Progress of Water Environment
Governance in Myanmar

The 14th WEPA Annual Meeting
22 February 2019
Tokyo, Japan1

Presentation Outline
Overview of Water Environment GovernanceIssues at Water Environment Governance Sector



Facts and Statistics of Water Quality



Facts and Statistics of Domestic Wastewater Management

Facts and Statistics of Industrial Wastewater Management

Legislative Framework for Water Environment GovernanceInstitutional Framework for Water Environment GovernanceWater Quality Monitoring Framework

Enforcement Instruments for Water Environment GovernanceFuture Targets / Plans, Issues and Challenges of Water Environment GovernanceConclusion2Overview of Water Environment Governance
Cooperation with International Organizations

National Environmental Conservation and Climate Change Central Committee

Myanmar National Water Resources Committee

National
Environmental
Quality(Emission)
Guidelines

MyanmarNational
Water Policy

Surface Water

Domestic
WastewaterIndustrial
Wastewater

Regulationsof Relevant
Ministries
SDGS

Water Quality
Control

Water
Environmental
GovernanceApproach (Environmentally Sound Management)

Cooperation and Coordination between Relevant Ministries and Organizations

3

Issues at Water Environment Governance Sector

Discharging industrial waste water tothe river without treatment(Mandalay)

Wastewater Discharge Without
Treatment

Water Pollution

Water Pollution

Plastic Waste

Water Pollution
4Facts and Statistics of Water Quality

5Basic Water Environment Management in Myanmar
 Cooperation between ECD and JICA
 Duration – 3 Years (2015 – 2018)
 Technical Cooperation
 Implemented Areas• Hlaing River Basin, Yangon• Doke Hta Waddy River Basin, Mandalay

Hlaing River Basin (Yangon)

6
Doke Hta Waddy River Basin (Mandalay)Sampling Points and Sampling Dates of Hlaing River Basin

7

BOD and COD Levels in Hlaing River Basin

Comparison with Draft Drinking Water Quality Standard for Possible Domestic Water Supply (Hlaing River Basin)

8

Water Quality Survey Results in Hlaing River Basin Except TSS (Total Suspended Solid) and total coliform, the water quality in Hlaing River and Pan
Hlaing River in the rainy season (September 2017) was acceptable for conservation of aquatic
lives, irrigation and water transportation based on the Vietnamese surface water quality guideline
values.
 During the dry season (February 2018), the water quality deteriorated as shown by high COD
detected at some points and slight oil and grease detected at all points.
 Only the upstream area of Hlaing River (upstream of Shwe Pyi Thar Bridge) still kept the goodwater quality desirable for irrigation and water transportation except above-mentioned TSS, total
coliform and oil and grease.
 In the middle-stream of Pan Hlaing River (upstream of Hlaing Bridge), the river water was
extremely muddy in February 2018 resulting in very low dissolved oxygen (DO) and high BOD
and COD, presumably due to the effect of sediment in the water stirred by a surging tide flow orother reasons.
 The results in these rivers did not exhibit levels of toxic pollutants harmful for human health. Onlyslight lead (0.058 mg/L) was detected in downstream area in Pan Hlaing River in February 2018,
but it was considered as one originally contained in the natural sediment.

9Sampling Points and Sampling Dates of Doke Hta Waddy River Basin

10

BOD and COD Levels in Doke Hta Waddy River Basin

Comparison with Draft Drinking Water Quality Standard for Possible Domestic Water Supply (Doke Hta Waddy River Basin)

11

Water Quality Survey Results in Doke Hta Waddy River Basin•

The Doke Hta Waddy River seems to have adequate water quality for domestic water supply with water treatment facility using
filters and other ordinary means. The level of organic pollution does not appear to be very high. None of the results in this project
showed elevated levels of toxic substances. The water quality did not dramatically vary in seasons or from point to point.

•

Until the 3rd water quality survey in February 2017, the wastewater discharged from 10-inch pipeline had contained highconcentrations of pollutants that included oil and grease, phenols and hexavalent chromium in addition to organic materials andnutrients. The concentrations of these pollutants were higher than the guideline values applied to general wastewater (generalapplication, National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines, 2015). It was noted that the pollution impact of this 10-inch
pipe wastewater on water quality of Doke Hta Waddy River was limited because of the large dilution capacity of the river, though
localized pollution and adverse impact, such as an awful odor to residents in the vicinity of the discharging point, were
undeniable.

•

After several distilleries in Pyi Gyi Tagon IZ were shut down their operation temporarily from June – August 2017 by instructionsof Mandalay Region Government and MCDC, the pollution load from the 10-pipe line seemed to decrease. However, thedischarging wastewater still contained oil and grease, phenols, and other pollutants.

•

The concentrations of pollutants in the dry season was higher than those in the rainy season for most sampling points and for mostparameters. This is similar to the Hlaing River basin. On the other hand, the pollution loads of organic substances, i.e., BOD and
COD, in Doke Hta Waddy River in October 2017 seemed larger than those in February 2018. It indicated that the storm water inthe rainy season flushed more organic substances with soils from the upper basin to the river, though the concentrations of organic
substances is not higher because of the dilution effect.

12Facts and Statistics ofDomestic Wastewater Management

13Sewage Treatment in Yangon City•

Year of Establishment-

12th April 2003•

Year of Completion-

17th January 2005•

Volume of Daily Treatable sewage-

3.25 MGD•

Developer
Committee-

Myanmar Engineers of Yangon City Development•

Cost of Project-

USD 0.96 Millions + (Myanmar Kyat - 2065.7 Millions)•

Areas of Plant-

5.56 Acres

14

Process of Sewage Treatment in Yangon City

15

Sewage Treatment in Nay Pyi Taw• 20 % of new constructed area of Nay Pyi Taw are using Sewage Treatment Plant (Aerobic System)• 80 % are using Septic Tank (Anaerobic System) and Pit Latrine with slab
• Sewage collection is combined system• Sewer pipes are directly connected with Sewage Treatment Plant

16

Facts and Statistics ofIndustrial Wastewater Management

17

Waste Water Treatment in Mandalay City
•Hydrotek proposes Up flow Anaerobic
Sludge Blanket and Activated sludge
system for wastewater treatment plant18

Project for Local Demonstration Test (Facilities Installment) for
Wastewater Pollution by Untreated Dye Water in Wun Dwin
Township, Mandalay Region
 Cooperation between ECD and HORIBA, Ltd., Japan
 Project Duration – 2 Years & 6 Months (2015 – 2018)
 Technical Cooperation
 Project Area – Wun Dwin Township, Mandalay Region

19Legislative Framework for
Water Environment Governance20

Myanmar National Water Policy• Myanmar National Water Policy was adopted in August, 2015.
• It is aiming to take cognizance of the existing situation, to propose aframework for creation of a system of laws and institutions and for aplan of a action with a unified national perspective including the
Myanmar National Water Framework Directive.

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Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP)
A Peaceful, Prosperous and Democratic Myanmar
Goal 1

Goal 2

Goal 3

Goal 4

Goal 5

Peace, National

Economic

Job Creation and

Human Resources

Natural Resources

Reconciliation,

Stability, andPrivate-Sector-led& Social

and the

Security and Good

Strengthen Macro-

GrowthDevelopment

Environment for

Governanceeconomic

the National

Management

Prosperity

Pillar 1

Pillar 2

Pillar 3

Peace and Stability

Prosperity and

People and Planet

Partnership22

Goal 5: Natural Resources and the Environment for
National Prosperity (6 Strategies and 54 action plans)
Strategy 5.1: Managing biodiversity and the environment in a sustainable mannerfor sound and resilient ecosystems (15 action plans)
Strategy 5.2: Increasing climate-resilience and shifting to a low-carbon growth
pathway (9 action plans)
Strategy 5.3: Providing safe and equitable water and sanitation in ways that ensure
environmental sustainability (7 action plans)
Strategy 5.4: Providing affordable and reliable energy supply to population andindustries (8 action plans)
Strategy 5.5: Improving land governance and sustainably managing resource-basedindustries (6 action plans)
Strategy 5.6: Managing cities and towns efficiently and sustainably (9 action plans)
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Environmental Regulations• National Environment Policy (1994)• Myanmar Agenda 21 (1997)• National Sustainable Development Strategy –NSDS (2009)• Environmental Conservation Law (2012)• Environmental Conservation Rules (2014)• Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure (2015)• National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines (2015)24

Institutional Framework for
Water Environment Governance25

Departments, Ministries and Organizations which are related with Water Sector
No.

Department

1.

Environmental
Department

2.

Ministry / Organization

Conservation

Duties and Functions

Ministry of Natural Resources
Environmental Conservation

andFormulation National EQS including
Water Quality Standards

Forest Department

Ministry of Natural Resources
Environmental Conservation

andReforestation and Conservation of Forest
including Watershed Areas

3.

Irrigation Department

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and
Irrigation

Provision of Irrigation Water to Farmland

4.

Water
Resources
Department

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and
Irrigation

Irrigation and Rural Water Supply

5.

Directorate of Water Resources andImprovement of River System

MinistryofCommunication

River Training and Navigation

6.

DISI

Ministry of Industry

7.

Department
Hydrology

8.

Department of Urban and Housing
Development

Ministry of Construction

Domestic Water Supply

9.

Department of Public Health

Ministry of Health and Sports

Environmental Health, Water Quality
Assessment and Control

10.

Department of Development Affairs

Ministry of Border Areas Development
Affairs

Rural Water Supply and Sanitation

11.

Department
Innovation

Ministry of Education

Formulation National Standards

12.

Water and Sanitation Department

City Development Committees (Yangon,
Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw)

Water Supply and Sanitation at City Areasofof

Utilization

Metrology

ResearchandandMinistryofCommunication

TransportandIndustrial Water Use and Discharge
Transport

andWater Assessment of Major Rivers

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Coordination Mechanism among the relevant
ministries and organizations
National Environment Conservation and Climate Change
Committee led by Vice President

Policy, Law, Regulation, procedure and Standards Working
Committee
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Working Committee
Regions/States
Environment
and Climate
ChangeSupervision
Committee

Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Culture Heritage Conservation
Working Committee
Industrial Plans, Urban, Rural Waste Management Working
Committee
Environmental Capacity Building Development, Education andAwareness Working Committee
Green Economy Development Working Committee
27

Water Quality Monitoring Framework

28

Environmental Conservation Law
Chapter VII
Environmental Conservation
13.

The Ministry shall, under the guidance of the Committee, maintain a comprehensive monitoring system and implement byitself or in co-ordination with relevant Government departments and organizations in the following matters:(a) the use of agro-chemicals which cause to impact on the environment significantly;(b) transport, storage, use, treatment and disposal of pollutants and hazardous substances in industries;(c) disposal of wastes come out from exploration, production and treatment of minerals, industrial mineral raw materials andgems;(d) carrying out waste disposal and sanitation works;(e) carrying out development and constructions;(f) carrying out other necessary matters relating to environmental pollution.
14.

A person causing a point source of pollution shall treat, emit, discharge and deposit the substances which cause pollution

in the environment in accord with stipulated environmental quality standards.
15.

The owner or occupier of any business, material or place which causes a point source of pollution shall install or use an on-site facility or controlling equipment in order to monitor, control, manage, reduce or eliminate environmental pollution. If it isimpracticable, it shall be arranged to dispose the wastes in accord with environmentally sound methods.
29

Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure
Chapter IX
Monitoring
106. The Project Proponent shall, during all phases of the Project (pre-construction, construction,
operation, decommissioning, closure and post closure), engage in continuous, pro-active andcomprehensive self-monitoring of the Project and activities related thereto, all Adverse Impacts,
and compliance with applicable laws and standards, the ECC, and the EMP.
107. The Project Proponent shall notify and identify in writing to the Ministry any breaches of its
obligations or other performance failures or violations of the ECC and the EMP as soon asreasonably possible and in any event, in respect of any breach which would have a serious
impact or where the urgent attention of the Ministry is or may be required, within not later thantwenty-four (24) hours, and in all other cases within seven (7) working days of the Project
Proponent becoming aware of such incident.
108. The Project Proponent shall submit monitoring reports to the Ministry not less frequently thanevery six (6) months or periodically as provided in a schedule in the EMP.
30

Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure (Contd.)
Chapter IX
Monitoring
109. The monitoring reports shall include:• documentation of compliance with all Conditions;• progress made to date on implementation of the EMP against the submitted implementation
schedule;• difficulties encountered in implementing the EMP and recommendations for remedying thosedifficulties and steps proposed to prevent or avoid similar future difficulties;• number and type of non-compliance with the EMP and proposed remedial measures andtimelines for completion of remediation;• accidents or incidents relating to the occupational and community health and safety, and theenvironment; and• monitoring data of environmental parameters and conditions as committed in the EMP orotherwise required.

31

Enforcement Instruments for
Water Environment Governance32

Notification No. (03/2018) of Ministry of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Conservation
To undertake Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for existing facilities under 9 Priority Industrial Sectors

No.

Types of Facilities

1.

Alcohol, Wine and Beer Production Factories

2.

Food and Beverage Processing Facilities

3.

Pesticides Manufacturing, Formulation and Packaging Plants

4.

Cement and Lime Manufacturing

Criteria / Size

Time Allowed> 50000 Litter Per Day

12 Months> 10 Tons Per Day

9 Months

All Sizes

9 Months

Cement - > 10 Tons Per Hour

9 Months

Lime - > 20 Tons Per Day
5.

Textile and Dying Facilities> 1 Ton Per Day

12 Months(1) Pre Treatment (Washing, Bleaching, Mercerisation) or Dying of Textiles of Fibres)
6.

Foundry Industry

9 Months(1) Base Metal Smelting and Refining Plant

All Sizes(2) Manufacture of Pig Iron, Raw and Low Alloy Steel from Iron Ore or Scrap Metal)

All Sizes(3) Foundry

All Sizes(4) Non-Ferrous Metal Melting, Smithy and Filigree)
7.

Tanning and Leather Finishing

8.

Pulp and Paper Mill

9.

Sugar Manufacturing Plant> 5 Tons Per Day
All Sizes

12 Months

Pulp > 20 Tons Per Day

12 Months> 50 Tons Per Day

12 33
MonthsFuture Targets / Plans, Issues and Challenges ofWater Environment Governance34

Regulations for Water Pollution Control and Enforcement

National Environmental Quality(Emission) Guidelines (December, 2015)

Current Situation – Formulating the National Environmental
Quality Standards

35

National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines (2015)
Objective
These national Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines (hereafter referred to as Guidelines) provide the basis
for regulation and control of noise and vibration, air emissions, and liquid discharges from various sources in order toprevent pollution for purposes of protection of human and ecosystem health.

General Guidelines
 Air Emissions, Wastewater Noise Levels
 OdorIndustrial-Specific Guidelines Energy Sector Development
 Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry Development
 Manufacturing Waste Management
 Water Supply
 Infrastructure and Service Development
 Mining

Reference
Environmental, health and safety guidelines 2007. International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group36

National Environmental Quality Standards
Proposed National Environmental Quality Standards
1.

Surface Water Quality Standards

2.

Emission Standards

3.

Ground Water Quality Standards

4.

Soil Quality Standards

5.

Noise and Vibration

First Priority Formulation
Surface Water Quality Standards – 173 Parameters are already selected from 661
Parameters by 3 Meetings with ECD and other relevant ministries and organizations
37

Proposed Projects of ECD related with
Water Environment Governance• Project on Capacity Development in Enforcement and Promotion of Environmental
Compliance Cooperation between ECD and JICA

• Establishing a National Water Quality Monitoring System and Building the National
Laboratory to Improve the National Capacity for Water Quality Management in
Myanmar ODA Project (On going) – Cooperation between ECD and KOICA

38

Challenges for Water Environment GovernanceIndustrial
Development

Relying on
NaturalResources

Stakeholder
Involvement

Water
Environment
GovernanceTechnical
Needs

Monitoring
SystemFinancial
SupportCoordination

39

Gaps for Water Environment Governance Database System (By surveys, studies and research) Regulations(Environmental

QualityStandards,

Technical

Guidelines, etc.)
 Effective Environmental Quality Monitoring System
 Evaluation Mechanism

40Actions which will be strengthened for
Water Environment Governance
Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Coordination Mechanism
Water Quality Standards / Criteria / Guidelines
Baseline Assessment
Promote Public Participation and AwarenessPromote Regional Level and International Cooperation
Comprehensive & Integrated Monitoring System
Strengthen Compliance & Enforcement
41

Conclusion
 With the aim of sustainable economic development in Myanmar, theintegration of Water Environment Governance into national / sectoral
policies and strategies is one of the main tasks.
 Water Environment Governance is a way towards the sustainable
development by approaching with sustainable management of natural
resources, integrated economic development and mitigation theimpacts of development activities.

42

Thank You For Your Kind Attention!

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