The Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for Kpone Independent Power Plant (KIPP) provides the overall framework for identifying and managing potential health, safety, environmental, social and security risks, impacts and opportunities associated with the construction and commissioning phase.
This approach is aligned with KIPP environmental and social commitment, local and international regulatory compliance requirements, Good International Industry Practices (GIIP) and designed to achieve continual improvement.
During the period under retrospect Cenpower Generation Company Limited carried out environmental and social activities in line with KIPP commitments to sustainable development.
i.Environmental Monitoring
1. Ambient Noise
Sound readings were carried out at six (6) locations within KIPP site and the project boundary area. Readings recorded at four locations (1, 2, 3 and 4) were measured against Local and IFC Industrial standard and guideline of 70 decibels with no exceedance of compliance limits.
Monitoring locations (5 and 6) measured against Local and IFC residential guideline of 55 decibels for daytime due to proximity to the shrine and a local community exceeded the compliance limits. The exceedance is attributed to construction activities for a tank farm some meters away from monitoring location 5 and road traffic noise emission generated by motorist on the stretch of road next to location 6. These developments are not related to KIPP project activities.
2. Ambient Air
- NO2 and SO2 Baseline Monitoring
Ambient air quality monitoring of contaminants of potential concern (COPC) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) was carried out by SGS Laboratory Services continuously for a period of three months (May - June 2017). The monitoring survey sought to establish baseline data prior to KIPP plant commissioning activities and operation. Passive diffusion tubes were placed at six (6) sampling locations consistent with previous air quality monitoring survey locations.
Ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide measured at all six (6) locations were well below Environmental Protection Agency and WHO Ambient Air Quality standards and guideline for (24 hour) averaging period.
- Dust Emission Monitoring
Sampling of dust concentration was carried out between January and July 2017 at three locations; KIPP site, Sea water project area and Collector Substation.Monitored dust concentration is measured against Particulate Matter with aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometre (PM10) and Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) concentration-based limit values per local ambient air quality guidelines.
In the month of January, PM10 exceedance was recorded at KIPP site and Seawater area. Investigations into ambient particulate exceedance informed that the major contributory factors were dusty, dry and windy Harmattan weather conditions experienced during the period and impacts from neighbouring operations which are not linked to KIPP project. TSP and PM10 dust monitoring results for subsequent monitoring periods were however below Ghana Environmental Protection Agency Ambient Air Quality standards. Dust suppression is carried out at site when required and dust masks provided to workers for use.
3. Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality testing is done prior to dewatering. PH readings showed values which were not compliant with Ghanaian and World Bank standards of 6-9. Investigations have revealed that the underlying rock structure of the site has a pH which ranges from 7.96 to 9.40 and as a result, groundwater that filters through this rock also has a pH which is more alkaline and generally higher than the World Bank standards.
Site specific allowable limit of pH 11 is in place and an exceedance of this project threshold will necessitate an investigation and implementation of mitigation measures.
4.Turtle monitoring
Turtle monitoring is carried out at the beach to ensure that project activities do not impact on nesting. Turtles and/or hatchlings were not sighted during the period. Beach clean-up is carried out to rid the shoreline of debris and other elements which affect turtle nesting.
Sea turtles are exposed to a significant number of threats mainly due to anthropogenic activities. The alarming rates of sea turtle population decline in recent decades and threat of possible extinction required legislation, protocols and conventions to prohibit the hunting, capture or destruction of sea turtles. Prior to construction of the intake and diffuser cooling system for the KIPP project a turtle monitoring survey was carried out to identify potential turtle nesting habitats within the project corridor and impacts on marine and intertidal habitats. The Monitoring Survey Report suggests that the sandy beaches of the Project area (seawater area) is suitable for sea turtle nesting activities.
Based on recommendations made by the Environmental Consultant, Local legislations Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1971 L.I. 685 and Good International Industry practices IFC (Performance Standard 6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources – 2012) a Turtle Monitoring Team has been put in place. Night patrols along the beach to monitor potential turtle nesting activities was carried out during the period and turtles or hatchlings were not sighted. Due to completion of sea water intake and outfall cooling water pipes, a proposal for further turtle monitoring is being considered during the operational phase.
5. Ecological Survey
Biodiversity Management Plan was developed and issued to Lenders Technical Advisor (LTA) for review. Comments provided by LTA have been incorporated in the revised document. Biodiversity Management Plan provides details on endemic flora species, habitat corridors, monitoring protocols and restoration procedures which is useful for developing and implementing KIPP Rehabilitation and Restoration Plan.
6. Labour
Project Industrial Relations Coordinating Committee (PIRCC) meetings serve as a forum for Management and Representatives of the workforce to foster common understanding on employer and employee related issues.
Discussions during the period focussed on medical aid subsistence allowance, End of Service Benefits (ESB) and demobilization of workforce after completion of specific construction phase works. Resolution from PIRCC meetings are discussed amongst Workers and their representatives during bi-weekly Site Labour Forum (SLF).
7. Stakeholder Engagement
KIPP Stakeholder Steering Committee has been established as a representative body comprised of Project Company and Stakeholders to inform and discuss issues related to the Project-Affected People (PAP). Meetings were convened throughout the reporting period to deliberate on KIPP employment status (construction / operational phase), development of Community Social Responsibility framework and objectives). Minutes of meeting are provided to members for review and discussion with their respective stakeholder groups and feedback discussed in subsequent meetings.
8. Clean-up at Bankuman Community
KIPP project includes gas supply interconnection works involving the construction of a natural gas receiving station at the power plant area, 1.2km underground gas pipeline and tie –in to a newly installed gas skid located within the Volta River Authority (VRA) Regulating and Metering (R&M) Station. While carrying out the said works Cenpower identified poor sanitation and indiscriminate dumping of solid waste within the environs of Bankuman a local community which is in close proximity to VRA Regulating and Metering station.
Due to imminent environmental and health risks for residents at Bankuman Community and adjoining areas, Cenpower liaised with VRA, Sub Metropolitan division of Tema Assembly (Local Government Authority) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited an environmental/waste management sanitation service company to assist with waste collection, evacuation, disposal and fumigation. The waste clean-up exercise commenced on 22nd April, 2018 and comprised personnel from Cenpower, VRA, Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the immediate community involved in the collection and evacuation of waste around the environs of Bankuman Community and VRA R&M station.
Sustainable solutions proposed to be implemented over the period to improve waste management include:
- Sub Metropolitan division of Tema Assembly (Local Government Authority) has commenced with construction of sanitary facilities for Bankuman community
- Procure and deploy waste skips at vantage areas and prompt emptying of waste reception
- Erection of information boards at specified areas within the community and enforcement measures to deter indiscriminate dumping of solid waste
9. Stakeholder Engagement
Cenpower has put in place KIPP Stakeholder Steering Committee which involves Cenpower, Group Five, representatives from Kpone Traditional Council (KTC), Kpone Katamanso District Assembly (KKDA), Youth Groups within the project catchment area, Members of the Fishing Community and the relevant Local Government Agencies.
KIPP Stakeholder Steering Committee is established as a representative body comprised of Project Company and Stakeholders to inform and discuss issues related to Project- Affected People (PAP).
Stakeholder engagement did not take place during the first quarter 2018 mainly because key stakeholders were unavailable due to socio-political commitments. Further engagement is however planned to take place during the second quarter period in line with approved Terms of Reference.