-
Initial Environmental Examination (updated)
November 2019 Project No. 46390-002 Loan No. 3330
Myanmar: Power Transmission Improvement Project
230kV THIDA-THAKETA-KYAIKASAN TRANSMISSION LINES (Part 2 of
2)
Prepared by the Department of Power Transmission and System
Control (DPTSC) of the Ministry of
Electricity and Energy (MOEE) for the Asian Development Bank.
This is an updated version of the
draft originally posted in March 2015 available on
https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/power-
transmission-improvement-project-230-kv-transmission-lines-iee.
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2
CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS In this report, “$” refers to United States
dollar. (as of 14 November 2019) Currency unit - Kyat (MMK) MMK1.00
- $0.000654235 $1.00 - MMK1516 ABBREVIATIONS ADB - Asian
Development Bank AC/DC - alternating current/direct current ACCC -
aluminum conductor composite core APs - Affected persons AHs -
Affected households CBD - central business district CITES -
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora DPTSC - Department of Power Transmission and System
Control ECD - Environmental Conservation Department ECL -
Environmental Conservation Law (2012) EIA - Environmental Impact
Assessment EHS - Environment, Health and Safety EMoP -
Environmental Monitoring Plan EMP - Environmental Management Plan
EMF - electromagnetic field EPC - Engineering, Procurement and
Construction GDP - Gross domestic product GRM - Grievance redress
mechanism IBAT - Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool IEE -
Initial Environmental Examination IUCN - International Union for
Conservation of Nature KBAs - Key Biodiversity Areas LV - low
voltage MAPDRR - Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction MTC
- Ministry of Transport and Communication MEPE - Ministry of
Electric Power and Energy MOALI - Ministry of Agriculture and
Livestock Irrigation MOECAF - Ministry of Environmental
Conservation and Forestry MONREC - Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environmental Conservation MOEE - Ministry of Electricity and
Energy MOEP - Ministry of Electric Power MNPED - Ministry of
National Planning and Economic Development MPN - most probable
number MV - medium voltage MOHS - Ministry of Health and Sports
NAAQS - U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAPA - National
Adaptation Program on Action NCEA - National Commission on
Environmental Affairs
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NEQEG - National Environmental Quality (Emissions) Guidelines
NGO - non-government organization PIC - Project implementation
consultant PIU - Project implementation unit PPE - Personal
Protective Equipment PTP - Power Transmission Projects Department
of DPTSC PPTA - Project Preparatory Technical Assistance REA -
Rapid Environmental Assessment RHC - rural health center ROW -
right-of-way SPS - Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) S/S -
substation TL - transmission line UNFCC - United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change WHO - World Health Organization YCDC -
Yangon City Development Committee YESC - Yangon Electricity Supply
Corporation WEIGHTS AND MEASURES oC - Celsius (centigrade) dBA -
decibels km - kilometer kV - kilovolt kWh - kilowatt-hour LV - low
voltage Ha - hectare Hz - hertz m - meter mm - millimeter mm/kV -
millimeter per kilovolt m2 - square meter ml - milliliter mg -
milligram V/m3 - volt per cubic meter µT - microTesla This updated
initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of
ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be
preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or
strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or
reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this
document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any
judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or
area.
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4
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
..................................................................................................................
9 I. INTRODUCTION
.....................................................................................................................
18 II. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
..................................................... 19 A.
Environmental Laws and Regulations
..................................................................................
19 B. Myanmar Regulatory Framework for Environmental
Assessment......................................... 22 C. Pertinent
Laws, Policy, and Standards for Environmental Management
............................... 24 D. Overview of Forest Management
in Myanmar
......................................................................
28 E. International Environmental Conventions and Agreements
.................................................. 29 F. ADB
Safeguards Policy Statement
.......................................................................................
30 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
.....................................................................................
33 A. Original Project Scope
..........................................................................................................
33 B. Revised Project Scope
.........................................................................................................
33 1. Transmission Lines
...........................................................................................................
34 2. Substations
.......................................................................................................................
37 C. Proposed Technical Features of Transmission lines/Substations
......................................... 46 1. Construction of
Transmission Lines (overhead and underground)
.................................... 46 2. Construction of
Substations
..............................................................................................
55 D. Linked Facilities
....................................................................................................................
57 1. West University (WUN) Substation
...................................................................................
57 2. 230/66/11 kV Thida Substation
.........................................................................................
58 3. Distribution lines
...............................................................................................................
61 IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
............................................................................
62 A. Geographic Location
............................................................................................................
62 B. Topography
..........................................................................................................................
62 C.
Geology................................................................................................................................
62 D. Climate
.................................................................................................................................
63 E. Air Quality
............................................................................................................................
65 F. Noise
....................................................................................................................................
66 G. Surface Water Quality
..........................................................................................................
66 H. Biological Environment
.........................................................................................................
67 I. Land Use
..............................................................................................................................
69 J. Physical Cultural Environment
..............................................................................................
70 K. Socio-Economic Environment
..............................................................................................
71 V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
..................... 73 A. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
Measures Needed during the Design/Pre-Construction Phase
.............................................................................................................................................
73 B. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during
construction phase ........... 74 C. Environmental Impacts and
Mitigation Measures Needed during Operations
....................... 91 D. Climate Change Adaptation Measures
.................................................................................
93 E. Cumulative Impacts
..............................................................................................................
94 VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
.........................................................................................
95 A. DTPSC’S Approach for Route
Selection...............................................................................
95 1. Transmission Line
............................................................................................................
95 2. Substations
.......................................................................................................................
98 B. Reasons for the final selection
...........................................................................................
100
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VII. Information Disclosure, Consultation and Participation
............................................... 101 A. Information
Disclosure Process
..........................................................................................
101 1. Preliminary Consultations
...............................................................................................
101 2. Meetings with stakeholders by consultant team
.............................................................. 101
B. Public Consultations and Focus Group Discussions
........................................................... 102 1.
Public Consultations
.......................................................................................................
102 2. Focused Group Discussions
...........................................................................................
105 C. Future Public Consultation and Information Disclosure
...................................................... 106 1.
Disclosure of IEE
............................................................................................................
106 2. Consultation and Outreach
.............................................................................................
106 VIII. Grievance Redress
Mechanism.......................................................................................
107 A. A Need of the GRM
............................................................................................................
107 B. Formation of GRC
..............................................................................................................
107 1. GRC at Project Site level (DPTSC PIU Office at Yangon)
............................................... 107 2. GRC at
Corporate Level (DPTSC PMU Office at Nay Pyi Taw)
...................................... 107 C. Grievance Redress
process
...............................................................................................
108 3. GRC Record Keeping
.....................................................................................................
108 D. ADB Accountability Mechanism
..........................................................................................
109 E. Grievance Follow-up
..........................................................................................................
109 IX. Environmental Management Plan
...................................................................................
111 A. Mitigation
............................................................................................................................
111 1. Emergency Response, Disaster Management, Health and Safety
.................................. 111 2. Training Programs
..........................................................................................................
112 B. Environment Management Plan
.........................................................................................
113 1. Construction EMP
...........................................................................................................
114 2. Environment Impact Matrix and Mitigation Measures
...................................................... 115 C.
Institutional Arrangement and Responsibilities
...................................................................
120 D. Environmental Management Measures
..............................................................................
123 E. Monitoring
..........................................................................................................................
166 1. Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP)
..........................................................................
166 2. Environmental Parameters to be monitored
....................................................................
167 F. Performance indicators
......................................................................................................
183 G. Estimated EMP Budget
......................................................................................................
185 X. Conclusion and Recommendation
.....................................................................................
193 XI. References
........................................................................................................................
194 APPENDICES
..............................................................................................................................
195 APPENDIX A: SURVEY OF SENSITIVE RECEPTORS AND STRUCTURES ALONG
THE TRANSMISSION LINES
...............................................................................................................
195 APPENDIX B: DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS HELD
.................................. 241 APPENDIX C: DOCUMENTATION OF
FOLLOW-UP PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSIONS
...............................................................................................................
281 APPENDIX D: ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE OF EXISTING SUBSTATIONS
.................. 318 APPENDIX E: TEMPLATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MONITORING REPORT ............................... 330 APPENDIX F:
CALCULATION OF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELD
...................................... 337 LIST OF TABLES Table 1:
Applicable Environmental Laws and Regulations in Myanmar
........................................... 19 Table 2: Impact
assessment thresholds for electrical power transmission lines and
substations based on Myanmar EIA Procedure (2015)
......................................................................................
23
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Table 3: Ambient Air Quality Standards of Myanmar
.......................................................................
25 Table 4: NEQEG Effluent Limits applicable to electric power
transmission ..................................... 25 Table 5:
NEQEG Exposure Limits to Electric and Magnetic fields
................................................... 25 Table 6:
NEQEG Allowable Noise
Levels........................................................................................
26 Table 7: Transmission Line Minimum Safety Clearance for Overhead
lines .................................... 26 Table 8:
Internationally used setback distances
..............................................................................
27 Table 9: Other Applicable Related Environmental Laws and
Policies in Myanmar .......................... 28 Table 10: Land
Agreement Requirement
........................................................................................
28 Table 11: Land Category
................................................................................................................
29 Table 12: International Agreements on Environment, Social and
Safety ......................................... 29 Table 13:
Summary of Revised Project Components
......................................................................
33 Table 14: Details of the 230 kV Transmission Lines
........................................................................
34 Table 15: Different Locations of Proposed Substation Subprojects
and Ownership Details ............ 37 Table 16: Wards and Townships
along 230 kV Double Circuit Overhead Transmission Line between
Thida-Thaketa Substations
.............................................................................................................
50 Table 17: Wards and Townships along 230 kV Double Circuit
Underground Transmission Line between Thaketa – Kyaikkasan
Substations.
..................................................................................
51 Table 18: Climatic and Soil conditions considered for UG cable
design .......................................... 52 Table 19:
Standards followed
..........................................................................................................
53 Table 20: Location of Substations
...................................................................................................
55 Table 21: Details of Buildings to be demolished
..............................................................................
58 Table 22: Trees to be cut in Thida Substation
.................................................................................
60 Table 23: Monthly rainfall and temperature in Yangon (1981-2010)
................................................ 64 Table 24: Air
Quality Monitoring in Yangon
.....................................................................................
65 Table 25: Roadside Ambient Air Quality in Yangon
.........................................................................
65 Table 26: Ambient Noise Level Measurement
.................................................................................
66 Table 27: Water quality of Pazundaung River and Hlaing River
...................................................... 66 Table 28:
List of affected tree species included in IUCN Red List of
endangered species and Myanmar’s protected tree species
..................................................................................................
68 Table 29. Roads traversed by 230 kV Thida-Thaketa-Kyaikkasan
transmission line ....................... 76 Table 30: Affected
trees along the overhead transmission line alignment
....................................... 77 Table 31: Trees cutting
in South Okkalapa substation
....................................................................
78 Table 32: Trees cutting along access road to West University
substation ....................................... 79 Table 33:
Trees cutting along access road to New Kyaikkasan Substation
substation .................... 80 Table 34: Trees cutting in
extension of Thaketa Substation
............................................................ 80
Table 35: Identified sensitive receptors according to type of
impacts within the transmission lines31
.......................................................................................................................................................
84 Table 36: Other structures temporary affected by overhead
transmission line ................................ 84 Table 37:
Houses/Buildings affected by Overhead transmission line
.............................................. 85 Table 38: Loss of
Main Structure
....................................................................................................
88 Table 39: Public Consultations Meetings Oct 7-9, 2019
................................................................
103 Table 40: Public Consultations Meetings March 19-20, 2018
........................................................ 103 Table
41: Summary of issues and concerns raised during the follow up
consultations in October 2019
.............................................................................................................................................
103 Table 42: Summary of issues and concerns raised during the
follow-up consultations in March 2018
.....................................................................................................................................................
104 Table 43: List of Focus Group Participants – Oct 7-9, 2019
.......................................................... 105
Table 44: Grievance Resolution Process
......................................................................................
108 Table 45: Safety Implication and Mitigation
.............................................................................
111 Table 46: Training programs - summary of training needs
....................................................... 112 Table
47: Environmental Impact Matrix
.........................................................................................
116 Table 48: Members of PMU
..........................................................................................................
120 Table 49: Members of PIU
............................................................................................................
120 Table 50: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities for EMP
Implementation Activities .................... 122 Table 51:
Tentative Implementation Schedule
..............................................................................
123
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Table 52. Environmental Management Plan
............................................................................
124 Table 53. Environmental Management Plan
............................................................................
140 Table 54. Environment Management Plan (EMP)
.........................................................................
157 Table 55: Phase-wise Monitoring
............................................................................................
166 Table 56: Environmental monitoring plan for 230 kV Overhand
transmission line and New South Okkalapa Substation
.....................................................................................................................
169 Table 57: Environmental monitoring plan for Thaketa Extension,
New Kyaikkasan and West University Substations
..................................................................................................................
175 Table 58: Environment Monitoring Plan for Underground
transmission Line ................................. 179 Table 59:
Performance Indicators of Environmental Management prior to
Construction. ......... 183 Table 60: Estimated Costs for
Implementing EMP for Package 1
............................................ 185 Table 61: Cost
Estimate for Mitigation Measures for EPC Contractor for Package 1
............... 186 Table 62: Cost Estimate for Baseline Monitoring
by EPC Contractor for Package 1 ................ 186 Table 63: Cost
Estimate for Monitoring by Project Implementation Consultant for
Package 1 . 187 Table 64: Estimated Costs for Implementing EMP for
Package 2 ............................................ 188 Table
65: Cost Estimate for Mitigation Measures for EPC Contractor for
Package 2 ............... 188 Table 66: Cost Estimate for Baseline
Monitoring by EPC Contractor for Package 2 ................ 189
Table 67: Cost Estimate for Monitoring by Project Implementation
Consultant for Package 2 . 189 Table 68: Estimated Costs for
Implementing EMP for Package 3
................................................. 190 Table 69:
Cost Estimate for Mitigation Measures by EPC Contractor for Package
3 ............... 190 Table 70: Cost Estimate for Baseline
Monitoring by EPC Contractor for Package 3 ................ 191
Table 71: Cost Estimate for Monitoring budget for Project
Implementation Consultant for Package 3
.............................................................................................................................
191 Table 72: Summary Table for EMP costing
.............................................................................
192 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Project location
................................................................................................................
10 Figure 2: Section of overhead transmission line from Thida
substation to Thaketa substation ........ 36 Figure 3: Section of
underground transmission line from Thaketa substation to Kyaikkasan
substation
.......................................................................................................................................
37 Figure 4: Location of New 230/66/11 kV South Okkalapa Substation
.............................................. 39 Figure 5: Map of
New 230/66/11 kV South Okkalapa Substation
.................................................... 39 Figure 6:
Layout of New 230/66/11 kV South Okkalapa Substation
................................................ 40 Figure 7:
Location of 500/230/33/11 kV West University Substation
............................................... 41 Figure 8: Layout
of 230/33/11 kV West University Substation
......................................................... 42 Figure
9: Location of New 230/66/11 kV Kyaikkasan substation
..................................................... 43 Figure 10:
Layout of New 230/66/11 kV Kyaikkasan Substation
..................................................... 43 Figure 11:
Location of 230/66/11 kV Thaketa Substation
Extension................................................ 44 Figure
12: Layout of 230/66/11 kV Thaketa Substation Extension
.................................................. 45 Figure 13:
Power evacuation layout of 230/66/11 kV Thida Substation
........................................... 46 Figure 14: Typical
suspension monopole
........................................................................................
48 Figure 15: Typical dimension of monopole foundation
....................................................................
49 Figure 16: Right of Way for 230 kV Transmission Line
....................................................................
50 Figure 17: Representation of the transmission line along
Shukhinthar Myo Pat Road from Thaketa substation
.......................................................................................................................................
51 Figure 18: Representation of the proposed monopoles in
Shukhinthar Myo Pat Road .................... 52 Figure 19:
Horizontal directional drilling for conduit bundle
............................................................ 53
Figure 20: Components of an extruded cable.
................................................................................
54 Figure 21: Example cable right of way in a city street
.....................................................................
55 Figure 22: The site of the South Okkalapa Substation
....................................................................
56 Figure 23: Site of West University substation
..................................................................................
56 Figure 24: Location of Kyaikkasan Substation
................................................................................
57 Figure 25: Location of proposed extension of Thaketa substation
................................................... 57 Figure 26:
Site Plan of 230kV West University Substation
..............................................................
58
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Figure 27: Photos of Buildings to be demolished
............................................................................
60 Figure 28: Soil Map of Yangon Region
...........................................................................................
63 Figure 29: Precipitation and Temperature measured at Kayaaye
Station, Yangon (1981-2010) ..... 64 Figure 30: River Systems in
Greater Yangon
..................................................................................
67 Figure 31: Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in
Myanmar....................................................................
68 Figure 32: Land use at project sites
................................................................................................
70 Figure 33: Surrounding Condition at West University Substation
.................................................... 79 Figure 34:
Trees to be cut at New Kyaikkasan Substation
.............................................................. 80
Figure 35: Affected banna trees due to construction of activities
..................................................... 81 Figure 36:
Surrounding Condition at West University Substation
.................................................... 82 Figure 37:
Comparison of underground cable and overhead line magnetic field
levels ................... 83 Figure 38: Some of the identified
sensitive receptors along the alignment
...................................... 87 Figure 39: Affected house
of New Kyaikkasan substation
............................................................... 88
Figure 40: Receptors of New Kyaikkasan substation
......................................................................
88 Figure 41: Affected water tank due to the construction
...................................................................
89 Figure 42:Alternative routes for 230kV Double Circuit
Underground Cable Line from Thaketa Substation to Kyaikkasan
Substation.
.............................................................................................
97 Figure 43: Alternative Power evacuation line layout of 230/66/11
kV Thida Substation for 230kV Thida-Thaketa transmission line
.....................................................................................................
97 Figure 44: The adjoining properties to the proposed alternative
...................................................... 98 Figure
45: Two alternatives for transportation of Equipment at
500/230/66kVWest University Substation.
......................................................................................................................................
99 Figure 46: Two alternatives for 230 kV South Okkalapa Substation
site ....................................... 100 Figure 47:
Structure and Process of the Grievance Redress
Mechanism...................................... 110
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IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT A. Geographic Location 114.
The Union of Myanmar is located between 09o32’N and 28o31’N
latitudes and 92o10’E and 101o11’E longitudes20 and covers a total
land area of 676,552 sq km21. The country is bordered on the east
and northeast by Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand; on
the north and northeast by China; on the northwest by India; and on
the west by Bangladesh. The country’s coastline is bounded by the
Bay of Bengal on the west and by the Andaman Sea on the south. The
country is administratively divided into 7 states and 7 Regions. It
consists of 70 districts, 330 townships, 84 sub-townships, 398
towns, 3,063 wards, 13,618 village tracts, and 64,134 villages.22
115. All the project components are in Yangon Region which is
located within the delta region of the south. Yangon Region is
adjacent to the Ayeyarwaddy Region to the west, by Bago Region to
the north and east, and the Andaman Sea to the south. Yangon Region
covers an area of 10,171 km2, administratively divided into 45
townships. In terms of land area, Yangon Region has the smallest
land area in Myanmar but it is the most densely populated with an
estimated population of 5.9 million and population density of 586
people per square kilometers23. About 67% of the population lives
in the urban areas and the remaining 33% in rural areas24. B.
Topography 116. Myanmar slopes downward in elevation from the north
to the south. Yangon is situated in the southern extremity of a
long narrow spur of the Bago Yoma in the central area which runs in
the north-south direction. The topography is characterized by the
central ridge known as the Shwedagon-Mingaladon anticlinal ridge.25
117. The project is located in an area consisting of low flat land
alleviated by the Yangon River and Bago River and a hilly area
formed by an anticline which continues from the north. The
moderately sloping hilly area is located in the central area of
Yangon and is surrounded by the lowland area. The transmission
lines are located at elevations ranging from 5 – 14 m. The lowest
elevation is at the Thida substation site. The highest elevation
can be found at the site of the Kyaikkasan substation which forms
part of the hilly area in Yangon. C. Geology 118. The soil in
Yangon area consists of fluvial flood plain. The area lies in the
delta of the Ayeyawaddy River and along Yangon, Hlaing, and Bago
rivers and Nga Moeyeik creek26. These rivers play a major role in
the deposition of sediments and soil characterization in Yangon
area. 119. Based on the published soil map of Yangon, the
transmission lines and substations are located in the area where
meadow soils and meadow alluvial soils are present. These types of
soils occur near the river plains with occasional tidal floods. The
meadow soils are composed of silty clay loam. 120. The geological
formation in the Yangon area consists of the Andaman Trench in
Bengal Bay located west of Myanmar. The Indian Plate moves
northward and subducts underneath the Burma Plate from west to
east. Another geological formation is the Sagaing Fault which is
located between the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate in the eastern
zone of Myanmar. The Sagaing Fault has been
20 Country Profile, Health in Myanmar, 2013 21
http://www.myanmartourism.org/FactsaboutMyanmar/index.htm 22
Country Profile, Health in Myanmar, 2013 23 Source:
http://themimu.info/states_regions/yangon 24 Source:
http://themimu.info/states_regions/yangon 25 Strategic Urban
Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report. April 2013 26
Strategic Urban Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report.
April 2013
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63
reported to cause large-scale earthquakes in Greater Yangon.
Geological hazards that have been reported in Yangon include
landslides characterized by creeps, earthflow and slumps or block
slides. Soil creeps happened at Shwe-Taung-Kyar, Botahtaung and
Hninsigon Bobwa Yeiktha. Earthflow types of landslides were
observed at Dhamazedi Road. Slumps or block slides have been noted
at Inya Myaing, University Avenue Road, and Cantonment, west of
Yangon Zoological Garden.27
Figure 28: Soil Map of Yangon Region Base Map Source: Ministry
of Agriculture and Irrigation D. Climate 121. Yangon’s climate is
characterized by three distinct seasons, i.e. summer (March to
mid-May), rainy (mid-May to mid-October) and cool season
(mid-October to February). Rainfall in Yangon occurs in short
duration and intensity. The area receives abundant rainfall from
May to October. Based on information from the Kaba-aye
Meteorological Station, mean annual rainfall is
27 Strategic Urban Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final
Report. April 2013
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64
2,787 mm and maximum mean monthly rainfall is 608 mm in July.
The minimum mean monthly rainfall is 1.0 mm in January. Table 23:
Monthly rainfall and temperature in Yangon (1981-2010) Month Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total/
Ave Rainfall (mm)
1.0 4.0 12 38 325 566 608 571 393 201 61 7 2787
Max Temp, oC
33.2 35.2 36.8 37.5 34.1 30.8 30.3 30 31 32.2 33.1 32.5 33
Min Temp, oC
16.7 18.3 21.1 23.8 24.3 23.6 23.2 23.3 23.2 23.1 21.3 17.7
22
Mean Temp, oC
25.0 26.8 29.0 30.7 29.2 27.2 26.8 26.7 27.1 27.7 27.2 25.1
27
Source: Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Kabaaye Station,
Yangon
Figure 29: Precipitation and Temperature measured at Kayaaye
Station, Yangon (1981-2010) Source: Meteorology and Hydrology
Department, Kabaaye Station, Yangon 122. The annual mean wind speed
at the Kabaaye Station is 1.1 m/s. Maximum wind speed was 42.9 m/s,
recorded in May 2008 at the time of Cyclone Nargis. Cyclones
normally arrive in the country in April, May and October. Wind
directions are generally in the SW during summer and rainy seasons
and NE in the cool season. 123. Yangon area is close to the Andaman
Sea and is threatened by waves, cyclones and associated weather
disturbances. There are areas in Yangon that are often inundated by
river floods and the coastal areas are exposed to stormy weather.
The Bay of Bengal of the North Indian Ocean on the western coast of
Myanmar is a typical place for tropical cyclone generation that
moves towards the Myanmar coast. The Department of Meteorology and
Hydrology reported that the month of May has the highest possible
period for cyclones crossing the Myanmar coast. During cyclone
“Sittwe” in May 1968, death toll in Myanmar was reported as 1,037.
The Ayeyarwaddy Division was also affected by a cyclone in May 1975
that resulted to 304 deaths and the “Mala”
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65
cyclone in April 2006 which claimed 37 lives. The most
devastating cyclone that hit the Yangon area is cyclone “Nargis”
which hit the area from 28 April to 3 May 2008. Cyclone “Nargis”
resulted to 138,373 people missing or dead, 3000,000 cattle killed,
and over 4,000 houses and schools in more than 6,000 villages
destroyed. The damage was estimated at 13 trillion kyat
(US$3.25Million).28 124. Historical data reveals that the area may
be considered as cyclone risk and storm surge risk. There is 3.2%
probability of cyclones occurring in the transmission line areas in
Yangon. For storm surges, 6.70-meter storm surge has been recorded
in Kyonkadun which is in the vicinity of the transmission line
areas. The maximum observed storm surge height was at Pyinsalu (7m)
and at Kyonkadun of Ayeyarwaddy Delta (6.7m) due to cyclone
“Nargis”. Annual mean wind speed at the Kaba-aye Station in 1.1
m/s. During cyclone “Nargis” the maximum wind speed was 42.9m/s.29
Wind directions are generally in the SW during summary and rainy
seasons and NE in the winter season. E. Air Quality 125. Air
quality in Yangon is influenced by vehicular emissions, operation
of factories, and construction activities. According to the ambient
air quality monitoring data from YCDC (January 2017), the 8-hour
mean values of air pollutants already exceeded the limits of the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), PM10, PM2.5, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as shown in Table 24.
The main reason for the exceedance is community activities such as
vehicular movement and construction activities. Table 24: Air
Quality Monitoring in Yangon
Parameter Average Concentration# Guideline Values/Standards
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 499.6 ppm 345 (WHO) Carbon monoxide (CO)
925.21 ppb 9,000 (8-hr, US NAAQS) Methane (CH4) 842.13 ppm 160
(WHO) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 48.48 ppb 100 (1-hr, US NAAQS) PM10
51.3 ug/m3 50 (WHO) PM2.5 43.3 ug/m3 25 (WHO) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
137.52 ppb 20 (WHO) # 8-hour Mean Value Source: YCDC 126. The
reported measurements for particulate matter at the roadside in
Yangon exceeded the WHO Guidelines (Table 25). Table 25: Roadside
Ambient Air Quality in Yangon
Pollutant Location (Yangon) Measured value WHO Guideline
Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
- commercial area - residential area - industrial area
342.58 μg/m3 168.61 μg/m3 127.32 μg/m3
-
Particulate Matter (PM10) - commercial area - residential area -
industrial area
177.69 μg/m3 68.59 μg/m3 66.95 μg/m3
PM10: 20 μg/m3 annual mean 50 μg/m3 24-hour mean
Source: “Ministerial Statement on Global Environment and Energy
in Transport “Pollution Control and Air Quality Management in
Myanmar” by H.E Col: Nyan Htun Aung, Deputy Minister for Transport
(Undated)
28 Hazard Profile of Myanmar. Department of Meteorology and
Hydrology. July 2009. 29 Hazard Profile of Myanmar. Department of
Meteorology and Hydrology. July 2009.
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66
F. Noise 127. Ambient noise level was measured in five locations
during the environmental baseline data survey in February 2018. The
measured baseline noise levels were compared with the NEQEG
Guidelines of 55 – 70 dB (daytime). The noise levels were all above
55 dB, except for the station at the MOEE staff house near Thaketa
substation. Noise was primarily attributed to road traffic and
community noise i.e. people talking. Table 26: Ambient Noise Level
Measurement
Location Date/Time Noise level #
Along Than Lyet Soon Road (near military housing) 10:30am Feb.
27, 2018
59.7
Near Natmauk Pariyatti Monastery (along Shukhinthar Myo Pat
Road)
11:45am Feb. 27, 2018
58.4
Near Shwe Oak Gu Monastery (along Ayer Won Road)
1:30pm Feb. 27, 2018
60.1
Upper Pazundaung Road 2:00pm Feb. 27, 2018
62.6
Meintanyo Railway Station (near Meintanyo Housing) 2:15pm Feb.
27, 2018
63.2
Near Thaketa S/S (MOEE staff house) 12:20pm Mar. 14, 2018
51.1
# 12-Hour Mean Value G. Surface Water Quality 128. The major
river in the project areas of the transmission lines, Thaketa
substation, and the Kyaikkasan substation is the Pazundaung River
which receives the flows from Nga Moeyeik creek on the north and
traverses the city center before it empties into the Yangon River.
The transmission lines will cross the upper and lower sections of
the Pazundaung River. The river flows in a southerly direction to
converge into the Yangon River. The Pazundaung River and the Bago
River joins the Yangon River and flows towards the southwestern
direction into the Andaman Sea. 129. The West University substation
is about 990 m east of the Hlaing River, which is the upstream name
of the Yangon River. The Hlaing River is formed by the confluence
of the Bago and Myitmaka rivers and covers a catchment area of 0.52
km2 in Hlaing township. The Hlaing River receives the discharges
from the industries, commercial, and residential areas and runoff
from agricultural areas. The river experiences high deposition of
sediments which is particularly evident during the dry season. 130.
Secondary data on the water quality of Pazundaung River and Hlaing
River were taken from previous studies as shown in Table 27. Table
27: Water quality of Pazundaung River and Hlaing River Parameter
Unit Pazundaung River(a) Hlaing River(b)
pH - 7.7 – 7.8 6.5 – 8.5 Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
mg/l 2 – 2.5 >8
Total suspended solids (TSS) mg/l 62 – 78 4.2 - 29 Dissolved
oxygen (DO) mg/l 3.5 – 3.9 >5 Chemical oxygen demand (COD) mg/l
2.2 – 7.0 > 50 Sources: (a) JICA, EIA report, Yangon Circular
Railway Line Upgrading Project, 2016 (b) Water quality assessment
along Lower Hlaing River, Cho Cho Thin Kyi, Theigyi Ye Myint.
Regional Conference Civil Engineering. Indonesia.
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67
iptek.its.ac.id/index.php/jps/article/download/3256/2542 131.
The water quality monitoring results at Pazundaung River indicate
that the DO levels are lower than 5mg/l which affects the survival
of aquatic life in the river. DO below 5 mg/l generally put aquatic
life under stress. The BOD and COD concentration is considered good
but the TSS is already high. The allowable maximum concentration of
TSS into the river is 50 mg/l. At Hlaing River, the pH values
ranged between 6.5 to 8.5 which means that water quality is neither
acidic nor basic. DO values are less than the requirement for
conservation of aquatic resources. The BOD and COD levels exceeded
the acceptable limit of 8 mg/l and 50 mg/l for aquatic life.
Source: JICA, YCDC Figure 30: River Systems in Greater Yangon H.
Biological Environment 132. Based on screening result of key
biodiversity areas (KBAs) using Integrated Biodiversity Assessment
Tool (IBAT), the project sites will not traverse environmentally
sensitive areas. The sites of the transmission lines and
substations are located in an urban setting where the natural
habitat of wildlife flora and fauna has been altered. The nearest
protected area is the Hlawga National Park which is situated in the
Mingaladon Township. The southern part of the park is the Hlawga
Forest Reserve is located approximately 7.29 km of the West
University substation, 13.55 km of the South Okkalapa substation,
18.32 km of the Kyaikkasan substation and 19.44 km of the Thaketa
substation. The following Figure 31 shows key biodiversity areas
(KBAs) in Myanmar. Vegetation along the alignment of the
transmission lines and substations consists of grass, bush, and
trees. The trees are planted along the road easements to provide
shade and for visual amenity. Trees along the road easements will
be affected during the installation of the poles and the lines, and
trees in the substation areas will be affected for the construction
of substations. Among all affected tree species, one tree species
is included in the IUCN Red List of endangered species and two tree
species are included Myanmar’s Protected Tree Species issued by
Forest Department. The Table 28 mentions list of affected tree
species included in IUCN Red List of endangered species and
Myanmar’s Protected Tree Species.
Gulf of Mottama
Yan
go
n R
.
Twante Ca
nal
Toe
R.
Aye
yaw
ad
dy R
.
Pan Hlaing R
.
Kok Ko Wa R .
Hla
ing
R.
Bago R .
Pazyn
daung
Creek
Study Area
: River Flow: Tidal River
Nga M
oeyeik Cree
k
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*Project Area includes all subprojects’ areas (two transmission
lines and 4 substations) Source: Wildlife Conservation Society,
2013
Figure 31: Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Myanmar
Table 28: List of affected tree species included in IUCN Red
List of endangered species and
Project Area
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69
Myanmar’s protected tree species
Sr. Scientific Name Myanmar Name
Protected Status
Number of Trees IUCN
Myanmar’s Protected Tree
Species
1 Lagerstroemia reginae Roxb. Pyin Ma Not Evaluated Protected 29
2 Pterocarpus macrocarpus Padauk Endangered Protected 21
Total Trees 50 I. Land Use 133. Existing land uses along the
transmission line alignment consists of residential, commercial and
industrial uses. At the West University substation, the land uses
in the surrounding area is primarily agricultural (rice
plantations). The site of the South Okkalapa substation is merely
an open, vacant land. Figure 32 presents the general land use map
of the project sites and surrounding areas.
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70
Figure 32: Land use at project sites J. Physical Cultural
Environment 134. None of the project sites will be located near any
building and structure that form the Yangon City Heritage List. The
revised transmission line alignment has avoided temples and
monasteries
Substation
Overhead Transmission Line Underground Cable Line
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71
directly below the transmission lines. The survey has identified
11 temples/monasteries in the vicinity of the towers as sensitive
receptors which could experience temporary disturbance during
construction. K. Socio-Economic Environment Population 135. The
total population of Yangon Region was 7,360,703 persons as of March
2014. Of these, 3,516,403 were males and 3,844,300 were females.30
The total population of Yangon Region represents 14.3% of the total
population of Myanmar. Yangon’s population increase by about 85%
between 1983 and 2014, It has the highest population when compared
with other states and regions in the country. Population density in
Yangon Region was 716 persons per square kilometers in March 2014.
This is about nine times higher than the country’s population
density of 76 persons per square kilometer. The 2014 census on
population revealed that the proportion of urban population in
Yangon region is much higher than rural population. For every 100
persons in Yangon Region, 30 persons live in rural areas while 70
persons live in areas that are classified as urban by the General
Administration Department (GAD). Economy 136. The net production
value of Yangon Region is MMK 8,818,345 million as of 2011,
accounting for about 22% of the country’s gross domestic product
(GDP) and making Yangon the “Economic Center of Myanmar”. The
industrial structure in Myanmar is composed of agriculture,
livestock, fishery, and forestry (36%); trade sector (20%);
manufacturing sector (20%); services sector (18%); construction
(5%); and energy and mining (1%). 137. Yangon Region relies heavily
on manufacturing industries which is quite different from Myanmar’s
industrial structure that is concentrated on agriculture,
livestock, fishery and forestry. Yangon Region’s industrial
structure is composed of the processing and manufacturing sector
(37%); trade sector (25%); services sector (24%); construction
(5%); and electric power (1%). The agriculture, livestock, fishery,
and forestry sector only account to 8% of the total production
value. 138. According to data from the Ministry of National
Planning and Economic Development (MNPED), there are a total of
15,089 factories in Yangon Region in 2010-2011.31 The YCDC expects
the development of more manufacturing establishments in industrial
zones in Yangon. Power Supply 139. Power supply in Yangon is served
by the Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC). There 66 kV,
33 kV, 11 kV and 6.6 kV distribution lines around Yangon.
Hydropower stations produce 72% of the total power in Myanmar.
However, power supply is affected in the dry season due to shortage
of water in dams. There are also gas turbines, steam turbines with
combined cycle system and steam turbine coal power plants. Four
combined cycle gas turbine power stations are operating in Yangon
that meets 31% of the total power demand in Yangon Region. Water
Supply 140. YCDC manages both water supply and sewerage service.
The major sources of water supply system are four reservoirs, of
which three are owned by YCDC and one reservoir (Nga Moeyeik
Reservoir) is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and
Irrigation (MOALI). YCDC also obtains water from the Nga Moeyeik
reservoir in accordance with the water rights from MOALI. Other
sources of water by YCDC are in Gyobyu, Phygyi, and Hlwaga. People
also get water from tubewells.
30 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census, Yangon Region.
Department of Population. May 2015 31 Strategic Urban Development
Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report. JICA. April 2013
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Sewerage 141. The section at Than Lyet Soon Road forms part of
the area served by Yangon’s current sewerage system which is
limited within the CBD area. The system was developed in 1888 and
the sewerage area expanded in 1929. The wastewater treatment plant
with capacity of 2,300m3/day was completed and became operational
in January 2005. The treatment plant is located in a 22,500 m2 lot,
approximately 900 m away from the proposed Thida substation. The
main sewer line that collects black water from the Central Business
District (CBD) area is located along the Than Lyet Soon Road
leading to the treatment plant. Health 142. Health services in
Yangon are provided by both public and private health hospitals and
clinics. Urban areas like Yangon have specialty hospitals, general
hospitals, teaching hospitals, state/regional hospital, district
hospitals, and township hospitals. At the townships, there are
curative and preventive health services provided by township health
departments aside from township hospitals that provide laboratory,
dental, and some major surgical procedures. There are also rural
health centers (RHC) that provide health services at the village
level. The RHCs are staffed by a health assistant, public health
supervisor, lady health visitor, and a midwife who are trained in
primary health care and public health.
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V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES A.
Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during the
Design/Pre-Construction Phase 1. Distance from receptors 143.
Potential adverse environmental impacts associated with
transmission lines have been avoided or minimized through careful
route selection. The alignment is sited away from major
settlements, whenever possible, to account for future urban
expansion. 144. The corridor of the line ranges from 1.7 - 5 m on
both sides of the transmission tower. The main areas of influence
cover the construction footprints of the transmission towers and
lines. In consideration of the impacts during construction of poles
and line stringing, the corridor of impact was extended to 50m on
both sides from the center. Areas along the corridor may be
potentially affected by noise, dust, vibration, emissions, traffic,
and other socio-economic disturbances. The impact areas also
include the indirect or extended areas of influence which include
worker’s campsites, waste disposal sites, and sources of
construction materials which will be identified by the construction
contractor. 145. Flexible tower placement, tower design for placing
conductor at height and selecting alignment that minimizes cutting
of trees must be followed. If flexible tower placement is used then
the EA/IA must ensure the IEE/EMP is updated as needed if any
design changes such as tower locations occurred. 146. However, any
damage to the crops during the construction phase of the project
will be compensated by DPTSC as per its national, state, corporate
and ADB’s policy. Associated impacts on agricultural land will be
restricted to the construction phase and will be temporary in
nature. The design of equipment must be able to withstand strong
seismic events as well as strong cyclone winds since they are
likely to become more frequent in the future with the climate
change. 2. Land for substations 147. There is no acquisition of
land required for proposed substations as all lands are owned by
government. For underground cable laying and overhead lines, the
existing right of way of the roads will be used. For overhead
lines, new poles/towers would be erected near existing ones and
then replaced as required. The following measures will be taken
prior to the project activities: Avoid rainy season if possible,
for the underground project activities to avoid hardships to
local
population, Ensure existing drainage/water supply facilities are
maintained in working condition, Arrange for location to preserve
topsoil and reinstate after construction is completed, 3. Impacts
on Temporary Use of Land 148. The mobilization of construction
equipment and construction materials will require space for storage
and parking of construction vehicles and equipment, construction
material storage yards, and small labour camp to avoid
environmental impact and public inconvenience. These locations must
comply with the local laws and regulations and need approval from
municipal authorities and must be situated away from highly
populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, commercial and
residential areas. It is important that selection of temporary
lands is at least 50m away, depending on practicability as per
local site conditions from highly populated areas, water bodies,
natural flow paths, agricultural lands, important ecological
habitats and residential areas. Removal of trees and green cover
vegetation should be minimized during preparation of
facilities.
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74
B. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during
construction phase 1. Impact on Air quality 149. During the
construction phase, the activity would involve excavation for the
trenches and movement of vehicles carrying the construction
materials along the roads. This would give rise to emission of dust
particles thereby affecting air quality marginally at the site.
Regular use of water spray systems should be employed at
construction sites and along construction roads to minimize dust.
The impact will be transitory in nature and therefore is assessed
to be of low significance. Covering of stockpiles, minimizing
double handling and drop loads as well as sprinkling of water
during excavation will reduce the dust emission to a great extent.
2. Impact on Noise levels 150. During the construction phase, the
major sources of noise pollution are digging of trenches using
pneumatic hammers and mechanical showels as well as movement of
vehicles carrying the muck, construction material and equipment at
site. All access roads along the alignment are motor able and
project traffic would be minimal. The major work of the
construction is expected to be carried out during the day time as
the digging work will cause noise at nights which might not be
desirable as residential areas will be exposed to noise generated
during the construction phase which will have considerable impact
on residents. 151. All construction vehicles and pneumatic drilling
equipment should be maintained in proper working order to minimize
noise emissions, and not operated at night if possible, to minimize
noise. Approximately 350m long sections of the UG cable would be
laid and buried with only ends being left uncovered for
interconnection purposes. The local businesses and community will
be consulted to plan working hours at each section in order to
minimize disruption of road and noise at irregular hours. 152.
Following measures will help to keep noise and vibration in
acceptable level during construction phase: Contractor shall
preferably limit working time for activities that create noise
within normal waking
hours of the public except for construction site near public
sensitive receptors. Construction related activities closer to
sensitive receptors will be scheduled in coordination with the
relevant authorities and community.
Noisy equipment such as generators will be sited away from
residential areas. Contractor and suppliers of construction
materials will strictly implement noise control
regulations stipulated by the Noise Pollution Regulation for all
construction vehicles and equipment.
At construction sites, contractor shall equip their heavy
construction equipment and plants with exhaust silencers to limit
the engine noise so as not to exceed 75 dB (compacters/rollers,
loaders and cranes) and regularly maintain all construction
vehicles and machinery that will meet the Myanmar’s Noise
Standards.
3. Impact on Soil 153. Project activities including excavation,
cut and fill operations will enhance the soil run-off during the
rainy season. The impact on soils will be due to soil erosion at
the underground trenching construction sites along the access
routes. The excavation activity and land clearance in the erosion
prone areas have to be minimized while conducting the trenching
work. Also increased acceleration of surface runoff will damage the
drainage system. The impacts associated with excessive erosion and
other civil works can be avoided or minimized by following
mitigation measures: Berms and/or silt curtains will be constructed
around all excavation/trench sites and along all
drains to prevent soil run-off and sedimentation. Minimize
obstruction or destruction to natural drainage pattern of the
surrounding area. Proper treatment of clearing and filling areas
against flow acceleration. Turfing work will be taken prior to
rainy season around the substation. Contractors shall follow proper
muck disposal plan for cut and fill operation around sharp/deep
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slope areas. Stacking activities will preferably be done in
non-rainy season, as the stacked materials will
spread all over the area and contaminate close by water bodies.
Prolonged use of temporary storage piles of material will be
avoided, or covered, or wetted regularly to prevent dust and
erosion.
4. Impact on Utility Services 154. During the detailed
engineering design, the final location of the monopoles will be
evaluated further in coordination with YCDC, YESC, and other
service providers to avoid impacts on utility services such as
sewerage, power supply, water supply and telephone. The current
alignment of the transmission line will affect a section of the
sewer line along Than Lyet Soon Road leading to the wastewater
treatment plant being operated by YCDC on the southern side of the
road. Monopole locations can be realigned to avoid the sewer line.
There are also distribution lines and telephone lines that should
be protected during construction. All activities with affected
utility agencies will be coordinated during the detailed
engineering design and coordination will continue during the
construction phase. 5. Impact on Roads a) Traffic 155. During the
construction phase, the contractor shall develop a Traffic
Management Plan in consultation with local authorities to minimize
traffic disturbance by avoiding high-density areas (both commercial
and residential) using proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access
roads and avoiding road blockage. 156. Substations: There will be
increase movement of heavy vehicles to the substation site during
the transport of materials and equipment. This will result to an
increase in risk of traffic-related accidents and injuries to local
communities and local road degradation. At the South Okkalapa
substation, construction traffic at Than Thu Mar Road to the site
needs to be managed to minimize congestion and risk of accidents.
At the West University substation, Pauk Tan and Date +Kone villages
to the west and northwest of the site will be affected by the
construction traffic that will use the village access road. 157.
Overhead: The transmission towers are mostly located along
thoroughfares in Yangon. Based on ocular assessment and from
interviews with residents, the roads are wide enough and experience
light traffic throughout the day. Moderate traffic was observed at
the roundabout of Ayer Won Road, at the intersection of Shukhinthar
Myo Pat and Yadanar Road, and at Moe Kaung Road and North Horse
Race Course Road. These areas may require scheduling at night to
avoid traffic congestion during daytime. Impacts on road junctions
and at the bridge crossing are similarly related to temporary
blocking of road lanes and measures can be implemented to avoid
daytime work when volume of vehicles traversing these roads are
high. All the roads traversed by the transmission lines are not in
the parking restricted zones of YCDC. Despite this, the schedule of
pole and line installation which could block one or two lanes of
the existing roads should be permitted by YCDC for traffic
management prior to implementation. 158. Underground: The
installation of the UG cable transmission line at the curb of the
streets will directly affect access to adjacent houses and
commercial establishments. Business activity and access to
commercial establishments and residences will potentially be
disrupted when the UG cable is installed. Traffic along the
sections being trenched will be disrupted with some construction
vehicles and the movement of construction materials in/out of the
area. Wherever possible, underground cable construction vehicles
will use different roads or dedicated lanes of roads shared by the
public. Roads will be completely restored to their original
condition once the cable is laid to enable the residents to return
back to their normal access routes. b) Damage to Roads and Road
Easements 159. Overhead line: The installation of poles along road
easement will damage existing
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76
concreted road shoulders as well as some open drainage canals.
There are about 113 monopoles out of the 140 towers that will be
located on road easements. This amounts to about 4,600 sqm of area
that will be permanently occupied by the towers on the road
easement. Aside from the area to be permanently occupied by the
towers, temporary construction activities such as movement of
trucks and equipment surrounding the towers can cause damage to
roads and road shoulders. The contractor will be required to
restore and rehabilitate any damage to roads and drainage canals
that will be incurred. 160. Underground cable: During the
construction of the underground transmission/distribution line and
substation, the topography will change due to excavation of
trenches. These trenches will be filled and the loose soil leveled
at each trench site once the cable is completely laid. The road
will be restored and surplus earth, if generated, will be disposed
of in consultation with municipal authorities. Table 29. Roads
traversed by 230 kV Thida-Thaketa-Kyaikkasan transmission line
Name of Road
No. of lanes
Type of Road
Est. No. of
Towers
Est. TL length (km)
Remarks
THIDA SUBSTATION
Than Lyet Soon Road
2 Asphalt 9 1,053 Along the road easement; light traffic
Yamonnar Rd
6 Asphalt 1 0.24 Cross from the navy area; wide road with light
traffic
Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd
6 Asphalt 11 1,426 Along road easement; wide road with light
traffic
Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd
6 Asphalt 1 0.14 Cross to the northern side towards vacant area
to avoid buildings; wide road with light traffic
Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd
6 Asphalt 1 0.10 Cross to the western side of the road to avoid
structures/buildings; wide road with light traffic
Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd
6 Asphalt 6 0.77 Along road easement; wide road with light
traffic
Yadanar Rd 6 Asphalt 10 1.22 Cross from Shukhinthar Myo Pat
towards railway easement; wide road with light traffic
Railway railway
railway 6 0.25 Alongside railway easement
Ayer Won Rd
4 Asphalt 1 0.1 Wide road with light-moderate traffic; Near the
Thaketa substation
THAKETA SUBSTATION
Ayer Won Rd
6 - 33 4,141 Wide road with light traffic; Cross on the left or
right side of the road to avoid buildings and structures.
6. Impact on Railway 161. Overhead: The design of the
transmission lines should take particular attention to the vertical
line clearance when the line crosses the railway. The minimum
vertical clearance should be ensured at these railway crossing
sections. The DPTSC has coordinated with the Myanmar Railway
regarding the positioning of the tower locations to ensure that
adverse effects on the operation of the railways are properly
managed at the earliest stage of the design of the alignment.
Coordination with Myanmar Railway by DPTSC is ongoing. 162.
Underground: There is no section that has railway line crossing in
the 230 kV underground Thaketa-Kyaikkasan Substation line.
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77
7. Impacts on Pazundaung River 163. Overhead: Lattice towers are
designed on the banks of the Pazundaung River. Appropriate measures
will be applied to control runoff of sediments and oil-containing
wastes into the nearby river. Sediments and other wastes generated
during construction should not be disposed on the drains and
waterways. Existing canals/drains will be protected against
clogging. Mitigation measures will be required in the EMP. 164.
Underground: There is no section that has a river crossing in the
230kV underground Thaketa-Kyaikkasan Substation line. However,
During the construction and operation of the underground
transmission contamination of water bodies may result due to
spilling of construction materials and surface runoff from the
construction site joining the river/water body. There may be
increase in the turbidity levels temporarily if the surface runoff
during construction meets the drainage. This can be avoided by
careful selection of the trenching alignment so that the surface
runoff does not meet the drainage system of the city. It is
proposed to use the HDD technology that will ensure no water drain
or rivulets are crossed. 8. Impact on trees 165. Overhead: There
are 94 trees within the 230 kV line alignment as shown in Table 30.
Of these, 31 trees are affected by the construction of the
monopoles while 63 trees may be potentially cut or trimmed during
line stringing. These trees can be found along road easements and
were planted primarily for landscaping. Coordination with YCDC and
the Forest Department is essential for tree removal and subsequent
mitigation by tree replacement at site or elsewhere in Yangon. Any
trees will have to be replanted in the ratio of 1:2 in consultation
with YCDC and/or the Forest Department. Since most of the trees are
of not protected variety, there are no special conditions for
replantation. DPTSC will have to get appropriate permissions from
the forest department for cutting of Pterocarpus macrocarpus trees.
Table 30: Affected trees along the overhead transmission line
alignment
Sr. Species of Trees Myanmar
Name
Protected Status Number of
Trees IUCN Myanmar’s Projected
Tree Species
1 Terminalia catappa Ban Dar Not Evaluated Not Protected 55
2 Laburnum anagyroides
Koke Ko Least concern Not Protected 12
3 Mangifera caesia Thayet Least concern Not Protected 18 4
Azadirachta indica Tha Mar Least concern Not Protected 1
5 Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Padauk Endangered Protected 7
6 Ficus microcarpa Nyaung Least concern Not Protected 1 Total
Trees 94 166. During operation phase, there will be no maintenance
required of the corridor for underground cable. For any overhead
lines, lopping of trees may be required for maintenance purpose.
This will also reduce the chances of fires due to electric sparks.
167. Underground: There will be minimal removal of trees and
vegetation near the construction sites or along right-of-way of the
road. However, if any tree is cut, requisite permissions from the
relevant authorities will be obtained. 168. Substation/Access
roads: Trees will be cut at substation sites as well as for the
access roads. 230 kV South Okkalapa Substation: A total of 12 trees
will be cut down due to land acquisition. The affected trees are
belonging to four of affected households. The list of the trees
includes the
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78
following Table 31. DPTSC will have to get appropriate
permissions from the forest department for cutting of Pterocarpus
macrocarpus trees. Table 31: Trees cutting in South Okkalapa
substation
Sr. Scientific Name Myanmar Name
Protected Status
Number of Trees IUCN
Myanmar’s Projected Tree
Species
1 Pterocarpus macrocarpus Padauk Endangered Protected 12 Total
Trees 12 169. 230 kV West University Substation: 0.6 km of road
will be laid from the village road in the fields. 0.9 km of this
village road will need to be widened on both sides by 2.5 ft each
side. Photographs of the road that may need to be widened if the
jetty is not built for transportation of equipment. Once village
gate will be demolished that will need to be rebuilt. Also post
widening the road, drainage will need to be constructed both sides
of the road. Also access pavement to some housing or commercial
centers will need to be restored as well.
Road for substation through fields Road to be widened by 2.5 ft
on each side
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79
Drainage both sides will have to be built Drainage both sides
will have to be built Figure 33: Surrounding Condition at West
University Substation 170. The road will require cutting of trees
on both sides, the list of the trees include the following: Table
32: Trees cutting along access road to West University
substation
Sr. Scientific Name Myanmar Name
Protected Status
Number of Trees IUCN
Myanmar’s Protected
Tree Species
1 Mangifera caesia Thayet Least Concern Not Protected 5 2
Laburnum anagyroides Koke Ko Least Concern Not Protected 7 3
Bambusoideae War Not Evaluated Not Protected 15 4 Lagerstroemia
reginae Roxb. Pyin Ma Not Evaluated Protected 29 5 Delonix regia
Sein Pan Least Concern Not Protected 10 6 Cassia siamea Mae Za Li
Least Concern Not Protected 8 7 Pterocarpus macrocarpus Padauk
Endangered Protected 2 8 Terminalia catappa Ban Dar Not Evaluated
Not Protected 7 9 Acacia auriculiformis Malayisa Padauk Least
Concern Not Protected 10
10 Cassis fistula Ngu War Not Evaluated Not Protected 10 11
Eucalyptus albens Benth. U Ka Lip Not Evaluated Not Protected 14 12
Ziziphus jujuba Zee Least Concern Not Protected 3 Total Trees 120
171. DPTSC will have to get appropriate permissions from the forest
department for cutting of the above listed trees. Specially, the
permissions will be required for Lagerstroemia reginae and
Pterocarpus macrocarpus which are protected variety of tree
species.
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New 230kV Kyaikkasan Substation
Trees to be cut Figure 34: Trees to be cut at New Kyaikkasan
Substation 172. The substation premise has big size trees that
would be affected and YCDC and/or Forest Department’s approvals
must be taken for appropriate action. There is one species that is
of protected status Ficus microcarpa which is not allowed to be
cut. Table 33: Trees cutting along access road to New Kyaikkasan
Substation substation
No Scientific Name Myanmar
Name
Protected Status Number of
Trees IUCN Myanmar’s Protected
Tree Species 1. Ficus microcarpa Nyaung Least Concern Not
Protected 2 2 Musa Banana Least Concern Not Protected 6 3.
Mangifera indica Thayet Least Concern Not Protected 1
4 Acacia auriculiformis Malayisa
Padauk Least Concern Not Protected 3
5 Tamarindus indica Ma Kyee Least Concern Not Protected 4 6
Terminalia catappa . Ban Dar Not Evaluated Not Protected 7
Total Trees 23 173. Extension of 230/66/11 kV Thaketa
Substation: The construction activity will affect 35 banana trees
as mention Table 34 and Figure 35. Table 34: Trees cutting in
extension of Thaketa Substation
No Scientific Name Myanmar
Name
Protected Status
Number of Trees IUCN
Myanmar’s Protected
Tree Species
1 Musa Banana Least Concern Not Protected 35 Total Trees 35
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Figure 35: Affected banna trees due to construction of
activities 174. Replantation Areas: For replantation, YCDC's
catchment areas to be used for replanting are Hlawga National Park
and along No.2 Main Road in Yangon Region. Alternatively, the
townships can also recommend suitable replantation areas. 9.
Demolition and repair 175. As a result of construction related
activities, spoil and debris will be generated during the
construction stage. Improper disposal of the debris will have an
impact on the surrounding ecology, public health and scenic beauty.
Following measures will minimize the impacts associated with
disposal of debris:
Spoil materials (soil, sand, rock) or surplus earth generated
from construction activities shall be used wherever possible for
site levelling and back-filling. Dismantled and demolished
structural materials, if any, should not be dumped in low lying
areas.
Selection of the disposal site for excess muck which excludes
locations which are closer to residential, commercial and public is
necessary by the contractor. Prior approval will be obtained for
such dumping areas from relevant regulatory and local
authorities.
Dumped materials can interfere with the drainage pattern of the
area, any water bodies, low lying urban land area if not planned
properly.
176. During operation phase, there will be no maintenance
required of the corridor for underground cable. For any overhead
lines, lopping of trees may be required for maintenance purpose.
This will also reduce the chances of fires due to electric sparks.
230 kV West University Substation 177. The widening of road will
require digging up of the road berms, drains and make new
structures. In this case, the road widening will require demolition
of Gate that is property of the village trust. Similarly, all
temporary structures will need to be shifted after dismantling to
suitable locations. Figure 36 below depicts some situations.
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Access roads to be dug up for road widening Temporary structure
to be removed
Gate to be rebuilt Figure 36: Surrounding Condition at West
University Substation 10. Community Health and Safety 178. There
are a number of buildings for residential and commercial uses and
some pagodas along the roads which have been avoided by crossing on
the other side of the road or by using the open and vacant areas.
179. Hazards from Construction and Line Maintenance. The adverse
impacts to communities in proximity to the transmission line
alignment mainly occur during the construction phase and occasional
maintenance activities during the operational phase. The sensitive
receptors in the direct areas of influence may experience safety
hazards, temporary nuisance e.g. noise, vibration and emissions
brought about construction and maintenance works, influx of
construction labor, and restriction of access which require
suitable mitigation measures to minimize impacts. Sensitive
receptors such as schools, temples/monasteries, residential areas,
and shops along the corridor of impact shall be informed about the
schedule of activities prior to implementation. Mitigation measures
to address construction-related impacts are defined in the EMP.
180. Electrocution. During the consultation meetings and from
interviews with stakeholders, concerns were raised was about the
safety of the transmission lines and the potential hazards related
to electrocution from direct contact with high-voltage electricity.
To allay fears of the public on the operation of the transmission
lines, further information dissemination shall be organized to
educate the public about the safety features of the transmission
towers as well as prohibited activities that will prevent public
contact with the power lines. The towers will be designed as steel
monopoles with ground wire. Clear visible warning signs should be
posted at transmission towers indicating possible dangers to the
public. 181. Electromagnetic Field for Overhead line. The corona of
high voltage overhead transmission line conductors typically
creates radio noise. The design of the monopoles and the lines will
consider the safety limits so that radio reception remains normal.
182. The transmission frequency commonly used in transmission
systems ranges from 50–60Hz, which is considered as extremely low
frequency with impacts becoming low with distance. The magnetic
field and electric field at tower 13 – 14 of the 230 kV
Thaketa-Kyaikkasan where there are nearby buildings was modeled by
the transmission specialist based on the EPRI Red Book method (2nd
edition). The maximum magnetic field was found as 9.64uT while
maximum electric field was
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calculated as 1.823 kV/m which are way below the exposure limits
defined by NEQEG and the ICNRP. The calculation is presented in
Appendix F. 183. In addition, trees, buildings, and other materials
that conduct electricity shield the electric fields. In general,
the electric fields are strongest close to the source and diminish
with distance. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that
there is still weak evidence about substantive long-term health
issues related to low frequency electric fields at levels generally
encountered by members of the public. The negative health effects
from electromagnetic field (EMF), radiation from the transmission
lines have not been established conclusively by the international
medical research community. 184. MOEE will ensure that horizontal
and vertical safety clearances from structures are complied with
following international electricity standards as specified in the
bid documents. In addition, EMF levels along the line will be
monitored. 185. Electromagnetic Field for underground line.
Shielded power cables do not have any external electric fields by
virtue of the shield on the outside of the insulation. Lower
magnetic fields are often cited as a reason to justify using
underground cables instead of overhead lines, usually because of
epidemiology or magnetic interference concerns. Cables generally
have lower field levels than overhead lines because of the closer
phase spacing (9-12in, 230-300mm) that attenuates the external
magnetic flux density. The pipe in a pipe-type cable provides
magnetic shielding. As with overhead lines, field levels are
usually evaluated at 1m (3.28ft) above ground. While the wide phase
spacing of overhead lines usually results in higher magnetic flux
density, cables are often installed only 30-60in (0.75-1.5m) below
ground; the closer proximity to the point of
calculation/measurement means that when standing directly above the
underground cable right-of-way, field levels may be higher for
underground. Methods to mitigate underground cable magnetic fields
may be considered during the design. Figure 37 illustrates
comparable field levels for overhead and underground cables.
Figure 37: Comparison of underground cable and overhead line
magnetic field levels
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11. Occupational health and safety 186. The occupational health
and safety issues inherent to the operation of the transmission
lines include hazards due to exposure to live power lines and high
voltage systems and working in heights causing risks of accidents.
A worker safety plan will be implemented to reduce risks that
include testing of structural integrity prior to proceeding with
the work and the use of fall protection measures. 12. Right of
way/Distance from Sensitive Receptors 187. Sensitive receptors
include nearby schools, temples/monasteries, health centers
(clinics), residential houses and shops whose occupants and/or
activities may be affected during construction and maintenance of
the transmission lines. Other affected structures such as railways,
bridges, roads, river, billboards, trees, and utilities were also
identified during the environmental survey to determine whether
further measures are necessary to protect these. The potentially
affected sensitive receptors within the main areas of influence of
the transmission lines are summarized in Table 35. Details of the
survey of affected structures along the transmission lines and GPS
location of monopoles are found in Appendix A. 188. Overhead line:
Based on the survey, a total of fourteen (14) main structures of
fourteen (14) affected households (AHs) (52 affected persons (APs))
will be permanently affected due to the foundation of monopoles.
These structures will be physically displaced. Out of the fourteen
(14) structures, three (03) are shops, four (04) are residential
homes and seven (07) are home-cum-shops. Total main structures to
be temporarily affected (in case DPTSC and the contractor fails to
protect) are 88 of which 50 are home/residence, 10 are home- cum-
shops and 28 structures are shop. In addition to the main
structures, it is found that seven (07) other structures are
falling within the RoW of which three (03) are monasteries, one
(01) toilet, one (01) storage house and two (02) cow sheds. 189.
Underground Cable: The route will go along the Ayer Won road, along
which there are several food shops, grocery shops, and garages,
etc. These shops may be temporarily affected by the construction
work of the subproject. In the Aung Kaung Kyaw and Mya Khwar Nyo
housing, the route will run along left side of the internal road.
Four structures (car parking slots of four households) will be
affected temporarily during construction. Table 35: Identified
sensitive receptors according to type of impacts within the
transmission lines31
No. Sensitive Receptors Thaketa-Kyaikkasan UG Thida-Thaketa
TL
Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary*
1 Home (no.) 0 0 4 51 2 Home cum Shop (no.) 0 0 7 10 3 Shop
(no.)
0 several shops
3 27
4 Car Parking Slots (no.) 0 4 0 0 * Means that the persons
displaced will resettle below the transmission line alignment
again. The alignment may have higher noise and EMF. Table 36: Other
structures temporary affected by overhead transmission line
No. Other Structure Total
1 Toilet 1 2 Storage House 1 3 Cow Shed 2 4 Monastery 3 5 Clinic
0
Total 7
190. The overhead 230 kV Thida – Thaketa Substation line has
about 59 towers and according to
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the walkover survey and previous draft route plot, the following
Table 37 depicts the number of housing or buildings that are
affected by the alignment. Table 37: Houses/Buildings affected by
Overhead transmission line
No. Tower Name Affected Building Number
Ownership Approximate Distance from tower
1 T2 2 MOEE 5 meters 2 T3 3 Myanmar Navy, Ministry of
Defence 15 meter
3 T11-T15 Offices Myanmar Navy, Ministry of Defence
50 meter
4 T19 Building Government office At the base of tower 5 Between
31 and 32 Building Private Factory and sheds 5 meter 6 Between T
33-T34 Houses Private Housing Underneath 7 Between T36 and
T37 Temple and workshop
Private. The workshop is on common land
Underneath
8 Between 42-43 House and commercial
Private Underneath
9 Between 52-53 Temple Trust Underneath 10 Between T55-T57
Squatters Government Underneath 11 Between 58-59 Houses and
sheds/workshops Private Underneath
School along Thaketa-Kyaikkasan alignment Defence land over
which about 5 towers area
proposed (T10-T14)32
32 On 5 July 2018, MOEE requested to Ministry of Defense (MOD)
for permission of the passing through MOD area for
river crossing towers. On 16 July 2018, MOD requested MOEE to
provide more details about the number of towers, tower foundation
area with google photo On 20 Aug 2018, MOEE responded to MOD with
tower specifications (high, foundation) for T10 to T 14. Total 5
towers will be passing thru the MOD area. On 24 Jan 2019, MOEE
issued follow up letter to MOD.
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School along Ayer Won Road in Thaketa Township Shops and houses
along the road
Thit Sar Parami Monastery at Ward 10, Thaketa
Township (T52-T53) Informal settlers along railway track
(Thida-
Thaketa TL – T55-57)
Navy building and land adjoining lines corridor (T2) MPE office
building next to lines corridor
where current offices will be relocated
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MPA petrol station next to proposed substation whih may need to
be closed (T1-T2)
Residential housing next to proposed substation
Figure 38: Some of the identified sensitive receptors along the
alignment 191. As mentioned above, the alignment of transmission
line above, approximately 5 towers (T 11 to T15) will be passed
towards the Myanmar Navy’s Land, so that the permission from
Myanmar Navy is required to use the land. Residential and office
buildings are already situated within 50 m of the substation
(between T1 to T3) and a petrol station will be affected. 192. The
right of way of the 230kV Thida-Thaketa line to be newly
constructed will not be infringed by existing houses or structures.
The line alignment will need to be deviated using flexible tower
placement to avoid any structures that impart long term exposure to
EMF and noise from transmission lines to their occupants. The
details of affected alignments are shown in Table 37 and Figure 38
above. 193. Substations: The potential impacts of the operation and
maintenance of the substations are confined within the substation
area. The impacts are reversible, manageable, and can be mitigated
with engineering and management controls. The identified
environmental impacts are related to (i) occupational hazards,
generation of wastes, leaks from transformers, and accidents and
emergencies in the substations. Construction impact footprints will
be confined within the substation area. Secondary impacts are
expected along the access roads to the substation sites. 194.
230/66/11 kV Kyaikkasan Substation: There is one affected house
used by a security staff responsible for this area (Figure 39).
This affected house is the property of YCDC Yangon District court
is located adjoining to the substation boundary. The access road to
the substation through