Consultant – Environmental Impact Assessment Consultancy NEW

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Before and After Borehole Drilling Operations in Bulaley Village, Galkayo South District

SHF Standard Allocation 2024

Project Code: CBPF-SOM-24-S-INGO-28193

Project Title: Improved Access to Water sanitation and hygiene services contributing to the reduction of morbidity and mortality resulting from climatic shocks

Project Objective: The aim of this project is to improve access to water sanitation and hygiene services contributing to the reduction of morbidity and mortality resulting from the adverse effects of climatic shocks.

Background

With funding from SHF IMC is implementing WASH project in Galkacyo South district. This project aims at reducing morbidity and mortality related to climatic shocks as a result of droughts, heat waves and El Nino impact through improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to the targeted vulnerable populations in Galkacyo south. The project will cover 10 months starting 15 July 2024 to 14 May 2025. The project will target to reach 14,850 direct beneficiaries (women 37,13, men 3,267, girls 4,455 and boys 3,415) and 51,000 indirect beneficiaries. IMC seeks to create awareness to facilitate adoption of proper hygiene and sanitation practices, enhance community engagement and empowerment activities ownership of the project, improve water-point infrastructure to increase sustainability access of safe water, and facilitate uninterrupted access to sanitation facilities resilient to climatic shocks.

Scope of Work (SOW)

1.Introduction

This document outlines the Terms of Reference (ToR) for conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before and after borehole drilling operations in Bulaley village, Galkacyo South District. The EIA will evaluate both the positive and negative impacts of the drilling process on the local communities and the environment. The findings will aid in selecting the optimal drilling location and propose necessary mitigation measures to minimize any adverse effects.

2. Project Description

• Project Title: Environmental Impact Assessment for Borehole Drilling in Bulaley Village, Galkacyo South District
• Location: Bulaley Village, Galkacyo South District, Mudug Region, Somalia
• Project Proponent: International Medical Corps
• Project Objectives:
  • To assess environmental and socio-economic impacts prior to drilling.
  • To evaluate the environmental and social changes post-drilling.
  • To inform the site selection process for drilling operations.
  • To develop mitigation strategies for potential negative impacts.

3. Objectives of the EIA

• Conduct a comprehensive baseline environmental assessment before drilling to establish existing conditions.
• Identify both positive and negative impacts on the environment and local communities before and after the drilling process.
• Support the decision-making process for selecting the most suitable drilling site.
• Propose mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and enhance positive outcomes after drilling.
• Ensure the project complies with Somali environmental regulations and international best practices.

4. Scope of Work

The EIA will cover the following phases:

4.1 Pre-Drilling Environmental Assessment

1. Physical Environment:
   • Baseline data collection on local geology, soil composition, and hydrology.
   • Assessment of existing groundwater quality and availability.
   • Climate analysis, including temperature, rainfall, and potential extreme weather events.
     • Assessment of regional/district level water resources management and potential cumulative impacts on nearby water sources and groundwater table.
2. Biological Environment:
   • Inventory of local flora and fauna.
     • Identification of ecologically sensitive areas and habitats.
3. Socio-Economic Environment:
   • Baseline assessment of land use, ownership, and community water use practices.
     • Evaluation of socio-economic conditions, including livelihoods and population demographics.

4.2. Impact Assessment During and After Drilling Operations

• Physical Impacts:
  • Potential soil erosion and land degradation during and after drilling.
  • Risks of groundwater contamination and depletion.
  • Air and noise pollution from drilling machinery.
  • Investigate risks of contaminant leaching from nearby agricultural activities that may affect groundwater quality post-drilling.
• Biological Impacts:
  • Disturbance to local wildlife and natural habitats during the drilling process.
  • Long-term impacts on biodiversity due to changes in water availability.
• Socio-Economic Impacts:
  • Impact on local communities’ access to water resources during and after drilling.
  • Potential conflicts over water use.
  • Employment opportunities and other socio-economic benefits generated by the drilling project.

5. Mitigation Measures

• Pre-Drilling Mitigation:
  • Recommend site selection criteria to minimize environmental disruption.
  • Propose strategies to protect sensitive areas and maintain ecological balance.
  • Develop a comprehensive environmental mitigation plan for potential impacts to consider at planning, during and after implementation of the activity.
• During Drilling:
  • Recommend best practices to implement to reduce noise, dust and pollution.
  • Suggest mitigation measures to ensure safe handling and disposal of drilling fluids and waste.
• Post-Drilling:
  • Develop a comprehensive water management plan to ensure sustainable use of the borehole including recommendations for responsible water extraction rates, ensuring groundwater recharge aligns with local environmental limits.
  • Propose measures to rehabilitate any disturbed areas and monitor environmental recovery.

6. Methodology

• Literature Review: Review existing environmental and socio-economic studies, as well as relevant policies and regulations specific to Somalia.
• Field Surveys: Conduct thorough pre- and post-drilling assessments, including geological, hydrological, ecological, and socio-economic surveys.
• Stakeholder Consultation: Engage with local communities, government authorities, and NGOs to gather input and address concerns. Utilize culturally appropriate and participatory methods for consultations, ensuring inclusive representation, particularly of vulnerable groups like women and people with special needs.
• Data Analysis: Analyze both pre- and post-drilling data to assess environmental and socio- economic impacts.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed reports for each phase, documenting baseline conditions, impacts, and proposed mitigation measures.

7. Stakeholder Involvement

• Identify and engage relevant stakeholders, including local communities, traditional leaders, government agencies, and NGOs, throughout the EIA process.
• Conduct public consultations and meetings to ensure transparency, gather feedback, and incorporate stakeholder views into the assessment.

8. Deliverables

• Inception Report: Outlines the approach, methodology, and work plan for the EIA.
• Baseline Environmental Assessment Report: Detailed findings from the pre-drilling assessment.
• Impact Assessment Report (During and After Drilling): Analysis of environmental and socio-economic impacts, along with proposed mitigation measures.
• Final EIA Report: Comprehensive report summarizing findings, mitigation strategies, and recommendations.

9. Timeline

• Inception Report: [ 3-days]
• Baseline Assessment: [ 5-days]
• Impact Assessment (During and After Drilling): [ 10-days]
• Final Report Submission: [ 7-days]

10. Expertise Required

• A lead individual consultant with qualifications typically a bachelor’s/master’s degree in environmental Scientist/Engineer or related field is preferred. With an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate with 5+ years of relevant and progressive NGO project and personnel management experience in humanitarian or development contexts.
• The lead individual consultant should come with individuals having the following qualifications
  • Environmental Scientist/Engineers with experience in arid and semi-arid regions and having served
  • Hydrogeologists with expertise in groundwater management.
  • Ecologists/Biologists familiar with the local ecosystem.
  • Socio-Economic Experts with knowledge of the local community context.
  • Legal and Regulatory Experts knowledgeable about Somali environmental laws.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​11. Budget

• Provide a detailed budget covering all phases of the EIA, including personnel, fieldwork, stakeholder consultations, and report preparation.

12. References

List all references, including scientific literature, local studies, and regulations consulted during the preparation of the ToR and the EIA.​​​​​​​

Conclusion:

This ToR is designed to guide a thorough assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the drilling project in Bulaley village, Galkacyo South District, ensuring that the site selection is informed and that post-drilling outcomes are carefully monitored and managed.

Code of Conduct

As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report. If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.

Safeguarding

It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons.

Equal Opportunities

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Tagged as: International Medical Corps, Somalia