1 CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the project

The tank was breached in 1991. After that irrigational activities were done only using rain water.
So the paddy cultivation was limited for certain season and lands were remained in dry season without
cultivations. Today entire area covered with forest and no residential area located. Present amount of
irrigable land using is 500 acres. Rehabilitation of the tank provide water storage for both seasonal
paddy cultivation. Surrounding area proposed to develop as a residential area for farmers or industrial
area for cattle farming.

Main objective after tank rehabilitation project was identified as community development.

1.2 Objective and justification of the project

Main objectives of the proposed project have been identified as,

 Providing water storage of 256.1 ha.m for the area in dry season.
 Improving the paddy cultivation of the area by providing water for both Yala and Maha seasons.
With rehabilitation of the tank farmers are supposed to increase their irrigable area up to 500
acres in Maha season and 120 acres in Yala season.
 Enhancing the productivity of lands and improve the standard of the living of the farmers.
 Educating the younger generation of farmers about new techniques and machineries used in
agriculture by establishing an agricultural institute.
 Providing a housing unit, school, medical center and proper road network for the area in order to
settle people around the irrigable area.
 Improving the drinking quality of water in the area and provide housing water supply for the
village.
 Supporting livestock farming by establishing a milk collecting center in the village which gives
additional income in cattle farming.
 Increasing the land value of the area.

1.3 Objective of the EIA report

The proposed project mainly target on Rehabilitation of an existing tank. So that tank area is
belongs to Irrigation department. But with the rehabilitation another major objective is a community
development project which enhance the infrastructure facilities of the area and allocation of land area
for the villagers with established housing units. The existing surrounding area around the tank is a
forest cover that belongs to the forest department. And we are proposing to establish the community
development project in the land which belongs to the Forest Department. Therefore an Environmental
Impact Assessment is a major requirement if the forest area is affecting with the project.

Proposed project conditions are identified according to The National Environmental Act, No 47
of 1980.
  Irrigation projects excluding minor irrigation works.

 Extraction of timber covering land area exceeding 5 hectares.

 Conversion of forests covering an area exceeding 1 hectare in to non-forest uses.

EIA required to carry out according to The National Environmental Act, No 47 Of 1980.

Identified project approving agencies

 The department of wildlife conservation

 Ministry of agricultural development & research

 Forest department

Forest Department was decided to be the PAA as it is the agency with a high land area and a
high resource depletion due to the project.

The EIA has been carried out according to the TOR (Terms of Reference). And relevant impacts
need to mitigate with appropriate measures in order to carry out the project in more justifiable way.

1.4 Government policies, regulations and standards regarding the project

The project is government funded project initiated by Irrigation Department.

1.5 Conditions laid down by state agencies in granting preliminary clearance for
the project
Required to obtain an EIA from the Forest Department
2 CHAPTER 02: DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT AND
REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES.

2.1 Evaluation of Alternatives

Surrounding irrigable area expands thousands of hectares. But without rehabilitation of the tank
farmers cannot cultivate both seasons. Therefore rehabilitation of Puluddumaanodai tank is the only
alternative to cultivate land in both Yala and Maha seasons. With prevailing rainfall capacity and
catchment area supports to cultivate about 500 acres in Maha season and 120 acres in Yala season.

Then consider about the current location which is already choose for the community
development project. Existing land around the tank frequently subject to flooding. Therefore buildings
and structures are proposing to establish in upstream area rather than flood risk land in downstream.

Evaluating all impacts separately for 2 design alternatives with financial feasibility comes under a
conclusion of selecting the 2nd alternative among both alternatives.

2.2 Description of the proposed project

2.2.1 Brief description on all major components of the project

The existing tank is not in a condition to use without any rehabilitation. All components
including Tank bund, sluice, Spillway, Canal system and all other structures in the community
development area.

Tank bund – existing tank bund breached at a section due to insufficient spillway length and
cracks developed in the bund. It has been found that existing soil conditions of the tank bund is
adequate to rehabilitate the existing one. Therefore existing tank bund can be use after
rehabilitant.

Spillway – Spillway designed according to the peak discharge. Existing spillway is not
sufficient in length. So that

Sluice – Sluice is proposed to develop as an orifice. And the design strategy contains three as
geometric, hydraulic and structural.

Canals and turnout structures – due to unsuitable soil conditions in existing soil for earthen
canal interrupts to construct earthen canal network. So that concrete canal system is proposing.
And the canal system is designed according to the topography of the area.
2.2.1.1 Permanent Structures
Road network – Road from Chenkaladi to Karadiyanaru junction is the existing main road.
And with the development of the area we are proposing a bituminous road from Karadyanaru
junction to reservoir while cement stabilize road as a village road network.

Community building, school, hospital, living quarters and housing scheme – All the structures are
designed to build as single story or two story. Main target is to build walls with 150mm thick earth
embedded walls and floor with concrete.

2.2.2 Methodology of construction

2.2.2.1 Site preparation activities
Necessary approvals should be taken from the forest department to clear the forest cover. And
existing tank location and the tank components are already belongs to the irrigation department.
Therefore after gaining the approval from the forest department site clearing can be commenced.

There are medium sized trees to bushes grown in the area. So trees which are need to remove in
the construction purposes are marked under the advice of the forest department and remove whenever
necessary by the State Timber Cooperation (STC). Bushes and small sized trees can be removed from
machines. The existing area covers with rock out crops and even the natural type spill way is a rock
made one. So that rocks and boulders can be removed blasting.

2.2.2.2 Facility Construction

Construction of Bund – Existing tank bund is 425m in length made up with two soil materials as core
with inorganic clay and surface layer with sandy clay. So that renovation need to carry out by
constructing the breached section of 95.2m and increasing the level of the bund up to 35m. Excavators,
Bulldozers, Loaders, Dumpers, Water bowsers and Sheep foot rollers will be used for the construction
process.

Required measures are taken to protect the tank bund. Upstream slope of the bund need to
protect from wave erosion by constructing a Rip rap. And in order to prevent fill material coming out
with seepage water a sand blanket and toe drain will be constructed. And downstream slope of the
bund dressed with turf. Required boulders and gravel can be obtained from the site itself which are
blasted in construction activities.

Construction of canals – Soil condition of the area does not suit to construct an earthen canal.
Therefore concrete laid canal is proposed to main canal while earthen canal for other distribution
network. So that cost of the canal network can be minimize. Canal network designed according to the
slope of the land. Canal slopes required to protect from erosion and for that pitching and turfing will be
done.
Spillway construction – spillway required to lengthen by changing the design from natural type to
labyrinth type spill way. For that concrete can be used as a material and rock blasting will be needed to
change the existing spillway. Machineries like excavators, dumpers, bulldozers and concrete mixers
will be occupy during construction stages.

Sluice construction – The Orifice type sluice gate can be restored and established for the tank.

Building construction – School, community building, Housing unit and Hospital are the main
structural buildings supposed to establish here. Preliminary site excavations and concrete works will be
carried out as usual. And walls will be made out from earth embedded walls.

.
2.2.2.3 Details of access roads to be built
Connecting the housing scheme
area and the Karadiyanaru
junction
Connecting housing scheme
Bituminous road  Lane width = 3.3 m
 Shoulder width = 1 m
 Drain width = 0.7 m
Cement stabilized Earth  Connecting the houses
 Sandy clay can be used
Road
 10% cement by volume to stabilize the
soil
 150mm thickness

2.2.2.4 Materials to be used

Available materials within the site used for construction process according to the requirement.
And if available materials are not suitable then borrowed materials are used.

In detail, Bund construction will be done with using available soil in the site. And for the
sluice and spillway construction concrete can be used as a construction material. Again boulders and
rubble will be used as a construction material in bund, sluice and other structures. Earth embedded
walls are proposing instead of brick walls for the housing scheme. Soil stabilized road made with
existing soil will be constructed as a road to the housing scheme.

Earth: - Required earth material will be burrowed from the tank bed area and soil extracted in
excavations.

Gravel: - Sufficient gravel is available in the site due to blasting of rock outcrops in clearing activities.

Boulders: - Required amount of boulders will be obtained from tank bed area.

Metal: - Metal can be purchased from the nearest town Batticaloa.

Sand: - Sand will be mined in Manampityiya.

3 Chapter 03 Description of Existing Environment of the study area
3.1 Physical Environment
Proposed tank bund is establishing across the Lawanya aru which flows in the area. And the
tank could provide water for 1000acres in Maha season and 300acres in Yala season for irrigation
activities.

3.1.1 Topography
Topography of the area varies over a certain region with sudden variations at some places.
Therefore some rocks and hills exist in the upstream area. And most of the hills are isolated in flat
area. Irrigable land extends in a low terrain about 1000s’ of acres in the downstream.
3.1.2 Geology & Soil
Soil type of the area found as Clayey sand and sand layer on the land in dry seasons due to
dried up stream. Rock out crops present at many places. Soil parameters of the existing soil has been
found through carrying out tests.

Maximum Dry Density = 1840 kg/m3 Optimum moisture content = 0.087

Finer % = 16, < 50% and having higher % of sand
Liquid limit (Moisture content at 25 blows) = 33.5 %
Plastic limit = 13.21 %
Plasticity index = LL-PL= 33.5-13.21 = 20.29 %
Type of soil is SC – Clayey Sands, poorly graded sand clay mixture
Shear Strength Parameters; c=5kN/m2, φ=30o

3.1.3 Meteorology
3.1.3.1 Annual Rainfall & Rainfall Patterns
Annual rainfall pattern and data collected from the meteorology department shows average
values of 1650.9mm. Observed area, Eraur in Batticaloa is in tropical wet and dry climate. Therefore
according to prevailing rainfall pattern maximum rainfall received in November to December about
350mm – 400mm. And the average temperature is 250 C as it rises up to 320 C in temperate periods.
With high temperature existing Lawanya Aru dried up in the dry season.

3.1.3.2 Flood
Cyclic flood in rainy season is a considerable impact. Recently occurred major flood was in
December 1957 with maximum rainfall of 275mm. People in the area experienced annual flood since
1961. Main reasons for frequent flood have identified as,

 Deforestation in the upper reaches of the catchments of streams and rivers resulting in flash floods.
 Encroachment into stream reservations and drainage lines by agriculture and building activity.
  Inadequate drainage across roadways.
 Causeways across lagoons.
 Silting of lagoons.

3.1.3.3 Drought
Batticaloa area annually receives rainfall of 1250mm to 1850mm. 52% of the annual rainfall
receive between December and February and 27% in October/November and the rest in April/May.
From May to September a near-drought condition prevails. During these months the mean daily
maximum temperature could be as high as 33.6 C. These five months of drought is an annual hazard
especially on Rugam region where tank located.

There is no way of preventing drought. However, the environment could be built up to

withstand the effects of drought. Certain human activities now and in the recent past have contributed
to the present drought conditions in the area. And water level in the Lawanya Aru is indicator about
the drought.

3.1.4 Hydrology
3.1.4.1 General description of the catchment areas of water bodies
Catchment area calculated with the use of topo sheet is 12.1 km2. Length of the main
stream is 5.1km and the stream slope is 0.3.

3.1.4.2 Existing water use pattern of the area

Breached tank is an isolated one from the community. Therefore no residential area around
the tank. People carry out their paddy cultivation in Maha season while rearing cattle for milk. Major
water requirements of the area is currently for paddy cultivation and cattle farming. And forest area
which has a variety of animals need water for their bio activities.
But needs and requirements of water in the region might increase with the rehabilitation of
tank and the community development. So that complex needs may arise such as drinking, industrial
usage, washing and cultivations.
3.1.4.3 Surface and ground water quality
Ambient water quality parameters of the ground and surface water has obtained after
carrying out relevant tests for a water sample. Results collected are mentioned below.

Water quality parameter Ground water Surface water

pH
Turbidity
TS
BOD
COD
3.1.4.4 Comparison of water quality with reference to guideline values
 Compare resulting water quality parameters with WHO or any other relevant
standards.

3.1.5 Land use

Land use patterns of the people shows similar with in the village. It means people live with
paddy cultivation and cattle farming. And a proposal of developing the community by establishing a
housing unit is another role. Community development area is supposed to develop in the area belongs
to the forest department. So animal occupying the area as their habitat.

3.1.6 Air quality

Ambient air quality can be measured by NO2, SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5 and O3 content. But
existing air quality is high with respect to ambient air quality standards stipulated by the Central
Environmental Authority, Ministry of Environmental & Natural Resources of Sri Lanka (Extraordinary
Gazette No.1562/22, August 15, 2008). But PM10 and PM2.5 content might be rise in dry period due to
high wind.

3.1.7 Noise and Vibration

Proposed site located in noise sensitive area which belongs to forest department. Animals
with various species live in the area. So that permissible noise levels should below in construction and
operational stages as 50 dB (A) - During day time and 45 dB (A) - During night time.

3.2 Biological Environment

3.2.1 Proximity to Wild life reserves, National parks, Sanctuaries, Elephant corridors,
Wetlands, forest reserves
Present condition of the tank and surrounding area is a forest reserve. And there’s an elephant
corridor across the tank area. Even the breached tank collects some quantity of water and wild animals
used to drink water from the area. So that elephant and other animal movement is a considerable factor
in Environmental Impact Assessment. And also agricultural lands present in the downstream of the
tank.

3.2.2 Present status of ecological resources and biodiversity

3.2.2.1 Flora and fauna study
Observed and proposed project area is dry lowlands and floristically belongs to the Dry Zone
of Sri Lanka. So there are many endemic, commercially important and rare species of flora and fauna.
In the community survey found some flora and fauna species which exist in the project area.

Flora types can be categorize mainly which are grown in dry climatic conditions. Common
types of flora observed are Karuwala, Weera, Milla, Hamilla, Kolon, Wara and Gandapana. And some
important habitats were found where commercially important and endemic species exist.
 And fauna found within the affecting forest area have been identified through the community
survey. Some important species are elephants, wild bores and buffaloes. Animal adapted with dry
climate commonly surviving here.

3.2.2.2 Existing Natural Habitats

Proposed project area have been identified as belongs to dry zone forest area. Existing forest
area covers with small size trees and shrubs. Because it was a village area before 30 years and recently
converted to forest area. And there was not enough time to grow big trees and some existing fauna
species made it as their habitats. Major land use of the area are natural forests, water bodies,
agricultural lands and open forest area. Residential area which was existed before 30 years have no
sign of it.

Figure 3-1 open forest area

3.2.2.3 Identification of Rare, Threatened, Endemic or Commercially Important Species

According to the fauna study carried out with the community survey identified fauna and flora
species in the forest area. None of fauna or flora species were found as threatened and Dragonflies,
Butterflies, Freshwater fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and mammals were common species exist
in dry area. Elephants are commercially important and endanger type. Therefore special considerations
should be given for their habitats and foods.

3.2.3 Recognized animal movement pathways and their significance

Animal movement is very common near a tank because of water. During dry seasons animals
might gather often. And there is an elephant corridor near the proposed project location. Area also
utilized by migratory birds and as a habitat. But no information was available on migratory paths used
by the migrant birds.

3.2.4 Existing Environmental considerations/ problems/ issues in the area

The area is less human influenced region. Possibility of human influence was due to prevailing
war. After there might be disturbances for the natural environment due to habitat conversion in to
agricultural lands, timber extraction, overgrazing by excessive live stock rearing (mainly buffalos)
overuse of agrochemicals causing loss of habitat quality, especially aquatic habitats. Major impacts
were not harm the environment or existing species due to non-residential lands around area. Therefore
currently no human –elephant conflict in the area.
There can be more environmental impacts and issues with the proposing project and those will
be discussed with next chapters in detail.

3.3 Human Settlements and Land use

3.3.1 Settlement and Population Characteristics
Present condition of the area is only villagers use their irrigable area for paddy cultivation. And
people live far away from their lands. So had a count on people who are willing to settle and
cultivating here can be consider as population density. Past there were about 150 families lived here
and they moved from the village with war. Recently there are no villagers live in the area. But after the
rehabilitation 100 families are expecting to resettle here. Average members per family vary from 5 to
7.
3.3.2 Income generation activities
Villagers mainly depend on agriculture and cattle farming. Currently they cultivate only in
Maha season and cattle rearing is done in dry periods. They can go for other home gardens and other
types of crops while settle in the area. Most of the families are below the poverty line. Current income
per month per family is about 35,000 rupees.
3.3.3 Socio-Economic Status
Existing village do not have residential units for the villagers to cultivate their paddy lands.
And road system from Karadiyanaru junction to tank location have to be reconstruct with bituminous.
Because the road condition is very poor and no proper path for vehicles. Even we enter the area
clearing bushes and forest cover. If there will be resettlement in the area means all other infrastructure
development required to carry out relevant with the project. As no electricity, drinking quality water
and telecommunication facilities.

People who live nearby area for cattle farming tend to use kerosene oil for their power
generation. And ground water for drinking and other water requirements. In the dry periods people
excavate holes at the stream bed and obtain water which are really not in the quality of drinking water
quality.

3.3.4 Existing Irrigation Systems

Currently there are no functioning irrigation schemes in the area and people totally depend on
rain water for their cultivation. Puluddumaanodai tank which was breached in 1991 was the main
water sources while it was in the operational condition. As there was no renovation for the tank, all
other hydraulic structures and canal system were not functioning for irrigational purposes.
4 Chapter 04 Description of the Environmental Impacts of proposed project
This section describes positive and negative impacts arise with the proposing rehabilitation of
the tank and community development project. First some main positive and negative impacts point out
in detail and later they will be describe according to their relevance.

Major Positive Impacts

Water supply for both Yala and Maha seasons

Currently farmers cultivate 300 acres in Maha season using rainwater and no cultivations done in Yala.
Therefore this project can give continuous water supply for the irrigable lands. Existing land can
cultivate even 1000s’ of acres in Maha season with rainwater. After rehabilitate the tank with
prevailing bund can cultivate 500 acres in Maha and 200 in Yala. And this project propose to raise 1m
from the bund. So that 750 acres in Maha and 350 acres in Yala. It will be a major impact on water
supply to the irrigable lands.

Flood control in the down stream

Downstream area of the tank frequently subjects to flood after breaching the tank. So impounding the
water in the upstream can be taken as a control measure for flood controlling. Puluddumaanodai Tank
will reduce the magnitude of peak flood and delay the time to attenuation.

Improvement in basic infrastructure facilities in the area

Infrastructure facilities required to start with basic as road system for better accessibility. Therefore
with the project people in the area will get a better bituminous road with all other electricity, drinking
quality water and telecommunication facilities.

Rise in the living standard of people

Prevailing life standard of the people is very poor. Villagers totally depend on Maha season for their
paddy cultivation and cattle farming. Therefore rehabilitation of the tank improve their income through
increasing the paddy cultivation. And people will gain housing unit with required all infrastructure
facilities, hospital and school for their children in the village. It will be a great opportunity to improve
the educational level and health and safety of the people.

Establishment of education and road network around the village

Education is basic right for all the children. So with the establishment of the school near the proposing
housing scheme encourage people to educate their children. Education can eliminate the poverty and
technical knowledge on agriculture. And with construction of new road network people in the outer
side of the region can access for the village safely and comfortably.
Favourable Aspects of impoundment on project area
The groundwater table would increase as a result and the establishment of the reservoir would favour
lacustrine species.

Extending their irrigable land and increase in productivity

Villagers have ownership of 2 acres of irrigable land per person. But currently they cannot cultivate
full land due to insufficient water supply throughout the year. So with rehabilitation of tank they can
cultivate full land in both Yala and Maha season. (200 acres for both Maha and Yala is possible after
rehabilitation of the tank) And farmers can increase their productivity with new road system and their
resettlement.

Access to safe drinking water

Quality of the drinking water is a major issue in the area. We have observed that people used to drink
water from small wells digging at river beds in dry season. And with any simple treatment they drink
and use for their requirements. So with the proposing project there’s a water supply scheme for every
house. And required treatment processes are conducting to give drinking quality water according to
relevant standards.

Solar or wind power electricity can be generate within the region itself.
Batticaloa low land region is receiving sufficient amount of sun light throughout the year. And high
wind condition even in rainy periods. So that most feasible and advantage solutions can be taken for
electricity for the proposed housing unit. Therefore it will be a great advantage from the project
location.

Rise in land value of the area

With this infrastructure development of the area demand the land value. And people who owns land in
the area but live outside of the region may get a good opportunity to sell their lands at a higher price.
So that possibility of attracting tourism and agriculturally is very high. Because surrounding forest area
and elephant paths can encourage to invest here. And availability of more than sufficient irrigable
lands and cattle farming will enhance farmers from different areas to settle here.

There are several positive impacts encouraging the proposing project of rehabilitation of
project with community development. In other hand many other negative impacts are their due to the
project. Therefore we are proposing some migratory measures for identified negative impacts during
designing, construction and operation stages.
Major Negative Impacts

Negative impacts can be severe, medium and low. When analysing such impacts mitigations
are taken considering their weightage of affecting the environment. Identified impacts can be listed as
below according to the strength of impacts as Severe, medium and low

Severe Impacts

Surface runoff and erosion during construction activities

Construction of the dam and earth embedded wall required soil from borrow pits. With that earth
transportation, excavation of earth and placement at the site may lead soil erosion. Excavations in dam,
road, canal network and building constructions may destabilize the soil. If soil is not properly covered
while storing before compaction and they can be washed off due to rain or blown off during
transportation. That soil can be subject to soil erosion. Soil excavated borrow pits can be erode in rain.
If safe side slopes are not maintained in dams, road embankments and canals long term erosion can
take place.

Inundating the forest area for the reservoir due to increment of the tank bund from 1m.
Increasing the bund level from 1m increases the inundating area from a huge amount as given in the
table below. So that inundating area will be a loss to the forest.
Elevation Area Volume Cum capacity
34 921916 422977 1782723
35 1347034 609987.75 2896419

Sedimentation of river basins during construction stage

Construction of the dam require excavations of earth and removal of top soil removal. It will increase
the soil erosion while carrying sediment load in rainy period. And plant debris and sediments will
block the natural water paths may lead to sedimentation and Siltation. Soil erosion and siltation
increases due to site preparations and construction activities and results may affect the downstream.
Indirectly water quality disturbs due to level of TSS, TDS and turbidity.

Contamination of water
Contamination of water may be due to improper sewage, waste water and solid waste disposal. During
the construction phase this problem rise severely. As temporary structures built on the site may not
have proper planning or system of waste disposal will collect to the water stream and downstream.
And again leakages and spills from machineries will pollute the water. Many vehicles and machines
will occupy in the construction site during construction stage.
Change and disruption in surface water flow
Obstructing the natural water path by constructing a dam is a major impact as it disturbs the natural
flow pattern. After reservoir constructed upstream will collects water to its full supply level and in dry
season existing natural stream end from the tank. It will limited the downstream environment and
water pattern. But water supply for the paddy cultivation might added to the downstream as seepage
flow. And after a heavy rain spilling can cause flood in the downstream. But flood level can be control
according to the functioning of the spillway.

Change and disruption in ground water flow and the water table
Due to the construction of the proposed tank, the ground water table will be increased and the seepage
flow could be increased in the downstream. However the toe filter and toe drain would function to
reduce seepages.

Poaching of wild animals by people

Even during the construction stage and operational stage people tend to enter the forest area. Some
animal species like wild boars and other types exist in the area. So while site clearing people may hunt
wild animals. And when establish the housing scheme in the forest area surrounding forest will be
familiar and use the forest land for their daily usages.

Impact on terrestrial fauna and flora due to loss and change of habitats
This project will not cause any fragmentation of any critical habitats. But it changes and loss habitats
within the forest. These forest habitats are important biodiversity repositories as was evident by the
species that were recorded in these habitats. This impact will be an irreversible affect as this will result
in permanent conversion of these habitats into a reservoir. The terrestrial species that were utilizing
this area will lose their habitat as such the terrestrial species assemblage in the inundation area will be
replaced by an aquatic species assemblage. Further, during the construction stage removal of
vegetation cover may result in loss of habitats (feeding, roosting and breeding sites) of animals. Thus it
can be concluded that terrestrial species occupying both natural and manmade habitats in the proposed
reservoir area will be adversely affected by the project due to habitat loss.

Impact on surrounding forest area

Further encroachment to the forest area will be a major impact due to the community development.
Because future developments can be taken place in the nearby forest area. And villagers may extend
their lands for paddy cultivation and other crops. So that existing forest area can be highly disturb due
to timber extraction, foot paths and poaching.
Considering this, the project will not have a great impact on the existing forests. However further
encroachment into existing reserves can take place and therefore the Forest Department should clearly
remark the boundaries after delisting the project area from the status of a Forest Reserve.

Impacts due to changing of feeding areas/breeding areas/migratory routes

No feeding or breeding areas were found in the proposed project location. But there are elephant
moving paths identified in the community survey. According to the information received there’s no
distinct pattern or season for elephant activities. Elephant movements would be restricted by the
proposed project and their visits to the reservoir would enhance during dry seasons. Inhibition of this
movement could result in a large loss in the elephants’ home range giving rise to starvation or causing
them to venture into cultivated areas (during the operation stage) including the readily available
command area giving rise to human elephant conflicts. Large crop losses could result putting the
project’s viability at risk as well.

Noise and vibration

Noise and vibrations will generate due to construction activities like excavations, cutting, filling,
compaction works and movement of vehicles. Noise and vibration level can be disturb the fauna
especially in the night. If there’s a high noise during construction, elephants will harm the workers at
the site. This will be only during construction phase and not a long term impact.

Risk of elephant-human conflicts

As people encroach to the forest area and establish buildings encourage the elephant-human conflict.
Even the access to the site will be across the road. Therefore people can be harm while using the road.
The movement pathway falls in close proximity to the proposed site. Inhibition of this movement
could result in a large loss in the elephants’ home range giving rise to starvation or causing them to
venture into developed areas including the readily available command area giving rise to human
elephant conflicts. Large crop losses could result putting the project’s viability at risk as well.

Medium Impacts
Land degradation
Land degradation is removing the fertility of lands. It can be due to site clearing for construction
purposes. Some trees have to remove in site clearing and vegetation removal also done in site
preparation. Barren lands and downstream open forest areas will gradually converted in to agricultural
lands.

Depletion of mineral resources

Above impact will be due to bituminous road construction and rock blasting. Due to development in
technology on exploration increase the rate of mineral depletion as well as decrease the cost of
exploring. Proposed project proposing a bituminous road and construction of concrete structure need
aggregates. Tank spill and other hydraulic structures which require high strength essential to carry out
with concrete.

Water logging
This issue will rise due to saturation of water. And that causes because of excessive irrigation on poor
draining soil. The raised water table results in the soils becoming waterlogged. When soils are water
logged, air spaces in the soil are filled with water, and plant roots essentially suffocate, lack oxygen.
Waterlogging also damages soil structure.

Impacts on water quality due to new irrigable lands

This project mainly objective on increasing the irrigable land extent. With that excessive use of
Agrochemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, weedicides and fungicides will lead to change the water
quality. It effects on downstream water users and aquatic species. Increase in irrigable lands means
increases the irrigational water demand. Therefore less water storage for aquatic species and water
balance.

Impacts on aquatic species due to change in water quality and quantity

However existing water stream fluctuate in rain and dry season. And it dried up in temperate period.
Therefore no major impact for aquatic species as they usually disappear with the season. But reservoir
will provide a better environment for the aquatic species during dry period.
The area downstream of the dam will become dry due to impounding while the upstream of the dam
will become inundated due to impounding of water which will make this less suitable for some species
of fish that prefer flowing water. Furthermore, number of aquatic associated birds and mammal species
were also observed in association with the stream and its tributaries that will become inundated due to
the proposed project. Therefore, the impact due to low flows in the river as a result of impounding of
water by the dam and inundation of part of the Lawanya aru will have a significant impact on these
aquatic associates.

Introduction of invasive species to the area

During the construction stage several earth, aggregates and other construction materials bring from
outside. Any there are many earth moving machineries working in the site. So invasive alien species
may introduce to the area from outside. There will be high possibility to spread invasive species in the
tank. Such introduced invasive alien species can have a significant impact as they can cause blockage
of water ways as well as make the land unsuitable for farming as well as spread into natural areas and
pose a threat to native fauna and flora.
Impacts on rare and endemic species
During the survey no threatened or endemic species were found which are only exist in this area. But
there were few endemic and rare species for the country. The proposed project will have a negative
impact on some of these endemic and threatened species, especially terrestrial endemic and threatened
species that will lose their habitat. Fauna and flora population affected by the project is very low.
Further many of these species will be able to adapt to the lacustrine conditions that will be created by
the implementation of the project as they are found abundantly in reservoirs present in the dry zone.

Change in habitats due to change in quality and quantity of water

Several plant communities will be totally remove which are habitats for special floral species. Sudden
and vast change of habitats will largely affect on fauna occupying in the area by losing their feeding
areas and breeding grounds eventually causing loss of those species in the site. However within the
proposed project area, clearing of natural forest which is important in wild life point of view will be
minimal and limited in extent. Also with commencement of construction activities, the wildlife will
move to adjoining areas.

Impacts in biological diversity of the area

Project area belongs to dry area. When compared to wet zone of the country with dry zone has less
contribution to Sri Lanka’s bio diversity. As endemic and threatened species are not exist in the region.
However no permanent loss of habitats or irreversible impacts will happened due to the project.

Air pollution
Air pollution is very common as is the case in all construction projects, particulates generated due to
land preparation, transport of construction material, emission from construction related vehicles. It can
adversely affect public health. However, the major construction activities occur within the forest and
so this impact is quite low.

Potential seismic impact on reservoir loading

High impact will not cause due to this issue. Because maximum water column of 6m will be safe.
Sliding potential of subsurface layer need to verify with further geotechnical investigations of the side
slopes especially in the dam. Filling of tanks and reservoirs change in seismicity. Increased vertical
stress due to the load of the reservoir and decreased effective stress due to increased pore pressure can
modify the stress regime in the reservoir region. But possibility of such micro-earth quakes are very
low in a small tank. And existing reservoir soil conditions are preloaded before with water.

Impact on fish migration due to obstructing the streamline by the dam

There were no migratory fish species found in the area. But they migrate for breeding and feeding.
Construction of the dam totally prohibit the fish movement from upstream to downstream. Existing
fish species are very common in any other river basins and no significant effect will occur due to
obstructing the stream. But the population of the fish will affect with the proposed development.

Physical hazards for the workers

Several injuries and damages can be happen during construction activities, cutting, filling and machine
movements.

Long-term health issues

Dust, noise and vibrations during constructions lead people to cause long term injuries. Health issues
due to dust may cause lung problems. Skin allergies and damages may cause due to exposure to
unfavourable weather conditions.
5 Chapter 05 Proposed Mitigation Measures
Identified mitigations can be listed as below. Severe impacts are mainly targeting to propose
mitigations more than considering cost of them. But moderate and low impacts should try to mitigate if
possible and reconsider the cost about feasibility.

5.1 Proposed mitigation measures for the identified significant impacts

Possible and most suitable mitigations for impacts identified in chapter o4 are needed to describe
and elaborate in this chapter.

Impact Activity Mitigation

Depletion of mineral Road construction with an alternative
Bituminous road construction
resources material like cement stabilize road
Earth excavation, cover borrowed earth properly from rain and
transportation and placement wind
Surface runoff and
to the site Restore borrow pits to prevent erosion
erosion during
construction activities Excavations in dam, road,
canal network and building Maintain required slopes through the design
constructions
Large trees that will protrude out of the
reservoir when full, should be left as they can
Inundating the forest provide nesting sites for water birds
area for the reservoir due increase the existing bund
to increment of the tank from 1m enrichment of the area by planting suitable
bund from 1m. flora species habitable for threatened fauna
species
Compensatory afforestation program
Potential seismic impact Impounding the water in No required to mitigate as possibility of
on reservoir loading upstream occurring is very low.
Land degradation site clearance Compensatory afforestation program

Select earth borrow pits 100m from the

earth excavation from borrow
water degradation streams, river and wetlands and not with in
pits
riparian belt.

sedimentation of river Top soil removal or soil overburdened should

site clearance
basins during not store on natural drainage courses.
construction stage
excavation of earth work during dry season
Prevent ground and surface water
contamination by ensuring black and grey
water are not discharged into environment by
the construction appropriate sanitary
contamination of water temporary structures facilities.
Provide sanitation facilities 30m away from
boreholes, ground wells and tank (all sources
of surface and ground water)
 Provide garbage bins for solid waste disposal.

Provide facilities to recycle waste which can

be recyclable and compose organic matters.

Design measures for handling spills

leakages from machineries Provide impervious floor where garages,
fuelling bays and stores.
construction of dam and
work during dry season
impounding water
Change and disruption in
Choose culverts and pipes with correct sizes.
surface water flow
spilling in high rainfalls
not to change or disturb the natural terrain of
the spill canal
Change and disruption in
ground water flow and construction of dam work during dry season
the water table
placement of borrow
work during dry season
materials
Water logging
Provide proper drainage system in agricultural
Cultivation of empty lands
lands
Provide proper drainage system in agricultural
Cultivation of empty lands
Impacts on water quality lands
due to new irrigable lands Using of fertilizers and
use organic fertilizers
pesticides
poaching of wild animals
clear the forest area Prohibit people to hunt or poach.
by people
Impact on terrestrial
enrichment of the area by planting suitable
fauna and flora due to
site clearance flora species habitable for threatened fauna
loss and change of
species
habitats

Using of fertilizers and

Impacts on aquatic use organic fertilizers
pesticides
species due to change in
water quality and Large trees that will protrude out of the
quantity Impounding the water in
reservoir when full, should be left as they can
upstream
provide nesting sites for water birds
Impact on surrounding
Site clearance in forest area Compensatory afforestation program
forest area
enrichment of the area by planting suitable
Impacts due to changing Site clearance in forest area flora species habitable for threatened fauna
of feeding areas/breeding species
areas/migratory routes Large treed should remain in paddy fields as
Cultivation of empty lands
there can be nesting sites for birds.
Impacts on surrounding
wildlife reserve and Site clearance in forest area Compensatory afforestation program
wildlife migration
Impact on fish migration
Impact is very low. Therefore enhance the
due to obstructing the constructing the dam
tank water as better for aquatic species.
streamline by the dam
 Borrowing construction
Introduction of invasive
material from the outside
species to the area
(earth)
Site clearance in forest area
Impacts on rare and
endemic species
Using of fertilizers and
pesticides
Change in habitats due to Site clearance in forest area
change in quality and
quantity of water
altering the natural stream
Impacts on biological
Site clearance in forest area
diversity of the area
construction activities of tank
and buildings
Air pollution Borrowing construction
material and placement
moving of vehicles within the
site
construction activities of tank
and buildings
noise and vibration
Borrowing construction
material and placement
moving of vehicles within the
site
physical hazards for the construction activities of tank
workers and buildings
Using of fertilizers and
long term health issues
pesticides
Site clearance in forest area
risk of elephant-human
conflicts
construction of housing unit
Seeds, oil and other debris should capture
within vehicle wash-down water using traps
and destroy in the site.
Compensatory afforestation program
enrichment of the area by planting suitable
flora species habitable for threatened fauna
species
se organic fertilizers
enrichment of the area by planting suitable
flora species habitable for threatened fauna
species
Enrich the existing habitats by planting
suitable species.
Compensatory afforestation program
use water to suppress dust
cover borrowed earth properly from rain and
wind
use water to suppress dust
Limit the noise level more than 55dB.
Limit the noise generating works from 7am to
6pm in order to minimize impact to fauna.
Limit the noise generating works from 7am to
6pm in order to minimize impact to fauna.
proper maintenance for the vehicles to ensure
the adherence to noise standards,
Provide PPEs for all workers.
make aware the villagers about health related
problems with drinking water and provide
monitoring system to check the quality of
water
forest reserve will be lined with electric
fencing
Identify the elephant moving path (corridor)
and do not disturb the area in construction
planning.
forest reserve will be lined with electric
fencing
5.2 Compensatory afforestation programme
5.2.1 Forest enrichment programme
As a remedial measure for loss the habitats of species, this would be a good option. Programme
can be implement with the help of the community. Flora species which are endemic to low country dry
zone and species which are mostly affected by the project should plant inside the forest area. Tree
planting should be commenced with the start of the monsoon rains. However species selection, nursery
establishment and tree planting should be carried out with the support of the Forest Department.

5.2.2 Forestry programme to replant in open forest patches

Considerable land area of the forest subjected to deforestation due to the proposed project. So
compensation will not satisfy the problem. Programme can be conduct by the forest department and
participation of the local community. Agro-Forestry model can be given maximum benefits for the
participating community. Initial 3-5 years can be plant some agricultural crops intercropped with forest
species and obtain additional income.

5.2.3 Homestead development programme

This can be enhance the people to plant species which can provide fruits, wood, timber,
medicine and fuel woods. So that encroachment to the forest area for their daily needs will be reduce.
And same time forest area will safely recover to its required level.
6 Chapter 06 Environmental Monitoring Plan
Monitoring plan is very essential in order to ensure that planned and proposed project is
ongoing without any adverse effects to the environment. Because there’s a possibility of changing the
impacts during the project life. Environmental Monitoring programme includes following format.

 Frequency of monitoring
 Parameters of considering
 Responsible authorities and agencies
 Whether technical and economical assistant available in relevant agencies
 Sample locations to monitor
 Reporting format and procedure for monitoring

category /
Impact
parameter
Dust due to excavations, soil
compaction and transportation
with the effect of wind
Air quality
emission of smoke and other
harmful gaseous due to
machines and vehicles
impact on water quality of the
tank due to leaching of waste
solid waste
localized air quality due to
burning/collecting non-oil
solid waste
Check/
Monitoring indicator cost Report Responsibility
frequency
contractors supervisor/site
Public complains and visually weekly
engineer
Inspection cost and
air quality testing
Public complains and official cost contactors supervisor and if
complains by environmental daily required environmental
officers officer/site engineer
sediments in tank and canals
environmental officer/ site
Inspection cost weekly
Presence of contaminated pool engineer
of water and evidence of
erosion of stock piles.
Inspection cost and
visual inspections air quality testing weekly site engineer/ supervisor
cost
 Check the hygiene and health
condition of the site staff and
sanitary waste spread of odour and diseases construction workers. And inspection cost monthly Contractor and safety officer
occurrence of diseases and
hospitalizations

possibility of injures, ills

health and safety working at dangerous Records of safety and health. inspection cost weekly safety officer and contractor
conditions and accidents
according to the
Noise and inspection cost and requirement of environmental officer/ site
disturbance to the wildlife audit checks
vibration noise tests environmental engineer
officer

contamination inspection cost and

long term health issues and
and hazardous Records of safety and health. decontamination weekly contractor
accidents
chemicals cost

requirement of
disturbance to livelihood of client have to pay
public claims compensation cost the District
people compensation
social Secretary
reported incidents and public After any client have to pay
human - elephant conflict compensation cost
claims incident compensation
clearing the forest area
removal of trees other than Inspection and
flora and fauna check the marked trees weekly STC/ engineer
marked by the State Timber transportation cost
cooperation
7 Chapter 07 Conclusion and Recommendation
The above mentioned project benefit the village by rehabilitate the Puluddumaanodai tank with
the community development. So it enhances the farmers by encouraging them to cultivate 700acers in
Maha and 300acres in Yala season. Currently using irrigable lands can be extent and increase the
harvest. All significant impacts are discussed in previous chapters and suitable recommendations are
stated.

Major issues identified are encroachment of people in to the forest area, elephant-human
conflict, impoundment of water in the upstream, obstructing the natural water stream, removing and
clearing the forest area which affects existing flora and fauna. But this proposed project area is in low
country dry zone where there’s no high diversity of flora and fauna compared to the wet zone. And
most of the existing species are not endemic, rare or threatened other than elephants and some special
species.

During the survey we have identify such problems which can be arise with introducing new
environment to the existing area as changing the water quality, quantity, soil erosion, introducing
invasive species, quality of the air and noise and vibration level.

Proposed monitoring mechanism will identify the weightage and possibility of identified
impacts. Relevant responsible authorities or parties should involve in monitoring programme. And
monitoring should be carried out in frequent and specified time intervals in the monitoring plan.

By analysing the positive impacts with possibly happening negative impacts proves that
proposed project can be implement after taking required mitigations for identified environmental
issues.