TAKORADI INTERNATIONAL COMPANY

Project Asona Once Through Cooling System to Serve T1 and T2 Environmental Impact Statement

October 2010

Document Control Sheet

Client: Project: Title: TICO Asona Once Through Cooling System Environmental Impact Statement Originator Version 1
DRAFT FOR CLIENT COMMENT
DATE NAME

Job No: Ref

B152870

Checked by
NAME

Reviewed by
NAME

Approved by
NAME

Rob Bromley
SIGNATURE

Karen Anderson
SIGNATURE

Steve Mills
SIGNATURE

Steve Clamp
SIGNATURE

15th Sept 2010

Document Status: Draft for Client review

Originator Version 2
DATE NAME

Checked by
NAME

Reviewed by
NAME

Approved by
NAME

Rob Bromley
SIGNATURE

Steve Clamp
SIGNATURE

Steve Clamp
SIGNATURE

Steve Clamp
SIGNATURE

October 2010

Document Status: Showing amendments post discussions with the Client

Originator Version 3
DATE NAME

Checked by
NAME

Reviewed by
NAME

Approved by
NAME

Rob Bromley
SIGNATURE

Phil Simmons
SIGNATURE

Steve Clamp
SIGNATURE

Steve Clamp
SIGNATURE

October 2010

Document Status: Showing amendments post discussions with the Client

REVISION STATUS REV. Date Revision Details Prepared Checked Authorised

Copyright Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited. All rights reserved.

No part of this report may be copied or reproduced by any means without prior written permission from Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited. If you have received this report in error, please destroy all copies in your possession or control and notify Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the commissioning party and unless otherwise agreed in writing by Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited, no other party may use, make use of or rely on the contents of this report. No liability is accepted by Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited for any use of this report, other than for the purposes for which it was originally prepared and provided. Opinions and information provided in the report are on the basis of Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited using due skill, care and diligence in the preparation of the same and no explicit warranty is provided as to their accuracy. It should be noted and it is expressly stated that no independent verification of any of the documents or information supplied to Jacobs Engineering U.K. Limited has been made.

CONTENTS

Non-Technical Summary 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 2 2.1 2.2 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 5 5.1 5.2 Introduction Overview Background Objectives of the EIA Legislative Framework and Agreements Environmental Policy of TICO International Environmental Requirements for Funding Consultation The Scheme Description of Scheme Alternatives Baseline Environmental Conditions The Natural Environment Marine Ecology Terrestrial Ecology Landscape and Visual Airborne Noise Social Impact Assessment Construction Phase Impacts Operational Phase Impacts of Abstraction and Discharge Impacts on the Performance of Units T1 and T2 Cumulative Impacts Mitigation and Residual Impacts Construction Mitigation Operational Mitigation

1 6 6 6 6 7 9 10 11 12 12 19 21 21 22 29 30 30 31 31 31 36 48 49 50 50 52

6 6.1 6.2 7 8

Monitoring Plans Water Quality Fisheries Impact Assessment Summary References

53 53 54 55 59

Appendix A - Letter from GEPA Appendix B - Derivation of CO2 Levels

Non-Technical Summary

Introduction
Takoradi Thermal Power Plant (TTPP) is located on the southwest coast of Ghana approximately 15 km north west of the towns of Sekondi and Takoradi. The nearest settlement, located 1-2 km east is Aboadze. TTPP was originally conceived as two 330 MWe combined-cycle combustion turbine units. This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) relates to a proposed change in the type of cooling system for the two Units. There are three principal types of cooling water (CW) systems which are used on thermal power plants, as follows: air cooling, in which the plant is cooled directly by the air around it; cooling towers, in which the plant is cooled by water, which is then transferred to cooling towers where its temperature is reduced. The water is re-circulated from the towers back to the plant. Some of the CW is lost as vapour from the towers and is replaced; and, once-through cooling, in which the plant is cooled by water which is drawn from a large water body and then returned warm to the water body where the heat is dissipated.

The first unit at Takoradi (T1) has been in full, 330 MWe, combined-cycle operation since April 1999 with two combustion turbines. The T1 steam turbine uses a cooling tower fed with seawater to cool the steam turbine condenser cooling. The T2 unit is currently a 220 MW plant, consisting of two combustion turbines exhausting directly to atmosphere. The existing T2 Unit is to be expanded to its final capacity of 330 MWe, by the addition of a steam turbine to convert it to combined-cycle operation. It is proposed that the expanded T2 plant will be cooled by a new oncethrough CW system from the sea. The once-through cooling system is also proposed to replace the existing seawater fed cooling tower system of steam turbine generator unit at T1. Once-through cooling systems are common at power plants globally, including for plants with far greater heat rejection and in locations where seawater mixing conditions are less favourable. Seawater cooling systems are now best practice in Europe. In accordance with Ghanaian environmental legislation an environmental impact assessment is required to be carried out for this proposed change to once-through cooling for T1 and T2. It should be noted that the above mentioned expansion of the power plant of Unit T2 to its final capacity is proposed to be implemented in parallel to the change in CW system. The environmental impact of Unit T2 to its final capacity has been previously assessed, but this was a number of years ago and an environmental update of the proposed T2 expansion will be prepared, and presented as a separate document (Jacobs, 2010). A number of international agreements and treaties, in addition to World Bank requirements and Ghanaian legislation have been considered in this assessment of the proposed new CW system.

Proposed Scheme
The key components of the proposed CW system are: sub-sea intake structure and conduits; onshore pump house, intake, outfall conduits (including the intake and discharge chambers); and, sub-sea outfall conduits and diffuser structures.

The sub-sea route corridors for the intake and outfall conduits are proposed to be located close to the existing seawater intake and outfall pipes which serve the seawater cooling tower supply to T1. The location is between the existing sub-sea West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) in the west and an existing sub-sea oil pipeline for the use of TTPP, which extends out to a mooring buoy, in the east. The intake and outfall conduits are likely to be constructed by sinking precast concrete units or high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes into a shallow trench dredged on the seabed. Where the conduits come ashore they will be buried in a trench leading to the CW pump house. It is likely that coffer damming will be required for pipeline installation at the beach location. The scheme includes two intake and two outfall conduits, and provides semi-independent cooling systems for Units T1 and T2. To limit the environmental impacts of the CW system a low velocity side entry (LVSE) intake structure will be installed whereby water is abstracted 90 degrees to the current. The intake will be located in a water depth of around 13 m, approximately 2 km offshore. The LVSE intake structure is likely to be constructed on-land, floated out and sunk into position. The intake velocity at the entry screen will be restricted to < 0.3 ms-1 thus allowing any adult and juvenile fish to swim against the current and remove themselves from the influence of the intake current. A number of coarse screens (100 mm spacing) located at the intake entrance will prevent the entry of large debris, and any mammals and reptiles. Discharge will be via a number of diffusers to facilitate mixing of the water. These will be installed on each outfall conduit and will take account of the need to achieve good initial dilution, the prevention of possible wave slam forces, and the prevention of damage from any fishing and shipping activities. It is expected that the discharge conduits will run approximately 1.2 km offshore and discharge in a minimum water depth of around 8.5 m. The temperature of the discharged water at the edge of the mixing zone will be < 3 oC. The CW system will include an electro-chlorination system which is required to limit biofouling. The electro chlorination system will automatically chlorinate at the pre-set intervals. A pump house will be located adjacent to the southern boundary of the TTPP (Plate 21) and will house a number of seawater pumps supplying T1 and T2. Drum screens will screen debris entering the condenser. Debris is impinged, lifted out of the water and sprayed into collection baskets.

Potential Environmental Impacts of Once-Through Cooling

The main issues concerning construction and operation of the proposed system are addressed below considering both positive and negative impacts.. This assessment addresses the impacts of changing from the current, seawater tower system of cooling, to a once-through system for both Units in combined-cycle operation. Construction Phase Impacts Summary It is expected that a large number of marine mammals and reptiles frequent the waters of Takoradi for transiting or foraging especially in the vicinity of the Sherbro and Roani Banks which have a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is anticipated that any marine mammals or reptiles that may happen to be present in the vicinity of works would move away during operations if disturbed. It would be expected that mammals and reptiles would return following completion of the works. However, a potential significant impact may exist on species within close proximity of the works and therefore mitigation measures are proposed. Only fish located in the vicinity of piling activities during construction are predicted to be at risk of injury. Fish, by their nature are highly mobile and therefore able to move out of areas where acoustic disturbance is occurring, limiting the likelihood of physical injury. Therefore, only minor impacts are predicted on fish species in the immediate vicinity of piling activities and no significant impacts further afield. Delivery of general construction material, including materials required for concrete, will put considerable pressure on the existing road network around TTPP. Despite the fact that the access roads around the TTPP site are in good condition, there will be some unavoidable disruption to traffic flow and increased risk of vehicle accidents and injury to pedestrians. If HDPE pipes were to be used, their delivery would not affect local road links. This is because these pipes are extruded at their manufacturing plant in Norway. They are then floated in lengths up to 500 m, and towed to site from Norway. They would remain floating offshore until installation. It is understood that the intake structure would be constructed on land before being floated out and sunk into position. Local road traffic disruption could therefore occur when the structure is moved from the fabrication area to the shore. Takoradi International Company (TICO) and Volta Rivers Authority (VRA), the respective operators of T1 and T2, have considerable experience in managing construction related impacts on the local population, having been involved in the TTPP development for over 10 years. There are expected to be no significant effects on local community infrastructure as a result of the CW system construction. The construction of the CW system is expected to have a moderate beneficial impact with regard to employment opportunities due to the worker requirements for the site preparation and construction stages.

Operational Phase Impacts Summary The operation of T1 and T2 with a once-through seawater CW system fully meets the requirements of current World Bank guidelines and Equator Principles, and results in

considerable benefits compared to the use of seawater cooling tower systems at T1 and T2. This includes: Increase in outputs of the existing T1 and proposed T2 steam turbines. Better cooling leads to better steam turbine performance thus providing additional energy to Ghana. Further increased energy output of existing T1 and T2 combustion turbines and also reduced fuel use, both because of reduced corrosion and fouling of combustion turbine compressors, thus providing further additional energy to Ghana. This results from the elimination of seawater cooling towers, which are causing extreme corrosive saline air conditions. Reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of displacement of other thermal generation by the extra energy resulting from direct cooling for T1 and T2 whilst maintaining the same or less fuel usage. Reduced maintenance costs of all civil and mechanical steel components at TTPP, resulting from the elimination of seawater cooling towers, which are causing corrosive saline air conditions. The drift for the sea water cooling towers is causing saline air conditions resulting in severe damage. Noise reduction due to the removal from service of the cooling tower fans, and that the proposed new pumphouse will play a beneficial role in screening TTPP noise at the southern acquisition boundary. Socioeconomic benefits. As a result of construction a number of shortterm employment opportunities for local skilled labour will arise.

The once-through CW system will abstract and discharge up to a maximum of 16 m3s-1 of seawater from structures located approximately 2 km from the shoreline. The location has been selected for environmental reasons and the design of the structures is based on compliance with recognised international standards. The impact of the subsea intake and outfall structures during operation has been assessed as follows: Abstraction of water. Abstraction will result in the entrapment of marine organisms, mainly flora, mobile invertebrates and juvenile fish. Design mitigation measures will include a low velocity side entry intake system whereby low velocities will mean the majority of mobile fauna can escape the intake. Coarse meshed screens at the intake entrance will also stop any marine mammals or reptiles entering the intake. Fine meshed screens located in the pumphouse will screen out any debris, or marine organisms, greater than about 10 mm. The impacts after these mitigation measures have been put in place have been assessed as minor. Discharge of water. The discharge will be a maximum of 9.5 oC warmer than the surface temperature at the discharge point. In normal operation the discharge will be 7.5 oC above the ambient sea surface temperature. Apart from heating the water and intermittent chlorination the quality of the discharge water will be unchanged from the source water. The discharge diffuser system installed as a mitigation measure to aid mixing

will result in a T of 0.5 C at 100 m and impacts from the discharge have been assessed as minor. It is anticipated that marine flora and fauna will take advantage of the sub-sea structures. Significant populations will develop on the undersea surfaces as evidenced from previous inspections of the existing sub-sea conduits. This is assessed as a minor benefit

Main Findings
The primary impacts of the proposed use of once-through cooling, for units T1 and T2, compared to using cooling tower systems for both units, are assessed to be substantial benefits during the operational phase, and which are quantified in this report as follows: A saving of some 110 000 tonnes/year of C02 emissions, due to increased energy production replacing other thermal generation (refer to Appendix B) The additional energy output available to the population of Ghana, equivalent to an additional installed capacity of about 20 MWe. Actual per capita electrical energy use of customers is not available, however an average use of 500 W/person can be considered as a reasonable supply. On this basis the additional available capacity would be equivalent to that needed to supply a population of 40 000 people.

No significant adverse environmental impacts from the proposed scheme are predicted with the identified mitigation measures in place. Since TTPP was originally conceived, there has been a global shift in recognising, as an environmental priority, the need to improve the efficiency of power generation and to reduce CO2 emissions. Considering this and the adverse climate conditions in Ghana for effective tower cooling system operation, it would be difficult to justify continued use of cooling towers at TTPP for units of the size of T1 and T2.

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview
Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd was commissioned by Takoradi International Company (TICO) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a direct seawater cooling system for Takoradi Thermal Power Plant (TTPP). The cooling water (CW) system proposed is of a once-through type and will be used by Unit T1 and the proposed expanded Unit T2. The requirement to undertake an EIS was driven by TICO Environmental Policy, Ghanaian legislation and the need to be able to satisfy Equator Principle requirements in terms of environmental assessment for projects being considered for financial assistance from international lending agencies.

1.2 Background
TTPP is located on the southwest coast of Ghana approximately 15 km north west of the towns of Sekondi and Takoradi. The nearest settlement, located 1-2 km east is Aboadze. TTPP was originally conceived as two 330 MWe (megawatts of electricity) combinedcycle combustion turbine units. Each combined-cycle unit comprises two 110 MWe combustion turbine generator units associated with boilers to recover heat from the combustion turbine exhausts. The steam is then used to drive a steam turbine which increases the generation by around 120 MWe. The net output to the grid of the CCGT unit can vary from approximately 320 MWe (air-cooled condenser) to up to 340 MWe (once-through cooling, low ambient temperature). The first unit at Takoradi (T1) has been in full combined-cycle operation since April 1999 with two combustion turbines. The T1 steam turbine uses a cooling tower fed with seawater to cool the steam turbine condenser CW. The T2 unit currently consists of two combustion turbines exhausting directly to atmosphere (referred to as open-cycle or simple-cycle). It is proposed to utilise the heat currently being discharged to the atmosphere to power a new T2 steam turbine generator thus increasing the output of T2 by up to 120 MWe and increasing the cycle efficiency from 31% to around 45% to 48.5%, depending on the steam turbine cooling option chosen. This document deals solely with the CW system for T1 and T2 which will serve the expanded T2, and replace the existing seawater cooling tower system of T1 and the air cooled system at T2. The application for a new consent to convert T2 to a combinedcycle plant by the addition of two heat recovery boilers and a steam turbine will be made in a separate submission that will take the form of an EIS Update..

1.3 Objectives of the EIA

The objectives of the EIA are to:

Compile all relevant information relating to the proposed scheme which includes providing a description of the baseline data of the surrounding area to TTPP. Identify important receptors. Identify potential impacts of the scheme arising from construction and operation. Determine the level of impacts and identify mitigation measures to ameliorate any significant adverse impacts.

This EIS has been structured in accordance with Guidelines from the World Bank (2007) (Operational Directive 4.01, 2007) and with reference to International Finance Corporation (IFC) environmental guidance (IFC, 2008) and the Equator Principles. Section 1 provides an introduction to the project, consultation undertaken and relevant legislation. Section 2 provides information about the proposed scheme and its benefits. The alternative solutions are also discussed. Section 3 provides a comprehensive description of the environment to the southwest of Ghana and in the vicinity of the TTPP. Section 4 discusses the positive and negative impacts from the proposed scheme during construction and operation. Section 5 details the mitigation measures discussed in Section 4 and residual impacts. Section 6 proposes a post commissioning monitoring programme.

1.4 Legislative Framework and Agreements

The proposed scheme is required to comply with international, national and regional legislation. A number of national Acts have been passed in Ghana in addition to the signing of a number of national and international treaties and conventions which seek to conserve key ecosystems. These include: Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem Project (1999). Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures for Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa (1999). Convention on Biological Diversity (1994). Convention of Fisheries Cooperation among African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean (1991). Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) (1988). Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1988). Convention for Cooperation in the Protection and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of West and Central African Region (Abidjan Convention) (1981, ratified in 1989).

The above agreements have been considered in the impact assessment and are cited in the World Banks key international agreements on the environment. The Ghanaian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has as its mandate the EPA Act 1994 (Act 490) to ensure compliance in planning and execution of all development activities. This led to the implementation of the Ghana EIA Procedures in 1995 which, among other objectives, seek to provide an avenue for the involvement of the public, private proponents and agencies in the assessment and review of proposed

undertakings (Sampong, 2010). This is to ensure that the concerns and needs of the affected population are considered and addressed. Schedule 2 of the L.I. 1652 specifically lists the construction of offshore and onshore pipelines as one of the undertakings for which the EIA process is mandatory (WAGP, 2004). The legislative functions conferred on EPA by the Act, included the authority to request from categories of undertakings, enterprises, construction or development an environmental impact assessment and/or environmental management plan to regulate the type, quantity, conditions or concentrations of substances that may be released into the environment. In order to give effect to provisions of the Act on environmental management the Environmental Assessment Regulations 1999 (LI 1652) was enacted in February 1999, consistent with Section 28 of the Act 490. The LI sets out the requirements for environmental permitting, environmental impact assessment (EIA), the production of preliminary environmental reports (PERs) and subsequent environmental impact statements (EISs), environmental certificates and environmental management plans (EMPs). The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) procedure is not only a regulatory tool to be enforced pursuant to Section 24 of LI 1652, but also a compliance promotion tool to ensure effective preventive, minimization and mitigation of potential impact of industries that existed prior to the coming into force of LI 1652. Construction and operation of Thermal Power Plants is one of the undertakings for which an EMP is required. Ghana, like many other countries, has endorsed the sustainable concept of economic development that includes environmental consideration. In 1991, the Government adopted the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP-91), and the National Environmental Policy, which provided the broad policy framework for the implementation of the Action Plan. Ghanas Environmental Policy aims at ensuring a sound management of resources and the environment in such a manner so as to avoid over-exploitation and damage to the environment. Two laws relating to fisheries in Ghana concern improving fisheries regulation and management. These are the Fisheries Law (1991) implemented under the Fisheries Resource Management and Protection Act and the Fisheries Commission Act (Act 47, 1993). The relevance of these laws is relating to the accidental entrapment of marine organisms during the operational phase of the scheme and potential impacts from noise and vibration during the construction phase. The Beaches Obstructions Ordinance of 1897 prevents the removal of obstructions (including wrecks, rocks and beach material) without special permission. The relevance of this law is that the scheme will cross the shoreline and potentially the Sherbro Bank. As a result appropriate permits may need to be obtained. Maritime Zones (Delimitation) Law (1986) urban panning and development. The scheme will require permission under this Law. The EPA has developed sector specific effluent quality guidelines for discharges into natural water bodies which include values for the thermal power plant sector (GIBB Environmental, 1999). The parameters are shown in Table 1-1 and represent maximum permissible values.

Table 1-1: Effluent quality guidelines for discharges into natural water bodies (GIBB Environmental 1999)

Parameter pH Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) (mg/l) Total suspended solids (TSS) (mg/l) Temperature increase Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (mg/l) Turbidity (NTU)

Thermal Power Plant Sector Between 6 - 9 50 50 < 3 C above ambient 250 75

Table 1-2 : World Bank/IFC effluent quality guidelines for discharges into natural water bodies Parameter pH TSS Total residual Chlorine (TRO) Temp increase by thermal discharge from cooling system mg/l, except pH and temp 69 50 0.2 Site specific requirement to be established by the Environmental Impact Statement. Elevated temperature areas due to discharge of once-through cooling water (e.g., 1oC above, 2 0C above, 3 oC above ambient water temp) should be minimised by adjusting intake and outfall design through the project specific EIS depending on the sensitive aquatic ecosystems around the discharge point.

The cooling system which is the subject of this EIS does not involve any additions except temperature and chlorine for which the relevant guidelines are highlighted above.

1.5 Environmental Policy of TICO

Takoradi International Company (TICO) is 90% owned by TAQA Energy and is therefore bound by TAQA environmental management systems as well as local management systems. The management of TAQA, and the Plant Operator TICO, are committed to observance of policies and responsible operating practices to promote the protection

and enhancement of the natural and social environments in which the company operate. TICO environmental policy is to operate at all times in a manner consistent with sound environmental practices in order to minimise, to the maximum extent practical, the impact that the companys operations have on the environment in which the company operates.

1.6 International Environmental Requirements for Funding

1.6.1 Equator Principles The Equator Principles were developed by the private sector banks and were launched in June 2003 for the purpose of determining, assessing, and managing the social and environmental risk in project financing. The Principles were modelled on the environmental standards of the World Bank and the social policies of the International Finance Corporation. The principles apply to all new project financings globally with total project capital costs of US$10 million or more. They also apply to all project financings covering expansion or upgrade of an existing facility where changes in scale of scope may create significant environmental and/or social impacts, or significantly change the nature or degree of an existing impact. 1.6.2 International Finance Corporation IFC require that projects applying for funding should be:

environmentally and socially acceptable environmental and social policies;

in

accordance

with

IFC

in accordance with the World Bank Groups Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook, 1998; meet provisions set in the World Bank Groups Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines; and in accordance with the host countrys environmental requirements.

1.6.3 World Bank World Bank Group Environment, Health, and Safety Guidelines (EHS guidelines) were developed in 2008 and are used by the IFC as a source of technical information during project appraisal. Guidance from the IFCs Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Thermal Power Plants (IFC, 2008) has been used to inform best practice. This EIS has been structured in accordance with Guidelines from the World Bank (2007) (Operational Directive 4.01, 2007).

10

1.7 Consultation
An extensive literature review and consultation process was undertaken to generate baseline data and information to prepare the EIS. Guidance on the EIS was obtained from: Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Thermal Power Plants, 2008. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group. World Bank Environmental Assessment Process Operational Policy 4.01 (2007). World Bank Environmental Assessment Process Operational Policy 4.01 (2007), Annex A World Bank Environmental Assessment Process Operational Policy 4.01 (2007), Annex B World Bank Environmental Assessment Process Operational Policy 4.01 (2007), Annex C Equator Principals (2006) Ghanaian, Environmental Protection Agency Act 1995.

Key baseline data were obtained from the following sources: Environmental Impact Assessment, West African Gas Pipeline, 2004. West African Pipeline Company (WAGP). Acres International Ltd, TTPP Environmental Assessment, Volumes 1 & 2, 1995. GIBB Environmental, Takoradi thermal power plant proposed expansion, Supplementary Environmental Statement, 1999 Jacobs, 2004. T2 Cooling Water Study, Stage 1 Report. Dr A.K.. Armah, 2010. University of Ghana.

Additional baseline work was undertaken by Jacobs in 2010 to supplement previous data reported. Consultation in relation to ecology has been undertaken with various stakeholders. A summary of key meetings at which the scope of the assessment work was discussed is provided in Table 1-2. In August 2010 Jacobs submitted preliminary information to the Ghanaian EPA regarding the proposed CW scheme through an environmental screening report (Jacobs, 2010b). In September 2010 a formal response to this report was received from the Ghanaian EPA, a copy of which is presented in Appendix 1.

11

Table 1-3: Summary of consultation meetings undertaken to discuss the scheme and collect baseline data. Date 24/06/2010 11/08/2010 Attendees EPA, Accra EPA Western Regional Office, Takoradi. Discussion Explore permitting approach Obtain environmental data Discussions around EPA process and timescales. EPA do not hold any further baseline data other than that collected by TTPP and WAGP. Baseline fisheries data were gathered on fishing methods, species caught, fishing grounds, and seasonal fluctuations in catches. EIS should be submitted to MA as part of the planning process. The MA will need to instigate an exclusion zone around the proposed structures and give permission to work inside the current exclusion zone of the WAGP. Baseline data collected for the WAGP was disclosed as well as local knowledge of the flora and fauna.

11/08/2010

Shama Canoe Fishing Council Maritime Authority, Accra

12/08/2010

12/08/2010

Dr A. K. Armah, University of Ghana, Accra

2 The Scheme

2.1 Description of Scheme

The key components of the CW system are: Intake structure and conduits; onshore intake chamber; pumphouse; condenser; onshore discharge chamber; and, outfall conduits and structure (Figures 2-1 & 2-3). The sub-sea route corridor for the intake and outfall conduits will be located between the WAGP in the west and the current intake and outfall conduits for the seawater cooling tower supply to T1. An oil pipeline, extending out to a single point mooring, is located further to the east (Figure 2-4). It should be noted the installation of the new condenser for T2 falls under a separate EIS, for the T2 Expansion (Jacobs, 2010a).

12

Figure 2-1: Schematic illustration of the CW system.

2.1.1 Intake and Outfall Conduits and Structures The construction of the intake and outfall conduits will be the responsibility of the future EPC contractor, however the conduits are likely to be constructed either by sinking precast concrete units or high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes into a shallow trench dredged on the seabed. It is not known at this stage where pre-cast concrete units might be constructed: this could be off-site or on-site, however it is understood that HDPE pipes, if used, would be manufactured in Norway and brought to the site by sea. Where the conduits come ashore they will be buried in trenches extending to the CW pumphouse. It is likely that coffer damming will be undertaken for installation of the sections across the beach. The scheme includes two intake and two outfall conduits, thus providing a degree of independence for T1 and T2. Abstraction will be via a single intake unit at a combined maximum rate of 16 m3s-1; 8 m3s-1 each. The design of the intake structure will take account of: the need to prevent debris entering the system by providing a coarse outer bar screen; the need to limit intake velocity through the bar screen to mitigate organisms becoming entrapped; the need to provide an intake sill which is above the sea bed level to minimise the amount of sediment and seaweed drawn into the intake; the impact of debris such as plastics, nets; possible collision with ship or anchors; possible wave slam forces; and,

13

layout of a diffuser for a biocide system

To limit the environmental impacts of the CW system a low velocity side entry (LVSE) intake structure will be installed whereby water is abstracted so that the water flow into the intake is at 90 degrees to the current. The intake will be located in a water depth of around 13 m, approximately 2 km offshore. The LVSE intake structure is likely to be constructed on-land, floated out and sunk into position. The intake velocity at the entry screen will be restricted to < 0.3 ms-1 thus allowing adult and juvenile fish to swim against the current and remove themselves from the influence of the intake current. A number of coarse screens (100 mm spacing) located at the intake entrance will prevent the entry of large debris, mammals and reptiles. Figure 2-2 illustrates the intake structure.

Figure 2-2: Intake Structure

The structure will need to be sufficiently large to permit the low intake velocity required. It will also need to be sufficiently deep that the worst likely wave does not affect the intake. This will also permit a margin to allow small vessels to pass overhead. It is envisaged that the clearance over the intake structure will be 6.5 m at the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) which means that the depth will be greater than the shallows of the adjacent Sherbro bank. The discharge from the cooling system will be via two discharge pipes, one for T1 and one for T2. Each discharge will be fitted with a number of diffuser nozzles. The outfall design will take account of: the need to achieve good initial dilution; discharge water upwards, thus avoiding contact with the sea bed under all conditions; prevent possible wave slam forces; and minimise the potential for damage to and from fishing and shipping activities.

It is expected that the discharge conduits will run approximately 1.2 km offshore, to discharge through a diffuser in a minimum water depth of around 8.5 m. The conduits will be laid either as precast concrete units, steel or HDPE pipes into a shallow trench dredged on the seabed as for the intake conduits. It is not anticipated that blasting will

14

be required to excavate rock to bury the pipeline. Water will be discharged at a maximum temperature of 9.5 oC above the ambient temperature at the surface at the discharge point. Figure 2-3 illustrates the discharge structure.
LAST DIFFUSER ON EASTERN OUTFALL

2.5m WESTERN FIRST DIFFUSER ON WESTERN OUTFALL

2.5m EASTERN

2 x 2.5m INTAKE

Figure 2-3: Discharge Structure

The CW system will include an electro-chlorination system which will automatically chlorinate sections of the system at pre-set intervals. The free chlorine at the discharge will be controllable and set to concentrations that minimise the discharge of free chlorine.

2.1.2 Pumphouse A pumphouse will be located adjacent to the southern boundary of the TTPP (Plate 21) and will consist of a number of seawater pumps supplying T1 and T2. The pumphouse will contain two forebays supplying T1 and T2. Each forebay will have gratings and drum screens. Each drum screen is made of a horizontal axis drum whose outer circumference contains a fine mesh. Each screen rotates continuously at its axis with unscreened seawater being introduced within the drum from each flank and screened water being withdrawn from behind its outer surface. Impinged debris and fish will be lifted clear of the seawater and wash water sprays will then flush impinged material into a collection gully or basket.

15

Plate 2-1: Photograph showing proposed intake pumping station viewed from south.

The pumphouse superstructure may entail a building footprint of approximately 41 m by 9.2 m and of 9 m height. 2.1.3 Reverse Osmosis Plant A Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant is described and assessed within the application for a new consent to convert T2 to a combined-cycle plant (Jacobs, 2010a). T1 and T2 will use seawater RO to provide desalinated water for use in the preparation of de-ionised water for the steam turbine. This water will then be discharged into the CW system. It should be noted that a T1 RO plant is already in operation and therefore the only addition is a T2 RO plant.

2.1.4 Redundant Structures With the implementation of the proposed once-through cooling system, the existing TTPP seawater system will become redundant. The existing system will be kept in place as a stand-by until such time as the operator (Volta River Authority) is satisfied the new installation is functioning satisfactorily. On acceptance, a decision will be taken as to whether the on-shore works (i.e. cooling towers and existing intake building) will be either demolished or retained. It is understood that the existing off-shore works (intake and outfall system) will be left in-situ.

16

Figure 2-3: Proposed layout of the CW conduits and pump house in relation to the existing footprint of TTPP 17

Figure 2-4: Existing infrastructure in the vicinity of TTPP 18

2.1.5 Delivery of Material The majority of construction material will be delivered to the site by truck. In general, all major equipment will be delivered by ship to the Port of Takoradi, offloaded and transferred to site by road. A batching plant is expected to be set up on site during construction which will reduce the number of lorries using the road network during construction.

2.2 Alternatives
The current T2 open-cycle arrangement with the combustion turbines exhausting directly to the atmosphere has an efficiency of 31%. The proposal is to recover the heat in the exhaust from the combustion turbines and generate steam in heat recovery steam generators. This steam will then be used to generate more electricity in a steam turbine plant. In order to condense the steam back to water so that it can be pumped back into the boilers a cooling arrangement is required. Three basic cooling options exist for power plants: 1) An air-cooled condenser system, which uses electrically driven fans to drive air through a heat exchanger, which is the equivalent of very large car radiator. The heat from condensation of the steam from the turbine exhaust is passed to the air. A large amount of electricity is used to drive the fans, and the system has a very high condensation temperature. 2) A cooling tower system, which is the current situation at T1. The cooling tower cools water by breaking it up into small droplets which are cooled by a current of air created by large fans. The water is then returned to the condenser to cool more steam. A proportion of the water is lost in the process and has to be replenished. At T1 seawater is used in this system. The fans use less power than those in the air-cooled system and the temperature of the returned water is lower than in the case of the air cooled condenser, but around 10 C higher than the direct-cooled option. A great deal of the cooling effect is due to the evaporation of some of the cooling water. Sea water cooling towers are less efficient than fresh water equivalents and low level cooling towers are less efficient than full size natural draught towers. The Takoradi T1 cooling tower represents a significant efficiency loss. 3) Direct cooling by circulating seawater, the proposed new scheme for both T1 and the future expanded T2. Cool seawater is continually supplied to the condenser to cool the steam from the steam turbine and is discharged warm back at sea. A detailed cooling options appraisal was previously undertaken by Jacobs (2004). The potential application of three alternative cooling options for TTPP were compared, with the aim of determining whether it would be desirable for the cooling water approach at TTPP to be revised in future developments. This options appraisal considered efficiency, economics, environmental, and engineering aspects and concluded that a direct once-through cooling water system would provide considerable benefits and was the preferred option.

19

In summary an air-cooled system, although probably the cheapest to construct, would be the least thermodynamically efficient option. This is made worse by the high ambient temperatures which can occur at Takoradi. The use of seawater cooling towers (as currently for T1) have a number of issues including: Better efficiency than an air cooled condenser but still low Efficiency reduced in high temperature and high humidity. The system requires both large water pumps and large fans on the cooling tower. Seawater towers are less efficient than their fresh water equivalents The cooling towers cause improved, but still salt spray which is causing serious damage to the combustion turbines which significantly reduces their efficiency and increases plant maintenance. The once-through seawater cooling option provides the greatest efficiency, increasing output by around 10 MWe for each combined-cycle unit compared to the seawater cooling tower for the same fuel burned and the same CO2, NOx and SO2 emitted. This results from an increased efficiency of steam turbine and the reduction in power consumption from not using cooling tower fans. The upgraded T2 plant should achieve 48% efficiency, compared to 31% presently in open-cycle operation. To maximise efficiency, once-through cooling systems are common at power plants globally, including for plants with far greater heat rejection and in locations, such as river estuaries, where water mixing conditions are less favourable than they are at Takoradi.

20

3 Baseline Environmental Conditions

The following section summarises the environmental baseline conditions within the vicinity of TTPP for which the assessment of impacts will be based. The study area only includes the nearshore coastal environment (within 3 km of the shore) and the terrestrial environment that could potentially be impacted by the proposed scheme. The proposed cooling water (CW) structures run for a distance of approximately 2 km from the high water mark out to sea, they cross the beach and run inland to the power plant. The installation will therefore cross the subtidal, intertidal and terrestrial environment.

3.1 The Natural Environment

At Takoradi the continental shelf is at its widest, up to 90 km from the coast. The substrate is estimated to be predominantly sandy-mud, with patches of harder sand. Onshore and nearshore rocky outcrops exist composed of folded rocks, metamorphosed sediments and volcanic rocks associated with granite. The upper shore at TTPP is dominated by an upper shore sandy belt and a spray zone with coconut palms and maritime strand association. The maritime strand extends from the beach across a sandy road to a concrete drainage canal which borders the TTPP.

Plate 3-1: Left photograph of TTPP and maritime strand association looking north from the beach. Right photograph, view of upper sandy shore and beach looking east.

The Pra River estuary is located approximately 6 km east of Aboadze at Shama to the east of TTPP. The Anankwari lagoon is located 1 km to the west of the Site. Sea currents in the study area are dominated by the Guinea Current which is a counter current to the counter-clockwise circulation of the South Equatorial Current in the South Atlantic. The prevailing currents are in a west to east direction, with the strongest currents occurring between May and July (Gyory et al., 2005). During February to March and October to December currents weaken and a change in the trade winds produces a reverse in the prevailing currents (Dr A.K. Armah, Pers. Comm, August 2010). Merle and Arnault, (1985) also observed a current reversal as the westward wind stress subsides during certain times in December, February and March. The presence of a sandbar at the mouth of the River Pra running to the west also indicates

21

a west to east current on some occasions and maybe due to the irregular coastline a local gyre may exist for a large part of the year (Acres, 1995). The tidal range along the Ghanaian coast is relatively small; approximately 1 m on a daily basis and up to 2 m annually (Acres, 1995). There is a significant swell, generated from the Southern Atlantic that arrives at the coast which results in several hundred meters of surf zone.

3.1.1 Water Quality The coastal waters experience seasonal changes at the surface and are characterised by warm well-mixed water that extends from the surface to the depth of the thermocline (about 30 m to 40 m) (WAGP, 2004). Average monthly beach seawater temperatures are shown in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1: Average annual beach seawater temperature ( C), Aboadze from monitoring by Volta River Authority, TTPP.
o

Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Annual Average

2006 25.5 26.0 27.3 28.6 27.5 27.3 24.4 24.3 23.9 26.1 29.2 27.8 26.5

2007 26.5 27.0 27.8 27.5 27.5 27.5 25.6 23.8 23.6 26.3 27.0 27.3 26.4

2008 25.4 27.3 26.3 27.3 27.6 26.0 24.3 22.7 22.2 24.4 29.3 29.8 26.0

Water quality studies undertaken for the WAGP in 2004 found high levels of trace metals near the storm outfall from TTPP with lower levels at all other sites sampled in the region. The highest levels recorded were for Aluminium (8.544 ppm), Lead (0.1174 ppm), Vanadium (0.525 ppm), Iron (0.6194 ppm), and Magnesium (120.9 ppm). Nutrient levels which govern productivity did not show any variation within the region (WAGP, 2004). The BOD, COD and TOC levels ranged from 2.04 to 5.36 mg l-1, 56 to 160 mg l-1 and 0.03 to 0.18 mg l-1 respectively in the vicinity of the TTPP.

3.2 Marine Ecology

3.2.1 Fisheries Fish distributional information in the nearshore environment around TTPP has been drawn from a number of sources including previous baseline studies for the WAGP (2004), from Acres (1995), and interviews with the Shama Canoe Fishing Council and local fisherman (2010).

22

Over 100 fish species are known to frequent the Ghanaian waters the most abundant species are listed in Table 3-2.
Table 3-2: Key fish species. Fish Species Common Name

Cynoglosses spp Pseudotolithus spp Brachydeuterus auritus Pornadays jubelioi Sardinella aurita Sardinella maderensis Illisha africana Trichiurus lepturus Carcharhiaida spp Peueidae Manta birostrus Sepia officinalis Istiophorus amaicanus Neothumus albacares Auxis thazord Scomber japonicus Caranx hippos Engraulis encrasicolus Balistes capriscus Selene dorsalis Pteroscion peli Syacium micrurum Grammoplites gruveli Bothuspodas africanus Trigla Lyra Sphyraena spp Epinephelus spp Lutjanus spp

Sole Cassova fish Burrito Burro Round sardinella Flat sardinella Long-finned herring Ribbon fish Shark Shrimp Manta ray Cuttlefish Sailfish Yellowfin tuna Frigate mackeral Chub mackerel Horse mackeral Anchovy Grey triggerfish African moonfish Boe drum Channel flounder Guinea flathead African wide-eyes flounder Piper gurnard Barracuda Grouper Snapper

The local fishery is extremely important to the local economy. Estimates in Acres, (1995) state it contributes 50% of the Districts artisanal catch, which itself contributes up to 5 % of the national catch. Agyepong et al. (1990) estimated that there were 5,350 fishermen in the villages of Aboesi, Aboadze and Shama. In Aboadze, fishermen are attracted from throughout the country with the majority of people (up to 75%) in the village engaged in fishing, with men catching the fish and women smoking, processing and trading fish (WAGP, 2004). Interviews with the Shama Canoe Fishing Council indicates that the majority of fishing occurs offshore (greater than 3 km from the shore). The methods and locations of fishing vary seasonally. Between May and September many local fisherman travel westwards from Shama, transiting offshore past TTPP. The key species fished are Sardinella spp. which are caught using fine meshed drift nets. When Sardinella spp are

23

not as prevalent, fishermen target a large range of other species (e.g. tuna) and travel west, east and south from Shama in search of offshore fishing grounds. No significant fishery resource is known to exist nearshore (within 3 km of the coast) around TTPP. The WAGP which comes ashore several hundred metres to the west of the plant has a fishing exclusion zone extending 1 nautical mile (1.8 km) east and west of the pipe which runs offshore some 15 km. Some seasonally dependant fishing does occur around Shama Bay; cassava fish, shrimp, ribbonfish and lobster are all caught. Acres (1995) identified shrimp fishing grounds in waters 20 to 50 m deep (approximately 8 km offshore) south east of Shama Bay. It is likely that shrimp will use the sheltered bay at Shama as a nursery area. West of Shama Bay is a length of rocky shoreline where lobsters are common, which are then sold on to market at Sekondi and Takoradi, or exported. There is no lobster fishing either bordering the proposed site, or close by in the Anankwari Estuary. Crab, shrimp and shellfish are known to be harvested in coastal lagoons and river mouths, but in the area this is confined to around the Pra River, 7 km from TTPP. The Sherbro Bank, located about 1.5 - 2 km south of the high water mark near the TTPP (within the nearshore area) is an area of rocks approximately 2 km2 which potentially provides a valuable fish and benthic community. The Roani Bank is of a similar sized rocky outcrop located 4 km south of TTPP and within the offshore area. These areas are likely to contain a rich diversity of organisms including damsel fish (Abudefdut saxatilis), surgeonfish (Ophioblennius atlanticus), and large parrot fish (Pseudoscarus hoefleri) (Acres, 1995). Worthy of note because of the commercial value is the sardinella fishery. The major part of this fishery is located offshore (circa 15 km) although sardinella larvae and juvenile may come inshore to feed (Acres 1995). From July to September the major upwelling provides the most productive fishing season with the round sardinella (S.aurita) and flat sardinella (S.maderensis) the dominant species.

24

Figure 3-3: Map showing key sardinella spawning areas.

Overexploitation during the 1970s is likely to have lead to decline in round sardinella stocks. Additionally, it is thought that demersal species catches are higher than is sustainable to maintain stock levels (Mensah and Koranteng, 1988). Increasing fishing activities combined with industrial and domestic pollution has caused a significant decrease in fish stocks (Hens and Boon, no date given) whilst excessive fishing pressure has been recorded for bigeye grunt (B.auritus) (Bannerman and Cowx, 2002). In Aboesi catches are declining, attributed to the increasing numbers of trawlers operating in the area. During the off-season fishing effort tends to concentrate on the shallower nearshore areas such as lagoons and estuaries. During this period pressure on spawners and young fish can reach levels that are unsustainable. This is increasing poverty in the village and surrounding area exacerbated by the increasing cost of fishing equipment.

3.2.2 Benthic Habitat The sandy wave swept coast around TTPP is a hostile marine environment only colonised by a limited number of species. During a biotope survey conducted by Jacobs in August 2010 only the ghost crab (Ocypoda cursa) and several species of polychaete were observed. Two areas of intertidal rock are present within the vicinity of TTPP. The first to the west of the site is man-made and provides protection to the WAGP. The second area directly in front of the TTPP is approximately 300 m2 (Plate 3-2). This intertidal area is likely to extend subtidally by several hundred metres and may form the edge of the Sherbro Bank which the WAGP crosses. A number of mid and low shore transects

25

were surveyed during August 2010. The results show a diverse community of green (e.g. Ulva fasciata, Enteromopha flexuosa), brown (Basispora africana), the encrusting Ralfsia expansa) and red seaweeds (Centroceras clavulatum); snails (Littorina spp); anenomes; urchins (Diadema spp); and, limpets (Siphonaria spp). In the rockpools crabs, fish and a sea cucumber were recorded. Surveys for the Acres report (1995) found barnacles (Chthamalus spp), limpets (Siphonaria spp, Fissurella spp) and the gastropod (Nerita atrata) dominant in the intertidal rocky zone. Algae were less common although the brown algae, Basispora africana, and blue-green algae were observed. The algae on the rocky shores are likely to serve as important microhabitats for epifauna and fish.

Plate 3-2: Rocky outcrop south of TTPP

The WAGP (2004) study at sample sites from Takoradi included a total of 26 invertebrate species, with abundances highest in the lower intertidal zone including eight polychaeta species, nine crustacean species and six mollusc species. A higher diversity of molluscs had been recorded previously, with up to 68 families (Edmunds, 1978). It has been suggested that the lower diversity in the upper intertidal zone is due to fewer niches (Armah and Amlalo, 1998). There are limited data for meiofauna (e.g. smaller oligochaetes and crustaceans) or microfauna (e.g. amoeba, foraminiferans and ciliates) (National Biodiversity Strategy for Ghana, 2007). Benthic macrofauna for Ghanaian subtidal habitats have been described by various authors most recently by Evans et al (1993). These works describe a benthic community of arthropods, molluscs, polychaetes, bryozoans and echinoderms. In subtidal rocky area such as the Sherbro Bank, the sea urchin, Echinometra lucunter, is widespread, whilst Arbacia lixula is present but less common. Brown algae species, Dictyopteris delicatula and Sargassum vulgare are found (Acres, 1995).

26

On subtidal sandy substrates diversity is reduced due to scouring but polychaetes (Nerine spp) and crabs (Ocypoda spp and Donax spp) are common (Acres, 1995). Polychaetes were found to be the dominant group in the benthic community along the Takoradi subtidal area in the WAGP studies (2004). The most diverse site had over 50 species recorded, over 40 of which were polychaetes. This site also had the highest diversity scores (Margalef and Shannon-Weiner). Sedentary detritivores and filter feeders dominated the polychaete fauna mostly species from the families; Maldanidae, Spionidae, Orbinidae, Cirratulidae, Lumbrinereidae, Onuphidae, Capitellidae and Ampharetidae. Predatory polychaetes were mainly from the families; Eunicidae, Nephtyidae and Glyceridae (WAGP, 2004). It should be noted that despite the high diversity in areas of rocky outcrops, evidence (Armah and Amlalo, 1998) suggests some species are declining along the Ghanaian coast, such as the gastropod Cymbium sp and the spiny lobster Panulirus sp. The reason for these declines is unknown but is occurring throughout West Africa and is probably related to modern fishing activities (i.e. beam trawling) and variable oceanographic conditions (for example concurrent El Nio events). Other species appear to have disappeared completely from some localities, including the sea star, Astropecten sp. which is prone to a wasting disease effecting populations in subtropical areas.

3.2.3 Plankton The diversity and abundance of the planktonic community changes seasonally. The main driving influence is the oceanographic regime. Offshore the phytoplankton community maintains a high diversity and low abundance during stratification, during periods of upwelling the diversity declines but numbers increase rapidly (Wiafe, 2002). The main seasonal upwelling mixes cold, nutrient rich lower layers with surface layers, enhancing productivity. It is this process that results in populations of phytoplankton and zooplankton increasing (Minta, 2003). The timing of fish spawning means that fish larvae and eggs can contribute significantly to this peak (Acres, 1995). During the WAGP surveys (2004) as many as 63 species of zooplankton were recorded. The phytoplankton community was dominated by the dinoflagellate genus, Chaetoceros spp and also included Dinophysis acuta, known to cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning during blooms. The most common species of zooplankton was the cladoceran, Penilia avirostris (WAGP, 2004). Dinoflagellates are the main components of the coastal water community during the upwelling, dominating in temperatures below 25 0C. Diatoms proliferate at other times (Anang, 1978). There appears to be an underlying trend of declining zooplankton abundances along parts of the Ghanaian coast. There is little evidence to support rising temperatures although the large copepod, Calanoides carinatus, an important species in the planktonic community, is sensitive to temperature above 23 0C (Wiafe et al, 2008). It has been observed that Chaetognaths are sparse most of the year, but become prolific September to November. Thaliaceans, mainly Thalia democratica, become prolific only in December and July, and Appendicularians are often abundant in June and October (Thiriot, 1977 cited in WAGP, 2004)).

27

3.2.4 Marine Mammals and Reptiles There are a few records of dolphins and whales spotted along the coastline of Ghana (WAGP, 2004) with the majority of sightings are offshore (>3 km for the coast). A survey by Waerbeek and Ofori-Danson (1999) recorded six cetacean species: humpback whale (Megatera novaeangliae), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia simus), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) and rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). However, a thorough study of by-catch data confirmed there were at least 18 species along the coast of Ghana (Van Waerebeek et al, 2009).
Table 3-3: Dominant marine mammals in Ghanaian waters Mammal Species Tursiops truncatus Stenella clymene S. longirostris S.attenuata Steno frontalis Deiphinus capensis Lagenodelphis hosei Steno bredanensis Grampus griseus Pepononcephala electra Physeter macrocephalus Ziphius cavirostris Megaptera novaeangliae Common Name Bottlenosed dolphin Clymene dolphin Spinner dolphin Pan-tropical spotted dolphin Atlantic spotted dolphin Long beaked common dolphin Frasers dolphin Rough toothed dolphin Rissos dolphin Melon-headed whale Sperm whale Cuviers beaked whale Humpedback whale

Worthy of note because of the vulnerable classification under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the West African manatee. This species mainly occurs in large rivers and coastal waters. No species have been recorded from the River Par, 6 km from the TTPP; the main populations are located around the Volta Estuary and Abby Lagoon (over 200 km to the west of the TTPP) Sea turtles are protected under Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures of Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa, 1999 (WAGP, 2004). Along the Ghanaian coastline the main nesting periods are generally from late July through to December, with peaks in November (Armah et al, 1997). Six species are known to occur along the Ghanaian coastline; loggerhead, olive ridley, Kemps ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback. There are no known nesting sites around Takoradi, the closest being at Princes Town, approximately 30 km west of Takoradi (Irene Heathcote, Pers. Comm., Ghana EPA 2010).

3.2.5 Lagoons Two open lagoons occur within the vicinity of TTPP; the Anankwari Lagoon, approximately 1 km to the west and the Pra River estuary, approximately 6 km to the east. Open lagoons are associated with larger river mouths, systems which tend to be more stable, functionally predictable with higher diversity because of the influence of the sea. Due to the continued transport of nutrients from the terrestrial environment,

28

estuaries and coastal lagoons are generally highly productive ecosystems. This is reflected by the recognition of the importance of Ghanas open lagoons for migrating seabirds (Ntiamoa-Baidu and Gordon, 1991). Waders and terns are especially abundant in Ghanaian lagoons, some with numbers of international importance, contributing to >1% of the east Atlantic Flyway population (Ntiamoa-Baidu, 1991). Abundances are especially high between August and March (inclusive), peaking in November and December, although this does vary between species. Lowest densities tend to occur in May, June and July. A bird survey of four Ghanaian wetlands revealed important migratory and breeding sites with a total count of 51 species. Whilst these were larger Ramsar designated wetlands, it does suggest that other wetland sites, such as the Anankwari Lagoon and the Pra River estuary, will be important ecologically (Gbogbo, 2007). Wetlands are especially important as nutrient rich habitats for fish spawning and nursery grounds (Wuver and Attuquayefio, 2006) and Ghanas coastal wetlands have long been acknowledged as important habitats for fish spawning and nursery grounds (Ntiamoa-Baidu and Gordon, 1991). At Aboadze there is a Cyperus articulatus-dominated wetland (Oteng-Yeboah, 1994, cited in WAGP 2004) near to TTPP. During the wet season, the entire wetland area becomes flooded and joins the nearby Anankwari Lagoon, located to the southwest. This allows for a cross transport of materials bi-directionally between the freshwater and the sea and contains diverse and varied biota (WAGP, 2004). During flooding the wetland receives effluent from the T1 RO plant and sewage from nearby settlements however this does not appear to impact on the ecosystem. Levels of certain metals (e.g. aluminium, lead, vanadium and magnesium) have been noted as being higher near the TTPP discharge point compared to areas further away although again this does not appear to be at a level to impact on the ecology (WAGP, 2004) Sardinella larvae and juveniles use the estuaries, for example the River Pra, for foraging (Acres, 1995). Four species of mullet have been recorded from a tidal lagoon to the west of the proposed site (Blay, 1994).

3.3 Terrestrial Ecology

From previous studies, about 20 species of herpetofauna, 50 species of birds, and 19 species of mammals were recorded in the vicinity of the thermal plant (WAGP 2004). Six herpetofaunal species are of international conservation significance, out of which one species, Kinixys homeana (hinged tortoise) is designated data deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. The other five species, Chamaeleo gracilis (chameleon), Varanus niloticus (Nile monitor), V. exanthematicus (savanna monitor), Python regius (royal python), and P. sebae (African python) are listed in Appendix II by CITES. These five species were all in the Aboadze/Takoradi area during the WAGP surveys in 2004. None of the 50 bird species known to occur in the Aboadze area are of international conservation significance, but 14 species are of national conservation significance (four are listed on Schedule I, and 10 on Schedule II). Out of the four Schedule I species, Milvus migrans (black kite) and Neophron monachus (hooded vulture), were recorded in the survey, while two out of the 10 Schedule II species, Lonchura cucullata (bronze manikin) and Ploceus cucullatus (village weaver) were also recorded (WAGP, 2004).

29

Six of the 19 mammal species are of international conservation significance. Three of these, Crocidura oliveri (white-toothed shrew), Cephalophus maxwelli (Maxwell's duiker), and Neotragus pygmaeus (royal antelope), are categorised on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species (WAGP, 2004). Generally, by the nature of the vegetation, the more coastal areas tend to have lower species diversity and abundance than areas further inland, where biodiversity may be enhanced by the presence of rare or endemic species, which are more vulnerable to environmental change. Habitat disturbance in coastal areas therefore poses relatively less danger to biodiversity than disturbance in the more inland areas (WAGP, 2004).

3.4 Landscape and Visual

This section describes the existing landscape and visual character of the TTPP site and study area, taking into account the changes that have already occurred as a result of T1 construction and the ongoing development of T2.

3.4.1 Landscape Character The TTPP site lies on relatively flat land that from sea level rises to 50 m at a distance of 4 km inland. The landscape character of the area has been disturbed by previous development at the TTPP. The site itself was originally regraded and levelled for the construction of T1 in the late 1990s, and ongoing development of T2. The surrounding study area is predominantly open with scattered trees. Landscape planting associated with the construction of T1 and T2 has already been implemented. This included replacement planting of palm trees along the beach section that was previously cleared during the construction of the LCO (light cycle oil) supply pipeline and the seawater intake/discharge pipelines. These measures have served to significantly reduce the original impacts of TTPP on the landscape, but TTPP still forms a distinctive feature within the surrounding, more natural, landscape.

3.4.2 Visual Aspects Given the largely flat topography of the general surrounding area, the overall aesthetic quality, and that T1 and T2 currently comprises numerous large scale buildings and high features, (in particular, the 40 m stacks and the transmission pylons and lines) the existing visual impact of TTPP can be described as adverse.

3.5 Airborne Noise

The existing noise levels relate to T1 in full operation in combined-cycle and T2 operating in open-cycle mode. The southern boundary noise levels are within the applicable 70 dB limit which is applicable considering that this boundary is not adjacent to residential areas. Following expansion of T2 to combined-cycle operation the baseline noise levels at the boundary could increase if T2 were to have cooling towers (rather than once-through cooling as proposed), due to the noise generated by the cooling tower fans and by the spray of water in the cooling tower. Noise levels are addressed in more detail in the Environmental Update for the T2 Expansion Project.

30

3.6 Social
TTPP lies within the Shama Ahanta East District. The nearest settlement is Aboadze, 1.5 km immediately to the east of the site. A further 1.5 km east is Aboesi. Most of the local population lives in scattered village communities or single family units. Within the communities of Aboadze and Aboesi it is estimated that 75% of the male workforce are fishermen. These settlements are nationally important fisheries relying on a 23 month upwelling period, with operations reduced to subsistence levels outside this period.

4 Impact Assessment

4.1 Construction Phase Impacts

The construction activities that will be discussed in this section relate to those which pose a threat to the marine and terrestrial environment. Construction activities at the site posing a potential threat to the environment will be localised and are associated with construction of the intake structures, pumping station and laying the CW conduits. Prior to any construction works, method statements should be produced detailing full construction methodologies and construction activities and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) should be produced and adhered to in order to minimise and mitigate the impact of the construction activities where possible. An environmental and engineering options appraisal was carried out for the CW intake system which highlighted potential design and location options (Jacobs, 2004). The preferred option is to construct a low velocity side entry (LVSE) intake (Figure 2-2) where water is abstracted 90o degrees to the current. The intake will be located in a water depth of around 13 m avoiding the Sherbro Bank where possible. At this time it has not been determined where the LVSE intake structure will be constructed, however it is thought likely that it will be constructed on-land, floated out and sunk into position. Two separate intake pipes will lead from the intake structure and run parallel ashore before reaching the onshore intake chamber of the seawater pump house for T1 and T2. Two discharge pipes, one from T1 and one from T2, will follow the same route as the intake pipes and discharge CW via diffusers approximately 1.2 km offshore, in water depth of approximately 8.5 m. The laying of the intake and outfall conduits and structures will involve dredging, onshore and nearshore trenching, nearshore piling and possibly onshore sheet piling. Although rock is visible in the surf zone underwater blasting is not anticipated at this stage.

4.1.1 Noise and Vibration Activities involved in the construction of the CW system will produce noise above background which may impact marine (i.e. fish and marine mammals and reptiles) and terrestrial species (i.e. birds, mammals and reptiles). Anthropogenic noise is a generic term that refers to any man-made sound or vibration which intrudes into the natural environment and which can mask a biologically useful sound (a signal) or cause other

31

harm. Noise can be sensed in the form of sound (measured as changes in pressure) or vibration (measured e.g. as changes in particle velocity). Any object vibrating in air or water will generate vibrations caused by oscillations of the particles of the medium and concomitant pressure waves. Thus while measured separately, they coexist. A sound or vibration is defined in terms of its frequency (pitch) and amplitude (level or loudness). Frequency is measured in Hertz [Hz] (1 Hz = 1 cycle per second), amplitude is measured in units of velocity, e.g. millimetres per second (mms-1), but is often expressed in decibels (dB) in biological applications. Responses to sound are species specific as each has its own range of frequencies over which it can hear and its own hearing sensitivity. In humans sounds above 20 kHz are considered to be ultrasonic i.e. above human frequency range. For most fish, sound above 1 kHz is ultrasonic. For marine mammals such as dolphins, sound below 1 kHz is not audible as they typically hear between 1 and 100 kHz (Nedwell et al. 2004). Underwater noise can mask a biologically useful sound (a signal), disturb the natural behaviour of the animals, impair hearing or cause injury and death. Such noise sources include piling, shipping, dredging, drilling and earth works. Of the activities proposed, impact piling is considered to produce the greatest noise. Sound levels generated during piling operations are variable and depend on the method, frequency and duration of piling. A report by Nedwell and Edwards (2004) summarised sound levels produced during impact piling and vibropiling operations. Underwater sound levels recorded during piling operations in the UK ranged between 130 and 150 dBre1Pa at a distance of 400 m Studies of pile driving activity on an offshore windfarm construction site recorded a temporary drop in acoustic activity of porpoises during piling operations. However, the activity returned to baseline levels three to four hours later. Temporary avoidance of the area was also observed up to 15 km from the piling noise although no observations were made at a greater distance (Thomsen et al., 2006). In marine and terrestrial mammals, exposure to sound levels above absolute hearing thresholds can result in either a temporary threshold shift (TTS), when hearing sensitivity returns to normal after temporary loss, or a permanent threshold shift (PTS), when hearing is lost permanently. Reliable information on the levels of sound which cause damage in mammals is not available and therefore it is common practice to apply human Damage Risk Criteria (DRC) (Richardson et al., 1995). Humans exposed in air, to continuous sound levels 80 dB above their absolute hearing thresholds are likely to suffer TTS and eventual PTS (Hammond et al., 2006). Applying Damage Risk Criteria (DRC) to marine mammals it would be predicted that at low frequencies (<500 Hz) TTS would occur at around 165 - 180 dB re 1 Pa in seals and at around 180-210 dB re 1 Pa in dolphins (Hammond, et al., 2006). Both the TTS values are higher than the sound measurements recorded during vibro-piling by Nedwell and Edwards, (2004) at ranges larger than a few metres from the point of piling. It is expected that a large number of marine mammals and reptiles frequent the waters of Takoradi for transiting or foraging especially in the vicinity of the Sherbro and Roani Banks which have a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is anticipated that any marine mammals or reptiles that may happen to be present in the vicinity of works would flee during operations if disturbed. It would be expected that the effects will be temporary and that mammals and reptiles would return following completion of the works. However, a potential significant impact may exist on species within close proximity of the works and therefore mitigation measures are proposed in the following section to ameliorate the potential.

32

Impacts of noise on fish are less understood, however studies in the UK on protected migratory fish species, such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), have been undertaken. It is thought that fish are more at risk of pressure pulse rupturing the swim bladder, where one exists, than effects on their hearing (Vagle, 2003). Nedwell et al (2003) undertook experiments on caged fish (brown trout, Salmo trutta) during both vibro-piling and impact piling. Cages were placed at varied distances from the piling, from 25 m to 400 m away, with a control cage located approximately 10 km from the site. Two types of behaviour were investigated; startle reactions and fish activity level. The study concluded that there was no evidence that trout reacted to impact piling at a distance of 400 m, no evidence that trout reacted to vibro-piling at an even closer range, and no evidence of gross physical injury to trout at the monitoring range of 400 m. Only fish located in the vicinity of pile driving activities during construction are predicted to be at risk of injury. Fish, by their nature are highly mobile and therefore able to move out of areas where acoustic disturbance is occurring, limiting the likelihood of physical injury. Therefore, only minor impacts are predicted on fish species in the immediate vicinity of piling activities and no significant impacts further afield. The impacts will only exist for the construction period. Potential impacts on the terrestrial environment will be where the intake and outfall conduits come ashore and cross wetland areas bordering the TTPP site. Airborne noise and physical disturbance is likely to displace wildlife during construction activities however no significant impact is predicted and wildlife will return once construction noise and physical disturbance has ceased. Redundant onshore cooling system structures may be demolished, although this has not yet been confirmed. If demolition does take place, it is predicted that this could have a minor short-term local noise and dust impact. Redundant off-shore intake and outfall structures will be left in situ and will therefore have no construction phase impact. Noise levels are addressed in more detail in the EIS Update prepared for the consent application being made for the T2 Expansion Project (Jacobs 2010a).

4.1.2 Habitat Loss / Gain Laying of conduits and intake/outfall structures will result in damage to marine benthic and terrestrial habitats along the route corridor. Onshore this will include the clearing of thickets and shrubs. Much of this onshore area has previously been cleared for the original seawater supply conduits for the cooling towers at T1 and the WAGP. An access road has also been created running in parallel to the TTPP drainage channel. Although sensitive receptors have been identified in the general area during the WAGP surveys this was to the west of the TTPP site. The terrestrial ecology in-front of the TTPP, along the proposed route corridor, is limited in its ecological value. In addition the corridor is narrow (circa 50 m) and therefore potential impacts will be limited. Mitigation measures are proposed in the following section to minimise any potential impacts. Where temporary habitat loss occurs, as a result of the activity footprint, re-colonisation by flora and fauna from surrounding areas is expected to be rapid following completion of activities. However, an initial loss of marine benthic and terrestrial communities is certain to occur although the ecological value both within the sandy intertidal and

33

subtidal area and along the onshore corridor is very limited. No significant impact is predicted outside of this corridor.

4.1.3 Increased Suspended Solids and Turbidity Any works causing increased turbidity or increased suspended solids loading may have numerous impacts for example, affect foraging cetaceans, smother benthic fauna, affect the feeding ability of fish or cause a reduced gill function. However, increased levels of turbidity and suspended solids from construction will be temporary due to mixing by wave action and currents and therefore will be spatially limited. Background turbidity levels are naturally high around Takoradi due to bed currents and a large surf zone which re-suspends sediment. Due to the small scale of works programmed, compared to the vast sea area, any re-suspension of sediment from the works will not significantly increase turbidity and any increases would be localised to within 50 m for example. Currents will disperse re-suspended sediment quickly so that levels would not be detectable above background levels. For these reasons it is expected that the small amount of re-suspension of sediment will be of negligible impact on the water quality and have no significant impact on the aquatic ecology.

4.1.4 Pollution from Construction Activities Accidental release of pollutants (e.g. of oil or fuel from barges laying the conduits) may have a major significant effect on local ecology either through direct mortality, destruction of habitat or a change in water quality. The scale of impact would depend on the nature of the pollutant, duration and extent. The main pollution sources are likely to be fuel, oil, on-board spills and wastewater from engines and other machinery. Bilge water often has a high biological/chemical demand for oxygen (BOD/COD) and contains pollutants such as dissolved solids, oils and other chemicals (Schmidt, 2000). Whatever the source, the spillage of any polluting material from shipping or construction plant associated with construction, could result in entry of toxic material into the marine environment. Although the level of impact could be severe (depending on the quantity and toxicity of the spilled material), the ultimate sink for insoluble solids will be the benthos and studies have shown that sediment-dwelling, benthic communities can be impacted heavily by petroleum hydrocarbon contamination (e.g. Kingston, 1992). The exact locations where any spilt material is incorporated into the seabed will depend on whether it first enters the water column or lands directly onto the benthos. Although any impact associated with the spillage of contaminants could have a potentially long-term impact on benthic habitats the extent of the impact will be influenced by the nature of the receiving environment. The distance over which material entering the water column is distributed will be related to local currents, tidal state, water depth and settling velocity of material. Given the currents and extent of the surf zone around Takoradi, any such materials entering the water column are likely to be rapidly diluted and dispersed. There are some valuable habitats within the vicinity of TTPP for example, Sherbro Bank. However, construction activities will be away from this area which would be upstream of the prevailing currents therefore preventing any major significant impacts on the Sherbro Bank. Benthic areas in the vicinity of the conduits are impoverished with a substrate consisting predominantly sands, supporting few invertebrates. There is little fishing activity in the area, suggesting fish are unlikely to be impacted directly from construction activity. In addition, fish, mammals and reptiles are mobile and therefore

34

able to avoid any pollution should there be any incidents. Mitigation measures proposed in the following section provides measures to limit any impact from accidental spillage.

4.1.5 Introduction of Non-Native species Many marine habitats are prone to invasion by exotic marine species from vessels involved in international trade and the availability of vectors for species varies with prevailing shipping routes. Construction activities may potentially increase the risk of introducing non-native, invasive species through increased ship travel from areas outside of the Gulf of Guinea. The most frequently cited vector route is by transport as viable pelagic larvae or as juveniles in ballast water. A lesser known route is the transportation as adults in hull fouling. Generally one of the limiting factors to invasive species is prevailing temperature conditions. Ships originating from temperate waters will carry exotic species adapted to a cooler climate. The significantly higher temperatures found in the tropical Gulf of Guinea will mean it is extremely unlikely that any species from temperate waters will gain a competitive advantage over locally occurring native species. The biggest risk, therefore, will be from ships travelling from other tropical regions outside the Gulf of Guinea. However, there are now international measures in place for exchanging or sterilising of ballast water and advances in anti-fouling products have significantly reduced the risk. Therefore no significant impact is predicted as a result of non-native species being introduced.

4.1.6 Transportation Delivery of general construction material will put considerable pressure on the existing road network around TTPP. Despite the fact that the access roads around the TTPP site are in good condition, there will be some unavoidable disruption to traffic flow and increased risk of vehicle accidents and injury to pedestrians. If HDPE pipes were to be used, their delivery would not affect local road links. The pipes are extruded at their manufacturing plant in Norway. They are then floated in lengths are up to 500 m, and towed to site from Norway. They would remain floating offshore until installation. The landward of the pipe will be anchored onshore and the remaining length of pipe will be flooded in a controlled manner to bed on the pipe trench at the sea floor. It is understood that the intake structure would be constructed on land before being floated out and sunk into position. Local road traffic disruption could therefore potentially occur.

4.1.7 Landscape and Visual The construction of the pumphouse will have negligible landscape and visual effects given the absence of sensitive receptors and the fact that this activity will take place adjacent to the southern TTPP boundary, adjacent to existing infrastructure. The power plant includes buildings, heat recovery boilers, etc., which are considerably taller than the proposed pumphouse.

35

The intake and outfall conduits will be buried from the intertidal zone to the pumphouse. Depending upon how this is undertaken, there may be localised, short term, minor landscape and visual effects. However the beach area through which this construction activity will take place is isolated, with no existing sensitive receptors. A beach resort is planned approximately 3 km to the west of the TTPP site, between Esupon and the Anankwari River, and, although some development has taken place there, it is not clear when this development is scheduled for completion. Given its distance from TTPP, it is considered that the proposed CW works will have no impact on this resort.

4.1.8 Social TICO and VRA have considerable experience in managing construction related impacts on the local population; having been involved in the TTPP development for over 10 years. There are expected to be no significant effects on local community infrastructure as a result of the CW system construction. Significantly lower numbers of construction workers will be required than was the case for T1 and T2 development: for which appropriate arrangements were made to accommodate worker requirements. The construction of the CW system is expected to have a moderate beneficial impact with regard to employment opportunities due to the worker requirements for the site preparation and construction stages. There is the potential for an increase in prostitution in the general area surrounding TTPP. This in-turn could potentially lead to an increase in HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, given that the workforce required for site preparation and construction stages is expected to be relatively small, the impact of this is predicted to be minor.

4.2 Operational Phase Impacts of Abstraction and Discharge

In the context of CW system effects, the following definitions apply: Entrapment: the inadvertent entry into the CW system of aquatic organisms caused by the ingress of water; the term implies that the organism is unable to resist capture, owing either to poor or no swimming ability, or to its failure to detect the water intake. Impingement: the retention of entrapped organisms on CW intake screens that are employed to prevent debris entering the CW heat exchangers; to become impinged, organisms must be large enough to be retained by the screen meshes (potentially includes e.g. juvenile-adult fish, macroinvertebrates such as shrimps, crabs and large molluscs and marine algae). Entrainment: the passage of entrapped organisms that penetrate the CW screens back to the estuary via the pumps, heat exchangers and other components of the CW circuit (typically zooplankton including ichthyoplankton and phytoplankton). Note: the size break-point between impingement and entrainment depends on the size of mesh openings selected for the CW screens.

36

Thermal discharge: heated water from the power plant cooling system at the point of release into the sea. Thermal plume: the short-term heat field in proximity to the thermal discharge where behaviour of the effluent is still influenced by its momentum and/or buoyancy.

4.2.1 CW Abstraction Arrangements CW will be abstracted at a maximum rate of 16 m3s-1 via two new intake pipes (8 m3s-1 each) situated in a new intake structure located approximately 2 km offshore. The normal intake rate will be somewhat less than this maximum, probably around 14 15 m3s-1. The intake structure will be a low velocity side entry (LVSE) intake design with slats to act as coarse screens and to deter the entry of fish. Intake velocity will be below 0.3 ms-1. The intake will be configured in-line with the prevailing current, so that the intake velocity is approximately perpendicular to the prevailing current. It is presumed presently that the intakes will be on two sides of a structure which will be aligned with the prevailing current direction. Within the pump house, adjacent to the southern boundary of TTPP, fine mesh drum screens will remove entrapped debris, flora and fauna that are big enough to be retained on the screens. 4.2.2 Potential Effects on Aquatic Organisms Entrapment The majority of entrapped organisms will be juvenile and larval fish, and plankton owing to their weaker swimming performance. The numbers entrapped will be dependant on season, currents, weather conditions as well as the abstraction velocity and therefore a potential significant impact exists on fisheries and plankton communities. The intake design will incorporate a LVSE intake resulting in maximum intake velocity of 0.3 ms-1 which would allow juvenile and adult fish to escape. In examining the behavioural basis of fish exclusion from coastal power station intakes in Northern Europe Turnpenny (1988) defined maximum approach velocities which will enable fish to escape at different water temperatures. These have been developed based on extensive research into the swimming speeds of marine fish. The maximum approach velocities are shown in the Table 4-1.
Table 4-1. Maximum approach velocities which will enable fish to escape at different water temperatures. Reproduced from Turnpenny 1988.

Age Group O and Older Temp C Species Sprat Herring Cod Whiting Pout Poor cod Plaice 2.5 0.3 0.3 0.15 0.1 0.08 0.1 0.08 7.5 12.5 m s-1 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.25 0.4 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.35 0.15 0.2 17.5 0.6 0.6 0.55 0.5 0.29 0.5 0.3

Min. Length Age 1 cm 8 12 15 15 20 10 8

Age Group 1 and Older 2.5 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.35 0.34 0.26 0.28 12.5 m s-1 0.64 0.78 0.65 0.8 0.52 0.74 0.55 0.79 0.6 0.83 0.4 0.59 0.48 0.67 7.5 17.5 0.92 0.94 0.95 1.02 1.05 0.73 0.92

37

Flounder Sole Bass Grey mullets

0.1 0.05 0.2 0.2

0.2 0.15 0.35 0.35

0.3 0.2 0.5 0.5

0.4 0.3 0.66 0.6

12 11 9 10

0.28 0.22 0.37 0.3

0.46 0.4 0.59 0.5

0.66 0.57 0.83 0.69

0.86 0.72 1.09 0.89

Although these studies were conducted on Lusitanean species (area of geographic distribution with latitudes from southern Portugal to southern England) it is apparent that by achieving an approach velocity of less than 0.3 ms-1 a large majority of fish will be able to avoid entrapment. Swimming speed and therefore avoidance increases with increasing ambient temperature. The water temperature of Takoradi averages 26 oC (Section 3.1.1) and therefore it would be expected that many juvenile species would have sufficient swimming speed to avoid entrapment. Seawater cooling towers in operation at T1 currently abstract 900 m3/hr through a 0.9m diameter pipe. Calculations from pump capacity and pipe area suggest current intake velocities are of the order of ~0.4 ms-1. The pipe is known to have considerable sediment and fouling within it and therefore the actual velocities are likely to be greater, and probably in excess of 0.5 ms-1. Therefore, although the quantity of water abstracted is less than for the once-through system the intake velocities are greater than those proposed. Seawater is passed through a Brackett Green band screen in the pump house on site. Examination of the CW screenings showed only plastic rubbish, a small amount of seaweed and some dead sea urchin shells (Jacobs 2004). This supports the case that at intake velocities below 0.3 ms-1 many fish will avoid impingement. IFC Guidelines for Thermal Power Plants (2008), state that a velocity through mesh screens of 0.3 ms-1 is considered suitable for the management of debris. In obtaining an intake velocity of 0.3 ms-1 the TTPP would meet these World Bank guidelines. Anecdotal evidence from local fisherman suggests the sandy bottom coastal areas have a low diversity and abundance of fish species. Diversity increases offshore, well outside of the influence of the proposed CW system and towards the rocky outcrop areas near the Sherbro and Roani Banks. The exact positioning of the CW intake has yet to be confirmed however it will not be close to the Roani Bank due to the need to cross the WAGP. The Sherbro Bank is located to the west and may provide a source of organisms that eventually become impinged however, the majority of juvenile and adults fish will be able to avoid impingement due to their swimming speed and the low intake velocities and therefore no significant impact is predicted on the local fisheries although fish will be impinged. Entrainment affects only planktonic species and those life-stages small enough to penetrate screening systems, which typically use a square mesh of between 6 and 10 mm. Survival then depends on species-specific tolerance of stressors within the CW system such as temperature, biocide, mechanical stress and pressure. The magnitude of each stress factor varies according to the individual power stations operating regime and time of year (which affects life-stages present). Planktonic organisms are incapable of avoiding intake currents due to their inability to swim against the intake current. The effects of the intake will be minimised by positioning the intake so that it is not immediately down current of the Sherbro bank To illustrate the scale of the proposed CW abstraction in the context of the sea area in the vicinity of TTPP, it would be reasonable to consider the water body passing the intake as being equivalent to a river 1,000 m wide (500 metres north and south of the intake) with an average water depth of 12 m. This water will have the same origins and

38

passed the same local features, such as the Sherbro Bank, as the abstracted water. On a worse case basis that intake velocities are 0.3 ms-1, a maximum abstraction of 16 m3s-1 represents <1% of water passing the intake. This is clearly a tiny proportion of water flowing past the immediate area that will contain plankton, fish larvae and juveniles. When examining the effects of entrainment on particular species, simulation studies in controlled conditions such as the EMU (Entrainment Mimic Unit) have provided some data on survivorship through a CW system. The EMU was first developed in the late 1970s and was based on the design of Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station, UK, as an example of a large modern power station. The EMU aimed to assess the impact of entrainment on various planktonic species. The unit was designed to mimic and assess the individual and in-combination effects of temperature, physical stress and biocide dosing. A computerised control system and the use of actual power station CW condenser pipes allowed tight control over experimental variables and ensured the unit provided realistic, simulated conditions. Effects on the planktonic stages of sole and turbot, Pacific oyster, common shrimp, lobster and copepods have been investigated (e.g. Bamber and Seaby, 1993a; 1993b; 1994a-d; 2004). Mortality of the organisms passing through the EMU was found to vary according to the type and strength of stressors encountered. In general, previous experiments suggest that crustacean larvae are more tolerant of passing through CW systems than fish larvae (Bamber and Seaby, 1994b). EMU experiments carried out on crustacean Acartia tonsa found approximately 12% suffered mortality mainly due to pressure flux; temperature increases of between 8.3 and 10 C did not significantly affect this species (Bamber and Seaby, 2004). No EMU studies have been conducted on phytoplankton species. Studies conducted both at power plants (Davis, 1983) and under controlled laboratory conditions (EDF, 1978) have demonstrated that chlorination has the greatest influence over phytoplankton productivity under standard operating conditions, with temperature having little impact when discharge temperatures are below 35 C. The number of phytoplankton cells suffering mortality is not wholly important for EIA purposes, more importantly it is the affect this mortality has on the ecosystem. For example, previous studies have shown that even where mortality of entrained plankton has been recorded as 100%, the receiving water body has revealed either no change in the abundance and distribution of species (Heinle, 1976) or an increase in abundance (Davies and Jensen, 1975). In evaluating impacts it is important to consider not only the population losses but more importantly their natural capability to recover, through high intrinsic growth rates and mixing with non-entrained populations (McNaught, 1976). Their short generation times and continual supply of new population from upstream areas means the impacts of entrainment on phytoplankton may be minimal. Although quantities of fish larvae, zooplankton and phytoplankton will be entrained into the CW system a proportion of species entrained will be returned alive to the sea. Attributing an impact from entrainment on a naturally patchy population of plankton species that suffer high natural mortality, and have high generation times is extremely difficult and therefore any impacts are predicted to be very localised if they exist and not significant. Marine mammals and reptiles have been recorded in the area and are also susceptible to impingement. Adoption of the proposed LVSE design with coarse screens (~100 mm) bar racks at the intake entrance will create conditions that would obviate

39

the risk of aquatic mammals or reptiles being drawn in or trapped against the bars. This means that there will be no risk of impingement of marine mammals on the screens or intake structures. . 4.2.3 CW Discharge Arrangements and Modelling Once water has passed through the system, heated water will be discharged via diffusers which are formed by using a number of nozzles to discharge the heated water from the two conduits (one from T1 and one from T2) to encourage rapid mixing and thus minimise the impacts of a thermal plume. The use of diffusers is suggested by the IFC Guidelines. The temperature rise between the intake and outfall in normal operation is expected to be 8 oC. It is expected that the temperature at the deep water intake will be at least 0.5 oC cooler than the temperature in the upper layers of shallower water at the discharge point, giving an effective temperature difference of 7.5 oC T. To ensure that this EIS considers the worst case, the temperature rise at point of discharge has been assumed to be a maximum of 9.5 oC T. In 2004, as part of the CW studies undertaken by Jacobs a CORMIX model was used to predict the extent of the thermal discharge under various conditions and with various mitigation measures implemented. With even moderate dilution the Jacobs (2004) study suggests the excess temperature of the discharge plume will be significantly less than the minimum standard indicated by the Ghana EPA (i.e. 3 C warmer than the surroundings at the edge of a mixing zone). The dispersion modelling carried out in the report using a multiport diffuser demonstrates that temperatures <3 C T are reached within five metres of each diffuser and that at a 7.5 C T discharge, within 100 m of the diffusers temperature would be reduced around 0.5 oC T. The original Cormix analysis was re-run through Excel manually for 9.5 C T to provide further confidence in the dispersal of the plume under a worse case condition. The original software used to develop the model is now unavailable hence the manual re-run by adjustment of the original output. Cormix treats excess temperature as a pollutant in the same way as any inert chemical pollutant, so the temperature at any point in the dispersal plume is calculated according to the level of dilution in the cooler ambient seawater. The software does not consider other mechanisms for cooling such as adiabatic effects at the surface, or convection or conduction. Accordingly it is valid to make an equivalent adjustment to the calculated excess temperatures simply by a pro-rata multiplication in the ratio 9.5/7.5. A high degree of confidence, therefore, can be placed on the re-run with the corresponding 2 C difference. This has been done accordingly and is presented in (Figure 4-1) for multiport diffusers.

40

4.0

160

3.5

140

3.0 Excess Temperature of Plume

120

2.0

80

1.5

60

1.0

40

0.5

20

0.0 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Distance down current from diffuser
Excess temperature, V=0.10 Dilution, V=0.10 Excess temperature, V=0.25 Dilution, V=0.25 Excess temperature, V=1.00 Dilution, V=1.00

0 2500

Figure 4-1: TTPP CW outfall with multiport diffuser. Dilution and temperature dispersion in the plume with distance from the outfall for the worst case with a temperature difference of 9.5oC between the discharge temperature and the surface temperature at the discharge point

Three velocities (0.1 m/s, 0.25 m/s and 1.0 m/s) relating to the assumed ambient prevailing oceanic current have been plotted in Figure 4.1. This analysis is conservative insofar as other mechanisms of cooling have not been considered, and therefore the predicted temperature should be slightly higher than the actual temperature, particularly at a long distance (and therefore a long time) downstream of the outfall. It should be noted that the existing discharge from T1 is around 5% of that for the proposed system, but discharge temperature is similar (i.e. although the direct-cooling system discharge will be much greater the T is similar to the existing situation).

4.2.4 Potential Effects on Aquatic Organisms Thermal Discharge The potential effects of heated effluent in the aquatic environment are assessed in this section and evaluated with respect to species within the area. Once-through cooling systems require considerable quantities of water, which are discharged back into the environment with temperatures elevated compared to ambient conditions, although TTPP, on an international scale, has a very small cooling load. Despite this, the process has the potential to affect aquatic communities including plankton, benthic invertebrates, fish and marine mammals and reptiles. In general, any thermal discharge should be designed to ensure that the water temperature outside a scientifically established mixing zone does not exceed relevant ambient water quality temperature standards (IFC, 2008). Specifically, the effects of temperature can lead to

41

Dilution of Plume

2.5

100

changes in community composition, structure and function. This results in some species being more successful at coping with temperature alteration, conferring competitive advantage to certain species over others. This can lead to the alteration of the assemblage which currently constitutes the characteristic species complement for the area. The establishment of a mixing zone is project specific and where no temperature regulatory standards exist, an acceptable change in temperature must be established through the environmental assessment process. When assessing the potential impacts of a discharge and design options the following criteria should be considered (IFC, 2008):

the elevated temperature areas. The thermal discharge should not impair the integrity of the water body as a whole or endanger sensitive areas such as breeding grounds or areas with sensitive biota; there should be no lethality or significant impacts to breeding and feeding habits of organisms passing through areas of elevated temperature; and, there should be no significant risk to human health or the environment due to elevated temperature.

The proposed multiport diffuser system installed in the outfall conduits will result in rapid mixing and dispersal of the thermal plume. Modelling studies undertaken by Jacobs (Section 4.2.3) indicates that even during periods of low current velocity (v=0.10 ms-1), and at a worst case scenario of 9.5 oC discharge, a T of less than 0.5 C will be reached within 100 m from the discharge points. It has been demonstrated that CW discharges can influence marine epibiota (Bamber, 1991). Potentially intertidal habitats are less at risk as they are naturally exposed to a wide range of temperature both seasonally and diurnally on tidal exposure. When covered by the tide the shore temperature will reflect that of water, once uncovered they are exposed to insolation with rapid and marked temperature fluctuation. Despite this though, the outfall diffusers will be positioned sufficiently offshore to ensure no detectable thermal plume will reach the intertidal areas. A several hundred metre surf zone will only serve to mix and dilute the plume. This will also satisfy an additional Ghana EPA guideline which proposes that the temperature rise at the Aboadze Beach should be no more than 0.1C above ambient. There is no precise definition of Aboadze Beach and it is probable that the area in front of the power station would be included. In contrast, subtidal habitats experience a narrower natural temperature range than those of the intertidal. In general, subtidal species are therefore less adapted to thermal stress. Loi and Wilson (1979) observed minimal impact at 3 oC above ambient while Lardicci et al (1999) reported that a temperature rise of 2 oC above ambient from a power station in the Western Mediterranean had no significant influence on benthic communities. Clearly at TTPP a temperature increase of 2 and 3 oC is confined to a very small distance from the discharge, typically <10 m. The diffusers will be constructed in such a way as to direct the CW discharge upwards and away from the seabed and due to the buoyant nature of the plume no contact with the seabed will occur. In addition to this the outfall conduits will be routed away from areas of high diversity for example the Sherbro and Roani Banks and while the current is in an east to west direction (at least 8 months of the year) the discharge will be downstream. Therefore no significant impacts will occur upon benthic communities, which are low in diversity and abundance in the sandy locality of the discharge.

42

Further modelling analysis was undertaken to consider the situation when the prevailing current reverses. During these periods the Sherbro Bank, an area of high fauna and flora diversity and abundance, would be downstream of the thermal discharge. Firstly, the model shows the plume would disperse under worse case conditions to be 0.5 oC T at 100 m. The Sherbro Bank is located around 1 km from the discharge point so temperatures would probably not be detectable above background at this distance. An analysis of plume depth was carried out as shown in Figure 4-2. If the plume disperses well in a moderate current the edge of the plume may touch the shallows of the Sherbro Bank at around 6 m depth in currents over 0.25 ms-1. However, the temperatures at this range are predicted to be approximately 0.25 C T at 1,000 m range (see Figure 4-1) and it is likely that the lower edge of the plume will have a temperature <0.25C T. Most of the Sherbro Bank is deeper than 6 m and no significant impacts are predicted on benthic communities as a result of the thermal discharge. In addition under most conditions the wave action will help to achieve more rapid dilution than the model anticipates. The direction of the waves will also tend to hold the plume inshore and away from the Sherbro Bank.

900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 0 500 1000 Plume halfwidth, V=0.25 Plume depth, V=0.25 1500 2000 Plume halfwidth, V=1.00 Plume depth, V=1.00 Distance down-current from diffuser

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2500 Depth of Plum e

Figure 4-2: TTPP CW outfall with multiport diffuser. Plume dimensions with distance from outfall

Figure 4.2 shows the results for two assumed oceanic current velocities (0.25m/s and 1.0 m/s).

Halfwidth of plum e

43

Figure 4-3 and 4-4: Diagrammatic representation of Fig 4-2

Planktonic populations are strongly influenced by localised impacts such as temperature. Metabolic rates in zooplankton are dependant on temperature where metabolic rates can exponentially increase with rising temperatures (Isla and Perissinotto, 2004). In the case of phytoplankton, sudden temperature increases can stimulate primary production providing tolerances are not exceeded (Langford, 1990). Where temperatures rise above the optimum range, there may be a negative impact on the survival and growth of plankton. Such changes in structure can have an effect on the wider community and may lead to lower abundance of benthos and fish. Primarily it is the degree of change in temperature from ambient background temperatures which will dictate community response. A study on the effects of high temperature on marine phytoplankton undertaken by Hirayama and Hirano (1970) reported that CW discharges rarely influenced adversely (at least directly) marine plankton communities even in the immediate vicinity of the discharge. In this study harmful effects were only noted when the temperature was 15 oC above ambient levels, far in-excess of temperature rises expected at TTPP. Studies examining the effects of thermal shock

44

on fish eggs observed that mortality rates were independent from temperatures (EDF, 1978). Only when temperatures were significantly higher than ambient, were increases in mortality noted. Much of the discussion for plankton can be applied to fish larvae. Their distribution can be extremely patchy and dependant on external factors such as tides and currents. This means that contact with the thermal plume is likely to be limited to short exposure times. With increasing maturity, mobility increases and there will be some degree of selectivity in location, improving avoidance where localised temperatures exceed optimum conditions. Langford (1990) examined data from power plants from around the world and found no direct instance of fish mortality associated with outfalls. The coastal waters at Takoradi experience seasonal changes, data presented in Section 3.1.1 show a 7.5 oC variation annually in 2009. Clearly any localised warming for large parts of the year will be within the naturally occurring range. It also suggests that species can tolerate temperature changes of this degree. Therefore, no direct significant impacts are predicted on plankton or fish communities from the thermal discharge at TTPP. Any impacts are likely to be as attraction or avoidance, changing growth rates or changing community structure through competitive exclusion. In addition, it is worth noting that no impacts are predicted on the fishing communities at Shama Bay. The headland at Aboadze, bordering Shama Bay, is around 2 km from the outfall and so the thermal plume should be completely indistinguishable from the background perturbations in sea temperatures, even under the worst case conditions. Overall it can be concluded that it is unlikely that the heated discharge will have any significant impact on the fishery or other coastal resources. The plume should not affect the sea bed or benthic flora and fauna. Other than within a small mixing zone the temperature effects will be confined to a near surface layer in an inshore area known to be of very low value to marine life. The thermal impact will therefore be minimal.

4.2.5 Potential Effects on Aquatic Organisms Chlorination Periodic chlorination of the CW system will be required to maintain efficient operational capacity. Without treatment to remove biofouling, colonisation by barnacles, bivalves and other marine flora and fauna can rapidly become a problem and clog up conduits and condenser tubes. The control of biofouling will probably be achieved by use of chlorinated seawater as a biocide, produced by means of electro-chlorination. Free chlorine (chlorine gas dissolved in water) is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, hence its effectiveness in removing biofouling, therefore a potential significant impact exists. However, its dangers are short lived. Chlorine reacts quickly with substances in water to form non-toxic compounds, or dissipates as a gas into the atmosphere. Acres (1995) recommended that the discharge of chlorine should be controlled such that the level would not exceed 0.2 ppm at any one time. This figure is stated as an effluent guideline for total residual chlorine (TRO) by the IFC (2008) (see Section 1.4). This level will be achieved, without dilution (i.e. at the point of discharge) at least 95% of the time that the plant is operational. The proposed chlorination regime for TTPP will result in a maximum concentration of 0.2 ppm free chlorine, as measured at the point of discharge. It is necessary to chlorinate to the discharge point in order to maintain the effectiveness of the system and a small release of active chlorine is inevitable. A level of 0.2 ppm free chlorine is

45

generally considered a low operational dose and is within the IFC Guidelines, and can be used given that the power plant operators consider the tendency to produce biofouling in the area is relatively low. Obviously the rapid initial dilution and reaction of the chlorine close to the discharge point will result in much lower concentrations that will be un-detectable very close to the discharge point. The design of the condensers could include an online cleaning system which removes build-up of fouling on the inside of the condenser tubes. This system keeps the condenser clean which maintains peak efficiency whilst reducing the need to inject chlorine. However since the outfall system is positioned after the condenser this has no effect on free chlorine at the outfall. The electro-chlorination system will be controlled by a modern computer system. The system will be chlorinated in sections; only one section of the cooling system will be chlorinated at a time. Since the area that is cleaned is only part of the system, the remaining chlorine will be removed by reaction in the later stages of the cooling system. It is only when the final outfall pipe is cleaned that an actual discharge of 0.2 ppm free chlorine will occur. As a result of the low free chlorine levels predicted and the very rapid mixing from the diffusers the chlorine will be reduced by reactions and dilution close to the outfall. No significant impacts are predicted on the marine communities outside a very small mixing zone. A monitoring programme should be implemented to measure chorine products at varying distances from the discharge. The actual chlorination pattern will be determined by the fouling experienced in practice. The chlorination will be intermittent and be undertaken one section at a time. It is unlikely that there will be an actual discharge of chlorine for more than 20% of the time. Therefore the chlorination will produce a very small and localised impact for a small proportion of the time. Many plants around the world operate such systems successfully on much larger systems than that proposed at Takoradi without any significant impact.

4.2.6 Reverse Osmosis Plant Discharges Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant discharge is assessed within the application for a new consent to convert T2 to a combined-cycle plant (Jacobs, 2010a). T1 and T2 will use seawater RO to provide desalinated water for use in the preparation of de-ionised water if the supply of freshwater is inadequate. This water will then be discharged into the CW system. The RO plant operates by separating impurities which fail to pass through the osmosis membranes. This means that a stream of pure water is produced together with a discharge which contains the dissolved and suspended solids present in the original water. The stream containing the dissolved and suspended matter is discharged with the concentrations of dissolved solids around four or five times their original value. Once mixed with the receiving water the concentrations are returned close to background levels after five - ten times dilution. It must be emphasised that there is no addition of new material. The current T1 RO plant requires 145 m3hr-1 of water and the discharge is in the order of 30 m3hr-1. This is already consented and operating for the seawater cooling towers. The addition of an RO plant at T2 will also result in similar volumes of water processed and discharged and will also result in no variation to abstraction parameter conditions and therefore no impact is predicted on any receptor as a result of RO plant discharge.

46

4.2.7 Habitat Gain In the subtidal and intertidal areas the conduits are likely to be covered with rock for protection which would result in the permanent loss of sandy habitat to be replaced with hard substrate. The hard substrate would act as an artificial reef and attract a more diverse benthic community than would a sandy substrate. Therefore a minor positive impact is predicted following the initial loss of benthic species within the route corridor. Such positive impacts were observed in a previous diving inspection by Jacobs of the existing cooling water intake conduit.

4.2.8 Potential Landscape and Visual Effects Since the intake and outfall conduits will be buried, they will have minimal landscape or visual effects. It is probable that rip-rap will be used to protect the conduits as they enter the surf zone, as is the case for the existing WAGP at Takoradi. This will have a minor visual impact. The pumphouse itself will have a negligible landscape and visual effect, given that it will be located adjacent to the southern TTPP boundary and be fully integrated with the remainder of the existing TTPP infrastructure. There will be a minor benefit due to the removal of the cooling towers. Although the structures themselves are not significant within the context of the overall power station development, there will be benefit due to removal of fogging effects and plumes from the towers.

4.2.9 Potential Airborne Noise It should be noted that the establishment of the new pumping station at the southern acquisition boundary of TTPP will have some mitigation effect on the predicted noise levels from fully operational T1 and T2; providing a noise barrier effect across the southern boundary of the plant facility. Pumps and other noise sources associated with the pumping station will be housed internally, and as such, are not anticipated to be a significant source of noise emissions at the facility. Considering the distance to nearby sensitive receptors, operational noise impacts are considered to be negligible. The CW system will have a positive noise impact overall, since noise emissions associated with the existing cooling tower fans and cooling tower itself will be removed as a result of the implementation of the CW system. It is predicted that this will result in a decrease in operational noise at the site.

4.2.10

Potential Social Effects

The CW system will have wide-ranging positive social effects as a result of improved efficiency of generation allowing TTPP to meet increasing electricity demand.

47

4.3 Impacts on the Performance of Units T1 and T2

4.3.1 Operational Benefits The benefits of using a once-through seawater CW system are considerable compared to cooling of T1 and T2 units in a combined-cycle mode by cooling tower systems. These benefits are concentrated around improving efficiency of generation, meeting increasing electricity demand and limiting climate change and air emissions. The benefits include: 1) An increase in steam turbine output for T1 and T2 equivalent to an increase in installed capacity of around 20 MWe without any increase in fuel consumption. The increased capacity would benefit the population. Actual per capita electrical energy use of customers is not available, however an average use of 500 W/person could be considered as a reasonable supply. On this basis the additional available capacity would be equivalent to that needed to supply a population of 40 000 people. 2) A reduction in CO2 emissions. This will arise due to the additional available energy displacing generation by other thermal plant. With both units direct cooled as planned, the benefit is a saving of 110,000 tonnes per annum of CO2. This is based on an assumption that the generation plant which is replaced has a similar efficiency to TTPP. In practice, the displaced pant may be less efficient and therefore the CO2 savings could be greater. Given the recent publicity and warnings relating to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, the reduced CO2 output compared to a cooling tower is a significant positive impact. 3) Part of the improved efficiency and fuel savings is due to reduced corrosion and fouling of the combustion turbine compressors if they are exposed to salt spray from a cooling tower. The reduction in output due to corrosion and fouling is difficult to quantify. However, there will be reduced CO2 emissions, estimated on average as 22,500 tonnes/year, related to the reduced fuel consumption. 4) Reduced outages and reduced maintenance costs for both T1 and T2. Additional costs are caused by the need to replace corroded plant, including combustion turbine compressors and other costs associated with maintaining and renewing protective coatings etc. The combustion turbine compressor overhauls are very expensive and the damage to boiler and turbine plant is considerable. The estimated saving could be $0.5 million per annum for T1. T2 would be less affected due to the location of its cooling tower. However T2 is affected to some extent by the spray from the T1 tower. The corrosion damage will have a significant effect on the life of the T1 combustion turbines and heat recovery boiler plant. It is likely to increase outages and reduce the operational life by several years. 5) Socioeconomic benefits. As a result of construction a number of shortterm employment opportunities for local skilled labour will be available. Since TTPP was originally conceived, there has been a global shift in recognising, as an environmental priority, the need to improve the efficiency of power generation and to

48

reduce CO2 emissions. Considering this and the adverse climate conditions in Ghana for effective tower cooling system operation, it would be difficult to justify continued use of cooling towers at TTPP for units of the size of T1 and T2.

4.4 Cumulative Impacts

It is understood that a new combined-cycle plant, known as T3, of 126 MWe capacity, is to be built on adjacent land inland of T1. The plant will have freshwater cooling towers. This is possible because the cooling load will be very much smaller (around 1/6th) than the combined load of T1 and T2. This means that the cooling tower can be supplied from the available freshwater which would be impossible for T1 and T2. The plant is also considerably further from the sea, which means that pumping sea water for cooling will require more power, making it less attractive. Since T3 has an independent cooling system it will not impact on the proposed oncethrough cooling system for T1 and T2, and there will be no cumulative effects on construction or operation

49

5 Mitigation and Residual Impacts

This section comprises descriptions of measures to prevent, reduce or offset the significant potential impacts identified in Section 4.

5.1 Construction Mitigation

Mitigation measures that will be incorporated during site preparation and construction phases, to minimise the occurrence and scale of ecological impacts are as follows: Utilise existing construction storage and laydown areas where possible to avoid any further encroachment into the surrounding coastal or terrestrial environment. Implement a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) whereby measures are put in place to reduce the risk of accidental spillage of chemical, fuels and oils to the environment and prevent run-off to the marine environment. It is proposed that the CEMP will contain measures specially designed to deal with potential issues including storage, handling, transportation, security and emergency procedures, and that a training programme is implemented to ensure all workers are able to detect spills, leaks and take appropriate action in the event of an incident. Plant and personnel will be constrained to a prescribed working corridor through the use of temporary barriers, thereby minimising damage to habitats and potential direct mortality and disturbance to marine and terrestrial species. Agree construction method statements with the Ghana Maritime Authority to minimise affects on shipping and potential risks to the environment. Consult with WAGP operators and agree method statements with them. It is envisaged that protective no-go areas and associated buffer zones, around sensitive habitats and the WAGP will be defined. Vessels involved in the construction activities should comply with International Maritime Organisation Guidance regarding areas where ballast water uptake/ exchange or discharge should be prohibited.

Piling and dredging activities will create noise and disturbance in the water that may impact upon the marine ecology. Piling methods should be used that produce either minimal noise or are of a suitable frequency. To minimise any disturbance generated by piling a soft-start approach should be adopted whereby, the frequency of piling is slowly increased for a period of approximately 20 minutes prior to full impact. By using a soft-start approach mobile fauna can escape the area prior to full operation. With the implementation of all the above mitigation measures, impacts on the environment will not be significant. It is possible, although not yet confirmed, that blasting of rock may be necessary in order to facilitate the laying of the intake and outfall conduits below ground. Should this prove necessary, the contractor undertaking blasting works will be required to ensure that all nearby structures and ground features are investigated prior to the blasting. A precondition survey will be conducted at all properties within 150 m of the proposed blasting. Where blasting occurs within 100 metres of any existing structure, this will require special considerations, such as the carrying out of blasting trials in order to

50

monitor vibration patterns and to provide an independent field assessment of full scale blasting. A specialist blasting contractor will prepare all relevant Method Statements and Risk Assessments and take the following steps during blasting: vibration monitoring will take place during all blasts at the nearest property to its activity by an independent qualified company; the public will be notified before any blasting starts, explaining what is being done, and for what duration; correct charging and stemming will ensure vibration limits are met; trial blasts to be undertaken to assist blast design; blasting will be conducted during daytime hours only, and; blasting trials shall follow the guidance of a suitable publication such as Research Report 53 Ground Vibration caused by Civil Engineering Works, published by the UK Transport Research Laboratory in 1986, ISBN 0266-5247.

If blasting activities occur underwater then further impact assessment should be undertaken in advance of the works. Noise and vibration generated by blasting activities are predicted to be greater than levels from piling activities, for which assessment in this EIS have been based, and therefore a significant risk to fisheries, marine mammals and reptiles exist. Any works should include appropriate mitigation to reduce or ameliorate the potential impacts. These include: use a string of explosions milliseconds apart to reduce the peak emission rather than one explosion that will reach a higher peak emission; use acoustic deterrents at appropriate frequency during blasting and bubble curtains if appropriate, to attenuate sound waves; incorporate non-explosive techniques for fracturing rock, where possible; and, employ a trained Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) to be present during blasting to enforce a mammal mitigation zone. The mitigation zone will be set dependant on the predicted/measured noise levels and could be up to 1 km. The mitigation zone should be surveyed by a MMO for at least one hour prior to detonation and no detonation should occur if any mammals or reptiles are sighted in this zone.

It is understood that the Community Impact Agreement and other mitigation measures implemented as part of the T1 development are on-going; these will provide mitigation for any construction phase impacts. In order to mitigate any increased risk of HIV/AIDS and STDs awareness training and education programmes to inform workers of the risks will be implemented. In order to mitigate potential construction traffic related impacts, such as disruption to traffic flow and increased risk of accidents, a traffic management plan will be prepared. This will address access to construction areas, routing of construction traffic, parking, pedestrian access, and measures aimed at minimising risk of accidents. All the above mitigation measures will be documented within the CEMP.

51

5.2 Operational Mitigation

A number of operational mitigation measures are classed as design measures and have been incorporated into the basic design and form part of the contractor specification that will be adhered to as they represent best practice procedures. Design mitigation measures for entrapment of organisms include: An intake design that incorporates low approach velocities (<0.3 ms-1) that will minimise species entrapment. An intake design that is located at least 1 m off the seabed therefore minimising entrapment of demersal and benthic flora and fauna in addition to reduced sediment which could impact of the efficiency of the CW system. Locating of the intake away from sensitive areas or areas of known high diversity for example the Sherbro Bank. Therefore reducing the quantity of organisms entrapped. Locating the intake so that it is not immediately down current of areas of known high diversity such as the Sherbro bank. Providing positive exclusion by means of bar racks at the intake entrance to exclude mammals and reptiles. Fine mesh screens within the CW system to screen out debris and entrapped organisms.

With these mitigation measures in place the impact of entrapment of organisms is predicted as having no significant impact on fisheries, benthic or plankton communities although it is acknowledged that species will be impinged and entrained through the CW system. Design mitigation measures for the discharge of CW include: A number of diffusers located along the outfall conduits to enhance the mixing process. Locating of the discharge away from sensitive areas for example the Sherbro Bank. Locating the outfall inshore and downstream (of the predominant current) of the intake therefore ensuring no recirculation of the thermal plume. Controlling the biocide system to clean sections of the CW system which will limit the amount of free chlorine entering the environment. Levels should be kept to below 0.2 ppm.

With the mitigation measures in place the impact of the CW discharge on the marine environment is predicted to have no significant impact on the fisheries, benthic or plankton communities around Takoradi. 5.2.1 Additional Mitigation Options A number of additional mitigation measures could be implemented following commissioning of the CW system if the impact from entrapment is found to be significant. This could include constructing a fish recovery system. Impinged fish would be washed off the fine mesh screens already installed in to a runoff channel and to an aerated holding tank where they could be netted and returned to the sea.

52

6 Monitoring Plans
Environmental Management Plans (EMP) are required to be prepared and maintained for T1 and T2 to satisfy TICOs policies and procedures for efficient implementation of sound environmental practices with particular regard to its activities and environmental aspects. This is also necessary for the purposes of community relations and to comply with local, national and international environmental requirements. As described in Section 5, a CEMP will be prepared prior to the start of construction. Full details of this can only be developed upon appointment of the Contractor, but it will include the mitigation measures identified in this EIS. It will also document monitoring requirements during the construction phase to assess actual impacts with a view to implementation of additional mitigation if a potential issue is identified. Following the construction phase, it is proposed that the present TICO operational EMP be updated to take into account CW operational environmental management requirements. The current T1 and T2 monitoring programmes will enable an ongoing assessment of some of the potential impacts from implementation of the new CW system. This would include the ongoing programme of noise monitoring for T1 and T2. However a number of additional measures should be undertaken to assess the impacts of the CW system and test the efficiency of the mitigation measures implemented. This will enable additional mitigation measures to be undertaken should unacceptable environmental impacts begin to develop. Monitoring programmes are planned as described below to examine impacts on water quality and fisheries.

6.1 Water Quality

The water quality characteristics to be monitored include temperature and chlorine levels in the vicinity of the CW discharge should be monitored. For chlorine, during the commissioning trials of the chlorination system, readings should be taken at the outfall and at 10 m intervals down-current until free chlorine matches levels from a reading taken at least 100 m up-current but in a similar area. Following commissioning the free chlorine at the outfall should be monitored twice per annum during chlorination for 2-3 years to demonstrate the effectiveness of chlorine control. Thereafter the chlorine dosage applied to the outfall pipelines should be monitored as the control. For temperature, readings should be taken approximately 500 m up-current of the outfall and then at 25 m, 100 m, 250 m and 1,000 m down-current during commissioning to demonstrate the effectiveness of the diffuser. A vertical profile should also be taken. Surveys need to be carried out at times of low current flow to assess the worst case. Once the effectiveness of the diffuser has been demonstrated, then monitoring of the temperature in the intake and outfall chamber to demonstrate that the temperature differential is within limits, will allow control of the system to be monitored.

53

6.2 Fisheries
A fish impingement monitoring programme will be implemented to assess the success of the mitigation measures implemented and determine whether additional measures are required. A monthly programme, consisting of monitoring the debris collected by the fine mesh screens, will be conducted over a 24-hr period. The sampling protocol will involve emptying the collection baskets at the start of the survey and then monitoring what is collected during the following 24-hrs. For each species of any fish collected the following observations will be recorded: Genus and species; condition i.e. scale loss, fin damage, abnormalities and other lesions; total number and weight of specimens per 24-hr period; and, standard length for all fish.

The presence of invertebrates will be recorded. Further to the monitoring programme proposed above following operation of the plant, a number of investigations will be undertaken prior to construction. These programmes will inform the location of the intake and outfall structures and determine the materials to be used and therefore the final construction methodologies. These investigations will also provide additional baseline data to supplement the EIA and include: Accurate bathymetric survey of the seabed; Investigation of local current speed and direction; and, Investigation of the temperature at the position at the depth intended for abstraction compared to surface temperatures under the same conditions and, Thermal modelling of the final, as designed, discharge configuration together with accurate temperature and current data.

54

7 Impact Assessment Summary

Table 7-1: Summary of construction phase impacts and mitigation measures. Environmental Aspect Ecology Work Element Noise and vibration from construction activities Impact Summary Potential minor significant impact on fisheries, marine mammals and marine reptiles in the vicinity of works. Potential for noise and disturbance to result in marine mammals and reptiles and terrestrial species fleeing the area during construction Potential impacts along construction route corridor from loss of habitat. Mitigation Measures Use low noise piling techniques where applicable i.e. vibro-pilling. Use soft-start methods Wildlife will return following completion of construction activities in each location. Residual Impact and Comments No significant impact predicted with mitigation measures implemented.

Ecology

Habitat loss and gain

Utilise existing laydown areas avoiding further encroachment where possible. Plant and personnel to be constrained to a prescribed working corridor. Designation of protective nogo areas.

No significant impacts predicted.

Marine Ecology Ecology

Increased suspended solids and turbidity Pollution from construction activities

No significant impact predicted. Potential major significant impacts depending on nature, duration and extent of spillage.

Implement a construction management plan to reduce the risk of spillage. The plan will deal with issues relating to storage, handling, transportation and security of

With an appropriate management plan in place the risk of a major incident is reduced and therefore a potential significant

55

fuels and oil and provide emergency procedures for clean up. Marine Ecology Introduction of non-native species from construction shipping No significant impact predicted

impact is considered low. Compliance with international maritime laws governing the uptake, exchange and discharge of ballast water.

Transportation

Landscape and Visual Airborne Noise Social

Transportation and impacts on community infrastructure, disruption and pedestrian accidents Aesthetics Potential demolition of redundant structures Employment opportunities Increased risk of disease

Disruption to traffic flow and increased risk of accidents. No significant impact predicted as no receptors in the vicinity No significant impact predicted. No significant impacts are predicted however there are likely to be some short-term employment opportunities for skilled labour.

Implement a traffic management plan to minimise disruption and risk of accident and injury.

Community impact agreement implemented for T1 should continue.

Table 7-2: Summary of operational phase impacts and mitigation measures.

Environmental Aspect Marine Ecology

Work Element CW abstraction and entrapment of fisheries and plankton communities

Impact Summary Potentially significant impact although impact is low with design mitigation measures in place for example a low velocity intake structure, siting the intake in areas of low diversity and maintaining 56

Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures already implemented in the design to minimise impact. Further mitigation measures include the retrofitting of acoustic deterrents at the

Residual Impact and Comments No significant impact predicted on communities although some fish will be entrapped into the system.

intake velocities below 0.3 ms-1.

intake entrance or the collection, and return of fish impinged on the CW screens. No mitigation measures are possible for the entrainment of fish larvae and plankton which are unable to avoid the intake velocities.

Marine Ecology

CW abstraction and entrapment of marine mammals and reptiles CW thermal discharge

Marine Ecology

Marine Ecology

CW biocide discharge

No significant impact with design mitigation in place of coarse racks at intake entrance. Potential impact although with design mitigation measures in place no significant impact is predicted. Design mitigation includes siting the outfall in an area sufficiently offshore to ensure thermal plume does not come ashore, siting the intake in areas of low diversity and using a multiple diffuser system to aid dispersion and mixing of CW. Potential significant impacts on the local marine ecology.

No further mitigation measures are considered necessary

A monitoring programme should be implemented to validate the thermal modelling and assess the actual extent of the thermal plume. No significant residual impacts forecast.

Implement an operating regime that cleans sections of the CW system therefore limiting the amount of free chlorine being discharged. Monitoring levels to ensure discharge levels are below 0.2 ppm. Install a Taprogge system or similar to reduce chlorination

With a monitoring programme in place, to monitor the dosing regime and to measure free chlorine at distances away from the outfall, no significant residual impacts are forecast

Marine Ecology

Habitat gain

Potential positive impact as a result of armouring of 57

Landscape and Visual

Aesthetics - Intake and outfall conduits which may be buried with rock armour. Noise generated from the pumphouse during operation. Presence of pumphouse structure.

conduits which would present a hard substrate for colonisation No significant impacts although minor benefit due to reduction in fogging effects/cooling tower plumes No significant impact.

Airborne Noise

A beneficial impact is predicted as the pumphouse structure will screen operational noise from T1 and T2 at the southern acquisition boundary. A beneficial impact is predicted as the CW system will mean the current air cooled system will be decommissioned and noise level will be reduced. Potential saving per annum in excess of 110,000 tonnes of CO2 (refer to Appendix B). A beneficial impact is predicted as the CW system will increase generation efficiency allowing TTPP to meet electricity demand for an estimated additional 40,000 people.

Use of CW system.

Emissions to Atmosphere Social

Reductions in CO2 emissions. Increased output and efficiency of generation.

58

8 References
Acres International Limited (1995). Takoradi Thermal Plant Environmental Assessment. Volume 1. Produced for Republic of Ghana, Volta River Authority. Agyepong, G.T., Yankson, P.W.K. and Ntiamoa-Baidi, Y.N. (1990). Coastal Zone Indicative Management Plan. Ghana Environmental Action Plan. Produced for Environmental Protection Council. Anang, E.R. (1978). The seasonal cycle of the phytoplankton in the coastal waters of Ghana. Hydrobiologia. 62: 33-45. Appah-Sampong, E. (2007). Ghana - Public hearing within the environmental impact assessment review process, (2007). [Online] Available at: http://eia.unu.edu/wiki/index.php/Ghana [Assessed September 2010]. Armah, Dr. A.K. Meeting regarding existing baseline data, 2010. Personal communication [Meeting] [August 2010]. Armah, A.K., Darpaah, G.A., Wiafe, G., Adomako, J.K. and Fiagbedzi, S. (1997). Save sea turtles a primer on sea turtle conservation for coastal communities in Ghana. Accra: Royal Crown Press Ltd. Armah, A.K. and Amlalo, D.S. (1998). Coastal zone profile of Ghana in Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem Project. Accra: Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. Bamber, R.N. (1991) The laminaria holdfast community at Wylfa Power Station cooling water discharge. Report No. TEC/L/0321/R90 and CMP/L/0001/R91. Nuclear Electric/National Power. Report No. TEC/L/0321/R90 and CMP/L/0001/R91 Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (1993a). The effects of entrainment passage on planktonic stages of sole and turbot. Rep. No. FCR 054/93. Fawley Aquatic Research Laboratory, Rep. No. FCR 054/93. Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (1993b). The effects of entrainment passage on embryos of the pacific oyster. Rep. No. FCR 072/93. Fawley Aquatic Research Laboratory, Rep. No. FCR 072/93. Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (1994a). The effects of entrainment passage on planktonic stages of sole, Solea solea. Rep. No. FRR 097/94. Fawley Aquatic Research Laboratory, Rep. No. FRR 097/94. Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (1994b). The effects of entrainment passage on planktonic larvae of the common shrimp. Rep. No. FCR 095/94. Fawley Aquatic Reasearch Laboratory, Rep. No. FCR 095/94. Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (1994c). The effects of entrainment passage on planktonic larvae of the lobster. Rep. No. FRR 103/94. Fawley Aquatic Research Laboratory, Rep. No. FRR 103/94.

59

Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (1994d). The effects of entrainment passage on planktonic copepod Arcatia tonsa Dana. Rep. No. FRR 108/94. Fawley Aquatic Research Laboratory, Rep. No. FRR 108/94. Bamber, R.N. and Seaby, R.M.H. (2004). The effects of power station entrainment passage on three species of marine planktonic crustaceans, Acartia tonsa (Copepoda), Crangon crangon (Decapoda) and Hommarus gammarus (Decapoda). Marine Environmental Research, 57: 281-294. Bannerman, P.O. and Cowx, I.G. (2002). Stock assessment of the big-eye grunt (Brachydeuterus auritus, Val.) fishery in Ghanaian coastal waters. Fisheries Research 59, 197-207. Blay, J. (1994). Food and feeding habits of four species of juvenile mullet (Mugilidae) in a tidal lagoon in Ghana. Journal of Fish Biology, 46: 134-141. Davies, R.M. and Jensen, L.D. (1975) Zooplankton entrainment at three mid-Atlantic power plants. Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation, 47. 2130 2142. Davis, M.H. (1983). The response of entrained phytoplankton to chlorination at a coastal power station (Fawley, Hampshire). Central Electricity Generating Board, Report No. TPRD/L/2470/N83. EDF (Anonymous) (1978). Simulation des effets de transit sur quelques especes marines holo et mero planctoniques animals et vegetales: effets thermiques. Essai de synthese des connaissances acquises Decembre 1977 Edmunds, J. (1978). Sea shells and other molluscs found on West African Coast and Estuaries. Ghana Universities Press. Evans, S.M., Gill, M.E., Hardy, F.G., Seku, F.O.K. (1993). Evidence of change in some rocky shore communities on the coast of Ghana. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 172: 129-141. GIBB (1999). Takoradi thermal power plant proposed expansion. Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement. Vol. 1 (March 1999) pp 1 173. Gbogbo, F. (2007). The importance of unmanaged coastal wetlands to waterbirds at coastal Ghana. African Journal of Ecology, 45: 599-606. Hammond, P.S., Northridge, S.P., Thompson, D., Gordon, J.C.D., Hall, A.J., Duck, C.D., Cunningham, A.L., Embling, C.B. and Matthiopoulos, J. (2006). Background information on marine mammals for Strategic Environmental Assessment 7. Sea Mammal Research Unit. 85 pp. Heathcote, I. (2010). Meeting with government officials (Ghana EPA), 2010. Personal Communication [Meeting] [August 2010]. Heinle, D.R. (1976). Effects of passage through power plant cooling systems on estuarine copepods. Environmental Pollution, 11. 39-58. Hens, L. and Boon, E.K. (no date). Institutional, legal and economic instruments In Ghanas environmental policy. Vrije Universiteit Brussell.

60

Hirayama, K., Hirano, R. (1970). Influence of high temperature and residual chlorine on marine phytoplankton. Marine Biology, 7: 205-213. International Finance Corporation (IFC) (2008). Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. Thermal Power Plants. World Bank Group. 33 pp including Annex A and B. Isla, J.A. and Perissinotto, R. (2004). Effect of temperature, salinity and sex on the basal metabolic rate of the estuarine copepod Psuedodiaptomus hessei. Journal of Plankton Research, 26: 579-583. IUCN (2010). Kinixys homeana, 2010. [Online] Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/11003/0 [Accessed September 2010]. Jacobs (2004). Takoradi Power Plant - T2 Cooling Water Study. Stage 1 Report. Jacobs (2010a). Asona Project T2 Conversion to Combined Cycle. Environmental Impact Statement Update for T2. Jacobs (2010b). Screening Report on Proposed Takoradi T1 and T2 Cooling Water System. Gyory, J. Bischof, B., Mariano, A.J. and Ryan, E.H. (2005). The Guinea Current Ocean Surface Currents, 2005. [Online] Available at: http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlantic/guinea.html. [Accessed August 2010]. Kingston, P.F. (1992). Impact of offshore oil production installations on the benthos of the North Sea. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 49: pp 45-5x Langford, T.E.L. (1990). Ecological effects of thermal discharges. Elsevier Applied Science, London. Lardicci, C., Rossi, F. and Maltagliati, F. (1999). Detection of thermal pollution: variability of benthic communities at two different spatial scales in an area influenced by a coastal power station. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 38: pp 296-303. Loi T, Wilson BJ (1979) Macroinfaunal structure and effects of thermal discharges in a mesohaline habitat of Chesapeake Bay, near a nuclear power plant. Marine Biology, 55: pp 3-16. Mensah, M.A. and Koranteng, K.A. (1988). A Review of the Oceanography and Fisheries Resources in the Coastal Waters of Ghana, 1981-1986. Marine Fisheries Research Report No.8. Fisheries Department, Research and Utilisation Branch, Tema, Ghana. McNaught, D.C. (1976). Recovery of entrained zooplankton populations: A model to predict impact on great lake communities. Section II Entrainment Case Studies. In: Jensen (ed) Third National Workshop on Entrainment and Impingement. Ecological Analysts Inc. Merle, J. and Arnault, S. (1985). Seasonal variability of the surface dynamic topography in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Journal of Marine Research, 43(2): pp 267288

61

Minta, S.O. (2003). An assessment of the vulnerability of Ghanas coastal artisanal fishery to climate change. MSc Thesis. Department of Aquaitc Biosciences. University of Tromso. National Biodiversity Strategy for Ghana (2007). Ministry of Environment and Science, The Republic of Ghana. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.N. (1991). Seasonal changes in the importance of coastal wetlands in Ghana for wading birds. Biological Conservation, 57: pp 139-158. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.N. and Gordon, C. (1991). Coastal Wetland Management Plans: Ghana. Environmental Protection Council and World Bank. Ghana Environmental Resource Management Project (GERMP) Report, Accra. Nedwell, J.R. and Edwards, B. (2004). A review of measurements of underwater manmade noise carried out by Subacoustech Ltd, 1993 - 2003. Subacoustech Report Reference: 565 R 00109. Nedwell, J., Turnpenny, A.W.H., Langworthy, J. and Edwards, B. (2003). Measurements of underwater noise during piling at the Red Funnel Terminal, Southampton, and observations of its effect on caged fish. Technical Report No. 558 R 0207. Subacoustech Ltd. Nedwell, J.R., Edwards, B., Turnpenny, A.W.H. and Gordon, J. (2004). Fish and marine mammal audiograms: A summary of available information. Subacoustech Report Reference: 534R0214. Richardson, W.J., Greene, j., C.R.G., Malme, C.I. and Thomson, D.H. (1995). Marine Mammals and Noise. Academic Press, San Diego. Schmidt K. (2000). Cruising for Trouble: Stemming the tide of cruise ship pollution. Thomsen, F., Ludemann, K., Kafemann, R. and Piper, W. (2006). Effects of offshore wind farm noise on marine mammals and fish, COWRIE Ltd, Hamburg, Germany. [Online] Available at: http://www.offshorewindfarms.co.uk/Pages/Publications/Archive/Soundscape/New%5F underwater%5Fnoise%5Fre3812e1e/. [Accessed August 2010]. Turnpenny, A.W.H. (1988b) The behavioural basis of fish exclusion from coastal power station cooling water intakes. CEGB report RD/L/3301/R88.28 pp + Tables and Figs. Vagle, S. (2003). On the impact of underwater pile-driving noise on marine life. Pacific Technical Report. Institute of Ocean Sciences DFO. 38pp. Van Waerebeek, K.. and Ofori-Danson, P.K. (1999). Exploratory survey of cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries in Ghana and Togo, The Gulf of Guinea. Chicago Zoological Society. Van Waerebeek, K., Ofori-Danson, P.K. and Debrah, J. (2009). The Cetaceans of Ghana, a Validated Faunal Checklist. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 15: no1 WAGP (2004) West African Gas Pipeline Environmental Impact Assessment. Ghana Final Draft. Rev 1. Prepared for West African Pipeline Company.

62

Wiafe G (2002) Spatial and temporal dynamics of plankton communities in the Gulf of Guinea ecosystem in: Oceanography and Fisheries pp188. Legon: University of Ghana. Wiafe G, Yaqub HB, Mensah MA, Frid CLJ (2008). Impact of climate change on longterm zooplankton biomass in the upwelling region of the Gulf of Guinea. Journal of Marine Science doi, 10:1093. World Bank (2007). Operational Policy 4.01 - Environmental assessment (2007). [Online] Available at: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/PROJECTS/EXTPOLICIES/EXTOPMA NUAL/0,,contentMDK:20064724~menuPK:4564185~pagePK:64709096~piPK:6470910 8~theSitePK:502184,00.html [Accessed August 2010]. Wuver, A.M. and Altuquayefio, (2006). The impact of human activities on biodiversity conservation in a coastal wetland in Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 9: pp 1-14.

63

Appendix A - Letter from GEPA

Appendix B - Derivation of CO2 Levels

Introduction The following assessment compares the use of direct cooling for the two TTPP units (T1 and T2) with the use of sea water cooling towers for both units as previously planned. Increase in Output The use of once through causes an increase in output of the CCGT units compared to the use of seawater cooling towers. The increased output is equivalent to approximately 10MWe of installed capacity for each unit. This means that more electricity is produced for the same emissions by the power plant burning the same amount of fuel.. The increased efficiency of direct cooling therefore effectively reduces Ghanas CO2 emissions by displacing other thermal generation. The displaced generation can reasonably be assumed to have at least the same efficiency as T2. For the modified T2 unit an efficiency of around 48% should be achieved. Generating 10 MWe from such a unit will require 1.74 t/hr of fuel oil with a calorific value of 43 MJ/kg. This fuel is around 85% carbon which will result in an emission of 5.44 t/hr of CO2. In 7,500 hours of operation per year the emission will be around 41,000 t. Alternatively, it could be argued that for a given load the increased efficiency reduces fuel consumption saving fuel which, if it had been burned, would produce 41,000 tonnes of CO2. The increase in efficiency means that more MWh of electricity are generated for the same emissions of all pollutants including NOx and SO2. Corrosion of the Plant The existing salt water cooling towers release salt spray into the surrounding atmosphere. This spray falls on the generating units which is causing considerable corrosion. The original estimates for performance of drift eliminators on one cooling tower would amount to around six tonnes per day of salt water. In practice the actual deposition is probably more than this figure. There are also important environmental consequences because the salt laden air is drawn into the gas turbine axial flow compressors. The salt causes fouling and serious corrosion of the compressor blades. In turn, this substantially reduces compressor performance which reduces plant output and efficiency. The operators of the Takoradi T1 plant estimate that the T1 gas turbine efficiency has fallen to 28% compared to 31% for the newer machines on T2, which are not yet subject to high levels of salt spray. Some deterioration is inevitable between overhauls but this level is excessive and the salt spray is likely to be a very important influence on the reduction in performance. The efficiency will become worse until the machines are overhauled and the corroded compressor blades replaced.

The reduction in efficiency means that the T1 gas turbines currently use 10% more fuel than they need to for the same output. Without the salt spray this excess fuel consumption would be considerably less. The current condition of T1 is probably somewhat worse than the average which might be expected for T2. The effect of salt corrosion will be almost zero immediately after an overhaul when the compressors will be in almost as new condition. As an average over the time between overhauls, a gas turbine efficiency loss of 2.5% means that more fuel is burned in the gas turbine than would otherwise be the case. However the increased fuel produces more hot gas and so it will increase the generation from the steam turbine. This means that the overall effect on cycle efficiency will be less. An estimate of 1.5% cycle efficiency reduction (i.e. a loss of approximately 5MWe) gives an additional CO2 impact of 21,000 t/year (on the same basis as outlined above). The location of the cooling tower on T1 is particularly prone to causing the salt water drift to impact on the gas turbines. For the new T2 system the location of any tower would be chosen to reduce the impact on the gas turbines. It will not however be eliminated and the T1 tower will also have some effect on the T2 gas turbines. Ultimately the corrosion of compressor and gas turbine blades by salt can cause mechanical failure of the compressor or turbine blades which will cause costly repairs and will require the machine to be out of service for several months. Total Reduction in Carbon Dioxide Emissions There are thus two beneficial effects of using once-through cooling for TTPP, compared to sea water cooling towers being continued to be used for T1 and being introduced for T2, as originally planned. Firstly the increase in efficiency due to lower condensation temperatures and secondly, the increase in gas turbine efficiency due to the elimination of corrosion damage to the GT compressors. Adding together the effects of increase of efficiency due to the lower cooling water temperature and the increase in gas turbine efficiency due to elimination of salt corrosion, gives a total additional CO2 emission saving of around 62,000 tonnes per annum per CCGT unit when firing oil. Alternatively, with the improved efficiency around 113,000 additional MWhr of electricity could be generated from each CCGT unit, with the same CO2 emissions as using a sea water cooling tower. When firing gas, the emission reductions are less because of the lower carbon content of gas. On the same basis as above the total CO2 reduction, per CCGT unit, when burning gas would be about 48,000 t/yr. This is based on UK Government estimate of 204kg CO2 per MWh for the production transmission and combustion of gas. For the current situation at Takoradi, with one unit burning oil and one burning gas, the total effect on CO2 emissions of conversion to once through cooling would be a reduction of around 110,000 t/yr. This is a conservative assessment because it has been assumed that the replacement generation is from a plant with similar efficiency and burning similar

fuels to TTPP. In practice it is highly likely that older, less efficient, plant would produce the power which would lead to much greater emissions.