Project report

Jamaica - Second Rural Economic Development Initiative Project : Environmental Assessment : Environmental and Social Management Framework

· 29 Oct 2018

Abstract

The development objective of the Second Rural Economic Development Initiative Project for Jamaica is to enhance access to markets and to climate resilient approaches for targeted beneficiaries. Some of the negative impacts include: (i) unnecessary removal of vegetation cover; (ii) creation of soil slippage and soil erosion conditions from excavation and inappropriate placing of excavated matter on slopes; (iii) blockage of drains from construction waste and excavatedmaterials; (iv) ground and surface water pollution; (v) pesticide pollution of soil, ground and surface water; (vi) exposure of workers/farmers to pesticides; (vii) eutrophication of surface water from sewage discharge; (viii) excessive run-off where drainage on roads and off buildingsis inadequate; (ix) inappropriate disposal of solid waste; (x) interruption of vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow or access to amenities; (xi) loss of indigenous or native species; (xii) exposure of workers to occupational health and safety risks; (xiii) discrimination against vulnerable groups including women, children of working age and people with disability; (xiv) forced labour and child labour; Some of the mitigation measures include: (i) re-vegetate cleared area immediately after construction; (ii) excavate impact soil until no trace of petroleum is observed; (iii) all waste must be disposed in an approved landfill or disposal site, in consultation with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA); (iv) stored waste should be covered with plastic sheeting or other suitable material to minimize dust dispersion; (v) communities must be given prior notice of intended road closures and designated detours; (vi) remote worksites must be equipped with portable chemical toilets, which must be supplied and serviced by an approved contractor; (vii) material delivery must be confined to early mornings/lateevenings (outside of peak periods); (viii) use clean equipment to excavate pit especially there isa risk of coming in contact with groundwater; (ix) trees should be removed only when present a health and safety risk or risk of damage to infrastructure; (x) contractor will be required topreserve trees and other wildlife habitats, which have been identified as natural habitat or well preserved vegetation zones; (xi) store materials and waste to avoid hindrance to traffic and pedestrian movement; (xii) contractor must provide workers with the appropriate safety equipment including hardhats, safety boots, security vest, dust mask, and gloves and ensure that they are worn properly; (xiii) dispose of contaminated and unsuitable material in safe areas and cart away for off-site disposal at approved landfill site; (xiv) contractor must notify the public of any alternative to their normal routes during the construction activities (Jamaica)