Rwanda, Ministerial order No 006/2008 of 15/08/2008 related to the importation & exportation of ozone layer depleting substances), Environmental Impact Assessment requirements (Ministerial order No 003/2008 of 15/08/2008 relating to the requirements and procedures for EIA), activities that require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study (Ministerial order No 004/2008 of 15/08/2008 establishing the list of works, activities and projects that have to undertake an environment impact assessment) and Establishment of REMA (law No16/2006 of 3/4/2006 determining organization, functioning and responsibilities of REMA) have been undertaken since 2006. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proclamation has made it mandatory that infrastructure projects, including construction of public dams for retention, are required to be subjected to EIA scrutiny. The EIA is therefore a legal requirement. This proclamation is a backbone to harmonizing and integrating environmental, economic, cultural, and social considerations into a decision making process in a manner that promotes sustainable development. REMA has also developed EIA Assessment Guideline Document in 2002 and EIA Procedural Guideline in 2003. This guideline provides advice on how best to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines, Environmental Policy of Rwanda and relevant laws, and thereby ensure effective environmental assessment and management practices by all those who may be required to engage in EIA preparation. The EIA Guideline details the required procedures for conducting an EIA in Rwanda and the requirements for environmental management as well as procedures for EIA in specific development sectors in the country (including agriculture, industry, transport, mining, hotels & large public buildings, slaughterhouse, communication infrastructures, water distribution activities & sanitation, water storage infrastructures (dams and reservoirs)). Dam and reservoir projects, are identified as having adverse and significant environmental impacts, and therefore require a full EIA. The Guideline identifies issues for environmental assessment of dam and reservoir projects and their impacts and recommendations for environmental management. A Ministerial Order No 004/2008 of 15/08/2008 establishing the list of works, activity and projects that require an EIA was issued in 2008. This Ministerial Order stated that an EIA must be undertaken for all infrastructure projects, including dam and reservoir construction projects. Health and Safety A dam has liabilities to other people in civil law and/or under Occupational Health and
Causes: 1. Livestock traffic. 2. Surface runoff. Concerns: Encourages further erosion. Recommended action: 1. Re-grade slope and sow a cover crop. 2. Keep livestock away from the embankment. Downstream Toe problems Causes: A concentrated seepage path or "pipe" has developed through the foundation. Seepage from the reservoir through a sand or gravel in the foundation. Concerns: 1. May result if a piping failure of the foundation and ultimately the embankment. Recommended action: The outflow should be examined for water - an indication that piping may be occurring. The area and flow should be monitored and the reservoir drawn down if flows increase. An engineer should assess the situation and recommend a course of action. Consult an Engineer immediately if flow volume increases or dirty water is present.
Owner:__________________Location:_____________________ Dam Name ………………… Areas of dam Items to address Observations/ Change from last inspection Upstream Slope Protection Uniformity Displacements, bulges, depressions Vegetation Cracking Low spots Sinkholes Vegetation Downstream Signs of instability and non-uniformity Erosion Burrows activity Obscuring growth Wetness Changes in condition Stock damage Seepage Location Extent of area Characteristics of area (ie. soft, boggy, firm) Quantity and color Transported or deposited material Spring activity or Boils Piping and tunnel erosion Changes in vegetation Outlet Outlet pipe and valve condition Operation Leakage Downstream erosion Gate valve operation/ condition/ leakage