|
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
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.
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. |
|
