hogfish 1 1 2 Chelinus trilobatus Tripletail wrasse 1 1 Epibulus insidiator Slingjaw wrasse 1 2 2 Halichoeres hortulanus Checkerboard wrasse 2 1 2 3 Halichoeres trimaculatus Three-spot wrasse 2 1 Thalassoma hardwicke Sixbar wrasse 2 1 2 2 4 September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 19 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Family Scientific name Common Name Transect TOTAL T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Lethrinidae Lethrinus harak Thumbprint emperor 2 1 Monotaxis grandoculis Humpnose big eye bream 1 1 Lutjanidae Lutjanus argentimaculatus Mangrove red snapper 3 1 Lutjanus fulvus Blacktail snapper 4 1 Lutjanus gibbus Humpback red snapper 2 1 Lutjanus semicinctus Black-banded snapper 2 1 Mullidae Parupeneus barberinus Dash and dot goatfish 1 1 Parupeneus indicus Indian goatfish 1 1 Parupeneus multifasciatus Banded goatfish 2 1 Serranidae Epinephelus merra Honeycomb grouper 2 1 Siganidae Siganus doliatus Barred spinefoot 2 1 Siganus spinus Spinefoot sp. 2 1 Zanclidae Zanclus cornutus Moorish Idol 1 2 2 Notes: Numbers of fish are presented as one of four abundance codes: 1 - Single (one individual). 2 - Few (2 – 10), 3 – Many (11- 100), 4 – Abundant (more than 100). September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 20 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) Figure 19: Proportion of key fish families observed across all transects in the current survey. Figure 20: Total number of fish species based on abundance categories (i.e., 1 = single (one individual). 2 = few (2 – 10), 3 = many (11- 100), 4 = abundant (more than 100)) in the current survey for all transects. Figure 21: Total number of fish species observed and number of fish species based on abundance categories (see Figure 12 for key). September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 21 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 5. Terrestrial Resources 5.1 Vegetation Vegetation at the BMH 1 & 2, along the road corridors from these locations to the possible cable landing station at the AFL communications site (see Figure 22) primarily consists of invasive and adventive weed species and rank grasses. The most prevalent tree species in the general vicinity of these locations is the Raintree Samanea saman, coconut Cocos nucifera and common bamboo Bambusa valgaris. Overall, it is evident that the vegetation has been modified by past disturbance including general clearance activities. Apart from the pest African tulip there are no species of particular ecological concern. Figure 22: Vegetation at BMH 1 (top), BMH 2 (middle), and the possible cable landing station at the AFL communications site (bottom). September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 22 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 5.2 Birds A number of bird species are present in and adjacent to the various sites which were observed during fieldwork (Table 4). All of the native birds identified are common in Fiji and are of no particular conservation concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 4. Table 4: Key bird species identified during the current study. Common name Scientific name Status Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Native Wood swallow Artamus metalis Native Wattled Honeyeater Foulehaio carunculatus Native Fiji parrotfinch Erythrura pealii Native Common mynah Acridotheres tristis Introduced 4 http://www.iucnredlist.org/ September 2016 Final Ecological Resource Assessment 23 Fiji Connectivity Project (P159297) 6. Summary This report presents the results of an assessment of the ecological resources (marine & terrestrial) and water quality adjacent to the SCS Project site, Savusavu. This assessment is based on site investigations undertaken in August 2016. Marine Habitat • Marine habitat of the Project area typically consists of: upper intertidal sandy beaches, intertidal reef and sand flats and subtidally, the reef slope and sands of the deeper sea floor. Several coral bommies are present in the adjacent tidal channel. The intertidal area on western side of the channel, which includes the possible cable route to BMH2, is an informal fishing reserve. Water Quality • Several sites comply with ANZECC (2000) default trigger values for inshore marine systems for tropical Australia for dissolved oxygen saturations. Visibility at fringing reef sites was high with low total suspended solids concentrations and turbidity below the ANZECC (2000) trigger limit. Marine Benthic Communities • The intertidal zone consists of reef (Transects IT1-3) and sand flats (IT4-6) dominated by a range of seaweed species including Padina sp, a symptom of eutrophication. Benthic invertebrates observed included brittle stars and crown of thorns starfish. • The subtidal benthic cover of the reef edge is comprised primarily of abiotic features (i.e., non-living coral rubble, sands, etc) and live coral species. The coral community is dominated by massive coral species. Transect ST3, located adjacent to the proposed cable route to BMH1, has a significantly higher proportion of abiotic features (i.e., coral rubble) compared to other locations. Transect IT2, located adjacent to the proposed cable route to BMH2 on intertidal sandflats, has patches of seagrass considered to be ecological sensitive habitat. • Further offshore in the tidal channel, the seafloor consists of harder bottom with softer sediments into deeper waters. The soft bottom benthic community is likely to consist of a range of organisms common in Fiji. • Overall, the subtidal reef communities range in condition from relatively good (ST1 & ST2) to poor which is likely to be due to recent wave action (ST3) and sedimentation (ST5). Fish Populations • A total of 36 species were present across all transects. The most common is mangrove red snapper, daisy parrotfish, clown Tang and striated surgeonfish. • Fish abundances are typically low with many being observed as a few (i.e., 2-10) or as single individuals. Only one species have abundances exceeding 100. Transect IT3, adjacent to the potential alignment to BMH1, had the lowest number of fish species and abundance. • Overall, the fish present are dominated by a range of species that are common to Fiji waters. Terrestrial Ecology • Terrestrial ecological resources at the BMH 1 & 2 sites, along the road corridors from these locations to the possible cable landing station at the AFL communications site have been impacted by past clearance activities and primarily consists of invasive and adventive weed species and rank grasses. No bird species of any conservation significance were identified. September 2016 Final Appendices Appendix A Laboratory Report Auckland Invercargill Queenstown 52 Aintree Ave, 142 Esk Street, 74 Glenda Drive, PO Box 107028, PO Box 747, PO Box 2614, Auckland Airport, Invercargill, 9840 Wakatipu, Auckland, 2150 Queenstown, 9349 Tel: (09) 539 7614 (03) 214 4040 (03) 409 0559 Fax: (09) 539 7601 (03) 214 4041 www.watercarelabs.co.nz clientsupport@water.co.nz Certificate of Analysis Laboratory Reference:160825-085 Interim Report Attention: Vitalii Furt Report Number: 195594-0 Client: ARGO ENVIRONMENTAL Report Issue Date: 06-Sep-2016 Address: 101 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, 1010 Received Date: 25-Aug-2016 Client Reference: Samples Purchase Order: Not Available Quote Reference : 6536 Sample Details WATERS WATERS Lab Sample ID: 160825-085-1 160825-085-2 Client Sample ID: Sample Date/Time: 24/08/2016 09:00 24/08/2016 08:00 Description: Site 2 - Savu savu Site 3 - Wailoaloa General Testing Ammoniacal Nitrogen (as N) mg/L - 0.53 Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus (as P) mg/L - 0.054 Nitrate (as N) mg/L - 0.29 Nitrite (as N) mg/L - 0.044 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N) mg/L - 0.80 Total Nitrogen (as N) mg/L - 1.0 Total Oxidised Nitrogen (as N) mg/L - 0.33 Total Phosphorus (as P) mg/L - 0.12 Total Suspended Solids mg/L 0.50 4.4 Turbidity NTU 0.35 2.4 Microbiology Escherichia coli by MPN Escherichia coli MPN/100 - 1300 mL Faecal coliforms by MPN Faecal coliforms MPN/100 - 1300 mL Total coliforms by MPN Total Coliforms MPN/100 - 4900 mL Results marked with * are not accredited to International Accreditation New Zealand Where samples have been supplied by the client they are tested as received. A dash indicates no test performed. Reference Methods The sample(s) referred to in this report were analysed by the following method(s) Analyte Method Reference MDL Samples Location General Testing Ammoniacal Nitrogen (as N) by Colorimetry/Discrete Analyser HMSO (1981) ISBN 0117516139 0.005 mg/L 2 Auckland Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus (as P) by Colorimetry/Discrete Analyser APHA (online edition) 4500-P F 0.002 mg/L 2 Auckland Nitrate (as N) by Calculation APHA (online edition) 4500-NO3 I 0.002 mg/L 2 Auckland Nitrite (as N) by Flow Analysis (0.45 µm Filtered) APHA (online edition) 4500-NO3 I 0.002 mg/L 2 Auckland Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N) by Sulphuric Acid Digestion (with mercury APHAcatalyst) (onlineand Colorimetry/Discrete edition) 4500-N org Analyser 0.1 mg/L 2 Auckland Total Nitrogen (as N) by Persulphate Digestion and Flow Analysis APHA (online edition) 4500-P J (modified), 0.010 mg/L 2 Auckland 4500-NO3 I Total Oxidised Nitrogen (as N) by Automated Cadmium Reduction/Flow Analysis APHA (0.45 (online µm Filtered) edition) 4500-NO3 I 0.002 mg/L 2 Auckland Total Phosphorus (as P) by Persulphate Digestion and Colorimetry/Discrete Analyser APHA (online edition) 4500-P J (modified) 0.004 mg/L 2 Auckland Total Suspended Solids by Gravimetry APHA (online edition) 2540 D 0.2 mg/L All Auckland Turbidity by Nephelometry APHA (online edition) 2130 B (modified) 0.05 NTU All Auckland Microbiology Escherichia coli by MPN Escherichia coli APHA (online edition) 9221 F 2 MPN/100 mL 2 Auckland Report Number: 195594-0 Watercare Laboratory Services Page 1 of 2 Preparations Faecal coliforms APHA (online edition) 9221 E 2 MPN/100 mL 2 Auckland Membrane Filtration (0.45 µm) APHA (online edition) 4500-P B (preliminary 2 Auckland filtration) Total Coliforms APHA (online edition) 9221 B 2 MPN/100 mL 2 Auckland The method detection limit (MDL) listed is the limit attainable in a relatively clean matrix. If dilutions are required for analysis the detection limit may be higher. For more information please contact the Operations Manager. Samples, with suitable preservation and stability of analytes, will be held by the laboratory for a period of two weeks after results have been reported, unless otherwise advised by the submitter. Watercare Laboratory Services is a division of Watercare Services Limited . This report may not be reproduced, except in full, without the written authority of the Operations Manager. Report Signatory 06/09/2016 John Chang KTP Signatory Report Number: 195594-0 Watercare Laboratory Services Page 2 of 2 Appendix B Marine Ecological Data Table B1: PIT data 1 2 3 4 5 0.5 CA CB RB CA SD 1 CA CA RB CE SD 1.5 CE ZO RB CE SD 2 SC ZO RB CM SD 2.5 CB SP AA CM SD 3 SC ACE AA CE SD 3.5 CE CM RC CA SD 4 ACB CM CM CE RC 4.5 CA CM CM CE RC 5 CE SC RB CA AA 5.5 CA SC RB CA RC 6 CA SC RC AA SD 6.5 CB CB RB AA SD 7 ACB CA CM CA SD 7.5 ACB CA CM CF RC 8 SC CB RB ACE SD 8.5 SC ZO RB CB SD 9 CE ZO RB CA RC 9.5 CA SC RB CE RC 10 CB SC RB CM SD 10.5 CB SC RB CM SD 11 ACB CE RB CM AA 11.5 CE CB RC ACE AA 12 CM CB RB CM AA 12.5 SC ZO RB CM AA 13 CE CA RB CM SD 13.5 SC CA RB CA SD 14 ZO CB RB CA SD 14.5 ZO CM RB AA RC 15 SC CM RB AA RC 15.5 ACE CM RB CA AA 16 CM CM RB CA SD 16.5 ZO ZO RB CE RC 17 ZO ZO RB RC RB 17.5 SC CB RB RC RB 18 CM CM RB AA RC 18.5 CA CM RB AA AA 19 CE CE RB RB SD 19.5 CM CE RB RB SD 20 ACB CE CB RB RC 20.5 CM CM RB RB RC 21 CM ZO RB RB RC 21.5 CM SC RB CB SD 22 RB CA RB CB SD 22.5 CA CA RB CA RB 23 SC ZO RB CA SD 23.5 RB CA RB AA RB 24 AA CB RB AA AA 24.5 AA CA RB AA AA 25 RB CA RB RB SD 25.5 AA CB RB RB SD 26 CA ACE AA RB SD 26.5 CA CM AA RB SD 27 RB CM RB RB SD 27.5 RB CM RB RB SD 28 AA CM RB RB SD 28.5 AA CB RB RB SD 29 AA ACE RB RB SD 29.5 RB CA RB RB SD 30 RB CA RB RB SD Appendix 3: Initial Community Consultation – List of Attendees Savusavu Cable Project – Initial Consultation Hot Springs Hotel, Savusavu 20/09/2016 List of Participants Name Organization 1. Jayshree Lal Digicel 2. Syneel Narayan Vodafone 3. Arunesh Vishwa Vodafone 4. Wendy Hot Springs Hotel 5. Onorata Togaca Hot Springs Hotel 6. Hemant Kumar XPRO Electrical Works 7. Rizwan Ali XPRO Electrical Works 8. Steven Yean TFL
Groupe de la Banque mondiale · Environmental Assessment
Fiji - Pacific Regional Connectivity Program Project : environmental assessment : Environmental and social impact assessment for submarine cable system project at Savusavu, Vanua levu
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Environmental Assessment
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Banque mondiale