Attachment5 - Initial Environmental Examination.pdf

ME 20-68

USAID/JORDAN IEE FOR WATER GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

ACTIVITY DATA

Activity Name: Water Governance Activity

Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): Jordan

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

Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): April, 2021 - April, 2026

If Amended, specify New End Date:

Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s):

Implementing Partner(s): TBD

Bureau Tracking ID: ME 20-68

Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any):

Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses:

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

USAID/Jordan

Lead BEO Bureau: Middle East

Funding Account(s) (if available): ESF

Original Funding Amount:

If Amended, specify funding amount:

If Amended, specify new funding total:

Prepared by: Farid Musmar

Date Prepared: June 30, 2020

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: X Environmental Examination ☐Deferral

Environmental Determination(s): X Categorical Exclusion(s) X Negative

☐Positive

☐Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv)

IEE Expiration Date (if applicable):

Additional Analyses/Reporting Required: EMMP/EMMR

Climate Risks Identified (#): Low _3_____ Moderate ___1___ High ______

Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low _3_____ Moderate ___1___ High ______ about:blank

USAID/JORDAN IEE FOR WATER GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

The purpose of the Water Governance Activity (WGA) is to support the GOJ to achieve measurable improvements and greater sustainability of the water sector by providing technical assistance to strengthen the GOJ’s reform, policy development and implementation, and capacity-building efforts which will ultimately increase accountable, sustainable, water sector management and governance.

The activity will engage with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and the Water Utilities and coordinate efforts with other related GoJ entities and active water sector donors and stakeholders as well as the private sector through six main components; namely: Water Sector Governance, Water Sector Planning and Management, Water Sector Utility Performance Support, Water Conservation and Demand Management, Capacity Building, and Water Sector Systems Improvement.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

A Negative Determination with Conditions (NDC) is recommended for components 1 and 2 where possible indirect impacts are expected due to planning and implementation of water governance policies as a result of this activity. The implementing partner is required to conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) studies on possible impacts of new emerging policies and submit for review and approval of the MEO and BEO.

A Categorical Exclusion (CE) is recommended for components 3 through 5 of this activity per 22 CFR 216.2(c)(1)(i) where “The action does not have an effect on the natural or physical environment”, 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(i) where “Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)”, 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(iii) where “Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings,” and 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(xiv) where “studies, projects or programs intended to develop the capability of recipient countries to engage in development planning, except to the extent designed to result in activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)” are not subject to the procedures set forth in §216.3.

A Negative Determination with Conditions (NDC) is recommended for component 6 of this activity which involves the procurement of equipment and tools required for enhancing water sector performance. Under this component, the implementing partner is required to develop and EMMP to ensure that equipment, commodities (also see ADS 312) and materials are procured from certified retailers; environmental safety and quality certificates conforming with national and/or international standards are available; equipment and materials are used in an environmentally sound and safe manner, properly disposed of when applicable at the end of their useful life in a manner consistent with best management practices according to USG, EU or equivalent acceptable to USAID, and also in compliance with local legislation.

Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations

(22 CFR 216).

TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Components Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination1

Deferral2

1.Water Sector Governance N/A X ☐ ☐

2.Water Sector Planning and Management

N/A X ☐ ☐

3.Water Sector Utility Performance Support

22 CFR 216.2(c)(1)(i) 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(i) 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(xiv)

4.Water Conservation and Demand Management

5.Capacity Building ☐ ☐ ☐

6.Water Sector Systems Improvement Activities

N/A X

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

The activity design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project in addition to the impact of project activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). The results of the climate risk screening are found in Section 4.2 and attached in Annex 1.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

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.

1 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

2 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

ACTIVITY NAME: Water Governance Activity

Bureau Tracking ID: ME 20-68

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

EXAMINATION

CONTENTS

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 6

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE 6

1.2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 6

1.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 6

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 7

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT,

PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES) 7

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER

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

POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS 7

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE) 7

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK 9

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 9

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 9

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 9

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 10

5.1 CONDITIONS 10

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS 12

5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 12

TABLE 5A. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE WATER GOVERNANCE

ACTIVITY 12

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION 13

7.0 REVISIONS 13

ATTACHMENTS: 13

Annex 1. Water Governance Activity Climate Risk Management Summary Table 14

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), 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, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation.

This IEE also documents the results of the 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 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 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Water Governance Activity (WGA) is to support the GOJ to achieve measurable improvements and greater sustainability of the water sector by providing technical assistance to strengthen the GOJ’s reform, policy development and implementation, and capacity-building efforts which will ultimately increase accountable, sustainable, water sector management and governance.

This activity will contribute to DO2 of the Mission’s new CDCS, “Jordan’s Ability to Improve its Water Security Strengthened”; specifically IR 2.2, “Water Sector Governance and Management Strengthened. The Water Governance Activity is authorized under the Water Resources and Environment (WRE) Project Appraisal Document (PAD) - Amendment No. 1, under Sub-IR 3.3.2: Water Sector Management and Governance Improved.

1.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

The activity will engage with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and the Water Utilities and coordinate efforts with other related GoJ entities and active water sector donors and stakeholders as well as the private sector through six main components; namely: Water Sector Governance, Water Sector Planning and Management, Water Sector Utility Performance Support, Water Conservation and Demand Management, Capacity Building, and Water Sector Systems Improvement.

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

Component 1. Water Sector Governance

Component 2. Water Sector Planning and Management

Component 3. Water Sector Utility Performance Support

Component 4. Water Conservation and Demand Management

Component 5. Capacity Building

Component 6. Water Sector Systems Improvement Activities https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal

Will this project/activity involve construction3 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes ☐ No X

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL,

CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES)

There are no baseline environmental conditions that are relevant to interventions under this activity. Components 1 to 5 will comprise technical assistance, capacity development and training interventions while component 6 will involve procurement of equipment and tools such as water saving devices and water harvesting tools. Therefore, no direct potential negative impacts to the environment are identified. However, water governance policies and plans that may be adopted and implemented as a result of this activity may have an indirect impact that should be assessed during the planning of these policies. The implementing partner is required to conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for new policies.

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL

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

Jordanian laws include the Environment Protection Law No.6 of 2017, which contains 32 articles that include definitions, general principles, objectives, and duties and powers of the Ministry of Environment. It also sets the principles for cooperation and coordination between the Ministry and local, regional, and international organizations that work in the environment field in order to achieve the goals of protecting the environment and to improve its various elements in a sustainable manner.

Jordan’s major water sector governance bodies include the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA). The MWI is the government entity that carries out the operational functions of the water sector including the management of water and wastewater services, operation and maintenance, and construction of large water supply and wastewater treatment facilities, in addition to groundwater management for the agricultural sector (outside JVA areas). The Government of Jordan (GOJ), represented by MWI, has taken an active role to address institutional overlap and inefficiency through the creation of regional public water companies across Jordan. The regional water companies are meant to integrate private sector best practices, ownership and control, and act independently from MWI. In practice, however, they remain virtual arms of MWI. The utilities operate under somewhat different rules than MWI but lack many of the tools and management systems needed to operate as commercial entities.

At the same time, JVA is still leading and protecting water and land resources and their supporting infrastructure in the Jordan Valley in an environmentally and economically responsible manner.

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE)

The Kingdom of Jordan's primary environmental management challenge pertains to the country's water scarcity, compounded by increasing population, arid temperatures, and erratic

3 Construction, as defined by ADS 201 and 303, includes: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures. In the box below, describe any construction planned for this project/activity. Refer to ADS 201maw for required Construction Risk Management procedures.

https://www.usaid.gov/jordan/water-and-wastewater-infrastructure https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/201maw.pdf rainfall. Further, these factors contribute to decreasing groundwater quality and increasing salinity. Water use in Jordan exceeds the recharge rate, and water demands increase with population growth, conflicts, and refugees. The country relies on a mix of technologies and innovations to mitigate against this challenge. According to Jordan's 2017 National Voluntary Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, Jordan reuses approximately 93% of its treated wastewater for agriculture. The country continues to solicit and explore desalination plants to meet urban water demand as it grows with the country's population. And the prospect of developing a water conveyance system between the Red Sea and Dead Sea (i.e., the Red- Dead Canal) continues to be discussed, but remains a point of major political tension between Israel and Jordan, with the latter's interest directly tied to the country's water insecurity.

To increase foreign investment, Jordan implemented major regulatory reforms, including Investment Law (Law No. 30) and created the Jordan Investment Commission. A recent joint effort of the World Bank and OECD called MENA Transition Fund Jordan Competitiveness and Investment Project advised on policy and built local capacity. In 2018, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan for over

2.8 billion Euros for improving sustainable infrastructure development, including water, wastewater, and energy. Ongoing increased investment, with particular attention to water and wastewater management and reuse, will remain of highest priority for environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and political stability in Jordan.

As per Jordan's Third National Communication (TNC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2014, the adaptive capacity for the water sector is LOW to adapt to precipitation decrease, temperature decreases, drought, and increases in evaporation. There is stress on the water systems during the summer due to the seasonal increase in water demand, considering that people are supplied with water one day per week in Amman and one day every two weeks in other Governorates (except Aqaba and Maan that have a continuous supply system).

Climate Change Policy for a Resilient Water Sector in 2016 by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) stressed the TNC findings. The Jordanian water sector needs to build resilience in response to the combination of climate change and other disturbances and shocks.

The water sector in Jordan faces significant financial challenges (including sizable debt and the inability for most utilities to cover operating costs) as well as stress from increasing population growth. As for institutional capacity, the water sector has historically been constrained by weak institutional capacity, though the National Water Strategy and Water Sector Capital Investment Plan for 2016-2025 is anticipated to address some of the key institutional and planning challenges.

In the beginning of 2020, the cabinet approved a draft law to merge MWI and Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) in order to standardize decision-making processes within the water sector as well as prevent overlap, reduce costs and institutionalize work.

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/16289Jordan.pdf https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/16289Jordan.pdf https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/smart-water-magazine/jordan-launches-call-proposals-water-desalination-and-conveyance-scheme https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/jordan/regional-stakes-soured-israeli-jordanian-relations https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/jordan/regional-stakes-soured-israeli-jordanian-relations http://www.oecd.org/mena/competitiveness/Enhancing-the-Legal-Framework-for-Sustainable-Investment-Lessons-from-Jorden.pdf https://www.ebrd.com/news/2018/ebrd-and-jordan-to-step-up-infrastructure-development-.html

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK

PROJECT/ACTIVITY 1: WATER GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY

TABLE 3A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Component Potential environmental and social impacts

1. Water Sector Governance Possible indirect impacts

2. Water Sector Planning and Management Possible indirect impacts

3. Water Sector Utility Performance Support No potential impacts

4. Water Conservation and Demand Management

No potential impacts

5. Capacity Building No potential impacts

6. Water Sector Systems Improvement Activities Improper installation, use, and disposal of equipment and materials procured and/or replaced under this component

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

The following table summarizes the recommended determinations based on the environmental analysis conducted. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, per 22 CFR 216.

Specified conditions, detailed in Section 5, become mandatory obligations of implementation, per ADS 204.

TABLE 4: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination4

Deferral5

1. Water Sector Governance N/A X ☐ ☐

2. Water Sector Planning and Management

N/A X ☐ ☐

3. Water Sector Utility Performance Support

22 CFR 216.2(c)(1)(i) 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(i) 22 CFR 216.2(c)(2)(xiv)

4. Water Conservation and Demand Management

5. Capacity Building ☐ ☐ ☐

6. Water Sector Systems Improvement Activities

N/A X

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

4 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

5 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

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This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The activity design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of project activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). The results of the climate risk screening are attached in Annex 1.

The following key risks have been identified:

● Travel for training, capacity building, or other activities are interrupted due to extreme weather events.

● Infrastructure used for training, IT, research, etc. damaged by extreme weather events.

● Poor stakeholder awareness of climate change stressors and possible impacts may compromise long-term planning and sustainability of programs.

The overall impact of the above risks on the activity is considered LOW; however, the design team recommends that the implementing partner takes the following actions to address these risks during implementation of the activity:

● Consider seasonal forecasts and rainy seasons when planning for training or similar activities. Use contingency planning and consider virtual training as options.

● Ensure data analysis with climate and/or water variables takes into consideration projected future climate change scenarios, and incorporate this information into water governance policies.

Additionally, The possible impact of Climate Change on new policies is considered MODERATE. The implementing partner is required to conduct climate risk screening for new policies where applicable. The implementing partner is required to integrate climate information and future climate scenarios where applicable into water policies within the context of ESIA.

Thus, new policies in the water sector will consider and incorporate climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

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 expectations/responsibilities at bidders’ conferences.

5.1.1.2 Solicitations: The design team, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure solicitations include environmental compliance requirements and evaluation criteria. A/CO will ensure technical and cost proposal requirements include approach, staffing, and budget sufficient for complying with the terms of this IEE.

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/201mal

5.1.1.3 Awards: The A/COR, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure all awards and sub-awards, include environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2 During Post-Award:

5.1.2.1 Post-Award Briefings: The A/COR and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide post-award briefings for the IP on environmental compliance responsibilities.

5.1.2.3 Work plans and Budgeting: The A/COR will ensure the IP integrates environmental compliance requirements in work plans and budgets to comply with requirements, including EMMP implementation and monitoring.

5.1.2.4 Staffing: The A/COR, in coordination with the IP, will ensure all awards have staffing capacity to implement environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.5 Records Management: The A/COR will maintain environmental compliance documents in the official project/activity file and upload records to the designated USAID environmental compliance database system.

5.1.2.6 Host Country Environmental Compliance: The A/COR will ensure the IP complies with applicable and appropriate host country environmental requirements unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. However, in the case of a conflict between the host country and USAID requirements, the more stringent shall govern.

5.1.2.7 Work Plan Review: The A/COR will ensure the IP verifies, at least annually or when activities are added or modified, that activities remain with the scope of the IEE. Activities outside of the scope of the IEE cannot be implemented until the IEE is amended.

5.1.2.8 IEE Amendment: If new activities are introduced or other changes to the scope of this IEE occur, an IEE Amendment will be required.

5.1.2.9 USAID Monitoring Oversight: The A/COR or designee, with the support of the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO), will ensure monitoring of compliance with established requirements (e.g., by desktop reviews, site visits, etc.).

5.1.2.10 Environmental Compliance: The A/COR will ensure the IP develops, obtains approval for the ESIA associated with Components 1&2, and develops an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs) for Component 6 that are responsive to the stipulated environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.11 Environmental Compliance Reporting: The A/COR will ensure the IP includes environmental compliance in regular project/activity reports, using indicators as appropriate; develops and submits the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Reports (EMMRs); and completes and submits a Record of Compliance (RoC) describing their implementation of EMMP requirements in conjunction with the final EMMR or at the close of sub activities (as applicable). And where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure the IP prepares a closeout plan consistent with contract documentation for A/COR review and approval that outlines responsibilities for end-of-project operation, the transition of other operational responsibilities, and final EMMR with lessons learned.

5.1.2.12 Corrective Action: When noncompliance or unforeseen impacts are identified, IPs notify the A/COR, place a hold on activities, take corrective action, and report on the effectiveness of corrective actions. The A/COR initiates the corrective action process and ensures the IP completes and documents their activities. Where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure Record of Compliance is completed.

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS

5.2.1 Sub-award Screening: The A/COR will ensure the IP uses an adequate environmental screening tool to screen any sub-award applications and to aid in the development of EMMPs.

5.2.2 Other Supplemental Analyses: The A/COR will ensure supplemental environmental analyses that are called for in the IEE are completed and documented.

5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES

The mitigation measures presented in this section constitute the minimum required based on available information at the time of this IEE and the environmental analysis in Section 4.

PROJECT/ACTIVITY 1: WATER GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY

TABLE 5A. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE WATER GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY

Component Mitigation Measure(s)

Components 1-2 The implementing partner (IP) is required to conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) studies on possible impacts of new emerging policies subject to the approval of the MEO and BEO.

The IP will take into account findings, recommendations, and mitigation measures of related activities and studies including the ME regional MENA Drought project, the 2020 Jordan Programmatic PERSUAP/IPM for WWTP, and Jordan (ECOS) Wastewater Reuse analysis.

Components 3-5 N/A

Component 6:

Water Sector Systems Improvement Activities

The implementing partner will develop an EMMP to ensure that equipment, commodities (also see ADS 312) and materials are procured from certified retailers and installed by qualified technicians; environmental safety and quality certificates conforming with national and/or international standards are made available; equipment and materials are used in an environmentally sound and safe manner, properly disposed of when applicable at the end of their useful life in a manner consistent with best management practices according to USG, EU or equivalent acceptable to USAID, and also in compliance with local legislation.

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

The determinations recommended in this document apply only to projects/activities and sub-activities described herein. Other projects/activities that may arise must be documented in either a separate IEE, an IEE amendment if the activities are within the same project/activity, or other type of environmental compliance document and shall be subject to an environmental analysis within the appropriate documents listed above.

Other than projects/activities determined to have a Positive Threshold Determination, it is confirmed that the projects/activities described herein do not involve actions normally having a significant effect on the environment, including those described in 22 CFR 216.2(d).

In addition, other than projects/activities determined to have a Positive Threshold Determination and/or a pesticide management plan (PERSUAP), it is confirmed that the projects/activities described herein do not involve any actions listed below. Any of the following actions would require additional environmental analyses and environmental determinations:

● Support project preparation, project feasibility studies, or engineering design for activities listed in §216.2(d)(1);

● Affect endangered and threatened species or their critical habitats per §216.5, FAA

118, FAA 119;

● Provide support to extractive industries (e.g. mining and quarrying) per FAA 117;

● Promote timber harvesting per FAA 117 and 118;

● Lead to new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or renovation work per

§216.2(b)(1);

● Support agro-processing or industrial enterprises per §216.1(b)(4);

● Provide support for regulatory permitting per §216.1(b)(2);

● Lead to privatization of industrial facilities or infrastructure with heavily polluted property per §216.1(b)(4);

● Research, testing, or use of genetically engineered organisms per §216.1(b)(1), ADS

● Assist the procurement (including payment in kind, donations, guarantees of credit) or use (including handling, transport, fuel for transport, storage, mixing, loading, application, clean-up of spray equipment, and disposal) of pesticides or activities involving procurement, transport, use, storage, or disposal of toxic materials.

Pesticides cover all insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc. covered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act per §216.2(e) and §216.3(b).

7.0 REVISIONS

Per 22 CFR 216.3(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 A/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.

ATTACHMENTS:

Annex 1: Climate Risk Screening Table for Water Governance Activity

ANNEX 1. WATER GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT SUMMARY TABLE

Defined or Anticipated Activity Elements6

Climate Risks7 Risk Rating8

How Risks are Addressed at Activity Level9

Further Analysis and Actions for Activity Design/ Implementation10

Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience11

Water sector governance, planning and management, performance and support to utilities, conservation and demand management, capacity building, as well as water sector systems improvement.

Possible impact of CC on new policies.

MODE

RATE

The implementing partner is required to conduct climate risk screening for new policies where applicable.

The implementing partner is required to integrate climate information including future climate scenarios where applicable into water policies within the context of ESIA.

New policies in the water sector will consider and incorporate climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Travel for training, capacity building, or other activities is interrupted due to extreme weather events.

LOW When planning for training and similar activities, consider seasonal forecasts and rainy seasons when choosing dates and location, use contingency planning and consider virtual training as options.

N/A An accepted risk is that infrastructure may be damaged by extreme weather events where training, research, IT, etc occur.

Infrastructure used for training, IT, research, etc.

damaged by extreme weather events.

Poor stakeholder awareness of climate change stressors and possible impacts may compromise long-term planning and sustainability of programs.

LOW Ensure data analysis with climate and/or water variables takes into consideration projected future climate change scenarios.

N/A An opportunity is to raise awareness on climate risks in capacity building and technical assistance interventions.

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

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

8 Low/Moderate/ High 9 Describe how risks have been addressed at the project level. If a decision has been made to accept the risk, briefly explain why.

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

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