sab.docx

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Since its beginning in the early twentieth century, civil aviation has become one of the most fascinating, important, and complex industries in the world. The civil aviation system, particularly its airports, has come to be the backbone of world transport and a necessity to twenty-first-century trade and commerce. The presence of civil aviation has affected our economic way of life, it has made changes in our social and cultural viewpoints, and has had a hand in shaping the course of political history. People have been brought closer together and so have reached a better understanding of interregional problems. Industry has found new ways to do business. The opportunity for more frequent exchanges of information has been facilitated, and air transport is enabling more people to enjoy the cultures and traditions of distant lands.

The project of dhulikhel airport is just a plan yet. It has not come to its execution phase. Different studies are being carried out. Environment impact assessment is one of the important activities that needs to be done before the execution of any development activities. And we know that Nepal is actively engaged in Environmental Assessment activities for its development projects since the implementation of National EIA Guidelines 1993 and EIA Guidelines for Forestry Sector 1995.

To lessen local and global impacts, it is important that the entire civil aviation industry endeavors to control harmful emissions. Topography and landscape, drainage pattern, geology, soil, quarry site are discussed under existing environ-mental condition while chemical, biological and socio-economic and cultural envi-ronment are also discussed accordingly. There will be no severe impact that could not be mitigated, compensated or corrected in the present context on country’s need of regional international airport. To minimize likely adverse impacts, a num-ber of mitigation measures are prescribed with required parameters, implementa-tion schedules and indication of tentative cost for EMP implementation. MoCTCA/CAAN will implement and EMU will supervise the mitigation mea-sures set forth.

Therefore, with provision of implementation of the prescribed measures, this study strongly recommends to implement the project considering people’s concerns received during several times field visit. It is also ensured that the part of environmental monitoring will be strongly implemented by the MoCTCA/CAAN in close coordination with other stakeholders. Project benefits outweigh the likely adverse impacts not only to the project areas but also for enhancing national revenue through tourism activities.

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CH-1 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND:The project is about the proposed plan of an airport at Thuli Chaur of

Dhulikhel of Kavrepalanchok district. In just a few years, the scenic town of Dhulikhel has become a health, education and tourism Centre befitting its status as the district headquarters of Kavrepalanchok. Today, Dhulikhel is home to the country's finest university, a state-of-the-art community hospital, and a consumer-managed drinking water system, all built through initiatives from the local community. Dhulikhel is also home to the country's first community hospital. The Banepa Bardibas highway enhances project sites or the project plan, Dhulikhel will be the main entry and exit point to eastern Nepal, and the Kathmandu valley which may soon develop into an economic hub. The Suryabinayak-Tinkune highway will mean that Dhulikhel will be accessible from the center of Kathmandu in 45 minutes.

A breathtaking mountain sunrise can be viewed from the Kali Temple, southeast of the town. Tourism is booming in Dhulikhel. Short hikes can be taken from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha, Panauti, Nagarkot, Sankhu and Palanchowk Bhagwati. Most hotels also provide excursions to Tatopani and rafting trips on the Bhotekoshi. Dhulikhel has been for centuries an important trading centre on the commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. Since the time immemorial, people of Nepal travel to Tibet to bring home salt and gold.

RATIONALE OF EIA STUDY

While carrying out the development works, upgrading and extension activities at the airport, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary to cope the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1997 and Environmental Protection Regulations (EPR), 1997 of Government of Nepal (GoN). According to Schedule 2, rule 3 of EPR, 1997, the construction of new facility at airport requires EIA. For this reason, EIA is required for the development of the Dhulikhel Airport. Therefore, it is necessary to carried out this EIA study at the Dhulikhel Airport.

OBJECTIVES OF EIA STUDY

The main objective of the EIA study is to identify and predict the impacts on the bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural environment and to propose mitigation and enhancement measures. This EIA has been designed to meet the following objectives:

Identify significant environmental issues associated with the proposed development.

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Identify positive and adverse environmental impacts associated with the project.

Assess whether the project components are environment-friendly or draw down the environment-friendly measures.

Recommend cost effective and practical mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts.

Develop Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Auditing Plans associated with the project construction and operation phase.

EIA STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

In order to facilitate the process, following particular activities were undertaken during the study.

It follows the standards, norms and general practices of past EIA studies. It absolutely follows established rules, regulations and guidelines of the

government to carry out the EIA studies for development projects.

A. Desk study:Published and unpublished literatures including project design documents,

district profiles, maps and photographs were collected and reviewed thoroughly in order to collect secondary information and understand the type and nature of the project. Semi-structured questionnaires and checklists for field verification on each component of environment were also developed during this stage.

IMPACT ASSESMENTProposed project can be considered as a point project since all impacts are

confined in the airport surroundings. Impact assessment and identification of mitigation and enhancement measures are made site and parameter specific. Impact assessment was focused on the basis of project impact zone. Direct Impact Zone (DIZ) is considered as the area, which is directly and physically, affected by the implementation of the project components. Therefore, the DIZ of the project is taken as half kilometer peripheral surrounding from the acquiesced land of the proposed project.

Similarly, Indirect Impact Zone (IIZ) covers areas that are likely to be affected indirectly by the project components and its associated activities. IIZ have no or less effect of the project activities particularly in the biophysical component. However, little or insignificant impact occur in the socio-economic and cultural aspects since the influx of construction crew might affect culture and other social costumes spread over the region.

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CH-2 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

Some terms related to project:Aerodrome: A defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement of aircraft.Runway: A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft.Taxiway: defined path on a land aerodrome established for the taxiing of aircraft and intended to provide a link between one part of the aerodrome and another.Apron: A defined area, on a land aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking or maintenance.Terminal Buildings: The terminal area is the major interface between the airfield and the rest of the airport.Terminal area includes the facilities for passenger and baggage processing, cargo handling and airport maintenance, operations and ad-ministration activities.

Some of the features or description of the project are listed as follows:

Item DescriptionLocation District Kavrepalanchok Zone Bagmati Development Region CentralElevation 1500 to1700m mslSurface BitumenServices Air Traffic ControlREF Category VDesign Aircraft ATR-42, ATR-72Temperature Avg annual16.50 CelsiusAverage Annual Rainfall 1532mmICAO Code 2CRunway Length (m) 1950mRunway Width (m) 30 m area 832208 m2

Plane Landing System Instrumental

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Aerodrome Reference Code

Code element 1 Code element 2Code number

Aeroplane reference runway length

Code let-ter

Wing span Outer main gearwheel span@

2 800 up to but not including 1200 m

C 24 m up to but notincluding 36 m

6 m up to but notincluding9 m

Aerodrome reference codes and airplane characteristics

AERO-PLANETYPE

REFCODE

ARFL (m)

Wing-span(m)

OMGWS(m)

Length(m)

ATR-42ATR-72

2C2C

10101165

24.627.05

4.9 22.727.17

Note:MTOW- Maximum Take-Off MassOMGWS- Outer Main Gear Wheel Span ARFL- Aerodrome Reference Field Length

CH-3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION5

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

a. Topography And Land Use PatternThe project area lies in the hilly region of the country. The proposed

project site is at hill and even, with large number of undulation also with an altitudinal range of 1550m to 1700m from the mean sea level. The total area of the airport is

Land use around airports will impact the operational safety of the airport as well as the safety of the surrounding communities. Hence, activities around an airport that can affect the safe and efficient operation of aircraft should be taken into consideration when planning land uses in the vicinity of airports.

Land use pattern:

Table 3-2: Land use pattern of the proposed project area

SN Type of land Area coverage1 Cultivated land ha2 Irrigated land ha3 Roads ha4 Settlement area ha5 Public land ha6 Others ha

b. Soils:The soil of the project area comprises loose soils represented by silt, clay

and sand. The soil of the project area is appropriate for the agricultural and vegetable production.

c. Climate:The summer was wet because most of the rainfall occurs from June to

September and the winter was dry between November-May although the little shower was all around the year. The average annual precipitation was 1532 mm

and the average annual temperature was 16.50C.

d. Hydrology:

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The hydrology of the project area is determined by the property of drainage pattern and intensity of precipitation. The average annual precipitation in the Kavrepalanchok district is recorded to be 1532 mm.

e. Geology:

The bedrock of the area is mainly composed of metasandstone and siltstone with sub- ordinate amount of phyliite. Mostly sandstone are found.The area is mostly confined to the Northern aspect of the hills with an altitudinal range of

1550 to 1700 meter above mean sea level. The slope varies from 150 to 350 with rugged topography.

f. Air Quality:Potential sources of air pollution at the airport can be categorized as direct

and indirect emissions. The air pollutants of concern from the aircraft emissions will be un-burnt Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) as specified by ICAO.

The relevant emission data of aircraft A330-300 (with certified engines for small size aircrafts) is provided in 3.5.

g. Noise Level: The major noise generating sources at the airport will be from aircraft take-

off & landing and ground operations, apart from the vehicular movement around the airport. The aircraft movement is expected to produce maximum noise level of about 100-110 dB(A) during take-off and 90-100 dB(A) during landing, which will be instantaneous and depends on the type of aircraft.

h. Solid Waste Management:The waste is disposed on an area located about 2km southwest from Banepa

near the right bank of the Punyamata River called landfill site. The part of landfill site has also been used for sewer treatment.

BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

a. Vegetation/ Forest:Nepal is a country where we can find almost same type of forest in

every hilly areas. Mostly we have coniferous forest but somewhere have tropical vegetation. Sal, Simal, Bar, Pipal, Bamboo, Bakaino, etc are commonly found in the Kavrepalanchok district. Sparsely distributed planted trees can be found in the proposed project area.

b. Wildlife And Aquatic life:

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There is no any aquatic life possible in the surrounding of the project site due to absence of river and lakes. The following wildlife, birds and aquatic lives have been recorded from the consultation with the local people.

List of wild animals

SN Common Name Scientific Name1. Syal Canuis aureus2. Ban Biralo Felis chaus3. Bandar Maccaca sps.4. Lokharke Herpestis urva5. Nyauri Musa Ratufa spp.6. Chituwa Panthera pardus

Local people claim that they sometimes encounter with tiger. Similarly, other animals raid the domestic animal in and around the project site.

The birds and fish species are recorded in the project sites are given below:List of Birds available around the project site

S.No. Common Name Scientific Name1 Giddha Neophron spp.2 Kaag Corvus splendens3 Dhukur Streptopelia sp.7 Myna Acridotheres tristis8 Koili Cuculus mocropterus

SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

Description of Dhulikhel Municipality: Municipality Boundary:

East: Kavrepalanchok districtWest: Banepa MunicipalityNorth: pachkhal VDCSouth: Panauti Municipality

No. of household: 3291Total Population: 16263

Male Population: 8392Female Population: 7871

Population Density: 11.61 / haMale/ female ratio: 0.483Area: 1409 haTotal no. of wards: 9

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Literacy rate: 81.81%

Ethnic Composition: Dhulikhel is composed of different ethnic group with majority of Brahmin,

Chhetri, Tamang and dalits.Similarly, Dhulikhel comprise of different types of religions namely, Hindu,

Muslim, Buddhist, Kirant, Cristian, etc. The majority of the people are adopting the Hindu religion followed by the Muslim, Buddhist and others.

Employment/Occupation:The main occupation of the people of Dhulikhel is agriculture. Many people

are also engaged in teaching, business, commerce, labour, cottage industries,etc.

Tourism And Culturally Important Sites:Dhulikhel is an ideal station to stop for overnight stay while going to Tibet

and coming back to Kathmandu. More than twenty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Annapurna , Mt. Ganesh Himal , Mt. Langtang, Mt. Gaurishanker, Mt. Lhotse and many others can be seen from Dhulikhel.

The oldest area of the town, the southern end, is an assembly of old Newari houses, often occupied by 20 or more members of the local extended families. There are numerous temples in the town depicting traditional and old Newari craftsmanship. These are places of worship for local people. The core area of Dhu-likhel has interesting narrow cobbled streets and lanes embedded with number of Hindu Shrines and a few Buddhist Stupa. In the centre of the old town is the Narayan Temple with its yellow metal roofs. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna whose birthday is celebrated in August. Alongside is the Harisiddhi Temple. Both the temples are adorned with profuese wood carvings and fronted by two Garudas. Bhagwati Temple is situated at the top of the western part of the town. The GaukhureshworMahadev Temple is on the east of the town near Tundikhel Recre-ation Park.

Infrastructure:Here every shorts of infrastructure are available. Transportation, medical,

education, communication, electricity/energy, irrigation, solid waste management, drinking water, etc facilities are well arranged.

CH-4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:9

The extension and development of Dhulikhel airport will have both beneficial and adverse environmental impacts during its construction and operation phase. These impacts may be direct or indirect, reversible or irreversible. Impacts may be high, medium or low in terms of magnitude and may be site-specific, local, regional or of national in nature.

Beneficial Impact: Air transportation is one of the fastest and safest modes of transportation to

travel a longer distance. It not only provides quick transportation service but also provides comfortable journey especially for the old age and sick people.

Construction activities will require large number of skilled, semi skilled and unskilled manpower. So it creates direct employment opportunities at least for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labors who can directly work during the construction stage. Thus improves the economic condition of local peo-ple.

Hotels, restaurants, handicraft shops, departmental stores, hospitals are the induced development that will likely expand due to the easy accessibility provided by the air ways transportation.

Trade and business is directly proportional to number of visitors. Higher the visitors higher will be trade and business in the area. This will enhance the sales of local products thereby encouraging local people in the development, promotion and commercialization of their products which ultimately will enhance and develop traditional skill, generate self-employment opportunity and uplift traditional crafts and culture in the area.

Local economic activities will be increased as visitors flow increases. Local market centre will be increased around the periphery of Airport area.

Adverse Impact:Construction Stage:

Construction activities like excavation works, material transport and back filling of the area as well as by movement and operation of construction equipments, bitumen mixing to blacktop runways, parking aprons and other necessary activities generates dust and vehicular emission and noxious gaseous that degrade air quality of the surroundings for the temporary time period.

Currently, the area experiences only noise from vehicular movement and operation of small aircraft that approach for existing airport during the flight. Construction activities along with use transport vehicles and heavy construction equipments will add considerable impact of noise and vibration in the periphery of Project area.

Huge quantity of construction materials will be required for airport con-struction. Unmanaged and haphazard operation of quarry may change the flow direction. In such situation, it may erode the weaker section and agri-

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culture land near by the river and may enhance the chances of flood. The construction sites loose aesthetics value due to such haphazard disposal

of waste. Spill over of chemicals, noxious elements and vehicular emission during

construction will be common phenomenon. This will lead to ground and surface water contamination due to leakage and spills and also may affect the crop field.

Various activities like earthwork, excavation, grading, filling, disposal of contruction spoils, waste water and effluent disposal of oils and grease, are the primary sources of water pollution.

There will be no loss of vegetation as a part of site clearance. However, during the construction stage, workers and their dependents may collect forest resources for their cooking and heating requirements from the nearby areas. This may result in exploitation of forest resources.

Construction workers wash clothes and open bathing that leads to deteriorate the water quality.

Current use of land for agriculture will completely be converted into airfields and its utilities. Thus, people will have less farmland for agriculture. Hence, the annual yield from agricultural activity of the area will be decreased.

Consumption of alcohol also increases proportionately as in other projects because of tendency of worker to use liquor in their time of income. Local people would get involved in different socially undesirable activities which would lead to social disputes.

Huge number of workers will be required for the project. They will be directly exposed to dust, gaseous emission, noise and vibration. So there is high chance of risk of occupational injury or accident especially during the operation of heavy equipments.

Construction workers may go for open defecation due to lack or inadequate number of toilets facility. Built up toilets in some cases are closely located and drained out to nearby water bodies or even over irrigation canals. This may lead to contamination of water bodies.

Construction workers may disrespect local culture, feast and archaeological sites if contractor brings labour from other parts of the country. This may lead to disharmony among locals and outsiders as a result, conflict may arise during construction.

Operational Stage: The increment of population will consume more goods around the airport

area. Huge volume of solid waste generated will have direct impact on lo-cal environment.

Possibilities of bird air striking hazard due to mishandeling of waste. During the operation phase, spill over and leakage of lubricants and other

noxious chemicals may occur in the airport area. Such activities may pollute

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soil and water bodies of the area. In addition, haphazard disposal of solid waste like batteries, cans, bottles etc. create pollution in the area.

The health center and education center are not available in the periphery of the runway. So, there is no impact on the health center and classes will not be disturbed.

Table: Checklist of environmental parameters for screening the potential im-pact

Impacts Level of Impact

Magnitude Extent Duration

Beneficial impacts

Construction phase

Employment and income generation H L St

Enhancement in technical skills Mi L Lt

Enterprise development and com-mercialization

Mo L Lt

Operation phase

Transportation facilities H L Lt

Promotion of trade and business Mo L Lt

Increase in land value Mo L Lt

Promotion of tourism Mo L Lt

Agriculture and livestock products Mo L Mt

Women empowerment Mo L Mt

Adverse Impacts

Physical Environment

Construction Stage

Change in land use Mi L Lt

Impact on noise quality Mo L St

Impact on air quality Mo L St

Impact on water quality Mo L St

Landslide and soil erosion Mo Sp St

Impact on structures due to blasting activities

Mi L St

Impact due to stock piling of con-struction materials

Mo Sp St

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Impact due to earthwork excavation and muck disposal

Mi Sp St

Possible interference with drainage pattern

Mi Sp St

Impact due to campsites waste Mi Sp St

Operation of quarry and borrow pit Mo Sp St

Operation Stage

Impact on noise quality Mo L Lt

Impact on air quality Mo L Lt

Impact on water quality Mi L St

Landslide and soil erosion Mi Sp St

Possible interference with drainage pattern

Mi Sp St

Road accident Mo Sp Lt

Biological Environment

Construction Stage

Impact on forest cover/vegetation Mi Sp St

Impact on wildlife Mi Sp St

Impact on illegal hunting and poaching of wild animals

Mi Sp St

Impact on endangered and protected species of flora and fauna

Mi Sp St

Operation Stage

Impact of forest/vegetation

Impact on wildlife Mi Sp St

Impact on illegal hunting and poaching of wild animals

Mo Sp Lt

Impact on endangered and protected species of flora and fauna

Mo Sp Mt

Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

Construction Stage

Impact of land acquisition Mo Sp St

Decrease in agriculture production Mo Sp Lt

Possible impact on religious sites Mi Sp St

Impact on social, cultural and tradi- Mi Sp St

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tional practices

Pressure on existing infrastructure facilities

Mi Sp St

Relocation of infrastructures Mi Sp St

Occupational health and safety Mo Sp St

Operational Stage

Withdrawal of economic activities Mi Sp St

Growth of unplanned settlement Mi Sp Mt

Source: Field Survey, 2007

Note:H=High R=Regional Lt=Long-termMo=Moderate L=Local Mt=Medium termMi=Minor Sp=Site-specific St=Short term

CH-5 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS

No action alternative:14

If the project is not being taken it would increase the traffic in TIA. This will preserve the environmental condition of Dhulikhel. But this alternative retards the development of the site area as well does not control the centralized traffic system of TIA.

Implementation of proposed project:Though there is an adverse affect of the project

implementation on the environmental aspect but has many beneficial impact. It improves the socioeconomic aspects of the areas also enhance the national revenue through tourism activities. It can be carried by providing convincing compensation and also by the strict implementation of code of conduct of EPR 1997.

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CH-6 MITIGATION MEASURESBeneficial augmentation measures:

Proposed plan for benefit augmentation measures

S

N

Prescribed

Activity

Location Time Method Responsibil

ity

1 Employment

opportunity

for local

people

Project

area

Constructi

on stage

Clause for

bidding

document

of both

Contractor

and

Consultant

Project and

Contractor

2 Setting up of

standard

wage/salary

and its regular

and timely

full payment

without any

disparity for

men and

Project

area

Constructi

on stage

Observatio

n and

inquiry

Project

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women if

both have

equal skills

3 Encourage

use of local

products for

all involved in

the project

Project

and its

surround

ings

Constructi

on stage

Self

purchase

People

involved in

project

activity /

Supervisory

body

4 Awareness

campaign

Project

and its

surround

ing

Constructi

on stage

Posters,

brochures,

pamphlets,

public

consultatio

n meetings

Project

5 Field based

and

demonstrative

training for

staffs and

workers

Airport

Area

Pre-

constructio

n stage

Slide

shows,

lectures,

handouts,

site visits

Project

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6 Fund

allocation for

social

services

Airport

area

Constructi

on stage

Constructi

on of

additional

social

services

Project

7 Regular

supply of

occupational

safety items

Airport

area

Constructi

on stage

Procureme

nt and

supply

Contractor

Adverse Impact Mitigation Measures:

Plan for implementation of mitigation measures

SN

Activity Location Time Method Responsibility

Physical Environment1 Safe

disposal and management of construction spoils

Project area

Construction stage and pre operational stage

Spoil disposal, leveling and compacting and land reclamation

Project/ Contractor

2 Solid waste management

Project area

During and after construction stage

Disposal of solid waste in designated area

Project/ Contractor

3 Landscape management

Project area

After construction stage

Reclamation and vegetation plantation

Project/ Contractor

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4 Provision of safety measures such as helmet, eye-shields, boots, lighting and emergency facilities

Project area

During construction stage

Installation of lighting, communication and alarm facilities and regular supply of safety items to the workers

Contractor

5 Environmental pollution (air, water, noise and vibration)

Project area

During construction stage

Regular supervision and monitoring

Project/ Contractor

Biological Environment1 Restriction

of spoil disposal and open defecation in water bodies

Project area

During construction stages

Regular monitoring and supervision and toilet construction at places away from water sources

Project/ Contractor/ local community

Chemical Environment1 Orientation

to workers regarding spillage of vehicular lubricants, fuels bitumen mixing as well as other construction chemicals

Project area

Pre Construction Stage

Sensitization, regular monitoring and supervision

Contractor

2 Establishing temporary workshop

Project area

Construction

If applicable, establishing

Contractor

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for the vehicles maintenance and repair

a proper site negating any possibilities of spillage of chemicals to water sources

Socio-economic and Cultural Environment1 Public

consultation/ counseling

Project area/ settlements

Pre construction stage

Launching counseling

Project / Local community

Occupational health and sanitation program

Project area

Construction

Orientation, awareness raising monitoring

Project / Contractor

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RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSIONDevelopment project are always sensitive to environment and will

have some kind of impact during and after the construction on physical, chemical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment. Changes in land use, air and water quality, occurrence of noise and vibration; spill over of chemical, possible loss of nearby forest due to bitumen mixing, disturbance land use pattern due to influx workers, population pressure and cultural effect due to construction and operation of the project are envisaged.

There will be no severe impact that could not be mitigated, compensated or corrected in the present context on country’s need of regional international airport. To minimize likely adverse impacts, a number of mitigation measures are prescribed with required parameters, implementation schedules and indication of tentative cost for EMP implementation. The project upon completion shall contribute to develop tourism sector as a whole and helps to reduce poverty, through generation of tourism related enterprises. Project benefits outweigh the likely adverse impacts not only to the project areas but also for enhancing national revenue through tourism activities.

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TABLE OF CONTENTEXECUTIVE SUMMARYINTRODUCTION

BackgroundRationale of EIAObjectives of EIA studyEIA methodology and approachImpact assessment

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECTEXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

Physical environmentBiological environmentSocioecononic and cultural environment

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTBeneficial impactAdverse impact

ALTERNATIVE ANALYSISMITIGATION MEASURESCONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

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