The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) Concept Environmental and Social Review Summary Concept Stage (ESRS Concept Stage) Public Disclosure Date Prepared/Updated: 06/07/2021 | Report No: ESRSC02088 Jun 07, 2021 Page 1 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data Country Region Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Samoa EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC P176272 Project Name Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project Practice Area (Lead) Financing Instrument Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Transport Investment Project 11/12/2021 5/31/2022 Financing Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Government of Samoa Land Transport Authority, Samoa Airport Authority Proposed Development Objective Improve the climate resilience and safety of Samoa’s transport sector Public Disclosure Financing (in USD Million) Amount Total Project Cost 66.00 B. Is the project being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project [including overview of Country, Sectoral & Institutional Contexts and Relationship to CPF] The aviation and road subsectors both play a critical role in Samoa’s economic development through supporting trade and promoting commercial activity through facilitating the movement of goods and services. SARIP aligns with strategic areas outlined in the Government of Samoa’s Samoa 2040 Strategy and the World Bank’s Regional Partnership Framework (RPF) for nine PICs (PIC9) for FY2017-22; addressing critical aviation and road infrastructure is essential to strengthening economic resilience as this will reduce costs associated with transport, and the proposed investments will also strengthen Samoa’s resilience to climate change effects and natural hazards; and improve safety and sustainability in the aviation and road subsectors. Jun 07, 2021 Page 2 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) The proposed Samoa Aviation and Road Investment Project (SARIP) will support investments in the aviation and road subsectors on the main island of Upolu. The project will involve four components: Component 1: Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Aviation Subsector. This Component will support investments to improve climate resilience, safety and sustainability of the aviation subsector. This will include: i) technical assistance for climate resilience and safety investments at Faleolo International Airport including a site-level drainage master plan (including hydrological and hydraulics assessments, integrated flood resilience and stormwater drainage strategies), prioritization of potential resilience measures (rehabilitation / upgrade of the existing seawall and improvement of airfield drainage), design of a boundary fence, and feasibility study for the extension of the runway; ii) design of climate resilient physical investments including (among other agreed measures based on the drainage master plan) the rehabilitation and upgrade of the existing seawall (supplemented by mangrove planting and other nature-based solutions where feasible) and airfield drainage improvements; and new navigation systems and construction of a boundary fence to improve operational safety; and iii) a regional airport maintenance program to maintain critical mechanical and electrical assets. Component 2: Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Road Subsector. This Component will involve design and construction to improve resilience to climate-related hazards and/or events, and to improve safety of the road network. This work would build on and/or complement work being conducted under the Samoa Climate Resilient Transport Project (SCRTP), also financed by the World Bank. The following activities have been proposed; however, based on the available financing only one option can be financed with the current Project budget: i) East Coast Road (ECR) Rehabilitation – slope stabilization and drainage improvements along targeted sections of Public Disclosure the ECR are included under SCTRP – the procurement process for the investigation, design and supervision of the slope stabilization and drainage works is currently underway, and the design is not due for completion until early 2022. SARIP would finance the detailed design and construction of localized drainage upgrades (not included in SCRTP) to allow rapid drainage of storm surge and terrestrial runoff from the roadway to the sea and rehabilitation of the road to improve climate resilience including resurfacing and minor vertical realignment. In addition, road safety aspects and universal accessibility will be taken into consideration in the design; or Component 2.2. Rehabilitation of Alafa’avala Road (dependent upon available funds). Alafa’alava Road runs approximately east-west for 20 kilometers from the junction with Papaseea road near the Tuanaimato Sports Complex in South West Apia to the western cross-island road. The existing road has a 2-lane, bitumen surface with a varying but nominal width of 6 meters. Alafa’alava Road was identified as a strategic alternative inland route within the VA/CRRS. The road joins the Faleolo International Airport to Apia via an inland and upland route and could keep access to the airport open in circumstances where the West Coast Road is closed or to relieve congestion along the primary coastal route. The road was resealed in 2018. Under SCRTP, a f easibility study is being undertaken for the Alafa’alava Road. The scope of the feasibility study is to establish the financial, technical and economic feasibility of developing an alternative inland route for all road traffic between Vaitele Industrial area and Faleolo airport, including consideration of potential environmental and social impacts and to provide preliminary designs and cost estimates for the preferred option. Based on the outcome of the feasibility study, this sub-component could finance the detailed design of the preferred option and rehabilitation of priority sections to improve climate resilience as identified by the preliminary design financed under SCRTP. Road safety aspects and universal accessibility will be taken into consideration should the design be financed under SARIP. Jun 07, 2021 Page 3 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) Component 3: Project Management. This Component will provide support to strengthen management capacity and for project implementation. Support for the continued operation of the Central Technical Services and Support Unit housed within the Ministry of Finance is being considered. Component 4: CERC. This component is designed to provide swift response in an event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, by enabling Samoa to request the World Bank to re-allocate project funds to support emergency response and reconstruction D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1. Detailed project location(s) and salient physical characteristics relevant to the E&S assessment [geographic, environmental, social] The Independent State of Samoa (Samoa) is a small and remote Pacific Island Country (PIC) with a population of approximately 204,000 people. Samoa, with a total land area of approximately 2,821 square kilometers consists of the two large volcanic islands of Upolu, (in which about 75 percent of the population lives) and Savai’i, as well as eight smaller islands. Samoa is highly vulnerable to disaster and climate-related events, particularly extreme weather events and has been heavily impacted by natural disasters, particularly tropical storms and cyclones, including Tropical Cyclone (TC) Ofa (1990), TC Val (1991), TC Evan (2012), TC Gita (2018) and TC Zazu (2020). The Pacific- Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning Program (PACCSAP) has reported that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events, such as heavy rainfall, cyclones and storm surges is increasing; a trend projected to continue throughout the region. Such events cause severe damage to infrastructure and other Public Disclosure economic assets and have adverse effects on livelihoods. Project activities are proposed at three discrete locations, the physical characteristics of which are described below: 1. Faleolo International Airport on Upolu island is the main international gateway to Samoa. The airport site is situated on a coastal plain and is Government-owned land which is predominantly used for aviation-related purposes. The airfield adjoins the coastal lagoon which is part of an extensive lagoon system flanking the north-west coast of Upolu. The lagoon environment adjacent to the airfield has been modified by the establishment of the airport, in particular through the seawall construction and artificial drainage infrastructure. The airport’s marine environs do not fall within, or near, any declared marine protected areas; and 2. East Coast Road forms part of the main road link from Apia to the eastern half of Upolu Island. The road corridor is situated on a narrow coastal plain and traverses multiple villages and agricultural land where the terrain allows these land uses. Elsewhere the road corridor is adjoined inland by steep to precipitous slopes that a prone to localized land slips, a situation that is being remedied under the Samoa Climate Resilience Transport Project. The road corridor does not traverse any designated protected areas nor any other notable biodiversity assets. Items of cultural significance along the road corridor are at the village level and include churches and village pools and impacts on these will be avoided by design; or 3. Alafa’alava Road is an existing inland road linking Apia with the north-western corner of Upolu island and Faleolo Airport, providing an alternative route to the West Coast Road. The road corridor traverses peri-urban and agricultural land that has been extensively modified from the original biodiversity assemblage by these land uses. There are no designated, or other, areas of biodiversity significance proximate to the road corridor. Jun 07, 2021 Page 4 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) All three project sites are established infrastructure facilities. All airport works are expected to be undertaken within the existing airport boundary on land that has been previously converted or established for its existing purpose. The exception is the potential mangrove plantings that, if feasible, will be established in the lagoon adjacent to the seawall. Road rehabilitation work are expected to be mostly confined to the legally established road corridors. Minor land acquisition is likely for Alafa’alva Road. The Project’s CERC will enable the GoS to reallocate project funds to support to support emergency response and reconstruction in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency. The CERC will support expenditures on a positive list of goods and/or specific works and services required for emergency recovery. D. 2. Borrower’s Institutional Capacity The Executing Agency (EA) for the project will be the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The project will have three (3) implementing agencies : (i) Samoa Aviation Authority (SAA) for Component 1; (ii) Land Transport Authority (LTA) for Component 2; and, (iii) MoF for Components 3 and 4 and these will be involved in the preparation of E&S instruments. Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI) through the TISCD will provide overarching support in the areas of environmental and social management, financial management, procurement and monitoring and evaluation. The LTA have existing safeguards resources which are deployed on current World Bank financed transportation projects. These resources will be utilized for SARIP. It is anticipated that SAA will need to recruit safeguards resources to support project implementation. The project will also be supported by the existing Centralized Technical Services Public Disclosure Support Unit (CTSSU) (within MoF) and the Transport Infrastructure Sector Coordination Division (TISCD) (within MWTI) which have dedicated safeguards specialists to provide support to the individual agencies. During project preparation the adequacy and capacity of these existing environmental and social resources will be assessed and additional support as required will be included in the Project design. World Bank has been progressively supporting capacity development of the Implementing Agencies over the last 5 years to better manage environmental and social risks. This has been supplemented by the successful implementation of the CTSSU. The MWTI, SSA and LTA have all demonstrated commitment to managing environmental risks associated with their projects and a series of training activities have been provided and are in the pipeline. The CTSSU/TISCD model is currently being financed through the Samoa Climate Resilient Transport Project (SCRTP) and its safeguards functions are operating well. The CTSSU comprises an International Safeguards Specialist resident in Samoa and employed by MoF. This role has been important in maintaining continuity of safeguards support to delivery agencies across the World Bank portfolio and has allowed for real-time, focused capacity building in response to particular capacity gaps. The TISCD safeguards specialist provides the next level of support to the LTA and SAA safeguard specialists. This supervision model has proved successful in achieving improved safeguards performance in Samoa and has allowed a smooth transition to the ESF and through the COVID emergency. Funding for the CTSSU is currently supported by SCRTP, and future financing is being considered under SARIP. MOF and MWTI and SAA and LTA all have extensive experience in developing and implementing project specific environmental and social management frameworks and resettlement policy frameworks and associated sub-project instruments and developing and managing works contracts to ensure projects comply with the World Bank’s operational (safeguards) policies. MOF through the CTSSU has experience with the Bank’s new Environmental and Jun 07, 2021 Page 5 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) Social Framework. However MWTI, SSA and LTA are yet to prepare and implement a project under these new standards. It is anticipated that an E&S consultant will be hired by MWTI to prepare the framework instruments. This consultant would work closely with MWTI, SSA and LTA safeguards specialists, and will be supported by the CTSSU Safeguards Specialist. Additional support from the Bank E&S team will be provided to ensure ESF requirements are understood and addressed. A capacity needs assessment of the implementing agencies will be undertaken during project preparation to identify potential training courses for agency counterparts. II. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL (ES) RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Moderate Environmental Risk Rating Moderate Environmental Risk for the project is considered Moderate. The SARIP sub-projects will involve rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing transport infrastructure assets, including two 2-lane arterial roads and the main international airport. The potential environmental risks and impacts are limited to those associated with civil works required to achieve the infrastructure rehabilitation. Mangrove plantings (if feasible) are not expected to carry any negative environmental risks as this would need to be done manually. Infrastructure investments are expected to be small to medium-scale and will involve discrete work packages determined by the climate vulnerability assessment (for roads) and the drainage master plan (for the airport). The sub-project designs will consider options for soft Public Disclosure climate resilience solutions (such as mangrove planting) and these would provide associated environmental benefits such as habitat restoration and sediment entrapment. Potential environmental risks and impacts mainly include incidental risks associated with construction activities including potential pollution from sediment and fuel/lubricant spills, noise and dust impacts from construction activities, and community and worker health and safety risks associated with vehicle and pedestrian traffic, mobile plant operation during construction and materials sourcing activities (e.g. quarrying). Works at Faleolo Airport have the potential to impact on safe aviation operations if not carefully managed The Moderate environmental risk rating is justified as these risks are considered predictable and are expected to be temporary and/or reversible given the nature of the civil works activities proposed. Risks and impacts are of low magnitude and are expected to be confined to existing footprints / brownfield land (e.g. airport site; existing road corridors); apart from noise and air quality risks that may temporarily impact adjacent residential receivers. The landholding to be investigated under the runway extension feasibility study has no settlement and comprises peri-urban land with tree crops and regrowth vegetation which is not known to have significant biodiversity value. There is a low probability of serious adverse effects to human health and the environment given the low hazard of the construction works. Sub-project risks and impacts can be readily mitigated in a predictable manner using standard methods and techniques associated with civil works activities. The environmental risk associated with the operational phase of the project is expected to be low. The Project IAs have the capacity and experience to ensure the management of these risks and potential impacts in collaboration with relevant ministries and works contractors. Technical assistance activities include undertaking a feasibility study for the possible extension of the Faleolo Airport runway to allow for larger aircraft. The proposed extension would be built on Government-owned brownfield land east of the existing runway. The feasibility study terms of reference (ToR) ) for Alafa’alava Road and the runway extension will require that design prescriptions include compliance with ESF requirements, local legislation and good international industry practice (GIIP) including World Bank EHS Guidelines. Jun 07, 2021 Page 6 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) As subproject prioritization and detailed As subproject prioritization and detailed design is not expected to occur until project implementation, an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) will be prepared during project preparation. Sub-project specific instruments including Environmental and Social Assessments / Environmental and Social Management Plans will be developed alongside detailed subproject design once investments have been confirmed. Social Risk Rating Moderate Social Risk for the project is rated as Moderate. Improvements to road and aviation infrastructure are expected to result in a number of positive impacts including safer and more reliable travel and improved social connectivity. Nevertheless, a number of low magnitude social risks and potential impacts are associated with the Project including: i) minor resettlement impacts including land acquisition; loss of economic assets and minor structures; ii) minor impacts to community or livelihoods due to temporary restricted or reduced access to sites and regular travel routes during construction; iii) community health and safety risks due to interactions with construction workers and hazards caused by construction equipment and worksites; iv) anti-social behavior and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH) associated with project workforce; v) minor nuisance level noise and dust impacts during construction; vi) increased risk of traffic incidents during and after road construction; vii) COVID-19 transmission risks; and vii) community dissatisfaction arising from real or perceived inequities and unmitigated impacts. These risks and potential impacts are not likely to be significant and there is a low probability of serious adverse effects to human health. They are expected to be confined to the sub-project footprints and sensitive community receptors in close proximity of these sites. They are considered predictable and readily manageable with routine design and social impact mitigation measures. These risks and potential impacts will be further assessed during project preparation through the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Framework Public Disclosure including a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework, Labor Management Procedure, Stakeholder Engagement Plan and SEA/SH Action Plan. The ESMF will also include a COVID safety protocol. Sub-project specific instruments including Environmental and Social Assessments / Environmental and Social Management Plans and Resettlement Action Plans will be developed alongside detailed subproject design once investments have been confirmed during implementation. B. Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) that Apply to the Activities Being Considered B.1. General Assessment ESS1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Overview of the relevance of the Standard for the Project: The Project is expected to benefit the entire population of Samoa and have long-term positive impacts, delivering improved and more resilient road and aviation infrastructure, and facilitating improved access, safer and more reliable travel and improved social connectivity. The Project is also expected to provide benefits to key economic sectors including tourism, agriculture, general commerce as well as health and education service delivery. Whilst environmental and social risks and impacts cannot be avoided entirely, they are expected to be temporary, predictable, and readily managed through project design and mitigation measures. Environmental and social risks and potential impacts associated with the sub-projects are listed below and are mainly associated with construction activities and include: i) air quality impacts from construction-generated dust, Jun 07, 2021 Page 7 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) construction equipment operation and material sourcing activities; ii) noise impacts from construction activities; iii) water pollution risks due to inadequate erosion and sediment controls and poor storage/management of fuels and oils; iii) solid and liquid waste management; iv) occupational health and safety risks associated with high risk construction activities such as working adjacent to trafficked roads, involving powered mobile equipment and materials sourcing activities (e.g., quarrying); v) community health and safety risks largely associated with temporary access restrictions along road corridors and vehicle/pedestrian traversing of construction zones; vi) minor resettlement impacts including land acquisition; loss of economic assets and minor structures associated with road rehabilitation; vii) minor impacts to communities or livelihoods due to temporary restricted or reduced access to sites and regular travel routes during construction; viii) anti-social behavior and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH) associated with project workforce; ix) COVID-19 transmission risks – especially at Faleolo International Airport; and x) community dissatisfaction arising from real or perceived inequities and unmitigated impacts. As subproject prioritization and detailed design is not expected to occur until project implementation, an Environmental and Social Management Framework will be prepared during project preparation. The ESMF will provide a preliminary assessment of the potential E&S impacts associated with anticipated sub-projects and outline the principles, rules, guidelines, procedures and tools to assess and manage environmental and social risks (including Government of Samoa legislative requirements under the Planning and Urban Management Act) and potential impacts of sub-projects once confirmed. The ESMF will also outline institutional arrangements, roles and responsibilities and reporting procedures for environmental and social management and monitoring; determine the training, capacity building and technical assistance needed to successfully implement the provisions of the ESMF and Public Disclosure associated instruments; and establish a budget for the implementation of the ESMF and associated instruments. The ESMF and associated documents will be developed in accordance with the World Bank’s ESF and relevant GoS Law and policy. The ESMF will also include a COVID-19 Safety Protocol, a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF), Labor Management Procedures (LMP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) (including a Grievance Redress Mechanism - GRM) and SEA/SH action plan. These instruments are discussed further below. Sub-projects are expected to be confirmed during project implementation. At this time, sub-project specific E&S instruments will be developed alongside detailed subproject design. Environmental and social assessments (ESA) will be prepared in accordance with ESF requirements and will also satisfy the requirements of Samoa’s Planning and Urban Management Act. Methodologies utilized for ESA preparation and review will include the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme’s (SPREP) EIA Guidelines which are recognized by the WB as good international industry practice for Pacific Island countries. Each ESA will include an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) detailing mitigation measures for identified environmental and social risks. ESMPs will be incorporated into respective bid packages and successful contractors will be required to respond to the ESMP requirements in preparing their Construction ESMP. Resettlement action plans will be prepared for sub-projects that involve involuntary resettlement impacts – at this stage this is anticipated for the selected road project only. The project involves two technical assistance components: Faleolo Airport climate resilience study and Faleolo Airport runway extension feasibility study. In addition, a feasibility study for Alafa’alava Road is being carried out under SCRTP and is underway, and the outcomes of that feasibility study as well as the availability of project funds will determine whether SARIP finances any detailed designs. Should this be the case any potential environmental and Jun 07, 2021 Page 8 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) social impacts will be governed by the project ESMF. The terms of reference (ToR) for the feasibility study include a requirement to undertake a “preliminary environmental and social assessment”. For the aviation investments the climate resilience study ToR will include a requirement to undertake a high-level environmental and social (E&S) assessment (consistent with ESF requirements) to identify potential E&S risks associated with civil works. Similarly the runway extension feasibility study – while unlikely to identify investments able to be financed under this project – will require a screening exercise against ESF requirements to identify potential E&S risks and measures to address these under future investments. The Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) will include requirements for the development of Contractor Environmental and Social Management Plans (CESMPs) by contractors which comply with ESF, EHS Guidelines and good international industry practice (GIIP). The ESCP will also require development of an OHS and Waste management plan for the operation of aviation infrastructure and equipment. Risks to vulnerable groups and high- risk social groups (poor, disabled, children elderly) will be assessed during stakeholder mapping, and the conduct of sub-project specific ESA/ESMPs. Both Project and World Bank E&S specialists will review TORs and TA outputs to ensure compliance with the ESF, local legislation and GIIP. CERC activities will be assessed using a screening process to be included in the ESMF. The CERC POM will be prepared to incorporate prior learnings from recent transport CERC POMs including SCRTP. Areas where “Use of Borrower Framework” is being considered: Not applicable Public Disclosure ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Project stakeholders are expected to include project affected parties including communities located in close proximity to sub-projects, households experiencing minor resettlement impacts and users of the airport and road infrastructure; diverse groups including women, people with disabilities, children, elderly, and disadvantaged/poor households who may be vulnerable and experience disproportionate impacts; and other interested parties including government agencies, business, civil society organizations, and the general public. During project preparation, the Borrower will prepare one project-level Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) in accordance with the requirements of ESS10 and Samoa Codes of Environment Practice (2007) – Consultation. The SEP will identify/confirm existing and potential stakeholders and describe culturally appropriate strategies and approaches for information disclosure (including E&S instruments) and seeking/incorporating feedback on project design and implementation. SEP will clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of MOF, MWTI, LTA and SAA as well as implementing partners (i.e. Ministry of Women and Community Development) and contractors. Community engagement strategies will utilize the existing Fa’amatai systems. The SEP will outline the Project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) which will enable stakeholders to raise project related concerns and grievances. The existing GRM developed by MWTI and LTA for SCTRP is expected to be utilized/updated. The SEP will also include principles and approaches to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 including the movement of workers, good hygiene and engagement practices. Jun 07, 2021 Page 9 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) B.2. Specific Risks and Impacts A brief description of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts relevant to the Project. ESS2 Labor and Working Conditions The project workforce will be confirmed during project preparation and is expected to include: (i) direct workers including government staff and consultants engaged directly by MWTI/LTA/SAA (i.e. project management personnel, specialist technical consultants, etc.); (ii) contracted workers employed or engaged through third parties such as contractors and construction firms; and (i) primary supply workers employed through primary suppliers of goods and materials (i.e. gravel and sand). The key risk for project workers and primary supply workers is OHS risks associated with construction and quarry sites respectively. There is also a risk of COVID transmission to and between project workers, particularly at Faleolo International Airport. OHS and COVID risks will be assessed in the ESAs and the ESCP will require contractors to develop CESMPs which include management of these risk in accordance with GoS law and EHS guidelines, WHO guidelines and GIIP. The ESCP will also include review and ‘no objection’ requirements for TORs. Government of Samoa and private sector contractors in Samoa have recently undertaken training on construction traffic management utilizing the recently published Samoa Safe Road Works Field Guide. Further OHS training for this cohort and primary material suppliers is proposed in FY22 for safe quarry management. The Borrower will be required to prepare a Labor Management Procedure (LMP) during project preparation in Public Disclosure accordance with the requirements of ESS2 and GoS law. The LMP will confirm the types of project workers to be engaged by the project, and set out the procedures that will be put in place to address the risks that have been identified to ensure proper working conditions and management of worker relationships, occupational health and safety, and to prevent SEA/SH, and outlining relevant training plans. The LMP will include the workers’ GRM and address issues on SEA/SH as part of the contractor/worker Code of Conduct. In accordance with ESS2, due to the hazardous work situation, children under the age of 18 will not be allowed to work on the project. The use of forced labor or conscripted labor on the project is also prohibited. The risks of child labor and forced labor for primary supply workers is considered low, however will be further assessed during the preparation of the LMP. ESS3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Samoa has a well-established regulatory framework that provides measures to protect the environment from pollution and degradation. Key legislation includes the Marine Pollution Prevention Act 2008 and the Lands Surveys and Environment Act 1989 and these statutes are supported by the Codes of Environmental Practice (2007). Potential pollution hazards associated with road and aviation infrastructure rehabilitation activities include air and noise pollution, sedimentation, hazardous materials (e.g., fuels and oils), and solid and liquid waste the risks of which are discussed below: - Air pollution potential will be largely limited to the construction phase and will mainly comprise nuisance dust resulting from road rehabilitation activities. Emissions from construction plant are not expected to be significant in Jun 07, 2021 Page 10 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) the urban context in which the majority of works will be undertaken. The road sub-projects are not expected to result in additional traffic generation, therefore not affecting overall vehicle-based emissions in Samoa; noise from construction activities is unlikely to cause other than nuisance impacts to nearby receivers and will be only short-term in any one location. Works will be limited to weekday business hours and Saturday mornings, hence sleep disturbance would be negligible; - Sedimentation is a tangible risk given the need to undertake earthworks during road rehabilitation. While difficult to eliminate various mitigation measures can be employed to minimize sedimentation risks including construction sequencing and installation of sediment controls. Sediment pollution from the sub-projects will be temporary, of low intensity and will have limited environmental impact due to rapid dispersion in the tidal receiving waters; the risk of pollution from hazardous materials is limited to accidental spills of fuel and oil from construction equipment. No equipment maintenance will be permitted other than at dedicated workshops and all refueling will be undertaken away from receiving waters; - Solid waste generation is expected to be limited to cleared vegetation, packaging materials (eg. bitumen drums, cement bags), redundant infrastructure components (eg. concrete and steel culverts) and domestic waste from employee activities. These materials are effectively inert and can be readily disposed to landfill with limited impact. - The project is not expected to generate significant excess spoil from road rehabilitation. Pavement construction in Samoa is predominantly chip seal and the old surface and base course can be broken up and reused in the new pavement structure which most often requires raising to meet climate resilience requirements. Slope stabilization works along East Coast Road will generate surplus material (natural soil and rock) unable to be used in the pavement structure and which will require transport off-site for beneficial reuse. Much of this material will be donated to adjacent landowners for use as fill on their properties (a standard practice in Samoa). Contractors will be required to Public Disclosure manage E&S risks associated with these works in accordance with an off-site works procedure which will be provided in the ESMF. Liquid waste generation is not expected to be significant and will mainly include waste oils from plant maintenance activities and domestic sewage; and - The project is not expected to require pesticide use. The airport drainage study will examine the existing fuel storage facilities and spill response regime at Faleolo Airport to establish how systems align with GIIP including World Bank EHS Guidelines. Construction pollution risks are expected to be managed through the implementation of appropriate environmental management measures that will be identified in the ESA ESMPs in accordance with the process outlines in the ESMF. The ESCP will include a requirement for Construction ESMPs to be prepared by the contactor prior to the commencement of any physical works which will include pollution and waste management mitigation measures, as well as erosion and sediment control devices for road and aviation civil works activities. These measures are mandated by the Samoan environmental legislation with sector-specific guidance provided in the national Codes of Environmental Practice (COEP). Resource efficiency risks associated with sub-project construction are not expected to be significant. Samoa has numerous quarries available for sustainable sourcing of construction materials such as stone and gravel. The project is not expected to result in substantial or significant point sources of environmental pollution or emissions. The ESIA/ESMPs prepared during project preparation will include estimate of gross GHG emissions or justification if it is determined that this is not required. Jun 07, 2021 Page 11 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) ESS4 Community Health and Safety Community health and safety risks during rehabilitation, construction and the installation of equipment include community exposure to: i) physical hazards on sites where the community has access; ii) traffic and road safety hazards associated with the operation of project vehicles (i.e. government, contractors, suppliers); iii) water-borne/ vector-borne diseases which may result from poor site management (e.g., stagnant water); iv) communicable diseases such as COVID-19; v) anti-social behavior and SEA/SH associated with project workforce; and vi) nuisance level noise, dust and vibration impacts. Community health and safety risks associated with the Project will be assessed and managed through the Project’s ESMF and sub-project associated instruments (i.e ESA/ESMPs and CESMPs). A key risk for both aviation and road sub-project construction is community exposure to construction site hazards. Road construction activities will necessarily involve occupation of sections of the road corridor and associated vehicle and pedestrian traffic diversions. During construction works contractors will be required to safely manage traffic through construction zones and this will be achieved through compliance with MWTI’s Safer Road Works Field Guide. These risks extend to material sourcing activities and include operations at the quarry or gravel extraction site, transport of excavated materials and rehabilitation/stabilization of the extraction void. Sub-project ESAs will assess and outline measures for managing public safety risks associated with operation. For Public Disclosure roads this will include the conduct of road safety assessments in accordance with the Road Safety Screening and Appraisal Tool (RSSAT) and implementation of road safety design measures (i.e. road furnishings; private access culverts, bridge crossings etc) in consultation with impacted communities. Road safety awareness activities will also be conducted. Similar work will be completed for aviation infrastructure where necessary. Universal access considerations (including for people with disabilities) will be integrated into sub-project design. ESAs and CESMPs for sub-projects will assess and address any risks associated with the presence of the contractors workforce. These risks are considered low. The proposed airport and road sub-projects are located on the main island of Upolo and in peri-urban areas. Works contracts are expected to require relatively small workforces. Project workforce is expected to be predominately Samoan. The establishment of work camps for housing temporary workforce is unlikely. SEA/SH risks have been assessed as low. SEA/SH risks associated with the Project will be managed through the preparation and implementation of a SEA/SH action plan. This plan will build upon previous/current plans implemented by MWTI, LTA and TAA and include codes of conduct for project workers; workforce training; community awareness; a survivor centered response protocol; monitoring and reporting arrangements; as well as a strengthened implementing partnership with the Ministry of Women and Community Development. While Samoa has avoided community transmission of COVID-19 to-date the potential impacts of COVID-19 are significant. Faleolo International Airport is a high-risk site and presents risks for project workers and the broader community. Repatriation flights are currently operating and regular international flights are likely to resume during the project implementation period. COVID-19 transmission between project workers and with communities is also a Jun 07, 2021 Page 12 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) risk during the conduct of other project financed activities. The Project will develop a COVID-19 protocol to manage these risks. This protocol will be developed in accordance with GoS and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and will align with existing protocols being implemented by IAs. The assessment and management of COVID-19 transmission will be included in sub-project ESA/ESMPs and CESMPs. ESS5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement The project will involve the rehabilitation and construction of aviation infrastructure at Faleolo International Airport and road infrastructure on either East Coast Road or Alafa’avala Road. All airport works will be limited to the existing physical footprint of Faleolo Airport, which is situated on, and surrounded by a buffer of Government-owned land. No land acquisition or impacts on economic assets are expected. All road rehabilitation and reconstruction activities will be confined to the legally established road corridors. However minor land acquisition maybe required for the establishment of drainage easements or to fix discrepancies on Alafa’alva Road where control surveying has found that legal corridors are not uniform width and small sections of the existing road alignment are located outside the corridor. The project will not finance activities requiring significant land take or relocation of project affected people. Road subprojects are likely to result in minor impacts on economic assets and small structures (i.e. fences), however are not expected to significantly affect livelihood and income generation. Public Disclosure The Borrower will prepare a LARF in accordance with the requirements of ESS5 to guide the management of potential land acquisition and resettlement impacts associated with sub-projects. Subproject ESAs will include an assessment of potential resettlement impacts. Where impacts are identified, subprojects will be required to develop and implement resettlement plans before construction works commence. ESS6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources Physical works for the project would largely occur within brownfield infrastructure sites and are anticipated to require negligible clearance of vegetation of biodiversity conservation importance. There is the potential to realize positive biodiversity outcomes associated with potential nature-based solutions for climate resilience (i.e. mangrove planting to enhance coastal protection at the airport). As noted above Alafa'alava Road traverses agricultural and peri-urban land and any works will be undertaken within the existing road easement. Hence potential negative impacts on biodiversity are expected to be negligible under this sub-project. ESS7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities This standard is not considered relevant. The ethnic structure in Samoa is predominantly ethnic Samoan (92.6%) with a minority of Europeans and biracial European/Polynesian people. There are no IPs as defined by ESS7 in Samoa. Jun 07, 2021 Page 13 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) ESS8 Cultural Heritage This standard is not considered relevant for this project however chance finds procedure will be included in the ESMF and implemented if during works tangible cultural heritage is discovered. No intangible cultural heritage is expected to be impacted by the project. ESS9 Financial Intermediaries This standard is Not Relevant to the proposed project interventions, as no financial intermediaries will be used. C. Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways No OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas No III. WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL DUE DILIGENCE Public Disclosure A. Is a common approach being considered? No Financing Partners Not applicable B. Proposed Measures, Actions and Timing (Borrower’s commitments) Actions to be completed prior to Bank Board Approval: The Project ESCP, ESMF, LARF, SEPs (with GRM and COVID-19 Safety Protocol), LMP as well as TORs for high level ESA studies during road and aviation feasibility (where relevant) will be developed, consulted and disclosed prior to Project Appraisal. Possible issues to be addressed in the Borrower Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP): The following will be included in the ESCP: - The implementation of the Project ESMF, LARF, SEP, LMP and COVID-19 Safety Protocol; - Operational GRM - Preparation of ESA/ESMPs during detailed project design and before requests for proposals for works are advertised; - Preparation and implementation of resettlement action plans before works commence; - Requirement for operational OHS and waste management plans for project infrastructure and equipment; - Requirement for contractor CESMPs which comply with ESF, EHS Guidelines and GIIP and which are to be prepared prior to commencement of works; Jun 07, 2021 Page 14 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) - Review requirements and ‘no objection’ required for TOR for consultants, PMU staff, technical studies and contractors; and - Requirement for contractors to commit and implement a Code of conduct to reduce the incidence of SEA/SH risks, with GBV awareness training provided to project workers. - All technical/feasibility studies prepared or implemented by the Project will incorporate ESF guidelines on E&S issues with suggested management and mitigation measures. - Project workers to receive training and capacity building support for the implementation of the project’s ESF requirements. C. Timing Tentative target date for preparing the Appraisal Stage ESRS 01-Nov-2021 IV. CONTACT POINTS World Bank Contact: Nana S R H Soetantri Title: Senior Transport Specialist Telephone No: 5740+6403 / 61-02-92356403 Email: nsoetantri@worldbank.org Contact: Keelye Rinchen Hanmer Title: Transport Analyst Public Disclosure Telephone No: 5740+6428 / 612-923-56428 Email: khanmer@worldbank.org Borrower/Client/Recipient Borrower: Government of Samoa Implementing Agency(ies) Implementing Agency: Land Transport Authority Implementing Agency: Samoa Airport Authority V. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Jun 07, 2021 Page 15 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects Public Disclosure Jun 07, 2021 Page 16 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) VI. APPROVAL Public Disclosure Jun 07, 2021 Page 17 of 18 The World Bank Samoa Aviation and Roads Investment Project (P176272) Task Team Leader(s): Nana S R H Soetantri, Keelye Rinchen Hanmer Practice Manager (ENR/Social) Susan S. Shen Recommended on 03-Jun-2021 at 21:11:40 GMT-04:00 Safeguards Advisor ESSA Nina Chee (SAESSA) Cleared on 07-Jun-2021 at 13:58:17 GMT-04:00 Public Disclosure Jun 07, 2021 Page 18 of 18