Selected project examples
Environmental/Social Impact Assessment for the usage of treated wastewater in Combined Heating and Power Plants in Mongolia
The electricity and heating needs of the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar are predominantly met by three coal-fired Combined Heating and Power Plants (CHPP) that are high in demand of natural groundwater resources for various purposes (cooling, ash transport, district heating, etc.). In this context, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) supported the Government of Mongolia by expanding Ulaanbaatar’s potable water supply by more than 80 % and improving the long term financial, institutional and environmental sustainability of the water sector.
In this context, a project was implemented to promote the usage of treated wastewater from a new wastewater treatment plant instead of groundwater in the Combined Heating and Power Plants. This project includes the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations and associated piping systems, as well as piping in the Power Plant, storage facilities and control systems, which facilitate the use of the treated wastewater in the Combined Heating and Power Plants.
In close cooperation with Fichtner Water & Transportation (FWT), GefaÖ conducted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for this project, which complied with national legislation and international standards. The ESIA assesses potential health, safety and environment risks and impacts of the project during construction and operation. Two associated management plans identify necessary measures to avoid or minimise possible negative impacts of the project and to promote positive aspects. In addition, GefaÖ experts were involved in the preparation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan and a Resettlement Action Plan for this project.
Services of GefaÖ
- Review of existing key documents (Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Baseline Assessment, etc.)
- Conduct and supervision of field studies on ecological and social aspects in the project area
- Preparation of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), including two separate Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) proposing measures for minimization of possible negative impacts of the project
- Supervision of the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment according to national requirements, participation in the preparation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
- Consultations with stakeholders and participation in public hearings
