Brief of Environment Projects

Environmental & Social Management Service Provider, Tanahun Hydropower Project (ADB Loan 2990/2991)

This consultancy services is to assist the client to implement environmental and social safeguard measures related to the project and its 34 km, 220 kV transmission line project and associated rural development components in the form of the Rural Electrification Program and the Community Development Program. Tanahun Hydropower Project is 140 MW reservoir project with a live storage volume of 192.8x106 cubic meters. The project duration is 5 years and funded by Asian Development Bank.

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Study of Roads (Package No. DOR/GESU/337/073/74 003)

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of Bharmadev-Pati-Darchula Road (254 km) and Bunk-Budar-Nayale Road (12.5 km) in Mahakali Zone (Province No 7). The final EIA report is under process of approval from Ministry of Forests and Environment.

Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of Second International Airport, Nijgadh, Bara

Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) study of Second International Airport area at Nijgadh, Bara, which comprises of 80.45 sq km area (including 75.87 sq. km forest), and 7500 population living in 1,455 households. The proposed development of international airport will require clearing about 14 sq km forest area. The proposed 14 sq km area will be adequate for ultimate development of SIA (with 60 Mpax, 2 runways, 174 aircraft stands, 720,000 m2 passenger terminal) and an airport city of 600 ha. The first phase airport development plan for 6.7 Mpax will include a single runway 3600x45 m, parallel taxiway 3600x23 m, 22 aircraft parking stands, an international terminal 81,000 m2. The scope of ESIA consisted of desk and field study, data analysis and impact assessment, public hearing at the project site and preparation of report. The development of project will require displacement of 7,500 people, who are mostly those residing in the area occupying government lands since they were brought by the government for tree planation in the area more than 30 years ago. Although these people are unauthorized to occupy government lands, they cannot be forcefully evacuated without any compensation. The study has recommended compensation and rehabilitation management plan based on consultation with stakeholders, suggestions received during the public hearing and comments received on draft ESIA report.

Feasibility Study and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of Dudha Koshi - 4 Hydroelectric Project (47 MW)

Feasibility study and EIA of run-off river hydropower project development (47 MW) in Solukhumbu district. The scope of work will include (i) feasibility study of hydropower and (ii) EIA of the project. Main project features include weir (100 m length) with side intake, surface desanding basin, headrace tunnel (4.5 km), surge tank, surface power house.

EIA Study of 132 kV Transmission Line for Middle Bhote Koshi – 1 Hydroelectric Project

Middle Bhote Koshi Hydro-electric Project – 1 will be generating 39 MW of hydropower. In order to evacuate the generated electricity, a short 132 kV transmission line of 384 m length is required to connect with the existing transmission line of Upper Bhote Koshi Hydropower Project. Although the length of the transmission line is very short, the proposal has to go through the EIA process as it is located within the Gauri Shanker Conservation Area.

EIA Study of Bhote Koshi - 5 Hydroelectric Project (60 MW)

Environmental impact assessment of 60 MW hydroelectric project located in Gaurishanker Conservation Area in Sindhupalchowk district. The project is to be developed as cascade scheme of Middle Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric Project (102 MW). The project cost is estimated at US$ 81.5million. The study is carried out according to the Environmental Protection Rules of Nepal. The Scoping Document and ToR has been prepared and approved by Ministry of Science Technology and Environment. The study was withheld due to wash out of power house site due to Jure Landslide in 2014 and Gorkha Earthquake of April 25, 2015. The study was resumed in September, 2017 and and draft EIA report was submitted in March 2018.

Environmental Monitoring of Upper Marshyangdi 'A' (UM-0) Hydroelectric Project

Environmental monitoring during construction of 50 MW hydroelectric project in Lamjung District to ensure implementation of environmental management plan (EMP) based on the provision made in the EIA report considering preventive, compensatory and mitigation measures for the beneficial and adverse mitigation measures. The construction of hydropower project was completed in July 2016 and power generation was started from October 2016.

Evaluation of Social and Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) of Component A of Irrigation Water Resources Management Project

Review and evaluation of the SEMP prepared for rehabilitation of 111 no of farmers managed irrigation systems and Kankai Irrigation Project for management transfer that were prepared in accordance with the social and environmental guidelines of the World Bank.

EIA Study of Middle Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric Project (102 MW)

The EIA study of 102 MW run-off river project comprised of field study, data collection and analysis, assessment of environmental impacts on physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects and their mitigation measures, Public hearing and Preparation of EIA report.

Feasibility and EIA Study of Siwa Khola Small Hydropower Project.

The EIA study of 15.2 MW hydropower project comprised Public notification, Preparation of Scoping Document and ToR for EIA, Assessment of environmental impacts on physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects and their mitigation measures, Public hearing and Preparation of EIA report.

Feasibility and EIA Study of Madi Khola (12.25 MW), Inkhu Khola (20 MW) and Budhiganga Khola (6.2 MW) Small Hydropower Projects (Package 1)- INKHU KHOLA

The EIA part of the study of Inkhu Khola hydropower project include: Public notification, Preparation of Scoping Document and ToR for EIA, Assessment of environmental impacts on physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects and their mitigation measure, Public hearing and Preparation of EIA report.

Impact Analysis of Section II : Sindhuli Bazaar - Khurkot Section of Banepa - Sindhuli - Bardibas Road

Section II of Banepa-Sindhuli-Bardibas road was constructed in 3 phases: Phase I: Sindhuli Bazaar to Chiyabari (6.5 km) completion on 2003; Phase II: Chiyabari to Suttarchhap Danda (16.5 km) completion on 2005 and Phase III: Suttarchap Danda to Khurkot (16 km). The study conducted social impact assessment of road construction: before construction; immediately after construction; 3 years after construction; and comparison with baseline of EIA study of 1999.

Feasibility and EIA Study of Lower Solu Khola Small Hydropower Project

The project is for generation of 40 MW of hydropower from Solu Khola located in Solukhumbu District. EIA study includes Public notification, Preparation of Scoping Document and ToR for EIA, Assessment of environmental impacts on physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects and their mitigation measure, Public hearing and Preparation of EIA report.

Preparation of Scoping Document, Terms of Reference and Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report of Nepalthok-Khurkot Section of Banepa Sindhuli Bardibas Road Project

Nepalthok-Khurkot is one of the four sections of 159 km, Banepa-Sindhuli-Bardibas Road. Total length of this section is 32 km and the alignment mostly runs along right bank of Sunkoshi River. EIA study include Documents review, Field work, Data compilation and laboratory testing, Analysis of baseline condition, Impact prediction, evaluation, mitigation measures, monitoring plan, Evaluation of environmental cost, Preparation of Draft EIA Report, Public Hearing and Final EIA Report

Feasibility and EIA Study of Solu Khola Small Hydropower Project

The project is for study of 15 MW of hydropower from Solu Khola located in Solukhumbu District. It is one of the least cost hydropower projects with unit cost of U S $ 1125 per KW. The scope of EIA study include: Public notification, Preparation of Scoping Document and ToR for EIA, Assessment of environmental impacts on physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects and their mitigation measure, Public hearing and Preparation of EIA report.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Study of Mirchaiya-Katari-Sunkoshi Road and Update IEE and Preparation of Specific EMAP of Dadeldhura-Patan-Satbhanjh Road, Road Maintenance and Development Project, Rehabilitation Component.

Scope of services include IEE of Mirchaiya-Katari-Sunkoshi Road (73 km) and update IEE and preparation of site specific EMAP of Dadeldhura-Patan-Satbhanjh Road (53 km) for upgrading to feeder roads standard with bituminous surfacing.

IEE of 33kV Sub-transmission Line & 33/11 kV substation in Dhading and Nuwakot

Construction 33 kV Sub-transmission line and 33/11 kV sub-station in Chaughada of Nuwakot District and Salyantar of Dhading District. The IEE Study of the project as per Environmental Protection Regulation included preparation of ToR for the study, IEE Study of 33 kV transmission line and 33/11 kV sub-station; and liaison with the line agency for getting the approval of the ToR and IEE report.

IEE Study of Rural Electrification Scheme–Package 3

GEOCE carried out IEE study of rural electrification schemes in Rupendehi, Kapilvastu, Kaski and Tanahu districts as per the EPR. Scope of the study also included preparation of the ToR.

EIA Study of Upper Modi “A” Hydroelectric Project

It is one of the four hydropower projects in the Modi Khola river basin. The scope of the EIA study of this 42 MW project included preparation of scoping report and ToR to EIA study and finalization of the report by Ministry of Population and Environment.

Preparation of Scoping Report and Terms of Reference for Environmental Impact Assessment of Kathmandu-Naubise Road Project

Preparation of scoping document and ToR of the EIA study for 21.4 km major road (with 2 bridges and 500 m tunnel) proposed to provide alternate road access to Kathmandu from Naubise on Prithivi Highway. The scoping exercise was meant to inform the stakeholders about the road project, receive their comments and suggestions on environmental issues and identify priority environmental concerns that were incorporated in the ToR for EIA Study.

EIA Study of Fattepur Irrigation Sub-project, Irrigation Development Project: Mid-western Development Region.

Fattepur Irrigation Sub-Project is one of the sub-projects under Irrigation Development Project: Mid-Western Development Region. The sub-project is to provide irrigation facilities to about 2,500 ha cultural command area by diverting water from Rapti river. The EIA study of sub-project was done as per EPR.

EIA Study of Section II: Sindhuli Bazaar-Khurkot Section, Project for Construction of Sindhuli Road

EIA study of Section II: Sindhuli Bazaar - Khurkot (39 km) as per the Environmental Protection Regulation, 1997 (amended 1999). The scope of services was preparation of scoping document and ToR; field works for the EIA study; draft EIA report; public hearing and consultation; and final report. The EIA report was first report endorsed by MOPE in the road sector as per the EPR.

EIA Study of Modi-Pokhara 132 kV Transmission Line Project

The firm has carried out the EIA study of 36.5 km, 132 kV transmission Line of Modi Khola Hydropower Project with 14 MW installed capacity. The study covered impact identification, mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and management plan as per Environmental Protection Regulation (EPR) 1997 in physical, biological socio-economic and cultural components. The study also prepared the Acquisition, Compensation and Resettlement Action Plan (ACRP) of the transmission line.

Environmental Monitoring and Management of East Rapti Irrigation Project (ADB TA 1969 – NEP)

The project area (i.e. ERIP) lies adjacent to Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), which is one of the largest wildlife parks in Nepal covering 93,200 ha area. Both ERIP and RCNP share water from East Rapti River and its tributaries. In July, 1993 heavy flood caused widespread damage to ERIP command area (5200 ha) by breaching flood embankments. The TA projects was therefore designed (i) to undertake comprehensive environmental monitoring of data related to the water flows and water quality of the Rapti river and its tributaries as well as the groundwater table of the project area, so as to (a) ensure and confirm that the activities undertaken by the revised East Rapti Irrigation Project will not impact the water levels of the Rapti river, the groundwater levels in the project area and the water quality of the water resources in the project area; and (b) generate information necessary for designing environmentally sound plans and policies for water use, in particular, irrigation in the project area; and (ii) to facilitate the provision of sustainable and effective embankment stabilization of the East Rapti river by planting community forestry that will stabilize the river bank and provide fodder and fuel wood to the target population. East Rapti Irrigation Project has rehabilitated farmers managed irrigation schemes in the project area covering about 5,200 ha.

EIA Study of Kaligandaki "A" Hydroelectric Project

GEOCE, as a member of Consortium of Nepalese Consultants (involved in the project design), conducted the EIA study and transmission line survey of project with 142 MW capacity.

Chisapani Bridging Studies

GEOCE carried out assessment of project impacts (with regard to several factors such as aquatic ecosystem, aquatic reptiles, birds, mammals, terrestrial mammals, human resettlements, and huge labour force, construction of irrigation canals, excavation of soils, and gravels and dumping of soils) and Royal Bardiya National Park (RBNP) adjacent to the proposed 10,800 MW capacity Karnali-Chisapani Multipurpose Project and development of Environmental Impact Management Strategy

Environmental Impact Study of Pancheswar Multipurpose Project

The study carried out the initial environmental examination and EIA on biological and terrestrial environment and suggested suitable mitigation measures for environmental management of 6,000 MW capacity multipurpose project.

Environmental Impact Study of Jhimruk Hydroelectric and Rural Electrification Project

The study was carried out for this 18 MW capacity hydropower project to assess impact on irrigation, water supply and aquatic life in 25 km downstream stretch of Jhimruk Khola up to Madi river confluence due to complete diversion of water for power generation and propose mitigation measures to lessen adverse impact.