Initial Environmental Examination (updated)

November 2019 Project No. 46390-002 Loan No. 3330

Myanmar: Power Transmission Improvement Project

230kV THIDA-THAKETA-KYAIKASAN TRANSMISSION LINES (Part 2 of 2)

Prepared by the Department of Power Transmission and System Control (DPTSC) of the Ministry of

Electricity and Energy (MOEE) for the Asian Development Bank. This is an updated version of the

draft originally posted in March 2015 available on https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/power-

transmission-improvement-project-230-kv-transmission-lines-iee.

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CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS In this report, “$” refers to United States dollar. (as of 14 November 2019) Currency unit - Kyat (MMK) MMK1.00 - $0.000654235 $1.00 - MMK1516 ABBREVIATIONS ADB - Asian Development Bank AC/DC - alternating current/direct current ACCC - aluminum conductor composite core APs - Affected persons AHs - Affected households CBD - central business district CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora DPTSC - Department of Power Transmission and System Control ECD - Environmental Conservation Department ECL - Environmental Conservation Law (2012) EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EHS - Environment, Health and Safety EMoP - Environmental Monitoring Plan EMP - Environmental Management Plan EMF - electromagnetic field EPC - Engineering, Procurement and Construction GDP - Gross domestic product GRM - Grievance redress mechanism IBAT - Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool IEE - Initial Environmental Examination IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature KBAs - Key Biodiversity Areas LV - low voltage MAPDRR - Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction MTC - Ministry of Transport and Communication MEPE - Ministry of Electric Power and Energy MOALI - Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Irrigation MOECAF - Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry MONREC - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation MOEE - Ministry of Electricity and Energy MOEP - Ministry of Electric Power MNPED - Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development MPN - most probable number MV - medium voltage MOHS - Ministry of Health and Sports NAAQS - U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAPA - National Adaptation Program on Action NCEA - National Commission on Environmental Affairs

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NEQEG - National Environmental Quality (Emissions) Guidelines NGO - non-government organization PIC - Project implementation consultant PIU - Project implementation unit PPE - Personal Protective Equipment PTP - Power Transmission Projects Department of DPTSC PPTA - Project Preparatory Technical Assistance REA - Rapid Environmental Assessment RHC - rural health center ROW - right-of-way SPS - Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) S/S - substation TL - transmission line UNFCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WHO - World Health Organization YCDC - Yangon City Development Committee YESC - Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation WEIGHTS AND MEASURES oC - Celsius (centigrade) dBA - decibels km - kilometer kV - kilovolt kWh - kilowatt-hour LV - low voltage Ha - hectare Hz - hertz m - meter mm - millimeter mm/kV - millimeter per kilovolt m2 - square meter ml - milliliter mg - milligram V/m3 - volt per cubic meter µT - microTesla This updated initial environmental examination 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. 9 I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 18 II. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ..................................................... 19 A. Environmental Laws and Regulations .................................................................................. 19 B. Myanmar Regulatory Framework for Environmental Assessment......................................... 22 C. Pertinent Laws, Policy, and Standards for Environmental Management ............................... 24 D. Overview of Forest Management in Myanmar ...................................................................... 28 E. International Environmental Conventions and Agreements .................................................. 29 F. ADB Safeguards Policy Statement ....................................................................................... 30 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ..................................................................................... 33 A. Original Project Scope .......................................................................................................... 33 B. Revised Project Scope ......................................................................................................... 33 1. Transmission Lines ........................................................................................................... 34 2. Substations ....................................................................................................................... 37 C. Proposed Technical Features of Transmission lines/Substations ......................................... 46 1. Construction of Transmission Lines (overhead and underground) .................................... 46 2. Construction of Substations .............................................................................................. 55 D. Linked Facilities .................................................................................................................... 57 1. West University (WUN) Substation ................................................................................... 57 2. 230/66/11 kV Thida Substation ......................................................................................... 58 3. Distribution lines ............................................................................................................... 61 IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................ 62 A. Geographic Location ............................................................................................................ 62 B. Topography .......................................................................................................................... 62 C. Geology................................................................................................................................ 62 D. Climate ................................................................................................................................. 63 E. Air Quality ............................................................................................................................ 65 F. Noise .................................................................................................................................... 66 G. Surface Water Quality .......................................................................................................... 66 H. Biological Environment ......................................................................................................... 67 I. Land Use .............................................................................................................................. 69 J. Physical Cultural Environment .............................................................................................. 70 K. Socio-Economic Environment .............................................................................................. 71 V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ..................... 73 A. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during the Design/Pre-Construction Phase ............................................................................................................................................. 73 B. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during construction phase ........... 74 C. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during Operations ....................... 91 D. Climate Change Adaptation Measures ................................................................................. 93 E. Cumulative Impacts .............................................................................................................. 94 VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................................... 95 A. DTPSC’S Approach for Route Selection............................................................................... 95 1. Transmission Line ............................................................................................................ 95 2. Substations ....................................................................................................................... 98 B. Reasons for the final selection ........................................................................................... 100

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VII. Information Disclosure, Consultation and Participation ............................................... 101 A. Information Disclosure Process .......................................................................................... 101 1. Preliminary Consultations ............................................................................................... 101 2. Meetings with stakeholders by consultant team .............................................................. 101 B. Public Consultations and Focus Group Discussions ........................................................... 102 1. Public Consultations ....................................................................................................... 102 2. Focused Group Discussions ........................................................................................... 105 C. Future Public Consultation and Information Disclosure ...................................................... 106 1. Disclosure of IEE ............................................................................................................ 106 2. Consultation and Outreach ............................................................................................. 106 VIII. Grievance Redress Mechanism....................................................................................... 107 A. A Need of the GRM ............................................................................................................ 107 B. Formation of GRC .............................................................................................................. 107 1. GRC at Project Site level (DPTSC PIU Office at Yangon) ............................................... 107 2. GRC at Corporate Level (DPTSC PMU Office at Nay Pyi Taw) ...................................... 107 C. Grievance Redress process ............................................................................................... 108 3. GRC Record Keeping ..................................................................................................... 108 D. ADB Accountability Mechanism .......................................................................................... 109 E. Grievance Follow-up .......................................................................................................... 109 IX. Environmental Management Plan ................................................................................... 111 A. Mitigation ............................................................................................................................ 111 1. Emergency Response, Disaster Management, Health and Safety .................................. 111 2. Training Programs .......................................................................................................... 112 B. Environment Management Plan ......................................................................................... 113 1. Construction EMP ........................................................................................................... 114 2. Environment Impact Matrix and Mitigation Measures ...................................................... 115 C. Institutional Arrangement and Responsibilities ................................................................... 120 D. Environmental Management Measures .............................................................................. 123 E. Monitoring .......................................................................................................................... 166 1. Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) .......................................................................... 166 2. Environmental Parameters to be monitored .................................................................... 167 F. Performance indicators ...................................................................................................... 183 G. Estimated EMP Budget ...................................................................................................... 185 X. Conclusion and Recommendation ..................................................................................... 193 XI. References ........................................................................................................................ 194 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 195 APPENDIX A: SURVEY OF SENSITIVE RECEPTORS AND STRUCTURES ALONG THE TRANSMISSION LINES ............................................................................................................... 195 APPENDIX B: DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS HELD .................................. 241 APPENDIX C: DOCUMENTATION OF FOLLOW-UP PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSIONS ............................................................................................................... 281 APPENDIX D: ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE OF EXISTING SUBSTATIONS .................. 318 APPENDIX E: TEMPLATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT ............................... 330 APPENDIX F: CALCULATION OF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELD ...................................... 337 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Applicable Environmental Laws and Regulations in Myanmar ........................................... 19 Table 2: Impact assessment thresholds for electrical power transmission lines and substations based on Myanmar EIA Procedure (2015) ...................................................................................... 23

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Table 3: Ambient Air Quality Standards of Myanmar ....................................................................... 25 Table 4: NEQEG Effluent Limits applicable to electric power transmission ..................................... 25 Table 5: NEQEG Exposure Limits to Electric and Magnetic fields ................................................... 25 Table 6: NEQEG Allowable Noise Levels........................................................................................ 26 Table 7: Transmission Line Minimum Safety Clearance for Overhead lines .................................... 26 Table 8: Internationally used setback distances .............................................................................. 27 Table 9: Other Applicable Related Environmental Laws and Policies in Myanmar .......................... 28 Table 10: Land Agreement Requirement ........................................................................................ 28 Table 11: Land Category ................................................................................................................ 29 Table 12: International Agreements on Environment, Social and Safety ......................................... 29 Table 13: Summary of Revised Project Components ...................................................................... 33 Table 14: Details of the 230 kV Transmission Lines ........................................................................ 34 Table 15: Different Locations of Proposed Substation Subprojects and Ownership Details ............ 37 Table 16: Wards and Townships along 230 kV Double Circuit Overhead Transmission Line between Thida-Thaketa Substations ............................................................................................................. 50 Table 17: Wards and Townships along 230 kV Double Circuit Underground Transmission Line between Thaketa – Kyaikkasan Substations. .................................................................................. 51 Table 18: Climatic and Soil conditions considered for UG cable design .......................................... 52 Table 19: Standards followed .......................................................................................................... 53 Table 20: Location of Substations ................................................................................................... 55 Table 21: Details of Buildings to be demolished .............................................................................. 58 Table 22: Trees to be cut in Thida Substation ................................................................................. 60 Table 23: Monthly rainfall and temperature in Yangon (1981-2010) ................................................ 64 Table 24: Air Quality Monitoring in Yangon ..................................................................................... 65 Table 25: Roadside Ambient Air Quality in Yangon ......................................................................... 65 Table 26: Ambient Noise Level Measurement ................................................................................. 66 Table 27: Water quality of Pazundaung River and Hlaing River ...................................................... 66 Table 28: List of affected tree species included in IUCN Red List of endangered species and Myanmar’s protected tree species .................................................................................................. 68 Table 29. Roads traversed by 230 kV Thida-Thaketa-Kyaikkasan transmission line ....................... 76 Table 30: Affected trees along the overhead transmission line alignment ....................................... 77 Table 31: Trees cutting in South Okkalapa substation .................................................................... 78 Table 32: Trees cutting along access road to West University substation ....................................... 79 Table 33: Trees cutting along access road to New Kyaikkasan Substation substation .................... 80 Table 34: Trees cutting in extension of Thaketa Substation ............................................................ 80 Table 35: Identified sensitive receptors according to type of impacts within the transmission lines31

....................................................................................................................................................... 84 Table 36: Other structures temporary affected by overhead transmission line ................................ 84 Table 37: Houses/Buildings affected by Overhead transmission line .............................................. 85 Table 38: Loss of Main Structure .................................................................................................... 88 Table 39: Public Consultations Meetings Oct 7-9, 2019 ................................................................ 103 Table 40: Public Consultations Meetings March 19-20, 2018 ........................................................ 103 Table 41: Summary of issues and concerns raised during the follow up consultations in October 2019 ............................................................................................................................................. 103 Table 42: Summary of issues and concerns raised during the follow-up consultations in March 2018 ..................................................................................................................................................... 104 Table 43: List of Focus Group Participants – Oct 7-9, 2019 .......................................................... 105 Table 44: Grievance Resolution Process ...................................................................................... 108 Table 45: Safety Implication and Mitigation ............................................................................. 111 Table 46: Training programs - summary of training needs ....................................................... 112 Table 47: Environmental Impact Matrix ......................................................................................... 116 Table 48: Members of PMU .......................................................................................................... 120 Table 49: Members of PIU ............................................................................................................ 120 Table 50: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities for EMP Implementation Activities .................... 122 Table 51: Tentative Implementation Schedule .............................................................................. 123

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Table 52. Environmental Management Plan ............................................................................ 124 Table 53. Environmental Management Plan ............................................................................ 140 Table 54. Environment Management Plan (EMP) ......................................................................... 157 Table 55: Phase-wise Monitoring ............................................................................................ 166 Table 56: Environmental monitoring plan for 230 kV Overhand transmission line and New South Okkalapa Substation ..................................................................................................................... 169 Table 57: Environmental monitoring plan for Thaketa Extension, New Kyaikkasan and West University Substations .................................................................................................................. 175 Table 58: Environment Monitoring Plan for Underground transmission Line ................................. 179 Table 59: Performance Indicators of Environmental Management prior to Construction. ......... 183 Table 60: Estimated Costs for Implementing EMP for Package 1 ............................................ 185 Table 61: Cost Estimate for Mitigation Measures for EPC Contractor for Package 1 ............... 186 Table 62: Cost Estimate for Baseline Monitoring by EPC Contractor for Package 1 ................ 186 Table 63: Cost Estimate for Monitoring by Project Implementation Consultant for Package 1 . 187 Table 64: Estimated Costs for Implementing EMP for Package 2 ............................................ 188 Table 65: Cost Estimate for Mitigation Measures for EPC Contractor for Package 2 ............... 188 Table 66: Cost Estimate for Baseline Monitoring by EPC Contractor for Package 2 ................ 189 Table 67: Cost Estimate for Monitoring by Project Implementation Consultant for Package 2 . 189 Table 68: Estimated Costs for Implementing EMP for Package 3 ................................................. 190 Table 69: Cost Estimate for Mitigation Measures by EPC Contractor for Package 3 ............... 190 Table 70: Cost Estimate for Baseline Monitoring by EPC Contractor for Package 3 ................ 191 Table 71: Cost Estimate for Monitoring budget for Project Implementation Consultant for Package 3 ............................................................................................................................. 191 Table 72: Summary Table for EMP costing ............................................................................. 192 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Project location ................................................................................................................ 10 Figure 2: Section of overhead transmission line from Thida substation to Thaketa substation ........ 36 Figure 3: Section of underground transmission line from Thaketa substation to Kyaikkasan substation ....................................................................................................................................... 37 Figure 4: Location of New 230/66/11 kV South Okkalapa Substation .............................................. 39 Figure 5: Map of New 230/66/11 kV South Okkalapa Substation .................................................... 39 Figure 6: Layout of New 230/66/11 kV South Okkalapa Substation ................................................ 40 Figure 7: Location of 500/230/33/11 kV West University Substation ............................................... 41 Figure 8: Layout of 230/33/11 kV West University Substation ......................................................... 42 Figure 9: Location of New 230/66/11 kV Kyaikkasan substation ..................................................... 43 Figure 10: Layout of New 230/66/11 kV Kyaikkasan Substation ..................................................... 43 Figure 11: Location of 230/66/11 kV Thaketa Substation Extension................................................ 44 Figure 12: Layout of 230/66/11 kV Thaketa Substation Extension .................................................. 45 Figure 13: Power evacuation layout of 230/66/11 kV Thida Substation ........................................... 46 Figure 14: Typical suspension monopole ........................................................................................ 48 Figure 15: Typical dimension of monopole foundation .................................................................... 49 Figure 16: Right of Way for 230 kV Transmission Line .................................................................... 50 Figure 17: Representation of the transmission line along Shukhinthar Myo Pat Road from Thaketa substation ....................................................................................................................................... 51 Figure 18: Representation of the proposed monopoles in Shukhinthar Myo Pat Road .................... 52 Figure 19: Horizontal directional drilling for conduit bundle ............................................................ 53 Figure 20: Components of an extruded cable. ................................................................................ 54 Figure 21: Example cable right of way in a city street ..................................................................... 55 Figure 22: The site of the South Okkalapa Substation .................................................................... 56 Figure 23: Site of West University substation .................................................................................. 56 Figure 24: Location of Kyaikkasan Substation ................................................................................ 57 Figure 25: Location of proposed extension of Thaketa substation ................................................... 57 Figure 26: Site Plan of 230kV West University Substation .............................................................. 58

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Figure 27: Photos of Buildings to be demolished ............................................................................ 60 Figure 28: Soil Map of Yangon Region ........................................................................................... 63 Figure 29: Precipitation and Temperature measured at Kayaaye Station, Yangon (1981-2010) ..... 64 Figure 30: River Systems in Greater Yangon .................................................................................. 67 Figure 31: Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Myanmar.................................................................... 68 Figure 32: Land use at project sites ................................................................................................ 70 Figure 33: Surrounding Condition at West University Substation .................................................... 79 Figure 34: Trees to be cut at New Kyaikkasan Substation .............................................................. 80 Figure 35: Affected banna trees due to construction of activities ..................................................... 81 Figure 36: Surrounding Condition at West University Substation .................................................... 82 Figure 37: Comparison of underground cable and overhead line magnetic field levels ................... 83 Figure 38: Some of the identified sensitive receptors along the alignment ...................................... 87 Figure 39: Affected house of New Kyaikkasan substation ............................................................... 88 Figure 40: Receptors of New Kyaikkasan substation ...................................................................... 88 Figure 41: Affected water tank due to the construction ................................................................... 89 Figure 42:Alternative routes for 230kV Double Circuit Underground Cable Line from Thaketa Substation to Kyaikkasan Substation. ............................................................................................. 97 Figure 43: Alternative Power evacuation line layout of 230/66/11 kV Thida Substation for 230kV Thida-Thaketa transmission line ..................................................................................................... 97 Figure 44: The adjoining properties to the proposed alternative ...................................................... 98 Figure 45: Two alternatives for transportation of Equipment at 500/230/66kVWest University Substation. ...................................................................................................................................... 99 Figure 46: Two alternatives for 230 kV South Okkalapa Substation site ....................................... 100 Figure 47: Structure and Process of the Grievance Redress Mechanism...................................... 110

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IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT A. Geographic Location 114. The Union of Myanmar is located between 09o32’N and 28o31’N latitudes and 92o10’E and 101o11’E longitudes20 and covers a total land area of 676,552 sq km21. The country is bordered on the east and northeast by Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand; on the north and northeast by China; on the northwest by India; and on the west by Bangladesh. The country’s coastline is bounded by the Bay of Bengal on the west and by the Andaman Sea on the south. The country is administratively divided into 7 states and 7 Regions. It consists of 70 districts, 330 townships, 84 sub-townships, 398 towns, 3,063 wards, 13,618 village tracts, and 64,134 villages.22 115. All the project components are in Yangon Region which is located within the delta region of the south. Yangon Region is adjacent to the Ayeyarwaddy Region to the west, by Bago Region to the north and east, and the Andaman Sea to the south. Yangon Region covers an area of 10,171 km2, administratively divided into 45 townships. In terms of land area, Yangon Region has the smallest land area in Myanmar but it is the most densely populated with an estimated population of 5.9 million and population density of 586 people per square kilometers23. About 67% of the population lives in the urban areas and the remaining 33% in rural areas24. B. Topography 116. Myanmar slopes downward in elevation from the north to the south. Yangon is situated in the southern extremity of a long narrow spur of the Bago Yoma in the central area which runs in the north-south direction. The topography is characterized by the central ridge known as the Shwedagon-Mingaladon anticlinal ridge.25 117. The project is located in an area consisting of low flat land alleviated by the Yangon River and Bago River and a hilly area formed by an anticline which continues from the north. The moderately sloping hilly area is located in the central area of Yangon and is surrounded by the lowland area. The transmission lines are located at elevations ranging from 5 – 14 m. The lowest elevation is at the Thida substation site. The highest elevation can be found at the site of the Kyaikkasan substation which forms part of the hilly area in Yangon. C. Geology 118. The soil in Yangon area consists of fluvial flood plain. The area lies in the delta of the Ayeyawaddy River and along Yangon, Hlaing, and Bago rivers and Nga Moeyeik creek26. These rivers play a major role in the deposition of sediments and soil characterization in Yangon area. 119. Based on the published soil map of Yangon, the transmission lines and substations are located in the area where meadow soils and meadow alluvial soils are present. These types of soils occur near the river plains with occasional tidal floods. The meadow soils are composed of silty clay loam. 120. The geological formation in the Yangon area consists of the Andaman Trench in Bengal Bay located west of Myanmar. The Indian Plate moves northward and subducts underneath the Burma Plate from west to east. Another geological formation is the Sagaing Fault which is located between the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate in the eastern zone of Myanmar. The Sagaing Fault has been

20 Country Profile, Health in Myanmar, 2013 21 http://www.myanmartourism.org/FactsaboutMyanmar/index.htm 22 Country Profile, Health in Myanmar, 2013 23 Source: http://themimu.info/states_regions/yangon 24 Source: http://themimu.info/states_regions/yangon 25 Strategic Urban Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report. April 2013 26 Strategic Urban Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report. April 2013

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reported to cause large-scale earthquakes in Greater Yangon. Geological hazards that have been reported in Yangon include landslides characterized by creeps, earthflow and slumps or block slides. Soil creeps happened at Shwe-Taung-Kyar, Botahtaung and Hninsigon Bobwa Yeiktha. Earthflow types of landslides were observed at Dhamazedi Road. Slumps or block slides have been noted at Inya Myaing, University Avenue Road, and Cantonment, west of Yangon Zoological Garden.27

Figure 28: Soil Map of Yangon Region Base Map Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation D. Climate 121. Yangon’s climate is characterized by three distinct seasons, i.e. summer (March to mid-May), rainy (mid-May to mid-October) and cool season (mid-October to February). Rainfall in Yangon occurs in short duration and intensity. The area receives abundant rainfall from May to October. Based on information from the Kaba-aye Meteorological Station, mean annual rainfall is

27 Strategic Urban Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report. April 2013

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2,787 mm and maximum mean monthly rainfall is 608 mm in July. The minimum mean monthly rainfall is 1.0 mm in January. Table 23: Monthly rainfall and temperature in Yangon (1981-2010) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total/

Ave Rainfall (mm)

1.0 4.0 12 38 325 566 608 571 393 201 61 7 2787

Max Temp, oC

33.2 35.2 36.8 37.5 34.1 30.8 30.3 30 31 32.2 33.1 32.5 33

Min Temp, oC

16.7 18.3 21.1 23.8 24.3 23.6 23.2 23.3 23.2 23.1 21.3 17.7 22

Mean Temp, oC

25.0 26.8 29.0 30.7 29.2 27.2 26.8 26.7 27.1 27.7 27.2 25.1 27

Source: Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Kabaaye Station, Yangon

Figure 29: Precipitation and Temperature measured at Kayaaye Station, Yangon (1981-2010) Source: Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Kabaaye Station, Yangon 122. The annual mean wind speed at the Kabaaye Station is 1.1 m/s. Maximum wind speed was 42.9 m/s, recorded in May 2008 at the time of Cyclone Nargis. Cyclones normally arrive in the country in April, May and October. Wind directions are generally in the SW during summer and rainy seasons and NE in the cool season. 123. Yangon area is close to the Andaman Sea and is threatened by waves, cyclones and associated weather disturbances. There are areas in Yangon that are often inundated by river floods and the coastal areas are exposed to stormy weather. The Bay of Bengal of the North Indian Ocean on the western coast of Myanmar is a typical place for tropical cyclone generation that moves towards the Myanmar coast. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported that the month of May has the highest possible period for cyclones crossing the Myanmar coast. During cyclone “Sittwe” in May 1968, death toll in Myanmar was reported as 1,037. The Ayeyarwaddy Division was also affected by a cyclone in May 1975 that resulted to 304 deaths and the “Mala”

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cyclone in April 2006 which claimed 37 lives. The most devastating cyclone that hit the Yangon area is cyclone “Nargis” which hit the area from 28 April to 3 May 2008. Cyclone “Nargis” resulted to 138,373 people missing or dead, 3000,000 cattle killed, and over 4,000 houses and schools in more than 6,000 villages destroyed. The damage was estimated at 13 trillion kyat (US$3.25Million).28 124. Historical data reveals that the area may be considered as cyclone risk and storm surge risk. There is 3.2% probability of cyclones occurring in the transmission line areas in Yangon. For storm surges, 6.70-meter storm surge has been recorded in Kyonkadun which is in the vicinity of the transmission line areas. The maximum observed storm surge height was at Pyinsalu (7m) and at Kyonkadun of Ayeyarwaddy Delta (6.7m) due to cyclone “Nargis”. Annual mean wind speed at the Kaba-aye Station in 1.1 m/s. During cyclone “Nargis” the maximum wind speed was 42.9m/s.29 Wind directions are generally in the SW during summary and rainy seasons and NE in the winter season. E. Air Quality 125. Air quality in Yangon is influenced by vehicular emissions, operation of factories, and construction activities. According to the ambient air quality monitoring data from YCDC (January 2017), the 8-hour mean values of air pollutants already exceeded the limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), PM10, PM2.5, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as shown in Table 24. The main reason for the exceedance is community activities such as vehicular movement and construction activities. Table 24: Air Quality Monitoring in Yangon

Parameter Average Concentration# Guideline Values/Standards

Carbon dioxide (CO2) 499.6 ppm 345 (WHO) Carbon monoxide (CO) 925.21 ppb 9,000 (8-hr, US NAAQS) Methane (CH4) 842.13 ppm 160 (WHO) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 48.48 ppb 100 (1-hr, US NAAQS) PM10 51.3 ug/m3 50 (WHO) PM2.5 43.3 ug/m3 25 (WHO) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 137.52 ppb 20 (WHO) # 8-hour Mean Value Source: YCDC 126. The reported measurements for particulate matter at the roadside in Yangon exceeded the WHO Guidelines (Table 25). Table 25: Roadside Ambient Air Quality in Yangon

Pollutant Location (Yangon) Measured value WHO Guideline

Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)

- commercial area - residential area - industrial area

342.58 μg/m3 168.61 μg/m3 127.32 μg/m3

-

Particulate Matter (PM10) - commercial area - residential area - industrial area

177.69 μg/m3 68.59 μg/m3 66.95 μg/m3

PM10: 20 μg/m3 annual mean 50 μg/m3 24-hour mean

Source: “Ministerial Statement on Global Environment and Energy in Transport “Pollution Control and Air Quality Management in Myanmar” by H.E Col: Nyan Htun Aung, Deputy Minister for Transport (Undated)

28 Hazard Profile of Myanmar. Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. July 2009. 29 Hazard Profile of Myanmar. Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. July 2009.

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F. Noise 127. Ambient noise level was measured in five locations during the environmental baseline data survey in February 2018. The measured baseline noise levels were compared with the NEQEG Guidelines of 55 – 70 dB (daytime). The noise levels were all above 55 dB, except for the station at the MOEE staff house near Thaketa substation. Noise was primarily attributed to road traffic and community noise i.e. people talking. Table 26: Ambient Noise Level Measurement

Location Date/Time Noise level #

Along Than Lyet Soon Road (near military housing) 10:30am Feb. 27, 2018

59.7

Near Natmauk Pariyatti Monastery (along Shukhinthar Myo Pat Road)

11:45am Feb. 27, 2018

58.4

Near Shwe Oak Gu Monastery (along Ayer Won Road)

1:30pm Feb. 27, 2018

60.1

Upper Pazundaung Road 2:00pm Feb. 27, 2018

62.6

Meintanyo Railway Station (near Meintanyo Housing) 2:15pm Feb. 27, 2018

63.2

Near Thaketa S/S (MOEE staff house) 12:20pm Mar. 14, 2018

51.1

# 12-Hour Mean Value G. Surface Water Quality 128. The major river in the project areas of the transmission lines, Thaketa substation, and the Kyaikkasan substation is the Pazundaung River which receives the flows from Nga Moeyeik creek on the north and traverses the city center before it empties into the Yangon River. The transmission lines will cross the upper and lower sections of the Pazundaung River. The river flows in a southerly direction to converge into the Yangon River. The Pazundaung River and the Bago River joins the Yangon River and flows towards the southwestern direction into the Andaman Sea. 129. The West University substation is about 990 m east of the Hlaing River, which is the upstream name of the Yangon River. The Hlaing River is formed by the confluence of the Bago and Myitmaka rivers and covers a catchment area of 0.52 km2 in Hlaing township. The Hlaing River receives the discharges from the industries, commercial, and residential areas and runoff from agricultural areas. The river experiences high deposition of sediments which is particularly evident during the dry season. 130. Secondary data on the water quality of Pazundaung River and Hlaing River were taken from previous studies as shown in Table 27. Table 27: Water quality of Pazundaung River and Hlaing River Parameter Unit Pazundaung River(a) Hlaing River(b)

pH - 7.7 – 7.8 6.5 – 8.5 Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

mg/l 2 – 2.5 >8

Total suspended solids (TSS) mg/l 62 – 78 4.2 - 29 Dissolved oxygen (DO) mg/l 3.5 – 3.9 >5 Chemical oxygen demand (COD) mg/l 2.2 – 7.0 > 50 Sources: (a) JICA, EIA report, Yangon Circular Railway Line Upgrading Project, 2016 (b) Water quality assessment along Lower Hlaing River, Cho Cho Thin Kyi, Theigyi Ye Myint. Regional Conference Civil Engineering. Indonesia.

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iptek.its.ac.id/index.php/jps/article/download/3256/2542 131. The water quality monitoring results at Pazundaung River indicate that the DO levels are lower than 5mg/l which affects the survival of aquatic life in the river. DO below 5 mg/l generally put aquatic life under stress. The BOD and COD concentration is considered good but the TSS is already high. The allowable maximum concentration of TSS into the river is 50 mg/l. At Hlaing River, the pH values ranged between 6.5 to 8.5 which means that water quality is neither acidic nor basic. DO values are less than the requirement for conservation of aquatic resources. The BOD and COD levels exceeded the acceptable limit of 8 mg/l and 50 mg/l for aquatic life.

Source: JICA, YCDC Figure 30: River Systems in Greater Yangon H. Biological Environment 132. Based on screening result of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) using Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT), the project sites will not traverse environmentally sensitive areas. The sites of the transmission lines and substations are located in an urban setting where the natural habitat of wildlife flora and fauna has been altered. The nearest protected area is the Hlawga National Park which is situated in the Mingaladon Township. The southern part of the park is the Hlawga Forest Reserve is located approximately 7.29 km of the West University substation, 13.55 km of the South Okkalapa substation, 18.32 km of the Kyaikkasan substation and 19.44 km of the Thaketa substation. The following Figure 31 shows key biodiversity areas (KBAs) in Myanmar. Vegetation along the alignment of the transmission lines and substations consists of grass, bush, and trees. The trees are planted along the road easements to provide shade and for visual amenity. Trees along the road easements will be affected during the installation of the poles and the lines, and trees in the substation areas will be affected for the construction of substations. Among all affected tree species, one tree species is included in the IUCN Red List of endangered species and two tree species are included Myanmar’s Protected Tree Species issued by Forest Department. The Table 28 mentions list of affected tree species included in IUCN Red List of endangered species and Myanmar’s Protected Tree Species.

Gulf of Mottama

Yan

go

n R

.

Twante Ca

nal

Toe

R.

Aye

yaw

ad

dy R

.

Pan Hlaing R

.

Kok Ko Wa R .

Hla

ing

R.

Bago R .

Pazyn

daung

Creek

Study Area

: River Flow: Tidal River

Nga M

oeyeik Cree

k

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*Project Area includes all subprojects’ areas (two transmission lines and 4 substations) Source: Wildlife Conservation Society, 2013

Figure 31: Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Myanmar

Table 28: List of affected tree species included in IUCN Red List of endangered species and

Project Area

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Myanmar’s protected tree species

Sr. Scientific Name Myanmar Name

Protected Status

Number of Trees IUCN

Myanmar’s Protected Tree

Species

1 Lagerstroemia reginae Roxb. Pyin Ma Not Evaluated Protected 29 2 Pterocarpus macrocarpus Padauk Endangered Protected 21

Total Trees 50 I. Land Use 133. Existing land uses along the transmission line alignment consists of residential, commercial and industrial uses. At the West University substation, the land uses in the surrounding area is primarily agricultural (rice plantations). The site of the South Okkalapa substation is merely an open, vacant land. Figure 32 presents the general land use map of the project sites and surrounding areas.

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Figure 32: Land use at project sites J. Physical Cultural Environment 134. None of the project sites will be located near any building and structure that form the Yangon City Heritage List. The revised transmission line alignment has avoided temples and monasteries

Substation

Overhead Transmission Line Underground Cable Line

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directly below the transmission lines. The survey has identified 11 temples/monasteries in the vicinity of the towers as sensitive receptors which could experience temporary disturbance during construction. K. Socio-Economic Environment Population 135. The total population of Yangon Region was 7,360,703 persons as of March 2014. Of these, 3,516,403 were males and 3,844,300 were females.30 The total population of Yangon Region represents 14.3% of the total population of Myanmar. Yangon’s population increase by about 85% between 1983 and 2014, It has the highest population when compared with other states and regions in the country. Population density in Yangon Region was 716 persons per square kilometers in March 2014. This is about nine times higher than the country’s population density of 76 persons per square kilometer. The 2014 census on population revealed that the proportion of urban population in Yangon region is much higher than rural population. For every 100 persons in Yangon Region, 30 persons live in rural areas while 70 persons live in areas that are classified as urban by the General Administration Department (GAD). Economy 136. The net production value of Yangon Region is MMK 8,818,345 million as of 2011, accounting for about 22% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and making Yangon the “Economic Center of Myanmar”. The industrial structure in Myanmar is composed of agriculture, livestock, fishery, and forestry (36%); trade sector (20%); manufacturing sector (20%); services sector (18%); construction (5%); and energy and mining (1%). 137. Yangon Region relies heavily on manufacturing industries which is quite different from Myanmar’s industrial structure that is concentrated on agriculture, livestock, fishery and forestry. Yangon Region’s industrial structure is composed of the processing and manufacturing sector (37%); trade sector (25%); services sector (24%); construction (5%); and electric power (1%). The agriculture, livestock, fishery, and forestry sector only account to 8% of the total production value. 138. According to data from the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development (MNPED), there are a total of 15,089 factories in Yangon Region in 2010-2011.31 The YCDC expects the development of more manufacturing establishments in industrial zones in Yangon. Power Supply 139. Power supply in Yangon is served by the Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC). There 66 kV, 33 kV, 11 kV and 6.6 kV distribution lines around Yangon. Hydropower stations produce 72% of the total power in Myanmar. However, power supply is affected in the dry season due to shortage of water in dams. There are also gas turbines, steam turbines with combined cycle system and steam turbine coal power plants. Four combined cycle gas turbine power stations are operating in Yangon that meets 31% of the total power demand in Yangon Region. Water Supply 140. YCDC manages both water supply and sewerage service. The major sources of water supply system are four reservoirs, of which three are owned by YCDC and one reservoir (Nga Moeyeik Reservoir) is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI). YCDC also obtains water from the Nga Moeyeik reservoir in accordance with the water rights from MOALI. Other sources of water by YCDC are in Gyobyu, Phygyi, and Hlwaga. People also get water from tubewells.

30 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census, Yangon Region. Department of Population. May 2015 31 Strategic Urban Development Plan of Greater Yangon, Final Report. JICA. April 2013

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Sewerage 141. The section at Than Lyet Soon Road forms part of the area served by Yangon’s current sewerage system which is limited within the CBD area. The system was developed in 1888 and the sewerage area expanded in 1929. The wastewater treatment plant with capacity of 2,300m3/day was completed and became operational in January 2005. The treatment plant is located in a 22,500 m2 lot, approximately 900 m away from the proposed Thida substation. The main sewer line that collects black water from the Central Business District (CBD) area is located along the Than Lyet Soon Road leading to the treatment plant. Health 142. Health services in Yangon are provided by both public and private health hospitals and clinics. Urban areas like Yangon have specialty hospitals, general hospitals, teaching hospitals, state/regional hospital, district hospitals, and township hospitals. At the townships, there are curative and preventive health services provided by township health departments aside from township hospitals that provide laboratory, dental, and some major surgical procedures. There are also rural health centers (RHC) that provide health services at the village level. The RHCs are staffed by a health assistant, public health supervisor, lady health visitor, and a midwife who are trained in primary health care and public health.

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V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES A. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during the Design/Pre-Construction Phase 1. Distance from receptors 143. Potential adverse environmental impacts associated with transmission lines have been avoided or minimized through careful route selection. The alignment is sited away from major settlements, whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion. 144. The corridor of the line ranges from 1.7 - 5 m on both sides of the transmission tower. The main areas of influence cover the construction footprints of the transmission towers and lines. In consideration of the impacts during construction of poles and line stringing, the corridor of impact was extended to 50m on both sides from the center. Areas along the corridor may be potentially affected by noise, dust, vibration, emissions, traffic, and other socio-economic disturbances. The impact areas also include the indirect or extended areas of influence which include worker’s campsites, waste disposal sites, and sources of construction materials which will be identified by the construction contractor. 145. Flexible tower placement, tower design for placing conductor at height and selecting alignment that minimizes cutting of trees must be followed. If flexible tower placement is used then the EA/IA must ensure the IEE/EMP is updated as needed if any design changes such as tower locations occurred. 146. However, any damage to the crops during the construction phase of the project will be compensated by DPTSC as per its national, state, corporate and ADB’s policy. Associated impacts on agricultural land will be restricted to the construction phase and will be temporary in nature. The design of equipment must be able to withstand strong seismic events as well as strong cyclone winds since they are likely to become more frequent in the future with the climate change. 2. Land for substations 147. There is no acquisition of land required for proposed substations as all lands are owned by government. For underground cable laying and overhead lines, the existing right of way of the roads will be used. For overhead lines, new poles/towers would be erected near existing ones and then replaced as required. The following measures will be taken prior to the project activities: Avoid rainy season if possible, for the underground project activities to avoid hardships to local

population, Ensure existing drainage/water supply facilities are maintained in working condition, Arrange for location to preserve topsoil and reinstate after construction is completed, 3. Impacts on Temporary Use of Land 148. The mobilization of construction equipment and construction materials will require space for storage and parking of construction vehicles and equipment, construction material storage yards, and small labour camp to avoid environmental impact and public inconvenience. These locations must comply with the local laws and regulations and need approval from municipal authorities and must be situated away from highly populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, commercial and residential areas. It is important that selection of temporary lands is at least 50m away, depending on practicability as per local site conditions from highly populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, agricultural lands, important ecological habitats and residential areas. Removal of trees and green cover vegetation should be minimized during preparation of facilities.

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B. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during construction phase 1. Impact on Air quality 149. During the construction phase, the activity would involve excavation for the trenches and movement of vehicles carrying the construction materials along the roads. This would give rise to emission of dust particles thereby affecting air quality marginally at the site. Regular use of water spray systems should be employed at construction sites and along construction roads to minimize dust. The impact will be transitory in nature and therefore is assessed to be of low significance. Covering of stockpiles, minimizing double handling and drop loads as well as sprinkling of water during excavation will reduce the dust emission to a great extent. 2. Impact on Noise levels 150. During the construction phase, the major sources of noise pollution are digging of trenches using pneumatic hammers and mechanical showels as well as movement of vehicles carrying the muck, construction material and equipment at site. All access roads along the alignment are motor able and project traffic would be minimal. The major work of the construction is expected to be carried out during the day time as the digging work will cause noise at nights which might not be desirable as residential areas will be exposed to noise generated during the construction phase which will have considerable impact on residents. 151. All construction vehicles and pneumatic drilling equipment should be maintained in proper working order to minimize noise emissions, and not operated at night if possible, to minimize noise. Approximately 350m long sections of the UG cable would be laid and buried with only ends being left uncovered for interconnection purposes. The local businesses and community will be consulted to plan working hours at each section in order to minimize disruption of road and noise at irregular hours. 152. Following measures will help to keep noise and vibration in acceptable level during construction phase: Contractor shall preferably limit working time for activities that create noise within normal waking

hours of the public except for construction site near public sensitive receptors. Construction related activities closer to sensitive receptors will be scheduled in coordination with the relevant authorities and community.

Noisy equipment such as generators will be sited away from residential areas. Contractor and suppliers of construction materials will strictly implement noise control

regulations stipulated by the Noise Pollution Regulation for all construction vehicles and equipment.

At construction sites, contractor shall equip their heavy construction equipment and plants with exhaust silencers to limit the engine noise so as not to exceed 75 dB (compacters/rollers, loaders and cranes) and regularly maintain all construction vehicles and machinery that will meet the Myanmar’s Noise Standards.

3. Impact on Soil 153. Project activities including excavation, cut and fill operations will enhance the soil run-off during the rainy season. The impact on soils will be due to soil erosion at the underground trenching construction sites along the access routes. The excavation activity and land clearance in the erosion prone areas have to be minimized while conducting the trenching work. Also increased acceleration of surface runoff will damage the drainage system. The impacts associated with excessive erosion and other civil works can be avoided or minimized by following mitigation measures: Berms and/or silt curtains will be constructed around all excavation/trench sites and along all

drains to prevent soil run-off and sedimentation. Minimize obstruction or destruction to natural drainage pattern of the surrounding area. Proper treatment of clearing and filling areas against flow acceleration. Turfing work will be taken prior to rainy season around the substation. Contractors shall follow proper muck disposal plan for cut and fill operation around sharp/deep

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slope areas. Stacking activities will preferably be done in non-rainy season, as the stacked materials will

spread all over the area and contaminate close by water bodies. Prolonged use of temporary storage piles of material will be avoided, or covered, or wetted regularly to prevent dust and erosion.

4. Impact on Utility Services 154. During the detailed engineering design, the final location of the monopoles will be evaluated further in coordination with YCDC, YESC, and other service providers to avoid impacts on utility services such as sewerage, power supply, water supply and telephone. The current alignment of the transmission line will affect a section of the sewer line along Than Lyet Soon Road leading to the wastewater treatment plant being operated by YCDC on the southern side of the road. Monopole locations can be realigned to avoid the sewer line. There are also distribution lines and telephone lines that should be protected during construction. All activities with affected utility agencies will be coordinated during the detailed engineering design and coordination will continue during the construction phase. 5. Impact on Roads a) Traffic 155. During the construction phase, the contractor shall develop a Traffic Management Plan in consultation with local authorities to minimize traffic disturbance by avoiding high-density areas (both commercial and residential) using proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access roads and avoiding road blockage. 156. Substations: There will be increase movement of heavy vehicles to the substation site during the transport of materials and equipment. This will result to an increase in risk of traffic-related accidents and injuries to local communities and local road degradation. At the South Okkalapa substation, construction traffic at Than Thu Mar Road to the site needs to be managed to minimize congestion and risk of accidents. At the West University substation, Pauk Tan and Date +Kone villages to the west and northwest of the site will be affected by the construction traffic that will use the village access road. 157. Overhead: The transmission towers are mostly located along thoroughfares in Yangon. Based on ocular assessment and from interviews with residents, the roads are wide enough and experience light traffic throughout the day. Moderate traffic was observed at the roundabout of Ayer Won Road, at the intersection of Shukhinthar Myo Pat and Yadanar Road, and at Moe Kaung Road and North Horse Race Course Road. These areas may require scheduling at night to avoid traffic congestion during daytime. Impacts on road junctions and at the bridge crossing are similarly related to temporary blocking of road lanes and measures can be implemented to avoid daytime work when volume of vehicles traversing these roads are high. All the roads traversed by the transmission lines are not in the parking restricted zones of YCDC. Despite this, the schedule of pole and line installation which could block one or two lanes of the existing roads should be permitted by YCDC for traffic management prior to implementation. 158. Underground: The installation of the UG cable transmission line at the curb of the streets will directly affect access to adjacent houses and commercial establishments. Business activity and access to commercial establishments and residences will potentially be disrupted when the UG cable is installed. Traffic along the sections being trenched will be disrupted with some construction vehicles and the movement of construction materials in/out of the area. Wherever possible, underground cable construction vehicles will use different roads or dedicated lanes of roads shared by the public. Roads will be completely restored to their original condition once the cable is laid to enable the residents to return back to their normal access routes. b) Damage to Roads and Road Easements 159. Overhead line: The installation of poles along road easement will damage existing

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concreted road shoulders as well as some open drainage canals. There are about 113 monopoles out of the 140 towers that will be located on road easements. This amounts to about 4,600 sqm of area that will be permanently occupied by the towers on the road easement. Aside from the area to be permanently occupied by the towers, temporary construction activities such as movement of trucks and equipment surrounding the towers can cause damage to roads and road shoulders. The contractor will be required to restore and rehabilitate any damage to roads and drainage canals that will be incurred. 160. Underground cable: During the construction of the underground transmission/distribution line and substation, the topography will change due to excavation of trenches. These trenches will be filled and the loose soil leveled at each trench site once the cable is completely laid. The road will be restored and surplus earth, if generated, will be disposed of in consultation with municipal authorities. Table 29. Roads traversed by 230 kV Thida-Thaketa-Kyaikkasan transmission line

Name of Road

No. of lanes

Type of Road

Est. No. of

Towers

Est. TL length (km)

Remarks

THIDA SUBSTATION

Than Lyet Soon Road

2 Asphalt 9 1,053 Along the road easement; light traffic

Yamonnar Rd

6 Asphalt 1 0.24 Cross from the navy area; wide road with light traffic

Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd

6 Asphalt 11 1,426 Along road easement; wide road with light traffic

Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd

6 Asphalt 1 0.14 Cross to the northern side towards vacant area to avoid buildings; wide road with light traffic

Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd

6 Asphalt 1 0.10 Cross to the western side of the road to avoid structures/buildings; wide road with light traffic

Shukhinthar Myo Pat Rd

6 Asphalt 6 0.77 Along road easement; wide road with light traffic

Yadanar Rd 6 Asphalt 10 1.22 Cross from Shukhinthar Myo Pat towards railway easement; wide road with light traffic

Railway railway

railway 6 0.25 Alongside railway easement

Ayer Won Rd

4 Asphalt 1 0.1 Wide road with light-moderate traffic; Near the Thaketa substation

THAKETA SUBSTATION

Ayer Won Rd

6 - 33 4,141 Wide road with light traffic; Cross on the left or right side of the road to avoid buildings and structures.

6. Impact on Railway 161. Overhead: The design of the transmission lines should take particular attention to the vertical line clearance when the line crosses the railway. The minimum vertical clearance should be ensured at these railway crossing sections. The DPTSC has coordinated with the Myanmar Railway regarding the positioning of the tower locations to ensure that adverse effects on the operation of the railways are properly managed at the earliest stage of the design of the alignment. Coordination with Myanmar Railway by DPTSC is ongoing. 162. Underground: There is no section that has railway line crossing in the 230 kV underground Thaketa-Kyaikkasan Substation line.

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7. Impacts on Pazundaung River 163. Overhead: Lattice towers are designed on the banks of the Pazundaung River. Appropriate measures will be applied to control runoff of sediments and oil-containing wastes into the nearby river. Sediments and other wastes generated during construction should not be disposed on the drains and waterways. Existing canals/drains will be protected against clogging. Mitigation measures will be required in the EMP. 164. Underground: There is no section that has a river crossing in the 230kV underground Thaketa-Kyaikkasan Substation line. However, During the construction and operation of the underground transmission contamination of water bodies may result due to spilling of construction materials and surface runoff from the construction site joining the river/water body. There may be increase in the turbidity levels temporarily if the surface runoff during construction meets the drainage. This can be avoided by careful selection of the trenching alignment so that the surface runoff does not meet the drainage system of the city. It is proposed to use the HDD technology that will ensure no water drain or rivulets are crossed. 8. Impact on trees 165. Overhead: There are 94 trees within the 230 kV line alignment as shown in Table 30. Of these, 31 trees are affected by the construction of the monopoles while 63 trees may be potentially cut or trimmed during line stringing. These trees can be found along road easements and were planted primarily for landscaping. Coordination with YCDC and the Forest Department is essential for tree removal and subsequent mitigation by tree replacement at site or elsewhere in Yangon. Any trees will have to be replanted in the ratio of 1:2 in consultation with YCDC and/or the Forest Department. Since most of the trees are of not protected variety, there are no special conditions for replantation. DPTSC will have to get appropriate permissions from the forest department for cutting of Pterocarpus macrocarpus trees. Table 30: Affected trees along the overhead transmission line alignment

Sr. Species of Trees Myanmar

Name

Protected Status Number of

Trees IUCN Myanmar’s Projected

Tree Species

1 Terminalia catappa Ban Dar Not Evaluated Not Protected 55

2 Laburnum anagyroides

Koke Ko Least concern Not Protected 12

3 Mangifera caesia Thayet Least concern Not Protected 18 4 Azadirachta indica Tha Mar Least concern Not Protected 1

5 Pterocarpus macrocarpus

Padauk Endangered Protected 7

6 Ficus microcarpa Nyaung Least concern Not Protected 1 Total Trees 94 166. During operation phase, there will be no maintenance required of the corridor for underground cable. For any overhead lines, lopping of trees may be required for maintenance purpose. This will also reduce the chances of fires due to electric sparks. 167. Underground: There will be minimal removal of trees and vegetation near the construction sites or along right-of-way of the road. However, if any tree is cut, requisite permissions from the relevant authorities will be obtained. 168. Substation/Access roads: Trees will be cut at substation sites as well as for the access roads. 230 kV South Okkalapa Substation: A total of 12 trees will be cut down due to land acquisition. The affected trees are belonging to four of affected households. The list of the trees includes the

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following Table 31. DPTSC will have to get appropriate permissions from the forest department for cutting of Pterocarpus macrocarpus trees. Table 31: Trees cutting in South Okkalapa substation

Sr. Scientific Name Myanmar Name

Protected Status

Number of Trees IUCN

Myanmar’s Projected Tree

Species

1 Pterocarpus macrocarpus Padauk Endangered Protected 12 Total Trees 12 169. 230 kV West University Substation: 0.6 km of road will be laid from the village road in the fields. 0.9 km of this village road will need to be widened on both sides by 2.5 ft each side. Photographs of the road that may need to be widened if the jetty is not built for transportation of equipment. Once village gate will be demolished that will need to be rebuilt. Also post widening the road, drainage will need to be constructed both sides of the road. Also access pavement to some housing or commercial centers will need to be restored as well.

Road for substation through fields Road to be widened by 2.5 ft on each side

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Drainage both sides will have to be built Drainage both sides will have to be built Figure 33: Surrounding Condition at West University Substation 170. The road will require cutting of trees on both sides, the list of the trees include the following: Table 32: Trees cutting along access road to West University substation

Sr. Scientific Name Myanmar Name

Protected Status

Number of Trees IUCN

Myanmar’s Protected

Tree Species

1 Mangifera caesia Thayet Least Concern Not Protected 5 2 Laburnum anagyroides Koke Ko Least Concern Not Protected 7 3 Bambusoideae War Not Evaluated Not Protected 15 4 Lagerstroemia reginae Roxb. Pyin Ma Not Evaluated Protected 29 5 Delonix regia Sein Pan Least Concern Not Protected 10 6 Cassia siamea Mae Za Li Least Concern Not Protected 8 7 Pterocarpus macrocarpus Padauk Endangered Protected 2 8 Terminalia catappa Ban Dar Not Evaluated Not Protected 7 9 Acacia auriculiformis Malayisa Padauk Least Concern Not Protected 10

10 Cassis fistula Ngu War Not Evaluated Not Protected 10 11 Eucalyptus albens Benth. U Ka Lip Not Evaluated Not Protected 14 12 Ziziphus jujuba Zee Least Concern Not Protected 3 Total Trees 120 171. DPTSC will have to get appropriate permissions from the forest department for cutting of the above listed trees. Specially, the permissions will be required for Lagerstroemia reginae and Pterocarpus macrocarpus which are protected variety of tree species.

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New 230kV Kyaikkasan Substation

Trees to be cut Figure 34: Trees to be cut at New Kyaikkasan Substation 172. The substation premise has big size trees that would be affected and YCDC and/or Forest Department’s approvals must be taken for appropriate action. There is one species that is of protected status Ficus microcarpa which is not allowed to be cut. Table 33: Trees cutting along access road to New Kyaikkasan Substation substation

No Scientific Name Myanmar

Name

Protected Status Number of

Trees IUCN Myanmar’s Protected

Tree Species 1. Ficus microcarpa Nyaung Least Concern Not Protected 2 2 Musa Banana Least Concern Not Protected 6 3. Mangifera indica Thayet Least Concern Not Protected 1

4 Acacia auriculiformis Malayisa

Padauk Least Concern Not Protected 3

5 Tamarindus indica Ma Kyee Least Concern Not Protected 4 6 Terminalia catappa . Ban Dar Not Evaluated Not Protected 7

Total Trees 23 173. Extension of 230/66/11 kV Thaketa Substation: The construction activity will affect 35 banana trees as mention Table 34 and Figure 35. Table 34: Trees cutting in extension of Thaketa Substation

No Scientific Name Myanmar

Name

Protected Status

Number of Trees IUCN

Myanmar’s Protected

Tree Species

1 Musa Banana Least Concern Not Protected 35 Total Trees 35

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Figure 35: Affected banna trees due to construction of activities 174. Replantation Areas: For replantation, YCDC's catchment areas to be used for replanting are Hlawga National Park and along No.2 Main Road in Yangon Region. Alternatively, the townships can also recommend suitable replantation areas. 9. Demolition and repair 175. As a result of construction related activities, spoil and debris will be generated during the construction stage. Improper disposal of the debris will have an impact on the surrounding ecology, public health and scenic beauty. Following measures will minimize the impacts associated with disposal of debris:

Spoil materials (soil, sand, rock) or surplus earth generated from construction activities shall be used wherever possible for site levelling and back-filling. Dismantled and demolished structural materials, if any, should not be dumped in low lying areas.

Selection of the disposal site for excess muck which excludes locations which are closer to residential, commercial and public is necessary by the contractor. Prior approval will be obtained for such dumping areas from relevant regulatory and local authorities.

Dumped materials can interfere with the drainage pattern of the area, any water bodies, low lying urban land area if not planned properly.

176. During operation phase, there will be no maintenance required of the corridor for underground cable. For any overhead lines, lopping of trees may be required for maintenance purpose. This will also reduce the chances of fires due to electric sparks. 230 kV West University Substation 177. The widening of road will require digging up of the road berms, drains and make new structures. In this case, the road widening will require demolition of Gate that is property of the village trust. Similarly, all temporary structures will need to be shifted after dismantling to suitable locations. Figure 36 below depicts some situations.

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Access roads to be dug up for road widening Temporary structure to be removed

Gate to be rebuilt Figure 36: Surrounding Condition at West University Substation 10. Community Health and Safety 178. There are a number of buildings for residential and commercial uses and some pagodas along the roads which have been avoided by crossing on the other side of the road or by using the open and vacant areas. 179. Hazards from Construction and Line Maintenance. The adverse impacts to communities in proximity to the transmission line alignment mainly occur during the construction phase and occasional maintenance activities during the operational phase. The sensitive receptors in the direct areas of influence may experience safety hazards, temporary nuisance e.g. noise, vibration and emissions brought about construction and maintenance works, influx of construction labor, and restriction of access which require suitable mitigation measures to minimize impacts. Sensitive receptors such as schools, temples/monasteries, residential areas, and shops along the corridor of impact shall be informed about the schedule of activities prior to implementation. Mitigation measures to address construction-related impacts are defined in the EMP. 180. Electrocution. During the consultation meetings and from interviews with stakeholders, concerns were raised was about the safety of the transmission lines and the potential hazards related to electrocution from direct contact with high-voltage electricity. To allay fears of the public on the operation of the transmission lines, further information dissemination shall be organized to educate the public about the safety features of the transmission towers as well as prohibited activities that will prevent public contact with the power lines. The towers will be designed as steel monopoles with ground wire. Clear visible warning signs should be posted at transmission towers indicating possible dangers to the public. 181. Electromagnetic Field for Overhead line. The corona of high voltage overhead transmission line conductors typically creates radio noise. The design of the monopoles and the lines will consider the safety limits so that radio reception remains normal. 182. The transmission frequency commonly used in transmission systems ranges from 50–60Hz, which is considered as extremely low frequency with impacts becoming low with distance. The magnetic field and electric field at tower 13 – 14 of the 230 kV Thaketa-Kyaikkasan where there are nearby buildings was modeled by the transmission specialist based on the EPRI Red Book method (2nd edition). The maximum magnetic field was found as 9.64uT while maximum electric field was

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calculated as 1.823 kV/m which are way below the exposure limits defined by NEQEG and the ICNRP. The calculation is presented in Appendix F. 183. In addition, trees, buildings, and other materials that conduct electricity shield the electric fields. In general, the electric fields are strongest close to the source and diminish with distance. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there is still weak evidence about substantive long-term health issues related to low frequency electric fields at levels generally encountered by members of the public. The negative health effects from electromagnetic field (EMF), radiation from the transmission lines have not been established conclusively by the international medical research community. 184. MOEE will ensure that horizontal and vertical safety clearances from structures are complied with following international electricity standards as specified in the bid documents. In addition, EMF levels along the line will be monitored. 185. Electromagnetic Field for underground line. Shielded power cables do not have any external electric fields by virtue of the shield on the outside of the insulation. Lower magnetic fields are often cited as a reason to justify using underground cables instead of overhead lines, usually because of epidemiology or magnetic interference concerns. Cables generally have lower field levels than overhead lines because of the closer phase spacing (9-12in, 230-300mm) that attenuates the external magnetic flux density. The pipe in a pipe-type cable provides magnetic shielding. As with overhead lines, field levels are usually evaluated at 1m (3.28ft) above ground. While the wide phase spacing of overhead lines usually results in higher magnetic flux density, cables are often installed only 30-60in (0.75-1.5m) below ground; the closer proximity to the point of calculation/measurement means that when standing directly above the underground cable right-of-way, field levels may be higher for underground. Methods to mitigate underground cable magnetic fields may be considered during the design. Figure 37 illustrates comparable field levels for overhead and underground cables.

Figure 37: Comparison of underground cable and overhead line magnetic field levels

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11. Occupational health and safety 186. The occupational health and safety issues inherent to the operation of the transmission lines include hazards due to exposure to live power lines and high voltage systems and working in heights causing risks of accidents. A worker safety plan will be implemented to reduce risks that include testing of structural integrity prior to proceeding with the work and the use of fall protection measures. 12. Right of way/Distance from Sensitive Receptors 187. Sensitive receptors include nearby schools, temples/monasteries, health centers (clinics), residential houses and shops whose occupants and/or activities may be affected during construction and maintenance of the transmission lines. Other affected structures such as railways, bridges, roads, river, billboards, trees, and utilities were also identified during the environmental survey to determine whether further measures are necessary to protect these. The potentially affected sensitive receptors within the main areas of influence of the transmission lines are summarized in Table 35. Details of the survey of affected structures along the transmission lines and GPS location of monopoles are found in Appendix A. 188. Overhead line: Based on the survey, a total of fourteen (14) main structures of fourteen (14) affected households (AHs) (52 affected persons (APs)) will be permanently affected due to the foundation of monopoles. These structures will be physically displaced. Out of the fourteen (14) structures, three (03) are shops, four (04) are residential homes and seven (07) are home-cum-shops. Total main structures to be temporarily affected (in case DPTSC and the contractor fails to protect) are 88 of which 50 are home/residence, 10 are home- cum- shops and 28 structures are shop. In addition to the main structures, it is found that seven (07) other structures are falling within the RoW of which three (03) are monasteries, one (01) toilet, one (01) storage house and two (02) cow sheds. 189. Underground Cable: The route will go along the Ayer Won road, along which there are several food shops, grocery shops, and garages, etc. These shops may be temporarily affected by the construction work of the subproject. In the Aung Kaung Kyaw and Mya Khwar Nyo housing, the route will run along left side of the internal road. Four structures (car parking slots of four households) will be affected temporarily during construction. Table 35: Identified sensitive receptors according to type of impacts within the transmission lines31

No. Sensitive Receptors Thaketa-Kyaikkasan UG Thida-Thaketa TL

Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary*

1 Home (no.) 0 0 4 51 2 Home cum Shop (no.) 0 0 7 10 3 Shop (no.)

0 several shops

3 27

4 Car Parking Slots (no.) 0 4 0 0 * Means that the persons displaced will resettle below the transmission line alignment again. The alignment may have higher noise and EMF. Table 36: Other structures temporary affected by overhead transmission line

No. Other Structure Total

1 Toilet 1 2 Storage House 1 3 Cow Shed 2 4 Monastery 3 5 Clinic 0

Total 7

190. The overhead 230 kV Thida – Thaketa Substation line has about 59 towers and according to

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the walkover survey and previous draft route plot, the following Table 37 depicts the number of housing or buildings that are affected by the alignment. Table 37: Houses/Buildings affected by Overhead transmission line

No. Tower Name Affected Building Number

Ownership Approximate Distance from tower

1 T2 2 MOEE 5 meters 2 T3 3 Myanmar Navy, Ministry of

Defence 15 meter

3 T11-T15 Offices Myanmar Navy, Ministry of Defence

50 meter

4 T19 Building Government office At the base of tower 5 Between 31 and 32 Building Private Factory and sheds 5 meter 6 Between T 33-T34 Houses Private Housing Underneath 7 Between T36 and

T37 Temple and workshop

Private. The workshop is on common land

Underneath

8 Between 42-43 House and commercial

Private Underneath

9 Between 52-53 Temple Trust Underneath 10 Between T55-T57 Squatters Government Underneath 11 Between 58-59 Houses and

sheds/workshops Private Underneath

School along Thaketa-Kyaikkasan alignment Defence land over which about 5 towers area

proposed (T10-T14)32

32 On 5 July 2018, MOEE requested to Ministry of Defense (MOD) for permission of the passing through MOD area for

river crossing towers. On 16 July 2018, MOD requested MOEE to provide more details about the number of towers, tower foundation area with google photo On 20 Aug 2018, MOEE responded to MOD with tower specifications (high, foundation) for T10 to T 14. Total 5 towers will be passing thru the MOD area. On 24 Jan 2019, MOEE issued follow up letter to MOD.

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School along Ayer Won Road in Thaketa Township Shops and houses along the road

Thit Sar Parami Monastery at Ward 10, Thaketa

Township (T52-T53) Informal settlers along railway track (Thida-

Thaketa TL – T55-57)

Navy building and land adjoining lines corridor (T2) MPE office building next to lines corridor

where current offices will be relocated

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MPA petrol station next to proposed substation whih may need to be closed (T1-T2)

Residential housing next to proposed substation

Figure 38: Some of the identified sensitive receptors along the alignment 191. As mentioned above, the alignment of transmission line above, approximately 5 towers (T 11 to T15) will be passed towards the Myanmar Navy’s Land, so that the permission from Myanmar Navy is required to use the land. Residential and office buildings are already situated within 50 m of the substation (between T1 to T3) and a petrol station will be affected. 192. The right of way of the 230kV Thida-Thaketa line to be newly constructed will not be infringed by existing houses or structures. The line alignment will need to be deviated using flexible tower placement to avoid any structures that impart long term exposure to EMF and noise from transmission lines to their occupants. The details of affected alignments are shown in Table 37 and Figure 38 above. 193. Substations: The potential impacts of the operation and maintenance of the substations are confined within the substation area. The impacts are reversible, manageable, and can be mitigated with engineering and management controls. The identified environmental impacts are related to (i) occupational hazards, generation of wastes, leaks from transformers, and accidents and emergencies in the substations. Construction impact footprints will be confined within the substation area. Secondary impacts are expected along the access roads to the substation sites. 194. 230/66/11 kV Kyaikkasan Substation: There is one affected house used by a security staff responsible for this area (Figure 39). This affected house is the property of YCDC Yangon District court is located adjoining to the substation boundary. The access road to the substation through