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MetroColomboUrbanDevelopmentProject

EnvironmentalScreeningReportfor
ModelZoneDevelopmentofTownHallSquare

FinalReport

December2011

UniConsultancyServices
UniversityofMoratuwa
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Table of Contents

1. Project Identification 3
2. Project Location 3
3. Project J ustification 6
4. Project Description 8
5. Description of the Existing Environment 10
6. Public Consultation 18
7. Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
7a. Screening for Potential Environmental Impacts 20
7b. Environmental Management Plan 26
8. Conclusion and Screening Decision 38
9. Screening Decision Recommendation 47
10. EMP implementation responsibilities and costs 48
11. Details of Persons Responsible for the Environmental Screening 49
Annexes
1. Photographs of some of the important locations along project roads
2. Detailed drawings of project components
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Metro Colombo Urban Development Project

Environmental Screening Report
1. Project Identification
Project title Model Zone Development of Town Hall Square
Project
Proponent
Colombo Municipal Council
2. Project Location
Location Location of the project is shown in the Fig. 1.
Definition of
Project Area
(The
geographical
extent of the
project & areas
affected during
construction)
The area covers the road frontage of the Town Hall, Vihara Maha Devi Park and
surrounding roads as shown in Fig. 2. The main landmark in this area is the
Town Hall building; hence, this project has been named as Town Hall Square.

Adjacent land
and features
See Other features in Section 5.2
In this area, there are historically valuable buildings and most of these buildings
have British Architectural character. Important landmarks other than the Town
Hall are the museum, the post office, Dawatagaha Mosque near the Town Hall,
Victoria Memorial Building, St Bridgets Convent, Vihara Maha Devi Park,
National Arts Theatre, newly constructed Nelum Pokuna Theatre, J ohn de Silva
theater and Public Library. The main design concept adopted in this sub-project
is to create an environment that blends with the existing architectural character of
the area while maintaining easy access to all these public areas. The designs will
be carried out to ensure eco-efficiency and in a socially inclusive manner.

URBANUPGRADINGWORK
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Figure 1: Location map showing the proposed Town Hall Square
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Figure 2: Prominent features in the project area
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3. Project Justification
Need for the project

(What problem is the
project going to solve)

Colombo is known as the Green City of South Asia. But due to
unplanned development the green areas are getting reduced day by
day. It is a duty of Colombo Municipal Council to make Colombo
an Eco-friendly City.
The Town Hall area is an important landmark of the city. It is
estimated that on a daily basis, excepting on public holidays,
approximately 60,000 pedestrians and 35,000 motorists use this
section of the city and the VMD park attracts about 5000 people a
day which increases to about 8000 on public holidays. This is the
only large recreational space available for the public in Colombo
with vast open spaces and plenty of greenery. Being one of the
oldest parts of the city, the project area is also historically and
culturally valuable and has many buildings that reflect the British
architectural splendor. However, at present, this important part of
the city is not planned in away that unlock its potential as a major
landmark and vital open space in the heart of Colombo limiting
opportunities to integrate increasing urban activity with recreation
and beauty. Although VMD park is centrally located within the
project area, it offers limited connectivity between the busy urban
streets that surround it with a fence that has been erected right
around its perimeter. As such, the present use and presentation of
space within the Town Hall area makes its resources less visible and
less usable to the public, which need to be improved.

Purpose of the project
(what is going to be
achieved by carrying out the
project)
.
Therefore, the purpose of the project is to develop this important
landmark area as a public square integrating urban activity with
recreation, beauty and increased connectivity while preserving and
enhancing its colonial character. The many users, mentioned above,
will benefit greatly from easy circulation and relaxation. The Town
Hall Square project will be a model project which will set a
benchmark for planning vital public places in other parts of the city
in the future.
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Alternatives considered
(different ways to meet the
project need and achieve
the project purpose)
No other alternative is considered for the project as it is considered a
needed and timely intervention so that the many users of the area
will benefit greatly from easy circulation, relaxation and beauty.
Given the natural and physical character of the area and given that
social issues are minimal, the proposed interventions can be easily
implemented.
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4. Project Description
Proposed
start date
The project will be tendered out in 4 packages and the tender documents will be
completed fr the packages as indicated below:
Package 01 07/05/2012
Package 02 -10/04/2012
Package 03 10/04/2012
Package 04 10/03/2012
Selection of contractor will take 5 months from the time of bidding.

Proposed
completion
date
It will take approximately 20 months to finish the project from the date of
commencement.
Estimated
total cost
The project involves many different activities. The forecasted project cost is 400
million LKR. Estimated cost is as follows;
Overlay - 77.4 million LKR
Foot walks - 42.6 million LKR
Civil work - 100 million LKR
Soft & hard landscaping - 100 million LKR
Illumination - 80 million LKR
Total - 400 million LKR
Present
land
ownership
Entire project lies in areas belonging to CMC.
Description
of the
project
(with
supporting
material
such as
maps,
drawings
The entire project consists of the following in the area shown in Fig. 2;

Resurfacing of the road network
Re-designing of all the foot walks
Re-designing of the entire illumination system
Re-designing the entire public park
Re-designing of Town Hall premises with increased accessibility to public
Re-designing of all the centre islands and roundabouts of the area

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etc
attached as
required)
The extent of the work to be undertaken is as follows;
Total area - 50.8 Ha
Area of Park - 18.8 Ha
Total road area - 168,000 m
Overlaying - 40,250 m
Foot walks - 15,150 m
Town Hall landscape area - 24,000 m
Project
Manageme
nt Team

Agency:
CMC will be responsible for the implementation of this proposed project.
Nevertheless, A Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established under the
Ministry of Defense and Urban Development (MoDUD) to implement the Metro
Colombo Urban Development Project. The PMU will operate under the oversight
of a Steering Committee, chaired by MoDUDs Secretary and composed by
SLLRDC, UDA, the PLAs, the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local
Authorities, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Ministry of
Irrigation. Other ministries and agencies will be identified as stand-by members, to
be called when relevant issues need to be dealt with (e.g. Central Environmental
Authority). While the PMU will remain responsible for the overall implementation
of the project, responsibilities will be decentralized to the CMC for sub-projects
designed and implemented by them. With regard to environmental safeguards, day
to day compliance will be monitored by the Environmental Officer at the CMC
(appointed specially for CMC projects under the MCUDP) and the supervision
consultant while overall implementation/monitoring support will be provided by
the Environmental Specialist at the PMU. Contact person:
Mr. Dolapihilla, Senior Architect, CMC
Nature of the consultation and input received:
Meeting and consultation at design office and site were done. Design drawings,
master plans and other relevant information were too gathered.

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5. Description of the existing environment

5.1 Physical features Ecosystem components
Topography and terrain


The topography of Sri Lanka is marked by great diversity caused by long years of faulting and erosion
of the landscape. The central mountainous region with the highest elevations covered by virgin forests
and grasslands rises up to about 2,500 m above mean sea level. The surrounding plains, which rise to
about 50 to 100 m above sea level, are largely used for agriculture and homesteads, but still have virgin
scrubland where the population distribution is lower. This general topography of the country can be
divided into three distinct geographical areas or well marked peneplains featuring the coastal belt, the
plains, and the central highlands.
The Colombo district which incorporates the project area falls into the so called lowest peneplain of Sri
Lanka (after P.G. Cooray Geology of Sri Lanka, 1984). The elevation variation of Colombo district
situated in this coastal peneplain ranges to a maximum elevation of 150 m from sea coast. The terrain
in Colombo largely consists of gently undulating plains and low-lying flatlands with a high density of
drainage paths formulating a geography consisting of a mix of land and water. The city has many
canals and the 65-hectare (160-acre) Beira Lake situated in the heart of the city is one of the most
distinctive landmarks of Colombo.
The proposed site for Model Zone Development including road improvements, walkability
improvements and construction/rehabilitation of other related facilities in Town Hall Square and
Viharamahadevi Park is situated about 2 km south-east to the Colombo commercial hub (Colombo
Fort). The general topography of the project area largely consists of flat or mildly sloping low-lying
terrain and the area extent covered under the proposed project is located within a mere 2.5 km from the
coastal line and the elevation varies up to a maximum of 16 m only. Therefore, the slopes encountered
in the project area are flat to mild (<1.0 %) and gently slope in seaward direction while the contour
lines are aligned approximately parallel to the shoreline.
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Soil (type and quality)

The geology of Colombo is representative of the geology of the western coast of Sri Lanka and has
existed for much of the Quaternary era. Bore holes drilled in central Colombo City show that this area
once formed an estuary of the Kelani River and the Kalu Ganga River, the two main rivers that drain
into the sea on the western coast. A few kilometers upstream in the inland valleys, there is a high-level
gravel formation consisting of quartz pebbles embedded in a matrix of laterite separated with pebble-
free layers of laterites. The floodplains along the rivers consist mainly of alluvial deposits. The
floodplains of Kelani River also provide thick alluvial profiles for unconfined aquifers, in addition to
the productive overburden along tributary banks.
Vast area (over 90%) of Sri Lanka is underlain by metamorphic crystalline rocks of Precambrian age,
which includes the project area, which cover a variety of Gneisses. The geology of Colombo is
representative of the geology of the western coast of Sri Lanka and has existed for much of the
Quaternary era. This is shown in the 1:10,000 and 1:50,000 geological maps of Colombo region
produced by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau. The typical rock types of this basement include
Biotite gneiss, Hornblende Biotite gneiss, Charnockites, Charnockitic gneisses, Quartzite and
undifferentiated Meta sediments. The floodplains along Kelani River and the Kalu Ganga rivers consist
mainly of alluvial deposits. The floodplains of Kelani River also provide thick alluvial profiles for
unconfined aquifers, in addition to the productive overburden along tributary banks.
According to Survey Department soil maps (Figure 3) the main soil types in the project area are as
follows.
Red Yellow Podzolic soils with soft or hard laterite and undulating terrain
Bog and Half bog soils: flat terrain
Alluvial soils of variable texture and drainage: flat terrain
Regosols on recent beach sands: flat terrain

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Field surveys have indicated that the local geology in the proposed project area is characterized by
sand/alluvial sand and clays with patches of laterite in elevated areas with deep bedrock while the soil
types include alluvial sandy clays and clayey sands with sporadic laterite patches distributed in
elevated grounds. It is presumed that these site-specific features are the most important ones as the
environmental impact is considered.

Figure 3. Soil Maps of the Study Area (Source: Greentech, 2011)
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Surface water
(sources, distance from the
site, local uses and quality)
Sources:
There are no prominent sources of surface water in the vicinity, other than the man-made pond in the
park
Ground water
(sources, distance from the
site, local uses and quality)
Sources:
According to the Land Use Division of the Irrigation Department, the project area falls within the local
or discontinuous moderate to low aquifer in fractured rock. Ground water as a source of water is not
been used at present.
Distance from the site: The ground water table is shallow and is about 2 3 m on average.
Local uses: No use of ground water within the proposed project area.
Quality: There are no data available for quality of ground water.
Flooding All road segments and park areas considered under the proposed development project appear to have
adequate drainage systems in place at present. The terrain is either flat in most areas or consists of
mild slopes, therefore, no historical records of past flooding are available for any of the road segments
under consideration. However, after extremely heavy storm events and especially due to temporary
blockage of existing drainage systems or gullies diverting surface runoff flows to the nearby drains, the
water movement concentrates to the low-lying regions of the area causing temporary ponding or minor
flooding in adjacent localities, as has occurred in the recent past. However, this effect is not significant
and can easily be avoided by ensuring that the existing drains are well maintained and routine checks
are carried out, particularly after major storm events.
Majority of those exiting roads with adequate drainage structures like side and toe drains collecting
surface runoff, gullies diverting those flows to the nearest drain or duct, manholes providing access for
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regular maintenance procedures, and main canal or duct network conveying accumulated flow to the
water body (Beira lake) need only minor repairs especially those in the nature of regular routine
maintenance and upgrades. However, precautions should be taken during proposed pavement
resurfacing activities and embankment raising for walkways so as not to disrupt existing drainage
pathways.
The construction of walking trails with adequate drainage facilities, proposed rehabilitation of road
network and existing drainage structures and other associated drainage improvements in the project
area are supposed to further improve the situation.
See Figure 4 for area that get flooded within the proposed project area during heavy rains.
Air quality
(any pollution issues)
All roads within the project area are busy urban streets with heavy vehicle movements. This lead to
high levels of air pollutant emissions, such as dust including particulate matter, smoke including CO,
CO
2,
NO
x
, SO
x
etc. Such air pollution episodes can aggravate during peak hours when traffic
movements are impeded. Construction sites in the vicinity and within the project area affect the air
quality in the area immediately surrounding such construction activity. Fugitive dust particles could
escape into the atmosphere during such construction activities and during transportation and
subsequent storage and handling of construction material.
Noise level and vibration
(Any anticipated issues)
Existing ambient noise and vibration levels in the area are consistent with highly urban and light
industrial, businesses, hotel and restaurants. There is also heavy traffic noise from major roads: all the
roads carry heavy traffic during peak hours as well as during the night time.
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Figure 4: Areas that flood during heavy rains

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5.2 Ecological features Eco-system components

Vegetation
(trees, ground cover,
aquatic vegetation)

Roadside trees mainly consist of Mara (Samanea saman), Kottamba (Terminalia catappa), Ehala
(Cassia fistula), Weeping willow and ornamental plants within the park. Densly grown trees found in
Viharamaha Devi park are Banyan (Ficus sp.), Madatiya (Adenanthera pavonina), Na (Mesua ferrea),
Kottamba (Terminalia catappa), Mara (Samanea saman), Ehala (Cassia fistula), J ak (Artocarpus
heterphyllus). Further, there are ornamental palm species and other exotic plants. There is no aquatic
vegetation available inside the park or along the roads.
Presence of wetlands No wetlands can be observed.
Fish and fish habitats No fish and fish habitats can be observed.
Birds (waterfowl, migratory
birds, others)

Very few bird species can be observed along the roads. House crow (Corvus splendes), Spotted dove
(Streptopelia chinensis ceylonensis) are common birds that can be observed. However, bird diversity is
high within the Vihara Maha Devi Park.
Presence of special habitat
areas (special designations
& identified sensitive zones)
No special habitats were identified within the proposed project site.




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Other features
Residential/Sensitive Areas
(Eg, Hospitals, Schools)

Around the park the land uses are mostly commercial with a few dwelling units. No sensitive activities
are located.
Traditional economic and
cultural activities
No traditional economic activities are located in the project area. To the south (on Green Path) Several
institutions related to cultural activities (i.e. recently opened "Nelum Pokuna" theater, J ohn de Silva
theater, rear entrance of the National Museum are located. The project activities (proposed
improvements to the park) would be complementary for the functions of these institutions.
Archeological resources

Several buildings i.e. the town hall, National Museum and several large houses having colonial
architectural heritage are located around the park. The project activities (proposed improvements to the
park) would be complementary for the functions of these institutions.
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6. Public Consultation
Public consulted Consultation
method
Date Details/Issues raised
Mr. M. Ifthika
A regular user of
the park with the
family
Explaining
the project
and have
informal
discussion
20
th

December
Very happy to hear the proposed improvements. Need more activities for children.
Mr. S. Surendran-
A regular user of
the park with the
family
Explaining
the project
and have
informal
discussion
20
th

December
No any issues. This park is the only place where the whole family can come and
enjoy. It is a very safe place. (The family comes from underserved settlement area
that does not have any open spaces nearby for any recreation). So happy to hear
the proposed improvements.
Mr. A.M.
Rathnayake A
retired
businessman who
uses the park
everyday for
jogging
Explaining
the project
and have
informal
discussion
20
th

December
The proposed improvements are well come. Make sure that the park is free from
unwanted people (some just hang around) and maintained.

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A Mango Vendor
(Name not
mentioned)
Explaining
the project
and have
informal
discussion
20
th

December
Operates here for a long period and keeps the place clean. It is good if the park is
improved as more people will visit and good for business. The whole family lives
from the income of this business. Hoped that they will not be displaced and
allowed to continue at the same place.

An Artist (Did not
like to mentioned
the name) at
Green Path
Explaining
the project
and have
informal
discussion
20
th

December
All the Artists here are self employed (over 20). They provide a good service to Art
lovers to buy variety of arts at one place for affordable prices. Hope that the new
improvement will result in increasing the business and the authorities will not
displace them for the sake of improvement.


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7. Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures

7a. Screening for Potential Environmental Impacts
Screening question Yes No Significance of the effect
(Low, moderate, high)
Remarks
1 Will construction and operation of the
Project involve actions which will cause
physical changes in the locality
Yes Low
Most of the interventions are carried out along
road traces and within the Park hence no physical
changes in topography and landform is anticipated
other than landscaping, paving of foot walks and
road pavements which will have a huge positive
impact

2 Will the Project involve use, storage,
transport, handling or production of
substances or materials which could be
harmful to human health or the
environment or raise concerns about actual
or perceived risks to human health?
Yes Low
Transport of material and construction activities
will emit small amounts of dust, and fugitive
particles.

3 Will the Project produce solid wastes
during construction or operation?
Yes Low
Removal of pavements will produce inert solid
waste. Some of the pavement material such as
concrete blocks has a good secondary value and
will be sold. Soil from excavations to place

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service lines will be re-used onsite for filling.

There will be other construction debris (broken
concrete blocks, material packaging, some
amounts of top soil etc) which will need to be
removed form the site
There will be street sweepings, solid waste
collected at garbage bins and dump areas which
need regular collection and disposed
appropriately.
4 Will the Project release pollutants or any
hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to
air?
Yes Low
There will be bituminous material used during
overlay and re-surfacing of roads, bituminous
patching, crack sealing, carriageway edges and
shoulder repairs.
Paints and solvents used for road markings can
emit toxic and noxious air-borne substances.

5 Will the Project cause noise and vibration
or release of light, heat energy or
electromagnetic radiation?
Yes Low
Removal of walk way concrete slabs, asphalt
overlay, transport of material etc will make slight
noise level increase which will not be significant

6 Will the Project lead to risks of
contamination of land/water from releases
Yes Low
Stock piling of material will lead to washing away

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of pollutants onto ground or into surface

waters, groundwater or coastal wasters?
of soil and may increase turbidity and TSS in road
side drainage temporarily during the construction.
7 Will the project cause localized flooding
and poor drainage during construction
Is the project area located in a flooding
location?
Yes Low
The project will not cause any localized flooding,
however, some locations are flooded during heavy
rains. These areas are very small: See Fig. 4.

8 Will there be any risks and vulnerabilities
to public safety due to physical hazards
during construction or operation of the
Project?
Yes Low
Disturbance and safety issues in terms of slight
injuries from falling objects etc. to pedestrians
could occur.

9 Are there any transport routes on or around
the location which are susceptible to
congestion or which cause environmental
problems, which could be affected by the
project?

No The area is well connected with alternative routes.
During Asphalt overlay temporary road blockage
will occur leading to some congestion but in the
city most road repair work is carried out in the
night. Hence, congestion is minimized. Pavement
rehabilitation will not lead to road closure but will
block pedestrian routes.

10 Are there any routes or facilities on or
around the location which are used by the
public for access to recreation or other
facilities, which could be affected by the
project?
Yes Low
During construction, recreation activities,
especially within the park, could be affected.
However, the park is large and will not need
closure as construction will be carried out in
sections.

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11 Are there any areas or features of high

landscape or scenic value on or around the
location which could be affected by the
project?
No No impact at all. Landscape and scenic value will
be improved after the project

12 Are there any other areas on or around the
location which are important or sensitive
for reasons of their ecology e.g. wetlands,
watercourses or other water bodies, the
coastal zone, mountains, forests which
could be affected by the project?
No There are no environmentally sensitive areas
within the project site.

13 Are there any areas on or around the
location which are used by protected,
important or sensitive species of fauna or
flora e.g. for breeding, nesting, foraging,
resting, migration, which could be affected
by the project?
No No protected one are found in the project area
However, nesting and roosting sites of House
crows and bats can be observed within the park.
.
14 Is the project located in a previously
undeveloped area where there will be loss
of green-field land
No No green field will be lost.
15 Will the project cause the removal of trees
in the locality?
No New trees will be introduced, mostly native
species.

16 Are there any areas or features of historic
or cultural importance on or around the
location which could be affected by the
No Such areas exist but are not affected.
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project?
17 Are there existing land uses on or around
the location e.g. homes, gardens, other
private property, industry, commerce,
recreation, public open space, community
facilities, agriculture, forestry, tourism,
mining or quarrying which could be
affected by the project?
No The Vihara Maha Devi park will be affected for a
short duration but the project aims to enhance its
value.

18 Are there any areas on or around the
location which are densely populated or
built-up, which could be affected by the
project?
Yes Low
In and around the park/roads when the
construction work is underway, people may be
affected in terms of movements.

19 Are there any areas on or around the
location which are occupied by sensitive
land uses e.g. hospitals, schools, places of
worship, community facilities, which could
be affected by the project
No No such places are affected from the project.
20 Are there any areas on or around the
location which contain important, high
quality or scarce resources e.g.
groundwater, surface waters, forestry,
agriculture, fisheries, tourism, minerals,
which could be affected by the project?
No No such areas are affected by the project.
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21
Are there any areas on or around the
location which are already subject to
pollution or environmental damage e.g.
where existing legal environmental
standards are exceeded, which could be
affected by the project?
No No such areas are available in the vicinity.

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7b. Environmental Management Plan

Key project activities Potential Environmental
Effects
Mitigation Measures
Town Hall Square
Temporary shifting & relocating
of utility posts (electricity &
telecom) if any
No impact No measure is required.
Removal of pavements, debris,
demolition waste

Physical:
Excavations and trenching for
construction activities and
laying of services will disrupt
public and road users, cause
inconvenience due to
generation of noise,
vibrations, dust, and
temporarily blocking access
to certain areas.
Unstable soil layers,
especially those with high
sand percentages, will form
collapsible vertical surfaces,
if they are not properly
Physical:
Sprinkling of water, use of hydraulically driven machines
instead of pneumatically driven ones are necessary to be
practiced whenever possible.







Construction activities should be schedules during dry periods
to reduce runoff flows and temporary silt traps, sediment
barriers or basins, screens and catch pits should be used where
required to reduce washout of fines, causing siltation and water
quality degradation in the downstream.

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protected and strengthened.

Stockpiling of demolished
material, debris and
construction material in
drainage paths may block
surface runoff causing
localized ponding during
construction.
Transportation of
construction material during
working hours may disrupt
traffic, cause inconvenience
to pedestrians and
commuters.
Social:
Inconvenience to pedestrians
and motorists.
During the period of
construction, roadside
parking may not be possible
both due to ongoing
construction activities as well
as to provide ease of access to
machineries and material


Construction debris, materials and dredged fines should be
stored covered on high ground and away from flow paths.
Material recycling should be promoted and period of temporary
storage should be minimized through proper scheduling of
construction activities and material delivery/disposal at
designated locations.

Construction debris management plan particularly for concrete
blocks to be removed from the walkways in terms of reuse as
practical as possible must be worked out. The ones which are
broken must be used for filling purposes elsewhere.
Construction material transport should be restricted to only
during non-peak hours or night time as practical as possible.
Social:
Carry out such removal of pavements during off traffic peak
hours. Locate sign boards at appropriate locations to keep the
pedestrians and motorists informed.
Motorist must be informed well in advance of the non-
availability of parking slots for the period intended for
construction work.
People must be informed of the activities so that they can take
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supplies.
Traffic generated towards
locations inside as well as
through traffic may be
interrupted or temporarily
halted for short durations
during the construction period
causing inconvenience to
public and office staffers.
Demolition of existing
pavements and structures may
cause public inconvenience
and disruption to usual
activities of road users, due to
noise, vibration, generation of
dust and closures, blockages
etc.
Ecological:
No impact
alternative routes for commuting.
This aspect is already dealt under Physical impacts.








Ecological:
No measure is required.
Material transport and storage


Physical:
Emission of dust due to
stockpiling and transport
Physical:
All construction materials (sand, soil gravel, aggregates,
cement, bituminous products) should be stored with proper
29

Erosion of material during

rains; Stock piling of soil,
debris and other material may
block surface drainage paths
causing localized flooding
during constructional periods.



Social:
Inconvenience to users of the
road and pedestrians.

Ecological:
No impact
cover.
Rainy season should be avoided as practical as possible. If any
case rainy period is unavoidable, it is necessary to make sure to
have temporary drainage so as to drain off the rain water.
Proper storage of material and handling of construction material
is essential. Material recycling and proper scheduling of
ordering and disposal should be promoted to avoid
unnecessarily maintaining material/debris stockpiles for
extended periods.
Social:
Carry out the transport and storage of materials during off
traffic peak hours or in the night. Locate sign boards at
appropriate location to keep the road users and pedestrians and
motorists informed of material piles.
Ecological:
No measure is required.
Re-surfacing of the road network
(overlay) and re-paving



Physical:
Existing drainage paths may
be blocked after resurfacing
and new formations with
Physical:
Adequate temporary drainage facilities should be provided
during construction period not to hinder existing surface and
drainage water flows, and alternative pathways should be
30

elevated finishing levels

Social:
Creating traffic congestion,
and thus inconvenience to the
users of the park, pedestrians
and motorists

Ecological:
No impact
arranged where necessary.
Precautions should be taken during proposed pavement
resurfacing activities for walkways not to disrupt existing
drainage pathways. Gullies and sill levels of side drains should
be modified to suit new formations and elevated finishing
levels. Additional drains, gullies should be provides when
necessary to address drainage issues arising due to altered flow
paths.
Social:
Carry out overlay during night time which will cause minimum
disturbance. If day time work has tobe carried out, prepare a
good road de-tour system in consultation with the police and
provide adequate sign boards at appropriate locations to keep
both the motorists and pedestrians informed of the project
activity.
Ecological:
No measure is required.
Re-designing of all the foot walks
and bicycle paths

Physical:
Similar to above
Physical:
Similar to above
31

Social:
Inconvenience to the users of
the park and pedestrians

Ecological:
No impact
Social:
Undertake the construction work section by section so that the
impact would be minimal and provide adequate sign boards to
keep the users informed.
Ecological:
No measure is required.
Re-designing of the entire
illumination system
No impact No measure is required.
Planting of trees, plants and
turfing

Physical and social:
No impact
Ecological:
More home crows or bat will
be attracted causing
inconvenience to the public
with bird droppings
Physical and social:
No measure is required.
Ecological:
The selection of canopy trees along the walkways creates room
for more crows and bats to concentrate into the project area.
There have been some larger trees already occupied by them
inside the Victoria park and also along the walkways. Hence
selection of trees must be done strategically so as not to create
an amenable environment for crows and bats to nest so that
pedestrians could walk without worrying about bird droppings.
Hence appropriate tree species a list of trees must be selected
taking care of this aspect.
32

Re-designing of all the centre

islands and roundabouts of the
area

Physical:
The nature of impacts are
similar to construction of
pavements as described above
but with a lesser magnitude as
the work will be much more
localized

Social:
Temporary traffic congestion

Ecological:
No impact
Physical:
Similar to above



Social:
Proper information on road blockages (if necessary) and
proposed de-tours.

Ecological:
No measure is required.
Re-design of Vihara Maha Devi Park
Removal of top soil and disposal

Physical:
Existing drainage paths may
be blocked during
construction period due to
wash away of debris,
Physical:
Construction activities should be schedules during dry periods.
However, if wet weather prevails temporary silt traps, sediment
barriers, screens and catch pits should be used, where required,
to reduce washout of fines, causing siltation in storm water
drains.
33

materials etc
Nuisance to park users due to
noise, dust and temporary
closure of internal roads,
footpaths.
Social:
Inconvenient to park users

Ecological:
No impact

Construction debris, materials and other waste should be stored
covered on high ground and away from flow paths.

Social:
Construction that is carried out section by section, night time
and off peak hours is recommended to avoid and minimize
inconvenience to the public and park users.
Ecological:
No measure id required.
Removal of pavements and debris

Physical:
Similar to impacts described
under Town Hall section
above, but quantity of work is
much smaller and hence
impact is even lesser
Social:
Inconvenient to park users
Physical:
Removal of debris during work-in-progress. Construction
debris (pavement slabs etc.) should be used for land filling
purposes, wherever possible.

Social:
The impact is not significant as the people can use the other
34

Ecological:
No impact
areas of the park, where such activities will not take place.
Ecological:
No measure is required
Material transport and storage, and
use of material within the park
premises, including soil

Physical:
Impacts are negligible as the
quantities involved are small
Social:
Inconvenient to park users
Ecological:
No impact
Physical:
Not needed
Social:
The impact is not significant as the people can use the other
areas of the park, where such activities will not take place.
Ecological:
No measure is required.
Re-designing of the entire road
network and bicycle path within
the park

Physical:
Existing drainage paths may
be blocked with new
formations of bicycle path
with elevated finishing levels

Physical:
Adequate temporary drainage facilities should be provided
during construction period not to hinder existing surface and
drainage water flows, and alternative pathways should be
arranged where necessary.
Precautions should be taken during proposed activities for
walkways not to disrupt existing drainage pathways. Gullies
and sill levels of side drains should be modified to suit new
35

Social:
Inconvenience to the users of
the park

Ecological:
No impact
formations and elevated finishing levels. Additional drains,
gullies should be provides when necessary to address drainage
issues arising due to altered flow paths.
Social:
Share construction schedule with the public (through a public
notice in the park); Prepare construction schedule for the park
work considering the trend of visitation so that heavily visited
periods can be avoided or completed on a expeditious basis.
Ecological:
No measure is required.
Re-designing of the drainage paths
and ponds within the park
premises
Physical:
Temporary blocking of
existing drainage paths,
material and fines washout
Social:
Inconvenient to park users
Ecological:
No impact
Physical:
Drainage diversions should be provided when existing drains
and flow paths are temporarily blocked due to construction
purposes.
Social:
The impact is not significant as the people can use the other
areas of the park, where such activities will not take place
Ecological:
No measure is required.
36

Re-designing of the entire

illumination system
No impact No measure is required.
Establishment of new plants and
trees, including creation of an
exclusive medicinal garden and a
tropical garden, turfing
No impact, if recommended
measures are followed
Select the list of plant considering the following (i) amount of
sunlight required by different species; otherwise new plant
introduction will be unsuccessful inside the Vihara Maha Devi
park. (ii) non-invasive varieties (iii) different varieties of plants
to suit the functions of different sections of the park
branching trees should be avoided along walkways as
maintenance will be high and the public will be bothered by
bird droppings; trees and bushes that attract butterflies to
improve the scenic beauty of the environment within the park
premises; branching varieties to be placed in the interior of the
park to provide shade.

37

8. Conclusion and Screening Decision

Summary of environmental effects:
Assuming that all mitigation measures are implemented as proposed, the following effects can be predicted

Key project activities Potential Environmental Effects Significance of the environmental effect with
mitigation in place
NS- Effect not significant, or can be rendered
insignificant with mitigation
SP - Significant positive effect
SN - Significant negative effect
U - Outcome unknown or cannot be predicted,
even with mitigation
NA Not applicable
Town Hall Square
Temporary shifting & relocating
of utility posts (electricity &
telecom) if any
No impact NA
Removal of pavements, debris,
demolition waste

Physical:
Excavations for construction activities and
laying of services will disrupt public and road
users, cause inconvenience to road users due to
generation of noise, vibrations, dust, and

NS

38

temporarily blocking access to certain areas.

Unstable soil layers, especially those with high
sand percentages, will form collapsible vertical
surfaces, if they are not properly protected and
strengthened.
Stockpiling of demolished material, debris and
construction material in drainage paths may
block surface runoff causing localized ponding
during construction.
Transportation of construction material during
working hours may disrupt traffic, cause
inconvenience to pedestrians and commuters.
Social:
Inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.
During the period of construction, roadside
parking may not be possible both due to
ongoing construction activities as well as to
provide ease of access to machineries and
material supplies.
Traffic generated towards locations inside as
well as through traffic may be interrupted or
temporarily halted for short durations during


NS


NS

NS


NS
NS



39

the construction period causing inconvenience

to public and office staffers.
Demolition of existing pavements and
structures may cause public inconvenience and
disruption to usual activities of road users,
residents and others due to noise, vibration,
generation of dust and closures, blockages etc.
Ecological:
No impact
NS


NS


NA
Material transport and storage


Physical:
Emission of dust due to stockpiling and
transport
Erosion of material during rains; Stock piling of
soil, debris and other material may block
surface drainage paths causing localized
flooding during constructional and operational
periods.
Social:
Inconvenience to users of the park and


NS


NS






NS


40

pedestrians.
Ecological:
No impact



NA

Re-surfacing of the road network
( overlay) and re-paving


Physical:
Existing drainage paths may be blocked after
resurfacing and new formations with elevated
finishing levels
Social:
Creating traffic congestion, and thus
inconvenience to the users of the park,
pedestrians and motorists
Ecological:
No impact


NS





NS




NA
Re-designing of all the foot
walks and bicycle paths

Physical:
Similar to above
Social:
Inconvenience to the users of the park and

NS

41

pedestrians
Ecological:
No impact
NS

NA
Re-designing of the entire
illumination system
No impact NA
Planting of trees, plants and
turfing

Physical and social:
No impact
Ecological:
More home crows or bat will be attracted

NA

NS
Re-designing of all the centre
islands and roundabouts of the
area

Physical:
Similar to construction of pavements as
described above
Social:
Temporary traffic congestion
Ecological:
No impact


NS



NS



NA
42

Re-design of Vihara Maha Devi Park

Removal of top soil and disposal

Physical:
Existing drainage paths may be blocked during
construction period due to wash away of debris,
materials etc
Nuisance to park users due to noise, dust and
temporary closure of internal roads, footpaths.
Social:
Inconvenient to park users
Ecological:
No impact

NS

NS


NS

NA
Removal of pavements and
debris

Physical:
Similar to above described impacts for
pavement removal, but quantity of work is
much smaller
Social:
Inconvenient to park users


NS




NS

43

Ecological:
No impact


NA
Material transport and storage,
and use of material within the
park premises, including soil

Physical:
Impacts are negligible as the quantities
involved are small
Social:
Inconvenient to park users
Ecological:
No impact

NS

NS


NA
Re-designing of the entire road
network and bicycle path within
the park

Physical:
Existing drainage paths may be blocked with
new formations of bicycle path with elevated
finishing levels
Social:
Create inconvenience to the users of the park,
pedestrians and motorists

NS


NS

44

Ecological:
No impact

NA
Re-designing of the drainage
paths and ponds within the park
premises
Physical:
Temporary blocking of existing drainage paths,
material and fines washout
Social:
Inconvenient to park users
Ecological:
No impact

NS

NS


NA
Re-designing of the entire
illumination system
No impact NA
Establishment of new plants and
trees, including creation of an
exclusive medicinal garden and
a tropical garden, turfing
No impact, if non-invasive plants are
introduced.
NS
45

9. Screening Decision Recommendation:

Final
recommendation
All the identified potentially adverse effects are not significant and
can be classified as general construction related impacts and are
mitigatable with good construction planning, site management and
public safety practices. The Public is fully supportive of the project
and their concerns do not warrant further environmental assessment.
Therefore, a stand- alone Environmental Assessment is not required
and, the Environmental Management Plan provided with this report
would be sufficient to mitigate the identified impact.

The following specific recommendations given in the EMP are of
utmost importance to be implemented.
Construction debris management plan incorporating the use of
removed concrete blocks from walk ways must be worked out prior
to construction begins.
Proper list of of trees taking into account nuisance caused by frequent
brid droppings, attraction to butterflies, and availability of sun light
must be decided to suit different locations of the project area.
Mitigation of impacts should be part of the contract and
implementation is the contractors responsibility, under the close
scrutiny of the implementing agency (i.e., Colombo Municipal
Council).

46

10. EMP implementation responsibilities and costs

The overall responsibility of ensuring compliance with safeguard requirements lie with the
CMC (assisted by the supervision consultant) while the contractor will be responsible for
implementing the provisions of the EMP. In addition, the CMC will be directly responsible
for ensuring that existing drainage pathways, gullies and sill levels of road side drains are
modified to suit new formations and elevations resulting from road resurfacing and re-paving.
The proposed review will be carried out by the in-house staff of CMC who is responsible for
the overall design and supervision of the proposed sub-project. Any consequent design
modification will be reflected in the project cost.

None of the impacts described in the EMP are expected to have a significant impact and are
directly related to good construction, site management and public safety practices. As such no
major cost is envisaged in implementing the EMP.

Environmental monitoring will be carried out largely through compliance monitoring using
the checklist provided in the EMF by the Environmental Officer of the CMC and the
contractor jointly.
47

Screening report completed by


Dr. Mahesh J ayaweera, Team Leader
University of Moratuwa
Tel: 0777320590
email: maheshjayaweera@gmail.com


Name/Designation/Contact information

Date









Signature
Screening report reviewed by




Name/Designation/Contact information

Date





Signature
Approved by





Name/Designation/Contact information

Date





Signature
48

11. Details of Persons Responsible for the Environmental Screening

(1) Dr. Mahesh Jayaweera, PhD, BSc in Civil Eng (Hons.), MIE (SL), CEng.
Team Leader (Overall coordination and planning)
Experience: Team Leader/Consultant/Expert for more than 60 EIA and IEE studies
during the past 15 years

(2) Professor Mrs. Niranjanie Ratnayake, BSc in Civil Eng (Hons.), MSc, FIE
(SL), CEng.
Environmental assessment specialist
Experience: Team Leader/Consultant/Expert for more than 40 EIA and IEE studies
during the past 20 years

(3) Dr. Jagath Manatunge, PhD, MSc, DIC, BSc in Civil Eng (Hons.), MIE (SL),
CEng.
Environmental Engineer (Noise, Water, Wastewater, Vibration, Air)
Experience: Team Leader/Consultant/Expert for more than 40 EIA and IEE studies
during the past 12 years

(4) Dr. Lalith Rajapakse, PhD, MEng, BSc in Civil Eng (Hons.), MIE (SL), CEng.
Civil Engineer (Hydrology, Geology, other civil engineering aspects)
Experience: Consultant/Expert for more than 20 EIA and IEE studies and assignments
mainly related to hydrological during the past 6 years

(5) Mr. Hemantha Jayasundara, BA (Hons.), MSc (Town and Country Planning),
PG Dip in Urban Development, PD Dip in Environmental Sci.
Urban Planner
Experience: More than 20 years as a Consultant/Expert on Urban and Regional
Planning, Urban Design, Disaster Management, Environmental Management, Projects
Management etc.

(6) Dr. Anusha Kasige, PhD, MSc, BSc in Zoology
Ecologist (Flora, Fauna, Ecosystems)
Experience: more than 15 EIA and IEE studies and ecological studies during the past
5 years


49

References

Cooray, P.G.(1984). An introduction to the geology of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), with a
foreword by J ohn Sutton, National Museums of Sri Lanka Publication, Colombo, Sri
Lanka.

Greentech (2011). Environmental Assessment Final Report for Metro Colombo Urban
Development Project, Vol. 1, Greentech Consultants (Pvt) Ltd., Colombo 5, Sri
Lanka.
50

Annex 1:
Photographs of some of the important locations along
project roads





TownHall

Fig.A2Townhallside
Lat6.91443
0
Lon79.86281
0
Fig.A1Entranceofthepark
Lat6.91499
0
Lon79.86292
0
Fig.A3Existingfootpath
Lat6.91478
0
Lon79.86310
0
Fig.A 4 In thepark
Lat6.91292
0
Lon79.86152
0

Fig.A5LocationforTropicalGarden
Lat6.91499
0
Lon79.86292
0
Fig.A6NearTownhall
Lat6.91530
0
Lon79.86325
0
51

Annex 2: Detailed drawings of project components







Town

n Hall premi ises Master PPlan





Footw

walk landsca aping aroundd Town Hall

l and Park