EIA Section 5: Potential Environmental Impacts of the Project PDF

**SECTION 5 -- POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT** 1. Have the impacts of the project on surrounding land use been described, especially the impact on existing water and sanitation infrastructure, dams, water resources, wetlands, etc. \[WS - may be able to provide inp...

**SECTION 5 -- POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT** 1. Have the impacts of the project on surrounding land use been described, especially the impact on existing water and sanitation infrastructure, dams, water resources, wetlands, etc. \[WS - may be able to provide inputs and recommendations\] Relevant : Yes Adequately addressed: No Further information required: The EIS should include a more comprehensive analysis of how the new development will impact surrounding land use, particularly regarding the compatibility with existing residential areas, potential conflicts, and the strain on local infrastructure. This should include more detailed assessments of the effects on existing water and sanitation systems, as well as any broader\ environmental impacts on the land and resources in the area. 2. Is the impact on the water environment described in terms of types of water resources, present state and characteristics, as well as water availability? (Including running and static surface waters, ground waters, estuaries, coastal waters and the sea and including run off and drainage. NB not relevant if water environment will not be affected by the Project) Relevant: Yes Adequately addressed : No Further Information required: Groundwater: Main water resource, good quality, and available; no significant surface water on-site.\ Water Quality: Meets WHO standards; reliable groundwater yield from boreholes.\ Availability: Groundwater use considered, but lacks detail on over-extraction and broader impacts.\ Drainage: Mentions natural drainage to Ngwerere Stream, but impact on runoff not fully detailed. The EIS should include a more comprehensive analysis of potential impacts on surface water, including changes to runoff patterns, effects on natural drainage systems, and any potential contamination risks. This should be accompanied by a discussion of how these changes might affect the broader water environment, particularly in relation to the Ngwerere Stream and surrounding areas. 3. Are the hydrology, water quality and use of any water resources that may be affected by the project described? (including use for water supply, fisheries, angling, bathing, amenity, navigation, effluent disposal) \[WS - resource quality affects potable water quality\] Relevant: Yes Adequately addressed : No Further Information required: The document provides information on the hydrology of the area, particularly regarding the groundwater.\ Water quality tests conducted at the University of Zambia showed that the groundwater meets WHO standards for drinking water, which is critical for the proposed residential development. The EIS also includes a description of the potential use of water resources for the project, particularly in terms of supplementary boreholes and potential impacts on existing water resources. The discussion on water use is somewhat limited. The EIS does not fully explore the broader implications of groundwater extraction on other water users or the environment. 4. Are the disruption and/or contamination of the groundwater aquifers discussed, and the potential consequential impact to surface water? Relevant: Yes Adequately addressed : Yes Further Information required: NA 5. Have all sensitive areas been identified and has the impact on such areas been quantified? (including buildings, other structures, mineral resources, water resources) Relevant: Yes Adequately addressed : No Further Information required: The EIS identifies sensitive areas related to the local water resources and existing residential areas surrounding the project site.\ However, the quantification of impacts on these sensitive areas, especially in terms of measurable data, is somewhat limited 6. Are the methods used in surveys described, including difficulties and uncertainties? Relevant: Yes Adequately addressed : No Further Information required: The EIS mentions that field surveys were conducted to gather data on groundwater, vegetation, and the general environment.\ However, the descriptions are relatively brief, and the methodologies used for these surveys are not thoroughly detailed. The EIS does not discuss any difficulties encountered during the surveys or any uncertainties in the data collected. This omission leaves gaps in understanding the reliability of the environmental baseline data 7. Are there any issues on data collection and specialist studies not addressed? Relevant: Yes Adequately addressed : No Further Information required: The EIS does not explicitly address any issues with data collection. There is no mention of gaps in the data or areas where\ further study might be required. The document does not suggest the need for any additional specialist studies. This could indicate either confidence in the data collected or a potential oversight in identifying areas that may require further investigation Here are the key points from the document: 1. **Impact on Surrounding Land Use**: - Described but not adequately addressed. - Needs a more comprehensive analysis of compatibility with existing residential areas, potential conflicts, and strain on local infrastructure. 2. **Impact on Water Environment**: - Groundwater is the main resource, with good quality and availability. - Lacks detail on over-extraction and broader impacts on surface water, drainage, and potential contamination risks. - Requires further assessment on the effects on natural drainage systems, runoff patterns, and impact on broader water environment, particularly in relation to Ngwerere Stream. 3. **Hydrology and Water Quality**: - Adequate description of groundwater quality (meets WHO standards). - Limited discussion on broader implications of groundwater extraction on other water users or the environment. - Needs a fuller exploration of potential impacts on existing water resources and their use. 4. **Groundwater Aquifers**: - Disruption and contamination risks discussed. - Adequately addressed. 5. **Survey Methods**: - Field surveys mentioned, but methodologies are not detailed. - Lacks discussion on difficulties or uncertainties in data collection, leaving gaps in understanding the reliability of baseline data. 6. **Data Collection and Specialist Studies**: - No explicit mention of issues with data collection. - No indication of the need for additional specialist studies, which could be either confidence in existing data or an oversight. These points highlight the areas where further information or analysis is required for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).