Table 8 - 4 in 21 - MSK-JOR-ENV - Preliminary Risks Assessment and ESIA for the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance (AAWDC) Project (Jordan) - Renewable Energy Component

Table 8-4: Environmental and Social Management Plan - During Operation Environmental / Social ComponentPotential ImpactSignificanceMitigation MeasuresResidual ImpactsInstitutional ResponsibilityPhysical EnvironmentSoil• Soil erosion, compaction, and ContaminationLow• Prepare and abide by a Pollution Prevention Management Plan and a Waste Management Plan.NegligibleBOT Contractor• Reinstate the project area to its original condition after completion of the works.Water Resources• Overconsumption of water resourcesModerate• Priority must be given to the use of dry-cleaning methodsLowBOT ContractorBiological EnvironmentBiological Environment• Impacts on Flora, Fauna and AvifaunaModerate• Limit human activity and vehicular movement to designated areas to minimize disturbances to wildlife.BOT Contractor / MWI and NEPCO• Schedule maintenance activities during daylight hours to reduce disruption to nocturnal species.• Remove any abandoned construction waste, materials, or piles that could obstruct wildlife movement corridors.• Install bird diverters, reflectors, or other visual markers on OHTL wires to reduce collision risks for large bird species.Low• Avoid and strictly prohibit wildlife persecution, hunting, and all forms of animal and plant collection and active taking.• Design and implement an extensive terrestrial biodiversity monitoring program as part of project requirements to assess environmental conditions before, during, and after the completion of the construction works so that the ‘new’ baseline conditions before operation commences are determinedSocial EnvironmentSocial Tension• Social tension between local and foreign workersModerate• Draft and implement Code of Conduct for workersLowBOT Contractor / MWI and NEPCO• Ensure that workers sign and area aware of Code of Conduct• Respond to culturally insensitive behaviour and incidents as a matter of priorityLand Acquisition, Land Use and Aesthetics• Reduce the value of lands nearby the OHTLModerate• Engage with local tourism authorities and residents to identify ways to mitigate aesthetic concernsLowBOT Contractor and NEPCO•Infrastructure and Public Services• Traffic congestion • Use of public utilitiesLow• Develop and implement a Traffic Management Plan to minimize disruptions to local road networks.NegligibleBOT Contractor / MWI and NEPCO• Scheduled maintenance of the OHTL infrastructure• Provide clear signage and alternative routes for vehicles and pedestrians in affected areas.• Coordinate with local authorities to ensure timely notification of road closures or diversions.Public Health and Safety• Phenomenon of corona discharge from OHTL• Conduct routine monitoring of electromagnetic fields to ensure compliance with safety standards and address any community concerns.LowBOT Contractor / MWI and NEPCO• Prepare and abide by Health and Safety plan• The risk of electrical hazards, such as electrocution or firesModerate• Place clear and visible signage warning of potential electrical hazards and restricting access to operational areas.• Develop and implement Emergency Response Plans to handle incidents such as fires, electrocution, or spills promptly and effectively.• Workers shall wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, slip resistant boots, and masks;• First aid kit shall be available at each working site;• Working with high-voltage equipment, heavy machinery, and at heights • Exposure to electromagnetic fields and corona discharge effects • Working from Height• At least one onsite worker trained in basic first aid shall be present onsite. If number of workers in one site exceeds 50 and less than 500, appoint a full-time nurse and a part time doctor.Occupational Health and SafetyModerate• The contractor shall conduct training and awareness meetings including safety toolbox talks, correct use of PPE, health and safety procedures, and handling hazardous material containers and related wastes. • Require two-person teams for all high-altitude maintenance tasks to ensure safety and emergency support.LowBOT Contractor / MWI and NEPCO• Restrict work at heights during adverse weather conditions• Use engineered climbing systems such as fixed ladders with safety cages, vertical lifelines, or ladder fall arrest systems on transmission towers.• Prepare and abide by a Waste Management Plan• Prohibit illegal disposal of broken or damaged solar panels onto the land.Solid and Hazardous Waste Management• Improper solid waste and PV panels disposal and inappropriate discharge of wastewaterModerate• The damaged panels will be stored at the Al-Swaqa Landfill, managed by the Ministry of Environment, until they can be reused or properly disposed of alongside other similar waste. It is worth noting that this is currently the only available method for managing the damaged PV panels in Jordan.LowBOT Contractor / MWI