Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Sardi Khola Hydropower Project

Project Description

The main objective of the study was to carry out feasibility study to determine the technical feasibility and economic viability of Sardi Khola Hydroelectric Project (3.5 MW), which will be interconnected with the Integrated Nepal Power System (INPS). The feasibility study report can be used as a basis for PPA, for obtaining the license of generation from the government and for funding arrangement of the construction.
The main tasks carried out during the field investigations are topographical field survey and mapping, surface geological survey. During the feasibility study, construction material survey and hydro-sedimentological studies have been carried out. The main outcome of this report includes selection of general arrangement of project structures and feasibility level design.
The Sardi Khola Hydropower Project lies with the area of Annapurna Conservation Area and thus a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project was conducted, which included public consultation and public hearing, as per EPA, 1997 and EPR, 1997.

Assignment Description

Feasibility study The feasibility study was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Client and the standard practice. In line to this, the study was performed in accordance with the requirements mentioned in the Standards for Study of Hydropower Projects published by GoN/ DoED. The study covered all aspects of the project including: • Review of previous studies • Hydrological, meteorological and sedimentological studies • Topographical survey and mapping • Geological and geo-technical studies • Alignment alternatives for project layout • Optimal design of project components • Alignment alternatives an optimal alignment for transmission line • Construction methods and planning • Cost estimating and • Financial analyses of the project. Environmental Impact Assessment The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted as per the prevailing regulation of EPA, 1997 and EPR, 1997. The specific assignments completed included: • Review of Plans / Policies, Legislation, Guidelines and Conventions • Preparation and approval of Scoping Document and Terms of Reference • Field investigation and primary data collection of Physical, Biological and Sociological Environmental Data • Analysis and evaluation of beneficial and adverse impacts on Physical, Biological and Sociological Environments • Alternative analysis for project layout, designs, schedule and technology • Identification of beneficial augmentation measures and adverse impact mitigation measures • Preparation of detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Project • Preparation of Environmental Monitoring and Environmental Auditing Plan • Extensive public consultation and public hearing in the Project Area • Preparation and approval of Final EIA Report