1. Project Name: Environmental Screening for Transport and Logistics Center

2. Duration:  January 2024 - April 2024

3. Background:

As the future connecting road network in the form of the Pakse Ring Road and domestic railway development in Laos will be centered on the proposed site, the project is planned to be divided into four zones: Logistics and Distribution/Commercial Zones considering the intermodal transportation system, Support and Strategic zones considering the hinterland function. For Logistics Zone, it is designed to place facilities in relation to road networks and rail lines: Layout of the Northern Zone in relation to the road network and railroad lines, placement of facilities according to the plan to build a network of connecting roads through the site and allocate a large site considering the size of the facility; Support Zone is designed for establishment of facilities to support logistics terminals: Conceptualization and placement of support facilities within the logistics area that are linked to the functions of the proposed logistics facility, functional planning considering  logistics terminal expansion potential and neighborhood condition; Distribution/Commercial Zone is to place facilities considering the number of people in the logistics terminal: Planning to introduce facilities linked to the logistics terminal function, placement of the southern section in anticipation of high foot traffic due to its proximity to Pakse and adjacent to the logistics area considering the efficiency of distribution; Strategic Zone is placement of facilities considering logistics and distribution facilities: Strategic introduction of facilities required for logistics terminals other than logistics functions, supporting business as a global logistics center and placing necessary facilities as a regional-friendly center.  

4. Client: Logistics Revolution Korea (LRK)

5. Government Counterpart: Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Department of Public Works and Transport of Champasak Province

6. ERA's Contribution & Scope:

I. Detailed Site Assessment and Baseline Data Collection:

1.1. Physical Environment:

• • Detailed topographic survey, including slope analysis and identification of potential erosion risks.

  • Geological assessment, including soil type analysis and identification of potential soil contamination risks.

  • Hydrological assessment, including identification of surface water bodies, groundwater resources, and floodplains.

  • Microclimate assessment, including prevailing wind patterns and temperature variations.

1.2. Biological Environment:

• • Vegetation survey, including identification of plant species and habitat types.

  • Wildlife survey, including identification of animal species and their habitats.

  • Identification of any protected areas or sensitive ecological zones in the vicinity.

1.3. Socio-Economic Environment:

• • Land use survey of the surrounding area, including residential, commercial, and agricultural areas.

  • Noise level monitoring at various locations and times of day.

  • Assessment of existing infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and waste management facilities.

  • Identification of nearby communities and potential social impacts.

1.4. Collection of Existing Environmental Data:

• • Review of existing environmental reports and studies.

  • Collection of air and water quality data from relevant authorities.

  • Examination of historical records related to environmental incidents or hazards.

II. Detailed Identification of Potential Environmental Impacts:

2.1. Construction Phase Impacts:

• • Assessment of impacts from site clearing and excavation, including soil erosion and sedimentation.

  • Evaluation of dust and noise emissions from construction activities.

  • Analysis of potential impacts from construction vehicle traffic.

  • Assessment of waste generation and disposal during construction.

  • Impacts on local water ways from runoff during the construction phase.

2.2. Operational Phase Impacts:

• • Evaluation of air emissions from vehicle traffic and logistics operations.

  • Assessment of wastewater generation and discharge from the logistics center.

  • Analysis of noise impacts from truck traffic and loading/unloading activities.

  • Evaluation of solid waste generation and management.

  • Assessment of potential impacts on local traffic patterns and infrastructure.

  • Potential for ground water contamination from chemical spills.

  • Light pollution from the logistics center.

2.3. Cumulative Impacts:

• • Assessment of the cumulative impacts of the logistics center in conjunction with other existing and planned developments in the area.

III. Enhanced Assessment of Regulatory Framework:

3.1. National and Local Environmental Regulations:

• • Detailed review of the Lao Environmental Protection Law and related regulations.

  • Identification of specific environmental standards and guidelines applicable to logistics facilities.

  • Assessment of requirements for environmental permits and approvals.

3.2. International Environmental Standards:

• • Consideration of relevant international environmental standards and best practices.

  • Evaluation of potential impacts on transboundary environmental issues.

IV. Comprehensive Environmental Screening Report:

4.1. Detailed Impact Assessment:

• • Quantitative and qualitative assessment of potential environmental impacts.

  • Evaluation of the significance of identified impacts.

  • Identification of potential mitigation measures to minimize impacts.

4.2. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Recommendations:

• • Development of preliminary EMP recommendations for the construction and operation phases.

  • Identification of monitoring requirements to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

4.3. Recommendations for Further Assessment:

• Determination of the need for a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

• Recommendations for specific studies or investigations to address potential environmental concerns.

• Recommendations for community consulation.

7. Summary

From January to April 2024, an Environmental Screening was conducted for a proposed Logistics Center in Pakse City, Laos, a project aimed at leveraging the site's strategic location within future road and rail networks. This initiative, driven by Logistics Revolution Korea (LRK) and overseen by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, envisions a multi-zone logistics hub encompassing logistics, support, distribution/commercial, and strategic functions. ERA's contribution involved a detailed environmental assessment, including comprehensive site surveys to establish baseline physical, biological, and socio-economic conditions. The screening also addressed potential environmental impacts during both construction and operational phases, considering air and water quality, noise, soil, and ecological factors, as well as cumulative impacts. A thorough review of Lao and international environmental regulations was conducted to ensure compliance. The project culminated in a detailed Environmental Screening Report, providing impact assessments, preliminary Environmental Management Plan (EMP) recommendations, and guidance on the need for further environmental evaluations, including potential Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable development.