Environmental Framework

Disaster Recovery and Vulnerability Reduction Project

Bolivia

Environmental Framework

Introduction

During the recent El Nino, Bolivia suffered significant changes in local climate conditions which resulted in a series of disaster events related to increased flooding, landslide, atypical cold weather, drought, and freezing and icing events. These events produced significant damages in several sectors in multiple locations throughout the country. Flooding and landslides damaged infrastructure and losses were suffered both in the public and private sector. Additionally water sources, particularly wells were damaged or contaminated and many remain dysfunctional or produce water that is unfit for human consumption. Cold related events, drought and flooding damaged crops and killed livestock in rural areas and losses were principally suffered in the agricultural sector among small scale farming activities. Of course, lower income populations suffered disproportionately owing to their increased vulnerability both economically and physically from these events.

Finally, according to current predictions from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a change to La Nina conditions is expected to occur during the next three months (June – August 2007). This will likely produce similar events in Bolivia owing to increased rainfall expected and changes in rainfall distribution.

The government of Bolivia has declared a state of national emergency as a result ot the El Nino event and in support of their recovery efforts, the Bank has developed an assistance program to aid in their recovery. Given the prediction for a change to La Nina conditions, the project is designed to assist with recovery from the current situation and to strengthen infrastructure against the anticipated effects of the La Nina.

Description of Works Components

The project is divided into 3 components:

•Component 1: Strategic Planning for Sustainable Reconstruction US$830,000

•Component 2: PRRES Implementation US$8,000,000

•Component 3: Institutional Strengthening (at National, Regional, Local, Sectoral levels US$1,173,200

These components are designed to provide assistance with the current emergency recovery program under Sustainable Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan (PRRES) and assist with advancing the institutionalization of risk management and recovery activities in preparation for future disaster events. Components were prepared based on the needs for the current situation and are complementary to the current UNDP program for institutional strengthening in disaster risk reduction. A detailed description of the project components is presented in Annex 1.

Component 1:Strategic Planning for Sustainable Reconstruction - US$830,000

Under this component, activities will be focused on the development of plans, strategies and institutional norms relating to reconstruction/rehabilitation and risk mitigation for works executed in response to adverse natural events. These efforts will initially focus on those activities required to implement the present reconstruction activities to be executed under PRRES and develop a long-term strategy for the implementation of reconstruction activities in future disasters. Efforts will include the development of norms, legislation, and information systems required to support disaster recovery operations and will support the development of a risk management fund (FORADE). This component is divided into 5 sub-components.

1.1Institutional Implementation Support for disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation under PRRES. VPEP ( Vice minister of Multi-Annual Strategic Planning)

1.2Incorporation of Risk Management in the Territorial Planning Processes

1.3(VIPFE) Incorporation of Risk Management in Public Investments

1.4VPEP Development support for (SNID- National Information System)

1.5 (VPEP) Design of a National Financial Protection Strategy and Risk Management Fund (FORADE)

Component 2:PRRES Implementation - Plan for Sustainable Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Plan de Rehabilitacion y Reconctruccion Sustenible) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction works for the 2006-2007 El Nino US$8,000,000

A series of rehabilitation/reconstruction works will be undertaken in an effort to restore damaged infrastructure. Such reconstruction works will only be financed in specific areas determined to have been particularly affected by El Niño. The average cost of the small works is estimated to be less than US$100,000 with numerous works identified costing less than US$20,000.

Activities to be financed include rehabilitation of flood damaged infrastructure and restoration of productive capacity. Rehabilitation of damaged flood infrastructure would involve investments, inter alia, in the following: potable water systems; sewage systems and ground wells, bridge and road repairs Restoration of productive capacity would involve investments, inter alia, in the following; risk reduction systems, water intakes, small earthen dams, riverbanks, filtration galleries and the related activities.

Physical works under this component have been identified by local communities and submitted by Municipalities, Perfecturas and related sectoral agencies. There are 3 sub-components including:

2.1 Execution of Rehabilitation Works

2.2 Execution of Reconstruction Works

2.3 Accompanying Technical Supervision for the Execution of the Works

Component 3: Institutional Strengthening (at National, Regional, Local, Sectoral levels US$1,173,200

As an initial approach to the long-term integration of improved procedures and mechanisms for disaster reconstruction/rehabilitation, this component will build on the experiences of the current reconstruction program to improve recovery operations. Divided into 4 sub-components these activities are designed to formalize the recovery operation model and integrate associated sectors in a structured recovery framework for use in future disaster situations. Sub-components include:

3.1 Strengthening of National Risk Management System through Implementation of Component 1 Recommendations

3.2 Strengthening of Risk Management in Sectors

3.3 Strengthening of the System at a Decentralized/Territorial Level

3.4 (VPEP) Project Administration and Management Support

Review of Works Contemplated Under the Project

The Government of Bolivia has compiled a list of small works projects it is planning to execute under the program. Projects were selected based on requests from the Municipos and Perfecturas coupled with a needs assessment conducted by the emergency response agency Defensa Civil. These projects are divided into three basic categories:

  • Emergency agricultural assistance and crop rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation of damaged public infrastructure
  • Strengthening of public infrastructure and protective works

Emergency agricultural assistance and crop rehabilitation

In various areas throughout the country, small scale farmers suffered near total loss of the 2006-2007 crop. These included livestock and planted crops which provide not only a source of income but subsistence and stock for the next growing season. The planting season in Bolivia is from August to October and in the affected areas seed stock and next generation livestock were lost. Projects in this category are designed to replace these losses and provide seed and livestock for the upcoming harvest cycle in order to rehabilitate the small farming sector by reestablishing the production cycle. Additionally, existing agricultural lands damaged from flooding will be restored to production by removal of flood debris and soil conditioning activities. In some areas, cattle tanks are to be provided to improve drought resistance. Micro irrigation systems are to be repaired and some additional systems are to be installed to improve drought resistance within the small farming community.

Projects in this category are limited to replacement, rehabilitation and improved disaster resistance of production capabilities in already existing agricultural areas as well as the development of erosion control plans.

Rehabilitation of damaged public infrastructure

Projects in this category pertain to small works designed to repair public infrastructure damaged during the El Nino event. These include flood damage repair, installation of erosion control and protective structures such as gaviones in areas damaged by landslide and flood. Additionally, public water supplies such as filtration units, intakes, and wells and wastewater treatment systems are to be rehabilitated and put back into service.

These works are of small scale and no new facilities are to be constructed under this project.

Strengthening of public infrastructure and protective works

Based on the experience from El Nino and in anticipation of the effects expected from La Nina, works have been designed to strengthen existing infrastructure and provide improved protection from disaster events. These include improvements to drainage, construction of gaviones, flood control improvements such as protective dikes or polders. Improvements are designed to protect vulnerable infrastructure and communities from recurrent flooding or landslide effects.

Project location

Disaster recovery and vulnerability reduction works will be implemented throughout Bolivia, with particular emphasis on those areas most affected by events caused by the recent El Niño phenomenon.

Anticipated Environmental Impacts

A candidate list of works projects with a brief description has been received from the Ministry of Planning. On initial review, all projects proposed appear to be category C under Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01).

The works contemplated under this project are of small scale or fall under the category of technical assistance. Specifically:

  • Works will not occur in protected areas
  • Works will not include any new constructions or amplification of treatment plants, water intakes or transportation facilities.
  • Works are designed to rehabilitate and strengthen damaged infrastructure or agricultural production facilities.
  • Works will occur only in existing areas of production.
  • Works are small scale in nature.
  • No relocations will occur as a result of the project and none are planned in the project areas by any competent Bolivian Government Ministry.

While it is not expected that significant major environmental consequences will arise from the construction of these works, it is recognized that even small projects can have significant environmental impact.

The environmental effects of these small works will generally be limited to the construction phase. Therefore, most of the environmental effort is focused on ensuring the use of good construction practices and proper site management. The identification of these impacts is a fairly straightforward process. Indeed, most works of a given type will have most of the same concerns. Impacts associated with the repair and renovation of a structure will be the same for each project, installation of gaviones or improvements to drainage, on a limited scale will likewise have similar types of impacts.

Of greatest importance in all works related projects is the management of the construction site and typical issues include the management of:

  • Sanitary wastes from workers
  • Trash and construction debris
  • Chemical agents, hazardous materials, paints and coatings
  • Pesticide use
  • Use and onsite storage of hazardous materials
  • Explosives use and storage
  • Use and storage of fuels and related materials

Site operations and activities also raise concerns. These may include:

  • Hours of construction operation
  • Excavation shoring and erosion control
  • Runoff management
  • Traffic control
  • Noise management
  • Discovery of cultural - historic sites during excavation
  • Site occupation and settlement (either by workers or invaders)
  • Proximity and encroachment of protected lands
  • Pest and Vector control

The purpose in assessing the environmental impacts of small works is to identify the potential for these types of impacts and provide contractor requirements for the implementation of environmental protective measures.

I.Environmental assessment process for small works

Under this project, environmental assessment will be conducted jointly between the Bank and the Ministry of Planning. Each works project will be reviewed as final works descriptions are prepared and as necessary site visits will be conducted to verify conditions. Given the emergency nature of the project, Bank supervision will be more intensive than typical Bank projects and the project team will participate jointly with Ministry of Planning in insuring Bank requirements are met.

Screening

An initial screening has been conducted for the projects currently identified and all appear to well within the threshold of Category C. As more detailed works descriptions are completed, the supervision team will conduct a mission to verify the scope and impact of works. Site visits will be conducted as necessary to verify local conditions and scope of works. As there are three basic categories of works, the team will prepare an environmental review of the works proposed, by category and determine environmental contract requirements as presented in the operations manual.

In the highly unlikely event that exceptions are identified which might promote an activity to category B, a separate environmental assessment will be prepared for the works identified. If during the life of the project, works meeting Category A criteria are proposed, they will be rejected and not included in the program.

Bolivian Law

Under Ley Ambiental 1333, a ficha ambiental may be required for the works included in the program. In addition to Bank screening and oversite, the Ministry of Defense, Defensa Civil will be responsible for processing works under this process and obtaining the Ficha Ambiental (if required). Apart from fulfilling the requirements of national law, this process adds an additional layer of oversight to the environmental compliance process. No works will proceed without compliance with this process.

Application of Environmental Management Requirements

Category C Projects

During the execution of a small works project, there are several sources for potential environmental impact that can be controlled to improve the overall quality of the project. These include impacts resulting from activities such as:

  • Erosion/runoff control
  • Disruption of Public Services
  • Vector/disease control
  • Hazardous materials, fuel management
  • Blasting – noise, seismic transmission
  • Smoke and odor control
  • Site sanitation
  • Trash and construction debris management (waste concrete)
  • Fire control
  • Introduced species
  • Pesticide use
  • Dust management
  • Noise control
  • Site security and vandalism
  • Discovery of artifacts
  • Site protection from extreme forces
  • Hunting and consumption of natural resources

In the case of small works, most of these activities will be associated with the construction phase of a given project. These impacts are typically of limited duration and reversible, however, this is not to say they are of little or no importance.

A series of contract clauses have been developed for inclusion in small works contracts. These are presented in Appendix 1. During the review of proposed works, the Bank supervision team, together with the Ministry of Planning, will identify appropriate clauses to be included in the works contracts depending on the activity. Contracts will be subject to Prior Review and the Bank will provide its No Objection as appropriate.

Category B works

In the unlikely event a proposed work is judged to meet the criteria of Category B, an Environmental Assessment will be conducted to comply with Bank policy and Bolivian national law to determine the type and nature of impacts anticipated. This will include an environmental management plan for the specific activity together with required public consultation processes. Given the requirements of the EA process and the urgent nature of the works, the decision will be left to the Bolivian government as to whether to pursue the process or remove the work from further consideration.

Category A Works

Category A works will not be considered for execution under this project.

Environmental Supervision and Vigilance

Environmental supervision will be conducted by both the Bank project management team and the Bolivian Government. Supervision milestones include:

  • Works identification
  • Works engineering design and planning
  • Execution of works
  • Acceptance of Completed works

The Bank supervision team will works closely with the Ministry of Planning during the work identification and engineering and design phase of the work cycle. During these phases, environmental classifications will be determined and contract requirements will be identified. The Bank team will ensure that appropriate environmental control measures are applied to the specific works prior to the issuing of contracts.

During the Execution of works, the environmental officer of the Perfectura together with Ministry of Planning will conduct environmental inspections and oversight to ensure contract compliance. The bank supervision team will make spot inspections as needed to ensure the process is being enforced. Inspection reports will be required based on the nature of the works and copies will be forwarded to the Bank team for review. As needed, the Bank team will provide comments and or verification inspections to ensure compliance.

Acceptance of completed works will be managed by the Minisry of Planning. This will be forwarded to the bank in the form of an acceptance report together with a certification of environmental compliance for Bank review.

The timing of inspections will be determined based on the type of work involved and an environmental inspection plan will be prepared by Ministry of Planning together with the Environmental officer of the Perfectura during the contracting phase of the works. Should deficiencies be identified, the contractor shall be given reasonable time to correct deficiencies and a verification inspection will be made to certify that the contractor is in compliance.

Environmentally related contract clauses

The final part of the screening process results in the inclusion of environmentally related contract clauses. The following clauses are to be applied to all small works contracts. The following is the recommended text of the contract clause referenced in the environmental checklist.

  • Clauses to be included in all Contracts:
  1. Environmental Performance Assurance

A total of 5% of the contract value shall be retained to assure compliance with the environmental requirements contained in this contract. During the execution of works under this contract, periodic inspections will be made at the work site to verify contractor compliance with the environmental requirements contained herein. Should deficiencies be identified, the contractor will be given 5 days to rectify those deficiencies or face forfeiture of the 5% retention fee.

2.Site Security

The contractor shall be responsible for maintaining security over the construction site including the protection of stored materials and equipment. In the event of severe weather, the contractor shall secure the construction site and associated equipment in such a manner as to protect the site and adjacent areas from consequential damages. This includes the management of onsite wastes, construction and sanitary, additional strengthening of erosion control and soil stabilization systems and other conditions resulting from contractor activities which may increase the potential for damages.