ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING FACTORY
LOCATION: OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, SHEGER CITY ADMINISTRATION, GELAN GUDA SUB CITY,
PROMOTER: - MOHAMMED ABANAYIM

PREPARED BY
Bright star management and environmental consultancy plc
Contact person: TESFAYE DEGEFA
Phone Number: 251922156248

Submitted to Gelan Guda Sub City Environmental Protection Authority

May, 2025
GELAN GUDA, Ethiopia

Table of Contents Pages

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ ix
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background of the project-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2. Objectives of the ESIA Study--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
1.2.1. General objective....................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.2. Specific Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Scope of the ESIA Study--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.4. Methodologies Employed to Assess ESIA---------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.4.1. Review of Relevant Literature, Policies and Legal Documents ........................................... 3
1.4.3 Site observation:......................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.4 PPROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 4
1.4.5 Limits of the Study ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.4.6 Report Structure ........................................................................................................................ 6
The ESIA report is organized in 5 prefaces.------------------------------------------------------------------------6
The ESIA report is organized in 12 sections.-----------------------------------------------------------------------6
2.1 Assumption and/or Gap in Knowledge-------------------------------------------------------------------------7
2.2 Valued Ecosystem Components within the Study Area-------------------------------------------------7
3. ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK ................................................................ 8
3.1. General overview-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
3.2. Policy Issues-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
3.2.1. Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia ........................................................................................... 8
3.2.2. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) ................................................................................. 8
3.2.3. Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (Pro. No.299/2002) ............................ 9
3.2.4. National Policy on Women ....................................................................................................... 9
3.2.5. Health policy of Ethiopia ........................................................................................................ 10
3.3. Legal Frameworks ........................................................................................................................... 10
3.3.1. The Federal Constitution ........................................................................................................ 10
3.4. Institutional and Administrative Framework ............................................................................. 11
3.4.1. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ................................................................. 11
3.4.2. Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation No. 176/2012 ..................................... 11
3.4.4. Solid Waste Management Proclamation (Proc. No. 513/2007) ........................................ 13
3.4.5. Waste Handling and Disposal Guideline, 1997.................................................................... 13
3.4.6 Labor Proclamation (Proc. No 1156/2019) .......................................................................... 14
3.4.7. Public Health Proclamation (Proc. No 200/2000) .............................................................. 14

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage ii
 3.5 Regulation pertaining to standards .......................................................................................... 15
3.5.1 Effluent standards .............................................................................................................. 15
Table 1: limit values for discharge to water sources........................................................................... 15
3.5.2 Noise standards .................................................................................................................. 16
Table 2: Limit values for noise level .................................................................................................... 16
3.5.3 Ambient air quality standards .......................................................................................... 16
Table 3: Limit Values for Emissions to Air .......................................................................................... 16
3.6 Relevant International Conventions ....................................................................................... 16
3.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity .................................................................................. 17
3.6.2 Framework Convention on Climate Change.................................................................... 17
3.6.3 The Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer ..................................... 17
3.6.4 The United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification ........................................ 18
3.6.5 The Basel convention ......................................................................................................... 18
3.6.6 The Stockholm Convention ............................................................................................... 18
3.6.7 Convention on international trade in endangered species of Fauna and Flora ......... 18
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT & ITS ALTERNATIVE............................................................... 19
4.1. Location of the proposed Project................................................................................................... 19
4.2. Objective of the Propose Project ................................................................................................... 19
4.2.1. General Objective .................................................................................................................... 19
4.2.2. Specific objectives ................................................................................................................... 19
4.3. Raw Materials and Inputs ............................................................................................................... 20
Making steel raw materials ................................................................................................................... 20
4.3.1 Technology and Production Process ............................................................................................... 21
Machining ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Assembly .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Coating Application............................................................................................................................. 26
Finishing .............................................................................................................................................. 27
4.6. Planned future capacity and Production Program...................................................................... 31
4.7. Utilities .............................................................................................................................................. 31
4.8. Organizational Structure & Human Resource ............................................................................. 31
4.8.1. Organizational Structure........................................................................................................ 31
4.8.2. Human Resource Requirement ............................................................................................. 32
5. BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE PROJECT AREA .................................................................... 32
5.1. Physical Environment ..................................................................................................................... 33

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage iii
5.1.1. Location .................................................................................................................................... 33
5.1.2. Landscape and Topography ................................................................................................... 33
5.1.3. Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 33
5.1.4. Soil Types ................................................................................................................................. 33
5.1.5. Hydrology ................................................................................................................................. 34
5.2. Biological Environment .................................................................................................................. 34
5.2.1. Flora and Fauna ....................................................................................................................... 34
5.3. Socio-Economic Conditions ............................................................................................................ 34
5.3.1. Human Population and Settlement Pattern ......................................................................... 34
5.3.2. Education.................................................................................................................................. 35
5.3.3. Health Facilities ....................................................................................................................... 35
6. IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACTS .................................................... 35
6.1 Positive Impacts .......................................................................................................................... 35
6.1.1 Employment and Income Generation .............................................................................. 36
6.1.2 Profit Generation ................................................................................................................ 36
6.1.3 Tax Revenue ........................................................................................................................ 36
6.1.4 Import Substitution and Foreign Exchange Saving ........................................................ 36
6.1.5 Gender Equity and Employment Opportunities ............................................................. 36
6.2 Negative impacts ......................................................................................................................... 36
6.2.1 Impacts during Pre-construction Phase .......................................................................... 37
6.2.1.2 Impact due to Location of the Project .......................................................................... 37
6.2.2 Impact during Construction Phase................................................................................... 37
6.2.2.1 Impact on landscape and land use pattern alteration ............................................... 37
6.2.2.2 Impact on the soil ........................................................................................................... 38
6.2.2.3 Solid waste....................................................................................................................... 38
6.2.2.4 Liquid waste .................................................................................................................... 38
6.2.2.5 Air Pollution .................................................................................................................... 38
6.2.2.6 Flora and Fauna .............................................................................................................. 39
6.2.2.7 Traffic accidents ............................................................................................................. 39
6.2.2.8 Health and safety hazards ............................................................................................. 39
6.2.2.9 Impacts of Noise and Vibration..................................................................................... 40
6.2.3 Impacts during Operation Phase ...................................................................................... 40
6.2.3.1 Emission of Air Pollutants ............................................................................................. 40

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage iv
6.2.3.2 Generation of Solid Wastes ........................................................................................... 40
6.2.3.4. Increased Water Demand ................................................................................................... 41
6.2.3.5. Energy Consumption............................................................................................................ 41
6.2.3.6. Workers Accidents and Public Safety (OHS Risks) .......................................................... 41
6.2.3.7. Exposure to Noise and vibration ........................................................................................ 42
6.2.3.8. Impact due to Land Traffic .................................................................................................. 42
7.1 Mitigation Measures during Pre-construction Phase ............................................................. 43
7.1.1 Mitigation for Loss of productive lands or natural habitants ....................................... 43
7.1.2 Mitigation for Location of the Project .............................................................................. 43
7.2. Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase ................................................................... 43
7.2.1. Mitigation for Landscape and Land Use Pattern Alteration .............................................. 43
7.2.2. Mitigation for Soil impacts ..................................................................................................... 43
7.2.3. Mitigation for Solid Waste ...................................................................................................... 44
7.2.4. Mitigation for Liquid Waste ................................................................................................... 44
7.2.5. Mitigation for Air Pollution .................................................................................................... 44
7.2.6. Mitigation for Flora and Fauna .............................................................................................. 45
7.2.7. Mitigation for Traffic Accidents ............................................................................................. 45
7.2.8. Mitigation for Health and Safety Hazards ............................................................................ 45
7.2.9. Mitigation for Noise and Vibration Impacts......................................................................... 46
7.3. Mitigation Measures during Operation Phase ............................................................................. 46
7.3.1. Mitigation for Air pollution .................................................................................................... 46
7.3.2. Mitigation for Solid Waste pollution ..................................................................................... 47
7.3.3. Mitigation for Wastewater Pollution .................................................................................... 47
7.3.5. Mitigation for Occupational Health and Safety .................................................................... 48
7.3.6. Mitigation for Exposure to Noise and vibration .................................................................. 48
7.3.7. Mitigation for Land Traffic ..................................................................................................... 49
7.3.8. Mitigation for utilities impact ................................................................................................ 49
7.4. Training ............................................................................................................................................ 50
8. Environment Management and Monitoring Plan .................................................................. 50
8.1 Environment Management Plan (EMP) ................................................................................... 50
Table 5: Environmental Management Plan at Construction Phase .................................................... 53
Table 6: Environmental Management Plan of at Operation Phase ............................................. 55
8.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................ 59
Table 7: Environmental Monitoring Plan at construction & operational Phases ..................... 61

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing Plant Page v
Air and dust impacts ......................................................................................................................... 61
Noise and Vibration Impacts ............................................................................................................ 62
9. Environmental auditing plan and Program ............................................................................... 65
10. Conclusion and Recommendation............................................................................................. 66
10.1. Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 66
10.2. Recommendations......................................................................................................................... 67
11. References............................................................................................................................... 69

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage vi
List of Tables

Table Page
Table 1: limit values for discharge to water sources ................................................................................ 15

Table 2: Limit values for noise level ................................................................................................................. 16

Table 3: Limit Values for Emissions to Air .................................................................................................... 16

Table 4: Permissible Noise Exposure ....................................................................................................................

Table 5: Environmental Management Plan at Construction Phase ................................................... 53

Table 6: Environmental Management Plan of at Operation Phase .................................................... 55

Table 7: Environmental Monitoring Plan at construction & operational Phases ....................... 61

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage vii
Abbreviations
AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Art. Article
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
CSA Central Statistical Agency
CSE Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia
oC Degree Celsius
dB Decibel
D.G. Diesel Generator
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPE Environmental Policy Ethiopia
EPLAU Environmental Protection, Land administration & Use Authority)
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
GHGs Greenhouse Gases
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
OHSG Occupational Health and Safety Guideline
Plc. Private Limited Company
Proc. No. Proclamation Number
REAs Regional Environmental Agencies
STDs Sexual Transmitted Disease

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage viii
 Executive Summary
This Environmental and social Impact Assessment study of proposed House hold
and office furniture products manufacturing plant located at Oromia regional state,
Sheger City administration Guda Sub City, administration promoted Mohammed
Abanayim. Has been conducted by Bright star management and
environmental consultancy plc
The project will require initial investment capital of 125 billion ETB on plot area of
6,000 m2 in Gelan Guda Sub City industrial zone, and it is supposed to create job
opportunities 1300Permanent (Skilled 1000 & Unskilled 300). This report presents
the results of an environmental and social impact assessment of House hold and
office furniture and products manufacturing plant to be envisaged on the land
obtained through lease basis by micro enterprise transformation. The site is
considered to be a suitable location for this project as it is within an acceptable
operational distance from Addis Ababa city centers and has access to the main
road and vehicles.
The company will apply an environmentally-sound technology to manufacture
Wood based house hold and office furniture products manufacturing house hold
and office furniture and other purposes from qualified billets raw materials
imported from abroad.
The purpose of the study is to generate sufficient information on significant impacts
that enable the preparation of an environmental and social impact assessment and
mitigation measures which will be used to determine things under what conditions
a project should proceed.

The Methodologies employed in identifying, predicting and analyzing the impacts

for this project is simple cause-effect matrices. To achieve these objectives the
assessment collected baseline data firstly through desktop studies on a: national
level; regional, and then finally physical inspection of the site and surrounding
areas. These were to identify and analyze impacts in order to fully prioritize them
and develop efficient and appropriate mitigation measures.

As per the environmental policy and regulatory of Ethiopia, undertaking

environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is a prerequisite for granting
a license to operate for major development projects. Accordingly, this
environmental and social management plan (ESMP) has been undertaken in order
to identify adverse and positive effects on the natural, social, including on the
cultural, environment and put in place an environmental management system to
minimize the adverse effects likely to result during the implementation and
operation of the factory. The potential anticipated adverse impacts of the project

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage ix
during its implementation are dust and air emissions, solid and liquid wastes, and
occupational health and safety among others that can affect the environment and
human health.

On the other hand, the envisaged company has significant economic benefits to
the country and the local people as well. Some of these are employment
opportunities, provision of market for supply of house hold and office furniture
based construction materials products for building construction industries and
other purposes, increased economic activities and government revenue,
stimulation to urban development etc.

The negative environmental impacts of the project are also significant unless the
proposed mitigation measures are not taken at the project implementation phase.
An environmental management plan and mitigation measures has been prepared
to control the adverse negative impacts associated with the operation of the
factory’s activities for the existing project. It is considered that through good
environmental management during construction and operation phases, the
management of environmental risks and health and safety management, the
potential adverse impacts can be mitigated to levels that are not significant.
Finally, the proponent has proposed easily achievable impact monitoring and
evaluation actions with environmental audit plan.

Special consideration should be given to enhancement of positive effects of the

project. To address the management of the identified environmental issues
associated with the project as well the team allocated a budget of ETB 515,000.00
to implement Environmental management and monitoring plan, in consent with
the project proponent.

It can be surmised that the implementation of the project have net positive impacts
to the environment of the immediate and surrounding areas. As a result, the
company’s activities can be classified as an environmental improvement program.
The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) of the company has been
prepared in accordance with the environmental impact assessment proclamation
of the government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, proclamation
number 299/2002 and other legally binding documents as described in this report.

Generally, the environmental and social impact assessment study report contains
findings carried out as integral part of the safeguards instrument for facilitating
the consideration of environmental issues and submitted to the Gelan Guda sub
city environmental protection Authority for legal approval based on environmental
and social impact assessment guidelines.

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing Plant Page x
1. Introduction
1.1. Background of the project
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) should be seen as a
process that starts at the conceptual design stage of a project and continues
throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning. During the
process, several deliverables are prepared to guide the activities of the specific
project stage.

This Environmental and social Impact Assessment study of proposed House hold
and office furniture and products manufacturing plant has increasingly focused on
the potential risks to the health of the society and the environment rising from
establishment of new projects. Looking after the environment is essential if we are
to sustain living conditions today and preserve for generations to come. Managing
environmental issues has also become a critical success factor for business.
Environmental awareness drives innovations and resource savings, leading to
efficient production and reduced costs. It is the fact that, the level of impact on
the society and the environment, however, varies from project to project. In this
regard the paper and paper products manufacturing factory project have an
environmental and health impact if the proposed mitigation measures are not
properly implemented.

The purpose of this report is, to carry out environmental and social impact
assessment (ESIA) on this project particularly concerning environmental
management and monitoring plans. As the initial environmental examination
indicates there is a sufficient ground for the requirement of detailed environmental
and social impact assessment for this project. Environmental and social
management plan is necessary to indicate what measure should be taken at the
implementation of the project, particularly in relation to pollution control and
human health and safety strategies.

This environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is a live document and
should always reflect the varying needs and environmental baseline conditions.
Accordingly, the worst-case scenario was approached in order to ensure the
maximum potential impacts are predicted and understood and their relative
mitigation measures are set. Therefore, the promoter undertook this
environmental and social impact assessment study that enables to identify impacts
and adapt alternative optimization/mitigation measures to effects raised at the
project operation stages.

The promoter of the project is sole proprietor business registered in the name of
the promoter that is a well-experienced business person and performance wise.
They have been successful in smoothly undertaking their existing business
activities transactions and generated encouraging return over the preceding years.
The promoters’ rich experience and returns of their business engagements serves
as spring board for the project under consideration they are working
on. This report concerns ESIA of promoter which is working in Gelan GudaSub city
administration on a total area of 6,000 m2 obtained by lease basis in the industrial
zone.

The promoter is an Ethiopian business man of House Hold and office Furniture
products manufacturing factory. Its products are confirming to the National and
International standards meeting the stringent demand of the discerning customers
has been synonymous with quality.

Accordingly, the worst-case scenario was approached in order to ensure the

maximum potential impacts are predicted and understood and their relative
mitigation measures are set. The environmental and social impact assessment
(ESIA) report was mainly prepared to assess the impacts and provide the
mitigation measures for the project activities. This environmental and social impact
assessment (ESIA) report is conducted under the requisites of the environmental
impact assessment proclamation (176/2012) and its Guideline of Oromia Regional
state.

1.2. Objectives of the ESIA Study

1.2.1. General objective
The main objective of the ESIA for the company is to enable the factory to comply
with the Environmental Protection Authority's environmental regulations and
procedures. Moreover, the assessment will make the project activities to be

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 2
implemented in environmental conscious and socially acceptable manner for the
sustainable benefits of the factory itself and local community.

1.2.2. Specific Objectives

 To categorize and describe elements of community and environment likely to
be affected by the proposed developments and/or likely to cause adverse
impacts to the proposed project, including natural and man-made environment;
 To classify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of
impacts on community and environment
 To propose mitigation measures for identified adverse impacts of the factory;
 To develop environmental management plan and monitoring/audit
requirements to ensure the implementation and the effectiveness of the
environmental protection and pollution control measures adopted.
1.3. Scope of the ESIA Study
The scope of the study entails assessment of the environmental and social impact
of the project activity in Gelan Guda Sub city administration. The total plot area of
the project is 6,000m2. Environmental and social impact assessment covers
physical and social impacts of project activities during implementation phases of
the project.

1.4. Methodologies Employed to Assess ESIA

This ESIA has been prepared to identify and assess potential environmental and
social impacts of the project on the biophysical and human environments and to
set out measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate and manage adverse impacts to
acceptable levels.

1.4.1. Review of Relevant Literature, Policies and Legal Documents

The first phase started by getting existing project documents (feasibility study,
investigation reports, operational activities, etc.) location and topographic maps
that was relevant to the factory activities followed by an intensive desktop review
of available reports and documents. Policies, legislation and guidelines pertinent to
environmental protection were gathered and reviewed for assessing the relevant
environmental policies, laws and regulations related to environmental protection
matters in general and the expected environmental impacts of the factory in

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 3
particular. Moreover available documents related to the project were collected and
reviewed in order to obtain important data about the factory.

The factory site location, technologies to be employed, product mix, potential

environmental impacts, capital and operating costs, suitability under local
conditions, and institutional, training, and monitoring requirements were
considered in the evaluation of alternatives. The factory impacts were identified
using interviewing Authorities experts and local people, literature review, field visit
and pertinent secondary data and documents. Impacts were first distinguished as
either positive or negative. The factory negative impacts were analyzed to denote
their significance based on their characteristics and this was also impacts per
project phase. Significance was judged based on their capacity to change baseline
conditions beyond acceptable standards or legislative provisions.

1.4.3 Site observation:

This involves a transect walk across the land rented and the neighboring area to
get acquainted with the natural environment and also to cross check issues, arising
from the interviews above. Furthermore, field visit was undertaken to understand
the likely impacts of a development project, wood based construction materials
products manufacturing in this case on the environment around the project site
through making transect walking along the intended project site. This field survey
also helped to gather the base line environmental condition of the area for better
prediction and evaluation of the adverse environmental impacts. In the field visit
the Bright star management and environmental consultancy plc identified
different areas of attention like pollution from wastewater, air pollution, noise
pollution, and land pollution from improper solid waste disposal especially the
plastic waste during the project implementation human health and safety impacts.

1.4.4 PPROJECT DESCRIPTION

Mohammed Aabanayim p l a n s to expand a furniture manufacturing company which
can produce 6,687 sets of finished products per year at full capacity. The company
will mostly use local materials but will supplement with imported materials to
bring environmental sustainability. The factory is expected to create job

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 4
opportunity for more than 1300 employees and heavy duty machineries. It will
have different stores for raw-materials, semi-finished and finished items.

The expansion project designed to render a multipurpose giving business and

workshop facility which will in turn plays significant role towards solving shortage of
production facility. Having difficulties of operation faced due to congested working
capital & technology the company is in a problem to work to meet the demands
of the market. Mohammed Abanayim F u r n i t u r e intends to integrate different
strategies in manufacturing different types of modern furniture. Its plan is to have a
cost effective business that will reduce the production cost starting from the initial
stage of woodcutting to retailing of the final product at an affordable price and
serve to minimize foreign currency spending incurred in importing furniture.

On the approval of this project and subsequent execution of related tasks

Mohammed Abanayim will be among the pioneers to invest in the first modern
furniture factory in Ethiopia in order to meet the region’s transformation and
development goal as well as bringing competitiveness and excellence in the
industry. By now, the promoter is ready to invest and expand in this business by
providing the capital to cover the start-up expenses and apply key strategies to ensure
its success

1.4.5 Limits of the Study

The Partial Environmental and Social Impact Assessment were prepared for those
areas that would be influenced by the impact of the project’s implementation. But
the area where the project is to be established is an industrial area and the impact
from the nearby project was not entertained in detail. Data inadequacy due to
personal error may be another limitation which will cause the unforeseen impacts
to occur at any stage of the project cycle.

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 5
1.4.6 Report Structure

The ESIA report is organized in 5 prefaces.

Preface I: cover page

Preface II: table of content

Preface II: figure of table

Preface III: abbreviation

Preface IV: Executive summary

The ESIA report is organized in 12 sections.

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: Environmental scoping

Section 3: Policy, Legal & Administrative Framework

Section 4: Description of the project and its Alternative

Section 5: Baseline information of the project

Section 6: Identification of Environmental and Social Impact

Section 7: Potential Environmental and Social Impacts & Proposed Mitigation

Measures

Section 8: Environmental and Social Impact Management Plan

Section 9: Environmental Monitoring/Auditing Program

Section 10: Conclusion and recommendation

Section 11: Reference

Section 12: Appendices

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 6
2. Environmental Scoping Report

The scoping concerns identifying the project location and its area coverage,
sensitive environmental components from field observation and prescreening
reviews as well as the final report. The study includes detailed characterization of
existing status of environment in an area around project for various identified
environmental components air, noise, and water, land, biological and socio-
economic.

2.1 Assumption and/or Gap in Knowledge

Even though some progress is made regarding ESMP, management and monitoring
on the proposed project and even for other projects as far as we know, there are
a lot of issues to be realize objectives of the proclamation in Ethiopia investment.
Some of the information contained in this report was compiled based on responses
of the proponent, staff and the public. There are difficulties in verification of this
kind of information. During this assessment, the consultants have attempted to
independently evaluate information obtained within the limits of the established
scope of work. Generally, the limitation for this study is deep knowledge on the
proposed project.

2.2 Valued Ecosystem Components within the Study Area

The primary function of scoping also referred to as setting the Terms of Reference
of a PESIA, is to establish the environmental priorities and set the boundaries for
the study. The objective is to avoid creating a voluminous report and make the
assessment process concise and focused. Impacts of the House hold and office
furniture and products manufacturing Project will totally cover around 6,000 m2
found in around Sheger City Administration, Gelan GudaSub City administration.
Primarily water and air are the natural ecosystem to be impacted by the project as
result of the dust generated during construction and transportation, loading and
unloading activities. Landscape changes because construction affects the flora and
faunas reduce water quality and quantity of the area. Physical injuries and human
health affected from the dust emission during construction, processing, loading
and unloading. Noise pollution is also another effect raised from the machines used
to full fill the purposes of the project.

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 7
3. ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
3.1. General overview
This Chapter provides an overview of the regional, national policy and legal
framework within which the project is being developed. The overall policy and legal
framework in Federal and Regional Autonomous are considered, together with
specific sectorial laws on environment, land use and health & safety. The policies,
regulations and administrative framework within which the project is to be
implemented with respect to environmental management and protection are
reviewed in this section. The review includes the sector-specific Environmental and
Policies and Regulations of, National policies regarding socio-economic issues and
the Administrative framework of various agencies with the implementation of the
proposed project

3.2. Policy Issues

The economic policy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) is
market- based agricultural led industrialization mode of economic development.
The administrative structure is at federal as well as regional level with duties and
responsibilities shared among them. Responsibilities of development activities are
clearly demarcated between Federal and Regional Governments based on the scale
characteristics and magnitude of the investment to be undertaken.

3.2.1. Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia

Countrywide studies of the existing natural resource base and environmental
conservation and protection strategies have been conducted in early 1990‟s and
Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (CSE) has been approved. The CSE emphasizes
the importance of incorporating environmental issues in to development activities
right at the initial stage of development.

3.2.2. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE)

The overall policy goals of the EPE is described as “... to improve and enhance the
health and quality of life of all Ethiopians and to promote sustainable social and
economic development through the sound management and use of natural, human
made and cultural resources and the environment as a whole so as to meet the

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 8
needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”. The guiding principles of the EPE are:
 Every person has the right to live in healthy environment;
 Sustainable environmental conditions and economic production systems are
impossible in the absence of peace and personal security. This shall be assured
through the acquisition of power by communities to make their own decision on
matters that affect life and environment;
 The development, use and management of renewable resources shall be based
on sustainability; and
 The use of non-renewable resources shall be minimized and where possible their
availability extended (e.g. through recycling) among the others

3.2.3. Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (Pro.

No.299/2002)
The regional Environmental Protection, Land administration & Use Authority
(EPLAUA) has developed general EIA guideline based on the federal EIA guideline
as an overall framework to integrate environmental concerns in its Regional
Development Strategies. The document outlines the guiding principle underlying
the objectives of EIA studies.

3.2.4. National Policy on Women

The constitution of FDRE recognizes equal rights of women and men; however, the
traditional societal structure keeps women in a very low position and vulnerable
situation. Women occupy a very small percentage of key political and government
decision making positions. The National Policy on Women was formulated in 1993,
aimed to create appropriate structures within government offices and institutions
to establish equitable and gender-sensitive public policies. The policy goals are:
ensure women’s right, create favorable environment for women, ensure the supply
of basic services to women, and eliminate gender based discriminations. The policy
has four major objectives;
 Laws, regulations, systems, policies and development plans that are issued by
the Government should ensure the equality of men and women, special
emphasis should be given to the participation of rural women.

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 9
 Economic, social and political policies and program, as well as cultural and
traditional practices and activities should ensure equal access of men and
women to the country’s resources and decision-making process.
 The central government and regional administrations should ensure that women
participate in and benefit fully from all activities carried out by central and
regional institutions.
 Development institution, programs and projects should ensure women’s access
to and involvement in all interventions and activities.
3.2.5. Health policy of Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s health policy was issued in 1993, with the aim of giving special attention
to women and children, to neglected regions and segments of the population, to
victims of manmade disasters. The priority areas of the policy are in the field of
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) of health to create awareness
and behavioral change of the society towards health issues, emphasis on the
control of communicable diseases, epidemic, and on diseases that are related to
malnutrition and poor living condition, promotion of occupational health and safety,
development of environmental health, rehabilitation of health infrastructures,
carrying out applied health research provision of essential medicines, expansion of
frontline and middle level health professionals.

3.3. Legal Frameworks

There are several proclamations provided by the FDRE related to Environmental
protection issues. Among these are:

3.3.1. The Federal Constitution

The Federal Constitution of 1995 sets out important articles related to development
and Environmental rights; Article 43 discusses the right to development. The
constitution under Article 44 highlights about environmental rights as follows:
 All persons have a right to live in a clean environment;
 All persons who have been displaced or whose livelihoods have been adversely
affected as a result of the state programs have the right to commensurate
monitory or alternative means of compensation, including relocation with
adequate state assistance.

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Under article 92 the constitution discusses about environmental objectives as:
 Government shall endeavor to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and
healthy environment.
 The design and implementation of programs and projects of development shall
not damage or destroy the environment;
 People have the right to full consultation and to the expression of views in
planning and implementation of environmental policies and projects that affect
them directly.
 Governments and Citizens have the duty to protect the environment.
3.4. Institutional and Administrative Framework
3.4.1. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
The EPA was established in August 1995, in response to the requirements of the
constitution (Proclamation No.9/1995). The objective of the EPA is to ensure that
all matters pertaining to the country’s social and economic development activities
are carried out in manner that will protect the welfare of human beings as well as
sustainability of the project, to develop and utilize the resource bases on which
they depend for survival. Roles and responsibilities of the EPA
 The EPA is the Competent Agency at the Federal level in Ethiopia. It is,
therefore, the responsibility of this authority in the EIA process to:
 Ensure that the proponent complies with requirements of the EIA process;
 Maintain co-operation and consultation between the different Sectorial agencies
throughout the EIA process;
 Maintain a close relationship with the proponent and to guidelines on the
process; and Evaluate and take decisions on the documents that arise from the
EIA process. At the regional level, the Federal EPA has devolved
responsibility to the Regional equivalent of EPA. The regional authorities should
ideally establish an EPA-type institution to deal with environmental issues at the
regional level.
3.4.2. Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation No. 176/2012
The Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation Oromia region No.
176/2012): has made it mandatory that all development projects should be
subjected to the environmental study. It means that EIA is a legal requirement.

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The core environmental law for this study is the Environmental Impact Assessment
Proclamation No.176/2012. This Proclamation prescribes that no person shall
commence any new development activity under any category listed in any directive
issued pursuant to this Proclamation (“project”) which requires an environmental
impact assessment without authorization of the Environmental Protection Authority
or the relevant regional environmental agency.

It states that the proponent shall undertake an environmental impact assessment,

identify the likely adverse impacts of his project, incorporated the means of their
prevention or containment, and submit to the Authority or the relevant Zonal
environmental agency the environmental impact study report together with the
documents determined as necessary by the Authority or the relevant regional
environmental agency. This Proclamation has addressed the minimum contents to
be addressed in Environmental Impact Assessment report under Article 11
(Environmental Impact Study Report).

Accordingly, this EIA study report is prepared to harmonizing and integrating

environmental, economic, cultural and social considerations in the implementation
of the project under the custodianship of the EIA Proclamation No.181/2011.
Article 12 of the Proclamation addresses the EIA report review procedures. This
article states three decisions to be given after the review process. The first is
approving the project without conditions and issue authorization. The second is to
approve the project with conditions and issue authorization. The last decision is to
refuse the implementation of the project. Article 21 of the Proclamation requires
that the environmental impact statement be make available to the public and solicit
comments on it. Monitoring of the implementation of an authorized project in terms
of commitments made in the report and conditions of authorization is a
requirement as stipulated in Article 15 of the proclamation.

3.4.3. Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation No. 300/2002

This Proclamation came into effect in December 2002, and its primary objective is
to provide the basis from which the relevant ambient environmental standards
applicable to Ethiopia can be developed, and to make the violation of these
standards a punishable act.

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The Proclamation advocates a “polluter pays” principle and sets out requirements
for managing hazardous waste including, a permitting system for generating,
keeping, storing, transportation, treatment or disposal of hazardous wastes.
Operators dealing with hazardous waste have to prevent any damage to the
environment and human health. Chemicals need to be registered, packed and
labeled according to the relevant standards. In addition, the Proclamation states
the various types of environmental standards. However, no standard values were
established in the law.
The law requires urban administrations to collect, transport, recycle, treat and
disposal of municipal waste safely.

The EPA together with the Regional Environmental Agencies (REAs) is required to
monitor and evaluate the adequacy of municipal waste management systems and
ensure the effectiveness of implementation. All premises to which the public has
access have to be provided with adequate and suitable toilets and containers and
other facilities for the disposal of waste.

3.4.4. Solid Waste Management Proclamation (Proc. No. 513/2007)

Measures related to waste handling and disposal:
 Any person shall collect waste in an especially designated place and in a
manner, which does not affect the health of the society.
 No person shall dispose solid, liquid, or any other waste in a manner which
contaminates the environment or affects the health of the society.
3.4.5. Waste Handling and Disposal Guideline, 1997
The Waste Handling and Disposal Guidelines have been in use since 1997. The
Guidelines are meant to help industry and local authorities handle medical waste
situation at the local level. Ethiopia has robust standards for pollution control,
emissions and waste as outlined in the Proclamation for Environmental Pollution
Control. However, the implementation quality and enforcement standards are
highly uneven across cities and municipalities. The Environmental Protection
Authority have produced a number of documents to guide any person or
organization who is undertaking activities that may have positive or negative
impacts on social, physical or cultural environments.

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3.4.6 Labor Proclamation (Proc. No 1156/2019)
As stated previously the proposed company will have a total of 240 employees.
The number of employees is vast so it requires a strong human resource
management approach. The maximum working time period of workers should
comply with the international standards. This proclamation highly emphasized that
an employer should take the necessary measures to safeguard the health and
safety of his workers. The employer shall in particular:
 Comply with the occupational health and safety requirements provided for in
this proclamation.
 Take appropriate steps to ensure that workers are properly instructed and
notified about the hazards of their respective occupations and the precautions
necessary to avoid accident and injury to health.
 Provide workers with protective equipment’s, clothing and other material and
instruct them of its usage, etc.
In general, to ensure workers safety and job security the need to respect the
proclamation that has been clearly stated in the document is vital and mandatory.
The Occupational Health and Safety Guideline were developed as a follow-up to
the labor Proclamation and provide guidance on occupational health and safety
requirements.

3.4.7. Public Health Proclamation (Proc. No 200/2000)

In addition to the occupational health and safety measures and precautions
indicated in the labor laws, this public health proclamation underscores the need
for avoiding machineries or instruments that can generate excessive noise of
minimizing the effect by the use of noise reducing apparatuses or instruments. In
addition, the proclamation prohibits:
 The discharge of untreated liquid waste generated form septic tanks,
seepage pits and industries in to water bodies or water convergences.
 The disposal of solid, liquid or any other waste in a manner, which
contaminates the environment or affects the health of the society.

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3.5 Regulation pertaining to standards
3.5.1 Effluent standards
Ethiopia has no national standards governing effluent discharges from
industries. However, since 2003 Ethiopia has had draft regulations
governing the quality of the effluent discharged from facilities to public
sewers and surface water systems. These draft guidelines require the
facility to meet certain basic water standard for trade effluent including
sewage as shown in table 1 below.
Table 1: limit values for discharge to water sources
Parameter Limit Value
Temperature 40 C
pH 6–9
BOD5 at 200C 200 mg/l
COD 500 mg/l
Suspended solids 50 mg/l
Total ammonia (as N) 30 mg/l
Total nitrogen (as N) 60 mg/l
Total phosphorus (as P) 10 mg/l
Oils, fats, and grease 15 mg/l
Mineral oils at oil trap or interceptors 20 mg/l
Chromium (as total Cr) 2 mg/l
Chromium (as Cr VI) 0.1 mg/l
Chlorides (as Cl) 1000 mg/l
Sulphides (as S) 1 mg/l
Phenols 1 mg/l
During the detailed design stage of the project , facility requirements will
be finalized and will require use of sewage system that conform to
international standards and criteria for the protection of potable water
sources down streams.

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3.5.2 Noise standards
Ethiopia has no national legislative standards for noise, but World Bank
guidelines have been adopted by EPA and are used for benchmarking
purposes along with the draft national noise standards that are being
prepared. The guideline for daytime perimeter noise is 55 decibel (dBA).
Table 2 provides noise standards being adopted by EPA for Ethiopia.
Table 2: Limit values for noise level
Area Category of area Limits in dBA
code Day time Night
time
A Industrial area 75 70
B Commercial area 65 55
C Residential are 55 45
Day time reckoned to be between 6:00 am to 9:00pm
Night time reckoned to be between 9:00pm to 6:00am

3.5.3 Ambient air quality standards

Table 3: Limit Values for Emissions to Air
Parameter Limit value
Total particulates 50 mg/Nm3
Volatile organic carbons 75 g/m2 product
produced
Total hydrogen Sulphides, Sulphides and mercaptans 5 ppm v/v
(as S)
Ammonia 40 ppm v/v
Acid vapor’s (as HCl) 30 mg/Nm3

3.6 Relevant International Conventions

In addition to national environmental legislations, the federal democratic republic
of Ethiopia is also a party to a number of regional and international conventions
and protocols on environment. The government has established Commission of
Environment, Forestry and Climate Change this Authority is designated as focal
point for the implementation of these conventions and protocols.

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According to; Article 9(4) of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia provides that once an international agreement is ratified through the
accepted or established procedure, it automatically becomes an integral part of the
law of the land. Consequentially, the convention and the Protocol are the laws of
this land. Therefore; the following international conventions and protocols are
relevant to the propose garment manufacturing project.

3.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity

The convention on biological diversity has three goals. These are:
 Conservation of biodiversity;
 Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity; and
 Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic
resources.
The convention was ratified by Ethiopia through proclamation No.98/94 on May 31,
1994.

3.6.2 Framework Convention on Climate Change

Ethiopia ratified this convention through proclamation No. 97/1994 on May 2/1994.
This convention takes into account the fact that climate change has trans-boundary
impacts. The basic objective of this convention is to provide for agreed limits on
the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere so as to prevent the
occurrence of climate change. It also aims to prepare countries to minimize the
impact of climate change, should it occur.

3.6.3 The Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer

The basic objective of the convention is to combat the negative impact on the
environment and human beings resulting from ozone depleting substances by
reducing the amounts released and eventually banning their commercial use
through internationally agreed measures. The Montreal protocol entered into force
in 1989 to facilitate the implementation of this convention.

Ethiopia ratified and become party to the Vienna convention and the Montreal
protocol in January 1996. The National Meteorological services agency has been

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mandated for the coordination and supervision of implementation of this
convention.

3.6.4 The United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification

The objective of the convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects
of droughts in countries experiencing serious drought and or desertification,
particularly in Africa. Ethiopia has ratified the convention through its proclamation
no. 80/1997.

3.6.5 The Basel convention

The objective of the Basel convention is to control and regulate the Trans boundary
movement of hazardous wastes. The Bamako convention of 1991 plays a similar
role at the level of the African continent. Ethiopia ratified the Basel convention
through its proclamation No. 357/2002. Its amendment was ratified through
proclamation No. 356/2002. The country has also ratified the Bamako convention
through proclamation No. 355/2002.

3.6.6 The Stockholm Convention

In the year 2002, Ethiopia fully accepted and ratified the Stockholm convention on
persistent organic pollutants by proclamation No. 279/2002 designed to ban the
use of persistent organic pollutants. The Commission of Environment and Forestry
has the full mandate to implement the convention at the national level.

3.6.7 Convention on international trade in endangered species of Fauna

and Flora

The objectives of the convention are to control international trade in endangered

species and to ensure that international trade in non-endangered species is carried
out in a manner which ensures stable markets and economic benefits for the
exporting countries as well as to control and regulate illegal trade in such non
endangered species, fossils and/ or their derivatives. Ethiopia ratified the
convention through proclamation No.l4/1970. The mandate to implement the
convention at federal level is the responsibility of the Ethiopian wildlife protection
and development organization

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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT & ITS ALTERNATIVE
General Overview

Ham innovation technologies plc. is an Ethiopian manufacturer of Wood based

o\house hold and office furniture materials products of Grade RB500 Standard,
Grade 60 Quality. Its product is confirming to the National and International
standards meeting the stringent demand of the discerning customers has been
synonymous with quality. The project will be established on a total plot area of
15,000m2 through lease basis to manufacture Wood based construction materials
products from billets raw materials imported from abroad in achieving
environmentally sound and sustainable development.

4.1. Location of the proposed Project

The proposed project is located in the Oromia regional State, Sheger City,Gelan
Guda Sub City administration, in the industry zone which is located some 25 km
from the capital, Addis Ababa.

4.2. Objective of the Propose Project

4.2.1. General Objective
The main objective of this project is to manufacture, cost effective, market
oriented, client based and quality structural metals and steel products for both
local market and international market.

4.2.2. Specific objectives

 To manufacture various high quality structural metals and steel products as
per market demand at affordable prices to the product users
 To create job opportunities for unemployment local people;
 To facilitate the transfer of modern technologies and skills for the nation’s
manufacturing sector development;
 To save foreign currency drain by substituting import and generate foreign
currency by promoting export;
 To increase government revenue through different forms of taxes, which in
turn used to facilitate social and economic development;

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4.3. Raw Materials and Inputs
Making steel raw materials
The basic raw material for manufacturing of furniture is wood. Wood obtained from
the forest is of prime quality. Generally dry wood is recommended for
manufacturing of quality wooden furniture. Forest wood is easily available in the
market such as Shashemene, Jima and Metu. Furniture manufacturing units in
Ethiopia mostly use ply wood, Zegba, juniper, hygenia and wanza. Other types of
wood used in manufacturing furniture are imported from abroad.
Raw material wood is easily available from the forest reserve of the country. Other
material used in the furniture manufacturing process is nails, screws, glue/solution,
spirit, thinner, lacquer, sealer, hardener, etc. These raw materials are easily
available in the market

RAW MATERIALS NEEDED (LOCAL)

Item Name U.O.M Quantity

1 Local Pines(Timber) M3 200
2 Fiber KG 1000
3 Foam 200 x 100 x 1 Pcs 1000
4 Bonded Foam200 x 100 x4 Pcs 500
5 Wanza Hard Wood M3 100
6 PP Bag Meter 20
7 Kaki Meter 60
8 Rubber Pcs 20
9 Adhesive Glue KG 1500
10 Metalic Stucco Gallon 160
11 Normal Stucco Gallon 160
12 Lacquer Gallon 200
13 Sealer Gallon 200
14 Sprusso Ctn 60
15 Shoe Nail KG 1000
16 Nail # 2,4,5,6,8,10 KG 1000

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 RAW MATERIALS NEEDED (IMPORTED)

Item U.O.M Quantit

1 MDF Normal 3mm,6mm,12mm,18mm Pcs 500
2 MDF Walnut Veneer Laminated Pcs 500
3 MDF Ask Oak Veneer Laminated Pcs 500
4 MDF UV Laminated Different Shades And Textures Pcs 300
5 Sofa Fabric Meter 2000
6 Stainless Caster Footing Pcs 2000
7 Screw #2, #3, 4# , 5# ,6# ,8# 10# Pkt 1000
8 Adhesive KG 1000
9 Thinner KG 2000
10 Staple Wire Pkt 1000

4.3.1 Technology and Production Process

The manufacturing technology of furniture production process, wood is cut into
different sizes of blocks and slabs. If the wood purchased is not seasoned than
these blocks/slices are seasoned through different processes, namely:
 Condensation
 Boiler System
 Vacuum System
 Seasoning through putting the wood slices under normal environmental
temperature for considerable duration.
Before start of manufacturing of any furniture product a desired design is selected.
Selection of elegant design is important to ensure attractive finished product. The
seasoned wood blocks are cut into desired shape and slices according to the
requirement of design. The slices of wood are molded into the desired shape
according to the design. Carving means different elegant pattern carved in the
wood. Quality of carving depends on the skills of the labor. Once the different
pieces are carved & molded than these parts/pieces are assembled or fixed
together to give the shape to the final product. Assembled product is grind to make

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the surface smooth. Once the surface is smooth, finishing material is applied to
make the surface ready for paint or polish. After the base is prepared final finishing
is applied depending on requirement in term of paint/polish. Upholstery of fabric is
carried out according to the requirement of design.
Fig. 3.1: Manufacturing process of Wooden Furniture

Drying
Some furniture manufacturing facilities may purchase dried lumber, but others
perform drying on-site. Drying of raw lumber is accomplished by using a drying
kiln or oven, fired by a boiler. According to some sources, furniture manufacturing
facilities generally burn wood waste (from later stages of the production process)
in boilers to heat the drying kilns and to alleviate possible solid waste disposal
problems. The following boiler firing configurations are used for burning wood
waste: Dutch oven; fuel cell oven; spreader stoker; suspension-fired; and fluidized
bed combustion. The primary outputs of burning wood waste in boilers are point-
source emissions to the atmosphere. A more detailed discussion of all material
inputs and pollution outputs will be covered in the following section.

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Types of Boilers: One common type of boiler used in smaller operations is the
Dutch oven. This unit is widely used because it can burn fuels with very high
moisture content. Wood waste is used as fuel and is fed into the oven through an
opening in the top of a refractory-lined furnace. The fuel accumulates in a cone-
shaped pile on a flat or sloping grate. Combustion is accomplished in two stages:
1) drying and gasification, and 2) combustion of gaseous products. The first stage
takes place in the primary furnace, which is separated from the secondary furnace
chamber by a bridge wall. Combustion is completed in the secondary chamber
before gases enter the boiler section. In the fuel cell oven, fuel is dropped onto
suspended fixed grates and is fired in a pile. Unlike the Dutch oven, the refractory-
line fuel cell also uses combustion air preheating and positioning of secondary and
tertiary air injection ports to improve boiler efficiency. Because of their overall
design and operating similarities, fuel cell and Dutch oven boilers have comparable
emission characteristics.

The most common firing method employed for wood-fired boilers larger than
45,000 kg/hr steam generation rate is the spreader stoker. With this boiler, wood
enters the furnace through a fuel chute and is spread either pneumatically or
mechanically across the furnace, where small pieces of the fuel burn while in
suspension. Simultaneously, larger pieces of fuel are spread in a thin, even bed on
a stationary or moving grate. The burning is accomplished in three stages in a
single chamber: 1) moisture evaporation; 2) distillation and burning of volatile
matter; and 3) burning of fixed carbon. This type of operation has a fast response
to load changes, has improved combustion control, and can be operated with
multiple fuels. Natural gas or oil is often fired in spreader stoker boilers as auxiliary
fuel. This is done to maintain constant steam when the wood waste supply
fluctuates and to provide more steam than can be generated from the wood waste
alone. The suspension-firing boiler can be used for wood combustion, and differs
from a spreader stoker in that small-sized fuel (normally less than 2mm) is blown
into the boiler and combusted by supporting it in air rather than on fixed grates.
Rapid changes in combustion rate, and therefore steam generation rate, are
possible because the finely divided fuel particles burn very quickly.

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A recent development in wood firing is the fluidized bed combustion boiler. A
fluidized bed consists of inert particles through which air is blown so that the bed
behaves as a fluid. Wood waste enters in the space above the bed and burns both
in suspension and in the bed. Because of the large thermal mass represented by
hot inert bed particles, fluidized beds can handle dirty fuels (up to 30 percent inert
material). Wood fuel is burned faster in a fluidized bed than on a grate due to its
immediate contact with hot bed material. As a result, combustion is rapid and
results in nearly complete combustion of the organic matter, minimizing unburned
organic compound emissions.

Machining

Once the lumber is dried, it is sawed into a shape of the approximate dimensions
of the final furniture part, such as a table leg or a chair rung. Sawing across the
grain in called crosscutting, and sawing parallel with the grain is referred to as
ripping. Types of power saws used in furniture manufacturing include circular saws,
band saws, scroll saws, radial saws, and portable handsaws. After sawing, the
surfaces of the wood which will be flat in the final product are planned. Planning
involves shaving one surface of wood by using a wide edged blade or blades called
a planer. The type of power planer usually used in this manufacturing process is
the jointer or jointer planer, which consists of blades fastened to a rotating cutter
head. The primary outputs from the sawing and planning processes are wood chips.

The design of some furniture pieces requires that certain wooden parts be bent.
This production step follows the planning process and usually involves the
application of pressure in conjunction with a softening agent and increased
atmospheric pressure. While soaking wood in water alone does increase its
plasticity, the combination of heat and steam does increase further the plasticity
of wood. The actual bending is accomplished by compressing the wood into the
desired shape and then drying it to remove excess moisture. Drying after bending
is accomplished in much the same way as the drying of raw lumber, in drying kilns
using boilers to generate heat.

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Assembly

Wood furniture can either be finished (coated) and then assembled, or assembled
and then finished. Residential and office/institutional furniture manufactured in the
U.S. is generally made up of irregularly shaped, curved components, and for ease
of production is assembled and then finished. Cabinets manufactured in the U.S.,
however, are frequently finished before assembly. After the wood parts have been
planned and, if necessary, bent, they are assembled to form one furniture part,
such as a tabletop. The assembly process usually involves the use of adhesives
(either synthetic or natural) in conjunction with other joining methods, such as
nailing. The wood furniture manufacturing industry uses adhesive formulations
containing solvents (typically used for upholstered wood furniture) and hot melts
or polyvinyl acetate (typically used for non-upholstered wood furniture). The vast
majority of adhesives used to assemble non-upholstered wood furniture are hot
melts or polyvinyl acetate. The amount of adhesives used depends on the type of
product. The next step in the production process is the application of veneer.
Veneer is a thin piece of wood of uniform thickness which is usually rotary-cut from
a bolt of wood using a lathe. Not all furniture manufacturing involves the
application of veneer. The veneer is applied to the furniture part using adhesives,
some of which require the use of heat and/or pressure. While not a significant
source of releases, gluing operations and the use of adhesives for assembly and
veneer are a source of atmospheric solvent releases. After veneer application or
furniture assembly, the furniture part is sanded to ensure that its surface is as
smooth as possible for the finishing stages of the production process. Sanding is
usually accomplished by a disk, belt, or roller sanding machine using either open
– or closed – coated sand paper. For open – coated sand paper, approximately 50
to 70 percent of the paper surface is coated with abrasive. For closed – coated
sand paper, the paper surface is completely covered with abrasive. Closed-coated
sand paper is generally used in operations requiring higher removal rates. The
sanding process can also be employed at other stages of the production process,
such as prior to the application of veneer or between the applications of several
coats of varnish during the finishing process. The primary outputs from sanding
are wood particulates.
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Pre – finishing

After initial sanding, an even smoother surface is attained by spraying, sponging,

or dipping the furniture part with water, which causes the fibers of the wood to
swell and "raise." After the surface is dried, a solution of glue or resin is applied
and allowed to dry, causing the raised fibers to become more brittle. The raised
fibers are then sanded down to form a particularly smooth surface. The primary
outputs from second sanding are wood and glue or resin particulates. Because
certain types of wood contain rosin (a naturally occurring resin) which can interfere
with the effectiveness of certain finishes, a process known as deracination may be
employed. Derosination is accomplished by applying a mixture of acetone and
ammonia to the surface of the wood. Spent acetone and ammonia are the primary
outputs from derosination.

Once the unwanted rosin is removed from the wood, a process known as bleaching
is used to lighten the color of the wood when the natural color is darker than that
of the stain or finish to be applied. The process entails spraying, sponging, or
dipping the wood into a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Spent
bleaching agents are the primary outputs of this step of the production process.

Coating Application

There are various coating application techniques used by the wood furniture
manufacturing industry for applying finishing coatings. The two principal methods
are flatline finishing and spray application. Flatline finishing is used only to coat
truly flat furniture parts and cannot be used for curved pieces, preassembled
pieces, or pieces with many recesses. Although, spray application is the most
commonly used method to finish these furniture parts, brushing and dipping can
also be used. The two principal ways of performing flatline finishing are roll coating
and curtain coating. Roll coating involves the transfer of coating material by a roller
or series of rollers, while curtain coating involves passing the furniture part through
a cascade, or curtain, of coating material. The methods used to spray apply
coatings include air, airless, air-assisted airless, high-volume low-pressure (HVLP),

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electrostatic, and the UNICARB spray system. The conventional air spray technique
uses compressed air to atomize the coating materials as they are being sprayed,
by forcing them through a small opening at high pressure. The liquid coating is not
mixed with air before exiting the nozzle. Air-assisted airless spray uses an airless
spray unit with a compressed air jet to finalize the breakup of the coating material.

HVLP spraying involves the use of a high volume of air delivered at low pressure
to atomize the coating material into a pattern of low-speed particles. The use of
low pressure can result in decreased overspray, which translates into less coating
usage and less volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Electrostatic spraying has long been used in the metal working and automobile
industries to coat metal products. In the wood furniture industry, electrostatic
spraying has somewhat limited use, mostly by cabinet and chair manufacturers.
This finishing process is performed by spraying negatively-charged coating
particles onto positively-charged wood products. If the wood piece has sufficient
moisture content, it can be electrostatically sprayed without pretreatment.
However, some wood must be pretreated to allow the piece to hold a positive
charge. The material used for pretreatment often contains VOCs. The UNICARB
system is a relatively new system for spray coating developed by Union Carbide.
A coating normally contains both coalescing (slow-evaporating) and diluent (fast-
evaporating) solvents. The UNICARB technology replaces the diluent solvents with
liquid carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide/coalescing solvent coating mixture is
used to coat the wood with an airless spray gun. When the coating leaves the spray
nozzle, the carbon dioxide in the mixture immediately flashes, and the coating
material, which still contains coalescing solvents, continues enroute to the piece
and cures in the conventional way.

Finishing

Wood finishing processes include coating, drying, and sanding the furniture in a
series of steps which are repeated until the desired final appearance is achieved.
While in small facilities the assembled furniture is sometimes moved between

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finishing stations manually, in most facilities the furniture is moved along the
finishing line mechanically by tow-lines, overhead chain conveyors, and other
conveyors including belt, roller, and slat conveyors. Tow-lines, chains or cables
mounted in or on the floor, move a pallet, on which the assembled piece of
furniture rides along the finishing line. The pallets can rotate and can be
automatically disengaged from and reengaged to the tow-line to allow for pauses,
as needed. Some facilities move the furniture on pallets that are hung from
overhead chain conveyors. Many facilities use a combination of these methods to
transport the furniture along the finishing line.

Staining involves the application of a clear colorant which adds initial color, evens
out color, and accents without hiding the natural wood grain. Stains usually consist
of transparent or semitransparent color solids (typically less than five percent by
volume) suspended in a volatile liquid solution with a certain amount of a
nonvolatile binder, which facilitates spreading, penetration, and fixation of color.
Commonly-used stains, all of which are used in conjunction with organic solvents,
include: non grain-raising, dye-type, no-wipe, and toners. Non grain raising stains
are dye-type stains which are intended to give clarity and depth to the wood finish.
Dye-type stains consist of dyes that are completely dissolved in methanol. No-wipe
stains are pigmented stains, containing a small amount of oil, pigment, and solvent
that are sprayed on and not wiped off. No-wipe stains are used to accent the wood
grain, provide color uniformity and color retention. Toners are stains that contain
nitrocellulose or vinyl binders, dissolved in solvent. Toners are not wiped, and are
often pigmented.

After staining, a wash coat, consisting of 2 to 13 percent solids by volume, is

applied to the furniture piece. Wash coating is used to aid in adhesion, assist in
filling or color uniformity, and partially seal the wood from subsequent staining
operations. Wash coat also prepares the wood surface for another sanding after
stain application. Some facilities buy sealer in bulk, and dilute their sealer to make
wash coat. There are three main types of wash coat materials: standard
nitrocellulose; vinyl or modified vinyl; and vinyl-modified/”conversion” types.
Advantages of nitrocellulose wash coats include quick drying, easy sanding, and

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 28
clarity. Vinyl and vinyl-modified wash coats consist of nitrocellulose and vinyl and
provide better toughness and adhesion than pure nitrocellulose wash coats;
however, some clarity is sacrificed. The “conversion” or pre catalyzed type wash
coats also provide good adhesion and toughness, and are good for open pore
woods. Because they react in place, they are impervious to solvents contained in
subsequently applied sealers and topcoats.

Fillers are applied to the wood surface to produce a smooth, uniform surface for
later stages in the finishing process. Fillers, which consist of colorless or covering
pigments, can be combined with stains or other pigments and are usually dispersed
in a vehicle of drying oils, synthetic resins, and thinners based on organic solvents.
Fillers are usually supplied as heavily pigmented, high-solids, low-VOC materials,
which are reduced on the job. As supplied, solids contents of fillers are in the 5
percent solids by volume range. Once reduced, the solids contents usually range
from 10 percent to 45 percent by volume. Fillers are usually spray applied, then
wiped into the wood.

Sealing, which is completed after staining and either before or after filling, consists
of applying one or many coats of sealer? Sealers are usually a nitrocellulose-based
lacquer, although vinyl or vinyl-modified sealers and catalyzed sealers are also
available and provide advantages similar to those of the wash coat counterparts.
The primary purposes of sealers are to provide adhesion, make sanding more
effective, and to seal the wood and establish a foundation for further coating
applications. Solids contents of sealers typically range from ten to 30 percent by
volume.

One alternative to staining is painting. The process for applying paints is similar to
that of applying stains or other finishes, although the chemical composition of
paints differs from the other finishes. Paint is a viscous fluid, usually consisting of
a binder or vehicle, a pigment, a solvent or a thinner, and a drier. Pigments are
insoluble in the coating material and are deposited onto the wood surface as the
vehicle dries.

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After the furniture part has been stained or painted, a topcoat, such as varnish or
shellac, is applied in one of the final stages of the finishing process. Topcoats
provide a clear coat whose function is to protect the color coats, enhance the
beauty of the furniture, and provide a durable final finish. Typical solids contents
range from 13 to 30 percent solids by volume. There are four categories of
topcoats: standard nitrocellulose topcoats; acrylic topcoats; catalyzed topcoats;
and conversion varnishes.

Rubbing, polishing, and cleaning are the final steps of the production process.
Rubbing consists of the application of an abrasive in conjunction with a lubricant
to level or dull the luster. Polishing consists of the application of soft abrasives or
possibly only waxy ingredients to increase the gloss. The furniture parts are then
ready for shipment and sale after a final assembly stage, if appropriate (i.e.,
attaching table legs to a table top). Exhibit 7 illustrates the steps of the

3.3.4 Project lay out and Construction Works

The project construction is designed by professional engineers and construction
has already under taken with close supervision and collaboration of the engineers.
Thus, there is only construction activities to be undertaken
4.5. Products Description

The main component of the project is later products (Wooden Furniture

Manufacturing) plant and then for local market and for export. The project is
expected to generate substantial revenue to the government in the form of tax.
And also implementation of the project will create employment opportunity.

This section describes the major industrial processes within the Wood Furniture
and Fixtures industry, including the materials and equipment used, and the
processes employed. The following description of production processes focuses on
the manufacturing of wood furniture. The primary input for wood furniture
manufacturing is raw lumber, and the production processes include steps such as
drying, sawing, planning, sanding, gluing, and finishing. Each of these activities is
described below.

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4.6. Planned future capacity and Production Program

The demand for furniture expected to reach 296,428 set of furniture by the year as
indicated in the market study. The plant is proposed to produce around 6,687 set of
furniture per annum considering the market study, minimum economies of scale,
investment cost, period for implementation and full capacity attainment. The plant will operate
double shifts of 8 hours each per day for 312 days in a year

. PRODUCTION PROGRAM
The production program is worked out by deducting Sundays and public holidays and
assuming that maintenance works will be carried out during off- production hours. The factory
is assumed to start its operation at 40% of its rated full capacity and progressively increase
to 60%, 80% and 100% in the second, third and fourth year, respectively
4.7. Utilities
A number of utilities would be put in place in order to ensure smooth functioning
of the project. The project will become a fully automated production facility and
electricity is the main power to be used at all of its construction and operational
phases. In average the annual electric consumption of the factory will be estimated
to be 9640 MW. The Company will receive fresh water from the municipality of the
town water office or it will have their own borehole. The annual water consumption
of the proposed project will be estimated to be 6700 m 3

The two important utilities required are electric power and water

 Electricity: Energy for the production wood based construction materials

products manufacturing comes from electricity. The electricity is used to operate
machineries within the plant. Electricity is used throughout the process. The
source of electric power is from ELPA line. In addition, the project will install its
diesel generator to complement the electric interruptions
 Water: the project requires water for machine cooling, drinking and employees
sanitation purpose, Source of water from municipality.
4.8. Organizational Structure & Human Resource
4.8.1. Organizational Structure
The proposed organization structure for the envisaged plant will have three
functional departments to be further subdivided in to divisions and sections. The

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functional departments are manufacturing department, administration and
finance, and commercial department. The organizational structure of the project is
designed by including all the necessary personnel under the right division.

Project Owner

General Environmental Unit

Executiv Manager
e

Manufacturing Administration and Commercial

Department Finance Department

Figure 1: organizational structure

4.8.2. Human Resource Requirement

For smooth and efficient operation of the project under study it has been
anticipated that each department will have adequate number of qualified and
experienced manpower. The manpower components of the project will include
general manager, department heads, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled employees
to be hired from local community of the town and the market. The total manpower
requirement for the existing company to operate on whole shift basis has been
estimated at 309 of which permanent skilled 211 and unskilled 50 and 48 unskilled
temporary basis workers for the company.

5. BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE PROJECT AREA

General Overview

Environment means surroundings, which are comprised by living things and

physical conditions. Pertaining baseline environmental conditions comprise bio-
physical, socio-economic and cultural aspects. The study area comprises the
project site and all surrounding areas that will be under significant influence, i.e.
where the environmental and social impacts of the factory can be felt particularly
the direct one that can be affected the project.
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5.1. Physical Environment
5.1.1. Location
The proposed packaging materials manufacturing factory is to be located inGelan
GudaSub city administration in Industrial zone area. Gelan Gudasub city is one of
the reforming cities of Oromia found in Sheger City,25 kilometers northern of
Addis Ababa along the Addis Ababa to Sebeta transport route.

5.1.2. Landscape and Topography

The topographic condition of the project site can be expressed based on qualitative
and quantitative values. The qualitative approach describes the project site’s
relative topographic feature with respect to the local topographic condition. With
this respect, the project site is categorized under the flat topography as per group
field site observation. The project site specifically is characterized by flat plain land
with uniform slope appearing proportionally. This type of land feature is important
in minimizing the cost of land preparation.

5.1.3. Climate
The climate of the town is characterized by two distinct seasonal weather patterns.
The main wet season, locally known as Sumer, extends from June to September,
contributing about 70% of the total annual rainfall. A minor rainy season, locally
known as winter, contributes moisture to the region from mid-February to mid-
April. The remaining months are dry season. The average elevation in Gelan Guda
sub city lies 1900m above sea level, and hence has a fairly favorable climate and
moderate weather conditions. The highest temperature of the town is 29.3 co while
the lowest is 7.1co which is the temperature of Semi temperate. The highest mean
annual rainfall is 95mm and the lowest mean annual rain fall is 48mm.

5.1.4. Soil Types

From field observation, the soil and its layer around the project sites are identified
as black cotton soil types. The black cotton soil in the site is characterized with
very hard and crack when dry, but become sticky and high plasticity and high
degree of swelling often when wet. The project site is potentially good for the
proposed project construction if recommendation for earthwork, foundation design,
and floor slab support are implemented attentively.

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5.1.5. Hydrology
The main water source of the project is ground water through boreholes. As a
result, there won’t be a water problem in the area. The water table is close and
the recharging rate is quite high. According to the information obtained from the
town administrator the main water supply for the project is water pipeline prepared
for the investment site.

5.2. Biological Environment

The long-standing annual crop cultivation, population pressure and sole
dependence on bio-mass fuel as the energy source; have severely depleted the
flora and fauna resources of the area. Major proportion of the land is covered by
crops, while communal grazing grounds are also left at intervals.

5.2.1. Flora and Fauna

The immediate impact zone of the project comprises mostly of manmade habitats
and therefore the floral diversity was found to be low. There is no natural forest
and/or plant species occurring on the proposed site area and no wildlife population
found at or on the project site as the existing land use is industrial zone.

5.3. Socio-Economic Conditions

5.3.1. Human Population and Settlement Pattern
As per the data of 2016, the Gelan Gudasub city total population is estimated to
be 114,027.Out of this, 56,010 (49.12%) male and 58,017 (50.88%) female.
Children under 14 years estimated to be 29,190.9 (25.6%) while 14-64 age groups
estimated to be 66,135.66 (58%). The remaining 18,700(16.4%) of the population
are age group above 65. The human settlement, schools, clinic, public or social
services, private firms, infrastructures and facilities identified during scoping field
assessment but not affected by the project operation.

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5.3.2. Education
The participation rate of the Gelan Guda Sub City population’s in different
educational levels is greater than the regional level. However, rapid population
growth, which results in increasing the size of the school age population,
continuous challenging the government’s effort of meeting one of the sustainable
development goal. According to the town administration educational office, the
town has 13 Kindergarten, 16 primary schools, and 3 secondary schools. As per
the observation and consultation with the local Government it is recognized that
there are no schools, near by the project site. So, it obvious that the schools‟
children and school facilities are not being impacted by the factory

5.3.3. Health Facilities

According to Gelan GudaSub City administration Health office has 3 health posts,
2 health centers, 1 private Hospital, 10 clinics, 6 pharmacies and 1 veterinary
clinic. Based on the number of population and health facilities the town has less
facility when compared to other cities.

6. IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACTS

Overview

Any project done for any purpose has its own merit and demerit; accordingly this
section identifies and discusses both merit and demerit of the associated with the
proposed project. The potential impacts from the proposed project area are
recognized and assessed based on the nature, magnitude and advantage /or
disadvantage of the various activities associated with the project, the anticipated
positive and negative impacts of the proposed project during construction,
operation and decommissioning phases

6.1 Positive Impacts

The envisaged project promotes the socio-economic goals and objectives stated in
the strategic plan of the Oromia National Regional State. At the same time,
therefore, it helps diversify the economic activity of the region. The other major
benefits are listed as follows:

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6.1.1 Employment and Income Generation
The proposed project is expected to create employment opportunity to several
citizens of the country. That is, it will provide permanent and temporary
employment to 902workers and support staff.

6.1.2 Profit Generation

The project is found to be financially viable and earns profit within the project life.
Such result induces the project promoters to reinvest the profit which, therefore,
increases the investment magnitude in the region.

6.1.3 Tax Revenue

In the project life under consideration, the region will collect annual from tax
payment. Such result creates additional fund for the regional government that will
be used in expanding social and other basic services in the region.

6.1.4 Import Substitution and Foreign Exchange Saving

The analysis conducted revealed the presence of strong dependence on imported
packaging materials. Thus, with the introduction of this project a portion of the
import burden will be relieved. This will create room for the saved hard currency
to be used in other vital and strategic sectors.

6.1.5 Gender Equity and Employment Opportunities

Women efficiency in carrying out and handling assignment given to them is
preferable for the factory production processes. This gender specific opportunity
will address the historical disproportionate burden of unemployment on woman
and the proposed project will consider gender issues in its employment agenda.

6.2 Negative impacts

A project with the magnitude of the proposed manufacturing of wood based

construction materials products manufacturing is expected to have environmental
impacts on certain aspects of biophysical and socio-economic environment of the
project area both during preconstruction, construction, operation and
decommissioning stages. The impacts of the project were assessed and are
generally grouped into those affecting soil, water resources, air quality, flora and
fauna, community and their economic activities, vegetation and forests, land

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 36
acquisition and landscape, noise and human health impacts of packaging
materials/carton and printing manufacturing project are indicated below.

6.2.1 Impacts during Pre-construction Phase

6.2.1.1 Loss of productive lands or natural habitants
During Pre-construction there will be essentially removal and loss of some, if not
most, of the existing trees and underlying grassland at the project site, and the
permanent erection of block and steel concrete structures associated with site new
infrastructure. This would constitute a loss of alternative land use, an irreversible
commitment of land resources, and thus a direct long-term impact.

6.2.1.2 Impact due to Location of the Project

There are no residential houses in the demarcated areas of the project site so that
there will not be displacement of people at least in the short run. Similarly, the site
has not any sensitive and endangered species of flora and fauna cover. It does not
have any biodiversity and have no recognized wildlife habitat so that it does not
have wildlife and floral conservation value. There are also no historical relics, burial
sites, cultural monuments and archeological sites that might be damaged. In
addition, scenic value or the appearances of land escape will not be impaired by
the project’s activity. Hence, the project pre-construction activity will not cause
adverse impacts on natural and social environments.
6.2.2 Impact during Construction Phase
The impacts on Air, Noise, Water, Soil, and Ecology of the surrounding environment
due to the activities carried out during the construction phase are discussed below.

6.2.2.1 Impact on landscape and land use pattern alteration

During preliminary works, some landscape and visual impact will occur due to
increased traffic, construction sites, presence of personnel and machinery, and
constructing structures. Construction works will cause partial alteration of usual
views and landscape. Expected visual and landscape changes will be slightly
perceptible for local population as infrastructural objects and construction site are
apart from residential zones. Potential receptors of these changes could be resident
around the project area. Some construction impact may be seen from the road,

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though considering distances it should not cause significant discomfort for
passengers passing on the road.

6.2.2.2 Impact on the soil

During the construction phase, in the project influence zone, the following impacts
may have place on the soil and ground fertile soil layer destruction/damage,
disorganization of the stability; soil contamination. During the project
implementation, the fertile soil layer damage and disorganization of the stability is
mainly expected during the preparatory and construction works, which will be
related to the vehicle movement, land works and arrangement of permanent and
temporary infrastructure on the dam placement territories.

6.2.2.3 Solid waste

Solid waste generated during site preparation and construction work would include
cleared vegetation and typical construction waste (e.g. wasted concrete, steel,
wooden scaffolding and forms, bags, waste earth materials, etc.). This waste would
negatively impact the site and surrounding environment if not properly managed
and disposed of at an approved dumpsite.

6.2.2.4 Liquid waste

Construction phase requires large quantities of water to be used in various
processing such as material preparation in equipment’s. Change in quality of water
forms an important concern associated the project particularly during the
construction phase. Earth works, crushing of stones, cutting and modification of
the terrain, alteration of drainage systems and soil erosion are the major factors
that affect the water quality during construction phase. Improper storage and
handling of fuel and oil would inevitably result in spillage during equipment
refueling and maintenance exercises. Spilt petrochemicals would have the potential
to contaminate soil and inhibit plant growth on the site.

6.2.2.5 Air Pollution

During the construction phase the ambient air quality in and around the proposed
project site will have marginal adverse impacts due to the various activities which
are part of construction phase. The various activities include during construction

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phase such as site preparation, approach roads, excavation, drilling, foundation,
tunneling, deployment of machinery, erection, transportation, dumping will cause
dust and gaseous emissions. Dust emissions from the construction activity will
affect the plant and animal respiration activity. Emissions such as PM10, PM2.5, NO2,
SO2 from D.G sets and other vehicles may also cause respiration problem for the
surrounding organisms. The extent of the pollution will be about 2km form the
project area. Due to the short duration of the Planned Action, any impacts on
ambient air quality during construction activities are expected to be short term.

6.2.2.6 Flora and Fauna

Impact on flora on the construction phase may be direct (damage, loss) and
indirect (emission).The territories selected for arrangement of construction camp,
water intake, diversion pipeline are rare bushy plant areas. Only small amount of
bushy and grass plants will be destroyed during construction phase. Indirect impact
(dust and exhaust impact) will be local, insignificant and time-limited.

6.2.2.7 Traffic accidents

At present, the technical condition of roads is satisfying. Road damage is expected
due to intense transport movement during construction phase. A small increase of
traffic is expected on construction phase, but considering that most likely there will
be no delay on road, and as for safety-related risks –they will insignificantly
increase.

6.2.2.8 Health and safety hazards

During the construction activities some health and safety-related risks (for
population and personnel) are expected. Impacts could be direct (e.g.: accidents,
power stroke, falling from heights, injuries from construction machinery, etc.); and
indirect (emissions, increased acoustic background, climate change, contamination
of water and soil). Social risks are also related to health and safety, namely risk of
infectious diseases’ spread (including AIDs and STDs). This risk is related to
migration of personnel during construction phases.

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6.2.2.9 Impacts of Noise and Vibration
Foundation work will involve land excavation, affecting environment by noise.
Structural work, deployment of machinery, approach of road construction and
erection of roads will result in noise and vehicular traffic. Material handling and
transportation would also lead to significant noise pollution. Continuous Exposure
of workers to high sound levels may result in annoyance, fatigue. Even though
annoying, this negative impact will be short-term (limited to the duration of the
construction works) and is not considered to be a significant threat to the health
or wellbeing of humans.

6.2.3 Impacts during Operation Phase

6.2.3.1 Emission of Air Pollutants
The potential impact on air quality and dust would mainly be from combustion of
fuel in operation processes. The operation of diesel generators would be only
during the power interruption from supply from the main source, when emissions
due to combustion of fuel (High Speed Diesel) will take place. The anticipated key
air emissions from the project would be particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen
(NO2), (SO2) and Carbon monoxide (CO). Emission of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 from
D.G set and Vehicular traffic and also dust emission from vehicular movement may
pollute the ambient air quality which in turn cause breathing problem to the
patients and student and employees.

6.2.3.2 Generation of Solid Wastes

Some environmental impacts caused by waste generation would include soil
contamination, water and air pollution, whereas health risks include: breathing
complications and respiratory diseases, cancer, skin disorders, poisoning etc. This
type of waste poses risks to both human and environmental health and thus the
proposed project would require an adequate waste management strategy,
occupational health and safety strategy, and hazardous material safety plan.

6.2.3.3 Surface and Ground Water Quality Degradation

Potential sources of impacts on hydrology and ground water quality during the
operation phase are as follows: Soil run-off from the site leading to off-site
contamination- particularly during rainy season: The excavated area, if linear,

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could act as a conduit to extend groundwater contamination to new areas.
Improper disposal of construction debris leading to offsite contamination of water
resources or blocking of drainages leading to flooding, spillage of oil and grease
from the vehicles and wastewater stream generated from onsite activities.

6.2.3.4. Increased Water Demand

During the construction phase, both the construction works and the construction
workers will create additional demand for water in addition to the existing local
demand. Water will mostly be used in the creation of concrete for construction
works and for wetting surfaces or cleaning completed structures. It will also be
used by the construction workers for washing and drinking.

6.2.3.5. Energy Consumption

Fossil energy is non-renewable and its excessive use may have serious
environmental implications on its availability, price and sustainability. The
proposed project will also use electricity supplied by Ethiopian hydroelectric Power
is generated mainly through natural resources, namely, water and geothermal
resources. In this regard, there will be need to use electricity sparingly since high
consumption of electricity negatively impacts on these natural resources and their
sustainability.

6.2.3.6. Workers Accidents and Public Safety (OHS Risks)

During operation of the proposed project, safety risks can arise from manufacturing
activities such as operation and movement of heavy equipment and vehicles;
injuries from falling objects; and injuries from hand tools. Safety issues associated
with production activities involve improper handling, storing and disposing of fuels,
oils, lubricants and chemicals as well as accidents occurring with the operation of
moving equipment. A significant amount of pollutants can be subsequently
introduced to the environment. While the magnitude of this impact is difficult to
quantify, they can be divided into two categories, those confined with on-site and
off-site workers, as occupational hazards, and those expanding to affect the
general population, as a consequence of environmental pollution.

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On the other hand, occupational health hazards can vary from site to site according
to the technologies and adopted methods. However, the project activities could
prove harmful to human health with the lack of proper measures.

6.2.3.7. Exposure to Noise and vibration

Noise pollution is caused due to the various activities which involves the vehicular
movement. Offsite operations can be significant sources of noise pollution with
potential impacts on workers and nearby residents. The noise emissions are
functions of the circulation of the vehicles, use of generators for energy supply,
excavators, skidders, the loading and transportation of products. Noise that may
be generated from the transport of raw material is negligible and is not anticipated
to significantly affect human amenity especially if adequate noise
reduction/suppression measures are undertaken.

6.2.3.8. Impact due to Land Traffic

During operation, the facility will result in significant impacts on the traffic flow
along the roads leading from the sites of operations as well as the main site to the
Addis Ababa where the main market are found. In addition, traffic impacts are
expected along secondary and tertiary roads, depending on the location of off-site
activities and routings as the project requires the use of trucks and heavy
equipment almost on a daily basis for different purposes. This will lead to an
increase in the transportation fleet over time, as well as the use of the road
network.

7. POTENTIAL ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACTS &

MITIGATION MEASURES

This section describes the environmental mitigation measures during construction,

operation and demolition phase of the proposed project. Mitigation is the
implementation of measures designed to reduce the undesirable effects of a
proposed project on the environment. The companies and also as an individual’s
all have an important role to play in protecting the environment, which is very
sensitive to change and once damaged can take a long time to recover.

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7.1 Mitigation Measures during Pre-construction Phase

7.1.1 Mitigation for Loss of productive lands or natural habitants

Landscaping of the site, after building completion, will see the introduction of plants
and trees that should offset any negative impacts associated with the removal and
loss of existing trees at the project site. The numbers and types of vegetation to
be introduced during the landscaping exercise are expected to be greater and more
diverse than presently obtains and these are expected to play a greater role in
terms adding ecological value and attracting birds and other terrestrial fauna
during the operational phase of the project, apart from being more pleasing
aesthetically.

7.1.2 Mitigation for Location of the Project

Since there is no any adverse impact of the project due to the location of the
project, the mitigation measures of this impact is not necessary.

7.2. Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase

7.2.1. Mitigation for Landscape and Land Use Pattern Alteration

Landscaping and replanting of trees will be carried out to enhance the ecology and
appearance of the site. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the project
site, landscaping provides the means for partially restoring the site's natural
elements and ecological habitats. Restoration of trees in other degraded areas
outside the project site in collaboration with the local community and soil removed
from the construction site will be distributed over the project land. The landscaping
plan should seek to avoid the use of non-native and potentially invasive species.

7.2.2. Mitigation for Soil impacts

The following measures must be ensured by the factory, in order to prevent
pollution of soil on Construction phase. The soil will be collected separately and
preserved in stacks with side slopes not exceeding 1:5. The topsoil will be
preserved separately in a stack covered by sheet and efforts will be made to
reinstate the soil for backfilling purposes. Topsoil will be reused for landscaping
purposes. The spillage of oil from the machinery or cement residue from concrete
mixer plants might contaminate the soil if not properly collected and disposed of.

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Thus most stringent safety and construction management norm will be
implemented at site. Waste management plan provides the systematic supervision
of fulfilling the measures.

7.2.3. Mitigation for Solid Waste

A site waste management plan should be prepared by the contractor prior to
commencement of building. This should include the designation of appropriate
waste storage areas, collection and removal schedule, identification of approved
disposal site, and a system for supervision and monitoring. Preparation and
implementation of the plan must be made the responsibility of the building
contractor with the system being monitored independently. Special attention
should be given to minimizing and reducing the quantities of solid waste produced
during site preparation and construction. To reduce organic waste, softer
vegetation may be composted onsite and used for soil amendment during
landscaping. Most of the construction materials like soil, bricks, concrete will be
reused in the backfilling, road construction, and sub-grade reparation etc. works.
Metals, word scraps & bitumen junks will be recycled either within site or outside
with help of the local authority. The measures like reusing materials on-site and
/or donating /selling salvaged items reduces waste, virgin material use and
disposal cost.

7.2.4. Mitigation for Liquid Waste

Mitigation measures must be implemented to minimize impact on water pollution
during construction. Pit latrines and community toilets with temporary soak pits
and septic tanks shall be constructed on the site during construction phase to
prevent wastewater from entering the ground water or surrounding water bodies.
Surface and ground water to prevent contamination by oil/grease, leak proof
containers shall be used for storage and transportation of oil/grease. Excavation
can be avoided during rainy season and check dams shall be provided to prevent
construction runoff from the site to the surrounding water bodies.

7.2.5. Mitigation for Air Pollution

All machineries to be used for construction purpose will be of highest standard of
reputed make and compliance of air pollution control norms by these equipment’s

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will be emphasized by company. The working area for the uprooting of shrubs or
vegetation or for the removal of boulders or temporary or permanent structures
shall be sprayed with water immediately before, during and immediately after the
operation so as to maintain the entire surface wet. Feasibility of putting up acoustic
enclosure / temporary barrier around areas with high noise levels will also be
explored.

Transport vehicles and construction machineries will be properly maintained to

reduce air emissions and machinery’s will be periodically checked for pollutant
emissions against stipulated norms.

7.2.6. Mitigation for Flora and Fauna

Mitigation measures must be conducted in order to minimize impact on flora and
fauna namely cutting of trees-plants must be carried out by supervision of
authorized government bodies; instruction of personnel about protecting of
vegetation cover before commencement of works; and planting of local species
trees-plants at the adjacent territory of the project to be implemented.

7.2.7. Mitigation for Traffic Accidents

In order to minimize impact following mitigation measures must be implemented.
All the damaged road objects must be rehabilitated after completion of works and
it should be restored to their initial condition; ensure maximum limitation of
machinery movement on public roads; ensure minimal disturbance of the
population/passenger movement during road rehabilitation/construction; and
selection of optimal bypass road to construction site. Population will be informed
about time and period of civil works execution; and registering of
discontent/complaints if any and proper response.

7.2.8. Mitigation for Health and Safety Hazards

At the project site proper drinking water, sanitation and first aid facility will be
provided with trained shift supervisors, which will ensure minimum adverse
occupational health impacts on the construction worker. Instruction of personnel
on health and safety issues during acceptance on the job and later, several times
a year; corresponding warning, prohibiting and directing sign-boards must be

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 45
arranged at the construction areas for personnel and local population, for health
and safety purpose; and standard medical kits must be delivered to construction
sites at sections, potentially dangerous for health and safety. Maximal
implementation of safety rules during execution of transport operations; and
regular on-site risk assessment should be conducted in order to determine risk
factors for population and to develop corresponding risk management plan.
Personnel medical insurance must also be provided.

7.2.9. Mitigation for Noise and Vibration Impacts

Construction activities that will generate disturbing sounds should be restricted to
normal working hours. Workers operating equipment that generates noise should
be equipped with noise protection gear. Workers operating equipment generating
noise levels greater than 70 dBA continuously for 8 hours or more should use
earmuffs. Workers experiencing prolonged noise levels of 70 – 80 dBA should wear
earplugs. The construction activities will be restricted to the daytime and no
construction will be practiced during night. To reduce the impact of air and noise
pollution and to provide a clean, healthy environment, it has been proposed to
create and maintain a green belt within the building complex and along the
roadsides

7.3. Mitigation Measures during Operation Phase

7.3.1. Mitigation for Air pollution
The proponent should use advanced air emissions control technology to combat
emissions during wood products manufacturing as wood industries emit huge
amount air emissions. Dry scrubber, wet scrubber, electrostatic precipitate,
cyclone or combination of them can be used to control air emissions.

Using clean fuel and proper maintenance of the vehicles will also minimize the NO2,
SO2 from the exhaust of the vehicles. Location of DG sets and other emission
generating equipment should be decided keeping in view the predominant wind
direction so that emissions do not effect nearby residential areas. Using low
Sulphur diesel will minimize the emissions from D.G set. Informatory sign shall be
provided to encourage vehicle owners to maintain their vehicle and follow the
emission standards fixed by Government Authorities. Development of adequate

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 46
green belt at and around the project site will help in reducing the impacts on the
flora and fauna as the plant species will act as air emissions sink. Thus, the impact
on the terrestrial ecology of the area would be minimized during the operational
phase of the project

7.3.2. Mitigation for Solid Waste pollution

Integrated solid waste management should be used to manage solid wastes
generated from the plant. Proper solid waste storage containers should be provided
in sufficient numbers. Arrangements should be made for the regular collection of
waste and for its disposal only at the dump site/s. Ensuring proper management
of waste by engaging a consultant to come up with measures and guidelines in
accordance with the healthcare waste management plan.

7.3.3. Mitigation for Wastewater Pollution

As the manufacturing company is Wood based construction materials products’
manufacturing it is highly water demanding project for cooling and washing
purposes in addition to drinking and domestic sanitation. The primary sources of
potential impacts on water quality will be from pollutants such as wastewater, oil
and fuel products and chemical storage facilities in site runoff water which enters
surface water.

The domestic wastewater resulting from the administrative building and workers
facilities should be collected in a separate septic tank. Once the collection tank
reaches its full capacity, it should be transferred to a planned wastewater
treatment stations (if available) or to a wastewater disposal site approved by the
EPA.

Water used in vehicle and plant servicing areas, vehicle wash bays and lubrication
bays such as oil and fuel products should be collected and connected to the
drainage system via an oil/grease trap. Washing water generated from the action
of vehicles washing should be conveyed to a local network or to a septic tank or
can be biologically treated in a constructed wetland or other filtration system.

The industrial wastewater treatment plant purifies the wastewater generated from
production processes while consuming large quantities of energy and water for

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 47
production processes during steel manufacturing that burdens the environment.
As the environmental impact from industrial wastewater treatment is hard to
evaluate using only one of these parameters, several appropriate parameters shall
be selected to meet the local conditions. Hence, the promoter should construct ETP
to treat industrial wastewater.

7.3.5. Mitigation for Occupational Health and Safety

Limiting the risk of injury at the sites of operation mainly lies in promoting
awareness and good management practices among workers at the main site,
especially when it comes to machine operation and chemicals handling, which has
serious adverse impacts on those directly exposed to especially during storage,
application and disposal.

The recommended mitigation measures to be adopted at the main site include

restricting unattended public access by proper fencing; using adequate safety
barrier and signs; Proper labeling storage of chemicals, oils and fuel; Promote
safety education through training about the fundamentals of occupational health
and safety procedures; Provide appropriate personal protective equipment such as
gloves, masks, ear plugs, gas detectors, brightly colored working overalls equipped
with light reflecting stripes, safety boots, safety helmets, etc.; provide fire
extinguishers at different locations of the operational site and develop and
emergency response plan in case of fire explosion; Provision of electrical
grounding, spark detection and prevention; and elimination of external ignition
sources; and to prevent fire risks equip with fire extinguishers of a quantity and
type suitable for the expected fire risk, in an accessible location close to the store
and communicate to the main office or emergency system is recommended.

7.3.6. Mitigation for Exposure to Noise and vibration

In order to minimize the noise and vibration distribution levels during the
operational phase of the factory, implementation of the following mitigation
measures are expedient. Operators of noisy equipment and noisy facilities must
use earplugs or other war protection equipment such as ear muffs in order to
reduce the impact of high noise levels on them; technical functionality of the
machinery-equipment; insuring personnel with protection means (earmuffs); staff
ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 48
instruction before starting the works and once every 6 months; proper
maintenance of vehicles and record keeping on the same will reduce noise levels;
the noise produced by the D.G sets can be minimized by providing proper acoustic
enclosures and isolating the D.G set will ensure minimum noise at the receiver’s
end; noise for the site should not reach objectionable levels, and whenever
possible, noisy operations within the facility premises should be enclosed. In case
of grievance entry, their recording/registration and appropriate action should be
crucial.

7.3.7. Mitigation for Land Traffic

During operations, environmental impacts associated with transport of raw
material, final products, and other aspects necessary for the operation of the entire
facility, will be controlled by good vehicle maintenance and housekeeping,
adherence to permitted routes, observation of highway restrictions and
maintaining responsible driving practices.

7.3.8. Mitigation for utilities impact

The large energy requirements of the industrial sector also provide us with an
opportunity to reduce the overall environmental costs of energy production across
the state. By increasing overall energy efficiency and use of renewable energy and
incorporating green belt and green transportation technologies, it can be a model
for energy smart industrial development. It is to be ensured that the project’s
energy-related systems are installed, and calibrated to perform according to the
industry specific requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

In order to conserve water, recycling and reusing waste waters, installing water-
conserving automatic taps and toilets should be used. Moreover, any water leaks
through damaged pipes and faulty taps will be fixed promptly by qualified staff. In
addition, the proponent will be sensitized to use water efficiently by reducing water
delivery in taps, installation of low flow devices or aerators on taps and Install
water efficient plumbing. Press action taps and flush valves shall be used to
minimize water wastage Sensors on urinals, which ensure flushes, occur only when
required in public areas of the proposed project.

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 49
7.4. Training
Training shall be provided in the Factor’s policy and practices for both employee
and other external stakeholder grievance mechanisms, relevant to their exposure
and responsibilities for managers, all other employees, contractors and visitors,
which shall include as a minimum:
• Expected behaviors and accepted practices when interacting with employees
and stakeholders in order to avoid a grievance in the first instance;
• Routes available for employees and other external stakeholders to lodge a
grievance; and
• Roles and responsibilities for handling and resolving grievances

The factory training program helps to acquire better theoretical knowledge and
practical skills as trainee are aided by practical works in the manufacturing process.
Hence, training is believed to bring efficient implementation of the company
manufacturing activities and also the skills of trainee of the area as it is least
developed. To this effect, to realize its objectives, the factory has planned to
provide both on job and off job training. It believes that it is through training and
continues skill development that it is possible to enhance employee contributions
to factory’s business profitability and to raise its competence level.

8. Environment Management and Monitoring Plan

8.1 Environment Management Plan (EMP)
The EMP need to be integrated in overall project planning process covering all
phases of project cycles i.e., location, design, construction and operation.
Management by provision of necessary safeguard in planning of the project itself
can lead to reduction of adverse environmental impacts due to project. This chapter
spells out the set of measures to be undertaken during project construction and
operation to reduce or mitigate or bring down the adverse environmental impacts
to acceptable level based on the proposed Environmental Management Plan.

The most reliable way to ensure that the plan will be integrated into the overall
project planning and implementation is to include the plan as an integral
component of the project. This will ensure that it receives funding and supervision

ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 50
along with other investment components. For optimal integration of EMP into the
project, there should be link for Funding; Management, Training and Monitoring.

The purpose of the first link is to ensure that proposed actions are adequately
financed. The second link helps in embedding training, technical assistance,
staffing and other institutional strengthening items in the mitigation measures to
implement the overall management plan. The third provides a critical path for
implementation and enables sponsors and the funding agency to evaluate the
success of mitigation measures, as part of project supervision and as a means to
improve future projects. For every use discussed in the above sections, the
implementing agency as well as staffing, equipment, phasing and budgeting have
been presented as far as possible. All required funds will be channeled through the
project authority. All developmental activities will bring some impacts associated
with its origin, which can be broadly classified as reversible, irreversible, long and
short-term impacts. In this section an endeavor has been made to identify various
Environmental Impacts associated with the proposed project both during
construction and operational phase.

Based on the possible worst-case emissions and waste generation from the
proposed project and also taking into consideration the baseline Environmental
status at the proposed project site, the environmental factors that may likely be
affected (Impacts) are assessed. Both instrumental (positive) and detrimental
(negative) impacts are accounted for this purpose. The prediction of impacts helps
in the preparing a sound Environmental Management Plan which has to be
executed during operational and construction phase to minimize the adverse
impacts on the environmental quality.

The potential impacts on the environment from the proposed project are identified
based on the nature of the various activities associated not only with the project
implementation and operation, but also on the current status of the environmental
quality at the project site. The tables below comprise the impacts predicted,
proposed mitigation measures, responsible body for the mitigation measures and
the estimated cost of mitigation measures (where applicable) as a result of project
location, design, construction and operation.
ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 51
ESIA For House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing PlantPage 52
Table 5: Environmental Management Plan at Construction Phase
Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost Estimates
Stage (Birr)
Activity Impacts Responsibilities

Site clearing,  Restoring the site's natural elements and ecological

Construction

excavation activities, Landscape habitats. Contractor 20,000.00

disturbance of land and Land Use  Landscaping
Pattern
Phase

surface & construction  replanting of trees

of the factory Alteration  Avoid the use of non-native & invasive species.
Site clearing,  Preserve topsoil separately in a stack covered by
Construction

excavation activities, sheet.

disturbance of land Soil impacts  Reuse topsoil for landscaping purposes. Contractor 10,000.00
surface & construction  Training of the personnel on environmental &
of the factory safety issues

Site clearing,  Prepare site waste management plan

excavation activities,  Reuse the construction materials.
disturbance of land Solid Waste  Avoid burning of vegetation and combustible waste Contractor 20,000.00
surface & construction on the site.
of the factory  Unusable construction waste must be disposed of at
an approved dumpsite.
Construction

 Properly managed and controlled the stockpiling of

construction materials.
 properly stored hazardous chemicals
 post conspicuous warning signs
Site clearing,  Construct pit latrines and community toilets
 Controlled withdrawal of groundwater during
Construction

excavation activities, construction.

disturbance of land  Avoid excavation during rainy season.
surface & construction Liquid Waste Contractor 20,000.00
 Proper waste management in order to avoid water
of the plant pollution;

53
 Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost Estimates
Stage (Birr)
Activity Impacts Responsibilities
Site clearing,  Sprinkle with Water around dust generation areas.
excavation activities,  kept the road clear of dusty materials;
disturbance of land Air Pollution  properly maintain transport vehicles and
Construction

surface & construction construction equipment’s/machineries;

Contractor 20,000.00
of the factory  Periodically checked equipment’s for pollutant
emissions.
 Wash vehicles to remove any dusty materials.
Site clearing,  Cutting of trees-plants must be carried out by
excavation activities, supervision of authorized government bodies.
disturbance of land  Planting of local species trees
surface & construction  Implement measures in order to reduce dust
of the factory during execution of the works;
Construction

 Instruction of personnel about protecting of Contractor 15,000.00

vegetation cover
Flora, &Fauna  Pits, trenches and other must be protected to
prevent fall of animals.
 Ensure maximum limitation of machinery
movement on public roads;
Site clearing, Traffic  Population will be informed about time and period
excavation activities, Accidents of civil works execution;
disturbance of land Contractor 20,000.00
 Ensure maximum limitation of machinery
surface & construction movement on public roads;
of the factory  Population will be informed about time and period
of civil works execution;
 Road rehabilitation during preparatory works
Construction

 Selection of optimal bypass road to construction

site;
 Registering of discontent/complaints if any and
proper response

54
 Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost Estimates
Stage (Birr)
Activity Impacts Responsibilities
 Construction related activities will be confined only
to project site area,
Site clearing,  Provide proper drinking water, sanitation and first
excavation activities, aid
 Instruction of personnel on health and safety issues
disturbance of land
Health and  Arrange warning, prohibiting and directing sign-
surface & construction
Construction

Safety boards
of the factory
Hazards  Deliver standard medical kits Contractor 20,000.00
 Maximal implementation of safety rules during
execution of transport operations;
 Personnel medical insurance;
Table 6: Environmental Management Plan of at Operation Phase
Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost
Stage Estimates
Activity Impacts Responsibilities (Birr)

Production of Wood  Utilize advanced air emission Abate Technologies

based construction  Use of Clean fuel and proper maintenance of the
Operational materials products Emissions to vehicles Project 35,000.00
manufacturing air & dust  Development of Green belt with specific species proponent
 keep DG sets and other emission generating
equipment in view the predominant wind direction

Production of Wood Solid Waste  Ensure proper waste management practices. Project
based construction pollution  Ensure proper management of waste in accordance proponent
Operational materials products with the healthcare waste management plan. 25,000.00
manufacturing

55
 Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost
Stage Estimates
Activity Impacts Responsibilities (Birr)

 Construct ETP for industrial wastewater

 Prevent the contact of rain water with the steels.
Operational Production of Wood Water  Collect domestic wastewater in a separate septic
based construction Pollution tank.
materials products  Collected and connected water used in vehicle and
manufacturing plant servicing areas, to the drainage system via an
oil/grease trap.
 Spent oil and lubricants should be collected and Project 30,000.00
stored for recycling or proper disposal. proponent
 Control the impacts on water resources through
appropriate design and site management practices.
 Avoid pollutants such as oil and fuel products in site
runoff water which enters surface water.

 Proper labeling storage of chemicals, oils and fuel;

 Promote safety education through training about the
fundamentals of occupational health and safety Project 35,000.00
procedures. proponent
Production of Wood
 Provide appropriate personal protective equipment
based construction
Operational materials products Health and  Restrict unattended public access by proper fencing;
Safety  Use adequate safety barrier and signs;
manufacturing
 Provide fire extinguishers at different locations
 Enhance ventilation in enclosed areas;
 Implementing of speed limits for vehicles entering
and exiting the site

56
 Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost
Stage Estimates
Activity Impacts Responsibilities (Birr)

 Selection of equipment with low sound power level;

 Well-maintained mechanical equipment should be
operated on-site; Project 25,000.00
 Equipment that may be intermittent in use should proponent
Operational Production of Wood Exposure to
be shut down between work periods or should be
based construction Noise
controlled to minimum;
materials products
 Installing suitable muffles on engine exhausts and
manufacturing
compressor components;
 Technical functionality of the machinery-
equipment;
 Provide PPE for workers
 “Noisy” works only in daytime;
 Insuring personnel with protection means
(earmuffs);
 Staff instruction before starting the works and once
every 6 months;
 In case of grievance entry, their
recording/registration and appropriate action;

 equip the site’s facilities with basic firefighting

equipment,
Operational Production of Wood Fire Risk  assigning a team for fire watching, and
based construction  providing emergency numbers at several locations
materials products  Store flammable liquids in safe storage areas
manufacturing  Remove dried vegetation around and within the Project 30,000.00
site. proponent
 Assure that exhausts of vehicles within the site are
not hot enough to induce fires by frequent
maintenance and inspection of vehicles.
 Prohibiting smoking in the areas that are
designated with risks of fire occurring.

57
 Project Project Adverse Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost
Stage Estimates
Activity Impacts Responsibilities (Birr)

Operational Production of Wood  Traffic control measures should be applied to site

based construction operations from the point of collection to the point
materials products Land Traffic of return. Project 15,000.00
manufacturing  apply speed restrictions proponent

Operational Production of Wood  Use renewable energy

based construction  Reduce Auxiliary power consumption to conserve
materials products Energy. Project 20,000.00
manufacturing  Reduce water delivery in taps, through the proponent
utilities
installation of low flow devices or aerators on taps
impact
 Press action taps and flush valves shall be used to
minimize water wastage Sensors on urinals, which
ensure flushes, occur only when required in public
areas of the proposed project; and
 Install water efficient plumbing.
Total 360,000.00

The impact assessment should consider each phase of the development, including:

 Construction: this includes all potential changes that occur on site from the initial point of access;

 Operation: this encompasses all phases of the site development once operational; and

 Decommissioning: this includes any permanent changes that are made to the site following cessation of the industrial
activity.

58
 8.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan
An environmental monitoring plan provides feedback about the difference between
actual environmental scenario and the impacts of the project on the environment and
helps to judge the adequacy of the mitigation measures in protecting the
environment. The purpose of environmental monitoring is to evaluate the
effectiveness of implementation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) by
periodically monitoring the important environmental parameters within the impact
area, so that any adverse effects are detected and timely action can be taken.

The environmental monitoring plan for the proposed project has been developed in
view of the institutional, scientific and fiscal issues pertaining to the project. For each
component, suitable measurable environmental indicators which are appropriate to
the impact mechanism and scale of disturbance and have a low natural variability,
broad applicability and an existing data series have been defined. Environmental
monitoring is carried throughout project operation to detect changes in the key
environmental quality parameters, which can be attributed to the project.

For each of the environmental components, the monitoring plan specifies the
parameters to be monitored; location of monitoring sites; frequency and duration of
monitoring. The monitoring plan also specifies the applicable standards,
implementation and supervising responsibilities. Various physical, biological and
social components identified as of particular significance in affecting the environment
at critical locations in various stages of the project have been suggested as
Performance Indicators (PIs) listed below shall be the focus for monitoring air quality
with respect to PM10, PM2.5 and CO; water quality with respect to COD, BOD and
Coliform count; noise levels around sensitive locations; and replantation success /
survival rate.

As per the EIA guidelines of Oromia Region, environmental monitoring shall be

required during construction and operational phases. The schedule for monitoring
ambient air quality, ambient noise quality, ground water quality, and waste water

59
quality both during the construction and operation phases of the project is given in
table.

60
 Table 7: Environmental Monitoring Plan at construction & operational Phases
Project Object of Mitigation Measure Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibil Cost
Monitori to be ity
Stage ng Monitored

 Sprinkle water during

drilling, excavation, Particulate  Constructi  Instrumental Contractor
loading. matter in on sites; measuring  During Proponent 30,000.00
 Regular maintenance of the air,  Constructi  Visual control construction EFCCA
vehicle on site  Technical works
 Use covered trucks for access inspection of  During
transportation. roads; machinery operation
Construction & operational Phase

 kept the road clear of  Operation works

dusty materials; site
Air and dust impacts

 properly maintain  Nearest ;

transport vehicles and receptor
construction area
equipment’s/machinerie
s;
 Periodically checked
equipment’s for
pollutant emissions.
 Wash vehicles to remove
any dusty materials.
 Minimize emissions from
D.G sets and vehicles

61
Project Object of Mitigation Measure Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibil Cost
Monitori to be ity
Stage ng Monitored

 Restrict construction  Instrumental  Technical

activities to normal  Constructi measuring; inspection of Contractor
working hours. Noise level on sites  Control machinery - Proponent
Noise and Vibration

 Equip workers operating  Nearest conditions of before works EFCCA

operational Phase

equipment with PPE receptor buildings  Regular control

Construction &

 create and maintain a (populate  Technical – periodical 30,000.00

green belt within the d area) inspection of measurement
building complex and  Operation machinery; or in case of
Impacts

along the roadsides site complaints.

 Preserve topsoil  Constructi  Regular

separately in a stack on sites; control,  Regular
covered by sheet.  Operation supervision inspection;  Propon
operational Phase

 Reuse topsoil for site  Technical  Inspection after ent

soil acidity,  EFCCA 25,000.00
Construction &

landscaping purposes.  Material inspection of completion of

 machinery works.
Soil impacts

Training of the Soil and waste

personnel on pollution storage  Lab control
environmental & safety pH areas
issues

62
Project Object of Mitigation Measure Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibil Cost
Monitori to be ity
Stage ng Monitored

 construct septic tank  BOD5,  Constructi  Visual control

Construction & operational Phase

 construct ETP (If  COD, on camps;  Technical  During

needed)  SS,  At sections inspection of preparation of  Propon
 Avoid excavation during  settabl adjacent to machinery construction ent
 EFCCA 25,000.00
rainy season. e surface  Waste water sites
Liquid waste

 Construct pit latrines solids, water (at management  Regular

and community toilets  pH water Control. inspection;
 Controlled withdrawal of  Temp0 intake,  Lab control
groundwater during C, roads)
construction.  TDS,  Operation
 Proper waste  heavy site
management in order to metals
avoid water pollution;

 Prepare site waste Volume  Periodically,

management plan and types  Constructi  Visual control especially in  Propon
 Reuse the construction of solid on site of the windy weather ent
 Avoid burning of wastes and/or its territory  During
adjacent 25,000.00

Construction & operational Phase

vegetation and Solid Waste transportation

combustible waste on territory; management / storage of
the site.  Solid control solid waste;
 Unusable construction Waste
Solid waste

waste must be disposed storage

of at an approved areas
dumpsite
 Properly managed and
controlled the
stockpiling of
construction materials.
 properly stored
hazardous chemicals
 post conspicuous
warning
 signs

63
Project Object of Mitigation Measure Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibil Cost
Monitori to be ity
Stage ng Monitored

 Provide proper drinking  Inspection

water, sanitation and Periodical  Regular control  Propon
first aid  Constructi control of during works ent
Construction & operational Phase

 Instruction of personnel Health and on sites/ availability  EFCCA

Safety areas 20,000.00
on health and safety and  LSA
Occupational safety

issues  Operation functionality Office

 Arrange warning, sign- al area of personal
boards; protection
 Deliver standard medical equipment
kits
 Maximal implementation
of safety rules during
execution of transport
operations;
 Personnel medical
insurance;

Total 155,000.00

The impact assessment should consider each phase of the development, including:

 Construction: this includes all potential changes that occur on site from the initial point of access;

 Operation: this encompasses all phases of the site development once operational; and

 Decommissioning: this includes any permanent changes that are made to the site following cessation of the industrial
activity.

64
9. Environmental auditing plan and Program

The proponent will propose an independent and objective examination based on

checklist monitoring and auditing system to whether practices complies with the
expected standards set at environmental mitigation output or not. Broadly, kind of
testing and verification of the actual and predicted impacts will be done for the
purpose of assessing the accuracy of predictions and the effectiveness of impact
management practices and procedures.

This will be used for considering an alternative optimizing/mitigation measures to

the assessed and identified project impacts; and how an assessment and impact
management process will be operating. The promoter will propose monitoring,
auditing and subsequent feedback, to build a continuous revision of the mitigation
measure for impacts at different processes of the project.

Therefore, to take correction, the proponent has planned to examine the accuracy
and efficiency of impact predictions and mitigation measure proposed in the EIA,
i.e. testing how accurate the environmental impact predictions and how much the
mitigation is effective as comparing them with actual monitored impacts once the
project is underway. Each environmental audit shall be geared towards achieving
and examining compliance with regulatory requirements; identifying current and
potential environmental problems; examining the line management systems, plant
operation, monitoring practices and data, procedures and plans; checking the
prediction of the environmental evaluation assessment and ensure that its
recommendations are being implemented and recommending areas of improvement
in operations management.

The company’s internal environmental Audits will follow its quality environmental
and monitoring management plan based on developing checklists. The company will
conduct internal environmental audit once in a year.

ESIA For steel fabrication Products Manufacturing project Page 65

10. Conclusion and Recommendation
This chapter presents the key findings and recommendations from the ESIA
process based on the specialist studies and on the environmental suitability of the
project and whether the project should receive environmental authorization.

10.1. Conclusion
The essence of ESIA process is aimed at ensuring informed decision-making and
environmental accountability, and to assist in achieving environmentally sound and
sustainable development. Therefore, negative impacts on the environment and on
people’s environmental rights should be anticipated and prevented, and where they
cannot be altogether prevented, they must be minimized and remedied in terms of
“reasonable measures”. “Reasonable measures” implies that “every person who
causes, has caused or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the
environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or
degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring, or, in so far as such harm to
the environment is authorized by law or cannot reasonably be avoided or stopped,
to minimize and rectify such pollution or degradation of the environment”.

It is acknowledged that any development will impact on the environment. The

proposed project will have impacts on the biophysical and the social environment.
This ESIA investigated and assessed these impacts as a result of project actions. A
key positive impact pertains to the regional and national economic benefits
associated with increased export of wood based construction materials products
manufacturing to neighbor countries and local procurement of goods and services
along the supply chain as well as the generation of foreign revenue from export.
These benefits would be experienced at a national and provincial level. The “no-go”
or “do nothing” alternative for the project would have negative implications for the

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economy through direct loss of foreign exchange generation and indirect impacts
on the supply chain.

The conclusions of this ESIA are the result of specialist assessments, based on
issues identified within the ESIA study. The evaluation of the impacts indicated that
the identified adverse impacts can be minimized with the implementation of the
proposed mitigation measures and appropriate environmental management
system. The study, therefore, forwarded technical and landscape mitigation
measures that potentially help to reduce and/or avoid the negative impacts and
fosters the positive ones. Environmental management plan have been presented
along with the mitigation measures.

10.2. Recommendations
This ESIA has been conducted based on the best and latest available information
during the course of the study. The report has been prepared in full compliance with
the requirements of the environmental regulations and laws and has provided
information on the nature and extent of all possible environmental impacts arising
from the construction and operation phases of the proposed House hold and office
furniture products manufacturing plant project.

Overall, based on the findings of this ESIA, it is concluded that, with planned
mitigation and the implementation of best practices to avoid or minimize adverse
environmental impacts, the environmental impacts during all phases are not rated
significant, except in the event of certain worst-cases, for which some
environmental impacts could be significant but are highly unlikely to occur. This
report has also clearly demonstrated general acceptability of the residual impacts
and thus the environmentally sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the new project
would be successfully protected.

Thus, it is recommended that the proposed House hold and office furniture and
products manufacturing plantproject to be approved on the basis that the project
proponent will continuously adhere to the requirement of the environmental

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guidelines, employing mitigation measures to ensure compliance with statutory
requirements and recommended criteria.

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 11. References

1. Mohammed Abanayim (House hold and office furniture Products Manufacturing

Factory), project proposals, Oromia regional State, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2. Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Proclamation No.
1/1995.Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (1996), Conservation Strategy of
Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
4. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (1997), Environmental Policy of
Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
5. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (2000), Guideline Document:
Environmental Assessment and Management; EPA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
6. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. (2002), Environmental Pollution Control
Proclamation. Proclamation No. 300/2002, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
7. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (2002), Environmental Impact
Assessment Proclamation. Proclamation No. 299/2002. Addis Ababa.
8. FDRE EPA, 2003. Guideline for reviewing environmental impact study reports
(final drafts), Addis Ababa.
9. MEDAC/EPA (1997). The conservation strategies of Ethiopia, Vlume1. The
resource base, its utilization and planning for sustainability, Addis Ababa

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10. Appendices

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