Education Sector Development Program (RRP SRI 39293)

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR EDUCATION SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Responsible party
Activity Environmental Impact Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)

PLANNING
Site Selection
a) Forested Damage to vegetation and the Design so as to minimize clearing or Evaluation of designs School Development
ecosystems disturbance and plans Committee
Contributing to potential flooding
Sedimentation of streams and Avoid destroying rare or unique Observation and Divisional Engineer/
surface water species. reporting TO
Contamination of water supplies
Biodiversity loss Consult with local populations about Contractor
current use of forest and
preferences for preservation Forest Department,

b) Wetland Damage to the ecosystems and
the services
Sedimentation of streams and
surface water
Contamination of water supplies
Biodiversity loss
Contributing to flooding potential
CEA
Find alternative site. Wetlands and Evaluation of designs School Development
riparian ecosystems (those sited and plans Committee
next to a body of water) are
extremely sensitive. Wetlands Observation and Divisional Engineer
provide important environmental reporting /TO
services such as water storage, bird
and animal habitat, flood control, Contractor
and filtering toxins and nutrients
from runoff .If no alternative is Sri Lanka Land
available: Reclamation and
Set back any infrastructure as far as Development
possible from the water Corporation
body/wetland and minimize the
amount of wetland destroyed by
infrastructure construction

Re-vegetate as soon as possible

c) Hilly landscape Sedimentation of streams and Design facility and apply Evaluation of designs School Development
with sloppy terrain surface water construction practices that minimize and plans Committee
Contamination of ground and risk, e.g., use sand stacks or hay to
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Activity Environmental Impact
surface water supplies
Cause erosion and damage to
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
during construction or use
d) Site prone to Be destroyed and/or subject
flooding workers or inhabitants to risk of
injury or death
Cause environmental damage
from accidental release of toxic,
infectious or otherwise harmful
material during flooding
Contaminate drinking water
e) Area and/site Expose workers or inhabitants to
prone to landslides risk of injury or death
Cause environmental damage
from accidental release of toxic,
infectious or otherwise harmful
material
Contaminate water supplies
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
control erosion during construction. Observation and Divisional Engineer
reporting /TO
Pay particular attention to potential
erosion and redirection of water Contractor
flows during design and construction
(Re-vegetate as soon as possible )
Maintain design features
Find alternative site or design Evaluation of designs School Development
infrastructure so it is raised above and plans Committee
flood plain, if possible Design
infrastructure to minimize risk, e.g., Observation and Divisional Engineer/
design with proper grading and reporting TO
drainage
Contractor
Maintain design features such as
drainage structures
Avoid constructing sanitation or
other facilities that will use and store
harmful materials at flood-prone
sites
Chose dry sanitation options or
closed disposal systems, instead of
wet ones such as septic tanks or
detention ponds
Find alternative site on stable Evaluation of designs School Development
ground if not possible and plans Committee
Design infrastructure to minimize
risk, e.g., plant trees all around Observation and NBRO
facility reporting
Divisional Engineer
Maintain protective design features /TO
Avoid constructing sanitation or
other facilities that will use and store Contractor
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Responsible party
Activity Environmental Impact Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)

hazardous or bio hazardous

materials at landslide-prone sites If
that is not possible:

Design storage area so that

hazardous materials are stored in
leak- proof containers.
Chose dry sanitation options or
closed disposal systems, instead
septic tanks
f) Cutting of trees Loss of trees and vegetation Consider alternate options to reduce Trees planted, progress Principal
for clearing the land may lead to; the loss of reports
as well as for Disaster related issues (i.e. soil trees and vegetation; School Development
materials for erosion, landslides) Committee
construction Lack of ventilation and shading A green fence will be raised with
to the students and teachers native tree species
around the school/TC

Plant the same species of trees and

vegetation as
compensatory measures;

Minimize use of wood for

construction.

Use local materials as much as

possible.

Innovations shall be integrated in

the design plan.

Make schools more child and

environmentally friendly

Contractor shall supply kerosene or

LPG at camps and restrict cooking
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Responsible party
Activity Environmental Impact Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)

and heating using firewood.

g) Worker welfare Lack of proper worker welfare
facilities at the facilities including toilets, meal
construction site room, first aid etc may lead to social
issues within the school community
and lack of worker satisfaction and
safety.
h) Disaster Extreme climate (e.g. cyclone,
Management storm surge) and natural disasters
(e.g. earthquake), etc. and fire may
cause damages to lives and
properties
Worker welfare facilities to be Check for such facilities School Development
included in the design and on construction site Committee
construction plan Divisional Engineer/
TO
Provision of temporary toilet with Contractor
washing facility for the construction
worker
Adoption of appropriate adaptation Disaster Management School Development
and disaster risk reduction strategy, Plan for the School Committee
emergency preparedness and
recovery, training/orientation Principal
program for teachers and students
on climate change, disaster and Disaster Management
earthquake, etc Centre
Construction of school/TC cum
disaster/cyclone shelter to cover the
urgent needs of community, student
and teachers
School building located in the
cyclone and earthquake prone
areas should be designed and
constructed in way to be disaster
and earthquake resilient or “climate-
proof”
Create awareness about natural
calamities and extreme climate to
teachers and students.

Fire safety management and mock

drill
Ensure emergency equipment and
facilities like fire extinguisher/water
hose, first aid boxes, whistles, torch
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Responsible party
Activity Environmental Impact Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)

lights etc.

2. DESIGN
a) Provision of Discharge untreated or insufficiently No. of sanitary facilities with respect Check whether they School Development
health and sanitary treated sewage would result in: to students numbers should comply have building Committee
services for school Contaminates drinking water with MOE. certification for the
(ground and surface) school sanitary facility Divisional Engineer/
Spreads diseases Obtain the building certification TO
Degrades aquatic ecosystems standards and requirements of the Check whether there is
local authority (see Attachment 3 in adequate number of Contractor
ESMF for guidelines) sanitary facilities
provided with respect to
Avoid sitting where water table is the student population
high or underlying geology makes
contamination of groundwater likely.
Choose dry sanitation options or
closed disposal systems, instead of
wet ones such as septic tanks or
detention ponds

Ensure adequate and maintained

sanitary facilities. And maintain
required ratio of male/female toilets
(1 toilet per 50 students stated in
School Health Promotion
Programme 2007/21)

Maintain the drainage system

cleanly without water logging
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Activity Environmental Impact
b) Construction of Expose workers or student
Science Laboratory population to toxic, carcinogenic
and teratogenic materials such as
heavy metals, dyes, solvents, acids,
etc.
Lack of properly designed
disposal mechanisms for chemical
waste may lead to contamination of
surface and ground water
resources
Lack of safety measures within
the design will lead to fire and
increase occupational safety
hazards
c) Construction of a Water logging may subject
sports grounds workers or student to risk of injury
or death
Will be a breeding ground for
mosquitoes and other vectors due
to flooding
3. DEMOLITION
a) Refurbishment / Spoil material generated would
renovation of school obscure the landscape may be a
facilities health risk to the surrounding
community and the student
population
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
Design with proper storage, Review the design plans School Development
handling and treatment facilities and inspect the sitting of Committee
(see guidelines provided in ESMF the building initially
Attachment 5) Divisional Engineer/
TO
Avoid site near wetlands or bodies
of water Contractor
Adopt a well-planned drainage Site visit and School Development
systems to avoid water logging observation air quality Committee
monitoring
During level and land transformation Initially Divisional
adopted mitigation measures to Engineer/ TO
avoid dust generation Contractor
Take measure to limit particulate
emission and noise generation
Deposal of solid waste according to Spot check and site School Development
the guidelines of the local authority observations on a Committee
quarterly basis.
Make arrangements with the local Divisional Engineer/
authority for disposal of waste TO
Demarcate an area for waste Contractor
collection until deposal within the
construction premises and practice

Activity Environmental Impact
b) Safe handling of Health and safety hazards with
asbestos loose asbestos fibers for the
workers
4. CONSTRUCTION
a) Expansion of Lack of solid waste
School facilities management on site can lead to
involving new lack of general cleanliness due to
construction within waste material resulting from the
already existing demolition of old buildings.
school premises
The waste material would be
hazardous to the children’s health
and safety (i.e. injuries from
corroded metal waste)
Dust generation during
construction activities may impact
the workers and community
Transportation of construction
materials may block the access
roads and may lead to accessibility
problems
7
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
waste minimization practices such
as recycling and composting
Follow the guidelines provided as
part of the ESMF;
Where needed, only bonded
asbestos cement sheeting that
contains less than 20% of asbestos
should be used in any construction
under this project.
Make arrangements with the local Solid waste storage area School Development
authority on disposal of solid waste demarcated Committee
generated during construction
Observations on cleanliness and All construction solid Divisional Engineer/
good housekeeping practices on waste removed at end of TO
site. Demarcated waste storage construction
area in operation Contractor
Under no circumstances should the
solid waste be burned on site
Wet down and spray water in Observations – School Development
construction as required controlled dust Committee
emissions and the
Take steps to avoid dust emissions spraying of water. Divisional Engineer/
during loading and unloading of TO
construction material Check whether the
construction material is Contractor
stored properly to avoid
dust emission.
Construction materials and Observation and field School Development
machinery should not be placed in a check Committee
manner that blocks any roads, paths
or local accesses Divisional Engineer/
TO
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Activity Environmental Impact
Construction noise can disturb
surroundings and the school
environment
Injury due to lack of
occupational safety measures and
also health risks
Occupational safety issues:
Noise generated from cement
pre-casting machines concrete,
pilling may pose an occupational
health issue.
Activities such as loading and
unloading shuttering and metal
poles and handling of heavy objects
may result in accidental injury or
crushing.
In the absence of non-functional
sanitary facilities, health issues may
arise among the student population.
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
Unloading of construction materials
should be carried in a manner and Contractor
time so as to avoid blockage of
roads/paths/access;
Waste should not be placed on the
roads
Conduct work during daytime Noise at boundary School Development
Adhere to noise levels stipulated should not exceed 55dB Committee
under NEA and adopt mitigation (A) or as specified under
measures that would be mentioned the NEA Divisional Engineer
in the CEA recommendation letter /TO
on site based on the each project Contractor
that will be undertaken
Workers should adopt necessary Check for existence of School Development
safety measures first aid measures in the Committee
First aid provisions will be made premises
available on site Check whether the Divisional Engineer
workers are using the /TO
safety gear that is Contractor
provided
Train maintenance and operation- All workers are in School Development
staff to monitor and repair machines appropriate safety attire. Committee
so that it will increase the efficiency
of the machines while reduce the Divisional Engineer/
vibration and noise. Noise levels TO
should be maintained within Contractor
stipulated limits for the construction
site.
Train the workers on occupational
risks involved in lifting heavy
construction equipment and
occupation risk and safety
measures in the project site and
environment. Train the workers on
managing risks, emergencies and

Activity Environmental Impact
b) Development of Setting up of a storage facility
water infrastructure will require water for worker
(expected to be consumption and potential cleaning
small) of equipment
Unprotected wells can lead to
safety and health issues
Arsenic contamination in
drinking water may case health
related problems
9
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
on first aid.
Well should be metered and the Review water extraction School Development
Water Resources Board consulted rates and cross check Committee
on appropriate extraction levels. with WRB
recommendations. Divisional Engineer/
Water in the well should be Dug wells should TO
periodically monitored for quality maintain at least 2m of Water Resources
and quantity. water depth to maintain Board/ NWSDB
drinking water quality. Contractor
To ensure minimal wastage of Periodic water quality
water, train maintenance and testing (also indicated
operation staff to monitor and repair under construction)
leaks from cracked containment
structures, broken pipes, faulty
valves and similar structures.
A suitable sump and overhead tank
should be constructed taking into
account the daily requirement of
water to ensure uninterrupted water
supply.
Dug well(s) within premises should Well protected water School Development
have a protective wall as well as sources in place and Committee
appropriate covering to prevent maintained.
external material from entering the Divisional Engineer/
well. TO
Contractor
Identify unions and upazillas based Water Quality Test School Development
on DPHE survey where shallow or Reports Committee
deep tube-wells are feasible;
Divisional Engineer/
Analyze local surrounding arsenic TO
test results and Contractor
recommend for tube-wells or not;
Water Resources
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Responsible party
Activity Environmental Impact Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)

Adopt rain water harvesting, pond Board

5. OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT
a) Solid waste Lack of management of
management domestic waste water may cause
health risks and obscure the
landscape
Domestic solid
waste disposal Since solid waste collection will
not be on a daily basis, there is risk
of solid waste piling up on site.
These can lead to an increase in
vector population and health risks
sand filter, piped water supply;
Medical Officer of
After installation of tube-wells, Health/PHI
presence of arsenic in the drinking
will be tested and be used only if it
satisfies the Sri Lanka standard
Waste is disposed by the Local Construction waste School Development
Authority disposed of weekly on Committee
Adhere to CEA guidelines of waste schedule and in
disposal applicable to the cement arrangement with the Divisional Engineer/
pre-casting industry Local Authority TO
Contractor
Ensure demarcated solid waste Cleanliness and good
storage area with source separation housekeeping practices
for organic waste and other on site
domestic non-organic waste. This
storage facility should be able to Review solid waste
accommodate solid waste up to 7 management plan - in
days. place and in operation
during site visits
Certain schools have adopted
measures to decompose domestic
solid waste by composting or by
recycling. Under the environmental
conservation activities taken up by
schools “Environmental Brigades”
have been formed to maintain a
clean environment within the school
premises. Productivity program
sponsored by the National
Productivity Centre promotes
competitions based on 5S concept.

However, there has not been a


Activity Environmental Impact
Domestic liquid Lack of disposal of the domestic
waste disposal waste water will result in health
issues to the worker
Hazardous waste Lack of a disposal mechanism
disposal for chemical waste may lead to
pollution of surface water resources
and land due to leachate
Potential to increase health risk
of students and teacher
Lack of a disposal mechanism
for computer and IT-based waste
management
b) A/L and O/L Lack of properly designed
Science Laboratory disposal mechanisms for chemical
waste may lead to contamination of
surface and ground water
resources
Lack of safety measures within
the design will lead to fire and
increase occupational safety
hazards
11
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
proper assessment on schools
which maintain good quality physical
environment.
Ensure that the domestic waste Check the design plans School Development
water is directed to soakage pits in for cesspits and soakage Committee
conformance to local authority pits
guidelines PHI from the local
authority
Disposal of chemical waste Checking for adoption of School Development
according to the stipulated existing disposal Committee
guidelines under NEA on Hazardous guidelines and plans
waste regulation
Explore the private and public
partnership on disposal mechanism
on the hazardous waste for a
nominal fee.
Identify a check list and standard
mechanism for disposal of
hazardous chemical waste.
Establish a central deposit for the
collection of hazardous waste so
that disposal will be easier.
Ensure regular maintenance on the Checking for adoption of School Development
gas tubes, taps to ensure the existing disposal Committee
maintenance of the fume cupboards guidelines and plans
Provision of safety measures in the
design such as good ventilation and
thermal circulation. Take measure to
install fire extinguishers
Display the laboratory safety manual
so that students and teachers can
follow.
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Activity Environmental Impact
c) Sanitary facilities Discharge of untreated or
insufficiently treated sewage, and
due lack of maintenance of sanitary
facilities may lead to:
Contamination of drinking water
(ground and surface)
Spreading of diseases among
the student population and
surrounding community
Degradation of aquatic
ecosystems
Responsible party
Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)
Provision of safety wear such face
mask, goggles, noise isolating ear
plugs for use.
Ensure proper maintenance of the Observation and site School Development
sanitary facilities reports to check the Committee
proper maintenance of
To ensure proper function and pipes within the sanitary
operation, train maintenance and facility
operation staff to monitor and repair
leaks from cracked containment
structures, broken pipes, faulty
valves and similar structures.
Provide a suitable sump and
overhead tank, taking into account
the daily requirement of water to
ensure uninterrupted water supply
for the sanitary faculties.
A minimum distance of 15 m should
be maintained between a tube-well
and a latrine to prevent
contamination of water resources. In
case of shallow shrouded hand
tube-wells, this distance should be
20 m as horizontal filters are used in
this type of tube-wells.
Provide separate toilets at adequate
distance between boys and girls
washrooms.
Water supply is available in the
toilets.
One latrine should be designed for
about 30 pupils (20 for girls and 40
for boys).
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Responsible party
Activity Environmental Impact Mitigation measure(s) Monitoring Sources
(ies)

d) Canteen Lack of domestic waste Adopt domestic waste management Adopt domestic waste School Development
management may lead to land and mitigation measures discussed management monitoring Committee
water contamination and increase above measures discussed
vector borne diseases and obscure above
the aesthetic beauty of the school
environment and give rise to odor
Lack of training in canteen Provide training in food handling to Check for compliance School Development
commodity handling can lead to minimize wastage and adoption of Committee
wastage and hygiene issues Ensure that food handlers maintain procedures as indicated
personal hygiene and inform the under the National PHI
supervisor in case an employee is Regulation on Food
sick or has an injury (Hygiene) 2011 under
the Food Act, No. 26 of
Maintain good house-keeping 1980
practices as per the Food hygiene
regulations
CEA = Central Environment Authority, DPHE = Department of Public Health Engineering, EPL = Environmental Protection License, ESMF = Environmental and Social
Management Framework, IT = information technology, LPG = Liquefied petroleum gas, MOE = Ministry of Education, NBRO = National Building Research Organization, NEA
= National Environmental Act, NWSDB = National Water Supply & Drainage Board, PHI = Public Health Inspector, TO = Technical Officer, WRB = Water Resources Board.
Source: Asian Development Bank.