Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1

1.1 Back ground..................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Objectives of the EIA Study.........................................................................................................2

1.2.1 General Objective..................................................................................................................3

1.2.2 Specific Objectives................................................................................................................3

1.3 Justifications to the EIA................................................................................................................3

2 Approaches and Methodology of the Study........................................................................................6

2.1.1 Methods of data collections...................................................................................................6

2.1.2 Primary data collection techniques........................................................................................6

2.1.3 Secondary data Collection Methods......................................................................................7

2.1.4 Impact Identification, prediction and evaluation Methods....................................................7

2.1.5 Environmental Screening Criteria.........................................................................................7

2.2 Environmental Scoping.................................................................................................................6

3 ASSUMPTIONS AND/ OR GAP IN KNOWLEDGE.....................................................................10

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT.................................................................................................11

4.1 Size and Nature of the project.....................................................................................................11

4.1.1 Major Inputs.........................................................................................................................11

4.2 Project location and boundaries..................................................................................................12

4.3 The Proposed Development........................................................................................................12

5 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORKS....................................................14

5.1 Economic Development Policies and Strategies.........................................................................14

5.1.1 The National Economic Development Strategy..................................................................14

5.1.2 Ethiopian Investment Strategy.............................................................................................14

5.2 Environmental Policies and Strategies........................................................................................16

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 5.2.1 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia............................................16

5.3 Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy..............................................................16

5.4 The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia........................................................................................15

5.5 Legislative Instruments...............................................................................................................16

5.6 Institutional Framework..............................................................................................................22

5.6.1 National................................................................................................................................22

5.6.2 Zone.....................................................................................................................................23

6 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (SITE AND SURROUNDING)................................24

6.1 Vegetation...................................................................................................................................24

6.2 Soil..............................................................................................................................................24

6.3 Water...........................................................................................................................................25

6.4 Land use type..............................................................................................................................25

6.5 Weather condition.......................................................................................................................26

6.5.1 Wind Speed and Direction...................................................................................................26

6.5.2 Precipitation.........................................................................................................................27

6.5.3 Temperature.........................................................................................................................27

6.6 Socio-economy............................................................................................................................29

6.6.1 Population distribution.........................................................................................................29

6.6.2 Main economic activities.....................................................................................................29

6.7 Culture.........................................................................................................................................30

6.8 Archeological sites and historical places (number and geographical location)..........................30

7 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES..................................................................................................31

7.1 Zero Scenario..............................................................................................................................31

7.2 Site Selection...............................................................................................................................31

7.3 Air Emissions Treatment............................................................................................................31

 7.4 Waste Management.....................................................................................................................32

8 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS............................................................33

8.1 Identification and prediction of Significant Impacts...................................................................33

8.1.1 Significant Positive Impacts................................................................................................33

8.1.2 Potential Negative Impacts of the Project...........................................................................33

9 Evaluation of Impacts Significance...................................................................................................40

10 DESCRIPTION OF MITIGATION MEASURES............................................................................43

11 Environmental and Social Management Plan....................................................................................45

12 Environmental Monitoring/Auditing plan.........................................................................................49

13 NATURE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE......................53

14 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................54

14.1 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................54

14.2 Recommendation.....................................................................................................................54

REFERENCE............................................................................................................................................55
Figure 1: Map of the Project Site...............................................................................................................12
Fig 2 Map of Bahir Dar City Administration that shows Elevation and slope..........................................26
Figure 3: Monthly Temperature (prepared from tabular data)..................................................................28

Table 1: Monthly Average Precipitation of Bahir Dar Zuria....................................................................27

Table 2: Distribution of Temperature and Rainfall in Bahir Dar city Administration (1998- 2002)........29
Table 3: Evaluation of identified potential environmental and social impacts.........................................41
Table 4: Impacts and mitigation measures................................................................................................43
Table 5: Environmental Management Plan of the Project.........................................................................46
Table 6: Environmental monitoring plan...................................................................................................50

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONOMY

BoEPLAU Bureau of Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use

BDU Bahir Dar University

CAES College of Agriculture and Environmental Science

CSA Central Statistical Authority

°C Degree Celsius

EPC Environmental Protection Council

EIA Environmental impact assessment

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

EPU Environmental Planning Unit

ESID Ecologically Sustainable Industrial Development

FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

M2 Square meter
M3 Meter cube

mm   Millimeter

MoNREP Ministry of Natural Resources Development and Environmental Protection

NGO Non-government organization

UNDO United Nations Development Organization

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This modern air force station project is located in Amhara regional state, Bahir Dar City
Administration, Zenzelima Kebele at a specific site near St. Mikael Church. Geographically, the project
area is located between 1284894 to 1286129 N(latitude) and 330978 to 332134 E(longitudes). The

distance of the project site from Bahir Dar city to the specific site is about 8Km and it is founded to the
left of Bahir Dar University College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (BDU/CAES) campus.

The name of the project is Ethiopian modern air force military station. The legal form of this project is
owned by the government of the country. The total area of the station is 8Km2. from this 3,5Km2 used for
built up area. They will built 4 buildings (G+5) having 100highstandard bed rooms. In addition, they
will build 2 buildings for lecture rooms and garages. They intended to build an airstrip of 2. 5Kms.They
intended to use a supersonic SU-35 for training. The station will never have a restaurant. They will
have practical training every day.

Based on Amhara regional environmental impact assessment guideline, the project falls into the
category that require full EIA. The project is expected to have several negative and positive impacts.
The impact of creating an employment opportunities. Whereas the major adverse impacts on
biophysical environment are land use change, soil compaction, vegetation removal, noise effect, waste
effect and water shortage as well as on the socioeconomic environment includes shortage of cropland,
impact on culture and religion, impact on small business organizations and BDU/CAES campus.
Appropriate mitigation measures have been described in detail for each adverse impact of the project.
The mitigation measure are use of install sound dampers in ventilation systems in stationed sources; the
project must have its own water source and so on.

In order to ensure that the proposed mitigation measures will be implemented, an environmental
management plan has been developed to guide all activities of the project during all its phases
concerning the protection of the environment. This plan specifies the nature of the negative impact, the
proposed mitigation measures, the indicators in the execution of these mitigation measures, the time
period, the responsibilities and the follow-up needed from concerned and specified parties. An
emergency plan in case of accident was also developed. Some negative impacts of this project can be
eliminated, reduced or compensated if the proposed environmental management plan is followed as
proposed.
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Back ground
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process which attempts to identify, predict and mitigate
the ecological and social impacts of development proposals and activities. It also helps to assist
decision-making and to attain sustainable development. Hence, the project under take environmental
impact assessment.

The origins of the Ethiopian Air Force has been traced to (then Ras) Haile Selassie witnessing a show of
the British Royal Air Force in November 1922, in Aden. Having never seen an airplane before, he was
captivated by this demonstration of their power and abilities, and spontaneously asked if he could go up
in one of the biplanes, proclaiming that it was "very fitting that he, as regent of Abyssinia should be the
first Abyssinian to take flight in an aeroplane." As a result of this experience, he afterwards advocated
the development of the Imperial Ethiopian Air Force. This small air arm began with the delivery of
a Potez 25-A2 to the capital Addis Ababa on 18 August 1929. The Ethiopian Air Force was organized
by Mishka Babitchef, the first Ethiopian pilot, who was of Russian descent. A Junkers W 33c followed
on 5 September.

On 31 March 1930, three of the biplanes from Ethiopia's air arm played a dramatic role in a battle
between Haile Selassie (not yet crowned Emperor) and conservative forces seeking his ouster. During
the Battle of Anchem, biplanes were effectively used to give Haile Selassie's forces the upper hand.

A few transport aircraft were also acquired during 1934–35 for ambulance work. The air force was
commanded by Colonel John Robinson (African-American, took command May 1935), recruited
by Haile Selassie, and who remained until the Italian conquest of Ethiopia, when the small air arm
ceased to exist.

It is now well recognized that, for sustainable development and optimal use of natural
resources, environmental consideration are required to be integrated in planning, designing,
and implementation of development projects. The envisaged benefits from development
projects cannot be fully realized unless they are environmentally and socially sound and
sustainable. Therefore, this project has made decision to develop such study to have a
sustainable development by safe guarding the environment and ultimately to assure its
sustainability.

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 This Study consists in scoping of the Environmental Impacts for the project of Air-force Military
Défense in Amhara Region, West Gojjam Zone, Bahir Dar City Administration, Zenzelima Kebele
specifically near to St. Mickael Church.

The EIA findings are presented in more than 9 main chapters. Introduction of the project is presented
under chapter two including assumptions or gap in knowledge, while the scope and methodology for this
EIA study is briefly indicated in chapter three, chapter four comprises legal frameworks and sectorial
government structures, and environmental policy, EIA guideline and environmental legislation in
Ethiopia, baseline information of the project area also indicated under chapter five and project
descriptions and its alternative under chapter six.

Chapter seven deals with identification of potential impacts and suggesting implementable mitigation
measures for those impacts categorized under beneficial, physical, biological socio-economic impacts
that will appeal mainly during both construction and operation phases were presented under the chapter.

Chapter eight deals with environmental management plan of the project with environmental monitoring
plans. This chapter is expected to be key areas of the EIA studies since the overall project successes
depends on implementation of those plans. Chapter nine states the conclusion and recommendation of
the study.

1.2 Objectives of the EIA Study

Reducing the burden of environmental impacts is necessary if development is to become sustainable. As

resources become limited, environmental impacts become more complex, EIA has become of ever
increasing importance as a tool for development and decision making. Environmental impact
assessment, as a national instrument, shall be undertaken for proposed activities that are likely to have
significant adverse impact on the environment and are subject to a decision of a competent national
authority.

In practice, EIA is applied primarily to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of major development
projects. It is also used as a planning tool to promote sustainable development by integrating
environmental considerations into a wide range of proposed actions. Most notably, the use of policies
and plans focus on the highest levels of decision making and take care of the environment in considering
development alternatives and options. More limited forms of EIA can be used to ensure that smaller
scale projects, conform to appropriate environmental standards or site and design criteria.

1.2.1 General Objective

The general objective of the Environmental Impact Assessment study is to conduct investigations that
enable to assess environmental impacts of the modern air-force station project and to recommend
mitigation measures and highlight enhancement mechanisms by preparing appropriate environmental
management and monitoring plans during planning, construction as well as operation phases of the
project.

1.2.2 Specific Objectives

 To detect the effects of the project on the receiving environment such as the water bodies, the
soil, the people, the infrastructure, the fauna, the flora and the atmosphere;
 To propose alternative measures where it is noticed that adverse effect may occur;
 To carry out a diagnosis of the existing environment and activities in the area of the project;
 To propose enforcement measures where beneficial effects from the project are detected;
 To set up an environmental management plan that will govern all activities of the project for the
better protection of the environment.

1.3 Justifications to the EIA

In the past, the environment failed to feature in holistic manner in the development endeavours of the
country, since project evaluation and decision-making Bahir Dar City Administration mines were
unwarrantedly made to focus on short-term technical feasibility and economic benefits. For this reason,
past development practices fell short of anticipating, eliminating or mitigating potential environmental
problems early in the planning process. In order to ensure sustainable development, it is essential to
integrate environmental concerns into development activities, programs, policies, etc. Environmental
Impact Assessment as one of environmental management tools facilitates the inclusion of principles of
sustainable development aspiration well in advance.
To support this environmental management tool by legal foundation the government of Ethiopia has
establish a number of proclamations. Among other proclamations Environmental Impact Assessment
(no.299/2002) is the one that provides proactive and reactive provisions designed to ensure sustainable
development. According to this proclamation EIA is mandatory not only for development projects but
also for policies, plans and programmes. This adopted proclamation is an invaluable legal tool for
environmental planning, management and monitoring of these endeavours. This EIA Proclamation (No.
299/2002) states that any project which deserves EIA should not be implemented before the preparation
of EIA and licensing organs are required to ensure its execution (EIA Proclamation No 299/2002, Art.
3). Project proponents who have failed to prepare or misleadingly prepared an EIA are also criminalized
(EIA Proclamation No 299/2002, Art. 18).

Moreover the main reasons for conducting EIA are:

To provide effective means of harmonizing and integrating environmental, economic, cultural and social
considerations into a decision-making process in a manner that promotes sustainable development-prior
to approval of a project or a public instrument; (UNEP, 1988) .

To bring about administrative transparency and accountability, as well as to involve the public and
communities in the planning of and decision-making on development this may affect them and their
environment; (UNEP, 1988)
To ensure the respect of the constitutionally guaranteed right of the people to live in a clean and healthy
environment;

To ensure that potential problems are foreseen and addressed at an early stage in the project’s planning
and design. (UNEP,1988).

From these points, one can infer (conclude) that the aim of EIA is to prevent, reduce or offset the
significant adverse environmental effects of development proposals, and to enhance the positive ones.
2 APPROACHES AND METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

The main objectives of the EIA study are to assess the potential positive and negative effects, and
recommend appropriate mitigating measures that will minimize any undesirable effects expected to
result from this project. The study is aimed to ensure that the environmental and social effects of the
project activities are adequately and appropriately addressed before decisions are made to implement
them.
The methodology applied for conducting the environmental impact assessment study of proposed project
follows the conventional methods that meet the requirements of the Federal and Regional Environmental
Protection Organs’ Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines as well as International Finance
Corporation’s Performance on Social and Environmental Sustainability Standards.

2.1.1 Methods of data collections

The methodology adopted for conducting the environmental impact assessment study of project follows
the conventional methods that meet the requirements of the Federal and Regional Environmental
Protection Organs. Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines as well as International Finance
Corporation’s Performance on Social and Environmental Sustainability Standards. The collection of
primary data, baseline information and secondary data on environment and social components, relevant
documents and literature sources, impact analysis, choosing mitigation and enhancement measures using
different optimization tools and developing environmental protection, monitoring and management
plans were made, meetings, questionnaires and interviews were common techniques by which local
community consultations conducted.

2.1.2 Primary data collection techniques

Primary data and information on the study area will be collected using different tools and techniques
including household questionnaires, local community representatives’ consultations, checklists and
matrices appropriate for this project.
Field observation

Site visit have been done from March 20/2009- March 24/2009 to assess the baseline environmental and
socio-economic conditions of the proposed project; to define impacted areas and identify environmental
and socio-economic components that are likely to be significantly affected by the proposed project.
During field survey, basic data and information on the biophysical resources, socio-economic as well as
historical and cultural sites have been being collected.

2.1.3 Secondary data Collection Methods

The types of secondary data needed for the study and their possible sources will be first listed and
summarized by a table. Those available data will be gathered before and during the fieldwork from the
indicated sources. The secondary data include published national and regional state policies, legislatives,
regulations and guidelines as well as international conventions and protocols ratified by the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), Central Statistical Authority (CSA) Census Reports,
topographical maps, soils and land use study reports, weather data and Performance Standard on social
and environmental sustainability documents.

2.1.4 Impact Identification, prediction and evaluation Methods

All the relevant environmental impacts were identified and evaluated using Leopold matrix (for
evaluating magnitude and significance of impacts) and network tree method for identifying direct and
indirect impacts.

2.1.5 Environmental Screening Criteria

Different countries use different criteria for screening project. There are commonly three types of
screening criteria’s: these are European Union, World Bank and nationally the EPA schedules
This project is screened through EPA schedules and Amhara Region Bureau of Environmental
Protection, Land Administration and Use (BoEPLAU). EPA have four schedules.

Schedule 1: projects which may have adverse and significant environmental impacts, and may therefore,
require full EIA.

Schedule 2: projects whose type, scale or other relevant characteristics have potential to cause some
significant environmental impacts but not likely to warrant an environmental impact study.

Schedule 3: projects which would have no impact and does not require environmental impacts

Schedule 4: all projects in environmentally sensitive areas should be treated as equivalent to schedule 1
activity of the nature of the project.

Amhara Region Bureau of Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use (BoEPLAU):

Category 1 (Inclusion/Mandatory List). Actions that are perceived to have potentially significant
environmental effect on the environment require full EIA report or environmental impact
statement (EIS). Projects that fall into this category (inclusion list) must forego a detailed
environmental study, including primary and secondary data collection, public participation and
disclosure, with a final
out put presented to the competent authority for review and approval in the form of a full EIA report
(EIS).
Category 2 Actions in which the significance of the environmental impact is either not clearly
established or potential environmental impacts are not widespread, considered to be less complex, or are
relatively easy to mitigate. All development actions included in this category require the preparation of a
preliminary environmental impact study report or an initial environmental examination (IEE).

Category 3 (Exclusion List). Actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant
environmental effect or are considered to be environmental improvement are included in this category
(exclusion list) and do not require to prepare an IEE or EIS. A specific list of categorical exclusions is
presented below. Such projects normally do not require environmental documentation and will receive
an environmental clearance letter from the competent authority and licensing agency as per the
requirements set forth in the ANRS environmental Proclamation. When appropriately documented and
approved by the competent agency, additional projects may also qualify to be included in Category 3
(categorical exclusion list).

Category 1 Activities (List of projects requiring full EIA (Inclusion List) clearly define about Defense
activities and military services. The specifications are the following.

Designing of large military range or raining grounds, or significant changes in the uses of such areas.

Shooting range, artillery range, or any other related installations.

Temporary military campsites, designed for more than one year.

Planning the use of low-level flying military fixed-wing jet aircraft as part of a training program at an
altitude below 330 m above ground level for more than 25 hours per calendar year in populated
areas, in areas designated as major wildlife habitat, and/or in known staging areas of migratory birds.

Therefore, based on EPA and Amhara Region Bureau of Environmental Protection, Land
Administration and Use (BoEPLAU) this project is under category one. That means the project requires
full EIA.

2.2 Environmental Scoping

In the aim of defining the limits of the study area for the project and drawing lists of activities and
impacts to be studied during the assessment, the Consultant carried out an initial environmental
examination and scoping.

The scoping exercise has been carried out with the following main objectives:

 To define the limits of the study area,

 To define list of Valued Ecosystem Components within the study area, and
 To define lists of activities, type and magnitude of the proposed project
3 ASSUMPTIONS AND/ OR GAP IN KNOWLEDGE

Reliability and quality of data collected with regard to the proposed project from different sources
involves some degree of uncertainties due to absence of available official documents and sufficient
information and secondary data from concerned sector offices both at Kebele and woreda levels.
However, the consultant tries to avoid the constraints and limitations by conducting site visit &
observations, interviewing concerned stakeholders and undertaking outstanding public consultation
forums.

10
4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

4.1 Size and Nature of the project

The name of the project is Ethiopian modern air force military station. The total area of the station is
8Km2. from this 3,5Km2 used for built up area. They will built 4 buildings (G+5) having
100highstandard bed rooms. In addition, they will build 2 buildings for lecture rooms and garages. They
intended to build an airstrip of 2. 5Kms.They intended to use a supersonic SU-35 for training. The
station will never have a restaurant. They will have practical training every day.

4.1.1 Major Inputs

Construction materials; the following materials will be used

 Construction materials-various materials including cement, stone, sand and gravel, wood and
different metal products,
 Spent cleaners (e.g organic solvents)
 Paints (including lead-based paints)
 Used oils
 Paint thinners
 Fluorescent lamps that contains mercury
 Asbestos fibres (e.g chrysotile, crocidolite, amoste)
 Bio-persistent ceramics fibres (consists of aluminium silicate, aluminium oxide, silicon carbide,
potassium titanate)
 Bio-persistent mineral fibres

Raw Materials and Consumable products

 Food staff-meat, edible oils, fruits, and vegetables
 Cleaning agents- soaps and detergents, etc.
 Fragrant-air fresheners, perfumes, etc.
 Papers-writing papers and soft papers, etc.

11
  Fuels- benzene, kerosene, gasoil, etc.

Waste management

All wastes generated during the construction and operation phase will be dumped off to the campus.

4.2 Project location and boundaries

This modern air force station project is located in Amhara regional state, Bahir Dar City Administration,
Zenzelima Kebele at a specific site near St. Mikael Church. Geographically, the project area is located
between 1284894 to 1286129 N(latitude) and 330978 to 332134 E(longitudes). The distance of the

project site from Bahir Dar city to the specific site is about 8Km and it is founded to the left of Bahir
Dar University College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (BDU/CAES) campus. The project
will be established on a total area of 8 m2 on farm land of community farmers.

Figure 1: Map of the Project Site

12
4.3 The Proposed Development

The development will set up to improve the Défense capacity of the country by enhancing modern air-
force technologies. This project will increase the modern air-force Défense techniques of the country.
In short, the major steps in modern air-force Défense station process are (a) Construction and
Installation phase as well as (b) operational phase.

During Construction and Installation phase, the following materials will be used

Construction materials: cement, stone, sand, gravel etc,

 Spent cleaners (organic solvent),

 Paints (including lead based paints
 Used oils
 Bio-persistent ceramics fibres (consists of Al, Si, Al2O3, etc.),
 Bio-persistent mineral fibres

During operational phase of the project, the following raw materials and consumable products will be
used these are

 Food staffs- meat, edible fruits etc.

 Cleaning agents
 Fragrant
 Papers
 Fuels
 Wastes

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5 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORKS

This section covers the policy, legislative and institutional issues which deals with the international
conventions, National economic development policies and strategies, sectoral policies and strategies
related to the project, existing environmental policies and strategies at the national and international
levels and the existing institutional framework for environmental protection and management.

5.1 Economic Development Policies and Strategies

5.1.1 The National Economic Development Strategy

The guiding strategy under the National Economic Development is known as the ‘Agricultural
Development Led Industrialization’ (ADLI). This strategy further developed into sectoral strategies that
include Agriculture, Project, Mining, Population growth, technological progress, Economic and Social
infrastructure, etc. The following can be identified as the core elements of the agro-industrial
development strategy component of ADLI (MoPED, 1993).

The promotion of labor intensive technologies and utilization of domestic raw materials,
Determination of the composition of industrial output based on the needs and income levels of the
population, and Government intervention to motivate the choice of labor intensive technology that
makes extensive use of domestic raw materials.

ADLI has provided that basis for the development of the other national and sectoral policies and
strategies that have direct relevance to this project in relation to promote labor intensive technologies
and utilization of domestic raw materials.

5.1.2 Ethiopian Investment Strategy

There had been a number of investment proclamation and regulations issued by successive governments
as the country started to move away from ‘centralized economy’ to ‘mixed economy’ (since 1992).
These policy issues influence the project in different aspects.

14
Above all; the following two documents that constitute the building blocks of the current Ethiopian
investment strategy, directly affect investment in the country in general. Proclamation No.37/1996:
Investment proclamation of the federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Proclamation of Ministers
Regulation No. 7/1996: Council of Ministers regulations to provide for investment Incentives.

According to the Investment Proclamation No.37/1996, the objective of the investment policy of the
federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) are designed to improve the living standard of the
peoples of Ethiopia through the realization of sustainable economic and social development. Article 13
of the proclamation specifies the required information for submitting an application for investment
permit. The first sub article under article 14, prescribes the procedure for issuance of investment permit,
stating the following:

Upon receiving an application for investment permit made in full compliance with the provisions of
Article 13 of this proclamation, and after ascertaining within 10 days that the included investment
activity would not be contravening the operational laws of the country and that, in particular, it complies
with conditions stipulated in environmental protection laws, the appropriate investment organ shall issue
an investment permit to the applicant.

The Council of Ministers regulation No. 7/1996 provides the terms and conditions under which
investment incentives provided for investors. The investment incentive is divided into the following two
categories: exemption from income tax and exemption from customs duty on imported machinery and
equipment. The exemption from income tax is based on the following two criteria. The first criterion is
the class of the investment as pioneer investment, promoted investment, or expansion and upgrading of
existing investment. The second criterion is the location of the investment with respect to its potential
contribution to equitable distribution of regional development.

15
5.2 Environmental Policies and Strategies

5.2.1 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The Constitution is the supreme law of the country, whose provisions all other policies, regulations and
institutional frameworks must comply with. The Constitution of the FDRE (Proclamation No. 1/1995 as
amended) is the foundation for human rights, and natural resources and environmental management. The
Constitution states that: Government and all Ethiopian citizens shall have the duty to protect the
country’s environment and natural resources; Design and implementation of programs and projects of
development shall not damage or destroy the environment and the People have the right to full
consultation and expression of views in the planning and implementation of environment policies and
projects that affect them directly.

The concepts of sustainable development and environmental rights are enshrined in the Constitution of
the FDRE. Article 44 of the revised Constitution of the FDRE states that all persons who have been
displaced or whose livelihood has been adversely affected because of state programs have the right to
commensurate monetary or alternative means of compensation, including relocation with adequate state
assistance. However, the compensation does not consider the value of land.

5.3 Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy

To cope up with the prevailing environmental problems such as land degradation, rainfall fluctuation,
increasing temperature, flooding and speed up its socioeconomic development, the Government of
Ethiopia has planned a climate-resilient green economy as a development strategy. This development
direction promotes environmental protection, reducing fossil fuel consumption which releases
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. With demand for energy growing with the increasing population,
industrialization and urbanization, the Government realized that harnessing clean and renewable energy
sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy sources is critical.

16
5.4 The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia

The major policy framework document with respect to environmental management of Ethiopia is the
Environmental Policy (EPE) of the FDRE approved by the Council of Ministers in April 1997. The
Policy was prepared under the joint-effort of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the
Environmental Planning Unit (EPU) of the then Ministry of Economic Development and cooperation
(MEDaC).

The policy contains elements that imply the importance of main streaming socio-ecologic aspects in
development programs. More specifically, there are two cross-sectoral policies components with a
mainstreaming effect in the EPE. Article 4.6 of EPE covers different aspects of the importance of
incorporating environmental costs and benefits in the development planning process.

Under this Article, the initiation of a pilot project on the application of Environmental accounting in
Ethiopia was identified as one of the policies directions. Furthermore, Article 4.6 states (EPA 1997, 21):
To explicitly consider in 5- , 10-, and 100- years’ time perspective the economic costs & benefits to the
environment in the planning of all Major Development Programs, projects and activities.
Article 4.9 of EPE covers the policy directive on E1A. The Article contains eleven sub-articles covering
different aspects of EIA and the conditions under which EIA must be performed. Article 4.9.g (EPA
1997, 23) provides a provision:

To create a law on EIA process which requires appropriate Environmental Impact Statements and
Environmental Audits for private and state development projects?
The sectoral policies of EPE contain policy directions that may ensure the promotion of sustainable
industrial development in the country. More specifically, Article 3.8 of EPE provides policy directions
for the control of hazards materials and pollution from industrial waste. This sectoral policy emphasizes
the importance of pollution prevention and minimization as the primary approach for pollution control.
To this effect, Article 3.6 states (EPA 1997, 15):

15
To adhere to the precautionary principle of minimizing and where possible preventing discharge of
substances and to disallow the discharge when they are likely to be hazardous. Article 3.8., more
specifically (EPA 1997, 16) states: To promote waste minimization processes the project owner must
use efficient reused the waste materials like overburden soil and selected material wherever possible.

In general, all legal provisions cited above, make rural lands the property of the People and Government
of Ethiopia, and buying and selling of land is prohibited but leasing rights is allowed. Moreover, it is the
right for existing land owner to be compensated fully and satisfactorily if land is expropriated by the
state.

5.5 Legislative Instruments

The Federal Government of Ethiopia is in the process of passing number of proclamations that are aimed
at providing the legislative instruments for the implementation of the national environmental policy
objectives and strategies. The following environmental protection proclamations were enacted by the
council of Representative of FDRE.

Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No. 299/2002)

This Proclamation (No 299/2002) aims primarily at making the EIA mandatory for categories of projects
specified under a directive issued by the EPA. The law specifies the projects and activities that will
require an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

The proponent of the project must prepare the EIA following the format specified in the legislation. The
EPA will then review the EIA and either approve the project (with or without conditions) or reject it.
Under this legislation, the EPA has to prepare procedures, regulations, environmental guidelines and
standards for the EIA. Environmental guidelines are among the tools for facilitating the consideration of
environmental issues and principles of sustainable development and their inclusion in development
proposals. The Proclamation requires, among other things:

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Specified categories of projects to be subjected to an EIA and receive an authorization from the EPA or
the relevant regional environmental agency prior to commencing implementation of the project.
Licensing agencies to ensure that the requisite authorization has been duly received prior to issuing an
investment permit, a trade or operating license or a work permit to a business organization.

The EPA or the relevant regional environmental agencies may issue an exemption from carrying out an
EIA in projects with an insignificant environmental impact. A licensing agency may suspend or cancel a
license that has already been issued where the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency
suspends or cancels environmental authorization. Procedures that need to be followed in the process of
conducting an environmental impact assessment are described in the Proclamation. Thus, a project
developer is expected to act as follows:

Undertake a timely environmental impact assessment, identifying the likely adverse impacts,
incorporating the means of their prevention, and submitting the environmental impact study report
accompanied by the necessary documents to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency.
Ensure that an environmental impact assessment is conducted and an environmental impact study report
is prepared by an expert who meets the requirements set forth by the directive issued by the EPA.
Submit an environmental impact study report to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency
for review.

Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation of the Amhara National Regional State

(Proclamation No181/2011)

This Proclamation aims are the same as Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No.
299/2002) in Ethiopia primarily at making the EIA mandatory for categories of projects specified under
a directive issued by the EPA. The law specifies the projects and activities that will require an
environmental impact assessment.

Environmental Pollution Control (Proclamation No. 300/2002)

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Proclamation No. 300/2002 on Environmental Pollution Control primarily aims to ensure the right of
citizens to a healthy environment and to impose obligations to protect the environment of the country.
The law addresses the management of hazardous waste; establishment of environmental quality
standards for air, water and soil; and monitoring of pollution. The problem of improper handling of
hazardous substances related to activities such as pest management and industrial development are
becoming a serious environmental concern. In this connection, the Proclamation provides a basis from
which the relevant environmental standards applicable to Ethiopia can be developed, while sanctioning
violation of these standards as criminally punishable offences.

In order to ensure implementation of environmental standards and related requirements, inspectors

belonging to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency are empowered by the Proclamation
to enter, without prior notice or court order, any land or premises at any time, at their discretion. Such
wide powers derive from Ethiopia's serious concern and commitment to protecting the environment
from pollution

Proclamation 513/2007, Solid Waste Management

Proclamation no. 513/2007 aims to promote community participation in order to prevent adverse effects
and enhance benefits resulting from solid waste. It provides for preparation of solid waste management
action plans by urban local governments.

Therefore, Solid Waste Management Proclamation No. 513/2007 states (Article 5.1) that Urban
Administrations shall ensure the participation of the lowest administrative levels and their respective
local communities in designing and implementing their respective solid waste management plans. In
Article 5.1 each Region or urban administration shall set its own schedule and, based on that, prepare its
solid waste management plan and report of implementation. Measures related to waste handling and
disposal:

Any person shall collect waste in an especially designated place and in a manner, which does not affect
the health of the society. No person shall dispose solid, liquid or any other waste in a manner which
contaminate the environment or affects the health of the society.

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Regulation 159/2008, Prevention of Industrial Pollution

As a follow up to Proclamation 300/2002, a regulation to prevent industrial pollution was developed by

the Federal Environmental Protection Authority and endorsed by the Council of Ministers to ensure
compatibility of industrial development with environmental conservation.

This Regulation confers important obligations to industrial operators. A project subject to the regulations
is obliged to prevent or minimize the generation and release of pollutants to a level not exceeding the
environmental standards. The regulation also obliges industrial operators to handle its equipment’s,
inputs and products in a manner that prevents damage to the environment and to human health.
Moreover, the regulations urge industrial operators to prepare and implement an emergency response
system of their own. On the other hand industrial operators are required to prepare and implement
internal environmental monitoring systems and keep written records of the pollutants generated and the
disposal mechanisms used to get rid of the pollutants. In relation to it, factories are required by the
regulation to submit annual compliance reports with the provision of the regulations.

Environmental Assessment Guidelines

The guide to EIA document that was prepared by EPA provides a background to EIA and environmental
management in Ethiopia. In effect the document aims at being a reference material to ensure effective
environmental assessment and management practice in Ethiopia for all parties who engage in the
process. The basic objectives of the guide are Providing all interested parties with a consistent approach
in EIA; Providing background information for the context of EIA in Ethiopia; Assisting proponents in
identifying their EIA responsibility; Assisting communities and NGO groups in realizing their
environmental rights with regard to EIA Assisting the authority in determining their roles and
responsibility as decision makers in the EIA process.

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The Procedural EIA Guideline

The Procedural EIA guideline for environmental impact assessment issued in the year 2003 and provides
detail about the required procedures for conducting an EIA, the permit requirements, the stage and
procedures involved in EIA process, and the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the EIA
process. It also includes the categories of projects (schedule of activities) concerning the requirement of
EIA (project that may need Full, partial and no EIA at all) and list of project types under each category,
according the criteria in the guideline, this project is categorized as a project that needs full EIA study.

The Technical EIA Guideline

The technical EIA guideline was issued in the year 2000 and specifies tools, particularly the standards
and guidelines that may be considered when undertaking the EIA process. Moreover, it provides details
and key issues for environmental assessment in specific development sectors such as energy, water
resources, manufacturing, etc., project implementation and operation.

Guide lines for Reviewing EIA Reports

It is the other valuable document issued by EPA in the year 2003 to guide and make easier the review
process of the EIA reports. It is a generic guideline prepared to facilitate the EIA report reviewing and
decision- making process, and it includes review approaches and outlines a minimum report structure
and information requirements. It is intended to help the reviewers to assess the content,
comprehensiveness, adequacy, and accuracy of information in the report as well as its organizational and
presentation qualities. The review guideline is principally meeting to be used by EPA and regional
environmental agencies but also by Sectoral Environmental Units and the proponents. Thus, it is
believed that the guideline will help to make decisions in good time and faith, whether and under what
conditions the project shall proceed.

EIA Guide line of Amhara Region

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Bureau of environmental protection, Land Administration and Use (BoEPLAU) is issued revised
environmental impact assessment(EIA) guideline in 2011, the document is divided into five chapters and
annexes that described the categories activity used for the review of EIS (environmental impact
statement).

The guideline start with what the EIA is and briefly describing the guiding principle used in the EIA
study as well as the role of the parties and stakeholders involved in the study review and approval
process. The second chapter generally focuses on EIA Processes starting from pre-screening of public
consultation up until review of the final outputs. It shows the very details how the screening and scoping
steps are handled, the techniques in has to follow in impact identification and analysis identification of
mitigation measures, the steps involved in public consultation as well as the report writing and how the
review process is conducted.

Guideline on Ambient Environment Standards

A Guideline on ambient environment standards is prepared by the Environmental Protection Authority

(EPA) with the assistance of the United Nations Development Organization (UNDO) under the
Ecologically Sustainable Industrial Development (ESID) project in August 2003.

The Government of Ethiopia has mandated the Environment Protection Authority to set such standards
and the document represents the Authority’s guideline standards with respect to the ambient
environment. Ambient environmental quality standards are set with a goal of safeguarding public health
and protecting the environment. The guidelines standards are primary aimed at protection of ambient
environmental quality within all components of the Ethiopian Environment. Guideline standards
contain ambient quality standards for:

 Air quality guidelines

 Water quality guidelines standards.
 Soil and ground water quality guide line standard
 Noise level guide line standard

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The business owner or other responsible bodies shall ensure compliance with all listed applicable Acts
and Regulations, and shall ensure that new regulations are monitored and implemented as applicable and
required.

5.6 Institutional Framework

5.6.1 National

5.6.1.1 Proclamation on Institutional Arrangements

This proclamation establishes the EPA as an autonomous Federal agency with the objective of
formulating Environmental policies, strategies, legislatives, standards and directives. The proclamation
also provides for the establishment of the Environmental council to ensure integration of Environmental
concerns with development policies, strategies and plans, as well as coordination among sectors.
The Environmental council is chaired by the prime minister (or his designate) and is composed of the
relevant line ministries, heads of other government agencies and representative of trade associations and
NGOs. The executive Director of EPA will serve as member and secretary of the environmental
Council. Furthermore, the proclamation requires every competent agency to establish or designate its
own environmental unit, which shall ensure collaboration with EPA and be responsible to coordinate
and follow up that activities of the agency are taking place in harmony with this proclamation and other
Environmental requirements.

5.6.1.2 Environmental Protection Council

The proclamation for the establishment of the Environmental Protection Authority establishes
Environmental protection council to ensure the integration of Environmental concerns with development
policies, strategies and plans as well as coordination among sectors. The council is composed of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Project, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mines and

22
Energy, the commissioner of Science and technology, the Ministry of water resources and the general
manager of EPA. An official to be designated by the government chairs the council.

5.6.1.3 Federal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

In 1995, the EPA was created by means of the Environmental Protection Authority Establishment
Proclamation (Proclamation No. 9/1995). At the same time, an Environmental Protection Council (EPC)
was established, with representatives from most of the federal ministries to supervise the EPA’s
activities. The Director-General of the EPA was to serve as the Secretary to the Council and the EPA
took on the duties previously assigned to the Ministry of Natural Resources Development and
Environmental Protection (MoNREP). The mandate and duties of the EPA were subsequently clarified
in the Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs Proclamation (Proclamation No. 295/2002).
The EPA is an independent authority, acting outside the main ministerial structures and reporting
directly to the prime minister. The federal EPA is the key national level environmental agency, with a
mandate to address environmental issues. The environmental legislation gives the EPA powers to fulfill
its role, support all federal agencies in establishing environmental units, and develop skills in strategic
environmental analysis of policies and public instruments.

5.6.1.4 Regional

Amhara environmental protection and land use authority is established by proclamation to regulate land
and environmental protection issue in the region. Any development activity is designed and
implemented without damaging the environment and disordering its balance. When comes to EIA, the
national provisions indicate the federal EPA transfers responsibility to the regional environmental
organs, especially for projects that fully under the control of the regional governments. Similarly, the
project under discussion is completely handled by the Amhara regional state and is under the control of
the regional competent agency.

5.6.2 Zone

The zone administration is the highest organ of zonal administration structure. Therefore, the West
Gojjam zone environmental protection and land use office is the middle administrative steps responsible
for monitoring and evaluation of environmental issue of the proposed project.

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5.6.2.1 District/Town

The highest administrative structure of the district is the district administrative office, which is
established for consisting of the administrative arm and a cabinet. The project site is found in Amhara
regional state at Bahir Dar Zuria woreda. Therefore, the Bahir Dar Zuria woreda is strongly accountable
to check environmental issue at the woreda level.

6 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (SITE AND SURROUNDING)

Environmental inventory of the project area is one of the components of environmental impact
assessment to analysis the existing situation of the project area before the implementation of the project.
To assess the baseline information of the project area all primary and secondary data from relevant
sources were collected and analyzed. Generally, the inventory is compiled from a check of descriptors
for the physical-chemical environment, biological environment, cultural environment, and socio-
economic environment.
From the proposed site, environmental inventory was done on the following components.

6.1 Vegetation

Most area of the proposed site (approximately 95%) is cropland. Only small percentage of the area
consists of sparsely grown vegetation’s. The vegetation type of project site ranges from shrubs to some
large plants. The most common trees that found in the proposed site are some Acacia species (Girar),
Cordia Africana (Wanza), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Key Bahirzaf) and Croton macrostachyus
(Bisana).
The distribution of vegetation in the area is highly sparse due to expansion of cropland and village.

6.2 Soil

According to Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda Office report, the soil type of the wereda is divided in to 3 main
categories. Black cotton soil covers 58025ha (56%), Brown soil cover10361 ha (10%) and Red soil
cover 35229 (34%) of the district.

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Specifically, the proposed site is covered by red soil (Lithosol). The average depth the soil is
approximately 1.2-1.6 meter. the soil textural class is loam (very suitable for agricultural purpose). and
fertility status of the soil is medium fertile soil. There is loose or soil compactions near the path or road.

6.3 Water

The main source of water for the community near and inside the project site is from ground hole i.e.
hand-dug well. It is of low quality since the hole is not well protected from surface dusts and wastes and
also the seepage of surface run off and sewage into the water supply well and the space between the well
wall and the casing is not sealed well. The other source of water for the community living near the
project site is from distant. from Abay Mado at a distance of around 8Km. Generally, there is
competition on the water source.

6.4 Land use type

The major land use type of the proposed site is cultivated land but, there is settlement, quarry activity in
the cultivation land, some barren land and grazing land.

The topography of the project site including Bahir Dar city (Since Zenzelima is included in it) as shown
in the figure 2 bellow is range from 1775-2023m above sea level. Most part of the city has the slope of
bellow 5% including the project site.

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Fig 2 Map of Bahir Dar City Administration that shows Elevation and slope

6.5 Weather condition

6.5.1 Wind Speed and Direction

According to Bahir Dar meteorological data the maximum wind speed in Bahir Dar Zuria is registered
as 1.8 meter per second, which is not that much difficult to live and undertake any development
activities in and around the Bahir Dar town. The prevailing wind direction of Bahir Dar Zuria is towards
southeast during dry season and towards northwest during rainy season. Hence, any air pollutant to be
emitted form development activities from these southeasterly and northwesterly winds is not
recommended. Therefore, the project site is exhibiting above stated magnitude of wind speed and the
wind direction is towards southeast during dry season and towards northwest during rainy season.

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6.5.2 Precipitation

The main annual precipitation depth recorded at Bahir Dar Station in 37 years’ period from 1962 to
2009 is about 1437 mm. There is a significant seasonal variation in the amount of rain fall. Almost 60.3
% percent of the mean annual rainfall occurs in two raining months of July and August with maximum
mean value of more than 432 mm. It is believed that the project site is getting above stated amount of
rain fall every year as it belongs to the Bahir Dar Zuria.

Table 1: Monthly Average Precipitation of Bahir Dar Zuria

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul. Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual

Av. (mm) 28 1.9 7.6 22.9 89.5 180.7 432.2 384.3 200.1 92.6 19.1 27 2971.8

Max.(mm) 30 15 67 104 273 306 685 593 314.6 174.4 134 76

The rain season is from June to August. The maximum, medium and minimum annual rainfall of the
area are; 1521, 1475 and 1428 respectively (ZKAO, 2014)

6.5.3 Temperature

The monthly mean maximum and minimum temperature records of Bahir Dar Zuria in the year between
1961 and 2000 (in the table below) indicates that the highest mean monthly maximum temperature
occurs in the month of April which is about 29.8 oC and the lowest is in the months of July and August
which is about 23.30C. The mean monthly minimum temperature ranges from the lowest 7.1 oC in
January to the highest 14.2 oC in the month of May. Therefore, the project site is also exhibiting the
same temperature feature and distribution pattern as it was described for Bahir Dar Zuria.

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 Monthly Temprature of Bahir Dar Zuria
29.8 29.8 29.8
30
26.7 26.3 26.4 26.3 26.8
26
25.1
23.8 23.9
25

20
Temperature

15 12.6 12.3 12.2 12.5 11.9

11.7 11.8 11.7
9.9
8.9
(oc)

10
6.6 6.5

0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul. Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month Max. Min

Figure 3: Monthly Temperature (prepared from tabular data)

The area is experiencing the prevalence of hot temperature that has a lot in affecting the environment.
The maximum temperature of Bahir Dar Zuria rises as high as 32 0C while the minimum is in the
vicinity of 8oC. All the ural centers in the metropolis are suffering with the effect of high temperature
though it is not throughout the day and the year. Lake Tana to some extent optimizes the effect of high
temperature for Bahir Dar, Zegie and Bahir Dar Zuria.

As it is depicted on the Table below these areas receives mean annual rainfall of 1170-1600mm. Most of
the rainfall occurs during 'kiremt' season between June and September. The rainfall amount and
reliability in this area is more or less good although there have been some intrusions for sometimes.

The area is experiencing the prevalence of hot temperature that has a lot in affecting the environment.
As shown on Table below, the maximum temperature rises as high as 31.7 oC while the minimum is in
the vicinity of 8oc. All the urban centers in the metropolis are suffering with the effect of high
temperature though it is not throughout the day and the year. Lake Tana to some extent optimizes the

28
effect of high temperature for Bahir Dar, Zegie and Bahir Dar Zuria. As it is depicted on the Table
below the site receives mean annual rainfall of 1498.82 mm.

Table 1: Distribution of Temperature and Rainfall in Bahir Dar city Administration (1998- 2002)

Name of station Average mean monthly temperature Mean annual rainfall

Maximum oc Minimum oc
Bahir Dar proper 29.36 9.24 1498.82
Zegie 31.7 8.18 1636.2

Tis abay N/A N/A 1173.4

Meshenti N/A N/A 1595.7
Zenzelma 29.36 9.24 1498.82

6.6 Socio-economy

6.6.1 Population distribution

Based on the 2007 national census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA), Bahir
Dar Zuria woreda has a total population of 129,260, an increase of 44.50% over the 1994 census, of
whom 64,683 are men and 64,577 are women; 17,913 or 13.86% are urban inhabitants. With an area of
971.29 square kilometers, Bahi Dar Zuria has a population density of 133.08, which is less than the
Zone average of 158.25 persons per square kilometer. Specifically, the distribution of population of the
project site is settled sparsely on some place and very dense around St, Michael Church.

6.6.2 Main economic activities

The main economic activity or the livelihood of the people is crop production and animal rearing in
some extent off-farm activities like quarry activity, tea and coffee house, shop keeping, selling
traditional alcoholic drinks such as tella and others.

The growing period for the main crops is subject to rainfall from June to the end of August, with a
relatively cold spell in November and December. Farm households depend on cereal crops as a major

29
source of cash and food. The major cereal crops are (teff, barley, maize and wheat), pulses (faba bean,
field pea, chickpea, and grass pea), oil crops (Noug and linseed). The dominance of cereal crops is
significant in terms of the volume of production and the area of land under cultivation. Cereals and
pulses are processed by animal power and stored in traditional containers built of tree fibre and clay.
Losses during the processing and storage period are estimated to be 10 to 30 per cent of the total harvest.
There are no grain stores in the people of proposed site. It is not possible to store grain that is not sold on
market day and farmers are forced to go home with unsold grain and agricultural products. In addition,
the absence of storage facilities results in significant price variations as most farmers market their
products around harvest time when supplies are good, and prices are lower than at other times of the
year. Improved on-farm storage facilities would enable farmers to market their crops when prices are
higher and the consumer would benefit from moderating price fluctuations. Some farmers’ cooperatives
act as marketing agents for their members by buying and selling inputs and agricultural products,
especially cereals, oilseeds and legumes.

6.7 Culture

The lifestyle of the community near the project site was traditional and culture based living system.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido was the religion found near to the project site. The community has the
culture of dignity, self-reliance and respecting each other. There is also culture of Ikub, Idir , Mahaber
that can be practiced by the community.

6.8 Archeological sites and historical places (number and geographical location)

Even though there is no archeological site in or near the project area St. Mikael Church as a historical
place. It is found in Bahir Dar zuria woreda, west gojjam zone, Amhara State. It is
bounded by Woreb kebele in south, Robit kebele in North, Lake Tana, and Bahir Dar town in
west and Tenta kebele in East. The geographical (astronomic) location of the church is in zenzelma
kebele of approximately between 11037’17’’N -37027’39’’E latitude.

30
7 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

This section describes the possible alternatives besides the methods and other parameters already
considered in the design of the project. Bearing in mind the critical need for the protection of
environmental ecosystems and the core role that modern air force station able to enhance the advanced
technological defense system of the country.

7.1 Zero Scenario

In the case where the zero scenarios are considered, this means that there won't be construction of the
modern air force station project in Zenzelima. This alternative would have following effects:

 Adverse impact on the biophysical and socioeconomic environment will be removed;

 Adverse impact on the culture and religion of the local community
 Lack of employment for the intended staff members, and job opportunities;
 The population surrounding the proposed site could not be affected by shortage of cropland;

7.2 Site Selection

The proposed site for this project is Amhara regional state, Bahir Dar City Administration, Zenzelima
Kebele at a specific site near St. Mikael Church. But it is very important that the project site must be far
from St. Mikael Church as well as BDU/CAES Campus.

7.3 Air Emissions Treatment

Gas emissions from the proposed project would be predominantly associated with energy required for
the construction phase as well as operation phase of training, lighting and other similar activities. The
prospective emission source has been considered minimum. The prospective emission source has needed
reduced by another alternative energy sources such as biogas and others.

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7.4 Waste Management

Artificial and non-biodegradable materials will be collected in separate container from the site and re
used where possible or taken to approved landfill in the appropriate site. The solid waste expected to be
given off is mainly scrap of papers from administration use. Most wastes would collect in appropriate
waste handling containers.

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8 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

8.1 Identification and prediction of Significant Impacts

Air-force Military Defence project had adverse impact on the biological, environment. This part of the
report discusses about the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed project. However,
it is not only the negative impacts described but also the positive impacts. In undertaking this
environmental impact identification for the proposed project, potential sources of risk to the ecological
and social environment were identified by using Leopold matrix and network tree methods.

8.1.1 Significant Positive Impacts

Air-force Military Defence project, can contribute to improve and assure peace and security of the
country. Therefore, the document has tried to identify many of the positive impacts of the proposed
activities.

8.1.1.1 Economic Impact (Job opportunities)

The impact of creating a very significant amount of employment during construction and installation
phase. During the long duration of operation provides significant positive impact to the local economy
of the Woreda and the surrounding area.

8.1.2 Potential Negative Impacts of the Project

The project has different phases that start by getting the site of the project to its operation phase, so the
impacts vary according to the activities of the project. There are no adverse impacts expected during the
design phase of the project. However, the other potential negative impacts that may be occurred during
the construction and operational phase are identified and stated in the following section. These include:

33
8.1.2.1 Impact on Biological Environment

Loss some flora species and biodiversity due to vegetation clearing of the project site.  As the proposed
project Air-force Military Defence project located at the area which is covered by bushes and
indigenous trees namely Acacia species (Girar), Cordia Africana (Wanza), Eucalyptus camaldulensis
(Key Bahirzaf) and Croton macrostachyus (Bisana). In These grass, bushes and indigenous trees will be
removed by the excavation, drilling and construction of road for transportation of raw materials unless
they are managed properly.

Mitigation Measure

 Land scarping and extensive plantation will be done.

 During land clearing maintain a maximum of vegetation.
 Implementation of agroforestry techniques should be adapted to the site.

8.1.2.2 Impact on Soil Environment

During construction phase, high soil compaction of the site and the surrounding cropland as well as
fertility problem also predicted. Risk of excess soil being eroded from the site and deposited downhill
and finally into the nearby river.

Mitigation Measure

 Construction of radical terraces and planting of grass and trees on those terraces.
 Use of lime and other chemical to reduce soil compaction.
 Maximization of storm water harvesting and used during the dry season.

8.1.2.3 Land use change (Impact on cropland)

Most area of the cropland will change to build up area. The proposed project in the farmland of the area,
which will aggravate in shortage of Farm land in the area. This may affect the crop production of the
area. A considerable number of the community will threatening by shortage of grazing land as the site

34
formerly served as grazing land of the community. This is a negative impact on crop production in the
area.

Mitigation Measure

The project will give monetary compensation to local community which lose their farm land.
The project employee should be from the communities.

8.1.2.4 Soil pollution

The soil will be polluted because of different chemicals such as Spent cleaners (e.g. organic solvents),
Paints (including lead-based paints), Paint thinners and Cleaning agents- soaps and detergents.

Mitigation Measure

Proper dumping of unwanted materials

Wind breaks and wind shield in areas exposed to wind erosion 
A forestation and reforestation on the site, which is out of construction.
Planning of soil binding grasses along banks and slopes prone to rapid erosion. 

8.1.2.5 Traffic Accident

The impacts on traffic during construction phase will consist of the transport, building materials and
equipment’s, even though heavy vehicles are used for leveling of the project site, the volume of traffic
within and the surrounding road network are currently relatively low. So, impact raised by traffic is
significant.

Mitigation Measure

o Regular maintenance of the road

o Humps added where needed.
o Use of traffic signs

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8.1.2.6 Work place Accident

There may be risk of accidents on workers on the site. Some of the work force may be familiar to Air-
force Military Defence project which can be a cause of accidents. If the protection equipment is not
adequate accidents are most likely to occur.

Mitigation Measure

Provide all staff on with protect Air-force Military Defence projective equipment’s (helmets, gloves,
coats and boots where applicable).
Teach the workers how to use adequately these equipment’s

8.1.2.7 Impact on Air environment (Air Pollution)

Air pollution is generated during excavation and clearing of land and transportation of raw materials.
Emission of Green House Gases from airplane and Vehicles contribute to air pollution.

Mitigation measure

Soil watering when soil works are being executed and where dust is emitted.

8.1.2.8 Noise Pollution

Continuous noise exposure creates communication problem behavioral and health effects. The source of
noise is Supersonic SU-35, transportation of row material by vehicles and trainers.

Mitigation measure

 establish the project far away from noise sensitive areas (for example ST. Michael church and
BDU/CAES campus);
 provide protective measures for workers in the project

36
  keep the noise at a standard level
 use of noise barriers are among the most common mitigative measures
 install sound dampers in ventilation systems in stationed sources
 enclose machine or use sound barrier walls to reduce the effect of noise
 consider wind direction at the design stage in terms of sources of noise to minimize its effect;
 reduce noise at the sources to minimize its effect on people living in or around the project;

8.1.2.9 Health impact

During the construction or the operation phase of the project laborers and other project workers will
move to the project area. This people coming from different areas may be affected by different
transmitting diseases. In addition, most of the laborers are expected to be the productive youth group
which is sexually active. Health problems like different sexually transmitted diseases including
HIV/AIDS may prevail.
During operational phase of the project the trainers will cause health problem on the local people and
BDU/CAES female students through sexual intercourse. Diseases such as sexually transmitted disease
(STD) commonly HIV/AIDS.

Mitigation measure

 The biggest work force will be recruited from zenzelma kebele and Bahir Dar City so they
normally return to their homes.
 Sensitization campaign to the staff on HIV/AIDS and other STDs, and/or avail condoms on site,
free of charge.

8.1.2.10 Waste Impact

Solid and liquid waste from Air-force Military Defence project is mainly organic waste produced by the
trainers. All these wastes must be separated after their production, collected and managed according to

37
their nature. There is a possibility of the project giving rise to metal scrap expected to originate from old
parts of the machines.
Mitigation measure

 The garbage will be sorted on site and it will be treated separately.

 Regular inspection of the site
 Efforts will be made to utilize the solid waste to the extent possible. The non-usable part would
be appropriately dumped in an officially designated area.

8.1.2.11 Impact on water environment

As the field survey indicated that there is only one ground water sources on and around the project area.
There will not be any accumulation of surface water during rainy season as the project area having
undulating topography towards the natural drainage. The proposed project may cause water scarcity.

Mitigation measure

 The proponent must get water from Bahir Dar main water source
 The proponent should find other source of water such as preparing ground water source.
 Constructed terraces planted with agroforestry trees downstream of the entire site is expected to
mitigate potential sedimentation of the river.

8.1.2.12 Impact on the BDU/CAES Campus

All the waste of the project will be dumped near to the BDU/CAES campus. Therefore, it affects the
campus by causing smell and related disease to the students and the workers of the campus.
On the other hand, the trainers will affect the female students of the CAES through sexual related things
by making them pregnant.

Mitigation Measures
 All the wastes should be dumped area far from the campus

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  The wastes must be distinguished and treated using waste treatment plant.

8.1.2.13 Impact on ST. Micheal church

Since they have training all day the church ceremony (kidasie) can be disturbed by supersonic sound of
trainers because the site is near to the church.

Mitigation Measures

The training must stop in Sunday to reduce impact on the church

8.1.2.14 Impact on the culture, custom and belief of the local community

The culture and belief of the local community will be affected by the cumulative impact of the modern
air-force station trainers and BDU/CAES students. For instance, wearing style and hair style of the local
community will be replaced by new bad style of the solders and students as well as bad drugs (chat and
others) will be commonly used by them.

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9 EVALUATION OF IMPACTS SIGNIFICANCE

Identification of impacts significance and analysis is the core element of an EIA process. It involves
three steps; impact identification, prediction and evaluation. The most possible potential impacts
associated with each phase; design, construction and operation phases of this Project activities were
identified using questionnaire and professional judgments through Leopold matrix and network tree
method. The impacts were evaluated to determine their significance by using impacts magnitude,
likelihood, spatial and temporal extent, the likely degree of recovery of the affected environment, the
level of public concern and the political repercussions.

The identified impacts were evaluated to determine their significance by using typical parameters such
as impacts type, duration, nature, magnitude and significance through the project development periods
as presented in Table 3. The parameters used in evaluating the magnitude and likelihood of the impacts
are briefly addressed in the table. Spatial and temporal extent, the natural resources carrying capacity
and possible potential environmental sustainability were used as key parameters.

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 Table 3: Evaluation of identified potential environmental and social impacts

No Main Identified Potential Type Reversibility Impact Nature

Impacts Extent
Magnitude Significance

Irreversible

Temporary
Reversible

Permanent
Beneficial

Adverse

Local
I Potential positive impacts
1 Employment Opportunities X X X medium Highly sig.
5 Infrastructure improvement X X X X Low Insignificant
8 Skill and technology transfer X X X X medium significant
10 Promotion of education sector X X X X Low Insignificant
II Potential adverse impacts
a Physical Environment
1 Impact on Soil X X X X Very high highly sig.
2 Impact on water resource X X X X High Significant
3 Air pollutions/Impact on air X X X X High Significant
4 Land use change X X X X High Highly sig.
b Biological Environment

1 Impacts on Wildlife X X X X low Insignificant

2 Impact on vegetation X X X X Very high Significant

3 Effect on livestock/grazing land X X X X Low Insignificant
loss
c Socio-economic Environment
1 Noise pollution X X X X
2 Impacts on public health X X X X low Insignificant
3 Impact on BDU/CAES Campus X X X X Very high Highly sig.
4 Poor Safe Water Supply and X X X X Very Low Insignificant

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 sanitation
5 Impact on energy supply X X X X Medium Medium
6 Impact on ST. Micheal church X X X X Very High Highly Sig.
7 Impacts on social, cultural, X X X X Very High Highly Sig.
historical site
8 Waste impact X X X X High Significant

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 10 DESCRIPTION OF MITIGATION MEASURES

Table 4: Impacts and mitigation measures

Impacts Mitigation measures Cost

on Biological Environment - Land scarping and extensive plantation will be done.

- During land clearing maintain a maximum of vegetation.
- Implementation of agroforestry techniques should be adapted to
the site.
on Soil Environment - Construction of radical terraces and planting of grass and trees on
those terraces.
- Use of lime and other chemical to reduce soil compaction.
- Maximization of storm water harvesting and used during the dry
season
Land use change (Impact on - The project will give monetary compensation to local community
cropland) which lose their farm land.
- The project employee should be from the communities
Soil pollution - Proper dumping of unwanted materials
- Wind breaks and wind shield in areas exposed to wind erosion 
- A forestation and reforestation on the site, which is out of
construction.
- Planning of soil binding grasses along banks and slopes prone to
rapid erosion
Traffic Accident - Regular maintenance of the road
- Humps added where needed.
- Use of traffic signs
Work place Accident - Provide all staff on with protect Air-force Military Defence
projective equipment’s (helmets, gloves, coats and boots
where applicable).
- Teach the workers how to use adequately these equipment’s
Impact on Air environment (Air - Soil watering when soil works are being executed and where
Pollution) dust is emitted
Noise Pollution - establish the project far away from noise sensitive areas (for
example ST. Michael church and BDU/CAES campus);
- provide protective measures for workers in the project
- keep the noise at a standard level
- use of noise barriers are among the most common mitigative
measures

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 - install sound dampers in ventilation systems in stationed
sources
- enclose machine or use sound barrier walls to reduce the effect
of noise
- consider wind direction at the design stage in terms of
sources of noise to minimize its effect;
- reduce noise at the sources to minimize its effect on people
living in or around the project;
Health impact -  The biggest work force will be recruited from zenzelma 16,500
kebele and Bahir Dar City so they normally return to their
homes.
- Sensitization campaign to the staff on HIV/AIDS and other
STDs, and/or avail condoms on site, free of charge
Waste Impact -  The garbage will be sorted on site and it will be treated 20,000
separately.
- Regular inspection of the site
- Efforts will be made to utilize the solid waste to the extent
possible. The non-usable part would be appropriately
dumped in an officially designated area.
on water environment -  The proponent must get water from Bahir Dar main water 36,500
source.
- The proponent should find other source of water such as
preparing ground water source.
- Constructed terraces planted with agroforestry trees
downstream of the entire site is expected to mitigate
potential sedimentation of the river.
on the BDU/CAES Campus - All the wastes should be dumped area far from the campus
- The wastes must be distinguished and treated using waste
treatment plant.
on ST. Micheal church - The training must stop in Sunday to reduce impact on the
church.
on the culture, custom and - The culture and belief of the local community will be affected
belief of the local community by the cumulative impact of the modern air-force station
trainers and BDU/CAES students. For instance, wearing style
and hair style of the local community will be replaced by new
bad style of the solders and students as well as bad drugs (chat
and others) will be commonly used by them.

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11 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

This section provides measures envisaged to avoid, reduce minimize present or compensate negative
impacts of the project. Considering the project design, most of the mentioned impacts are not likely to
happen. The following mitigation measures which consider policy, engineering and social-economic
interventions, have been recommended.

Generally, based on the Environment Management Plan, it can be concluded that the project is not likely
to cause any significant impact on the ecology of the area, as adequate preventive measures will be
adopted to contain the various pollutants within permissible limits. Green belt development around the
area would also be taken up as an effective pollution mitigates technique, as well as to control the
pollutants released from the mining activity. The area has been surveyed by the regional mining and
energy agency before a year and has no any negative influence on the above stated factors.

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 Table 5: Environmental Management Plan of the Project

Project Stage Project Adverse Mitigation Measures Responsible Implementatio Cost Estimate
activity Impacts body n Schedule

Construction Land clearing Impact on extensive plantation Proponent Throughout the High cost
phase & Excavation vegetation Maintain a maximum of project life
vegetation
Leave large trees
Construction Land clearing Impact on Soil Tree planting Proponent Throughout the High cost
phase and create soil aggregate project life
Excavation
Construction Land clearing Impact on Appropriate monetary Proponent Throughout the Medium cost
phase and cropland compensation to the farmers project life
Excavation
Construction Transporting Traffic Regular maintenance of the road Proponent Throughout the Medium cost
phase raw materials Accident Humps added where needed. project life
and others Use of traffic signs

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Operation Training time noise pollution keep the noise at a standard Proponent Throughout the High cost
phase supersonic SU- the source of level project life
35 noise is enclose machine to reduce the
supersonic SU- effect of noise
35 reduce noise at the sources to
minimize its effect
Operation Training, Air pollution Soil watering when soil works Proponent Throughout the Low cost
phase transport and by emission of are being executed and where project life
others vehicles and dust is emitted.

Operation Training time Impact on ST. The training must stop in Proponent Throughout the Low cost
phase supersonic SU- Micheal Sunday to reduce impact on the project life
35 church church.
Operation Training, Health impact Sensitization campaign to the Proponent Throughout the Medium cost
phase transport and staff on HIV/AIDS and other project life
waste STDs, and avail condoms on
site, free of charge.
Operation Trainers and Solid waste The garbage will be sorted on Proponent Throughout the High cost
phase workers waste site and 5 categories of wastes project life
will be treated separately.
Efforts will be made to utilize
the solid waste to the extent
possible. The non-usable part

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 would be appropriately dumped
in an officially designated area
Operation Training, Impact on The proponent must get water Proponent Throughout the High cost
phase transport and water from Bahir Dar main water project life
waste environment source.
The proponent should find other
source of water such as
preparing ground water source.

Operation Waste removal Effect on All the project wastes should be Proponent At the first High cost
phase BDU/CAES dumped in an area far from the stage
campus campus

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12 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING/AUDITING PLAN

The project should be monitored jointly with the office of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda land use and land
administration unit/office. The monitoring should be done annually having over all checklist criteria’s
and its performance. The project performance in accordance to the main document and Environmental
Impact assessment document should be monitored twice a year.

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Table 6: Environmental monitoring plan

Project stage Mitigation measure Parameters to be Location Measurem Frequency Responsible

Monitored ents body
Construction Appropriate monetary Appropriate At the Filed visit Throughout Woreda
phase compensation to the farmers compensation project site observation the project life Environmental
and & office
surrounding interview
area
Constructionn Landscaping and extensive Presence and At the Filed visit Throughout Proponent
and starting of plantation will be done. absence of project site & the project life Woreda
operational During land clearing, to plantation tree and observation Environmental
phase maintain a maximum of surrounding office
vegetation area

Operation Planning of soil binding Amount of At the Filed visit Throughout Proponent
phase grasses along banks and unwanted material project site and the project life Woreda
slopes prone to rapid dumping and the observation Environmental
erosion.  surrounding office
Operation Proper dumping of Amount of At the Filed visit Throughout Proponent
phase unwanted materials afforestation and project site and the project life Woreda
reforestation. plantation done and the observation Environmental
surrounding office
Operation Humps added where Existence of traffic At the Road filed visit Throughout Proponent
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phase needed. signs in the project of project and the project life
Use of traffic signs Site observation Woreda
Environmental
office
Operation Technology to be used is reduction of Noise At the filed visit Throughout Proponent
phase that does not emit high noise The training must project site and the project life Woreda
if possible stop in Sunday to and the observation Environmental
The training must stop in reduce impact on surrounding office
Sunday to reduce impact on the church.
the church.
Operation Sensitization campaign to Existence of At the Filed visit Throughout Proponent
phase the staff on HIV/AIDS and Sensitization project site and the project life Woreda
other STDs, and avail campaign to the observation Environmental
condoms on site, free of staff on HIV/AIDS office
charge. and other STDs,
and avail condoms
on site, free of
charge.
Operation The garbage will be sorted Existence of At the Filed visit Throughout Proponent
phase on site and 5 categories of categorized wastes project site & the project life Woreda
wastes will be treated weather Waste observation Environmental
separately. dumped area far office
Efforts will be made to from BDU/CAES
utilize the solid waste if
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 possible. campus
The non-usable part would
be dumped far from
BDU/CAES campus
Operation The proponent should find Existence of other At the Filed visit Throughout Proponent
phase other source of water such source of water project site and the project life Woreda
as preparing ground water observation Environmental
source. office

Total cost

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13 NATURE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

Meaningful public participation requires much more than simply holding public meetings or hearings or
collecting public comment. Public involvement should continue as the project is implemented with the
aim of ensuring continuing confidence in the developer through independent scrutiny of monitoring
results. At the point of discussion with residents of the area, most of the respondents were aware of the
proposed projects and welcomed this development. The overall conclusions from the public
participation are the proposed project will benefit generally the country but it had highly adverse impact
on them.

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14 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

14.1 Conclusion

This EIA report identifies, predict and evaluate the positive and adverse impacts of the modern air force
station project in Zenzelima. Moreover, there are highly significant environmental and social impacts
that cannot be mitigate.
Generally the competent agency should reject the project and find other appropriate site. If not it should
set a serious follow-up, monitoring, and auditing and evaluation mechanisms to withstand the adverse
environmental impacts of the project.

14.2 Recommendation

It is recommended that:
All appropriate environmental management measures that had been detailed in this report, together with
any other environment management commitments should be implemented throughout out the entire life
of the project.

The proponent to be consistent in monitoring environmental quality of the factory surroundings while
implementing and operating the project.
The woreda Land Administrative and Use Office should strongly accountable to closely monitoring,
inspecting, and evaluating the project.

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REFERENCE

The reference for policy, legal and administrative frameworks:

ANRS, Bureau of Finance and Economic Development, 2005
Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Environment Policy of Ethiopia 1997 (EPE, 1997)
Environmental Impact Assessment Procedural Guideline Series 1, November, 2003, Addis Ababa
Environmental Protection Land Administration and Use Authority (EPLAUA), 2009.
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), Central Statistical Authority (CSA)
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Environmental Protection Authority,
General environmental Impact Assessment Guideline. Bahir Dar. Amhara National regional state.
Health Policy of Ethiopia Issued in 1993.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (Proc. NO. 299/2002)
The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia, EPA/MEDAC (1997), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The Environmental Pollution Control (Proc. No. 300/2002)
The Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (Proclamation No. 295/2002)

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