Provision Of Consultancy Services Of ‘’Environmental Impact Assessment And Water Resources & Management Study’’ For The “The Chtaura Water Network Rehabilitation And Expansion Project’’

1.         GENERAL 1.1       Introduction Following the consultations and discussions with the Bekka Water Establishment (BWE) on requirements to enhance the water supply and demand management in the region, Oxfam GB Lebanon Country program (OGB) funded by the European Commission (EC) is planning to implement ‘’The Chtaura Water Network Rehabilitation and Expansion Project’’ (hereinafter called the Project) located in Chtaura, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. In the framework of this Project OGB is inviting interested consulting firms (hereinafter referred to as the Consultants), for the provision of an ‘’Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Water Resource and Management Study‘’ (hereinafter called as the Study). The objective of this Study is to assess the impact of the proposed Project on the environment (physical, biological and socio-economic) with particular emphasis on water resource and management in the study area. OGB aims to use this Study to guide the Design and Construction works pertaining to the Chtaura water network rehabilitation and Expansion project.   1.2       Project Background and Rational Chtaura is a town in Lebanon in the fertile Bekaa Valley located between Mount Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. It is located halfway on the Beirut Damascus highway, 44 km from Beirut. Chtaura (and Bekaa more generally) is situated close to the Syrian Border and since the crisis in Syria has become ‘home’ for approximately 1000 Syrian Refugees as stated by the Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE) in 2012 (source UNHCR).  However a revised figure of 2000 refugees in 2014 is more likely. The population of Chtaura was only 5000 people before this influx.  This has put tremendous strain on already fragile services and infrastructure including the water network, which is reflected in the following (indicative) observations:   Indicative figures / observations related to current water provision in Bekaa (source BWE):   Quantity of water provided per day per household: 1m3 (estimate Bekaa average) Quality of the water supplied: deemed by the BWE to be acceptable, but unsupported by water testing data. Estimated leakages on the network: high (as much as 50%), but not supported with reliable input and output data. Estimated quantity of water theft: it is estimated that in some areas of Bekaa up to 60% of connections are illegal, and it is thought that this figure has gone up given the significant number of Syrian refugees. Rate of collection of the fee by the BWE: 514 subscribers in the targeted network for this project.  The rate of collection is only 41.5% (2013).     The project has been proposed by Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE) following consultations and discussions and aims to rehabilitate and expand the water supply network of Chtaura, Bekaa. The approximate targeted length of network to be rehabilitated is 8 kms (to be confirmed by the engineering design study), servicing approximately 520 households. In addition, the project intends to target a minimum of 329 households in the network expansion scheme achieving a total number of 849 household beneficiaries. Assuming an approximate 5 people per household, the total number of individuals sums up to 4,200 people; however, the actual number of beneficiaries may be significantly higher due to the large number of Syrian refugees in Chtaura. Currently, only 514 households pay water subscription fees to the BWE.   In summary, the ‘’The Chtaura Water Network Rehabilitation and Expansion Project’’ will consist of two project components, namely; 1-    Rehabilitation of the existing water supply network and equipping connected households with the appropriate connections with water meter, 2-    Expand the water supply network to address the needs of un-serviced households by the existing water supply network. Therefore, OGB has commissioned the services of an engineering consulting firm to undertake the Project design and the preparation of tender documents. OGB intends to guide the Project engineering design and the implementation (Construction and Operation) using the findings of this EIA and water resource and management study.   2.         Objectives of the Consultancy Services The main objectives of this consultancy Study:   2.1          To assess the impacts of the Project on the physical, biological and socio-economic environment, and provide appropriate mitigation measures to reduce, limit or halt identified impacts, 2.2          To provide a comprehensive water resource/ hydrological study for the project area and relevant catchments, 2.3          To assess the socio-economic context and feasibility for the introduction of water metering and subscription schemes, 2.4          To present suitable project alternatives, 2.5          To provide an appropriate environmental monitoring and management.   3.         SCOPE OF THE WORK The consultant is to coordinate all works assignments with OGB, and to conduct discussions and consultations with BWE, Chtaura Municipality and other relevant stakeholders. The consultant shall deliver the following outputs under the agreed time frame; The consultant shall; 3.1     Environmental Impact Assessment The consultant is to coordinate all works assignments with OGB, and to conduct discussions and consultations with BWE, Chtaura Municipality and other relevant stakeholders. The consultant shall produce an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) with particular emphasis on water resource & management, for the proposed rehabilitation and expansion of the Chtaura water supply network project.  The EIA shall include the following chapters, with content requirements, not limited to, the following;   1-    Executive Summary; The consultant shall present an executive summary of the EIA study to include all study chapters and highlighting the most significant and relevant findings and recommendations. 2-    Introduction and Background; The consultant shall provide relevant information regarding the Project, in the context of other major water related projects undertaken at the BWE and in the study area. 3-    Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework; The consultant shall review and analyse all relevant local and international policies and law relevant to the Project, detailing all applicable standards and norms to be adopted by the project. The consultant shall also include a complete description of the administrative and institutional framework relevant to the Project. 4-    Description of the Project; The consultant shall review and analyse all relevant documents, data and information, and present a complete and comprehensive description of the Project. The consultant shall conduct a series of discussions and consultations, in coordination with the OGB, the Engineering Design firm, the BWE, the Chtaura municipality and other relevant stakeholders. 5-    Description of the Environment The consultant shall conduct an assessment of the baseline environmental conditions related to the project. The description of the environment should include, but not limited to, the following: Physical Environment The consultant shall assess the physical environment including, but not limited to, a complete and comprehensive Water Resource and Management Study (details presented in Section 3.2). Maps, pictures and drawings should be added to this section where necessary. In addition, this section should include a description of existing climatic conditions. Biological Environment The consultant shall assess the biological environment including the identification of all significant biodiversity in the study area (fauna and flora) and shall present a habitat characterization and classification. Socio-economic Environment The consultant shall assess the socio-economic environment pertaining to the Project. The assessment is to include, but not limited to, the following: -       Demography, -       Local livelihoods and economics, -       Existing water supply mechanism -       Water markets, -       Willingness to pay for water subscriptions (survey), and -       The capacity of the BWE in managing water resources, and water supply and demand. 6-    Impact Analysis and Associated Mitigation Measures; The consultant shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential positive and adverse impacts (direct and indirect) of the project on the physical, biological and socio-economic environments, and shall present the findings with relevance to the Project Phases of construction, operation and management (indicative). This section should also recommend appropriate mitigation measures to limit, reduce or halt the effect of the adverse impacts on the environment. 7-    Analysis of Project Alternatives; The consultant shall present an analysis of the project alternatives to include, but not limited to, the following alternatives: -       No Project alternative, -       Alternative water extraction sources, -       Alternative water metering and subscription schemes 8-    Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan; The consultant shall present a monitoring plan for the Project with relevance to the Project Phases of construction, operation and management (indicative), indicating the monitoring method, location, frequency, responsible authority, and incurred monitoring costs. This section will also address water resource management, water supply and demand management, water metering and subscription issues, and permitting issues. Finally, the consultant shall propose a capacity building plan for the BWE (if necessary). 9-    Public Participation; The consultant shall conduct a series of discussions and consultations, in coordination with the OGB, with the Engineering Design firm, the BWE, the Chtaura municipality and other relevant stakeholders. The consultant shall also organise a public hearing to present the Project to the general public and to engage the public opinion, comments and concerns and incorporate the findings in the final report of the Study. 10- Conclusion; The consultant shall conclude the study presenting the overarching decisions and recommendations pertaining to the Project.           3.2     Water Resource and Hydrological Study As part of the EIA the consultant shall conduct a water resource and hydrological study, in line with the description of the physical environment section. The water resource surveys and investigations required, but not limited to, are;   1)    Hydrologic Analysis of the groundwater resources; The consultant shall undertake a hydrologic analysis to; a)    Determine the water yield at the available water source for the existing water supply. The available water yield report must be reliable and confirmed by appropriate pumping test procedures. b)    Identify the hydro- geological characteristics of the location including formations and lithology (no borehole drilling required). c)    Identify the type of water bearing formations/aquifers and the groundwater table around selected points. d)    Identify the geomorphology of the setting and its possible impact on the water availability e)    Identify the type and number of existing water source for the existing water schemes, existing water abstraction system and potential for new ground water abstraction in the project area. f)     Analyse the groundwater recovery/recharge system and its ability to withstand shock g)    Identify and produce map of the ground water quality based on the chemical and saturation level. h)    Identify the type; check the status (for those already installed) and recommend the available borehole depth/ground water monitoring equipment that is capable of being read remotely. 2)    Water Quality and Quantity Assessment of the water sources; The consultant shall assess the quality of all available and alternative water sources in the project area in terms of PH, colour, turbidity, hardness, mineral content, Nitrate and total dissolved solids using the National and International Water Quality standards. The consultant shall also assess the quantity of water sources. 3)    Watershed Assessment for the Project catchment area; The consultant shall assess the existing conditions of the watersheds in the project area and the main sources for the existing water supply. The assessment will also identify the type and arrangement of surface water systems and their seasonal variations. The findings shall be used to evaluate the sustainability of the proposed project and preparation of a watershed management plan. The consultant shall undertake geological and mapping of the watersheds/catchments, Reservoirs, Boreholes, treatment plan (if there is any), pump station sites, and main pipe routes. Geotechnical investigation at the sites of major structures shall be conducted. The Consultant shall deliver a survey report giving the geologic and geotechnical parameters for the engineering design. 4)    Topographic Surveys; The consultant shall conduct topographic surveys of identified sites/ potential water sources (Boreholes or other), pumping stations, and reservoirs. The consultant shall deliver the corresponding topographic maps, profiles and sections as well as site features.   3.3 Draft Study and Design Report The consultant shall prepare the draft Study to be submitted to Oxfam GB for the appraisal and approval together with the BWE, before finalising the Study. The requested Study must observe national laws, guidelines, procedures and regulations. All final and draft reports shall be submitted in 3 Hard and soft copies.   4.         REPORTING AND CONTRACT PERIOD 4.1            The Consultant will report directly to Oxfam GB Lebanon EC Project Manager, Karen Arakalyan, and his delegate Lama Abdul Samad, who will supervise the assignment. Contact address; E-Mail:karakalyan@oxfam.org.uk and labdulsamad@oxfam.org.uk, Bekaa program area   4.2            The consultant shall commence the consulting service upon the effective date of the contract notice to proceed and shall complete the service within 75 days.   4.3            All reports and communication shall be made in writing and shall be in English.  The Consultant will provide an electronic version of all the required deliverables.  The reporting will be completed in form and substance acceptable to Oxfam GB.   4.4            The consultant shall submit to Oxfam GB three copies of the following reports, including soft copies, no later than the dead line indicated;   Report Deadline from Effective dates Inception Reports-covering the detailed work plan and initial observations on the Services 10 days Draft Report (covering all the agreed activities) 50 days Final Report incorporating all comments and feedback given by OGB and other stakeholders 75 days   4.5            The consultant shall also make audio-visual summary presentations of the Study to OGB, BWE, Municipality and other related stakeholders and shall be organized in consultation with OGB-Bekka program office.       5.         EXPERTISE REQUIRED The consultant shall be registered by a recognizable governmental agency and shall be composed of qualified staff with sufficient skills and experiences necessary to undertake the range of tasks set out in this Terms of Reference.   An indicative list of key personnel to carry out this Consulting Services is shown below. The key personnel should be supported by adequate technical and administrative staff;   IN Key Personnel Responsibility 1 Project Manager Overall direction and management of the study plus contact person. 2 Environmental Specialist  To conduct the Study   3 Hydro-Geologist For the detail Hydrological/Geological study component and analysis 4 Water Resource Engineer To conduct the Water Resource and Management study component 5 Surveyor Detail Engineering Surveying works for the proposed pipe layout plan , if needed. 6 Social Scientist To conduct the socio-economic assessments and surveys   The consultant shall be eligible to work in Lebanon The consultant shall be a registered from the authorized Governmental agency The consultant shall provide proof of previous related services/experience in Lebanon or/and in Middle-east d.       The consultant shall provide an up-to-date renewed consultancy service and legal certificate   6.         CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT All data and information received from Oxfam GB, BWE, and Municipality for the purpose of this assignment are to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of this Terms of Reference. The contents of written materials obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed of to any third parties without the expressed advance written authorization of the Oxfam GB.   7.         OVERSIGHT Oxfam GB Lebanon county program in collaboration with BWE and Chtaura municipality, shall exercise oversight over the service performed by the consultant under this Terms of Reference. The consultant, however, shall be solely responsible for the quality and integrity of its services including the deliverable outputs.   Expression of Interest (EOI) FOR THE Environmental Impact Assessment and Water Resource and Management Study for the ‘’Chtaura Water Network Rehabilitation and Expansion Project’’   Oxfam GB Lebanon Program (OGB) funded by the European Commission (EC) invites consultancy firms to submit their proposals/bids to undertake the following consultancy service with the experience and skills recommended above;   Interested bidders, including all its joint venture members, must be officially registered and licensed, for at least 2 years, to conduct business from an authorized governmental agency and shall be eligible to work in Lebanon. Interested Consultants must submit their bids, in two sections (i) Technical Proposals and (ii) Financial proposals. Bids should be received by the deadline, 04th May 2015 at 5:00 P.M (Lebanon Time) to the address mentioned below. A CV and experience letter of the individuals and the firm must also be attached with a minimum of 2 references with full contact address. If necessary, Oxfam GB together with BWE may hold a pre-bid meeting at a time and place to be announced by OGB, to discus and address the consultants’ questions regarding the project. Interested Bidders are requested to contact Acting Project Manager, Karen Arakelyan, karakelyan@oxfam.org.uk, and Lama Abdul Samad labdulsamad@oxfam.org.uk, no later than 3 working days before the submission deadlines for any clarifications. Oxfam GB will evaluate the proposals using the Quality-Cost Based Evaluation procedures. Oxfam GB Lebanon Program reserves the right to reject any and all bids, including the Bidding processes, or not to award the contract at any time, without thereby incurring and liability to the affected Bidders.   Please submit the EOI and other documents (as mentioned above) by 04th May 2015 at 5:00 P.M Lebanon time to lebanonjobs@oxfam.org.uk, mentioning “Environmental Impact Assessment and Water Resource and Management Study for the Chtaura Water Network Rehabilitation and Expansion Project’’ in the Subject line.