Environmental and Social Monitoring Report€¦ · Category A proposals are eliminated early and Category B and C proposals are assisted in their planning and design ... and breadfruit

Environmental and Social Monitoring Report

2nd 2017 Semi-Annual Report 29 March 2018

Samoa: AgriBusiness Support Project Prepared by Samuelu Sesega for the Ministry of Finance, Government of Samoa and the Asian Development Bank.

This environmental and social monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Safeguards Monitoring Report

Project: ADB Samoa AgriBusiness Support Program (SABS)

Reporting Period: 1 July – 31 December, 2017

Status: Draft

Date: 29 March 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

No.

List of Abbreviations 4

1 Introduction 5

1.1 Overview of Project 5

1.2 Summary of agribusinesses monitored 6

2 Environmental and Social Safeguards 10

3 SABS and the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) 10

4 Agribusinesses for ESMF Compliance 11

4.1 Methodology 11

4.2 Rating Compliance 13

5 Monitoring Results 13

6 Findings and Conclusions 20

7 Recommendations 20

8 Annex 1 – Brief Descriptions of all Agribusinesses Monitored 21 ‐ 34

8.1 Samoa Coconut Clusters, Vaitele 21

8.2 T H Plantation, Aleisa 23

8.3 Samoa Meats Supplies, Alaoa 25

8.4 Farm Supplies Ltd, Nuu 26

8.5 Samoa Koko, Asau 27

8.6 Ms Sunshine Farms, Tuanai 28

8.7 Strickland Brothers Ltd, Vaitele 31

8.8 SVGreen, Aleisa 33

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8.9 Mailelani Cosmetics 35

8.10 HealthyMe! Hydroponics 37

8.11 Ata Frozen taro 38

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Abbreviations

ACEO Assistant Chief Executive Officer ADB Asian Development Bank ADB SPS Asian Development Bank Safeguards Policy Statement ANZ Australia‐New Zealand Bank BSP Bank of the South Pacific CEO Chief Executive Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ER Effectiveness Rating EMP Environmental Management Plan ESMS Environment and Social Management System FI Financial Intermediaries FM Facility Manager GOS Government of Samoa GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism MNRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MOF Ministry of Finance PEAR Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report PM Project Manager PMU Project Management Unit PUMA Planning and Urban Management Agency SABS ‐ Samoa Agribusiness Support Project SCB Samoa Commercial Bank SROS Scientific Research Organization of Samoa SSA Social Safeguards Advisor SSMR Semi‐annual Safeguards Monitoring Reporting TL Team Leader

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1. INTRODUCTION

Semi‐annual safeguards monitoring reporting (SSMR) is a requirement of the Samoa AgriBusiness Support (SABS) Project agreement between Government of Samoa (GOS) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Preparation of the SSMR is one of the deliverables under the Social Safeguards Advisor’s (SSA) contract. The purpose of the SSMR is to document the status of safeguards compliance for all Financial Intermediaries (FIs) and subprojects or agribusinesses supported under the Samoa AgriBusiness Support (SABS) Project through approved FIs.

This is the fourth 6‐monthly monitoring report for the Samoa AgriBusiness Support (SABS) Project. It covers both environmental and involuntary resettlement (IR) compliance for the period 1 July – 31 December 2017.

1.1 Brief Overview of the Project

The SABS Project is financed by an ADB grant to the Government of Samoa (GoS). Approved in June 2014, the SABS aims to support the strengthening of the agribusiness sector by improving access to finance for eligible agribusiness enterprises. Funds are accessed by eligible and qualified agribusinesses through the following four financial intermediaries (FI): ANZ Bank, Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), Samoa Commercial Bank (SCB) and National Bank of Samoa (NBS).

SABS’ focus is to address the key financial and capacity limitations in selected agribusinesses that have sound prospects for commercial success and which will contribute to the higher level objectives of value addition, employment, trade and rural incomes. The project has three outputs:

Output 1 – Improved access to finance for selected agribusiness enterprises to address the lack of suitable financing instruments, the risk awareness of commercial banks to lend long term to the sector, the overall liquidity constraints in the financial sector, and the shortage of capital in the agribusiness sector.

Output 2 – Business Support Services provided by the project to partner companies to help build their capacity in a broad range of areas which are critical to business success and adherence to environmental and social safeguards.

Output 3 – Project Management: This involves a Project Management Unit (PMU) to be established within the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to be responsible for financial control, procurement and reporting.

Project implementation is supported by a Project Management Unit (PMU) consisting of a Project Manager handling project finances and administration, a Project Assistant, and two specialists ‐ a Facility Manager with responsibility for financial, banking and business management due diligence, and planning for all agribusiness proposals considered for SABS support, and a Social Safeguards Advisor (SSA) with responsibility for ensuring FI and agribusiness’ compliance with ADB safeguards policies and GoS safeguards laws and regulations. The PMU is located within the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

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1.2. Summary of Agribusinesses Monitored for this report

Fourteen (14) agribusinesses are covered in this report, two less than previously reported. Seven (7) are operational with varying support from SABS; one (1) is on‐hold temporarily, and six (6) are at various preparatory stages of designing and planning.

SABS safeguards scrutiny commences early in the sub‐project identification and design stage with initial site assessment for EA and IR critical to determining safeguards feasibility/acceptability. In this way, Category A proposals are eliminated early and Category B and C proposals are assisted in their planning and design. The table below summarizes each agribusiness, status, the safeguards category assigned for environment (EA) and social impacts (IR) respectively, and the safeguards issues of priority for on‐going monitoring.

No. Name of SABS supported subproject

Environmental Screening

IR screening Issues of Concern for Monitoring

1 Samoa Coconut Clusters, Vaitele, Upolu Is

Product(s) ‐ virgin coconut oil

Cat C

Cat C Env – Operations have been relocated entirely to a new site, a customary owned land

belonging to one of the Principals. The key issues on this new site is the management of waste water and by‐products during operational phase (coconut shells, coconut water, wastewater from cleaning operation; extraction and disposal of used oils from centrifuge);

IR ‐ none

2 Mailelani Cosmetics, Papauta,

Upolu Is;

Products – scented coconut‐oil based body oils, lotions soaps, etc..

Cat C

Cat C Env ‐ waste water management during operational phase.

Wastewater volume is low, and impact is minimum but is not managed in accordance with best practice.

IR ‐ none

3 T & H Plantation Ltd, Aleisa, Upolu Is

Products – taro, bananas, and breadfruit chips (snacks)

Cat B

Cat C Env – Continued sound management of by‐products and wastes (peelings, used oil, plastic) other municipal wastes including used oil containers and packaging waste during operation.

IR ‐ none

4 SVM Green, Aleisa, Upolu Is

Horticultural produce – fresh cabbages, tomatoes, green peppers, etc.

Cat C

Cat C Env ‐ Management of pesticides and other agro‐chemicals during operation; possible expansion into new areas – loss of forests and natural habitats.

IR ‐ none

5 Savaii Koko, Asau &

Vaisala, Savaii Is

Cat C

Cat C Management of by‐products; dry cocoa pods, dry reject cocoa beans’;

IR ‐ none

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Products – dried cocoa

beans;




6 Samoa Meats Supplies, Alaoa, Upolu Is

Products beef/assorted meat cuts;

Cat C

Cat C Env ‐ Management of solid and liquid wastes, and by‐products (hide, meat offcuts, bones) during operation;

IR ‐ none

7 Ms Sunshine Farms, Tuanai, Upolu Is.

Products – dried cocoa beans

Cat C

Cat C Solid waste management; (municipal solid waste; reject cocoa beans);

IR ‐ none

8 Healthy Me! Hydroponics, Papauta,

Vailima Upolu Is

Produce – assorted vegetables (cabbages, tomatoes, etc.);

Cat C

Cat C Env – none

IR – Confirmation of land lease agreement with new landowner..

9 Island Shopper Butchery, Lalomalava.

Products – beef/assorted meat cuts

Cat B

Cat C Construction impacts for slaughter house; management of waste from slaughter house and butchery during operation.

This Project is progressing under its own funding (from Samoa Development Bank which is not a FI under the SABS) with SABS providing technical assistance in the form of business support, advice on slaughterhouse design and on safeguards requirements.




10 Schwalger Plantation Expansion proposal, Patamea, Savaii

Products – taro; beef, possibly goat meats.

Cat C Cat C Land ownership – extent of customary land to be involved remains to be clarified; management of agrochemicals during operation; management of goat population; possible loss of native forests or sensitive ecosystems;

This is a proposal still under review and assessment. Two site assessment visits have been conducted to date, the latter (for this report) to sight the new area proposed for banana

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plantation. Land proposed include customary land which is prone to disputes with neighboring land owners.

11 Vaai Plantation – Fruit Jams and Juices, Vaisala Savaii;

Products – bottled jams; fruit juices.

Cat C

Cat C Management of solid and liquid wastes and by‐products during operation.

This project is in the design phase. SABS was advised of a change of site for the operation to address some initial environmental issues identified. The new site will require a new assessment.

12 Sarona‐i‐Toso Farm, Salani, Falealili.

Products – beef, assorted meat cuts

Cat B

Cat C Construction impacts of proposed slaughterhouse; management of waste and by‐products

once operational.

This project is also still in the early concept stage. There has been no further development

since the last report.

13 Lata Plantation, Taga, Savaii.

Products – beef/assorted meat cuts; fresh vegetables; fresh fruits (water melons, lemons; copra; bottled water.

Cat B

Cat C Construction impacts for slaughter house; management of waste from slaughterhouse and butchery during operation; reject plastic bottles from bottled water operation; plastic wrappings; management of agrochemicals for horticultural operations

This project is still in the design stage.

14 ‘Ata’ Frozen Taro Project – Isaia Lameko

Products – frozen packed taro for export

Cat B

Cat C This is still at early design stage. The initial site was assessed with issues of lack of water highlighted. An alternative with ready access to water has been identified and assessed to be suitable. Current focus of planning is financial and business related.

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2. Environmental and Social Safeguards

Environmental and social safeguards refer to a set of policies design to ensure that ADB funded activities do not adversely affect surrounding communities and the natural environment. Activities eligible for funding are carefully screened and assessed to eliminate those that have severe adverse and irreversible impacts, or otherwise identify measures for their mitigation. Agreed mitigation measures are monitored regularly to ensure that the measures are being effective in reducing or avoiding impacts and that project implementation is safe and adverse impacts are reduced to, at minimum, an acceptable level.

The GOS has similar legislation and regulations, with the main one being the PUMA Act 2004 and PUMA EIA Regulation 2007. Both ADB’s safeguards policies and Samoa’s relevant legislation and regulations provide the legal framework for the Environment and Social Management System (ESMS) for the screening, selection, assessment, clearance and monitoring of all SABS funded activities.

The ESMS approach agreed for the SABS includes:

(i) Any investments with activities identified in the Prohibited Investment Activities List of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 will not be supported by the project;

(ii) All proposed sub‐projects or investments will be reviewed and evaluated (screened) in respect of environmental requirements of the country safeguard systems (CSS) and the ADB’s SPS;

(iii) All proposed sub‐projects or investments will be reviewed and evaluated (screened) in respect of social requirements of CSS and ADB’s SPS including occupational, health, safety, involuntary resettlement (IR) and land acquisition, indigenous peoples (IP) and physical cultural resources;

(iv) Funding and ongoing business support services will only be provided to subprojects (activities/investments) that are designed, constructed/implemented, operated and maintained in a manner consistent with the applicable environmental and social safeguards set out in the approved environmental and social management system (ESMS).

(v) There is appropriate consultation and transparency as per the requirements of this ESMS in design and/or implementation of sub projects’ activities to be supported under the project;

(vi) The Project works together with, and where appropriate provides specialist guidance to, subprojects to implement applicable environmental and social safeguard requirements as per this ESMS;

(vii) The Project overall, and subprojects individually, have sufficient resources (staff and budget) to effectively implement safeguards requirements as set out in the Project ESMS, as well as promoting sub project activities with environmental and social benefits.

Overall the SABS is classified as category C for indigenous people (IP), and it is confirmed that the IP policy of ADB is not triggered by the project. All proposed activities or investment (sub‐projects) undergo screening for environmental and land/involuntary resettlement (IR) impacts to determine the level of assessment required during the preparation and/or design of the activities and/or investments.

3. SABS and the ESMS

Each agribusiness receiving assistance under SABS is screened and assigned one of three categories based on the anticipated level of environmental and social impacts and risks:

(i) Category A: Activities or investments with potential for significant adverse environmental impacts, that are irreversible. Category A activities are excluded from the SABS.

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(ii) Category B: Activities or investments likely to have some potential adverse environmental and/ or social impacts, but of lesser degree and/or significance than Category A . Category B risks and impacts are usually site‐specific and mitigation measures can be more readily designed than for category A activities. Category B activities will be subject to environmental assessment.1

(iii) Category C: Activities or investments that have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No further environmental impact assessment other than a REA is required. However all possible environmental and social implications are to be reviewed during the assessment process and must be documented and retained by the project.

The ESMS also provides for strengthening the capacities of the FIs in order to properly implement their responsibilities under the ESMS. The FM and SSA provide information, review and suggest modifications to bank loan application templates, conduct workshop‐meetings with FIs to explain the project, safeguards requirements and the screening process for agribusiness proposals. For Samoa Commercial Bank (SCB), one‐on‐one sessions were provided to support and mentor designated officers with staff training responsibilities.

4. Monitoring Agribusinesses for ESMS Compliance

Each of the four participating commercial banks have in place environmental sustainability policies which were vetted and found in compliance with ADB’s requirements for FI eligibility. Two of the FIs – Samoa Commercial Bank and the National Bank of Samoa, were assisted by the SSA in the preparation of these policies and ESMS.

Monitoring is at two levels, overall compliance of the SABS with the agreed ESMS and individual activity monitoring to ensure that activities financed under the SABS comply with the requirements identified following screening and assessment (as required).

4.1 Monitoring Methodology

The monitoring of SABS funded agribusinesses includes: (i) documentation review; (ii) scheduled field/site

visits; and (iii) consultations with the client agribusinesses. Monitoring visits are conducted jointly by the

SSA and the FM. Consequently, the monitoring covers both safeguards compliance and, from the point of

view of the FM, overall progress in subproject implementation.

The following process is involved:

(i) the preparatory phase

A review of each client agribusiness’ file is carried out focusing on the following tasks ‐

Review of the original rapid environmental assessment report

Review of the environmental categorization form

Review of the summary of the ESMS screening (Form 2)

1 As per the approved ESMS for the project this will be prepared according to the PUMA EIA Regulations and will be a preliminary Environmental Assessment Report (PEAR) which is more or less equivalent to ADB’s SPS requirement for initial environmental examination (IEE). The PERA will include any gap-filling measures to ensure that the SPS is complied with.

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Identification of key environmental risks from the initial screening assessment (Form 2) that will

form the main focus of the site monitoring visit.

For on‐going projects, review of previous monitoring report and statuses.

(ii) the site inspection including consultations

There is no strict order or process involved in conducting the site inspection. It is informal and flexible and

does not follow a sequence of prepared questions. Wherever possible, the SSA inspects the premises

unaccompanied. Checking focuses on (i) areas of concern and potential risk areas identified from the desk

review of initial screening and assessment reports or previous monitoring reports; (ii) any tell‐tale signs

that may suggest non‐compliance and (iii) in some cases, where workers are present, for the SSA to

interview them on specific issues e.g. how waste is managed, where and how wastes are disposed, and

what, if any, chemicals are used, issues on relations with neighboring land owners e.g. if there have been

any disagreement or disputes etc.. Possible tell‐tale signs to look out for include signs that may suggest

use of unauthorized ingredients or chemicals (e.g. empty chemical containers (canisters, bottles,

packaging or sacks), unmanaged discharges or leakages of wastewater and or liquid effluents from the

production process into the surrounding environment, etc..

Where issues of concern are observed, the SSA takes note and brings it to the attention of the client during the site visit.

At the end of the site inspection, the SSA gives a brief run‐down of the findings vis‐à‐vis

(i) the key safeguards issues that were being followed up, (ii) other issues of concern that were observed during the visit (iii) an overall assessment of how well these issues are being addressed based on the observations

just made. (iv) Advice, if necessary, on how to better address issues observed.

Where there is a clear case of non‐compliance, this is brought to the attention of the client. Discussions

include suggestions of remedial measures for dealing with the issue.

The site inspection ends with the subproject implementer being advised when to expect the next monitoring visit. But safeguards issues of concern that were identified and for which further follow up monitoring are required will be communicated to the clients concerned after the finalization and submission of this report.

(iii) Photos and video recordings

An important part of the inspection is ensuring sufficient photographic and video evidences are taken to support notes of observations made, and in most cases, to simply capture the overall look of an operation.

(iv) Drive‐throughs

A few subprojects that involve vertical integration of supply chains and value‐added operations, such as large and sprawling coconut and cocoa plantations, inspections of plantation involve a simple drive‐

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through with stops at specific points as required to view specific safeguards related evidences to help explain a specific issue or process/method.

4.2 Rating Compliance

The following effectiveness rating is used to indicate the degree/extent of compliance observed. The assessment is qualitative.

1 = non‐compliant ‐ corrective actions required;

2 = partial compliance – corrective or alternative actions required;

3 = adequately implementing CEMP measures;

4 = more than adequately implementing CEMP measures are implemented satisfactorily;

5 = excellent compliance, incl. measures in addition to CEMP

Tracking the effectiveness of mitigation measures recommended requires the comparison of past monitoring assessment to the present.

5. MONITORING RESULTS

Table 2 below summarizes the monitoring results for the period 1 July – 31 December, 2017. It incorporates the results of the previous monitoring report (up to 30 June 2017) for ease of comparison, and to facilitate the tracking of any issues outstanding. As the activities are Category C for IR, this matrix is focused on the environmental aspects and issues.

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Table 2: Matrix of results and updated status

No.

Name of SABS

supported subproject

Environment Category

High Risk issues for monitoring

30 June 2017 31 December 2017

Status of compliance

ER and recommended next

actions


Updated ER and Recommended Next Actions

1 Samoa Coconut Clusters, Vaitele, Upolu Is

Cat C –

EMP recommended;

EMP was prepared and reviewed by PUMA before issuing of DC.

Management of waste water and by‐products during operational phase (coconut shells, coconut water, wastewater from cleaning operation;

extraction and disposal of used oils from centrifuge;

In June, smelly wastewater overflow into neighboring properties was reported in local media; SABS inspected the site subsequently and provide advice on appropriate measures for mitigation. The issue has since been addressed satisfactorily.

Operation has been closed for the last 3 weeks due to demand/supply issues.

Possibly due to machine breakdown and on‐going machine maintenance, general cleanliness and wastewater management inside factory have been sub‐standard.

ER – 2

Recommendation:

1. Continuing close monitoring of waste water management as necessary.

Project is relocated to the island of Savaii from its leased premises in the Vaitele Industrial Zone. The new operation, significantly reduced in scale, is housed in an existing shed with a new extension built to provide additional space. Main safeguards issues are general cleanliness and waste water management. At present, wastewater volume is low and is adequately disposed of in a sump. New location is on customary owned land belonging to one of the Partners. Land is donated voluntarily with no formal lease arrangements.

ER 3

Maintain existing wastewater management system. Closely monitor and safely dispose used lubricants and oils when machines are serviced. Maintain on‐going management of by‐ products – coconut shells (currently being sold) and dry desiccated coconut used for pig feed.

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No.

Name of SABS







actions



2 Mailelani Cosmetics, Papauta, Upolu Is

Cat C

Environ – waste water management during operational phase.

Wastewater is drained into an open drain that discharges into a public road drain. The volume is low, and impact is minimal but is nevertheless not managed in accordance with best practice.

IR ‐ none

ER – 4

Improved ER rating reflects the effective mitigation of issues previously reported i.e. use of sumps to capture wastewater within property.

On‐going maintenance of drains and sumps

.

ER ‐ 4

No change of status since last monitoring report.

No new issues

Maintain existing solid and wastewater management systems.

3 T & H Plantation Ltd, Aleisa, Upolu Is

Cat B

PEAR & EMP recommended for factory construction even though this was not part of the SABS funding support;

Management of wastes/by products from production process during operational phase; EMP compliance during factory construction phase.

ER – 4

All by‐products are reused and or recycled.

Wastewater from taro cleaning operation is discharged unmanaged into open backyard.

Recommendation – Install a sump to capture and contain wastewater overflow into open backyard, and possibly to any downhill neighbors.

ER – 4

No change of status since last report.

Install sump to capture and allow wastewater to seep into ground.

4 SVM Green, Aleisa, Upolu Is

Cat C

EA – possible use of unauthorized agrochemicals; management (application and

ER – 4

Chemicals are well managed and stored in a locked shed in

None.

Maintain existing arrangements for safe

ER – 4

No new issues.

Maintain existing arrangements for

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No.

Name of SABS







actions



storage) of approved agrochemicals and pesticides; possible expansion into new areas

accordance with Chemical Management Plan. Workers safety with respect to use of agro‐chemicals is highly satisfactory.

Owner recently purchased adjacent land for expansion. Deed of ownership of new land was sighted.

storage and use of agro‐chemcials.


No IR issues with legal acquisition of additional land for expansion completed.

the proper storage and safe use of agrochemicals.

5 Savaii Koko, Asau & Vaisala, Savaii Is

Cat C

Environ – management of solid wastes (by products);

IR ‐ none

ER – 3

Discarded dry cocoa pods are disposed of in the plantation. Mechanical mulcher is now used but at a lower level mainly to supply the nursery.

E‐4

No safeguards issues of concern.


No issues of concern.

6 Samoa Meats Supplies, Alaoa, Upolu Is (butchery operation)

Cat C

Environ ‐ Liquid waste and waste water management; possible odor impact on neighbors;

ER ‐ 4 Wastewater within and outside butchery is well managed. All flooring areas well washed down daily and clean with no offensive odor.

All meat‐offcuts, bones and other

ER ‐ 4

No change in status since last report.

No new issues.

Maintain existing safeguards arrangements for waste and solid waste management.

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No.

Name of SABS







actions



waste are packed and sold as dog food.

The management of hides is not clear from inspection and consultation; most carcasses are de‐hide prior to arrival at the butchery.

Septic tanks and soak pits are operating well and capturing all waste water from the operation.

Operation is OHS compliant.

No IR issues of concern.

7 Sunshine Farms, Tuanai

Cat C

none;

n.a. No change in status since last report

Not relevant

8 Healthy Me! Hydroponics, Poutasi, Upolu

Cat C

Env – none

IR ‐ Proposal was recommended to find a new site with no IR issues otherwise

ER ‐ 4 Env – project is fully operational on new site; site management is fully safeguards compliant.

Operation is organic thus there are no

Operation no longer exists. Closed for unknown reasons. All equipment sold.

Not relevant

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No.

Name of SABS







actions



proposal is not acceptable2.

chemical issues. Water is recycled.

IR – no issues of concern. DD confirmed land to be freehold and lease is voluntary. Lease agreement was sighted and confirmed valid.

9 Island Shopper’s Butchery (Alesana Gidlow) (20 Sept, 2016)

Cat B

IEE / PEAR and EMP recommended.

Solid and liquid waste management;

n.a.

(Project is in design phase with SABS providing support in technical design).

n.a. Project not funded by a SAB FI. (SABS only provided technical support during the design phase)

Not relevant

10 Schwalger’s cattle and agriculture expansion project

Cat C

Pesticides management; goat population management;

Land ownership

n.a. Project is in early design stage.

No change in status since last monitoring report

Not relevant

11 Vaai Plantation – Jam & Juices

Cat C Solid and liquid waste management during operation;

n.a. Project still in concept/design stage.

No change in status since last monitoring

report

Not relevant

2 Original site was customary land allocated by High Chief without consultation with other affected landowners; proposal also commandeered the use of a public resource i.e. an AusAID built community tsunami shelter denying community access to it without consultation or community consent.

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No.

Name of SABS







actions



12 Sarona‐i‐Toso Farm

Cat B – PEAR and EMP recommended

Waste management during operation phase of slaughter house and butchery;



report

Not relevant

13 Lata Plantation Cat B – PEAR and EMP recommended

Waste management during operation phase of slaughter house / butchery;

Safe application and storage of agricultural chemicals.



report

Not relevant

14 Ata Frozen Taro, Falelauniu

Tentatively Cat C – for Environment and IR.

Management of waste ‐ solids and waste water.


Change of proposed site as per SABS advice.

Otherwise, no change in status since last monitoring report.

Not relevant

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6. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

6.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

1. Of the 16 agribusinesses reported on previously, SABS support had discontinued for two agribusinesses which proposals had stalled due to various reasons, mainly financial. SABS involvement had been mainly in the form of technical support with proposal preparation, including business planning and advice on safeguards requirements. These agribusinesses are Strictland Brothers and Farm Supplies.

2. One agribusiness (HealthyMe!Hydroponics) previously receiving financial support under SABS ceased operations during this period, with all project equipment (hydroponics tables and watering system) sold. Consultations with the owners suggested that the reasons were financial.

3. The status of safeguards compliance for the remaining agribusinesses remains unchanged from the previous monitoring report.

4. One agribusiness ‐ Samoa Coconut Clusters ‐ has changed locations and is now restarting out of new premises in Satupaitea on the island of Savaii. Voluntarily donated customary land belonging to one of the partners, is occupied by company premises.

5. No grievances were received relating to the Project.

6.2 CONCLUSION

The degree of compliance of SABS supported agribusiness to the ESMS in general is satisfactory. All agribusinesses supported have either retained or improved on their ER from the previous report. New businesses are more accepting of the need for environmental assessments to support Development Consent applications, and are willing to meet associated costs. The small scale of projects is a mitigation factor in the assessment of impacts.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

(i) Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure established agribusinesses are operating within the approved EMPs and that there is no slippages in operational standards especially in the management of solid and liquid wastes, and occupational health and safety requirements for workers. Safeguards issues to be monitored closely over the next reporting period are –

Management of used oil/lubricants from centrifuge at Samoa Coconuts Clusters Group in their new location.

Management of wastewater at TH Plantation;

***********

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Annex 1: Brief description of all agribusinesses supported by SABS

1. SAMOA COCONUT CLUSTERS (SCC), VAITELE INDUSTRIAL ZONE

Brief Description

The Samoa Coconut Clusters Group proposes to produce virgin coconut oil extracted on site from fresh coconuts supplied from a network of organically certified farmers in both Upolu and Savaii. The operation consists of de‐hulling, de‐husking, de‐shelling, extraction of the coconut meat, mechanical oil extraction (through three‐phase centrifugal process), bottling, labelling, packaging and containerizing for shipping. De‐hulling and de‐husking are carried on off‐site.

The main environmental concerns are waste management related. The production process will generate the following waste products (i) Coconut shells; (ii) Coconut water; (iii) Coconut desiccate (scraped coconut); (iv) Water from centrifuge process and (v) used oil/lubricants. The proposal involves the reuse of most of the above waste products to minimize accumulation as part of its waste management strategy with a buyer apparently interested in buying coconut shells. Table 1 below shows the predicted volumes of the said waste products and their proposed alternative utilization.

Waste Product Predicted Volume

Process utilization or Disposal Possible future utilization

Coconut shell 17,416.08 kg On sold to charcoal makers or for landscaping purposes

Converted to high value activated carbon, shell dust for cosmetics and carbon black for exports

Coconut water 40.315m³ Stored in holding tanks and returned to coconut plantations for irrigation purposes

Conversion into coconut vinegar for export

Coconut desiccate

29,026.8 kg On sold as animal feed Converted to high value coconut flour for export

Water from centrifuge process

n.a. Water to be filtered and returned to process with solids composted at Soil Health Pacific composting site at Tapatapao

Joint Project with SROS to extract protein from water to be dried and sold as organic vegetarian protein. Remainder of water to be filtered and returned to process with solids removed and sent for compost as per initial process (Tapatapao composting site)

Used lubricants from centrifuge

Not clear but used lubricants need collection and proper disposal.

No information

Note: the agribusiness was not in operation during the monitoring visit. Production had stopped for a few weeks earlier while awaiting the BioGrow inspectors to inspect and assess the operation for organic certification.

Key Environmental High Risk Issues –

Issues Proposed management Actual management upon visit

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By‐products management

Coconut shells ‐ sold to charcoal makers or for landscaping purposes

Managed as prescribed; management acceptable.

Desiccated coconuts ‐ On sold as animal feed.

Managed as prescribed; management acceptable.

Coconut water ‐ Stored in holding tanks and returned to coconut plantations for irrigation purposes

No evidence of stored coconut water from earlier processing. Needs following up when factory is operating.

ER = 2; needs following up when factory is operational.

Water from centrifugal operation

Waste water from cleaning activities, and wash rooms.

Water to be filtered and returned to process with solids composted at Soil Health Pacific composting site at Tapatapao;

Waste water from wash down piped to soap pit outside factory

Needs following up when the factory is in operation.

ER = 2; needs following up when factory is operational.

This does not appear to be managed at all. This waste water is discharged onto the surrounding environment. At present volumes are low but can potentially cause problems with neighboring properties.

ER = 1; Needs following up when factory is in operation.

Wastewater from washroom and toilets are captured in septic tank and soak pit.

ER = 3;

Comment: Waste water non‐management was raised with the Client who agreed to address it.

Effectiveness rating (ER): 1 = non‐compliant ‐ corrective actions required; 2 = partial compliance – corrective or alternative actions required; 3 = adequately implementing CEMP measures; 4 = more than adequately implementing CEMP measures; 5 = excellent compliance, incl. measures in addition to CEMP

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Involuntary Resettlement (IR) High Risk Issues –

This is a Category C for IR. The factory is on lease freehold land and in the industrial zone. There are no IR issues of high risk identified during the initial screening. There have been no formal complaints or grievances received regarding this sub‐project since it commenced operation. However, a newspaper article reported on complaints from neighbors about stench and unmanaged discharge of waste water from the factory. This was promptly attended to and was effectively resolved within a few days.

UPDATE Jan 2018: The Vaitele operations is closed down due to financial reasons and now relocated to Satupaitea in Savaii, on a significantly reduced scale. An existing oil extraction operation is expanded on with additional equipment from the Vaitele plant. The existing space (shed) has been enlarged with the completion of an extension.

Land occupied is Satupaitea is customary owned and donated for the company’s activities by one of the three partners. There is yet no formal arrangement governing this voluntary land donation.

2. T H PLANTATION (Aleisa, Samoa)

Brief Description

T H Plantation is a family owned operation which main products are – taro, bananas and breadfruit chips for snacks. The production of chips involves manual de‐skinning/peeling of fresh green taro, bananas and breadfruits, washing, and slicing, cooking in vegetable oil, packing into plastic bags, weighing and packaging. All of these were done manually prior to SABS intervention. SABS assistance was requested to finance machinery to mechanized and automate some of these activities. Cooking ovens uses LPG. A total of 25 full time workers are employed.

On the May 2016 monitoring visit, much of the mechanization financed with SABS support have been installed and a trial run identified a few mechanical issues that were being looked at. In the meanwhile, chips production continues to be manual with the full complement of workers engaged in peeling, cleaning, slicing, cooking in vegetable oils, packing, weigh and packaging. Monitoring visits for this third report found the operation largely mechanized with quality control done manually.

The key environmental and social issues are tabulated and discussed in the table below ‐

Issues Proposed management Actual management upon visit

Waste management – of peelings of taro, bananas and breadfruits

Peelings are cooked and mixed with household foodwaste, to produce feed for pigs, tilapia and cattle.

All peelings are managed as proposed.

ER = 4

Used cooking oil; empty oil tin containers;

Used cooking oil is taken home by workers in containers for their domestic use.

All used cooking oil is used as proposed.

ER = 4

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Other solid waste – paper waste, waste from plastic packing materials etc.

Collected daily and put out for municipal collection for dumping in the public landfill at Tafaigata

All other non‐biodegradable solid wastes are managed as proposed.

ER = 4

Disposal of waste water from sliced chips cleaning operation

Waste water is released untreated into shrubby backyard.

No threat to neighbours nevertheless use of a soak pit would ensure capture and containment.

ER = 3


Environmental and IR issues of concern – Discharge of waste water into backyard. Land is freehold and there is enough land on all sides to buffer any impacts or nuisances. No complaints or grievances have been received to date.

3. SAMOA MEATS SUPPLIES

Brief Description –

Samoa Meats Supplies deals with meat processing, storage and meat retailing. Carcasses of meat, mostly beef but also including some pork, are received in quarters (de‐hide and without offals) from individual cattle farmers. The production process consists of cleaning of quarters and loining/butchery into various cuts, packaging, storage under controlled temperatures and retailing. All of these are done manually employing a team of 8 butchers and one office worker. An average of 10 ‐15 carcasses are processed weekly.

The production process utilizes the entire carcass with all offcuts packed and sold as dog food. Processing (cleaning, carving, packaging) is carried out in a closed and sanitized environment that is regularly checked by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Agriculture (MAF). The only waste produce is waste water which is mixed with blood. The waste water flows by gravity into narrow channels in the concrete floor which feeds into a PVC outpipe that conveys it into an external waste water tank. From here, excess waste water is released into a covered soak pit. There is no smell or odor. The meat processing room is also washed down on a daily basis. No chemical is used.

Other products are smoked meat and sausages. Smoked meat uses imported wood chips and the oven is located outside, adjacent to the main processing building. Packaging materials are imported clear plastic and styrofoam trays.

SMS’s proposal for SABS assistance is for physical improvements in its processing facilities on the existing footprint, and business support. No new construction or renovation is involved except possible retiling of the floor and drainage improvements.

Initial environmental categorization – Category C.

Initial IR categorization – Category C

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High Risk Environmental Issues

Issues Proposed management Status of management upon visit

Waste management – management of waste water of mixed blood and water; hides;

The waste water flows into narrow channels/slits in the concrete floor and is conveyed directly by these channels into a PVC pipe that takes it to an external wastewater tank that is emptied on a regular basis at the MNRE‐managed landfill in Tafaigata. Any waste water overflow goes into a covered soak pit.

Management of waste water is fully compliant. There are no evidences of overflow or leakage into the surrounding environment. There is also no foul odor.

ER = 4

Treatment of hides – some carcasses are received with hides; its treatment is unclear.

Management and use of hides needs more information.

Needs more information.


IR issues of concern – None

4. FARM SUPPLIES LTD

Brief description:

Farm Supplies Ltd produces a number of products. It operates a feed mill intermittently, depending on demand, producing a mix of feed for poultry and pigs. But the main on‐going operations are the poultry and piggery farms, and its taro plantation and vegetable garden. The poultry farm produces fresh farm eggs for the local market, and broilers – the latter product intermittently depending on demand and production cycles. The piggery farm supplies weaners for the local market. Taro production is on‐going, supplying the local market and for export to New Zealand. The combined operations employ 8 full time workers.

The production process utilizes feed mixed on‐site that uses various ingredients including malt from the local breweries, maize, milled dried cassava and giant‐taro chips. For chicken, the plan is to import feed concentrate to reduce costs.

The proposal for SABS support includes importation of breeding boars to improve genetic material for the piggery and a small roller mill to process locally grown cassava, maize, giant taro etc for feed for pigs and local broilers. There are also plans for expansion of the poultry farm involving the construction of two (additional) henhouses to shelter an additional 3,000 layers.

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Minimal adverse environmental impacts are anticipated from the shed construction, owing mainly to earth leveling and land preparation that need to be managed properly to minimize surface run‐off. This impact is temporary and limited to the construction phase. The proposed locations will not affect any vegetation of conservation importance, or sensitive habitat, or erosion‐prone or flood prone area. Waste from the chicken sheds are collected into jute bags and sold to the public for home gardening and vegetable farming. Similarly waste from the piggery farm are either washed into a soak pit or reused as manure for the vegetable farm.

The remote location of the operation provides mitigation against nuisances such as odor (which is limited anyway), and any dust and noise generated during construction.

The subproject requires a Development Consent from the PUMA for the construction of two additional henhouses. A preliminary environmental assessment report (PEAR) and EMP was recommended to ensure proper management of construction impacts.

Initial Environmental Categorization ‐ Category C; a PEAR and EMP was recommended to comply with GoS planning requirements.

Initial Resettlement (IR) Categorization – Category C; no further documentation required. No IR concerns.

Issues Proposed management Status of management

Construction impacts for two new henhouses. Compliance with DC conditions and EMP.

Full compliance with DC conditions and EMP during construction phase.

Note: Client was visited during and after the construction phase. The Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report (PEAR) and EMP were prepared by a private consultant and reviewed by the Safeguards Specialist before submission to PUMA for DC. The EMP was more than adequately complied with. There are no further environmental issues of concern.

ER = 4


UPDATE Jan 2018: This client has not been visited since May/June 2016 and not specifically for this report because the agribusiness has not been in operation for some time. It was put on hold for personal reasons, including while the client/owner was participating as a candidate in the recent (April) national election for Parliament.

SABS support has since late 2017 been withdrawn and will no longer be included in monitoring reports henceforth.

5. SAMOA KOKO

Brief description of activities/works etc:

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The proposed venture involves the following process – cocoa pods are received and are de‐podded and de‐seeded manually on site; cocoa beans are then fermented in prepared beds for a prescribed period of time, until it is adjudged ready for sun‐drying. For drying, cocoa beans are spread out manually on existing concrete slabs and sun‐dried. When it is dried down to the required moisture content (usually judged by the colour), it is sorted based on visual appearance and quality and then it is ready for bagging and transfer to Apia for loading into a container. The only wastes produced are the pods which are taken back to the plantation for disposal i.e. as mulch in the cocoa and taro plantation.

The proposal aims to increase production of dried cocoa beans and cocoa butter for export. This involves sourcing from a larger network of local suppliers of cocoa beans/pods and intensifying management and harvesting from the proponent’s farm at Vaisala. The increase in production will not generate any major environmental impacts. No new construction is planned as the existing factory is capable of handling the increase in production. Production waste (pod husks) are collected and dispersed in the plantation as mulch. Waste water is minimal and is disposed into a sump pit. There are no chemicals involved. Jute bags are also used and reused for bagging the dried beans. Cocoa butter is packaged into plastic containers that are re‐useable.

The proprietor had proposed the purchase of a mechanical mulching machine to mulch the waste pod husks to speed up the decomposition process and so contribute quickly to soil quality improvement. Since late 2017, mechanical mulching was introduced but limited to the needs of the cocoa seedlings nursery. The remaining pod husks are still being disposed of by dispersing in the cocoa plantation. Being biodegradable, there are no adverse environmental impacts envisaged.

There are no social impacts arising from the proposed activities. No involuntary resettlement impacts are generated; no loss of access to shared and public resources and no loss of physical cultural resources. The project will provide full time employment for 16 local people and will provide a market for subsistence cocoa planters in the surrounding villages and the district.

Initial environmental categorization – Category C; no further assessment required;

Initial Involuntary Resettlement categorization – Category C

High Risk Environmental and IR Issues

There are no high risk environmental issues but the management of solid waste was emphasized as needing attention.


Management of solid waste (cocoa waste pod husks and reject dry cocoa beans).

Mulching (manual and mechanical) for composting.

No mulching. Pods are simply dumped in the cocoa plantation.

Client’s comment: Mulching equipment to be procured when finances allow it.

Note: This is not a serious environmental issue at this stage, volumes are low, the

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pods are biodegradable and there is no odor generated.

ER = 2

Effectiveness rating; 1 = non‐compliant ‐ corrective actions required; 2 = partial compliance – corrective or alternative actions required; 3 = adequately implementing CEMP measures; 4 = more than adequately implementing CEMP measures; 5 = excellent compliance, incl. measures in addition to CEMP

IR issues – no IR issue of concern.

6. MS SUNSHINE FARMS, Tuanai


Sunshine Farms’ main activities are the further development and maintenance of existing cocoa plantation, harvesting of matured beans/nibs, and the post‐harvesting processing of cocoa beans for export. Post‐harvest processing includes cleaning, sun drying of cocoa beans/nibs, quality control checks and packaging into jute sacks for export. All operations are done manually although the use of power driven equipment for drying, sorting and packaging is a future option.

The client is working towards acquiring organic certification for the cocoa plantation through BioGrow (NZ) and this has added an additional dimension to plantation management.

Initial Environmental Categorization – Category C

Initial Involuntary Resettlement Categorization – Category C


There are no high risk environmental issues. The low volume of waste generated at the packaging shed from rejected cocoa beans is well managed and pose no environmental or social risks. Cocoa pod husking is done in the field and this waste is simply spread out in the plantation to expedite decomposition.

IR – there are no IR issues of concern.

7. STRICKLAND BROTHERS LTD, Vaitele


SABS is requested to provide assistance for the purchase of a kiln drier for drying timber for SBL’s furniture making operation. At present timber is air dried which is slow and the quality of dried timber not uniform. It is also inefficient being highly vulnerable to delays due to fluctuating weather conditions. Timber is milled on site using a portable break‐down saw and cross cut saw. It is a small operation with an estimated annual input volume of less than 5,000m3 a year. At present, waste in the form of sawdust, shavings and off‐cuts etc are sold or used as firewood and for gardening purposes, or otherwise, disposed at the landfill in Tafaigata.

Part I of the proposal is thus the procurement and installation of a kiln drier, the specifications for which are not yet finalized. Part II involves the production of gardening and landscaping composts blocks, commonly called coco‐blocks, using the waste from the mill. The coco‐blocks are of waste wood (chips,

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sawdust, shavings etc) from both the mill and the furniture making factory. An open shed will be constructed to house the compost block making operation which would be horizontally integrated to the mill and furniture workshop by a conveyor belt. It is anticipated that the chips, sawdust etc.. will be air‐dried before going through mechanical compactors to produce compost blocks of portable sizes (usually 12 inches by 12 inches). The integration of the milling and furniture making operation will therefore promote the reuse of a hitherto wasted product, thus maximizing the log‐wood product recovery ratio and minimizing waste.

The initial environmental categorization is Category B, with the applicant advised that a Development Consent (DC) would be required for the construction of a shed to house the compost block operation. The DC application will require a Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report (PEAR) with the focus on the management of solid and liquid wastes from both the milling and compost‐making operation. There are no issues associated with the installation of the requested kiln.

This agribusiness proposal is on hold at present due to financial considerations which is understood to be

under resolution. It will require a Development Consent (DC) application and a PEAR (which includes an

EMP) to comply with Samoa Government Safeguards Policies. This will be followed up once the green light

is received from the FM.

The initial Environmental categorization is Category B. There are no issues of IR concern thus this is

Category C for IR.


The following environmental issues are not major but nevertheless need on‐going monitoring.


Management of solid (sawmill & furniture operation by‐ products) wastes

All sawdust, barks etc will be used for making compost blocks for gardening and landscaping

Timber off‐cuts – to be used in kiln

Not yet in operation.

ER = not applicable

Not yet in operation

ER = not applicable

This proposal remains to be approved with some financial issues delaying approval for SABS support. A DC has been recommended which will require the preparation of a PEAR (preliminary environmental assessment report) and EMP.

8. SVM GREEN

Brief description of activities:

SVM Green produces fresh vegetables for the local market. Main vegetables being grown are cabbages, green peppers, egg plants and tomatoes. The same crops will be the focus of the expansion plan, funded with SABS assistance, in large part to supply a contract with the National Health Service.

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The applicant intends to purchase ten (10) tunnel greenhouses with SABS assistance to scale up vegetable gardening considerably for the NHS contracts they have secured. Other possible project funded inputs are chemicals and fertilizers.

Key inputs into this venture are water for drip irrigation, seeds, tunnel houses, fertilizers and agrochemicals. A labour force of 3 including the owner is considered adequate to provide for the Project. Fertilizers used are NPK. Other chemicals used are systematic weedicides (Pravothon) and fungicides (Miltek). The level of use of agrochemicals is low, with 20mm of Pravothon used monthly and 40mm of the Congo weedicide pre month. The main source of fertilizer used is chicken manure. All proposed fertilizers and agrochemicals are legally registered and approved by the Pesticides Board.

SVM Green’s proposal does not generate any adverse negative environmental and social impacts. The possible threat of agrochemicals to the environment is not considered significant, given the low quantities proposed for usage. The existing facilities include a chemical storage shed in which all fertilizers, agrochemicals and tools including chainsaws are safely locked and stored.

Planned expansion entails clearing about 0.25 acres of an adjacent area previously cultivated but currently under shrubs and weeds and some scattered trees. The land is also freehold land owned by the client.

Initial environmental categorization – Category C; no major issues

Initial IR categorization – Category C; no IR issues of concern



Use of legally approved pesticides and other agrochemicals

Proper storage and management of agrochemicals and chemical fertilizers

Expansion into new land – loss of forests and sensitive habitats

Use only approved pesticides and other agrochemicals.

Compliance with Chemical Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) developed under another (separate) Project.

No sensitive natural habitats in targeted area

All used chemicals are legal.

ER = 5

All chemicals are properly labeled and stored in solid plastic containers with lids; Chemical storage shed is clean with no other contents but tools; well locked.

ER = 4

Manual land clearing with the use of chainsaw – low impact.

ER = 4


UPDATE: January 2018

SABS has since mid 2017 withdrew its technical/business support for the preparation of Strickland Brothers proposal, to allow the company to sort out its financial arrangements to qualify for SABS financial assistance.

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9. MAILELANI COSMETICS

According to a company brochure, Mailelani was birthed in 2005 as an initiative to provide income, first to the rural area and elsewhere in Samoa, through products manufactured with local ingredients, by the people of Samoa. It is a small private business comprising and relying on skilled people from all around Samoa, contributing and providing raw materials, as individual business people. Mailelani uses these materials to manufacture cosmetic products, handmade packaging, including weaved, sewn and elei prints and elaboration of kiki. Mailelani also uses suppliers from the town area to provide labels, printing, and supplies its products to the many gift shops and hotels in Samoa.

Mailelani manufactures a range of skincare products including several types of soaps, massage oils, lotions, scrubs, shampoos and body mists, all hand‐made by the owners and local staff.

The main natural resource to all Mailelani products is the organically certified virgin coconut oil, fetau (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil and avocado oil, all produced and marketed by Women in Business Inc (WIBDInc). Other natural ingredients used are papaya, Samoan cocoa paste, honey, nonu juice (Morinda spp), all of which are supplied directly by organically certified local farmers that are part of WIBDInc’s organic farmers group. Soap making uses the cold process with sodium hydroxide, water and virgin coconut oil the main ingredients. Plastic molds are imported and are re‐useable. Lotion making also uses virgin coconut oil and essential oils for fragrance. The only by product is the remaining wastewater once the formed lotion is separated and containerized.

Mailelani places a lot of importance on packaging. Packaging utilizes all homemade materials made in the villages using either natural resources such as dried plants for the weaving of baskets or kiki, coconut sinnets as well as traditional crafting for elei printing and the sewing of packaging.

The venture started off as a garage operation and only recently expanded its home‐based operation to a larger space after some home remodeling and renovation. The operation now has a retail shop outlet on site for visitors including tourists groups.

The operation involves no involuntary resettlement issues. It is housed in a private home on freehold land. In terms of environmental impacts, the production process involves little waste other than a low volume of packaging waste all of which are biodegradable, and discarded wastewater from soap and lotion making processes, and from factory cleaning operation. Initial Environmental Screening and Categorization – Category C; no additional assessment required. Initial IR Categorization – Category C.


Management of solid and liquid waste from factory floor

Waste water is conveyed by a PVC pipe to a soak pit.

Wastewater is conveyed via a PVC pipe from the factory floor to a shallow open drain along the property boundary, and is discharged into a shallow roadside drain that appears to be unmaintained and overflowing into neighboring properties.

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The volume of wastewater is low however, the management is inadequate. Sump/Soak pits have been installed on SABS recommendation and waste water is largely contained and allowed to sink before reaching the roadside drain.

ER = 3


10. HealthyMe! Hydroponics, Papauta, Vailima.


Healthy Me! Hydroponics is a hydroponics operation aimed at producing quality vegetables directly supplying a number of supermarkets, hotels and restaurants in Apia and on the southern coast of Upolu. While there are currently 4 hydroponic tables producing 3000 cabbages per planting cycle, the plan is to establish and operate a total of 26 hydroponics tables producing 19,500 cabbages per cycle.

The operation is largely organic with no chemicals used, land preparation to include no weedicide and possibly in the future, solar energy to power the water pumps for reticulating the mineral nutrient solution.

Water is the main resource and the operation will use SWA reticulated water supplemented by rainwater from roof‐fed water tanks. Current water usage is estimated at 40 liters per day for the 4 existing tables which translates to 260 liters of water per day when all 26 tables are in operation.

The project will employ up to 8 workers full time when all 26 tables are operational.

The operation will use the ‘nutrient‐film’ organic farming technique wherein plants are placed in pot‐like holes in a plastic trough and feeding off a nutrient solution that will trickle past their roots (with the help of gravity and a pump). The nutrient solution is delivered in a kind of ‘liquid conveyor belt’ that is constantly sliding past the roots delivering to them the goodness they need.

The establishment phase for the operation will consists mainly of manually clearing the serge weeds and undergrowth vegetation to make room for the tables. The cleared area will be covered with gravel or fine scoria to suppress weeds while at the same time allowing surface water run‐off to seep into the ground. Tables of 1m by 10m in dimension consist of treated timber frames supporting a plastic trough. Each table will sit on concrete blocks on the gravelled ground. The tables will be sheltered by transparent plastic or greenhouse mesh to regulate sunlight. Overall there is minimum soil disturbance and the manual construction method will ensure no compaction of soil, and no issues of noise or dust for nearby neighbours.

The proposal was originally submitted for a site in Poutasi which was assessed and rejected on IR grounds ‐ (i) it proposes to occupy and use an AusAID funded community tsunami shelter for its operation, based on the agreement of the landowner, but without the consent of the Poutasi community; (ii) the land proposed for the operation is customary land again promised by the traditional high chief but without

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consultation with and consent from the rest of the village and Council of Chiefs. The tsunami shelter is a community resource (the village was amongst the worst hit by the 2009 tsunami that struck the southern coast of Upolu which killed 19 Poutasi villagers).3

This design had since been modified with a new site of freehold land which was assessed and found suitable and generating little adverse environmental impacts. This site is at Papauta/Vailima an abandoned and overgrown garden area, extending into part of an old tennis court clearing.

Initial environmental categorization – Cat C; reviewed and confirmed as Cat C on new site.

Initial IR categorization – Cat A; re‐categorized to Cat C on new freehold site.


Environment – no issues.

IR ‐ none

Follows organic principle and working towards organic certification.

Not applicable.


This agribusiness is no longer in operation with all hydroponics tables and pumps sold. According to the owner/partner, the reasons were financial. This agribusiness will not be monitored and reported on henceforth.

11. Ata Frozen Taro, Falelauniu, Faleata.


This is a concept still with the proposal being developed and awaiting results of a number of feasibility studies, according to the proponent.

The product is blast‐frozen taro packed into 5kg bags, that is containerized and shipped to markets in Australia initially, and later New Zealand. Fresh taro is supplied by a number of independent farms including the proponents’. The main activities are – receiving fresh taro, peeling, chopping into sizes, cleaning, packing, labelling and blast‐freezing in a container/freezer either on site before transferring to wharf, or otherwise on the port precinct. All operations will be carried out manually, with an estimated workforce of between 8 – 10 envisaged.

The main environmental issue is water management, both to ensure minimum wastage of a valuable and scarce resource, and the proper disposing of waste water from taro cleaning and factory wash‐down operations. Other solid waste from packaging and labelling will be disposed at the MNRE landfill although taro peelings can be easily composted and use on‐site.

The initial site proposed is at Aleisa, which was assessed and found to not have ready access to sufficient water for the venture’s requirements. A new site is being explored and will be assessed once confirmed and included in the next monitoring report.

3 The village was amongst the worst hit by the 2009 tsunami that struck the southern coast of Upolu, killing 19 Poutasi villagers.

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A new site was found (Falelauniu) and assessed to be suitable with readily available piped water. The proposal however has stalled due to other factors including further marketing investigations/studies that the proponent wants to conduct first.

Documents

Environmental and Social Monitoring Report€¦ · Category A proposals are eliminated early and Category B and C proposals are assisted in their planning and design ... and breadfruit