PROJECT BRIEF
1. IDENTIFIERS
PROJECT NUMBER:
PROJECT NAME:
Demonstrations of Innovative Approaches to the
Rehabilitation of Heavily Contaminated Bays in
the Wider Caribbean
DURATION:
5 years
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY:
UNDP,
UNEP
EXECUTING AGENCY:
UN Office of Project Services
REQUESTING COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES:
Cuba and Jamaica
ELIGIBILITY:
Eligible under para. 9(b) of GEF Instrument
GEF FOCAL AREA(S):
International
Waters
GEF PROGRAMMING FRAMEWORK:
Operational Programme, #10, Contaminants
Based
2. SUMMARY
The GEF pilot phase project, "Planning and Management of Heavily Contaminated Bays
and Coastal Areas in the Wider Caribbean" was a Pre-investment Facility (PRIF) project
working in Havana Bay, Cuba; Cartagena Bay, Colombia; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica and
Kingston Harbour, Jamaica. The project succeeded in achieving its principal objectives,
including: 1) development of integrated Investment Action Plans for the rehabilitation and
management of the four bays, 2) formulation of proposals for Institutional Strengthening to
improve the operational capacities of those institutions responsible for bay management,
and 3) identify sources of financing for the implementation of proposed remedial actions.
The PRIF and related national and donor activities have helped to leverage baseline
investments in the four bays in excess of $250 million.
One of the priority issues in the region identified in the pilot phase project and other
studies is the problem of eutrophication resulting from excess inputs of nutrients to the
coastal zone and adjacent international waters. Principal sources of nutrient contamination
in the four pilot sites include poorly or untreated sewage, agriculture and industrial
activities. As a follow-up to the PRIF and on-going baseline, the proposed GEF project will
leverage national co-financing to help two of the countries to overcome a number of key
barriers to the adoption of best practices that limit the contamination of their national and
adjacent international waters. The project will implement demonstrations/pilot projects to
test innovative technical, management, legislative and educational approaches for reducing
the input of priority international waters contaminants, the nutrients nitrogen and
phosphorus, to Havana Bay, Kingston Harbour and the adjacent Wider Caribbean. It will
further strengthen and/or help create new institutions responsible for the rehabilitation
and sustainable management of the two bays. The project supports the mandate of the
Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of
the Wider Caribbean Region, particularly Article 7, Pollution from Land-based Sources, and
Article 13, Scientific and Technical Co-operation, as well as the new Land-Based Sources
Protocol currently in preparation.
In addition to the demonstrations/pilot projects noted above, UNEP-CAR/RCU will be
responsible for regional coordination, including sharing and dissemination of project
activities and nutrient pollution control strategies for the Wider Caribbean. Activities will
include print and on-line information dissemination, regional workshops and study tours,
in order to promote and exchange best practices and lessons learned to other countries in
the Wider Caribbean Region facing similar problems with excess nutrients and
eutrophication.
3. COSTS AND FINANCING (US$):
GEF: -
Project
:
US$
6.91
million
- Support Costs
:
US$ 0.40 million
-
PRIF
:
US$
2.50
million
Subtotal
GEF :
US$
9.41
million
Co-financing:
- Government
Cuba :
US$
14.21
million*
Jamaica
:
US$
11.35
million
Sub-total,
Gov't.
:
US$
25.55
million
- Nordic Funds (PRIF)
:
US$ 0.30 million
Total Project Cost
:
US$
35.26
million
4. ASSOCIATED FINANCING (US$) :
US$
183.24
MILLION
5. OPERATIONAL FOCAL POINT ENDORSEMENT:
Jamaica 17 March 1999
Cuba 16 March 1999
Name: Leonie Barnaby
Name: Humberto Arango
Title: Director
Title: Director
Organisation: Environmental Protection
Organisation: Ministry of Science,
& Conservation Division,
Technology and the Environment
Ministry of Environment and Housing
6. IA CONTACT: Nick Remple, GEF Regional Coordinator, Latin America and the
Caribbean, DC1-2284, 1 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 USA, Tel. 212 906 5426,
Email:nick.remple@undp.org
* Assumes US$1 = 1 Cuban Peso
Background and Context (Baseline course of action)
Introduction
1.
The Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) comprises the marine environment of the Gulf
of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the 200 mile zone of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the
countries in the region. The Caribbean Sea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, is partially
enclosed on the north and east by the Islands of the West Indies, bounded to the south by
South America and Panama and to the west by Central America. The WCR has an area of
about 1 942 500 km2.
2.
The main oceanic current in the Caribbean Sea is an extension of the North
Equatorial and South Equatorial currents, which enters the Sea at the south-eastern
extremity and flow in a generally north-western direction. The currents originate mainly as
a consequence of wind and tide action, but are also affected by the topography of the sea
bottom and the configuration of the coastline. The current velocity is generally considerable
and may contribute significantly to the dispersion of long-lived contaminants generated in
any site to the region, creating a potential transboundary pollution effect.
3.
Economic activity in the WCR focuses on the expansion of tourism, agriculture and
extractive industries that are often directly or indirectly linked to coastal and marine
resources. Population growth combined with poorly managed economic development and
industrialisation in the region have led to widespread contamination of the coastal and
international waters of the Wider Caribbean. Principal contaminants impacting the region
domestically and/or across national borders include untreated sewage, solid waste,
sediments, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides and agricultural run-off, primarily from
land-based sources.
4.
An inventory of land-based point sources of pollution in the WCR, conducted in
1994, revealed that domestic wastewater/sewage was the predominant source of pollution,
followed by six industrial categories: oil refineries, sugar refineries and distilleries, food
processing, manufacture of beer and other drinks, pulp and paper factories and chemical
manufacturing. Although not a part of the 1994 study, urban and agricultural non-point
sources of pollution are also recognised as significant contributors to pollution of the WCR.
5.
Nutrient enrichment is of increasing concern in the WCR, as it causes eutrophication1, algal
blooms, oxygen depletion and changes in marine ecosystem biodiversity. In many of the bays
connected to highly populated centres, extremely low levels of oxygen are observed in the
lower part of the water column, where bottom sediments are often turned black. These
hypoxic conditions kill and drive away fish and benthic species. Like in other areas facing
widespread eutrophication (Black Sea, Baltic Sea, Yellow Sea, Gulf of Mexico, etc.), there is
1 A recent definition of eutrophication is that provided by Nixon (Ophelia 41:199-219, 1995): "An increase in the rate of supply
of organic matter to an ecosystem"; this is nearly always the result of excessive inputs of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus
to the aquatic environment. The nutrient enrichment most commonly results in the excessive stimulation of phytoplankton
growth but may also trigger the growth of larger plants (macrophytes) on the sea floor in shallow areas.
.
a longer-term risk that this phenomenon will extend beyond the natural borders of the bays
and into the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Nutrient enrichment and associated
eutrophication over broad areas is so ubiquitous that it is now considered a global problem, and
nutrients are considered to be among the priority contaminants requiring attention in the GEF
International Waters Operational Programme 10 - Contaminants-Based.
6.
The Caribbean Action Plan emerged in 1981 as a result of many years of work by
governmental and non-governmental representatives of the Caribbean community.
Assistance in the development of the plan was provided by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and
the Caribbean (ECLAC). The program objectives embraced by the Caribbean Action Plan,
which was adopted in 1981, include the following: assistance to all countries of the region,
recognising the special situation of the smaller islands; co-ordination of international
assistance activities; strengthening existing national and sub-regional institutions; and
technical co-operation in the use of the region's human, financial and natural resources.
7.
In 1983 the Cartagena Convention (CAR) was adopted as the legal instrument for
the implementation of the Caribbean Action Plan. The Convention is a framework
agreement setting out the political and legal foundations for actions to be developed in the
implementation of the Plan. These actions are directed by a series of operational Protocols
designed to address special issues and to initiate concrete actions. The Convention
Protocols include: the Oil Spills Protocol, concerning cooperation among countries in the
region in combating oil spills and the preparation and updating of contingency plans; the
Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol, an instrument for dealing with
marine nature conservancy measures to protect, preserve and manage sensitive areas and
threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna; and the Land-Based Sources of Marine
Pollution (LBSMP) Protocol (Draft), an instrument for dealing with environmental
pollution reaching the marine environment from land-based sources and activities, both
point and non-point source. The governments of the nations and territories of the WCR
established the Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) in support of the Convention
and its Protocols. A regional co-ordinating unit (UNEP-CAR/RCU) has been established in
Kingston, Jamaica and serves as a Secretariat for the CEP.
8.
Most of the countries in the WCR have also adopted national legal instruments to
control various aspects of domestic and industrial wastewater disposal to coastal and
marine waters. The degree to which these legal instruments are applied in the practical
management and control of environmental pollution varies from country to country, but is
generally rather weak. At the regional level, a new protocol to the Cartagena Convention
on land-based sources of marine pollution (LBS protocol) is currently under development,
and is expected to be adopted in 1999 (see Annex 5). The Contracting Parties to the
Convention have taken advantage of the various studies of contamination of the Wider
Caribbean in developing this protocol, with an aim towards regulating the sources most
impacting the WCR. As drafted, the LBS Protocol, through source-specific annexes, sets
regional effluent limits for selected point sources, based on appropriate control
technologies. The LBS Protocol will also obligate the signatories to develop national plans
to implement best management practices for non-point sources and to implement coastal
zone management programs. Both Jamaica and Cuba have signed the Cartagena
Convention and have been active in the negotiations on the LBS Protocol.
9.
The two geographical areas selected for this project, Havana Bay in Cuba and
Kingston Harbour in Jamaica, are both heavily polluted areas with increasing industrial
and agricultural activities and an expected growth in population and tourism. For both
countries sewage and nutrient enrichment have been identified as priority environmental
concerns. In addition, other countries in the Wider Caribbean Region face many of the
same environmental problems, connected to discharges of untreated or poorly treated
sewage. Thus, some of the approaches to nutrient removal to be tested in this project will
be replicable between the two sites as well as among other sites in the Wider Caribbean
Region.
Background - The Pilot Phase GEF Project
10.
The GEF Pilot Phase (PRIF) project (1995-1998), "Planning and Management of Heavily
Contaminated Bays and Coastal Areas in the Wider Caribbean", included Colombia (Cartagena Bay),
Costa Rica (Puerto Limon), Cuba (Havana Bay) and Jamaica (Kingston Harbor) as participating
countries.
The project had three main objectives:
1. Develop Integrated Investment Action Plans for the rehabilitation and management of the
bays and surrounding coastal areas.
2. Formulate Institutional Strengthening Proposals to improve the operational capacities of
those institutions responsible for bay management.
3. Identify Sources of financing for the implementation of proposed remedial action plans.
11.
The project was the largest pre-investment grant financed by the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) under its concluded pilot phase program. The GEF project was originally initiated by
the UNEP CAR/RCU office in Kingston. The project was implemented by the United
Nations Development Program (UNDP) and executed by the United Nations Office for
Project Services (UNOPS) from November 1995 to May 1998.
The project achieved the following results:
· The present environmental conditions of the bays and coastal zones were characterized
including the impact on their biodiversity and their regenerative capacity.
· Inventories of point and non-point sources of pollution were brought up to date including
sewage, agricultural discharges, industrial and solid waste.
· Proposals to restructure the institutions responsible for bay management and to improve the
legislative framework guiding economic activity to sustain remedial actions were prepared.
· An integrated investment action plan for the rehabilitation of the bays and coastal areas was
formulated, to be implemented over the next 5, 10 and 15 years.
· An integrated inter-institutional management plan aimed at increasing the coordination,
managerial, planning and enforcement capacities of the institutions responsible for bay and
coastal zone management was developed.
· A capacity building program to further develop the technical and scientific capacities of the
research institutions involved in environmental studies of bays and coastal areas was
developed.
· Regional and national workshops were carried out to promote exchange of information,
institutional cooperation and replicate project-related experiences in the Caribbean.
· The countries' environmental institutions were equipped and strengthened. Scientific
equipment, modern office and communication systems and vehicles were provided.
The activities presented in this proposal are based on the information and results from the GEF Pre-
investment Facility (PRIF) project.
Background Havana Bay, Cuba
12.
Havana Bay is the most important port in Cuba. It is surrounded by urban and
industrial developments, which have a major impact on the quality of water reaching the
bay and distributed to the Wider Caribbean Region. The average residence/turnover time
of the water in the Bay is about 8 days.
13.
Havana Bay receives suspended solids, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other
micro-pollutants from agriculture, industry and port activities. High concentrations of
hydrocarbons and heavy metals have been observed in the sediments, and degradation of
the ecosystem is increasing, both within Havana Bay and the adjacent Wider Caribbean
area.
14.
The existing wastewater collection system in Havana was designed for approximately
600 000 inhabitants. This system was constructed without any treatment of the wastewater. Today
the main collector system is overloaded and many sewers discharge to local rivers flowing through
the city. The tributary area of Havana Bay, including the rivers Luyano and Martin Perez, thus
receives polluted water from large residential areas and also some industrial areas.
15.
The pilot phase project determined that the main sources of pollution to Havana Bay
are: 1) the Luyano River (organic material, nutrients, sewage, solid waste), 2) the gas plant
and the oil refinery, 3) the Regla and Hacendados fish factories, and 4) the fishing port.
16.
The project also determined that Havana Bay receives about 48 000 m3 of wastewater per
day, carrying around 4 800 kg nitrogen and 1 200 kg phosphorous, resulting in elevated
concentrations of nutrients. Studies show that the waters of Havana Bay are strongly affected by the
dumping of sewage, with concomitant risks to human health. Increased nutrient concentrations have
promoted eutrophication and bacterial growth, and degradation of sea-grass and coral reef
ecosystems.
17.
The Government of Cuba has taken some mitigating actions to rehabilitate Havana
Bay, but the special economic situation in Cuba has reduced the possibilities for
intervention. Cuba has several ongoing development programs for alternative,
environmentally sound technologies related to wastewater treatment (WWT).
Demonstrations of more sustainable and cost-effective technologies, which are expected to
be applicable to other countries in the region, are urgently needed. The economic situation
in Cuba also accentuates the need for potential domestic production of fertilisers and
energy recovered from alternative WWT approaches.
18.
Cuba has signed several international agreements that have established an
interrelationship between the national legislative framework and international regulations.
In spite of this, an analysis of the institutional and legal framework conducted in the pilot
phase project found that: 1) Current laws and regulations are diffuse and to a certain
degree outdated and not enforceable, 2) Port authority is lacking, and 3) The integration
between central and sectoral government institutions is insufficient.
19.
A proposal for rules and regulations for the use and protection of Havana Bay has
been elaborated. The rules define the use of the bay in terms of port, industrial, cultural and
tourist activities and the treatment of waste. They include environmental monitoring,
environmental education and public information plans and the establishment of a
monetary fund for the rehabilitation and a sustainable development of the bay.
Meanwhile, and taking into consideration the above-referred deficiencies, the Cuban
Government created on 29 July 1998 a Governmental Working Group for the sanitation,
conservation and development of Havana Bay. The group is chaired by the Ministry of
Transportation while the Government of the City of Havana and the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Environment will operate as vice-chairs. On an interim basis, this group
will assume the functions of a port authority until the new rules and regulations are
approved.
Background Kingston Harbour, Jamaica
19.
Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, started its modern history when the English fleet
sailed into the harbour in 1655. Kingston Harbour is the seventh largest natural harbour in
the world, and consists of an upper basin and the inner and outer harbour. The harbour is
relatively shallow, and the ship canal is regularly dredged to maintain the navigability of
the canal. The residence time of water in the harbour ranges from 152 to 176 days between
the wet and dry seasons.
20.
The pilot phase project determined that the following sectors and activities
contribute to the contamination of Kingston Harbour:
· Sewage is by far the most important source for the contamination of Kingston
Harbour. Sewage from 25% of the population (850,000) is discharged with only
limited treatment into the harbour, and the rest is not treated at all. The total
wastewater production from the sewered areas is around 17 MGD (million gallons per day).
Sewage is estimated to contribute 50 and 75 percent, respectively, of nitrogen and
phosphorus inputs to the harbour.
· Industry established at the shore of Kingston Harbour includes oil refineries, cement
production, power station, food industry, fish processing plants and garment
manufacturing. Industrial wastewater is discharged into the harbour without any
treatment.
· Uncollected solid wastes from the city are dumped into gullies and storm water
drains, ending up in the harbour.
· From the port activities both wastewater and solid waste from ships are discharged
into the harbour.
· Releases into the Rio Cobre and use of agrochemicals, including nutrients, are also
important sources of pollution to the harbour.
21.
Through these activities Kingston Harbour receives a large amount of nutrients,
organic matter, suspended solids and toxic compounds and other micro-pollutants (heavy
metals, chemicals, oils and greases). This has lead to severe eutrophication, and the water
quality is continuing to deteriorate. In addition, sedimentation from Rio Cobre and Sandy
Gully causes severe degradation of Hunts Bay. The pilot phase project determined that
there is not much biological activity left in the bay, and that the sediments are so
contaminated that they can be characterised as a net source of pollution to the bay, even if
the other inputs of pollutants were cut off.
22.
The pilot phase project determined that pollution from Kingston Harbour is of
broader concern to the southern coast of Jamaica. Planktonic communities in the Port
Royal Cays and Hellshire coast bear strong similarities to communities inside the harbour,
and it is estimated that as much as 60% of the pollution observed along the Hellshire
coastline originates from the harbour.
23.
It has been reported that the deterioration of Kingston Harbour has been going on
for about 30 years. Several studies have been performed and remedial actions have been
proposed, but so far relatively little progress has been made in implementing these actions,
mainly due to a lack of financial resources.
24.
The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act provides a sound and sufficient
legal framework for the rehabilitation of Kingston Harbour. The institutional arrangements
for management of sewage and solid waste are, however, fractured among too many
agencies and the locus of responsibility seems unclear. In addition, environmental laws and
standards are not very rigorously enforced.
Background Summary
25.
Table 1 summarises the pollution problems, the environmental impacts and
obstacles to solve these problems for the Wider Caribbean Region and for the two selected
bays. The table shows that the two bays/countries face many of the same environmental
problems, i.e. problems connected to discharges of sewage, nutrients and micro-pollutants,
and that some of these discharges may also pose a risk for environmental degradation of
the Wider Caribbean Region.
Table 1
Environmental impacts and obstacles
Pollution
Sources
Environmental Impacts
Obstacles/ Barriers
Comments
Problem
Wider Caribbean
Nutrients Untreated Risk for:
Lack of financial
Cartagena
sewage
Algae blooming
resources
Convention focuses
Agriculture run-
Eutrophication
Weak institutional and
on the environmental
off
Oxygen depletion
legislative frameworks
problems in the
Industry
Reduced biodiversity
Wider Caribbean
Reduced reproduction of
species
Micro-pollutants Industrial and
Bio-accumulation
Lack of enforcement of
Several international
(heavy metals,
oil activities
Contamination in food
existing regulations
conventions and
persistent
Hazardous
chain
Lack of incentives to
agreements focus on
organic
waste
Reduced biodiversity
reduce emissions of
pollution of the
pollutants, incl.
Use of agro-
persistent toxic
marine environment
Pesticides, oil
chemicals
substances
(MARPOL, Oil
and
Ship traffic
Lack of alternative, more
Pollution
hydrocarbons)
benign chemicals and
Preparedness, etc.)
industrial processes
Havana Bay, Cuba
Nutrients Sewage Increased algae and
Lack of financial
Cuba has signed
Agriculture
bacterial growth
resources
several international
Degradation of sea-grass
Outdated, dispersed and
conventions and
and coral reef ecosystem
non-enforceable
agreements
Eutrophication
legislation
(MARPOL,
Oxygen depletion
Lack of port authority
Cartagena
Reduced biodiversity
Insufficient integration of Convention)
Suspended
Rivers
Sedimentation
sectoral and central
solids
Land use in
Reduced biodiversity
institutions
watersheds
Micro-pollutants Industrial and
Bio-accumulation
(heavy metals,
oil activities
Contamination in food
persistent
Hazardous
chain
organic
waste
Reduced bio-diversity
pollutants, incl.
Ship traffic
Pesticides, oil
and
hydrocarbons)
Solid waste
Port activities
Littering
Industry
Water pollution
Households
Threats to selected
organisms
Kingston Harbour, Jamaica
Nutrients
Sewage
Increased algal and
Institutional
Legal framework for
bacterial growth
arrangements are
the rehabilitation of
Eutrophication
fractured among too
Kingston Harbour
Oxygen depletion
many agencies and the
exists.
Reduced biodiversity
locus of responsibility
Jamaica has signed
seems unclear
MARPOL and the
Cartagena
Convention
Suspended
Rio Cobre
Sedimentation
Lack of financial
solids
Sandy Gully
Reduced biodiversity
resources
Micro-pollutants Industrial and
Bio-accumulation
Weak enforcement of
(heavy metals,
oil activities
Contamination in food
environmental laws and
persistent
Hazardous
chain
standards
organic
waste
Reduced biodiversity
pollutants, incl.
Ship traffic
Pesticides, oil
Use of agro-
and
chemicals
hydrocarbons)
Pollution
Sources
Environmental Impacts
Obstacles/ Barriers
Comments
Problem
Solid waste
Port activities
Littering
Industry
Water pollution
Households
Rationale and Objectives (Alternative)
26.
The global environmental objective of the project is to demonstrate and promote
regional replication of innovative technical, management, legislative and educational
approaches to reducing nutrient loads to Havana Bay and Kingston Harbour and to the
Wider Caribbean Region.
27.
The long-term objective of the project is to promote and facilitate environmentally
sustainable development and management of the two bays and to disseminate and
replicate successful approaches to the rehabilitation of these bays to other sites in the Wider
Caribbean facing similar environmental challenges.
28.
The rehabilitation of the national and associated international waters will be based
on mitigating measures and institutional strengthening and co-operation in each of the
selected areas. As shown in Table 1 the main environmental problems on a regional basis
are connected to the discharges of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and micro-
pollutants (heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, including pesticides).
29.
This GEF project will complement ongoing baseline activities in Havana and
Kingston aimed at improving the quality of the respective aquatic (marine) systems, by
introducing sustainable contaminant reduction and reuse technologies, and enhancing
waterbody management capabilities, thus reducing environmental threats to the two bays
and the Wider Caribbean. Based on the analyses carried out during the pilot phase project,
the two countries have prioritised similar activities connected to biological treatment of
sewage and nutrient removal. This is illustrated in Table 2, which shows the main obstacles
to improving environmental quality and the proposed activities for each country (reference
is made to project activity descriptions on the following pages).
Table 2
Global contaminants and proposed activities in each country
Obstacles for
Proposed activities
improved
(See activity description on the next pages)
environment
Regional
Cuba
Jamaica
Institutional
4.1
weakness
Incentive framework 1.2
4.1
Public awareness
1.1
4.1
Treatment capacity
2.1, 2.2, 3.1,
5.1, 5 2, 5.3
Nutrients
(lack of funding)
3.2
Rationale for GEF Financing
30.
The project falls under GEF Operational Program #10 International Waters
Contaminant-Based, whose objectives include "....demonstrate strategies for addressing
land-based activities that degrade marine waters...". In OP10, "GEF plays a catalytic role
in demonstrating ways to overcome barriers to the adoption of best practices limiting
contamination of International Waters". The main expected outputs from the 5-year project
are · Demonstrations of substantial reductions of nutrient inputs to the two bays, through
the application of more sustainable technologies. The technologies proposed
perform in line with the effluent limitations for municipal wastewater described in
the draft LBS protocol to the Cartagena Convention (see annex 5).
· Development and strengthening of national environmental institutions responsible
for management of the respective bays.
· Regional activities aiming at disseminating best practices and lessons learned from
the project and related activities in the region.
31.
The project will be consistent with and supportive of national action programs in the
two countries aimed at reducing contamination of the bays. It is designed to provide
incremental financing to facilitate the efforts of the two countries to achieve global
environmental benefits through the reduction of transboundary pollution (nutrients) into
the WCR. The project will support national investments, institutional arrangements, and
capacity building programs supportive of global environmental protection.
32.
The initial GEF support to this project will contribute to the reduction of financial
risks and to overcoming economic transaction barriers.
33.
The project will help build awareness, necessary skills, and capabilities among the
different stakeholders, in order to assure the sustainable use of the bays and coastal areas as
multiple use zones. The institutional framework will be strengthened by involving the
different stakeholders in constructive discussions and through establishment of appropriate
incentive structures.
Project Components/Activities and Expected Results
34.
The two countries have identified somewhat different technological approaches for
the rehabilitation of the bays and reduction of nutrient inputs to the bays and WCR. Some
regional activities by UNEP/CAR-RCU are included to ensure the exchange of information
on successful scientific and technical approaches to nutrient control, and on institutional
and legislative frameworks and inter-institutional cooperation between the two countries
and other countries within the WCR. This will also include necessary co-ordination with
the relevant activities going on within the framework of the Cartagena Convention.
35.
The project includes five outputs described below. A summary of the
outputs/activities and the expected results are described in table 3.
Table 3 Outputs/activities and expected results
Outputs/Activities
Expected results
Output 1: Regional Coordination, Exchange and Dissemination of Results (UNEP- CAR/RCU)
Outputs/Activities
Expected results
Activity 1.1: Regional workshops on
Exchange of information from the project of interest
nutrient removal technologies and sludge
to other countries in the region.
utilisation
Activity 1.2: Study Tour for project officials Technological capacity strengthening on nutrient
removal and sludge treatment
Activity 1.3: Terminal workshop reviewing
Proceedings from the workshop will be printed for
available options for nutrient removal and
regional dissemination and available on Internet.
sludge utilisation
Project site: Havana, Cuba
Output 2: Construction of a sewage treatment plant, including nutrient removal and sludge utilisation.
Activity 2.1: Nutrient removal
Reduced inputs of nutrients from sewage into
Havana Bay and the Wider Caribbean
Activity 2.2: Sludge treatment
Utilisation of waste and wastewater from the
treatment plant as energy and/or as fertilisers
Output 3: Demonstration projects focusing on recycling of nutrients and energy from waste and wastewater.
Activity 3.1: Zero emission housing unit
Demonstration of "zero emission housing units"
applicable to urban and rural areas
Activity 3.2: Sewage treatment demos in
Demonstration of water saving backwater collection
areas with low infrastructure and housing
system, including low flush toilets and pond
standards
wetland system for water treatment
Project site: Kingston Harbour, Jamaica
Output 4: Institutional strengthening for improved co-ordination of institutions involved in rehabilitation
and environmental management of Kingston Harbour.
Activity 4.1: A new institutional entity
Improved coordination of activities, increased public
responsible for the rehabilitation of
and institutional awareness and more efficient
Kingston Harbour
implementation of environmental projects.
Better coordination between existing monitoring
activities by development of a monitoring plan.
Annual reports on the environmental situation in the
Bay
Output 5: Design, construction and operation of a wastewater treatment facility for the Kingston
Metropolitan Area (KMA)
Activity 5.1: Design of wastewater
Reduced contamination from sewage effluent,
treatment facility
including nutrients, to Kingston Harbour and the
Activity 5.2: Construction of wastewater
adjacent Caribbean Sea
treatment facility
Activity 5.3 Operation and maintenance of
the wastewater treatment facility
Output 1: UNEP-CAR/RCU will coordinate with the two involved national agencies to provide
options on various appropriate treatment and recycling technologies for nutrient removal from
sewage.
36.
The regional activities are included to ensure coordination between the two
countries and compliance with the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols relevant to the
project areas. Regional workshops will be convened in coordination with UNEP-CAR/RCU
to discuss technical exchange and cooperation throughout the lifetime of the project. In
addition, technology exchange and dissemination of lessons learned from this project
should have greater regional benefits.
Activity 1.1: UNEP-CAR/RCU will conduct two regional training workshops (for three
days) on nutrient removal technologies and sludge utilisation for sewage treatment systems
in large communities. Though the ultimate goal is to provide technology transfer to the two
target communities of Havana and Kingston, these workshops will be open to participation
from all countries of the Wider Caribbean Region. These workshops will review available
options for nutrient removal and sludge utilisation relevant to the technological, climatic,
economic, institutional, and social/cultural conditions of the Wider Caribbean. Proceedings
from the workshop will be printed and put on-line for regional dissemination.
Activity 1.2: UNEP-CAR/RCU will organise study tours for personnel from the two target
countries -- Jamaica and Cuba -- that will be involved in the project. This will be a follow up
activity from the workshops to more fully communicate the nutrient removal and sludge
utilisation technologies.
Activity 1.3: A terminal workshop on viable opportunities for nutrient removal and sludge
utilisation in the Wider Caribbean Region. Following the completion of the Havana and
Kingston projects, a regional workshop will be convened by UNEP-CAR/RCU in
coordination with the two participating national agencies to review lessons learned from
the treatment technologies employed at the two sites. This three-day workshop will have
regional implications for technology transfer for future similar construction activities in the
region.
Output 2: Design and build a demonstration sewage treatment plant in Havana, Cuba, with
nutrient removal and sludge utilisation
37.
A new, integrated sewage treatment plant will be constructed which will cover a
population of about 57,000 in the Luyano River area. The plant will include nutrient
removal and will be designed for sludge utilisation either to energy or as fertiliser. The
GEF substitutional financing covers the difference in cost between a basic
primary/secondary treatment system and a more advanced, integrated system that
includes tertiary treatment (removal of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphrous).
38.
Process description: The proposed sewage treatment plant uses an activated sludge
process, designed to remove suspended solids, organic matter and nutrients. The plant will
be based on the following design criteria:
Table 4. Design criteria for the demonstration treatment plant in Havana
Design parameter
Influent loading
Effluent quality
Average wastewater flow
1100 m³/hour
Maximum wastewater flow
2400 m³/hour
Organic matter (BOD5) 2880
kg/day
<20mg/l
Suspended solids (SS)
<30 mg/l
Total nitrogen (Tot-N)
528 kg/day
>70 % removal
Total phosphorous (Tot-P)
120 kg/day
>56 % removal
39.
The proposed sewage treatment system includes the following elements:
-
Collection and transport system to convey wastewater to the treatment plant site
- Headworks consisting of a bar screen, grit and grease removal, and if necessary, an
influent pumping station
-
Primary clarifier to remove suspended solids from the wastewater
- Biological treatment unit consisting of alternating anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic zones for
optimised nutrient removal, equipped with biological selector zones
-
Secondary clarifiers for the separation of treated wastewater and sludge
- Sludge return system to maintain a high suspended solids concentration in the
biological process
-
Effluent polishing in vertical flow filters
- Discharge
piping
Activity 2.1: Nutrient removal
40.
Nutrient removal occurs at several stages through the plant cycle. The two
processes involved in nitrogen removal are called nitrification and denitrification.
Nitrification converts ammonia in the incoming wastewater to nitrate. This process
requires oxygen. Denitrification converts nitrate to nitrogen gas. This is a process that
requires a relatively high organic loading and anoxic conditions. The effluent of an
activated sludge process has elevated concentrations of nitrate due to the nitrification
process in the aerated zone. By recycling a portion of this wastewater to the influent end of
the basin, the nitrates will be exposed to anaerobic conditions and a high organic loading.
41.
Phosphorus removal is accomplished by first exposing the wastewater and return
activated sludge to anaerobic conditions. Micro-organisms exposed to alternating
anaerobic and aerobic conditions increase their uptake of phosphorus above normal levels.
Following the anaerobic zone is an aerated zone where the actual phosphorus uptake takes
place. Sludge removed from this process will therefore have elevated levels of phosphorus,
and effluent from this process generally has P concentrations less than 1 mg/l.
42.
To accomplish both nitrogen and phosphorous removal, these two schemes must be
combined. This can be accomplished by dividing the activated sludge process into three
zones; first an anaerobic zone followed by an anoxic zone where nitrate is present, and
finally an aerobic zone. This system is expected to remove approximately 60-70% of the
nitrogen and phosphorous.
Activity 2.2: Sludge utilisation
43.
The project proposal includes utilisation of the sludge produced in the wastewater
treatment process, either as a fertiliser or as energy from gas. There are three possible
solutions for sludge treatment:
1) Dewatering, and mixing with yard waste/bark for compost production, 2) Anaerobic
digestion for methane gas production and energy utilisation, and 3) Dewatering, and
anaerobic stabilisation.
The pre-design report will provide a final proposal for which sludge treatment alternative
will be implemented.
Figure 1. Diagram of the proposed sewage treatment plant in Havana
Sludge recycle
Influent screen
Grit removal
Primary clarifier
Anaerobic reactor
Influent
Anoxic reactor
Aerobic reactor
Secondary clarifier
Effluent
Return activated sludge
Waste activated sludge
Output 3: Demonstration projects focusing on decentralised wastewater treatment
45.
To demonstrate sustainable technologies for decentralised wastewater treatment
and disposal, two smaller projects are included in the project proposal. These activities will
be a part of ongoing research activities at the University of Havana. The technologies to be
demonstrated include use of low flush toilets to reduce water consumption and wastewater
production, black water collection and treatment, and small scale constructed wetlands for
wastewater treatment. For these demonstration projects
training/educational programs and monitoring programs will also be implemented.
Activity 3.1: Zero emission housing
46.
Cuba is producing prefabricated apartment buildings for use in Cuba and for export
(MATCO house). These buildings can be fitted with low flush toilets and separate
collection systems for black and grey water. At approximately eight demonstration
housing units, black water will be collected and transported to a central treatment facility,
while grey water will be treated locally and used for irrigation purposes. About 90 percent
of the nutrients are removed and recycled.
Activity 3.2: Sewage treatment in areas with low infrastructure and housing standards
47.
In a small suburban area "Il Moro" all sewage is currently drained to an open canal
and ends up in the Luyano River and subsequently in Havana Bay. To demonstrate
alternatives for decentralised wastewater treatment, a constructed wetlands system will be
built. The system consists of a septic tank, a trickling filter and open-surface constructed
wetland and serves 50 households. The expected treatment efficiency for nutrients in this
system is approximately 60-80 percent.
Output 4: Institutional strengthening for improved co-ordination of institutions involved in
rehabilitation and environmental management of Kingston Harbour (Jamaica)
48.
A key obstacle for improving the environment in Kingston Harbour is the absence of
co-ordinating activities and an institution with the overall responsibility for the
environment in Kingston Harbour. Thus, a project co-ordinating unit with the mandate to
develop co-ordinating activities and identify responsibilities, and necessary institutional
strengthening will be established.
Activity 4.1 Creation and coordination of a new inter-institutional entity responsible for the
rehabilitation of Kingston Harbour
49.
The National Steering Committee (NSC) is currently the government's highest level
policy-making body with regard to the planning and management of Kingston Harbour.
The new inter-institutional organisation for the rehabilitation of Kingston Harbour will
consist of the National Steering Committee, the Kingston Harbour Executive Committee
(KHEC), a Stakeholders Council (SC), and the new Project Management Unit (PMU). The
PMU will serve as the central coordinating unit for Kingston Harbour activities and will
report to the NSC and the KHEC. The different stakeholders in Kingston will through such
an institution develop environmental awareness, necessary skills and capabilities, in order
to improve the environmental management of Kingston Harbour.
50.
This new institution (the PMU) will be given the required political power. Existing
institutions involved in the rehabilitation of Kingston Harbour will recognise the new
organisation as the main responsible institution for the overall planning and coordination
of projects affecting the environmental quality of the harbour. For the implementation of
different projects that are initiated, the institution will delegate projects to the appropriate
existing organisations.
51.
The PMU will have the direct responsibility to: 1) Implement and coordinate the
various projects initiated to clean up Kingston Harbour, 2) Co-ordinate already initiated
projects for improvement of the harbour's water quality, and 3) Review existing laws and
regulations regarding the Kingston Harbour and initiate legislation improvements.
52.
The first task for the PMU will be to take the responsibility for the design and
construction of the new wastewater treatment plant. The next step will be to develop and
implement a monitoring program for Kingston Harbour to monitor and document the
impacts of different interventions, including the treatment plant.
53.
Other possible projects the PMU could plan and coordinate (with additional, non-
GEF, funding) could include:
-
Improved agricultural practices
-
Treatment of agricultural runoff using constructed wetland technology
-
Treatment of municipal wastewater
- Waste management programs, including industrial waste minimisation, solid waste
reduction, waste recycling, solid waste collection, ship waste,
-
Program for rehabilitation and operation of smaller package treatment plants
Output 5: Design and construct a wastewater treatment facility (5 MGD) for the Kingston
Metropolitan Area (KMA) (Jamaica)
54.
A sewage treatment plant based on an Advanced Integrated Ponding System (AIPS)
in combination with constructed wetlands will be constructed. The system is capable of
removing up to 95% of the nutrients; with average efficiencies of around 80%. The
proposed treatment plant is a pilot plant facility, treating only a portion of the total
wastewater from Kingston, although long-term plans providing wastewater service for the
entire city is under discussion. GEF financing will cover the incremental costs related to
nutrient removal, while the Jamaican government is responsible for co-financing of the
primary and secondary treatment components. Design criteria for the treatment facility is
presented below:
Table 5: Design Criteria for AIPS system in Kingston
Design parameter
Influent loading
Effluent quality
Average wastewater flow
800 m³/hour
Maximum wastewater flow
2000 m³/hour
Organic matter (BOD5)
150 mg/l
<5 mg/l
Organic matter (COD)
200 mg/l
<10 mg/l
Total nitrogen (Tot-N)
25 mg/l
<2.0 mg/l
Total phosphorous (Tot-P)
5 mg/l
<2.0 mg/l
55.
The AIPS technology is a low-cost alternative to high-rate biological nutrient
removal plants. The area requirements are quite high, but the simplicity of the treatment
plant still makes it a viable option when space is available. The proposed treatment facility
for Kingston consists of headworks with manually cleaned bar screens and grit removal in
parallel concrete channels. From the headworks the wastewater flows by gravity to a
primary or facultative pond. This pond has an aerobic surface overlaying deep anoxic cells
in the influent for sedimentation and digestion of heavy solids in the incoming wastewater.
Oxygen in the aerobic layer is provided by algae growth.
56.
Next, the wastewater passes a high rate pond where additional oxygen is provided
by algae growth, and soluble organic matter is oxidised. This pond is also equipped with
deep cells in the influent end for sedimentation and digestion of solids passing over from
the previous pond. The wastewater continues to dual settling ponds where the algae from
the previous pond settle out. Finally, a maturation pond provides additional bacterial
breakdown and storage for irrigation or other reuse. After the AIPS system, the wastewater
is polished in constructed wetlands, providing additional nutrient removal. The wetlands
can utilise existing mangroves, or other types of wetland vegetation.
57.
Some AIPS systems have operated for about 30 years without removal of sludge, but
it may be necessary to remove the sludge after about 5-10 years of operation. Treatment of
the sludge is to be accomplished in sludge drying beds with sufficient storage to provide
adequate stabilisation and pasteurisation. Treated sludge can be used for soil amendment.
58.
Main project activities for implementation of the AIPS wastewater treatment facility
are: Activity 5.1 Design, Activity 5.2 Construction and Activity 5.3 Operation and
maintenance.
Figure 2. Diagram of the AIPS treatment process proposed in Kingston Harbour
Screening
Grit removal
Primary pond
High-rate pond
Influent
Dual settling ponds
Maturation pond
Constructed wetlands
Effluent
Risks and Sustainability
59.
As far as possible the project activities will be designed to minimise potential risks.
To strengthen implementation and progress for the project, regional coordination will be
established at UNEP-CAR/RCU office in Kingston. This will help to reduce the possible
risk elements in the project activities. None of the possible risks identified are considered to
be of major significance for delaying or impeding the implementation of the project
components in the two countries involved.
Reluctance of authorities to support the initiative
60.
The GEF-financed project components are focused on addressing global
environmental issues, in this case control of a significant contaminant of both national and
international waters, the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Successful implementation of
the global elements, through effective demonstrations of nutrient removal, will in turn
strengthen the initiatives from local authorities to solve local pollution problems. This
connection between local and global benefits is expected to reduce the risk of reluctance
from authorities to support the proposed project components. Risks for reluctance of
authorities to support the initiative is considered to be low.
Conflicts among institutions/stakeholders
61.
Both Cuba and Jamaica face various national and local challenges related to
institutional coordination and stakeholder involvement in projects such as this one.
However, neither of the two countries have any major political conflicts, and no conflicts
between local institutions have been identified which could impede progress of the project.
The project implementation is based on close coordination, based on existing national and
local institutions, and, in the case of Jamaica, strengthened by the establishment of a special
project coordination organisation. Each national agency responsible for project
coordination will play a key role in the management of possible conflicts among
institutions/stakeholders throughout the whole project period. Risk for conflict among
institutions/stakeholders is therefore considered as low.
Overestimation of institutional capacities
62.
Risk may arise in the event that the project proposals have overestimated the
technical and administrative capacities of the different agencies and institutions involved in
the different project components. In both cities a need for institutional strengthening in
environmental management of the bays has been identified during the pilot phase project.
Limited amounts of institutional strengthening and training are therefore included to
reduce this risk. With this input, the risk for overestimation of institutional capacities is
reduced from medium to low.
Lack of technically qualified personnel
63.
The available technical personnel in Kingston and Havana are generally not familiar
with the proposed technologies for nutrient removal and sludge treatment. It is therefore
assumed that international, technically qualified personnel may be engaged in the
planning, construction and start-up of the sewage treatment plants as required. Both
projects involve extensive training of local staff in operations and maintenance of the
respective facilities to ensure sustainable plant operation beyond the project period.
Lack of financial resources
64.
The Cuban authorities have made a commitment to support the project with all available
domestic resources needed to implement the project. The inputs from the Government of Cuba to the
project are mainly in the form of human resources, existing premises, land for the proposed plant,
and construction of new facilities, all covered by local currency. In nearly all Cuban infrastructure
projects such as this there is a need for partial funding in hard currency. Domestic sources for
needed equipment and materials are scarce in Cuba, and often must be imported. The project
proposes therefore to use a "low equipment/high labour rate" approach, while still utilizing a
commercial technology for sewage treatment plants with nutrient removal. The pre-design report will
identify in detail the available domestic resources and imports required. Much of the GEF financial
contribution will then be used to finance the necessary imported materials. There is a risk that this
GEF contribution will be insufficient. In that case additional financial resources will need to be
mobilized, leading to project delays. The Cuban authorities are examining a number of approaches
to sustainable O&M of the facility, including user fees, fertilizer sales, and using the increasing
tourist revenue anticipated from improved conditions in the Bay. Overall, this risk is considered as a
medium risk.
65.
The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has committed to support the current GEF project and to
raise the money associated with baseline investments. Government of Jamaica input includes in-
kind, human resources, use of existing premises and construction of new facilities. These inputs also
include the free use of the Soapberry Fields lands for location of the plant. The strong government
commitment to establishment of the PMU ($1.01 million of total $1.21 million (83%) over 5 years)
also bodes well for the permanent establishment of the PMU as a coordinating body for Kingston
Harbour environmental interventions.
66.
A common concern for WWTP facilities like those proposed is the issue of cost recovery for
operation and maintenance (O&M), including suitably trained staff. Total O&M costs for the 5 year
KH project period are $375,000, of which GEF is financing $160,000, or 43%, and the government
$215,000, or 57%. The annual budgeting in the project document is designed such that, by the end of
year 5, the country is funding 75% of the O&M costs, so it seems quite reasonable that the
government can assume full coverage of the O&M costs in year 6 and beyond. In addition, the
project includes an operator training program to ensure continuity of trained and skilled staff. The
financial risk in Jamaica is therefore considered very low.
Stakeholder Participation and Implementation Arrangements
66.
Regional co-ordination and knowledge sharing (Output 1) will be implemented by
UNEP-CAR/RCU, by reviewing project activities and ensuring an effective information
exchange of experience and know-how. This will also ensure co-ordination with and
fulfilment of the relevant articles and protocols of the Cartagena Convention. Each country
will establish their own national project organisations, supervised by national authorities
and integrated with other related national activities. UNDP will be the lead GEF
implementing agency for Outputs 2-5. The UN Office of Project Services (UNOPS) will
serve as overall Executing Agency for the project.
67.
A project Steering Committee consisting of representatives from UNDP, UNEP and each of
the two lead national agencies will be responsible for providing overall strategic and policy guidance
to the project and monitoring project progress vs. a work plan. The Steering Committee will meet
annually on the occasion of the TPR/APR.
68.
Cuba: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, through its Delegation
for the City of Havana, will be responsible for the implementation of the project in Cuba
and will co-ordinate all the activities with the Council of Administration of the City of
Havana and other involved institutions, including the National Institute of Hydraulic
Resources, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Port Authority of Havana. A National Project
Office (NPO) in charge of the Project will be established in Havana, with a full time Co-ordinator
and secretarial and logistic support. The NPO will be responsible for the general co-ordination of the
activities, supervision of works, the inter-institutional arrangements and the extension and diffusion
of outputs.
69.
In Cuba, local organisations, advisory groups and scientific institutions have been widely
consulted in the process of selecting the Luyano River as the project site, as the degradation of these
rivers significantly influences the quality of life of a population of 140 000 inhabitants in the Luyano
basin. NGOs planned for involvement in the project in Cuba include: Popular Councils (at
neighbourhood level), Association Pro-Naturaleza, and the Group for the Integral Development of
the Capital (in the City of Havana).
70.
Jamaica: The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) is the permitting
authority for all discharges of sewage, of industrial effluent and of any poisonous, noxious
or polluting matter in Kingston. There is currently no single institution responsible for co-
ordinating the management of Kingston Harbour, and a co-ordinating unit (the PMU) will
therefore be established to co-ordinate environmental management initiatives in the
Harbour area. The PMU will coordinate the process of engaging consultants, suppliers, and
contractors in plant design, construction and O&M training, and will facilitate and expedite the
involvement of government and external agencies in these processes to ensure government takeover
and ownership of long-term O&M requirements. The PMU will report to the NSC and the
KHEC and be staffed by a team of six, including a project manager, sewage, geotechnical,
communications and environmental experts and a project accountant.
71.
The National Steering Committee (NSC), the government's highest level policy-
making body with regard to the planning and management of Kingston Harbour, consists
of top level representatives of all private and public sector bodies with significant impact
on the Harbour, as well as delegates from major international donors, NGO's and CBO's.
The NSC is chaired by the Minister of the Environment, has been established as a
permanent body, and meets biannually.
72.
The Stakeholders Council will consist of representatives from relevant NGOs, CBOs, and
other interested organisations that do not have direct representation in the NSC. The SC will
nominate (up to 3) representatives to the National Steering Committee, where they will be able to
participate in the formulation of policies for the management and regulation of the harbour, voice
their concerns, and generally keep themselves updated on all matters relating to the fate of the
harbour. The SC will be expected to function as a pressure group, expressing needs, concerns, and
views to the bureaucrats and technocrats responsible for the management of Kingston Harbour. The
Stakeholders Council will meet on a monthly basis.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Dissemination
74.
Routine monitoring and evaluation of project activities are incorporated into the
project design. In addition to routine reporting, the project will undertake an independent
mid-term and final review and financial audit. The project will be subject to the standard
annual UNDP tripartite review (TPR), Annual Project Report (APR), as well as the annual
Project Implementation Review monitoring and evaluation exercise of the GEF (PIR). Each
project site will also develop a suite of M&E indicators based on the process, stress
reduction and environmental status framework.
75.
Annual tripartite reviews of the project will be conducted by the National Steering
Committee (Jamaica), the National Project Office (Cuba), UNEP and UNDP. The project
managers will prepare an Annual Project Report (APR) and submit this to the two national
agencies, UNDP and UNEP prior to each tripartite review meeting. The report will
summarise progress, results, system performance, local participation, and expenditures vs.
budget. Additional APR's may be requested during the project period, if deemed necessary.
76.
A project terminal report will be prepared for consideration at the terminal tripartite
review meeting. It will be prepared in draft at least four months prior to the final tripartite
review to allow review and technical clearance by the Steering Committee. In the final year
of the project a full scale evaluation of the two project sites will be undertaken to provide
detailed practical recommendations on application of the project results and lessons
learned to the Wider Caribbean.
77.
UNEP-CAR/RCU will arrange a terminal workshop on viable opportunities for
nutrient removal and sludge utilisation, in coordination with the two participating national
agencies. The workshop will review lessons learned in the project, and publish the results
for distribution in the region.
Table 6.
Total budget for the GEF project (1000 US $)
Acti- Description Total GEF Gov'ts.
vity
Output 1: Regional Co-ordination & Knowledge Sharing Activities
1.1
Two regional 5-days workshops for nutrient removal
240 240
0
technologies
1.2
Study tour for officials involved in designing treatment
80 80 0
options
Regional
1.3 Terminal workshop on nutrient removal and sludge
100 100
0
utilization
Output 2: Construction of a sewage treatment plant, including nutrient removal and sludge
utilisation
2.1
Sewage plant, including Nutrient Removal (GEF)
17 533 3410 14 123
2.2
Sludge utilisation
240 240
-
Output 3: Demonstration project focusing on nutrients and energy from waste and wastewater
3.1
MATCO prefabricated house
108 50 58
3.2
Sewage treatment in areas with low infrastructure and
Cuba
27 0 27
housing standards
Output 4: Institutional strengthening for improved co-ordination of institutions involved in
rehabilitation and environmental management of Kingston Harbour.
4.1
Establishment of a new institutional entity
1 210
200
1 010
Output 5: Design and construct a wastewater treatment facility for the Kingston Metropolitan Area
(KMA)
Jamaica
5.1
Design of wastewater treatment facility
1 910
380
1 530
5.2
Construction of a wastewater treatment facility
10 240 1 650
8 590
(GEF: nutrient removal components only)
5.3
Operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment
375 160 215
facility
Executing Agency Support Costs
400 400
0
Project Total Budget
32,463 6,910 25,553
Annexes
Required:
A. Incremental Cost Annex A, A1, A2
B. Logical Framework Matrix
C. STAP Roster Technical Review
Optional:
D. Project progress plan
E. Cartagena Convention - LBS Protocol (draft): Proposed effluent limitations for domestic sewage
F. Copies of GEF Operational Focal Point Endorsement Letters
G. Final Report: Project RLA/93/G41 Planning and Management of Heavily Contaminated Bays
and Coastal Areas in the Wider Caribbean, May, 1998
Annex A: Incremental Costs
1.
Regional Context and Broad Development Goals
1.1
The governments of Cuba and Jamaica have demonstrated their commitment to protecting
the natural environment, including coastal and marine ecosystems, by enacting policies, strategies,
and programmes to mitigate the negative impacts of pollution. There is, however, a lacuna in
management in that these initiatives have hitherto focused on addressing domestic impacts, rather
than those occurring outside of national jurisdictional limits in international waters. Recognising the
negative externalities imposed by the release of certain `global' or transboundary contaminants, and
the value to the region of demonstrating national approaches to the mitigation of these contaminants,
the countries are now seeking to introduce abatement programmes for transboundary pollutants,
specifically the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Both countries place a high priority on
implementation of the Caribbean Action Plan, and, as a sign of commitment to regional action, have
ratified the Cartagena Convention. The Convention provides a legal framework for the
implementation of the Caribbean Action Plan.
1.2
In addition, both Cuba and Jamaica have played an active role in the development of the
Protocol to the Cartagena Convention on Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution. The majority of
the pollutants impacting Havana Bay and Kingston Harbour are from land-based sources. With
incremental assistance from the GEF, the project countries will design and operate their sewage
treatment plants in accordance with the Global Programme of Action for Land-based Activities and
any regional standards adopted by the Contracting Parties resulting from adoption of the LBS
Protocol to the Cartagena Convention.
2.
Global Environmental Objective
2.1
The proposed project would benefit global communities by demonstrating the efficacy and
cost-effectiveness of locally appropriate technologies for reducing the inputs of nutrients into
international waters. Four pilot projects would be undertaken in these two countries as add-ons to
domestic (baseline) pollution abatement programmes. The treatment technologies would be modified
as necessary, and may be replicated in the Wider Caribbean Region. In the long-term, these actions
would help protect the productivity of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with positive spin-offs for
biological diversity, human health, and sectors dependent on the marine environment, such as coastal
and distant water fisheries, and tourism industries.
3. Baseline
3.1.
The GEF pilot project, "Planning and Management of Heavily Contaminated Bays and
Coastal Areas in the Wider Caribbean", identified the principal sources for regional contamination in
the four countries, Cuba, Jamaica, Colombia and Costa Rica as discharges of untreated sewage, agro-
chemicals, solid wastes, hydrocarbons, and sediments. The project also identified the barriers for
collaborative actions at the regional level in order to prevent the inputs of contaminants into
international waters, as: [1] lack of appropriate efficient and cost effective pollution abatement
technologies; [2] weak institutional frameworks for the management of integrated water-body
management projects; [3] lack of an appropriate incentives framework, promoting environmentally
sound production and consumption patterns; [4] inadequate levels of inter-institutional co-ordination
at both individual country and regional levels; and [5] limited public awareness of international
waters contamination problems. The pilot project identified a number of interventions to address the
most potent barriers, focusing on specific sites in the four countries.
3.2.
The proposed project includes remediation activities in Cuba (Havana Bay) and Jamaica
(Kingston Harbour) in order to reduce the inputs of nutrients to the bays and to adjacent international
waters. A description of the pollution problems and the actual abatement activities is given in the
preceding sections.
3.3.
Cuba: Studies undertaken during the pilot project have documented a major pollution
problem in Havana Bay, with contamination emanating from the release of untreated sewage and
discharge of wastewater into the Luyano River and into the Bay. The sewage treatment facilities
serving the city of Havana need to be upgraded. Although the Cuban authorities are willing to take
steps to and make the baseline investments to improve primary and secondary sewage treatment,
financial constraints hamper their ability to address tertiary treatment needs to reduce the discharges
of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). One option to be considered involves the treatment and
recycling of sewage for conversion to energy and fertiliser.
3.4
A number of initiatives have been undertaken to date to address other contamination
problems in the Bay, and are a sign of the Government's commitment to resolving environmental
degradation quandaries. The most significant activities may be summarised as follows: [1] a
pollution-intensive old alcohol distillery has been deactivated; [2] construction of sewage treatment
plants in the Quibu River Basin and the Almendares River Basin; [3] the design of a new submarine
outfall in Playa del Chivo; [4] plans for the management of solid wastes and oil spills in Playas del
Este; [5] construction of a ship waste incinerator; [6] supply of equipment for the Port Cleaning unit,
including oil skimmers and barges for liquids and solids; [7] construction of a solid waste trap to
clean the Luyano River; [8] planning and design of waste treatment plants for the Luyano and Martin
Perèz River basins, and the Tadeo Stream; [9] design of a solid waste management system for
Havana Bay; and [10] design of a comprehensive management system for solid and liquid ship
waste. The costs of these activities are estimated at US$ 7,020,000; however, because they comprise
sunk costs, they are not included as baseline or associated financing.
3.5
The baseline for Cuba includes investments in primary and secondary treatment of sewage
(but not tertiary treatment, e.g. nutrient removal), sludge utilisation, and selected demonstrations of
waste and wastewater reuse and recycling; these total $14,208,000 (assumes 1 Cuban peso =
US$1.00). A primary barrier to tertiary treatment has been the lack of demonstrated, cost effective,
low maintenance technologies to remove nutrients following secondary treatment.
3.6 Other planned activities (Associated Financing) over the forthcoming five years include [1]
conversion of the Havana gas plant to facilitate natural gas use (cleaner technologies); [2]
construction of a fixed barrier to reduce oil spills to the Bay and rehabilitation of the oil spill control
system; [3] pollution management program, including of industrial wastes and sewage in Rio
Almendares Basin; [4] development of waste treatment systems in Hemingway Marina; and [5], the
dredging of contaminated soils in the Bay. These associated financing costs amount to just over US$
11 million. (Information on these costs is given in Annex 1A, Table 1).
3.7
Jamaica: Contamination in Kingston Harbour emanates from several sectors. Studies
undertaken under the pilot project identified the following problems: [1] sewage organic matter,
nutrients, bacteria (from 25% of the population of 850,000) is discharged with limited treatment
directly into the harbour); [2] organic matter, phosphorus, and suspended solids are being discharged
into rivers and gullies emptying into the Harbour; [3] nitrogen contamination of groundwater; [4] the
release of heavy metals, waste waters, oil and grease by local industries, including a local oil
refinery, power station, fish processing plants, cement factories and food and garment manufacturing
industries; and [5] uncollected solid wastes from the city of Kingston are dumped into gullies and
storm water drains, and are leaking directly into the harbour.
3.7
The baseline for Jamaica totals $11,345,000, and includes establishment of a new institution to
coordinate the rehabilitation of Kingston Harbour, construction of a wastewater treatment plant, and
operation and management of the wastewater treatment plant.
3.8
Associated financing, estimated at US$ 183 million, includes [1] a USAID funded project to
strengthen the national environmental regulatory agency (NRCA); [2] a solid waste management
project funded by the IDB; [3] another USAID financed initiative to improve the quality of coastal
waters; [4] preparation of a watershed management plan for all 29 watersheds discharging into the
harbour (this initiative would enhance the technical capacity of the NRCA to monitor watersheds,
manage data, and implement rehabilitation measures); [5] dredging of Hunts Bay and cleaning of
Sandy Gully; and [6] modification and rehabilitation of existing transmission facilities to transport
wastewater to the Soapberry treatment facility. (Information on the costs is given in Annex 1A, Table
2).
3.9 The lack of an institutional co-ordinating mechanism responsible for the overall
management of environmental remediation efforts in the harbour serves as a barrier to effective
pollution abatement. In addition, capacity for handling wastewater is deficient, and needs to be
expanded, with tertiary treatments integrated into the wastewater handling system.
4. GEF
Alternative
4.1
Regional: The two sites have been selected based on the existence of a recognized
global/transboundary water pollution problem---eutrophication---that is representative for most of the
countries in the region, the commitments of the national countries to address this emerging global
issue, and the likelihood of finding applicable solutions. In both cases, the GEF would only finance
the "add on" required to demonstrate approaches to mitigating the contamination of international
waters by nutrients, building on a baseline of national efforts and complementary financing aimed at
alleviating pollution risks in near shore and coastal waters. In order to ensure dissemination of new
technologies and lessons learned, UNEP-CAR/RCU will act as a coordinating and knowledge
sharing unit. This will ensure necessary coordination with other activities taking place within the
framework of the Cartagena Convention and the Caribbean Environmental Programme. Regional
workshops will be arranged.
4.2
Cuba: The GEF financing would augment existing plans (baseline) to install new (primary
and secondary) sewage treatment plants in Havana, facilitating introduction and demonstration of a
fully integrated facility which includes tertiary treatment (nutrient removal) and sludge utilisation.
The plant is designed to remove 60-70% of nutrients from the treated wastewater. [In the absence of
the GEF intervention, Cuban authorities would only undertake the costs of primary and secondary
treatments to address BOD and pathogens, that have primarily domestic benefits and which are thus
not eligible for GEF assistance]. In addition, the project would finance demonstration of technologies
for wastewater control in new housing developments, that could be replicated in urban and rural
areas, piloting water conservation, and recycling/ treatment applications for black/grey-water. The
project would make use of constructed wetlands technologies (with low O&M costs) for nutrient
reduction. Accompanying activities, aimed at capacity building, would support training and
dissemination of the results.
4.3
Jamaica: In Kingston Harbour, GEF activities would complement the expected baseline
activities of the government and other donors in establishing an umbrella institution responsible for
the rehabilitation of the water-body. This would improve cross-sector co-ordination of remediation
measures, and improve the efficiency of existing and proposed environmental management
investments. In addition, the GEF would finance the incremental costs of removing nutrients
(nitrogen and phosphorus) from sewage, by funding a portion of the costs of constructing a new
wastewater treatment plant for the greater Kingston area. The recommended technology is Advanced
Integrated Ponding System (AIPS), -- a system with low construction and O&M costs. The
treatment plant consists of head-works, ponds, constructed wetlands and a sludge handling system,
with the GEF financing the constructed wetlands. The plant would be capable of handling almost 30
percent of the wastewater flow in the existing sewerage system in the metropolitan area. This will
contribute greatly to the reduction of nutrients to Kingston Harbour, and to the potential for
transboundary eutrophication in the WCR.
5.
Scope of Analysis
5.1
The scope of the assessment comprises existing and proposed interventions to address
contamination problems in Havana Bay and Kingston Harbour. The baseline includes initiatives
sponsored by national and regional authorities, as well as bilateral and multilateral donor agencies.
Costs have been estimated over five years-- the life of the demonstration. Expenditures incurred
prior to 1998 have been treated as sunk costs, and are not reflected in the calculus.
5.2
GEF inputs would provide a number of incidental domestic benefits, by reducing inputs of
nutrients and contamination in coastal as well as international waters. Sizeable co-financing has been
leveraged in light of these benefits. However, it should be recognised that in many instances, the
marginal benefits relate to discharge reductions beyond national standards, would arise in the longer
term, and be diffused over a wide area. Thus it is unlikely that they would be realised in the absence
of this intervention. The key purpose of this project is to demonstrate that transboundary issues can
be addressed, cost effectively, as part of national pollution abatement schemes, thus providing a
win/win solution for national, regional, and global communities.
6.
Costs and the Incremental Cost Matrix
6.1
The alternative strategy comprises the baseline plus additional interventions proposed under
the project. Total baseline expenditures amount to US$ 25,553,000. The cost of the alternative
amounts to US$ 32,463,000 of which US$ 6,910,000 will be funded by the GEF. In addition, a sum
of US$ 2,500,000 has already been expended on implementing the pilot phase GEF project, and US$
300,000 has been received in co-financing from Nordic governments for preparation of this proposal.
6.2
The global and domestic benefits of the project are presented in the attached incremental
cost matrix, with a cost breakdown between the baseline and alternative, showing the relative
contributions of the GEF and co-financiers towards implementation of project outputs.
7.
Technical Note on Substitutional aspects of the proposed treatment facility
7.4 The treatment facility proposed for the city of Havana is a nutrient removal facility utilising
the activated sludge process. The wastewater is sequentially mixed and aerated with an activated
sludge mixture to remove organic matter and nutrients. An important criteria for efficient nutrient
removal is therefore hydraulic retention time. If the object was to remove only suspended solids and
organic matter, the treatment plant can be reduced in size.
7.4 Under the conditions in Cuba, an activated sludge process to remove organic matter and
suspended solids typically has a hydraulic retention time of 4 hours. The hydraulic residence time
for a nutrient removal facility is around 10 hours, 2.5 times higher. The volume of the aeration tanks
will therefore have to be about 2.5 times larger for a nutrient removal facility than for a conventional
activated sludge system. The costs associated with the basins will therefore be higher for a nutrient
removal facility.
7.4 A nutrient removal facility also has a higher oxygen requirement and has the need for
alternating aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic zones. This requires a more sophisticated aeration system,
adding to the cost of the facility. An internal recycle is also required that adds to the costs of the
facility. The rest of the treatment plant, namely the influent screen, grit removal, primary and
secondary clarifiers, and the sludge handling facility is comparable for the two alternatives.
7.4 The result is that a treatment facility designed for nutrient removal is more expensive to
design and construct than a conventional activated sludge system for the removal of suspended solids
and organic matter. The total cost of the proposed treatment plant for Havana is estimated at
US$17,533,000. Up to 19% of the total cost, or US$3,410,000, is the premium cost for nutrient
removal.
Annex A1
Associated Financing Information2
1. Havana Bay, Cuba
Activity Costs
(US$)
Deactivation of alcohol production line at existing
80,000
distillery
Conversion of the Havana gas plant to facilitate natural
750,000
gas use
Construction of a fixed barrier to reduce oil spills to the
1,350,000
Bay and rehabilitation of the oil spill control system
Pollution management program, including of industrial
200,000
wastes and sewage in Rio Almendares Basin
Development of waste treatment systems in
150, 000
Hemingway Marina
Dredging of contaminated soils in the Bay
8,605,000
Total 11,135,000
2. Kingston
Harbour
Activity Costs
(US$)
Strengthening of National Environmental Regulatory
12,000,000
Agency
Solid Waste Management project
50,000,000
Coastal Water Quality Improvement Project
10,000,000
Watershed management programme for 29 watersheds
25,149,000
discharging into the harbour
Dredging of Hunts Bay and cleaning of Sandy Gully
34,000,000
Modification and rehabilitation of existing
52,095,000
transmission facilities to transport wastewater to the
Soapberry treatment facility
Total 183,244,000
2
The figures provided below are estimates of anticipated investments in the period 1998-2003. They
have been obtained from National Development Plans, Project Documents and other sources of budget
data. The figures for major investment activity are subject to change as feasibility work continues, and
during construction.
Annex A2: Incremental Cost Matrix
Cost/
Baseline Alternative Increment
Benefit
Domestic
Benefits
Cuba
Cuba
Cuba
1. High level of contamination
1. Development of new
1. Reduction of nutrient inputs into Havana
due to municipal wastewater
demonstration sewage treatment
Bay and Wider Caribbean with concomitant
discharges into Havana Bay,
plant (co-financing) with tertiary
reduction in local eutrophication
affecting the ecological
treatment capacities
productivity of the water-
2. Low maintenance and cost effective
body. New sewage collectors 2. Demonstration of "zero
measures for reducing sewage outflows
and primary and secondary
discharge housing" based on
from residential areas
sewage treatment (co-
water saving and separate
3. Demonstration of low cost, alternative
financing) for removal of
black/grey water collection,
technological approaches to mitigating
organic matter (BOD),
treatment and recycling
eutrophication in bays environments.
pathogens and suspended
solid is being planned
2. Lack of appropriate
technologies for water
conservation and wastewater
treatment in urban and rural
housing developments
Jamaica
1. High level of contamination
due to municipal wastewater Jamaica
discharges into Kingston
Jamaica
Harbour, affecting the
1. Establishment of sewage
1. Demonstration of efficacy of AIPS
ecological productivity of the
treatment facility (co-financing),
technologies, offering cost effective and low
water-body. The sewage
including tertiary treatment to
maintenance abatement.
production in Kingston
remove nutrients (nitrogen and
outpaces existing treatment
phosphate).
2. More effective and targeted management,
capacity.
2. Institutional
strengthening
and improved regulatory capabilities.
2. Inadequate co-ordination of
activities.
3. Reduced nutrient inputs and
pollution control and
eutrophication of Kingston Harbour
rehabilitation of water-
bodies.
Cost/
Baseline Alternative Increment
Benefit
1. The Caribbean countries are
1. Activities would provide
1. Strengthening regional collaboration
Global
committed to finding
information on how to integrate
addressing priority pollutants and
Benefits
common solutions to
regional concerns into national
environmental management in
transboundary
water-body management.
international waters (Wider Caribbean)
environmental problems, but
Information exchange regarding
national programmes are not
management barriers
2. Demonstration of feasibility of introducing
addressing regional
appropriate and cost-effective technologies
concerns. Inadequate
2. Demonstration of innovative,
for tertiary sewage treatment. Replication
exchange of information
low cost technologies to reduce
to other countries would reduce the risk of
regarding management and
discharges of nutrients to two
eutrophication in the Wider Caribbean.
technical experiences
bays and WCR
3. Demonstrations of innovative technologies
2. Excess inputs of nutrients
3. Information exchange on the
that may be adapted to the local socio-
(phosphorus and nitrogen)
results, including financial and
economic and institutional situation.
into the Caribbean/Gulf of
performance data
4. Better targeting of water-body management
Mexico due to lack of tertiary 4. Development of inter-
initiatives leads to more efficient utilisation
sewage treatments
institutional organisation to co-
of scarce financial and human resources for
3. Donor initiatives in support
ordinate and manage the
international waters clean-up
of pollution abatement are
rehabilitation of the water-
often poorly co-ordinated,
bodies
leading to non-optimal
solutions
Costs
0 420,000
420,000
(GEF)
Regional
Activities
Costs
14,208,000 16,598,000
2,390,000
(GEF)
Cuba
Costs
11,345,000 15,045,000
3,700,000
(GEF)
Jamaica
Support
0 400,000
400,000
(GEF)
Costs
Total
25,553,000 32,463,000
6,910,000 (GEF)
PRIF: 2,500,000
Cost/
Baseline Alternative Increment
Benefit
Nordic Funds: 300,000
Annex B: Logical Framework Matrix
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
INDICATORS
VERIFICATION
ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
Output 1:
Co-ordination established at
Responsibilities for regional co-
The countries willing to
Regional co-ordination
CAR/RCU in Kingston
ordination assigned to
support the regional activities
appropriate staff
financially
Activities
Effective project communication
Bimonthly news bulletin
Staffing can be completed
1. Regional co-ordination
system, including reporting,
Progress reports yearly status within 3 months
2. Regional
workshops
between the national project units
reports
Substantial investments in
and CAR/RCU
Final report
communication capability
Program for workshops established Regional workshops on specific Need for clear lines of
issues
responsibility to national GEF-
project and CAR/RCU
Project site: Havana, Cuba
Output 2:
Sewage treatment plant with a high Measured reductions of
Mainly domestic produced
Construction of a sewage treatment plant,
(50%) and stable removal of
nutrients and other pollutants
facility due to trade and
including nutrient removal and sludge
nutrients, sludge treatment and
from the plant.
economic restrictions
utilisation
relatively low Operation and
Measured use of sludge as
National contribution mainly
Maintenance cost
energy or fertiliser through the
through man-power
year
Activity 2.1 Nutrient removal
Hiring and training of local experts Training programme
Need for qualified personnel
1. Capacity building, training and
Planning and design of sewage
established
Need for hard currency to hire
location and design of treatment plant treatment plant
Progress reports on planning,
necessary consultants and to
2. Planning and construction of one
Construction of Luyano River
design and construction phase
buy necessary equipment
treatment plant
treatment plant.
Program for operation,
abroad
3. Program for optimising operation and Operation, maintenance and
maintenance and monitoring
monitoring the treatment plant
monitoring programme established Annual reports on operations
4. Research activities and training
Operators hired
and obtained reduction of
pollutants
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
INDICATORS
VERIFICATION
ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
Activity 2.2 Sludge Utilisation
Analysis of infrastructure for local
Reports of research on
1. Research activities, including
recycling and for use of sludge as
agricultural aspects on use of
agricultural aspects of using
agricultural fertiliser
sludge
produced fertiliser; training
programs
2. Infrastructure for local recycling,
utilisation and quality assurance of
the fertiliser products
Output 3:
Demonstration of "zero emission
Reduced water consumption
Demonstration projects focusing on
housing" units for urban and rural
Low investment, operational
recycling of nutrients and energy from
areas
and maintenance cost
waste and wastewater
Sustainable (low energy,
Production of components in
economically feasible) technology
Cuba
for wastewater treatment,
including recycling of nutrients
Activity 3.1 MATCO prefabricated house
Water saving toilets and separation Progress report on installation
Communities will recognise the
1. Water saving toilets, a black-water
of black-water/grey-water installed of water saving toilets, etc.
benefits of involvement
collection system and separate grey-
Program for technology transfer
Annual report on operation,
Demonstration site activities
water treatment in an apartment
established
monitoring and research
poorly implemented and badly
building
Local counterparts identified
Reports on local counterparts
managed
2. Technology transfer program and
Program for survey, monitoring
and on actual technology
Reluctance to support the
explore the possibilities of producing
and research established
transfer
initiatives by the authorities
the main system components in Cuba
and the public
3. Program for survey, monitoring and
Need for relevant personnel
research
Need for incentives for the
public
"Psychological" barriers for the
public
No local counterparts
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
INDICATORS
VERIFICATION
ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
interested
Activity 3.2 Sewage treatment in areas
Water saving toilets and separation Progress report on installation
with low infrastructure and housing
of black-water/grey-water installed of water saving toilets, etc.
standards
Program for technology transfer
Annual report on operation,
Activities
established
monitoring research and public
1. Water saving black-water collection
Local counterparts identified
participation
system for 50 households
Program for survey, monitoring
Reports on local counterparts
2. Program for public participation
and research established
and on actual technology
3. Technology transfer program and
Program for public participation
transfer
explore the possibilities of producing
and training established
the main system components in Cuba
4. Program for survey, monitoring and
research
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
INDICATORS
VERIFICATION
ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
Project site: Kingston, Jamaica
Output 4
Establishment of a new inter-
Documentation establishing
Required political power is
Institutional strengthening to improve co-
institutional organisation for the
new institution
given to the new inter-
ordination of institutions involved in
rehabilitation and environmental
institutional organisation and it
rehabilitation and environmental
management of Kingston Harbour
is recognised by existing
management of Kingston Harbour
institutions as responsible for
the overall planning of the
rehabilitation of Kingston
Harbour
Activity 4.1 A new institutional entity
A new organisation involving all
Annual reports on the activities Need for qualified personnel
responsible for the rehabilitation of
relevant institutions and including
within the project management Need for relevant
Kingston Harbour
a project management unit
unit and the inter-institutional
communications systems
Activities:
established
organisation.
Reluctance of existing
1. New organisation for the
Water quality monitoring plan for
Annual environmental report
institutions to support the
rehabilitation of the Harbour
Kingston Harbour established
for Kingston Harbour,
initiative
2. Overall monitoring plan for Kingston
including monitoring data and
Financial constraints
Harbour
activities to improve harbour
conditions
Output 5
Sewage treatment plant with a high Measured reductions of
Financial constraints to
Reduction of inputs of nutrients to
and stable removal of nutrients and nutrients and other pollutants
rehabilitate the sewerage
Kingston Harbour and to the Wider
low operation and maintenance
from the treatment facility
system of Kingston
Caribbean
cost
Metropolitan Area
Activity 5.1 Design of a wastewater
treatment facility
Activities:
Hiring staff
Report on geo-technical study
Need for qualified personnel
1. Select a consultant responsible for the
Geo-technical study performed
Progress report on planning,
design of the treatment plant
Planning, pre-design and design of pre-design and design phase
2. Conduct a geo-technical study of
treatment plant
Soapberry lands
3. Pre-design of wastewater treatment
plant
4. Detailed design of wastewater
treatment plant
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
INDICATORS
VERIFICATION
ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
Activity 5.2 Construction of a wastewater
treatment facility
1. Selection of a contractor for the
Hiring contractor
Progress report on construction Need for qualified personnel
construction
Construction and modifications of
and modification activities
2. Modifications of existing pump
pump stations, forcemains, sewage
stations
treatment facilities and wetlands
3. Construction of new force mains from
Seaview Gardens to Nance Pen and
from Nance Pen to Soapberry
4. Modifications of Independence City
and Bridgeport wastewater treatment
plants
5. Construction of new wastewater
treatment facilities at Soapberry
6. Construction of wetlands
Activity 5.3 Operation and maintenance
Operators hired
Reports on
Need for financing of operation
program for the treatment facility
Programs for
· Operator training
and maintenance
Activities:
· Operator training
· Operation and monitoring
Need for qualified personnel
1. Program for operator training
· Operation and maintenance
data
2. Program for operation and
· Performance monitoring
maintenance for the first year of
established
operation
3. Monitoring program of performance
Demonstrations of Innovative Approaches to the Rehabilitation of Heavily Contaminated
Bays in the Wider Caribbean - Project Brief
Annex C:
STAP Technical Review Dr. Philip Tortell, Environmental Management, Ltd.
March 20, 1999
1. Overall
impression
The Project is a follow-up to the GEF PRIF which developed integrated investment action plans
for the rehabilitation and management of four contaminated bays in the Caribbean; formulated
institutional strengthening proposals to improve the operational capacities of institutions
responsible for bay management; and identified sources of financing for the implementation of
proposed remedial actions. As such, the Project builds on the PRIF results and consolidates the
earlier GEF investment.
2. Relevance and priority
The Project aims to support the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the
Marine Environment of the wider Caribbean Region, particularly Art.7 Pollution from Land-
based. It is also in harmony with the Caribbean Regional Seas Programme and Action Plan and it
recognizes the role that the CAR/RCU can play.
The two participating Governments have identified coastal and marine water quality as a priority
problem, and with the assistance of the PRIF Project they have also determined the causes and
origins of the problem, the severity of impact and the barriers that need to be overcome before the
problem can be solved. The existing situation is amply described and effectively summarized in
the Brief.
The participating Governments have embarked on a wide-ranging set of activities towards this
end and the Project will assist by complementing ongoing activities and providing the resources
so as to achieve incremental benefits for the Wider Caribbean.
3. Project
Approach
It is a truism that seas are contiguous and that water quality problems will inevitably spill over
from coastal embayments into the wider Caribbean sooner or later. Therefore, reducing the input
from two major point sources of phosphorus and nitrogen seems entirely appropriate. However,
in focusing exclusively on Kingston Harbour and Havana Bay, the Project appears to suggest that
they are the two primary sources of pollution into the Wider Caribbean. Whether this is the case
or not, merits discussion.
The Project will provide excellent opportunities for sharing results and experiences as well as for
training and technology transfer on a TCDC basis. It is good to note that workshop and study
tour activities envisaged under the Project are planned to be undertaken on a regional basis with
the involvement of participants from the Wider Caribbean Region.
4. Objectives
The Project Brief identifies a global environmental objective and a long-term objective for the
Project.
The global objective is To demonstrate and promote regional replication of innovative technical,
legislative and educational approaches to reducing nutrient loads to Havana Bay and Kingston
Harbour and to the Wider Caribbean Region .
The long term objective is to promote and facilitate environmentally sustainable development
and management of the two bays and to disseminate and replicate successful approaches to the
rehabilitation of these bays to other sites in the Wider Caribbean facing similar environmental
challenges .
By definition, global and long term objectives are not usually quantifiable and while they will
serve as overall targets, they cannot be used to assess Project progress and performance. This can
only be done through explicit and focused immediate objectives which are currently absent from
the Project Brief.
5. Background and justification
The background information and justification provided for the Project are considered sufficient to
justify its development into a concrete proposal. Most of the background information arises from
the GEF PRIF Project and as such can be considered relevant and reliable.
From the information provided in the Project Brief the Project appears to fit within national
priorities and commitments which are already underway or imminent.
If this GEF Project is not undertaken, there is a risk that the gains made through the GEF PRIF
Project will not be sustained and that the incremental benefits possible with GEF assistance will
not be obtained.
6. Activities
The Project Brief has listed 11 activities which are expected to achieve the desired 5 outputs. As
already noted above, these are not tied to any immediate objectives since none are explicitly
mentioned in the Brief and can only be inferred from the outputs that are targeted. The following
table lists the outputs targeted by the Project, comments on whether the proposed activities are
considered adequate and notes additional outputs/activities that could be considered when
formulating the Project Document.
OUTPUT
COMMENTS ON ADEQUACY OF ACTIVITIES, ETC
1 Regional coordination, exchange
The Project plans to disseminate its results and findings widely
and dissemination of results
throughout the region and beyond. This should not be restricted to the
three activities currently identified under this output and the Project
Document should provide for this to happen on a continuous basis .
2 Construction of a sewage
GEF will fund the nutrient removal and utilization and this is an
treatment plant, including nutrient
appropriate incremental benefit. Preliminary details provided and
removal and sludge utilisation, in
substantial further work is needed at the project development stage.
Havana, Cuba
3 Demonstration of nutrients
The zero emission housing units and water saving devices and strategies
recycling and energy utilization
that are planned will obtain incremental benefits. The Project Document
from waste and wastewater in
will need to provide more detail on the activities envisaged.
Havana, Cuba
4 Institutional strengthening for
The proposed PMU is not necessarily the best type of organization to
improved coordination of
cater for the planning and management needs of Kingston Harbour in an
institutions involved in
integrated manner. This would seem to be a suitable candidate for the
rehabilitation and environmental
development of an Integrated Coastal Area Planning and Management
management of Kingston Harbour,
Process which would require much more planning and many more
Jamaica
activities before it can be expected to succeed.
5 Design, construction and
This is a similar output to the one in (2) above proposed for Havana and
operation of a wastewater treatment
similar comments apply.
facility for the Kingston
Metropolitan Area (KNA), Jamaica
The following table takes the salient elements of the Project's global objective and long term
objective and indicates to what extent they are expected to be obtained if the above activities and
outputs are achieved.
Global Objective -
To demonstrate and promote regional replication of innovative technical...
Possibly
legislative...
Not likely, no activities
and
educational
approaches...
Only Workshops
to reducing nutrient loads to Havana Bay and Kingston Harbour ...
Yes, main focus
and
to
the
Wider
Caribbean
Region
Probably
Long Term Objective -
To promote and facilitate environmentally sustainable development
Possibly
and
management
of
the
two
bays
...
Uncertain
and to disseminate and replicate successful approaches ...
Maybe
to
the
rehabilitation
of
these
bays
...
Possibly
to other sites in the Wider Caribbean facing similar environmental challenges
Uncertain
7. National priorities and community participation
The proposal appears to fit well within on-going or imminent national priority actions for the
improvement of water quality in coastal waters and beyond.
Project implementation will involve a number of official institutions such as Central Government
organizations and municipalities in each of the participating countries. However, there are a
number of other stakeholders who should be involved such as the private sector, community
organizations, NGOs and suchlike. Their meaningful participation, through appropriate
mechanisms, should be built into the Project Document.
8. Time Frame
The Objectives/Outputs/Activities are expected to be achievable within the 5 years envisaged for
the Project. However, this will depend on the soundness and robustness of the Project Document,
the effectiveness of the implementation arrangements, the efficiency of project management, and
the implementation of project components in parallel rather than in series.
9. Funding
The Project Brief does not provide the basis for cost computations but from the summaries
provided it would seem that these have been adequately undertaken and the funding that is
proposed is realistic. However, it is expected that the Project Document will contain a more
detailed breakdown of how costs have been arrived at.
10. Innovative Features/Replicability
The Kingston sewage treatment proposal and the Havana zero emissions housing units may
provide a new approach to these problems, especially for the region.
The Project is seen as a series of demonstrations which, once fine-tuned and successful, can be
replicated elsewhere. It is hoped that project designers will exploit the opportunities for regional
application of the Project.
11. Sustainability
If the Project is designed in such a way so as to involve existing institutions (in the absence of
national execution) in the implementation of various discrete components, it will engender a
sense of ownership which will enhance the sustainability of Project products.
It is heartening to note the degree of commitment shown by the participating Governments
through the investments that they are prepared to make as part of the baseline. This too, augurs
well for the sustainability of the Project products.
12. Rationale for GEF support
The GEF Project will complement on-going and imminent activities of the two participating
countries towards the enhancement of water quality in their coastal environments. The Brief
clearly notes the incremental nature of the GEF involvement which is targeted to waste nutrients
which are a threat to the Wider Caribbean and international waters.
13. Conclusion
The Brief proposes a project which builds on the results of a GEF PRIF Project by
complementing a number of initiatives in each of two localities which are addressing the baseline,
thus achieving incremental benefits of a global nature. If the expected confirmation that these
two localities are indeed significant sources of nutrient pollution for the Wider Caribbean is
forthcoming, the Proposal merits GEF support.
The design and formulation of the Project Document will provide an opportunity to better target
some of the elements of the global and long term objectives which are currently not well covered
by activities envisaged in the Brief.
Annex D: Project progress plan
No
Output/Activities
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
1
Regional co-ordination Activities
1.1 Regional workshops
1.2 Study tour for project officials
1.3 Terminal workshop
2
Wastewater treatment in Havana
Project mobilisation
2.1 Treatment plant, including nutrient
removal
Pre-design report
Detail design/tender documents
Tendering/contracting
Construction and commissioning
Operation and maintenance
2.2 Sludge treatment
Pre-design
Detail design/tender documents
Tendering/contracting
Construction and commissioning
Operation and maintenance
3
Demonstration projects for
recycling of nutrients and energy
3.1 Zero emission housing unit
Planning/detail design
3.2 Sewage treatment in low
standard/urban areas
4
Institutional strengthening,
Kingston Harbour
4.1 A new institutional entity for
rehabilitation of Kingston Harbour
5
Wastewater treatment in
Kingston
Project mobilisation
5.1 Detail design/tender documents
5.2 Tendering/contracting
5.4 Construction and commissioning
5.5 Operation and maintenance
Annex E
Cartagena Convention - LBS Protocol
Proposed effluent limitations for domestic sewage
I. Definitions
Domestic Wastewater: includes all discharges from households, commercial facilities,
hotels, septage and any other entity whose discharge is comprised of the following:
Toilet flushing (black water)
Showers, wash basins, kitchen and laundry (grey water)
With regard to small industries, discharges into domestic sewage systems of wastewater
with characteristics, in terms of parameters and concentrations, similar to those of black
and grey waters.
Domestic wastewater may also contain small quantities of industrial waste and
processed wastewater. (See Section IV Industrial Pretreatment).
B. Class I Waters: Waters in the Convention Area, that due to inherent or unique
environmental characteristics or fragile biological or ecological characteristics or human
use, are particularly sensitive to the impacts of domestic wastewater. Class I Waters
include, but are not limited to: coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves, feeding and
breeding areas for aquatic and terrestrial life, areas that provide habitat for species
protected under the SPAW Protocol, protected areas listed in the SPAW Protocol, and
waters used for public recreation.
C. Class II Waters: Waters in the Convention Area, other than Class I Waters, that due
to oceanographic, hydrologic, climatic, or other factors, are less sensitive to the impacts
of domestic wastewater and where discharges do not result in exposure to humans or
living resources that are likely to be adversely affected by the discharges.
Existing Domestic Wastewater Systems: Publicly or privately owned domestic
wastewater collection systems, or collection and treatment systems, that were
constructed prior to entry into force of this Annex, for each Contracting Party.
New Domestic Wastewater Systems: Publicly or privately owned domestic wastewater
collection systems, or collection and treatment systems, that were constructed
subsequent to entry into force of this Annex for each Contracting Party.
Household Systems: On-site domestic wastewater disposal systems for homes and small
commercial business in areas of low population density, or where centralized collection
and treatment systems of domestic wastewater are not economically or technologically
feasible. Household Systems include, but are not limited to: septic tanks and drain
fields or mounds, holding tanks, latrines, and bio-digesting toilets.
Discharge of Domestic Wastewater
Contracting Parties shall:
Consistent with the provisions of this Annex, provide for the regulation of domestic
wastewater discharging into, or adversely affecting, the Convention Area.
Wherever appropriate, locate domestic wastewater discharges such that there is no
adverse affect on Class I Waters.
Encourage and promote domestic wastewater reuse that minimizes or eliminates
discharges into, or that adversely affect, the waters of the Convention Area.
Effluent Limitations
Each Contracting Party shall ensure that domestic wastewater that discharges into, or
adversely affects, the Convention Area, is treated by a new or existing domestic
wastewater system whose effluent achieves the effluent limitations specified below in
Parts A, B and C of this Section, in accordance with the following timetable:
YEARS AFTER ENTRY-
CATEGORIES OF EFFLUENT SOURCES
INTO-FORCE FOR THE
CONTRACTING PARTY
ALL NEW DOMESTIC WASTEWATER SYSTEMS AND NEW
[0]
COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS HOTELS,
RESTAURANTS, AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
EXISTING COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS HOTELS,
[5]
RESTAURANTS, AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
URBAN COMMUNITIES WITH [50,000] [200,000] OR MORE
[8]
INHABITANTS ALREADY POSSESSING WASTEWATER
COLLECTION SYSTEMS
URBAN COMMUNITIES WITH [50,000][200,000] OR MORE
[12]
INHABITANTS NOT POSSESSING WASTEWATER COLLECTION
SYSTEMS
[15]
ALL OTHER COMMUNITIES EXCEPT HOUSEHOLD SYSTEMS
A. Discharges Into Class II Waters
Each Contracting Party shall ensure that domestic wastewater that discharges into, or
adversely affects, Class II Waters, is treated by a new or existing domestic wastewater
system whose effluent achieves the following effluent limitations based on a monthly
average:
Parameter Effluent
Limit
Total Suspended Solids
100 mg/1
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 150 mg/1
(BOD5)
Chemical Oxygen Demand
300 mg/1
pH 6-10
Fats, Oil and Grease
50 mg/1
Floatables not
visible
Does not include algae from treatment ponds
B. Discharges Into Class I Waters
Each Contracting Party shall ensure that domestic wastewater that discharges into, or
adversely affects, Class I Waters, is treated by a new or existing domestic wastewater
system whose effluent achieves the following effluent limitations based on a monthly
average:
Parameter Effluent
Limit
Total Suspended Solids
30 mg/1
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 30 mg/1
(BOD5)
Chemical Oxygen Demand
150 mg/1
pH 6-10
Fats, Oil and Grease
2 mg/1
Faecal Coliform
43 mpn/100ml for shellfishing
areas 200 mpn/100ml all other
areas
Total Chlorine
0.5 mg/1
Floatables not
visible
Does not include algae from treatment ponds
C. Discharges
Into
Nutrient-Sensitive Class I Waters
Each Contracting Party shall ensure that in addition to the limitations in Part III B of
this Annex, domestic wastewater that discharges into, or adversely affects, Class I
Waters, where excess nutrients are a factor which contribute to, or have the potential to
contribute to, the degradation of Class I Waters, is treated by a new or existing domestic
wastewater system whose effluent achieves the following effluent limitations based on a
monthly average:
Parameter Effluent
Limit
Total Nitrogen
15 mg/1
Contracting Parties shall also take into account the important contribution of
phosphorus and its compounds to marine pollution and take appropriate measures
to control or reduce the amount of phosphorus and its compounds, which are
discharged to the marine environment.
Industrial Pre-treatment
Contracting Parties shall [endeavor, in keeping with economic capabilities to] develop
and implement industrial pre-treatment programmes to ensure that industrial
discharges into new and existing domestic wastewater treatment systems:
do not interfere with, damage or otherwise prevent domestic wastewater collection and
treatment systems from meeting the effluent limitations specified in this Annex; 1
do not endanger operations of, or populations in proximity to, collection and treatment
systems through exposure to toxic and hazardous substances;
do not contaminate sludges or other reusable products from wastewater treatment;
do not allow pass-through of toxic contaminants in amounts toxic to human health and
aquatic life; and have spill containment and contingency plans.
Contracting Parties [within the scope of their capabilities] shall promote appropriate
industrial wastewater management (e.g., recirculation and closed loop systems) to
[eliminate] or minimize wastewater discharges to domestic wastewater systems.
1 It is recognized that many large industrial wastewater inputs will necessitate the
development of industrial pre-treatment standards and that pollutants entering the system
through storm sewers may require appropriate controls.
Household Systems
Contracting Parties shall [strive to], as expeditiously, economically and technologically
feasible, in areas without sewage collection, ensure that household systems are
constructed, operated and maintained to avoid contamination of surface or ground
waters that are likely to adversely affect the Convention Area.
For those household systems requiring septage pump out, Contracting Parties shall
[strive to] ensure that the septage is treated through a domestic wastewater system or an
appropriate land treatment system.
VI.
Management, Operations and Maintenance
Contracting Parties shall ensure that new and existing domestic wastewater systems are
properly managed and that system managers develop and implement training
programmes for wastewater collection and treatment system operators. Managers and
operators shall have access to operators' manuals and technical support necessary for
proper system operation.
Contracting Parties shall provide for monitoring and inspection of domestic wastewater
systems, by competent national authorities to assess compliance with national
regulations.
Annex F
Copies of GEF Operational Focal Point
Endorsement Letters