EIA Report

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur
010/2011
CONTENTS
1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Project Description Physical and Biological Environments Socio-Economic Environment Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Concerns Positive Impacts Environmental and Social Costs Compensation and Resettlement Environmental Management and Monitoring Conclusions INTRODUCTION Project Location Objectives of the Project Scope of Work Project Proponents Project Designers/Consultants Construction Contractor Environmental Consultants Project Justification Contact Persons Document Structure APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY Aims and Objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment Scope of the Study Study Methodology 3.3.1 3.3.2 Inception Procedures Document Resources
13
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
Reporting Census Survey of Affected Persons Resettlement Issues Public Consultation Assessment of Environmental and Social Impacts Consultation with the Proponents Consultation with EPA Field Visits Study Team
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
4. 4.1 4.2 4.3
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Constitutional Provision Policy Framework Laws and Regulations 4.3.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 4.3.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000 4.3.3 National Environmental Quality Standards, 2000 4.3.4 Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 4.3.5 Sindh Local Government Ordinance, 2001 4.3.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894 4.3.7 National Resettlement Policy 4.3.8 Project Implementation and Resettlement of Affected Persons Ordinance, 2001 4.3.9 Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979 4.3.10 Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 4.3.11 Hazardous Substances Rules, 2003 4.3.12 Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005 4.3.13 Forest Act, 1927 4.3.14 the Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1975 4.3.15 Protection of Trees and Brushwood Act, 1949 4.3.16 Employment of Child Act, 1991 4.3.17 Antiquities Act, 1975 4.3.18 Related Laws 4.3.19 Labour Laws 4.3.20 Environmental Guidelines
23
4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6
International Law and Standards Equator Principles Obligations Under International Treaties Institutional Setup DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Project Overview Alternate Sites Objectives of the Project Project Site Building Regulations Project Components and Activities 5.6.1 5.6.2 5.6.3 5.6.4 5.6.5 Land Acquisition Surveying and Site Investigations Design and Engineering Selection of Contractor Site Preparation 34
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
5.6.6 Construction 5.6.7 Finishing and Furnishing 5.6.8 Services 5.6.9 Operation of the Project 5.7 5.8 5.9 Size and Magnitude of the Operation Covered Area and Distribution Construction Phase of the Project 5.9.1 5.9.2 5.9.3 5.9.4 5.9.5 5.9.6 5.9.7 5.10 Contracting Arrangements Vehicles and Equipment Emissions and Discharges Construction Materials Other Supplies Waste Management Contractor Waste Streams
Operational Phase of the Project 5.10.1 Demands on Services 5.10.2 Water Usage 5.10.3 Wastewater Generation 5.10.4 Water Balance 5.10.5 Water Tank 5.10.6 Disposal of Sewerage 5.10.7 Vehicular Traffic 5.10.8 Solid Waste 5.10.9 Wastewater Treatment Plant 5.10.10 Waste Management Team 5.10.11 Waste Management Plan 5.10.12 Incinerator 5.10.13 Waste Management Contractor 5.10.14 Elevators 5.10.15 Generators 5.10.16 Air-conditioning Plant 5.10.17 Vibrations 5.10.18 Noise 5.10.19 Reflection, Heat and Insulation 5.10.20 Services 5.10.21 Access 5.10.22 Storm Water System
5.11 5.12
Seismic Provisions Safety of the Structure 5.12.1 Geotechnical and Soil Tests 5.12.2 Foundations 5.12.3 Piling 5.12.4 Bearing Capacity
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
5.12.5 Chemical Contents 5.12.6 Structural Stability 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 6. 6.1 6.2 Soil Amplification Study Government Approvals, MOUs and Leases Ecologically Critical and Sensitive Areas Restoration and Rehabilitation Proposed Schedule for Implementation DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT Environmental Setting Physical Resources 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 6.2.4 6.2.5 6.2.6 6.2.7 6.2.8 6.2.9 6.2.10 6.2.11 6.2.12 6.2.13 6.2.14 6.2.15 6.2.16 6.2.17 6.2.18 6.2.19 6.3 Geology and Geomorphology Seismology Land Use Hydrology Water Table Soil Topography Climate Seasons Rainfall Humidity Monthly Mean Temperatures Wind Direction and Speed Visibility Surface and Groundwater Resources Surface and Groundwater Quality Soil Contamination Present State of the Habitat Ambient Air Quality 66
Ecological Resources 6.3.1 6.3.2 6.3.3 Flora Fauna Threats to Flora and Fauna
6.4
Socio-Economic Environment 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3 6.4.4 6.4.5 6.4.6 6.4.7 Demography Education Public Health Power Sources and Transmission Infrastructure Road Network Transportation
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
6.4.8 Industries 6.4.9 Agriculture 6.4.10 Livestock 6.4.11 Forests 6.4.12 Irrigation and Drainage 6.4.13 Land Use Planning 6.4.14 Mineral Development 6.5 Quality of Life Values 6.5.1 Cultural Values 6.5.2 Socio-economic Values 6.5.3 Aesthetic Values 6.5.4 Recreation and Archaeological/Historical Treasures 7. 7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Impact Assessment Methodology 7.1.1 7.1.2 7.1.3 7.1.4 7.1.5 7.2 7.3 7.4 Definition of the Criteria for Determining Significance Prediction of the Magnitude of Potential Impacts Identification of Mitigation Measures Evaluation of the Residual Impact Identification of Monitoring Requirements 90
Environmental Screening of the Proposed Project Environmental Impact Classification Environmental Problems Due To Project Location 7.4.1 Siting and Adjacent Land-uses 7.4.2 Displacement of Other Site Users 7.4.3 Local Environment 7.4.4 Availability of Existing Infrastructure 7.4.5 Depletion of Resources
7.5 7.6
Environmental Problems Related To Design Environmental Problems Associated with Construction 7.6.1 7.6.2 7.6.3 7.6.4 7.6.5 7.6.6 7.6.7 7.6.8 7.6.9 7.6.10 7.6.11 Acquisition of Land Selection of Contractor Environment Friendly Construction Drills Soil Contamination, Erosion and Degradation Air Quality Deterioration Noise Pollution Surface Water and Groundwater Contamination Construction Labour Safety Hazards, Public Health and Nuisances Damage to Infrastructure Increase in Vehicular Traffic
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
7.6.12 7.6.13 7.6.14 7.6.15 7.6.16 7.6.17 7.6.18 7.7 7.8
Dewatering and Drainage Erosion Control Temporary Excavations Rollers Blocked Access Gender Issues Site of Archaeological or Historical Significance
Health and Occupational Safety Environmental Problems from Project Operations 7.8.1 7.8.2 7.8.3 7.8.4 7.8.5 7.8.6 7.8.7 7.8.8 7.8.9 7.8.10 7.8.11 7.8.12 7.8.13 Earthquake Hazard Visual Impact Noise Shadow Increase in Vehicular Traffic Water Consumption Water Conservation Wastewater and Sewerage Surface Drainage Contamination of Soil, Surface and Groundwater Obtrusive Light Safety Hazards, Public Health and Nuisances Vibrations 117
8. 8.1 8.2 8.3
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Security Vehicle Parking Environmental Enhancement Measures 8.3.1 8.3.2 8.3.3 8.3.4 8.3.5 8.3.6 8.3.7 8.3.8 8.3.9 Energy Conservation Environment-friendly Equipment Solar or Wind Energy Quality Control Minimisation of Liquid and Solid Waste Inflow of Natural Light Circulation of Fresh Air Reduction of Obtrusive Light Plantations and Landscaping
8.4
Green Building 8.4.1 8.4.2 8.4.3 Cool Roofs Green Roofs Sustainable Building 133
9.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
10. 10.1 10.2 11. 11.1 11.2
TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS Increases in Vehicular Traffic Traffic and Transportation Management Plan SECURITY AND EVACUATION PLAN Security Emergency and Fire-Fighting Protocols 11.2.1 11.2.2 11.2.3 11.2.4 Fire-fighting Regimes Fire Drills Evacuation Plan Other Emergencies
138
144
12. 12.1
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Environmental Testing 12.1.1 12.1.2 12.1.3 12.1.4 12.1.5 Soil Water Quality Traffic Congestion Noise Conclusions of Environmental Monitoring
149
12.2 12.3 13. 13.1
Environmental Monitoring During Project Execution Post-Project Monitoring SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Public Consultation 13.1.1 Identification of Stakeholders 13.1.2 Consultation Process 153
13.2
Social Impact Assessment and Survey 13.2.1 13.2.2 13.2.3 13.2.4 13.2.5 Social Survey Methodology Conclusions of the Social Survey Mitigating Factors Employment Generation Complaint Redressal Mechanism During Construction
13.3 14. 14.1 14.2
Measures for Surrounding Areas COMPENSATION AND RESETTLEMENT Compensation Resettlement Plan
Bizcorp Consultants
161
03/2011
14.3 15.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism CONCLUSIONS 162 168 171
ENDNOTES REFERENCES APPENDICES (Volume II)
Bizcorp Consultants
03/2011
DISCLAIMER
This Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared after consultation and interviews with the proponents and designers of the project, reference to laws, rules and regulations, visits to the project site, consultation with all stakeholders, including neighbours, and samples collected at the project site and from nearby areas. Any error(s) found in the report is the sole responsibility of the consultants preparing this report, Bizcorp Consultants, and not the proponents of the proposed project.
Volume I of this report comprises a total of 169 numbered pages, excluding title pages, contents, disclaimer, sundry tables and chapter separators. Volume II contains twenty-two appendices.
Bizcorp Consultants
1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Workers Welfare Fund (WWF), proponents of the project being reviewed through this Environmental Impact Assessment, are constructing a two hundred bed surgical hospital on Sukkur Bypass, Sukkur, through a turnkey project. The present project is a part of WWFs development schemes for the welfare of workers and shall provide stateof-the-art medical facilities, especially for workers and their families. The project shall comply with national and international guidelines pertaining to environmental protection policies as well as applicable laws, rules and regulations. 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The reviewed project involves construction of a modern surgical hospital at Sukkur on Sukkur Bypass. Area allocated for the project is 217,815 square feet, while total covered area of the eight-floor hospital building, including ground floor and basement, shall be 248,360 square feet. Total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs. 2.7 billion, with completion period of approximately two years. Brick and mortar component of the cost shall be about Rs. 560.777 million, excluding building systems and external development works, whereas the remaining cost shall comprise furnishing, equipment, software and consultancy. 1.2 PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTS
The project area is largely rural but being rapidly urbanised on account of proximity to Sukkur Airport and a wide inter-city road. Soil at the proposed site does not contain any physical or chemical hazards that can cause serious concerns for designing and construction of foundation structures. Sukkur District has arid climate with a short mild winter commencing from the middle of October, a hot summer from mid-March to mid-October and sporadic rains in July and August during the monsoon. Groundwater is mostly free of infirmities and is fit for direct human consumption, irrigation and construction. There are some small pockets of brackish water in the district, away from the river and irrigation canals. The project site open and is available for developmental activities. River Indus flows mainly to the south of the project site at a
1 Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
distance of about two kilometres, while Daddo Canal is immediately to the north across the road. Area immediately towards the east is under cultivation whereas pockets towards the west are being developed for housing, mainly apartment blocks. 1.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Construction of the hospital next to the future site of Ghulam Mohammad Mahr Medical College, Sukkur, will not only greatly facilitate teaching facilities at that institution but also provide medical facilities at a location on an inter-city highway that can be easily access from nearby towns and cities, as well as through air connection from Sukkur Airport, which is hardly a few kilometres away. Chapter Six of this report discusses physical and socio-economic environment of the project area. 1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
An application along with this Environmental Impact Assessment is to be submitted by the proponents to the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency to obtain Environmental Approval for the project in compliance of the relevant law. This report highlights environmental, social, physical and other aspects of the project both during construction and operation and provides measures necessary to mitigate environmental impact on the local environment. It also contains supplementary information deemed necessary under the guidelines prescribed by the government for preparing an environmental study to assist the Environmental Protection Agency in evaluating environmental impact of the project and whether it in any way impinges on the local environment. 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
There are several concerns related to the reviewed project, which shall be suitably addressed during project implementation, considering that it has not yet been launched. Due to the nature of the project, most of the environmental concerns shall be limited to the implementation stage and not during operation. These are as under: Population Displacement: The previous site selected in the city would have resulted in displacement of twenty-four
10/2011
households presently residing at that site in quarters that were to be demolished to clear the area for project implementation. Rejection of that site and relocation at the present site which is open and readily available has thus avoided a social impact of the project. Mitigation: Selection of the alternate site has eliminated a negative social impact of the project in total; Removal of Vegetation: As compared to the previous site, there is no vegetation which would need to be cleared during site development. Mitigation: An amount of Rs. 2.632 million have been set aside in the project cost estimates for horticulture at the project site, which shall provide for planting of two hundred and ten trees and shrubs and at least five hundred floral plants, aromatic flowers etc.; Earthworks: A basement is envisaged in the project design, which shall involve removal of about 315,000 cubic feet of earth during pitting. Mitigation: Most of the excavated earth shall be reused at the site for backfilling, levelling of surrounding, building of ornamental mounds etc., whereas excess earth, if any, shall be carried away for disposal in an environmental-friendly manner; Construction Impact: Construction impacts of the proposed project could include noise, dust emissions, possible soil contamination, solid and liquid waste from construction activities, construction camp effluent, if any, vehicular traffic, and smoke emissions and exhausts from vehicles, machinery and equipment. Mitigation: Most of the construction phase environmental impacts shall be mitigated by developing a sound construction management plan. Special attention shall be paid to prevention of dust dispersal through erection of windshields and continuous sprinkling of the ground so as to ensure that there is no dust dispersal. An Environmental Management Plan for the construction phase is appended to the report and environmentfriendly construction techniques shall alleviate negative externalities of construction activities; Wastewater Generation and Disposal: A large measure of wastewater shall result from construction activities as also during operation of the project. Mitigation: Measures for wastewater disposal shall include conservation of water, minimisation of liquid waste, sieving of liquid waste, and release into the nearest sewerage drain, which runs to the west of the project site. A small wastewater treatment plant, which
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
shall become functional prior to project operation, is also embedded in the project design; Solid Waste: Solid waste shall be generated both during project implementation and operation. Construction waste will include removed vegetation, excess construction materials, construction waste and excavated material. Inappropriate disposal, apart from creating pollution of water and soil, also lowers general aesthetic values of the local environment. Disposal of medical waste during operation of the hospital shall be a primary concern. Mitigation: An incinerator shall be installed at the project site for disposal of medical waste. A waste management plan, following best possible environmental practices, has been developed for disposal of all forms of waste. This includes keeping records of solid waste generated at the site, segregation of waste, maximising recycling and reuse, storage and handling of hazardous materials, if any, in accordance with hazard characteristics, disposal at municipal garbage disposal site, and regular waste audits; Hazardous Waste: Hazardous and medical waste shall be a major cause for concern during project operation. Mitigation: All hazardous waste shall be disposed strictly in accordance with the Hazardous Substances Rules, 2003, and Hospital Waste management Rules, 2005. A solid waste management plan has been appended to this report which indicates the volume of construction and operational waste that shall be generated; Socio-economic Impact: Construction of the hospital shall in no way impact adversely on socio-economic conditions prevailing in the project area. Operation of the project shall not have any adverse impact but shall rather enhance availability of medical facilities in the project area. Mitigation: Construction activities shall result in direct generation of employment opportunities for at least two hundred skilled and unskilled workers, and business opportunities for suppliers of construction products. Similarly, operation of the project shall create as many as six hundred and five permanent positions for medical staff and skilled workers. Construction of the state-ofthe-art hospital shall enhance medical facilities for workers in and around the project area; Shadow: Shadows from structures, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, can have an adverse impact on the local
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
environment, resulting in loss of sunshine and thereby impacting adversely on agricultural productivity and loss of light and energy for structures upon which the shadow falls, resulting in higher heating costs for affected households. Mitigation: Shadows cast by the hospital building shall fall entirely within the compound and there shall thus be no impact from shadows on adjoining properties, and Visual Intrusion Physical presence of tall buildings can have some impact on aesthetics value of a project area by marring the skyline and can also sometimes obstruct a scenic view. Mitigation: There are no visual resources in the project area that can be lost or impacted upon as a result of construction of the eight-floor building. In any case, there are no private properties close to the project site. Most significantly, the elegant elevation of the proposed structure shall in fact enrich the aesthetics of the project area. Additional steps that shall be taken to prevent, correct or mitigate some of the adverse impacts described briefly heretofore are discussed in detail in subsequent chapters and sections of this report. 1.6 POSITIVE IMPACTS
Despite environmental concerns indicated in the preceding section of this Executive Summary, the project shall have some major positive impacts as described in latter parts of this report and can be summarised as follows: A two hundred bed modern surgical hospital shall add to the existing pool of medical facilities in and around the area; The proposed project shall cater especially for exclusive medical facilities for registered industrial and commercial workers and their families; Equipment to be installed shall correspond to the latest international quality control standards, thereby providing the best medical attention in the project area; The project cost of Rs. 2.7 billion during construction, and annual operating costs of Rs. 75.76 million on establishment and Rs. 160.35 million on operations and maintenance shall lead to economic opportunities for local businesses;
10/2011
The project under review will result in creation of at least two hundred temporary and six hundred and five permanent employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, and Almost the entire unskilled labour force, and some skilled workers, shall hail from the project area, thus benefitting the local population directly. 1.7 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COSTS
An assessment of the social impact is given in Chapter 13, which shows that there shall not be any environmental and social costs of the project. 1.8 COMPENSATION AND RESETTLEMENT
A Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan associated with a project provides the basis for mitigation of its socio-economic impacts. Legislation covering procedures for land acquisition and compensation thereof is contained in the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and in the Project Implementation and Resettlement of Affected Persons Ordinance, 2001. There are no compensation and resettlement issues associated with the proposed project. 1.9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
While carrying out Environmental Screening of the proposed project, this study also suggests an Environmental Management Plan and an Environmental Monitoring Programme, both of which must be implemented by the proponents in order to ensure that project activities do not impact on the environment beyond reasonable and acceptable limits. Environmental monitoring costs for the proponents are expected to be Rs. 780,000. 1.10 CONCLUSIONS
Based on findings of this environmental study, it has been assessed that there will be insignificant environmental damage to the local land, water and biological resources and that residual impacts of the project shall be
10/2011
within acceptable limits provided it is undertaken as recommended in this study, and mitigation measures are adopted as advised. Residual impacts shall only be to the extent of medical waste, traffic congestion, and noise. This study has been conducted after consultation and interviews with the proponents, reference to laws, rules and regulations, visits to the project site, discussions with all stakeholders including local residents, environmental testing for water and noise, and guidance from environmental agencies. Error(s) found in the report is the sole responsibility of the consultants preparing this report, Bizcorp, and not the proponents of the project.
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
2.
INTRODUCTION
WWF intends to construct a surgical hospital on Sukkur Bypass to provide modern medical facilities, especially for workers and their families. After completion, the project shall be taken over for operation by the Workers Welfare Board, Sindh, a subordinate autonomous wing of Labour Department, Government of Sindh, which is funded entirely by the proponents. 2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The project is to be implemented within an open site on Sukkur Bypass that has been earmarked for Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur. A map of the project area, indicating the project site, is placed at Appendix I. Appendix II are satellite images of the proposed site and project area, while transparencies of the immediate project area are at Appendix III. 2.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
There are an estimated two hundred thousand registered and unregistered industrial and commercial workers in and around the project area who face an acute shortage of healthcare facilities. Accordingly, the project aims to provide modern medical facilities for workers and their families. The proposed hospital shall have the following features:
8
Ten-bed burn unit, along with a Trauma Centre; Twenty-bed Intensive Care Unit; Thirty-bed General Surgery Unit; Ten-bed Neurosurgery Unit; Ten-bed ENT Unit; Ten-bed Eye Unit; Sixty-bed Orthopaedic Unit; Ten-bed Urology Unit; Sixty-bed Gynaecology Unit; Thirty-bed General Surgery Unit for female patients; Emergency and OPD; Operation theatres;
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
Biomedical/clinical engineering; Allied medical facilities; Laboratories, diagnostic services, support services for burn cases, blood banks, and pharmacy, and Mortuary. On the administrative and support side, the hospital shall have the following main facilities: Maintenance of complete and permanent medical records; Administration, finance, human resources, public relations and marketing security, and procurement; Information technology, quality assurance, engineering and maintenance, and waste disposal; Patient transport services/ambulances; Food services; Housekeeping, laundry and linen, and Training and research and development. 2.3 SCOPE OF WORK
Development works at the site will be undertaken by a construction firm to be selected after a process of prequalification and open competitive bidding in consonance with federal government procedures, regulations and guidelines. Primary development works shall comprise land clearing and levelling, pitting of the project site for piling and construction of the basement, and construction of approach paths. The designers of the project anticipate a minimum two- year period for completion of the project after commencement of construction. Total cost of the reviewed project is an estimated Rs. 2.70 billion, with a construction component of Rs. 1.05 billion, excluding consultancy costs of Rs. 108.265 million. Expenditures on furnishing, equipment and software shall be about Rs. 1.42 billion. 2.4 PROJECT PROPONENTS
The proponents of the project are the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF), a regulatory authority established in 1970 under the Workers Welfare Ordinance, 1970, to prepare and oversee projects for welfare of workers.
10/2011
WWF works under the direct supervision of the Human Resource and Development Division, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, and has a tripartite decision-making body comprising representatives of workers, employers and government. The sources of income of the WWF are undistributed profits of industrial units under the Companies Profit (Workers Participation) Act, 1968, and a sum equal to two percent of total income of industrial establishments that have minimum income of Rs. 0.5 million in a tax year. Workers Welfare Boards have been established in the four provinces, and for specific purposes, which implement various projects approved and funded by the WWF. 2.5 PROJECT DESIGNERS/CONSULTANTS
The project has been designed by Langdon Wilson International (LWI), a multi-discipline international consultancy firm with headquarters in Los Angeles, United States of America. The project designers/consultants were appointed after floating of international tenders and a prequalification process. LWI operates at three locations within the United States of America with international offices in Kuwait, Qatar and the Peoples Republic of China. LWIs Healthcare Planning & Design Division includes specialists in site and land-use planning, facility planning, space programming, architectural design, interior design, medical equipment planning, economics, life-cycle cost analysis, operational analysis, code and life safety analysis, computerised construction cost management and cost-estimation. LWI has completed over one hundred medical projects, involving both new construction and renovation of existing facilities. LWI has since the 1960s rendered consultancy services to healthcare practitioners and designed major hospitals for the largest healthcare organisations in the United States as well as across the world. Major projects undertaken by LWI include King/Drew Medical Centre, Trauma Care and Diagnostic Treatment Centre, Cedars-Sinai North Critical Care Tower, Los Angeles (238 ICU beds), Jaber Al Ahmed Hospital, Kuwait (1,200 bed medical city), New Ahmadi Hospital, Kuwait (200 bed hospital), Cardiac Centre, Kuwait (addition of 150 beds), Al Maidan Maternity Hospital, Kuwait (180 bed hospital), Princess Haya Hospital, Jordan (300 bed acute care hospital), H.H. Khalifa Hospital, High Desert Hospital, Lancaster, Olive View Medical Centre/Emergency Expansion, Sylmar, Medical Planning for Department of Health, Los Angeles County, and planning study for Los Angeles Country harbour/UCLA
10/2011
Medical Centre. Additional responsibilities of LWI in connection with the proposed project include preparation of tender documents, advice to the proponents on prequalification of construction contractors, evaluation of bids, providing top supervision during project implementation, procurement of equipment, and engagement of other consultants, if necessary. Further details about the project designers/consultants are available at their website.1 2.6 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR
The proponents shall appoint an experienced construction company to implement the project to be selected after a prequalification and tendering process under the supervision of the project consultants. It shall be ensured that the contract is appointed to an entity with established credentials. The contractor shall be bound by the proponents to ensure that the project is executed in an environment-friendly manner and that all environmental and occupational health and safety health laws are observed. 2.7 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
The services of Bizcorp have been engaged by the project consultants to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed project. This study has been conducted in line with the regulatory framework and guidelines prescribed by the federal government for conducting environmental studies. The consultants render management and technical services to varied clients in government and industry. This study has been completed using a common template for construction projects, through a qualified team drawn from various disciplines so as to cover all aspects of the assignment. 2.8 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
A large number of workers have reported at the Civil Hospital, Sukkur, during the last three years for medical attention, and a significant number of these patients required burn treatment and trauma counselling. Mortality rate for such cases was on the high side. Considering the severity of this condition and to prevent loss of life, there is a need to provide modern health facilities in the city and to cater for medical needs
10/2011
especially of workers of the project area. Further, in view of the high risk of loss of life, it is imperative to apply international standards of provision of healthcare facilities and consequently reduce the rates of mortality, deformity, disability and post-traumatic stress disorders associated with such cases. 2.9 CONTACT PERSONS
As required under the Guidelines for Preparation and Review of Environmental Report, November 1997, contact persons for the proponents and consultants carrying out this Environmental Impact Assessment are indicated in the following table:
TABLE 1: CONTACT PERSONS Proponents Mr. Afzal Hameed, Director, Workers Welfare Fund, F-6 Markaz, Islamabad Telephone: 051-920 4374 Facsimile: 051-922 1323 Website: www.molm.gov.pk Consultant Mr. Anjum-ud-din Ahmed, Bizcorp, House No. 94, Street No. 66, F11/4, Islamabad Telephone: 051-221 2829, Facsimile: 051282 1109 E-mail: bizcorp.pk@gmail.com
2.10 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE
Chapter 1 is an Executive Summary of the report. Chapter 2 provides an introduction to the project and justification for the project. Chapter 3 describes the approach and methodology of the environmental study. Chapter 4 discusses legislative and regulatory framework and the institutional setup in the country relevant to environment and environmental assessment. Chapter 5 provides a detailed description of the project and its components. Baseline environmental conditions are presented in Chapter 6, whereas Chapter 7 presents an environmental impact assessment. Chapter 8 discusses environmental management whereas the Solid Waste Management Programme is presented in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 is a Traffic Impact Analysis, Chapter 11 contains the Security and Evacuation Plan and Chapter 12 deals with environmental monitoring. Chapter 13 contains the Social Impact Assessment, Chapter 14 describes issues relating to compensation and resettlement and the conclusions are contained in Chapter 15, followed by twenty-two appendices to the study.
10/2011
3.
APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 requires the proponents of every development project in the country to conduct either an Initial Environmental Examination or an Environmental Impact Assessment where the proposed initiative is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect. This Environmental Impact Assessment will be submitted to obtain Environmental Approval for the proposed project. 3.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
This report serves two purposes. Firstly, it provides necessary information to the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether the project poses any environmental threat. Secondly, it shall serve as a ready-reckoner for the proponents to manage the project during operation in an environment-friendly manner and abide especially by recommendations of the Environmental Management Plan and implement an Environmental Monitoring Programme. The main aims and objectives of this environmental study are summarised as follows. Identification and assessment of all environmental impacts or social sensitivity, whether major or minor, that might be caused during site development, construction and project operation in order to formulate an effective Environmental Management Plan and Environmental Monitoring Programme; Suggest measures required to mitigate adverse environmental impact through minimisation, elimination, reversal or compensation of such probable impacts; Pinpoint and assess all possible impacts of project operation on the natural, physical, biological and socio-economic environment of the area and evaluate these both qualitatively and quantitatively, wherever possible, and determine their significance in light of the technical and regulatory concerns, and public perceptions, and Prepare an environmental report presenting recommendations for effective implementation of the project in a manner that it does not compromise the environment existing at the project site.
10/2011
In order to achieve the aforesaid objectives, the study has been mainly divided into the following sub-tasks: Identification of various legal and statuary requirements as set forth by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, guidelines for preparation of environmental studies and review of existing regulatory and administrative framework in the country with reference to development projects of similar nature; Collection and scrutiny of data related to physical, ecological and socio-economic aspects of the project site and surrounding areas; Identification and evaluation of salient environmental impacts from activities to be carried out during construction; Identification of mitigation measures required to minimise negative externalities of the project, and Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan and proposing a mechanism for environmental monitoring during operation of the project. The environmental study is a tool to delineate all possible adverse environmental impacts that might result from a project and to measure their severity and the risks associated. Mitigation measures are thereafter evolved for impacts that have minor or moderate adverse fallout. Identification of an adverse impact is the cornerstone of the assessment matrix and its efficacy depends largely on professional expertise of the team of specialists carrying out the environmental examination in line with national and international guidelines. The significance of all adverse impacts is thereafter evaluated in terms of severity and possibility of occurring. Impact evaluation prioritises each potential impact and filters out those insignificant or of no consequence. Significance of impacts is then juxtaposed with likely effects on the natural eco-system, levels of public concern and conformity with legislative or statutory obligations. Assessment of severity takes into account the nature, magnitude, extent and location, timing and duration, and reversibility of potential impacts. Characterisation of significant impacts provides the basis to formulate measures for mitigation and monitoring. During this environmental study, all impacts were identified and examined on the basis of field data, secondary data, expert opinion, and findings of other similar studies. Primary data was collected through field visits and included a description of the present environment in the project area, environmental testing for
10/2011
noise and water, traffic counts, social survey, transparencies of the project site, and information collected from the project proponents. Impact identification and classification of impacts is a precursor to framing appropriate mitigation measures, which include practices, technologies or activities that avert, reduce, reverse or compensate for such impacts. Finally, the Environmental Management Plan provides for effective implementation of mitigation measures. The Environmental Management Plan features controls to minimise identified impacts, and suggests a monitoring regime in the form of the Environmental Monitoring Programme to study residual impacts, if any, during operation of the project. It prescribes procedures to be followed and identifies roles and responsibilities during operation, including post-project reporting. 3.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Laws, rules, regulations and guidelines issued by the federal government and local laws and policies considered while formulating this report include: Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000; Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 Policy and procedures for the filing, review and approval of environmental studies by the concerned Environmental Protection Agency of the federal or provincial government; Guidelines for preparation and review of environmental reports; Guidelines for public participation; Guidelines for environmental assessment of construction projects; Guidelines for sensitive and critical areas; Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005, and Relevant federal and provincial laws, rules and regulations relating to the project. This environmental study assesses environmental, social, physical and other aspects of the project, both during construction and operation, and identifies measures necessary to be adopted to mitigate any environmental impact on any segment of the surrounding environment.
10/2011
This study has specifically followed, to the extent possible, format laid down under Serial 2.3 of the Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Report circulated in November 1997, and related instructions covering environmental reports.1 3.3 STUDY METHODOLOGY
Key steps followed while conducting the environmental study were screening, scoping, data collection and compilation, environmental screening and impact assessment, documentation and consultation. The screening process comprised compilation and review of information on the project. Most of this information was obtained from the project proponents and added to data on relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines and standards. Scoping involved a review of collected information and identification of potential environmental issues. A scoping matrix of the project under review is placed overleaf. Data gathering centred on collection and compilation of environmental data to develop an environmental baseline of the project area. Review of secondary sources as well as primary and field data was also carried out. Environmental screening and impact assessment process, discussed in Chapter Seven, determined potential impacts of the proposed project through examination and testing of environmental, socio-economic, and project information gathered by the study team. Subsequently, potential impacts were characterised in order to analyse their significance. Mitigation measures were identified where required to minimise environmental impacts. A management framework was also developed in the form of an Environmental Management Plan for implementation of identified mitigation measures. Consultation with the project proponents and other stakeholders, such as local residents and persons that might be affected by the project as also various government departments, was carried out at the same time essentially to establish public concerns about the project and pinpoint any aspect that may have been overlooked during preparatory work. Documentation was the last step of the study, which comprised collation of data and preparation of the report along with requisite appendices in proof of the study and its findings. Accordingly, this report includes a brief description of the project, an overview of environmental legislation relevant to the project, a description of baseline environmental and socio-economic conditions in the project area, and potential project impacts and mitigation measures.
10/2011
3.3.1 Inception Procedures
The environmental study commenced on February 1, 2011, after notice to proceed was received to commence work. In order to complete the study within the time-span desired by the proponents, a qualified team was assembled to undertake the study and specific assignments were entrusted to each member of the team, each of whom were armed with the resources, tasks, instructions and checklists to carry out nominated tasks within the specified time-period. The study had to be redone when the initial project site within the premises of Civil Hospital, Sukkur, was abandoned and a new site was selected on Sukkur Bypass. 3.3.2 Document Resources
The purpose of discussions with the proponents included collection of documentation and compile background information on the project. The reliability of an environmental study depends heavily on authenticity and depth of baseline information, which has to be used to assess possible impacts of a project on existing environment. Environmental conditions and trends relating to the project area were examined with the help of published secondary data on aspects relating to physical conditions, biological resources, human and economic development and heritage aspects. These are described briefly as follows: Physical Conditions: Topography, geology, soils, surface and groundwater resources and climate; Biological Resources: Flora and fauna, particularly in respect of rare or endangered species, protected areas or other areas of significant environmental importance; Human and Economic Development: Settlements, socioeconomic conditions, infrastructure and land use, and Heritage Aspects: Site of cultural, archaeological or historical significance. Discussions were also carried out with residents of the project area and in particular people that may be affected by the project to draw information about the area and views and concerns of local inhabitants and businesses about impending project activities. Findings of the social survey are given in a subsequent section. The study team then collated information on
10/2011
official policies, legislation, rules and regulations covering all aspects of the proposed project to ensure that the document is prepared within the regulatory framework. A list of relevant policies, laws, rules and regulations was prepared for inclusion in the report. 3.4 REPORTING
Environmental reports prepared to assess environmental impact of a project are designed to assist: The proponents, to plan, design and implement the project proposal in a manner that eliminates or minimises any negative impact on the biophysical and socio-economic environments and maximises the benefits to all parties in the most costeffective manner. An environmental study is meant not only to assist the Environmental Protection Agency in considering award of environmental approval for a particular project but also supposed to make a proponent aware of all environmental aspects of the project and the environmental framework within which the project is examined through an Environmental Impact Assessment. Thus, whereas much of the contents of an environmental study may be routine for the agency assessing the project, they act at the same time as a guidebook for a proponent that might not be aware of any segment of the environmental gamut; The Environmental Protection Agency, to decide whether a project proposal should be approved and if so, what terms and conditions should be attached to such approval, and The general public, to understand the project proposal and learn how it can impact on the local community and the environment, whether positively or adversely. Accordingly, copies of an Environmental Impact Assessment are placed at prominent places by the concerned Environmental Protection Agency for unrestricted and easy public access. The study has been conducted using prescribed methodology and covers the following essential aspects relating to the project under review: Introduction, including the methodology for preparing the environmental report;
10/2011
Legal and administrative framework governing environmental impact of projects; Description of the project and background environmental conditions in the area; Screening of potential environmental impacts; Evaluation of the significance of environmental impacts; Recommended mitigation measures; Environmental Management Plan, Environmental Monitoring Programme and institutional requirements; Social Impact Assessment and compensation issues, and Conclusions, indicating positive and possible adverse impacts of the project. An essential part of the reporting process is enforcement of the Environmental Management Plan and post-project monitoring, since merely grant of approval for a project does not absolve the proponents of future responsibilities. During project operation, proponents have to abide by restrictions and instructions contained in the environmental approval and keep the environmental agency concerned informed of all measures taken in the context of environmental monitoring. The proponents shall frame an environmental monitoring system with a charter of duties as also with resources necessary to carry out environmental monitoring and implementation of the proposed Environmental Management Plan. The proponents shall take appropriate measures in this behalf after environmental approval is issued by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency. A proposal for environmental monitoring during project operation has been included as a recommendation for the proponents so that the monitoring mechanism can be activated to comply with mandatory provisions of the law and pre-conditions of environmental approval. Environmental management after the project has been completed and comes into operation is a part of the reporting process and has been appropriately addressed within the Environmental Management Plan added in Chapter 8. 3.5 CENSUS SURVEY OF AFFECTED PERSONS
The project can affect certain existing natural and man-made features within the project area. Data was collected to cover all such features. The first step towards assessment of the social and financial impact of a project is to identify and list all stakeholders that can be directly or
10/2011
indirectly affected by the project. A census is thereafter carried out to identify the number of such persons or institutions, nature of their interests, type and value of assets, replacement costs of such assets, and social vulnerabilities. There are no such affected persons in respect of the project under review. 3.6 RESETTLEMENT ISSUES
Public consultation provides the basis for an examination of resettlement issues, which are not relevant in respect of the selected site. 3.7 PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The object of identification of stakeholders and the affected persons was basically to pave the ground for public consultation in order to enlist views of all concerned about the project. 3.8 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
A socio-economic survey was carried out to gather data about the demographic characteristics of the project area, education and literacy, nature of businesses and vocations, income and expenditure patterns, value of assets, housing patterns, availability of civic amenities and possible impact of the project under review on all such parameters. While assessing the environmental and social impacts of the project, the factors considered included firstly, the nature, magnitude or degree of the impact; secondly, the extent of impact on development work; thirdly, time, duration and frequency of the impact; fourthly, probability of occurrence of the impact and, finally, importance or the sensitivity of impact. 3.9 CONSULTATION WITH THE PROPONENTS
Members of the study team, and the project coordinator, met the project consultants and concerned officers of the WWF dealing with the proposed project and held discussions to gather information about WWF and the background, planning, construction and operational stages of the proposed project.
10/2011
3.10 CONSULTATION WITH EPA
One of the basic requirements in preparation of an environmental report is that it should be up-to-date and it must keep abreast of all developments. This is achieved by remaining current on all environmental issues and by maintaining constant contact with the concerned regulatory authorities. Accordingly, the environmental consultants continue to liaise with environmental agencies so as to ensure that the study incorporates all innovations and developments. 3.11 FIELD VISITS
Field visits are an integral part of an environmental study and must be undertaken to prepare a precise perspective of the project. The following table shows dates of field visits to project site, including site visits and consultation carried out earlier in the context of the previous site of the project within the premises of Civil Hospital that remain relevant.
TABLE 3: FIELD VISITS Sr. No. Date(s): February 1-22 and August 191 20, 2011 February 7-9, 2 2011 August 21-24, 3 2011 February 14-28 and August 214 24, 2011 February 18-26 and August 185 20, 2011 6 August 21, 2011 7 8 9 August 21, 2011 August 21, 2011 September 9 February 24-28, August 21-24, 2011
Bizcorp Consultants
Purpose: Interviews with the project consultants at Lahore Interviews with the project proponents at Islamabad Site inspections Collection of primary data and public consultation Meetings with various government departments Photography of the project site Environmental testing for noise Traffic surveys Collection of water sample
Visited by:
Project Coordinator Environmentalist Study Team/ Researchers (Env.)
Researchers (Env.)
Researchers (Env.) Researchers (Env.) Researchers (Env.) Researchers Researchers (Env.)
10
21
Social survey
Researchers
10/2011
3.12 STUDY TEAM
A team of experience professionals drawn from various disciplines and having relevant experience of conducting environmental and social assessments participates in the preparation of an environmental report. This Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared by the following core team:
TABLE 4: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY TEAM Mrs. Talat Fayyaz Mansoor Ms. Ambareen Tariq Khan M/s Mycon Mr. Mazhar Shamim Ms. Ayesha Basharat Mr. Zafar Mirza Mr. Abdul Qayyum Mr. Khurram Shehzad Mr. Aslam Janjua Mr. Ameer Ali Burq Mr. Anjum-ud-din Ahmed EIA Specialist /Team Leader Environmentalist* Civil Engineers Electrical Engineer (Power Generation) Economist (traffic, transportation aspects, social surveys) Mechanical Engineer Researcher (Environmentalist) Researcher (Environmentalist) Land Revenue and Land Acquisition Expert Management Specialist/Report Writer Project Coordinator
* Not involved with the environmental study of the new site
The team indicated above was complemented by researchers recruited locally, comprising students from educational institutions, who carried out social surveys and traffic counts and interacted with the local population. Being locals, these researchers had the benefit of knowledge of all social values, customs and traditions of the project area. The study team, along with researchers recruited locally, collaborated during a comprehensive survey of project site, discussions with the proponents and stakeholders, collection and analysis of data, conducting surveys and spot analyses, and preparation of the report in consultation with the specialists. Services of other experts were also availed on need basis and a researcher compiled secondary physical and socio-economic data of the project area.
22
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
4.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This chapter discusses the legislative and regulatory framework and institutional set-up existing currently in the country, relevant to environment and environmental assessment, along with environmental guidelines issued by the federal government. 4.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION
The Constitution of Pakistan vests legislative powers with the National Assembly and the Senate at the federal level and with provincial assemblies in the provinces. Environmental pollution and ecology is an exclusively provincial subject subsequent to the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution. In conjunction with Article 9 of the Constitution, which states that No person shall be deprived of life or liberty, save in accordance with law, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared that the right to a clean environment is a fundamental constitutional right to life.1 4.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK
The National Environment Policy of 2005 provides an overarching framework to address environmental issues framed by the country, especially fresh water bodies and coastal waters, air pollution, lack of proper waste management, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, desertification, natural disasters and climate change.2 The policy also sets directives to resolve cross-sectoral problems too as well as underlying causes of environmental degradation and meeting international obligations. The policy aims to protect, conserve and restore Pakistans environment so as to improve quality of life through sustainable development and its objectives are: Conservation, restoration and efficient management of environmental resources; Integration of environmental considerations in policy formulation and planning processes; Capacity building of public-sector agencies and other stakeholders to manage environment more efficiently;
10/2011
Meeting international obligations effectively in line with national aspirations, and Creating a demand for environment through mass awareness and mobilisation of the community. Paragraph 5.1 of the National Environment Policy stipulates that the provisions of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, relating to environmental impact assessment must be diligently enforced in respect of public sector development projects. Public sector organisations, such as WWF, have thus been specifically directed to take suitable measures for preservation of the environment during execution of public sector development projects. The National Conservation Strategy was the primary policy pledging to balance Pakistans economic development with conservation of natural resources.1 The Strategy was put together following a nine-year consultative process with all stakeholders, including government organisations, environmental experts, interested individuals, communities, non-governmental organisations and multilateral and bilateral agencies. The Strategy was approved at the level of the Federal Cabinet in 1992 as the principal policy document for the countrys environmental management. The underlying goal of this document is that all economic and statutory development in the country should be such that it does not conflict with the interests of conservation of nature. The three overriding objectives of the National Conservation Strategy are: Conservation of natural resources; Sustainable development, and Improved efficiency in the use and management of resources. These three objectives are to be achieved through greater public participation in development and environmental management, development of an environment-economic development nexus and lasting improvements in quality of life. The Strategy proposes policies in fourteen primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, which are agriculture, forest management, rangeland rehabilitation, livestock management, water resources, wildlife, mineral resources, marine and coastal resource management, fisheries, industrial development, tourism, human settlement, pollution control and energy. Policies relating only to the last two sectors are related to the project under review and that too only marginally. The policies for these sectors centre on the following:
10/2011
Pollution Control: Promotion of solid waste disposal and wastewater treatment technologies that provide for solid waste recycling, recovery and reuse of water, nutrients and organic matter, and Energy: Usage of energy resources efficiently and propagation of energy conservation. Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and is thereby obligated to develop a national strategy for conservation of biodiversity. Accordingly, the federal government has constituted a Biodiversity Working Group under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan. After an extensive consultative exercise, a draft Action Plan has been developed, which is designed to complement the National Conservation Strategy and the provincial conservation strategies. The draft Action Plan identifies causes of biodiversity loss and suggests a series of proposals to conserve biodiversity in the country.1 4.3 LAWS AND REGULATIONS
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the government to frame regulations to protect environment. While a basic policy and legislative framework for protection of the environment and overall biodiversity is now in place, detailed rules, regulations and guidelines required for implementation of policies and enforcement of legislation are still in various stages of formulation and discussion. Laws, rules, regulations and standards directly relevant to the proposed project are described hereafter. 4.3.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
The Government of Pakistan promulgated the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 on December 6, 1997, to provide for protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development.2 One of the basic objectives of this legislation is to prevent any activity that can have adverse environmental impact. Section 2 (1) of the said Act defines adverse environmental impact as impairment of or damage to the environment and includes impairment of or damage to human health and safety or to biodiversity or property, pollution and any
10/2011
adverse environmental effect as may be specified in regulations framed under the Act. Requirement for environmental assessment is laid out in Section 12 (1) of the Act, which states that no project involving construction activities or any change in the physical environment can be undertaken unless an Initial Environmental Examination or an Environmental Impact Assessment is conducted, and approval is received from the federal or relevant provincial agency. In order to protect proponents and ensure that the review of an environmental study is undertaken within a reasonable time-frame, Section 12(4) places a restraint on the concerned Environmental Protection Agency with regard to limitation period for review of environmental reports and states that environmental approval shall deemed to have been accorded one hundred and twenty days after filing of the environmental study. 4.3.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000, prescribed by the federal government and adopted by the provincial governments, provide the basis, criteria and procedures for preparation of environmental studies for all projects likely to impinge on the environment.1 4.3.3 National Environmental Quality Standards, 2000 The National Environmental Quality Standards2 (NEQS) promulgated under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, specify parameters for preservation of the environment. Wastewater generated at the project site both during the construction and operational phases of the project and emissions and discharges of vehicles and machinery to be used during the construction phase must conform to parameters specified under the NEQS. 4.3.4 Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, prescribes penalties for violations concerning pollution of air, water bodies and land. Provisions under this
10/2011
Act relating to environment are no longer being enforced after promulgation of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. However, pollution offences can still be tried under the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860. 4.3.5 Sindh Local Government Ordinance
The Sindh Local Government Ordinance contains several provisions covering the environment and environmental pollution. All land planning, land use, building control and construction activities relating to the project vest in the town municipal administration. Town/Taluka Municipal Administrations are also authorised under the Ordinance to restrict projects causing pollution to air, water or land, monitor the environment and may also initiate schemes for improving the environment either on their own or through the polluters. 4.3.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894
The Land Acquisition Act, 1894, lays down the legal basis for any property affected by a project and for compensating affected landowners. The Act lays down a framework for initiation of proceedings of acquisition of land for public purposes along with a cash compensation mechanism for acquired land, structures and damages to cropped area, including orchards and trees. The said Act does not, however, provide for rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced population and restoration of livelihoods. The environmental law, on the other hand, requires full restoration of livelihoods of affected population. In some cases where large-scale acquisition is involved and a substantial number of households have to be removed from the project area, compensation is provided under specific government policy in the form of alternate land, as was the case with population affected by the Tarbela and Mangla dams. 4.3.7 National Resettlement Policy
The government issued the National Resettlement Policy for resettlement of population displaced by a development project in 2002.1 The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency thereafter circulated the National Resettlement Policy Implementation Guidelines in October 2002.
10/2011
4.3.8 Project Implementation and Resettlement of Affected Persons Ordinance, 2001
This Ordinance was promulgated in 2001 by the federal government to provide relief to persons or households affected by any project in terms of loss of land or displacement.1 The project under review is not affected by the provisions of this law, as it no longer involves temporary dislocation of present residents. 4.3.9 Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979
The Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979, empowers development authorities in the province to frame rules, regulations and bylaws pertaining to approval of town planning schemes and building plans. 4.3.10 Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972
This law was enacted in 1972 for regulation of activities relating to protection, conservation and management of wildlife in the province. Enabling rules were also notified to enforce the Ordinance. 4.3.11 Hazardous Substances Rules, 2003
These Rules were notified in 2003 to streamline procedures for issue of licences to industries that generate hazardous waste and grant of licences to businesses for removal of hazardous waste in an environment-friendly manner.2 The Rules specify procedures to be adopted for disposal of hazardous waste. The Rules also identify two hundred and forty-two hazardous substances and synthetic chemicals. 4.3.12 Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005
Rules to regulate management of hospital waste were notified in 2005 by the federal government.3 Rule 3 states that every hospital shall make arrangements for proper management of waste generated at the premises in accordance with procedures specified in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1996, and Rules 16-22 of the said Rules.
10/2011
4.3.13 Forest Act, 1927
The Act establishes the powers of the government to designate areas for reserved forests, village forests and protected forests, and to acquire such areas for prohibiting or restricting public use of the resources or other activities. 4.3.14 The Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1975
The Act was enforced in 1975 to place restrictions on cutting of trees in order to restrain unchecked trend of tree felling without replacement. 4.3.15 Protection of Trees and Brushwood Act, 1949
The Protection of Trees and Brushwood Act, 1949 prohibits cutting or chopping of trees and brushwood without prior permission of the relevant department in the provincial government. 4.3.16 Employment of Child Act, 1991
Article 11(3) of the Constitution prohibits employment of children below the age of fourteen years in factories, mines or any other hazardous employment. The Employment of Child Act, 1991, was accordingly enacted to comply with the Constitutional provision as also abide by international conventions and treaties in order to prohibit child labour. 4.3.17 Antiquities Act, 1975
The Antiquities Act, 1975, protects the countrys national and cultural heritage. The said Act defines antiquities as ancient products of human activity, historical site, or site of anthropological or cultural interest, national monuments etc. The said Act was formulated to protect such antiquities from destruction, theft, negligence, unlawful excavation, trade and export. It prohibits new construction in proximity of a protected antiquity and excavation in any area that may contain articles of archaeological significance. The said Act restrains activity within sixtyone meters or two hundred feet of a protected antiquity.
10/2011
4.3.18 Related Laws
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency has advised that a number of laws must be studied while preparing an environmental report in order to ensure that all environmental impacts of a project are appropriately addressed.1 Some of these are project-specific, some are purely provincial laws and others apply only to projects undertaken in the province of origin. 4.3.19 Labour Laws
Construction and operational activities during project implementation can affect occupational health of workers. Employers are required to abide by labour laws in respect of their own employees and also to ensure that contractors too follow the relevant labour laws and rules relating to safety of the workforce and creating a healthy working environment. The proponents shall ensure that workers engaged at project site are not exposed to any danger by monitoring the contractors work frequently either directly or through the project managers and the project consultants. 4.3.20 Environmental Guidelines
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000, stipulate that the Initial Environmental Examination or Environmental Impact Assessment must be prepared, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Guidelines for conducting environmental assessments. These include Guidelines for Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports,2 Guidelines for Public Consultation,3 Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas,4 and Sectoral Guidelines for the Construction Sector.5 In addition, the provincial environmental agencies have also formulated guidelines not covered by the federal government. Wherever environmental guidelines are silent on a specific aspect of environmental protection, the prevalent practise is to follow non-binding guidelines framed by the United Nations Environment Programme, World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other credible national and international sources.
10/2011
4.4
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND STANDARDS
The Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment adopted at Stockholm on June 16, 1972 is the first formal international recognition of the need for protection of the environment between persons of the same generation and between persons of present and future generations. The Declaration states that development should be conditioned with due regard to the environment and the international interest. The Stockholm Declaration formulates 26 principles and the first provides substance for the remaining: Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality and adequate conditions of life, in an environment of equality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and he bears a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations. 4.5 EQUATOR PRINCIPLES
Leading banks and other financial institutions involved globally in project finance abide by the Equator Principles as a common framework to assess and manage the environmental and social risks in project financing. In essence, the financing institutions adhering to the Equator Principles have agreed to use the same environmental standards as that of the World Bank Groups International Finance Corporation (IFC), which applies a set of performance standards to manage social and environmental impacts of the project that it finances.1 These performance standards are: Labour and Working Conditions; Social and Environmental Assessment and Management System; Pollution Prevention and Abatement; Community Health, Safety and Security; Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement; Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management, and Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Heritage. The Performance Standard relating to Social and Environmental Assessment and Management System establishes the importance of
10/2011
firstly, integrated assessment to identify the social and environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities of projects; secondly, effective community engagement through disclosure of project-related information and consultation with local communities on matters that directly affect them, and thirdly, the proponentss management of social and environmental performance throughout the project life-cycle. The remaining Performance Standards establish requirements to avoid, reduce, mitigate or compensate for impacts on people and the environment, and to improve conditions where appropriate. While all relevant social and environmental risks and potential impacts should be considered as part of the assessment, these Performance Standards describe potential social and environmental impacts that require particular attention in emerging markets. Where social or environmental impacts are anticipated, the client is required to manage them through its Social and Environmental Management System consistent with the first Performance Standard. 4.6 OBLIGATIONS UNDER INTERNATIONAL TREATIES
Pakistan is a partner to various international treaties and conventions on the conservation of environment and protection of wildlife. The country is obliged to adhere to commitments specified in these treaties. Pakistan is co-signatory to a number of international treaties and conventions and its environmental laws and policies thus must conform to such protocols. A copy of major treaties signed by Pakistan is annexed to the Pakistan Environmental protection Act, 1997.1 4.7 INSTITUTIONAL SETUP
The apex environmental body in the country is the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council, presided over by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Other bodies include the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, an Environmental Protection Agency in each province, and an Environmental Tribunal in each province. The federal and provincial agencies were originally established under the defunct Environmental Protection Ordinance, 1983. The powers of these agencies have been strengthened under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. The Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, has been empowered to receive and review environmental assessment reports of projects, and accord or with-hold environmental approval in respect of
10/2011
the Islamabad Capital Territory or for projects with trans-provincial or national impact. Regulation 11 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000, states that the federal (or provincial) agency shall make every effort to carry out its review of the Initial Environmental Examination within forty-five days of issue of confirmation of completeness of the Initial Environmental Examination report under Regulation 9, and a minimum of ninety days in respect of an Environmental Impact Assessment. The federal government has also devised procedures for review of environmental reports.1
33
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
This section of the study renders a detailed account of the project and its salient features, such as location, components and various phases. Inputs and discharges relevant to different phases of the project, such as water, fuel, electricity, materials, wastes, emissions, and disposals etc., have also been examined as a response to possible environmental concerns. 5.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW
The proposed project is to be implemented close to the proposed site of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College on Sukkur Bypass, Sukkur, and shall have a basement floor for vehicle parking and services, and eight floors, including ground floor. Detailed description of the project is given in subsequent sections of this chapter. The hospital building has been designed according to building rules, regulations and bylaws of District Government Sukkur and takes into account the project areas seismic character. 5.2 ALTERNATE SITES
The proponents considered a number of sites in Sukkur to construct the proposed hospital but had to reject alternatives due to various reasons such as high cost of land, lack of physical infrastructure, congestion, and non-suitability of the site. The present site has been made available to the proponents free of cost by the Government of Sindh and is located outside the city on a bypass road to an intercity route. The previous site within Civil Hospital, Sukkur, was not entirely suitable even though it had the advantage of quick access for city residents. Moreover, it would have involved temporary displacement and rehabilitation of existing occupants at the former site. Considering the needs of the proponents, the present site is environmentally sound to the extent that location of the project in a fully-developed area of the city would have been inconvenient for people desirous of availing medical facilities for reasons of congestion. The new site has the following advantages: It is located on a wide road away from congested parts of the city, thus allowing quick and free access;
10/2011
Land for the proposed project has been provided free of cost to the project proponents by the Government of Sindh, which has resulted in savings that have been utilised to build additional facilities into the project design; The location is such that it will be easy for patients to reach from within the city and will especially be convenient for patients from outlying areas and nearby towns and cities; Since the proposed project is meant essentially for workers, the new site is closer to the industrial areas; It is close Sukkur Airport and the National Highway, and thus there is quick access for patients to the proposed hospital; It provides medical coverage in an area where such facilities are currently deficient, and It can serve as an additional teaching hospital for Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College when it is ultimately relocated from the city centre. On the other hand, the selected site suffers from the following few disadvantages: Being outside the city, it will not be easily accessible for residents of the city; It is at a distance from the General Bus Stand and Railways Station and thus there is limited quick access for patients to the proposed hospital, and There are no allied medical facilities in the project area that can complement the proposed hospital; Advantages of the selected site nonetheless far outweigh disadvantages and considering the objectives of the proponents, there was no call for the proponents to look further for alternate site. 5.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
Main objectives of the proposed project are: Provision of international standard secondary level healthcare services for especially industrial workers; Provision of international level diagnostic service to about 1,000 patients per day;
10/2011
Provision of outdoor emergency healthcare services of consultant-level conforming to international standards and international best practices to at least 500 persons per day; Provision of indoor emergency healthcare services conforming to international standards and international best practices to around 200 patients per day; Provision of indoor emergency healthcare services conforming to international standards and international best practices required for acute burn cases of up to twenty patients; Provision of indoor emergency healthcare services conforming to international standards and international best practices required for acute cases other than burns of up to twenty patients, and Provision of support services conforming to international standards and international best practices in emergencies, including burn in respect of CSSD, HVAC, power etc. 5.4 PROJECT SITE
The project site is to the south-west of the city. Total size of the plot is 217,815 square feet in the form of a compact rectangular block. The project site is about a kilometre from the Railway Station, 9 kilometres from General Bus Stand, 8 kilometres from Sukkur Airport and 6 kilometres from National Highway. River Indus is less than a kilometre south of the project site. The proposed site is bounded on all sides except the north by agricultural areas under cultivation. Land towards the west however is being rapidly brought under land development. Daddo Canal is to the north of the project site across Sukkur Bypass. 5.5 PROJECT COMPONENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Key project components and activities are shown in Table 5 overleaf and described hereafter. 5.5.1 Land Acquisition
The first activity undertaken for the proposed project was procurement of land, which has been provided free of cost by the Government of Sindh.
10/2011
An area measuring 217,815 square feet has thus been made available for implementation of the project. The plot is available for occupation and free of encumbrances. There are thus no major social issues arising from dislocation of and compensation for former landowners or displacement of any unauthorised occupant. 5.5.2 Surveying and Site Investigations
A topographical survey was conducted to measure and demarcate the area and gauge ground elevation (Appendix IV). Soil investigations collected samples from six boreholes and performing laboratory analyses to determine physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and its bearing capacity.1 The soil is suitable for construction of the proposed eight floor building and has the requisite bearing capacity. Water samples were taken from the project site to determine its quality. The project area was also tested for noise and a survey was carried out to determine traffic on Sukkur Bypass in order to work out possible impact of project-related traffic on the local environment during operation. 5.5.3 Design and Engineering
During this component of the project, the hospital was designed on the basis of information collected during surveying and site investigations discussed above, and guidelines delivered to the project designers by the proponents. The design included overall layout of the hospital, type and location of various services such as electricity, oxygen lines, airconditioning, natural gas, sprinkler system, other fire-fighting arrangements, elevators, telecommunications, water supply and sewerage. The proposed project has been planned according to contemporary principles of planning and design criteria of the District Governments building regulations and by-laws and international best practices. The project designers have strictly followed the seismic code to protect the structure against seismic activity. Building plans of the proposed structure are shown at Appendix V. 5.5.4 Selection of Contractor
This component of a project involves selection of the contractor, transportation of construction machinery and equipment to the project
10/2011
site, and establishment of Project Office. A contractor shall be selected after a pre-qualification and bidding process. Facilities for construction include site office, equipment yard, material yard and allied services, all of which will be established at the site. 5.5.5 Site Preparation
Site preparation is a major component of a project and involves earthmoving machinery and equipment to make the site suitable for subsequent works. The site is plain and has no vegetation cover and thus there will not be any green losses. The site will be dug up to a maximum depth of twelve feet to remove earth for the basement and foundations. Bulldozers, graders, excavators and dumpers will be used for levelling, grading operations and pitting the land. 5.5.6 Construction
Construction has not started at the project site. Typical activities to be conducted during construction in addition to site preparation and excavation for basement shall include installing of pilings, masonry work, concrete work, asphalt work, and installation of service systems (such as power generators, boilers, air-conditioning plant etc.). It is expected that construction shall take approximately twenty-four months, including time spent on land clearing, excavation and piling. 5.5.7 Finishing and Furnishing
Finishing and furnishing process shall commence after completion of the structure, with major focus on installing hospital equipment and allied facilities. Finishing and furnishing of the hospital shall be according to international standards. 5.5.8 Services
Services planned for the building include water supply and drainage, sprinkler system, elevators, telecommunications, oxygen lines, natural gas, electrification, water supply and sewerage, wastewater treatment plant and incinerator.
10/2011
5.5.9 Operation of the Project
Upon completion, the hospital shall be handed over for operation to the Workers Welfare Board, which is a subordinate organisation of Labour Department, Government of Sindh. The hospital shall provide medical facilities especially for workers and their families. Annual recurring cost shall be about Rs. 236.11 million, which includes Rs. 75.76 on establishment charges and Rs. 160.35 million on operational expenses. 5.6 SIZE AND MAGNITUDE OF THE OPERATION
The proponents are planning construction of an eight floor state-of-the-art hospital, including the ground floor, on a plot measuring 217,815 square feet, with total covered area of 248,360 square feet. Estimated cost of the proposed project is tentatively estimated at Rs. 2.7 billion. The building shall rise an approximate one hundred and twenty-eight feet from the present ground level. In compliance of building regulations, an area of 134,800 square feet, or about sixty-two percent of the plot size, has been earmarked as open space to be utilised as passages, setback and vehicle parking. Some of the open area would be used as green belt with trees, plants and flowerbeds. Setback in front of the building shall be available for temporary parking and incoming ambulances. 5.7 COVERED AREA AND DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of space on each floor is indicated in Table 6 overleaf. The building shall have admirable elevation with curtain windows and aluminium composite panels on all sides, granite and aluminium cladding that will enrich aesthetic values of the area. The building shall be erected with additional concrete for structural support and one hundred and fortyfour RCC columns rising to the uppermost levels. There shall be RCC retaining walls and contiguous piles all around the constructed area of the basement to provide complete protection to the structure. The basement, with roof height of sixteen feet, shall have covered area of 36,291 square feet and shall be used for vehicle parking, consultation and services, such as mechanical/electrical room, storage, medical gases, offices, waiting areas, staff lockers, and a large kitchen. About 12,600 square feet within the basement shall be available for parking of vehicles of hospital staff. There shall be a total of eighty parking bays for cars and three hundred
10/2011
and twenty spaces for motor-cycles. The basement shall have a ramp providing easy access to the ground level. Entrance into the basement shall be from rear side of the floor. The width of the ramp will be twelve feet with a gradient of 1:8 to 1:10, and minimum clearance shall be ten feet. The basement shall be well lit with fluorescent markings on the floor demarcating direction of traffic and exits. There shall be clearly marked bays, sufficient room for positioning and reversing of vehicles, and rubber padding along the walls for fender protection. Exhaust from the parking floor would be effectively expunged through mechanical ventilators to facilitate proper circulation of fresh air. The basement shall have double driveways with a width of just under twenty feet. The parking floor will be equipped with fire hydrants and fire hose reels, smoke alarms, fire alarms and emergency telephones, all of which will be clearly identifiable. The basement shall also have appropriate drains (12 x 12 deep rain water drain with steel grating) to carry water in case of flooding and pumps to drain out water if there is excessive flooding. The front gate on Sukkur Bypass shall be twenty-four feet wide and shall have a guardroom. There shall be a pole barrier at the main gate, along with road blocker and scanner. The rooftop shall be used for cooling towers and mechanical purposes. 5.8 CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE PROJECT
This section of the study describes different aspects of the construction phase, ranging from contracting arrangements to environmental issues. Main activities during construction phase shall be: Selection of a construction contractor; Site preparation; Excavation for basement; Excavations for pilings; Installation of pilings; Masonry works; Concrete works; Asphalt works; Installation of service systems, such as air-conditioning plant, elevators, wastewater treatment plant, incinerator etc., and Finishing, including installing of medical equipment.
10/2011
5.8.1 Contracting Arrangements
The construction contractor will be appointed by the proponents on recommendation of the project consultants after a pre-qualification and bidding process. All efforts will be made to ensure that the selected contractor has an established track record and would be able to complete the project within the stipulated time-frame of twenty-four months and has sufficient experience to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the environment. A maximum of two hundred workers would be required at the site at peak of construction. Skilled workers shall include engineers, overseers, carpenters, steel fitters, scaffolders, masons, plumbers, electricians, curtain wall glass fixers, aluminium cladding fixers, aluminium doors and windows fixers, HVAC personnel and supervisors. Unskilled workers shall comprise helpers of the skilled workers. Mitigation: The contractor will be directed to employ maximum number of casual labour from the project area to generate employment opportunities for local labour and provide them with training and experience. Since workers to be engaged shall be mostly local, a construction camp will not be necessary at the project site. 5.8.2 Vehicles and Equipment
The contractor will be directed by the proponents to take all possible measures to see that construction does not impinge on the environment. Mitigation: Construction vehicles and equipment at the project site during excavation and piling works and the main construction phase are indicated at Table 7 overleaf. The exact number of vehicles and equipment in use at the site at any given time will vary according to work schedules and work momentum. The contractor will be advised to use new vehicles, machinery and equipment to maintain emissions and noise at lowest possible levels. All equipment will be transported to the site from main roads and shall not pass through the city or heavily built-up residential areas. During early phase of piling works, two or three truckloads of different types of construction material shall be delivered to project site per day, increasing to about five to eight at the height of construction activity. Arrival timing of such equipment and construction materials will not be concurrent and shall take place when there is minimal disturbance for local population.
10/2011
5.8.3 Emissions and Discharges
Construction equipment and vehicles can discharge exhaust emissions containing CO 2 , CO, NO x , SO 2 , particulate matter and generate dust from earthwork. The primary source of emissions to air during construction activities will be diesel engine-driven generator exhaust. Other emission sources include construction machinery and project vehicles, and dust from construction activities and movement of vehicles. Mitigation: Since vehicles and equipment to be used shall be in good working condition and under due maintenance, as per instructions to the construction contractor from the proponents, emissions shall be within tolerable limits. The proponents shall monitor pollution levels regularly and instruct the contractor to cover the perimeter with windshields and cordons to minimise dust pollution and sprinkle the grounds frequently to prevent dispersal of dust. 5.8.4 Construction Materials
Construction materials will include cement, sand, crush, bricks, steel bars, paints, asphalt, piping materials, electrical materials, cladding, glass and finishing materials, which shall be transported to the project site in bulk quantities on need-basis. Mitigation: The proponents are aware of Green Building so as to use environment-friendly construction materials, if available in the market, and fire-resistant materials to the extent possible. The geotechnical investigation has recommended that fine aggregate for concrete work may be obtained from local sources meeting ASTM gradation requirements. Accordingly, quarry materials, meeting technical requirements and quality, will be procured from the nearest quarry licensed by the government, which shall mean less transportation costs as well as lesser emissions from trucks carrying such materials. Materials such as cement, paint and aluminium cladding shall be purchased either directly from the factories or from local markets, or imported. Noise absorbent materials, if available in the market and if cost-effective, shall also be considered for use. All construction materials to be procured for the project shall be subject to testing and prior approval by the Project Consultants in order to maintain quality standards. Cost consideration shall not be a major factor in selecting raw materials.
10/2011
5.8.5 Other Supplies
Main supplies required during the construction phase of the project shall include water, fuels, power and routine construction accessories. Requirement of water shall vary according to the quantum of construction activity and human consumption during the construction phase. Peak consumption could reach 5,000 gallons per hour. Mitigation: There is sufficient groundwater in the region and consequently depletion of groundwater is unlikely. In fact, due to proximity to the canal and River Indus, the water table is on the high side in any case. Fuels for construction equipment and vehicles, comprising mainly diesel and petroleum, are available at nearby locations. Peak consumption will be about 1,000 litres per day. Temporary electricity connection will be obtained from Hyderabad Electricity Supply Company, which will augment diesel generators. Construction foremen shall ensure that all supplies either for construction or for personal consumption of construction crew are procured regularly and on timely basis so that there are no delays and that workers are not inconvenienced. 5.8.6 Waste Management Contractor
Construction projects involving high-rises create a great deal of liquid as well as solid waste that can impair local environment. Steps thus need to be taken to ensure appropriate collection and disposal of all forms of waste. Mitigation: A waste management contractor is to be appointed by the construction contractor to carry away all forms of waste from the project site for disposal in an environment-friendly manner. 5.8.7 Waste Streams
Waste generated at a site can be liquid as well as solid waste. Liquid waste consists of oils and oily water from maintenance of equipment and vehicles, accidental leakage or spillage from vehicles, equipment or storage, wastewater from construction activities and domestic sewerage from the project office. Solid waste requiring disposal will consist of excavated earth, excess or used or rejected construction materials, scrap,
10/2011
warehouse waste, workshop waste and domestic solid waste from the project office. Mitigation: Table 8 overleaf provides a description of different types of wastes that are expected to be generated during the construction phase and planned disposal option. No vehicles and equipment shall be repaired at the project site, thus eliminating spillage of oils or oily water that can damage sub-soil. The contractor will issue instructions to foremen and workers that any leaks from machines and equipment during use must be scooped up immediately and placed in dedicated bins. Sewage will be treated in a closed system and effluent will be drained into municipal facilities after sieving. Alternatively, grey water will be sprinkled on unpaved sections within the construction site. Sieved substances, which will be dumped at municipal waste disposal site, will not be of character injurious for the environment. It will be ensured that liquid and solid waste is minimised and that all form of waste is carried away from the project site and disposed in a manner whereby it does not impact adversely on the local environment. All solid waste will be collected at the site at designated spots from where it shall be removed to municipal skips on a regular basis by the waste management contractor. Excavated earth may not be required at the project site and will be sold for reuse. No excavated earth will be dumped either on adjoining plots or on nearby properties. Recycling or reuse of waste material shall be the preferred option but when not possible, solid waste will be treated and disposed of appropriately. 5.9 OPERATIONAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT
Different aspects with bearing on environmental issues during the operation of the proposed project are discussed in the following sections. 5.9.1 Demands on Services
Demands on services in relation to a particular project can be worked out on the basis of covered area and the nature of activity. Architectural drawings as a rule of thumb cater for 80 square feet per person. Based on covered space of 212,069 square feet, excluding the basement, the building shall be sufficient for an absolute maximum of two thousand six hundred and fifty-one people. It is estimated that there shall be a
10/2011
maximum footprint of about twenty-two hundred people through a day, based on six hundred and five employees, two hundred patients, four hundred patients visitors, and a thousand outdoor patients. Maximum average presence at any given time outside of visiting hours will be about five hundred and fifty persons. Mitigation: All electricity, telephone, natural gas, water and wastewater lines, whether cables or drains, shall be subterranean. The quality of materials used and standard of construction shall be high, which will ensure that there are minimum maintenance costs. The proponents shall make applications for all connections at the appropriate time towards the completion stage of the project so that the hospital can become operational immediately upon completion. According to WAPDA energy requirement criterion of fourteen watts per square feet of covered area,1 electricity need shall be about 1,515 KW, which can be purchased from Hyderabad Electric Supply Company. Natural gas supply shall be obtained from Sui Southern Gas Company and will be provided through a low pressure dedicated pipeline. Approximate natural gas utilisation shall depend on the type of air-conditioning plant and whether it would use natural gas as source of fuel. However, according to generally accepted yardstick of natural gas usage of 15-20 cubic feet per hour for every 100 square feet of area covered, the hospital shall need 42,414 cubic feet of natural gas per hour during winter months. This calculation is based on total covered area excluding the basement, which shall not require heating. The project area has good coverage of both electricity and natural gas and alternate sources of fuels or energy would not be required. Telephone connections will be obtained from local telephone companies, which have the necessary network in place in the project area. The building shall also have an inter-com system operated through internal telephone exchange and switchboard. Two tube-wells with combined capacity of 4 cusecs that can draw 90,000 gallons per hour, shall be sufficient to meet water requirements of the proposed project. Table 9 overleaf provides an indication of demands on various resources, such as electricity, natural gas, water usage, wastewater generation and storm water disposal, using various management techniques in addition to covered area. 5.9.2 Water Usage
Water shall be used for the following main purposes at the proposed hospital:
10/2011
Personal consumption of hospital employees, excluding showers and cooking; Medical needs and personal consumption of indoor patients, excluding cooking and including dry baths; Medical needs and personal consumption of outdoor patients; Personal consumption of patients visitors (short-time only); Operation of air-conditioning plant (depending on type); Medical equipment and laboratories; Kitchen; Janitorial, and Irrigation. The following table provides an indication of water needs of the proposed project based on the management consultants estimates.
TABLE 10: WATER USERS Maximum no. of people per day 605 200 1,000 400 ------2,205 Average no. Use of water of people at (percentage premises of per capita per hour average) 202 200 42 17 ------461 25 50 6.25 3.125 Need-based Need-based Need-based ---
Category Hospital employees (doctors and staff) Indoor patients Outdoor patients Patients visitors Kitchen Janitorial Irrigation TOTAL:
Estimated duration of stay 8 hours 24 hours 1 hour 1 hour ---------
Maximum per capita consumption of water in larger urban centres in Pakistan is a hundred gallons per day. Per capita per day consumption of water for the country as a whole, however, is lower at 84.44 gallons. Demand of water in a hospital is vastly different in comparison to that of a housing society or a pure apartment complex. Considering that the building has been designed for a maximum of two thousand six hundred and fifty-one people based on covered area of 80 square feet per person, water could be required for as many people. The maximum number of people present in the hospital daily will be about twenty-two hundred. There are no reliable figures for water usage at a hospital and details of
10/2011
water consumption collected from different hospitals have yielded erratic results, mainly because of a common single connection and multiple users, such as hospital, residential quarters using water from the same source, and commercial and irrigation needs. Table 11 illustrates possible water requirements of the hospital based on estimated commercial use of water corresponding to per capita use of 100 gallons per day, typical of urban centres, as well as 84.44 gallons per day, which is the present average for the country as a whole.
TABLE 11: AVERAGE DAILY WATER REQUIREMENTS Total Number of People Average Per Capita Using the Premises: Water Demand (gpd) 2,205 (Absolute number --see Table 11) 100 605 hospital employees 100/0.25 200 indoor patients 100/0.50 1,000 outdoor patients 100/0.0625 400 patients visitors 100/0.03125 Average Daily Demand (persons) Average Daily Demand for green areas/plantations Average Daily Demand for kitchen Average Daily Demand for cleaning Total Average Daily Demand Add 10 Percent Cushion Total Average Daily Water Requirement (100 gpd) Total Number of People Average Per Capita Using the Premises: Water Demand (gpd) 2,205 (Absolute number --84.44 see Table 10) 605 hospital employees 84.44/0.25 200 indoor patients 84.44/0.50 1,000 outdoor patients 84.44/0.0625 400 patients visitors 84.44/0.03125 Average Daily Demand (persons) Average Daily Demand for green areas/plantations Average Daily Demand for kitchen Average Daily Demand for cleaning Total Average Daily Demand Add 10 Percent Cushion Total Average Daily Water Requirement (84.44 gpd) Total Water Demand (gpd) 220,500 15,125 10,000 6,250 1,250 32,625 5,000 1,500 1,000 40,125 4,013 44,138 Total Water Demand (gpd) 186,190 12,772 8,444 5,278 1,056 27,550 5,000 1,500 1,000 35,050 3,505 38,555
Peak water demand of the hospital for all uses would be could 44,138 gallons per day subject to an absolute maximum of 220,500 gallons per day based on maximum per capita consumption of a hundred gallons per
10/2011
day typical of residents in larger urban centres. Per capita per day consumption of water at 84.44 gallons would work out at daily requirement of 38,555 gallons, subject to an absolute maximum of 186,190 gallons per day. Mitigation: Two tube-wells with capacity of 4 cusecs at the project site will meet water needs of the proposed hospital. Water conservation measures discussed in subsequent sections of this report shall ensure that water resources are not wasted. 5.9.3 Wastewater Generation
The volume of sanitary sewage depends on the number of persons using the premises every day. As per standard yardstick adopted by environmental engineers, eighty-five percent of water used is converted into sewerage.1 Assuming that an absolute maximum of 220,500 gallons per day will be used at the proposed hospital as per calculations explained in the preceding section of this chapter, the volume of sewerage will be about 187,425 gallons per day Wastewater generation based on per capita water usage of 84.44 gallons per day will be 158,262 gallons per day. Actual, or estimated wastewater generation, shall be 32,842 gallons per day or 28,097 gallons per day on the basis of per capita water use of 100 and 84.44 gallons, respectively, as calculated in the following table.
TABLE 12: AVERAGE DAILY WASTEWATER GENERATION Total Water Demand ( 100 gpd) 220,500 187,425 38,638 32,842 186,190 158,262 33,055 28,097
Total Number of People Using the Premises: Absolute Maximum Daily Water Requirement (100gpd) Total Wastewater Generation (85 percent) Estimated Daily Water Requirement (100gpd) Total Wastewater Generation (85 percent) Absolute Maximum Daily Water Requirement (84.44gpd) Total Wastewater Generation (85 percent) Estimated Daily Water Requirement (84.44gpd) Total Wastewater Generation (85 percent)
Note: The above calculations of water needs do not include water used for irrigation
Mitigation: Liquid waste effluents at the project will primarily consist of commercial sewerage of more or less domestic nature. Treated sewerage from the hospital will be used for irrigation purposes and the surplus shall be discharged into municipal sewers. It is anticipated that since water to be consumed at the premises shall more or less be domestic in nature,
10/2011
wastewater will have not have any pollution load in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), oil and grease etc., and can be safely discharged into the sewerage network without clogging the system or further aggravating chemical properties of sewage. Even though wastewater will be more or less domestic, a wastewater treatment plant is envisaged in the project so as to ensure that treated water is within the National Environmental Quality Standards limits. 5.9.4 Water Balance
Completion of projects that require a large amount of water during project implementation or for operation can deplete water resources in the project area, thereby causing serious environmental concerns. It is thus often necessary to assess the water balance for such projects. Mitigation: A study conducted by the World Bank in 2006 estimated that the groundwater potential of the project area is about 750 million litres per day.1 The proposed project shall draw water from two 2 cusec tubewells at the site. There is no need to assess water balance in the project area through a hydrological study. Quantification and estimation of water balance is usually necessary for large-scale housing projects, such as new townships, or industries relying heavily on water as an industrial input. No measures are necessary to address the water balance within the project area due to reasons explained above. Despite extensive urban as well as agricultural use, water balance in the area remains at high levels due to proximity of River Indus that runs to the east and south of the city and the Daddo Canal to the north of the project site. Operation of the hospital shall not lead to any exclusive depletion of groundwater or municipal water resources. Moreover, there are no municipal regulations or environmental laws requiring calculation of water balance at the project site. 5.9.5 Water Tank
Sufficient storage capacity of water must be maintained at all times to meet water needs of the building and for fire-fighting. Mitigation: The main source of water shall be tube-wells. An overhead water tank, measuring 8,000 cubic feet, shall be constructed at roof level.
10/2011
Water shall be pumped into the overhead water tank regularly from the tube-wells to keep water level above the minimum hourly need. Sufficient water storage capacity will thus be available to meet all needs. The water tank shall be regularly chlorinated and chemically treated to maintain healthy consumption standards. The tank shall be cleaned at regular intervals. The overhead water tank shall have appropriate waterproofing with thick concrete walls, floor, top and foundations, to eliminate leakages, precipitation and escape of moisture. 5.9.6 Disposal of Sewerage
It is anticipated that since water to be consumed in the hospital will more or less be for domestic needs not involving any chemical processes, wastewater will have not have any pollution load in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), oil and grease etc., and can be safely discharged into sewers without clogging the system or further aggravating chemical properties of sewage. Mitigation: Sewerage drains shall be twelve inch thick U-PVC pipe, sufficient to carry the quantum of wastewater generated at the premises. Sewerage drains within the compound shall be of a size compatible with wastewater generation capacity of the proposed hospital. Most if not all the wastewater is likely to be reused at the site after treatment and only surplus treated water shall be released into the municipal sewerage network. 5.9.7 Vehicular Traffic
The building bye-laws lay down that not less than one car parking space shall be provided for every one thousand square feet of floor area of a commercial building, excluding basement. Accordingly, based on total covered space of 212,069 square feet, excluding basement, the minimum car parking space must cater for at least two hundred and twelve cars. However, this restriction does not apply to hospitals and government buildings that are in any case exempt from building regulations in the Sindh Province. Mitigation: The basement floor has an area of 12,600 square earmarked for parking of up to 80 cars and 320 motor-cycles of hospital employees, including ten clearly designated spaces for disabled parking. Parts of the
10/2011
open area around the hospital, measuring about 17,200 square feet, shall be available for vehicle parking of patients and visitors. There will be negligible vehicular pollution added to the local environment when the hospital enters operational phase. Chapter 10 relating to the Traffic Impact Analysis discusses vehicular traffic arrangements in greater detail. 5.9.8 Solid Waste
Considering the purpose for which the building is to be employed, solid waste generation at the hospital will be in the range 0.5 kg to 0.8 kg per capita per day, following the yardstick for solid waste generation in urban centres. Assuming total presence of an average of about twenty-two hundred people per day generating solid waste, the quantity of solid waste generated shall be a maximum of two hundred and thirty-one kgs per day at the daily rate of 0.5 kg per capita and about three hundred and sixtyone kgs per day at per capita waste generation rate of 0.8 kg. It is not possible at this stage to calculate the BOD/COD load of solid waste that shall be generated when the hospital comes into operation. However, since the solid waste shall not be industrial in nature, COD/BOD load shall be well within environmental parameters Mitigation: Solid waste shall be carried away regularly from the hospital and dumped at the nearest municipal skip. All medical waste shall be incinerated at the facility to be established at the site. A number of measures shall be adopted for reduction of solid waste, as discussed in Chapters 7 and 9. 5.9.9 Wastewater Treatment Plant
Grey water, also known as sullage, is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing. Grey water comprises 50-80 percent of residential wastewater. Grey water consists of wastewater generated from all of the houses sanitation equipment except for septic tank (water from toilets is black water, or sewage). Grey water is distinct from black water in the amount and composition of its chemical and biological contaminants (from faeces or toxic chemicals). Grey water gets its name from its cloudy appearance and from its status as being neither fresh (white water from groundwater or potable water), nor heavily polluted (black water). According to this definition, wastewater containing significant food residues or high
10/2011
concentrations of toxic chemicals from household cleaners etc. may be considered dark grey or black water. Concerns over dwindling reserves of groundwater and overloaded or costly sewage treatment plants in recent years has generated much interest in reuse or recycling of grey water, both domestically and for use in commercial irrigation. However, concerns over potential health and environmental risks means that many jurisdictions demand such intensive treatment systems for legal reuse of grey water that the commercial cost is higher than for fresh water. Despite these obstacles, grey water is often reused for irrigation. In drought zones or areas hit by hose-pipe bans (irrigation restrictions), grey water can be harvested informally by manual bucketing. In the third world, reuse of grey water is often unregulated and is common. Mitigation: Liquid waste effluents will consist of sewerage of more or less domestic nature. As per standard yardstick adopted by environmental engineers, eighty-five percent of water used is converted into sewerage. Assuming that a maximum of 38,638 gallons of water are used at the hospital per day, the volume of wastewater generation will be an estimated 32,842 gallons per day. As wastewater will be non-industrial in nature, no prior treatment is required, but a wastewater treatment plant is nonetheless embedded in the project design. Excess treated water, which will be well within limits set down by the National Environmental Quality Standards, will thereafter be released into municipal drains. Most of the treated water shall however be used at the project to irrigate green belts and plantations. The proponents are in negotiations to procure the Clear Water SBR sewage treatment plant manufactured in the Netherlands. Details of the proposed plant are placed at Appendix VI. The advantages of this system of sewerage treatment are: High purification performance; Safe operation; Robust engineering; Good resilience to load fluctuations; Automatic operational accounting; Electronic fault reporting, and Remote monitoring.
The proponents have tentatively selected the CW 10000-S model, which consists of spiral sieve, equalisation tank and reactor. Particles larger than 3 mm are captured by the spiral sieve making the use of the clear sludge possible. Wastewater flows into the equalisation tank and is stored there.
10/2011
It is thereafter pumped into the reactor, where it is biologically purified with micro-organisms. Treatment is carried out in following five phases: Filling: The reactor is filled with wastewater from buffer tank; Reaction/Aeration: A diaphragm pipe aerator blows oxygen into the water, creating activated sludge comprising microorganisms and bacteria. Impurities in wastewater are decomposed biologically during this phase; Sedimentation/Settling: Wastewater is no longer aerated during settling phase. Activated sludge settles on the tank floor due to cessation of turbulence. Since sludge settles completely on the tank floor, upper part of clarified water is of extremely good quality; Clarified Water Removal/Extraction: Clarified water is pumped out during this phase by employing clarified water pump, and Excess Sludge Removal: Since new activated sludge is formed during every aeration process, excess sludge is pumped into the sludge storage tank during the final phase, so that the reactor always contains the optimum amount of sludge. The plant has a flexible design that can be modified for large or small volumes of wastewater. Sludge created at the wastewater treatment plant shall be carried away from the site by the waste management contractor for dumping at the municipal rubbish disposal, after prior approval of the concerned municipal authority. It is expected that the wastewater treatment plant shall be functional by the time the project comes into operation. The wastewater treatment plant shall have excess capacity that could be employed for treatment of wastewater generated at nearby housing schemes that are presently under development. 5.9.10 Waste Management Team
In compliance of Rule 4 of the Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005, a team must be appointed by the hospital administrator to disposal of medical waste in an environment-friendly manner. Mitigation: The proponents shall ensure that a Waste Management Team is constituted at the same time as the proposed hospital comes into operation, and shall discharge duties as specified under the said Rules.
10/2011
5.9.11 Waste Management Plan
Rule 15 of the Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005, provides for preparation of a Waste Management Plan by the waste Management Officer nominated as a member of the Waste Management Team. Such plan must be approved by the Waste Management Team. Mitigation: The proponents shall ensure that the Waste Management Officer appointed under Rule 4 formulates a Waste Management Plan that is approved by the Waste Management Team and that it is implemented. The Waste Management Plan shall include, but will not be limited to, guidelines prescribed in the said Rules and shall correspond to best international practices and would be subject to periodical review. The Plan shall cater for waste segregation, collection, transportation, storage and disposal, as also for waste minimisation and reuse, and devise procedures for immediate measures for control and rectification in cases of accidental spills and leakages of hazardous materials and hazardous waste. 5.9.12 Incinerator
Incinerators must be installed at a hospital since some hospital waste, especially used syringes, can be a serious environmental hazard. Mitigation: Although the proponents intend to engage a waste management contractor for collection of waste from the hospital, an incinerator shall be installed for disposal of medical waste such as used syringes, soiled bandages, used X-rays, expired medicines etc. Details of a possible option are at Appendix VII, which has capacity of 25-1,000 kgs per hour. 5.9.13 Waste Management Contractor
Special arrangements must be made where there is likely to be substantial liquid and solid waste and where there is no collection of waste by municipality. Mitigation: A waste management contractor shall be appointed prior to commencement of project operations to remove all forms of solid waste,
10/2011
including sludge from the wastewater treatment plant, for disposal in an environment-friendly manner. 5.9.14 Elevators
There shall be three locations for elevators with a maximum of seven cars, from the basement to the upper floors. Mitigation: The elevators shall be sufficient to carry a minimum of one hundred persons and shall be large enough to accommodate gurneys. The set of elevators on the middle of each floor shall be able to open on both sides. The proponents shall ensure that elevators remain under due maintenance so that there is no noise and vibrations from the equipment. There shall also be regular inspections to check the equipment for safety. 5.9.15 Generators
Generators can cause noise pollution, emissions and vibrations, which can be a source of environmental impairment as well as annoyance for users of the premises and neighbours. Mitigation: The proponents must make arrangements for standby generators in order to ensure that supply of medical services at the hospital is not interrupted. The proponents shall ensure that the location of generators is such that it does not create any disturbance. Suitable arrangements shall be made to clamp down the equipment to eliminate possibility of vibrations and to place the generators under a canopy to reduce noise. Finally, the stack shall be connected to a funnel that shall convey emissions directly to the outside. While installing generators, it shall be ensured that heat dispersion of the equipment does not impact unfavourably on the immediate environment. These generators shall be installed within the mechanical area of the basement. 5.9.16 Air-conditioning Plant
The air-conditioning plant can disturb the environment within the building through emissions, noise and vibrations and mitigation measures would thus be required to ensure that it only performs well for comfort of patients but at the same time is not an environmental hazard.
10/2011
Mitigation: The air-conditioning plant shall be placed within the mechanical area in the basement. The plant shall be properly clamped down and heavily insulated to eliminate possibilities of vibrations and noise. It shall be ensured that the air-conditioning plant to be procured is CFC-free. The air-conditioning plant shall use either electricity or natural gas as the power source. 5.9.17 Vibrations
Machinery installed in the building, such as the air-conditioning plant, elevators, tube-well or pumps may cause vibrations that could be a nuisance for patients as well as neighbours. Mitigation: Generators, elevators, motor pumps and tube-wells shall be kept under due maintenance. Since equipment to be installed in the building will be of the highest quality, there should not ordinarily be concerns about possible vibrations from their operation. 5.9.18 Noise
Undue noise can likewise be generated by the above-said machinery and equipment, causing annoyance and discomfort for users and neighbours. Mitigation: Since the HVAC Plant is to be installed within a wellinsulated mechanical area in the basement, there shall be minimal noise. The walls shall be padded, which shall reduce noise from the operation of the air-conditioning plant. Noise from elevators, pumps, tube-wells and generators shall be kept within acceptable limits by using high quality equipment and ensuring due maintenance. 5.9.19 Reflection, Heat and Insulation
The design of large structures must contain safety valves to prevent reflections and provide for measures for heat and insulation as a part of the environmental aspects of the project. Mitigation: Following standard construction practices, externals walls have cavities filled with thermopore sheets to provide insulation against heat. External walls shall be of hollow block masonry or RCC with 2
10/2011
thick rigid insulation installed between finished surface and peripheral walls. The roof has been designed to cater for heat absorption and insulation, so as that the building is suitably protected against the elements, particularly summer heat. The roof top built-up shall be screed in slope with waterproofing, 2 thick rigid insulation and 1 thick terracotta tiles. Finally, a colour scheme shall be used within the building and exteriors in such a way that heat is absorbed during summer months. Reflections from the large glass windows shall be restricted through use of tinted glass and drapes or blinds. 5.9.20 Services
Patients and employees at a high-rise hospital must have access to sufficient services to ensure their safety and comfort. Mitigation: Various services that may have an indirect or direct impact on the environmental are embedded in the project design. These include common areas, wide passages, parking spaces, garbage chutes for effective and swift waste disposal, access through elevators and staircases, fire escapes, washrooms, ATMs and public telephones. Male and female washrooms, with sufficient number of stalls and urinals, shall be available on each floor, along with disabled toilets, having standard equipment for facility of users. All washrooms will be equipped with sensor-fitted urinals and faucets in the washbasins to ensure maximum economy of water. The washrooms will be maintained by a team of sanitary workers to keep the premises clean and hygienic at all times. The proponents shall develop a standard operating procedure to ensure that washrooms are cleaned frequently and that a log is maintained regularly. 5.9.21 Access
Ample access must be provided in a high-rise not only for ease in movement but also for evacuation in the event of an emergency. Mitigation: There are a minimum of six exits at the ground level. Four to five elevators serve the building from the basement to the Seventh Floor. The elevators would be manned around-the-clock with attendants for public convenience and safety. The proponents shall develop a foolproof mechanism for frequent inspections and service of elevators to guarantee safety of use, including a logbook of inspections by certified technicians.
10/2011
The staircases shall have fireproof doors. Vehicles shall enter and leave the basement through a dedicated ramp. Fire-escapes shall remain unobstructed at all times. 5.9.22 Storm Water System
Since rains in monsoon and water can cause flooding, appropriate measures must be put in place to regulate storm water so that it does not also at the same time impede activities at the hospital. Mitigation: The project area does not receive heavy rain throughout the year, even during the monsoon. However, there shall be drains around the compound to collect rainwater for swift disposal into the municipal storm water system through gravity. 5.10 SEISMIC PROVISIONS
A seismic map of the country is placed at Appendix VIII, which shows that the project area falls in Seismic Zone 2A.1 District Government Sukkur abides by the Pakistan Building Code Seismic Provisions 2007, which have been compiled under order of the federal government by the Ministry of Housing and Works. Mitigation: The building design has been structured to withstand possible seismic activity of the level expected in an area typical of Zone 2A. The geotechnical investigation advised that due to the sensitivity of the project, it should be designed to withstand Peak Horizontal Acceleration of 0.3 g according to the latest provisions of the Pakistan Building Code. The building design exceeds this requirement. Further details about seismic nature of the project area are given in the next chapter. 5.11 SAFETY OF THE STRUCTURE A geotechnical investigation has been conducted at the project site.2 Most failures of structures are probably caused by the failure of foundations, which are still frequent despite rapid advancements in construction technologies. The cost of a foundation seldom exceeds one-tenth of the total cost of a structure whereas the security of the superstructure hinges
10/2011
directly on the integrity of the foundations. Attempts to cut costs on foundations either during preliminary investigations, designing, or in the use of materials or workmanship can compromise on the quality of the structure however well it may be raised. Defects in foundations rarely appear immediately and most become obvious when a building is in actual use and when remedial action is either too expensive or too difficult for a variety of reasons. Foundation designing is not an exact science and the same parameters cannot be applied to all problems that may arise because of different nature of soils at different sites. Even at the same site, work methods and different effects of climatic conditions and groundwater effects on the soil may bear different reactions. A foundation differs from other parts of the structure insofar as it is supported by soil, which is a material of uncertain and non-uniform nature. Further, loads acting on this uncertain material cannot be calculated exactly and their magnitude and behaviour often depends on the work methods and weather conditions when the work has been completed. The failure of a foundation may be of such a nature that it would be impossible to remedy it an economical cost, in which the loss may exceed the total cost of the foundation and the structure raised upon it. There are a number of factors that affect the ability of foundations that it is not easy to classify them into groups. Generally, these may be due to: The absence of proper investigation of the soil; Provision of deficient information about the proposed structure to the geotechnical investigators; An erroneous interpretation of the results of such an investigation; Lack or absence of coordination between the geotechnical consultants, project designers, top-supervision consultants and construction contractors; Deviations from the design communicated to the geotechnical investigators; Faulty design of the foundations; Behaviour of soil contrary to projections of the geotechnical investigators, which is rather rare. This could nonetheless be caused by vibrations, scour, changes in the level of groundwater, erection of other structures in close vicinity etc.; Deficient workmanship in the construction of the foundations; Removal of subsoil water through pumping without resort to effects on the surrounding environment;
10/2011
Use of inferior materials, and Insufficient provisions in the designs for exceptional natural phenomena such as earthquakes, thermal and biological conditions, rainfall and flow of water at a rate greater than anticipated. A high-rise building designed without credible soil analyses is the worst environmental hazard, as was evident in Islamabad during the earthquake of 2003. Geotechnical analysis of a project site provides vital information to design foundations. The project designer must be armed with complete information about soil at a building and whether it has the capability to carry loads from an engineering structure without causing shear failure and whether resulting settlement remains within tolerable limits for the structure proposed to be raised. 5.11.1 Geotechnical and Soil Tests
Soil testing work was carried out from May 28, 2011 to June 14, 2011 to evaluate safe bearing capacity and other geotechnical parameters to design the foundation. Six boreholes were drilled using rotary/wash boring method at the site to a depth ranging from sixty-five to a hundred feet below natural surface level. Four test pits were dug manually to a depth of six feet each at different locations of the proposed road works within the project site. Borehole locations are placed at Appendix IX. Soil samples were subjected to following types of laboratory tests: Grain Size Analysis: Grain-size analyses were carried out for coarse-grained as also fine-grained soil to group particles into separate range of sizes so as to determine relative proportions by dry weight of each size range. Soil has thus been classified according to the Unified Soil Classification System; Density and Moisture Tests: Samples were tested for moisture content and density which show that natural moisture ranges between 4.8 percent to 6.5 percent and dry density varies from 1.7 gm/cc to 1.93 gm/cc; Specific Gravity Test: This examination is conducted to calculate void ratio, and it was found that specific gravity ranged between 2.62 to 2.74; Direct Shear Tests: The soils were tested to ascertain relative bearing capacity;
10/2011
Unconfined Compression Tests: Samples were tested to establish soil compression; Chemical Tests: Soil samples were tested for quality and presence of chemicals for use of appropriate materials; Atterberg Limits: Samples were examined to determine consistency in terms of liquid, plastic and shrinkage limits; Organic Matter Test: In order to identify organic matter within the soil, soils samples were tested, which established range between 0.75 percent to 1.40 percent; Consolidation Test: Undisturbed samples were tested to establish consolidation characteristics of soil; Sensitivity Test: This test is carried out to arrive at the ratio between unconfined strength of undisturbed and remoulded samples. The values were found to be between 1.05 to 1.15; Electrical Conductivity Tests: Samples were tested in this behalf and the measured range is between 1,490 to 1,940 micro mohs/cm, and Un-drained Tri-axial Tests: Samples were tested to confirm their fundamental material parameters about angle of internal friction, apparent cohesion and dilatancy angle to predict behaviour in a large-scale engineering application. 5.11.2 Foundations
Raft foundations have been proposed at least three to three and a half feet below the floor level of the basement to provide sufficient embedment. 5.11.3 Piling
Bored and driven piles capacity has been determined for different lengths and diameters. Spacing of piles from centre to centre should not be less than twice the diameter of the piles. 5.11.4 Bearing Capacity
Safe bearing capacity for double storey structures at three to nine feet depth below the existing ground level has been proposed at 0.5 tsf for strip and 0.6 tsf for isolated footings. The safe bearing capacity of raft
10/2011
footing at or below fifteen feet of depth for the high rise building of up to nine floors has been proposed at 1.8 tsf, with bored/driven piles. 5.11.5 Chemical Contents
Results of chemical tests are carried out on soil and water samples to bring forth results in order to suggest usage of appropriate cement and other vital building materials. In case there are infirmities in the soil, special construction materials must be used. Results of chemical tests on soil and water samples carried out during the geotechnical study suggest that Sulphate Resisting Cement should be used for all concrete works in combination with sweet water. 5.11.6 Structural Stability
From the analyses given in Sections 5.11.1 to 5.11.5, it is evident that the proponents have taken more than sufficient measures to ensure that structural designing and subsequent construction meet all structural safety standards. 5.12 SOIL AMPLIFICATION STUDY
A soil amplification study describes whether a soil site is advantageous in amplifying or in damping earthquake shaking transmitted from bedrock levels. Such studies are usually taken for large structures, such as skyscrapers and large urban development projects particularly in areas highly susceptible to seismic activity. Studies of a number of earthquakes show that a thick layer of soil can amplify the ground shaking significantly. Some studies have indicated that soft soil does provide a kind of cushioning and absorbs seismic waves before these are transmitted to the surface. For example, liquefaction of a particular layer in a thick layer may in fact act as an isolator. Considering the size and nature of the project, a soil amplification study was not considered necessary for the purposes of structural planning, especially since the foundations have been designed on the basis of soil characteristics and the building design is in conformity with the seismic code. Most significantly, the Pakistan Building Code Seismic Provisions, 2007, have been framed keeping in view soil characteristics and rock formations all
62
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
over the country. Moreover, a soil amplification study is not required under the relevant building regulations and by-laws. 5.13 GOVERNMENT APPROVALS, MOUs AND LEASES
Approval of all relevant government departments must be obtained well in time for various activities so that a projects implementation or operation is not stalled at any stage. Moreover, non-compliance of legal and regulatory provisions is in itself a cause for environmental imbalance as it can create social tensions, especially when illegal construction takes place and is opposed by the local population. Mitigation: Since construction has not commenced, it is premature for the proponents to conclude any agreements, if necessary at all, with the concerned agencies, such as District Government Sukkur, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, Sui Southern Gas Limited, for provision of connections and other services at the site, such as solid waste disposal/water and sewerage, electricity and natural gas, respectively. Such agreements or Memoranda of Understanding, if at all required, shall be concluded by the proponents at the appropriate stage of the project towards its completion. However, the proponents are being advised through this environmental study to make all necessary arrangements well in advance. All approvals shall be obtained well in time so that construction remains unimpeded and so that the building can be colonised and is available for operation as soon as the project is finalised. District Government Sukkur, being the competent urban development authority has accorded approval of building plans. Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sui Southern Gas Limited shall be approached for approval and sanction of electricity and gas connections. Similarly, District Government Sukkur shall be approached for sanction of water supply and sewer connections. Since activities at the proposed building would be strictly medical in nature, water requirement would be on the low side. Moreover, water storage has to be maintained for firefighting purposes and the capacity of the overhead water tank is around 40,000 gallons, which shall be constantly topped up by two existing tubewells. Telephone lines would be provided by local telephone companies. The building plans cater for all utility connections in such a way that there is no adverse environmental impact showing open drains, pipes and external wiring. Since there are no trees at the project site that required felling to facilitate construction, there shall not be any need to approach
10/2011
the concerned agency within the district administration to seek prior permission for removal of trees. Finally, environmental approval shall be obtained from Sindh Environmental Protection Agency in compliance of legal requirements. 5.14 ECOLOGICALLY CRITICAL AND SENSITIVE AREAS
The proposed project shall be situated within a rural area that is being brought under urban development. However, the project area is not a catchment area of any river, stream, or nullah, despite proximity to River Indus. The project site is plain without vegetation cover. There are no trees within the project site. The project site is also not situated in an area that is ecologically critical or sensitive in nature. There are no graveyards or mosques or any shrines at the project site or nearby that can be affected by project implementation or operation. 5.15 RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION
The building is designed as a hospital with substantial public dealing. In order to ensure comfort of patients and visitors, the building will be maintained according to the best health, sanitation, and structural maintenance standards. The proponents anticipate that the building would be used for a minimum of eighty to ninety years and has been designed suitably to stand the test of the set time. Mitigation: Constant maintenance, repairs and upgrading of the structure would continue during operation of the hospital according to a carefully prepared work schedule and would be adhered to religiously. However, at the end of the life of the building, it will be dismantled as per municipal procedures with special precautions to minimise if not totally avoid pollution and at the same time taking every safety precaution to protect life and property around the building. It is not possible of course at this point of time to predict or anticipate the shape and form of the surrounding areas when the building has lived its life and needs to be torn down, either with wrecking balls or controlled explosion. Debris generated from demolishing the building will be disposed in environmentally sustainable fashion. Material capable of recycling or reuse will be either sold or shall be reused in the next plan. While dismantling the building, all building rules and regulations as applicable to such an activity shall be observed strictly.
10/2011
It will be ensured that no damage is done to public infrastructure like sewer system, power building, gas building, roads, and private or public property. Complete safety measures, according to secured, safe and effective norms of demolition, will be adopted to avoid harm to persons engaged in the demolition, public property around the building or the environment in the project area. Dust generated during demolition will be minimised by constant sprinkling of water. After demolition, all construction material, debris and garbage will be removed from the site immediately and disposed as per procedures approved by municipal regulations. Any minor spill over of such material will be cleared adequately. Pitted ground will be adequately levelled, subject to further use of the land. On the whole, the project site and the area in its near vicinity will be made neat and clean for further use by the proponents or successors-in-interest thereof. 5.16 PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
The project shall come into operation after twenty-four months of commencement of construction. The proponents have engaged consultant services to design the project, tender advice on structures, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), mechanical and electric components, landscaping, interiors, project management, and shall select an experienced construction firm to execute the project. The project shall be self-financing and the proponents have access to finances necessary to complete the project within the targeted time schedules and there is thus no question of construction being left abandoned during the tenure of the project and thereby creating an environmental malaise at the site. Delays, if any, would be due purely to unavoidable circumstances beyond human control.
65
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
This portion of the study describes environment of the project area. While it discusses the physical environment in detail, it also touches upon other important aspects of the local environment such as biological resources, socio-economic development, quality of life values and cultural heritage, so as to view the gamut of environmental parameters that can be affected by any project. 6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Sukkur has been an important strategic centre and trading route from times immemorial. The city of Sukkur lies on the right bank of River Indus as an enclave that juts out west with borders on Shikarpur and Khairpur districts. A greater part of the district is on the left bank and east of the river as it flows south into Khairpur. Sukkur District covers an area of 5,165 square kilometres. Geographically, it spans from 2705 to 2802 north latitudes and from 6847 to 6943 east longitudes. The city of Sukkur is located at an altitude of 220 feet (67 metres) from sea level, having terrestrial coordinates 6852 east and 2742 north. It is also the narrowest point of the course of lower Indus River. Sukkur district shares its northern border with Shikarpur and Jacoabad. Ghotki is located on the north-eastern side while Khairpur is to the south and south-west. Indian Rajasthan is towards the east of the district. A map of the district is at Appendix X. 6.2 PHYSICAL RESOURCES
This section of the study examines physical resources, topography, soil, climate, surface and ground water and geology of the project areas to assess whether the project can impact on any of these parameters. 6.2.1 Geology and Geomorphology
Pakistan can be divided into five broad regions on the basis of physical environment and geology, which are the Northern Mountainous Region, the North-western Hills and Balochistan, the Sub-mountain Indus Region,
10/2011
the Indus Plain, and the Potohar Plateau and Salt Range. The Indus Plain essentially forms the western extension of Indo-Gangetic Plain, and is made up of silt brought by the Indus and its numerous tributaries, such as Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej on the east bank, and Kabul, Kurram, Tochi and other smaller rivers on the west bank. The project area is located within this region, east of Ravi River. The Indus Plain covers an area of about 200,000 square miles and is the countrys most prolific and prosperous agricultural domain. It is an unrelieved featureless plain of fertile alluvium extending for 650 to 700 miles from the rim of the Potohar Plateau southward to the Arabian Sea. The quality of groundwater in the Indus Plain varies, being mostly saline and unfit for agricultural use in the south. Extensive areas in both the northern and southern zones of the Indus Plain have been affected by water-logging and salinity. District Sukkur lies in Northern Sindh within the southern part of the vast Indus Plain. This plain was a result of filling of the extensive geosynclines formed as a fore-deep due to upheaval of Himalayan Mountains during the Tertiary Period. Initially submerged under the sea, the depression was gradually filled up with detritus flowing down Indus River and its tributaries, ultimately turning into a flat alluvial plain. As the Indus Delta continued to advance south and the gradient of the plain diminished gradually, the river shifted its course, frequently swinging from east to west and vice versa, thereby giving rise to various landforms. 6.2.2 Seismology
According to the seismic map of Pakistan at Appendix VIII and the Pakistan Building Code Seismic Provisions 2007 (Appendix XI), the project areas fall in Seismic Zone 2A, i.e. minor damage zone corresponding to Intensity V and VI of the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.1 Distant earthquakes with fundamental periods greater than 1.0 second may cause damage to structures in this zone. A moderate to high intensity earthquake at the site can adversely impact on the development. Foundations have been designed specifically to withstand any threat of earthquakes that can be anticipated in the area considering its seismology. 6.2.3 Land Use
Prior to construction of Guddu Barrage, a large part of the district and adjoining areas was under natural scrub forests, with cultivation confined
10/2011
to low-lying areas that received irrigation water from the river through inundation canals flowing only when river water rose to high levels. According to a study of the Soil Survey of Pakistan, Sukkur District comprises 1,804,000 acres, out of which around one-eleventh of the area, or about 165,000 acres, has a very high economic potential under irrigation. Around one-fifth of the area, or 363,000 acres, consist of land with a high economic potential under irrigation. One-fourth of the district, or about 437,000 acres, comprises land with a moderate economic potential. Land with poor economic potential under flood-watering measures approximately 125,000 acres, whereas the remaining 714,000 acres consist of agriculturally unproductive land. Agricultural areas across the river to the east of the city have restricted cropping with perennial canal irrigation, restricted cropping with seasonal flooding, and forests along the river. Landforms east of the river are active floodplains comprising meander bars and levees, and level plains. Away from the river, landforms are recent and sub-recent floodplains. Land capability to the east is mainly good with some very good and moderate irrigated land, predominantly moderate flood-watered land, and mainly poor with some moderate flood-watered land. Shikarpur and Khairpur districts lie to the west and south-west of Sukkur City. Land-use in areas immediately close to the city have limited general cropping with perennial canal irrigation, and restricted cropping with seasonal canal irriation and little grazing. Land capability here is very good with some good irrigated land, and good with some very good irrigated land. Appendices XII, XIII and XIV show land-use, landforms and land capability of areas to the east of the city whereas Appendices XV and XVI show land-use and land capability of areas to the west of the city in the Jacobabad area. 6.2.4 Hydrology
River Indus is the main factor controlling hydrology of the area, entering the district near Kashmore at Guddu Barrage and runs along the entire north-western boundary of the district. Prior to construction of barrages and flood-protection embankments, the river used to sweep through almost the entire district during high floods in the monsoon. Floodwater flowed through the old river channels and low-lying areas, causing great havoc at times. Finally, the water would converge in the south and escape through a wide stream that is now the course of Nara Canal. Groundwater table has been rising steadily due to seepage from canals in irrigated
10/2011
areas, fluctuating between 5 and 10 feet in Ghotki Feeder command, 8 to 15 feet in Nara Canal command, and 2 to 6 feet in Khairpur Feeder East command areas. Water tables rise especially during the summer when canals are at full discharge. Shallow groundwater in almost the whole of irrigated area is of good quality and has salt content of less than 1,200 ppm. Good quality deep water is found in only about 40 percent of the north-western part of the district while it is very poor in other parts, with salt content of more than 2,500 ppm and as high as 4,500 ppm in other places. 6.2.5 Water Table
Boreholes made at the project site for collection of soil samples encountered water table at a depth of six feet.1 6.2.6 Soil
Soil along the river to the south and west of the city are typical of active floodplains, mainly Sodhra Association and Shahdara Association. Recent floodplains comprise soils with characteristics of Sodhra Association, Shahdara Association and Shahdara-Miani Association. Subrecent floodplains with meander bars and levees are Jhakkar Association, Kasur Association and Sodhra Complex. Soils in the level plains are Pacca Association, Pacca-Dungi Association and Sultanpur Association. Soils immediately to the west of the city in Shikarpur and Khairpur districts are mainly Shikarpur, Miani, Pacca, Satghara and Jhakkar associations. The project site is located within an area where the soil is mainly Sodhra Series comprising mixed river alluvium, typical of active, recent floodplains and uncovered bars in sub-recent floodplains. Characteristics of this soil are shown at Appendix XVII. Geotechnical investigation of the project site shows that the soil is nodular limestone to a depth of seven metres, off-white to yellowish in colour, very hard, moderately weathered, very fine grained texture, thinly bedded with very close fracture spacing, slightly rough and filled. Between seven to twelve metres, the soil is limestone off-white to yellowish in colour, very hard, slightly weathered, very fine grained texture, thickly bedded with very close fracture spacing, smooth and stained. Soil from twelve to thirty metres consists of nodular limestone, off-white to yellowish in colour, very hard, moderately weathered, very
10/2011
fine grained texture, thickly bedded with very close fracture spacing, slightly rough an filled.1 Soils of Sukkur and Jacobabad districts are shown at Appendices XVIII and XIX. 6.2.7 Topography
The proposed project site is a part of a fast-developing rural area to the north-west of the city of Sukkur at 274210.72 north latitude and 685006.53 east longitude, with elevation of fifty-eight metres above sea level. Topography of the entire project area as a whole is uniform and generally common to most of the local floodplain. A topographical illustration of the project site is placed at Appendix IV. 6.2.8 Climate
Pakistans latitudinal and longitudinal extents and its northern rim of lofty mountains are the two factors having great bearing not only on temperature and rainfall patterns, but also on general circulation of atmosphere in South Asia. As per widely-used climate classification system developed by Wladimir Kppen, Pakistan has five types of climate. The first type is tropical semi-arid with dry winter, which prevails in the former Karachi, Hyderabad and southern Khairpur divisions. Tropical arid climate characterised by dry winters is experienced in southern Kalat and the whole of the Indus Plain. The Cold Semi-arid with Dry Summer climate type prevails over Central Kashmir, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Quetta and northern half of the former Kalat Division. Snow Forest Climate covers the northern mountainous areas and parts of Kashmir. Finally, Extreme Cold climate is experienced in eastern and northern parts of Kashmir, Chitral and Northern Areas. The project areas fall in the arid, subtropical continental climate zone. Low rainfall, low relative humidity, high evaporation, great fluctuations in temperature and occasional windstorms are salient features of the local climate. 6.2.9 Seasons
There are four well-marked seasons in the country. The cold season (December to March) is influenced by frequent passing of western disturbances originating over the Mediterranean and Western Europe.
10/2011
These cyclones advance eastward over Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan and then to Pakistan. Mean monthly temperature is below 4.4C in mountainous areas, and varies from about 10C in the north of the plains to about 18C in south. Rainfall during this period increases northwards and westwards. The hot season (April to June) sees high temperatures and aridity. Day temperature begins to rise and peaks in June from 40C to 46C, while temperatures of 50C and above are not uncommon. The monsoon season (July to September) is caused by low pressure over the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent in May and June, attracting winds from the Indian Ocean, which start blowing over the land about middle of June, as the south-west monsoons. Changes in the structure of the upper air during this season allow further invasion of moist air from the Bay of Bengal in July. This period experiences periods of heavy rains and storms. The monsoon spreads northwards, generally in a series of pulses. It reaches the Punjab by early or mid-July. The monsoon currents remain steady in July, mostly constant to the middle of August, and begin to recede at the end of August. The post-monsoon season (October and November) is basically transitory. October and November are by far the driest months on account of anti-cyclonic conditions, and are characterised by clear skies, and light and variable winds all over the plains of Pakistan. The project area experiences four seasons, i.e. summer, winter, autumn and spring, with a short monsoon. 6.2.10 Rainfall
There are two sources of rainfall in Pakistan, i.e. the Monsoon and the Western Depression. The former takes place from July to September while the latter occurs between December and March. The major part of the province of Punjab receives less than 250 mm of rainfall in a year. Southern Punjab receives less than 125 mm of rainfall and as such mostly falls in an arid zone. True humid conditions appear after the rainfall increases to 750 mm in plains and 625 mm in the highlands. Average rainfall of the district is 88 mm, and ranges from 0.59 mm to 25.62 mm per month. Annual average for the last ten years is shown in Table 32. 6.2.11 Humidity
Relative humidity in Sukkur at 0800 hours is below 54 percent during April and 77 percent in the monsoon season. Average monthly relative humidity values are shown in Table 33 following this chapter.
10/2011
6.2.12 Monthly Mean Temperatures
The thermal equator, which is the line of the greatest mean heat of the globe, passes through Sindh. The mean annual temperature is about 80 F, while the mean summer (May to July) temperature being 94 F. The mean winter (December to February) temperature is about 62.1 F. Variations in temperature, both diurnal and seasonal, are great. June is the hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of about 109 F, while January is the coldest month with a mean minimum temperature of about 45 F. Mean annual evaporation is 1,918 mm. Monthly mean minimum and maximum temperatures (C) during 2001-2010 are shown in Tables 34 and 35 at the end of this chapter. 6.2.13 Wind Direction and Speed
The dominant wind direction in the area is south and south-east in summer. Light and hot wind, which is a weak extension of the south-west wind arising from the sea coast, blows for a part of the year during the summer. Light northerly winds predominate during the winter. Wind speeds can reach a maximum of 2.2 knots during the summer and be as low as 0.2 knots during the winter. Tables 36 and 37 show wind direction and speed for the project area over 2001-2010. 6.2.14 Visibility
Visibility remains good throughout the year except for December and January, when patches of fog can be disruptive for traffic. There is mild urban smog that is visible at dawn while industrial smog is minimal. 6.2.15 Surface and Groundwater Resources
Groundwater is found in a very large area under the crust of the earth and the total estimated amount is about 500,000 million acre feet, out of which one-fifth lies within a depth of 2,500 feet from the surface. This is more than thirty times the water contained in all fresh water lakes and more than 3,000 times the average volume of water flowing through rivers and streams.1 Pakistan has extensive groundwater resources built up over the millennia through direct recharge from natural precipitation,
10/2011
river flows, and in recent times from continuous seepage from conveyance systems of canals, distributaries, watercourses and application losses in irrigated lands. Out of the total groundwater potential of fifty-five million acre feet, about 49 million acre feet will be exploited presently.1 Pakistan can be divided into five major zones for drinking water sources, which are as follows: Sweet groundwater areas, where water is easily accessible for human consumption; Brackish groundwater areas, where canal or river water is available; Mountainous and hilly areas in the north, where spring water is largely abundant; Eastern desert belt, where groundwater may be available only at greater depth, and Coastal belt, where saline water is generally available. Sukkur District generally falls in the sweet groundwater classification. There are no streams running through the project area that can be affected by project activities. A large volume of underground water is available throughout the project area, which is by and large fit for human consumption. There is also no wetland in the near vicinity of the project site. Municipal water supply is quite extensive but tube-wells have been sunk on need basis to meet additional water needs. 6.2.16 Surface and Groundwater Quality
The quality of groundwater is area specific and generally ranges from fresh with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) less than 1,200 ppm near the river to highly saline with salinity exceeding 4,500 ppm. A paper released by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency states that groundwater quality in urban centres is affected the most by wastewater. According to an estimate some years ago, two million tons of human excreta was produced in 2004, out of which at least fifty percent ended up in water, basically because areas covered by sewerage networks is extremely low.2 Groundwater in the project area is normally available at a depth ranging between 20 to 50 metres below natural surface level. Readings of water quality at various locations in Sukkur are at Appendix XX. Out of twelve sources of drinking water collected from the city by the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources, only one was found safe for
10/2011
direct human consumption.1 The National Drinking Water Policy2 of the federal government envisages implementation of drinking water quality standards after these are developed by the Government in line with World Health Organisation Guidelines and approved by the Federal Cabinet. These standards shall apply both to rural as well as urban water supply schemes and were officially released in June 2008.3 As stated in the previous section, there is ample sub-surface water available throughout the project area. Mitigation: Groundwater samples were collected from a borehole at the project site and analyses were carried out at the Central Research Laboratory of the Public Health Engineering Department. The results are presented in Table 38. Laboratory tests have ascertained that groundwater at the project site is fit for direct human consumption (Appendix XXI). 6.2.17 Soil Contamination
No visible signs of soil contamination were observed during site visits. It has been ascertained through interviews with geologists that concentrations of sulphates in the project area are well within permissible limits. However, sulphate resistant cement has been advised for all construction activities due to the high water table. 6.2.18 Present State of the Habitat
The project site and immediate environs are primarily semi-urban to rural in nature and there are no breeding or nesting grounds, or a wetland or an ecologically critical area in the near vicinity that can be affected adversely by project implementation or operation of the medical facility. 6.2.19 Ambient Air Quality
Pakistans Strategic Country Environmental Assessment concludes that environmental degradation is estimated at 6 percent of the Gross National Product and the cost to the economy in terms of air pollution has been calculated at Rs. 65 billion per year.4 According to a position paper of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution is an emerging environmental issue in the larger cities, due mainly to high growth rate of the economy, urbanisation, growth of infrastructure and an increase of
10/2011
almost four hundred percent in the number of vehicles.1 Experts consider that vehicles account for sixty to seventy percent of degradation of air quality in urban areas.2 Table 13 below indicates increase in registered motor vehicles during the period 1990 to 2010.
TABLE 13: REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES (PAKISTAN) Year 1990 1995 2000 2005 2007 2009 2010 2011 (Consultantsestimate)
Source: Pakistan Economic Survey 2010-11
No. of Registered Vehicles 2,712,837 3,669,948 4,701,596 5,374,429 5,907,813 6,559,364 7,853,022 9,109,505
This huge increase of almost three hundred percent during the last seventeen years or so has resulted in deterioration of ambient air quality, especially in fast-growing urban centres and along major highways elsewhere. Vehicular emissions are, however, not the main source of adverse impact on ambient air quality. No studies have been conducted regarding ambient air quality in Sukkur District. However, ambient air in the project area is affected by emissions from motor vehicles, and to a lesser extent by industry and brick kilns. A study funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency in 2000, which remains the most authentic ambient air quality survey for urban areas, reveals that particulate matter is the main problem surrounding ambient air quality.3 Suspended Particulate Matter (both TSP and PM 10 ) concentrations in all major cities are extremely high. Major sources of Suspended Particulate Matter, not especially in the project area, are vehicles, industry, burning of solid waste, brick kilns and natural dust. The origin of Suspended Particulate Matter is mainly from unpaved roads and areas not covered with grass or plantation. Accordingly, fine particles of soil are raised in the form of dust cloud by driven vehicles and by strong wind. The second air pollutants are nitrogen and nitrogen oxide, occurring mainly due to combustion of fossil fuels, particularly boilers and furnaces in industry.4 The city does not suffer from high SO 2 and SO 3 emissions, which are prevalent in urban areas largely due to use of coal and heavy oil in industry as well as dwellings. The presence of some SO 2 emissions has been attributed to diesel-powered engines in vehicles. Carbon Monoxide in the air occurs due to incomplete combustion of fuel, the major source
10/2011
being motor emissions. Carbon Monoxide emissions in Sukkur are much lower as compared to major cities, basically due to lesser number of vehicles. 6.3 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES
As the project site fall in the urban area, factors such as ecological resources, fisheries, aquatic biology, wildlife, forests, rare or endangered species are not applicable and the proposed project will have no impact on any of these resources. Similarly, urbanisation and steady erosion of rakhs along the river, which once teemed with wildlife, particularly wild boar and rabbits and various species of migratory birds, has almost totally eliminated wildlife from the environs. 6.3.1 Flora
Not much of original vegetation has survived in the district after construction of Guddu Barrage and increase in the canal command areas. In the riverine belt, the main tress are Prosopis spicigera (jandi), Salvadora Oleoides (wan), Capparis aphylla (karir), Tamarix articulata (farrash), Acacia Arabica (kikar) and Zizyphus jujuba (berry). The main shrubs are Tamarix diocca (lai), Alhagi camelorum (jawan), Perganum harmala (harmal) and Calotropis Procera (ak), whereas the main grasses are Cynodon dactylon (khabbal), Desmostachya bipinnata (dab) and Saccharum munja (sarkanda). Tamarix diocca (lai) is the typical natural vegetation of strongly saline gypsiferous soils. Dalbergia sissoo (shisham), Azadiracchta indica (neem), Albezia labek (siris) and Acacia Arabica (kikar) are the planted trees along canals, roads and around habitations in canal-irrigated areas. Main fruit trees include mango and dates, but pomegranates, lime, plantains, apples and fig are also grown in some areas, especially within protected orchards. Clover is grown in small quantities during winter. 6.3.2 Fauna
Much of the districts fauna has been reduced due to cultivation and human activity, but there are still traces of wolves, wild boar and snakes along the river. Desert areas to the east of the district, which are protected under the relevant laws relating to preservation of wildlife, have an
10/2011
abundance of deer and migratory birds. It is expected that land development in the suburbs shall have additional impact on fauna. 6.3.3 Threats to Flora and Fauna
No flora or fauna shall be under threat from project activities. Both flora and fauna stand reduced in the project area due to urban development. 6.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
The close relationship between social and environmental systems makes it imperative that social impacts are identified, predicted and evaluated in conjunction with bio-physical impacts during environmental assessment. People and their social groups are a component part of their environment, and environmental changes are often linked to social change, and vice versa. Social impacts include changes that effect individuals, institutions, communities and larger social systems as well as the interactions between them. In basic terms, they are alterations in the way people live, work, play, relate to one another and organize to meet their needs, as well as changes in the values, beliefs and norms that characterize their group and guide individual and collective action. Social impacts can broadly be classified as: Demographic impacts, such as changes in population numbers, population characteristics (gender ratio, age structure, demand for social services); Cultural resource impacts, such as individual changes in archaeological, historical and cultural artefacts and structures and environmental features with religious or ritual significance, and Socio-cultural impacts, including changes in social structures, social organizations, social relationships and accompanying cultural and value systems (language, dress, religious beliefs and rituals). 6.4.1 Demography
The population of Sukkur District is an estimated 1.277 million as of end of December 2010, with urban population comprising about 50.88
10/2011
percent of the total. High growth of population in Sukkur is typical of urban centres of the country and is due mainly to rural-urban migration and industrial and commercial growth over the last ten years or so. Growth of population in the province and Sukkur are shown below.
TABLE 14: POPULATION (000 persons) 1998 30.44 0.91 2005 36.93 1.108 2010 42.40 1.28 Growth rate 2.80 2.88
Sindh Sukkur
Source: Development Statistics of Sindh 2008
6.4.2 Education
Educational facilities in Sukkur at primary to degree levels of education indicating enrolment of girls and boys and strength of teaching staff is shown in Tables 15 to 17 overleaf, along with technical education institutions within the district as compared to the province as a whole. There are both private and public sector schools, colleges and universities in the city, as shown at Appendix XXII. 6.4.3 Public Health
Health impacts can result directly from changes to the bio-physical environment (such as exposure to toxic pollution) or indirectly as the result of other changes caused by the project (for example, lowered socioeconomic status leading to increased morbidity and mortality). As stated earlier, the nature of the project does not have any relevance to health facilities within the district either but these will be addressed in compliance of the prescribed guidelines. Due to urban nature of the project area, there is a good coverage of government hospitals. Residents of the project areas generally depend on private hospitals and dispensaries for their health and medicinal needs. Medical facilities in the district as compared to the province as a whole are shown in Tables 18 and 19 overleaf. 6.4.4 Power Sources and Transmission
Hyderabad Electric Supply Company is the agency responsible for supply of power to the project areas and upgrades its facilities frequently so as to
10/2011
readily meet the rising demand for power connections. Commercial and industrial establishments using natural gas for various purposes have ready access to supply of gas from the country-wide gas network maintained by Sui Southern. Areas not connected with the natural gas network use cylindered liquefied petroleum gas, which is available throughout the district. Connections are readily available for domestic and commercial consumers. Other forms of power such as cylinder gas, propane, timber and coal are similarly easily available in and around the project area. 6.4.5 Infrastructure
Being the major northern city of the province, Sukkur has substantial coverage of civic infrastructure. Water supply and drainage services are provided by the Town Municipal Administration. Apart from outlying areas of the city, coverage of water supply and sanitation is more than adequate. The entire city is well-connected through electricity and natural gas, provided by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sui Southern Gas Company, respectively. Telephone companies have a vast network of telephone lines and connections are easily available. Areas not covered by telephone network can apply for wireless connections that are offered extensively. The entire city is well-covered in terms of mobile telephone facility and as many as five major cellular companies compete for consumer patronage. The project area has an adequate service of Internet Cafs. Construction of the proposed hospital shall not impact on the existing infrastructure. 6.4.6 Road Network
Sukkur city has a good network of roads, which is continuously upgraded to cater for increasing traffic. Table 20 indicates roads in the project area, which does not include all types of roads within the urban area of Sukkur city.
TABLE 20: ROADS
TYPE OF ROADS (in kilometres) High Type (2007-08) Low Type (2005-06)
Source: Development Statistics of Sindh 2008 79 Bizcorp Consultants
Sindh 10,609 2,947
Sukkur 267 63
10/2011
6.4.7 Transportation
The city can claim to enjoy availability of the main rail links and highways connecting with the rest of the country, and an airport handling domestic traffic. The project area is in the heart of the administrative centre of the city and there is ample public transportation in the form of buses, wagons, taxis and rickshaws. The following table indicates transportation levels in the district.
TABLE 21: REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES No. of Registered Vehicles (Sindh) ------1,992,465 2,232,267 ------No. of On-Road Vehicles (Sukkur) --------46,215 -------
Year 1990 1995 2000 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010
No. of Registered Vehicles (Pakistan) 2,712,837 3,669,948 4,701,596 5,479,417 5,987,729 6,286,267 6,435,538 6,757,315
Source: Pakistan Economic Survey 2009-10, Development Statistics of Sindh 2008
6.4.8 Industries
Although there are no large industrial units within the city or immediately across the river, Sukkur District is a hub of many small and large-scale industries, employing a sizable number of workers. Among important industries are cotton textiles, cement, leather, tobacco, paint and varnish, pharmaceuticals, agriculture implements, hand pumps, lock making, ricehusking, fertiliser and sugar. Small-scale cottage industries comprise hosiery, boat making, fishing accessories, thread ball spooling, trunk making, brass-wares, cutlery and ceramics. Major industrial units are located in Dharki and Mirpur Mothello. The following table provides an illustration of factories and workers in the district.
TABLE 22: FACTORIES AND WORKERS (2005-06) Factories (number) 1,825 121
Bizcorp Consultants
Sindh Sukkur
80
Workers (number) 290,376 11,786
10/2011
6.4.9 Livestock
The district has a large population of livestock, serving meat and dairy needs of the public. Major livestock in the project area are indicated in Table 23 whereas Table 24 shows availability of veterinary facilities in the district.
TABLE 23: LIVESTOCK (number in thousands in 2000) Sindh 5,464 5,615 3,710 9,734 11,861 Sukkur 209 171 56 272 418
Cattle Buffaloes Sheep Goats Poultry

TABLE 24: VETERINARY FACILITIES (2006-07) Sindh 119 60 608 787 Sukkur 9 7 30 46
Hospitals Dispensaries Veterinary Centres TOTAL:

Table 25 gives an illustration of fish production, employment and boats.

TABLE 25: FISHERIES (2007) TYPE: Fish production (metric tons) Part-time fishermen Full-time fishermen Total number of fishermen Sailboats Rowing boats Total number of boats
Sindh 94,790 19,258 31,767 51,025 1,002 2,465 3,467
Sukkur 3,975 795 2,060 2,855 89 80 169
6.4.10 Forests
Sukkur also has a large riverine forest along the course of the Indus. These tropical forests are found within the protective embankments on
10/2011
either side of the Indus. During 1997-98, total area under forests was 510 square kilometres, yielding 55,000 cubic feet (1,600 m3) of timber and 27,000 cubic feet (760 m3) of firewood besides other products. Most of the linear plantation is along the irrigation channels and does not include massive linear plantation taken up by the provincial government and municipal authorities during the recent past along roads and highways.
TABLE 26: FORESTS (2006-07) TYPE: Area under forests (in hectares) Timber production (quantity) Firewood production (quantity)
Sindh 1,037,571 2,386,239 1,219,946
Sukkur 34,383 165,442 177,431
6.4.11 Agriculture
Sukkur District had a large fertile and cultivable land area until a few decades ago, when Indus River was more as free-flowing as today. Agricultural productivity has declined over the years, and has not achieved a reasonable yield per unit area over time, on account of continuous shortages of water and non-application of modern irrigation techniques. Despite the lack of water during kharif, rice, bajra, cotton, tomatoes and peas are cultivated widely, whereas the main crops during rabi are wheat, barley, grams and melons. Sukkur is famous the world over for its delicious dates. Tables 27 to 31 overleaf are an agricultural profile of the project areas. 6.4.12 Irrigation and Drainage
Sukkur and adjoining districts have one of the most extensive irrigation networks in the country. Sukkur Barrage, formally called Lloyd Barrage, built during colonial times on Indus River, has sixty-six gates and controls one of the largest irrigation systems in the world. Construction of the bridge was started in 1923 and completed in January 1932. The 5,001 feet (1,524 metres) long barrage is made of yellow stone and steel and can water nearly 10 million acres (40,000 square kilometres) of farmland through its seven large canals. Some of the canals are larger than the Suez Canal. In November 2004, the Government of Pakistan initiated a rehabilitation project to revitalise its water storage capacity and
10/2011
distribution efficiency. The project was completed in July 2005. Experts believe that rehabilitation of the barrage has enhanced its efficiency for another 60 to 70 years. 6.4.13 Land Use Planning
The project site is situated close to an urban centre, which is overseen by the Town Municipal Administration for purposes of land-use planning, building regulations and municipal services. 6.4.14 Mineral Development
There is no mineral development of note anywhere in Sukkur or close to the project area except for sand quarrying on River Indus riverbed. 6.5 QUALITY OF LIFE VALUES
Guidelines prescribed by the federal government for preparation of an environmental report stipulate that an environmental study must also address issues relating to socio-economic, cultural and aesthetic values of the community in project areas. 6.5.1 Cultural Values
Original residents of the project area belong to the rural lower to middle class. They follow a blend of old and modern cultural values. However, the younger generation is inclined to be somewhat modern and influenced by western culture. The joint family system is still common and there is respect for the destitute, the elderly and women. 6.5.2 Socio-economic Values
A majority of residents of the area belong to the lower to middle income rural class, with some landed aristocracy. Social values of residents are not too far removed from the majority of the countrys population. There is sufficient awareness about education and most families send their children to educational institutions. Despite living close to an urban
10/2011
environment, people come into intimate and direct contact with each other and, therefore, they share common social and economic values of life. There is general harmony towards collective interests amongst the local people. The poor generally rely on the affluent for support and to some extent to the social safety nets of the government. 6.5.3 Aesthetic Values
Being close to a large urban centre, the entire project area cannot claim aesthetic values except in the form of open spaces under cultivation, providing exquisite rural scenery. Generally speaking, cleanliness and proper sanitation standards are typical of rural areas. Throwing away solid wastes indiscriminately in open areas and along the roads and paths is common. Sense of personal responsibility as good citizens to keep the environment clean is seriously deficient and public awareness campaigns launched by the government and municipal authorities have largely failed to motivate the public to adopt the best civic practices and recognise civic responsibilities. People expect others to maintain cleanliness of the surroundings, while shrugging their personal as well as collective social responsibility and obligation in this respect. Resultantly, waste-ridden areas remain dirty and vectors of diseases like mosquitoes and flies breed on solid waste lying almost unattended. These vectors further spread a host of diseases among the people. Even dogs, cats and rats are often found scavenging around the solid waste for sources of food. A wellcoordinated public awareness campaign backed by the civil society and environmental education, especially in the educational institutions, is perhaps the only mechanism whereby the public can be made fully cognisant of the value of cleanliness of public places. 6.5.4 Recreation and Archaeological/Historical Treasures
There are virtually no recreational facilities in the project area, except for a few open fields that are used by youngsters for cricket, football and volleyball. However, the city and outlying areas are rich in sightseeing venues such as Indus River, Manzilgah Mosque at Bundar Road, Sadh Belo Temple on River Indus, Tomb of the Seven Maidens --- Sateen Jo Aastan (resting place for the Seven Female Friends), War Mubarak Mohammad in Rohri City, Aror (ruins of historical city), Shrine of Syed Sadar-Ur-Din-Shah, Tomb of Shah Khairuddin Jillani, Kot Mir Yakoob Ali Shah Rohri, Tomb of Abdul Baqi Purani, Ex-Governor of Bukkur,
10/2011
Bukkur Island, Tomb of Syed Hakim Ali, Minaret of Masum Shah, Lansdowne Bridge, Sukkur Barrage, Ladies and Children Hill Park, Jinaat (Genies) Building, Old Sukkur, Hyderi Masjid, Old Sukkur, and the Tomb of Syed Mukhdoom Shah Badshah,
85
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
TABLE 32: RAINFALL (MM) [-1=TRACE] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 0.0 2002 0.0 2003 2.1 2004 0.7 2005 -1 2006 0.0 2007 0.0 2008 3.0 2009 10.6 2010 1.0 0.0 0.0 8.5 0.0 12.7 0.0 44.7 1.0 0.0 6.0 0.0 6.6 -1 0.0 17.0 10.6 6.4 0.0 13.0 -1.0 31.0 -1 0.0 -1 0.0 0.0 7.7 11.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.0 0.0 0.0 17.5 0.0 0.0 4.0 -1 -1 19.0 5.0 0.0 19.8 0.0 0.0 13.0 77.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 117.6 3.2 0.0 -1 -1 -1 30.5 0.0 -1 0.0 9.0 0.0 5.8 15.0 0.0 0.0 130.0 16.0 3.1 0.0 0.0 -1.0 67.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -1 -1 0.0 7.6 0.0 10.5 0.0 114.2 1.0 0.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department, Islamabad
TABLE 33: HUMIDITY AT 5.00 P.M. (%) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 83.0 82.0 85.0 87.0 86.0 81.0 82.0 84.0 92.0 73.0 74.0 75.0 79.0 84.0 81.0 83.0 85.0 74.0 84.0 73.0 70.0 74.0 71.0 73.0 80.0 79.0 82.0 73.0 79.0 66.0 65.0 55.0 61.0 56.0 59.0 59.0 68.0 68.0 61.0 47.0 65.0 51.0 55.0 56.0 57.0 65.0 67.0 67.0 59.0 47.0 68.0 70.0 69.0 63.0 69.0 68.0 71.0 72.0 67.0 53.0 79.0 77.0 83.0 74.0 75.0 73.0 78.0 75.0 74.0 65.0 80.0 78.0 81.0 79.0 77.0 81.0 81.0 84.0 76.0 77.0 84.0 82.0 84.0 82.0 82.0 87.0 84.0 84.0 86.0 72.0 87.0 87.0 85.0 79.0 83.0 84.0 82.0 84.0 84.0 72.0 84.0 86.0 82.0 84.0 82.0 86.0 87.0 81.0 83.0 71.0 86.0 83.0 85.0 84.0 85.0 89.0 84.0 91.0 86.0 80.0
86
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
TABLE 34: MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURES ( C) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 5.6 6.1 --7.4 6.4 6.8 6.9 5.8 10.2 9.9 8.7 8.1 --10.0 10.0 14.1 12.6 7.4 12.8 2.1 14.0 15.1 --15.4 16.6 16.6 16.0 16.7 16.9 20.2 20.5 21.8 --23.2 19.3 21.7 22.7 21.5 20.9 25.9 27.3 26.5 24.7 26.7 24.7 27.5 25.9 26.9 26.9 29.7 28.9 --28.7 29.3 28.4 28.6 29.2 29.2 27.5 29.7 27.6 --28.5 27.9 28.7 29.8 29.1 28.5 29.2 30.6 26.7 --28.2 27.7 27.5 28.0 28.2 27.0 28.1 28.7 22.6 --24.7 24.3 26.0 26.1 26.1 25.3 25.2 27.3 16.7 --17.8 19.0 19.7 22.4 17.7 21.8 18.0 23.9 10.5 --10.6 13.1 14.8 15.7 14.5 13.4 13.1 16.0 9.4 --7.2 9.3 6.9 9.6 7.3 10.8 9.5 9.1
TABLE 35: MONTHLY MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES ( C) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 24.1 24.1 24.6 22.9 --22.6 23.0 20.4 21.3 28.8 27.6 26.1 26.0 27.7 22.6 29.4 26.0 25.6 26.3 26.5 33.0 33.3 32.2 36.3 30.8 31.8 30.5 35.1 31.5 35.8 38.3 40.0 39.6 41.0 37.6 39.5 40.4 38.0 37.5 41.4 44.6 45.3 42.8 43.7 41.5 44.0 42.8 42.9 44.2 44.6 43.1 45.0 45.1 44.3 43.7 42.9 42.2 41.8 42.2 42.9 39.6 42.5 38.8 42.0 40.5 42.2 40.7 40.7 41.8 40.5 39.1 40.0 38.7 40.3 39.5 37.8 40.0 38.0 39.9 35.9 38.5 38.9 37.5 38.3 37.7 38.0 35.1 37.1 38.4 37.4 36.1 36.4 35.6 33.8 36.1 36.2 35.5 36.7 35.0 37.6 31.6 31.0 29.3 ---30.4 30.1 32.3 30.6 29.5 29.5 26.8 25.8 25.1 ---25.3 23.3 23.8 23.1 24.8 23.5
87
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
TABLE 36: WIND DIRECTION AT 0500 A.M. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 N68E N40E N72E N38E E N63E N63E N40E N19E N40E N56E N73E N66E N72E N51E N63E N72E N34E N34E N73E N36E S84E N18E S80E N75E S82E N86E E N59E S84E N84E S27E S49E N42E S86E S63E S56E N39E N63E S27E S19W S45E S40E N27E S31E S15E S20E S59E S67E S45E S28E S11E S08E S13E S1E S25E S34E S8E E S11E S24E S16E S45E S06E S12E S24E S16E S30E S69E S16E S21E S07E S8E S16E S7E S72E S22E S18E S24E S07E S27E S35E S25E S23E S63E S56E S45E S76E S27E S35E S82E S69E N88E N77E S41E S72E N S56E E S69E N76E N32E N63E S86E N83E N72E S82E N67E S45E N32E N59E N72E N72E N34E N45E N18E N19E N27E N34E N72E
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department, Islamabad
TABLE 37: WIND SPEED AT 0500 A.M. (KNOTS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.3 0.6 1.1 1.0 1.7 0.2 1.3 1.1 3.2 2.7 1.1 1.8 1.6 2.4 1.3 0.7 2.5 1.6 2.6 3.3 2.7 2.7 3.2 2.0 1.3 1.0 3.1 2.4 4.7 3.1 4.5 2.9 4.0 2.6 1.3 1.3 3.0 3.2 6.2 3.5 6.6 4.0 5.4 3.0 1.2 1.9 3.4 5.6 9.0 6.1 5.3 4.2 4.5 5.9 3.6 1.9 6.2 3.5 8.5 3.9 5.9 0.6 4.6 3.6 0.6 2.2 3.7 3.4 6.1 3.3 4.0 0.5 2.6 3.2 1.0 2.1 3.6 1.8 4.4 4.0 3.0 4.3 1.7 1.5 0.7 0.7 4.2 0.9 2.1 1.5 2.0 0.2 1.0 0.3 0.6 0.2 1.5 0.9 1.6 2.1 1.3 1.3 1.1 0.9 0.3 0.4 2.4 1.0 1.2 0.5 0.6 0.0 1.1 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.8
88
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
TABLE 38: GROUNDWATER QUALITY
Parameters Temperature pH Odour Colour (units) Taste
Turbidity ppm Silica (units)
WHO Desirable levels WHO Maximum levels --7-8.5 6.5-9.2 Unobjectionable 5 50 Unobjectionable 5 25 500
Sample 32C 7.1 Unobjectionable Colourless Unobjectionable
1.1
Total Dissolved Solids Calcium (Units) Magnesium
1,500 75 200 50 150 100 500
1,477 24 13
Total hardness mg/l as CaCo 3 Total Alkalinity mg/l as CaCo 3 Sulphate Chloride Conductivity um/cm or us/cm
110 --200 400 200 600 --340 284 255 2,110
Source: Tests at the Central Research Laboratory, PHED Department, Government of the Punjab, Lahore, on September 13, 2011
Samples taken on September 09, 2011 at 1345 hours from project site
89
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
7.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Environmental impact of a project is worked out using various factors, so that an environmental management plan can be evolved to take mitigation measures. Paul Wathern describes an impact as having both spatial and temporal impacts, which can be described as the change in an environmental parameter over a specified period and within a defined area, resulting from a particular activity compared with the situation which would have occurred had the activity not been initiated.1 Aspects of impacts which should be considered while conducting an environmental impact are shown overleaf. Environmental impacts described in Table 39, which apply to more or less all cases of project implementation across the board, can be classified as follows: Nature: The most obvious impacts are those that directly relate to the proposal (for instance loss of wetlands, relocation of households, increased air emissions). Indirect impacts are usually less obvious, occurring at a later stage or at a place other than where the original impacts occurred (for example, spread of malaria as a result of removal of trees or accumulation of stagnant waste water in ponds, pesticides in the breast milk of mothers due to the use of agricultural pesticides, environmental degradation of a river mouth resulting from construction of a high dam within the catchment area, and resulting reduction in environmental flows); Magnitude: While the sheer size of an impact contributes to its significance, small impacts can sometimes be equally important (very small quantities of some toxic substances can cause largescale health problems for all forms of living things); Extent and Location: An indication of the location, distribution and size of the area(s) likely to be affected must be considered for each impact, whether direct or indirect; Timing: Impacts from all stages of the life of the project has to be considered (during construction, operation and decommissioning), as some impacts occur immediately whereas other may be delayed, at times for many years (silting of a dam); Duration: Some impacts may be short-term, such as noise arising from equipment during construction, while others may be long-term, such as inundation of land after a dam is
10/2011
completed. Impacts such as quarry blasting may be intermittent, while others such as severance caused by a motorway may be more or less permanent and/or continuous; Reversibility: Once the cause of an environmental impact has been removed, it may be that the pre-existing environmental condition can be more or less restored to its original state. If impacts are reversible, either naturally or with human intervention, restoration is then much easier. However, some impacts by the nature of a project are irreversible, and Likelihood (Risk): Not all impacts share the same likelihood of occurrence. Some can be predicted to occur, more or less definitely, while others are less certain (but still capable of probabilistic estimation --- release for example of a toxic gas from a chemical plant). In all cases, some estimate has to be made of the uncertainty or margin of error involved in the prediction. It is, therefore, important that impact assessment considers the effects of events that are low risk but high impact (such as oil spills, accidents of tankers carrying chemicals). 7.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
After identification of potential issues, impact assessment of each potential issue takes the form as described hereafter in the following subsections. 7.1.1 Definition of the Criteria for Determining Significance
Consequences of the proposed project activities are evaluated by comparing these against established criteria, such as: Institutional recognition consisting of laws, standards, government policies, or plans; Technical recognition comprising guidelines, scientific or technical knowledge, or judgment of recognised resource persons and established experts; Public recognition representing social or cultural values or opinion of a segment of the public, especially the stakeholders directly affected by the proposed project; IFC performance standards such as the Equator Principles,1 and
10/2011
Professional interpretation of the evaluator. Mitigation: The environmental consultants have used a mix of the abovementioned criteria to carry out the environmental impact assessment of the proposed project and are thus confident that all possible impacts and outcomes of the proposed project have been adequately covered. 7.1.2 Prediction of the Magnitude of Potential Impacts
This relates to description, quantitatively (where possible) or qualitatively, of anticipated impacts of the proposed project. This may be achieved through use of models or comparison with other similar activities. The predicted level of impact magnitude may be due to uncertainties in baseline conditions, proposed activities, external developments, or the prediction model, or combinations of one or more, depending on nature of the project and project location, as the case may be. Mitigation: Quantum of research involved in the environmental assessment has assured that the magnitude of potential impacts has been calculated accurately. Accordingly, the environmental consultants have been able to predict that potential impact of the proposed project shall only remain during implementation of the project and that there shall only be limited impact of the project after completion, which shall be managed through careful environmental monitoring. 7.1.3 Identification of Mitigation Measures
If it is determined that predicted impact is significant when compared with established criteria, suitable mitigation measures are identified. There is a range of mitigation measures that can be applied to reduce impacts. Broadly, these measures can be classified as under: Avoiding the possible environmental impact completely by not launching a certain proposed activity, or any part of such activity, such as using CFC-free equipment to avoid impact on the ozone layer; Reducing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the activity, for example, minimising dust emission by decreasing vehicle speed, erecting windshields, sprinkling etc.;
10/2011
Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment, and Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments. Mitigation: The quality of the environmental impact assessment shall ensure that all possible mitigation measures shall be identified for enforcement through institutional arrangements during implementation of the project. 7.1.4 Evaluation of the Residual Impact
Incorporation of suggested mitigation measures minimises if not decreases adverse impact of a project and brings it within acceptable limit. Identification of the remaining impacts after mitigation measures have been applied is referred to as a residual impact. Mitigation: The only residual impact shall that be of visual disturbance by the tall building and disposal of liquid and solid waste. No visual resources shall be lost after construction of the eight floor structure and thus there will be negligible visual impact of the project. A wastewater treatment plant and incinerator are embedded in the project design while a waste management plan, a mandatory provision under the Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005, shall be developed and implemented through a pre-designated team for appropriate disposal of remaining solid waste. 7.1.5 Identification of Monitoring Requirements
The last step in the assessment process is identification of minimum monitoring requirements. The scope and frequency of monitoring depends on severity, nature and magnitude of residual impacts. Monitoring assures that residual impacts remain within predicted limits and provides timely information when an unacceptable impact occurs. Mitigation: The environmental impact assessment has proposed a monitoring mechanism that shall be adopted after the project has been completed to comply with stipulations under the Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005. This mechanism shall also serve as a guideline during implementation of the project.
10/2011
7.2
ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
An environmental screening matrix has been designed for the proposed project highlighting obvious, possible and probable environmental impacts of the project during construction and operation. The matrix examines interaction of project activities with the environment. Impacts are broadly classified as physical, biological and social. Each of these broad categories is thereafter broken up into various scenarios. Potential impacts could be high negative (adverse) impact, low negative impact, insignificant impact, high positive (beneficial) impact, low positive impact, and no impact. The matrix developed for the project under review is placed overleaf. Negative impacts determined are essentially unmitigated and appropriate mitigation measures have been suggested as remedies. Occurrence and severity of potentially adverse impacts indicated in the Environmental Screening Matrix can be suitably redressed by adoption of mitigation measures during and after project implementation. Negative impacts screened through this process are discussed hereafter. 7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CLASSIFICATION
Potential impacts as brought out in the Environmental Screening Matrix as a part of the impact assessment analysis are: Nature (direct or indirect); Duration of impact (short term, medium term or long term); Geographical extent (local or regional); Timing (project phase); Reversibility of impact (reversible or irreversible); Likelihood of the impact (certain, likely, unlikely or rare); Impact consequence severity (severe, moderate or mild), and Significance of impact (high, medium or low).
Mitigation: Appropriate mitigation measures have been indicated after the process of classification to reduce if not completely eliminate adverse impacts associated with project activities. Impact classification is discussed in the following sections. It is pertinent to point out that impacts vary according to the nature of a project itself.
10/2011
7.4
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DUE TO PROJECT LOCATION
An impact resulting from specific location of the project site differs from those associated with construction and operational phases because construction and operational impacts are directly linked to activities ranging from clearing of the land to waste disposal, while specific location of a project relates to permanence of the project in an alien environment. In case a site is not sound from an environmental point of view, alternate site must not only be considered but preferred. Mitigation: Alternate sites were considered but not found suitable. The present site is in close proximity to urban areas and is well-connected due to location on an inter-city route that is free of traffic congestion. The setting in a rural area on a major road would be convenient for patients pressed for time. 7.4.1 Siting and Adjacent Land-uses
Use of a site for project implementation can often lead to a less than optimal use of the site. For example, acquisition of grazing land for a large factory can lead to less grazing opportunities for livestock. Secondly, noise, congestion, traffic, arrival of workers and pollution from such a factory would be a constant source of inconvenience for people living close by. Mitigation: The project site is lying vacant. There were reportedly gypsy families squatting at the site who were removed when the site was set aside for the tGhulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College. There has not been any dislocation of legal or illegal occupants from the site on account of proposed project activities. Moreover, there are no other structures or activities within or close to the project site that can impinge negatively on construction or project operation, and vice versa. 7.4.2 Displacement of Other Site Users
Use of a site for project implementation can similarly result in displacement of previous users. For instance, acquisition of agricultural land, even in exchange for appropriate compensation, for development of
10/2011
a housing scheme would mean that landowners would lose all or a part of their means of livelihood. Even unauthorised users of the site, such as squatters, may be displaced, leading to social tensions. Mitigation: As stated in the previous sub-section, there has not been any displacement of legal or illegal occupants of the site as a result of the proposed project. 7.4.3 Local Environment
An assessment must be carried out as to how the proposed project can impact on the local environment and whether it creates any imbalance in terms of physical resources or through impacts on the local population. Mitigation: During the construction and operational phases of the proposed project, vehicular traffic and operation of construction machinery etc., could be a source of air pollution. As the construction contractor would be directed to use good machinery and equipment, gaseous emissions are expected to be within acceptable levels. Similarly, various construction activities related to the project will cause a measure of noise pollution. As per National Environmental Quality Standards, the maximum permissible noise level for vehicles at a distance of 7.5 meters from the source is 85dB (A), which shall not be exceeded. During the operational phase, there shall not be any impact on local environment, except in the form of visual intrusion, traffic and disposal of liquid and solid waste. Enforcement of the Environmental Monitoring Programme, both during construction as well as operation of the project, shall ensure that there is no discomfort caused to the local inhabitants and that the environment is not impacted beyond acceptable and tolerable limits. 7.4.4 Availability of Existing Infrastructure
Project implementation can place undue strains on local infrastructure, particularly when such infrastructure, water supply for example, is barely sufficient. Similarly, deficient infrastructure or total absence thereof can cause problems in implementation. In such cases, the proponents must establish infrastructure, such as roads, to facilitate construction. Mitigation: The project area has good to excellent coverage of infrastructure, such as roads, transportation network, electricity, and
10/2011
natural gas. Project implementation will thus not be hampered by inadequate infrastructure. Temporary passages and paths may have to be constructed to facilitate movement of machinery, equipment and materials. 7.4.5 Depletion of Resources
Depletion of resources can often take place when there are major projects under implementation, such as construction of a dam, highways or a new town development. Mitigation: Due to the nature of the project, construction shall not result in depletion of any resources whatsoever and thus the local inhabitants shall not be inconvenienced over the short or the long term on a temporary or a permanent basis. 7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO DESIGN
All issues relating to a site, project area and environment are usually catered for at the design site of a project. A faulty or sub-standard design that does not take the local environment and aesthetics into account can be a source of considerable annoyance for residents and may even lower property prices. Mitigation: The hospital has been conceptualised by experienced consultants and has a state-of-the-art design and shall offer modern facilities that are deficient in the project area. There shall nonetheless be limited impacts from the project in the form of shadow, visual intrusion and earthquake hazard, which are discussed in subsequent sections of this report along with mitigation measures that shall be adopted for possible mitigation if necessary. 7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION
The impact of a project is felt more severely during construction phase, mainly because the immediate project area can become particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbance. The main factors that should be borne in mind in relation to construction activities are:
10/2011
Run-off erosion during rains from unprotected excavated areas, thereby leading to excessive soil erosion; Danger to workers from accidents, hazardous materials, quarrying, communicable diseases and emissions; Local flooding from watering of excavations, flushing of pipes; Loss or degradation of vegetation from unnecessary removal or mechanical damage, and Disruption of local traffic patterns, congestion and blocking of access to adjoining activities. Soil characteristics show that the site is suitable for construction. Construction shall not impact significantly on the immediate environment. 7.6.1 Acquisition of Land
Land acquisition and payment of compensation is a tedious process fraught with a horde of issues in a construction project. Mitigation: No land acquisition proceedings are necessary for the project since an under-utilised parcel of land shall be used for the project. 7.6.2 Selection of Contractor
Poor selection of a contractor invariably results in delays in project implementation and can at the same time have a devastating impact on the environment. Mitigation: The contractor shall be appointed after due process in line with standing government procedures and guidelines. Further, the contractor shall be advised by the proponents to engage casual labour from amongst local workforce and offer business opportunities to local businesses, thereby creating a positive socio-economic impact. 7.6.3 Environment Friendly Construction Drills
During the execution of any project, environmental problems mostly arise within the construction phase.
10/2011
Mitigation: The proponents shall take sufficient measures to ensure that development works do not in any way impinge on the environment on a temporary or permanent basis. The proponents will hold regular meetings with the project consultants and the selected contractor to stress importance of protecting the environment and measures that would be taken in this behalf. Professionalism of the construction contractor will reduce the possibility of environmental degradation during project implementation. The following practices will be adopted by the contractor under strict supervision of the proponents to protect the environment: While all efforts shall be made by the contractor and the proponents to ensure that negative externalities of the project during the course of the construction process are minimal, there will nevertheless be adverse environmental impacts, which will be addressed appropriately, and without any delay, by the proponents and the construction contractor; The proponents shall post signs at the site to inform the general public about construction activities and duration of works; A sub-contractor will be engaged for removal of all forms of waste from the project site and disposal of such waste in such a manner that it does not impinge on the environment anywhere; Wherever the excavated earth cannot be disposed locally and compacted thereafter, it shall be carried away from the site in closed containers on an emergent and continuous basis through a sub-contractor; Construction may take place around the clock on specific days but will be mainly restricted to daylight hours; Floodlights could be used whenever construction activities take place during dark, but the construction contractor will be advised to control obtrusive light to the maximum extent; The construction contractor shall use good quality machinery, equipment and vehicles, which will minimise noise and gaseous emissions; Project site will be sprinkled as frequently as possible to minimise dust pollution; Construction equipment will be stored within the project site so that it does not hinder neighbours; Debris with its main constituents as construction waste, including clay, sand, crush, stones, paper, plastic, wood pieces, iron and steel as scrap, wires, rags, ropes etc., shall be disposed
10/2011
of expeditiously and appropriately by the contractor through special arrangement with a sub-contractor; Building materials will be ordered on need basis only and be used up quickly so that these do not pile up at the project site; A materials yards will be set up within the site to store construction materials strictly on need basis; Workers employed by the contractor will not be exposed to any danger and shall wear hard hats throughout the duration of construction; Separate garbage drums will be placed for different types of materials (plastics, paper, cardboard, cloth, metal, glass, wood and muck); Inert recyclable waste from the site comprising mainly cardboard, drums, broken or used parts, etc., will be carried away by the sub-contractor for sale to licensed recycling industries; Hazardous waste, if any, shall be segregated and disposed in line with rules framed by the government for disposal of hazardous waste; Bins will be placed at the site for construction waste, which will be either reused or disposed through the sub-contractor; The construction contractor will ensure that first aid equipment is present at all times and that emergency medical services are available on an immediate basis in the event of any unfortunate accident; Construction site will be off-limits for the public to prevent damage or accidents by innocent interference; Noisy works will not be undertaken at night; The contractor will employ latest construction techniques to ensure that no harm comes either to workers or people approaching or entering the project site; Workers will be insured against accidents as per law of the land during project activities, and The contractor shall ensure that the existing infrastructure is not damaged.
7.6.4 Soil Contamination, Erosion and Degradation
Spills during refuelling, discharges from vehicle and equipment maintenance, traffic accidents and leakages from equipment and vehicles
10/2011
often result in contamination of soil at a construction site. A significant impact on soil will be interpreted if visible amount of hydrocarbon is observed in soil. Similarly discharge of effluents to the environment not meeting the NEQS and other guideline values will also be considered as an adverse effect. During a typical construction project, spill of fuel, lubricants, and chemicals takes place during transfer from one container to another or during refuelling, during maintenance of equipment and vehicles, due to leakages from equipment and containers, and as a result of traffic accidents. Mitigation: Preventive safeguards to be put in place at the construction site shall be: Levelling and grading of land will not result in soil erosion of adjoining areas; No activity will be undertaken site which can cause leakage and spillage of oils, chemicals and fuels into adjoining grounds; Quantities of excavation and fill material will be calculated and construction shall be planned in such a way that excavated material is disposed in a manner that it does not adversely affect environment elsewhere; Foremen will be nominated to monitor checking of vehicles, machinery and equipment and make recommendations for tuning and repairs; Vehicles, machinery and equipment will not be repaired on site; Construction material will be compacted to the extent possible; In case on-site maintenance of construction vehicles and equipment is unavoidable, tarpaulin or other impermeable material will be laid on the ground to eliminate soil contamination; The ground will be levelled to the extent possible to avoid slopes, and Concrete shall be used wherever it is considered expedient to prevent soil erosion. 7.6.5 Air Quality Deterioration
Emissions of dust or particulate matter are of serious concern should a project site be close to a residential area. Particulate matter is generally
10/2011
defined as any airborne finely divided solid or liquid material up to the size of about a hundred microns. PM 10 or particles smaller than ten microns are considered hazardous for health as they can be inhaled into the human body. Larger particles also tend to settle rapidly and often do not reach receptors but in cases where they do so, the dust becomes a nuisance when it soils property and affects visibility. Since the project site is urban in nature, preventive steps shall be necessary to maintain reasonable ambient air standards as dust and emissions from a project site can travel some distance in the event of strong prevailing winds. Mitigation: Measures that will be taken to control dust and exhaust emissions from the project site shall comprise the following: The primary sources of emissions will be exhausts from dieselengine generators. These shall be properly tuned and maintained to reduce exhausts Foremen will be nominated specifically to undertake inspections of vehicles, machinery and equipment to ensure that these are not emitting excessive exhaust; There can be exhausts from construction machinery and vehicles, which will similarly be kept in good working condition to reduce possible emission levels to within acceptable limits; Dust can add to the pollution of the air. Fugitive dust emissions will be curtailed by spraying water on soil, where required and whenever appropriate, particularly when wind is blowing away from the project site towards settlements, and Dust emissions from soil piles will be reduced by keeping materials moist by sprinkling water, erecting windshields around storage stockpiles and covering stockpiles with tarpaulin or thick plastic sheets. 7.6.6 Noise Pollution
Depending on construction equipment and distance, receptors may typically be exposed to intermittent and variable noise levels. During the day, such noise cause general annoyance and can interfere with sleep at night. In general, human sound perception is such that a change in sound level of 3 dB is just noticeable, a change of 5 dB is clearly noticeable, and a change of 10 dB is perceived as a doubling or halving of sound levels.
10/2011
There are various terms used to express noise levels but the main terminology used is as under: Sound: A vibratory disturbance created by a vibrating object is capable of being detected by a receiving mechanism, such as the human ear or a microphone, when transmitted by pressure waves; Noise: Sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or otherwise undesirable; Decibel (dB): A unit-less measure of sound on a logarithmic scale, which indicates the squared ratio of sound pressure amplitude to a reference sound pressure amplitude. The reference pressure is 20 micro-pascals; A-Weighted Decibel (DBA): An overall frequency weighted sound level in decibels, which approximates the frequency response of the human ear. The typical human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Consequently, when assessing potential noise impacts on people, an electronic filter is used to deemphasise certain frequencies in a manner corresponding to the human ears decreased sensitivity to low and extremely high frequencies. All noise levels quoted in this report are A-Weighted; Equivalent Sound Level (L eq ): The equivalent steady state sound or vibration level in a stated period of time, usually one hour, which would contain the same acoustical or vibration energy, and Maximum Sound Level (L max ): The greatest A-Weighted sound level with a stated time level. When noise contains a small number of discrete events, L max is a better indicator of disturbance to sleep and other activities. A construction project can create a lot of noise and noise abatement measures would be necessary for convenience of adjoining areas. Present levels of noise around the project site show that it is within permissible limits. Existing sources of noise in the project area include only road traffic and some commercial activity. Maximum noise level is important when there are distinct events to the noise. Noise levels at the receptor due to construction activities will depend on equipment used, period of exposure and distance from the source. In extreme cases, structures located within 50 metre of project site may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 70 dB(A) during the day. Tables 41 and 42 overleaf are an
10/2011
indication of typical noise levels generated by the type of machinery and vehicles that shall be deployed at the project site. The following illustration provides an idea of sound levels so that noise levels recorded in the project area and reported at Table 44 can be better understood.
TABLE 43: SOUND LEVELS
Sound Types Threshold of hearing Quiet rural night-time Soft whisper Quiet urban night-time Dishwasher in next room Conversational speech
Vacuum cleaner Very noisy restaurant Food blender Live rock music
Sound Levels 6 dBA 20 dBA 30 dBA 40 dBA 50 dBA (perceived as acceptable) 60 dBA (rarely perceived as unacceptable) 70 dBA (occasionally perceived as unacceptable; telephone conversation becomes difficult) 80 dBA (generally perceived as unacceptable) 90 dBA (hearing damage possible, exposed for eight hours) 130 dBA (threshold of pain)
Mitigation: Keeping anticipated impact in view, the proponents shall adopt following preventive and mitigating measures: Noise Survey: Noise survey of all construction equipment will be conducted prior to deployment, and at appropriate intervals thereafter; Reduce Noise from Equipment at Source: Based on the suggested survey, equipment emitting excessive noise in comparison with other similar equipment will not be employed. Equipment under use will be regularly maintained, tuned, and provided with mufflers to minimise noise levels. Equipment in poor state of maintenance, particularly without effective noise control, will be checked to determine if it can be improved, and replaced with less noisy equipment as soon as practicable; Community Relations: Close interaction and liaison with local residents and regular monitoring of noise levels in the community are keys to successful implementation of suggested mitigation measures. In this regard, nearest residents will be given sufficient notice about construction activities.
10/2011
Consultation shall continue with the local community through informal and formal meetings. A complaint registering, tracking and redressal mechanism will be followed. Finally, noise levels will be monitored regularly in nearby communities to take timely corrective measures; Workers will be directed to keep noise levels within acceptable limits at the construction camp in case any such camp is set up; Workers will be under strict instructions to refrain from using radios etc., at loud volume during off-work hours; Workers shall keep noise levels low; Construction equipment and vehicles will be equipped with mufflers to effectively curtail generation of noise, and Drivers of construction vehicles shall be under strict instructions to desist from blowing horn at the project site and on the roads.
Noise tests carried out on August 23, 2011 indicate that noise levels at the project site are well within the normal levels despite location of the project on an inter-city road. 7.6.7 Surface Water and Groundwater Contamination
Construction projects can lead to contamination of surface and groundwater resources if precautions are not taken. Mitigation: Corrective measures recommended earlier to forestall soil contamination will also prevent contamination of groundwater. There is no surface water close to the project site that can come under threat due to project implementation. 7.6.8 Construction Labour
Construction shall create employment for a total of two hundred workers. Arrival of a workforce can lead to inconvenience and result in friction with local residents in case suitable protocols are not devised. Mitigation: A construction camp shall be established only on need basis. Such camps are usually not necessary in urban areas where workers can easily travel to work site from their places of ordinary residence and there
10/2011
shall thus in all probability not be any construction camp at the project site. Workers shall be under strict instructions to avoid intrusion into privacy of local neighbourhoods and shall not wander into residential areas without sufficient cause or loiter unnecessarily. 7.6.9 Safety Hazards, Public Health and Nuisances
A construction project can lead to situations where there are hazards to safety, public health is threatened and nuisances are created. Mitigation: Following measures will be adopted to reduce if not eliminate possible threats from project implementation to local community: Drivers using construction-related vehicles will be instructed to drive vehicles safely; Noise reduction protocols in the preceding section will prevent public nuisances resulting from noise pollution; The speed of project vehicles close to built-up areas will be kept low to avoid accidents and dust emissions; No activity will be undertaken at the site which can pose threat to public health, and Mitigation measures discussed earlier for air quality impairment and soil and water contamination shall also address concerns about public health. 7.6.10 Damage to Infrastructure
Construction projects often cause damage to infrastructure if appropriate precautions are not adopted. Mitigation: The construction contractor shall adopt the following steps to prevent any possible damage to local infrastructure: Vehicles carrying construction materials will not be overloaded and cargo shall correspond to maximum load allowable under the law so that undue stress is not placed on roads; The foremen on duty at the construction site will have complete access to layout of public infrastructure, if any, both on surface
10/2011
and subterranean, and will thus be fully aware how to conduct construction works and avoid unwitting interference; Utmost care will be taken to ensure that existing infrastructure is not damaged; Prior permission shall be sought from public sector agencies and municipal authorities for unavoidable works that involve excavations into or around or above public infrastructure at the construction site, if any, and The proponents shall take immediate measures to restore if not improve infrastructure damaged unintentionally, or through negligence or by design or on account of inevitable or unavoidable circumstances. 7.6.11 Increase in Vehicular Traffic
There shall be a marginal increase in traffic during project implementation and when the project is in operation. Impact of the project on local traffic is discussed in Chapter 10. 7.6.12 Dewatering and Drainage
Absence of dewatering and drainage can have the same effects as explained in the previous section. The amount of water to be removed from a site could be nominal to a large volume, depending on the height of the water head, permeability of soil below the water level and the size of the area to be dewatered. Mitigation: Water table at the site exists below a depth of six feet where tower footing will be seated for construction of basement and efficient dewatering will be required during deep excavation, especially below the water table. Accordingly, the site will be dewatered for the following reasons: To stabilise the banks of excavation and avoid hazards posed by slopes and sloughing; To prevent disturbance of soil at the bottom of excavation caused by boils or piping and such disturbances reduce soil bearing capacity of soil, and To provide suitable working surface at the foot of excavation.
10/2011
Proper dewatering prior to construction shall ensure that the structure remains stable during the operational phase. 7.8.13 Erosion Control
Erosion of soil even after a structure has been completed can have devastating effects, considering especially that site soil is susceptible to erosion. Mitigation: Erosion may be possible due to ground undulation. Specific recommendations to mitigate the potential for erosion can be provided during grading. These issues can be addressed through protection of critical areas with erosion control materials such as lined interceptor ditches or diversion dikes above fill and cut slopes, and construction of slope drains to safely direct concentrations of surface water runoff to a more suitable location down-slope. It should, however, be expected that even with carefully planned construction and designed erosion control measures, some erosion will occur during the first few wet seasons after the project is completed. Accordingly, site grading will be inspected, particularly after heavy, prolonged rainfall, to identify erosion areas at an early stage. Maintenance works shall be carried out if necessary and as soon as practical so as to repair such areas and prevent their enlargement. 7.8.14 Temporary Excavations
Temporary excavations, if carried out without thoughtful planning for possible consequences, can endanger a project during or after completion. Mitigation: Conventional earth-moving equipment shall be adequate to excavate the soil at the site. Temporary excavations in the site of silty or sandy clayey soils to a depth of six feet shall be sloped at an incline of 1.5:1 (horizontal:vertical). However, depending on moisture and density conditions during grading, slopes of 2:1(horizontal:vertical) could be necessary. Below six feet depth, slopes of 1:1 and steeper may be possible. The site engineer shall maintain safe cut slopes based on actual field conditions and safety requirements. Where the excavation bottom is locally wet, soft and yielding, the bottom shall be stabilised prior to placing fill. Methods such as the use of pit-run gravels and cobbles on the excavated bottom covered with a geo-textile fabric or membrane such as Mirafi 600X or placement of a Class-II base material over a similar fabric
10/2011
shall be employed on need basis. Where temporary trench slopes are inclined as described in the preceding lines, shoring might not be required. However, where adjacent features may influence establishment of appropriate slopes, the site engineer shall select shoring. Personnel shall not under any circumstances enter trenches with vertical sidewalls greater than five feet depth without proper shoring. 7.6.15 Rollers
The choice of rollers to be deployed for compaction must be based on soil characteristics. Mitigation: A sheep foot roller without vibrations shall be used for clayey ground while vibratory smooth drum roller will be employed on sandy soil ground. 7.6.16 Blocked Access
Development activities can block existing routes or disturb the right of way, thereby causing disturbance and inconvenience for local residents, especially when site development or construction forces local residents to adopt longer routes or when short cuts are no longer available. Mitigation: Construction at the project site shall not impede any existing routes or violate the right of way. Construction vehicles shall enter or leave the site in an orderly manner without obstructing local traffic. 7.6.17 Gender Issues
Presence of a sizable workforce at the project site can result in gender issues, and be a source of discomfort especially for female pedestrians. Mitigation: The following practices will be observed to eliminate possibility of gender-related incident and to protect privacy of residents: Local workers will be employed who would be fully aware of local customs, traditions and values and will accordingly be expected to abide by highest moral and ethical standards; Workers will be discouraged from entering built-up areas, and
10/2011
Under strict supervision of foremen, the construction crew shall be bound to a strict code of moral conduct. 7.6.18 Site of Archaeological or Historical Significance
The project area is rich in terms of monuments of archaeological, historical and religious significance. No such monument shall be under direct threat from project implementation. Since the project area is urban and there have been continuous development works over the years, archaeological or historical findings during excavation works are unlikely. However, an artefact of significance discovered during the phase of construction would be delivered to the Archaeology Department, Government of Pakistan, in compliance of the Antiquities Act, 1975. 7.7 HEALTH AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
Inconvenience and discomfort for workers and accidents resulting from careless construction practices can result in disruption of project implementation, as also socio-economic issues. Although it shall be the responsibility of the construction contractor to ensure occupational safety for workers at project site, the proponents will issue explicit instructions for observance of occupational safety and to abide by labour and safety standards. Mitigation: Following measures shall be taken by the contractor under supervision and inspection of the proponents: All labour and occupational safety laws and regulations will be fully observed; Wages shall not be below minimum wage fixed by the government; No deductions will be made from wages unless prior arrangement in writing has been made with workers regarding provision of services and benefits; Women workers, if any, shall be paid standard market wages, at least equal to minimum wage; In case there are women workers, the contractor shall make suitable arrangements for their camp, if required, and shall also issue a strict code of conduct regarding interaction;
10/2011
There shall not be any bonded or child labour; Working hours shall be according to the law of the land; Wages will be disbursed on time; The contractor will maintain a register of wages, which shall be open for inspection by the proponents; In case labourers, masons and other employees are made to work beyond normal hours, they will be paid overtime according to the law of the land; Workers shall be insured against accidents; No worker will be exposed to dangerous work; Hard hats will be worn by all workers and foremen; Masks will be available for workers to avoid dust inhalation; Workers shall be briefed about health hazards and all precautions that must be taken during construction; Maximum number of employment opportunities will be provided to local workers so as to impart training and skills to local workforce; A medical team will be engaged by the contractor to attend to health needs of workers and shall be available at short notice in case of an accident; Adequate first-aid arrangements will be made at project site as immediate relief in case of an accident; The contractor will prepare an emergency plan so as to be fully prepared for an emergency situation, and Fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment shall be available at the construction site.
7.8
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS FROM PROJECT OPERATIONS
There will not be any environmental problems relating to gaseous emissions, particulate matter or noise during operation of the project. Environmental issues associated with operation of the proposed project are discussed in the following sub-sections. 7.8.1 Earthquake Hazard
While an earthquake can cause damage to a particular structure, it becomes an environmental hazard should there be possibility of such
10/2011
damage from seismic activity directly impacting on the local environment. This could, for example, include debris falling on adjoining properties. Accordingly, a property owner would be wary of a high-rise being constructed close by. The region is placed in Seismic Zone 2A and is thus susceptible to seismic activity. Construction of the building can thus pose hazards if there are nearby properties. Mitigation: Foundations of the building have been designed and shall be constructed to respond to seismic activity typical of the region and there shall thus be no threat to the safety of any people immediately close to it. In any case, there is no structure close to the project site that shall be exposed to any such danger. 7.8.2 Visual Impact
There can be visual impact of any type of project and it can ordinarily take three forms: firstly, it relates to the visual impact that a structure creates when it is completed; secondly, to what extent it affects visual impact of surrounding areas, and thirdly, how a proposed structure affects the view of neighbours. Mitigation: As explained in the preceding sub-section, the building is to be constructed in a rural area and thus the visual impact shall be of limited consequence as there are usually very few visual resources in such locales. The building shall nevertheless interfere with the skyline but not be an eyesore. 7.8.3 Noise
Noise is a serious environmental concern and results mainly from vehicles, industry and commercial units. It assumes even more serious proportions when accompanied by vibrations. Control over environmental pollution from noise is hindered by insufficient knowledge of its effects on humans and lack of defined criteria. Noise pollution is aggravated progressively due to poor planning in urban centres, road construction, increase in number of vehicles and development of utilities infrastructure. A Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency study has observed that urban centres are becoming noisier due to high traffic intensity and acute deficiencies in traffic management.1 The immediate project area is commercial-cum-administrative in nature and as stated earlier, there will
10/2011
not be any significant increase in volume of traffic when the hospital is operational. Traffic on the road facing the project site is currently low to medium, and it has the capacity to bear additional traffic load. Samples of noise levels taken at the project site are shown in Table 44 overleaf, which indicate that noise levels presently are within acceptable limits. Mitigation: Noise levels are not expected to increase as a result of operation of the project but there might be a slight rise from additional traffic generated by the project. Much of the noise, if any, within the hospital shall not be audible in areas close by. The proponents shall however ensure that all vehicles with origins in the hospital abide by minimum noise protocols when in operation and that machinery and equipment that can add to noise levels, such as elevators, air-conditioning plant, motor pumps, tube-well and generators, are kept under due maintenance so that noise levels do not exceed upper noise limits set down by the National Environmental Quality Standards. There shall not be generation of excessive noise beyond the maximum noise standard of 85 dBA. 7.8.4 Shadow
Effects of the shadow of a high-rise can cause an environmental impact in terms of slight loss of light and energy for properties upon which the shadow falls. Mitigation: The building shall cast only nominal shadows that shall be within the compound and thus not impact on any adjoining properties. 7.8.5 Increase in Vehicular Traffic
Operation of a hospital can increase traffic levels in the project area and special measures, such as construction of on-ramp and exit-ramp, may be necessary to ensure that the flow of local traffic is not altered beyond reasonable limits or disturbed and that sufficient parking spaces are provided within the compound. Mitigation: There shall be marginal increase in vehicular activity on completion of the proposed project. Eighty parking spaces for cars and four hundred and three hundred and twenty for motor-cycles have been provided in the project design through dedicated basement parking.
10/2011
Details of traffic impact are covered in Chapter 10 covering the Traffic Impact Analysis. Operation of the project will at the same time result in reduction of as much traffic from other hospitals. 7.8.6 Water Consumption
The hospital shall draw water for its needs from tube-wells. Daily requirement shall be an absolute maximum of 44,138 gallons. A detailed write-up on water usage is available in a previous section of this report, followed by details of wastewater generation when the project comes into operation, which indicates that there shall not be any adverse impact due to water usage or excessive wastewater. Mitigation: Despite having independent source of water through tubewells, the proponents shall endeavour to avoid wastage of water. Water conservation measures are given in the following section. 7.8.7 Water Conservation
A large hospital uses up large volumes of water and measures must be taken to conserve water resources. Mitigation: The proponents shall take the following measures for conservation of water: The proponents shall install low-flush water closed toilets (1.6 US gallons per flush) instead of traditional four gallons; Systems could be put in place to design the drainage system so that wash-basin and shower grey water can be recycled to use for irrigation of green areas and plantations; Patients and visitors shall be given politely-worded memos to conserve water in bathrooms, for example by shutting off water while brushing teeth and shaving; Proponents shall procure water-saving equipment; Treated water from the wastewater treatment plant shall be used to irrigate green areas and plantations; An effective employee training programme shall be instituted to create awareness about water conservation; Regular checking of taps to ensure that these do not drip;
10/2011
Use of sensor-fitted taps that turn off automatically; Use of sensor-fitted urinals taps that cut water supply when not in use; Messages shall be placed in bathrooms to conserve water and to minimise use of hospital towels and linen, and Due maintenance of water pipes to prevent leakages. Janitorial and cleaning staff shall be trained and instructed to follow the following protocols: Taps shall not be kept running while cleaning the bathrooms and maximum use shall be made of buckets; Minimum amount of detergent shall be used in the laundry to reduce suds that need to be washed off with large volumes of water; All faucets, water pipes, circulating pumps shall be regularly inspected for faults and leakages to avoid drips, and Any leaking faucet or pipe shall be reported immediately. The following mitigation measures shall be adopted in the kitchen and while serving food to patients: Food products shall be washed in buckets, bowls or containers; Dishwashers with sufficient loads shall be installed, and Infrared activated faucets shall be fitted wherever practicable. 7.8.8 Wastewater and Sewerage
About 32,842 gallons of wastewater shall be generated when the project comes into operation. Mitigation: As wastewater will not be industrial or commercial in nature but may have contaminants due to use of medicines and chemicals in laboratories, prior treatment of the wastewater will be necessary before it is discharged into the sewerage network. The project design includes installation of a wastewater treatment plant. A write-up on the proposed wastewater treatment plant is given in Chapter Five. Most of the treated water shall be reused at the premises to irrigate plantations and green areas. Sufficient capacity is available with the municipality to receive and dispose of remaining treated wastewater.
10/2011
7.8.9 Surface Drainage
Concentrated surface water runoff within or immediately adjacent to structures can have destabilising impact thereon. Mitigation: Runoff shall be conveyed in pipes or in lined channels for discharge through municipal drains and shall not be released into any area, whether level or not, where it can cause erosion. Water from roof downspouts will similarly be conveyed in pipes that shall discharge rainwater safely away from the structure. Surface gradients shall be planned to prevent ponding and ensure drainage of away from building foundations, treatment plant components, pavement edges and sidewalks, maintaining a minimum of two percent gradient. 7.8.10 Contamination of Soil, Surface and Groundwater
Project operations can cause contamination of soil and groundwater as well as surface water, depending on the nature of a project. Mitigation: Solid waste generated at the building will be disposed of in accordance with the law by incineration or through a waste management contractor. As there is no surface water close to the project site, there can be no threat to surface water from project activities. These aspects are dealt with in detail in the next chapter covering the Environmental Management Plan. 7.8.11 Obtrusive Light
Light pollution is as much a nuisance as dust, noise, vehicle emissions and industrial fumes. Accordingly, obtrusive light can cause serious physiological and ecological problems. Obtrusive light, whether it keeps a person awake through an open window or impedes view of the night sky, is a form of pollution and must be substantially reduced without detriment to the need for lighting. Obtrusive light causes nuisance to others, wastes money and electricity and results in unnecessary emissions of greenhouse gasses. Obtrusive light can be classified as follows: Glare: Uncomfortable brightness of a light source when viewed against a dark background;
10/2011
Sky Glow: Brightening of the night sky above built-up areas, and Light Trespass: Spilling of light beyond boundaries of the property or area being lit. Mitigation: Necessary measures to be taken for elimination of obtrusive light are covered in detail in the Environmental Management Plan in the next chapter. 7.8.12 Safety Hazards, Public Health and Nuisances
Operation of the hospital may cause some concerns for safety, public health and nuisances within the project area. Mitigation: Measures discussed earlier for air quality impairment and soil and water contamination will also address concerns about public health. The proponents shall undertake pest extermination exercises on a regular basis in order to maintain appropriate health and sanitation levels within the hospital and its compound. 7.8.13 Vibrations
Equipment can cause vibrations that can be source of constant discomfort for neighbouring properties. Mitigation: The premises shall be employed strictly for medical purposes and thus there shall be no vibrations originating from the hospital when it comes into operation. Equipment installed at the project that can cause a measure of vibration shall include elevators, air-conditioning plant, water pumps, tube-wells and generators. The proponents shall ensure that no activity takes place at the premises that can create vibrations.
117
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
8.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
This part of the study discusses the Environmental Management Plan and describes institutional arrangements required for its effective implementation and follows from possible environmental impacts identified in the previous chapter. While mitigation measures have been given in respect of all such environmental impacts, a comprehensive environmental plan is nonetheless necessary, as it renders a delivery mechanism to reduce adverse environmental impacts of a project during execution, enhance project benefits, and introduce standards of good practices to be adopted for all project works. An elaborate environmental management plan and monitoring surveillance programme, including periodic progress reports, has to be devised to guarantee that the project does not create any adverse environmental impact during the construction phase as also upon operation. The basic aims of the Environmental Management Plan in Table 45 placed at the start of this chapter are to facilitate implementation of mitigation measures indicated in various sections of this study, and delineate responsibilities of the project proponents, consultants and contractor to counteract nominal environmental impacts. During the construction phase of the proposed project, sole responsibility for compliance with the Environmental Management Plan shall be with the proponents of the project through the project designers and the contractor. Mitigation: The construction contractor shall carry out field activities as part of project execution and will be responsible to implement various mitigation actions prescribed in the Environmental Management Plan relevant to the contract. The contractor shall also be subject to certain liabilities under the environmental laws of the country, and under contract with the project proponents. The consultants will monitor the contractor and ensure implementation of the Environmental Management Plan. Environmental management shall assume a different facet during operation. Measures to be adopted by the proponents are described in the following paragraphs. 8.1 SECURITY
Security of the hospital will not be a major issue but must be borne in mind nonetheless.
10/2011
Mitigation: Security guards shall be posted at the main gates to maintain safety at the premises and also to ensure that unauthorised people do not enter the compound. 8.2 VEHICLE PARKING
Traffic from a relatively large building such as the proposed project adds to local traffic and appropriate measures must be taken to alleviate traffic issue. Mitigation: The proponents shall ensure through security guards that no vehicles are parked on the road in front of the hospital for a protracted time period. All such vehicles shall be parked within the large compound where they do not impede normal traffic. Space reserved for vehicles in the basement will not be put to any other use. Parking on the immediate front of the hospital shall not be permitted except for ambulances and patients alighting from vehicles. 8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT MEASURES
Possible environmental impacts resulting from operation of a large hospital requires certain measures for environmental protection and enhancement. Mitigation: The following steps shall be taken by the proponents to enhance the local environment: Adequate drains will be fixed at all levels of the building for disposal of rainwater; Treated sewage will be discharged into the sewer system; The visual impact of the building on its surroundings has also been taken into consideration. Accordingly, the hospital has been designed keeping in mind aesthetic values and its faade will be most presentable; Attempts would be made to use as much frosted or patterned glass as possible, without compromising aesthetic value of plain glass; Use of glass for windows will be kept to reasonable limits to reduce solar reflections that may inconvenience neighbours;
10/2011
Space for electric sub-station and/or transformer installation will be provided at the premises, subject to need; As far as land use of the immediate environment is concerned, it is generally administrative and there will, therefore, not be any threat to privacy of adjoining properties; All windows facing neighbours will be strictly of the specified size and placed at a height prescribed under building regulations; Sufficient open space has been provided around the hospital for plantation, green area and passages; In order to keep the environment neat and clean, the space between the road and the proposed hospital will be paved with tiles or developed as a green belt, with prior permission from the relevant government authority, and No vendors will be allowed to carry out business in front or inside the hospital. 8.3.1 Energy Conservation
Commercial buildings such as offices, institutional facilities, retail facilities, hotels or hospitals similar to the project under review etc., consume about five 5 percent of electricity generated in Pakistan, which is about 650 megawatts of energy per year. It is estimated that within commercial buildings, lighting constitutes 30 percent of electricity consumption. Consequently, commercial lighting accounts for about 1.5 percent or so of the nations electricity consumption. Improving lighting system efficiencies by up to 50 percent, which is quite plausible, can result in saving up to 0.75 percent of electricity use. Lighting in commercial buildings is typically used during daytime peak demand periods. Accordingly, commercial lighting loads contribute to significant energy shortfalls during such times, usually around midday. Additionally, electric lighting, by its very nature, contributes to cooling load of commercial buildings, thereby placing increased burden on heating/ ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) system and resulting in yet more power consumption. Lighting probably adds to at least 20 percent of cooling load. Improving lighting system efficiencies by up to 50 percent can thus significantly improve peak demand conditions while reducing HVAC requirements by 10 percent in commercial buildings. Finally, economic productivity is directly related to the workers abilities to effectively and efficiently perform their work in commercial buildings.
10/2011
Improved lighting quality can contribute to productivity gains. Even if these gains are relatively small, for instance only 0.25 to 0.5 percent, it would still be significant in the larger context of commercial-sector contribution to overall economic growth. Pakistans commercial building owners are paying the going market rates for electricity, while using outdated inefficient electric lighting equipment. Lighting quantity and quality can be dramatically improved and more can be achieved with less electricity. A comprehensive review of the State Life Insurance Company Building No. 9 in Karachi, for example, indicated that lighting energy consumption can be reduced by 69 percent while increasing lighting quantity at the same time by 53 percent and quality (e.g. hardcopy task contrast improvements, colour rendering improvement and significant reduction in noise and flicker effects).1 Electric lighting efficiency improvements are so dramatic that even when considering more costly tariff-burdened state-of-the-art lamps/ballasts/ luminaires, cost recovery is just over five years, which does not include the important factor of improvements in worker productivity. Lighting efficiency is not only dependent on quality of design and products, but is also quite dependent on quality of installation. Additionally, new techniques such as tandem wiring ballasts in order to reduce quantity of ballasts as well as increase operating efficiency by as much 10 percent to 20 percent, need to be adopted. Further, the significance of new energy-efficient lamps, ballasts, luminaires and wiring methods, needs to be understood. Providing an efficient lighting infrastructure in a built environment does not assure continued efficiency over the life of the infrastructure. Lighting efficiency over time is influenced by a host of issues, not the least of which are proper lamp replacement, proper ballast replacement, proper luminaire cleaning programme and proper room surface finish maintenance (e .g. repainting with light finishes rather than dark finishes). Mitigation: In conjunction with measures described in the preceding paragraphs, the proponents and users of the hospital could consider the following steps for conservation of energy when the project enters the operational stage: Lights shall be switched off when not required; Protocols can be devised so that users are encouraged to switch off access to air-conditioning beyond a certain temperature threshold; Thermostats in private rooms in any case shall enable adjustment of temperature to avoid over-cooling and overheating, thereby lessening the load on energy consumption;
10/2011
The air-conditioning plant shall be operated to maintain desirable temperatures within the building and both overcooling and overheating shall be avoided; The air-conditioning system shall be designed and installed in such a way that portions of the hospital not requiring airconditioning can be disconnected from the main supply so that the air-conditioning plant can operate at lower capacity; Maximum use of natural light and fresh air shall reduce energy costs in terms of lighting and cooling; Lighting-efficiency measures in the preceding paragraphs shall be adopted to the extent possible and feasible; Hospital administration would be encouraged to purchase energy-efficient lights and appliances; Energy-efficient lights and appliances as suggested in the preceding paragraphs would be installed in an energy-efficient manner adopting latest techniques recommended by professional organisations; The proponents shall use heat-absorbent colours within the building and on the exterior of the building so as to reduce cooling load; The proponents shall also consider using Green Roof and Cool Roof criteria to reduce cooling costs; The proponents shall carry out lighting audits at regular intervals to work out lighting and cooling costs through use of energy-conservation regimes and replacement of lamps and appliances with lower energy consumption; Dimmers shall be used for lighting and fans; All equipment shall be under due maintenance, and Electricity mains and wiring shall be inspected at suitable intervals to prevent risks to life, reduce electricity losses and eliminate short-circuiting. 8.3.2 Environment-friendly Equipment
Equipment using obsolete technology can create pollution and even health hazards. Mitigation: The proponents shall ensure that the air-conditioning plant to be installed at the hospital and all refrigerators for storage of medicine and other purposes are CFC-free.
10/2011
8.3.3 Solar or Wind Energy
Use of solar panels or harnessing wind energy for power generation has not been considered by the proponents as the technology is too expensive and not feasible considering the size of the proposed project. Moreover, there is no wind corridor within the project area that can be availed for the purpose of power generation even to meet requirements partially. 8.3.4 Quality Control
Establishments providing public service must ensure that best international practices are adopted so as to ensure quality control and complete safety at the premises. Mitigation: The proponents shall apply for ISO-certification as soon as the hospital comes into operation so that t can offer the best possible services to the public. 8.3.5 Minimisation of Liquid and Solid Waste
Minimisation of liquid and solid waste during the operation of the hospital is as important from the environmental point of view as is ultimate disposal. Mitigation: Liquid and solid waste shall be minimised using the following methods: Taps and urinals in the washrooms shall be fitted with sensors to conserve water; The management shall test sensors and all taps and water outlets periodically for leakage; All dripping taps shall be fixed immediately to reduce wastage; Rubbish bins and baskets shall be placed in all corridors and work areas and shall carry a message to reduce solid waste; All hydrants and taps in the compound shall be similarly tested frequently to ensure that there is no leakage; Hospital administration shall also install, to the maximum extent possible, taps that turn off automatically, and
10/2011
Separate bins and baskets will be earmarked for solid waste that can be recycled, so as to facilitate ultimate disposal. 8.3.6 Inflow of Natural Light
Natural light is a precious resource often ignored or under-estimated by public. Maximum use of natural light can lead not only to conservation of energy but it also acts as an antiseptic. Mitigation: Natural light shall be captured through windows and will be circulated within the building through wide corridors and there shall be sufficient windows in the rooms to capture natural light. 8.3.7 Circulation of Fresh Air
Fresh air is essential for sound health since closed spaces can lead to staleness and also claustrophobia. Mitigation: Even though the building shall be air-conditioned, employees and patients shall be encouraged to open windows frequently to ensure inflow of fresh air. 8.3.8 Reduction of Obtrusive Light
An important environmental enhancement measure is reduction of obtrusive light from the proposed project that can cause inconvenience to neighbours. Mitigation: Although it is quite unlikely that the hospital shall be highly lit up, following measures could be taken by the proponents when the project comes into operation in order to reduce obtrusive light, if any: Only those lights shall be switched on at night, and those too at dimmed levels, as are absolutely necessary for the sake of safety and security; Proponents shall use specifically designed lighting equipment that minimises upward spread of light near to and above the horizontal;
10/2011
Proponents shall take care to select luminaires to ensure that appropriate units are chosen and that their location will reduce spill light and glare to the minimum; Proponents would take care not to over light, which is a major cause of obtrusive light and is a waste of money and energy; Employees would be instructed to dim or switch lights off when tasks are finished; Proponents shall keep glare low by ensuring that the main beam angle of all lights directed towards any potential observer is not more then 70; The proponents shall use light dimmers instead of switches; Appropriate measures will minimise upward reflected light, and Higher mounting heights shall be employed as these allow lower main beam angles, which assist in lowering glare. 8.3.9 Plantations and Landscaping
Land development often results in alterations in the local environment, which must be compensated through restoration of green areas or through fresh plantation. Mitigation: Proper landscaping shall be carried out through a qualified consultant to be selected as the construction phase nears completion. Large size of the plot does shall facilitate a sizable plantation campaign within the premises. However, dense tree plantation shall be duly considered after the project has been completed, in consultation with a horticultural specialist. There is no municipal stipulation requiring the proponents to pre-define exact area to be brought under plantation. Some of the open area shall be available for greening and exact area can be calculated only when the hospital has been completed and landscaping is undertaken. An amount of Rs. 2.632 million have been set aside in the project cost estimates for horticulture at the project site, which shall provide for planting of two hundred and ten trees and shrubs and at least five hundred floral plants, aromatic flowers etc., and a few more in the space between the building line and the road, after prior permission is obtained from government authorities. It shall however be ensured that selected varieties are environment-friendly and indigenous and that the chosen varieties have less demand for water. The proponents shall consider indoor plantations after the hospital is in operation.
10/2011
8.4
GREEN BUILDING
Green building is the practice of increasing efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water, and materials, and reducing impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal, or the complete building life cycle. A similar concept is natural building, which is usually on a smaller scale and tends to focus on the use of natural materials that are available locally. Other commonly used terms include sustainable design and green architecture. However, while good design is essential to green building, actual operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposal or deconstruction of the building also have very significant effects on buildings overall environmental impact. Effective green building can lead to: Reduced operating costs by increasing productivity and using less energy and water; Improved public and occupant health due to improved indoor air quality, and Reduced environmental impacts by, for example, lessening storm water runoff and the heat island effect. Mitigation: There is no compulsion, however, under the building regulations or byelaws to adhere to features of Green Building. Although a number of features of the Green Building Programme have been built into the design of the project under review, the project designers and project consultants shall endeavour to incorporate other features too as the phase of construction progresses. These shall include measures relating to cool roofs and green roofs. The following measures have however so far been taken by the proponents and project designers to abide by the Green Building concept: The project site has been chosen with the express intention of locating it an area that is not congested; The building design is environmentally sound particularly to the extent that it is not wasteful; The architectural plans cater for maximum use of natural light; All construction materials are to be procured through nearest sources, which shall reduce not only transportations costs but also cut down on resultant emissions from vehicles carrying such materials;
10/2011
Shrubs within the plot that will be removed only if necessary shall be reused for construction of the project office; Trees within the plot are to be preserved and integrated into the project design; Removal of shrubs and other minor vegetation cover that may be removed during land clearing shall be suitably compensated for through a plantation plan and developing grassy plots and green belts to create a green effect; Well-insulated windows, doors, and walls shall help reduce energy loss, thereby reducing energy usage; The outer walls shall have cavities, which will be filled with thermopore to provide insulation against summer heat; Boulders and stones recovered from excavation during site development, if any, shall be reused in construction; The roof shall have a number of features relating to cool roof concept, including mud layers and polythene sheets, which shall absorb heat; Hollow bricks will be used wherever advised by the project designers; The proponents shall advise employees and patients about measures that can be adopted for conservation of energy and water; The architectural design caters for maximum inflow of fresh air and circulation; Colour schemes both at the exterior of the building and inside shall be used that absorb heat and give a cooling effect so that energy consumption is lowered correspondingly, and The best technical expertise shall be deployed to select and install electrical wiring and equipment that is not only safe but also consumes less energy. 8.4.1 Cool Roofs
Over 90 percent of roofs in the United States are dark-coloured so as to absorb heat due to climatic conditions. Rooftops and walls in Pakistan are often tarred to provide insulation against rain and damp. Low-reflectance surfaces from dark rooftops reach temperatures of 66C to 88C and contribute to: Increased cooling energy use and higher utility bills;
10/2011
Higher peak electricity demand, raised electricity production costs, and a potentially overburdened power grid; Reduced indoor comfort; Increased air pollution due to the intensification of the heat island effect, and Accelerated deterioration of roofing materials, increased roof maintenance costs, and high levels of roofing waste sent to landfills. In contrast, cool roof systems with high reflectance and emittance stay up to 39C cooler than traditional materials during peak summer weather. Benefits of cool roofs include reduced building heat-gain and saving on summertime air conditioning expenditures.1 By minimising energy use, cool roofs do more than save money and reduce demand for electric power and resulting air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. An estimate of cool roof energy savings can be determined by considering the following main characteristics: Air-conditioning: Cool roofs can reduce summertime energy use in air conditioned buildings. In buildings without air conditioning, cool roofs can improve comfort by reducing topfloor temperatures; Roof Insulation: Cool roofs save more energy when installed on buildings with low roof insulation; Attic Radiant Barrier: These structures reduce energy saving potential of cool roofs; Attic Ventilation: Buildings with low attic ventilation see greater benefit from a reflective roof, and Local Climate: Cooling energy savings are typically greatest in areas with long, sunny, hot summers. Mitigation: The project design incorporates various features of cool roof as discussed above, and shall also include adoption of Heat Island reduction measures such as, among others, planting trees and vegetation, and using cool paving, which can all save energy by lowering temperatures and decreasing air conditioning demand. 8.4.2 Green Roofs
Another alternative to traditional roofing materials is a rooftop garden, or

10/2011
green roof. On hot summer days, the surface temperature of a vegetated rooftop can be cooler than air temperature, whereas surface of a traditional rooftop can be up to 50C warmer. A green roof consists of vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. Additional layers, such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems may also be included. Green roofs can be used in many applications, including industrial facilities, residences, offices, and other commercial property. Green roofs are an attractive roofing option that can reduce urban heat islands by providing shade and through evapotranspiration, the release of water from plants to the surrounding air. They also: Reduce sewage system loads by assimilating large amounts of rainwater; Absorb air pollution, collect airborne particulates, and store carbon; Protect underlying roof material by eliminating exposure to suns ultraviolet radiation and extreme daily temperature fluctuations; Serve as living environments that provide habitats for birds and other small animals; Offer an attractive alternative to traditional roofs, addressing growing concerns about urban quality of life; Reduce noise transfer from outdoors, and Insulate a building from extreme temperatures, mainly by keeping building interiors cool in summer. Mitigation: Although the Green Roof concept can be adapted only to a limited extent for a hospital building, which has to place equipment on rooftops, features have been incorporated into the project design to benefit from this concept. 8.4.3 Sustainable Building
Sustainable buildings are now a buzzword in the field of architecture, which is the driving force behind built environment and building designs that either help the environment or harm it. The concept of Sustainable Building is rather akin to Green Building and rests on three principles: firstly, economising resources by curbing use of non-renewable ones; secondly, it underscores difference between the life cycle of a sustainable
10/2011
building and that of a conventional one, and thirdly, Human Designs tap into the individual or collective requirements to determine how liveable a sustainable design space can be. The basic precept is that of materials salvage from buildings that have outlived their usefulness for reuse in prospective projects. The following issues arise: Energy: Buildings require constant flow of energy for continued operation. Obviously each building does not have its own power source. Accordingly, power plants, whether coal, nuclear or hydro-electric, are needed to provide needed energy. Every type of energy source has drawbacks, with a common constant of environmental impact caused. The degree of impact may be different: coal and oil power stations cause much pollution in the atmosphere, whereas hydro energy requires dams and reservoirs to be built, thereby leading to severe repercussions in local ecosystems; Water: Daily human activities require large quantities of water for the purposes of drinking, washing, cooking and cleaning etc. While provision of water consumes energy, a major problem, especially evident in Pakistan, is discharge of sewage water that must be treated, but rarely ever is, and Materials: There is always influx of building materials into a project site. Waste generated after initiation of the construction process is significant. Consumer goods which are vital for normal human activities also pass through the building, and as such they are all eventually an output. Either recycling or transport to a landfill is necessary for disposal of such waste. Sustainable design requires consequences of the life cycle of architectural resources to be taken into account, which revolves around procurement of resources needed to construct the project, and their final destination when the building is demolished. This approach to the life cycle of the building can be developed into strategies that help minimise environmental impact as a result of its design, construction, operation and disposal and relate to: Pre-building: Environmental consequences of the structures design itself should be open to review, as should its orientation and landscape impact. The manner in which materials are procured is easily disregarded as unnecessary. The truth is, however, that this factor has the most serious potential repercussions. For example, harvesting of wood could result in
10/2011
deforestation, mining of natural ores and minerals disturbs the natural status quo and even their transport adds to pollution. Many of these materials require energy for manufacture; Building: After construction, long-term health effects on the buildings occupants remains to be considered. The construction process itself should be efficient and environmental impact as a result of the resource consumption should be limited wherever possible, and Post-building: Eventual demolition of the building after it has passed its operational life span leads to the question of disposal of construction waste left behind. Ideally, waste is recycled to become construction material for newer projects. While economy of resources and life-cycle design are concerned with conservation and efficiency, humane design is based on the liveability of virtually all constituents in global ecosystem, plants and wildlife, for instance. Building a metropolis in the heart of the African Serengeti without disturbing the ecosystem will perhaps never be possible, but there are great strides that can be taken by endeavouring to preserve natural conditions in and around buildings. The following three strategies derived from the principle of humane design focus on creating compatibility of buildings and the greater environment, as well as between buildings and their occupants: Preservation of Natural Conditions: Existing topography, plants and wildlife are all subject to negative influences of a building. An architect should seek to minimise the buildings impact on the ecosystem; Urban Design and Site Planning: Modern day hubs of human habitat emanate large amounts of pollution. Cooperative planning can reduce energy and water demands so as to benefit neighbourhoods, cities and indeed entire regions, and Human Comfort: An essential role of architecture is to provide built environments that sustain occupants safety, health, physiological comfort, productivity and psychological wellbeing. Sustainable design need not preclude essentials of human comfort. Mitigation: Modern architectural planning relies heavily on the newlydeveloped concept of sustainable building. As has been explained in various sections of the report, various aspects of sustainable building
10/2011
have been built into the project design and cover energy conservation, energy-conscious site planning, insulation, on-site reuse of water, economy in water consumption, sizing of the building and various accompanying systems properly, use of maximum possible reclaimed or recycled materials, appropriate disposal of liquid and solid waste, and a design that is based on anticipated life-cycle of the planned structure.
132
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
9.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Domestic and commercial solid wastes include all non-gaseous, nonliquid wastes resulting from the wide range of community and commercial activities. Effective solution to problems of solid waste collection, treatment, conversion, reuse and disposal, are basic necessities from the perspective of sound public health. Otherwise, indiscriminate dumping of solid waste within the limits of populated areas can cause severe health hazards and at the same time impact on aesthetics. The amounts of solid waste generated by a community depend upon its socioeconomic characteristics. Generation of per capita solid waste is on the rise on account of social, economic and technological changes. Solid waste in Pakistan generally comprises plastic and rubber, metal, paper and cardboard, textile waste, food waste, animal waste, leaves, grass, straws and fodder, bones, wood, stones, excreta and fines to various extents. Findings of a study conducted by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency in October 2004 state that about 55,000 tons of solid waste is generated each day in urban areas of Pakistan and only about sixty percent is collected by municipal authorities.1 Solid waste generated at the hospital shall be substantial, and both project development and operation will lead to large quantities of waste. Besides being an eyesore, solid waste can also pose serious health hazards if disposal is either absent or is improper. Sukkur has no landfill facilities and garbage is invariably dumped in open spaces by the public and outside the city by municipal authorities in improvised garbage dumps where there are no arrangements for segregation of waste, compaction or run-off control. Environmental impact of poor waste management not only at a site or a project in operation or within or outside an urban centre can be categorised into two groups, namely impact due to poor waste disposal practices, and stress on natural resources due to excessive waste generation. Impacts caused by poor waste disposal practices include: Exposure of waste collectors and municipal administration to potentially hazardous stockpiles if hazardous waste is mixed with municipal waste. Waste collectors and municipal employees handle hazardous waste without proper personal protection clothing or equipment;
10/2011
Pollution of water resources, contamination of soil, and generation of hazardous fumes from uncontrolled and inappropriate disposal of hazardous waste; Nuisances such as odours, flies, mosquitoes and rats and rodents; Health issues due to provision of breeding ground for disease vectors; Effects on aesthetic qualities of an area due to scattered, and airborne trash, and Blockage and consequent overflow of drains and sewers due to indiscriminate dumping of solid waste. Excessive waste generation results in stress on natural resources. Any production process requires fuel, electricity, land, water, chemicals and other mineral or agricultural inputs. Pressures on these resources can be minimised if production of unnecessary goods is avoided, for instance by using substitutes that are environmentally sound. This can also be achieved by maximising recycling and reuse of materials, promoting products and practices involving less use of natural resources, especially non-renewable resources. Proper and environment-friendly disposal of solid waste requires development of scientifically-designed landfill sites with by-product features. Even though large parcels of land, which itself is a vital natural resource, are required for landfills, this land is later reclaimed and green-topped when the landfill is exhausted. However, minimisation of solid waste at the same creates less demand for such landfills. Impact of solid waste from the proposed project will depend on the quantity of waste generated, nature of such waste, arrangements for disposal and receptors in the surrounding areas. As it is desirable to prevent any significant impact, a waste management plan must be developed for all phases of a project. Such a plan, when developed and implemented in earnest, will be the main tool to avoid any significant adverse impact from solid waste. Potential source of waste from construction activities include but are not necessarily limited to: Vegetation (grass, brush, shrubs, trees etc.) removed to clear the land; Cardboard and paper (packaging, office waste, cement bags etc.); Wood (lumber, planer waste and scrap, scaffolding waste, packaging crates etc.); Masonry and ceramics;
10/2011
Excess construction materials (aggregate, bricks etc.); Metal (scrap, containers, tins, cans, bottles, workshop waste, galvanised iron wires, steel bars etc.); Plastics (containers, bottles, wiring, bags, sheeting etc.); Styrofoam (containers, roofing etc.); Glass (electric lights, bottles, packaging, window pane waste etc.); Insulation materials; Excess soil and sand; Organic waste (kitchen waste); Waste oil and grease; Chemicals and paints; Batteries (lead batteries, dry and rechargeable cells etc.); Cotton and textiles (oily rags, cleaning cloths, rags etc.); Contaminated soil; Electric cables, and Clinic and medical waste. It is anticipated that this solid waste during operation would consist of mainly the following: Organic waste (kitchen waste, leftovers etc.); Newspapers, magazines, and paper; Cotton and textiles, rags; Floor sweepings; Cardboard and thick paper cartons; Wood packaging; Disposable paper plates and cups; Various other forms of packaging; Medical waste, including expired medicines; Laboratory wastes; Used office supplies (toners, typewriter ribbons etc.), and Obsolete office appliances (printers, facsimile machines, computers, monitors and computer accessories).
Considering the purpose for which the proposed building is to be employed, solid waste generation will be in the range 0.5 kg to 0.8 kg per capita per day, following the yardstick for solid waste generation in urban centres. Assuming total presence of an average of about twenty-two hundred and five people per day generating solid waste, including
10/2011
patients, employees and visitors, minimum quantity of solid waste generated is indicated in the following table.
TABLE 46: SOLID WASTE GENERATION Number Reduced for Time Spent at the Premises 202 200 42 17 461 202 200 42 17 461 Minimum Solid Waste Generated Per Capita Per Day 0.5 kg. 0.5 kg. 0.5 kg. 0.5 kg. 0.5 kg. 0.8 kg 0.8 kg 0.8 kg 0.8 kg 0.8 kg
Persons Using the Premises Hospital employees (doctors and staff) Indoor patients Outdoor patients Patients visitors TOTAL: Hospital employees (doctors and staff) Indoor patients Outdoor patients Patients visitors TOTAL:
Number 605 200 1,000 400 2,205 605 200 1,000 400 2,205
Total Solid Waste Per Day 101 kgs 100 kgs 21 kgs 8.5 kgs 230.5 kgs 161.6 kgs 160 kgs 33.6 kgs 13.6 kgs 360.8 kgs
The above table indicates that the maximum amount of solid waste that can be generated per day at the rate of 0.5 kg per capita per day is 230.5 kgs. If per capita per day waste generation rate of 0.8 kg is to be used, waste generation will be 360.8 kgs. Mitigation: Following measures shall be adopted for minimisation of solid waste and appropriate disposal: The proponents shall engage a waste management contractor for disposal of solid waste during all phases of the project; The appointed waste management contractors shall be bound contractually to dispose of solid waste carried from the premises in an environment-friendly manner, both during transit and at the time of final disposal; Employees, patients and visitors shall be encouraged to use the garbage chutes for waste disposal to ensure speed in disposal and so that there is no littering around the hospital; In procurement of supplies for the project, the size and nature of packaging shall also be taken into consideration; Wherever possible, packaging shall be returned to manufacturers for reuse;
10/2011
Solid waste received through the garbage chutes shall be kept temporarily in the basement before it is removed for further disposal; All solid waste shall be stored in large bins on a temporary basis at the north-eastern rear side of the plot from where it shall be removed on regular basis through the appointed waste management contractor; All solid waste will be segregated appropriately for safe disposal; The proponents shall encourage all people present at the hospital to reuse paper to the extent possible; Bins shall be placed around the compound and within common areas to collect solid waste and all patrons shall be advised through smart notices to place waste in dedicated bins and not through it indiscriminately; Signs shall be posted in washrooms and kitchen advising minimisation of solid waste, and Special attention would be paid to solid waste that can be recycled. All recyclable solid waste shall be kept separate for disposal through special arrangement with recycling industries and contractors that collect such solid waste for onward sale to industries engaged in recycling and production of environment friendly products. A Waste Management Plan indicating liquid and solid waste disposal methods is placed overleaf in tabular form. Despite rather large volume of solid waste that is likely to result from project operations, the proponents do not need to develop their own landfill.
137
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
10. TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS

Based on yardsticks adopted by most building control and development authorities, one car parking space must be provided for every one thousand square feet of covered area, excluding basements, in a commercial building. There is no such stipulation in respect of hospitals. The basement has been earmarked for car and motor-cycle parking and there shall be eighty bays for cars and three hundred and twenty spaces for motor-cycles. In addition, there shall be plenty of spaces shall be available at the building front and sides for temporary parking. The front of the hospital shall be used purely for temporary parking of visiting patients and ambulances. Availability of parking spaces in the basement floor and ground level is shown in the following table.
TABLE 48: PARKING ARRANGEMENTS Parking Area Basement Open areas
Source: Submission Drawings
Spaces for Cars 80 1,000
Spaces for Motor-cycles 320 1,700
The basement shall be used purely for vehicle parking, and for designated purposes as described in the approved building plans. The basement shall have fire cabinets, staircases, elevators, security desk, air plenums and full-height louvers, utility rooms etc., and facilities for drivers. The width of the ramp shall be between 3.7 to 4 metres with 2.1 meter clearance and gradient of 1:8 to 1:10. The parking floor shall be well lit with fluorescent markings on the floors demarcating direction of traffic and exits. There shall be clearly marked bays, disabled parking, sufficient room for positioning and reversing of vehicles, and rubber padding along the walls for fender protection. The basement shall have double driveways with a minimum width of 196 feet. 10.1 INCREASES IN VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
There shall be increase in vehicular traffic in the project area and around the project site as construction commences. These vehicles could possibly include mobile cranes, excavators, bulldozers, tractors, graders, scraper, rollers, dumpers and loaders, wheel loaders, tower crane, heavy duty vehicles, drilling vehicles, trenchers, forklifts, water tankers and jeeps
10/2011
and cars for project supervisors and engineers. The exact number of such vehicles shall vary according to the pace of construction. However, using the rule of thumb for projects of such size, there shall be a maximum of five to ten vehicles visiting the site per day at the peak of construction. Table 50 is an indication of anticipated traffic during the project cycle. The proponents will instruct the construction contractor to ensure that least possible disturbance is created at the site from operation of construction vehicles. Measures to reduce disturbances shall include: Construction vehicles will not be parked on private properties or where they can cause impediments to local traffic; Construction vehicles will not park or queue up on any road close to the project site; All vehicles carrying construction materials and supplies shall reach the site from main roads and these vehicles will not thus affect local traffic or pass through populated areas unless unavoidable ; Drivers of these vehicles will be barred from blowing horn at the project site or on the roads; Drivers shall follow traffic protocols and road courtesies, and It will be ensured that all such vehicles are properly tuned and in good working conditions and have quality mufflers installed in order to reduce vehicular noise. Traffic counts at the project site are shown in the following table, which are indicative of low to medium traffic activity typical of a small urban centre. Considering traffic volumes at the project site, there will be negligible increase in vehicular traffic on account of construction-related vehicles when construction commences. The exact number of such vehicles shall vary day to day.
TABLE 49: TRAFFIC COUNTS AT PROJECT SITE (No. of vehicles during a one hour period) 0700-0800 hrs. 1,023 1100-1200 hrs. 1,163 1400-1500 hrs. 1,241 1830-1930 hrs. 982
Location: Sukkur Bypass (in front of the project site)
Source: Traffic Count Conducted by Environmental Consultants on August 21, 2011
Mitigation: Traffic counts shown above exhibit low to medium volumes of traffic at the proposed project, which would mean that the impact of project-related vehicular activity on local traffic shall be extremely
10/2011
negligible. Traffic Police will be approached to obtain counsel for movement of vehicles carrying equipment and construction materials to the project site. It will be ensured that such movement takes place during off-peak hours or on holidays and never at night. The proponents shall instruct the contractor to the effect that least possible disturbance is created at the site from operation of construction vehicles. 10.2 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
There shall be sufficient parking within the basement and at the ground level for the quantum of traffic expected at the proposed hospital, which is a major factor of mitigation from the viewpoint of vehicular activity resulting from the project. The project site faces the forty feet wide Sukkur Bypass, which thus has sufficient capacity to absorb the impact of additional traffic expected from project implementation and operation. Traffic count in Table 49 included all mechanical vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, vans, rickshaws and motor-cycles etc., and did not include bicycles or other forms of non-mechanical traffic. Based on traffic count for Sukkur Bypass, the average number of vehicles plying on this road on a working day comes to about 1,102 per hour or 26,454 per day. It is impossible at this stage to assess how many vehicles shall frequent the hospital during a day and how long they shall remain at the premises. An accurate traffic count can only be taken when the project is in operation and only an estimate based on various assumptions can be attempted at this stage of the project. Secondly, there is no scientific yardstick to determine how many times the vehicles of regular employees shall enter, leave and re-enter the premises. Thirdly, the exact number of patients visitors depends on the profile of the patient. The starting point to calculate additional traffic load as a result of the operation of the hospital is the number of parking spaces in the building. The design for the building caters for one thousand and eighty parking spaces for cars, and two thousand and twenty parking spaces for motorcycles within the basement and in the open areas, which can be assumed as the least number of vehicles that shall enter or leave the compound at least once during a day. At this stage of the proposed project, it cannot be stated whether these spaces will actually be used in full when the project comes into operation. These vehicles cannot be expected to occupy parking spaces throughout the day and it can be presumed that some vehicles shall leave the compound and re-enter once, twice or many times
10/2011
over during a single day, as some visitors may come again and again. As for employees, one could rely on the rule of the thumb, which states that every employee leaves a work place to return at least once a day, offsetting people who dont step outside as also employees that come and go. To this we must add a ten percent cushion to account for errors. This would, however, give us an arbitrary number based on assumption alone. Then the question arises as to how many visitors there shall be at the hospital during a normal day. There is no way to predict the number of visitors per day at this stage of a project and an accurate count can be made only when the project comes into operation. The best way to estimate the number of visitors at a building compound, whether it is a hospital or an apartment complex, and the number of times that employees leave and come back, is to take a traffic count at existing projects of similar nature. However, there are no workers hospitals anywhere in the province in a city of a similar size that can be tested for traffic counts and a comparison with social security hospitals in Karachi, for example, would not render accurate results due to differences in patients profiles. Accordingly, the management consultant has worked out possible vehicular activity during a normal working day at the proposed hospital in Table 51 after consultation with doctors, hospital employees and parking contractors, and based further on the following broad assumptions: There shall be about six hundred and five permanent employees at the proposed project; Doctors and senior staff shall frequent the compound using transport at the rate of 1.25 times per day; Hospital employees usually work in shifts and shall use transport to reach or leave the hospital only once; Each employee shall have a vehicle in some form; Even if an employee does not have a vehicle, he shall use locally available means of transportation, and the demand for such transportation will increase correspondingly; The total number of visitors per day, excluding delivery services, shall be about four hundred, using at an average three hundred and thirty-three vehicles; Visitors shall make an average of 1.5 visits to the hospital per day, and There shall be at an average of roughly ten service vehicles per day.
10/2011
TABLE 51: ESTIMATED VEHICULAR ACTIVITY Frequency of Visits to the Hospital -----
Number Number of parking spaces Number of senior staff Estimated number of senior staff vehicles Number of hospital employees Estimated number of hospital employees vehicles (including public transport) Estimated number of visitors per day Estimated number of visitors vehicles (including public transport) Service vehicles TOTAL:
Source: Consultants Estimates
Number of Vehicles at the Premises -----
Number of Vehicles Per Hour -----
2,400 120
114 485
1.25 ---
143 ---
6 ---
364 400
1 ---
364 ---
15 ---
300 10 ---
1.5 1 ---
450 10 967
19 0.4 40.4
Hourly traffic average on Sukkur Bypass is presently 1,102 vehicles. The above estimates indicate that hospital activities shall add about nine hundred and sixty-seven vehicles to the traffic count of Sukkur Bypass, or about 40.4 vehicles per hour, which would be an increase of about four percent only. After accounting for round trips, total traffic impacting on Sukkur Bypass shall be nineteen hundred and thirty-four per day or eighty-one per hour and percentage impact would be about seven and a half percent. The following measures shall be taken by the proponents to manage additional traffic from operation of the proposed project: Security guards shall make sure that vehicles leaving the compound join traffic on Sukkur Bypass in an orderly manner and do not obstruct oncoming traffic; Employees arriving on public transport shall not insist on being dropped in front of the hospital and shall alight at designated bus stops;
10/2011
Employees shall be under strict instructions not to blow horn indiscriminately; Visitors shall be encouraged to park their vehicles within the compound so that there is no car parking on Sukkur Bypass; Taxis shall not be permitted to linger or loiter outside or close to the hospital entrance; Employees shall be encouraged, through circulars and notices, to keep their vehicles tuned so that these vehicles do not generate unwanted emissions in and around the premises; Employees shall also be encouraged to pool vehicles in order to curtail number of vehicles that frequent the hospital on a permanent basis; Similarly, security guards shall regulate incoming traffic in such a way that vehicles intending to enter the compound do not create any traffic congestion on Sukkur Bypass, and In order to facilitate the above, vehicles belonging to employees shall be provided with stickers so that stickered vehicles are flagged through into the compound or into the basement without any delay.
143
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
11. SECURITY AND EVACUATION PLAN

An Environmental Impact Assessment must also incorporate a contingency plan to meet emergencies and security situations for buildings where there is likely to be a large deal of public dealing or where there will be constant presence of people. 11.1 SECURITY
Security of premises and employees must be of primary concern to the proponents, especially to ensure that unauthorised people do not enter the compound and interfere with service delivery. Mitigation: The following steps shall be taken to maintain security at the hospital: The proponents shall ensure that all employees are issued identity cards and entry passes; All visitors shall pass through security gates and would be manually scanned with metal detectors by security guards; Briefcases and handbags or any other form of baggage shall be similarly scanned or put through X-ray machines; A security protocol shall be evolved to monitor identity, arrival and departure of each visitor; The proponents shall install closed circuit television system for sensitive parts the hospital and immediate surrounding areas, with security cameras on all floors and basement, entrances and exits. A fully-equipped Communications Room shall be designated for round-the-clock surveillance and monitoring of premises; There shall be a pole barrier at main entrance, supplemented either by road blockers or rising step barriers, in addition to scanners that can survey undersides of vehicles entering the compound. Entrance and exit of the ramps to and from the basement shall similarly have pole barriers, preferably supplemented by rising step barriers in order to avert not only unauthorised parking but also vehicle theft, and Access to basements would be regulated through a parking ticket dispenser activated with a smart-card.
10/2011
11.2 EMERGENCY AND FIRE-FIGHTING PROTOCOLS
There are estimated to be a large number of people in the building at peak visiting hours. A structure of the size of the proposed project would be susceptible to a fire hazard and other emergencies. Therefore, appropriate protocols would be employed to reduce risks and manage emergency situations. 11.2.1 Fire-fighting Regimes
The building regulations of the District Government specify that every new building must be provided with sufficient means to extinguish fire. Mitigation: This mandatory provision has been complied with by the architectural planners and incorporated into the building design. The proposed fire strategy is based on the American National Fire protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code (NFPA 101). The design and specifications of the actual fire protection measures are based on British and European standards. The system is based on the following elements that will be provided at the hospital to meet requirements: Means of Escape: Means of escape shall be provided on all sides and parts of the building, including parking basement. Capacity and design of escape follows the National Fire Protection Safety criteria and design capacity of various components of the building; Staircase Protection: Staircases shall have fire-proof doors and have been designed to ensure that they remain smoke-free; Sprinklers: Sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the proposed building; Smoke Clearance: Smoke clearance system will include high capacity impulse fans; Fire Alarms: There shall be fire alarms in all parts of the building; Emergency Lighting: Emergency lighting, particularly geared for smoke, shall be available throughout hospital at all levels; Fire Detection System: Smoke detectors shall be fitted in all hospital rooms and common areas of the hospital, as also in the basement, and
10/2011
Elevators: Elevators shall conform to fire-fighting emergency operations and requirements. The building shall be equipped with adequate fire-fighting measures in the form of fire-escapes, sets of fire extinguishers, fire-resistant clothing, fire-fighting buckets filled with sand or fire-repellent substances, smoke alarms, smoke detectors and fire-hose reels on all floors. There shall be smoke detectors and fire alarms inside each hospital room. A sprinkler system is a vital component of the fire-fighting regime and would be centrally-controlled and trigged in the event of excessive smoke typical of a fire incident. The fire-hose reels shall have length sufficient to cover the entire length of the floor. The fire-hose reels will be connected with firehydrants through pipes with appropriate diameter so as to provide effective pressure and discharge of water for fire-fighting. There shall be at least two fire hydrants on each floor to connect with the fire-hose reels and a minimum level of water shall be maintained at all times in the water tanks to be available for fire-fighting purposes. There shall be at least four fire hydrants within the compound and two at the exterior. All openings to staircases shall be enclosed with fire-proof doors so as to contain possible blaze(s) within the fire area and also to provide safe passage at evacuation. A smoke clearance system using high capacity impulse fans would also be employed. Emergency lights shall turn on whenever the fire alarm is triggered for facility of people attempting to leave the premises. The elevators shall be disconnected automatically at the time of fire emergency signalled by a fire-alarm. Under standing government instructions, smoking is not allowed within public buildings and the proponents shall ensure enforcement of the smoking ban, which shall reduce the risk of fire. Inspections shall also be carried out frequently to check electricity wires and mains, office equipment and machinery, such as generators, air-conditioning plant and water pumps to eliminate possibility of fire through equipment malfunction. 11.2.2 Fire Drills
In addition to safety features within the project design, people using the premises should also be aware of safety precautions and protocols. Mitigation: The proponents shall impart training to selected employees to launch safety measures at the time of emergency. Such employees shall
10/2011
don fire-resistant clothing available on each floor prior to initiate evacuation protocols. The proponents shall organise fire drills at least once a month to keep employees familiar with procedures to be adopted at the time of a fire emergency and to test alertness of selected employees. Smoke detectors and fire alarms shall be tested at least once every fortnight to test whether these are functional. Frequent inspections shall be conducted on the instructions of the proponents to ensure that smoking ban is being adhered to. Finally, all electric installations shall be inspected regularly to prevent malfunction and short-circuiting. 11.2.3 Evacuation Plan
Similarly, employees should be aware of actions to be taken during evacuation from the premises in an emergency situation. Mitigation: Guidance notes shall be placed on the inside of all doors to inform people about exit points from the building in the event of fire or other similar emergencies. Installation of closed-circuit television, to be powered by standby batteries when electricity supply is cut off, will greatly facilitate evacuation from the hospital. Accordingly, the Communications Room shall be located in such a way that evacuation procedures can not only be observed but evacuation for staff is also convenient. The Communications Room surveillance-cum-monitoring room shall also have a backup source of power so that the building can be properly scanned when power supply is cut off. Personnel on duty shall cover all aspects of evacuation and monitor exit from the building. As stated earlier, selected employees will be provided mandatory training to use fire-fighting apparatus in case of a fire emergency. Such Emergency Coordinators shall immediately wear fire-resistant clothing, in case of a fire, and supervise evacuation procedures. Smoke detectors shall trigger fire alarms. In case smoke detectors fail to engage the fire alarm, it would be possible to engage fire alarm manually. The fire alarm at the same time shall be subject to failsafe to prevent from being operated accidentally. On engagement, fire-alarms will release a loud klaxon warning to alert people present in the hospital, as also everyone outside to ensure that no one enters the premises. Fire-proof clothing for at least one employee will be available on each floor in closets next to fire-stations. At the time of a fire emergency, which shall be sounded by fire alarm klaxons, designated Emergency Coordinators on each floor shall wear fire-proof clothing and guide people to nearest exits.
10/2011
Elevators will be immediately vacated and disconnected from electricity mains in case they have not been disconnected in unison with fire alarms. Fire hose reels shall be activated and Emergency Coordinators will engage all portable fire-extinguishers to arrest the blaze as much as possible or to put the fire out. At the same time, communication shall be made with the Fire Brigade and hospitals for urgent support. All fire proof doors shall be closed immediately after complete evacuation to contain the fire. Access to fire-escapes, which shall be clearly marked, shall be provided at all upper floors, and would be conveniently accessed through large windows or doors. Staircases shall be enclosed with fireproof doors so as to contain possible blaze(s) within the fire area and also to provide safe passage at the time of evacuation. Procedures to be followed and escape routes to be used will be clearly displayed at each floor. Arrows in fluorescent ink will delineate fire-escape routes on each floor and the stairs. In short, all fire-emergency measures prescribed under the building regulations shall be adhered to strictly. Similar protocols shall be devised to put the Evacuation Plan in force in case there is some other form of emergency necessitating evacuation from the building. There shall also be at least two clearly marked emergency telephones on each floor, including the basement, which shall connect to the Control Room. There shall be dedicated lines to handle emergency calls and telephone operators shall be under instructions to put all calls on hold to attend to emergency calls. The proponents shall devise a standard operating procedure to be followed in the telephone exchange in this behalf. The location of the telephone exchange should also be such that evacuation is unimpeded, convenient and swift, and would preferably be within the Control Room. 11.2.4 Other Emergencies
Emergency Coordinators shall also be trained to act in case of other emergencies, such as earthquakes, epidemic, pest attack or terrorist activity, and shall follow protocols defined within the evacuation plan. Fire alarms can be activated to signal evacuation. The proponents shall devise a list of all possible emergencies and prescribe reaction, response and evacuation procedures for all such contingencies. In any case, instructions are issued from time to time by federal government agencies to either prepare plans for meeting emergency situations or to follow laiddown procedures.
148
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
12. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

Environmental testing at a project site is essential not only during project implementation but also prior to launching of the project and after the project comes into operation, in order to gauge whether any aspect of the project has interfered with the local environment. 12.1 ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
Environmental testing was carried out according to the following sequence:

TABLE 52: ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS Date (s): June 2011 September 13, 2011 August 21, 2011 August 21, 2011 Tests: Soil Source: Geo-technical Consultants Environmental Consultants Environmental Consultants Environmental Consultants Laboratory: Geo Project Consultants Public Health Engineering Department, Govt. of the Punjab N.A. Hand-held apparatus
Water quality Traffic congestion Noise
Results of various tests conducted are discussed briefly in the following sub-sections. 12.1.1 Soil
Tests ascertained that the quality of the soil was good and did not contain any infirmities requiring use of special building materials. The soil was found to be sturdy enough to take the load of the proposed structure. 12.1.2 Water Quality
Ground water sample was collected from existing source at the project site and subjected to tests to determine quality. The water was found chemically fit for direct human consumption.
10/2011
12.1.3 Traffic Congestion
A traffic count was taken in the project area to work out possible effects of project operation on local traffic. Impact of project operations traffic is discussed in detail in Chapter 10 relating to the Traffic Impact Analysis. 12.1.4 Noise
Noise samples were taken at various locations and it was found that noise levels are a maximum of 66 dBA in the immediate project area. 12.1.5 Conclusions of Environmental Monitoring
All tests carried out in connection with environmental monitoring of the project site have revealed that implementation of the project is not likely to impact adversely in any manner whatsoever on the local environment. 12.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING PROJECT EXECUTION
Environmental Monitoring shall continue during the course of execution of the project in accordance with specified time-frame and conditions of environmental approval to be issued for the project. 12.3 POST-PROJECT MONITORING
Two aspects of this environmental study require attention of the proponents. Firstly, it shall be incumbent upon them to ensure effective and complete implementation of the Environmental Management Plan, which provides appropriate mitigation measures during the design, construction and operational phases of the proposed project. Secondly, it shall also be required of the proponents to monitor environment at the hospital when it comes into operation in order to fathom whether project operations are impacting adversely on the environment. Mitigation: Accordingly, the proponents shall have to evolve a protocol so that monitoring is regular, meaningful and consistent. The proponents
10/2011
should nominate the Waste Management Team to be appointed in compliance of Rule 4 of the Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005, to carry out environmental monitoring of the hospital and the neighbourhood. The Waste Management Team should be entrusted the following charter of duties: Implementation of all conditions contained in the environmental approval to be issued by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency; Environmental monitoring within the hospital and the neighbourhood; Maintaining security of premises; Checking safety protocols within the building, and Submission of requisite information and reports to the hospital administration and Sindh Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed Team shall also need to be allocated a reasonable budget to commission environmental testing periodically and thereafter report findings to Sindh Environmental Protection Agency. An annual amount of Rs. 780,000 shall be required for environmental monitoring during operation of the project, as calculated in the Environmental Monitoring Programme at the end of this chapter. The Waste Management Team will be responsible for following aspects relating to project operation: Maintaining liaison and relationship between the proponents, employees, patients, patients attendants and visitors n the context of environmental preservation; Proper maintenance of trees, green areas and plantations within the compound and beyond its outer limits, especially between the building line and Sukkur Bypass; Taking stock of efforts made to contribute towards plantations in adjoining areas; Enforcement of measures aiming to reduce solid waste within the hospital and its compound; Assessing arrangements for collection of solid waste; Ensuring segregation of solid waste to separate hazardous waste, if any, recyclable waste, green waste and non-recyclable waste; Ensuring appropriate storage of all forms of segregated waste; Ensuring disposal of all forms of segregated waste in an environmental-friendly manner;
10/2011
Direct supervision of incineration processes and regular maintenance of the incinerator; Ensuring that all obsolete equipment and machines are disposed of in an environmental-friendly manner; Appropriate conservation of water resources; Adoption of measures for minimisation of liquid waste; Checking measures taken to eliminate wastage of water; Monitoring measures taken for reuse of water; Regular monitoring of the wastewater treatment plant; Maintaining noise levels inside the hospital building and its compound within the levels specified under the National Environmental Quality Standards; Supervising annual maintenance within the hospital building; Managing and testing safety equipment and protocols to ensure safety within the premises; Ensuring that vehicles owned by employees do not create pollution and that these are kept in good working condition; Ensuring that the basement is used only for parking of vehicles; Conducting environmental testing, through a certified laboratory, both inside and outside the hospital to measure ambient air quality, noise levels and groundwater quality and checking emissions of employees vehicles; Checking worthiness of fire-fighting equipment, and Conducting fire-drills a least once a month.
152
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
13. SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The project is outside the city on an unencumbered plot. Accordingly, there are no social issues arising out of land acquisition proceedings and dislocation of authorised or unauthorised users of the project site. Public consultation was carried out and a social survey was undertaken to assess public perceptions about the project and whether mitigation measures are necessary and if these shall be enough. 13.1 PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Public consultation is an important element in establishing environmental parameters of a development project and an environmental impact assessment would be incomplete without eliciting views of primary stakeholders, i.e. people directly affected by project implementation and operation. In case affected public is educated and well-informed, it will not only be aware of benefits and disadvantages of the project but can also be convinced of advantages of trade-offs. Public consultation is thus designed essentially to allay fears of affected population about the project and to inform them of direct or indirect benefits, not only for the project area but for the country as a whole. The rationale for consultation can be summarised as under: Inform stakeholders about salient features of the project; Document concerns of the stakeholders about the project in order to allay their fears. This contributes to lessening any unfounded adverse environmental impact of the project on local communities and assists project implementation; Compile data pertaining to the project area and collect informal information that may have not been otherwise documented Assess public perceptions about the project, and Pinpoint any section of the local population that could be particularly affected by project activities. 13.1.1 Identification of Stakeholders
Fieldwork and public consultation was designed to identify stakeholders. On the basis of findings of the field team, primary stakeholders are:
10/2011
Close neighbours; Local businesses, such as drug stores, clinics etc.; People who shall benefit from project activities in the form of employment or business opportunities; Government departments directly or indirectly involved with the project, and Knowledgeable residents of the area keen to contribute to the consultation process. 13.1.2 Consultation Process
Discussions were held with a number of government departments to gather information about the land and the people, public-sector infrastructure, possible impact, if any, of project activities on the surrounding environment and any private or public concerns about the project under review. Consultation was held with following offices of District Government or the Government of Sindh: Deputy District Officer (Coordination); Hyderabad Electric Supply Company; Conservator of Forests; Divisional Forest Officer; District Social Welfare Office; Works & Services Department; Executive District Officer (Health); Traffic Office; Deputy District Officer (Revenue); Wildlife Department; Directorate of Labour; Executive District Officer (Education), and Other stakeholders listed in the previous sub-section.
Locations of public consultations, along with dates, are shown in Table 54 overleaf. 13.2 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND SURVEY
Surveys were conducted twice to collect stakeholders views about the project. Results of the social survey are indicated in Table 55 overleaf.
10/2011
There was no alarming concern about the proposed project amongst local residents, while most stakeholders were satisfied with the proposal. A number of doctors however were generally sceptical about the project on the ability of the proponents to maintain the desired standards. 13.2.1 Social Survey Methodology
The following methodology was adopted to conduct the social survey, which was carried out by two separate teams: Local students were engaged to conduct the survey; People interviewed were selected at random; While conducting the interviews, it was ensured that a crosssection of the public is covered by the survey; People selected for interview were chosen carefully to ensure that only knowledgeable individuals were approached for views; No extraordinary discrimination was exercised in selecting people to be interviewed and the questions were directed not only at educated people alone; Questions were simple and direct and properly explained in order to remove distortions in sampling; People interviewed included patients at local hospitals, medical students, local doctors, staff at hospitals, leading workers representatives, government servants, businesses, and All interviewed were briefed about the project under review, in case unaware of impending project activities. People desirous of seeking information about potential benefits of the project were briefed on the number of jobs that would be created during construction and operation, volume of monetary investment, business opportunities for local businesses etc. 13.2.2 Conclusions of the Social Survey
It would be observed from findings of the social survey that many of those interviewed bore positive about the project. Feedback from those interviewed in response to sample questions and direct questions that were not put to everyone, is summarised as under:
10/2011
Most residents were pleased with the state-of-the-art medical facilities that would be added to the city; There was relief that these medical facilities would also be available to the general public and would not be exclusively for workers; Patients at local hospitals were especially happy that a new hospital with modern equipment and facilities was being planned; There were not many views that construction of a high-rise building would add prestige to the project area; There were barely concerns about intrusions into privacy of residences and these concerns were withdrawn when it was explained that hospital rooms overlooking the neighbourhood do not remain occupied on a twenty-four hour or permanent basis; A number of residents were happy with the planned development as it would drive up property prices in the area; There was general satisfaction that project development had not caused any undue hardship for the local public; There were very few concerns regarding pollution that may be caused by the proposed project; There were a few concerns that traffic in the immediate area would increase; There were no complaints about possible noisy works from project activities; Chemists in the local area were especially in praise of the project as it would not only add a new hospital but would add to the capacity of the city to attend to medical needs of patients throughout the district as also adjoining districts, thereby generating business; All doctors were appreciative of the proposed intervention but a few commented on the inability of the public sector to maintain highest standards of service delivery; Medical students were unanimously pleased by the proposed project and hoped that they would have the opportunity to be given rounds and instruction within the proposed modern medical facilities as exposure to modern equipment and techniques would enhance their medical training; Workers representatives were in full praise of the project but expected that workers and their families should be given preemptive rights over medical facilities;
10/2011
Workers representatives also wanted that all facilities should be free of cost; Employees interviewed at two local hospitals appreciated the project as it would open up employment opportunities for experienced nurses, technicians etc.; Government departments and government servants were positive about the project and were of the view that the facilities should be open for the entire public; There were some concerns amongst government functionaries about location of the project away from the city but many retracted their comments when informed that the previous site was in the heart of the city and would have added to congestion; Most people are not disturbed by major construction works that would follow; There was no adverse reaction to impending movement of construction vehicles; Arrival of workers and supervisors would not be unwelcome; There were concerns that not enough jobs would be offered to locals and that workers would be brought in from outside the project area, and District Government officials had concerns about disposal of solid waste and expected that the proponents would make suitable arrangements for removal and ultimate disposal. Since the project is yet to be launched and some prior actions can be taken, the following suggestions were made: The proponents, or the construction contractor, must restore roads or paths that are damaged during project implementation; The contractor should make sure that sufficient steps are taken for observing privacy of residents; Project vehicles should follow traffic laws and road courtesies; Machinery and equipment should be moved only when there is minimal inconvenience for local population; All roads and paths that may be damaged should be rehabilitated; Construction activities should not interfere with local customs and traditions; Construction activities should not interfere with movement of local traffic or pedestrians; All labour should be engaged locally;
10/2011
Unskilled labour should be introduced to training; Private properties should not be encroached upon; No environmental hazards should be created at the site; All private lands that may be disturbed during project implementation should be rehabilitated; The proponents must supervise the work of the contractor to ensure that all concerns of the local population are appropriately addressed, and There should be appropriate disposal of liquid and solid waste. Due to the nature of the project, it was not considered necessary to broaden the scope of the survey beyond the questions put to those interviewed, or to extend the survey beyond the people approached, other than questions relating to the previous site. 13.2.3 Mitigating Factors
The social survey indicates that the sampled public is more or less comfortable with impending construction activities. The following arguments provide mitigation factors for the proposed project: The proposed project will be implemented on a parcel of land that is presently lying unutilised; There are no natural habitats or breeding grounds for animals and birds within this strip; Implementation of the project will cost a minimum of Rs. 2.7 billion, which shall generate business and economic activity, and There are no trees or vegetation at the project site. However, an elaborate plantation and greening programme is embedded in the project which shall liven up the area. 13.2.4 Employment Generation
The project shall result in creation of a large number of temporary as well as permanent jobs during the pre-project stage, implementation and operation. Jobs to be created include assignments taken on by permanent employees. Surveys included geotechnical investigations, topographical survey, social survey, traffic counts, noise testing, and laboratory tests for
10/2011
water quality. The following table gives a rough but possibly accurate picture of job creation from project activities.
TABLE 56: EMPLOYMENT GENERATION Jobs created Permanent Temporary 15 --15 30 24 6 12 --12 400 --200 5 --5 605 605 --6 6 ---
Phase Surveys Studies Designing Construction Supervision Operation Environmental Monitoring
Type of workers Skilled/unskilled Skilled Skilled Skilled/unskilled Skilled/unskilled Skilled/unskilled Skilled/unskilled
13.2.5 Complaint Redressal Mechanism During Construction
A major project must put in place a complaint redressal system so as to resolve issues arising out of project implementation and to alleviate impacts on the local environment and inhabitants, considering especially that project implementation shall take a minimum of two years for completion. Mitigation: A sign shall be posted at the site regarding project activities and a qualified project manager will be appointed to entertain or respond to public complaints. The proponents are being advised through this environmental report to put up a link on their website to receive public complaints, if any, about project activities and to advertise such link through a notice at the site. The proponents shall thereafter also establish a complaints redressal mechanism to respond to public concerns. 13.3 MEASURES FOR SURROUNDING AREAS
The proponents will ensure that there will be no adverse environmental impact of the construction process or project operation on surrounding areas. However, noise and dust pollution from construction cannot be eliminated one hundred percent and at best can only be minimised. Since the proposed project shall not impinge on living conditions of local residents in any matter whatsoever, there is no necessity for any special measures to be undertaken by the proponents for alleviation of socio159 Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
economic conditions of local residents or surrounding areas. Such measures are needed in only those cases where location of a project creates hardships for local population and surrounding areas and are usually taken by multinationals or large industrial units in the form of employment opportunities, hospitals, dispensaries, schools, water supply, sanitation services and recreational facilities for local population. Measures for surrounding areas become especially expedient as a part of a major environmental enhancement campaign especially in case of usually large industrial projects that can have significant off-site impacts in the shape of emissions, solid waste generation, congestion, land compensation or resettlement. Mitigation: The project site shall be sprinkled frequently to minimise dust pollution, and construction area shall be cordoned off. The construction contractor shall use good quality vehicles, machinery and equipment to ensure that noise and smoke emissions are within limits set under the National Environmental Quality Standards. No activity shall take place at the construction site that can endanger local community, especially neighbours, or cause any undue hardship. Construction of the hospital and subsequent operation will provide work for local workers and generate business for commercial establishments. The proponents could, however, consider a plantation and beautification campaign in the immediate area of the proposed project, which will be beneficial for project operation too. This contribution shall add immensely to improving aesthetics of the area. It shall, however, depend greatly on the ability of local civil society to motivate the proponents to contribute further to the surrounding areas in various different ways when the project enters operational phase.
160
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
14. COMPENSATION AND RESETTLEMENT
Implementation of a project can touch on issues relating to acquisition of land, payment of compensation for land, damages for crops, trees, orchards, structures and other assets, and resettlement of population that may have to be removed and relocated. 14.1 COMPENSATION
Land for the project site has been placed at the disposal of the proponents for implementation of the project by the Government of Sindh. The site is unencumbered and available for development. Therefore, there are no issues involved in payment of compensation, relocation and resettlement of authorised or unauthorised occupants of the project site. 14.2 RESETTLEMENT PLAN
A Resettlement Plan must developed by a proponent where the project under implementation involves displacement of large numbers of the local population. Even where displacement is not anticipated or is minimal, the proponents must compile details of expected damages and estimate payment of compensation requiring interventions shown in Table 57 overleaf. Since the proposed project site is public property and arrangements for transfer of land and its possession have been finalised through inter-departmental meetings, a Resettlement Plan was not required for the project under review of this Environmental Impact Assessment. 14.3 GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM
Even though the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, has not been invoked for project implementation, it would be worthwhile to mention here that it provides a mechanism for redressal of grievances of all persons affected from a project. Therefore, the proponents shall develop a link on their website to record and monitor complaints of not only the dislocated families but also from residents of the area or from any other persons directly or indirectly affected by project implementation.
10/2011
15. CONCLUSIONS
This Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted, to the extent possible, in line with relevant guidelines provided by the Government of Pakistan. The objective of such studies is to identify and assess potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed hospital. The Environmental Impact Assessment contains description of the project, description of the environmental baselines, potential environmental impacts and suggested mitigation measures. An implementation mechanism for mitigation measures in the form of an Environmental Management Plan is included in the study. While the objectives of this study have been to describe the project and its environmental impact, it also identifies adverse environmental factors associated with the proposed project. Its impact on the environment of the immediate surrounding area will have the following features: Earthworks: A basement is envisaged in the project design, which shall involve removal of about 315,000 cubic feet of earth during pitting; Construction Impact: Construction impacts of the proposed project could include noise, dust emissions, possible soil contamination, solid and liquid waste from construction activities, construction camp effluent, if any, vehicular traffic, and smoke emissions and exhausts from vehicles, machinery and equipment; Wastewater Generation and Disposal: A large measure of wastewater shall result from construction activities as also during operation of the project; Solid Waste: Solid waste shall be generated both during project implementation and operation. Construction waste will include removed vegetation, excess construction materials, construction waste and excavated material. Inappropriate disposal, apart from creating pollution of water and soil, also lowers general aesthetic values of the local environment. Disposal of medical waste during operation of the hospital shall be a primary concern; Hazardous Waste: Hazardous and medical waste shall be a major cause for concern during project operation; Socio-economic Impact: Construction of the hospital shall in no way impact adversely on socio-economic conditions
10/2011
prevailing in the project area. Operation of the project shall not have any adverse impact but shall rather enhance availability of medical facilities in the project area; Shadow: Shadows from structures, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, can have an adverse impact on the local environment, resulting in loss of sunshine and thereby impacting adversely on agricultural productivity and loss of light and energy for structures upon which the shadow falls, resulting in higher heating costs for affected households, and Visual Intrusion Physical presence of tall buildings can have some impact on aesthetics value of a project area by marring the skyline and can also sometimes obstruct a scenic view. Appropriate mitigation measures as explained in the environmental study shall reduce, if not eliminate, the above impacts so that these are within acceptable limits. The environmental study has established that operation of the hospital will not impact adversely on socio-economic conditions prevailing in the area and will in fact be beneficial in many respects, and can be summarised as follows: The two hundred bed modern surgical hospital shall add to the existing pool of medical facilities in and around the area; The proposed project shall cater especially for exclusive medical facilities for workers and their families; Equipment to be installed shall correspond to the latest international quality control standards, thereby providing the best medical attention in the project area; The project cost of Rs. 2.7 billion during construction, and annual operating costs of Rs. 75.76 million on establishment and Rs. 160.35 million on operations and maintenance shall lead to economic opportunities for local businesses; The project under review will result in creation of at least two hundred temporary and six hundred and five permanent employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, and Almost the entire unskilled labour force, and some skilled workers, shall hail from the project area, thus benefitting the local population directly. The contents of Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, whereby environmental approval has been made mandatory prior to
10/2011
commencement of a project that may have an adverse environmental impact, make it plainly evident that any economic activity can have some sort of environmental impact. Based on overall assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed project, it is concluded that the proposed project is not likely to cause any significant adverse impact on the social, physical and biological environment of the area, provided that suitable mitigation measures as identified in this study are implemented. It is further concluded that all potential environmental concerns associated with the project have been adequately addressed, and no further study is required in this context. The objective of preparation of an environmental study is to identify how environment is impacted and to suggest mitigating measures to reduce if not totally eliminate adverse effects of a project. It is accordingly recommended that environmental approval for the proposed project, Surgical Hospital, Sukkur Bypass, Sukkur, should be issued by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, subject to payment of the requisite scrutiny fee by the proponents of the project.
164
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
ENDNOTES
1
Page 11 Page 16 Page 23
www.langdonwilson.com www.environment.gov.pk. Supreme Court of Pakistan, (Shehla Zia and Others Versus Water and Power Development Authority) www. environment.gov.pk/NEP/Policy.pdf) www.environment.gov.pk/Publications.htm www.environment.gov.pk/Publications.htm www.environment.gov.pk/act-rules/envprotact1997.pdf www.environment.gov.pk/act-rules/IEE-EIA-REG.pdf www.environment.gov.pk www.environment.gov.pk www.environment.gov.pk www.environment.gov.pk www.environment.gov.pk www.environment.gov.pk www.environment.gov.pk/eia_pdf/D_rev_enReprt.pdf www.environment.gov.pk/eia_pdf/e_RevPublicCon.pdf www.environment.gov.pk/eia_pdf/f_Crit_%20Areas.pdf www.environment.gov.pk/eia_pdf/j_rev-Hous-guid.pdf www.equator-principles.com www.environment.gov.pk/act-rules/envprotact1997.pdf www.environment.gov.pk/eia_pdf/C_P_P11SeptRev.pdf Geo Project Consultants, Zain Plaza, G.T. Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Geotechnical Study, June 2011
Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 25 Page 26 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 28 Page 28 Page 30 Page 30 Page 30 Page 30 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 37
165
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
Secretary, LESCO, circa 2005 Director (South), Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, circa 2005 John Briscoe and Usman Qamar, Pakistans Water Economy: Running Dry, Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2006 Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Building Code of Pakistan Seismic Provisions 2007 Geo Project Consultants, Zain Plaza, G.T. Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Geotechnical Study, June 2011 Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Building Code of Pakistan Seismic Provisions 2007 Geo Project Consultants, Zain Plaza, G.T. Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Geotechnical Study, June 2011 Geo Project Consultants, Zain Plaza, G.T. Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Geotechnical Study, June 2011 Report of the National Water Quality Management Programme, Phase II, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad Report of the National Water Quality Management Programme, Phase II, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad Brief on Water Pollution, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad Fifth water Quality Monitoring Report 2005-06, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad National Drinking Water Policy, Government of Pakistan. www.environment.gov.pk Ambient Air Quality in Pakistan, Zulifkar H. Lodhi, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad Pakistan Clean Air Programme, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad
Page 58
Page 58
Page 67
Page 69
Page 70
Page 72
Page 73
Page 73
Page 74
Page 75
166
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
Page 75
Air and Water Quality in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore, Pak-EPA and JICA Study, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad Air and Water Quality in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore, Pak-EPA and JICA Study, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad Air Pollution, Position Paper, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad Paul Wathern, Initial Environmental Examination: Theory and Practice www.equator-principles.com Measurement of Noise Levels at Different Locations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad Lighting Efficiency Improvements Programme, Phase 1: Commercial Buildings, Enercon/UNDP/World Bank, 1994 www.usgbc.org Waste Amount Survey in Islamabad, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad
Page 75
Page 75
Page 90
Page 91 Page 112
Page 121
Page 128 Page 133
167
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
REFERENCES
Cunningham, William and Cunningham, Mary, Environmental Science: A Global Concern District Gazetteer, Sukkur, 1922 Eldorado County Air Pollution Control District, Guide to Air Quality Assessment: Determining Significance of Air Quality impacts Under the California Environmental Quality Act, First Edition, 2002 Government of Pakistan, National Drinking Water Policy Government of Sindh, Development Statistics of Sindh, 2008 Hafiz-ur-Rehman and Fehmida, I., A Revised Checklist of the Reptiles of Pakistan, Records of the Zoological Survey of Pakistan, Volume XIII Lodhi, Zulifkar H., Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Ambient Air Quality in Pakistan Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (1990-2010), Economic Survey of Pakistan Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Building Code of Pakistan, 1986 Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Building Code of Pakistan Seismic Provisions 2007 (draft) National Geographic Website, Geology of Pakistan Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Report of the National Water Quality Management Programme, Phase I Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Report of the National Water Quality Management Programme, Phase II Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Report of the National Water Quality Management Programme, Phase III Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, PakEPA and JICA Study, Air and Water Quality in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Position Paper, Air Pollution
168
Bizcorp Consultants
10/2011
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Brief on Water Pollution Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, Guidelines for Solid Waste Management Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Measurement of Noise Levels at Different Locations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan Clean Air Programme Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Waste Amount Survey in Islamabad Population Census Organisation, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Population Census, 1999 Pakistan Meteorological Department, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Published Data Quittmeyer, R.C., The Seismicity of Pakistan and Its Relation to Surface Faults in Geodynamics of Pakistan, 1979 Reagan, J.A., and Grant, C.A., US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Construction Noise: Measurement, Prediction and Mitigation Shamshad K.M., The Meteorology of Pakistan, 1988 Soil Survey of Pakistan, Government of Pakistan, Lahore, Notes of Land Use, Soils and Landforms of District Sukkur Soil Survey of Pakistan, Government of Pakistan, Lahore, Notes of Land Use, Soils and Landforms of District Jacobabad Wathern, Paul, Environmental Impact Assessment: Theory and Practice
169
Bizcorp Consultants

EIA Report

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

EIA Report

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

4. 4.1 4.2 4.3

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

7.6.12 7.6.13 7.6.14 7.6.15 7.6.16 7.6.17 7.6.18 7.7 7.8

8. 8.1 8.2 8.3

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

10. 10.1 10.2 11. 11.1 11.2

12.2 12.3 13. 13.1

13.3 14. 14.1 14.2

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Grievance Redressal Mechanism CONCLUSIONS 162 168 171

ENDNOTES REFERENCES APPENDICES (Volume II)

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

2.10 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

3.3.1 Inception Procedures

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

3.10 CONSULTATION WITH EPA

Project Coordinator Environmentalist Study Team/ Researchers (Env.)

Researchers (Env.) Researchers (Env.) Researchers (Env.) Researchers Researchers (Env.)

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

3.12 STUDY TEAM

* Not involved with the environmental study of the new site

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

4.3.8 Project Implementation and Resettlement of Affected Persons Ordinance, 2001

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

4.3.13 Forest Act, 1927

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

4.3.18 Related Laws

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

INTERNATIONAL LAW AND STANDARDS

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur

Environmental Impact Assessment: Surgical Hospital, Sukkur