Cambodia - Rural Investment and Local Governance Project (Vol. 1 of 6) : Environmental analysis & sub-project review procedures

E671 Volume 1 KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA Rural Investment and Local Governance Project Environmental Analysis & Sub-project Review Procedures November 2002 DRAFT for Discussion  KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA Rural Investment and Local Governance Project Environmental Analysis & Sub-project Review Procedures INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to describe potential sub-project investments eligible for financing under the RILGP and to identify specific environmental concerns and possible mitigation measures associated with each investment type. The report describes the procedures for environmental planning, screening and sub-project EA expected to be used for different sub-project proposals. The RILGP will finance small scale village and commune level infrastructure throughout Cambodia. RIiLGP will involve about xxx communes in fifteen provinces nation-wide. Using national approaches, commune-level decision-makers will determine local priorities for investment, selecting from proposals prepared by village-level committees. Use of commune funds for investments will be limited to community infrastructure needs such as construction or improvement of tertiary roads, access tracks, bridges or culverts; improvement or repair of small imgation works; construction or improvement of public buildings such as schools, clinics, and community centers; and provision of or improvements to community water supply systems. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES The environmental issues associated with the vast majority of sub-project investments are not expected to be significant. Most investments are likely to involve rehabilitation of existing infrastructure which is in a dilapidated state or construction of new facilities which are very small in scope. To the extent that there would be any adverse effects, they will primarily be related to construction activities. Most adverse impacts will be highly localized (i.e., effects rarely more than 10-20 m. from the construction works), temporary in nature (i.e., expernenced during construction phase only) and easily mitigated through the application of sensible site selection criteria, good construction practices and diligent management practices in the operational phase. Based on Bank field evaluation of SEILA sites and discussions with SEILA implementation teams, similar sub-projects financed under the SEILA program in the past seem to have experienced few environmental problems. Still, some adverse impacts from small scale infrastructure sub-projects have been described at a few sites. While most activities will have limited effects, those that involve new physical works or changes in the sites of existing infrastructure could have some environmental implications. Notable examples are new road construction and the construction of new irrigation facilities. In these cases, local problems have been identified with respect to poor site selection decisions resulting in drainage problems, restricted flows in natural  water course, conversion of local habitat, and erosion problems during the operational phase following road construction. The potential for adverse impacts from any sub-project investment will ultimately depend on the magnitude of the specific investment type, the characteristics of the specific location, and in some cases the long term operations of the sub-project. Anticipated effects include dust and noise generated during construction; modifications to local drainage patterns; habitat loss from vegetation clearnng or drainage of wetland areas; erosion and increased sedimentation resulting in reduced water quality; and pollution resulting from inapproprnate disposal of construction waste materials. A more complete description of project types, environmental concerns, and possible management measures is presented below. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURES The project's basic approach to environmental review will be to fully integrate consideration of adverse impacts into the commune level program planning, design, construction procurement and operations. Based on a review of the proposed nationally approved commune planning guidelines, several key points in the overall decision process lend themselves to including environmental review. These are summarized below. KEY STEPS IN PLANNING PROCESS Planning Steps 1-3 Commune / Sangkat Data Assessment * Basic data gathering to support and verify Commune Needs Assessments * Outputs at this step include the production of lists of commune issues plus commune maps identifying environmentally sensitive areas and other development constraints Planning Step 4 * Identify priority goals environmental and NRM priorities * Identify alternative solutions and strategies Planning Step 5 andlO * Selection of specific sub-projects * Use of environmental site selection crnteria in feasibility analysis * Environmental Screening for new Roads and Irrigation Projects * EA prepared for new roads and new irrigation schemes The project will work closely within the commune councils during the planning phase to identify potential environmental problems. At the planning stage, emphasis will be placed on integrating environmental and natural resource education and awareness raising at the village level. During commune planning, emphasis will be placed on careful site selection for infrastructure to ensure that problems are avoided or minimized. Provincial and District Facilitation teams (PFT, DFI) will be expected to introduce and discuss  environmental issues during consideration of alternative investments with Commune Councils and individual villages as appropriate. DFT will be given training and standard reference materials to assist them in helping communes to identify environmental problems at the commune level and to set environmental goals within their commune development plans (see example of training module being tested during preparation phase.). The project will also adopt the use of sound and consistent application of technical design standards which address possible adverse effects of each sub-project type. The project will expect the provincial technical support service (TSS) teams responsible for individual sub-project designs to take into account environmental problems commonly encountered in specific infrastructure projects. As a first step, the SEILA Local Development Fund Technical Manual will be adopted as. the prnncipal technical guideline. This manual has proven useful and relevant under Cambodian field conditions and standardized technical designs are being developed and revised to take into account environmental concerns. The project will also require the inclusion of common-sense environmental clauses in all construction contracts. Contractors responsible for construction of proposed works will be expected to adhere to contract clauses with specific expected performance standards relating to environment protection. For most sub-projects this will simply mean that contractors have to adopt "good-housekeeping" measures to ensure erosion is controlled on-site and that waste materials are disposed of in appropriate manner. SEILA has included contractual clauses into recent contracts and this practice will be expected to be continued and expanded under the project. While such practice has already begun under LDF programs but its use is not widespread and supervision has been limited in the past. Finally, communes will be expected to adhere to good management practices during sub- project operations. These measures are expected to be simple, low cost and feasible under Cambodia field conditions. For example, communities would be expected to adopt community rules to prevent contamination of water wells and to undertake periodic monitoring to ensure that water quality is maintained in wells. The project as a whole will develop and refine guidance and reference materials which identify common risks and possible mitigation measures suitable for these small-scale projects. SUB-PROJECTS REQUIRING ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING For the majority of sub-projects, formal environment screening and elaborate site specific management plans will not be required. However, there will be situations where communities identify sub-projects which are more substantial in nature and may involve new construction such as roads or irrigation infrastructure. For sub-projects involving new construction which may affect large areas or sensitive habitats, the TSS will conduct an environmental screening exercise to determine whether additional environmental analysis is required. The TSS screening will involve a sub-project specific checklist and will lead to one of three recommendations: no additional work required; a limited EA  required; or a comprehensive EA required. (A sample checklist for specific sub-projects is provided in Attachment) Projects requiring additional EA will be expected to either use the services of the Sr. TS or contract EA to a qualified consultant. For larger projects which require additional analysis and unique technical solution to site-specific problem a simple Environmental Management Plan (EMP) should be prepared. A sample format is provided in Attachment xx. The EMP will describe proposed mitigation measures and responsibilities for implementation. The project will develop mechanisms for monitoring effectiveness of the environmental review criteria and screening mechanisms. At a minimum, the project will require periodic stocktaking of the planning process and in addition efforts will be made to compare project results with other projects undertaking similar approaches. Monitoring of field implementation will be undertaken during supervision missions. Each provincial facilitation team (PFT) will be required to report on the overall effectiveness of the environmental aspects of the planning process on a periodic basis. PROJECTS REQUIRING STAND ALONE EA For new roads and irrigation system construction, a stand alone but limited EA will be required. Since the project financial resources for each sub-project will be low even new construction is likely to be very limited in its effects. Nevertheless, for these projects, the proponents will use of a standardized EIA format. An example of a limited EA format is provided below. Also attached is an example of proposed standard table for Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Monitoring Plan where necessary. These proposed formats are open to refinement and editorial changes through the project implementation period. For projects requiring stand alone EIA, it is expected that these reports will be completed at the technical design stage. The TSS will screen projects to determine if they need an EIA . In those cases, an EIA will be carried out by a competent independent technical specialist. It is proposed that the EA will be conducted either by the Senior Technical Specialist in each province or by a competent independent consultant retained by the project. The EIA reports would be presented to the Commune Councils to inform their decision making and project selection process. The Commune Councils will be responsible for making these reports available in a public place and for ensuring that issues raised in the EA are discuss in public forum before a final decision is made on whether to select the project or not. ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Commune Council As the principle decision making body for community investments, the Commune Council has the primary responsibility to ensure that all investment decisions are given due environmental consideration. The Commune Council is  responsible for ensuring that village residents are kept informed regarding possible environmental concerns relating to investment proposals. They should work closely with the DFT to ensure that information on possible impacts is made available in a timely manner to facilitate informed decision making. In addition they should closely monitor and assist the village committees in matters relating to environment. The commune councils will review and approve any environmental reports (as outlined above) prior to PRDC appraisal for any investment activities. Commune councils will also be responsible for reviewing contractor performance to ensure that any environmental clauses are adhered to and respond to any grievances submitted by adversely affected people. PFT/DFT The provincial and district facilitation teams will have an important role in advising communes on potential environmental implications of investment decisions. The DFT should will take a pro-active role in public awareness raising and education of commune council members about potential environmental problems. They will be responsible for advising the commune council on site selection criteria and they should assist the councils in their attempts to minimize adverse impacts. Technical Support Services (TSS) Teanms. The TSS will be responsible for ensuring that standard technical designs are applied at the field level. They should also take steps to ensure that site-specific measures to protect against environmental disturbance are included in project design. The Senior Technical Specialists will also be responsible for preparing initial environmental screening and preparation of environmental reviews for any proposed new construction or major rehabilitation of rural roads or imgation systems and for making recommendations on the need for more in-depth EA. In areas where the TSS does not have the ability to carry out environmental reviews, private consultants will be contracted to carry out such work on behalf of the TSS teams. DISCLOSURE AND CONSULTATION Disclosure of project safeguards documents and procedures will occur on several different levels. On the national level, significant consultation and debate over the Commune planning guidelines has taken place over the last several years. The environmental review criteria and requirements for environmental assessment, while recently added, are an integral part of the national planning procedures and will be subject to continuous review and refinement throughout the evolution of the SEILA program. At the project level disclosure of documents will use various mechanisms. The documents will be made available through the SEILA Task Force office in Phnom Penh and will be also made available through the PRDC of each participating province. A general public notification will be made in the both Khmer and English language media indicating where these documents would be available. A public review period of no less than 30 days will be given to allow interested stakeholders time to provide written feedback on the procedure to be followed under the project. Finally, the document will  be made available through the World Bank's information center in Phnom Penh as well as in the World Bank's Info Shop in Washington D.C. More importantly public disclosure and consultation is an integral part of the Commune planning process and public input will be solicited at numerous points in the overall planning process. Community leaders and other stakeholders will be given several opportunities to identify environmental issues in the commune, to influence the type, scale and location of sub-projects and to review EA reports in cases where these may be required. For sub-projects requiring a stand alone EA, consultation and disclosure of EA reports will take place at the commune level. It will be the responsibility of the commune council to post the EA reports in a public place prior to a final decision meeting on whether to undertake a particular sub-project. In addition, the EA report will be a required agenda item during the final decision meeting for any sub-project. PROVINCIAL NRM PLANNING TEAMS On a pilot basis the project would test the feasibility of establishing a provincial NRM Planning team(s). The role of these teams would be to assist communes in the identification and documentation of environmental values in the commune, to map the valuable natural resources, and to establish environmental planning objectives. The NRM planning teams would thus create a decision making framework for communes to evaluate specific proposals. DANIDA has identified this formulation of such teams as a prnority for their NRM program. In provinces where the DANIDA program is active they could support the project. In areas where these teams do not exist the project could further support the piloting for selected communes. This input would come at Step 1 in the Overall Planning process. FINANCING OF ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION ACTIONS For sub-projects requiring EIA or EMP the costs of preparing these studies or implementing the required management measures would be borne by the Commune Council. If mitigation measures beyond standardized designs are required then these costs would also be borne by the commune. WORLD BANK SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS The World Bank will undertake periodic project supervision of all RILGP provinces to assess compliance with these requirements and to recommend any corrective measures that may be necessary to resolve implementation problems or inadequacies. To facilitate Bank supervision, any approved EMIPs will be made available for Bank review at each PRDC. In addition, the World Bank has recommended that a periodic (annual) environmental audit be carried out to evaluate the utility of the procedures being implemented.  SUB-PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL SITING AND REVIEW CRITERIA For the majority of sub-projects, it is proposed that in place of a formal EIA, simple site selection criteria and technical design standards be adopted through the planning process. The project will prepare a manual which would provide specific guidance on the types of investments to be supported under the project; environmental implications of such projects; technical design considerations; sample construction contract clauses; and suggested management measures during operations. The PFT and DFT will use Khmer translations of these guidelines as a technical resource during the planning phase. Some examples of such reference materials are provided in the following sections. These examples would continue to be refined throughout the preparation phase of the project. The design is intended to be flexible allowing for easy modification and creation of new guidelines for different sub-project types.  EXAMPLE 1 BRIDGES AND SMALL RIVER CROSSINGS Project Activities. Small-scale bridge construction sub-projects may involve both permanent or temporary structures with a pier support structure or shore-to-shore suspension spans. Sub-projects may involve both rehabilitation or replacement of existing structures as well as new construction. Bridges supported by the project may be very small facilitating village track to road connections allowing low volume passages of tractors, bullock carts, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and small cars. Alternatively they may be more substantial structures designed to facilitate increased motor vehicle or truck traffic. Construction materials typically include poured reinforced concrete, steel support beams, wood, or combinations of these materials. Environmental Concerns. Environmental impacts associated with bridge construction usually involve disturbance to banks and streambeds to establish foundations. Erosion of stream-banks may adversely affect aquatic habitats and water quality locally and downstream. The use of heavy construction equipment in or near water bodies may result in inappropriate hazardous substance contamination from fuel, lubncants, and greases. In some cases ancillary works associated with bridges may involve bank stabilization with rip-rap, river training works, and dredging. Bridge construction may adopt measures which confine nver flow in order to protect the structure from future flood damage. These flow changes can lead to unexpected changes in stream flow velocity immediately downstream of the bridge. The most likely effects of such confinement is increased erosion downstream of the bndge. Depending on the site, dredge matenals may contain toxic or hazardous substance. In general, environmental concerns are only indirectly related to bridge length. More important factors include volume of excavation for foundation work; modifications to flow velocity and channel alignment, introduction of new or modified traffic patterns and increased traffic volumes leading to dust and noise concerns. In some cases, the increased access provide by bndges and other rural road development can encourage use by vehicles which exceed the capacity of the bridge leading to shortened life span and bndge failures. In some locations - and depending on the size of construction - bridges may become focal points for small markets and commercial enterprises. Such development is typically spontaneous and unplanned leading to traffic congestion, and pollution from increased commercial activity. These indirect effects may exceed the direct impacts of construction. Plar.ning and Site Selection Criteria * Identify and avoid environmental sensitive sites * Prefer suspension bridge design where feasible * Select site to minimize land acquisition * Evaluate foundation site stability  * Evaluate any pre-existing problems with existing bridges * Avoid sites where creation of stagnant pools may become a problem * Evaluate expected traffic / vehicle types Technical Design Considerations * Design by qualified engineer / architect with reference to standard designs * Design should incorporate adequate erosion control measures during construction and measures to reduce erosion post-construction phase; * Avoid sites which require changes to hydrological regime Construction Clauses * Construction by qualified and experiences contractors * Construction in dry season * Protection of streams from sediment runoff using erosion barriers * Ensure Protection during construction; erosion prevention using plastic fencing; re- vegetation or physical stabilization * Disposal of dredge spoil or excavation materials in designated sites. Direct dumping into streams should generally be avoided * Site restoration after construction, including re-vegetation of riverbanks, bank erosion control measures; * Ensure construction contracts have appropriate clauses addressing approprnate site management, spoil disposal, construction materials storage and disposal, * Cleanup of construction sites following construction * Proper signage / control of access to construction site safety Operations and Maintenance * Community monitoring and control of inappropriate traffic and usage  EXAMPLE 2 COMMUNITY BUILDINGS Project Activities. There are several types of village buildings that could be supported by the project and qualify as sub-projects. These include schools, health centers, stores, and community centers that act as meeting or gathering places. Work on these buildings may range from minor rehabilitation, rehabilitation with major construction, to new constructions. Environmental concerns. Concerns are generally greater with sub-projects that include major re-construction or dilapidated buildings or new construction on previous unutilized space. Conditions that differentiate between minor rehabilitation and major rehabilitation include the end use of the building being rehabilitated, the amount of demolition, and the involvement of any land cleanng. Environmental concerns generally include erosion control from land clearing, good housekeeping on construction sites, noise control, hazardous materials such as asbestos, safe building design, and clean water supply and sanitation. For minor rehabilitation, good management practices should be followed to reduce environmental impacts. Planning and Sitin' Criteria * Site new construction location away from natural habitat areas, fragile lands, or areas that contain threatened or endangered species * Minimize land allocated for new buildings * Limiting the number of trees cut for clearing the site location - i.e., only cut what is necessary. * Site sensitive buildings (schools, health clinics) away from roads where dust and noise would be significant concerns Technical Design Considerations * Adhere to predefined SEILA technical standards * Use qualified architect / engineer to design major structures * Provide proper water supply and sewage disposal on site * Use building materials at specified standards Construction Clauses * Require "good housekeeping" on all construction sites including storage of construction materials, * Ensure adequate worker sanitation * Undertake safety measures to control fire hazards * Carry out post-construction landscaping of construction site * Adopt on-site erosion control. * Control dust during construction * Construct works during normal business hours to minimize noise * Dispose of old building materials such as glass, asbestos in an appropriate manner  Operations Phase * Venfy that water supply and sanitation systems in schools and health centers are adequately maintained and remain operational * Confirm that disposal of any health center medical waste is done in a proper and sanitary manner  EXAMPLE 3 RURAL ROADS Project Activities. The RILGP could fund sub-projects to rehabilitate existing rural roads as well as construct new roads. These roads are small 3-5 m wide and are usually laterite surface. Most rural road subprojects will involve road rehabilitation rather than construction of new roads. Road projects may involve realignment, raising the road bed, provision of lateral and cross drainage, bridges and river crossings. Environmental concerns. Road rehabilitation or maintenance sub-projects do not usually result in significant environmental impacts because the ROW are typically small, traffic volumes are low and the existing ROW are usually followed. However, there are a number of concerns which should be taken into consideration when proposing rural roads rehabilitation sub-projects. Impacts from road rehabilitation may occur on-site during construction. For example, erosion along road alignment can be significant as well as at areas such as quarries where construction material is being obtained or transported. Impacts dunng operation can result from increased erosion, traffic safety, changes to air quality from dust. Impacts occurring during operation, such as noise nuisance and safety hazards, should be considered if road upgrading significantly changes traffic patterns. In many parts of Cambodia the composition of vehicle traffic is usually limited to small farm vehicles and motorcycles. Major concerns in new rural road construction are erosion and loss of habitat resulting from vegetation clearing. Construction during rainy season can leave soils exposed and can cause significant erosion. Dust from road construction and operation can damage crops or affect human and livestock health. In Cambodia, roads built on raised embankments can interfere with cross drainage and can impede the flow of water leading to changes in the local hydrology. In such cases roads have been known to exacerbate local flooding problems if adequate drainage is not taken into account. Environmental impacts of new construction include direct impacts at the road construction site and in the immediate environs of the right of way. Air and water pollution and noise, generally associated with highways, are not typically major problems in rural roads because traffic volumes are low. However, dust raised from the road and blown by vehicles pose a significant local nuisance and, under extreme prolonged conditions, possible health hazards. Damage to vegetation, crops and livestock nearby roads is also known to be problematic. If the road is paved, some water pollution can occur from chemicals carried away in runoff. Other possible sources of water pollution are chemicals applied along the roadside or on the right-of-way for the control of weeds or dust. Other sedimentation problems can also occur through slips and landslides in steeper areas where slope control measures have now been adopted. This can lead to serious sedimentation and siltation problems in nearby surface waters. With their greater potential for causing environmental problems, roads built in steep, humid zones will require higher standards and costs than roads on flatter low lying areas. In flatter areas of  Cambodia, for example, roads built on raised embankments interfere with cross drainage. Movement of water can permanently impair the biological cycles and productivity of the wetland ares and these roads can cause flooding of adjacent areas by blocking the flow of water and by increasing runoff. Siting of a road is the most critical decision in road construction. It will largely determine the type and magnitude of environmental and social impacts that will result from road construction. Once the area for the road is chosen, care must be taken to avoid constructing it on steep slopes, unstable soils and places where runoff and drainage will be problematic. Siting decisions typically involve consideration of baseline data on the climate, soil, topography, hydrology, biology/ ecology, and social factors of the sites proposed for construction. Maintenance of rural roads also poses several concerns. Maintenance costs are often underestimated and maintenance routines deficient, especially on low volume roads such as roads through lightly populated regions. Adequate road maintenance can be costly but is essential to avoid environmental problems and to ensure the expected economic returns. Overloading of trucks and buses is a chronic problem that should be taken into account in road design and maintenance. To the extent possible, road maintenance should be supported technically and financially by the provincial government, but carmed out by local authorities and the community. In those rare instances where a new road is to be built, especially in areas of undisturbed natural habitat, an environmental impacts assessment (EIA) will be required. New roads should be evaluated for their direct impacts and appropnate measures developed for mitigation and management of problems. In some situations an evaluation of possible indirect effects such as increased potential for illegal logging or spontaneous development should also be taken into account. Among other issues an EIA should evaluate the possible impact on existing terrestrial and aquatic habitats, erosion concerns, noise, air quality, siting of quarries and borrow pits and construction waste management issues. An EA for such projects should provide a map of the project area showing important sensitive areas; a mitigation plan; and a monitoring plan to be implemented during construction. Plannin,' and Siting Criteria * Limit the amount of construction undertaken in rainy season * Use existing alignment / limit * For new roads, consider several alternative alignments to minimize impacts * Evaluate potential for local drainage problems * Identify pre-existing problem areas of significant erosion and request special measures such as drainage or retaining walls * Avoid environmentally sensitive areas such as forest or wetlands Technical Design Considerations * Include appropriate lateral and cross drainage facilities along road alignment * Identify borrow pit areas in advance  Construction Clauses * Contractor to prepare brief environmental site management plan * Avoid construction in rainy season * Require use of sediment control fencing, or other suitable barriers, near all permanent water courses or residences which may be affected * Mitigate noise through agreed operating and construction hours * Post appropriate signage to ensure local safety during construction * Mitigate fugitive dust through period watering of road surface during construction * Require contractor to dispose of hazardous construction and waste materials in designated location according to agreed waste disposal plan * Contractor to ensure vehicles transporting road construction materials such as sand, topsoil etc. are covered with a tarp to avoid unnecessary dust and spillage; * Apply vegetative erosion control measures such as vetiver grass along road embankments close to permanent water sources * For quarries or borrow pits, contractor should specify location and site remediation measures such as landscaping and re-vegetation measures to be undertaken following completion of the site; * On-site compliance monitoring and supervision of road contractors Operations and Mainteniance * Ensure adequate financing for road maintenance * Local monitoring and control of inappropriate traffic * Periodic watering to control dust during dry season  EXAMPLE 4 VILLAGE WATER SUPPLY Project Activities. The project would finance village water supply sub-projects designed to provide reliable and safe drinking water to communities. These sub-projects may take on various designs including rain-water collection tanks, jars, ring wells, dnllled wells with pumps, and community ponds. The scale of these investments are typically very small. They are usually designed to serve the needs of a few families but could involve the provision of water supply for several families or even entire villages in some cases. Environmental Concerns. One of the most important environmental considerations with regard to water supply subprojects is avoiding well-water contamination and subsequent exposure to humans. Contamination poses direct human and animal health risks and will affect the long-term viability of the investment. During construction and operation of the wells measures need to be taken to prevent contamination from sedimentation, agricultural, livestock and human waste disposal. Once a well or pond is contaminated it not only affects the utility of the specific investment but may impact other downstream users as well. In wells and ponds, contamination usually results from inadequate care and attention to controlling contaminants from entering through the well or pond itself. Hand dug wells and open ponds are the most susceptible to contamination. Typical contaminants include: sediments entering the groundwater during construction of the well itself; sediment from erosion on the periphery of ponds; sediments entering through the well directly or from failure in the well casing; animal waste entering the water supply through uncontrolled livestock. Depending on the situation wells and ponds could also be contaminated from hazardous materials stored near the water supply or from agncultural runoff which introduces pesticides into the supply. Some typical sources of contamination within a small to medium sized village might include: storage of gasoline, diesel or other fuels; storage and application of manure, fertilizers and pesticides; poor quality surface water runoff from irrigation schemes; animal feeding pens; sewage disposal; open pits or quarries from previous construction activities; land clearance for agricultural or living quarters; small scale manufacturing or industrial activity (e.g. machine shop, animal slaughterhouse, vehicle repair etc.) Depending on the characteristics of the aquifer or surface water source, contamination may also come from sources far from the village itself. For systems designed to serve the needs of many individuals it is important that possible sources of contamination are identified during the planning stages. Measures should also be taken to determine the reliability and quality of water sources. For example, it is increasingly documented that arsenic in groundwater is becoming a more significant problem. In areas known to be prone to this type of contamination water quality testing is recommended. This is normally done through initial groundwater  assessment to determine the quality of water. For water supply projects it is desirable to carry out basic inventory to determine the possible sources of contamination within a village. Supervision of water supply projects should also be organized periodically. Testing of the water supply should be performed regularly to detect any contamination to the system, and this should be done in conjunction with periodic treatment. Hence, proper training of technicians is critical to ensure that adequate maintenance occurs. Planning and Sitin' Criteria * Conduct a simple community inventory of potential contamination sources (livestock; fertilizer/pesticide use; storage of hazardous materials; sedimentation from land use or construction projects) * Choose site for well or pond to avoid contamination sources; * Establish a wellhead or pond protection area within the village; * Educate families within the village on the importance of protecting the water supply source; * Establish some community guidelines for livestock near wells; * For systems designed for many households undertake basic water quality analysis * Visit other villages in area to determine the experiences with water supply; Technical Desi,-n Considerations. * Mark off protection area with fence; * Follow SEILA technical design manual * Use of better quality pumping equipment * Ensure proper drainage near pumping stations; * Ensure appropriate community participation in site selection; Construction Clauses * Select a qualified contractor to build the well; * Protection of vegetation during construction * Clean up after construction Operations and Maintenance * Establish a community water committee to oversee operations and supervise agreed management practices * Periodic review of water quality as per provincial monitoring program  Limited Environmental Assessment (LEA) Form Example for Rural Roads Please use short descriptions to respond to thefollowing issues: 1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED SUB-PROJECT 1.1 Subproject Objective, Location, and Expected Benefits Provide description of alignment, expected benefits, population served, expected traffic patterns, include a MAP showing location of proposed works in relation to existing infrastructure and important environmental resources 1.2 Sub-project Components and Activities Describe the expected project activities such as whether the project will involve a new alignment, significant upgrade to existing path or track, resurfacing, bridge building; Describe the type of road to be built and where the construction materials will come from. 1.3 Alternatives considered Describe alternative alignments considered or alternative ways to achieve the expected benefits 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 2.1 Describe the physical environment along the alignment Water Air Soil Describe any rivers, streams, Describe how the project might Describe soil conditions in the ponds, that may be affected by the affect air quality such as increased project area, are the soils prone project. Describe ways the project dust during and after construction, to heavy erosion because of might affect these water sources air pollution including noise from steep slops, soil conditions, or such as siltation from run-off, increased number of vehicles using other stability. Are there visible construction of bridge foundations, the road. Describe how dust might signs of erosion from other road current uses of the water bodies by affect people, crops and livestock. projects in the area Have these people and animals, protection of Indicate whether this has been a created problems in the past, water source from contamination problem in previous projects. Describe any special drainage issues which are known to occur in the project area. 2.2 Description of Biological Environment along the alignment  Vegetation Wildife habitats and Protected Areas Describe the types of vegetation coverage in Describe whether the project would affect important proposed area How much land will be cleared to forests, wetlands or other special protected areas build the project? What are the vegetation types such as national parks, community forest areas, that will be affected? Will the project affect wildlife sanctuaries. Indicate whether the wetland areas? construction of the road is likely to increase levels of hunting pressure by increasing access to forest or protected areas.  3.0 EVALUATION OF EXPECTED IMPACTS 3.1 Rate the project's overall expected impacts and recommendations for further analysis Describe the magnitude of expected impacts and recommend whether special measures are required as a pre- requisite to constructing this road; Indicate whether there is removal of vegetation along alignment; Indicate whether there is resettlement and land acquisition needed. Describe problems encountered in similar projects within the commune or neighboring communes; Describe the proposed mitigation measures to be spelled out in mitigation plan;  ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FORMAT MITIGATION PLAN Cost Institutional Comments (e ..g., ____________ Respo sibility secondary impacts) Phase Issue Mitigation Measure Install Operate Install Operate Construction : Operation Decommissioning 0  B. MONITORING PLAN Cost Responsibility Phase What Where is the How is the When is the Why is the Install Operate Install Operate parameter is parameter to parameter to parameter to parameter to to be be monitored? be monitored / be monitored - be monitored? monitored? type of frequency of (optional) monitoring measurement equipment? or continuous? Baseline (usually for Category A projects only) Construct Operate Decomrmssio n