Environmental and Social baseline

Potential impacts of the Project

• 
  ERM’s firm experience and understanding of the potential environmental, socio-economic and health and safety related impacts in the telecommunications sector;
  
• 
  A review of IFC’s EHS Guidelines for Telecommunications, dated April 30 2007; IFC’s General Environmental, Occupational, Health and Safety Guidelines and EBRD’s Sub-sectoral Environmental Guidelines for Telecommunications;
  
• 
  A constraints analysis for the project based on a general geographical and economic baseline of Costa Rica, supported by a Geographic Information System (GIS);
  
• 
  A rapid assessment of existing facility impacts performed during ERM’s field visit in June 2007; and
  
• 
  A preliminary analysis of possible impacts likely to arise from the planned investments to be financed by the World Bank under the FONATEL project.
  

The potential environmental impacts associated with this project are minimal to minor. They are notably associated with the construction of access roads for installation of cell towers and masts, primarily in rural areas (including protected areas), which require cutting of vegetation.

• 
  Terrestrial habitat
  
• 
  Migratory birds
  
• 
  Aquatic habitat
  
• 
  Noise pollution
  
• 
  Hazardous materials and toxic waste
  
• 
  Air emissions
  

Potentially considerable impacts are on migratory birds due to collisions with towers and masts. The impacts of telecommunications towers on birds is not well known in Costa Rica but is well documented in the United States where migrating bird mortality under certain conditions can be extreme, suggesting a precautionary approach in Costa Rica.

• 
  Land acquisition and land use
  
• 
  Indigenous Peoples
  
• 
  Physical cultural resources
  
• 
  Public health and EMF
  
• 
  Public safety
  
• 
  Physical and aircraft security
  
• 
  Visual Impacts
  

Impacts on community health and safety are generally minimal for the telecommunication sector. However, there is public concern regarding potential impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Other concerns include security of the radio bases and their surroundings because of theft incidences that occur on a regular basis.

• 
  Contingencies
  
• 
  Electrical safety
  
• 
  Optical fiber safety,
  
• 
  Elevated and overhead work
  
• 
  Fall protection.
  

The major issue related to OHS to date seems to be the non-compliance of the ICE providers and sub-contractors’ workers with the existing laws and regulations.

Reference Framework for the Environmental Management of Telecommunication Projects

A Reference Framework has been designed for the environmental and social screening, appraisal and review process for telecommunication subprojects to be financed under the Universal Service Fund for Telecommunications (FONATEL).
The project implementing agency (PIA) of this framework will be the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET). MINAET will be responsible for ensuring that the screening and impact mitigation mechanisms are implemented. However, SETENA will provide the oversight mechanism, reviewing the environmental process and documentation for subprojects, ensuring that the process is properly implemented.
The framework is aimed at ensuring that all new investments in telecommunications meet: (i) applicable national regulations; (ii) World Bank safeguard; and (iii) International best practice in environmental management.
The Reference Framework is in effect a management system to identify and effectively mitigate potential future impacts of telecommunication subprojects which the project is likely to finance.
The Reference Framework provides the overall approach for screening, appraisal, approval, implementation and monitoring of subprojects as well as guidelines for mitigation measures and environmental management during operation. It harmonizes in-country procedures with World Bank safeguard policies requirements and best practice designed for this process (see the Figure below). The project implementing agency will ensure that such process is completed diligently and that project proponents adhere to the requirements.

Screening, appraisal and implementation process for FONATEL

Project Appraisal Process by the Environmental Agency SETENA

Classified as A, B1 or B2 without PR

Classified as C or B2 with PR

Project proponent complete Form D1

Project proponent complete Form D2

SETENA’s evaluation and decision paths:

• 
  Rejected
  
• 
  Incomplete or deficient: requires extension or modification
  
• 
  Approval: formalize commitment and pay guarantee.
  

SETENA supervises subproject implementation in compliance with approved environment instrument.

SETENA determines subproject monitoring frequency and supervises monitoring reports approved in EMP.

• 
  Identification of subproject
  
• 
  Site selection (natural habitats and cultural resources considerations)
  
• 
  Subproject screening (A, B, or C)
  

WB Environmental and Social Safeguard Requirements (OP 4.01, 4.04, 4.11 and 4.36)

• 
  Review EMP findings and results for subprojects by implementing institution, environmental agency or technical advisor.
  
• 
  Request additional EMP work; public consultation and institutional capacity (if needed
  
• 
  Approval on the basis of compliance with safeguard policies (OP 4.01, 4.04, 4.11–and 4.10, 4.36 if triggered) and national legislation.
  
• 
  Disclosure of sub project
  

• 
  Ensure implementation of mitigation measures addressed in EMP and legal agreements.
  
• 
  Capacity building and training of project staff, local GoCR officers and communities.
  
• 
  Public consultation and disclosure
  

• 
  Ensure regular monitoring established in EMP
  
• 
  Capacity building and training of project staff, local GoCR officers and communities.
  
• 
  Public consultation and disclosure
  

Directory: curated
curated -> Concept stage
curated -> Concept stage
curated -> Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Urbanization Review
curated -> Report No: aus11011 Central America
curated -> Report No. 94474-pk fiscal Disaster Risk Assessment Options for Consideration
curated -> Environment Impact Assessment For Jiangxi Shangrao Sanqingshan Airport Beijing Guohuantiandi Environmental Technology Development Center. Ltd. Oct. 2012 Content
curated -> Growth through Innovation An Industrial Strategy for Shanghai By Shahid Yusuf Kaoru Nabeshima April 22nd, 2009
curated -> Report No: 70178. People's Republic of China
curated -> Making Nutrition Policy Central to Development Understanding the Political and Institutional Conditions for Policy Change Case Study of the Political Economy of Nutrition Policies in Ethiopia Prepared By

Download 0.6 Mb.

Share with your friends: