Attachment J.4 - IEE - Liberia Construction Works.pdf

AFR/LIBERIA/LOCALCONSTRUCTIONWORKS

AUGUST 2022

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PURPOSE

This document provides the pre-implementation review of various construction activities planned by the USAID/Liberia Economic Growth Office until the end of FY 2027. The objective of these works is to provide on-demand construction services to all USAID/Liberia technical offices and to ensure effective and timely response to construction needs. Construction services will be procured individually to local firms.

PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA

Project/Activity Name: Local Construction Works

Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): Liberia / West Africa

Amendment (Yes/No), if yes indicate # (1, 2...): No

Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y):

FY2022 - FY 2027

If amended, specify New End Date: n/a

Solicitation/Contract/Award Number: TBD

Implementing Partner(s): TBD

Bureau Tracking ID: Liberia Construction Works IEE https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=56670

Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any): Local A&E IQC IEE https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=53674

Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses:

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g., Mission or Bureau or Office)

USAID/Liberia

Other Affected Operating Unit(s): USAID/Liberia

Lead BEO Bureau: Africa Bureau

Funding Account(s) (if available): TBD

Prepared by: Economic Growth Office, USAID/Liberia

Date Prepared: August 1, 2022

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=56670 https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=53674

AUGUST 2022

Analysis Type: ☒Environmental Examination

☐Deferral

Environmental Determination(s): ☐Categorical Exclusion(s) ☒Negative Determination with Conditions ☐Positive ☐Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv)

IEE Expiration Date (if different from implementation end date):

31 January, 2028

Additional Analyses/Reporting Required: EMMP, WQAP

Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ______Moderate _X_____ High ______

Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ___ Moderate __X____ High ______

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

PROJECT/ACTIVITY SUMMARY

The objective of these works is to provide on-demand construction services to all USAID/Liberia technical offices and to ensure effective and timely response to construction needs. Construction services will be procured individually to local firms. The provision of construction services through this mechanism, including environmental assessments and reviews, will ensure the cost-effectiveness, development impact, and sustainability of USAID/Liberia infrastructure investments. Mitigation of any construction risks to human health and environment will occur through the monitoring and mitigating factors outlined in an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) of each works and the due diligence processes within the affected projects covered by their respective IEEs. The infrastructure works are primarily developed on brownfield sites where construction will have minimal impact on undisturbed or pristine environmental areas.

Over the years, USAID/Liberia has been supporting various infrastructure projects (building construction including clinics, schools, and government buildings; roads; WASH infrastructure including water treatment facilities and water distribution systems; energy infrastructure including electrical distribution networks and solar systems) in Liberia. USAID/Liberia makes direct and/or indirect infrastructure investments in schools, hospitals, public/community buildings, roads and/or culverts/bridges, and public water supply and sanitation systems. The Mission often selects projects that build onto existing municipal systems or to previous USAID investments. The Mission’s infrastructure projects are an important component of our development programs. To improve both timely and cost-effective construction services, the Mission intends to utilize local construction firms to construct various infrastructural activities.

The Economic Growth and Health Offices are seeking to utilize the services of local construction firms to provide construction services for planned WASH, Health and Economic Growth-related infrastructure including water pipe service connections; renovation/construction

AUGUST 2022

works at the Government of Liberia (GOL) medical storage facilities; conservation infrastructure; and agricultural infrastructure.

An independent contractor, hired by USAID Liberia, the Quality Assurance Contractor (QAC), will provide full time design, construction oversight, and construction management to the Construction Contractor(s). However, Quality Assurance (QA) will be performed by USAID with support from the QAC to verify that the levels of work and quality of materials stipulated in the contract specifications are met. Notwithstanding, Quality Assurance efforts of USAID, the Contractor remains fully responsible for the quality of work performed under this contract.

The Contractor(s) will provide all resources (labor, management, supervision, tools, material, and equipment) necessary to provide the construction services required for the below works:

1. Water Pipe Service Connections

USAID/Liberia supported the rehabilitation and construction of urban water treatment plants and distribution systems in three cities – Robertsport, Sanniquellie, and Voinjama – to reach over 25,000 Liberians with access to clean drinking water, equivalent to a 90% coverage level in the respective cities (called the B360 Water Pipe Network Expansion Activity). The rehabilitation of water treatment plants includes constructing the primary water distribution systems and water kiosks, as well as the furnishing, installation, and construction of new water main distribution pipelines for each city’s water utility.

Onto the above activity, the Mission anticipates connecting more water main distribution pipelines in Robertsport, Voinjama and Sanniquellie Cities. The activity will complement the previous project by constructing additional secondary and tertiary water pipes that would allow an additional 1,000 individual private connections to take place and increase the revenue of the utilities. The additional water services connections will expand each city’s water pipeline and increase the financial sustainability of the USAID-supported water treatment facilities, maximizing their benefit to the communities they service. The cities and services to which the connections will connect are fixed, but the design of the network is pending.

The Contractor will be required to furnish, install, and/or construct approximately 100,000 ft of new water main distribution pipelines and household connections in each city over a 12-month period. The contractor will utilize local expertise to the maximum extent possible and will work in close collaboration with Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC), as the ultimate steward of the water utility systems, the management contractor hired by LWSC, and the County Authorities. The total value of the planned intervention is yet to be determined.

2. Ministry of Health Storage Facilities

This task will require the rehabilitation of GOL medical storage facilities in Liberia.

USAID/Liberia, through the health Office, is supporting the GOL by providing program drugs and family planning commodities through the Global Health Supply Chain Program- Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC PSM) activity. The Central Medical Store (CMS) and County drug depots are used as repositories for drugs and medical commodities supplied and from where drugs are distributed to the health facilities throughout the county. These depots have deteriorated and require immediate attention.

AUGUST 2022

To improve the storage conditions of the existing facilities, Ministry of Health Storage Facilities USAID will require construction services for the rehabilitation of 13 medical depots over an 18-month period in 13 counties (Grand Gedeh, Nimba, Lofa, Bong, Grand Bassa, Rivergee, Maryland, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe, Grand Kru, Rivercess, and Monserado counties.) in Liberia sequentially. The construction will include the complete replacement of the damaged ceiling systems (ceiling tiles, strip and ceiling noggins), tiling works (installation of floor and wall tiles to areas that they are needed, rehabilitating of floor and wall tiles either demolished and cracked), the MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, replacement or rehabilitation of windows (jalousie, wooden, or sliding) and doors (replacement, or rehabilitation of panel, plywood panel, plywood, metal, which includes frames, locks, hinges etc.), supply and installation of air-conditioning system, repairs of wall cracks, rehabilitation of concrete floor showing cracks or sinking, repainting of building internally and externally which include applying anti rust coating to metal door and security bars, and replacement of the damaged roofing system amongst other works. The cost and scope of the rehabilitation required is yet to be determined based on individual assessments.

At the CMS, the Contractor will be required to provide construction services for the supply and installation of a self-supporting Prefabricated Storage Unit (PFSU), that should be assembled at an existing reinforced concrete carport at the CMS in Caldwell. The Contractor will also be required to supply and install shelving and racking, air conditioning equipment, internal electrical reticulation, and the connection to an existing on-site power source. The unit will be constructed for the storage of boxed and individual containers of Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).

3. Solarization of JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The purpose of this task will be to provide procurement and installation services for addressing power usage at the JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using solar panels and batteries.

The system will be a hybrid solar PV - on-grid system that will be integrated with the existing national grid to provide twenty-four-hour electricity. The system will have a solar array mounted at the JFK Hospital Compound. The proposed system will have a battery bank that will provide

0.6 days of autonomy. The system shall include separate feeders for critical and lifesaving functions, guaranteeing power to priority equipment in the event of power shortages or generator failures. The Mission also requires construction/installation of a climate-controlled equipment room for the battery bank to ensure the long life of batteries.

4. Conservation Infrastructure

The Mission anticipates supporting the construction of ranger facilities and research or conservation centers. These structures will improve the management, operations, and amenities associated with protected areas in Liberia. These structures will be constructed at the Forestry Training Center in Bomi County; Marshall wetlands in Margibi, and Krahn-Bassa forest in Grand Bassa County. The Research Center, constructed at each of the mentioned locations, will consist of offices; conference room to host about 25 persons; small laboratory; bathrooms and kitchenette. The center will be powered using a solar pv system as its primary source of energy.

Additionally, the centers will include lodging quarters of about six rooms with bathrooms to accommodate staff and visitors. Such infrastructure may include the construction of ranger facilities, research or conservation centers, and ecotourism or camp infrastructure.

AUGUST 2022

The contractor will be required to provide construction services for all three sites sequentially over a 12-month period.

5. Agriculture Infrastructure

The Mission anticipates the construction of small-scale agricultural infrastructure to improve and intensify agricultural production and processing. These construction works will be implemented in six counties sequentially (Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and Margibi) over a 12-month period. The Contractor will provide construction services for agricultural related infrastructures in the counties mentioned include, but not limited to, the construction or rehabilitation of irrigation systems or weir structures using gravity and/or mechanical flow of water; construction of miniature dams to provide water to a localized irrigation system for improving agricultural value chain; agricultural landscaping or paddy construction; temporary food storage/processing facilities or hubs with air condition system power by solar energy; market buildings in rural Liberia to increase market access.

Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations (22CFR216). Drawn from Table 4 of the IEE, the following table summarizes the environmental determinations applicable to the specific projects/activities:

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TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determin ation with Condition

Positive Determinat ion

Deferr al1

1. Water Pipe Service Connections: The Contractor will be required to furnish, install, and/or construct approximately 100,000 ft of new water main distribution pipelines and household connections in each city over a 12-month period. The contractor will utilize local expertise to the maximum extent possible and will work in close collaboration with Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC), as the ultimate steward of the water utility systems, the management contractor hired by LWSC, and the County Authorities.

X

2. Ministry of Health Facilities: This task will require the rehabilitation of GOL medical storage facilities and construction of the Ministry of Health Structure(s) in Liberia. USAID/Liberia, through the health Office, is supporting the GOL by providing program drugs and family planning commodities through the Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC PSM) activity.

The Central Medical Store (CMS) and County drug depots are used as repositories for drugs and medical commodities supplied and from where drugs are distributed to the health facilities throughout the county.

These depots have deteriorated and require immediate attention.

1 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities. USAID/IPs may utilize the Environmental Screening Tool to assess impacts of deferred activities.

AUGUST 2022

3. Solarization of JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The purpose of this task will be to provide procurement and installation services for addressing power usage at the JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using solar panels and batteries. The system will be a hybrid solar PV - on-grid system that will be integrated with the existing national grid to provide twenty-four-hour electricity. The system will have a solar array mounted at JFK Hospital Compound. The proposed system will have a battery bank that will provide

0.6 days of autonomy. The system shall include separate feeders for critical and lifesaving functions, guaranteeing power to priority equipment in the event of power shortages or generator failures. The Mission also requires construction/installation of a climate-controlled equipment room for the battery bank to ensure the long life of batteries.

4. Conservation Infrastructure: The Mission anticipates supporting the construction of ranger facilities and research or conservation centers. These structures will improve the management, operations, and amenities associated with protected areas in Liberia. These structures will be constructed at the Forestry Training Center in Bomi County; Marshall wetlands in Margibi, and Krahn-Bassa forest in Grand Bassa County. The Research Center, constructed at each of the mentioned locations, will consist of offices; conference room to host about 25 persons; small laboratory; bathrooms and kitchenette. The center will be powered using a solar pv system as its primary source of energy.

Additionally, the centers will include lodging quarters of about six rooms with bathrooms to accommodate staff and

AUGUST 2022

visitors. Such infrastructure may include the construction of ranger facilities, research or conservation centers, and ecotourism or camp infrastructure.

5. Agriculture Infrastructure: The Mission anticipates the construction of small-scale agricultural infrastructure to improve and intensify agricultural production and processing. These construction works will be implemented in six counties sequentially (Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and Margibi) over a 12 month period.

The Contractor will provide construction services for agricultural related infrastructures in the counties mentioned include, but not limited to, the construction or rehabilitation of irrigation systems or weir structures using gravity and/or mechanical flow of water; construction of miniature dams to provide water to a localized irrigation system for improving agricultural value chain; agricultural landscaping or paddy construction;

temporary food storage/processing facilities or hubs with air condition system power by solar energy; market buildings in rural Liberia to increase market access.

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

Liberia is vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and change, such as warmer temperatures, increases in annual rainfall, and increases in the frequency of heavy rainfall events. These climate change impacts present challenges to the country’s socio-economic development. Liberia’s low adaptive capacity to respond to climate change is partially due to the detrimental effects of the 1989-2003 Civil War. Since the war, the government, along with various international and national institutions and organizations, has been taking actions to better understand and address climate change challenges throughout the country. Remaining needs include data on short and long-term climate change impacts and vulnerabilities within the country, as well as the financial, technological, and human resources to identify adaptation priorities and implement appropriate adaptation plans and strategies.

Short-term climate variability is already affecting Liberia, including temperature increases and rainfall variability. As the GoL notes in their new national climate policy, “the impacts of

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climate change in Liberia not only undermine development gains but also pose serious risk to food security and adaptive capacity,” requiring urgent and concerted national action. As impacts become more pronounced, climate change may erode the progress that Liberia has made and limit gains in the future, including the government’s ability to address its development challenges.

The Climate Risk management results indicated that increased temperatures, changes in amount and duration of rainfall and sea level rise would be addressed through a range of integrated strategies. Engineering analysis preceding design activities will include consideration of climate change and its potential impacts on the location (siting), functionality and sustainability of resulting infrastructure and infrastructure services. Such analysis will include identification of relevant data sets and gaps, review of local building standards and codes for adequacy; and determination of safety factors or other measures of uncertainty that will be carried through design. The results of this analysis, including risks identified and how they are addressed, shall be documented.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

Reporting Conditions: The AFR BEO requests that the activity managers/AORs/CORs provide access to the Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) and to the AFR BEO Team to review (not approve) the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans/Reports (EMMPs/EMMRs) that will be written to implement the findings of this IEE. These should be uploaded into the appropriate sub-folder(s) of this Google Drive folder:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q7HGMzgopJ-MuKxkQEJ4GSPp9R7Qzv- 5?usp=sharing

This will facilitate access by all parties who need these documents, including the Mission Environmental Officer and the AOR/COR. This will allow the REA and the BEO Team to spot-check and review these documents to confirm that the mitigations seem appropriate and are cognizant of the specific design of the activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

In accordance with 22 CFR 216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions and requirements in this document as stated in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IEE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval. Per 22CFR216.3(a)(9), when ongoing programs are revised to incorporate a change in scope or nature, a determination will be made as to whether such change may have an environmental impact not previously assessed. If so, this IEE will be amended to cover the changes. Per ADS 204, it is the responsibility of the USAID AOR/COR to keep the MEO/REA and BEO informed of any new information or changes in the activity that might require revision of this environmental analysis and environmental determination.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q7HGMzgopJ-MuKxkQEJ4GSPp9R7Qzv-5?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q7HGMzgopJ-MuKxkQEJ4GSPp9R7Qzv-5?usp=sharing

AUGUST 2022

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PROJECT/ACTIVITY NAME: Local Construction Works (LCW)

Bureau Tracking ID: https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=56670

Approval Cleared 08/192/022 Jim Wright, Mission Director Date

Clearance: Cleared 08/17/2022 Phillip M. Cherry A/Deputy Mission Director Date

Clearance: Cleared 08/16/2022 James Kelleher, Regional Legal Officer Date

Clearance: Cleared 08/11/2022 Henry Aryeetey, Regional Environmental

Adviser Date

Clearance: Cleared 08/10/2022 Dimitri Kimiris, A/Director, PPD Date

Clearance: Cleared 08/09/2022 Kokulo Yorgbor, Mission Environmental

Officer

Clearance: Cleared 08/9/2022 John Pasch, Director, Economic Growth

Office

Clearance: Cleared 08/4/2022 Jusu W. Holmes, Design Team Lead Date

Clearance: Cleared 09/14/2022 Colin Quinn, Bureau Climate Integrated Lead Date

Concurrence: Cleared 10/25/2022 Brian Hirsch, Bureau Environmental Officer Date

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=56670

AUGUST 2022

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF IEE

The purpose of this initial environmental examination is to have an environmental document in place to guide the local contractor, and in fulfillment of its legal obligation.

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22CFR216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID intervention described herein and recommend determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for these activities. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, per 22CFR216 and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation. This IEE also documents the results of the project/activity level Climate Risk Management process in accordance with USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201mal).

This IEE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process meant to achieve environmentally sound activity design and implementation. Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) and/or Environmental Assessments (EAs), if needed.

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The objective of these works is to provide on-demand construction services to all USAID/Liberia technical offices and to ensure effective and timely response to construction needs. Construction services will be procured individually to local firms. The provision of construction services through this mechanism, including environmental assessments and reviews, will ensure the cost-effectiveness, development impact, and sustainability of USAID/Liberia infrastructure investments. Mitigation of any construction risks to human health and environment will occur through the monitoring and mitigating factors outlined in an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) of each works and the due diligence processes within the affected projects covered by their respective IEEs.

Over the years, USAID/Liberia has been supporting various infrastructure projects (building construction including clinics, schools, and government buildings; roads; WASH infrastructure including water treatment facilities and water distribution systems; energy infrastructure including electrical distribution networks and solar systems) in Liberia. USAID/Liberia makes direct and/or indirect infrastructure investments in schools, hospitals, public/community buildings, roads and/or culverts/bridges, and public water supply and sanitation systems. The Mission’s infrastructure projects are an important component of our development programs. To improve both timely and cost-effective construction services, the Mission intends to utilize local construction firms to construct various infrastructural activities.

The Economic Growth and Health Offices are seeking to utilize the services of local construction firms to provide construction services for planned WASH, Health and Economic Growth-related infrastructure including water pipe service connections; renovation/construction works at the Government of Liberia (GOL) medical storage facilities; conservation infrastructure; and agricultural infrastructure.

AUGUST 2022

An independent contractor, hired by USAID Liberia, the Quality Assurance Contractor (QAC), will provide full time design, construction oversight, and construction management to the Construction Contractor(s). However, Quality Assurance (QA) will be performed by USAID with support from the QAC to verify that the levels of work and quality of materials stipulated in the contract specifications are met. Notwithstanding, Quality Assurance efforts of USAID, the Contractor remains fully responsible for the quality of work performed under this work.

1.3 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

The Contractor(s) will provide all resources (labor, management, supervision, tools, material, and equipment) necessary to provide the construction services required for the below works:

1. Water Pipe Service Connections

USAID/Liberia supported the rehabilitation and construction of urban water treatment plants and distribution systems in three cities – Robertsport, Sanniquellie, and Voinjama – to reach over 25,000 Liberians with access to clean drinking water, equivalent to a 90% coverage level in the respective cities. The rehabilitation of water treatment plants includes constructing the primary water distribution systems and water kiosks, as well as the furnishing, installation, and construction of new water main distribution pipelines for each city’s water utility.

The Mission anticipates connecting more water main distribution pipelines in Robertsport, Voinjama and Sanniquellie Cities. The activity will complement the previous project by constructing additional secondary and tertiary water pipes that would allow an additional 1,000 individual private connections to take place and increase the revenue of the utilities. The additional water services connections will expand each city’s water pipeline and increase the financial sustainability of the USAID-supported water treatment facilities, maximizing their benefit to the communities they service.

The Contractor will be required to furnish, install, and/or construct approximately 100,000 ft of new water main distribution pipelines and household connections in each city over a 12-month period. The contractor will utilize local expertise to the maximum extent possible and will work in close collaboration with Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC), as the ultimate steward of the water utility systems, the management contractor hired by LWSC, and the County Authorities.

2. Ministry of Health Storage Facilities

USAID/Liberia, through the health Office, is supporting the GOL by providing program drugs and family planning commodities through the Global Health Supply Chain Program- Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC PSM) activity. The Central Medical Store (CMS) and County drug depots are used as repositories for drugs and medical commodities supplied and from where drugs are distributed to the health facilities throughout the county. These depots have deteriorated and require immediate attention.

USAID will require construction services for the rehabilitation of 13 medical depots over a 18 months period in 13 counties (Grand Gedeh, Nimba, Lofa, Bong, Grand Bassa, Rivergee, Maryland, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe, Grand Kru, Rivercess, and Montserrado) in

AUGUST 2022

Liberia sequentially. The construction will include the complete replacement of the damaged ceiling systems (ceiling tiles, strip and ceiling noggins), tiling works (installation of floor and wall tiles to areas that they are needed, rehabilitating of floor and wall tiles either demolished and cracked), the MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, replacement or rehabilitation of windows (jalousie, wooden, or sliding) and doors (replacement, or rehabilitation of panel, plywood panel, plywood, metal, which includes frames, locks, hinges etc.), supply and installation of air-conditioning system, repairs of wall cracks, rehabilitation of concrete floor showing cracks or sinking, repainting of building internally and externally which include applying anti rust to metal door and security bars, and replacement of the damaged roofing system amongst other works.

At the CMS, the Contractor will be required to provide construction services for the supply and installation of a self-supporting Prefabricated Storage Unit (PFSU), that should be assembled at an existing reinforced concrete carport at the CMS in Caldwell. The Contractor will also be required to supply and install shelving and racking, air conditioning equipment, internal electrical reticulation, and the connection to an existing on-site power source. The unit will be constructed for the storage of boxed and individual containers of Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).

3. Solarization of JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The purpose of this task will be to provide procurement and installation services for addressing power usage at the JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using solar panels and batteries.

The system will be a hybrid solar PV - on-grid system that will be integrated with the existing national grid to provide twenty-four-hour electricity. The system will have a solar array mounted at JFK Hospital Compound. The proposed system will have a battery bank that will provide 0.6 days of autonomy. The system shall include separate feeders for critical and lifesaving functions, guaranteeing power to priority equipment in the event of power shortages or generator failures.

The Mission also requires construction/installation of a climate-controlled equipment room for the battery bank to ensure the long life of batteries.

4. Conservation Infrastructure

The Mission anticipates supporting the construction of ranger facilities and research or conservation centers. These structures will improve the management, operations, and amenities associated with protected areas in Liberia. These structures will be constructed at the Forestry Training Center in Bomi County; Marshall wetlands in Margibi, and Krahn-Bassa forest in Grand Bassa County. The Research Center, constructed at each of the mentioned locations, will consist of offices; conference room to host about 25 persons; small laboratory; bathrooms and kitchenette. The center will be powered using a solar pv system as its primary source of energy.

Additionally, the centers will include lodging quarters of about six rooms with bathrooms to accommodate staff and visitors. Such infrastructure may include the construction of ranger facilities, research or conservation centers, and ecotourism or camp infrastructure.

The contractor will be required to provide construction services for all three sites sequentially over a 12-month period.

5. Agriculture Infrastructure

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The Mission anticipates the construction of small-scale agricultural infrastructure to improve and intensify agricultural production and processing. These construction works will be implemented in six counties sequentially (Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and Margibi) over a 12-month period. The Contractor will provide construction services for agricultural related infrastructures in the counties mentioned include, but not limited to, the construction or rehabilitation of irrigation systems or weir structures using gravity and/or mechanical flow of water; construction of miniature dams to provide water to a localized irrigation system for improving agricultural value chain; agricultural landscaping or paddy construction; temporary food storage/processing facilities or hubs with air condition system power by solar energy; market buildings in rural Liberia to increase market access.

TABLE 2: DEFINED OR ILLUSTRATIVE PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES AND SUB-ACTIVITIES

Project/Activity Number Activities

Activity 1 Water Pipe Service Connections

Activity 2 Ministry of Health Storage Facilities

Activity 3 Solarization of JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Activity 4 Conservation Infrastructure

Activity 5 Agriculture Infrastructure

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Liberia has four major ecological zones: coastal plains; upper highland tropical forest; lower tropical forest zone; and a northern savannah zone and lies entirely within the Upper Guinean

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Forest ecosystem. Liberia contains two of the last three remaining large blocks of Upper Guinean Rainforest in West Africa. These biologically rich forests are home to approximately 240 timber species, 2,000 flowering plants, 600 bird species, 125 mammal species, 74 species of reptile, and more than 1,000 insect species.2 The Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem is identified by Conservation International as a “Biodiversity Hotspot.”

The Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA) completed by USAID/Liberia in late 2018 identified several concerns related to development, natural resource management, the lack of water and waste management infrastructure, and the lack of enforcement of environmental laws. As a result of the destruction of Liberia ‘s infrastructure during the prolonged conflict, piped water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste management systems are severely lacking. As the ETOA points out, despite the EPA Act and the EPM Law that authorize the creation of regulations, rules, standards and guidelines, as well as the provide for penalties for violation, EPA has not officially promulgated any of these regulations, rules, standards and guidelines, so enforcement is not possible. The absence of a law enforcement division within the FDA also appears to hamper enforcement efforts.

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL,

CLIMATE, SOCIAL)

USAID/Liberia has been supporting various infrastructure projects (building construction including clinics, schools, and government buildings; roads; WASH infrastructure including water treatment facilities and water distribution systems; energy infrastructure including electrical distribution networks and solar systems) in Liberia. USAID/Liberia makes direct and/or indirect infrastructure investments in schools, hospitals, public/community buildings, roads and/or culverts/bridges, and public water supply and sanitation systems. The Mission’s infrastructure projects are an important component of our development programs. To improve both timely and cost-effective construction services, the Mission intends to utilize local construction firms to construct various infrastructural activities.

Through this contract, the construction Firms will provide on-demand construction services to all USAID/Liberia technical offices and to ensure effective and timely response to construction needs. The LCW will provide construction services to the mission’s overall development objectives in the Economic Growth, Health, Education, Democracy and Governance Offices.

Additionally, one or more of the following types of construction services will be required under this LCW for the 5 activities:

a. Vertical Structures / Buildings

b. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Services (WASH)

c. Water Distribution Headers and Networks

d. Agricultural Infrastructure (including Dams, Weir Structures, Canals and Irrigation

Systems, Mills and Processing Systems, and Storage Warehouses)

e. Energy Infrastructure

f. Transportation to include roads, bridges, culverts, and drainage structures; and

g. Information Communication Technology (ICT).

2 UNDP (in collaboration with EPA of Liberia), State of the Environment Report for Liberia 2006 (2006).

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2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL

STANDARDS (E.G. WHO), ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND

REGULATIONS

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACT OF 2003 (EPA ACT)

The Environmental Protection Agency Act of (EPA Act) authorized the establishment of an overall institutional framework for sustainable management of the environment in Liberia.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY COUNCIL

The National Environmental Policy Council is responsible for formulating national environmental policy; setting environmental protection priorities, goals, and objectives; and promoting inter-sectoral, private-public cooperation in the achievement of environmental policy.

LINE MINISTRY ENVIRONMENTAL UNITS

To facilitate the coordination between the EPA and Line Ministries, the EPA Act requires each Line Ministry to establish an environmental unit. The units are charged with ensuring compliance with the requirements of the act, making comments on environmental impact assessments, and liaising with the EPA on environmental management.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT LAW

The Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML) forms the legal framework for the sustainable development, management, and protection of the environment by the Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with relevant ministries, autonomous agencies, and organizations.

Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 3 In keeping with Agency policies for provision of government-to-government assistance, USAID is committed to designing and implementing programs jointly with the partner government, and to implementing the programs using the partner government policies and procedures to the extent possible. The EPA Act establishes EPA as “the principal authority in Liberia for the management of the environment.” The EPA is an autonomous body under the Executive Branch of Government overseen by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the President from specific government agencies and the private sector. Part III of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML) contains detailed procedures for the implementation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) program for Liberia. The EPA Act (Section 37) and EPML (Sections 6-33) require all public or private projects with a potentially significant impact on the environment to secure an EIA permit prior to commencement of the project

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE)

N/A

3 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Republic of Liberia, November 26, 2002

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3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK4

Construction activities have the potential to cause both direct and indirect adverse impacts on the environment. An example of a direct impact is the filling of a wetland to use as a project site.

Indirect impacts are induced changes in the environment, population, and use of land and environmental resources. Potential rehabilitation and construction impacts associated with small-scale construction activities are to be mitigated by applying guidance for environmentally sound design and management (ESDM), including guidance found in USAID’s Sector ETable 3:

Activities and Impacts Environmental Guidelines at www.usaid.gov/environmental-procedures/ Environmental

4 Includes analysis of environmental and social http://www.usaid.gov/environmental-procedures/

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TABLE 3A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – PROJECT/ACTIVITY 1

Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts

Activity 1: Water Pipe Service Connections

For small construction activities, in the absence of complicating factors the impacts are usually controllable with basic good design and operating practices. However, the precise nature of the potential impacts—and the appropriate design and operating practices to mitigate them—are highly dependent both on location and the specific characteristics of the infrastructure. This requires a site-specific, design-specific assessment of potential adverse impacts and the efficacy of available mitigation measures.

Installation of prefabricated structures can generally limit, but do not eliminate, all impacts of construction. Decommissioning of old structures may also impact the local environment.

Even small-scale construction activities may have adverse environmental and social impacts including general construction impacts such as:

Environmental

● Removal of vegetation and trees and disturbance or fragmentation of existing landscapes/habitats

● Destabilization of existing topographic and geographic features which may contribute to land/mudslides

● Increased erosion of soil and sedimentation in surface water.

● Pollution of soil, ground and surface water and air with toxic substances (e.g., oil, fuel, cement, termiticides for treating wood and soil, paint, thinners, solvents, varnishes, and other substances).

● Generation of hazardous waste (e.g., solvents, varnishes, and other substances).

● Generation of solid waste.

● Exposure to air emissions if waste is improperly burned or otherwise improperly managed.

● Use of water and energy and other natural resources

● Indirect impacts may result from the operations of structures that were constructed. For example, waste streams generated from operation of greenhouses may lead to environmental degradation.

● Improper disposal of construction waste.

Social

● Increase in vectors of disease e.g. from standing water.

● Spread of communicable diseases during changes in population.

● Occupational and public health and safety hazards including from physical injuries and handling toxic substances.

● Enhanced diseases transmission form /to construction crew e.g STDs, HIV/AIDs, COVID 19 etc.

● Land tenure, eminent domain issues.

● Increased light and noise pollution both during construction and operations.

Activity2: Ministry of Health Storage Facilities

Activity 3; Solarization of JFK Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Activity 4: Conservation Infrastructure

Activity 5: Agriculture Infrastructure

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● Impacts such as improper zoning, adverse visual impacts as result of landscape alterations, historical sites alterations.

● Impacts such as improper zoning, adverse visual impacts as result of landscape alterations, historical sites alterations.

● Impacts such as physical injury from vehicle accidents.

Solar systems and batteries can be a target for theft in developing countries. Battery theft can have a particularly negative environmental impact, as thieves are known to dispose of battery fluid haphazardly.

Land and soil in the designated area can be affected by land clearing, but these are not affected if PVs are mounted on the roofs of existing structures. Liquid coolant changes required during operation of solar thermal systems create a risk for accidental water contamination. PV systems in developing countries typically rely on battery packs.

Batteries contain toxic materials that must be disposed of as hazardous waste when battery life is over.

Conservation Infrastructure: The clearing of small sites for conservation activities, especially when conducting construction of in specifically the Marshall wetlands in Margibi, and Krahn-Bassa forest in Grand Bassa County, can potentially lead to;

● Increased human presence in forest areas that degrades sensitive habitats with foot traffic, garbage, human waste, etc…

● Shifts in employment and business patterns that may alter existing social and cultural structures and norms.

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4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Pursuant to 22CFR216.3(c)(2)(iii). A Negative Determination with Condition is recommended for the Liberia IQC IEE portfolio activities. Therefore, implementing partners shall develop a comprehensive EMMP that will cover all sectors of their oversight, with specific mitigation and monitoring plans for all activities recording a negative determination with conditions. If project implementation takes advantage of sub grants/awards, partners shall adapt USAID’s “Supplemental Environmental Review Forms” for program activities to develop an internal environmental screening form for all project activities to ensure that potentially negative impacts are foreseen, and plans are developed for their mitigation. Based on the screening form, partners would be required to produce an Environmental Review Report for each activity. In addition, the Environmentally Sound Design and Management Capacity-Building for Partners and Programs in Africa (ENCAP) training programs for Mission Staff, implementing partners and GOL counterpart staff will be utilized.

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

Per guidance provided in ADS 201 Climate Risk Management for USAID Projects and Activities (201mal_101216), the activity design team conducted a CRM screening; technical guidance provided by the Mission Climate Integration Lead (CIL). USAID’s Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool (for activity design) It was made available to the technical team and used to assess the potential climate risks for the proposed activities. The analysis was reviewed as a team and the climate risks to its components were rated as high according to the CRM risk-rating guidance. Management options and potential adaptation measures were analyzed and refined using the climate matrix.

Engineering analysis preceding design activities must include consideration of climate change and its potential impacts on the location (siting), functionality and sustainability of resulting infrastructure and infrastructure services. Such analysis must include identification of relevant data sets and gaps, review of local building standards and codes for adequacy; and determination of safety factors or other measures of uncertainty that will be carried through design. The results of this analysis, including risks identified and how they are addressed, shall be documented.

Using Liberia's Climate Risk Profile, we assessed the IQC activity using the Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool, assigned a risk rating and developed mitigation actions that could be included in our Activity design and implementation. We also identified Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience in our activity. The most significant climate risks to the activity are discussed in the table below. The rationale behind the acceptance of any climate risks is also presented and justified.

https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-risk-screening-management-tool https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-risk-screening-management-tool

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Table 4. Climate Risk Management Screening

Defined or Anticipated Project Elements5

Climate Risks6

Risk Rating7

How Risks are Addressed at Project Level8

Further Analysis and Actions for Activity Design/ Implementat ion9

Opportunit ies to Strengthen Climate Resilience

Agricultural infrastructure (including Dams, Weir Structures, Canals, and Irrigation System, Mills and processing system, and Storage Warehouses)

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene services (WASH) Infrastructure

Heavy rainfall could slow crops growth and increase erosion and siltation

Sea level rise could destroy crops and infrastructure

High Support government to collect climate projection data

Support economic diversification as a climate adaptation technique

Engineering analysis preceding design activities must include consideration of climate change

Uncertain rainfall could affect the quality and quantity of water

High Introduce climate resilient WASH services

Engineering analysis preceding design activities must include consideration of climate change

Construction (vertical, roads, energy, ICT ,WASH and agriculture)

Higher temperature, flooding, and heavy rainfall can pose a risk to investment in energy and infrastructure

High Design infrastructure with contingency plans to mitigate disruption

Location and materials used for infrastructure

Engineering analysis preceding design activities must include consideration of climate

5 Purpose/Sub-purpose, Area of Focus, or Activity/ Mechanism, etc.

6 List key risks related to the project elements identified through either the strategy- or project-level climate risk assessment.

7 Low/Moderate/High 8 Describe how risks have been addressed at the project level. If a decision has been made to accept the risk, briefly explain why.

9 Describe CRM measures to be integrated into activity design or implementation, including additional analysis, if applicable.

10 Describe opportunities to achieve development objectives by integrating climate resilience or mitigation measures.

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including roads and buildings activities should take climate risk into account change

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5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 CONDITIONS

The environmental determinations in this IEE are contingent upon full implementation of the following general implementation and monitoring requirements, as well as ADS 204 and other relevant requirements.

5.1.1 During Pre-Award:

5.1.1.1 Pre-Award Briefings: As feasible, the design team and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide a pre-award briefing for potential offerors on environmental compliance…