Review of Wastewater Policy and Legal Framework and the Construction of a Constructed Wetland Pilot System in St. Kitts and Nevis
A. Introduction to Consultancy
St. Kitts and Nevis, like many other nations, faces challenges in managing its water resources and wastewater effectively. To address these issues and promote sustainable water management practices, this document outlines the terms of reference for the development of a Wastewater Policy Framework and the construction of a Constructed Wetland Pilot System. This initiative aims to enhance water quality, protect natural ecosystems, and ensure the availability of clean water for the population.
The primary objectives of this consultancy are as follows:
a. Conduct a comprehensive review of the policy and legal enabling framework for Wastewater for St. Kitts and Nevis and make detailed and practical recommendations that promote sustainable wastewater management through the development of a national policy as well as a strategy and action.
b. Construct a Constructed Wetland Pilot System as a nature-based solution for wastewater (greywater) treatment and to enhance water quality in specific area along the mid-section of the College Street Ghaut area.
B. GEF CReW+ Project Background
The GEF CReW+ project “An integrated approach to wastewater management in the Wider Caribbean Region using innovative solutions and sustainable financing mechanisms” provides innovative and nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of partially treated or untreated wastewater on the environment and public health.
The GEF CReW+ Project values water as a precious resource and applies the concept of Integrated Wastewater Resources Management (IWWM) based on the four Rs of the circular economy approach: reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover. The project treats wastewater not as waste, but as a valuable resource with reuse potential in agriculture, industry and other commercial sectors. Treating wastewater safely supports regional efforts for sustainable development by reducing pollution, safeguarding marine biodiversity and protecting human health. GEF CReW+ thus contributes directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 11, 13, 14 and 15.
The GEF CReW+ is a partnership project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that is being co-implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 18 countries of the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).
This project builds upon its previous successful phase “The Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW)” project (2011-2017). CReW+ is being executed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention (CAR/RCU) on behalf of the IDB and UNEP, respectively. The executing agencies are responsible for achieving its goals and outcomes, within the respective Technical Cooperation Agreements, and consistent with GEF, IDB and UNEP’s policies and procedures.
Project activities in St. Kitts and Nevis will aim to improve and promote water governance in St. Kitts and Nevis by firstly reviewing the current legal and policy frameworks in relation to wastewater building on previous studies and provide specific recommendations for revisions. To promote good water governance in St. Kitts and Nevis. the project activities would also aim to develop an integrated wastewater management plan in consideration of climate change context. Thirdly, the project would aim to develop effluent standards in line with the limits set under the LBS Protocol. Finally, the project would aim to promote sustainable wastewater management solutions through piloting technology for greywater treatment and reuse, using nature-based solutions contributing to the reduction of the volume of contaminants entering creeks, ground water, and the downstream marine environment in Basseterre, St. Kitts. To achieve this, the project aims to implement a constructed wetland wastewater treatment system in the College Street Ghaut area.
C. Situational Analysis
Policy and Legal Framework
St. Kitts and Nevis has ratified the Cartagena Convention and its Oil Spill Protocol on 15 Jun 1999. However, it has not yet ratified the Protocol concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol), which is a regional legal instrument consisting of obligations to reduce the negative environmental and human health impacts of land-based pollution in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).
The Public Health Act of 1969 is the main legal instrument with regards to environmental health in St. Kitts and Nevis. It provides provisions for regulation and construction of sewage systems and sewer and for their cleaning. Under the Act, the Ministry of Health is responsible for the protection of water from pollution and for testing and analysing water. The Minister is empowered to enact the Act through regulations including for wastewater. However, such regulations for wastewater have not been developed. As such, there are no effluent standards set. Nevertheless, the Ministry uses the most recent guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking wastewater effluent discharges. With regards to watershed management, the National Conservation and Environmental Protection Act of 1987 provides provisions for the management of watersheds. The Forestry Ordinance of 1904 also provides basis for the conservation of soil and water courses. There are other instruments relevant to wastewater management in the country, but these instruments are largely outdated and require review and updates.
St. Kitts and Nevis does not have a specific policy for water or wastewater management. However, the National Environmental Action Plan of 1994 and the National Environmental Management Strategy of 2005 set policies related to environmental management in the country. Other relevant policies such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy includes consideration for the effective management of water and wastewater. The current draft of the Strategy sets the Water Sector as one of the 8 priority areas for adaptation. For example, a key objective of the Strategy speaks to the “provision of a safe and reliable water supply for St. Kitts and Nevis and ensure efficient water use to build resilience to climate change”.
Wastewater collection and treatment in Basseterre and environs
It is well recognized that climate change impacts will have serious deleterious environmental, social and economic consequences for small island developing states (SIDS). Many SIDS face severe constraints in both the quality and quantity of freshwater because of their small size and geological, topographical and climatic conditions. Rapid population growth in urban areas, changes in economic strategies and a growing per capita use of freshwater pose significant challenges to the sustainable development of small islands especially with the impending negative impacts of climate change. One major technical issue is the disposal of wastewater. In St. Kitts
and Nevis, on-site disposal of wastewater (i.e. use of septic tanks, soakaway pits and pit latrines) is currently practiced. Septic tanks are used to contain blackwater for periodic cleaning whereas greywater (i.e. all household water used excluding the toilet) is usually transported, via open gutters lining the streets, to the nearest water body (usually the ocean). The issue of greywater entering the coastal zone untreated is especially severe in the College Street Ghaut watershed presenting a major threat to public health and to the water quality of the coastal zone.
It is also common practice for greywater to be piped directly to the soakaway pit. The use of septic tanks for on-site wastewater disposal is common and effective for rural areas worldwide. However, with growing urban areas / population densities and ever increasing volumes of wastewater, on-site septic tanks can pose a threat to groundwater aquifers and coastal zones and can cause potential negative health effects and increased morbidity.
Over the years, the issue of wastewater treatment and disposal has become a major concern for the capital city of Basseterre and environs (portions of St. Peters especially in the College Street Ghaut Watershed) in St. Kitts. This includes the improper design, operation and maintenance of septic tanks together with the increasing residential development/density near its main source of drinking water – the Basseterre Valley Aquifer – which provides 40% of potable water for the greater Basseterre area. As a result, there is an urgent need to invest in the collection and disposal of wastewater to ensure the continued sustainable development of the nation and increase the resilience of the island to climate change.
D. Scope of the Assignment
We are inviting suitably qualified consulting firms (or consortium of consultants) to submit technical and financial proposals based on the following tasks below. The firm can bid for either Lot 1 or 2 or both.
Lot 1: Review of Wastewater Policy and Legal Framework with a view to developing a National Policy on Wastewater, a Wastewater Management Strategy and Action Plan and Draft National Wastewater Effluent Standards.
i. Situational analysis of the current state of wastewater management in the country, including wastewater treatment facilities, and related infrastructure. Primary focus should be on wastewater management.
ii. Consult with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, environmental organizations, and experts, to gather input and insights regarding the future of wastewater management to be included in the policy guidance.
iii. Conduct a comprehensive review of existing wastewater management policies, legal instruments and regulations in St. Kitts and Nevis with recommendations for improvement of the legal enabling framework.
iv. Develop a National Policy on Wastewater Management that addresses the following key areas:
a. Environmental Protection: Setting objectives and standards for the protection of natural water bodies, ecosystems, and aquatic life from the adverse impacts of wastewater discharge.
b. Public Health: Ensuring the safe treatment and disposal of wastewater to protect public health and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
c. Regulatory Framework: Defining legal and regulatory frameworks for wastewater management, including permits, licenses, and compliance requirements for wastewater dischargers.
d. Infrastructure Development: Outlining plans for the development and maintenance of wastewater treatment infrastructure, including sewage treatment plants, collection systems, and wastewater conveyance systems.
e. Resource Management: Promoting the efficient use of water resources and encouraging water conservation practices.
v. Develop a Wastewater Management Strategy and Action Plan that addresses the following key areas:
a. Wastewater treatment and reuse
b. Water quality monitoring and enforcement
c. Alignment with the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
d. Public education and awareness
e. Institutional coordination and capacity building
vi. Develop wastewater effluent standards in line with the limits set under the LBS Protocol
a. Ensure alignment with international best practices, sustainability goals, and climate change adaptation strategies in the context of SIDS.
vii. Submit the draft and final National Policy Wastewater Management, Wastewater Management Strategy and Action Plan and Effluent Standards documents to the relevant government authorities for review and approval.
Lot 2: Construction of a Constructed Wetland Pilot System for the College Street Ghaut Using the detailed engineering designs and plans developed under the IWEco Project (Annex 1),
i. Procure materials, equipment, and labor for construction in accordance with government procurement regulations.
ii. Supervise the construction process to ensure it meets environmental standards, safety requirements, cost estimates as per designs (Annex 1).
iii. Monitor and evaluate the wetland’s performance in wastewater treatment, water quality improvement, and its ecological impact, including the condition and growth of wetland plants for 3 months after construction.
iv. Conduct information sessions and capacity building activities during the construction and operation of the systems as well as the maintenance of the system to ensure knowledge exchange and future scaling-up.
E. Deliverables
Lot 1: Wastewater Policy Framework and Guidance:
a. Report on review of policy and legal enabling framework with recommendations on the way forward including situational analysis of the wastewater sector and a summary of stakeholder engagement and consultation undertaken.
b. Draft and final National Policy on Wastewater Management.
c. Draft and final Wastewater Management Strategy and Action Plan.
d. Draft and final national wastewater effluent standards.
Lot 2: Construction of Constructed Wetland Pilot System:
e. Procurement documents and contracts.
f. Construction progress reports.
g. Monitoring and evaluation reports.
h. Information sessions and capacity building reports/manual.
F. Timeline
Expected Duration 10 months
Target Start Date December 15, 2023
Latest Completion Date October 15, 2024
G. Qualifications
The consulting firm should provide staff with at least ten (10) years’ experience in wastewater engineering as well as knowledge and experience in applied integrated wastewater management with demonstrated work in the Caribbean region.
H. Reporting
The project team will provide regular progress reports to the project execution agency and project steering committee via the project focal point.
I. Payment Schedule
The estimated value of services for Lot 1 is 45,000 USD and Lot 2 is 160,000 USD. Payment will be on the basis of outputs as follows:
i. 15% at the start of the assignment once a contract has been signed.
ii. 20% upon delivery of deliverables:
a. Report on review of policy and legal enabling framework with recommendations on the way forward including situational analysis of the wastewater sector and a summary of stakeholder engagement and consultation undertaken.
b. Procurement documents and contracts
iii. 40% upon delivery of the following deliverables:
a. Draft National Policy on Wastewater Management
b. Draft Wastewater Management Strategy and Action Plan
c. Construction progress reports of constructed wetlands
iv. 15% upon delivery of the following deliverables:
a. Draft National Effluent Standards
b. Monitoring and evaluation reports of the pilot constructed wetland system v. 10% upon delivery of the following report:
a. Information sessions and capacity building reports/manual
b. All final reports
J. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on price/cost effectiveness, methodology and experience.
K. Submission Requirements
Proposal submissions are to include:
• A technical proposal (including a workplan and timelines for deliverables) • A financial proposal
Proposals must not exceed 20 pages in length. The currency of the proposal should be in USD. Please include evidence of similar project(s) successfully undertaken. Professional background (CVs) of person(s) to conduct the exercise along with other material deemed to be relevant to the proposal should be attached as annexes.
Proposals should be sent to Mr. Eavin Parry, GEF CREW+ SKN Project Focal Point via email (Eavin.parry@gov.kn) and copied to environment@gov.kn, no later than December 8, 2023 by noon (EST).
