CH 7

EIA Omnicane Ltd Mixed use morcellement at Cote D'or
46

Chapter 7: Predicted Environmental Impact & Mitigating
Measures

The Environmental Impact Assessment measures and analyses any permanent or temporary
environmental impacts which may be created as a result of a proposed development. Section
14 of the Environment Protection Act requires the EIA report to discuss the following:
1. The direct or indirect effects that the undertaking is likely to have on the
environment
2. The social, economic and cultural effect that the undertaking is likely to have on
people and society
This chapter will therefore aim at assessing the different impacts caused during the
construction stage, the implementation and operation of the proposed residential project.
Adverse impacts are hence identified and mitigating measures are listed for implementation.

7.1 Environmental Impacts of the proposed development
7.1.1 Potential impacts
The proposed undertaking may have direct or indirect impacts on the physical environment
namely on soil, hydrology, geology, flora, fauna, air quality, water quality, noise and
landscape. Socio-economic impacts of the proposed undertaking should also be considered in
terms of demography, the local community, transport and traffic, housing and employment.
The different environmental impacts may be categorised as relating to the following:
Air pollution
Noise pollution
Flora & Fauna
Sewage treatment and disposal
Storm water management
Solid waste collection and disposal
Production of effluents produced on site
Machinery used will generate hydrocarbons as by-products.
Socio economic impacts
Traffic and transportation implications
EIA Omnicane Ltd Residential morcellement at Cote D'or

47
Table 7.1.2.1: Environmental Impacts caused by proposed development

Table 7.1.2.1 shows the scoping matrix i.e. a Table indicating the main environmental
impacts and attempting to quantify their respective effects. The environmental impacts have
been grouped as affecting the physical environment and the human environment during the
site clearing, the construction and operation stages. The construction stage involves the
infrastructural works associated with the proposed development. The operation stage
concerns the day-to-day running of activities within the project once the construction stage is
completed. Based on the scoping matrix, the environmental risk may be evaluated using a
simple linear equation:
Risk = Probability of occurrence x Environmental impact quantification

Based on the above equation, the project promoter, consultants and contractor will take the
necessary precautions and enforce the necessary mitigating measures to minimise the adverse
effects on the surrounding environment. The assessment performed in Table 5.1.2.1 has been
subdivided into the physical and human impacts onto two phases, i.e. the construction phase
and the operation stage. It is therefore essential that mitigating measures be applied in order
Quantification of most likely environmental impacts
caused by the proposed undertaking:
I Impact of minimal significance
II Impact of standard significance
III Impact of large significance
Construction
Phase
Operation
Phase

Environmental
Impact
Physical

Air quality
II I
Noise
II I
Solid waste
disposal
II II
Flora
I I
Fauna
I I
Effluents
II I
Geology
II II
Visual & aesthetic
III II
Excavation
II I
Hydrocarbon by-products
III I
Ground Water
I I
Surface Water
II I
Chemical wastes
I I
Human

Traffic
II II
Machinery
II I
Economic
III III
Job Creation
II II
Housing
II II

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to avoid nuisance and undesirable effects to local inhabitants. The landscape (visual and
aesthetic aspect of the site) is also going to be altered enormously during that construction
phase. In addition, Table 5.1.2.1 indicates the positive impacts the proposed construction of
the new morcellement would bring in terms of job creation and increase in economic
activities in the project surroundings.

Other positive environmental/socioeconomic impacts of the project are listed below:
Increase in housing standard/capacity for the local inhabitants in line with the
Governments policy to provide un toit pour chaque famille.
Creation of jobs during the construction and operation phase of the morcellement
Sustaining and triggering state-of-the-art amenities
Pushing forward a more sustainable pattern of development
Major improvement to traffic management, public transport and the environment

7.1.2 Air Quality
7.1.2.1 Source of impact
The air quality will be most affected during the construction phase with the emission of dust
particles from machinery like excavators, electric grinders and equipment. For the
construction phase, air quality will be mostly affected from heavy plant, logistic of workers
and equipment. The impact receptors are likely to include site workers. The substance, which
will most significantly contribute to air pollution, will be particulate matter (PM
10
).
Particulate matter (PM
10
) may cause health hazards when inhaled in significant amounts and
can also reduce the visibility. Most of those dust particles will come from basaltic dust
particles.

The Government authorities of Mauritius have published the maximum tolerable emission of
particulate matter for industrial plant as 200 mg/m
3
- a value unlikely to be reached or
exceeded during construction phase. Although the site is of large scale, the level of pollution
is very unlikely to be above the normal tolerable level and hence does not require far-
reaching mitigating measures to be applied.
Emission standards for other chemical pollutants (including fluorides, chlorides etc) have also
been published by the Department of Environment. However chemical pollutants principally
hydrocarbon by-products from the site will only be the result of normal vehicle operation

49
(CO
x
and NO
x
) and will hence not be considered during the course of this study since no
mitigating measures are required. It should also be noted that the above-mentioned impacts
would vary depending on:
Number of vehicles operating at a particular time
Wind regime, temperature and rainfall
Atmospheric pressure
Duration of earthworks
The general guidelines for air quality standards for Mauritius and as recommended by the
World Health Organisation (WHO) are listed in Table 5.1.2.1:

POLLUTANT MAURITIUS WHO Averaging Time
PM10 150 g/m3 50 g/m3 70 g/m3 1-h 24-h Annual
SO2 1 000 g/m3 200 g/m3 50 g/m3 350 g/m3 125 g/m3 50 g/m3 1-h 3-h 24-h Annual
NO2 200 g/m3 400 g/m3 150 g/m3 1-h 24-h
CO 40 000 g/m3 30 000 g/m3 1-h
Table 7.1.2.1: Air quality standards

From the above standards and based on the duration and the location of works on site, it is
unlikely that the above threshold value will be exceeded. Bag filters will be used to reduce
PM
10
concentrations while sulphur dioxide emissions may be reduced using diesel with low
sulphur content.

7.1.2.2 Mitigating Measures
In order to minimise the effects of particulate emissions during the site clearing and the
construction phase, the selected contractor will be required to:
Spray both the earthworks with water depending upon the atmospheric conditions and
the number of workers present on site.
Ensure the protection and well being of his employees by minimising their
vulnerabilities to falling objects or dust generated by the machinery on-site. The
contractor shall use an appropriate shift system and take care that his workers wear
necessary protection like masks, safety glasses, and ensure that the necessary and
standard precautions are rigorously followed to prevent loss of human life.
Make sure that a mechanical team is present during site works to control PM
10

emissions generated by the machinery.

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Reduce dust particles that might be carried away by the wind - a shelter will be used
to stock the resources.
Properly stack dust mounts, concrete rubbles and wooden wastes.
Maintain access to site and internal roads in good condition to minimise dust
propagation.
Adequate buffer zones will be allowed between the site and existing built up areas.
Some pollution may however be unavoidable during the construction phase.

7.1.3 Assessment of Flora and fauna
The proposed site for development is predominantly under sugarcane cultivation and partially
under shrubs and bushes. No trees or plants of ecological interest have been identified on site.

7.1.4 Noise Pollution and vibrations
Some noise pollution will be unavoidable, especially during the construction phase. The noise
involved during the construction phase will be the result of operation of excavators, lorries
and heavy machinery like electric grinders. Noise is measured in decibels and is considered
to be a nuisance when the following conditions are all met:
1) The combined expected maximum noise level exceeds 68dB (A), L10 (18 hour).
2) The relevant noise is at least 1.0dB above the prevailing noise level
3) The contribution to the increase in noise level of the new or altered development is at
least 1.0dB (A).
A relates to weighting according to an average person
L10 relates to noise level exceeded 10% of the time.

During the construction of the infrastructural services, significant vibrations may take place.
The noise involved during the construction phase will be the result of building of roads,
walls, drains and water reticulation network. The effects of such vibrations will be minimised
by ensuring infrastructural works take place in daytime during weekdays.


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7.1.4.2 Mitigating Measures
It is expected that both the construction and the infrastructural works for the project
will take place during daytime and weekdays, hence causing minimum disruption.
Works on public holidays, weekends and during overtime will be minimised to ensure
noise is kept low.
The construction engineers should make sure to use machinery equipped with latest
noise-reduction technology.
Presence of vegetation and green spaces surrounding the proposed site is likely to
reduce the noise experienced.
Buffer zones between the site and existing built up areas will be provided to reduce
noise propagation.

7.1.5 Effects of altering the landscape and visual impact
All efforts have been made to create and design a new morcellement following guidelines and
recommendations provided by the Planning Guidelines published by the Ministry of
Housing and Lands and the National Development Strategy. The landscape on the proposed
site under consideration can be described as being flat or gently undulating to sloping and
undulating with a hummocky terrain feature. As a matter of facts, a sustainable pattern of
development at Cote D'or would incur the blending of landscaping and architecture to
achieve a consistent, unified and exclusive project character.

Appropriate designs will be used to ensure the above is feasible. Adequate projected open
spaces will also promote enormously each and every visitors experience. Good design
around landforms and planting pockets shall offer elements of texture, shadows, fragrances
and colour where the purists shall take pleasure socializing. It should also be noted that the
visual appearance of the site may be unpleasant during the construction stage due to
stockpiling of blocks, aggregates, pipes and other building materials. However such a
situation will only be temporary and no mitigating circumstances need to be established.

The visual impact is generally classified as an obstruction or an intrusion. An obstruction
may be defined as some feature which obscures the view and is categorized as high, moderate
or slight. An intrusion is essentially subjective and is the impact on the visual impression of

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the area. A preliminary assessment of the visual impact of the proposed development has
been performed using the following techniques:

1) Calculation of the solid angle subtended by the future dwellings from various view
points
2) Assessment of the visual envelope i.e. a plot of the area from which the project site
may be seen

7.1.5.2 Mitigating measures
To minimise the landscape and visual impact, the following mitigating measures will be
considered:
The morcellement has been designed with an integrated approach in such a way that
planning guidelines shall be imposed in title deeds of the plot owners.
Developments within the morcellement will be done in accordance with a strict
cahier de charges for the gated community.

7.1.6 Surface runoff
7.1.6.1 Source of Impact
In a study conducted by the Water Resource Unit (WRU) in 1997, it was shown that the
whole island receives an annual rainfall of 2100mm which constitutes approximately
3900Mm
3
of rain water annually. It was found that 30% of the water is lost due to evapo-
transpiration, 60% is converted to surface run off and the net groundwater recharge is equal
to 10%. The implementation of the proposed development is likely to alter the surface run off
of the site at several exposed areas of the site after rainfall. Surface runoff is generally caused
by the erosion of soil in areas where the soil has been sloppily piled. In the proposed
development, surface runoff will also depend on the month within which the construction will
take place. The intensity of the run off will depend on the extent of site clearing, role played
by vegetation prior to clearing and month during which works are effected. In Les Sols de
Maurice by Willaime (1983), it was shown that the most prominent factor of erosion is no
doubt rainfall, provided it is considered in both angles quantitative (global volume) as well
as qualitative (intensity). However land erosion does not depend solely on the abundance or
aggressiveness of rainfall; they are also dependant on ground relief, soil permeability,
vegetation and land use.

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Based on the contour lines, percolation tests carried out and data gathered on the rainfall
intensity at Highlands from the meteorological station, an assessment of the increase in
surface run off can be predicted using Fourniers equation:

P
p
C
2
=
where C is the erosive capacity
p is the rainfall in the month receiving the highest rainfall
P is the height of the annual rainfall

This indicator has been calculated for Saint Antoine, Medine, Vacoas and Union Park. Values
obtained vary between 35 and 80 indicating less erosive climates at Saint Antoine and
Medine. It is also generally assumed that 30% of the site surface will produce run off. The
amount of run off may then be estimated by linear interpolation using Table 5.1.7.1.1

Rainfall (mm/d)
Run off volume ( d m /
3
)
5.0 12
10.0 24
25.0 50
Table 7.1.7.1.1: Amount of run-off volume

Reducing the effects of surface run off can be performed using one of or a combination of the
following techniques:
Increasing infiltration of water into soil
Controlling excessive storm run off
Controlling soil erosion
Using the run off for useful purposes
To cater for the water being driven away by surface runoff, the following measures will
hence be taken into consideration:
A storm water drainage network will be required to account for this change in
absorption capacity of the site. An adequate storm water drainage network will be
designed in accordance with the regulations currently in force.

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Planned creation of green spaces with gardens, trees and vegetations that will be
present in the new morcellement project will help in minimizing soil erosion. The
landscape architects will ensure that the designs of gardens not only improve the
aesthetic aspect of the terrain but also help in decreasing major surface runoffs.
Excavations carried out during the construction phase should be done sequentially in
such a way that the minimum possible strips of land are left exposed simultaneously.

7.1.7 Solid waste
Solid waste is likely to be generated in significant amount during the construction phase of
the development. Appropriate measures therefore need to be taken to cater for the adequate
disposal of such solid wastes. Improper solid waste disposal may also lead to skin diseases.
Moreover solid waste will attract vermins, rats and deteriorate the general aspect of the site
and its surroundings. Organic wastes will comprise mainly of domestic refuse like food and
garden debris like fallen leaves, broken branches and lawn mowing. During the construction
phase, the inorganic waste likely to be generated will include:
Concrete rubbles and blocks
Cement sheets
Wooden and metallic beams
Paper, plastic, cartons
Blocks, rocks, boulders
Broken tiles, glass debris
Metal debris, cans and tins
Wood, straw and timber remains

Organic waste generated during the construction stage will be minimal and shall include
leaves, branches, food consumed by workers on site.

Mitigating measures adopted to account for the generation of solid waste during the
construction stage include the following:
Wastes shall neither be disposed in any water course or bareland nor be burnt on site

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Inorganic waste, which can be re-processed, will be catered away in properly
equipped vehicles to the nearest transfer stations for an eventual transfer to a landfill
site
After the construction, the morcellement will operate as follows:

The houses: carton boxes, food waste, paper, cans, plastic etc
Administration offices: carton boxes, used computer parts, stationery etc
Gardens and landscaped areas: grass, vegetal clippings, leaves, branches

Strict guidelines will be put in place in order to manage the solid waste production during the
operational phase of the development. The main goals of the guidelines will be to ensure
adopting recycling techniques and encouraging sorting of solid waste at source into organic
and inorganic wastes. Due to the high volume of solid waste generated, recycling and
composting techniques will be encouraged to reduce amount of solid waste which will be
carted away. As such the following mitigating measures are proposed:

Sorting at source will be encouraged to separate organic and inorganic solid wastes.
Materials such as plastic and glass may be sent to factories for recycling purposes
Hazardous materials (if any) will also be collected, stored and transferred to a
neighbouring landfill.
Bins will be placed at various locations in the morcellement to collect paper, plastic,
cans etc

Using the above techniques, the promoter expects to keep risks of contamination low and
volume of solid waste to a minimum. The compost from the on site facility may be used for
the landscaped areas and reduce the amount of fertilizers used.

7.1.8 Effluents
During the construction phase, the main source of effluent will occur when staff and workers
will be present on site. The amount of sewage generated will obviously depend on the
number of staff present on site. However it is expected that the rate of generation will be at a
maximum of 10 m
3
/day. In order to account for the above, the selected contractor will be
required to provide an adequate mobile toilet facility for the duration of works on the

56
proposed site for development. Moreover food leftovers if allowed to decay will also produce
leachate while sludge will need to be removed on a regular basis from the septic tank during
the operational phase. The above effluents cannot be disposed of in the environment since
their bacterial concentrations exceed the threshold set by the authorities. The Wastewater
management authority has published standards regarding various concentrations for
substances to be discharged.

Parameter Standards
COD
120
Total KJELDAHL Nitrogen (TKN)
25
NH4 Nitrogen
1
Nitrate
10
Total Phosphate
10
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
45
PH
5 9
Table 7.1.9.1.1: Discharge standards

The untreated discharge of domestic wastewater from the individual houses will be above the
standards set by the authorities in Mauritius (Table 5.1.9.1.1). These effluents may therefore
have adverse impacts on the ecology and the surrounding environments if not treated. Hence
adequate measures must be taken to ensure the safe collection and treatment of domestic
effluents from the individual houses and other facilities within the morcellement. The
primary objectives of an effective waste water system should ensure that:
No contamination of the drinking water supply occurs by waste water
No public health hazard occurs
No pollution of ground and surroundings occur
In order to cater for the treatment of waste water of the new morcellement, each house shall
be connected to the sewage network under the recommendations of the Wastewater
Management Authority.

The mitigating measures proposed for the collection and treatment of waste water are:
The sewage system will not be connected to the surface run off system
Sewage shall be directed towards the Saint Martin treatment plant where treatment
shall be carried out by screening, disintegration of solids and removal of grits before
being discharged out at sea.

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7.1.9 Hydrocarbon wastes
Diesel will be used to power most of the plants during the construction phase. Hydrocarbon
wastes might occur through spillage from mechanical breakdown and servicing of vehicles,
equipment and machinery. During heavy rainfall, surface runoffs will occur and might carry
away the hydrocarbon wastes through the existing water storm drainage system. Spillage
might also occur from work with pitch or tarmac. As part of the selection criteria, the
contractor should have the contractual obligation to ensure the following:
All equipment used by the contractor during infrastructural works should be properly
serviced and possess necessary ISO standards where applicable
The contractor should provide hydrocarbon collection facilities on site. It is only at
such designated locations that servicing of equipment can take place. Properly trained
personnel will carry out the servicing of equipment.

Good maintenance of vehicles, equipment and machinery: Vehicles, equipment
and machinery shall be maintained properly to prevent leakage of hydrocarbons and
other automotive fluids. All maintenance shall occur in designated areas located away
from waterways.
Accessibility to spill prevention and response equipment: Spill prevention and
response equipment including drip pans, drop cloths, and absorbent materials shall be
kept at all designated maintenance and fueling areas. Steel sheet-piling will also be
used as an effective secondary containment for any potential surface spill.
Trace fueling areas as a means of mitigating the risk of water contamination:
Waste generated during project activities shall be stored in designated waste
collection tanks away from waterways. Steel sheet-piling used, in the vicinity of the
project area, will extend above the ground surface to prevent the possibility of any
spilled hydrocarbons from reaching surface water adjacent to the site.
Notify the guilty parties: The guilty parties shall be notified immediately in the
event of an unintentional spill to ensure clean up and disposal of the spilled material.
This will also act as a measure to protect hydrocarbon wastes from being spilled.

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Necessary response teams: Provision should be made for the necessary response
teams and equipment to be available so that they can give an adequate response to
emergencies such as a spill of hydrocarbons resulting from work with pitch or tarmac.

7.1.10 Increased Demand on Public Utilities
The construction of the morcellement project will automatically require connection to the
national water, electricity and telecommunication networks. In addition the project will
generate additional traffic. Each of the main additional requirements from the utilities is listed
hereunder.

7.1.11 Potable Water
The potable water demand for the residential development has been estimated to be
approximately 1348m
3
/day (refer to Section 4.3).
In no case will the potable water from the Central Water Authority (CWA) be used for
irrigation purposes. The National Development Strategy (NDS) recommends the need for
judicious use of water resources on the island while the National Physical Development
Policy sets out clearly defined guidelines for efficient use of water resources:
Policy No U.1: Reduction of losses in water supply systems
Policy No U.3: Water Source Development
Policy No U.5: Augmentation of Service Reservoir Storage Capacity
Policy No U.6: Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Water Distribution Networks

The proposed mitigating measures to reduce pressure on water resources in the Cote D'or
region include the following:
In no circumstances make use of potable water for irrigation purposes
Ensure no leakage occurs in the potable water distribution network within the
morcellement
Encourage residents within the morcellement not to waste water.


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7.1.12 Electricity
The electrical power demand for the proposed development has been estimated to be about
6,000 kVA. The Central Electricity Board (CEB) has been informed of the power needs and
necessary contributions will be paid by the promoter. All works will be done in accordance
with the requirements of the CEB.


Encourage local residents to minimise electrical power waste
Setting up of an underground electrical network to minimise risks of electrical power
losses and cuts during tropical storms.
Minimize effects of magnetic fields within the internal electrical network of the
morcellement to reduce electrical power losses.


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7.2 Impacts on the Human Environment
The assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed development in relation to the
human environment will be assessed in terms of employment jobs created or lost, housing
the necessity for new accommodation, population changes in demography.

7.2.1 Assessment of Employment
The proposed undertaking will in the first instance create jobs within the construction
industry. The construction of the internal roads, stormwater drainage networks, water
reticulation network etc over the entire realisation of the project will have the following
positive impacts in terms of employment:
1) Direct and indirect creation of employment
2) Creation of demand for building materials
3) Local industry and its labour force
4) Suppliers and manufacturers of raw materials such as rocks, concrete, pipe-works etc
More specifically, during the construction phase, the project will have the following positive
impacts:
Job creation for consultants i.e. engineers, surveyors, architects, draughtsmen etc
Provide work for a period of approximately 18 months to semi skilled labour i.e.
masons, carpenters, builders, electricians, plumbers etc
Increase construction industry related products i.e. wood, cement, bricks etc.

During the operation phase of the project, the project will have the following positive
impacts:
Creation of new jobs which will directly benefit the local community
Creation of further employment in the following sectors: Office spaces, commercial
units, supermarkets, etc

Such activities in the region will create dynamism within several industries and will boost up
the level of income at a local and regional level while enhancing job opportunities through
the multiplier mechanism. Hence the proposed development has the potential to contribute to
improving the standard of living in the region.

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