Uganda - Fourth Power Plant (Owen Falls Dam Extension) : environmental impact assessment (Vol. 1 of 2)

REPUBLIC OF UGANDA E-386 FINAL DRAFT REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR POWER IV EXTENSION OWEN FALLS DAM UGANDA SUBMITTED TO: UGANDA ELECTRICITY BOARD AMBER HOUSE KAMPALA, UGANDA SUBMITTED BY*: GEOMATRIC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 10875 MAIN STREET, SUITE 205 FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22030 USA AUGUST 31, 2000* * The content of this document has been adjusted to include findings of the World Bank pre-appraisal mission of June 2000. I   TABLE OF CONTENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 INTRODUCTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 3 RECOMMENDATIONS 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 5 2.0 STATUTORY FRAMEWORK 5 3.0 OBJECTIVES 6 4.0 METHODOLOGY 6 5.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 7 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 7 6.1 Hydrology 7 6.2 Lake Level Regulation 8 6.3 Water Hyacinth 9 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FROM POWER III 10 7.1 Evaluation of Environmental Assessment for Power III and Mitigation Mitigation Measures 11 8.0 PROBABLE IMPACTS FROM POWER IV AND MITIGATION MEASURES 12 9.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 12 9.1 Capacity Building 13 9.2 Cost Estimates for the Monitoring Plan 13 10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 13 11.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS 15 12.0 REFERENCES 16 13.0 PERSONS CONTACTED 18 2   EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION It is the goal of the Government of Uganda (GOU) to develop the country's hydro power sources through Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Expected to be operational around 2005, Bujagali will be the first IPP plant. In addition, the Energy for Rural Transformation Project aims at improving rural non-farm incomes and to develop Uganda's indigenous renewable energy sources. A Privatization and Utility Sector Reform Project intends to improve the quality, coverage and economic efficiency of commercial and utility services through privatization, private participation in infrastructure, and an improved regulatory framework. To meet growing demand in the meantime, the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) is in the process of adding a new hydro electric generation plant at Owen Falls Extension. This extension consists of several phases. The first phase (units 11 and 12) is the ongoing Power III Project expected to be commissioned in mid-2000; the second phase (unit 13) will be financed by SIDA and NORAD, and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2002. However, even after commissioning units 1 1-13, the system will experience a deficit of 50-60 MW at peak times in 2002. Since it is possible to install two additional units (14 and 15) at the Owen Falls Extension facility within a short period of time, the government has requested IDA to finance the third extension. It is this third extension (units 14 and 15) that will be financed under the proposed Power IV Project which will provide up to 80 MW in additional installed capacity by 2003. The increase in generation capacity will be supplemented by energy efficiency measures, including ongoing non-technical loss reduction and improved billings and collections. The proposed project will address issues related to sector reform, electricity supply increase, Lake Victoria outflow regulation, and petroleum sector monitoring. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN The proposed EMP emerged from discussions between the pre-appraisal mission and the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA), drawing on recommendations made by the consultant in the draft EA report. The EMP focuses on the monitoring of water quality and quantity, the biology and ecology of fish populations, shoreline stability and silt removal. It also provides for the monitoring of a decommissioning plan at the end of the proposed project. The decommissioning plan will focus on the removal of temporary infrastructure (sewage lines, electricity lines, buildings), construction materials, used oils etc. as required by current Ugandan law. An environmental audit will be conducted to assess the extent of environmental liabilities. The pre-appraisal mission established that initial concerns about potential environmental impacts due to the installation of units 14 and 15 will not materialize. First, since most of the construction activities of Power IV are embedded in the concrete works of the generating units, there will be no environmental impacts due to mosquito breeding in open construction pits. Second, at the time of the pre-appraisal mission, the water hyacinth had been almost eliminated in the project area through mechanical removal. UEB has access to water hyacinth harvesting equipment to keep its growth under control. Furthermore, with funding from the Power III Project, UEB installed three trash booms and constructed a cement road to ensure safe removal of the water hyacinth by trucks. Hence, the water hyacinth will not be a threat to the operations at Owen Falls if control continues. 3  To the extent necessary, the EMP will also provide for the monitoring of mitigation measures regarding landscaping downstream of the old dam and buttressing of the old dam upstream originally planned under the Power III Project. NEMA asked that these mitigation measures be considered under the proposed project in the event that no funding is available under the Power III Project. The total cost of the EMP is estimated at $237,000. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS Environmental Monitoring Plan 1. Envirornental management at UEB in general, including the facilities at Owens Falls, needs to be institutionalized and strengthened. Currently, aspects of environmental management are being undertaken by individual senior officials without coherent or coordinated efforts within UEB. It is recommended that UEB, in cooperation with FIRRI, DWD and WRAP implement the proposed environmental monitoring plan. Capacity building 2. To ensure effective implementation of the environmental monitoring plan, it is recommended that UEB hire an Environmental Officer who will be responsible for the implementation of the environmental monitoring plan. Mitigation measures 3. It is recommended that a decommissioning plan be developed under the proposed project. It is also recommended that mitigation measures originally to be implemented under Power III be considered under the proposed project if funding is not available under the ongoing operation. 4  1.0 INTRODUCTION It is the goal of the Government of Uganda (GOU), to develop the country's large hydro power sources through Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Based on the current status, the first IPP plant (Bujagali) will not be operational until around the year 2005. In addition, the Energy for Rural Transformation project aims at improving rural non-farm incomes and to develop Uganda's indigenous renewable energy sources. A Privatization and Utility Sector Reform Project intends to improve the quality, coverage and economic efficiency of commercial and utility services through privatization, private participation in infrastructure, and an improved regulatory framework. To meet the growing demand in the meantime, the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) is in the process of adding a new hydroelectric generation plant, known as the Owen Falls Extension, adjacent to, but not connected to the existing Owen Falls plant. The extension consists of several phases: The first phase constitutes the ongoing Power III Project (construction of the new extension dam, power house, diversion canal, civil works for generating units 11-15, installation of 80 MW of generating capacity through units 11 and 12); it is expected to be commissioned in mid-2000, and to increase total installed system capacity to 260 MW. The second phase (unit 13) will be financed by SIDA and NORAD, and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2002, increasing installed capacity to 300 MW. Analyses indicate that even after commissioning of units 11-13 at the Owens Falls Extension, the system will not be able to balance demand and supply - the deficit at peak times is estimated to be 50-60 MW in 2002. Since it is possible to install two additional units (14 and 15) at the Owen Falls Extension facility with a short lead time, the Government has requested IDA to finance the third extension. Acceleration of the installation of these units would provide additional capacity of 80 MW by 2003, thus significantly reducing the need for load shedding before the first IPP comes on-power in 2005. It is this third extension that will be financed under the proposed project, Power IV. The environmental analysis conducted by the consultant in April 1999, has been reviewed and revised to reflect the findings of a World Bank pre-appraisal mission in June 2000. 2.0 STATUTORY FRAMEWORK In 1994, the government prepared the National Enviromnent Management Policy for Uganda to address the serious environmental degradation of the nation's natural resource base. In 1995, the government passed into law the statute supplement No.3, the National Environment Statute, as a legislative instrument defining the regulatory framework for environmental management for the country. The statute established and empowered a nationwide institutional arrangement to ensure proper environmental management in Uganda. In order to provide a policy strategy for integrating environmental concerns into the national socio- economic development planning process, the government, in collaboration with its donor partners, completed the country's National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) in June 1995. The NEAP is to provide: * comprehensive and coordinated environmental policy and legislation, combined with removing institutional conflicts and rivalry; * effective cooperation and coordination within and outside of government; and * tools for addressing the inadequate information on the environrment and natural resources. 5  The NEAP indicated that Uganda's hydro-electric potential is estimated at 3000 MW although only approximately 156 MW have been exploited. Despite this iimmense potential, hydro-electricity constitutes only about 1% of total energy consumption. Most of the power - 150 MW- is generated at the Owen Falls Power Station, while the rest is derived mainly from mini-hydro power stations. Under section 18 of the Statute, the National Enviromnent Management Authority (NEMA) was to be set up and to prepare the NEAP to be reviewed every five years or for lesser periods if considered appropriate. Therefore, NEMA was created in 1996 as the national agency responsible for the overall management of the environment. NEMA was also charged with the responsibility to oversee, coordinate and supervise the operationalization of the environmental impact assessment process in Uganda, while their actual implementation will be the responsibility of the relevant line ministries, the private sector, non- governmental organizations, and the general public. The Statute further provided that NEMA should develop guidelines for environmental impact assessment on proposed actions which may affect the country's natural and social environment. Therefore, in 1997, NEMA developed Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment in Uganda, and has been responsible for integrating environmental considerations into sectoral planning, project and policy formulation. In 1998, NEMA developed Guidelines for the Integration of Environmental Considerations into Sectoral Planning, Project and Policy Fortnulation in Uganda which require that the environmental impact assessment process examines the likely environmental impacts of proposed plans, policies and projects at their conception, planning, design, and implementation levels. In May 1998, Statutory Instruments Supplement No. 8 was enacted by the government as the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. This statutory supplement addresses: arrangement of regulations and definitions for environmental impact studies and statement; review process of the environmental impact statement (EIS); decision of the executive director on EIS; access to EIA reports and information; post-assessment environmental audits; and miscellaneous provisions. To-date, Uganda has made considerable progress in integrating environrnental concerns into private sector plans, programs and development actions mainly through the operationalization of the EIA requirements in the National Environment Statute. However, integration of environmental considerations into public sector plans, projects, and policies has not been very successful primarily due to a lack of capacity building of trained environmental specialists to follow-up on monitoring activities going on in the country. 3.0 OBJECTIVES The objectives of this environrmental analysis are to: Examine the environmental, social, and ecological factors which may be affected by the proposed extension of the Owen Falls hydro power resources under Power IV; Review and evaluate the ongoing activities under Power III; * Develop an Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP). 4.0 METHODOLOGY The consultant conducted an environmental analysis in conformity with the World Bank's Safeguard Policies for Environmnental Assessment, OP/BP/GP 4.01 and the Environmental Guidelines and Policies of Uganda. He spent three weeks in Uganda from April - May, 1999, for data collection, consultation with officers of UEB, and relevant authorities in the public and private sectors, including NEMA. Extensive 6  reconnaissance surveys of the Owen Falls watershed and the surrounding environs which included locations along the Lake Victoria were conducted. Studies were carried out on the proliferation and effects of the water hyacinth and water lettuce in the general area, and the corresponding environmental impacts. The hydrology of the area was evaluated to determine the effect on existing and predicted land use in the Victoria Nile watershed, between Lake Victoria and Lake Albert, and on the functioning of the dam with respect to the Power III and IV extension activities. The environmental analysis also included: identifying and reviewing legislation and regulations affecting environmental issues; determining the possibility of significant problems; evaluating useful indicators of environmental impacts; assessing the need for capacity building and training; consulting with interested and affected people and incorporating their knowledge and preferences into environmental decisions; identifying opportunities for positive environmental actions; and developing an environmental management plan. In June 2000, a World Bank pre-appraisal mission visited the Owen Falls Extension. The mission noted that the water hyacinth had almost disappeared, three trash booms had been installed, and a concrete surfaced road had been constructed at Rippon Falls to ensure safe removal of the harvested water hyacinth by trucks. Water hyacinth harvesting equipment was available at UEB. To ensure safe and reliable power operations under the proposed project, an Environmental Monitoring Plan has been prepared and discussed with NEMA, FIRRI, and the Government of Uganda. 5.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project will address issues related to sector reform, electricity supply increase, Lake Victoria outflow regulation, and petroleum sector monitoring. Progress in preparing the proposed project will be linked to the implementation of the sector reform and privatization program. Together with the proposed Privatization and Utility Reform project, the proposed project would assist in implementing the agreed reforns and finance the activities needed to further the privatization process. The project would also support the setting up of the legal and regulatory framework, in particular, technical assistance to the regulatory body. Upon sustainable progress on sector reform and UEB's privatization, the project will install units 14 and 15 at the Owens Falls Extension to provide up to 80 MW in additional installed capacity by 2003. 'jhe increase in generation capacity will be supplemented by energy efficiency measures, including ongoing non-technical loss reduction and improved billings and collections. The project will also finance the required studies to provide the government with information on the merits of the regulation of Lake Victoria outflows to Uganda and the downstream riparians, as well as technical assistance for petroleum sector monitoring and regulatory functions. 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The hydrology and the impact of the water hyacinth were considered to be of major environmental significance. Therefore, these two elements were evaluated by the consultant to determine their impact on the environment as a result of the extension activities at Owen Falls dam in Uganda. 6.1 Hydrology Hydrological and meteorological data have been recorded continuously at Jinja and at other sites in the Lake Victoria watershed since the beginning of the century. Data have been more reliable since the 7  construction of the Owen Falls dam, providing over 35 years of reliable hydrological records. The data on the watershed of the Victoria Nile has been extensive, resulting in a compilation and review of lake outflow, lake level, and basin rainfall data sets. The hydrology of the basin is dominated by a delicate balance between evaporation and rainfall over Lake Victoria. The net annual evaporation from the lake is of the same order of magnitude as the annual rainfall over the lake surface. The lake outflow, now controlled at Owen Falls, is of the same order of magnitude as the runoff from the drainage basin. A review was done on the reference hydrology consisting of a lake inflow data set. No new data collection was required. Since the generating station at Owen Falls was completed, the lake has fluctuated at a mean level about I m higher than the previous stable lake level. The existing discharge agreements with riparian states will not produce changes in downstream hydrology as a result of the Owen Falls extensions, however, only a monitoring program will be able to ascertain this condition. It is possible that downstream hydrology will be marginally modified seasonally but not in respect to overall annual discharges. The effect of this modification will be limited only to the river portion above Lake Kyoga and will be unchanged for the remaining downstream portions of the Nile River. Whether downstream flooding will occur due to the extension activities can only be determined through a monitoring program. In general, it is expected that no significant effects on downstream flooding will occur. 6.2 Lake Level Regulation The lake is currently regulated by an operating policy which is intended to emulate the natural regulation of the lake which occurred prior to the start of construction at Owen Falls in 1951. The outflow volume is balanced monthly, based on the recorded lake level at Jinja. With this method of operation, the lake outflow is a function of the lake level. Therefore, as the lake level data vary, the outflow data vary. Prior to the development.of Owen Falls, the mean flow of the Victoria Nile was determined on the basis of the estimated natural Ripon Falls rating curve, to be about 660 cubic meters per second. The mean flow of the Victoria Nile since 1961 has been determined to be about 1200 cubic meters per second on the basis of the rating curves for Owen Falls sluices and turbines. This higher mean flow has now persisted for almost 30 years. The data of inflow available for outflow (IAO) over the period of record constitute the effects of rainfall, tributary runoff and evaporation. IAO data suggests that in the future, the lake level will fluctuate at an equilibrium level consistent with the hydrology of the past 30 years, i.e. a level of about 12.2m at the Jinja gauge. It is important to appreciate that any trend in the lake level and outflow data does not also imply a trend in the inflow to the lake, but rather only a long-term change of accumulated storage. High inflow periods result in a rapid increase in the lake level because the available inflow is greater than the outflow required under the current operating policy. This accumulated storage is subsequently released over several years once the inflow has entered the next low period. That is, low periods in the lake level lag behind low periods of inflow by several years (Acres Int., 1990). In 1998, the Directorate of Water Development (DWD) developed a simulation model. Through this model the impacts of alternative regulation rules were assessed. The model represented Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert, and included provision for calculation of hydropower production at Own Falls Dam and the proposed new power stations to be developed downstream (i.e. Bujagali, Kamdini, Kalagala, Ayago and 8  Murchison). The model was used to determine the impact that alternative regulation policies would have had on historic flows, assuming the developments were in place. A total of six rules were investigated, the underlying principle behind all these rules is to maintain the lake levels as high as possible, thereby ensuring reliable high discharges from the lake and hence guaranteeing higher firm power for both short- and long-term planning. The results from the modeling indicated that regulation of Lake Victoria has no detrimental impacts on the lake levels, and that regulation can be constrained to ensure that the levels are within the historical limits. The conclusion from the modeling exercise showed that Lake Victoria regulation has no significant impacts on the levels and discharges for Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga. There is a high probability that there would be non- interference in the Nile flow at the Uganda-Sudan border which could be an issue of concern to the downstream countries. 6.3 Water Hyacinth Water hyacinth is the world's worst aquatic weed. It originated in the Amazon basin and has spread to every continent in the past 100 years. The weed has several deleterious effects. It disrupts water transport and fishing. It seriously depletes aquatic biodiversity (including fish stocks) and affects water chemistry, and it harbors disease vectors (e.g. bilharzia small vectors) and snakes. Water hyacinth is hardy, quick growing, and seeds can remain alive in the mud of a lagoon or lake for up to 17 years, clogging water ways that eventually become impenetrable. Using herbicides to control this weed would be ecologically disastrous, uneconomical, and have only short-term effect. The only solution is to find a natural biological enemy. The water hyacinth first appeared on Kenya's Lake Naivasha in 1982, and entered Lake Victoria in 1988. On the lake, winds and currents sweep the water hyacinth north out of Tanzanian waters towards the Ugandan and Kenyan shorelines. It is the Ugandan economy that has been most severely affected. The water hyacinth plays havoc with the country's water and electricity supplies. For example, if the weed blocks the pipes carrying cooling water to the transformers at the Owen Falls Dam, the transformers must be shut down before they overheat. When that occurs, residents in Kampala and Entebbe will not have running water and electricity for days. Also, the rotting water hyacinths provide a perfect habitat for mosquitoes, snails, and snakes which lead to health workers reporting increased incidents of malaria, bilharzia, and snake bites in lakeside villages in recent years. In 1993, the government imported 600 each of two weevil species that feed exclusively on water hyacinth in the Amazon and began mass rearing them. After tests had shown that they did not eat any of the major food crops or other local plants, they were released at several test sites. Although the bugs will not wipe out the water hyacinth, they will help to check their growth and may create some kind of ecological balance. By 1998, the two species of weevils, together with the effects of the wind, the lake's water currents, water level, and water temperature, have succeeded in reducing the hyacinth proliferation by 75% to 80%. When the pre-appraisal mission visited Owen Falls in June 2000, the water hyacinth had almost disappeared. UEB had purchased and installed three trash booms. UEB had also constructed a concrete surfaced road at Rippon Falls to ensure that the trucks can safely transport the harvested water hyacinth. UEB has access to water hyacinth harvesting equipment on its premises. Additional harvesting equipment is available in Port Bell and Kagera; two additional units will be purchased for Lake Victoria by the end of this year. This equipment was considered as sufficient by the Ugandans to keep the water hyacinth at current levels for the next 4-5 years. 9  7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FROM POWER III The main conclusions from the environmental analysis conducted under Power III in 1986, and an on- site review in 1990, were that extending hydroelectric generation at the existing Owen Falls was the most environmentally sound option for power development in Uganda, provided that the environmental problems were limited to (i) safe disposal of approximately 1.5 million cubic meters of excavated material; (ii) resettlement of an estimated 25 families; (iii) compensation for agricultural crops and land; and (iv) sediment control during the construction period. The implementation of the Power III project required demolition or removal, and subsequent rebuilding of a small police headquarters building and associated staff housing. The small population requiring relocation did not require an elaborate resettlement plan since land was available nearby and equitable replacement of housing did not become a major issue. UEB was to carry out compensation for lost agricultural lands according to existing Ugandan law. The compensation was to be made for the value of land lost as well as for the value of crops in place which were lost. A monitoring program for the perimeter of Lake Victoria was recommended in order to regulate lake levels by the riparian nations. The program was supposed to collect baseline data of riparian uses including fishing patterns and fish spawning sites. At the time the environmental analysis for Power III was conducted, there were no environmental policies or legislation which mandated environmental assessment for public or private projects. Also, at that time the governmnent was in the process of defining and enacting comprehensive environmental protection legislation that led to the formulation of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). In addition, Makerere Institute of Environment and Natural Resources was conducting a re view of environmental policies and legislation that would lead to a defined environmental assessment mechanism in the country. The environmental and health impacts identified with the Power III extension were as follows: X the reduced lake level fluctuation could provide a better habitat for the water hyacinth and water lettuce at the lake margins. However, it was thought that the project will not improve or increase suitable habitats for the water weeds within the Victoria Nile. Therefore, it was suggested that UEB nevertheless put boom attachments to the power canal intake and the existing intakes to stop large mats of water weeds which could proliferate in Lake Victoria and enter the Victoria Nile; * the retention time of water in the power channel was minimal and would not cause changes in water quality due to eutrophication or contamination from industrial sources. Also, the passage of water through the turbines would cause some temporary de-oxygenation which could be quickly corrected in the turbulent rapids immediately below the tail race; * there is no reservoir for the project other than the natural reservoir of Lake Victoria, therefore, the project would not alter the natural cycles within the lake, thereby increasing the anaerobic decomposition; * permanent land loss due to the extension was estimated at 20 hectares of small holder garden plots and living space which would be used during the excavation of the power channel; * the project was expected to mitigate malaria infections by providing prohylaxis and treatment for the labor force. Also, the project was not likely to increase the turbulent water habitat of the blackfly vector of onchocerciasis (river blindness). However, there was potential for increased exposure to both malaria and onchocerciasis due to the incoming work force necessary for the construction; * it was noted that if care was taken to eliminate standing water within the construction compound, Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) was not going to be an important health factor. The risk and exposure to venereal diseases and AIDS had the probability of increasing with the construction force and the population of Jinja unless precautionary measures were encouraged by an active health education program. 10  7.1 Evaluation of Environmental Assessment for Power III and Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures: The mitigation measures suggested under Power III have been carried out. These measures included the safe disposal of approximately 1.5 million cubic meters of excavated material, sediment control during the construction period, resettlement of an estimated 25 families, and compensation for agricultural crops and land. Demolition of a small police headquarters building and its associated staff housing have been carried out with relocation to improved facilities. Mitigation measures have also been successful with respect to the appropriation of land for handling activities, such as earth moving and trucking, concrete making areas and completion of land spaces for substations for Units 11 and 12. The construction of the power canal is almost complete. Permanent land losses due to Power III are limited to approximately 20 hectares of small holder garden plots and living space taken by the construction of the canal. A few hectares are being used temporarily for construction activities which should be restored when all construction has been completed. UEB has taken care of the resettlement issues. The water hyacinth control and eradication have been conducted by UEB through mechanical removal by harvesters. Under Power III, UEB designed three boom attachments that were placed at the power canal entrance; near the newly constructed generating units; and far upstream to intercept the water hyacinths before reaching the existing dam. Monitoring of the health of the workers did not take place, and there was no evidence of collaboration between UEB and the Ministry of Health regarding the implementation of a black fly control program during the construction period as a means of protecting the labor force. Evaluation: Thus, implementation of the Power III Project was successful. The major construction activities, including safe disposal of excavated material, have been carried out successfully. Sediment control during the construction period has been modestly successful. Resettlement of displaced persons were carried out, and a police headquarters building and its associated staff housing have been rebuilt. Land used for construction purposes and the area affected by resettlement was limited to the canal area and the actual power plant area. No elaborate resettlement plan was required for the small number of people requiring relocation since land was available nearby and equitable replacement of housing did not become a major issue. UEB compensated for lost agricultural lands according to existing Ugandan Law and compensation was made for the value of crops in place that were lost. However, no monitoring program has been put in place, and there is no environmental management planning that has been instituted to coordinate activities that impact the environment. Hence, it is not possible to assess the medium- and long-term environmental impacts due to Power III construction activities such as the effects on downstream fish spawning areas and the water management in the Victoria Nile watershed. In discussions with NEMA, the pre-appraisal mission learned that the environmental assessment for Power III had also included the buttressing of the old dam upstream which involves reinforcement of the island. NEMA was concerned that the island is not strong enough to withstand the currents of the river. This activity has not been completed because the contractor ran out of materials. NEMA further proposed to consider landscaping which involves terracing of the shoreline downstream of the old dam to reduce soil 11  -erosion and run-off; the current slope is too steep. If these mitigation measures cannot be accommodated under Power III, NEMA asked that they be included under the proposed project 8.0 PROBABLE IMPACTS OF POWER IV AND MITIGATION MEASURES Probable impacts: Since most of the construction activities of Power IV are embedded in the concrete works of the generating units, there will be no environrmental impacts such as mosquito breeding due to the installation of units 14 and 15. The water hyacinth is currently under control and three trash booms have been installed. The proposed environmental monitoring plan includes monitoring of the potential resurgence of the water hyacinth. No additional mitigation measures are proposed under Power IV in this regard other than a continuation of mechanical harvesting as and when necessary. However, as the proposed project will take over the temporary infrastructure used for construction under Power III, a decommissioning plan (including restoration of the area) for this temporary infrastructure as well as additional infrastructure acquired under Power IV will be required under the proposed project. This is a requirement under current Ugandan law. Transferring the use of facilities from Power III to Power IV will eliminate any negative environmental impacts due to the demobilization and remobilization of construction contractors to the site, and minimize the risks associated with construction and rehabilitation services. An environmental monitoring plan has been proposed and discussed with NEMA, FIRRI and the Government of Uganda. This plan will include monitoring of the implementation of the decommissioning plan, including restoration of the project area, as well as water quality and quantity, biology and ecology of fish populations, shoreline stability, silt removal, and limnological sampling. Mitigation measures: Most of the construction activities for Power IV regarding the installation of generating units 14 and 15 are embedded and therefore do not require mitigation measures. Three trash booms (one floating boom before the intake structures; one safety boom at the entrance to the power canal, and one water hyacinth boom at the old Rippon Falls which is considered the first line of defense against the water hyacinth) have been installed under Power III and are effective. The decommissioning plan will ensure the safe removal of temporary infrastructure and the restoration of the construction area will return the project area to its original state, that is, prior to construction activities for Power III and Power IV. An environmental audit will assess the extent of environmental liabilities and identify potential social impacts, propose appropriately costed remediation measures as well as effective institutional arrangements for the implementation of the remediation plan. If possible, mitigation measures concerning landscaping downstream of the old dam and buttressing of the old dam upstream will be implemented under Power III; if not, it is proposed to implement these under the proposed project. 9.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN To ensure safe and reliable power production, an environmental monitoring plan has been proposed. It will focus on the following areas: * Monitoring of the quantity of surface water at points downstream of the Power IV dam and downstream at the outlet of Lake Kyoga; * Monitoring of the biology and ecology of the fish population upstream and downstream as well as in the new canal area; 12  e Monitoring of the stability of the shoreline immediately downstream of the new dam at the tail race area on the Eastern Bank; * Silt removal from storm drains by installing interceptors in drains and through regular cleaning; * Monitoring of water quality (turbidity, phosphate content, nitrate concentration, hydrogen sulfide, methane generation behind the dam, dissolved oxygen, temperature profiles, suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand); * Limnological sampling of micro-flora, aquatic weeds and benthic organisms, and vegetation changes; and; * Monitoring of the implementation of the decommissioning plan, including restoration of the project area. 9.1 Capacity Building In order to implement the environmental monitoring plan effectively, it is recommended that a junior environmental officer be recruited by UEB and assigned to the Power IV project. This environmental officer would be responsible for the implementation of the monitoring plan, including the preparation of quarterly reports of the monitoring activities. As issues arise from the information contained in the quarterly reports, UEB will convene meetings with NEMA, FIRRI, DWD, and local authorities to discuss the monitoring results and to decide on follow-up measures as appropriate. NEMA has the necessary financial and human resources to monitor the implementation of the monitoring plan and the mitigation measures. 9.2 Cost Estimates for the Monitoring Plan The implementation of the various components of the Monitoring Plan would cost $237,000. The breakdown is as follows: * Monitoring of the quantity of surface water (DWD/UEB) No cost * Monitoring of the biology .and ecology of the fish population (FIRRI) $ 40,000 * Monitoring of the shoreline stability (UEB) No cost * Monitoring of silt removal from storm water channels (UEB) No cost * Monitoring of water quality (UEB/WRAP) $ 10,000 * Limnological sampling (FIRRI) $ 5,000 * Decommissioning plan (estimate) $ 50,000 * Recruitment of an Environmental Officer $ 72,000 . Meetings to discuss quarterly reports (UEB) No cost * Landscaping at old dam (estimate) $ 50,000 Buttressing at old dam (estimate) $ 10,000 Total $237,000 10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS Environmental Monitoring Plan 1. Environmental management at UEB in general, including the facilities at the Owen Falls, needs to be institutionalized and strengthened. Currently, aspects of environmental management are being undertaken by individual senior officials without coherent or coordinated effort within UEB. It is recommended that UEB, in cooperation with FIRRI, DWD and WRAP implement the proposed environmental monitoring plan. 13  Capacity Building 2. To ensure effective implementation of the environmental monitoring plan, it is recommended that UEB hire an Environmental Officer who will be responsible for the implementation of the environmental monitoring plan. Mitigation Measures 3. It is recommended that a decommissioning plan (including restoration of the area) be developed under Power IV as discussed earlier in this report. It is also recommended that mitigation measures originally to be implemented under Power III be considered under the proposed project if funding is not available under the ongoing operation. 14  11.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS CAS Country Assistance Strategy CBO Community Based Organization DEC District Environmental Committee DRIC Divestiture Reform Implementation Committee DWD Directorate of Water Development EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMP Environmental Management Plan FIRRI Fisheries Resources Research Institute GIS Geographical Information System GOU Government of Uganda IAO Inflow Available for Outflow IAO IPP Independent Power Producers OD Operational Directives NARD National Agricultural Research Organization NEAP National Environmental Action Plan NEMA National Environment Management Authority NGO Non Governmental Organization PDF Project Development Fund STD Sexually Transmitted Diseases UEB Uganda Electricity Board UJNEP United Nations Environmental Programme WMP Water Management Plan WRAP Water Resources Assessment Program 15   12.0 REFERENCES A New Macmillan Social Studies Atlas for Uganda (1998 Edition): National Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education and Macmillan Education Ltd., ISBN 0-333-72329-5, Kampala, Uganda, 65pp Assessment of Hydroelectric Generation Alternatives - Uganda (1999) Acres International Ltd. in Association with Kagga & Partners Ltd., Information Paper #: P 12603.05.07, an IFC Publication, Washington, D.C. Caring for our Environment - A Handbook for Local Leaders in Uganda (1998): National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Conjunction with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), Kampala, Uganda, 45pp Environmental Audits (1996): Authored by Lawrence B. Cahill, 7' Edition, Government Institutes, Rockville, Maryland, 727pp Environmental Management and Business Strategy: Leadership Skills for the 21" Century (1999): Authored by B.W. Piasecki, K. A. Fletcher, and F. J. Mendelson; John Wiley & Sons, New York 348pp Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment in Uganda (July, 1997) National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kampala, Uganda, 63pp Guidelines for the Integration of Environmental Considerations into Sectorial Planning, Project and Policy Formulation in Uganda (January, 1998): National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kampala, Uganda, 20pp Input from Hydrology Section: Annual (Year) Book of Directorate of Water Development (DWD) (April, 1999):, Ministry of Water, Lands & Environment, Entebbe, Uganda. A Draft Report. Office Memorandum: Uganda Power IV Project, Environmental Information Memorandum (December, 1998): The World Bank, Africa Environment, Serigne Omar Fye, AFTEI, Washington, D.C., 5pp Power Development Study of the Uganda Electricity System (March, 1986): Environmental Impact Assessment, Volume 3 - Baseline Studies Report, Prepared by W.S. Atkins & Partners, Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners and Kennedy & Donkin, England, II0pp Project Concept Document, Uganda Power IV (1998): The World Bank, Africa AFC04, Paivi Koljonen - Task Team Leader, Washington, D.C., 20pp Proposed Extension to Owen Falls Generating Station, Feasibility Study Report (October, 1990) Acres International Ltd., Ontario, Canada., Technical Report, Volume 2. Proposed Extension to Owen Falls Generating Station, Feasibility Study Report (October, 1990) Acres International Ltd., Ontario, Canada, Appendixes - Volume 3. Proposed Extension to Owen Falls Generating Station, Feasibility Study Report. Addendum on Provision of Spillway (May, 1991): Acres International Ltd., Ontario, Canada The Battle for Lake Victoria (May, 1999): Published by Vicki Butler in MSAFIRI, 16  the Inflight Magazine for Kenya Airways, Issue 27 May-June 1999, pp 72-74. The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (May, 1998) Uganda Government Gazette No. 28, Vol. XCI, Statutory instruments Supplement No. 8, Entebbe, Uganda, 71 pp The National Environment Action Plan for Uganda (Dune, 1995) National Environment Action Plan Secretariat, Ministry of Natural Resources, Kampala, Uganda 154pp The National Environment Management Policy for Uganda (January, 1994) National Environment Action Plan Secretariat, Ministry of Natural Resources, Kampala, Uganda, 48pp The National Environment Statute (May, 1995): Uganda Government Gazette No. 21, Vol. LXXXVIII, Statute Supplement No. 3, Entebbe, Uganda, 83pp Uganda Districts Information Handbook (1997/98 Edition) Compiled by Mugisha Odrek Rwabwoogo, Fountain Publishers, ISBN 9970 02 030 7; Kampala, Uganda, 134pp UEB Newsletter Cover Story (March, 1999) Article by L. Zeisel, Owen Falls Extension Project Manager, Volume 1, No. 4, Spp Uganda Third Power Project: Staff Appraisal Report (May, 1991) The World Bank, Industry and Energy Division, Eastern Africa Dept., Africa Region, Washington, D,C., Report #: 9153-UG, 97pp Web Site on Water Hyacinth: Killer Water Weeds (April, 1999) Contact - Mic Julien, CSIRO Long Pocket Laboratory, Meiers Road, Private bag No. 3, Indooroopilly 4068, Australia 17  13. PERSONS CONTACTED Discussions and interviews were conducted with the persons contacted in Uganda, and the information formed the background for the environmental analysis carried out on the Owen Falls Dam extension activities for Power III and the proposed extension for Power IV. C. K. Amooti Physical Planner/Geographer, Physical Planning Department, Min. of Water, Lands & Environment, Kampala Dr. John S. Balirwa, Senior Aquatic Ecologist, Fisheries Research Institute (FIRI), National Agriculture Research Organization, Jinja Jacky K. Banks, Director, Expediters International Limited, Nairobi, Kenya Paul Baringanire, Principal Projects Officer, UEB, Kampala John Beardsworth, Legal Specialist, Hunton & Williams, Richmond, USA Nick Di. Domenico, Financial Analyst, Hunton & Williams, Toronto, Canada Dr. F.W.B. Bugenyi, Director, Fisheries Research Institute (FIRI), National Agriculture Research Organization, Jinja Charles Sebukeera, Director, Information and Monitoring, National Environment Management Authority Andrew Othieno, Environmental Audits and Monitoring Officer, National Environment Management Authority Justin Ecaat EIA Specialist, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kampala R.R. Grania, Manager Projects Coordination, UEB, Kampala Patrick Kahangire, Director, Directorate of Water Development, Min. of Water, Lands & Environment, Kampala K.R. Karekaho, General Manager Projects, UEB, Kampala W. F. Kyosingira, Ag. Principal Hydrologist, Directorate of Water Development, Min. of Water, Lands & Environment, Entebbe Fred Kimaite, Hydrologist, Directorate of Water Development, Entebbe Paul J. Mare Managing Director, UEB, Kampala E.K. Mbyetsiza, Assist. Commissioner, Survey and Mapping Division, Entebbe Esther Mulyagonja, Legal Officer and Secretary to the Board, UEB, Kampala Dr. P.K. Mwesigye, Director, Enviro & Industrial Consult (U) Ltd., Makerere Univ. Sauya Nakafu, Secretary, Office of General Manager Projects, UEB, Kampala Semitala Norbert, Senior Projects Engineer, UEB, Kampala 18  Lucas Ojiambo, Economist, The World Bank, Nairobi, Kenya Lawrence Okello, G.I.S. Specialist, Directorate of Water Development, Entebbe Grace Onyut, Personal Secretary, Owen Falls Dam, UEB, Jinja Albert Sekandi, Commissioner, Physical Planning, Land Use, Min. of Water, Lands & Environment, Kampala Rakesh Sharma, Group General Manager, Speke Hotel, Kampala Mike Taylor, Resident Manager, Acres International, Jinja Ladislaus Zeisel, Project manager Power III, UEB, Owen Falls Dam, Jinja Sam Zimbe, Acting Managing Director Stephen Sekiranda, Research Scientist, Fisheries Research Institute (FIRI), National Agricultural Research Organization, Jinja 19