INTRODUCTION
Project background
The Government of Vietnam is seeking financial support from the Asian Development Bank's Multi-Tranche Financing Facility to enhance its power generation, transmission, and distribution capacity in response to the country's increasing electricity demand This power development program aims to make significant physical investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, with the goals of facilitating power transfers, eliminating transmission bottlenecks, and minimizing transmission losses and voltage fluctuations.
The 220KV Cau Bong – Duc Hoa transmission line is a key component of the national power development master plan, funded by approximately $20 million under Tranche II The National Power Transmission Corporation (NPT) oversees the project, while the Southern Power Project Management Board (SPPMB) is responsible for its implementation.
Project scale
The 220KV Cau Bong – Duc Hoa subproject features a 13.42 km transmission line supported by 43 towers, with a right-of-way (ROW) of 22 meters, extending 11 meters on either side of the centerline This line initiates at the 220KV Cu Chi substation and passes through the communes of Nhuan Duc, Trung Lap Ha, Phuoc Hiep, Phuoc Thanh, and Thai My in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, before concluding at the 220KV Duc Hoa substation in Duc Hoa district, Long An province For a visual representation, refer to Figure 1 and Table 1.
Table 1 : The positions of 220KV Cau Bong – Duc Hoa transmission line
Province/city District Commune/ward Lengths
2 Updated from the approved EPC of 220KV Cau Bong – Duc Hoa transmission line subproject
(Source: Feasibility study report, PECC-2, 2012)
Figure 1 : Layout of 220KV Cau Bong – Duc Hoa transmission line
The project involves land designated for rights of way (RoW) and the construction of power tower foundations The approved Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the Cau Bong – Duc Hoa transmission line outlines that the construction of 46 towers will require 1.25 hectares of land, while the RoW will encompass 29.52 hectares The excavation process will generate approximately 30,793 cubic meters of earth and rock, averaging 669 cubic meters per tower, and will necessitate around 6,045.17 cubic meters of concrete, with each tower requiring an average of 163.84 cubic meters Notably, there are 37 houses within the RoW that meet safety clearance requirements and will not need to be relocated, alongside 617 houses constructed with metal materials.
In 2015, the SPPMB’s Technical Department updated the concrete quantity for the transmission line, which will be earthed at a height of 36m from the line center This route primarily traverses the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to reduce adverse effects on residential areas and existing facilities The transmission line intersects with the 220KV line seventy times across various sections, including six times between G.1B and G4.1C, five times between G4.1D and G4.2, and two times between G4.2 and G4.3 Additionally, it crosses the 110KV line once at G4.6 - G4.7, the highway once at G4.2 - G4.3, and provincial roads eleven times across several sections The route also spans canals eleven times, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.
The project area primarily consists of agricultural land, with paddy fields making up 64% and Melaleuca covering 11% Notably, there are no original habitats, significant wildlife, or conservation areas present, and no major invasive species have been identified within the right-of-way (RoW).
The transmission line corridor is located near several temples and public infrastructures; however, these structures are sufficiently distanced from the project activities, ensuring that they will remain unaffected.
The objectives of internal environmental monitoring
The objectives of internal environmental monitoring are as follows:
- Monitoring the environmental compliance with both policies of ADB and the Government of subprojects’ construction activities
- Monitoring the construction contractors to comply with the mitigation measures in accordance with the approved EMP and CEMP
- Recommending measures to improve the effectiveness of mitigating the environmental negative impacts during the subprojects’ construction period.
- Identifying the environmental impacts non-determined in the designing stage, based on which solutions for monitoring and mitigating the impacts shall be recommended
2 INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS INTO PROJECT CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS
2.1 Environmental law, regulation and standards
- ADB’s environmental safeguard put in effect on January 01, 2010;
- Law on Environment put in effect on January 01, 2015
- Circular No 22/2010/TT-BXD regulating on labor safety in executing constructions issued by Ministry of Construction on December 03, 2010;
- Decree No.59/2007/NĐ-CP on solid waste management dated April 09, 2007
- Decree No.14/2014/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2014 regulating detail on the implementation of Law on Electricity and Power Safety;
- QCVN 26/2010/BTMT national technical standard on noise
2.2.1 Duties of the related stakeholders in the institution
SPMB serves as the implementing agency, designating Supervision Engineers (SEs) from its Technical Department to oversee construction contractors in civil works and the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Environmental Officers (EOs) from the Resettlement Division are tasked with implementing and monitoring the EMP throughout the project phases With support from IES, the EOs of NPT and NES, SPPMB SEs and EOs will carry out these critical responsibilities.
Supporting SPPMB to approve the CEMPs
Introducing the contractors to sites;
Supporting and gathering monthly reports prepared by contractors on compliance with the implementation of CEMP;
We collaborate with the NES to perform monthly site visits and quarterly workshops focused on ensuring compliance with the project's environmental and social (ES) policies These initiatives aim to enhance awareness among project staff and contractors regarding occupational and community health and safety standards.
Preparing monthly, quarterly and mid-year reports on coordination implementing the EMP and EMoP to be submitted to ADB, NPT;
Supervising the construction contractors both in technical works and the implementation of EMP;
Reviewing monthly compliance report prepared by contractors before submitting it to SPPMB
The construction contractors have the following duties:
To effectively implement mitigation measures at project sites, it is essential to mobilize key human resources, including a Site Engineer (SiE), an Environmental, Health and Safety Officer (ESHO), and a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), along with the necessary materials and equipment.
- Developing its CEMP before starting civil works, which is to be submitted and approved by SPPMB;
- Meeting with SPMB SE & EO at sites to ensure that the contractor’s assigned staff have understood and committed to implementing the CEMP;
- Maintaining a Control Record available as requested for any inspection made by SPPMB SE and EO;
- Promulgating and educating its workers on safety, health;
- Preparing monthly compliance report submitted to SPPMB
- Supporting SPPMB in compliance with the ES policies and in coordinating implementing the EMP and EMoP for the project
- Conducting capacity building on the implementation of the EMP and EMoP while improving the awareness on occupational and community health and safety for the workers and contractors;
- Supporting SPPMB EO in preparing the quarter and semi- annual internal monitoring reports on environment;
2.2.2 Layout of Internal monitoring arrangement
Based on the institutional arrangement for implementing the EMP and EMoP concurred by ADB in December 2012 (IEE, 12/2012), the layout on internal monitoring arrangement for ES is presented in Figure 2
Figure 2: Layout on internal monitoring arrangement for ES
The assessment of coordination implementing the CEMP in the Quarter 1 st of 2015;
It is assessed that the coordination of implementing the CEMP of the subproject has well performed by SPPMB’ staff and its related contractors
- EO worked closely with the NES in coordinating implementation of the EMP and EMoP;
Environment month/quarter/semi- annual reports
In the fourth quarter of 2014, EO reported to the SPPMB leader regarding environmental safeguard findings that required resolution In response, SPPMB issued Letter No 9760 on December 31, 2014, urging the contractor to develop a corrective action plan to address these issues promptly Additionally, EO participated in organizing a training workshop on contractor compliance with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP), which took place on March 31, 2015.
The technical department of SPPMB (SE) served as a construction supervision unit, assisting contractors in executing construction measures and ensuring environmental compliance at project sites They played a crucial role in reviewing and signing the monthly environmental compliance reports prepared by the contractors prior to submission to SPPMB.
- Collaborated with SPPMB’ EO to conduct a training workshop on 31 March,
In the first quarter of 2015, an evaluation was conducted on the adherence to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) by contractors, focusing on the resolution of environmental issues identified in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Between January 14-18 and March 3-8, 2015, site visits were conducted to monitor the implementation of the corrective action plan by contractors, addressing the shortcomings identified during the fourth quarter review These visits aimed to evaluate both the successes and failures in the contractors' environmental performance during the first quarter of 2015.
Collaborated effectively with contractors via email and phone to gather their monthly environmental compliance reports, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and safety at the site for the community during the Tet holiday.
The article outlines the achievements and shortcomings of the EMP and EMoP, along with proposed mitigation measures to address weaknesses It is submitted to SPPMB to provide a comprehensive understanding of the coordination and implementation status, enabling effective collaboration with stakeholders to promptly address any compliance issues.
- Summarized the monthly progress reports, actions done by NESS and prepared the first quarter environmental safeguard internal reports to be submitted to SPPMB, NPT and ADB for consideration;
- Complied with the environmental safeguard policies and the implementation of the CEMP appropriately;
- Cooperated actively with the NES in supervising the implementation of EMP and EMoP at sites, receiving the recommendations from the NES and SPPMB
EO on the environmental safeguard and carrying out its corrective action plan to resolve any shortcomings effectively;
- Prepared and submitted its monthly environmental compliance report to the NES and SPPMB in time for consideration;
The implementation of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) was effectively coordinated among the designated staff, leading to strong environmental compliance by the contractor To date, there have been no complaints regarding environmental performance at the construction sites.
2.3 The incorporation of environmental consideration into project documents
The environmental consideration has been incorporated into the project documents such as EMP/IEE and bidding and contract (B&C) documents as stated in Table 2
Table 2: Summary of the environmental requirements in EMP/IEE and in B&C documents
Establishment of contractor’s facilities (camps, offices, quarries, concrete batching areas etc)
- Sites are located so that they do not interfere with the welfare or social cohesion of surrounding communities
- Site is limited to reduce unnecessary clearing of vegetation
- Sanitary soakage areas from offices and camps to be sited so that effluent is treated
- No discharge of grey water or sewage allowed to surface water systems
All environmental requirements in the EMP/IEE have been integrated into the B&C documents and the CEMP
- Workshops to be provided with oil and water separators
- Fuel storage areas not to be located within 20m of watercourse
- Contractor’s storage facilities may need to be surrounded by a security fence
- Concrete batching areas to be provided with bunds to control movement of runoff to waterways
Demarcation and clearing of RoW and ancillary facilities
- Identify useable trees within the RoW and arrange for these to be approved for removal
- Limit area to be cleared
- Identify areas with any significant vegetation
- Areas to be defined by a clear boundary
- Clearing boundaries shown to machinery operators
- Vegetative material to be offered to communities for use as fuel wood or
- If an impediment to work may otherwise be disposed of by clean burning fires
Preparation of site: excavation, removal and disposal of unusable
- Limit area to be excavated
- Topsoil to be removed and stored for re-use
- Excavated material to be disposed of outside and away from the work area
- At completion of work dumping areas to be re-top soiled and re- vegetated
- When dust is carried towards residential areas or becomes problematic on-site, the contractor is to apply dust control measures;
- If particular noisy work is implemented, the work may need to be limited to daylight hours
- Noise not to exceed 55dBA at boundary of any residential area between 6hr and 21h00 and 45 dBA between 21h00 and 06h00;
Waste water to - Not allow to discharge waste construction site water directly to water body surrounding the site ;
- Make a discharging canal surrounding the foundation holes to collect runoff water to reduce its turbidity before discharging it into water body surrounding the site ;
- Not allow to drop oil and fuel from machinery to site;
Prevention of soil erosion on construction site
- Apply soil conservation and erosion protection technologies
- Avoid operating machinery in adverse ground conditions
- Protect and vegetate newly excavated areas as soon as possible
- All waste materials to be collected and sorted into two categories (i) those that can be recycled and
- (ii) those that need to go to an approved landfill site for disposal;
Storage and handling of: fuel and lubricants
- All fuel storage areas should securely fenced and provided with oil and water separators
Fuel hoses and shut off valve to be locked
- Fuel should be stored in properly sealed containers Regularly check its locks to prevent fuel from running over to environment
- All refueling to be done at least
20 m away from waterways by trained personnel
- All waste oil and oil filters to be collected and if possible recycled, otherwise to be disposed of to landfills
- The contractor needs to train refueling personnel in these procedures The contractor has to develop an accidental spill handling action plan
Safety from increased vehicle movements
- All vehicles need to be properly maintained and operated in accordance with transportation laws
- All loads should be properly secured and fugitive loads to be covered
- Drivers are fined if ignore safety requirements
Vietnamese Labor Code as amended 2002 as follow:
- Provided workers be with safety working environment Erect warning signs and barriers around work areas
- Not allow drugs or alcohol on- site;
- Control noise and dust provided all workers with safety equipment appropriate for the task they are employed
- The workers are to be supplied on-site with: Potable water, sanitary toilet, washing and showering facilities
- Prepared work safety regulation for each activity
- Before execution, workers need to be introduced and explained site safety procedures
- Provided medical and first aid facilities together with a person qualified in first aid
Chance discovery of archaeological and cultural sites
- Chance discoveries should be notified to the SE who will report to the EO EO would advice on procedure for dealing with chance discoveries
Construction sites and removal of contractor’s facilities
- All solid waste should to be removed from sites and disposed in approved landfills
- All contaminated soil should be removed
- All sites must be rehabilitated and restored to original condition
- Drainage should be re- established
- Those activities should be included as part of Final Inspection before payment made
- Erect warning signs and barriers around work areas
- Site can only be accessed with permission of contractor
- Visitors are to be warned against site hazards to avoid possible accident
Community and worker health and safety
- Promulgate, educate workers on the social problems Implement measures of preventing
- Provide good daily life conditions for workers in camps in terms of sanitation, safe water and cooking;
- Worker’s camps shall be constructed in a high places and
- Local workers should be hired for normal works;
- Equip workers with labor protecting equipment and force them to wear during working time
- Provide means of first aid, medicines at site and camps for workers;
- Ensure sanitation in worker’s camps Provide dust bin to collect wastes;
- Prohibit hunting and trading wild animals;
THE SUBPROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS
On December 19, 2013, the contract for the construction of the 220KV Cau Bong – Duc Hoa transmission line was signed between SPPMB and the Association of Song Da 11, which includes Song Da 11 Thang Long and IEC, with Song Da 11 serving as the lead member The contract is officially designated as HĐ 42/HĐXL-BQLDA-SĐ11-SĐ11TL-IEC-PM2.
The subproject, initiated on June 10, 2014, was anticipated to conclude by September 2015 By March 31, 2015, approximately 70% of the work had been completed, with various construction items reaching different stages of completion as detailed in Table 3.
Table 3 : Progress on subproject implementation
Construction progress of the association as of 31/3/2015 70%
ENVIRONMENT COMPLIANCE MONITORING
Environment compliance at construction site
In the first quarter of 2015, construction activities included site rehabilitation, tower erection, and foundation excavation on land that was handed over to the contractor Most towers are being built near the production forest, in grass fields, and in recently harvested paddy fields However, contractors have failed to properly store hazardous materials such as oils and lubricants, as well as to conduct machine repairs on-site.
The main environmental issues at sites that need monitoring include:
- Dust generates mainly during the process of mixing cement to concrete tower foundations and transporting construction materials to sites, site rehabilitation and operation of construction machine;
- Noise and vibration are generated mainly during the time of hammering piles and operating machines;
- Preparing temporary roads for transporting, cleared grounds for storing construction materials and for preparing piles;
- Landslides, sedimentations and blockage of water flows;
- Natural forest, biodiversity protection, especially at the construction of towers located nearby forests;
- Site rehabilitation to its original condition after completion of tower foundations;
In the first quarter of 2015, monitoring results indicated that contractors effectively implemented mitigation measures at the site, successfully reducing dust, noise, vibration, and landslide risks They ensured water flows were not obstructed and protected the natural environment by clarifying turbid water from foundation holes before discharge Additionally, contractors rehabilitated the environment post-construction, fully repairing and compensating for any damages incurred, while enhancing their waste management practices by collecting and classifying construction materials like cement bags, iron, and plastic for reuse or recycling.
The implemented mitigation measures and several environmental issues need recommending in the period of January to March of 2015 are summarized in Table 4
Table 4 : Summary of the adverse impacts and applied mitigation measures at sites
All executing tower foundations returning ground and during the period of mixing concrete and transporting materials;
Dust generated from activity of mixing concrete, site rehabilitation, and transportation of construction materials
This will affect air quality of workplaces and surrounding community;
Trucks transporting construction materials such as sand, soil, stones were carefully covered to avoid generating dust
All executing tower foundations and during operation of hammering piles and machines
Vibration, noise generated from hammering piles will affect works located next to the construction sites and
Operating machines are technically regular examined;
No construction activities conducted at night times at the positions
Contractor of IEC, Song Da 11 and Song Da 11 Thang Long surrounding communities that can affect residential areas;
Assessed the current status of works and houses of villagers located next to the construction sites;
Made commitment with the hosts of works to repairing any damages or compensating any losses in case of occurring
Tower foundation execution and transporting materials to site
Damaging banks of paddy field;
Preparing temporary roads to site blocks flow of water;
Discharging turbid water directly to surrounding environment
Having an agreement before making temporary roads;
Banks of paddy fields were repaired after completion;
Conduits in canals was put before making temporary roads on; a discharging canal was made surrounding foundation holes to keep and reduce its turbidity before discharging it into water body;
Contractors of Song Da 11, Song Da 11 Thang Long and IEC
All tower after foundation of
Contractors of IEC, Song Da 11
IEC should remove all completion of foundation of towers tower foundations temporarily affected if site rehabilitation has not been done not properly;
Damaging community roads completion were returned to its original condition;
Roads damaged by transportation materials to site repaired to its previous status;
Thang Long, Song Da 11 residues of construction wastes such as cement bags, wood sticks are remaining on site (tower No
43, Tan My commune, Duc Hoa district, Long An province)
Song Da 11 Thang Long should remove all stones and sand on the paddy field after construction completed (Tower No 6, Nhuan Duc commune, Cu Chi district, HCMC)
Song Da 11 should collect all cement bags, nylon remaining on site of the towers of 36,
37, 38 and 39, Thai My commune, Cu chi district, HCMC) Environment al sanitation surrounding construction sites of towers of 36,
Construction wastes were not tidily kept, reused and recycled as regulated during period of foundation construction
All construction sites were ordered, cement bags, xika cans, cement residues and debris irons were collected for reusing and recycling;
Contractors of IEC, Song Da 11 and Song Da 11 Thang Long
The Be at risk in Before Contractors of positions of tower No 8,
42 and 43 adjacent to existing works, electric lines and community roads; case of violating the RoW of the adjacent works;
Traffic jam or traffic accidents may occur in case of violating transportation rules; executing, contractor committed not to violate the RoW of next works;
Informed the local authorities and the related agencies on the time of execution for a cooperation;
Storing materials without violating the RoW of traffic roads;
Song Da 11, Song Da 11 Thang Long and IEC
Compliance in safety and health for workers and affected communities
During the execution of tower foundations, contractors primarily utilize local laborers for straightforward tasks Worker camps provide temporary accommodations for workers during breaks and secure materials overnight Each contractor maintains an office near the site, which also serves as housing for technical staff Both SPPMB and contractors prioritize labor safety and community health, with monitoring indicators established to assess these critical aspects.
- Selecting appropriate locations for building worker camps;
- Keeping environmental sanitation around the temporary worker camps;
- Providing workers with labor equipment suitable with their works at construction site;
- Keeping safety during operating machines at sites;
- Placing safety facilities on construction sites (sign boards, fences…)
- Educating workers on transmission of social diseases such as HIV/AIDS;
- Transporting safety and respecting community rest;
In the first quarter of 2015, environmental monitoring revealed that contractors adhered to the CEMP regulations, ensuring that all migrant workers registered as temporary residents and respected local cultures, fostering positive community relations Additionally, workers received education on social diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, and the contractors implemented labor safety regulations, supplying protective equipment and emphasizing its use on-site.
Contractors have established temporary worker camps at construction sites to provide nighttime security for materials and a place for short lunch breaks These camps are well-equipped with essential amenities, including portable water and first aid kits Strategically located in well-ventilated and safe areas, they feature sanitary toilets, separate garbage bins, solid waste disposal sites, and a preliminary domestic wastewater treatment system.
The achievements and some issues in terms of occupational and communal health and safety in the period of January to March of 2015 are summarized in Table 5
Table 5 : Summary of adverse impacts and mitigation measures for labor safety and community health
The worker camps at site tower
Domestic wastes not yet carefully collected
This will affect workers’ health
Worker’s camps are located at high and ventilated places and have hygienic toilets
Garbage bins are provided at sites to collect, classify and treat wastes and preliminary wastewater treatment following the regulations,
Contractors of IEC, Song Da
Contractor Song Da 11 should keep cements outside the living camp to protect the worker’s health;
Workplace accidents and health of workers; loss of productivity Accidents to surrounding
No drugs and alcohol allowed on site; portable water and sanitary toilets on site for workers are supplied;
Contractors of Song Da 11, Song Da 11 Thang Long and IEC communities on labor safety at site;
Erected warning signs and barriers around work areas;
Construction site can only be accessed with permission of Contractors
Provided workers with adequacy of laborer’s protective equipment;
Provided the worker’s camps with a box of necessary medicines for first aid;
Installed signal board at construction sites
All roads used for transporting materials to sites
Accidents to surrounding communities from vehicles transiting villages
All vehicles have properly maintained and operated in accordance with road laws
All loads are properly secured and fugitive loads are covered
Drivers are fined if ignore safety requirements
Contractors of Song Da 11, Song Da 11 Thang Long and IEC
All workplaces and worker’s camps
Chance discovery notified to local functioning agencies for resolving;
Educated workers on social transmission diseases HIV/AIDS;
Registered temporary residence for workers with local authorities;
No hunting wild animals and protecting forest
Contractors of IEC and Song
PROGRESS/ RESULTS ON OVERCOMING THE SHORTCOMMINGS
IDENTIFIED IN THE PREVIOUS REPORT
The previous quarter revealed several shortcomings, including inadequate site rehabilitation post-tower construction, improper pumping of wastewater from foundation holes impacting the surrounding environment, and insufficient provision and use of labor protection devices for workers However, these issues have been fully addressed by the contractors A summary of the progress and outcomes related to these environmental concerns is presented in Table 6.
Table 6 : Progress and results of resolving the environmental issues found in the previous quarter
A community road of Duc Hoa commune, Duc
Long an province was damaged by the contractor transported materials to site;
Contractor recognized the damage and committed to repairing the community road totally when the foundation construction completed
The community road should be repaired to its original condition to ensure that no adverse affect to the community transportation;
The muddy water from the foundation hole of tower No 43 was pumped directly to a canal nearby a paddy field of villagers;
Contractor has not implemented the mitigation measures properly
The turbid water from the foundation hole should be retained in a sedimentation hole to reduce the sediment before being discharged into the body water
The workers have not used their labor protective equipment properly when working at sites
Some of them did not wear mashes to
Contractor has implemented the mitigation measures but not perfectly
Song Da 11 contractor must equip their workers with adequacy of labor protective equipment and force them to use that reasonably when working at site Specifically,
Totally complied prevent hazardous dust from cement while mixing concrete (at tower No 28,
HCMC); those are mixing concrete should wear mashes to prevent dangerous dust of cement from getting into the respiration system, which is very harmful to worker’s health
The workers have not used their labor protective equipment properly when working at sites
Several workers neglected to wear protective caps while assisting their colleagues in assembling a power tower at a considerable height.
Contractor has implemented the mitigation measures but not perfectly
Song Da 11 contractors must ensure that their workers are adequately equipped with necessary labor protective equipment and are required to use it properly on-site Specifically, workers involved in assembling power towers should wear protective helmets and other essential safety gear to prevent labor accidents.
In sum, the contractors resolved the improperly environmental performances found in the previous period and continued maintaining and improving them in the next time.
SUMMARY ON KEY ENVIRONEMNTAL ISSUES NEED TO BE RESOLVED
Identified key environmental issues
Contractor IEC has successfully rehabilitated the environment post-construction by removing the temporary sewer used for irrigation and drainage during the foundation work and tower erection at No 43 in Tan My commune, Duc Hoa district, Long An province However, the site remains cluttered with leftover cement bags and wooden sticks around the recently cleared canal section, which poses potential risks to the surrounding environment and landscape.
Contractor Song Da 11 has fulfilled its commitment to rehabilitate the environment after construction at towers No 36, 37, 38, and 39 However, further action is required to address environmental concerns, as construction waste, including cement bags and nylon, remains on site This leftover debris poses a risk to the quality of the topsoil and the surrounding landscape of the tower foundations.
Song Da 11 Thang Long has been reported for allowing construction stones and sand to be spread across paddy fields while sourcing materials for tower No 6 in Nhuan Duc commune, Cu Chi district, HCMC This practice poses a significant risk to soil health and could lead to long-term environmental damage.
6.1.2 Mitigation measures addressing these issues
- Contractor IEC should remove all residues of cement bags and wood sticks surrounding the towers of No 43, Tan My Commune, Duc Hoa district, Long
An province to ensure the ground has been completely returned, without any negative impacts on the environment
Contractor Song Da 11 is responsible for gathering all cement bags and nylon materials from the construction sites of towers No 36, 37, 38, and 39 in Thai My commune, Cu Chi district, HCMC This action is crucial to prevent the burial or littering of non-biodegradable substances at these locations.
Contractor Song Da 11 Thang Long must clear all sand and stone residues from the paddy field to prepare the foundation for the upcoming crop This essential step will help prevent any negative effects on the soil quality.
Environmental issues in safety and healthy for workers and communities
At the site camp of tower No 32 in Thai My commune, Cu Chi district, HCMC, construction materials and waste were stored improperly, posing a risk of hazardous dust that could adversely affect the health of workers residing at the camp, as reported by Contractor Song Da 11.
6.2.2 Mitigation measures addressing these issues
Under the supervision of contractor Song Da 11, a team of constructors at tower No 32 is required to store cement outside the workers' camp and maintain tidy organization of other materials to ensure the safety and health of the workers residing in the camp.
A summary of the main negative impacts and the mitigation measures need to be implemented is presented in Table 7
Table 7: Main environmental issues and mitigation measures need to be implemented
No Main environmental issues Mitigation measures Implementing
The site ground of tower
No 43 has not been totally rehabilitated, the residues of cement bags and wood sticks are remaining on site, affecting to the environment
All residues of cement bags and wood sticks surrounding the towers of No 43 should be collected to ensure a proper rehabilitation of ground, without any negative impacts on the environment
The sites of towers No 36,
37, 38 and 39 have not been entirely rehabilitated after the construction completed
All cement bags and nylon still on sites of tower No 36, 37,
38 and 39 should be totally collected to ensure that no substances/materials difficult in biodegrading to be buried or littered at sites
The construction stones and sand spreading on the paddy field surrounding the tower No.6 may harm the soil
All residues of sand and stones on the paddy field should be removed to ensure no adverse impact on the soil and cultivation activities
Song Da 11 – Thang Long contractor
II Occupational health and safety of workers and community health and safety
1 Cements are stored inside Contractor at tower No 32 Contractor the worker’s camp at tower
No 32 will generate hazardous dust harmful to the health of workers; should store cements outside the living camp to protect the worker’s health
As from March 31, 2015, the implementation progress has achieved about 70% compared with the overall plan
The EMP and EMoP were effectively executed by SPPMB and its contractors, aligning with the environmental policies of both ADB and the Government All parties involved in the institutional arrangement successfully fulfilled their designated responsibilities.
The SPPMB’s staff and its contractor’s workers have improved their awareness on their occupational health and safety as well as the community health and safety throughout the training workshops
In the first quarter of 2015, the implementation of the Contractor Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) showed significant improvements, as environmental monitoring indicated that most previous shortcomings were addressed Notably, IEC repaired the community road damaged during material transportation to tower No 40 and ensured that turbid water from foundation No 43 was clarified before being discharged Additionally, workers from the Song Da 11 contractor enhanced their awareness of occupational health and safety by adhering to safety measures, such as wearing masks while mixing concrete and using belts and protective caps during tower erection.
However, there are several negative impacts on environment identified in this quarter, which is needed to be immediately resolved
Contractor IEC has completed the construction and rehabilitation of the canal, restoring it to its original condition However, the site remains cluttered with leftover cement bags and wooden sticks along both banks of the canal, following the removal of the sewer at tower No 43 in Tan My commune, Duc Hoa district, Long An province.
Contractor Song Da 11 has successfully rehabilitated the environment at towers No 36, 37, 38, and 39 in Thai My commune, Cu Chi district, HCMC However, construction waste remains on-site, negatively affecting the natural environment and the surrounding landscape.
Construction materials and waste at the site camp of Tower No 32 in Thai My Commune, Cu Chi District, HCMC, are stored within the camp premises, posing a risk of hazardous dust generation that could negatively affect worker health and safety.
- The construction stones and sand spreading on the paddy field when the Song Da 11 Thang Long constructed the tower No 6 in Nhuan Duc commune,
Cu Chi district, HCMC It is the fact that the residues of sand and stones on the field will probably damage the cultivating tools and quality of soil
The contractor, IEC, is required to clear all leftover cement bags and wooden sticks around the towers and along the canal banks at tower No 43 in Tan My commune, Duc Hoa district, Long An province, to ensure complete environmental rehabilitation post-construction.
- Contractor Song Da 11 should take away all residues of cement bags to rehabilitate the environment and create a natural landscape at the towers No
36, 37, 38 and 39 in Thai My commune, Cu Chi district
To ensure the safety and health of workers residing in the camp, the construction team managed by contractor Song Da 11 at tower No 32 should store cement outside the workers' living quarters.
- Contractor Song Da 11 Thang Long should remove all residues of sand and stones on the rice field before the next crop starts to prevent the soil from any damage
APPENDIXES Appendix 1: Letter issued by SPPMB to request contractors to resolve the shortcomings found in quarter 4 of 2014
Appendix 2: Pictures of the results of overcome shortcommings in Q1.2015
The environmenal issues found in the fourth quarter of 2014
The results of resolving the environmental issues of contractors
Community road damaged due to IEC contractor transported materials to site
The road was repaired to be its original condition right after the contractor erecting the tower completed
Contractor have not fully provided their workers with labor protective tools not forced them to use when working at sites
The contractor equiped their workers with adequacy of labor protective apparatus, provided them a quick training at site on occupational accidents/sickness related to construction of high voltage transmission lines
Turbid water from hole of foundation No
43, Tan My, Duc Hoa, Long An province may impact negatively on the surrounding environment and paddy fields
The situation was overcome by dischaging the smuddy water into a closed canal to make it clear before running into the water body
Appendix 3: Pictures of environmental issues found in Quarter 1.2015
The ground at tower 43, Tan My, Long an is not returned to be its original condition (IEC contractor) Some cement bags and wood sticks are remaining on site
In the Thai My commune of Cu Chi district, it is essential to collect the remaining cement bags and nylon from Towers No 36, 37, 38, and 39 to prevent non-biodegradable materials from being buried or littered in the area.
Construction materials of cements and Sika cans at the site camp at tower No
32, Thai My commune, Cu chi district were not tidily kept, which probably generates hazardous dust and gases at risk of the worker’s health living in the camp
In Nhuan Duc commune, Cu Chi district, HCMC, the spread of construction stones on paddy fields poses a risk to both cultivating tools and soil quality if these materials mix with the soil.
Appendix 4: Typical pictures of well environmental performances at sites
Warning signal to prohibit local people from climbing on the towers
Gather materials tidily Totally returning the ground after finishing the erecting
Contractor Song Da 11 being compliant with worker’s health and safety ensuring measures at sites
Song Da 11 Thang Long excavated the towers No 5, 6, 7 and 8 after harvesting the rice crop to reduce negative impacts on the environment.