APPENDIX 2: Environmental Management Plan Construction & Operational
ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) FOR THE UPGRADING OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – WEST ZONE Contract No: MCAN/COM/RFP P2A02001
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Construction and Operational DECEMBER 2010 Prepared by: Aurecon Postal Address: Newton Street WINDHOEK Namibia Contact Person: Diane Erasmus Contact number: +27 44 8055428 E-mail:
[email protected]
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: PROJECT DETAILS.................................................................................... 6 SECTION 2: PROJECT INFORMATION ......................................................................... 8 SECTION 3: SITE INFORMATION................................................................................. 13 3.1. Socio-economic Environment .................................................................................. 13 3.1.1. People living in the Park ............................................................................. 13 3.1.2. Visual .......................................................................................................... 14 3.2. Biophysical Environment.......................................................................................... 15 3.2.1. Geohydrology .............................................................................................. 15 3.2.2. Vegetation ................................................................................................... 15 3.2.3. Fauna .......................................................................................................... 15 3.2.4. Special Habitats .......................................................................................... 16 SECTION 4: OVERVIEW OF IMPACTS ........................................................................ 17 SECTION 5: PLANNING AND LEGAL CONTEXT ........................................................ 22 5.1. Legal context ............................................................................................................ 22 5.2. Legal status of the EMP ........................................................................................... 22 SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL PERSONNEL ............................................................ 24 6.1. Ministry of Environment & Tourism (MET): .............................................................. 24 6.2. Etosha National Park (ENP): ................................................................................... 24 6.3. Operations Manager (OM) ....................................................................................... 24 6.4. Environmental Control Officer (ECO) ...................................................................... 24 6.5. MET: DEA ................................................................................................................ 25 6.6. Other Authorities ...................................................................................................... 25 SECTION 7: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT............................................................. 26 SECTION 8: CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ................................................................. 27 8.1. Scope and Interpretations ........................................................................................ 27 8.1.1. General ....................................................................................................... 27 8.1.2. Site Environmental Protection Policy .......................................................... 27 8.1.3. Interpretations ............................................................................................. 27 8.2. Definitions ................................................................................................................ 28 8.3. Roles and Responsibilities ....................................................................................... 30 8.3.1. Client ........................................................................................................... 30 8.3.2. Construction Supervision Team .................................................................. 30 8.3.3. Principal Contractor .................................................................................... 31 8.3.4. Environmental Monitoring ........................................................................... 32 8.3.5. Health and Safety Officer/Manager ............................................................ 32 8.3.6. Site Supervisor ............................................................................................ 33 8.3.7. Health and Safety Representatives ............................................................ 33 8.3.8. Health and Safety Committee ..................................................................... 34 8.3.9. Subcontractors ............................................................................................ 35 8.4. General .................................................................................................................... 35 8.4.1. General and legal obligations ..................................................................... 35 8.4.2. Site meetings .............................................................................................. 50 8.4.3. Environmental awareness training .............................................................. 50 8.4.4. Environmental method statements ............................................................. 50 8.4.5. Interface with landowners and local communities ...................................... 51 8.4.6. Safety of the Workforce .............................................................................. 51 8.4.7. Protection of natural features and heritage resources ................................ 52 8.4.8. Protection of watercourses and water bodies ............................................. 52 8.4.9. Protection of flora and fauna ....................................................................... 53 8.4.10. Prevention and control of fires .................................................................... 54 8.4.11. Emergency procedures ............................................................................... 54 8.4.12. Temporary site closure ............................................................................... 55 8.5. Plant and Materials .................................................................................................. 56 8.5.1. Plant and materials handling, use and storage........................................... 56 8.5.2. Hazardous substances ............................................................................... 56 8.6. Equipment ................................................................................................................ 58 Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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8.6.1. General ....................................................................................................... 58 8.6.2. Workshop, equipment maintenance and storage ....................................... 58 8.6.3. Pumping ...................................................................................................... 58 8.6.4. Dust and emissions ..................................................................................... 59 8.7. Site Establishment ................................................................................................... 61 8.7.1. Site layout ................................................................................................... 61 8.7.2. Site demarcation ......................................................................................... 61 8.7.3. Site clearing ................................................................................................ 62 8.7.4. Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil .................................................................... 64 8.7.5. Erosion and sedimentation control ..................................................................... 65 8.8. Temporary services and facilities ............................................................................ 65 8.8.1. Site structures ......................................................................................................... 65 8.8.2. Accommodation of site staff ........................................................................ 66 8.8.3. Services ...................................................................................................... 66 8.8.4. Stockpiling and stockpile areas .................................................................. 66 8.8.5. Access roads .............................................................................................. 66 8.8.6. Ablution facilities ......................................................................................... 67 8.8.7. Eating areas ................................................................................................ 67 8.8.8. Water use .................................................................................................... 68 8.8.9. Solid waste management............................................................................ 68 8.8.10. Contaminated water management .............................................................. 68 8.8.11. Access to site .............................................................................................. 70 8.8.12. Traffic .......................................................................................................... 70 8.9. Landscaping and Rehabilitation ............................................................................... 70 8.9.1. Scope .......................................................................................................... 70 8.9.2. Timing of landscaping and rehabilitation .................................................... 71 8.9.3. Demolition and removal of structures ......................................................... 71 8.9.4. Shaping and trimming ................................................................................. 71 8.9.5. Scarifying .................................................................................................... 71 8.9.6. Topsoiling .................................................................................................... 71 8.9.7. Re-planting .................................................................................................. 71 8.9.8. Establishment and maintenance of re-vegetated areas ............................. 72 8.10. Tolerances ............................................................................................................... 73 8.10.1. Compliance ................................................................................................. 73 8.10.2. Cost of non-compliance .............................................................................. 73 8.10.3. Removal from site and suspension of Works ............................................. 73 8.11. Communication & Education Procedures on Site .................................................... 74 8.11.1. Induction Training ....................................................................................... 74 8.11.2. Site Specific Training .................................................................................. 74 8.11.3. Community Education ................................................................................. 84 8.11.4. Health and Safety Communication ............................................................. 84 8.11.5. Record Keeping .......................................................................................... 85 8.11.6. Environmental Completion Statement ........................................................ 85 8.12. Safe Working Procedures ........................................................................................ 85 8.12.1. Environmental Training and Awareness ..................................................... 85 8.12.2. Electrical safety ........................................................................................... 86 8.12.3. Scaffolding and Working at heights ............................................................ 86 8.12.4. Noise and Vibration ..................................................................................... 87 8.12.5. Work environment (Lighting, ventilation and heat exposure) ..................... 88 8.12.6. Protective Clothing and Equipment ............................................................ 88 8.12.7. Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace ............................................................ 88 8.13. Materials Use, Handling and Storage ...................................................................... 90 8.13.1. Types of Chemical and Material Hazards ................................................... 90 8.14. Tool Use ................................................................................................................... 94 8.14.1. Use of Hand Tools ...................................................................................... 94 8.14.2. Power-Driven Construction Tools ............................................................... 94 8.14.3. Welding and Cutting.................................................................................... 94 SECTION 8: AUDITING, REVIEW AND FUNDING .............................................................. 96 8.1. Audits ....................................................................................................................... 96 Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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8.2. Review of EMP ........................................................................................................ 96 8.3. Record Keeping ....................................................................................................... 97 SECTION 10: NON-COMPLIANCE........................................................................................ 98 SECTION 11: FUNDING ................................................................................................... 99 SECTION 12: OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES .................................................................. 100 SECTION 13: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ............................................................. 102 GOAL1:TO PROTECT THE BIOTIC INTEGRITY AND BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA BY ENSURING THAT THE REMAINING NATURAL VEGETATION AND HABITATS ON SITE ARE MAINTAINED TO SUPPORT THE EXISTING BIODIVERSITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE SITE. .......................................... 102 GOAL 2: TO ENSURE WATER SUPPLY AND PROTECT THE QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF GROUNDWATER SOURCES .................................... 108 GOAL 3: TO INTRODUCE AND MAINTAIN CERTAIN MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND POLICIES TO MANAGE THE INFLUENCE ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................................. 112 GOAL 4:TO PROTECT THE AESTHETIC VALUE, VISUAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSE OF PLACE OF THE AREA ................................................................ 115 GOAL 5:TO PROVIDE BASIC ENGINEERING SERVICES WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT. ................................................................ 117
List of Annexures: Annexure 1: Annexure 2:
Public Health and Safety Awareness Plan Education Brochure
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
SECTION 1: PROJECT DETAILS Project Name:
Environmental Management Plan for the Operational Phases for the Upgrade of infrastructure in the Etosha National Park, West Zone
Contract Number:
MCAN/COM/RFP P2A02001
Date:
October 2010
Prepared by:
Diane Erasmus, Aurecon Pty Ltd
Client:
Millennium Challenge Account – Namibia (MCA-N) as part of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET)
Scope of project: An Operational Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is required to address the protection and ongoing management of the natural resources both on and off the site during the operational stages of the development. The overarching goal is to ensure undue negative impacts of the proposed development are avoided and that positive impacts of the development are enhanced. This document has been compiled to fulfil such requirements. This will ensure that the greater objective of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) which aims to promote Sustainable Development and that underpins Environmental Process in Namibia will be upheld throughout the project. The controls set out in this EMP are to ensure that the recommendations made in the Environmental Impact Report regarding the development have been implemented. The document is an open-ended one, to allow for information gained during the monitoring of the activities on site to inform any changes in the EMP. The document must be read in conjunction with the Environmental Impact Report, (ESIA for the upgrading of infrastructure in the Etosha National Park (West Zone), Aurecon Pty Ltd) with special reference to the specialist studies and recommendations. It is intended as a working document to guide the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and officials from the Etosha National Park (ENP) to manage activities on site on an ongoing basis in an environmentally sustainable manner. The EMP includes environmental goals objectives, management actions, monitoring requirements, criteria for monitoring and remedial actions where actions are ineffective. The key aspects that are addressed in this EMP are: Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
-
Protection and management of biotic systems and the biophysical environment Protection of geohydrological systems
-
Managing the impacts on the social structures and socio-economic environment Maintenance of the aesthetic qualities of the site to enhance the development
The ESIA did not assess a specific design for the village and associated infrastructure and as such, details of the design are conceptual based on carrying capacity and threshold parameters for operation of infrastructure. Recommendations have thus been made to inform design and to determine which performance standards should be met. A number of design configurations can achieve the performance standards, and the preferred ones can be determined in the design phase, based on other considerations, subject to compliance with the environmental principles and recommendations stipulated in the ESIA. For this reason the Operational EMP provided is a framework plan that will need to be developed into detailed management programmes once the specifications for the village are in place, based on detailed information. This can be undertaken by MET, based on the specifications from the design team (civil engineer, town planner, specialist engineering consultants, sustainable building architect and visual specialist) related to final design of the village and the preferred engineering alternatives selected.
Assumptions and Limitations: This EMP has been compiled during the EIA phase of the project. The management strategies in this report have been made, based on the assumption that the mitigation measures recommended by the specialists have been made conditions of approval in the authorization, should approval be granted. This EMP will have to be amended following on any approvals made, to ensure that all the recommendations are captured as management strategies, as well as any other conditions that may be made.
More
detailed plans, specifying timing of actions and associated costs, may be required prior to implementation of the EMP, for such strategies as:
• •
Removal of alien invasive plant species
•
Management of infrastructure
Creation of new habitats
There is an established relationship between NWR and MET within the Park. There is currently not optimal synergy between these two entities operating in the Park. A relationship must be developed to ensure recommendations for MET in this report carried over to NWR and that there is a common approach to environmental management of staff infrastructure by both bodies. The project brief for this was for a limited amount of infrastructure to be funded by MCAN.
The specifics were vague, namely a “functioning township”.
This ESIA has not
attempted to provide a specific design, but rather to determine carrying capacity. Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
Recommendations have thus been made to inform design and to determine which performance standards should be met. A number of design configurations can achieve the performance standards, and the preferred ones can be determined in the design phase, based on other considerations, subject to compliance with the environmental principles and recommendations stipulated in the ESIA. It is assumed that funding will be obtained to ensure that the full project roll-out is possible. Many of the positive impacts identified in this ESIA will only be achieved on completion of the whole village. Many of the current problems related to existing poor state of infrastructure and social problems are related to management. Recommendations and assessment of significance of impacts based on the assumption of good management of the new infrastructure and systems in the new village. The Operational EMP provided is a framework plan that will need to be developed once the specifications for the village are in place, based on detailed information
SECTION 2: PROJECT INFORMATION 2.1.
General
This EMP has been prepared using information from the EIA process, undertaken by Aurecon Pty Ltd (Ref: MCAN/COM/RFP P2A02001). An ESIA was done for the upgrade of infrastructure in ENP and was undertaken as two separate studies for the South Zone (which include the study areas of Okaukuejo and Ombika) and the West Zone (Galton Gate and Otjovasandu). The ESIA was based on a number of specialist studies and the recommendations made in these reports form the basis for the management actions required on site. This EMP pertains to the West Zone.
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2.2.
Site Location 2
The Etosha National Park (ENP) covers an area of 22,270 km and is situated approximately 400 km from the city of Windhoek. It is world renowned and attracts many tourists making it a flagship to Namibia’s tourism sector.
i.
Otjovasandu
The site is located on the foot slope of a hill with its main western access road traversing the base, which consequently would necessitate developing further up the slope or relocating the road. The existing development is not unduly intrusive and further small scale development in the immediate area would not impact the strong wilderness sense of place of the surrounding areas. The surrounding hills reduce the visibility of the site. Existing infrastructure includes limited maintenance and administration buildings, as well as staff quarters located in two areas, known as the senor and the junior villages. Infrastructure related to the staff housing in the junior village, which is located to the east of the senior village, is dilapidated. The development is partially screened from view by the undulating nature of the area especially when approaching from the Galton Gate side. Current infrastructure at Otjovasandu includes the following: • • • •
ii.
Offices & administration centre (MET) Staff housing (senior & junior in two separate areas) (MET) Maintenance workshop (MET & DoPW) Service-related Infrastructure (Boreholes, Power lines) (MET, DoPW, Namwater, Nampower)
Galton Gate
Galton Gate, though not open to the general public, serves as a management entrance to the west of the Park. It is however used by tour operators with special concession permits to enter the Park. Future plans for the ENP include the possibility of opening the gate for tourist use as plans to expand tourism in the West Zone increase. There are medium sized, dense trees and undulating terrain in the area which screen the existing development from the road. There are high levels of landscape character and significant lack of manmade modification along the C35 road in the vicinity on the gate, creating a very strong wilderness sense of place. Current development at Galton Gate includes the following: • • •
2.3.
Staff housing (gate guards) (MET) Non-commercial gate (MET) Limited service-related Infrastructure (MET, DoPW, Namwater)
Project components and Operational Activities
The ESIA was undertaken to obtain environmental authorisation to construct/rehabilitate the infrastructure listed below, which is required for effective functioning of the West Zone. Some of the Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
infrastructure already exists, although it may need upgrading, and therefore has the potential to be used. The aim will be to ultimately centralise most of the village related infrastructure at Galton Gate. While MCA-N funding is for limited aspects of the required development components, the ESIA was undertaken to assess all the proposed elements that are required for a functioning township, with associated infrastructure. This is to ensure that the impacts related to the development over time, and its totality were considered, and that the MCA-N funded proposals were considered in context. This EMP also covers requirements for operation of the entire project. The village will be built in phases, as funding is obtained. The infrastructure to support the initial housing to be built must be constructed to allow for the entire development, or be built in such a manner that it can be upgraded as capacity requirements increase, subject to the threshold limits for operation not being exceeded. The infrastructure under consideration is shown in Table 1: Project Components considered in the ESIA COMPONENT
Admin Office
•
GALTON GATE Maximum of 60 houses 13 Senior & 25 Junior houses (MCAN funded) No houses to be renovated – all built from new Allows for houses with erf size ≤ 400m2, average house size of 75m2 Medium sized office
Kindergarten
•
Located in village area
Shop
•
Located in village area, next to hall
Sports fields
•
Located in village area, in central area
Community Hall
•
Located in village area, next to field
Housing
• • • •
Workshop Electricity
• • • • •
Roads
• •
Fencing
• • • •
Solid Waste
• • Sewage
• • •
To link to Nampower in future General electricity per unit – solar, with generator backup Solar Geysers Gas cookers Generators to provide additional power Retain existing access road New access to township to be determined in design phase All roads to be unpaved Existing fence to be moved to east Fence development node Waste transfer station to be established behind vehicle store Waste reduction practices essential Remaining waste to be taken to Kamanjab (Iain to confirm this aspect) Water borne sewerage Septic tanks and a sewer pump station Oxidation ponds (0.2ha in stream
• •
OTJOVASANDU Junior village to be closed Retain and renovate 2 houses at senior village
•
Retain existing facility
• • •
Solar Geysers Gas cookers Generators to provide additional power
•
No new roads required
•
Maintain existing
•
Waste transfer station to be established near workshop Waste reduction practices essential Remaining waste to be taken to Galton Gate Septic tank
• • •
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
Water Provision
• •
• • • Vehicle Store & Fuel depot
•
buffer area) Borehole water (sufficient to allow for 500l/d per household) Boreholes bunded to prevent fuel and oil leakage and spillage and avoid contamination of soil and surface and ground water Pumps fitted with solar pumps, subsidized with diesel backups Reservoir with 48 hours storage capacity Reverse osmosis water treatment plant Linked to admin block
• •
• •
Borehole water (sufficient to allow for 500l/d per household) Boreholes bunded to prevent fuel and oil leakage and spillage and avoid contamination of soil and surface and ground water Pumps fitted with solar pumps, subsidized with diesel backups Drinking water to be obtained from Galton Gate
belo w. T a b l e 1 :
Project Components considered in the ESIA COMPONENT
Admin Office
•
GALTON GATE Maximum of 60 houses 13 Senior & 25 Junior houses (MCAN funded) No houses to be renovated – all built from new Allows for houses with erf size ≤ 400m2, average house size of 75m2 Medium sized office
Kindergarten
•
Located in village area
Shop
•
Located in village area, next to hall
Sports fields
•
Located in village area, in central area
Community Hall
•
Located in village area, next to field
Housing
• • • •
Workshop Electricity
• • • • •
Roads
• •
Fencing
• • • •
Solid Waste
• • Sewage
• •
To link to Nampower in future General electricity per unit – solar, with generator backup Solar Geysers Gas cookers Generators to provide additional power Retain existing access road New access to township to be determined in design phase All roads to be unpaved Existing fence to be moved to east Fence development node Waste transfer station to be established behind vehicle store Waste reduction practices essential Remaining waste to be taken to Kamanjab (Iain to confirm this aspect) Water borne sewerage Septic tanks and a sewer pump station
• •
OTJOVASANDU Junior village to be closed Retain and renovate 2 houses at senior village
•
Retain existing facility
• • •
Solar Geysers Gas cookers Generators to provide additional power
•
No new roads required
•
Maintain existing
•
Waste transfer station to be established near workshop Waste reduction practices essential Remaining waste to be taken to Galton Gate Septic tank
• • •
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• Water Provision
• •
• • • Vehicle Store & Fuel depot
•
Oxidation ponds (0.2ha in stream buffer area) Borehole water (sufficient to allow for 500l/d per household) Boreholes bunded to prevent fuel and oil leakage and spillage and avoid contamination of soil and surface and ground water Pumps fitted with solar pumps, subsidized with diesel backups Reservoir with 48 hours storage capacity Reverse osmosis water treatment plant Linked to admin block
• •
• •
Borehole water (sufficient to allow for 500l/d per household) Boreholes bunded to prevent fuel and oil leakage and spillage and avoid contamination of soil and surface and ground water Pumps fitted with solar pumps, subsidized with diesel backups Drinking water to be obtained from Galton Gate
Figure 1: Map showing existing infrastructure and development footprint for the village at the Galton Gate site .
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SECTION 3: SITE INFORMATION 3.1.
Socio-economic Environment
3.1.1.
People living in the Park
•
MET and NWR staff
The ENP falls under the jurisdiction of and are managed by the MET. MET comprises four directorates that are active in the Park: Wildlife, Environmental Education, Services and Administration, and Scientific Research.
Together, these directorates are responsible for
management of all wildlife issues, control of entrance gates and entry fees, maintenance of all game proof perimeter fencing and wildlife water supplies, maintenance of roads in the park, maintenance of equipment required for this work, requisition of remedial and maintenance work by the Ministry of Works and Transport, and upkeep of MET staff residential areas. MET staff live in the staff villages both at Otjovasandu and Galton Gate. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is a Government parastatal organisation under MET and is tasked with operating all resorts. Its responsibilities include catering, housing, cleaning of tourist accommodation and associated areas, as well as upkeep, maintenance and cleaning of its own staff housing and associated areas. From the census it was determined that there are no NWR staff living in the West Zone of the Park, and this is attributed to the fact that there are no tourist facilities operated within the vicinity.
•
Other Ministries Operating in the Park
Other government agencies with full-time staff in the Park include the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication (MWTC), the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), the Ministry of Education, and NamPost.
•
Hai//om A number of tribes are represented in the Park. These include the Hai//om, the Oshiwambo, the Damara/Nama, the Herero and the Okavango. The census did not identify any Hai//om at Otjovasandu or Galton Gate. This report nevertheless includes a discussion on the current challenges pertaining to Hai//om to account for the possibility that there are unrecorded Hai//om living in the study area.
The Hai//om people are the historical occupants of the land and although evicted from the Park several decades ago, large numbers of them remain, and many members of the tribe regard themselves as having continuing rights over the land. Ancestral connection of such people to the land eventually came into conflict with the colonial government’s drive to establish conservation areas and the Hai//om still regard Etosha as their home. A number of Hai//om remain in the Park, either because they were formerly employed by either MET or NWR, or because of extended family members living and working in the Park.
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Despite the fact that many households in the Park have other homes elsewhere; most Park residents regard themselves as full-time residents of the Park. Results from the census report show that 8% of Oshiwambo’s, 12 % of Herero, 25% of Damara/Nama and 9% of Okavango speaking people were born in the Park (Aurecon, 2010). Therefore, the Hai//om tribe is not the only group that believe to have inherent rights to land in the Park. This sentiment was expressed by individuals from other ethnic groups who were born in the Park. The Oshiwambo speaking people in the Park also express a sense of place with the ENP as this is the place that their forefathers died during the raid of the first fort built by the Germans in Etosha.” The current living conditions in the Park far from ideal as there is inadequate social infrastructure to accommodate and provide services to all its inhabitants. Access to health care and education are particular problems. Social conditions are characterised by a high rate of domestic violence, alcoholism, prostitution, vandalism, a loss of cultural identity, traditional beliefs, language and traditional knowledge and skills. The Government of Namibia is in process of acquiring land adjacent to Etosha for the purposes of resettling Hai//Om people currently settled in and around the Park (to the east of the Ombika Gate). The resettlement process, which is being implemented in close collaboration with MET, is intended to provide land and alternative livelihoods.
3.1.2.
Visual Galton Gate is the western entrance to the park and is situated on an existing informal turnoff from the main road heading to Werda (M0067). The existing gate site is located on an elevated strip of land as seen from the C35 road and as such larger structures built in the area which exceed the level of the surrounding trees will generate a skyline impact which would increase the level of visual intrusion. Due to the high levels of scenic quality of the landscape, the C35 road should be recognised as an important tourist route. From the more elevated positions to the south, the possibility does exist that the camp, if it expands, would be visible if not sensitively developed. Inappropriate development has the potential to be visually intrusive and not meet the Etosha park visual management guidelines. The dilapidated state of the existing residential and administrative structures significantly detracts from the local wilderness sense of place. The location of the new staff quarters outside of the Etosha boundary fence could result in the informal growth of the development node should suitable management actions not be implemented. If not checked this could result in inappropriate development and visual intrusion in a high landscape character area.
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3.2.
Biophysical Environment
3.2.1. Geohydrology For the most part, the geology of the ENP consists of a thick covering of Quaternary and tertiary age sand, calcrete and gravel of the Kalahari Group. The Otjovasandu and Werda sites are underlain by the Khoabendus rhyolite, basalt, andesite, orthoamphibolite, greenschist and quartzite, which form the hills in the area. Superficial deposits cover the flatter areas: calcretised soil valley fill at Otjovasandu and consolidated Kalahari sand at Galton Gate. Otjokaware is located on the contact between the Khoabendus group and the Nosib quartzite, conglomerate, schist and marble. Aquifers in the West Zone are classified as intergranular and fractured or karstified aquifers according to the 1:1 000 000 geohydrological map of Namibia. The groundwater occurrence is associated mainly with the deeper weathered zones, as well as fault zones and contact zones. The groundwater yield potential is classed as Low for the Galton Gate and Otjovazandu areas while at Werda and Otjokaware it is classified as Moderate potential. Data obtained (from Katherina Dierkes) yield from a borehole at Otjovazandu is 2.1 m3/h. The borehole was drilled to a depth of 62 m. The groundwater yield potential at Werda and Otjokaware might be higher. According to the available data, the static water level at the Otjovazandu borehole is in the order of 11,0 m below ground level.
3.2.2. Vegetation Biomes are high level vegetation structure classifications that are influenced by a variety of other environmental features. Most of northern Namibia is structurally and climatologically part of the Savanna Biome. The Etosha Basin, despite being located in the same climatological zone, has a vegetation structure more typical of the Nama-Karoo Biome. This can be attributed to edaphic factors, specifically shallow and saline soils (Irish 1994). Otjovasandu and Galton Gate are in the Savanna Biome.
3.2.3. Fauna A total of 103 mammal species have been recorded or are expected to occur at the study sites, while an additional 8 species are known from the Etosha National Park but are not expected to occur at the study sites. No invasive alien mammals are known from the study areas. 282 bird species have been recorded or are expected to occur at the study sites and an additional 125 species are known from the Etosha National Park but are not expected to occur at the study sites. The latter are mostly aquatic birds periodically associated with seasonal pans in the northeast of the park. At least 135 species of invertebrates have been specifically recorded from within the study areas. Of these, 41 are Namibian endemics: the highest endemism rate for any group considered here. An additional 95 higher taxa (families or orders) are expected to occur at the study sites. Each of these higher taxa may include many species, while each of the higher taxa represented by a named species may also include other, unnamed species, The true number Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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of invertebrate species found in the study areas probably runs into thousands. There are no invertebrates in the study areas with formal IUCN, CITES or Namibian legal status.
3.2.4. Special Habitats Caves are highly sensitive and vulnerable habitats. They are also subject to indirect destruction through lowering of water tables. The geology at Galton Gate is not suitable for karst formation, nor is that at Otjovasandu itself. However, the Dolomietberge in the Otjovasandu area are known to harbour caves.. While there are no known caves from this area, there has not been any speleological investigation. No known cave habitats will be directly impacted by the proposed developments. However, such habitats are imperfectly known and developers need be cognisant of caves and the sensitivity of cavernicolous or stygobiotic Error! Reference source not found.habitats, especially if developments encroach on nearby dolomitic areas (Dolomietberge). Perennial aquatic habitats (fountains) occur where the soil surface intersects the normally subsurface water table, usually because of an impermeable rock barrier interrupting groundwater flow. Natural fountains in the study area include Otjovasandu (Winter 1985)., Natural groundwater supply to the fountain has been impacted by abstraction from nearby boreholes. Perennial fountains are important for big game, as evidenced by dry season densities that show them concentrated in areas with perennial water. The dependence of game on perennial water exists despite the fact that water quality in many parts of Etosha is so bad that it does not even attain the minimum standards for livestock (and by implication wildlife) watering. Otjovasandu is fortunate in being located in areas where water quality mostly exceeds minimum requirements for human consumption (Auer 1997). The borehole at Galton Gate was not included in Auer (1997)'s survey, but judging by the geology it will fall within the Otjovasandu 'good water' area. It is worth noting though, that in close proximity to Galton Gate towards the south (Southputs) is found an area with exceedingly low quality water
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SECTION 4: OVERVIEW OF IMPACTS The impacts associated with the proposals were assessed in the ESIA. A summary of the impacts, together with an assessment of the significance thereof and proposed mitigation measures is provided in Table 2. The environmental and social significance of the proposed village at the Galton Gate site is considered to be positive on the whole, if the proposed mitigation measures are implemented. Groundwater is the biggest limiting factor to development and is also the aspect that is at most risk of degradation from operation of the village.
The significance of the impact related to groundwater is
therefore rated as a medium negative impact without mitigation but this is reduced to a low negative impact with mitigation.
This means that while process are notable altered with respect to
groundwater, they are able to function. In terms of the requirements for a village to house staff to manage the Park, and in the context of this impact being localised to the specific area at Galton Gate, and not impacting on the larger context of the Park, this risk is considered to be acceptable. The other significant negative risks associated with the proposals relate to social issues, specifically potential relocation of residents in the Park and greater exposure to outside negative social impacts. However, with mitigation all high negative impacts are either converted to positive impacts or reduced to medium significance impacts.
The overarching predicted positive impact is the envisaged
upgrading of currently unacceptable living conditions of staff, which have unacceptably high social and indirect biophysical negative impacts in their current state.
Table 2: Summary of impacts as identified in the ESIA.
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SECTION 5: PLANNING AND LEGAL CONTEXT 5.1.
Legal context
A summary of the legislation and policy framework of the relevant Namibian environmental legislation and international best practice for impact assessment for project, as presented in the ESIA, is provided below. The following is a list of the legislation that may be pertinent to the development. All activities on site must ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant legislation, as applicable to the project at its various phases. •
The Constitution of The Republic of Namibia
•
Namibia’s Environmental Management Act
•
Namibia’s Vision 2030
•
MCC Environmental Guidelines
•
Namibia National Parks Studies – Draft Management Plan for Etosha National Park – –
•
Biodiversity Legislation – Nature Conservation Ordinance (No. 4 of 1975) –
•
Skeleton Coast & Etosha National Park Infrastructure Assessment Strengthening the Protected Area Network (SPAN) Project
The Namibian Forest Act, 12 of 2001
Social Legislation – The Ministry of Environment & Tourism (MET) Policy on HIV & AIDS; – –
The MCC Gender Policy and Gender Integration Approach The World Bank Operation Policy on Involuntary Settlement
5.2.
Legal status of the EMP
5.2.1.
Construction EMP This Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) covers the requirements for controlling the impact of construction activities on the environment.
Environmental
management is concerned not only with the final results of the Contractor’s operations to carry out the Works but most importantly with the manner in which operations are carried out. It is thus a requirement that the Contractor shall comply with the environmental requirements on an ongoing basis. The Contractor shall take full responsibility for protecting the natural environment and eliminating or minimising the negative impacts of construction on the environment during construction. The Contractor shall prevent or limit the occurrence of accidents which may Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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cause damage to the environment, prevent or limit the consequences of such accidents and shall return the environment to a state as close as possible to its condition prior to any such accident occurring.
Nothing specified herein shall relieve the Contractor of any
obligations or responsibilities in this regard. The requirements of this Specification apply to all areas under the Contractor’s control, including but not limited to the Working Area, all borrow pits, the construction camp and offices, all access/ haul routes and all labour accommodation areas. The general principles contained within the CEMP shall apply to all construction activities and shall observe all relevant legislation, including the Conditions of Authorisation (COA) as contained in the Environmental Clearance.
5.2.2.
Operational EMP The EMP has been compiled as a requirement of the EIA process, as specified by MET and set in the Terms of Reference for the ESIA from MCA-N.
The acceptance of the
EMP by MET in the authorisation as issued at the end of the EIA process confers a legal obligation to comply the specifications of the EMP on the ENP officials.
This EMP
includes all relevant documentation contained or referred to within it, along with any amendments or annexures to this document.
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SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL PERSONNEL 6.1. Ministry of Environment & Tourism (MET): MET as the “developer” will be responsible for the development and implementation of the conditions of the environmental authorization in terms of the design of the development and construction thereof.
6.2. Etosha National Park (ENP): The implementation of the EMP is the responsibility of ENP officials. The ENP must appoint an individual/individuals who will be responsible for co-ordinating and ensuring implementation of the EMP on site, known as Operational Manager (OM). An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be employed by the ENP to implement the EMP. An independent environmental consultant may be appointed by the ENP on a consultancy basis, if required, and the ECO must liaise with this consultant as required to ensure that the EMP is effectively implemented.
6.3. Operations Manager (OM) A project or operations manager must be identified by the ENP to assume over-all responsibility for managing any Project Contractors and for ensuring that the environmental management requirements are met. All decisions regarding environmental procedures and protocol must be approved by the Operational Manager, who also has the authority to stop any activity in contravention of the EMP.
6.4. Environmental Control Officer (ECO) An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed by the Operations Manager. The ECO should have appropriate training and experience in the implementation of environmental management specifications. The ECO provides feedback to the Operations Manager regarding all environmental matters. Contractors are answerable to the ECO (or Operations Manager, depending on contractual arrangements) for non-compliance with the requirements stated in the EMP. The responsibilities of the ECO will include the following:
Monitoring and enforcing compliance by individual owners with the EMP. Should failure to comply with the specifications of the EMP be noted, the ECO must report this to the Operations Manager, who has the authority to deal with this.
Maintenance, update and review of the EMP.
Liaison between the Operations Manager, any Contractors, authorities and other lead stakeholders on all environmental concerns.
Compilation of a maintenance routine, with tasks, budget and timing thereof, to be approved by the ENP and the MET. Staff must be made available to undertake the maintenance activities, as set out in this EMP.
Compilation and administration of an environmental monitoring plan to ensure that the environmental management measures are implemented and are effective.
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Monitoring the performance of the Contractor (and Sub-contractors) and ensuring compliance with the EMP (and associated Method Statements, if required).
Assisting in the resolution of conflicts regarding environmental matters.
Communication of all modifications to the EMP to the relevant stakeholders. Conducting regular audits to ensure that the system for implementing the EMP is operating effectively.
Hold monthly meetings with the Operations Manager to identify required tasks for the month, and to ensure that the tasks for the previous month have been adequately undertaken. Minutes of the meeting must be taken and records maintained for review during the audit.
Obtain specialist environmental input, as required
6.5. MET: DEA The Ministry of Environment & Tourism (Division: Environmental Assessment) will review the draft EMP submission (this document or amendments thereof). Based on the review, the authority will either (i) approve the EMP (with or without conditions), (ii) return the EMP for further improvement and resubmission, giving guidance on what needs to be revised or added, or (ii) reject the EMP, giving reasons. Once the EMP has been approved, the lead authority may have the following role to play:
Review Monitoring and Audit reports, if required.
Participate in an Environmental Monitoring Committee associated with the project, if relevant.
Review whether there is compliance by the ENP with the terms of the EMP and authorisation specifications and permit/license conditions. Whenever necessary, the authorities should assist the HOA and relevant personnel in understanding and meeting the specified requirements.
The authorities may perform random controls to check compliance. In case of persistent noncompliance, the ECO will be required to provide an action plan with corrective measures and have it approved by the authorities.
6.6. Other Authorities Other authorities involved in activities relating to the EMP are the Department of Health, Department of Labour and Department of Water Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
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SECTION 7: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT This EMP has been reviewed by the relevant specialists on the project team to ensure that recommendations have been incorporated into the management strategies for the site. This EMP is presented to the authorities, the public and all relevant stakeholders for review as part of the EIA process (together with the Environmental Impact Report). The individuals and bodies who have been afforded the opportunity to comment on the document are referred to in the ESIA. All comments made on the document will be incorporated into the revised EMP, and verified with the relevant specialists, as required. Once the EMP has been approved by MET it can then be adopted by the ENP for implementation as part of the operational phase of the development. MET:DEA must approve any revisions to the approved document. Notification of the revision must be made available to relevant stakeholders. A forum should be created by ENP to engage neighbours on the issues that will affect them, specifically related to this project.
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SECTION 8: CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 8.1. Scope and Interpretations 8.1.1. General This Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) covers the requirements for controlling the impact of construction activities on the environment. Environmental management is concerned not only with the final results of the Contractor’s operations to carry out the Works but most importantly with the manner in which operations are carried out. It is thus a requirement that the Contractor shall comply with the environmental requirements on an ongoing basis. The Contractor shall take full responsibility for protecting the natural environment and eliminating or minimising the negative impacts of construction on the environment during construction. The Contractor shall prevent or limit the occurrence of accidents which may cause damage to the environment, prevent or limit the consequences of such accidents and shall return the environment to a state as close as possible to its condition prior to any such accident occurring. Nothing specified herein shall relieve the Contractor of any obligations or responsibilities in this regard. The requirements of this Specification apply to all areas under the Contractor’s control, including but not limited to the Working Area, all borrow pits, the construction camp and offices, all access/ haul routes and all labour accommodation areas. The general principles contained within the CEMP shall apply to all construction activities and shall observe all relevant legislation, including the Conditions of Authorisation (COA) as contained in the Environmental Clearance.
8.1.2. Site Environmental Protection Policy The Contractor shall implement an Environmental Protection Policy, in line with various statutory regulations and this Specification (CEMP). The Policy shall be submitted to the Project Manager within 28 days after the Commencement Date. Upon the Project Manager’s approval, the Contractor shall immediately implement the policy and any amendments, and keep it in operation for the full duration of the Contract. The Contractor shall keep the policy updated in accordance with his Quality Management Procedures and make amendments as required by the Project Manager and the circumstances prevailing at the time. Upon such revision, the Contractor shall immediately supply the Project Manager with two copies of an updated Environmental Policy, which shall clearly indicate the revisions undertaken.
8.1.3. Interpretations In the event of any difference or discrepancy between the provisions of the other specifications forming part of the Tender Document and the provisions of this Specification, where such difference or discrepancy has environmental implications, the latter shall prevail.
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8.2. Definitions For the purposes of this Specification, the following definitions shall apply: •
Assembly area means any area used for the assembly of transmission infrastructure prior to its erection. Such assembly areas may be within the construction camp or elsewhere within the Working Area.
•
Clearing means the clearing and removal of all vegetation, including trees and shrubs to be identified prior to construction commencing.
•
Construction site means the area to which the Contractor is allowed access for the execution of the Works.
•
Contaminated water means water contaminated by the Contractor's activities, e.g. concrete water and runoff from equipment/ personnel wash areas.
•
Demolish means the demolition and complete removal and disposal of buildings, sheds, poles, concrete and any other objects and structures.
•
Environment means the people and the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of: i)
The people;
ii)
The land, water and atmosphere of the earth;
iii)
Micro-organisms, plant and animal life;
iv)
Any part or combination of i) and ii) and the interrelationships among and between them; and
v)
The physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that influence human health and well-being.
•
Establishment period means the period that commences from the time of actual planting or re-vegetation until at least six months after planting.
•
Maintenance period means the period after the establishment period up to and until the end of the defects liability period, during which the contractor shall be responsible to maintain the vegetation, and shall be at least one growing season.
•
Method Statement means a written submission by the Contractor to the Project Manager in response to this Specification or a request by the Project Manager, setting out the equipment, plant, materials, labour and method the Contractor proposes using to carry out an activity, identified by this Specification or the Project Manager when requesting the Method Statement, in such detail that the Project Manager is enabled to assess whether the Contractor's proposal is in accordance with this Specification and/or will produce results in accordance with this Specification. ─
The Method Statement shall cover applicable details with regard to: i)
Construction procedures,
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ii)
Plant, materials and equipment to be used,
iii)
Transporting the equipment to and from site,
iv)
How the plant/ material/ equipment will be moved while on site,
v)
How and where the plant/ material/ equipment will be stored,
vi)
The containment (or action to be taken if containment is not possible) of leaks or spills of any liquid or material that may occur,
vii) Timing and location of activities, viii) Compliance/ non-compliance with this Specification and ix)
Any other information deemed necessary by the Project Manager.
•
Natural vegetation means all existing species, indigenous or otherwise, of trees, shrubs, groundcover, grasses and all other plants found growing on the site.
•
Oil Separator means a trap that separates oil from the water and prevents oil from being carried from the Works into watercourses and water bodies.
•
Pollution Incident means any incident that may or has caused contamination of the natural environment.
•
Potentially Hazardous Substance is a substance that, in the reasonable opinion of the Project Manager, can have a deleterious effect on the environment.
•
Reasonable means, unless the context indicates otherwise, reasonable in the opinion of the Project Manager after he has consulted with a person, not an employee of the Employer, suitably experienced in environmental management practices.
•
Settlement Ponds means ponds that retain sediment-laden water from the Works for a sufficient period for the sediment to settle.
•
Sensitive area means any area that is denoted as sensitive by this Specification or Project Manager due to its particular attributes, which could include the presence of rare or endangered vegetation, the presence of heritage resources (e.g. archaeological artefact or graves), the presence of a unique natural feature, the presence of a watercourse or water body etc.
•
Slope means the inclination of a surface expressed as one unit of rise or fall for so many horizontal units.
•
Solid waste means all solid waste, including construction debris, chemical waste, excess cement/ concrete, wrapping materials, timber, tins and cans, drums, wire, nails, food and domestic waste (e.g. plastic packets and wrappers).
•
Spoil means excavated material which is unsuitable for use as material in the Works or is material which is surplus to the requirements of the Works.
•
Topsoil means a varying depth (up to 150 mm) of the soil profile irrespective of the fertility appearance, structure, agricultural potential, fertility and composition of the soil.
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Watercourse means any river, stream and natural drainage channel whether carrying water or not.
•
Water body means body containing any form of water and includes dams and wetlands, whether ephemeral or permanent. In this regard, wetland means all areas where the soils were formed under seasonal or permanent saturation.
•
Works means the Works to be executed in terms of the Contract and in accordance with this Specification.
•
Working area means the land and any other place on, under, over, in or through which the Works are to be executed or carried out, and any other land or place made available by the Employer in connection with the Works. The Working Area shall include the construction camp, stockpile and laydown areas, assembly areas, batching areas, the construction servitude, all access routes and any additional areas to which the Project Manager permits access.
8.3. Roles and Responsibilities 8.3.1.
Client
The Client, in terms of the project, is the Millennium Challenge Account (Namibia) (MCA-N) on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET). However, since funding for the project will be provided by MCA-N, the latter will be closely involved and May in some instances provide play a supporting role to the Client in its dealings with other role-players. In terms of this Plan, the Client is required to: •
Provide the Principal Contractor with the Public Health and Safety Awareness Plan, as attached in Annexure 1 when requesting a contractor to carry out work.
•
Ensure that the potential contractor has made provision for the cost of a health and safety plan or measures.
•
Reasonably satisfy himself that the contractor he intends to use has the necessary competencies and resources to carry out the work safety.
•
Ensure that this Construction Health and Safety Awareness Plan is implemented by contractors.
8.3.2.
Construction Supervision Team
Prior to commencement of construction, the Client will appoint a Construction Supervision Team, which will be a consulting firm tasked with the responsibility of: •
Detailed design for the project;
•
Costing of the project;
•
Preparation of bidding documents; and
•
Construction supervision, including:
•
Environmental monitoring;
•
Social monitoring;
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Monitor the implementation of the EMP and the Public Health and Public Safety Awareness Plan and health and safety monitoring; and
•
Give advice with regard to the above when requested.
The construction supervision team will be led by a Resident Engineer (RE), who will be the sole person invested with the authority to issue orders to persons on site. Other team members will include architects, engineers, one or more environmental specialists, etc. Any instructions issued by any one of these persons must be channelled via the RE. In terms of construction health and safety, the construction supervision team is required to: i.
Appoint one or more suitably qualified public health and safety/ social specialists, whose duties will be to: •
Monitor and oversee the construction process to ensure that public health and safety issues and social impacts arising from construction activities are properly identified, managed and mitigated;
•
Keep record of any incidents occurring during the construction process that have a bearing on public health and safety and/or social impacts; and
•
Ensure that appropriate follow-up is instituted in respect of such issues.
•
Appoint a suitably qualified Environmental Health and Safety Control Officer, who will assume overall responsibility for monitoring and evaluation of the Construction Health and Safety Awareness Plan. This role could be undertaken by the Resident Engineer, if this role is not delegated to another member of the team or a dedicated person appointed in this position.
The specialists will be required to conduct legal compliance audits.
8.3.3.
Principal Contractor
The Principal Contractor will be a construction firm appointed by the Client to undertake the construction process. The Principal Contractor will report to the construction supervision team, who in turn will report to the Client. He is required to ensure that the positions listed in the following sections form part of his team, and where he lacks such capacity, he must recruit to ensure he obtains the capacity. In terms of this Plan, the Principal Contractor is required to: •
Implement the detailed health and safety plan based on (a) the health and safety specification and (b) the general information contained in the Construction Health and Safety Awareness Plan (Annexure A). The detailed plan reflects the particular Health and Safety requirements of all specific activities to be undertaken as part of the work. MCA-N has already assembled a roster of HIV/AIDS service providers which can be used by principal contractor as subcontractors
•
Ensure that the detailed health and safety plan is implemented and maintained on site.
•
Ensure that the subcontractors’ tender bids or offers make provision for the costs of the required health and safety measures during the construction period.
•
Assign the role of Health and Safety Officer/ Manager to a suitably qualified and experienced member of the company’s management team, or appoint a dedicated person in this position;
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Appoint a full-time competent employee as Site Supervisor.
•
Implement EMPs
8.3.4.
Environmental Monitoring
A suitably qualified senior staff member employed full time on site by the Contractor shall be responsible for environmental monitoring and control. This position shall be designated as the Environmental Officer (EO). The EO shall be a person with adequate environmental knowledge to understand and implement this management plan. As a minimum the EO should poses a tertiary qualification in a relevant field and two years of experience in environmental monitoring and control. The duties of the EO will include: i)
Liaison with the RE or Environmental Control Officer (ECO);
ii)
Monitoring of all of the Contractor’s activities for compliance with the various environmental requirements contained in this Specification;
iii)
Monitoring of compliance with other relevant environmental legislation;
iv)
Development of requisite environmental Method Statements;
v)
Instituting remedial action in the event of non-compliance;
vi)
Implementation and management of environmental protection measures;
vii)
Keeping a register of public complaints and recording and addressing any public comments or issues;
viii)
Routine recording and reporting of environmental activities;
ix)
Recording and reporting of environmental incidents; and
x)
Environmental training and presentation of the Environmental Awareness Training courses to the Contractor’s staff.
8.3.5.
Health and Safety Officer/Manager
The health and safety officer/ manager is a person in the management of the Principal Contractor. In terms of Section 6 of H&S Regulations, his or her main responsibility is the promotion of health and safety and the monitoring of the company’s compliance with its health and safety policy. Whoever is appointed in this position should have direct access to an executive director of the company. His or her duties include: •
The organisation of health- and safety-related information to be passed from management to workers, including those of subcontractors;
•
The organisation and implementation of safety training programmes, including induction training for all workers on the site;
•
Compiling a health and safety checklist based on the specific hazards identified in a Risk Assessment;
•
The investigation and review of the circumstances and causes of accidents and occupational diseases so as to advise on preventive measures;
•
Acting as consultant and technical adviser to the Health and Safety Representative and the Health and Safety Committee;
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Participation in pre-site planning to ensure that relevant health and safety considerations are included.
To carry out these functions the health and safety officer/ manager should have experience of the industry and should be properly trained and qualified, and should preferably be a member of a recognised professional safety and health body.
8.3.6.
Site Supervisor
The role of the Site Supervisor is to supervise the day-to-day construction work on the project. The Supervisor will manage and control all construction activities at that site. In terms of Section 4 of H&S Regulations, the Site Supervisor must: •
Be trained to understand the hazards associated with all work he or she has to supervise;
•
Ensure that all required precautionary measures are implemented;
•
Ensure that all employees under his or her control are informed, instructed and trained by a competent person regarding any hazard and the related work procedures before any work commences and thereafter at such times as may be determined by the risk assessment;
•
Prohibit any employee or person to enter any site unless he or she has undergone health and safety induction training pertaining to the hazards on this site;
•
Ensure that every employee on site is in possession of proof of the health and safety induction training;
•
Hold toolbox talks on at least a weekly basis. A toolbox talk (see Section 10) is a five- to ten-minute session with workers just prior to starting work for the day, which emphasises and reinforces a safety-conscious attitude. Toolbox talks also give workers and the supervisor a chance to talk about safety problems likely to be encountered, as well as potential solutions to those problems;
•
Issue a “Stop Work” order when conditions arise that pose an imminent danger to personnel, environment or equipment. All Stop Work orders must be reported to the Environmental Health and Safety Control Officer.
8.3.7.
Health and Safety Representatives
In terms of the Labour Act (No. 11 of 2007), employees in a workplace with between 10 and 100 employees are entitled to elect from among themselves at least one health and safety representative; workplaces with between 100 and 200 employees are entitled to elect two health and safety representatives, etc. The health and safety representative must be trained and knowledgeable in the Environment, Safety and Health requirements of the project for which he or she must be responsible. A copy of that individual’s training completion certificate must be included in the health and safety file. An employer is required to grant each health and safety representative time off during working hours without loss of pay in order to perform the functions of that office, as well as reasonable leave of absence to attend health and safety meetings or training courses. The main function of the health and safety representative is to represent workers in dealing with health and safety matters on site. He or she must:
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8.3.8.
•
Make representations to the management about matters of concern regarding the safety and health of workers;
•
Attend meetings of the Health and Safety Committee;
•
Hold weekly health and safety meetings with all employees. These meetings may be in the form of one-on-one contacts or group meetings;
•
Prior to the start of work each day on a jobsite, evaluate the site for any unsafe conditions at the jobsite and take appropriate steps to eliminate employee exposure;
•
During the evaluation of the job site, make use of the safety and health checklist compiled by the health and safety officer/ manager, but with the understanding that any unsafe conditions not covered by the checklist must be noted and corrected
•
Periodically review and update the checklist with items that were originally not included, but identified during the worksite inspections;
•
Prior to the initiation of any work by employees, evaluate the hazards of that work, and instruct the employees as to site and job-specific hazards. As jobs change, site and jobspecific instructions must also change;
•
Carry out regular and systematic inspections on site. This may be performed as a separate inspection or while the health and safety representative is engaged in other supervisory duties. Such inspections must be documented, noting discrepancies and corrective actions taken;
•
Inform all employees of the location and availability of the company's written material and chemical hazard communication programme, which is required to be on the jobsite, and which must include copies of all material safety data sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials and chemicals used on the jobsite;
•
Ensure that first aid and emergency services are available when required;
•
Investigate accidents or near-accidents in conjunction with the health and safety officer/ manager to determine their causes and to propose remedies;
•
Investigate complaints by workmates;
•
Represent workers in discussions with government inspectors at their site visits;
•
Ensure that all personnel on the job site use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.
Health and Safety Committee
The primary purpose of the health and safety committee is to enable workers and management to work together to monitor site safety so as to prevent accidents and improve working conditions on site. Its size and membership will depend on the size and nature of the site. According to Section 46 of the Labour Act (No. 11 of 2007), in any workplace with more than 100 employees, the employer must at the request of the health and safety representative establish a health and safety committee consisting of the health and safety representative(s), an equal number of representatives appointed by the employer, and any additional individuals agreed to by the committee. Members must be duly nominated and elected. The Site Supervisor and the health and safety officer/ manager are ex-officio members. The duties of the health and safety committee include: Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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Holding regular and frequent meetings to discuss the safety and health programme on site and to make recommendations to management. In terms of Section 10 of the H&S Regulations, the health and safety committee must meet not less than once every quarter. The employer must make a suitable meeting place and suitable facilities available for these meetings;
•
Consideration of reports of safety personnel;
•
Discussion of accident and illness reports in order to make recommendations for prevention;
•
Evaluating improvements made;
•
Examination of suggestions made by workers, particularly by the health and safety representative(s);
•
Planning and participating in educational and training programmes and information sessions.
8.3.9.
Subcontractors
The Principal Contractor may appoint specialised subcontractors to undertake various tasks during the construction process (plumbing, electrical wiring, etc.). Every subcontractor is responsible to ensure that his employees comply with the applicable legislation, with this Health and Safety Awareness Plan and with the detailed health and safety plan developed for the construction site. Subcontractors are required to: •
Retain full responsibility for the safety of their personnel;
•
Review possible safety hazards, work activities, etc., with their personnel;
•
Issue a “Stop Work” order when conditions arise that pose an imminent danger to personnel, environment or equipment. All Stop Work orders must be reported to the Site Supervisor;
•
Ensure that their personnel understand all necessary precautions to be taken and that these precautions are carried out;
•
Make regular inspections of hand tools and equipment used in all phases of work;
•
Immediately correct any safety deficiencies when identified and/or notified;
•
Immediately inform the Site Supervisor Contractor and the Principal Contractor’s Health and Safety Representative of any and all unsafe conditions or activities.
There must be an open and continuous line of communication between the Principal Contractor and Subcontractors to discuss any unsafe acts or conditions that arise or may arise in the course of this project.
8.4. General 8.4.1. General and legal obligations All construction activities shall observe and obey any relevant environmental legislation and in so doing shall be undertaken in such a manner so as to minimise impacts on the surrounding environment, the public and adjoining landowners. The Contractor shall absolve the Employer of any and all risk or liability in terms of compliance with all relevant statutory obligations Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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The Contractor shall construct and/or implement all the necessary environmental protection measures in each area before any construction work will be allowed to proceed. The Project Manager may suspend the Works at any time in terms the Conditions of Contract should the Contractor, in the Project Manager’s opinion, fail to implement, operate or maintain any of the environmental protection measures adequately.
The required actions are summarised in Table 3 below, with details provided in the following sections.
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone Page
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Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
All employees to attend: i) Acquire a basic understanding of the key environmental features within the Working Area and its immediate environs; ii) Become familiar with the environmental controls contained within this Specification; and iii) Are made aware of any other environmental matters as deemed necessary by the Project Manager Provide method statements on: i) Logistics for the environmental awareness course, including the date, time and location of the course, the course content and provision for refresher courses; ii) Location and layout of the construction camp in the form of a plan showing the location of key infrastructure and services, including but not limited to offices, overnight vehicle parking areas, stores, the workshop, stockpile and laydown areas, hazardous storage areas (including fuels), designated access routes, equipment cleaning areas and the placement of staff
Environmental awareness training
Environmental method statements
Monthly
GENERAL
Site meetings
Mitigation measures
Adherence to relevant environmental legislation (refer to section 8.4 of EMP)
Source of impacts
General and legal obligations
Environmental management impacts requiring mitigation
As above
As above
First audit 6 months after implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 As above
Monitoring actions and methods
Table 3. Summary of construction impacts and required mitigation and monitoring activities required.
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Contractor, unless otherwise indicated by Project Manager
Contractor
Contractor
Responsibility for implementation
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Resources required for the implementation
Protection of watercourses and water bodies
Protection of natural features and heritage resources
Interface with landowners and local communities Safety of the Workforce
v)
iv)
iii)
ii)
i)
When planning work in or near watercourses the Contractor shall take into account possible river levels during the period of construction; The Contractor shall program the execution of the Works such that Construction within flowing water is minimized. All diversions shall be in place, water diverted away from the Working Area and the area sandbagged prior to excavations commencing; Construction equipment shall not ford any watercourse or operate from within the river channel unless it is essential to the execution of the Works. All works within flowing water shall be subject to prior authorisation from the Project Manager; During the execution of the Works, the Contractor shall take appropriate measures to prevent pollution and contamination of the riverine environment e.g. including ensuring that construction equipment is well maintained, using drip trays, provision of bins, monitoring etc; Where earthwork is being undertaken in close proximity
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Defacing, painting, damaging or marking of natural features (e.g. rock formations)
accommodation, cooking and ablution facilities. The disturbed area to the south of the entrance gate must be used for the construction camp, subject to complete rehabilitation of this area thereafter and screening of the area from the entrance gate area.; Liaison through approved channels or forums; Respect property rights; Maintain complaints register (refer to section 8.4.5) Fencing of construction site; Fencing and demarcation of unattended open excavations (refer to section 8.4.6) No defacing, painting, damaging or marking of natural features (refer to section 8.4.7)
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
As above
As above
Contractor
As above
ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Temporary site closure: • Hazardous substances storage • Safety • Erosion • Water contaminatio n and pollution
Emergency procedures
Prevention and control of fires
Protection of flora and fauna
Safety i) Fencing and barriers in; ii) Emergency and Management contact details displayed; iii) Security personnel have been briefed and have the facilities to contact or be contacted by relevant
Telephone numbers of emergency services displayed at conspicuous places; Development of emergency procedures to respond to environmental emergencies e.g. fires & spillages. Refer to section 8.4.11 Hazardous substances storage i) Outlet secure/ locked; ii) Bund empty (where applicable); iii) Fire extinguishers serviced and accessible; iv) Secure area from accidental damage e.g. vehicle collision; v) Emergency and contact details displayed; and vi) Adequate ventilation.
Smoking in designated areas; Clearing of vegetation around construction fence (allow for 10m buffer)
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Outbreak of fires or accidental leaks and spillages Closure of site for period exceeding one week
Removing, damaging or disturbing vegetation Smoking in fire hazard places (e.g. workshop and fuel storage areas, dry vegetation)
to any watercourse, slopes shall be stabilised using sandbags or geofabric to prevent sand and rock from entering the channel; and vi) Appropriate rehabilitation and re-vegetation measures for the riverbanks shall be implemented timeously. In this regard, the banks should be appropriately and incrementally stabilized as soon as construction allows. (refer to section 8.4.8) Identification of indigenous flora for preservation and demarcation of area to protect flora
First audit 6 months after implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9
As above
As above
As above
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Storage & disposal of hazardous chemical substances pose risk of causing water and soil contamination
Hazardous substances: • Fuel • Oils and curing compound • Herbicides and
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Dust generation
Plant and materials handling, use and storage
Water contamination and pollution i) Cement and materials stores secured; ii) Toilets secured; iii) Refuse bins empty and secured; iv) Drip trays empty and secure (where possible); and v) Structures vulnerable to high winds secured. Refer to 8.4.12 PLANT AND MATERIALS Inform delivery drivers of procedures & restrictions First audit 6 months after Supervision during delivery implementation of EMP. Loads should be covered Annual audits for first three years, PM to approve stockpiling, laydown & assembly areas thereafter every second year. Refer to 8.5.1 Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Fuel to be stored in area approved by PM As above Oils and curing compound containers to be stored within a bunded area Herbicides, pesticides an poisonous substances should be stored, handled and applied with care and according to manufacturer’s specifications Refer to section 8.5.2
Erosion i) Wind and dust mitigation in place; ii) Slopes and stockpiles at stable angle; and iii) Re-vegetated areas watering schedules and supply secured.
management and emergency personnel; iv) Night hazards such as reflectors, lighting, traffic signage etc have been checked; v) Fire hazards identified and the local authority notified of any potential threats e.g. large brush stockpiles, fuels etc; vi) Stockpile appropriately secured; and vii) Structures vulnerable to high winds secure.
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PM & contractor
Contractor
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Fuel spills and leakages
Dust emission
Pumping
Dust and emissions: • Dust control program • Dust measurement • Vehicle emissions • Noise
i) Schedule of spraying water on dust prone portions of the Working Area, particularly gravel access roads, paying due attention to control of runoff. High traffic sections shall either be paved or treated via the application of suitable dust suppressing agents; ii) Speed limits for vehicles on unpaved roads and minimisation of haul distances; iii) Measures to ensure that material loads are properly covered during transportation; iv) Schedule for wheel cleaning and measures to clean up public roads that may be soiled by construction vehicles; v) Minimisation of the area disturbed at any one time and protection of exposed soil against wind erosion, e.g. dampening with water, covering with straw or applying suitable dust suppressing agents; vi) Location and treatment of material stockpiles taking into consideration prevailing wind directions
As above
EQUIPMENT Vehicles and equipment shall be kept in good working First audit 6 months after order implementation of EMP. Leaking equipment to be repaired immediately or Annual audits for first three years, removed from site; thereafter every second year. Workshop must have a smooth impermeable floor; Suitably qualified environmental auditor Outside maintenance not to contaminate soil & in association with ECO. vegetation Refer to Section 9 Portable drip trays to be used in construction areas to collect waste oil & lubricants; Washing of equipment only in designated wash bays; Refer to section 8.6.2 Reasonable precautions to prevent spillage during As above refuelling of pumps
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Leakages & maintenance activities may contaminate soil and water
Workshop, equipment maintenance and storage
pesticides
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Site clearing
Site demarcation
Site layout
Noise generating activities to be restricted between 6:00 to 18:00 on weekdays; No amplified music allowed Include noise awareness in Environmental Awareness Training Refer to section 8.6.4 SITE ESTABLISHMENT Consultation with PM regarding site layout First audit 6 months after Restrict size implementation of EMP. Not within 100 m of any watercourse or water body Annual audits for first three years, Refer to 8.7.1 thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Demarcation fencing and barriers to be kept in good As above working order; Construction site to be located on existing sports field near the gate All activities should be restricted to the defined Working Area Refer to 8.7.2 Existing structures only to be damaged or demolished As above and removed with prior approval of PM; Identification and management of sensitive vegetation. Clearing only with written permission of PM Restricted to construction camp, approved access roads, approved stockpiling and laydown areas, approved assembly areas and infrastructure footprints Clearance to be undertaken by hand Plan clearing to minimise chances of erosion Refer to 8.7.3
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Demolition and removal of existing structures Destruction of sensitive vegetation Clearing of vegetation
Disturbance of tourist experience of the Park
Noise
and location of sensitive receptors; and vii) Reporting mechanism and action plan in case of excessive wind and dust conditions. Water tankers must be permanently available for control of dust generation
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor & PM
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Erosion and siltation
Site structures
Accommodation of site staff
Services (pipelines, power & telephone lines)
Stockpiling and stockpile areas
Erosion and sediment control
Site structures
Accommodation of site staff
Services
Stockpiling and stockpile areas
Located in manner which will cause lease disturbance to environment Route alignment to avoid identified sensitive areas Service infrastructure to be accommodated within the same trench Refer to 8.8.3 Stockpiles should be within demarcated construction camp; Stockpiles not higher than 2 m;
As above
As above
Strip layer of 150mm soil for subsequent use during As above rehabilitation and re-vegetation. Remove topsoil from all areas of the Working Area; Topsoil collected from different areas should be stockpiled separately Stockpiles to be positioned on previously disturbed areas; Stockpiles not to exceed 2 m. Refer to section 8.7.4 Limit erosion and sedimentation. As above Phasing of construction activities; Surface stormwater not to concentrate and flow down cut or fill slopes; Repair signs of erosion immediately; Start landscaping and rehabilitation as soon as possible. Refer to section 8.7.4 TEMPORARY SERVICES AND FACILITIES Should be temporary and removed at end of contract First audit 6 months after implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Accommodation to be provided nearby settlements, not As above on site
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Loss of topsoil
Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Ablution facilities
Eating areas
Water use
Solid waste disposal
Release of
Ablution facilities
Eating areas
Water use
Solid waste management
Contaminated
Water for construction purposes to be used sparingly Pumping of borehole BH30251 should not exceed 10m³/hr for 10 hours and BH30252 should not exceed 3m3/hr for 10 hours Waste management to be strictly controlled and monitored Avoid littering; Minimise quantities of waste; Provide sufficient bins with lids i) Appropriate pollution control facilities necessary to
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Access roads
Access roads
Shouldn’t dam water or run off; Not be located within 50 m of any watercourse. Only designated access roads to be used to access the working area; New roads subject to prior approval by PM; Control dust nuisance by watering roads; Temporary access roads to be rehabilitated to their original condition at end of contract. Vehicle turning areas only within working area Mud and sand deposited onto public roads to be cleared daily. i) Toilets shall be located within 100 m from any point of work but no closer than 50 m to any watercourse or water body; ii) Toilets situated close to the site boundaries or within sight of tourist or residential areas shall be hidden behind screens or other cover as approved by the Project Manager; iii) Discharge of waste from toilets into the environment and burial of waste is strictly prohibited; iv) Toilets shall be provided with an external closing mechanism to prevent toilet paper from being blown out. Areas to be designated & clearly demarcated
All effluent emanating from settlement
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
ESIA report
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
water management: • General • Settlement ponds • Water quality monitoring
vii)
vi)
v)
iv)
iii)
ii)
prevent discharge of water containing polluting matter or visible suspended materials into watercourses or water bodies shall be designed and implemented; Runoff from the cement mixing areas shall be strictly controlled, and contaminated water shall be collected, stored and either treated or disposed of off-site, at a location approved by the Project Manager. The approval of the Project Manager shall be required prior to the release of treated runoff from cement mixing areas into any watercourse; Runoff from vehicle wash bays, workshops and diesel / fuel tank areas shall pass through oil traps. The oil sludge thus collected shall be disposed of at an approved waste disposal site; All spillage of oil onto concrete surfaces shall be controlled by the use of an approved absorbent material; Water collected during the dewatering activities shall be pumped to settlement ponds complying with the requirements of Subclause 6.4.10.2. Natural stormwater runoff not contaminated by construction operations and clean water can be discharged directly to watercourses and water bodies, subject to the Project Manager’s approval. Water that has been contaminated with suspended solids, like soils and silt may be released into watercourses or water bodies only once all suspended solids have been removed from water by settling out these solids in settlement ponds. The release of settled water back into the environment shall be subject to the Project Managers approval. The Contractor shall notify the Project Manager immediately of any pollution incidents on Site. Verbal reports must be followed up by a written report, which shall be within 24 hours of the
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
contaminated runoff from construction camps, discharge of contaminated water, chemicals, oils, fuels etc.
Refer to Section 8.8.10
ponds, batching plants, washing areas and any other areas of effluent and water discharge shall be sampled and tested. Quality of water at monitoring points shall comply with the criteria given in Table 1/1. Monitoring points for effluents shall be determined in agreement with the Project Manager when the locations of specific areas and treatment works have been established in terms of the Contractor’s Method Statements. Monitoring of point source effluent disposal into the watercourse/ water body will be the final effluent at the point of discharge into the watercourse/ water body.
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Conditions of authorization EMP
Traffic
Access to site
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Construction activities
First audit 6 months after implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Implement safety measures; First audit 6 months after Control vehicle movement and equipment; implementation of EMP. Enforce speed limit of 40 km/hr. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 LANDSCAPING AND REHABILITATION Scope: First audit 6 months after Disturbed areas to be subjected to landscaping and implementation of EMP. rehabilitation Annual audits for first three years, Refer to section 8.9.1 thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Timing of landscaping and rehabilitation: As soon as possible after cessation of work in a specific area Refer to section 8.9.2 Demolition and removal of structures: Prior to landscaping and rehabilitation Refer to section 8.9.3 Shaping and trimming: Lessen visual impact of disturbed areas Refer to section 8.9.4 Scarifying:
Refer to section 8.8.10 Access to site and associated infrastructure and equipment to be off-limits to public during construction
Construction of settlement ponds within working area.
incident.
ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report
Contractor
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Contractor
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Cost of non-compliance Refer to section 8.10.2 Removal from site and suspension of words Refer to section 8.10.3 COMMUNICATION & EDUCATION PROCEDURES ON SITE Induction training First audit 6 months after Refer to Section 8.11.1 implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Site specific training: First audit 6 months after implementation of EMP. • Basic construction health and safety; Annual audits for first three years, • Housekeeping and environmental hygiene thereafter every second year. procedures; Suitably qualified environmental auditor • Legal health and safety requirements; in association with ECO. • Material and chemical hazards and safety; Refer to Section 9 • Personal protective clothing and equipment; • Vehicles and mobile equipment; • Electrical safety;
TOLERANCES Compliance Refer to section 8.10.1
Only rescued plants stored on site to be re-planted: Refer to section 8.9.7
To depth of 150 mm Refer to section 8.9.5 Topsoiling: Refer to section 8.9.6
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
First audit 6 months after implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 As above
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Noise and vibration Refer to section 8.12.4 Work environment (lighting, ventilation and heat exposure) Refer to section 8.12.5 Protective clothing and equipment Refer to section 8.12.6
Contractor
Contractor
As above
As above
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Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
As above
Health and Safety communication Refer to Section 8.11.4 Record keeping As above Refer to section 8.11.5 Environmental completion statement As above Refer to section 8.11.6 SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES Environmental training and awareness First audit 6 months after Refer to section 8.12.1 implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Electrical safety As above Refer to section 8.12.2 Scaffolding and working at heights As above Refer to section 8.12.3
Refer to tables in Section 8.11.2 Community education Refer to Section 8.11.3
• Excavations and working at height; and • Drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
ESIA report Conditions of authorization EMP
Types of chemical and material hazards
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
Drug- and alcohol-free workplace As above Refer to section 8.12.7 MATERIALS USE, HANDLING AND STORAGE Types of chemical and material hazards: First audit 6 months after Cement implementation of EMP. Asbestos Annual audits for first three years, Lead thereafter every second year. Refer to section 8.13 Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 TOOL USE Use of hand tools First audit 6 months after Refer to section 8.14.1 implementation of EMP. Annual audits for first three years, thereafter every second year. Suitably qualified environmental auditor in association with ECO. Refer to Section 9 Power-driven construction tools As above Refer to section 8.14.2 Welding and cutting As above Refer to section 8.14.3
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Contractor
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ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park
8.4.2. Site meetings Compliance with this Specification will be an item on the agenda of the monthly site meetings.
8.4.3. Environmental awareness training The Contractor shall ensure that all of his employees, and those of his Sub-Contractor’s, attend Environmental Awareness Training. The Environmental Awareness Training shall be structure to ensure that attendees: i)
Acquire a basic understanding of the key environmental features within the Working Area and its immediate environs;
ii)
Become familiar with the environmental controls contained within this Specification; and
iii)
Are made aware of any other environmental matters as deemed necessary by the Project Manager.
The initial course shall be held within 14 days from the Commencement Date, and subsequent courses shall be arranged for new employees coming onto site after the initial training course. Provision should also be made for refreshers courses to be undertaken during the course of the Contract. The Contractor shall provide a suitable venue with facilities and ensure that the specified employees attend the course. The Environmental Awareness Training course shall be held in the morning during normal working hours. No more than 20 people shall attend each course and the Contractor shall allow for sufficient sessions to train all personnel. The Contractor shall provide proof of attendance by all of his employees in the form of a signed attendance register for each session. The Contractor shall erect and maintain information posters for the information of his employees, depicting actions to be taken to ensure compliance with aspects of this Specification. Annexure B includes a pamphlet to be used for environmental training.
8.4.4. Environmental method statements Unless indicated otherwise by the Project Manager, the Contractor shall provide the following Method Statements no less that 14 days prior to the programmed commencement date of the subject Works or activity: i)
Logistics for the environmental awareness course, including the date, time and location of the course, the course content and provision for refresher courses;
ii)
Location and layout of the construction camp in the form of a plan showing the location of key infrastructure and services, including but not limited to offices, overnight vehicle parking areas, stores, the workshop, stockpile and laydown areas, hazardous storage areas (including fuels), designated access routes, equipment cleaning areas and the placement of staff accommodation, cooking and ablution facilities. The disturbed area to the south of the Galton Gate must be used for the construction camp, subject to complete rehabilitation of this area thereafter and screening from the entrance gate;
Environmental Management Plan – Construction: West Zone
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The Contractor shall not commence the activity until the Method Statement has been approved and, except in the case of emergency activities, shall allow a period of two weeks for approval of the Method Statement by the Project Manager. Such approval shall not unreasonably be delayed or withheld. The Project Manager may require changes to a Method Statement if the proposal does not comply with this Specification or if, in the reasonable opinion of the Project Manager, the proposal may result in, or carries a greater than reasonable risk of, damage to the environment in excess of that permitted by this Specification. Approved Method Statements shall be readily available on the site and shall be communicated to all relevant personnel. The Contractor shall carry out the Works in accordance with the approved Method Statement. Approval of the Method Statement shall not absolve the Contractor from any of his obligations or responsibilities in terms of the Contract.
8.4.5. Interface with landowners and local communities The Contractor shall liaise with the local Communities through the approved channels or forums as indicated by the Project Manager on matters concerning the impact of his operations on local communities and other matters. The Contractor shall respect the property and rights of landowners and communities at all times and shall treat all such persons with courtesy. Disruption to the communities and landowners abutting the Working Area shall be minimised. No communities or landowners shall be displaced as a result of the construction activities. The Contractor shall take every effort to ensure that private property abutting the Working Area is not damaged as a result of his activities. The Contractor shall absolve the Employer of any and all risk and liability in this regard. The Contractor shall maintain a “complaints register” that records all complaints raised by landowners, communities or the general public about construction activities. The register shall be regularly updated and shall be used to record the name of the complainant, his or her domicile and contact details, the nature of the complaint and any action taken to rectify the problem.
8.4.6. Safety of the Workforce The Contractor shall recognise that the Site is situated in a National Park in which potentially dangerous wild animals roam freely and shall therefore take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of people on the construction site. The construction site must be fenced to prevent animals entering the area and a MET guard should be on site at all times to protect the workforce from large dangerous animals that may get through the fence, to be dealt with as per MET policy. All unattended open excavations shall be adequately fenced or demarcated. Adequate protective measures must be implemented to prevent unauthorised access to and climbing of partly constructed towers and protective scaffolding. No firearms shall be permitted on Site without the prior approval of the Project Manager.
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Details are provided in Annexure A.
8.4.7. Protection of natural features and heritage resources The Contractor shall not deface, paint, damage or mark any natural features (e.g. rock formations) situated in or around the Site for survey or other purposes unless agreed beforehand with the Project Manager. Any features affected by the Contractor in contravention of this clause shall be restored/ rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. The construction site has been located to avoid known sites of heritage significance. The Contractor shall, however, make provision for accidental discovery of heritage artefacts. The Contractor shall take reasonable precautions to prevent any person from removing or damaging any fossils, coins, articles of value or antiquity, and structures and other remains of archaeological interest discovered on the Site, including graves, immediately upon discovery thereof and before removal. The Contractor shall inform the Project Manager immediately of such a discovery and carry out the Project Manager’s instructions for dealing therewith. In the event that works within the vicinity of the discovery are suspended, the area shall be cordoned off until such time as the Project Manager authorises resumption of the Works in writing. The Project Manager will take all necessary actions to ensure that delays are minimised. Upon notification by the Contractor, the Project Manager will contact relevant authorities in Namibia and will arrange for the excavation to be examined by an appropriate heritage specialist as soon as practicable. Acting upon the advice of the authority and the specialist, the Project Manager will advise the Contractor of the requisite actions.
8.4.8. Protection of watercourses and water bodies The Contractor shall ensure that all watercourses and water bodies (turf pans in the South Zone and drainage line in the West Zone) are protected from contamination or degradation as a result of his activities. All watercourses and water bodies shall be protected from direct or indirect spills of pollutants such as waste, sewage, cement, oils, fuels, chemicals, aggregate tailings, wash and contaminated water or organic material resulting from the Contractor’s activities. In the event of a spill, prompt action shall be taken to clear the polluted or affected areas, and the Project Manager shall be notified immediately. The Contractor shall not work within the flood plain or any watercourses or water bodies without the written approval of the Project Manager as required for the execution of the work. The Contractor shall not permit his employees to make use of any natural watercourse or water body for the purposes of swimming, personal washing and the washing of machinery or clothes. When working in or near any watercourses, the Contractor shall be cognisant of the following environmental controls and considerations: i)
When planning work in or near watercourses the Contractor shall take into account possible river levels during the period of construction;
ii)
The Contractor shall program the execution of the Works such that Construction within flowing water is minimized. All diversions shall be in place, water diverted away from the Working Area and the area sandbagged prior to excavations commencing;
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iii)
Construction equipment shall not ford any watercourse or operate from within the river channel unless it is essential to the execution of the Works. All works within flowing water shall be subject to prior authorisation from the Project Manager;
iv)
During the execution of the Works, the Contractor shall take appropriate measures to prevent pollution and contamination of the riverine environment e.g. including ensuring that construction equipment is well maintained, using drip trays, provision of bins, monitoring etc;
v)
Where earthwork is being undertaken in close proximity to any watercourse, slopes shall be stabilised using sandbags or geofabric to prevent sand and rock from entering the channel; and
vi)
Appropriate rehabilitation and re-vegetation measures for the riverbanks shall be implemented timeously. In this regard, the banks should be appropriately and incrementally stabilized as soon as construction allows.
Where possible, the Contractor shall ensure that no construction equipment traverses any seasonal or permanent wetland. Where seasonally wet areas must be traversed, the Contractor shall ensure that this occurs during the dry season only. Preferably, no construction shall occur within any sort of wetland area. Where excavations within a wetland are specifically required in terms of the execution of the Works, the extent of any disturbances shall be kept to an absolute minimum. The various soil layers shall be removed and stockpiled separately. Following the completion of the construction activities, the soil layers shall be returned in the reverse order to which they were removed.
8.4.9. Protection of flora and fauna Except to the extent necessary for the carrying out of the Works, flora shall not be removed, damaged or disturbed nor shall any vegetation be planted without authorisation. At the commencement of the Contract, the Project Manager will identify to the Contractor indigenous flora that shall be preserved. The Contractor shall thereafter demarcate such and undertake all necessary measures to ensure the protection of such flora. In areas where needless destruction of vegetation has occurred, the Contractor shall, at his own expense, reinstate those areas to the standard specified by the Project Manager. In this regard, the Project Manager will contact MET and will arrange for the disturbed area to be examined by an appropriate botanical specialist. Acting upon the advice of MET and the specialist, the Project Manager will advise the Contractor of the requisite actions. A Provisional Sum must be included in the Bill of Quantities for the appointment of a botanical specialist together with any assistance required to identify sensitive vegetation and for the relocation of such vegetation. This sum will be under the control of the Project Manager. The Contractor shall protect fauna living within the Site and shall ensure that trapping, poisoning and/ or shooting of animals is strictly prohibited. No domestic pets or livestock are permitted on Site. The Contractor shall ensure that domestic and native animals belonging to surrounding landowners are kept away and are safe from the unprotected Works. The Contractor shall ensure that the Working Area is kept clean, tidy and free of rubbish that would attract animal pest species, and that no feeding of
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animals occurs. The Contractor’s employees shall be prohibited from collecting firewood from the surrounding areas, and no fires will be allowed on site. The area must be adequately fenced to prevent animals entering the site and staff from entering the Park from the construction area.
8.4.10.
Prevention and control of fires
The Contractor shall take adequate precautions to ensure that the fire hazard on and near the Site is reduced to a minimum. No fires may only be lit at sites. The Contractor shall ensure that there is basic fire-fighting equipment available on Site at all times, and any fires that occur shall be reported to the Project Manager immediately. Smoking shall not be permitted in those areas where it is a fire hazard. Such areas shall include the workshop and fuel storage areas, any areas where the vegetation or other material is such as to make likely the rapid spread of an initial flame and any other areas not designated as smoking areas. All eating areas shall include provision for a smoking area. Vegetation must be cleared around the construction fence for a distance of 10m to act as a firebreak. The Contractor shall not be permitted to use burning as a disposal method.
8.4.11.
Emergency procedures
Telephone numbers of emergency services, including the local fire fighting service, shall be posted conspicuously in the Contractor's office near the telephone. The Contractor shall develop emergency procedures that will enable rapid and effective response to all types of environmental emergencies. The Contractor’s procedures for the following emergencies shall include: Fire The Contractor shall advise the MET of a fire as soon as one starts and shall not wait until he can no longer control it. The Contractor shall ensure that his employees are aware of the procedure to be followed in the event of a fire. Accidental leaks and spillages The Contractor shall ensure that his employees are aware of the emergency procedure(s) to be followed for dealing with spills and leaks, which shall include notifying the Project Manager and the relevant authorities. The Contractor shall ensure that the necessary materials and equipment for dealing with spills and leaks is available on Site at all times. Treatment and remediation of the spill areas shall be undertaken to the reasonable satisfaction of the Project Manager. In the event of a spill, the source of the spillage shall be isolated, and the spillage contained. The area shall be cordoned off and secured. The Contractor shall maintain spill kits on site at all times and shall ensure that there is always an adequate supply of absorbent material available in the spill kits to absorb/ breakdown and, where possible, be designed to encapsulate minor spillage. The quantity of such materials shall be able to handle a minimum of 200 ℓ of spillage.
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8.4.12.
Temporary site closure
If the site is closed for a period exceeding one week, the Contractor, in consultation with the Project Manager, shall carry out a checklist procedure, which should as a minimum address the following: Hazardous substances storage i)
Outlet secure/ locked;
ii)
Bund empty (where applicable);
iii)
Fire extinguishers serviced and accessible;
iv)
Secure area from accidental damage e.g. vehicle collision;
v)
Emergency and contact details displayed; and
vi)
Adequate ventilation.
Safety i)
Fencing and barriers in;
ii)
Emergency and Management contact details displayed;
iii)
Security personnel have been briefed and have the facilities to contact or be contacted by relevant management and emergency personnel;
iv)
Night hazards such as reflectors, lighting, traffic signage etc have been checked;
v)
Fire hazards identified and the local authority notified of any potential threats e.g. large brush stockpiles, fuels etc;
vi)
Stockpile appropriately secured; and
vii)
Structures vulnerable to high winds secure.
Erosion i)
Wind and dust mitigation in place;
ii)
Slopes and stockpiles at stable angle; and
iii)
Re-vegetated areas watering schedules and supply secured.
Water contamination and pollution i)
Cement and materials stores secured;
ii)
Toilets secured;
iii)
Refuse bins empty and secured;
iv)
Drip trays empty and secure (where possible); and
v)
Structures vulnerable to high winds secured.
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8.5. Plant and Materials 8.5.1. Plant and materials handling, use and storage The Contractor shall ensure that any delivery drivers are informed of all procedures and restrictions (including "no go" areas) required to comply with this Specification. The Contractor shall ensure that these delivery drivers are supervised during off loading, by someone with an adequate understanding of the requirements of this Specification. Plant and materials shall be appropriately secured to ensure safe passage between destinations. Loads that pose a risk of dust generation or spillage during transit, including but not limited to sand, stone chip, fine vegetation, refuse, paper and cement, shall have appropriate cover. The Contractor shall be responsible for any clean-up resulting from the failure by his employees or suppliers to secure transported plant and materials properly. All manufactured and/ or imported plant and material shall be stored within the Contractor's camp. All stockpiling, laydown and assembly areas outside of the construction camp shall be subject to the Project Manager's approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
8.5.2. Hazardous substances General The storage and disposal of hazardous chemical substances (as defined in the Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Substances) and their waste, is regulated through other legislation, which should be complied with i.e. the Occupational Health and Safety Act. All hydrocarbons, including petrol, diesel, engine oil, hydraulic oil, shutter oil and curing compound, pose a risk of causing water and soil contamination and accordingly shall be regarded as potential hazardous substances from an environmental perspective. Specific requirements in this regard are outlined below. Fuel (petrol and diesel) Fuel may be stored on site in an area approved by the Project Manager. The fuel storage area shall be located in a portion of the construction camp where it is unlikely to pose a significant risk in terms of water pollution or traffic safety. The Contractor shall ensure that diesel is stored in appropriate storage tanks or in bowsers. The tanks/ bowsers shall be situated on a smooth impermeable surface (concrete) with a permanent bund. The impermeable lining shall extend to the crest of the bund and the volume inside the bund shall be 130% of the total capacity of all the storage tanks/ bowsers (110% statutory requirement plus an allowance for rainfall). The floor of the bund shall be sloped, draining to an oil separator. Provision shall be made for refuelling at the fuel storage area, by protecting the soil with an impermeable layer, appropriate for the type of traffic. If fuel is dispensed from 200 ℓ drums, only empty externally clean drums may be stored on the bare ground. All empty externally dirty drums shall be stored on an area where the ground has been protected. The proper dispensing equipment shall be used, and the drum shall not be tipped in order to dispense fuel. The dispensing mechanism of the fuel/ oil storage drum shall be stored in a waterproof container when not in use.
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The Contractor shall prevent unauthorised access into the fuel storage area. No smoking shall be allowed within the vicinity of the fuel storage area. The Contractor shall ensure that there is adequate fire-fighting equipment at the fuel stores. Where reasonably practical, equipment shall be refuelled at the fuel storage area or at the workshop as applicable. If it is not reasonably practical then the surface under the refuelling area shall be protected against pollution to the reasonable satisfaction of the Project Manager prior to any refuelling activities. The Contractor shall ensure that there is always a supply of absorbent material readily available to absorb/ breakdown and, where possible, be designed to encapsulate minor hydrocarbon spillage. The quantity of such materials shall be able to handle a minimum of 200 ℓ of hydrocarbon liquid spill. This material must be approved by the Project Manager prior to any refuelling or maintenance activities. Oils and curing compound The Contractor shall ensure that engine oil, hydraulic oil, shutter oil and curing compound containers that are in use are stored within a bunded area consisting of a smooth impermeable base (concrete or 250 µm plastic) with an earth bund. The fuel bund may be used for this purpose as long as the capacity of the bund remains 130% of all of the fuel storage tanks/ bowsers it contains. The unopened oil and curing compound containers shall be inspected regularly to ensure that no leakage occurs. When oil/ curing compound is dispensed, the proper dispensing equipment shall be used, and the storage container shall not be tipped in order to dispense the oil/ curing compound. The dispensing mechanism of the oil/ curing compound storage container shall be stored in a waterproof container when not in use. Oil/ curing compound shall be used in moderation and shall be applied under controlled conditions using appropriate equipment. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent accidental and incidental spillage during the application of these compounds. In the event of an oil/ curing compound spill, the source of the spillage shall be isolated, and the spillage contained. The Contractor shall clean up the spill, either by removing the contaminated soil or by the application of absorbent material in the event of a larger spill. Treatment and remediation of the spill area shall be undertaken to the reasonable satisfaction of the Project Manager. Herbicides and pesticides Where the use of herbicides, pesticides and other poisonous substances has been specified or approved by the Project Manager, they shall be stored, handled and applied with due regard to their potential harmful effects. The Contractor shall strictly adhered to the manufacturer’s specifications regarding applications rates, storage and safety precautions. Herbicides shall not be used within 50m of any watercourse. Unused chemicals shall not be disposed of on site, but shall be disposed of at a waste site licensed for such disposal.
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8.6. Equipment 8.6.1. General The Contractor shall be cognisance of the requirements of this Specification in the selection and operation of his equipment, to ensure than environmental degradation is kept to a minimum. To this end, the Contractor shall ensure that his equipment operators are made aware of the environmental requirements and any other reasonable controls. In sensitive areas, wheeled equipment shall be used in preference to tracked equipment. No equipment shall be driven across natural vegetation that is less than three years old (e.g. recently burned areas). Reasonable speeds, as specified, shall be maintained at all times.
8.6.2. Workshop, equipment maintenance and storage All vehicles and equipment shall be kept in good working order. Leaking equipment shall be repaired immediately or removed from Site. Where practical, all maintenance of equipment and vehicles on Site shall be performed in the workshop. The workshop shall have a smooth impermeable (concrete) floor. The floor shall be bunded and sloped towards an oil separator to contain any spillages. If it is necessary to do maintenance outside of the workshop area, the Contractor shall obtain the approval of the Project Manager prior to commencing activities. The Contractor shall ensure that in his workshop and at other equipment maintenance facilities, including those areas where, after obtaining the Project Manager's approval, the Contractor carries out emergency equipment maintenance, there is no contamination of the soil or vegetation. When servicing equipment on Site, portable drip trays shall be used to collect the waste oil and other lubricants. Drip trays shall also be provided in construction areas for stationary equipment (such as compressors) and for "parked" equipment (such as scrapers, loaders, vehicles). Drip trays shall be inspected and emptied daily. Drip trays shall be closely monitored during rain events to ensure that they do not overflow. Where practical, the Contractor shall ensure that equipment is covered so that rainwater is excluded from the drip trays. Oil from the drip trays shall be stored in externally clean drums in a bunded area as required for fuel storage. These shall be removed on a regular basis to an oil-recycling centre. The washing of equipment shall be restricted to urgent or preventative maintenance requirements only. Vehicle cleaning shall be undertaken in designated wash bays, which have an impermeable floor and are bunded to contain runoff and direct it into a sump. Oil and diesel will be skimmed off the sump water on a monthly basis and recycled or disposed of at an appropriately licensed recycling or waste disposal site.
8.6.3. Pumping Where dewatering is required, pumps shall be placed over a drip tray in order to contain fuel spills and leaks. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent spillage during the refuelling of these pumps. The Contractor shall ensure that none of the water pumped during any dewatering activities, is released into the environment without the Project Manager’s approval.
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8.6.4. Dust and emissions Dust control programme A dust control programme shall be implemented by the Contractor to maintain a safe working environment, minimise nuisance for surrounding residential areas, prevent damage to the natural vegetation of the area and protect topsoil. The Contractor’s shall take all reasonable and appropriate measures to minimise the generation of dust because of his activities, and his dust control programme shall, as a minimum, address the following: i)
Schedule of spraying water on dust prone portions of the Working Area, particularly gravel access roads, paying due attention to control of runoff. High traffic sections shall either be paved or treated via the application of suitable dust suppressing agents;
ii)
Speed limits for vehicles on unpaved roads and minimisation of haul distances;
iii)
Measures to ensure that material loads are properly covered during transportation;
iv)
Schedule for wheel cleaning and measures to clean up public roads that may be soiled by construction vehicles;
v)
Minimisation of the area disturbed at any one time and protection of exposed soil against wind erosion, e.g. dampening with water, covering with straw or applying suitable dust suppressing agents;
vi)
Location and treatment of material stockpiles taking into consideration prevailing wind directions and location of sensitive receptors; and
vii) Reporting mechanism and action plan in case of excessive wind and dust conditions. An appropriate number of water tankers shall be permanently available for the control of dust generation, and the Contractor shall ensure that the sprays do not generate excess run off. There shall be sufficient water tankers of adequate capacity to enable the dampening of all working areas and access/ haul roads at least four times daily. During high wind conditions, the Contractor shall comply with the Project Manager’s instructions regarding additional dustdamping measures. Dust measurement If, in the reasonable opinion of the Project Manager, dust levels emanating from the Contractor’s activities are unacceptably high, the Contractor shall be required to test dust fallout levels and report on these as part of his dust control programme. Where the Contractor is required to 2 measure dust fallout, levels of less than 0.25 g/ m / day shall be regarded as acceptable. Vehicle emissions All vehicles and equipment shall be kept in good working order and serviced regularly. Vehicles noticeably emitting excessive fumes will not be permitted to continue working on site.
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Noise
•
Noise control
Appropriate directional and intensity settings are to be maintained on all hooters and sirens, and the Contractor shall provide and use suitable and effective silencing devices for pneumatic tools and other plant to reduce noise levels associated with his activities. The Contractor shall restrict any of his operations that may result in undue noise disturbance to those communities and dwellings abutting the Site to the hours of 06:00 to 18:00 on weekdays or as otherwise as agreed with the Project Manager. No amplified music shall be allowed on Site. The use of radios, tape recorders, compact disc players, television sets etc shall not be permitted unless the volume is kept sufficiently low as to avoid any intrusion on members of the public within range. The Contractor shall not use sound amplification equipment on site other than in emergencies. The Contractor shall ensure that environmental awareness and training for all employees includes the need to minimise noise. The Contractor shall provide suitable ear protectors to all of his staff and others entering areas with high noise levels. Zones of risk shall be clearly identified with warning signs.
•
Noise measurement
The Contractor shall be responsible for monitoring noise levels as detailed in this specification. Noise monitoring equipment shall meet the IEC Publication 651 standard for a Class 1 integrating sound level meter. The meter shall be recalibrated at yearly intervals by an acoustics laboratory approved by the Project Manager. A set of sound measuring equipment shall be made available for use by the Project Manager as required. No fixed monitoring stations are proposed for noise measurements, and an ad hoc approach is recommended, depending on which activities are in progress and their respective locations on the site in relation to sensitive receptors. At least 14 days prior to the onset of construction activities various noise level readings shall be recorded throughout the Working Area to serve as controls. During construction, noise levels shall be measured at weekly intervals (or more frequently if so required by the Project Manager at the closest sensitive receptor to the Site locations agreed with the Engineer. These locations shall include the closest sensitive receptor to the following: i)
Construction camp;
ii)
Labour accommodation areas;
iii)
Winch stations;
iv)
Tower positions under construction at any time;
v)
Stockpiling, laydown and assembly areas; and
vi)
Access roads.
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Noise recordings shall reflect typical ambient noise levels during construction and accordingly noise levels shall be recorded during normal construction operations and not during periods of reduced activity (e.g. lunch break, Sundays, site closure). The Contractor shall keep records of all noise level measurements for the duration of the Contract. These records shall be submitted each month to the Engineer, or on the request of the Engineer. Noise levels measured at the aforementioned locations shall not exceed the ambient sound level measured continuously at the same measuring point by 7 dBA or more. Where noise levels exceed this standard, the Contractor shall comply with the Project Manager’s instructions in this regard. Such instructions may include the cessation of the operations causing the unacceptable noise level until remedial measures have been put in place. Lighting The Contractor shall ensure that any lighting installed on the site for his activities does not interfere with road traffic or cause a reasonably avoidable disturbance to indigenous fauna, surrounding communities or other users of the area.
8.7. Site Establishment 8.7.1. Site layout The Contractor shall inform the Project Manager of the intended actions and programme for site establishment and shall provide the Project Manager with a plan showing the layout of the construction camp, including the positions of all buildings, stockpile and laydown areas, vehicle wash and service areas, fuel storage areas and other infrastructure. The Construction camp shall occupy as small an area as possible, and no site establishment shall be allowed within 100 m of any watercourse or water body unless otherwise approved by the Project Manager. The site layout shall be planned to facilitate ready access for deliveries, facilitate future works and to curtail any disturbance or security implications for neighbours. The final site layout shall be subject to the Project Manager’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
8.7.2. Site demarcation General The Contractor shall maintain in good order all demarcation fencing and barriers for the duration of construction activities, or as otherwise instructed by the Project Manager. Construction camp The construction site will be located on the existing sports field near the gate, close to the site for construction of the village. It must be located in such a manner that it does not disturb the tourist experience of the Park while construction is underway.
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The Contractor shall erect fencing around the construction camp and batching plants in accordance with this Specification and the Project Manager’s instructions. The material and erection shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Section, but the material need not necessarily be new. Where used materials are offered, they shall nevertheless be in a good condition and approved in advance by the Project Manager. When no longer required, the fencing and gates shall be dismantled and removed. Appropriate temporary fencing must be discussed with MET prior to commencement of construction activities. “No go” areas Unless otherwise agreed to in consultation with the Project Manager, the Contractor shall ensure that all activities are restricted to within the defined Working Area. The areas outside of the defined Working Area as well as any other areas identified by the Project Manager or in this Specification shall be regarded as “no go” areas. Insofar as he has the authority, the Contractor shall ensure that no unauthorised entry, stockpiling, dumping or storage of equipment, plant or materials shall be allowed within the “no go” areas. Temporary stays required during tower erection shall not be allowed to intrude into the “no go” area, and shall be accommodated within the construction servitude. The boundaries of the construction servitude, as well as the stockpiling, laydown and assembly areas shall be demarcated using wooden posts at 5 m centres. The top 300 mm of each wooden post shall be painted with white paint and each post shall be long enough so that at least 1.5 m protrudes above the ground once it has been installed. The Project Manager may also identify patches of natural vegetation or any other natural or special features inside the Working Area as “no go” areas. These areas shall be demarcated using wooden posts at 2 m centres. The top 300 mm of each wooden post shall be painted with white paint and each post shall be long enough so that at least 1.5 m protrudes above the ground once it has been installed. Once construction within an area has been completed and the area has been rehabilitated, it shall be considered a “no go” area.
8.7.3. Site clearing Demolition and removal of existing structures Clearing shall consist of the removal of all vegetation, crops, rubbish, fences and all other material prohibiting the execution of the Works, including the disposal of all resultant materials, subject to the requirements of this Specification and the Project Manager. Any existing structures located within the Working Area, including but not limited to buildings, dams, graves and services, shall only be damaged or demolished and removed with the prior approval of the Project Manager.
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Identification and management of sensitive vegetation •
General
The construction site is located in the Etosha National Park and is this located within an area where minimal disturbance is essential. During the course of the Contract, the Project Manager, together with MET will indicate areas to be avoided, and vegetation to be retained to the Contractor, and they shall be designated as “no-go” areas and treated as per the requirements of Subclause 6.2.3. •
Search and rescue
Should there be a requirement for rescue of plant material, the Contractor shall accept full responsibility for maintaining the plants in good condition. The plants shall either be transplanted to the location(s) indicated by the Engineer or shall be fully maintained in an onsite nursery until they are utilised for re-vegetation. Maintenance of stored plants shall include regular watering, and any plant losses due to lack of maintenance, including diseases developed during the construction period and the Defects Notification Period, shall be replaced at the Contractor's expense. Each plant shall be handled and packed in the approved manner for that species or variety, and all necessary precautions shall be taken to ensure that plants arrive at the on-site nursery or transplant location(s) in a condition for successful growth. Vehicles used for transporting plants shall be equipped with covers to protect plants from windburn. Containers shall be in a good condition. •
On-site nursery
On-site nursery facilities may be erected for the holding and maintenance of rescued plant material and the propagation of appropriate species for re-vegetation. The location of the nursery shall be to the approval of the Engineer. The Contractor shall provide adequate labour, shade, water and all things necessary to sustain the plants in the nursery. A record of stock relevant to the Project that is held in the nursery shall be provided to the Engineer on a monthly basis. Clearing of vegetation The object of vegetation clearing is to trim, cut or clear the minimum number of trees and vegetation necessary for the safe mechanical construction and electrical operation of the village. No clearing of trees or vegetation shall occur prior to the Contractor obtaining written permission from the Project Manager, who shall designate in detail the exact areas to be cleared and the time at which it shall be done. The Contractor shall ensure that the clearance of vegetation is strictly restricted to that required to facilitate the execution of the Works. Vegetation clearance shall be restricted to the construction camp, approved access roads, approved stockpiling and laydown areas, approved assembly areas and infrastructure footprints.
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Vegetation clearance shall be undertaken by hand, using chainsaws and hand held implements, with vegetation being cut off at ground level, and not uprooted. No tracked or wheeled mechanised equipment shall be used. To prevent re-growth, alien invasive vegetation requiring special treatments shall be treated with appropriate herbicides, at the application rate specified by the manufacturers. Any natural vegetation, particularly trees, within or immediately adjacent to the Working Area, which do not require removal, shall be fully protected against damage. In order to reduce erosion and the pollution of water entering watercourses and water bodies, vegetation clearance shall occur in a planned manner. Clearing operations shall be programmed to minimize the time that cleared areas are exposed before construction activities start and to ensure that cleared areas are stabilised as soon as possible. The detail of vegetation clearing shall be subject to the Project Manager’s approval. Should fauna be encountered during site clearance, activities shall cease until fauna have been safely relocated. Stockpiling, removal and disposal of vegetation and trees All cleared vegetation shall be mulched and mixed into the topsoil stockpiles, used as brushpacking (depending on the type of vegetation) or disposed of at an approved disposal site. The disposal of vegetation by burying shall be strictly prohibited. Trees shall be cut into manageable logs (no more than 400 mm) and distributed to local communities for use as firewood or disposed of at an appropriate landfill site. Under no circumstances shall members of the public or residents of the Park be allowed to collect logs from the Working Area.
8.7.4. Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil The Contractor shall strip the topsoil, which includes the top 150 mm of soil (or to the depth of the bedrock where the soil is shallower than 150 mm) and root material of cleared vegetation, for subsequent use during rehabilitation and re-vegetation. Topsoil shall be stripped from all areas of the Working Area where topsoil will be impacted by construction activities, including areas for temporary facilities, as directed by the Project Manager. If the Contractor fails to conserve topsoil as instructed, he shall obtain suitable substitute material from other sources, approved by the Project Manager, without any additional payment. Topsoil collected from different area shall be stockpiled separately and replaced in the same areas from which they were taken. Furthermore, topsoil shall be stockpiled separately from subsoil. Where possible stockpiles shall be located on previously disturbed area or in areas where they pose the minimum risk of causing further environmental degradation. Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles shall not exceed 2 m in height and shall be so placed as to occupy the minimum width compatible with the natural angle of repose of the material, and measures shall be taken to prevent the material from being spread over too wide a surface. Where required, appropriate precautions shall be taken to prevent the erosion and limit the compaction of the stockpiles. The Contractor shall ensure that all stockpiles do not cause the damming of water or run off, or is
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itself washed away. If the stockpiles start to erode significantly or cause dust problems, they shall be covered with Hessian. Where practical, topsoil shall not be left for longer than six months before being used for rehabilitation. If stored for longer than six months, the topsoil shall be analysed and, if necessary, upgraded before placement.
8.7.5. Erosion and sedimentation control The Contractor shall take all reasonable measures to limit erosion and sedimentation due to the construction activities and shall include in the design of the site works measures to prevent such occurrences. The Works shall be phased, and development staged so that stripped areas are kept to a minimum. The Contractor shall ensure that the stabilisation of cleared areas is actively managed in order to prevent and control erosion shall. Surface stormwater shall not be allowed to be concentrated and to flow down cut or fill slopes or other areas prone to erosion without erosion protection measures being in place. Accordingly, the necessary temporary and permanent drainage works shall be installed as soon as possible. For access roads on sloping terrain, water diversion berms shall be installed with a minimum compacted height of 350 mm. The spacing of the water diversion berms shall be inversely proportional to the slope of the access road, ranging from a spacing of 60 m for a 2% slope to 10 m where the slope is greater than 15%. Erosion shall not be allowed to develop on a large scale before repairs are effected and all erosion damage shall be repaired as soon as it has been detected. In this regard, any runnels or erosion channels that develop during the construction shall immediately be backfilled and compacted and the areas restored to a proper stable condition. The landscaping and rehabilitation of disturbed areas shall occur as soon as practically possible following the cessation of the work in a specific area. In this regard, the Contractor’s Works Programme shall clearly indicate that the rehabilitation will immediately be executed, per phase, upon the completion of the works within a specific area. Traffic and movement over stabilised areas shall be restricted and controlled, and damage to stabilised area shall be repaired and maintained to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.
8.8. Temporary services and facilities 8.8.1. Site structures All site structures shall be of a temporary nature and shall be removed at the end of the contract. All site establishment components (as well as equipment) shall be located within previously disturbed areas where possible, and shall be positioned to limit visual intrusion on neighbours and the size of area disturbed. The type and colour of roofing and cladding materials to the Contractor's temporary structures shall be selected to reduce reflection.
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8.8.2. Accommodation of site staff The Contractor shall make adequate provision for the accommodation of his staff in nearby settlements. With the exception of security personnel, none of the Contractors staff shall be accommodated anywhere on Site.
8.8.3. Services Temporary services, including pipelines, power lines and telephone lines, shall be located in a manner which will cause the least disturbance to the environment. In particular, care shall be taken to ensure that the route alignment for temporary services avoids identified sensitive areas. Where possible, the Contractor shall ensure that service infrastructure is accommodated within the same trench.
8.8.4. Stockpiling and stockpile areas Plant and materials shall be stored within the demarcated construction camp or batching areas. Where this is not feasible, the Project Manager will identify additional sites for stockpiling within the Working Area. These areas shall be treated as specified under Subclause 6.3. Soil, sand and gravel stockpiles shall be convex in shape, shall be no higher than 2 m and shall be located so as to cause minimal disturbance. Stockpiles shall be so placed to occupy minimum width compatible with the natural angle of repose of material, and measures shall be taken to prevent the material from being spread over too wide a surface. The Contractor shall ensure that all stockpiles do not cause the damming of water or run off, or is itself washed away. The Contractor shall ensure that material is not stockpiled within 50 m of any watercourse. Stockpiles shall be placed so that watercourses are not obstructed or polluted and shall not obstruct any stormwater or drainage paths.
8.8.5. Access roads Only designated access roads shall be used to access the Working Area. The Project Manager will, together with the Contractor, negotiate access to Construction Camp and Working Area. The Contractor shall maintain the designated access roads during the course of the Contract. Maintenance includes ensuring the provision of adequate drainage and dust control. Damage to the existing access roads because of construction activities shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Project Manager, using material similar to that used in the original construction of the infrastructure. Where new access roads are required, these shall be subject to prior approval by the Project Manager and shall be planned and constructed to ensure that as small an area as possible is disturbed (maximum width of 4 m) they avoid all “no-go” areas and, as far as possible, they follow the natural contours. As far as possible, access shall be achieved by equipment passing over the same track, and the Contractor shall avoid the blading of new roads unless essential to the execution of the Works. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the necessary landowner approvals prior to constructing new access roads.
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As required access roads shall be watered to control dust nuisance to the local communities as well as possible hazards resulting from the dust. Watering shall occur on instruction of the 2 Project Manager and shall be undertaken using a water tanker at an application rate of 1.5 ℓ/m . All temporary access roads shall be rehabilitated to their original (i.e. pre-construction) condition at the end of the Contract, including ripping the disturbed area parallel with the contours to a depth of 300 mm and spreading back of previously stripped topsoil. All vehicle turning-areas shall be located within the Working Area and shall be subject to the prior approval of the Project Manager. The Contractor shall ensure that horse and trailer vehicles transporting plant and materials only turn within the designated turning-areas, and not within cultivated lands or areas of natural vegetation. Mud and sand deposited onto public roads by construction activities shall be cleared on a daily basis.
8.8.6. Ablution facilities The contractor shall provide adequate ablution facilities for his staff in the construction camp. Long drop toilets shall be provided at the Working Area, as directed by the Project Manager. Acts of excretion and urination are strictly prohibited other than at the facilities provided. The ratio of the available toilets to the site staff at any particular location should not exceed 1: 15 and toilet paper shall be provided in all toilets. The following measures must be implemented: i)
Toilets shall be located within 100 m from any point of work but no closer than 50 m to any watercourse or water body;
ii)
Toilets situated close to the site boundaries or within sight of tourist or residential areas shall be hidden behind screens or other cover as approved by the Project Manager;
iii)
Discharge of waste from toilets into the environment and burial of waste is strictly prohibited;
iv)
Toilets shall be provided with an external closing mechanism to prevent toilet paper from being blown out.
8.8.7. Eating areas The Contractor shall designate eating areas for his staff. These eating areas shall be clearly demarcated and shall be provided with bins with lids. The Contractor shall ensure his employees do not consume meals anywhere other than at these eating areas and that noise is limited. All eating areas shall include provision for a smoking area. Any cooking on Site shall be done on well maintained gas cookers with fire extinguishers present.
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8.8.8. Water use Water is a scarce resource in Southern Africa and water shall be conserved wherever possible. The Contractor shall minimise the use of water and shall immediately attend to any wastage. Subject to the prior approval of the Project Manager, water for construction purposes must be used sparingly from groundwater, not to exceed the pumping rate allowed for in the ESIA (Pump 3 3 borehole BH30251 at no more than 10 m /hr and BH 30252 at no more than 3m /hr for 10 hrs). The total quantity of water abstracted shall be recorded on a daily basis and reported to the Project Manager each week in writing.
8.8.9. Solid waste management The management of solid waste on site shall be strictly controlled and monitored. The quantities of waste generated on site shall be minimised. Littering shall be avoided. The Contractor shall provide sufficient bins with lids on Site to store the solid waste produced on a daily basis. Solid, non-hazardous waste shall be disposed of in the bins provided and no on-site burying, dumping or burning of any waste materials, vegetation, litter or refuse shall occur. Bins shall not be allowed to become overfull and shall be emptied a minimum of twice weekly. The waste may be temporarily stored on Site in a central waste area that is weatherproof and scavenger-proof, and which the Project Manager has approved. All solid waste shall be disposed of off-site at an approved landfill site. The Contractor shall supply the Project Manager with a certificate of disposal.
8.8.10. Contaminated water management General Pollution could result from the release, accidental or otherwise, of contaminated runoff from construction camps, discharge of contaminated water, chemicals, oils, fuels, sewage, runoff from stockpiles, solid waste, litter, etc. Accordingly, the Contractor shall establish a contaminated water management system to address the prevention of pollution as well as suitable methods for the disposal of contaminated water. In this regard: i)
Appropriate pollution control facilities necessary to prevent discharge of water containing polluting matter or visible suspended materials into watercourses or water bodies shall be designed and implemented;
ii)
Runoff from the cement mixing areas shall be strictly controlled, and contaminated water shall be collected, stored and either treated or disposed of off-site, at a location approved by the Project Manager. The approval of the Project Manager shall be required prior to the release of treated runoff from cement mixing areas into any watercourse;
iii)
Runoff from vehicle wash bays, workshops and diesel / fuel tank areas shall pass through oil traps. The oil sludge thus collected shall be disposed of at an approved waste disposal site;
iv)
All spillage of oil onto concrete surfaces shall be controlled by the use of an approved absorbent material;
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v)
Water collected during the dewatering activities shall be pumped to settlement ponds complying with the requirements of Subclause 6.4.10.2.
vi)
Natural stormwater runoff not contaminated by construction operations and clean water can be discharged directly to watercourses and water bodies, subject to the Project Manager’s approval. Water that has been contaminated with suspended solids, like soils and silt may be released into watercourses or water bodies only once all suspended solids have been removed from water by settling out these solids in settlement ponds. The release of settled water back into the environment shall be subject to the Project Managers approval.
vii) The Contractor shall notify the Project Manager immediately of any pollution incidents on Site. Verbal reports must be followed up by a written report, which shall be within 24 hours of the incident. Settlement ponds The Contractor shall construct, operate and maintain settlement ponds at key location within the Working Area, including at vehicles wash areas, areas were dewatering is occurring and any other areas where a significant volume of contaminate water is discharged from the Works. The size, location, layout and operation of the settlement ponds shall be to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. The Contractor shall ensure that settlement ponds are located outside of the floodplain and riparian vegetation zones of watercourses and that the area is rehabilitated pursuant to the cessation of the operation of the pond. Each settlement pond shall have sufficient capacity for their purpose and shall be fitted with suitable oil traps. Settlement ponds shall be constructed using suitable materials and shall be made watertight using a liner approved by the Project Manager. They shall be sub-divided to enable alternative sections to be cleaned while other sections are in operation. Plant and materials used in the construction of the settlement ponds shall themselves not cause pollution or effluent of an unacceptable quality. All natural ground water and stormwater must be prevented from flowing into the ponds, and must be diverted around the settlement ponds to ensure that accumulated sludge is not washed into natural watercourses by stormwater. If the Project Manager is not satisfied that the provisions for the settlement ponds are adequate, he may order the Contractor to carry out such additional work as is necessary in order to comply with this Specification without any additional payment. Water quality monitoring All effluent emanating from settlement ponds, batching plants, washing areas and any other areas of effluent and water discharge shall be sampled and tested. Quality of water at monitoring points shall comply with the criteria given in Table 1/1. Monitoring points for effluents shall be determined in agreement with the Project Manager when the locations of specific areas and treatment works have been established in terms of the Contractor’s Method Statements. Monitoring of point source effluent disposal into the watercourse/ water body will be the final effluent at the point of discharge into the watercourse/ water body.
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Required effluent standards/ water quality guidelines for effluent from the sedimentation ponds, washing areas or any other areas of effluent and water discharge to be returned to the environment. Variable Required Effluent Standard COD Not to exceed 75 mg/ℓ Not to be increased by more than 75 mS/m above influent, and shall not exceed Conductivity 250 mS/m Fecal coliforms (or No E. coli (0/100 ml) Free & saline ammonia (as N) Not to exceed 10.0 mg/ℓ Nitrate (as N03) Not to exceed 25.0 mg/ℓ Nitrite Not to exceed 1.0 mg/ℓ PH Between 5,5 and 9,5 Phosphate (as P04) Not to exceed 5.0 mg/ℓ Residual Chlorine (as Cl) Not to exceed 0.1 mg/ℓ Soap, oil, grease Not to exceed 2.5 mg/ℓ Suspended solids Not to exceed 250 mg/ℓ Water discharged into a watercourse shall not raise the water at a point 500 m Temperature downstream of the point of discharge by more than 2oC above the temperature of the water 500 m upstream of the point of discharge.
The Contractor shall ensure that persons taking water samples are correctly trained and standard sampling techniques are followed. Depending on the variable being measured, water quality monitoring shall either be undertaken in situ using approved handle-held instruments or at a SANS accredited lab in terms of SANS 10259.
8.8.11. Access to site The Contractor shall ensure that access to the Site and associated infrastructure and equipment is offlimits to the public at all times during construction.
8.8.12. Traffic The Contractor shall ensure traffic safety at all times and shall implement safety measures to this end. The Contractor shall control the movement of all his vehicles and equipment including that of his suppliers so that they remain on designated routes, are distributed so as not to cause an undue concentration of traffic, are routed and operated in a manner that minimises disruption to other users and that all relevant laws are complied with. On gravel or earth roads on Site and within 500 m of the Site, the vehicles of the Contractor and his suppliers shall not exceed a speed of 40 km/hr.
8.9. Landscaping and Rehabilitation 8.9.1. Scope All areas disturbed as a result of the construction activities, irrespective of whether they occur within the defined Working Area or not, shall be subject to the landscaping and rehabilitation requirements outlined in this Specification. This includes, but is not limited to Construction Camps, all stockpiling, laydown and assembly areas, all temporary access routes and all other areas from which topsoil has been stripped.
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For most disturbed areas, landscaping and rehabilitation shall entail the clearing, shaping, trimming and scarification of the area and replacement of the stockpiled topsoil. These areas shall be allowed to revegetation natural. For areas where plant material has been rescued and stored in the on Site nursery, landscaping and rehabilitation shall also include the replanting of the rescued plants.
8.9.2. Timing of landscaping and rehabilitation Vegetation is the most effective control against surface erosion. The Contractor shall programme for the landscaping and rehabilitation of disturbed areas to occur as soon as practically possible following the cessation of the work in a specific area.
8.9.3. Demolition and removal of structures Prior to landscaping and rehabilitation the Contractor shall demolish and remove from Site everything not forming part of the Permanent Works. This includes, but is not limited to temporary services and facilities (including foundations), temporary fences, temporary access routes, protective works, equipment, materials (nut, bolts, washers, cut strands of conductor wire, wood etc.) and settlement ponds. All material generated from the demolition and removal of structures from site shall be appropriately disposed off.
8.9.4. Shaping and trimming The Contract shall implement effective planning and appropriate actions to neutralise or lessen the visual impact associated with disturbed area, including access roads and any other areas identified by the Project Manager. Were relevant, appropriate actions shall include finishing off the slope changes so that flowing curves that blend into the surrounding landscape are formed, in preference to sharp angles. No slope shall exceed a maximum gradient of 1:3.
8.9.5. Scarifying Prior to the application of topsoil, the ground surface of all areas to be landscaped and rehabilitated shall be scarified to a depth of approximately 150 mm to breakdown soil clods.
8.9.6. Topsoiling Before placing topsoil, the Contractor shall remove all visible weeds from the placement area and from the topsoil. The previously stockpiled topsoil shall generally be spread evenly over the prepared surface to a depth of 150 mm on flat ground or to a minimum of 75 mm on slopes. Topsoil placement shall occur concurrently with construction or as soon as construction in a given area has ceased. Topsoil shall be placed in the same soil zone from which it was stripped.
8.9.7. Re-planting Only rescued plants stored in the on Site nursery will be re-planted at their site of origin as part of the landscaping and rehabilitation programme. The transplanting of stored small trees (1 to 1½ m height) and stored small shrubs (less than 1 m in height) shall entail the following i)
Trees and shrubs shall only be transplanted during the rainy season;
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ii)
Trees shall be planted in holes of 1 m x 1 m x 1 m and shrubs shall be transplanted in holes of 600 mm x 600 mm x 600 mm;
iii)
Trees and shrubs shall be planted so that their stems or trunks are at the same depth as in their original location. The orientation of the transplanted plants must be the same as in their original location (i.e. the north facing side of the plant must remain north facing after it has been planted); and
iv)
Transplanted plants shall be watered once directly after transplanting (the planting hole shall be filled with water) and there are as required for establishment.
The transplanting of succulents and bulbous plants shall entail the following: i)
Succulents and evergreen bulbous plants may be transplanted at any time of the year. Deciduous bulbous plants shall be transplanted when they are leafless;
ii)
Bulbous plants shall be planted in similar soil conditions and to the same depth as they were before removal; and
iii)
Transplanted bulbs shall be watered once directly after transplanting to settle the soil.
In all cases the soil around the roots of the plants being planted shall not be disturbed. Topsoil and subsoil from the hole shall be stored nearby to be replaced to the same depth intervals from which it was originally removed. Plants shall be carefully planted into holes.
8.9.8. Establishment and maintenance of re-vegetated areas Establishing of vegetation The establishment of vegetation on landscaped and rehabilitated areas shall include maintaining the surface to the required slopes and levels without erosion or sedimentation, watering, weeding and any other procedure consistent with good horticultural practice necessary to ensure normal, vigorous and healthy growth of the plant material on site. Notwithstanding the fact that the method of landscaping and rehabilitation may be specified or agreed to by the Project Manager, the Contractor shall be solely responsible for rescuing, storing, establishing and maintaining the replanted material. Maintenance of vegetation The Contractor’s liability with regard to the maintenance of the vegetation shall commence when the vegetation has been planted over the whole of the area subject to re-vegetation, and shall be not less than one year. Watering and weeding All landscaped and rehabilitated areas shall be adequately watered to ensure proper growth until the vegetation has established and thereafter as required to sustain growth. The amount and frequency of watering shall be agreed with the Project Manager.
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The landscaped and rehabilitated areas shall be kept free of weeds. Weeds shall be controlled by means of pulling, or any other approved means. Traffic on landscaped and rehabilitated areas The Contractor shall not undertake the landscaping and rehabilitation of any areas until all operations that may require construction equipment to pass over those areas has been completed. All landscaped and rehabilitated areas shall be regarded as “no go” areas (as per Subclause 6.2.3), and no equipment, other than that required for establishment and maintenance purposes shall be allowed to operate on these areas.
8.10. Tolerances 8.10.1. Compliance Environmental management is concerned not only with the final results of the Contractor's operations to carry out the Works but also with the control of how those operations are carried out. Tolerance with respect to environmental matters applies not only to the finished product but also to the standard of the day-to-day operations required to complete the Works. It is thus required that the Contractor shall comply with the environmental requirements on an ongoing basis. Moreover, the Contractor and his Subcontractors shall not direct any person to undertake any activities which would place such a person in contravention of this Specification.
8.10.2. Cost of non-compliance Where environmental damage occurs as a result of the failure of the Contractor to comply with the requirements of this Specification, the requisite remediation shall be effected to the satisfaction of the Project Manager and at the cost of the Contractor. Compliance with this Specification will be assessed as part of the certification of each Payment Certificate. Payment for specific items related environmental compliance will be withheld if it can be show that the Contractor has failed to comply with his obligations for said items. Should the Contractor fail entirely to provide or fulfil for a period of time all or part of the continuing services, obligations and liabilities required of him in respect of this Specification the amount, or part of the amount for the item, which in the opinion of the Project Manager fairly reflects such failure, will be omitted and the Contract Price reduced accordingly.
8.10.3. Removal from site and suspension of Works The Project Manager may instruct the Contractor to remove from Site any person who in their opinion is guilty of misconduct, or is incompetent, negligent or constitutes an undesirable presence on Site. The Contractor shall ensure that within 24 hours of such instruction, the employee has no further connection with the Contract. All equipment must be in good working order, and accordingly the Project Manager may order that any Equipment not complying with this Specification be removed from Site. Where the Project Manager
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deems the Contractor to be in breach of any of the requirements of this Specification, he may order the Contractor to suspend the progress of the Works or any part thereof.
8.11. Communication & Education Procedures on Site 8.11.1. Induction Training The purpose of induction training is to sensitise personnel and subcontractors to all hazards anticipated on this project, as well as to inform them of both the environmental responsibilities and the required safety and mitigation measures. The brochure in Appendix 2 must be provided to all workers on site. The health and safety officer/ manager must ensure that all personnel and subcontractors receive induction training prior to commencing work on site. No person will work on this project, or enter or be allowed to remain on the premises unless they have received and acknowledged in writing that they have received, understood and accept the conditions detailed in the induction programme. All occasional visitors (such as the client, agent, architect, etc.) must repeat induction training if significant progress has been made on the project since their previous visit, and if such progress has led to the introduction of risks not present during their previous visit and thus not included in their induction training. A comprehensive list of all induction training given must be kept in the health and safety file and reported on to management on at least a monthly basis.
8.11.2. Site Specific Training Site-specific training deals with specific hazards that may be encountered at the workplace/ construction site, as well as with health and safety procedures that workers are expected to follow to mitigate these hazards. This section provides the outlines of training modules that workers are expected to undergo. In each case, only the framework of the training module is provided, including information such as the module’s focus area, duration, target group, objectives, and an outline of its required content. The Principal Contractor is expected to develop the training modules based on these frameworks, and to ensure that the designated target groups undergo attend each module prior to engaging in any work entailing the hazards addressed in that module. Any additional site-specific training requirements will be identified during the risk assessment. Where site-specific training has been undergone by any employee, the relevant certificate of competency (or a certified copy thereof) must be available on site at all times. This certificate must be kept in the health and safety file. Frameworks for the following training modules are provided below: • • • • • • • •
Basic construction health and safety; Housekeeping and environmental hygiene procedures; Legal health and safety requirements; Material and chemical hazards and safety; Personal protective clothing and equipment; Vehicles and mobile equipment; Electrical safety; Excavations and working at height; and
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Drug- and alcohol-free workplace. BASIC CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY
Focus area
Employee information on how to work safely and without risks
Use of time
2 hours per session
Target group Overview
Construction workers and communities Employees at construction sites often lack the necessary knowledge and familiarity with the work processes, potential hazards and risks, and safety practices associated with construction work. This puts them at greater risk of exposure to hazards and risks, which could be prevented if awareness and education was given the priority it deserves throughout the project life cycle. This module provides basic information on health and safety in the workplace. It forms the basis for other modules, in which more detailed health and safety information is provided.
Objectives
To understand the importance of Health & Safety at work/construction site.
Content
Investing in employees’ health and well-being has great benefits for employers who care about their workers, their profitability, and their workers’ ability to deliver. The Health and safety informational module should cover basic information on the general safety of employees, including: - General work activities and/or construction site major hazards - Open excavations, work at height, overhead power lines, confined spaces, contaminated land, traffic and vehicle, movements, fire - Specific hazards involved in each task to be performed - Dust, noise, fumes, heat, cold, chemicals, ergonomics - Safety policies and work rules, including accident-prevention strategies and injury reporting procedures. - Location of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, and first aid supplies - Smoking prohibitions and designated areas for smoking - Steps that should be taken following an injury or accident - Proper reporting of emergencies, accidents, - Safe house keeping rules - Safe use of tools and equipment - Safe lifting techniques and material-handling procedures - Use and location of material safety data sheets (MSDS) The module should most importantly cover specific information on mitigation measures or controls as per the following categories: - Elimination: These include permanent solutions, which should be attempted in the first instance to - Ensure hazards are eliminated completely. - Mitigation: This include the redesign of the work environment in order to reduce the risks with the work area - Substitution: This is the process of replacing the hazard by another which represents a lower risk. - Engineering Controls: This involves structural changes to the process or
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environment in order to place a barrier in, or interrupt the transmission path of hazards. - Personal protective Clothing (PPE): is the last defence against a hazard. HOUSEKEEPING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES Focus area
Information on use, handling, storage or transportation of construction materials, volatiles, combustible or chemical substances, equipment, etc to ensure the safety of workers and to reduce risks
Use of time
2 hours per session
Target group Overview
Construction workers This module will be creating awareness among the workers with regard to external factors that are a vital part of the job and how to behave ultimately to either avoid injury, exposure or to eliminate unnecessary exposure To understand the hazards/risks associated with the handling, storage and transportation of construction materials, and to appreciate the benefits of protection during these activities
Objectives
Content
Construction work requires the use handling, storage and transportation of a wide range of construction material and supplies, chemical and other hazardous substances and plant equipment. Accidents or emergencies such chemical spillages and severe injury can result if material and supplies, hazardous substances and equipment are not used, stored and transported safely during construction work. Transportation includes the transportation of hazardous and solid waste from the construction site to land-fill sites. This process calls for the training of those involved in housekeeping and environmental hygiene procedures. Training in safe handling of materials, equipment and hazardous substances should include: Safe housekeeping practices, namely: Appropriate, safe and clear access to and from the workplace Safe systems for collecting, storing and disposing of excess or waste materials Adequate space for the storage of materials and plant An adequate number of safety signs that are kept in good condition. Appropriate signs may include signs about: The direction to the site office or site amenities There first aid and fire extinguishing equipment are kept The means of access must be kept clear There hazardous substances are kept Who the Site Supervisor is Head and foot protection must be worn Authorisations required for the site. Procedures for handling, storage and transportation of: Plant equipment: Hand tools, explosive powered tools, electrical equipment, compressed air equipment, hot work equipment, lasers, crane and lifting gear, vehicles and other equipment etc. Hazardous substances: Hazardous substances are classified in physical, chemical, biological, environmental hazards and ergonomics in line with Namibian legislation.
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Construction material: Construction material as per Namibian construction regulations
LEGAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Focus area
Use of time
Information on Namibian legislation and policies that pertain to health and safety at the workplace, and employers’ and employees’ responsibilities in terms of this legislation. 2 hours per session
Target group
Construction workers and supervisors
Overview
This module will be creating awareness among the workers with regard to Namibian legislation and policies that set standards, procedures and requirements with regard to health and safety in the workplace, with specific reference to construction work. Implications of existing legislation and policies for the health and safety of non-employees present at or near the construction site are also discussed. To understand the basic elements of Namibian legislation and policies regarding health and safety at the workplace, and their implications for employers and employees.
Objectives
Content
Relevant Namibian legislation: - The Regulations Relating to the Health and Safety of Employees at Work (GN 156 of 1997) – hereafter referred to as the H&S Regulations; - The Labour Act (No. 11 of 2007); - The Social Security Act (No. 34 of 1994); and - The Employee's Compensation Act (No. 30 of 1941). Relevant international legislative requirements and best-practice and guidelines: - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability; - The World Bank Health and Safety Guidelines; and - The Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), and Recommendation, 1988 (No. 175). Implications of legislation and policies with regard to: - Election and duties of health and safety representatives and health and safety committees, - Duties and responsibilities of the health and safety officer/ manager and Site Supervisor, - Working hours and meal intervals, - Employees’ rights in terms of reporting and refusing to work in unsafe conditions, - Usage and storage of hazardous and volatile flammable substances, - Material safety data sheets, - Use of power-driven tools and personal protective equipment, - Sanitation and hygiene at construction camps, - Emergency procedures and first aid, and - Legal compliance audits. MATERIAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS AND SAFETY
Focus area
Information on types of materials and chemicals that could pose a
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Use of time Target group Overview
Objectives
Content
hazard, types of hazard posed by these, where to obtain information about material and chemical hazards, and proper preventative and precautionary procedures 2 hours per session Construction workers This module builds on the training module – Housekeeping and environmental hygiene procedures. Its aim is to inform employees and sub-contractor employees of hazards involved in working with materials or chemical substances that could potentially pose a health or safety risk to workers or other persons on or close to the site To understand that certain materials or chemicals can pose a health and safety risk, and to implement appropriate methods to mitigate or avoid those risks Construction often involves using or working with materials or chemical substances that could potentially pose a health or safety risk to workers or other persons on or close to the site. Where such hazardous materials or chemicals are known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed – under normal conditions, non-routine tasks or foreseeable emergencies – training is required to ensure that employees understand the risk and take appropriate safety or mitigation measures. The Health and Safety Officer/ Manager must train new employees in hazard communication and protection procedures as part of their general orientation before the new employees begin work. The Site Supervisor is responsible for training affected employees whenever new hazardous chemicals are introduced into the workplace. This responsibility extends to provide additional training, as required, for existing employees reassigned into new positions. Training in material and chemical hazards and safety should include: - Types of chemicals that may pose a hazard include adhesives, cleaning agents for brickwork and stonework, decorative/protective treatments for timber and metals, floor treatments, fungicides, cements and grouts, insulants, sealants, paints, solvents and much else. Of particular importance are solvents, liquids commonly used in paint strippers, lacquers, varnishes, surface coatings, thinners and similar cleaning materials. - Types of materials that could pose a hazard include cement, asbestos and lead. - Types of hazards posed by chemicals include the potential for fire and explosion, or the potential to cause poisoning (toxicity). Toxic substances can cause both acute effects, such as dizziness, vomiting and headaches, (produced in a short time by exposure to solvents), and chronic effects resulting from exposure over a long period, as in lung diseases such as asbestosis and silicosis. - The main routes of hazardous chemicals into the body are by – i.e. inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin. - Informing employees that the company is required by law to have a hazard communication programme. - The location and ready availability of a list of all hazardous chemicals used by the company. - A list of all hazardous chemicals known to be present in the work area, and the location at which this list is kept for review by employees during each work shift - Specific operations or tasks in the employees' work area that use hazardous
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chemicals Methods and observations to detect the presence of hazardous materials and chemicals. Specific physical and health hazards of known hazardous materials and chemicals in the employees' work area. Protective measures, including the use of personal protective equipment and protective measures, including work procedures. Understanding, interpreting and using hazard information provided on labels and in material safety data sheets (MSDS). Hazard protection during non-routine tasks. Training for hazard protection during foreseeable emergencies (such as fires, floods, spills, etc.) must be provided to all affected employees.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Focus area Use of time Target group Overview
Objectives
Content
Information on the availability/location, usage and/or operation of personal protective clothing and equipment. 2 hours per session Construction workers This module builds on the training module – Basic construction health and safety. Section 2 of H&S Regulations stipulates that employers are required to supply necessary PPE free of charge, maintain it in an effective working order and in a clean condition, and ensure that it is available in sufficient quantities at each work place. Furthermore, any employee who is required to use personal protective equipment or clothing must be thoroughly instructed in its proper use, maintenance and limitations. To identify appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment for various tasks, to use this clothing and equipment in the appropriate way and to understand the limitations of each. Wherever possible, it is better to try to eliminate the hazard rather than provide Personal protective equipment (PPE) to guard against it. Thus, PPE may only be issued after all reasonable and practicable steps have been taken to remove or reduce the hazard and or potential hazards. Training in personal protective clothing and equipment should include: Head protection: - Tasks where head protection is required (e.g. for protecting workers from falling objects, overhead loads and sharp projections) - Description of appropriate head protection. Only safety helmets that have been tested to national or international standards should be used. A chin-strap on the helmet prevents it from failing off and should be used when appropriate. - When head protection must be worn: Workers should wear a helmet whenever they are on site and particularly when in an area where overhead work is going on. Foot protection: - Why foot protection is important – i.e. to reduce the risk of foot injuries. - Types of foot injuries: those due to penetration of the sole by nails that have not been knocked down or removed, and those due to crushing by falling materials. - Basic requirement of safety footwear: it should have an impenetrable sole and uppers with a steel toe-cap - Specific safety footwear for specific tasks
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Hand and skin protection: - Types of head and skin injuries - Suitable hand and skin protection to reduce the risk of such injuries Eye protection: - Types of construction work that may result in eye injuries - Suitable eye protection to reduce the risk of such injuries: goggles, safety glasses and shields Respiratory protection: - Substances that require respiratory protection: dust, mist or gas - Types of construction work that may result in exposure to such substances - Different respiratory protection for different types of work and exposure - Maintenance of respiratory protection gear VEHICLES AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT Focus area
Information on the safety measures when working with, or being in the vicinity of, construction vehicles and mobile equipment
Use of time Target group
2 hours per session Construction workers This module builds on the training module – Basic construction health and safety. Vehicles and mobile equipment at a construction site can pose severe hazards for the workers using them, as well as for other employees working in their vicinity. Bystanders or passers-by could also be placed at risk from unsafe working procedures or inadequate maintenance of such equipment. This module presents information on the causes of accidents related to vehicles and mobile equipment, safe work procedures to reduce the risk of such accidents, and required standards in terms of maintenance of such equipment.
Overview
Objectives Content
To understand safe procedures when working with or in the vicinity of vehicles or mobile equipment at a construction site Common immediate causes of site traffic accidents or accidents involving mobile equipment are one or a combination of the following factors: - Bad driving techniques which include reversing blind; - Carelessness or ignorance of special hazards, e.g. work near overhead power lines or excavations; - Carrying unauthorised passengers; - Poor maintenance of vehicles; - Overloading or bad loading; - Site congestion; - Poor traffic layout; - Lack of proper roadways combined with uneven ground and debris. Measures to be implemented to address vehicle and mobile equipment safety: - Levelling, marking and planning of routes to avoid potential hazards such as overhead power lines and steeply sloping ground - One-way systems and speed limits - Reverse alarm signals - The importance of an unobstructed view to the rear
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- Reversing with the help of an observer - Safe work zones to prevent personnel from being within the range of motion of equipment, material being manipulated or carried by equipment, or material or structures that could potentially become entangled or disturbed by equipment - Prior communication about work locations, tasks and individual responsibilities regarding work involving vehicles or mobile equipment - Methods for maintaining communication (via visual contact, hand signals and the use of air horns) - High visibility clothing Inspection and maintenance of vehicles and mobile equipment, including: - Operator license, certification or other qualifications - Backup alarms - Rollover protective Structures (ROPS) - Lighting - Cab glass - Fluid levels - Fittings and hoses must be frequently inspected for tightness, proper seal, deterioration, or loss of leak-tight integrity - Leak/spill containment and cleanup equipment, procedures and training Traffic safety equipment and personnel: - Spotters - Cones - Flag personnel - Traffic warning and information signs - Emergency signals - Work plan - Traffic diversion plan - Approvals from local authorities and agencies. ELECTRICAL SAFETY Focus area Use of time Target group Overview
Objectives Content
Information on the safety measures when working with or in the vicinity of electrical equipment and wiring 2 hours per session Construction workers This module builds on the training module – Basic construction health and safety. Electrical equipment and live electrical wires or outlets can pose severe hazards for the workers using them or working in their vicinity. This module presents information on the causes of accidents related to electrical equipment, safe work procedures to reduce the risk of such accidents, and required standards in terms of maintenance of such equipment. To understand safe procedures when working with or in the vicinity of electrical equipment and live electrical wires or outlets Causes of accidents involving electrical equipment: - Exposed live electrical parts - Ungrounded electrical equipment (double insulated tools is acceptable)
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- Unprotected electrical cords - Equipment not protected by ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Prohibited items: - Metal ladders - Frayed extension cords Observation and reporting of unsafe working conditions related to electrical equipment Daily tests and inspections: - Lighting and illumination equipment - Power and Electrical Equipment - GFCI’s - Portable electric tools and cords - Extension cords - Proper procedures when equipment is found to be defective Maintenance of electrical equipment: - Frequency of maintenance - Responsibility for maintenance Treatment for electrical shock: - Methods of freeing the victim if it is not possible to switch off the current. - Measures to protect oneself from electrical shock. - Artificial respiration. EXCAVATIONS AND WORKING AT HEIGHT Focus area
Information on the safety measures when digging or working in open excavations, as well as working on scaffolding or heights
Use of time Target group
2 hours per session Construction workers This module builds on the training module – Basic construction health and safety. Excavation or trenching work can be dangerous, as they expose workers to the risk of sudden and unexpected collapse of the unsupported sides of a trench. Likewise, working at heights or on scaffolding expose workers to the risk of falling, while persons on the ground may be exposed to the risk of falling objects. This module presents information on the causes of accidents related to excavations and working at height, as well as safe work procedures to reduce the risk of such accidents. To understand safe procedures when working with or in the vicinity of open excavations, heights and scaffolding Open excavations: - Types of construction work involving excavation - Risks involved with excavation and trenching - Safety measures (sloping, supports, shoring, etc.) - Safety procedures (not storing materials or equipment near the edge of an excavation, safe means of access and exit from excavations, etc.).
Overview
Objectives Content
General safety procedures with regard to fall protection: - Guardrail system, a safety net system or personal fall arrest system.
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- Control lines. Safety procedures apply with regard to ladders: - Proper use of ladders, slope of ladders, height above elevation levels and conditions of ladders. - Inspection of ladders (broken rungs or missing steps, improperly secured ladders, improper ladders used – e.g. using metal ladders for electrical work, the use of poorly constructed self-made ladders) - Removal of defective ladders from site - Tying off ladders to prevent displacement. - Ladders must extend 50 cm above the landing area. Scaffolding: - Use of scaffolds and guardrails - Erection and guarding of scaffolds - Scaffolds must be fully planked, equipped with guardrails, and set on sound rigid footing - Responsibility for design and erection of scaffolding - Loading limits of scaffolding - Specific training on the hazards associated with different types of work involving scaffolds (erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting scaffolds) DRUG- AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE Focus area
Use of time
Information on the employer’s policy on drugs and alcohol at the workplace, consequences of non-adherence to the policy, and available intervention strategies. 2 hours per session
Target group
Construction workers
Overview
Substance and alcohol abuse will not be tolerated in the workplace. It contributes to unsafe, unproductive work, and may result in adverse action against perpetrators by their employer and legal authorities. This module constitutes introductory training as part of an ongoing Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace awareness programme will be implemented at the job site. Participation by all employees in this programme is mandatory.
Objectives
To understand company policy on the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or controlled substances at the workplace, as well as the responsibilities of employees and supervisors with regard to this policy.
Content
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. A single violation of such prohibition must result in the offending individual being removed from the job-site and recommendation of participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and/or reporting to the civil authorities for criminal prosecution. Consumption of alcohol at the job-site, or reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol, is likewise an offence. A single violation shall result in the offending individual being removed from the job-site.
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Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace awareness training: - The dangers of drug or alcohol abuse in the workplace. - Distribution and discussion of the Contractor's policy of maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free workplace. - Any available drug or addiction counselling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programmes. - The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug or alcohol abuse violations occurring in the workplace. - Intervention Procedures - employee and supervisor. - Identification - Signs and Symptoms. - Corrective actions. Personnel actions regarding programme enforcement, disciplinary options and employee assistance: - Legal or criminal actions. - Disciplinary actions up to and including termination. - Drug abuse or rehabilitation programme. - In case of an employee being convicted on drug- or alcohol-related charges (e.g. drunken driving), he or she must notify the employer in writing of the conviction no later than 5 days after such conviction.
8.11.3. Community Education •
It is recommended that a community awareness campaign be implemented in the surrounding communities to sensitise community members to traffic safety risks and to the need to prevent children and animals from wandering into the construction site.
•
Activities undertaken as part of the awareness campaign and the education/ communication programme should be recorded and reflected in a formal progress report compiled on a quarterly basis.
•
Mechanisms must be established to ensure that problems are dealt with promptly. In this regard, it is recommended that a team of community liaison officers (CLOs) be appointed. The CLOs should include representatives of neighbouring staff villages and nearby communities outside the Park; they will serve as points of contact between the community and the environmental control officers (ECOs) responsible for monitoring construction activities.
Feedback sessions should be arranged with community leaders and ECOs to assess the impact of this programme in terms of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.
8.11.4. Health and Safety Communication The following are essential elements of health and safety communication for the duration of the project: •
Weekly toolbox talks – i.e. five- to ten-minute sessions at the start of a working day, led by the Site Supervisor and involving all workers. Toolbox talks are designed to reinforce a safetyconscious attitude, remind workers of basic safe working procedures, and give them a chance
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to discuss potential hazardous situations that may arise during the activities planned for the work week. •
As each new phase of work begins, and a phase-specific risk assessment is undertaken, the Site Supervisor with the assistance of the health and safety representative(s) must convene a safety awareness meeting with all personnel and subcontractors involved in that aspect of the work..
•
Minutes of all health and safety committee meetings must, after acceptance, be displayed by being strategically placed on a site notice board.
•
Any change in company policy or legislation that may affect employees in terms of health or safety must be communicated to employees as soon as is reasonable and practicable.
•
The Site Supervisor, with the assistance of the health and safety representative(s), must ensure that unsafe working practices or incorrect safety procedures are immediately pointed out to the offender. Proper steps must also be taken to correct such practices or procedures.
•
The health and safety representative must ensure that the offender has a clear understanding of the corrective action and the possible consequences if those measures are not followed. He or she must also ensure that workers understand that severe or repetitive safety violations will be cause for permanent removal from the job site.
8.11.5. Record Keeping All records related to the implementation of this management plan (e.g. site instruction documents, ECO diary, method statements) must be kept together in an office where it is safe and can be retrieved easily. These records should be kept for a minimum of two years and should at any time be available for scrutiny by any relevant authorities. It is recommended that photographs are taken of the site prior to, during and immediately after construction as a visual reference. These photographs should be stored with other records related to this EMP.
8.11.6. Environmental Completion Statement An Environmental Completion Statement is a report by the ECO to the relevant authorities stating completion of the project and compliance with the EMP and conditions. This statement will be prepared after the final audit after the rehabilitation phase.
8.12. Safe Working Procedures This section contains information on general safety precautions, which can be used as a basis for developing specific work procedures.
8.12.1. Environmental Training and Awareness All contractor teams involved in construction work are to be briefed on their obligations towards environmental controls and methodologies in terms of this EMP, prior to commencing of the works. The briefing will usually take the form of an on-site talk and demonstration by the ECO. The education /
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awareness programme should be aimed at all levels of management and staff within the contractor team. Refer to Annexure 2.
8.12.2. Electrical safety The following general procedures apply with regard to electrical safety: - All employees working with or in the vicinity of electrical equipment or electrical connections must receive appropriate training. - Electrical dangers must be observed and improper electrical conditions must be notified to all project personnel. - All personnel must be protected from the following electrical hazards: i.
Exposed live electrical parts
ii.
Ungrounded electrical equipment (double insulated tools is acceptable)
iii.
Unprotected electrical cords
iv.
Equipment not protected by ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Daily tests and inspections must be made on the following equipment to ensure it is safe, free from defects, and functioning properly: i.
Lighting and illumination equipment
ii.
Power and Electrical Equipment
iii.
GFCI’s
iv.
Portable electric tools and cords
v.
Extension cords
- The Safety Representative(s) must ensure that all project personnel are instructed to inspect power tools prior to each use to ensure tools are in proper operating condition. - All equipment found to be defective must be removed immediately for repair or replacement. - Equipment failure must be prevented by proper maintenance and inspection of all electrical equipment and other equipment/tools coming into contact with electric equipment/sources. - Treatment for electric shock involves the following: i.
Switch off the current. If this is not possible, free the victim by using an object that is non-conductive, long, clean and dry – e.g. a piece of wood or rubber, or a piece of cloth such as a jacket.
ii.
Stand on non-conductive material such as a dry piece of wood when carrying out this effort. Do not touch the victim before the current is turned off.
iii.
If the victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration, send for help and call a doctor. Continue artificial respiration until the doctor or ambulance arrives
8.12.3. Scaffolding and Working at heights The following general procedures apply with regard to fall protection:
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- All employees working at heights must receive appropriate training. - Each employee on a working/walking surface two metres or more above a lower level must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system or personal fall arrest system. Where a guardrail system is employed, and a controlled access zone has been established for leading edge work, the control line may be used in lieu of a guardrail system along the edge that parallels the edge. - Guardrails must be constructed at all floors or roof openings if these openings cannot be covered well, and rails must be constructed at all elevator shafts or stairwells. - The following procedures apply with regard to ladders: i.
All personnel must be instructed on the proper use of ladders, slope of ladders, height above elevation levels and conditions of ladders. Compliance must be carefully observed;
ii.
Ladders must be properly inspected to make sure that broken rungs or missing steps and improperly secured ladder are not encountered;
iii.
Improper ladders used (e.g. using metal ladders for electrical work) and poorly constructed self-made ladders is not permitted;
iv.
If ladders are defective in any way they must be discarded and removed from the site.
v.
Ladders must be tied off to prevent displacement.
vi.
Ladders must extend 50 cm above the landing area.
- With regard to scaffolding, the following procedures must be followed: i.
Personnel must be properly instructed on the use of scaffolds and guardrails;
ii.
Scaffolds must be properly erected and guarded; and they must be fully planked, equipped with guardrails, and set on sound rigid footing;
iii.
All scaffolds must be designed by competent and qualified person, and constructed and loaded in accordance with that design;
iv.
Each employee who works on the scaffold or is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold must be trained by the Site Supervisor to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold in use and to understand the procedures to control or minimise those hazards.
8.12.4. Noise and Vibration Excessive exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage to one’s hearing. Noise at work can cause stress, making it difficult to sleep. Noise that is continuous at a level of 85-90 decibels (dB(A)) or more is injurious to hearing. There are several steps that can be taken on site to reduce noise: - Check that exhaust outlets are fitted with silencers or mufflers, and do not keep machinery running unnecessarily. - Keep compressor motor covers closed when they are running.
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- Check that concrete breaker mufflers and similar devices are securely fitted. - Check that machinery panels are secured and do not rattle. - Ensure that sound-insulating screens are provided to reduce noise from stationary plants. - Where practicable, noisy machinery should be located behind earth mounds or brick stacks to isolate or screen it as far as possible. - Persons working at or near a noisy machine are entitled to ask if noise levels have been measured, and what those measurements are. - Appropriate earmuffs or ear plugs must be worn by persons work with or near a noisy machine. These must fit properly and be comfortable. Many noisy machines or hand-operated tools also transmit vibrations to the body – pneumatic rock drills or concrete breakers are common examples. In this way they can injure muscles and joints, and affect blood circulation causing what is known as ‘‘white finger disease.” Persons using these tools must wear gloves to help to cushion the vibrations.
8.12.5. Work environment (Lighting, ventilation and heat exposure) High air temperatures and humidity tend to increase fatigue from heavy work and cause heat stress, which may lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. There should be: - Sufficient work breaks: for moderately heavy or heavy work 50 per cent or more rest time is essential; - Rest areas away from workstations to cool off; - An adequate supply of clean, cool drinking-water; - Washing facilities provided to keep work clothes clean.
8.12.6. Protective Clothing and Equipment Section 2 of H&S Regulations stipulates that employers are required to supply necessary PPE free of charge, maintain it in an effective working order and in a clean condition, and ensure that it is available in sufficient quantities at each work place. Furthermore, any employee who is required to use personal protective equipment or clothing must be thoroughly instructed in its proper use, maintenance and limitations. This will be the responsibility of the Principal Contractor. Employees must sign acknowledgement of receipt of the items that they will use, also confirming by the signature that they will use them as prescribed and have received the necessary training in the use and care of the items.
8.12.7. Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. A single violation of such prohibition must result in the offending individual being removed from the job-site and recommendation of participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and/or reporting to the civil authorities for criminal prosecution.
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Consumption of alcohol at the job-site, or reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol, is likewise an offence. A single violation shall result in the offending individual being removed from the job-site. All employees must abide by the rules of this programme. In case of an employee being convicted on drug- or alcohol-related charges (e.g. drunken driving), he or she must notify the employer in writing of the conviction no later than 5 days after such conviction. An ongoing Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace awareness programme should be implemented at the job site that includes: -
Mandatory training of all employees; and
-
Follow-up or toolbox discussions (see box below).
Box 1: Drug- and alcohol-free workplace requirements – Toolbox Talk
Project Title: Location: Date: Instructor: _________________ (Insert Company Name) strictly prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance, including alcohol. A single violation of such prohibition must result in the offending individual being removed from the job-site and recommendation of participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and/or reporting to the civil authorities for criminal prosecution. Counselling, rehabilitation, and assistance are available through this company, for further information contact _______________________________________________________ (Insert Company Employee Assistance Representative's Name) or talk to your supervisor. All employees must abide by the rules of this programme and must notify _____________________________ (Insert Company Name) in writing of the employee's conviction under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after such conviction. Personnel should be alert to abnormal behaviour, and are required to report their observations to the appropriate supervisory personnel. Should the behaviour create or have the potential to create a hazard to personnel, property or the environment, personnel have the right to stop work on that activity. Substance and alcohol abuse must not be tolerated in the workplace. It contributes to unsafe, unproductive work, and may result in adverse action against you personally by company and legal authorities. List of attendees: Name
Position
Contact no.
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8.13. Materials Use, Handling and Storage This section contains basic employee information and instructions on use, handling, storage or transport of construction materials, volatile, combustible or chemical substances, equipment, etc. so as to ensure the safety of workers and to reduce health risks;
8.13.1. Types of Chemical and Material Hazards Namibian legislation relevant to the use, handling storage or transport of hazardous substances includes Section 44 of the H&S Regulations (Usage and storage of volatile flammable substances); and Chapter 5 of the H&S Regulations (Hazardous Substances). Hazardous Materials The following are examples of materials that can cause severe health hazards over long-term exposure. The stipulations regarding hazardous chemicals outlined above also apply to these materials. •
•
•
Cement. Cement mixes are a well-known cause of skin disease. precautions should be taken:
The following
-
Avoid breathing in cement dust, as well dust created by the surface treatment of hardened concrete which may contain high silica content, by wearing suitable respiratory protective equipment.
-
Protect the skin from contact by wearing long-sleeved clothing and full-length trousers, with rubber boots and gloves when required.
-
Protect the eyes; if any cement gets into the eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of warm water.
-
Immediately wash off any dust or freshly mixed cement that gets on to the skin.
-
Clean off clothing and boots after work.
Asbestos. Breathing in asbestos dust can kill by causing irreversible lung damage and cancer. There is no known cure for asbestos-related diseases. Methods of limiting exposure to asbestos dust include: -
Removing asbestos materials before starting major demolition work. This prevents accidental exposure to asbestos;
-
Wet methods of removal (to suppress dust);
-
Prompt removal and bagging of waste asbestos, and disposal at an approved waste disposal site; and
-
Separating asbestos work areas from other general work areas.
Lead. Inorganic lead is found in many construction products, e.g. electricity cables, pipes, gutters and old lead sheet roofs. Organic lead is added to motor fuels, and storage tanks
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will be heavily contaminated. Excessive lead absorption causes constipation, abdominal pain, anaemia, weak muscles and kidney damage. It can also affect the brain, causing impaired intellect, strange behaviour, fits and coma. Workers who work with lead in any form must take the following precautions: -
Wash hands regularly, and always before eating; there is a higher risk if one smoke’s with lead on one’s hands.
-
Use the protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment which should be provided whenever lead levels exceed national control limits.
-
Wear work clothing on the job and store “street” clothing where it cannot be contaminated by work clothing.
Material and Chemical Hazard Communication Programme Where such hazardous materials or chemicals are known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed – under normal conditions, non-routine tasks or foreseeable emergencies – a special material and chemical hazard communication programme is required. The purpose of the hazard communication programme is to inform employees and sub-contractor employees of such hazards and of appropriate safety or mitigation measures. The main elements of this programme are: -
A list of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace;
-
Preventative measures;
-
Labels and other forms of warning;
-
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from suppliers;
-
Employee information and training; and
-
Environmental protection.
This programme must be amended as changes in work operations, new materials or processes, or new information dictate. List of Hazardous Substances Present on Site The first step towards reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals is the development of a list of hazardous substances known to be present on site. A template for such a list is given in Box 1 below.
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Box 1: Sample Form: List of hazardous chemicals known to be present at the jobsite
NOTE: A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be on file for each substance on this list. Details of specific physical and health hazards as well as protective measures can be found on the MSDS for individual chemicals. Substance
Supplier/ source
Comments
Preventative Measures The following preventative measures can be implemented to reduce the associated risks: -
Substitute the chemical with a harmless or less hazardous one.
-
Enclose the process using the chemical, or provide other engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation; this is often difficult in construction processes.
-
Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
If the use of hazardous chemicals cannot be avoided, the following basic safety measures must be followed: -
Keep containers of chemicals in a separate and secure store.
-
Because two containers look the same, do not assume that they contain the same material.
-
Read the label and make sure you understand what it says, then follow the instructions.
-
If the information is not sufficient to tell you how to handle the chemical safely, ask your supervisor for the chemical safety data sheet
-
When opening containers, hold a rag over the cap or lid as some volatile liquids tend to spurt up when this is released; transfer the contents of containers in the open air.
-
Avoid breathing in any fumes from chemicals. Provide good ventilation, or work in the open air. Leave the work area immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell.
-
Use the smallest quantity of chemicals that is necessary for the particular job.
-
Wash before you eat and do not eat or smoke at your workstation.
-
If the skin is splashed with a chemical, it should be rinsed immediately with plenty of clean running water. Eyes should be flushed out thoroughly with water and should receive immediate medical attention.
-
If you are burned by a chemical, or feel unwell after using a chemical, seek medical attention without delay.
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-
If there is a spillage of chemicals on the ground or floor, report the matter at once so that the right action can be taken, such as soaking it up with dry sand
Labels and Other Forms of Warning Each container of hazardous chemicals must be labelled, tagged, or otherwise marked with: -
The identity of the hazardous chemicals (or chemicals); and
-
Appropriate hazard warnings.
Labels and other forms of warning must be legible and in English, and must be prominently displayed or readily available in the work area during each shift. Material Safety Data Sheet A material safety data sheet (MSDS) must be kept for each hazardous chemical known to be present in the workplace. Section 178 of H&S Regulations stipulates that each MSDS must contain: -
The chemical product and company identification (including trade or common name of the chemical and details of the supplier or manufacturer);
-
Information on the composition of ingredients (in a way that clearly identifies them for the purpose of conducting a hazard evaluation);
-
Hazards identification;
-
Applicable first-aid and antidotes;
-
Fire-fighting measures;
-
Protective measures in case of accidental release;
-
Handling and storage;
-
Exposure control relating to employee protection (including possible methods of monitoring work-place exposure);
-
Physical and chemical properties;
-
Stability and reactivity;
-
Toxicological information (including the potential routes of entry into the body and the possibility of synergism with other chemicals or hazards encountered at work);
-
Ecological information;
-
Manner of disposal;
-
Transport information;
-
Regulatory information; and
-
Other relevant information (including the date of preparation of the chemical safety data sheet).
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Material safety data sheets must be kept in the health and safety file on site and must be readily accessible by employees during each work shift. The health and safety representative is responsible for maintaining the MSDS in a complete and up-to-date manner. Training and Information All employees, including contractors, must undergo the material and chemical hazard training programme outlined in this section (see the training module outlined in Section 10). Training must extend to non-routine tasks, as necessary, and to foreseeable emergencies. All employees must be trained on any revisions to this programme.
8.14. Tool Use 8.14.1. Use of Hand Tools Examples of hand tools include shovels, axes, crowbars, chisels, screwdrivers, hammers and wrenches. The following precautions should be taken when working with hand tools: -
Select the correct weight, size and tool for the job.
-
Tools should be kept free of grease and dirt, and moving and adjustable parts should be well oiled.
-
Cutting edges should be kept sharp for accurate working and to avoid the need for unnecessary pressure.
-
For work on or near electrical apparatus, only properly insulated tools should be used.
-
Tools should be properly stored in boxes, racks, holders or pocket belts and should not be left so that they can fall, roll or be tripped over; cutting edges should be sheathed.
8.14.2. Power-Driven Construction Tools When using power-driven construction tools and machinery, regular checks must be undertaken to ensure that: -
All protective devices and safety measures supplied with the machine are in position, adjusted and working.
-
The machine appears to be safe to use even for an inattentive worker.
-
Safety devices are strong enough to withstand wear from ordinary use.
-
Safety devices do not prevent efficient use of the machine
Relevant Namibian legislation with regard to the use of power-driven tools is found in Sections 76-79 of the H&S Regulations.
8.14.3. Welding and Cutting The following precautions must be followed during electric arc welding:
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-
The welder and anyone assisting should wear suitable protective goggles or use a face mask or shield to protect the eyes and face from invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays given off by the welding arc.
-
The welder should wear protective gloves long enough to protect wrists and forearms against heat, sparks, molten metal and radiation. Leather is a good insulator.
-
The work area should be screened off with sturdy opaque or translucent materials so that other workers cannot see the arc.
-
The work piece should be well earthed, and all equipment should be earthed and insulated.
-
Precautions should be taken against starting fires from sparks from the work area.
The following precautions must be followed during gas welding: -
The cylinders should be stored separately since any mixture from gas leakages could be highly explosive. They should be kept away from any source of heat and shielded from direct sunlight.
-
Flashback arresters should be fitted to the cylinder regulators and non-return valves fitted in the hose connectors at the torch end.
-
Relevant Namibian legislation with regard to the use of power-driven tools is found in Sections 73-75 of the H&S Regulations.
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SECTION 8: AUDITING, REVIEW AND FUNDING Audits
8.1.
Six months after the effective date of the implementation of the EMP, an audit is to be undertaken. This audit report will detail the progress, problems and issues arising from the management of all components of the site, as well as recommendations for improved environmental management. This is to identify any problems or potential problems with the environmental management procedures at Etosha, to establish additional issues requiring attention and amendments required to the terms and conditions of the EMP. The audit report is to be submitted to MET. The EMP must be applied as relevant to the infrastructure that has been constructed as this will occur in a phased manner. An annual audit is to be undertaken for the first three years and thereafter the audit is to be undertaken every second year after completion of the entire project. The auditor is to be a suitably qualified and experienced independent environmental auditor, and the audit is to be done in association with the ECO. The audit must detail the procedures followed in terms of scheduling of tasks and reporting thereof, as well as the responsibilities and resources attached to the management tasks. Records of all audits must be maintained with the EMP for safekeeping, to allow for ongoing monitoring of the effective implementation of the EMP during the review process (see Section 8.2). The audit report must be forwarded to MET for their records.
Review of EMP
8.2.
The EMP is to be reviewed annually for the first three years and then once every five years thereafter, by an independent environmental consultant, unless otherwise required by the authorities and the ENP. The auditor is to highlight issues to be addressed in the EMP, or changes required, during the annual audit. These points are to be included as annexures to the EMP and to be considered during the review of the process. Recommended changes to the EMP must be forwarded to MET for their approval, and subsequent incorporation into the EMP. The review must address the following (this list is not exhaustive):
changes in legislation that may be relevant to the ongoing management of the site
unexpected impacts of the development or management activities
impacts of the development or management activities of greater intensity, extent & significance than predicted
inadequate mitigation measures that were originally proposed
secondary impacts that may have resulted from mitigation measures that have been implemented
commissioning of new phases of the development
decommissioning of certain phases of the development
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8.3.
expansion of operational activities
Record Keeping
Records must be kept of the following: •
Routine implementation and maintenance schedules, budgets and costs
•
Monitoring Reports
•
Complaints received and responses made
•
Training needs analyses
•
Minutes of meetings
•
Audit reports and reviews of the EMP
•
Changes to the EMP
Records must be kept with all the documentation of the ENP. These must be made available for review on request, based on adequate motivation. Copies of audit reports and reviews, as well as changes to the EMP must be forwarded timeously to the relevant authorities.
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SECTION 10: NON-COMPLIANCE Allegations of non-compliance by members of the public, stakeholders, residents and visitors to the Park, Authorities and management of the staff must be reported to the ECO for investigation. All such allegations must be recorded in written format, together with the findings of the investigation. These records must be stored for consideration during the audit process. All acts of non-compliance must be reported to the Operations Manager. The action to remediate acts of non-compliance must be identified by the ECO in consultation with a suitable specialist (if required) and a cost attached to this. The individual responsible for the act of non-compliance must be financially responsible for the remediation of any damage to the environment. The instruction to remediate must come from the Operations Manager.
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SECTION 11:
FUNDING
The funding for the implementation of the EMP, the appointment of any specialists, the annual audit of compliance with the EMP, as well as the review of the EMP is the responsibility of the MET and ENP. A portion of the ENP annual budget must be assigned specifically to ensure that the conditions of this EMP are implemented. As costs of management increase, the amount set aside for management must be increased accordingly. These identified funds must not be used for other uses within the Park or elsewhere. Funding must cover: •
Training of staff for implementation of the management actions
•
Implementation of management activities
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SECTION 12:
OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The management programme sets the procedure for the Etosha National Park to achieve its environmental policy and goals. This programme is broken down into the following components, which detail the various goals and the objectives set to meet the goals. It also describes the various management activities that can achieve these objectives, together with the monitoring and target criteria (See Table 3). Table 3: Components of the Management Programme
Explanation of the components Goals
The key environmental goals are set for the operational management of the Etosha National Park.
Risks
The risks associated with not managing to achieve this goal.
Objectives
Objectives that are set to meet the key goals. These are based on the findings of the EIA phase.
Management actions
The measures needed to achieve the objectives, detailing aspects such as responsibility, methods, frequency, resources required and prioritisation.
Monitoring
The strategic monitoring actions required to check whether the objectives are being achieved, taking into consideration responsibility, frequency, methods and reporting.
Criteria and/or targets
The criteria or targets that indicate the effectiveness of the management programme. The targets should be measurable, understandable to the layperson, cost-effective to monitor, and must meet legal requirements.
Remedial actions
Actions to be undertaken if the targets are not being met; or if there is a "catastrophic" event.
The following have been set as Management Goals to ensure responsible and environmentally sustainable long-term management of the site:
GOAL 1:
Biotic/biophysical environment To protect the biotic integrity and biophysical characteristics of the area by ensuring that the remaining natural vegetation and habitats on site are maintained to support the existing biodiversity associated with the site.
GOAL 2:
Water supply and geohydrological aspects To carefully manage activities which may affect the quality and sustainability (yield) of groundwater to protect against the degradation of this important water resource.
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GOAL 3:
Social Aspects To introduce and maintain certain management actions and policies to manage the influence on the socio-economic environment.
GOAL 4:
Visual aspects To protect the aesthetic value, visual characteristics and sense of place of the area.
GOAL 5:
Services (Bulk water supply, Sanitation, Solid waste management, power supply, roads and stormwater) To provide and manage basic services such as bulk water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, power supply, roads and stormwater) without compromising the biophysical environment.
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SECTION 13: GOAL1:
MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
TO PROTECT THE BIOTIC INTEGRITY AND BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA BY ENSURING THAT THE REMAINING NATURAL VEGETATION AND HABITATS ON SITE ARE MAINTAINED TO SUPPORT THE EXISTING BIODIVERSITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE SITE.
Predicted impacts include direct caused by the implementation of the project and indirect impacts which are expected to arise as a consequence of another action caused by the project, rather than the project itself. These impacts may arise from the operational phase of the project and include the following: •
Groundwater contamination from sewage or waste disposal facilities may impact on groundwater;
•
Rogue fires may be caused by residents or tourists;
•
Continued usage of gravel pits if gravel is required for maintenance of unpaved roads;
•
Undesirable alien vegetation may be introduced when residents establish new gardens;
•
Resource stripping in the immediate vicinity of settlements will impact on the natural vegetation.
The aims of this program are to: •
Ensure sufficient supply of good quality water;
•
Protect the sustainability of perennial fountains;
•
Prevent groundwater pollution;
•
Prevent rogue fires and disruption of ecological systems;
•
Prevent further habitat destruction by encouraging sourcing of gravel material outside the Park;
•
Avoid the introduction of alien vegetation in the area;
•
To prevent resource stripping in the park by prohibiting poaching of wildlife and collection of wood and vegetation from the Park.
As it is not clear at this stage what the design and final layout of the village, or the infrastructure and services options will entail, it is not possible to set operational guidelines in details. This aspect will need to be detailed as information is available, as per this framework EMP.
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GOAL 1: To protect the biotic systems and biophysical character of the area OBJECTIVE To ensure that measures are put in place to protect the quantity of groundwater resources
RISKS
i. Decrease in water supply
ACTIONS – Recycling of waste water – Use of water-efficient design and practices in all new developments – Reduction of evaporation from open water surfaces – Reduction of leakage in current infrastructure and design new infrastructure to minimise leakage
MONITORING – Monitoring general water use in staff village and administration areas – Monitoring equipment and infrastructure for water leakages
CRITERIA / TARGETS – Recording and monitoring of water usage to be done on a monthly basis – Recording and monitoring of water usage to be done on a monthly basis
– Only indigenous plants allowed in gardens – High standard management and maintenance of the borehole pumps and equipment – Record water levels before and after pumping period – Installation of water meters at pumps, reservoirs and households – Awareness programmes to educate residents on responsible water usage RESPONSIBILITY: –
ECO
– ENP staff
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REMEDIAL ACTION – Obtain specialist advice
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GOAL 1: To protect the biotic systems and biophysical character of the area OBJECTIVE To ensure that measures are put in place to protect the quantity of groundwater resources
RISKS
ii.
Ground water contamination from sewage and waste disposal facilities on ground water
ACTIONS – Existing waste disposal sites should be established in calcrete areas – No seepage of polluted effluent should be allowed into the ground water – Ongoing maintenance and routine management of components and infrastructure
MONITORING – Monitoring by sampling and testing monitoring boreholes
CRITERIA / TARGETS – Compliance with water quality standards for aquatic life
– Monitoring of record keeping system
– Reduce calcium and magnesium by boiling water with high calcium and magnesium content – Treatment of water to reduce calcium and magnesium to prevent damage to pipes and geysers – High standard management and maintenance of treatment plant required RESPONSIBILITY: ECO ENP staff
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REMEDIAL ACTION – Obtain specialist advice
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GOAL 1: To protect the biotic systems and biophysical character of the area OBJECTIVE To ensure that measures are put in place to protect integrity of the perennial fountains and drainage lines
RISKS
i. Unsustainable use of perennial fountains
ACTIONS – Continue artificial recharge of Otjovasandu fountain as long as required
MONITORING – Monitoring borehole extraction rates
CRITERIA / TARGETS – Monthly
– Obtain advice from MET staff at the Etosha Ecological Institute
– Implement measures to reduce water consumption from ground water sources – Ensure no development or other activity occurs within the 100 m buffer area surrounding the drainage line at Galton Gate. RESPONSIBILITY: ECO ENP staff
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GOAL 1: To protect the biotic systems and biophysical character of the area OBJECTIVE To protect natural vegetation and eradicate alien vegetation species
RISKS
i.
Introduction of alien vegetation through establishment of gardens
ii. Eradication of alien vegetation during decommissioni ng of existing settlements
ACTIONS – Poverty alleviation should reduce dependence on natural resources
MONITORING
– Regular routine control sessions to eradicate alien vegetation
– Provide alternatives to firewood as source of fuel
CRITERIA / TARGETS
REMEDIAL ACTION
– Staff village at Galton Gate to meet Park objectives in terms of alien vegetation status goals
– Implement a vigorous alien vegetation clearing programme
– No accidental fires starting in the village and spreading into the Park
– Fight accidental fires immediately
– Enforce regulations to prohibit stripping of natural vegetation – Fencing off residential areas RESPONSIBILITY: ENP official
iii. Resource stripping in the vicinity of settlements To prevent accidental fires
i.
Rogue fires may be caused by residents or tourists
– Discourage open cooking fires and provide enclosed facilities for cooking – Ensure adequate fire breaks around infrastructure –
Follow recommendations on resource stripping
–
Establish emergency procedures to allow for immediate action in the case of accidental fire
–
Regular monitoring and maintenance of fire breaks (every 3 months)
– Regular inspection of fire fighting equipment (monthly)
–
No damage to Park infrastructure from fires in the Park entering the Village
RESPONSIBILITY: ECO ENP staff
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GOAL 1: To protect the biotic systems and biophysical character of the area OBJECTIVE
RISKS
Reduce the use of gravel pits in the Park for the maintenance of unpaved roads
i. Continued use of gravel pits with increased habitat destruction
ii. Creation of new gravel pits with associated habitat destruction
ACTIONS
MONITORING
– Consider paving major roads which will require less maintenance and reliance on gravel pits
– Monitor need for gravel in relation to what can be provided by existing pits
– Source additional gravel outside the Park, from a licensed outlet
– Check fences daily to ensure that these are intact
– Fix holes in fence immediately
– Source gravel as required outside the Park
CRITERIA / TARGETS
REMEDIAL ACTION
– Only existing gravel pits must be used if gravel is used from the Park – no new gravel pits allowed RESPONSIBILITY: ECO ENP staff
To reduce the impacts associated with resource stripping include poaching of wildlife and collection of wood and vegetation from the Park
i.
Poaching of wild animals
– Provide alternatives to firewood as a source of fuel
ii.
Removal of wood and plants from the Park and neighbouring properties
– Enforce Park regulations that prohibit resource stripping and
– Take action against culprits as per Park Policy
– Ensure that fences around the village are checked to ensure that there is no opportunity for unlawful access into the Park
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GOAL 2:
TO ENSURE WATER SUPPLY AND PROTECT THE QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF GROUNDWATER SOURCES
Increased abstraction of ground water resources may result in the depletion of the Galton Gate aquifer and a shortage in water supply. Actions identified in terms of Goal 1 will also be applicable under this section. The aim of the programme is: •
Sustainable use of the Galton Gate aquifer
•
Ensure water fit for human consumption.
As it is not clear at this stage what the design and final layout of the village, or the infrastructure and services options will entail, it is not possible to set operational guidelines in details. This aspect will need to be detailed as information is available, as per this framework EMP.
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GOAL 2: To ensure water supply and protect the quality and sustainability of groundwater resources OBJECTIVE To ensure sustainability of groundwater sources (aquifers)
RISKS
i. Depletion of groundwater sources (Galton Gate and Otjovasandu aquifers)
ACTIONS – Ensure maximum pumping time for Borehole BH30251– 10 m³/hr for 10 hours – Ensure maximum pumping time for Borehole BH30252 – 3 m³/hr for 10 hours – Maintain borehole pumps and infrastructure as per manufacturer’s specifications
MONITORING –
Daily monitoring of pumping rates
–
Monthly borehole maintenance records
–
Monthly household use
–
– Record water levels before and after pumping to determine ongoing sustainability
CRITERIA / TARGETS – Water usage to remain below threshold target as set by maximum pump time for each borehole
Monitoring at water levels at all pumps, reservoirs and end point users on a weekly basis
– Install water meters at pumps, reservoirs and users to measure water balance – Develop and implement a waterwise education programme. RESPONSIBILITY: ENP official
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REMEDIAL ACTION – If leak suspected, check for source and repair leaking taps, pipes and toilets immediately – If water usage levels rise above threshold levels, implement measures to reduce water usage immediately
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GOAL 2: To ensure water supply and protect the quality and sustainability of groundwater resources OBJECTIVE To protect and ensure good water quality from groundwater sources
RISKS
i. Deterioration of water quality of groundwater
ACTIONS
MONITORING
– Treatment of water e.g. filtration, chemical dosing and reverse osmosis
– Regular monitoring of sampling and water treatment records
– Brine effluent to be disposed off in the sewage evaporation pond
– Monthly testing of water from reverse osmosis system – drawn by MET and sent to Namwater reverse osmosis system
– Regular cleaning of the Ion Exchange column – Water treatment to reduce calcium and magnesium – Apply water softeners for water treatment, as per water treatment design specifications
CRITERIA / TARGETS – Drinking water to meet standards for potable water, as set by the Dept of Water Affairs
and manganese as per water monitoring programme below
– Regular maintenance of infrastructure at treatment plant according to manufacturer’s and design specifications RESPONSIBILITY: ENP official Engineer (advisor)
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– Get specialist assistance – Warn users of drop in water quality and make arrangement for alternative drinking water to be provided until situation is remedied – High calcium and magnesium levels should be communicated to potential receptors
– Testing water for iron
– Ensure treatment of water by filtration and chemical dosing
REMEDIAL ACTION
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GOAL 2: To ensure water supply and protect the quality and sustainability of groundwater resources To prevent pollution of water from the Galton Gate aquifer
i. Pollution of the highly vulnerable aquifer due to chemical contaminants and septic tanks
– Fencing off of all borehole sites and control of access to sites – Diversion of rainfall and irrigation runoff away from borehole site – Diesel pumps not to be used for the borehole – Default equipment to be repaired at the workshop – Oxidation ponds to be properly lined to ensure zero effluent infiltration – Set up a Contingency Plan to deal with pollution incidences – Ensure that Waste Water Treatment Plant and Transfer Waste Disposal Site are managed as per design and engineering specifications
– Monitoring water quality by sampling from test boreholes on a weekly basis for the first 3 months and then on fortnightly for the following 3 months and thereafter on a monthly basis
– All effluent used for irrigation to meet standards as set by the Dept of Water Affairs
– Water can be drawn by MET and sent to Namwater for testing – Annual test sampling of ground water downstream of waste disposal and oxidation pond sites
RESPONSIBILITY: ENP official Engineer (advisor)
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– Inform relevant authorities – Implement Contingency Plan
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GOAL 3:
TO INTRODUCE AND MAINTAIN CERTAIN MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND POLICIES TO MANAGE THE INFLUENCE ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Socio-economic impacts associated with the proposed upgrade include both positive and negative impacts. These include the following: •
Employment creation and economic spin-offs during construction;
•
Impacts related to the introduction of a construction workforce;
•
Increased prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other social problems;
•
Improvement of staff quality of life as a result of improved housing conditions;
•
Improved access to services and facilities due to relocation to the Park periphery;
•
Increased ability of MET to attract qualified staff;
•
Impact on surrounding tourism facilities at the new site;
•
Improved tourism experience in the Park itself;
•
Gender-related impacts;
•
Relocation of Hai//om living in the Park;
•
Impacts on employees and staff villages not included in the project.
The aims of this programme are as follows: •
Enhancement of the positive impacts (e.g. economic advancement, improvement of quality of life etc)
•
Mitigation of negative impacts (gender equality issues, relocation matters etc)
As the design of the village has not yet been undertaken, aspects may need to be detailed with regard to this goal, based on more comprehensive information.
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GOAL 3: To manage the influence on the socio-economic environment OBJECTIVE Management of the positive and negative impacts on the socioeconomic environment
RISKS/ADVANTAGES – Creating employment opportunities and economic spin-offs – Improvement of staff quality of life as a result of improved housing conditions – Improved access to services and facilities – Increased ability of MET to attract qualified staff – Prevent increase of HIV/AIDS and other social problems through increased contact between staff and communities outside the Park – Improved tourism experience in the Park – Lack of gender equality – Relocation of Hai//om living in the Park – Impact on employees and staff villages not included in the project (e.g. relocation, socialand economic isolation). – Uncontrolled access into the Park
ACTIONS – Encourage procurement of materials, goods and services from local suppliers – Encourage opportunities in indirect employment sector, while discouraging unauthorised influx of people and use of park resources – Enforcement of the MET Housing Policy and Park Code of Conduct – Maintain attractive living conditions to attract qualified staff – HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns – Voluntary counselling and testing programs – Prohibition of gender-based domestic violence as part of Park Code of Conduct – Relocation in terms of the World Bank’s Operational Policy 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement – Upgrading of existing staff facilities and/or consolidation of existing staff facilities – Set up regular channels of communication with the neighbouring landowners to
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MONITORING – Monitoring of criteria as per the Aids/HIV Programme – Monitoring of compliance with the MET Housing Policy and the Park Code of Conduct – Monitoring of status of those living in official housing on a monthly basis
CRITERIA / TARGETS Identified target as per the Aids/HIV Programme – Standards set in the MET Housing Policy and the Park Code of Conduct
–
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REMEDIAL ACTION Action as per the Aids/HIV Programme – Action as per the MET Housing Policy and the Park Code of Conduct – Take action to ensure that those moving into the village are illegally are removed from the village as per correct procedures
–
ESIA: Upgrading of Infrastructure in the Etosha National Park allow for identification of problems related to the operation of the village and to encourage opportunities for synergy between all parties. Meetings should be held at least 3 monthly basis for the first year, or as problems arise – Ensure that access into the village is through a manned gate where only those with permits (legitimate residents or visitors) can enter the Park RESPONSIBILITY: ECO Human Resources Section of MET/ENP
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GOAL 4:
TO PROTECT THE AESTHETIC VALUE, VISUAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSE OF PLACE OF THE AREA
The loss of a scenic rural landscape and replacement with an urban development within a generally rural setting was identified as a negative impact of the development. Night lighting could be highly intrusive to adjacent landowners. These impacts have been mitigated in the design phase and the aim of this programme in the operational phase is to monitor that the measures put in place are being effectively implemented and are having the desired effect. The aims of this programme are as follows: •
To ensure that the measures put in place during the design and construction phases to promote of the aesthetic qualities of the development have been applied
•
To ensure that the aesthetic appeal of the development is not compromised by the operational phases of the development.
As it is not clear at this stage what the design and final layout of the village will entail, it is not possible to set operational guidelines in details. This aspect will need to be detailed as information is available, as per this framework EMP.
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GOAL 4: To maintain the aesthetic value, visual characteristics and sense of place of the area OBJECTIVE To maintain the aesthetic value, visual characteristics and sense of place of the landscape and visual environment
RISKS
i.
Loss of landscape character and sense of place of an important natural conservation area and tourist attraction
ACTIONS – Regular maintenance to housing and buildings include use of nonreflective, darker earthtone colours which complement with greygreen and brown colours – Gardens should only make use of indigenous vegetation – Management of the use of light in dwellings, floodlighting and security lights
MONITORING – Annual inspection of housing and infrastructure to ensure that the visual aspects are maintained and that there are no transgressions to the building code
CRITERIA / TARGETS
REMEDIAL ACTION
– To meet standards set in the Housing Policy
– Undertake the necessary activities to upgrade infrastructure from an aesthetic perspective – Ensure that any transgressions are remedied
RESPONSIBILITY:
ENP
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GOAL 5:
TO PROVIDE BASIC ENGINEERING SERVICES WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT.
This relates to the bulk water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, power supply, roads and stormwater management. Staff must be tasked and provided with adequate training and budget to ensure that operations for service infrastructure are undertaken as per operating requirements. General and regular maintenance of basic service infrastructure should be an ongoing task during the operation of the camps. Because of the potential direct and indirect impacts on the receiving environment, service infrastructure should be regularly checked for defects and leakages and a monitoring program should be devised to regulate the preventative maintenance actions. The aim of the program is to: •
Protect the sustainable use of groundwater resources without compromising the quality of the water;
•
To prevent degradation of the receiving bio-physical environment by a preventing pollution from the operation of service infrastructure.
As it is not clear at this stage which specific infrastructure/designs will be selected for provision of services, it is not possible to set operational guidelines in details. This aspect will need to be detailed as information is available, as per this framework EMP.
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GOAL 5: To provide basic engineering services without compromising the receiving environment OBJECTIVE To provide basic engineering services without compromising the receiving environment
RISKS
i.
Insufficient water supply
ii.
Provision of water of insufficient quality
iii.
Contamination of groundwater
iv.
Air pollution and odour generation
v.
Unacceptable visual impact
vi.
Attraction of wildlife (e.g. monkeys) with undesirable consequences
ACTIONS – Check grease traps of all kitchen outlets of the reticulation system every second month – Remove settled sludge from all septic tanks annually – Manage Waste Water Treatment Works as per design and engineering specifications – Set up agreements to allow for outsourcing waste management to an independent local entity as part of an empowerment programme – Set up a Waste Management Programme to include sorting of waste by separate waste streams – Set up an Educate Programme for residents to promote wise water and power usage and to encourage recycling and waste minimisation
MONITORING – As per schedules set by the design team for various infrastructure management and maintenance – As per schedules set by the Education Programme for Sustainability (Water, Waste and Energy)
CRITERIA / TARGETS – As per criteria set by the design team for various infrastructure management and maintenance – As per criteria set by the Education Programme for Sustainability (Water, Waste and Energy) – As per criteria set by the engineers for the Waste Management Programme
– As per activities identified by the design team for various infrastructure management and maintenance – As per activities identified by the Education Programme for Sustainability (Water, Waste and Energy) – As per activities identified by the engineers for the Waste Management Programme
– As per schedules set by the engineers for the Waste Management Programme
– Fix fences as required
– Check fences daily
– Ensure management of waste facility as per design and engineering
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.
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Public Health and Safety Awareness Plan
ANNEXURE 1:
Education Brochure
ANNEXURE 2:
