12 IMPACT ASSESSMENT DURING SITE PREPARATION,

CONSTRUCTION, IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION PHASES

12.1 General

Any development of this type impacts on the environment and community in immediate
surrounding. These impacts can be sub-divided into positive and negative impacts. It
is important to consider the duration of the impact and at what phase of the project it
occurs, whether short term (construction phase) or long term (operational stage of the
road), direct (e.g. removal of top soil) or indirect.

12.2 Methodology

The methodology to assess impacts is depicted in tabular form below:

Table 11-1 Factors to be taken into account for impact estimation

Type and location: Is the Project in a high-risk sector or does it include high-
risk components? Is it located in sensitive areas (e.g. in
densely populated areas, near critical habitat, near
educational institutions, homes, hospitals, protected
areas, etc.)
Magnitude or intensity: Could an impact result in destruction or serious
impairment of a social or environmental feature or system,
or deterioration of the economic, social or cultural well-
being of a large number of people? Manageability: will
relatively uncomplicated, accepted measures suffice to
avoid or mitigate the potential impacts, or is detailed study
required to understand if the impacts can be managed and
which management measures are needed?
Duration Will the adverse impacts be short-term (e.g. exist only
during construction), medium term (e.g. five years) or
long-term?
Reversibility: is an impact reversible or irreversible
Public Participation Absence of public participation is an inherent risk for the
success and sustainability of any project. Have project-
affected communities been consulted in project planning
and design? Will they have a substantive role to play in the
Project going forward?

The next step is to rate both impact and probability on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high) for
each identified risk. The following tables provide the relevant explanation in this
connection.

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 Table 11-2 Rating of Impact

Score Rating Social and Environmental Impacts

5 critical
4 Severe
3 moderate
2 minor
1 negligible
Significant adverse impacts on human populations and/or
environment. Adverse impacts high in magnitude and/or spatial
extent (e.g. large geographic area, large number of people,
transboundary impacts, cumulative impacts) and duration (e.g.
long-term, permanent and/or irreversible); areas impacted
include areas of high value and sensitivity (e.g. valuable
ecosystems, critical habitats); adverse impacts to rights, lands,
resources and territories of indigenous peoples; involve
significant displacement or resettlement; generates significant
quantities of greenhouse gas emissions; impacts may give rise
to significant social conflict
Adverse impacts on people and/or environment of medium to
large magnitude, spatial extent and duration more limited than
critical (e.g. predictable, mostly temporary, reversible).: The
potential risk impacts of projects that may affect the human
rights, lands, natural resources, territories, and traditional
livelihoods of indigenous peoples are to be considered at a
minimum potentially severe.
Impacts of low magnitude, limited in scale (site-specific) and
duration (temporary), can be avoided, managed and/or
mitigated with relatively uncomplicated accepted measures
Very limited impacts in terms of magnitude (e.g. small, affected
area, very low number of people affected) and duration (short),
may be easily avoided, managed, mitigated
Negligible or no adverse impacts on communities, individuals,
and/or environment

Table 11-3 Rating the probability of a risk

Score Rating
5 Expected
4 Highly likely
3 Moderately likely
2 Not likely
1 Slight

Table 11-4 Determining the Significance of a Predicted Impacts

5
4
Likelihood level
Probability/

3
2
1
1 2 3 4 5
Negligible Minor Moderate Severe Critical
Consequence Level
Impact
High Moderate Low
Category

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12.3 Impacts during Construction Phase

12.3.1 Land and Soil

The activities during the construction phase will consist of earthworks activities.

These activities, if not properly carried out, may have the following impacts:

 Topsoil stockpiles with depths exceeding 2m may result in the formation of

anaerobic conditions and the subsequent reduction of aerobic microbial activity
 Significant soil compaction could occur as a result of vehicular movement
 Restriction of water infiltration and resultant loss of growth potential within the
soil
 Breakdown of the soil structure that may occur when the soil is worked while it
is too moist (i.e. with a moisture content of more than 12%), rendering the soil
unsuitable for rehabilitation
 Soil erosion
 Soil contamination.

Pollution may potentially result from the operation activity in the form of litter and fuel
spills. During construction earth-moving vehicles, generators, batching plant or other
machinery are brought onto site. The machinery may leak fuel/oil and diesel, which
infiltrates into the soils of the area impacting on the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, people working on site generate litter.

The potential moderate negative impact will be moderately likely in occurrence and
hence moderate in significance. Mitigation measures will be required for this aspect.

12.3.2 Biodiversity

The site is currently under sugarcane cultivation with small patches of invasive
vegetation except within the reserves of the Feeders Baptiste and Feeder Avenir.

The water courses and respective reserves may be impacted by the following, during
the construction phase:

 Spillage of fuel/discharge of fuel

 Accidental dumping of material in the reserve area
 Damage by heavy construction machineries/equipment
 Discharge or spillage of wastewater in the reserve

Impact on ecology will be highly likely in occurrence, but moderate to high in

consequence, hence high to moderate in significance. Hence, mitigation measures for
this aspect will be required.

Moreover, as per recommendations of the biodiversity/ecological report, a

management plan will also be prepared for the banks of the feeders/affluents for
restoration and preservation of the biodiversity.

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12.3.3 Groundwater

During the construction phase, the following will present a threat to the groundwater
quality:

 Wastewater generated on site by workers in case of improper disposal, any

spillage and seepage.

 Spills of oil or fuel.

The impact to groundwater can be classified as moderately negative. Hence, mitigation

measures for this aspect will be required.

12.3.4 Surface Water

The risk to surface water contamination is mainly due to:

1. Eroded soil carried into surface water drains and ultimately to the water body
into which the drain discharges
2. Contamination of surface water by fuel or oil from construction machinery and
vehicles.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion occurs naturally during period of heavy rain and depends upon several
factors such as ground relief, permeability of soil and type of vegetation. Soil erosion is
however expected to occur predominantly during the construction phase due to the
combination of anthropogenic activities and heavy rainfall.

The activities disturbing the soil structure hence inducing erosion have been identified
as follows:

 Clearing of vegetation - The construction process will require the clearing of

vegetation, which exposes soil surfaces to the elements of erosion, such as
water.
 Vehicular use along specific tracks - the movement of construction vehicles and
personnel can also result in erosion and subsequent sedimentation of streams
and rivers.
 Stockpiling of soil in a haphazard way - the stockpiling of excavated soil and
construction materials can result in contamination of run-off as a result of
erosion of stockpiles.

Contamination from soil coming from agricultural fields

The soil emanating from sugarcane fields may normally contain fertilizers and hence
indirectly have a risk to disturb the ecology/aquatic system of the watercourse into
which it discharges due to introduction of contaminants. Accordingly, risk of
eutrophication in the receiver water body is higher.

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 The above aspects present a highly negative impact to the environment, though their
occurrence would only be temporary during the construction phase.

Mitigating measures will be required.

12.3.5 Air Quality

Construction activities entail the use of construction vehicles. The construction period
is proposed to take place over a period of approximately 12 months. For the purpose
of the construction, vegetation will have to be cleared in particular areas. A direct
repercussion of the clearance of vegetation and creation of stockpiles is that the soil
becomes susceptible to wind erosion. Dust from the barren soil is susceptible to affect
the ambient air quality.

Stockpiles of materials will result in the generation of dust.

Exhaust gases from the heavy plants and machinery may also present a source of air
pollution during the construction period.

The immediate receptor are the existing residential areas surrounding the site, more
specifically those on the leeward side of the project, the users of B49 Ripailles- Nicoliere
road, M3 Motorway as well as construction workers.

The impact on air quality can be classified as being highly negative though temporary
and will require mitigation measures.

12.3.6 Noise
Noise pollution is likely to occur due construction activities. The residential areas in the
immediate vicinity of the site are considered as sensitive receptors given that the
nearest one is located at 10m from site boundary.

Potential issues relating to noise impacts include the following: noise associated with
operation of construction machinery; construction; noise generated by construction or
operational traffic on the project roads; and possible impacts associated with elevated
noise on alternative routes. Noise levels associated with infrastructure works may reach
around 80 dBA. Hence the impact will be high, negative and unavoidable, though of a
relatively short duration.

12.3.7 Solid Waste

The site being currently under sugarcane cultivation, will generate predominantly
organic waste in terms of agricultural waste (cane tubs and shrubs and bushes) during
site clearance. A relatively smaller amount of inorganic waste in terms of concrete and
masonry debris is expected as there is one small, one storey building (about 12m2
footprint) to be demolished.
If not disposed of properly, these wastes will negatively impact on the environment with
risk of surface and groundwater contamination and odour generation. This will require
mitigation measures.

12.3.8 Wastewater Management

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 During the construction period, temporary sanitary facilities will have to be provided on
site. Wastewater at these facilities would cause major pollution and may also threaten
public health if not disposed of properly.

12.3.9 Health and Safety

Handling and storage of the various equipment and products used during construction
are potential causes of accidents on site. Consequently, in the absence of proper
mitigating measures, the overall health and safety impacts will be negative at the
construction stage.

12.3.10 Traffic and Road Network

Existing traffic on the road network at the site classified as low. However, construction
traffic will add up to the existing traffic that transits through the interchange as well as
along the Motorway. Although the impact of construction traffic is not expected to affect
the Motorway traffic significantly, the increase in heavy duty construction vehicles in
the vicinity of the site, more specifically at the interchange roundabout will have a
negative impact on traffic in that area during peak hours.

Moreover, mud may be carried over by heavy vehicles from the site to public roads
which can lead to negative impacts. Mitigation measures will be required.

12.4 Impacts during Operation Phase

It is to be noted that environmental impacts, though minimal, are likely to result when
the plots will be developed by the future owners after commissioning of the residential
development. Prior to developing their plots, plot owners will have to ensure that they
are in compliance with prevailing legislations and planning guidelines and that such
development is being carried out in accordance with set norms and standards.

Such residential developments are highly modified and complex landscapes within
which green or open areas are increasingly recognised as providing valuable cultural
ecosystem service for human well-being as well as being important for biodiversity.
This proposed project will include open spaces as well as green areas/parks as shown
in the Masterplan in Appendix 5. The landscaping plan for the green areas, is provided
as shown in Appendix 7.

It should however be noted that when large parcels of land are de-vegetated and paved
using materials like concrete or asphalt, it changes existing drainage patterns and lead
to problems such as increased flooding and water pollution, if not properly managed.

Considering the above, a drainage impact assessment was carried out and a proper
stormwater drainage scheme was prepared for this project as described in this report.
Solutions were also proposed for treatment of wastewater so as to reduce risk of
contamination of land, ground and surface water.

Given that the land has been under extensive agriculture, the overall impact is expected
to be positive.

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12.4.1 Groundwater

During operation, the risk to groundwater contamination will be mainly due to improper
disposal of domestic wastewater. This will cause a highly negative impact to the
environment if no mitigation measure is taken.

12.4.2 Biodiversity

The site is currently under sugarcane cultivation and does not have significant
conservation value. The proposed project will introduce more than 500 of carefully
selected trees species, including endemic plants, which will be planted along road
reserves, reserves of Feeder Baptiste and Feeder Avenir and the dedicated green
spaces and within the commercial plots. The landscaping plan, given in Appendix 7,
provides more detail on the plants proposed for this project.

This will contribute to uplift the region and promote biodiversity in the region. The impact
on the environment is expected to be highly positive.

12.4.3 Surface Water and Drainage

The presence of hard impermeable surfaces i.e. roads, parking areas and roofs, will
increase the volume and velocity of storm water run-off. The increase in surface water
run-off and the reduction in permeable surface area may result in an increase in flood
risks. Hence the main issue with respect to hydrology will be the management of on-
site storm water to avoid flood risks that may affect downstream properties and
infrastructure.

Surface water may also be contaminated by hydrocarbons from roads due to oil leaks
from cars or spills from vehicles.

12.4.4 Air Quality

Air quality during the operation phase will not be impacted as the proposed
development will not allow any polluting industrial activities. Only non-polluting, light
industrial activities such as warehouses will be allowed within the proposed
development so as not to create any additional air pollution as compared to
manufacturing industries.

12.4.5 Noise

At the operational stage, the noise level within most of the development is not expected
to disrupt the residential environment nearby. The noise producing elements would be
limited to lorries /heavy vehicles from warehouses to B49 or motorway.

However, neighbourhood noise during the day will be inevitable but of low impact.

12.4.6 Solid Waste

Solid waste to be generated at the commercial plots/office is expected to be mainly

domestic waste. Waste from warehouses/light industrial area is expected to be mainly
cardboard/paper and plastics which will have to be recycled by the plot owners.

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 These wastes, if not managed properly, may lead to soil contamination and
groundwater pollution and may also generate odour as well as other negative visual
impacts and would most likely attract pests and other vectors of diseases.

ENL Ltd is imposing mandatory sorting of solid waste. Moreover, a collection points
for sorted waste will also be provided.

These measures would reduce the amount of solid waste going to the Mare Chicose
Landfill Site and hence the impact of solid waste management would therefore be
highly positive as compared to conventional waste disposal methods.

12.4.7 Wastewater Management

The proposed project will result in the production of domestic wastewater. Discharge
of untreated effluent from a development of this size would cause pollution. However
as described in Section 5.4.3, an on-plot individual wastewater treatment plant will be
imposed in the Cahier des Charges. The wastewater will be treated to Effluent
Discharge Standards for Irrigation.

To ensure that the treatment plant works effectively, the suppliers’ maintenance
requirement must be adhered to. Moreover, water quality test should be carried out to
ensure effectiveness at a regular interval over sampled plots.

12.4.8 Traffic

A traffic impact assessment has been carried out in 2023 and has been submitted to
TMRSU in August 2023. As per this report, this proposed develop will not have any
significant impact on the study area.

12.5 Residual and Combined Impacts

Residual impacts are defined as those impacts that remain following the
implementation of the mitigation measures proposed. Although mitigation measures
will be taken, the following residual impacts are expected:

 The landscape will be permanently changed while the creation of a promenade

which includes a cycle track, walkways, parks with endemic trees and greening of
the area will be a positive impact in terms of biodiversity and socio-cultural aspects.
 Noise levels may increase with the operation of any commercial / light industrial
facilities during the day. Increase in vehicular traffic may also lead to increase in
noise levels.

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