Environmental and Social Management Plan for Trinidad and Tobago.

This Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is an output of the National Water Sector Transformation Program TT-L1055 in Trinidad and Tobago. The program aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of potable water and related services in Trinidad and Tobago. This ESMP accompanies the Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) and outlines the mitigation, management, and monitoring strategies to prevent, reduce, or compensate for any negative environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed project types.
Ambient air quality monitoring will be carried out in accordance with the relevant environmental standards. Air pollution will be reduced through effective implementation, monitoring and enforcement of National Environmental Policy and the National Pollution Rules and emissions control measures. Ambient noise measurements will be conducted simultaneously, at the same stations sampled for air quality during construction. This ESMP obliges the Contractor to implement noise reduction measures. It also lays down management and mitigation measures to reduce the possible negative impacts of improper waste disposal and management during construction or operations. Environmental conditions will be included in any construction contracts, thereby making contractors accountable for any incident due to spillages, chemicals and hazardous substances and waste. The Contractor will take measures to be applied during construction and operational activities to ensure health and safety of workers.
Water quality management will be strengthened by following most recent water quality standards. The ESMP sets out management actions and mitigation measures to prevent soil erosion, landslides and water pollution. Mitigation measures for the potential risk of over abstraction of surface water and groundwater will be included for the operational phase. The Contractor shall take measures to mitigate against water supply disruptions that could occur during project execution. He/she shall manage access into the community and not disrupt the community from their normal daily routines. Emergency response management will be strengthened with a special emphasis on fire, earthquake and heavy rainfall and flood prevention.
This ESMP emphasizes the management of flora and fauna in the construction area. Clearing of vegetation will be kept to the minimum required and where possible, will be avoided. Areas where priority plant species are growing will be demarcated as prohibited zones. Exotic vegetation will be managed and affected sites will be replanted or rehabilitated with indigenous grass species. Proper handling, use and storage of all chemicals will be done according to best practices in order to prevent contamination and protect sensitive flora and fauna. Animal disruptive activities will be limited to short time frames.
This ESMP addresses adequate representation of women in the project workforce. The contractor will be encouraged to maximize local employment opportunities and to work with the local communities and their leaders in establishing a fair and transparent system for local worker recruitment. Steps will be taken to ensure that qualified women will have equal access to job opportunities from the Project. Emphasis will be placed on training women as well as men to improve their recruitment perspectives for semi-skilled positions.