What trans-boundary impacts are anticipated?

Because the Cambodian border is very close, the trans-boundary impacts are the same as the downstream impacts which, as above, have been identified as minimal. With respect to sediment transport there would be minimal change in the first two years of operations then no change as DSHPP turbines pass all sediment. Regarding flow variation, there is a change in the distribution of flow between channels crossing the falls, but no change in total flows downstream. Regarding water quality, there is no change as retention time is very short (maximum is less than four hours).

With respect to biota, the ESIA did identify a potential negative impact on aquatic biota downstream, but this can be mitigated by modifying other channels (Sadam and Xang Pheuak) to become better fish migration passages and secondly by supporting fishery management in Lao PDR to reduce the fishing pressure on spawning migrations as a benefit for the regional fishery. Irrawaddy dolphins living close to the project site will not be affected by the project for he same reasons.

More than 30 studies have been completed and others are still underway. Among the major project studies conducted are the following:

??? Initial Feasibility Study

??? Detail Feasibility Study

??? Engineering Status Report (update to the Feasibility Study)

??? Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and associated Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP)

??? Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and associated Social Monitoring and Management Plan (SMMP)

??? Hydrology, Hydraulics and Sedimentation Studies

??? Cumulative Impact Assessment (including trans-boundary impacts)

??? Resettlement Action Plan ??? Fisheries Studies

No, the project will not repeat these assessments. DSHPP has clearly demonstrated in the EIA and in several engineering studies that there will not be any downstream trans-boundary impacts on regional sediment transport, water flow, or water quality. MRC experts did not dispute these broad conclusions. The ESIA did identify the potential for negative impacts on aquatic resources and mitigating these impacts has been and will continue to be the main thrust of the construction and operations work.

DSHPP has established detailed monitoring programs to measure the success of fish passage across the Khone Falls and has already improved fish passage through several channels as alternative dry season pathways to Sahong Channel. The project EIA found the cumulative and trans-boundary impacts of DSHPP on the living aquatic resources would be insignificant if engineering and social interventions effectively mitigate the barrier effect of the Don Sahong Dam and other natural obstructions in neighboring channels. The key to effective mitigation will be adaptive management.

As documented in the Cumulative Impact Assessment report, a limited consultation process was carried out in Cambodia to obtain the views of people, agencies and NGOs that may be affected by the DSHPP.