J.4_Liberia_Shine_IEE_29July2015_Approved.pdf

FACESHEET

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

AND

REQUEST FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

PROGRAM/ACTIVITY DATA

Country/Region: Liberia/West Africa

Program Areas 4, 3 and 2: Economic Growth, Education and Governance

Program Element 4.5.1 Agricultural Enabling Environment Program Element 4.6.3 Workforce Development Program Element 3.2.2 Higher Education Program Element 2.2.3 Local government Decentralization

Program/Activity Title: The Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure for Education and

Agriculture (SHINE) project

Award Number: TBD

Funding Begin: September 2015 (est.)

Funding End: September 2020

LOP Amount: US $17,000,000

IEE Prepared By: David Wounuah, EG Team

Current Date: 16 June 2015

Expiration Date: 30 September 2020

IEE Amendment (Y/N): No If "Yes," Number & date of original IEE: n/a

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION RECOMMENDED: (Place X where applicable)

Categorical Exclusion: X Negative Determination: X

Positive Determination: Deferral: X

ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS: (Place X where applicable)

CONDITIONS X PVO/NGO:

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The purpose of this IEE, in accordance with 22 CFR 216, is to provide the first review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment, as well as recommend threshold decisions for all activities under USAID/Liberia’s Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure for Education and Agriculture (SHINE) Project. As designed, SHINE is a 24 month program that is expected to be awarded on or September 15, 2015 with implementation commencing shortly afterwards.

The SHINE project will provide complementary, vertical infrastructure investments that support USAID funded projects in agriculture, higher education, economic governance and natural resource management in Liberia.

Under the SHINE project the following facilities will be constructed, rehabilitated or expanded:

1) The following facilities will be constructed:

• Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) new office building (1 unit)

• New staff housing units for Cuttington University (CU) (5 units)

• Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) offices in Nimba and Lofa counties (2 units)

• Annexes to community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Bassa counties (3 units)

• Integrated seed/grains storage and processing facilities (4 units)

• Construction of engineering student demonstration projects (5 units)

• Construction of clinic, CU (1 unit)

2) The following facilities will be renovated/rehabilitated/expanded under this objective:

• Forestry Training Institute (FTI) campus (14 housing units, area lightening, walkways, storm drainage and sewage systems)

• Natural Science Building, University of Liberia (UL) (1 unit)

• Library expansion, CU (1 unit)

• MOA offices in Bong and Grand Bassa counties (2 units)

• Piggery & Poultry repairs, CU (1 unit)

• Engineering building, UL (1 unit)

Recommended Threshold Determinations Including Conditions

Under this objective all of the activities listed in C.2 will be constructed/renovated and maintained for a period of at least 6 months each. The six-month maintenance period shall cover defects liability maintenance between the period of substantial completion and final completion.

Activities under this objective include rehabilitation, expansion and construction of building infrastructures. Facilities that are less than 1,000 square meters and do not have complicating factors (defined in Section 3 below) receive a Negative Determination with Conditions pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(3)(iii). With implementation of the recommended mitigation and monitoring measures, these activities are not expected to have significant adverse effects on the environment.

However, the below listed specific activities are recommended for Deferral, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(1)(iii), pending a thorough environmental analysis which will be carried out as a part of the detailed engineering design process. If designs indicate the size of the disturbed area for each of the below structures exceeds 1,000 square meters, an environmental assessment will need to be completed to the satisfaction of the Liberian EPA and USAID Bureau Environmental Officer. If total disturbed area for each of the below structures is approximately 1000 square meters or smaller with no complicating factors, this activity will qualify for classes of activities generally considered small-scale (by USAID Africa Bureau standards) and a Negative Determination with conditions that construction following the Sector Environmental Guidelines for construction should apply (found at: http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm).

These deferred activities include:

• Natural science building (UL),

• LIPA classroom building,

• Annexes to community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Bassa counties,

• CU Clinic and

• Integrated seed/grains storage and processing facilities.

For construction of facilities that are not deferred, and that are over 1,000 meters squared (or currently have unknown scale), the formal AFR subproject/subgrant review process will apply, as set out by the AFR Environmental Review Form (available at http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/ComplianceForms/AFR/AFR-EnvReviewForm- 20Dec2010.doc). This form must be completed and approved by the COR/AOR, MEO and REA prior to construction/rehabilitation.

Monitoring, Mitigation, and Evaluation

In addition to the specific conditions above, the negative determinations recommended in this IEE are contingent on full implementation of the following general monitoring and implementation requirements:

1. IP Briefings on Environmental Compliance Responsibilities. The EG and SHINE team shall provide each IP with a copy of this IEE; each IP shall also be briefed on their environmental compliance responsibilities by their C/AOR. During this briefing, the IEE conditions applicable to the IP’s activities will be identified.

2. Development of EMMP. Each IP whose activities are subject to one or more conditions set out in Section 3 of this IEE shall develop and provide for C/AOR review and approval of an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) documenting how their project will implement and verify all IEE conditions that apply to their activities.

These EMMPs must identify how the IP will assure that IEE conditions that apply to activities supported under subcontracts and subgrant are implemented. In the case of http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm large subgrants or subcontracts, the IP may elect to require the subgrantee/subcontractor to develop their own EMMP. (Note: The AFR EMMP Factsheet provides EMMP guidance and sample EMMP formats:

http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/lopDocs/ENCAP_EMMP_Factsheet_22Jul2011.p df)

3. Integration and implementation of EMMP. Each IP shall integrate their EMMP into their project work plan and budgets, implement the EMMP, and report on its implementation as an element of regular project performance reporting.

IPs shall assure that sub-contractors and sub-grantees integrate implementation of IEE conditions, where applicable, into their own project work plans and budgets and report on their implementation as an element of sub-contract or grant performance reporting.

4. Integration of Compliance Responsibilities in prime and sub contracts and grant agreements. USAID/Liberia and SHINE are committed to incorporating sound environmental review principles and screening, capacity building, monitoring, evaluations, and mitigation procedures specified in this IEE. The COR and SHINE implementing partner shall ensure that provisions of the IEE, including the conditions and monitoring set forth herein, are incorporated into all prime and sub-contract and grant agreements.

5. Assurance of sub-grantee and sub-contractor capacity and compliance. IPs shall assure that sub-grantees and subcontractors have the capability to implement the relevant requirements of this IEE. The IP shall, as and if appropriate, provide training to subgrantees and subcontractors in their environmental compliance responsibilities and in environmentally sound design and management (ESDM) of their activities.

6. EG & SHINE monitoring responsibility. As required by ADS 204.3.4, the Economic Growth Team and SHINE implementing partners will “actively monitor ongoing activities for compliance with approved Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Categorical Exclusion (CE) recommendations, conditions and mitigation measures.” If new or unforeseen consequences arise during implementation the team will suspend the activity and initiate appropriate further review in accordance with 22 CFR 216. USAID monitoring shall include regular site visits, at times with the MEO accompanying the COR or designate in the field.

7. New or modified activities. As part of its Work Plan, and all Annual Work Plans thereafter, the implementing partner in collaboration with the USAID COR shall review all on-going and planned activities to determine if they are within the scope of this IEE.

If any new activities make substantial modifications to existing activities within the program elements covered by this IEE, an amendment to this IEE addressing these activities shall be prepared for USAID review and approval. No such new activities shall be undertaken prior to formal approval of this amendment by the Bureau Environmental Officer.

8. Compliance with Host Country Requirements. Nothing in this IEE substitutes for or supersedes IP, sub-grantee and sub-contractor responsibility for compliance with all applicable host country laws and regulations. The IP, sub-grantees and subcontractor must comply with host country environmental regulations unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. However, in case of conflict between host country and USAID regulations, the latter shall govern.

http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/lopDocs/ENCAP_EMMP_Factsheet_22Jul2011.pdf

Specifically, the SHINE Implementer shall:

• Have a designated Environmental Compliance Officer responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance of all construction works with the IEE, EMMP, and any additional Environmental Assessments (EA).

• Provide the COR, as specified pursuant to applicable provisions in the contract, requested documentation, including, as applicable to activities, documents that demonstrate conformance with the environmental regulations, physical planning standards or building codes and construction standards;

• Report on progress in carrying out environment-related conditions, as determined under this IEE. Periodic visits of the COR, with, MEO and other specialists as appropriate, will be encouraged to ensure environmentally sound implementation, mitigation and monitoring of activities.

• Adhere to the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for all activities recommended for a finding of Negative Determination with Conditions and for those activities requiring a more detailed EA.

Limitations/Restrictions

1. Limitations of the IEE: (a) This IEE does not cover activities involving assistance for the procurement (including payment in kind, donations, guarantees of credit) or use (including handling, transport, fuel for transport, storage, mixing, loading, application, cleanup of spray equipment, and disposal) of pesticides or activities involving procurement, transport, use, storage, or disposal of toxic materials. Any pesticide activity proposed under this program would necessitate an amended IEE, including all elements of analysis identified in 22 CFR 216.3(b), USAID’s Pesticide Procedures. (b) If activities are to cover work with or support agro-processors, Environmental Due Diligence Reports will be required of their facilities.

(c)This IEE does not cover assistance for the procurement or use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). (d) This IEE does not cover details of EMMPs relative to the activities recommended for deferral and requiring detailed environmental analysis as part of the engineering design process. These deferred activities include:

• Natural science building (UL),

• LIPA classroom building,

• Annexes to community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Bassa counties,

• CU Clinic,

• Integrated seed/grains storage and processing facilities

2. Protection of natural habitats. USAID funds will not be used for land conversion from its natural state (i.e. forests, wetlands, grasslands, savannas, coastal zones, etc.), but rather this program will promote the maintenance and protection of such land types. Mitigation against adverse environmental impact from use of sand, gravel, timber, charcoal and fuelwood will be established prior to implementation of construction activities. Plans that are developed for community managed natural resource areas will be developed in a participatory manner, including all stakeholders.

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

PROGRAM/ACTIVITY DATA:

Program: Economic Growth / Agriculture/ Higher Education/ Governance

Activity Number: TBD

Country/Region: Republic of Liberia / West Africa

Program/Activity Title: The Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure for Education and

Agriculture (SHINE) project

1.0 BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Purpose and Scope of IEE

The purpose of this IEE, in accordance with 22 CFR 216, is to provide the first review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment, as well as recommend Threshold Decisions for all activities under the Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure for Education and Agriculture (SHINE) project. The contract for SHINE, a twenty-four month program, is expected to be awarded on or about September 30, 2015, and program implementation will commence shortly afterwards.

1.2 Background

The people of the Republic of Liberia are struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of a bloody civil war and decades of autocratic mismanagement and neglect. Despite an abundance of natural resources and a relatively small population of about 3.7 million in a country roughly the size of Tennessee, Liberia is only just beginning to stabilize and move ahead after a vicious cycle of poverty and conflict. From the start of the wars in 1989 until 2003, the country’s Gross Domestic Product per capita fell by 76%. Some of the consequences of sub-par economic growth are that approximately 75% of the population does not have access to potable water, nearly 40% of children under five are malnourished, and more than half of the country’s population ekes out a living on less than US$1 per day.

Since the cessation of the Liberian war, the US Government has been instrumental in rebuilding the country’s decimated infrastructure. While the economy has achieved a foundation for stability, the need for improved infrastructure will continue for facilities and institutions that support higher education (especially in Agriculture and Engineering), agricultural processing, natural resource management, vocational education and agricultural decentralization. The immediate goal of SHINE is to rebuild damaged infrastructure, expand existing infrastructure and conduct new construction in support of the aforementioned sectors.

Construction activities targeted under this project include: renovation of higher educational /vocational training facilities; renovation/construction of Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) county offices (in Nimba, Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa Counties); construction of new staff housing units and health clinic as well as expansion of the library at Cuttington University; and construction of other agriculture-related infrastructure like grains storage and processing facilities at various locations.

1.3 Description of Activities

The Sustainable High Impact Infrastructure for Education and Agriculture (SHINE) project will provide construction services for vertical infrastructure activities in support of USAID funded projects in agriculture, higher education, economic governance and natural resource management.

Key to the implementation of this construction project is close coordination with the respective Government of Liberia (GOL) agencies and ministries and USAID funded mechanisms working in the related sectors. These partners include:

1) Agriculture extension, including MOA and USAID’s FED activity

2) USAID’s Higher Education in Agriculture and Engineering (EHELD) at CU and UL

3) Natural resource management sector, Economic governance and public sector capacity

4) Respective community colleges in Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and High Education

Commission relative to the construction of agricultural technology centers.

Under the SHINE project the following specific facilities will be constructed, rehabilitated or expanded:

1) The following facilities will be constructed:

• Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) new office building (1 unit)

• New staff housing units for Cuttington University (CU) (5 units)

• Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) offices in Nimba and Lofa counties (2 units)

• Annexes to community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties (3 units)

• Integrated seed/grains storage and processing facilities (4 units)

• Construction of clinic, CU (1 unit)

2) The following facilities will be renovated/rehabilitated/expanded under this objective:

• Forestry Training Institute (FTI) campus (14 housing units, area lightening, walkways, storm drainage and sewage systems)

• Natural Science Building, University of Liberia (UL) (1 unit)

• Library expansion, CU (1 unit)

• MOA offices in Bong and Grand Bassa counties (2 units)

1.3.1 Project Implementation Framework and strategy

The SHINE project will be implemented as a design-build construction project, where USAID will provide 30% designs, generic specifications, design criteria and cost framework as attachments to the solicitation. Construction activities targeted under this project include renovation of higher educational /vocational training facilities, renovation/construction of MOA county offices (in Nimba, Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa Counties), the construction of new staff housing units, Library expansion and a health clinic at Cuttington University. In addition, integrated grains storage and processing facilities at four locations (Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties) will be constructed.

All activities under the SHINE project will be implemented through a project manager contract.

Under this arrangement the Project Manager’s (PM) duty will include the fulfillment of detailed engineering designs, sub-contracting for the construction of identified vertical/building construction projects, and provision of full time construction oversight and quality assurance checks.

Under this project the contractor will adopt the following:

1) As a basis for detailed designs, USAID will provide 30% designs and cost frameworks for all activities.

2) As a basis of specifying construction material and finishes, USAID will provide generic specifications and design criteria to be adopted in the designs, planning and allocation of construction resources.

3) The PM will complete the designs and obtain approval from USAID and construction permit from Liberian local authorities.

4) The PM, through a competitive process will procure the services of construction contractors and obtain “approval to subcontract” from USAID.

5) The PM will provide full time project management and quality assurance for construction contracts.

Structured activities and expected results by Objective

Objective One: Develop detail engineering designs and resourced-construction schedules for all construction activities listed in C.2 of the attached scope of work.

Under this objective the Contractor shall develop detailed engineering designs, schedules, plans, specifications and costs for each activity. The detailed engineering designs will be based on the 30% designs, design criteria and generic specifications prepared by USAID.

The following are the minimum tasks and sub-tasks associated with Objective 1:

Task Area 1.1 Prepared detailed engineering designs, specifications, schedule of quantities and construction schedule for all of the activities listed in C.2. Each design at a minimum shall consider site accessibility, building orientation, subsoil investigations, structural designs, availability of quality construction materials, and necessary support infrastructure including:

water extraction, storage and distribution; power generation and supply services; parking areas, etc. To the extent possible the use of renewable/clean/environmental friendly energy sources must be considered.

Task Area 1.2 Preparation of a general umbrella environmental mitigation and management plan (EMMP) to cover all of the activities listed in C.2 that receive a Negative Determination with Conditions. For those activities recommended for deferral (Natural science building, LIPA classroom building, Annexes to community colleges, CU Clinic and the Integrated seeds and grains storage facilities), further environmental assessments must be conducted as part of the design process. Based on the results of the additional environmental assessments for those deferred structures, any required environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) must be completed as part of the design process and approved by the Bureau Environmental Officer prior to the start of construction activities. For those deferred activities that upon further environmental assessment do not require a full ESIA, the approved umbrella EMMP should apply.

Task Area 1.3 an overall construction schedule showing construction sequencing of each activity listed in section C.2 relative to the project performance period.

Results

1) Detailed engineering designs, specifications, schedule of quantities of quantities and construction schedule for all of the activities listed in C.2.

2) Detailed subcontracting and procurement plan for each activity.

3) An overall construction schedule showing construction sequencing of each activity listed in section C.2 relative to the project performance period.

Objective 2: Provide construction services for all activities listed in C.2 based on the approved detailed designs, construction schedule and specifications

Under this objective all of the activities listed in C.2 will be constructed/renovated and maintained for a period of at least 6 months each. The six-month maintenance period shall cover defects liability maintenance between the period of substantial completion and final completion.

Task Area 2.1 The renovation of the FTI (Tubmanburg Bomi) campus in roughly 14 buildings with a total building area of about 20,000 square feet spread over approximately 15 acres in a mixture including staff housing units, offices, classroom buildings, dormitories, kitchen, conference room, library, etc. This task also includes storm drainage systems, rehabilitation of sewage systems, area lightening (solar lights) and walkways.

Task Area 2.2 Full renovation of approximately 120,000 square feet of offices, classrooms, and laboratory space, including plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, HVAC in laboratories on two floors and including roofing of the Natural Science building of the UL, Fendell campus.

This task includes external works around this building including drainage, sewage and walkways. This task will be implemented based on the USAID contractor produced design specifications and recommendations unless otherwise indicated in a modification of the contract resulting from the attached statement of work.

Task Area 2.3 Construction of five new staff housing units on the Cuttington University campus in Bong County. This unit includes two units’ three-bedroom (1,500 square feet per unit) and two units two- bedroom (1,250 square feet per unit).

Task Area 2.4 Construction works for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Cuttington University Library. This task includes an expansion of the existing library by 4,000 square feet, roof reconstruction and full renovation of the existing library.

Task Area 2.5 Construction of two (2) Ministry of Agriculture building as per the approved detailed designs of approximately 2,100 square feet each In Lofa and Nimba counties, Task Area 2.6 Construction works for the rehabilitation and expansion of the ministry of agriculture office building in Grand Bassa county (1,500 square feet) and one residential building for MOA staff in Bong County (former BCADP compound- 2,300 square feet) respectively.

Task Area 2.7 Construction works for the rehabilitation of the CU piggery and poultry facilities in Bong County.

Task Area 2.8 Construction of annexes to community colleges (Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa County) that will host the agriculture technology and enterprise centers

Task Area 2.9 construction of four new integrated central seeds, grains vegetable storage and processing sites at TBD locations in Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Bassa counties. Each facility will be approximately 3,000 square feet. These facilities must be constructed based on negotiated cost share arrangements with the primary beneficiaries. Cost share arrangements must not be less than a USAID to beneficiary cost ratio of 70: 30.

Task Area 2.10 Construction works for the prioritized renovation of classrooms, other instructional space or related support facilities at the UL/Fendell campus engineering building (50,000 square feet)

Task Area 2.11 Develop programs for the construction of five student demonstration projects for engineering students at UL in close coordination with USAID/EHELD, the UL dean of engineering and UL. These projects shall be implemented with the full participation of engineering students in the detailed designs, project planning, scheduling, management, and supervision.

Task Area 2.12 Construction of new classroom building (36,000 square feet) for the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), Doemah town, Margibi County

Task Area 2.13 Construction of a new Clinic on the Cuttington University campus in Bong County

Results

1) The following facilities will be constructed under this objective (Priority Two):

• LIPA new office building (1 unit)

• New staff housing units for the CU (5 units)

• MOA offices in Nimba and Lofa counties (2 units)

• Annexes to community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa (3 units)

• Integrated seed/grains storage and processing facilities (4 units)

2) The following facilities will be renovated/rehabilitated/expanded under this objective

(Priority One)

• FTI campus (14 units, area lightening, walkways, storm drainage and sewage systems)

• Natural Science Building, UL (1 unit)

• Library expansion, CU (1 unit)

• MOA offices Bong and Grand Bassa (2 units)

Objective 3: Support development of maintenance capacity within primary beneficiary institutions.

Primary beneficiaries for this project include Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), University of Liberia (UL), Cuttington University (CU), Forestry Training Institute (FTI), Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) and the Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa Community Colleges.

Other beneficiaries include private sector partners or community farmer groups benefiting from the construction of the drying slabs and the integrated seeds/grains storage and processing facilities.

Task Area 3.1 Drafting and execution of memorandum of understanding (MOU) with each of the above listed primary beneficiaries. This MOU shall outline the respective responsibility of USAID and the beneficiary relative to the construction/renovation and the operations and maintenance of the constructed facilities. Under this task each party to the MOU (USAID and the beneficiary) must demonstrate willingness to implement the terms and conditions as a pre-condition to the start of the construction activities. At a minimum the terms of the MOU must include a commitment of the primary beneficiary to fund routine and periodic maintenance activities following the final handover of the newly constructed facilities. These MOUs must be witnessed by the Ministry of Finance in the case of GOL beneficiaries and by the Board of Directors in the case of private sector beneficiaries.

Task Area 3.2 Provision of work process and classroom trainings in routine, preventive and emergency maintenance of the newly built facilities for the beneficiary’s facility management staff.

Results

1) Clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all parties in the execution of these activities such that the sustainable management of new or rehabilitated facilities is highlighted.

2) An established, trained and capacitated facility management team established in each beneficiary institution.

Objective 4: Provide Laboratory equipment for the natural science building at UL, agricultural technology centers Grand Bassa Community College (GBCC), Nimba County Community College ( NCC) and Lofa County Community College (LCCC) and grains processing equipment for the required new facilities

Under this objective the following tasks will be implemented:

Task Area 4.1 Provide laboratory equipment for the renovated chemistry, biology and physics labs at the UL Natural Science building. These laboratories must be equipped to conduct basic tests associated with physics, chemistry, soil and biology in close collaboration with the UnL College of Science and Technology.

Task Area 4.2 Provide laboratory equipment for chemistry, biology and soil at the community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties. These laboratories must be equipped to conduct basic tests associated with agriculture, chemistry and biology in close collaboration with the UL College of Science and Technology.

Task Area 4.3 Provide grain processing and drying equipment for the newly constructed integrated storage and processing facilities. Equipment must be powered by available renewable energy sources of solar, biomass or biofuel using models piloted by USAID/LESSP program or other clean energy initiatives.

Task area 4.4 Provide basic operations and maintenance training to beneficiary staff in the operations and basic repairs and maintenance of the provided laboratory and processing equipment.

2.0 COUNTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION (BASELINE

INFORMATION)

Lying on the west coast of Africa, the Republic of Liberia is bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cote D’Ivoire and the Atlantic Ocean. The latest national Census conducted in 2008 puts population figures at 3,476,608 people and on covers 111,369 square kilometers (43,000 sq mi) of land space. The little more than a decade long civil war contributed to mass impoverishment and collapse law and order and ruin of public and social infrastructure including well and sanitation facilities, schools and other structure. Electricity outside of Monrovia is severely limited and restricted to privately owned, on-site generation. It is not surprising that people from rural areas continually flock to Monrovia seeking employment opportunities as the absence of electricity impedes the growth of local industries and job opportunities.

The climate is tropical with dry and wet seasons. Annual precipitation measures approximately 75 inches (190 cm). From May to November is the rainy season, followed by the dry season from December through April. During the dry season winds from the Sahara Desert called the Harmattan create wild temperature fluctuations from December to the beginning of March.

2.1. Locations Affected

The SHINE project will focus efforts in seven counties: Monsterrado, Margibi, Bomi, Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa. The selection of these counties was based on the geographical locations of the GOL agencies, USAID geographic focus and the locations of higher educational institutions.

2.2 Liberia Environmental Policies and Procedures

Prior to Liberia’s participation in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June of 1992, “there was hardly any mention of environment in Liberia, except for considerations about the need to conserve the natural resources, primarily forest and wildlife.” No unified policy or institution for environmental protection existed, and all management and protection of the environment was done (or not done) at the sectorial level through line ministries and autonomous agencies.

Although awareness of the need for comprehensive environmental reform was created in 1992, due to the prolonged civil strife, governmental action on this concern was postponed until 1999 when the Government of Liberia established the National Environmental Commission of Liberia (NECOLIB). One of NECOLIB’s immediate mandates was to formulate a national environmental policy and draft a national environmental law.

With assistance from UNDP, NECOLIB prepared and submitted to the legislature three legislative instruments (following) that were approved by the Liberian National Assembly on November 26, 2002 and went into effect when they were officially published on April 30, 2003.

• The National Environmental Policy of Liberia,

• The Environmental Protection Agency Act, and

• The Environment Protection and Management Law.

The National Environmental Policy (NEP) provides the policy objectives for environmental protection in Liberia. The other two pieces of legislation are tiered off of the NEP, with the Environmental Protection Agency Act (EPA Act) providing the institutional framework and the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahara_Desert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmattan

Environment Protection and Management Law (EPML) providing the legal framework to implement the policy objectives.

The National Environmental Policy (NEP) sets the policy framework for environmental management in Liberia. The policy goal of NEP is “to ensure long-term economic prosperity of Liberia through sustainable social and economic development, which enhances environmental quality and resource productivity on a long-term basis that meets the requirements of the present generation without endangering the potential of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The policy specifically calls for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an independent authority for the management of the environment. It also calls for the adoption of the Environmental Protection and Management Law as a tool for implementation of the NEP.

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 Law contains detailed procedures for the implementation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) program for Liberia. This Part, along with Annex I that pertains to Part III, takes up a full one quarter of the text of the Law and provides enough detail and specific legislative language for EPA to implementation of an EIA program. Under EPA Act Section 37 and EPML Sections 6-33, the Act and the EPML require all public or private projects with a potentially significant impact on the environment to secure an environment impact assessment (EIS) permit prior to commencement of the project.

3.0 EVALUATION OF PROJECT ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT POTENTIAL INCLUDING RECOMMENDED DETERMINATIONS

This section evaluates potential environmental impact of the SHINE project by objective and the activities under each objective.

3.1 Objective 1: Develop detail engineering designs and resourced-construction schedules for all construction activities.

Task Area 1.1 Prepared detail engineering designs, specifications, schedule of quantities and construction schedule for all of the activities listed in C.2. Each designs for at a minimum shall consider, site accessibility, building orientation, subsoil investigations, structural designs, availability of quality construction materials, and support infrastructure including water extraction & storage and distribution, power generation and supply services, parking area, etc…( to the extent possible the use of renewable/clean/environmental friendly energy sources must be considered)

Task Area 1.2 Preparation of a general umbrella environmental mitigation and management plan (EMMP) which is broad enough to cover all construction/rehabilitation activities that receive a Negative Determination with Conditions. Based on the conditions that a more detailed evaluation for the following activities: Natural science building, LIPA classroom building, Annexes to community colleges, and the integrated seeds and grains storage facilities, prior to the start of construction activities

Task Area 1.3 an overall construction schedule showing construction sequencing of each activity listed in section C.2 relative to the project performance period.

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Conditions for Engineering designs and planning:

Proposed activities include preparation of detail engineering designs for all construction activities, preparation of EMMPs and creation of construction schedules. Generally all of the activities under this objective can be described as the creation of the infrastructure development plan. All activities in Task Areas 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 of the attached Statement of Work (SOW) are recommended for Negative Determination with conditions pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii).

With implementation of the recommended mitigation and monitoring measures, these activities are not expected to have significant adverse effects on the environment.

While creating the designs, EMMPs and construction schedules will not directly impact the environment, the USAID requires the contractor to abide by the following conditions: (1) ensure that designs reflect environmentally sound design considerations and, where there is potential for adverse impact, ensure that the designs themselves avoid or mitigate these impacts; and (2) Develop and use adequate procedures in the supervision of construction to ensure best practices at construction sites to mitigate short-term construction related impacts. (See Sectoral Environmental Guidelines: Construction at http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm for more information).

3.2 Objective 2: Provide construction services for all activities listed in C.2 based on the approved detailed designs, construction schedule and specifications

Under this objective all of the activities listed in C.2 will be constructed/renovated and maintained for a period of at least 6 months each. The six-month maintenance period shall cover defects liability maintenance between the period of substantial completion and final completion.

Activities under this objective include rehabilitation, expansion and construction of building infrastructures. Facilities that are less than 1,000 square meters and do not have complicating factors1 receive a Negative Determination with Conditions pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(3)(iii). With implementation of the recommended mitigation and monitoring measures, these activities are not expected to have significant adverse effects on the environment.

However, the below listed specific activities are recommended for Deferral, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(1)(iii), pending a thorough environmental analysis which will be carried out as a part of the detailed engineering design process. If designs indicate the size of the disturbed area for each of the below structures exceeds 1,000 square meters, an environmental assessment will need to be completed to the satisfaction of the Liberian EPA and USAID Bureau Environmental Officer. If

1 No complicating factors means that the site is not within 30m of a permanent or seasonal stream or water body, will NOT involve displacement of existing settlement/inhabitants, has an average slope of less than 5% and is not heavily forested, in an otherwise undisturbed local ecosystem, or in a protected area. Sites violating one or more of these criteria are required to complete the formal AFR subproject/subgrant review process, as set out by the AFR Environmental Review Form.

http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm total disturbed area for each of the below structures is approximately 1000 square meters or smaller with no complicating factors, this activity will qualify for classes of activities generally considered small-scale (by USAID Africa Bureau standards) and a Negative Determination with conditions that construction following the Sector Environmental Guidelines for construction should apply (found at: http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm).

These deferred activities include:

• Natural science building (UL),

• LIPA classroom building,

• Annexes to community colleges in Nimba, Lofa and Bassa counties,

• CU Clinic and

• Integrated seed/grains storage and processing facilities.

For facilities that are not deferred per the list above, and that are over 1,000 meters squared (or currently have unknown scale), the formal AFR subproject/subgrant review process will apply, as set out by the AFR Environmental Review Form (available at http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/ComplianceForms/AFR/AFR-EnvReviewForm- 20Dec2010.doc). This form must be completed and approved by the COR/AOR, MEO and REA prior to construction/rehabilitation.

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Conditions for Small Scale Construction:

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 that found in USAID’s Sector Environmental Guidelines at http://www.usaidgems.org/bestPractice.htm, Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia, adopted November 26, 2002 and the IFC environmental, health and safety guidelines at www.ifc.org/ehsguidelines.

Specific attention must be paid to community relations, and a community safety plan must be developed for sites where construction camps will be established, to address public health and safety issue and possible displacement of local inhabitants occupying sites or lands to be used for new construction. The community safety plan must highlight prohibitions activities by camp followers, information sharing with community dwellers, camp inhabitant’s code of conduct, waste removal and management, health services, portable water and water quality assurance plans as relevant, latrines, collection and disposition of solid waste, demolition and restoration plans.

Adverse impacts of Construction projects that must be considered under this IEE include:

Damage to sensitive or valuable ecosystems Construction in wetlands, estuaries or other sensitive ecosystems may destroy or significantly damage exceptional natural resources and the benefits they provide. This damage may reduce economic productivity, impair essential ecosystem services (such as flood control or breeding http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm http://www.usaidgems.org/bestPractice.htm http://www.ifc.org/ehsguidelines habitat for food fish), or degrade the recreational value of these resources. Compaction of the soil and grading of the site may alter drainage patterns and water tables, changing access to water by animals, people and vegetation, and may degrade water resources as well (see below). Improper extraction of construction materials such as wood, stone, gravel, or clay may damage terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., wood may come from relatively un-degraded forests).

Sedimentation of surface waters Removal of natural land cover, excavation, extraction of construction materials and other construction-related activities can result in soil erosion. Erosion can, in turn, lead to sedimentation in receiving waters. Sedimentation may reduce capacity of ponds and reservoirs, increasing flood potential, or substantially alter aquatic ecosystems by changing streambed, lakebed and estuary conditions.

Contamination of ground and surface water supplies Toxic materials are often used in construction. Examples include solvents, paints, vehicle maintenance fluids (oil, coolant), and diesel fuel. If these are dumped on the ground or wash into streams they may contaminate ground or surface water supplies. This may harm the health of the local community, as well as populations living down gradient and downstream.

Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems may also be damaged. Where sanitary facilities for construction crews are inadequate, human waste may contaminate water resources.

Adverse social impacts Construction may displace local inhabitants, or reduce their access to environmental resources. (For example, farmers’ income or subsistence may be reduced.) Construction on or near culturally important sites (cemeteries, worshipping areas, meeting places) may generate conflict with the local community. If the new facility provides a valuable service not available elsewhere (e.g., schools, healthcare facilities, potable water sources and other infrastructure), it may cause migration to the area. If local labor is not used, this may also generate resentment. Noise and dirt from the site may disturb surrounding inhabitants.

Spread of disease An influx of construction workers from other regions may introduce new diseases to the local population or increase the incidence of local infection. This is a particular concern with sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. Specific types of facilities such as those for healthcare, sanitation, and solid waste can also increase the spread of a variety of diseases unless they follow proper waste-handling procedures. In addition, the spread of disease from insect vectors breeding in flooded and abandoned quarries and borrow pits (areas from which construction materials were excavated, or “borrowed”) can negatively impact the health of surrounding populations.

Worker safety Typical health and safety risks to construction workers include falls, injury from falling objects, crush injuries from collapses and heavy equipment, flying debris, extreme heat stress brought on by high temperatures and humidity, and exposures to toxic materials including solvents, cement dust, lead and asbestos. Occupational injuries can permanently deprive construction workers of the ability to earn and livelihood and are often fatal.

Disposition of construction debris As described above, improper disposal of liquid and solid construction wastes can damage sensitive ecosystems, contaminate ground and surface water supplies, adversely impact adjacent populations and contribute to the spread of disease.

Degradation of air quality Potential degradation of air quality on site during construction can occur as a result of exhaust from combustion engines and dust from land clearing, excavation, traffic movement on unpaved roads and exposure of bare soil and earth piles to wind. This can negatively impact worker health if appropriate mitigation measures are not implemented.

Noise pollution During construction activities, noise may be caused by the operation of demolition, earth moving and excavation machines, generators, concrete mixers and cranes. The increased noise level can negatively impact construction workers if appropriate worker safety measures are not implemented.

Damage to aesthetics of site/area If the structure is too large, the architectural style is not consistent with local architectural customs, or it is sited without adequate attention to existing aesthetic and scenic characteristics, the facility may harm the visual quality of the area.

Workers Sanitation During construction, potential outbreak of disease can occur as a result of the lack of adequate sanitary facilities. This can negatively impact workers health if appropriate mitigation measures are not implemented.

With the implementation of the IEE conditions through an approved EMMP, construction activities shall result in no significant adverse effects on the environment. All SHINE activities will be conducted in compliance with local regulations and permitting requirements. The SHINE implementing partner will develop an integrated EMMP for all activities describing how the SHINE project team will implement all IEE and EMMP conditions. The EMMP will be approved by the COR and MEO and shall be integrated into the contract and work implementation plan prior to the beginning of construction activities. Furthermore, all and any necessary adjustments to activity implementation will be made in order to minimize adverse impacts to the environment.

Should new information become available, or potentially more significant impacts be identified during site selection and design, an Environmental Assessment will be conducted to assess impacts and develop appropriate mitigation measures.

The following specific conditions apply to objective 2:

1. Project Oversight: A licensed or certified roads engineer is to be employed on the Project Team to oversee reconstruction activities and monitor IEE compliance.

2. Sourcing Sand and Gravel: Where possible, sand and gravel should be sourced from

Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME) licensed providers working at MLME approved sites. If this is not possible, a “Quarry and Borrow Pit Management Plan” covering siting, extraction and restoration/alternative usage will be required for each road segment and excavation site in consultation with local stakeholders. In general, sourcing from riverbeds and beaches is to be discouraged. By applying careful extraction methods that do not involve use of heavy equipment, relatively small quantities of sand and gravel may be removed from local riverbeds provided the fluvial system is not altered. Ensure that sand and gravel excavation sites are not washed out by, or in contact with, the main current of the river, so as to reduce scouring and sediment transport into the river.

3. Sourcing Timber: Obtain timber only from legitimate suppliers who are supervised and approved by the Forest Development Authority (FDA), and who have FDA-approved timber transport permits.