ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT FOR A

PROPOSED COASTAL RECLAMATION BY TERRA HOLDINGS

LIMITED AT KAWENU COVE, FATUMARU BAY, PORT VILA, EFATE,
REPUBLIC OF VANUATU – A SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENT

Prepared for: Prepared by:

Terra Holdings Limited Bani’s Environmental Consultant

C/- Entreprise Dinh Van Tu P.O.Box 3391

BP 398 Port Vila

Port Vila REPUBLIC OF VANUATU

REPUBLIC OF VANUATU

November 2011

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 Kawenu Cove Proposed Coastal Reclamation, Port Vila, Vanuatu – A Supplementary EIA Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………...4

1.1 Background………………………………………………………………………………….4

2. ISSUES WHICH REQUIRED FURTHER INFORMATION FOLLOWING THE

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE…………………………………..5

2.1 The Project Description…………………………………………………………………….5

2.2 EIA Process…………………………………………………………………………………5

2.3 Regulatory Regime…………………………………………………………………………6

2.4 Environment Impact Analysis……………………………………………………………...9

2.4.1 Marine Survey…………………………………………………………………………….9

2.5 Socio-economic & Cultural; Impacts…………………………………………………….12

2.6 Mitigation Measures, Monitoring & Management……………………………………...12

3. Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan (EMMP)………………………………14

3.1 Management & oversight of the EMMP…………………………………………………14

4. SUMMARY CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………..23
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………25
6. ANNEXES…………………………………………………………………………………...26

1 –DEPC EIA Review Committee Meeting Recommendations………………………….26

2- Initial Reclamation Survey Plan…………………………………………………………..31
3- List of participants who attended the Public Consultation……………………………..32

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 Kawenu Cove Proposed Coastal Reclamation, Port Vila, Vanuatu – A Supplementary EIA Report

ABBREVIATIONS
ADB Asian Development Bank

BECON Bani’s Environmental Consultant

DEPC Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation

DoF Department of Fisheries

DGMWR Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMMP Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan

GoV Government of Vanuatu

MHWM Mean High Water Mark

PEA Preliminary Environment Assessment

PP Act Physical Planning Act No 12. Of 1986

PPU Physical Planning Unit

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 Kawenu Cove Proposed Coastal Reclamation, Port Vila, Vanuatu – A Supplementary EIA Report

1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA) for a proposed coastal reclamation
by Terra Holdings Limited at Kawenu Cove, Fatumaru Bay was prepared by BECON in
September 2011. The EIA Report was submitted to DEPC in October 2011. The Review
Committee met on 4 November 2011 as per section 22 subsections (1) and (2) of the
Environmental Management and Conservation (Amendment) Act No 28 of 2010 and
section 12 (b) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Order No of 2011.

Section 22 subsection (3) of the Environmental Management and Conservation

(Amendment) Act (CAP 283) states that:

“The Director may, after receiving a recommendation from the review committee under
subsection (2) do the following:

(a) Approve the application with or without terms and conditions, or

(b) Refer the matter back to the EIA review committee for further assessment; or

(c) Reject the application.”

The EIA review committee considered the EIA report at its meeting on 4 November,
2011, and submitted its comments to the Director of the DEPC for the Director to notify
the project proponent that further information is required for the EIA Report as per
section 22 subsection (3)(a). The Director notified the project proponent of the review
committee‟s comments (Annex 1) from its meeting held on 9 November 2011.

This supplementary document is prepared in accordance with section 22 (b) of the

Environmental Management and Conservation (Amendment) Act (CAP 283) and
section 12 (a) and (b) of the EIA Regulation Order No. of 2011. This supplementary
report is primarily based on the proposal to reclaim the coastal area of Kawenu Cove.
There was no other proposal made for other development and therefore, the EIA Report
did not consider any other options rather than the sole purpose of reclamation

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2. ISSUES WHICH REQUIRED FURTHER INFORMATION FOLLOWING

THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE

2.1 The Project Description

Section 1.2 of the EIA Report clearly stated that the “EIA report was prepared soley for
the proposed coastal reclamation and any plans for the future development on the
reclaimed land will be subject to a separate EIA.” It is therefore not necessary at this
stage to submit designs of resort development as requested by the review committee.
This will be covered in a separate EIA report for the next stage of the development
which has not been the subject of the EIA report.

The total area proposed to be reclaimed is 12,500m²and approximately 60,000mᶟ. The

proposal is to reclaim the foreshore outward into Fatumaru Bay at a distance of 65
meters at the center from the existing main road with the width at the southern end of 66
meters from the main road and 50 meters from the northern end respectively. The
length of the proposed reclamation area in the bay is 203 meters long. Refer to Annex
2.

2.2 EIA Process

The Environmental Management and Conservation Act (Amendment) Act No.28 of 2010
scetion19 (2) state that:

” In developing the terms of reference for the EIA, the Director must give special
consideration to the need for consultation, participation and involvement of custom
landowners, chiefs and other interested parties, and may consult with the National
Council of Chiefs for that purpose.”

The EIA Regulation Order No.of 2011 section 10 (1) to (4) refers to public consultations
for project proposals. The first public consultation for the proposed coastal reclamation
at Kawenu Cove, Fatumaru Bay was held at the Shefa Provincial Council on 29 October
2011. This follows a public notice published in the Daily Post in October 2011. The
minutes of the public consultation is attached as an Annex to this report. The names of
people who attended the consultation is also attached as Annex 3 to this report.

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During a meeting held on 9 November 2011 between the project proponent, the
consultant and the Director of the DEPC, it was agreed that a second notice be served
through the Daily Post to the general public to submit comments/views on the proposed
development by 16 November 2011. The comments will be submitted directly to the
Director, DEPC and this will be complied to form part of the consultation process.

2.3 Regulatory Regime

Section 3.1 of the EIA Report referred to the regulatory regime which the proposed
development will require approvals before the development can proceed. The following
national laws were listed in the EIA Report:

• Foreshore Development Act;

• Physical Planning Act;

• Water Resources Act;

• Environmental Management and Conservation Act;

• Fisheries Act

In this section, each of the legislation is described and the agency responsible for their
implementation and the implications of each legislation on the proposed development. .

Foreshore Development Act

The Foreshore Development Act No.31 of 1975 regulates all works carried out on the
foreshore. The Act is administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Any development

The increase in development on the foreshore of islands is propelled by the Vanuatu‟s

growing tourism industry. Until early 2003 there were no statutory requirements for
EIA‟s to be submitted prior to any Ministerial consent for development on the foreshore.
The Environmental Management and Conservations Act, subjects all such development
s to mandatory EIA‟s unless such activity is exempted under the Act. There are great
concerns that while the Environmental Management and Conservation Act is the
principal environment legislation, there are no coordination between the implementing
authorities to ensure that all necessary steps are cleared before any approval is granted
for coastal development. There are many weaknesses with the implementation of the
Foreshore Development Act and the act needs to be amended to take account of the
current development processes.

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Physical Planning Act

The Physical Planning Act provides urban development and planning control for
Vanuatu. Under the Act, a municipality or local government body may declare any area
under its jurisdiction to be a Physical Planning Area. The majority of the Port Vila Area
is administered by the Port Vila Municipal Council and this applies to the area being
proposed for reclamation. Any areas which have not been declared Physical Planning
Areas are not subject to planning and building controls. With the case of the proposed
development, the Foreshore Development must apply to ensure that the development
does not contribute to the pollution of the marine environment of Fatumaru Bay.

Water Resources Act

This Act provides for the protection, management and use of water resources in
Vanuatu.

Water is defined in the Act to include:

• any water flowing over to situated upon the surface of any land;
• water flowing over or contained in any river, stream, creek or other natural course for
water any lake, lagoon, bay swamp, marsh or spring whether or not it has been altered
or artificially improved;
• any groundwater;
• water at any time contained by works and any estuarine or coastal sea water. “Works”
is defined as any physical works related to the protection, management and use of
water and includes any storm water or wastewater works and their associated
construction activities

An examination of the above legislation indicates that this instrument provides some
legal authority for the management of urban governance in the area being proposed for
reclamation.

The Minister of Lands, Geology & Mines and Water Resources has the overall
responsibility for protecting and managing water use in Vanuatu.

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Environmental Conservation and Management Act

The stated objective of this Act is “to provide for the conservation, sustainable
development and management of the environment of Vanuatu and the regulation of
related activities.” In short, it builds on existing laws and is regarded as the main
legislation that will foster sustainable use of resources and due protection of the
environment of Vanuatu, “including its lands, air and waters.”

Part 3 (sections 11-28) of the Act provides necessary statutory linkages and inter
Government agency co-ordination for implementing EIAs. Subject to a few exceptions
this law states that EIA‟s are mandatory for all development activities, projects and
proposals that cause or are likely to cause significant environmental, social and or
custom impacts, especially those that are likely to:

• affect coastal dynamics or result in coastal erosion;

• result in pollution of water resources;
• affect any protected, rare, threatened or endangered species, its habitat or nesting
grounds;
• result in the contamination of land;
• endanger public health;
• affect important custom resources;
• affect protected or proposed protected areas;
• affect air quality;
• result in unsustainable use of renewable resources;
• result in introduction of foreign organisms and species; etc.
The Act is the principal legislation under which the project will be implemented to ensure
that the proposed reclamation is not conducted until all legal issues have been
satisfactorily been complied with.

The Director of the DEPC can approve an EIA report based on the recommendation of
the Review Committee.

Control of Nocturnal Noise Act

The act prohibits excessive noise between 9 pm and 5 am for the urban areas of Port
Vila and it does not include in other areas outside of the municipal boundary.

The use of machineries for the reclamation would have an impact on the people who
live around Fatumaru Bay. And due to the nature of the proposed development, the
operations will be carried out only between 7.30 am and 5.00 pm.

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Fisheries Act

The objective of the Act is “To provide for the control, development and matters
incidental thereto” It applies in respect of “Vanuatu waters” is defined to mean
“waters of the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, and internal
waters..”

This Act is administered by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Based
on the marine survey, it was found that there is little marine life in the proposed area to
be reclaimed. The proposed reclamation would therefore have no significant impact on
the marine resources of the area.

2.4 Environment Impact Analysis

2.4.1 Marine Survey

A further marine survey was conducted by Karl Fellenius of Vaughani Shores Vanuatu
between 11 and 14 November 2011.

The report provides photographic, qualitative, and some quantitative evidence in

support of the local assumption that Kawenu Cove in Fatumaru Bay is in an
unsatisfactory ecological condition. The assessment is primarily disturbing for overall
reef health in terms of blue-green algae. It raises several ecological concerns that are
summarised as follows:

1. Coral and non-coral invertebrates are largely absent. The scope of this survey does
not include a formal investigation into historical uses of the reef that may have
negatively impacted the variety and abundance of invertebrates harvested in the past
(e.g. giant clams).

2. All fish sizes are also largely absent from the reef. The „snapshot‟ nature of the fish
survey does not necessarily encompass enough information to conclusively state that
fishing pressure or loss of habitat has resulted in this situation. However, the ocean is in
a state of collapse in terms of fisheries and habitat loss all over the world. Much of this
can be summarised as management actions to conserve fish stocks and protect
sensitive habitat without absolute proof that they were under threat, were not taken in a
timely fashion. Through that process we are regrettably learning that precaution in the
face of scientific uncertainty is a valid approach.

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3. There is between 15% and 20% cyanobacteria, and 5% and 15% funnelweed algae
on the substrate. This is a significant amount. It can quickly deteriorate further if algae-
eaters are not allowed to re-populate the reef.

4. On average over half the bottom is covered in fine silty sediment 1-3mm thick. In
deeper places it is silty mud. The current amount is beyond the ability of most of the
marine life documented on this survey to survive. Recruitment of new coral is
unsuccessful because the substrate that newly spawned coral settles on is not clean.
Fertilised egg packs cannot attach to loose material and subsequently they die.

Based on the limited scope of the marine assessment in this study the author cannot
recommend for or against the proposed reclamation. A broader marine survey is
required beyond the area of reclamation that also includes investigating the seagrass
and mangrove habitats at the head of Fatumaru Bay. And when specific dredging plans
are proposed there needs to be a master plan for the bay that considers the positive
and negative effects of the increase in circulation. However, it is the view of this author
that allowing the status quo of limited circulation and gradual eutrophication of Fatumaru
Bay to continue is irresponsible. The excessive algae in the bay needs to be flushed
out, and point source impacts related to run-off from the old garbage dump and other
sources need to be addressed.
If the proposed reclamation is approved, with or without further study, then this report
makes 8 recommendations to mitigate operations, and 5 recommendations toward
continued conservation practice in the area:

1. The construction of the retaining wall should be complete before reclamation begins.

2. Marine life in the immediate vicinity of the works must be moved to outside the area
of disturbance, beyond the retaining wall on a daily basis. This includes coral colonies
and other marine invertebrates. Much can be moved by hand using labourers. The coral
bommies at site 4 will need the excavator bucket because of their size.

3. Because there is no breakwater along the retaining wall, daily works need to include
placement of large coral boulders for wall construction access. This will also serve to
provide the foundation for additional boulders to be placed along the retaining wall to act
as artificial reef.

4. Only carry out works under reasonably calm conditions where there is no swell and
insignificant wind and waves to mitigate the sediment plume.

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5. Employ a sediment curtain at all times during the works. The curtain should be
floated on top and weighted at the bottom. In shallow water sediment curtains can be
rolled up or shortened.

6. All work must be carried out between 3 hours before and 3 hours after low tide, and
the low tide should ideally be low-low. Ideal is during spring tides when the sun and
moon are in phase, producing often negative tides.

7. Several labourers must be on site to bucket out loose material left behind after the
works before the tide comes in. It will not remove everything, but it is cost effective and
mitigates marine life damage beyond the direct area of disturbance.

8. All materials from the reclamation must be sourced from land in the absence of an
approved dredging plan. If dredging is proposed:

(a). Dredging will aid in flushing of the deeper pools in Fatumaru Bay but may also
cause erosion and possibly unexpected changes in bay morphology over time.

(b). Risk is the cost of an outcome times the probability of that outcome occurring. The
dredging impacts associated with normal conditions and their effects on circulation are
likely to be minimal compared to the risk of damage during cyclones, storm surges, and
tsunamis. Much of that is because excessive water entering through the channel under
such conditions needs a way of exiting the bay instead of piling up at the head and
threatening sensitive environments and other developments.

9. There are seagrass and mangrove communities toward the head of Fatumaru Bay,
and some mangroves within the proposed area to be reclaimed. Every effort should be
made to retain all the mangroves in their current state. To compensate for any
unforeseen loss of mangrove health adjacent to the proposed reclamation, the
Government should strengthen the protection of the seagrass and mangroves at the
head of Fatumaru Bay.

10.Implement a program of marine life monitoring in Fatumaru Bay. This can partially be
integrated into specific remedial or monitoring actions recommended through the EIA
process.

11.Promote marine life awareness in the communities surrounding Fatumaru Bay.

Coordinate Crown-of-Thorns seastar removal and disposal on land. Establish the best
possible relationship and understanding among the developer, other residents, and
local people to help mitigate the effects of harvesting and reef walking over time.
Integrate marine life photos and highlights of the marine survey into a Fatumaru Bay
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marine life slideshow. The presentation would also be useful for government agencies
and it can support a wider audience as needed.

12, Use the relationships established in local communities and among government
agencies to encourage the custom owner not to allow wild aquarium traders to further
establish themselves in Fatumaru Bay, Port Vila Harbour, and Mele Bay. The return to
historical levels of herbivorous fishes is key to the success or failure of the reef to
mitigate the potential situation of excessive sediment leading to siltation and algal
overgrowth on the reef.

13. Encourage the establishment of a marine interpretive centre around Fatumaru Bay
for residents as well as visitors. Such services can contribute significantly to local
marine conservation efforts, while also adding value to existing tourism and recreation
amenities.

2.5 Socio-economic & Cultural Impacts

A public notice was published in the Daily Post on 11 November 2011, to inform the
general public and business community around Fatumaru Bay to submit any comments
they have by 16 November to the Director of the DEPC. The comments will provide the
review committee to make the final recommendation to the Director of the DEPC on the
status of the proposed reclamation.

2.6 Mitigation Measures, Monitoring & Management

Summary of potential impacts and recommended measures

Impact category Main Issues Main proposed

management measures
Construction of the
retaining wall: Marine-
based
Traffic Transport to and from site Erect notice boards to
will increase during the inform general public and
construction and visitors about times of
reclamation period heavy traffic movements

Respect the rights of

access of other property
owners along the same
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 coastline.
Noise, dust and fumes May increase during Restrict work to between 5
reclamation period am and 9 pm

Use only existing access

road.
Impacts on terrestrial No major impacts Report any cultural items
cultural values found during construction
Impacts of machineries Leakage of waste oil in the A packing area for
proposed reclaimed area machineries should be
located away from the
coastline.
Materials for reclamation of To be sourced from existing If more materials are
the foreshore quarry at Eratap where required, the sources
Enterprise Dinh Van Tu has should be from existing
an existing license and by quarry with Quarry Permits
materials to be excavated
from the Fatumaru Bay New quarry site must have
relevant approvals including
environment and quarry
permits

Impact category Main Issues Main proposed

management measures
Reclamation of the
Foreshore: Marine -based

Reclaim the foreshore with Destruction of marine Reclamation must be

approximately 65,000 tons environment during carried out only during low
of materials and construct a reclamation tide,
retaining wall for the
Potential spread of Use sediment curtain to
reclaimed area of
12,500m². sedimentation during stop the spread of
reclamation. sediments

Land reclamation Destruction of marine Sediment curtains around

environment reclaim construction area

Construction of retaining Turbidity and sedimentation Sediment curtains around

wall in adjacent areas construction area

Marine spills Potential for spills of oil and Site specific marine spill
other pollutants from prevention and response
machineries and the

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 restaurant plan.

Other users and uses Use of area by local Marine safety and security
residence within Fatumaru exclusion zone
Bay

Impact category Main Issues Main proposed

management measures
Removal of coastal
plants- Land based
Traffic Transport to and from the Liaise with the residents of
proposed development site Malapoa about timing for
will be increased during movement of large boulders
reclamation and materials for
reclamation through the
All vehicles used should Malapoa main road to the
comply with traffic laws proposed reclaimed site
Noise, Dust and fumes May increase during Restrict work to between 9
reclamation and pm and 5 am
construction of the retaining
wall Dust suppression water
truck on site
Hazardous materials Construction retaining wall Fuel storage facility to
may use hydraulic comply with relevant
machineries to compact fill standards.
in materials;
.
A fuel and material storage
facility for fueling on-site
vehicles and machinery.
Storm water drainage and The discharge of site storm Gross Pollutant Traps at
discharge water, including potential discharges.
contaminants, into
Fatumaru Bay. Long term marine pollution
monitoring program.
Clearing of site vegetation New landscaping Retain all existing
to enable movement of mangrove trees along the
machinery coastline of the bay to
prevent coastal erosion

Impact category Main issues Main proposed

management measures
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Dredging Marine- based
Impacts on hydrodynamics Not predicted to be Collect sufficient physical
and coastal processes significant data to develop
hydrodynamic model for
Fatumaru Bay
Marine spills Potential for oil spill from Develop proper spill
construction work at the prevention and response.
development site

Impacts on the marine Potential for damages Use sediment curtains to

environment and wildlife caused by sedimentation stop the spread of
sediments around the
Fatumaru Bay and Port Vila
Harbour
Other users and uses Use of area by local Marine safety and security
fishermen and residence for exclusive zone within
recreation and religious Fatumaru Bay and Port Vila
purposes. Harbour

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3. Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan (EMMP)

3.1 Management & oversight of the EMMP

Supervisor for construction phase

In order to manage and monitor implementation of the EMMP and to ensure compliance
of the project, including contractors, with relevant environmental legislation, including
permit and approval conditions, a Supervisor who has environmental expertise or an
Environmental Consultant should be appointed by THL to oversee the construction work

The Supervisor‟s duties should include providing overall supervision to all contractors
and workers involved in the construction phase, to ensure that they are fully aware of
their obligations under the EMMP and relevant legislation.

EMMP Officer or consultant for operational phase

Once the construction is complete, the THL should designate an appropriately qualified
person or hire a consultant, tasked with monitoring and reporting to management on
implementation of the EMMP and on compliance of the ongoing operation of proposed
development terminal with relevant environmental legislation, including permit and
approval conditions.

The EMMP Officer’s duties should include providing advise on the provisions of the
relevant laws to workers and contractors involved in the operation of the construction, to
ensure that they are in compliance with the provisions of the laws.

Ultimate responsibility for environmental issues

Ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance of the ongoing operation of the

development with the EMMP and relevant environmental legislation, including permit
and approval conditions, will rest with the General Manager of the company who will be
responsible for the construction.

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EMMP for Construction Phase: Land-based Activities

Coastal Reclamation: EMMP for Construction Phase: Land-based

Activities

Activity/Issue Environmental Responsibility

Management &
Monitoring Measures
Clearing of site vegetation • Retain scattered Contractors
mangroves :found on site Owner/Operator
Sourcing of reclaimed fill • Quarry Permits: Ensure Contractors
that quarries have Owner/Operator
necessary Permit before
purchasing fill from quarry
Noise,dust, fumes • Noise Management: Contractors
Restrict works to 5 am and Owner/operator
9 pm (Control of Noctural
Noise Act)

• Dust suppression: Provide

a dust-suppression water “
truck to lay-down dust on
site during dry and dusty
periods.

• Vehicle Fume Prevention: “

Ensure that all vehicles,
plant and machinery used
during construction are
properly serviced and avoid
excessive exhaust fumes.

Traffic • Traffic compliance: Contractor

Ensure that all road traffic Owner/Operator
that services the
construction phase
complies with all relevant
Vanuatu road and traffic
laws and operated by
licensed drivers.

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 • Oversize Traffic: “
Contractor to liaise with the
Vanuatu Police Traffic
Section and the Port Vila
Municipal Council prior to
transportation of any
particularly large or unusual
items by road.
Impacts on soil quality • Vehicle oiling and fueling: Contractor
Develop and implement a Owner/Operator
proper arrangements for
the servicing, oiling and
refueling of vehicles and
machinery used during the
construction phase
• Oil handling: Develop and
implement proper “
arrangements for safe
storage, handling and
containment of oils and fuel
used during the
construction phase

• Waste Oil Management:

Develop and implement “
proper arrangements for
the handling and
management of all waste oil
and any oily waste
generated during the
construction.

• Land Spill Prevention &

Response Plan: Develop “
and implement proper
arrangements for the
prevention, containment
and clean-up of any spills of
these materials during
construction
Impacts on freshwater • Construction Drainage: Contractors
quality, including ground Develop and implement on- Owner/operator
water site drainage and siltation
controls for the construction

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 phase, including gross-
pollutant, sediment and oil
traps

EMMP for Construction Phase: Marine Activities

Land reclamation • Silt Curtains: Deploy Contractor

marine silt curtains around Owner/operator
the work site during
reclamation and
construction activities
(curtains do not need to
drop full depth to sea-bed in
deeper areas – just 1st 3
meters to stop surface
plumes spreading)

• Deploy silt curtains at “

reclaim area during
construction activities

• Environmental Offset: “
Possible declaration of tabu
over Fatumaru Bay to
compensate from
destruction of corals

Dredging • Detailed Hydrographic “

Survey: Prior to dredging
commencing, conduct
detailed hydrographic
survey in the proposed
dredging area

• Silt Curtains: Deploy Dredging

marine silt curtains around Contactor
the work site during all
dredging activities (curtains
do not need
to drop full depth to sea-
bed in deeper areas – just
1st 3 metres to stop surface
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 plumes spreading)

• Turbidity Monitoring: DGMWR

Department of Geology, Dredging
Mines and Water contactor
Resources (DGMWR) to be
engaged to monitor
daily marine turbidity levels
over sensitive coral areas
adjacent to the site,
throughout the dredging
period. If turbidity
levels exceed pre-set
trigger levels, management
action to be taken.
Observations to be made
over daily tidal cycle.

Marine spills • : Marine Spill Prevention owner/operator.

& Response Plan: Prior to Contractors.
construction commencing,
develop and implement
proper
arrangements for the
prevention, containment
and clean-up of any spills of
pollutants into the marine
environment from
construction activities.

Impacts on • : Marine Exclusion Zone: Vanuatu Government

other marine users and For safety reasons, declare (Department of Fisheries &
uses and enforce a marine Department of Ports and
exclusion zone around the Harbour
construction
site, to prevent potential
conflict between contractors
and marine users and for
safety and security.

Stormwater • Marine Pollution Contractor

drainage and discharge: Monitoring Plan owner/operator.
implemented

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EMMP for Operational Phase: Marine Activities

Issue Environmental Responsibility

management and
monitoring measures
Impacts on marine • Marine Biological Department of
biodiversity Monitoring: Undertake Fisheries to undertake.
ongoing, long-term
monitoring of the potential
impacts of the
terminal on the marine
environment, by re-
surveying the baseline
survey sites at least
annually into the future
(building on the Marine
Biodiversity Baseline
Survey undertaken as part
of this Supplementary EIA).

Impacts on marine • Marine Pollution DGMWR to

water quality Monitoring undertake

Impacts on • Hydrodynamic Model: Government of Vanuatu

hydrodynamics and coastal Implement a (GoV) with donor
processes comprehensive program to support.
collect oceanographic data

• Oil Spill Contingency

Plans: Develop and
maintain oil spill
contingency plans both for
Port Vila
Marine spill • Maritime Legislation: GoV with donor support
prevention and response Undertake a thorough
review and update of the
national legislation that
implements maritime laws
Impacts on other • Marine Exclusion Zone: GoV
marine users and uses: Declare and enforce a Contractor
marine exclusion zone Owner/operator
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 around the proposed
reclaimed, to prevent
potential conflict between
workers and the users and
uses of Fatumaru

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4. SUMMARY CONCLUSION

The Supplementary EIA was undertaken from 9 to 14 November 2011, including the
marine survey following international the recommendations of the review committee.
The Supplementary EIA finds that the environment at and around Kawenu Cove and
Fatumaru Bay generally is important and valuable, including special cultural significance
for the Ifira people,significant coral communities immediately adjacent to the site on
Malapoa Reef, and important socio-economic values such as subsistence fishing by
local communities and marine-based tourism.

The Supplementary EIA finds that the proposed project has the potential to impact on
these resources and values, and that care needs to be taken in the design,
construction and operation of the proposed reclamation, so as to avoid/minimize such
impacts.

In accordance with EIA standards, the Supplementary EIA assesses the likely
impacts of the proposed development according to the following categories:

• Construction Phase: Land-based Activities

• Construction Phase: Marine Activities
• Operational Phase: Land-based Activities
• Operational Phase: Marine Activities

The table above summarizes the main findings of the Supplementary EIA in relation to
each of these impact categories. Some of the main impacts include, but are not limited
to:

• clearing of all site vegetation,

• the potential for spills of oil and other pollutants from vehicles and machineries; and
• the discharge of site wash-down effluent and stormwater, including potential
contaminants, into the Fatumaru Bay

To address the potential for such impacts, the Supplementary EIA includes a proposed
Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for both the construction and
operational phases.

The Supplementary EIA also finds that the proposed development will improve
environmental protection compared to the existing facility in a number of important
ways,including but are not limited to:

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• improved management of solid and liquid wastes,

• improved storage materials,
• significantly improvedwater flashing in Fatumaru Bay;,
• the revetment of reclaim faces to prevent erosion and turbidity plumes,
° improved drainage and stormwater management; and
• major improvements to site safety and security, reducing the chances of accidents
resulting in pollution and environmental damage.

Overall the Supplementary EIA concludes that so long as the recommended EMMP is
properly implemented, the proposed development should not pose an
unacceptable risk of causing adverse impacts on the physical, biological, socio-
economic and cultural environment, natural resources and values of Fatumaru Bay.

The Supplementary EIA concludes there is no environmental reason that the project
should not be approved for construction, on the condition that the recommended EMMP
is fully and properly implemented.

Should the proposed works change in terms of location, layout, scope and/or scale from
what has been assessed in this Supplementary EIA, including any changes to the
proposed reclamation activities as outlined in this report, then such changes should be
subject to additional EIA prior to approval.

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5. REFERENCES

Anon., 2007. Pacific Country Report, Sea Level & Climate: Their Present State, Vanuatu,
December 2007. Report to Australian Agency for International Development.

Ash,R.P et al.1978. Geology of Efate and Offshore Islands, New Hebrides Geological Survey
Regional Report

Carter, R., 1983. Baseline Studies of Port Vila and Erakor Lagoons, Vanuatu. Cruise Report
No. 82 of PE/VA.6/T-1 to 4. Prepared for Committee for Co-ordination of Joint Prospecting
for Mineral Resources in South Pacific Offshore Areas (CCOP/SOPAC) Work Programme
CCSP-1/VA.6. Joint contribution by 1) South Pacific Regional Environment Programme
(SPREP), South Pacific Commission; 2) UNDP project RAS/81/102 Investigation of Mineral
Potential of the South Pacific.

EcoStrategic Consultants, 2010. Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for

Star Terminal Development, Port Vila, Vanuatu, April 2010 - Volume 1: Main Report. Report to
the Government of Vanuatu and Ifira Trustees Ltd, through Soros Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd.
Funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). EcoStrategic
Consultants, Cairns.

Government of the Republic of Vanuatu.2006. Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster

Management for a Safe, Secure and Resilient Vanuatu, Port Vila, Vanuatu

GoV. 1986. Physical Planning Act No.12 of 1986, Port Vila, Vanuatu

GoV. 2002. Environmental Management and Conservation Act No.12 of 2002, Port Vila,
Vanuatu

GoV 2007. Weather Information 1971-2000 (Unpublished), Department of Meteorology

Hay, J.E., 2008. Climate Risk Profile for Vanuatu. John E. Hay & Associates Ltd, New
Zealand.

SOPAC (South Pacific Applied Geosciences Commission), 2003. Catastrophe Insurance Pilot
Project, Port Vila, Vanuatu : Developing Risk-management Options for Disasters in the
Pacific Region : Project Summary. SOPAC, Suva.

Vanuatu (Government of). Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management National Action
Plan (2006-2016).

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6. ANNEXES

Annex 1

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Annex 2

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Annex 3

ANNEX 3

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