Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

 

 

1               EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

1.1           Project Description

 

Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Company (ADWEC) forecasts the growth in electrical demand in Abu Dhabi will require an additional 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electrical generation capacity by 2017 and 21,000 MW by 2030. ADWEC forecasts that the need for additional desalinated water will grow to require an additional 200 million Imperial gallons per day (MIGD) by 2017 and 550 MIGD by 2030. The Mirfa Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP) is a critical component of the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority’s (ADWEA) plans to meet these future demands for electricity and water.

 

The Mirfa IWPP will be constructed at the existing Mirfa Power and Desalination Complex located at Mirfa in the Al Gharbia region of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Al Mirfa Power and Desalination Plant is currently location on this site owned and operated by Al Mirfa Power Company (AMPC), a subsidiary of ADWEA. This existing facility will be decommissioned and some of its equipment and facilities integrated into the Mirfa IWPP.

 

ADWEA will turn over portions of the existing plant and facilities to International Power S.A. – Dubai Branch (GDF Suez Group) as the IWPP developer Branch (GDF SUEZ Group) as the IWPP developer who will remove or rehabilitate and reuse existing facilities on the site as well as construct new facilities for the expansion of the plant. The developer and ADWEA will form the Mirfa Project Company (MPCo) to jointly build, own, and operate the facility.

 

The proposed net power capacity of Mirfa IWPP will be 1600 MW, of which 360 MW will be provided by open cycle gas turbines (OCGT) and 1,240 MW by combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT). The gross water capacity of the Mirfa IWPP will be 52.5 MIGD. The capacity will be achieved by maintaining existing multi-stage flash (MSF) units (22.5 MIGD) in service and adding new sea water reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant (30 MIGD). One area of the site will be retained by ADWEA, with the equipment within this area being removed from service and decommissioned.

 

The existing Mirfa Plant has a net power capacity of 140 MW and a desalination capacity of 38.7 MIGD. This plant was completed in two phases (A and B) as follows:

 

·         Phase A was commissioned in 1995-96, and consisted of four Siemens gas turbines (GT), each having a gross capacity of 48 MW, operating in combined cycle, supplying steam to three Ansaldo MSF desalination units with a combined capacity of 16.2 MIGD. Two auxiliary boilers provide operational flexibility.

 

·         Phase B, commissioned in 2001-02, comprises three Fisia MSF units producing a net desalination capacity 22.5 MIGD of water (7.5 MIGD per unit). The process steam for these MSF units is provided by two auxiliary boilers.

 

Phase A infrastructure will be decommissioned by ADWEA as part of the implementation of the Project. Decommissioning procedures will be addressed in a separate Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan (DEMP) to be submitted by ADWEA.

 

Phase B will be transferred to MPCo and form part of the overall Mirfa IWPP. Common facilities, buildings and systems to be transferred to MPCo for further common use of the Mirfa IWPP include:

 

·         Seawater screening and pumping station;

·         Seawater chlorination and switchgear building;

·         Demineralization plant;

·         Auxiliary boilers;

·         Fuel systems;

·         Remineralization plant;

·         Distillate treatment plant, limestone storage area and distillate tank;

·         Potable water tanks;

·         Auxiliary systems of existing Phase B Plant;

·         Buildings;

·         Electrical systems;

·         Instrument and control systems; and

·         Metering system.

 

Renovation work for existing Mirfa Plant buildings, such as external and internal re- painting, exchange of floorings and tiling for walls and floors exchange of suspended ceilings, exchange of cladding, re-painting of steel structure, and exchange of doors and windows, will be completed during normal maintenance operations.

 

The Mirfa IWPP is to have a net power capacity of 1,600 MW and a desalination capacity of 52.5 MIGD. To achieve this, the plant will consist of:

 

·         The existing Fisia MSF units will be transferred from Phase B of the Existing Mirfa Plant,

·         A new 1,240 MW CCGT plant running with Ansaldo GTs;

·         The existing Fisia MSF Units (supplied with steam from the new CCGT plant);

·         A 360 MW OCGT plant utilising the four General Electric (GE) 9E GT packages and existing inventory; and

·         A new 30 MIGD reverse osmosis (RO) plant supplied by Degremont.

 

The four OCGTs are required to be in commercial operation by 31 July 2016, as well as the new RO Plant. Two of the new CCGTs are required to be in commercial operation in open-cycle configuration for an Early Power period which is scheduled to commence on 31 July 2016 and continue up to and including 31 October 2016. The scheduled Project Commercial Operation Date for the entire Mirfa IWPP is 8 April 2017.

 

1.2          Summary of Findings

 

Assessment of the potential environmental impacts associated with the Mirfa IWPP project has been carried out in accordance with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Technical Guidance Document for Environmental Impact Assessment (2010). Baseline data for this report has been compiled from available published information, URS Corporation – Abu Dhabi (URS) in-house data from previous studies of the Mirfa site, and field investigations performed for this project. The relevant reports used in this Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) are listed below:

 

·         Mirfa Power Plant Expansion EIA (January 2010); and

·         Mirfa Rehabilitation Project EIA (July 2010).

 

The findings of these assessments are summarised below. Impact ranking has been carried out as per EAD guidelines as detailed in Section 5. The impact assessments show the residual impacts after the appropriate mitigations are implemented.

 

1.2.1        Air Quality

 

The IWPP has the potential to impact air quality in the following ways:

 

·        Emissions from operation of fuel consuming vehicles and equipment;

·        Combustion and fugitive emissions from the operation of the power and desalination plant;

·        Greenhouse gas emissions; and

·        Emissions from accidental events.

 

The baseline air quality is detailed in Section 5.1.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages detailed in Sections 5.1.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Emissions from operation of fuel consuming vehicles and equipment

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual Risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Reporting

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Combustion and fugitive emissions from operation of the plant

Impact Ranking

N/A

2

3

2

2

N/A

Mitigation

N/A

Yes

N/A

Residual risk

N/A

High

N/A

Monitoring

 

 

N/A

Per manufacturers specifications

Quarterly

 

 

N/A

Reporting

N/A

Quarterly

N/A

Greenhouse gas emissions

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

3

3

2

3

2

2

2

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

High

Moderate

Monitoring

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

Reporting

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

Emissions from accidental events

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

3

2

2

3

2

2

2

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Low

Low

Low

Monitoring

Daily, weekly and monthly

 

Daily and quarterly

Daily, weekly and monthly

Reporting

Daily, weekly and monthly

 

Daily and quarterly

Daily, weekly and monthly

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Combustion and fugitive emissions from operation of the plant

Operation

Dry Low NOx Burners.

OCGT on diesel will use NOx reduction injection water.

Good combustion practices.

 

 

Regular maintenance of the GTs according to manufacturer specifications to limit potential for non- design emissions due to malfunction.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Operation

Good combustion practices.

Maximize use of natural gas rather than diesel fuel Practice energy conservation.

 

1.2.2       Marine Water

 

The Project has the potential to impact marine water in the following ways:

 

·        Used seawater discharge into the marine environment;

·        Wastewater discharge into the marine environment; and

·        Storm water run-off into the marine environment.

 

The baseline for marine water quality is detailed in Section 5.2.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages is detailed in Section 5.2.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Used seawater discharge into the marine environment

Impact Ranking

N/A

3

3

2

2

N/A

Mitigation

N/A

Yes

N/A

Residual risk

N/A

High

N/A

Monitoring

N/A

Continuous

N/A

Reporting

N/A

Yes

N/A

Wastewater discharge into the marine environment

Impact Ranking

2

2

3

1

2

2

3

3

2

2

3

1

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

Weekly

Weekly and Quarterly

Weekly

Reporting

Weekly

Weekly and Quarterly

Weekly

Storm water run-off into the marine environment

Impact Ranking

2

1

3

1

2

1

3

1

2

1

3

1

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Low

Low

Low

Monitoring

No

No

No

Reporting

No

No

No

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Used seawater discharge into the marine environment

Operation

Design of the outfall, where possible, to allow oxygenation of the water prior to discharge to reduce temperature and increase DO.

Monitoring of Mirfa IWPP discharge to ensure EAD limits of Treated Industrial Wastewater at Point of Discharge into the Sea, are continuously met, and applicable corrective actions taken should limits be exceeded.

 

1.2.3       Waste Management

 

The IWPP has the potential impacts from wastes as a result of inappropriate handling, storage, and disposal of:

 

·        Solid Waste;

·        Liquid waste; and

·        Hazardous wastes.

 

A description of proposed waste management practices is detailed in Section 5.3.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages detailed in Sections 5.3.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Solid Waste

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

2

2

3

 

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

 

Monitoring

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

 

Reporting

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

 

Liquid Waste

 

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

3

3

2

3

2

2

2

2

 

Mitigation

N/A

Yes

N/A

 

Residual risk

High

High

Moderate

 

Monitoring

 

 

N/A

Per manufacturers specifications

Quarterly

 

 

N/A

 

Reporting

N/A

Quarterly

N/A

 

Hazardous Waste

 

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

2

3

3

3

2

2

2

3

 

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Residual risk

High

High

High

 

Monitoring

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

 

Reporting

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

 
                         

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Disturbance to site soils

Construction Decommissioning

Careful planning of the site working area and demarcation of the working area using fences/ barriers will assist in confining vehicle movements to the immediate site area.

Contamination of soil

Construction

Secondary containment (that is, drip pans or concrete containment) will be provided for fuel and chemical storage tanks such that containment is designed for a minimum of 110% of the total volume of the largest storage tank.

 

Fuel and chemical storage tanks will be located at a designated position and appropriate clear signage and barrier protection from vehicular movements.

 

All hardstand and bunds will be inspected on a regular basis and cracks reported and repaired.

 

All temporary fuel storage tanks will be double- walled containers.

Contamination of soil

Construction

Acid wash waste, if applicable, during commissioning will be fully contained and removed from site by authorised waste management contractors.

 

Refueling will be undertaken in designated areas following set procedures, to be set out in the CEMP.


 Vehicles operating on site will undergo routine maintenance and regular inspection to minimise the potential for leakage of oil and other fluids.

 

A regular equipment and tank inspection and repair program will be developed on site.

Emergency shut down and spill response procedures for a hazardous waste spill will be required to be developed and implemented by the EPC contractor.

 

The EPC contractor will encourage workers to report all spills using a ‘no blame’ culture.

If any inadvertent leakage or spillage of hydrocarbons occurs, the EPC Contractor will implement spill response measures to contain and excavate any contaminated soil present.

 

Chemical Management, Waste Management, Emergency and Spill Response plans will be established for the site.

 

Appropriate protocols will be established for the transfer and disposal of contaminated fuel, oil and soil in accordance with Municipality requirements in a WMP.

 

Construction activities will not be scheduled when there is a significant potential for rainfall and torrential run offs.

 

Adequate dust suppression, erosion and sedimentation controls will be established as part of the CEMP, and appropriate soil conservation measures taken including limiting the disturbed area.

 

Wherever possible use will be made of approved recycling facilities within the UAE.

 

Temporary sewage units will be regularly inspected, maintained and emptied by authorised waste management contractors.

 

All contaminated wastewater will be treated to within appropriate discharge limits prior to disposal.

 

Treated sanitary wastewater will be treated to within appropriate discharge limits prior to release to soakaways.

 

Where dewatering is required, water discharged to land will meet ADNOC’s desert discharge limits.

Contamination of shallow groundwater

Operation

An OEMP including an environmental monitoring plan to be developed.

Appropriate protocols will be established for the transfer and disposal of contaminated fuel, oil an soil in accordance with Municipality requirements in the WMP.

Fuel, oil and chemical storage facilities to include 110% secondary containment.

Refueling and maintenance to be carried out at designated sealed hardstand area/s with appropriate spill clean-up and containment facilities.

If any inadvertent leakage or spillage of hydrocarbons occurs, the operator will implement spill response measures to contain and excavate any contaminated soil present.

Chemical Management, Waste Management, Emergency and Spill Response plans will be established for the site.

 

All contaminated wastewater will be treated to within appropriate discharge limits prior to disposal.

 

Routine and regular documented inspections of the plant including chemical/oil/fuel storage facilities and waste storage areas.

 

Immediate excavation and removal of any contaminated soil to the designated waste facility.

 

1.2.4       Soil and Groundwater

 

The IWPP has the potential to impact soil and groundwater in the following ways:

 

·        Disturbance to site soils;

·        Contamination of soil; and

·        Contamination of shallow groundwater.

 

Baseline soil and groundwater conditions are detailed in Section 5.4.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages detailed in Sections 5.4.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Disturbance to site soils

Impact Ranking

2

3

3

2

1

1

1

1

2

3

3

2

Mitigation

Yes

No

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

Low

Moderate

Monitoring

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Reporting

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Contamination of soil

Impact Ranking

2

2

3

2

2

3

2

3

2

2

3

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

 

 

Daily

Per manufacturers specifications

Quarterly

 

 

Daily

Reporting

Quarterly

Quarterly

Quarterly

Contamination of shallow groundwater

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

2

3

3

3

2

2

3

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

Reporting

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Disturbance to site soils

Construction Decommissioning

Careful planning of the site working area and demarcation of the working area using fences/ barriers will assist in confining vehicle movements to the immediate site area.

Contamination of soil

Construction

Secondary containment (that is, drip pans or concrete containment) will be provided for fuel and chemical storage tanks such that containment is designed for a minimum of 110% of the total volume of the largest storage tank.

 

Fuel and chemical storage tanks will be located at a designated position and appropriate clear signage and barrier protection from vehicular movements.

 

All hardstand and bunds will be inspected on a regular basis and cracks reported and repaired.

 

All temporary fuel storage tanks will be double- walled containers.

Contamination of soil

Construction

Acid wash waste, if applicable, during commissioning will be fully contained and removed from site by authorised waste management contractors.

 

Refueling will be undertaken in designated areas following set procedures, to be set out in the CEMP.


 Vehicles operating on site will undergo routine maintenance and regular inspection to minimise the potential for leakage of oil and other fluids.

 

A regular equipment and tank inspection and repair program will be developed on site.

Emergency shut down and spill response procedures for a hazardous waste spill will be required to be developed and implemented by the EPC contractor.

 

The EPC contractor will encourage workers to report all spills using a ‘no blame’ culture.

If any inadvertent leakage or spillage of hydrocarbons occurs, the EPC Contractor will implement spill response measures to contain and excavate any contaminated soil present.

 

Chemical Management, Waste Management, Emergency and Spill Response plans will be established for the site.

 

Appropriate protocols will be established for the transfer and disposal of contaminated fuel, oil and soil in accordance with Municipality requirements in a WMP.

 

Construction activities will not be scheduled when there is a significant potential for rainfall and torrential run offs.

 

Adequate dust suppression, erosion and sedimentation controls will be established as part of the CEMP, and appropriate soil conservation measures taken including limiting the disturbed area.

 

Wherever possible use will be made of approved recycling facilities within the UAE.

 

Temporary sewage units will be regularly inspected, maintained and emptied by authorised waste management contractors.

 

All contaminated wastewater will be treated to within appropriate discharge limits prior to disposal.

 

Treated sanitary wastewater will be treated to within appropriate discharge limits prior to release to soakaways.

 

Where dewatering is required, water discharged to land will meet ADNOC’s desert discharge limits.

Contamination of shallow groundwater

Operation

An OEMP including an environmental monitoring plan to be developed.

Appropriate protocols will be established for the transfer and disposal of contaminated fuel, oil an soil in accordance with Municipality requirements in the WMP.

Fuel, oil and chemical storage facilities to include 110% secondary containment.

Refueling and maintenance to be carried out at designated sealed hardstand area/s with appropriate spill clean-up and containment facilities.

If any inadvertent leakage or spillage of hydrocarbons occurs, the operator will implement spill response measures to contain and excavate any contaminated soil present.

Chemical Management, Waste Management, Emergency and Spill Response plans will be established for the site.

 

All contaminated wastewater will be treated to within appropriate discharge limits prior to disposal.

 

Routine and regular documented inspections of the plant including chemical/oil/fuel storage facilities and waste storage areas.

 

Immediate excavation and removal of any contaminated soil to the designated waste facility.

 

1.2.5       Marine Ecology

 

The Project has the potential to impact marine ecology in the following ways:

 

·        Direct physical loss of habitat; and

·        Effects of effluent discharge on marine ecology;

 

The baseline for marine ecology is detailed in Section 5.5.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages is detailed in Section 5.5.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Direct physical loss of habitat

Impact Ranking

2

2

1

1

N/A

2

2

1

1

Mitigation

Yes

N/A

N/A

Residual risk

High

N/A

Moderate

Monitoring

Weekly

N/A

Weekly

Reporting

Weekly

N/A

Weekly

Effects of effluent discharge on marine ecology

Impact Ranking

2

2

1

1

3

3

2

3

2

2

1

1

Mitigation

Yes

N/A

N/A

Residual risk

Moderate

High

Moderate

Monitoring

Before discharge

Continuous

Before discharge

Reporting

Before discharge

Yes

Before discharge

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Direct physical loss of habitat

Construction

Excavation and dredging infilling work area held to minimum required.

Effects of effluent discharge on marine ecology

Operation

Design of the outfall, where possible, to allow oxygenation of the water prior to discharge to reduce temperature and increase DO.

Monitoring of Mirfa IWPP discharge to ensure EAD limits of Treated Industrial Wastewater at Point of Discharge into the Sea, are continuously met, and applicable corrective actions taken should limits be exceeded.

A more comprehensive study of the marine environment should be undertaken to better define what type of Marine environmental compensation plan; if any, will need to be developed.

 

1.2.6       Terrestrial Ecology

 

The Project has the potential to impact terrestrial ecology in the following ways:

 

·        Loss of habitat; and

·        Disturbance to flora and fauna.

 

The baseline for terrestrial ecology is detailed in Section 5.6.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages is detailed in Section 5.6.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Loss of Habitat

Impact Ranking

2

3

3

2

1

3

3

2

2

3

3

2

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

 

Monitoring

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

 

Reporting

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

 

Disturbance to flora and fauna

 

Impact Ranking

2

3

3

2

1

3

3

2

2

3

3

2

 

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

 

Monitoring

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

 

Reporting

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

Daily and Monthly

 
                           

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Loss of Habitat

Construction Decommissioning

Limit the extent of clearing and consider other options when contemplating the need for vegetation clearing, due to impacts on wildlife habitat and species. All clearing will be required to be confined to that necessary for the establishment of the plant and will be established with the EPC Environmental Manager before works commence;

Lay down and staging areas will be required to be kept away from any mangrove area and/or riparian zones; and

Management strategies will be implemented to protect any remaining native vegetation communities by controlling the occurrence and spread of weeds and minimising the impacts on soil erosion/sedimentation. This will include general good housekeeping on site, and assessment during the daily site inspection by the EPC Site Environmental Manager.

 

1.2.7        Noise

 

The IWPP has the potential impacts from noise in the following ways:

 

·        Emissions from operation of vehicles and temporary equipment;

·        Emissions from operation of plant; and

·        Emissions from abnormal events.

 

Baseline noise levels are detailed in Section 5.7.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages detailed in Sections 5.7.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Emissions from operation of vehicles and temporary equipment

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

2

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

Quarterly

Quarterly

Quarterly

Reporting

Quarterly

Quarterly

Quarterly

Emissions from operation of plant

Impact Ranking

N/A

2

2

3

2

N/A

Mitigation

N/A

Yes

N/A

Residual risk

N/A

Moderate

N/A

Monitoring

N/A

Quarterly

N/A

Reporting

N/A

Quarterly

N/A

Emissions from abnormal events

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Low

Low

Low

Monitoring

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

Reporting

Daily

Quarterly

Daily

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                       R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Emissions from Operation of Vehicles and Temporary Equipment

Construction Operation Decommissioning

Speed restrictions will be enforced on site traffic and equipment used on an intermittent basis (such as bulldozers or idling cars) will be shut down or throttled down to a minimum to cut down on unnecessary noise emissions.

Any known noisy activities such as piling will be scheduled such that they occur during daylight hours in order to minimise potential disturbance to humans as well as fauna during the night time when they are more sensitive to changes in noise levels.

The EPC Site Environmental Manager will ensure that all known noisy construction equipment (such as hand tools or air compressors) have acoustic covers installed on their noisy parts and are kept closed at all times.

The EPC Maintenance Manager will ensure that all construction machinery and vehicles operational on site are maintained according to a set schedule as per the manufacturer’s specifications so that they are in good working condition at all times and consequently non- design noise emissions are minimised.

Emissions from Operation of Mirfa IWPP

Operation

Plant equipment will be selected and installed that has been designed to adhere to the Project noise philosophy as well as local regulations to minimise the potential for exceedance of noise limits during normal operation of the plant.

All plant equipment to be regularly maintained to manufacturer specifications.

Emissions from Operation of Mirfa IWPP

Operation

To meet the southern boundary noise limits, further mitigation measures for the gas and steam turbine buildings and the HRSG units could be instigated. To prevent break-out noise from the buildings recommended include:

·        Internal sound insulation for gas and steam turbine buildings;

·        Acoustic louvers for gas and steam turbine buildings;

·        Silencers for gas and steam turbine exhaust stacks; and

·        Insulation of ductwork and HRSG units.

Personal noise exposure values could be exceeded in relation to work within the gas turbine and steam turbine buildings. Hearing protection should be worn in these areas and technical measures, as required by the project specification; that should be implemented include the use of removable acoustic screens, which can be placed between workers and noisy equipment.

It is recommended that low noise valves are used where practicable to minimise noise emissions during emergency situations and to protect any worker at a position close to these valves.

Emissions from Abnormal Events

Construction Decommissioning

The EPC Maintenance Manager will ensure that all construction machinery and vehicles operational on site are maintained according to a set schedule as per the manufacturer’s specifications so that they are in good working condition at all times and consequently non- design noise emissions are minimised.

In case malfunctioning equipment generating high/non-design levels is found on site, contingency procedures established by the Maintenance Dept. will be in place to address the issue and rectify it as soon as possible.

Operation

 

 

 

To reduce the risk of a human induced explosion leading to elevated noise levels, the Plant Operator will enforce controlled access of personnel/visitors to the back-up fuel storage tanks. The area around the storage tanks will strictly be a no-smoking zone in order to minimise the potential for the fuel being ignited and resulting in a potential explosion.

The Plant Operator will exercise control over the inventory of fuel entering the back-up fuel storage tanks and stored in them via the flow level controllers assembly as part of the tanks, in order to prevent an overflow occurring and again raising the potential for excessive noise emissions due to a resulting explosion.

The Plant Operator will be responsible for enforcing the site emergency response requirements in the event of an explosion occurring to facilitate the appropriate mitigation measures to be implemented to control the ensuing fire and any associated elevated noise levels.

 

1.2.8       Traffic

 

The IWPP has the potential impact from traffic by increasing in traffic load on local roads.

 

Baseline traffic conditions are detailed in Section 5.8.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages detailed in Sections 5.8.2 is provided below.  Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Increase in Traffic Load on Local Roads

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

2

2

3

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

Daily and Weekly

None

Daily and Weekly

Reporting

Quarterly

None

Quarterly

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Increase in traffic load on local roads.

Construction Decommissioning

Safety and awareness training will be required for staff to help reduce the traffic risks. Drivers and flagmen will require special training. In addition, a Traffic Management Plan should be developed and incorporated into the CEMP prior to construction works.

The site and entrance shall be clearly and permanently marked. Also temporary warning signs for construction vehicles and workmen shall be erected. Signage shall also include speed restriction signage (see below).

The speed shall be reduced to 60 km/hr in the vicinity of the entrance. This will have to be coordinated with Department of Transport / Western Region Municipality.

The movement of vehicles, especially heavy, vehicles through the intersections with the secondary roads shall be controlled. Consideration shall be given to employing one or more of the following methods.

·         Flagmen;

·         Speed bumps; and

·         Traffic lights.

At a minimum, the use of flagmen shall be provided to control heavy vehicles accessing the site.

Increase in traffic load on local roads.

Operation

Permanent improvements at  intersections with main site access roads (road widening and turning lanes) shall be considered.

 

1.2.9       Socioeconomic

 

The Project has the potential to impact socioeconomics in the following ways:

 

·        Land use and community impacts;

·        Social impacts; and

·        Economic impacts.

 

Baseline socioeconomics conditions are detailed in Section 5.9.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages is detailed in Section 5.9.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

 

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

 

Land Use and Community Impacts

 

Impact Ranking

2

2

2

2

2

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

 

Mitigation

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

 

Monitoring

None

None

None

 

Reporting

None

None

None

 

Social Impacts

 

Impact Ranking

+3

+2

+2

+2

+3

+3

+3

+3

2

2

2

2

 

Mitigation

Yes

No

Yes

 

Residual risk

N/A

N/a

N/A

Monitoring

None

None

None

Reporting

None

None

None

Economic Impacts

Impact Ranking

+3

+2

+2

+2

+3

+3

+3

+3

3

2

2

2

Mitigation

Yes

No

Yes

Residual risk

N/A

N/A

N/A

Monitoring

None

None

None

Reporting

None

None

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Land Use, Social and Economic impact

Construction

The project proponent will disclose the project and obtain approval with any approval conditions from each of the stakeholders

Land Use, Social and Economic impact

Construction

The ESIA will be available at the project office and posted on the web.

Construction

Operation

A Health Safety and Security plan must be prepared for the construction and operation phases of the development in line with local legislation and best international industry practice. The plan should include preventative and protective measures for workers, elimination of hazardous substances, training of workers, documentation and reporting procedure of accidents / incidents, and emergency response procedures for example. It is also recommended that the emergency response procedures are developed with local emergency services.

Decommissioning

A decommissioning plan for the site must be produced. The decommissioning plan will be the responsibility of the Operations Manager prior to any decommissioning activities commencing and will need to consider issues such as waste handling and disposal, site investigations, and restoration of the site. This plan will need to be approved through EAD. Furthermore, in line with IFC Performance Standards, special care should be taken when removing and transporting any hazardous materials from the site in order to avoid exposure to surrounding communities.

 

1.2.10    Other Environmental Components

 

The Project has the potential to have other impacts in the following ways:

 

·         Archaeology and paleontology; and

·        Visual amenity.

 

The baseline for these other impacts is detailed in Section 5.10.1. A summary table of the impact assessment stages is detailed in Section 5.10.2 is provided below. Detailed descriptions of mitigation and monitoring measures are provided only for those residual risks deemed of High or higher significance.

 

 

Description

Construction

Operational

Decommissioning

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

M

P

R

C

Archaeology and Paleontology

Impact Ranking

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mitigation

N/A

N/A

N/A

Residual risk

N/A

N/A

N/A

Monitoring

N/A

N/A

N/A

Reporting

N/A

N/A

N/A

Visual Amenity

Impact Ranking

1

2

2

2

1

3

3

2

1

2

2

2

Mitigation

No

Yes

No

Residual risk

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Monitoring

None

None

None

Reporting

None

None

None

M=Magnitude      P=Permanence                   R=Reversibility                   C=Cumulative

 

Selected Mitigations

 

Description

Phase

Mitigations

Visual Amenity

Operation

Landscaping the Mirfa IWPP to include ‘Green Areas’ of vegetation, particularly surrounding administration and parking areas, would provide visually appealing areas. Such basic landscaped areas also cost relatively little to instate and maintain. Responsibility for landscaping during the operational phase will be with the Site Environmental Manager, though overall approval lies with the site Operations Manager. This activity will be a continual activity, likely falling within the plant maintenance schedule.