Projects
REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER RESOURCES
OSHC “BARKI TOJIK”
CASA 1000 Project
SUMMARY
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
for Converter and Electrode Stations
March 2019
ABBREVIATIONS
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AC |
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Alternative current |
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ALRI |
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Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation |
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ARAMS |
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Avian Risk Assessment and Management Study |
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BT |
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Barki Tojik |
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CAREC |
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Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation |
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CEP |
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Committee for environmental protection |
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COI |
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Center of Influence |
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DC |
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direct current |
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EA |
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Executive Agency |
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EBRD |
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European Bank for Reconstruction and Development |
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EHS |
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Environmental Health and Safety |
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ESIA |
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Environmental and Social Impact Assessment |
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ESMP |
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Environment and Social Management Plan |
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GC |
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Governmental Council |
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GIS |
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Geographic information system |
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HVDC |
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High Voltage Direct Current |
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IFI |
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International Financial Institutions |
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LARF |
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Land Acquisition and Resettlement Frameworks |
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MoEWR |
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Ministry of Energy and Water resources |
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MP |
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Management Plan |
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NGO |
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Non-Governmental Organization |
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OTL |
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Overhead Transmission Lines |
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PMU ES |
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Project Management Unit of the Energy Sector |
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REA |
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Regional Environmental Assessment |
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RPF |
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Resettlement Policy Frameworks |
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RT |
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Republic of Tajikistan |
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TL |
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Transmission line |
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ToRs |
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Terms of Reference |
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WB |
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World Bank |
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UNITS | ||
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km |
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kilometers |
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kV |
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Kilovolts |
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MW |
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MegaWatt |
1.1 Description of the overall CASA 1000 project
1.4 Approach and methodology of the ESIA
1.5 Organization of the ESIA report
II. POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS
2.1 Applicable policy and regulations of Tajikistan
2.2 Environmental Acts/Codes/Regulations
2.3 Environmental assessment process
2.5 Land Acquisition and resettlement polices/laws/regulations
2.6 Other important social and environment regulations in Tajikistan
2.8. International Treaties related to environment and social standards issues signed by Tajikistan
III. WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
3.1. The comparison of National and WB EA requirements
IV. THE PROPOSED SUBPROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1. Description of Convertor station
4.2. Description of the Convertor Station Equipment
4.1.1. Other components of the Converter station
4.2. Description of the Electrode Station Equipment
4.4. Operation and maintenance
4.5. Analysis of Sangtuda Subproject Alternatives
5.1.2 Physiography and Land Use
5.2.2. Flora and forest resources
5.2.5 Protected Areas and natural habitats
6.1. Socioeconomic Baseline of the subproject site
6.1.2 Population and Demography
6.1.4. Occupation, Income and Expenditure
6.1.5 Access to Infrastructure facilities
6.1.6. Gender and Social Divisions (Status of Women and their role in local development)
6.2. Number of social institutions in the target districts
6.3. Length of roads in target districts
6.5. Number of disabled people, who receive social benefits
VII. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
7.1 Impact Assessment Methodology
7.2 Environmental Considerations During Project Design
7.2.1 Noise Generated from Equipment
7.2.2 Exposure to EMF and Radio Interference
7.2.3 Safe Drinking Water, Sanitation and Drainage Facilities
7.2.4 Risk of Oil Spills and Leaks from Transformers, Reactors and capacitors
7.3 Social Impacts Project Siting
7.3.1 Land Acquisition and Resettlement from the Converter and Electrode Stations Site
7.4 Social impacts due to Project Siting
7.5. Environmental Impacts from Construction
7.5.1 Risk of Soil and Water Pollution from Construction Works
7.5.2 Dust and Noise from Construction Activities
7.5.3 Waste generation and disposal
7.5.4 Procurement of Quarry Material
7.6. Social Impacts of Construction
7.6.1 Community Health and Safety
7.6.2 Workers health and safety
7.6.3 Employment opportunities for local communities
7.6.4 Foreign labor use and management, Labor Influx
7.6.5 Gender concerns and safety of women in construction site
7.7.2 Impact on soil and groundwater quality
7.8.1 Workers health and safety
7.8.2 Community health and safety near converter and electrode stations
VIII. ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.1. Inclusion of Relevant Components of ESMP into Detailed Design
8.2. Inclusion of Relevant Components of ESMP in Contract Documents
8.3. Environmental and Social Management
8.3.1Environmental and Social Mitigation in Design
8.3.2. Environmental Codes of Practice for Construction
8.3.3. Mitigations and Compliance Monitoring Plans
8.3.4. Construction Stage Site Specific Management Plans
8.6. Non Compliances by the Contractors
8.7 Biodiversity Management plan
IX. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
9.3. Organizational Layers of ESMP
9.4. Construction Supervision Consultant
9.6 Independent Environmental Monitoring Consultant (IEMC)
9.7 Project Initiation and Staffing
9.8 Grievance Redress Mechanism
9.9. Assessment of BT Capacity and proposed capacity building
IX. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE
ANNEX 3: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)
ANNEX 4. ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICES
ANNEX 6: CHANCE FIND PROCEDURES OF PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. CASA 100 project objective. The proposed CASA-1000 project will facilitate the first electricity trade of 1,300 megawatts (MW) of existing summertime hydropower surplus between the two regions, involving the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in Central Asia and Afghanistan and Pakistan in South Asia. Project preparation was guided by the 4-country minister-level Inter-Governmental Council (IGC) and through consultations with the 10-member Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program. A Secretariat of the CASA-1000 project was put in place in 2011. The project is expected to consist of the construction and operation of transmission infrastructure in the four countries. The Project has purpose and would contribute to alleviating power supply shortages in Pakistan and Afghanistan and would enhance revenues and economic prospects in the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan.
2. Project components in Tajikistan. Out of the 500-kV line from Datka to Sugd-500 with length of 477 km, about 25 km lies in Tajikistan. Between Sugd-500 and Sangtuda the electricity will be transmitted through the Tajik electrode, which will, therefore, be strengthened with a 500kV single circuit line from Regar to Sangtuda (115 km). Convertor station will be built to transform alternative current (AC) used in the national networks into direct current (DC) for transmission a high voltage and vice versa at Sangtuda. The 500-kV high voltage direct current power transmission line will be built from the Converter Station to the border with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In addition, an Electrode Station will be built on the territory of the Vakhsh District, which will be connected to the Converter Station by an electrode line with length of 30 km. Within the framework of the Project, an alternating current line of 220 kV (about 12 km) will be built from Sangtuda HPP-1 to the Converter Station and the existing substations Sugd-500 and Regar -500 will be expanded.
Typical facilities to be built at the converter and electrode stations will include: (i) converter station facilities such as circuit breakers, DC and AC filters, converter transformers, controlled valves, reactors, etc., (ii) electrode station facilities such as transformers, circuit breakers, feeder bays, bus bars, etc., (iii) control and administrative buildings; (iii) infrastructure facilities such as fencing/boundary wall, internal roads and drains; (iv) water supply and sanitation facilities; and (vi) electrode station facilities such as DC grounding electrode.
3. Expected Beneficiaries. Local communities of 2 jamoats in Kushoniyon and Vakhsh districts may potentially get temporally employment opportunities during the construction phase of the project, OJSHC “Barki Tojik” and Tajikistan economy due to enhanced revenues and economic prospects.
4. Location. This project in Tajikistan will be implemented in Khatlon province of Tajikistan, in Kushoniyon (Bustonqala jamoat) and Vakhsh (Mashal jamoat) districts, located in the valley of the Vakhsh River, in the arid and semi-arid zones. The area is characterized as non-irrigated barren pasture lands with rather flat topography and low hills.
5. Project category. In accordance with the Bank’s safeguard policies and procedures, including OP/BP/GP 4.01 Environmental Assessment, and based on proposed investments and baseline analysis, the project CASA 1000 and of the current subproject were rated Category A because it involves green-field construction of about 1,200 km of high voltage Overhead Transmission Lines (OTL), crossing four countries as well as of the Convertor and Electrode stations with potential adverse environmental and social impacts that in some cases might be significant due to the fact that civil works will be implemented in/or in the vicinity of environmentally sensitive areas. According to the national legislation the project also is qualified as generating significant environmental and social risks and belongs to National Category 1 for which it is necessary to conduct a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
6. Purpose of the Environmental and Social Impact assessment. This ESIA has been prepared to identify and assess potential environmental and social impacts of the Project related to construction of converter and electrode stations on the biophysical and human environments and to set out measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate and manage adverse impacts to acceptable levels as defined by Tajik regulatory requirements and international good practice as defined by the applicable international requirements.
Initial country-specific CASA 1000 project ESIA was used as is based on the results of the project Regional Environmental Assessment (REA) which summarizes potential impacts from construction of the converter station and follows the detailed guidance for preparing country specific ESIA. It identifies potential environmental impacts of the project and to specify appropriate preventive actions and mitigation measures (including appropriate monitoring plan) to prevent, eliminate or minimize any anticipated adverse impacts on environment. The ESIA was prepared by a local consultant (joint venture PO RF Kuhiston and Infrasokhtor Mushovir LLC ) hired by the Client based on the following: (i) analysis of the existing national legal documents, regulations and guidelines; (ii) World Bank safeguard policies, as well as other WB guiding materials; (iii) previous ESIA work, presented in the REA, by providing the site-specific detail from fieldwork; facts, figures; and (iv) results of consultations with the representatives of stakeholders, local population and all interested parties.
7. Potential environmental and social impacts. Construction related impacts are likely to be short term and site specific and can be mitigated by applying internationally recognized best construction practices. Typically, such impacts are related to aspects such as: (a) location, establishment and operation of the construction camps; (b) hauling of construction materials; (c) construction of the convertor and electrode stations; (d) impacts on biodiversity in terms of endangered species as Central Asian tortoise; and, (e) soil resource management and erosion control activities.
The ecological value of the project area for proposed stations in Tajikistan is not very significant, - the area is sparsely populated, and agriculture is practiced only on few locations.
Also, the project is not expected to cause significant impact to critical and natural forests as it will not include any plantation activity, commercial harvesting or harvesting conducted by small-scale landholders or local communities. Furthermore, during the construction phase, no removal of vegetation for right-of-way maintenance and for access roads and other associated facilities are expected.
While environmental survey of the project sites identified several potential environmental impacts due the construction, operation and maintenance of the HVDC line, Converter station, Electrode station, and electrode line, the implementation of good construction practices and simple feasible mitigation measures will ensure these impacts will not be significant and will not affect the local population.
In summary, the environmental impacts of the proposed converter and electrode stations are:
o Moderate risk of harm to species of conservation significance;
o Moderate risk of reduction of biodiversity;
o Low visual impacts;
o Low dust nuisance during construction;
o Moderate short-term and localized levels of particulates due to clearing of vegetation during construction;
o Low short-term emissions of greenhouse gases associated with construction;
o Low and localized potential noise effects during construction;
o Nominal delays to local traffic;
o Low impacts on existing extractive resource industries and known deposits;
o Audible noise will be generated by most of converter equipment during operation, and also from the transmission lines.
o Improper design of safe drinking and sanitation facilities to the offices and residential part, firefighting and cooling, and storm water design drainage facilities, pose risk to workers’ health and safety, in the converter and electrode stations.
o Oil spills and leaks from the transformers and relevant facilities (these spills have potential to contaminate soil and water resources)
o Low risk of exposure to unconfirmed health effects from electric and magnetic fields; and
o Low risk of exposure to health and safety risks.
o Moderate risk of DC electrolytic corrosion due to the electrode station
Social impacts in preconstruction phase deal with the land acquisition and resettlement of 1 land owner. Social impacts at construction stage include community health and safety (traffic related issues; dust and noise from construction, etc.); workers health and safety (risk associated with working at height and electrical equipment; and inadequate facilities in construction camps); security concerns for the foreign workers; and, employment opportunities for local communities.
During operation and maintenance stage social impacts relate to the workers’ health and safety, as well as to community health and safety aspects.
The implementation of proven, internationally accepted, and environmentally sound designs, appropriate management and construction practices during stations construction and operation will be sufficient to avoid, minimize, mitigate and compensate virtually all potentially specified adverse environmental impacts.
8. Potential Positive impacts. The potential benefits of the proposed facilities relate more to social-economic aspects, including creation of new jobs and respectively, more employment and increased income; contribution to poverty reduction and improvement of country’s socio-economic conditions; increased capacity of national transmission company and of other stakeholders.
9. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). ESMP was developed in frame of this ESIA to prevent, mitigate and monitor identified potential project impacts. It describes mitigation and monitoring actions to be taken, including implementing arrangements and responsibilities. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) will be included in the contractor’s bid documents along with Environmental Codes of Practice for Construction (ECPs).
10. Environmental Codes of Practice for Construction. The environmental codes of practice (ECPs) are generic, non-site-specific guidelines for the construction phase. The ECPs consist of environmental and social management guidelines and practices to be followed by the contractors for sustainable management of all environmental issues. These ECPs are prepared based on the best industry practices and World Bank EHS guidelines. The contractor will be required to follow and use them to prepare site-specific management plans.
11. Operational Plans. Contractor will be required to prepare operational plans, before contractor mobilization and commencement of construction works, for approval of PMU and CSC. The plan will relate to the management of workforce and camp Site Installation, Site Preparation and Restoration, construction impacts, wastes, safety etc.
12. ESMP Supervision and monitoring. It will be done via proposed Environmental and Social Monitoring plan which outlines the parameters to monitor, location, procedures, roles and responsibilities of parties during the different stages of the project. The Project Management Unit (PMUES) will be responsible for implementation of the Project. The PMU has the Social and Environmental monitoring department and will employ additional staff, who will be responsible for overall supervision of implementation of ESMP and RAP. They will also establish a project level Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) based on its existing institutional mechanism.
13. ES Reporting. The ESIA describes also reporting types, purpose, frequency of reports submission and responsibilities of all involved parties in this process. Barki Tojik”/PMUES will submit bi-annual environmental reports to WB. Construction Supervision Consultant will develop quarterly and bi-annual environmental monitoring reports for BT/PMUES.
14. ESMP institutional responsibilities and capacities to perform environmental and social safeguards. The State Joint-Stock Holding Company “Barki Tojik” (BT) will be the Project owner/Executing Agency (ExA). In order to implement the Project, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan set up the ‘Project Management Unit for Elektro-Energy Sector’ (PMU). Within this PMU the Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring Department has been established which will be responsible for the ESMP implementation. The organizational layers of the ESMP include “Barki Tojik”/PMUES – for overall environmental and social responsibility at the national level; Project Environmental Officer and Social Officer for day-to-day implementation of environmental and social responsibilities on behalf of the Barki Tojik; PIC Contractor; Independent Environmental Monitoring Consultant (IEMC).
The evaluation of the ExA institutional capacity has shown that national institutions and implementing entities although have basic capacities to perform their duties concerning ExA and enforcing the ESMP provisions, there is need for additional capacity building activities. In this regard the Project will support additional training activities to ensure the environmental requirements and the ESMP provisions would be fully implemented.
15. ESIA disclosure and consultation. In May 2019, the Project Management Unit (PMU) will conduct public Consultations on the findings of environmental and social assessment of the proposed project and draft ESMP.
16. Consultations will be held with the affected communities in both Kushoniyoun and Vakhsh districts, where electrode and converter stations are located. The draft ESIA has been posted on the websites of the “Barki Tojik” (http://www.Barkitojik.tj) for consideration and comments by stakeholders, and for access to the general public, prior to these public consultations.
After public consultations, the draft document will be revised taking into account received comments. The final version of the initial ESIA document will be posted on the website of the PMU of the MEWR and disclosed on the World Bank website.
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Some details of Converter and electrode stations
Figure 1: Location of Proposed Converter and Electrode Stations
Converter station
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Access to construction site. For the converter station, some of the equipment will be stored in-doors and thus a separate building is usually erected for this purpose. This building can then act as a storage and maintenance building once construction is completed. Permanent road access is required. Heavy road access or rail access is also required for the heavy equipment. 24 hour a day security is likely required during the construction process.
Proposed 1,300 MW AC-DC convertor station will be in Kushoniyon district at the area of 43.20 ha, which is allocated by the local authority. Supporting document for allocation of land plot was provided to Barki Tojik. This site if located at the distance of approximately 120-140 meters from the republican highway. The length of this road from the Kushoniyon-Levakand-Dangara road to the Sangtuda-1 HPP is 12 km.
Electrode Station
A Ground electrode which will be located in Vahksh district. An area of 25 ha was allocated for this station in Mashal jamoat. A DC electrode line and ROW will be required from the converter station to the ground electrode. It will require two conductors and may be steel poles/towers. It will design a standard 66 kV transmission line with the lengh of 30 km.
Electrode station will include facilities such as transformers, circuit breakers, feeder bays, bus bars, etc..
Implementation Schedule
Proposed period of construction activities is 33-40 months
Examples of considered Potential impacts, their significance and Mitigation measures
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Potential impacts |
Sensitivity |
Magnitude |
Significance before Mitigation |
Mitigation and Enhancement Measure |
Residual Significance |
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Environmental Considerations during Project Design | |||||
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Audible noise will be generated by most of converter and electrode equipment during operation |
High |
Major |
Major |
Contractor will design (i) equipment that generate low sound levels, (ii) equipment layout to minimize the acoustic noise and (iii) acoustic barriers (walls or enclosures) wherever necessary to maintain noise levels that comply with national standards at offices, and residential colony and at periphery of the station. |
Minimal |
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Exposure to Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) and radio interferences from the converter and electrode station equipment (EMFs will affect the health and radio interferences will affect the telecommunications). |
High |
Moderate |
Major |
WHO endorsed standards on EMF and noise levels will be complied through design considerations. These include adequate spacing between the equipment and fencing/boundary wall or right of way. International standards on radio interferences will also be complied with. |
Minimal |
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Oil spills and leaks from the transformers, reactors and capacitors (these spills have potential to contaminate soil and water resources) |
High |
Major |
Major |
Contractor will design oil containment and recuperation systems around all transformers, reactors and capacitors |
Minimal |
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Social Impacts from Project Siting | |||||
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Land Acquisition and Resettlement of 2 land owners (2 farms) (total affected households are 8) from the converter and electrode stations [the losses are: 68,2 ha) |
Very high |
Major |
Critical |
Cash compensation at replacement cost and market rates for land as per RAP. Community development activities in the nearby villages by BT as part of CASA 1000 CSP Project |
Moderate |
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Impact on income and livelihood sources of converter and electrode stations affected households (2 households with complete loss of land) |
High |
Major |
Major |
Additional cash compensation and livelihood assistance as per RAP |
Moderate |
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Environmental Impacts during Construction Stage | |||||
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Risk of soil and water pollution from construction activities |
Medium |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Implementation of soil and pollution control measures as specified in ESMP and ESPs. |
Minimal |
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Dust and noise from construction activities |
Medium |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Maintenance of construction equipment and vehicles; and implementation of ESMP and ECPs |
Minimal |
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Waste generation and disposal (materials and solid waste) |
Medium |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Proper collection and disposal of waste in the local municipal waste disposal facilities |
Minimal |
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Procurement of quarry material |
Medium |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Procurement from existing government approved quarry sites |
Minimal |
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Impacts on biodiversity, including Red Book Species as steppe tortoise |
High |
Major |
Major |
Contractor must follow the special Biodiversity Management Plan for Central Asian tortoise prepared and presented below in Annex 5 |
Minimal |
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Social Impacts during construction stage | |||||
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Community health and safety from construction traffic and activities |
Medium |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Traffic, noise and dust control measures in accordance with ESMP/SSEMP and ECPs.
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Minimal |
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Workers health and safety (risk associated with working at height and electrical equipment; and inadequate facilities in construction camps) |
Medium |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Occupational health and safety measures; and adequate facilities in the construction camps in accordance with ESMP/SSEMP/ECPs. |
Minimal |
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Social Impacts during operation and maintenance stage | |||||
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Workers health and safety |
High |
Major |
Major |
Implementation of Standard operating procedures (SOPs) of BT |
Minimal |
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Community health and safety |
High |
Minor |
Moderate |
Maintenance of water supply, sanitation and drainage facilities in the residential part of the stations. Safety barriers and signage to avoid electrocution. |
Minimal |
VIII. ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
1. The ESMP describes actions to be taken in sufficient detail to provide a basis for subsequent auditing of compliance with commitments made in the ESIA process including who is responsible, how and when it will be implemented, what will be done and what results will be achieved, why it is being done, and how to know whether it is effective in addressing the underlying concerns.
2. The basic objective of the ESMP is to manage adverse impacts of proposed project interventions in a way that minimizes the adverse impact on the environment and people at the subproject sties. The specific objectives of the ESMP are to:
· Outline the mitigation measures required for avoiding or minimizing the potential impacts identified in the ESIA.
· Facilitate the implementation of the mitigation measures discussed earlier in the document.
· Maximize potential project benefits and control negative impacts;
· Draw responsibilities for BT, contractors, consultants, and other members of the project team for the environmental and social management of the Project;
· Define a monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters in order to:
o Ensure the complete implementation of all mitigation measures,
o Ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation measures;
o Assess environmental training requirements for different stakeholders at various levels.
Environmental Codes of Practice for Construction
The environmental codes of practice (ECPs) are generic, non-site-specific guidelines for the construction phase. The ECPs consist of environmental and social management guidelines and practices to be followed by the contractors for sustainable management of all environmental issues. These ECPs are prepared based on the best industry practices and World Bank EHS guidelines. The contractor will be required to follow them and also use them to prepare site-specific management plans (discussed later in the Section). The ECPs are listed below
• ECP 1: Waste Management
• ECP 2: Fuels and Hazardous Substances Management
• ECP 3: Water Resources Management
• ECP 4: Drainage Management
• ECP 5: Soil Quality Management
• ECP 6: Erosion and Sediment Control
• ECP 7: Top Soil Management
• ECP 8: Topography and Landscaping
• ECP 9: Borrow Areas Management
• ECP 10: Air Quality Management
• ECP 11: Noise and Vibration Management
• ECP 12: Protection of Flora
• ECP 13: Protection of Fauna
• ECP 14: Road Transport and Road Traffic Management
• ECP 15: Construction Camp Management
• ECP 16: Cultural and Religious Issues
• ECP 17: Workers Health and Safety
Construction Stage Site Specific Management Plans
Contractor will be required to prepare following site specific management plans, before contractor mobilization and commencement of construction works, for approval of PMU and CSC.
· Pollution Prevention Plan.
· Waste Disposal and Effluent Management Plan.
· Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Plan:
· Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan
· Quarry Area Management Plan
· Traffic Management Plan
· Construction Camp Management Plan
· Fuel and Hazardous Substances Management Plan
· Emergency Preparedness Plan
· Communication Plan to deal with the interaction of the community, complaints management, workers recruitment, notice of works and workers conduct with locals.
Monitoring Program
3. As one of the key elements of the ESMP, a two-tier monitoring program has been proposed comprising compliance monitoring and effects monitoring. The main purpose of this monitoring program is to ensure that the various tasks detailed in the ESMP particularly the mitigation measures are implemented in an effective manner, and also to evaluate program impacts on the key environment and social parameters. Both these types of ESMP monitoring are discussed below.
Mitigation and Compliance Monitoring Plan –example of issues and proposed measures
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Environmental and sustainability issue |
Issues/Impacts/impact sources |
Mitigation Measures |
Responsibility | |
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Execution |
Monitoring | |||
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1. Design and Pre-Construction Phase | ||||
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1.1 Audible noise |
• Audible noise will be generated by most of converter equipment during operation |
• Design of equipment and its layout will ensure noise levels will comply with the national standards at offices and colony |
Contractor |
PMU |
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1.2 EMF and radio interference |
• EMFs will affect the health and radio interferences will affect the telecommunications |
• WHO endorsed standards on EMF and international standards on radio interference will be complied through design considerations |
Contractor |
PMU |
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1.4 Land Acquisition and Resettlement |
• Acquisition of 68 ha of land from the converter and electrode stations sites; |
• Cash compensation at replacement cost as per RAP • Livelihood restoration assistance |
BT |
PMU External Monitor |
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2. Construction Phase | ||||
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2.1 Soil and Water Pollution |
• Pollution from construction activities and storage facilities. • Waste water from construction camps, offices and warehouses. • Spillage of fuels, oils, and waste effluents from workshops • Erosion from construction works |
• Implement ECPs 3, 4, 5 and 6 • Sedimentation pods will be provided for collection of storm water drainage. For effluents to be discharged from workshops, camps, and offices, treatment arrangements such as retention ponds and septic tanks will be incorporated in the facility designs. |
Contractor |
CSC, PMU |
|
2.3 Air Quality |
• Emissions from construction related traffic and machinery. • Dust from works, other machinery, concrete mixing, and traffic from trucks and vehicles.
|
• Implement measures in ECP 10 Air Quality Management. Dust generation will be restricted as much as possible and water sprinkling carried out as appropriate, especially where earthmoving, and excavation are carried out. • Emissions from construction equipment and traffic will comply with NEQS. • Machinery and vehicles will be well maintained, and vehicles causing excess pollution will be banned from construction sites |
Contractor |
CSC, PMU |
|
2.7 Community Health and Safety |
• Community health and safety hazards at the construction sites (dust, noise, traffic accidents, etc.) |
• Traffic management plan by the contractor in accordance with ECPs • Public will be barred from construction sites through access control • Establishing adequate facilities at the construction camp (mosque and entertainment) to minimize interaction between construction workers and local community |
Contractor |
CSC, PMU |
|
2.8 Workers Health and Safety |
• Exposure to physical hazards from use of heavy equipment, cranes; and electrical hazards from the use of tools and machinery • Trip and fall hazards
|
• Implement ECP 17: Workers Health and Safety, ECP 16: Construction Camp Management • Appropriate PPE to the workers and training in use of these PPEs • Trained workers will be involved when working with live wires, operating equipment and handling hazardous materials |
Contractor |
CSC, PMU |
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3. Operation and Maintenance Phase | ||||
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3.1 Generation of Waste |
• Disposal of broken equipment, scrap material and used oils; and solid waste from the offices |
• The material waste will be collected by the central BT and disposed in coordination with environmental department of the region. • Disposal of solid waste in the nearby municipal disposal sites |
Station Operator |
BT |
|
3.3 Community health and safety |
• Drinking water supply and sanitation facilities for employees |
• Regular maintenance of water supply, sanitation and drainage facilities in the offices. |
Station Operator |
BT |
|
3.4 Occupational health and safety |
• Occupational hazards associated with handling of electrical equipment and machinery.
|
• Implement BT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Workers Health and Safety. |
Station Operator |
BT |
Effects Monitoring
Effects monitoring is a very important aspect of environmental management to safeguard the protection of environment. The monitoring will comprise surveillance to check whether the contractor is meeting the provisions of the contract during construction and operation of the project including the responsible agencies for implementation and supervision. Compliance indicators or threshold limits for the monitoring are also given in Table Monitoring required during design and pre-construction stage is also included in this table for easy reference.
Table 40: Effects Monitoring Plan (extract)
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Monitoring Parameter/ Activity |
Location |
Means of Monitoring |
Compliance indicator/ threshold limits |
Frequency |
Responsible Agency | |
|
Implementation |
Super-vision | |||||
|
During Construction | ||||||
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Hydrocarbon and chemical storage and handling |
Construction camps and yards |
Visual Inspection of storage facilities |
No leakages from the containers in the storage. Handling follows procedures to avoid spillages. |
Monthly |
Contractor |
CSC |
|
Traffic Safety |
Access Roads |
Mobile monitoring for traffic management |
Smooth flowing of traffic; and placement of traffic signs and flag-person |
Monthly |
Contractor |
CSC |
|
Noise |
Construction sites |
Noise measurement using potable noise meter; |
Compliance with NEQS standards. Baseline data will be established by contractor during pre-construction |
Weekly |
Contractor |
CSC |
|
Waste Management |
Construction camps and construction sites |
Waste management as per the approved plan |
Facilities are clean and waste collection and disposal facilities are in place |
Monthly |
Contractor |
CSC |
|
Grievances |
In the project area |
Number of grievances registered and addressed |
Minutes of grievance redress meetings |
Monthly |
PMU |
CSC, BT |
|
During Operation and Maintenance | ||||||
|
Inspection as per Standard Operating Procedures |
Stations Site |
Visual Inspection of environmental related issues |
Comply with SOPs |
Monthly |
EHS officer |
BT |
|
Oil leakages around the transformers |
Power Transformers |
Visual inspection |
No oil leakages |
Weekly |
EHS officer |
BT |
|
EMF and Noise levels |
Stations Site |
Equipment |
Comply with the standards |
Monthly |
EHS Officer |
BT |
IX. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
9.1. Implementing Agency
The Project Proponent – Barqi Tojik which will be the designated project implementation agency responsible for the overall project implementation. The State Joint-Stock Holding Company “Barqi Tojik” (BT) will be the Project owner/Executing Agency (EA). It manages issues of exploitation of electric stations and energy networks in the country, generation, transmission, distribution and realization (disposal) of electricity and heat energy. The capability “Barqi Tojik” to prepare engineering designs and tender documents with environmental components is well developed. The overall responsibility for implementation of project activities will be with BT while certain implementation functions (including procurement) will be delegated to the PMU through the PIA.
9.2. Project Management Unit
To implement the Project, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan set up the ‘Project Management Unit for Energy Sector’ (PMU). Within this PMU the Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring Department has been established. This department is responsible for foreign financed projects.
9.3. Organizational Layers of ESMP
4. The organizational layers of the ESMP include following:
· “Barqi Tojik”/PMUES –for overall environmental and social responsibility at the national level;
· Project Environmental Officer for day-to-day implementation of environmental responsibility on behalf of the Barqi Tojik;
· PIC Contractor
· Independent Environmental and Social Monitoring Consultant (IEMC)
5. The roles and responsibilities of PMU and its consultants are presented in Table 41.
Table 41: Roles and Responsibilities for ESMP Implementation
|
Organizations |
Responsibilities |
|
PMU/NTDC |
• Overall responsibility of the ESIA implementation • Ensure that all project activities are well-managed and coordinated. • Applying for environmental clearance of the subproject from EPA • Procurement of works and goods. • Payment of compensation to the project affected people • Recruitment and supervision of Design Engineers and contractors • Recruitment and supervision of Construction Supervision Consultants (CSC) • Recruitment of external monitor • Ensure compliance with World Bank safeguards |
|
Social and Environmental monitoring department within PMU/BT |
• Review of engineering designs to ensure environmental issues identified in the ESMP have been considered in the facilities designs • Update of the ESMP part of the ESIA document based on the detailed designs. • Responsible for assisting in reviewing bid documents for inclusion of ESMP measures, supervising construction activities, producing periodic monitoring reports, • Ensuring inclusion of ESMP and ECPs in bidding documents • Providing training on ESMP principles and requirements to CSC, contractors, BT field staff, and others as needed to ensure effective implementation of ESMP • Supervising CSC for the implementation of ESMP • Closely coordinate with other concerned agencies, local governments and communities to support implementation of ESMP • Preparation of progress reports on implementation of ESMP. |
|
EHS Officer at proposed Converter and Electrode Stations |
• Responsible for implementing standard operating practices related to environmental and social issues during operation stage of converter and grid station • Implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures during operation stage of the grid station (water supply and sanitation, land-scaping, traffic safety, solid waste collection and disposal, OHS issues, etc.) |
|
Design Engineer (Contractor) |
• Design of storm water drains, sewage, and fuel storage facilities to avoid contamination of soil and water resources • Design of grid station facilities to avoid over exposure of EMF and noise • Design of safety barriers and signage to avoid electrocution • |
|
CSC |
• Supervise civil works, ensuring compliance with all design parameters including quality requirements • Supervising contractors for ESMP implementation • Prepare monthly reports and submit to PMU • CSC will have dedicated environmental and social staff |
|
Contractor |
• Responsible for implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures proposed in the ESMP • Each contractor will recruit an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager and a social expert, who will be responsible for implementing the contractors’ environmental, health and safety responsibilities, implement the social mitigations at site, and liaising with government agencies. S/he will have adequate number of staff to support him/her for these tasks. |
|
M&E Consultant |
• External Monitoring and evaluation of EMP and A-RAP |
9.8 Grievance Redress Mechanism
6. To date, PMU ES puts considerable efforts to prevent and/or address grievances within the implemented projects. While the existing GRMs under various projects are devised to comply with the national legislation as well as the international standards, they typically address both environmental and social issues (the latter mostly arise from LAR process). Complaints and grievances can be addressed through the following steps and actions as per the existing GRM mechanisms established by the PMU ES:
First Step: A joint Project Grievance Redress Committee for concerned Hukumats is established. It includes two members of the affected community (including AP’s and non-APs), one representative of each concerned Jamoat and one representative of each Hukumat Land Management Committees, to be chaired by one of the Hukumat representatives (to be agreed upon internally by the relevant Hukumats). Grievances must be heard and resolved within 14 days of submission of the complaint.
Second Step: If the Project Level Grievance Redress Committee is not able to resolve the grievance within a 14-day period, the complaints should be presented via the BT Rayon representative to BT PMU at a central level. The elected representatives of the AF will have the opportunity to mediate by providing their written comments and proposals to the PMU. The Director of the PMU will make a final decision after the assessment of the case and a careful preparation of the decision by the PMU resettlement representative. Grievances must be heard and resolved within 7 days of submission of the complaint.
Third Step: If no solution is reached within 14 days at BT PMU level, the APs can further submit their case to the appropriate court of law.
The Grievance Logs along with the Grievance Redress Forms are maintained on site with all the complaints registered in the logs and tear-off stubs left with the APs to allow for adequate and transparent grievance redress process.
While applying the Grievance Redress Mechanism, APs can seek support from the BT PMU resettlement representative who might be assisted by the national and international consultants.
The leaflets containing information on the Project as well as contact addresses/phone numbers are shared and available at the level of each concerned Jamoat and communities.
It is recommended to apply the available and successfully implemented GRM under the proposed CASA-1000 Project with the district level GRCs at every relevant districts covered by the T/L route and a centrally coordinated GRC at the BT/PMU ES level. The PSC will help the BT/PMU ES to smooth run, monitor and report on the GRM.
The GRM log will include information on what actions have been undertaken, what is outstanding, and who was responsible for each action. Status of GRM, highlighting open cases, will be included in project reports.
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN
This Biodivetsity management Plan is aimed at relocation of the Central Asian tortoise found on the construction site of the CASA-1000 converter station in the Kushoniyon district of the Khatlon region. The detailed Biodiversity Management plan (BMP) with the costs estimation is presented in Annex 5. The plan describes construction impacts on tortoise, mitigation measures, area where tortoise will be relocated, methodology of relocation, and monitoring plan.
ANNEX 3: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) (extract)
|
Project activities /aspect/component |
Impacts |
Proposed Mitigation measures |
Implementation Responsibility
|
|
DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE | |||
|
Construction activities in general |
Safety hazards to workers |
Development and implementation of a site specific EHS Plan |
Contractor |
|
Land Acquisition and Compensation |
Temporary and permanent removal of the land from the land owners and its uses - Resettlement - Impact on assets, including economic livelihood |
Ensure that RAP is completed and implemented before Contractor starts work. - Cash compensation at replacement cost and market rates for land as per RAP. |
Barki Tojik/PMU/ Contractor |
|
Exposure to Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) |
Exposure to Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) and radio interferences from the converter and electrode station equipment (EMFs will affect the health and radio interferences will affect the telecommunications). |
WHO endorsed standards on EMF and noise levels will be complied through design considerations. These include adequate spacing between the equipment and fencing/boundary wall or right of way. International standards on radio interferences will also be complied with. |
- Contractor |
|
Transformers, reactors and capacitors |
Oil spills and leaks from the transformers, reactors and capacitors (these spills have potential to contaminate soil and water resources) |
Contractor will design oil containment and recuperation systems around all transformers, reactors and capacitors |
Contractor |
|
CONSTRUCTION PHASE | |||
|
Execution of works |
- Disturbance for local people |
- Grievance Redress mechanism established and functional
|
- PMU - Contractor |
|
Construction |
Waste generation and disposal (materials and solid waste) |
- Implement the mitigation measures provided in ECPs for waste management, including hazardous waste - A waste management hierarchy that consider prevention, reduction, reuse, recovery, recycling, removal and finally disposal of wastes should be considered. Final disposal must be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner. - Recyclable and hazardous waste will be disposed in coordination with environmental departments of the region - Solid waste generated at the campsites will be properly treated and safely disposed of only in the demarcated waste disposal sites. |
- Contractor - Environmental specialist of PMU to monitor safeguards implementation |
|
Construction |
Waste Management; motor oil and other hazardous liquids |
- Used motor oil and other hazardous liquid waste should be stored on sealed areas with proper containments. - Waste oil and other hazardous liquid must be transported and disposed by licensed companies according to National regulations. - Contractor will be required to instruct and train their workforce in the storage and handling of materials and chemicals including concrete that may cause soil contamination |
- Contractor
- Environmental specialist of PMU to monitor safeguards implementation |
|
|
- Noise from heavy equipment
|
- All equipment should be provided with mufflers and noise reduction equipment. - Noisy equipment and activity should be done only at daytime and if it is not possible prior notice should be given to the neighboring areas. - Admissible noise level into the living area, both inside and outside the buildings according to (IFC General EHS Guidelines 2007). |
- Contractor - Environmental specialist of PMU to monitor safeguards implementation |
|
Construction activities – air quality |
Air pollutant discharge from the equipment used during stations construction. |
- Use of new vehicles and machinery, proper maintenance, use of catalysators, turn off engines when possible, avoid needless truck driving, low speed driving. More stringent national or IFC emission standards should be followed. |
- Contractor - Environmental specialist of PMU to monitor safeguards implementation |
|
Biodiversity |
Threats to flora and fauna |
- Contractor must follow the special Biodiversity Management Plan for Central Asian tortoise prepared and presented below in Annex 5. - Existing access tracks to the tower sites will be used whenever possible and new paths will be constructed only when no existing path is available; - Construction activities will be limited to the hours from dawn to dusk; - Lights used in the construction camps will be kept to the minimum and diffuse lighting is to be preferred; - Vehicles will be operated so as to minimize risk to wildlife; - Special measures will be adopted to minimize impacts on wild birds, such as avoiding construction activities in breeding areas during the breeding season; - The Contractor’s staff will not be permitted to shoot snare or trap animals |
- Contractor - Environmental specialist of PMU to monitor safeguards implementation and coordinate with local environmental authorities |
|
Community health and safety from construction traffic and activities |
Community health and safety hazards at the construction sites (dust, noise, traffic accidents, etc.) |
• Traffic management plan by the contractor in accordance with ECPs • Public will be barred from construction sites through access control • Establishing adequate facilities at the construction camp (entertainment) to minimize interaction between construction workers and local community |
- Contractor |
|
Gender Issues |
Women’s privacy Sexual Harassment Equal Pay for Equal Work Non-discrimination in hiring |
- The Contractor must establish policies in consultation with local elders/authorities |
- Contractor
|
|
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PHASE | |||
|
Generation of Waste |
Disposal of broken equipment, scrap material and used oils; and solid waste from the offices |
• The material waste will be collected by the central BT and disposed in coordination with environmental department of the region. Disposal of solid waste in the nearby municipal disposal sites |
- Station Operator |
|
Soil and groundwater pollution |
• Leakage and spillage fuels, lubricants and oils
|
• Regular monitoring of transformers and oil storage areas for leakages; and if noticed immediate containment of these facilities. • Oil storage facilities above bounded areas and covered on tope (to avoid rain and sunlight) with secondary containment areas; |
- Station Operator |
|
Community health and safety |
• Drinking water supply and sanitation facilities for employees |
• Regular maintenance of water supply, sanitation and drainage facilities in the offices. |
- Station Operator |
|
Occupational health and safety |
• Occupational hazards associated with handling of electrical equipment and machinery. • |
• Implement BT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Workers Health and Safety. |
- Station Operator |
|
Presence of SF6 in new generator breakers |
• Climate Change (Emissions to air from circuit breakers, Eligas) |
- Appropriate training for permanent staff regarding handling of SF6. - User’s manual should be placed at relevant sites. - Careful handling of SF6, always follow specific guidelines. • Circuit breakers shall be fitted with automatic leak alarm system (gas monitoring system). |
- Barqi Tojik and station management |
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN[1] (extract)
|
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN |
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR and ACTIVITIES |
FREQUENCY TO MONITOR |
TIMING TO CHECK |
LOCATION |
RESPONSIBILITY |
|
PRE-CONSTRUCTION |
| ||||
|
All environmental impacts and health and safety issues |
Preparation a Project Specific HSE Policy (Contractor) |
Once |
Before taking any possession at sites |
N/A |
PMU |
|
All environmental impacts and health and safety issues |
Preparation of Contractor’s Project specific HSE Plan (Contractor’s Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan) |
Once |
At least 10 days before taking any possession at sites |
N/A |
CSC |
|
Emergencies |
Preparation of Contractor’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
|
Once |
Before taking any possession at sites |
N/A |
PMU |
|
Noise and vibrations |
Condition of vehicles and machinery; field inspection |
Regularly |
During surveying and soil investigation |
Random |
CSC |
|
Waste management |
Proper Waste Management Practices |
Regularly |
During surveying and soil investigation |
All project sites |
CSC |
|
Land acquisition |
Land acquisition and resettlement plan implemented, compensations paid |
Ongoing |
Before taking any possession at sites/Throughout the Project |
All project sites |
PMU/CSC |
|
Grievance Redress Mechanism |
Grievance Redress Mechanism established
|
Once |
Before Project implementation |
N/A |
PMU/CSC |
|
CONSTRUCTION |
| ||||
|
All environmental impacts and health and safety issues |
Contractor’s internal HSE inspections performed by HSE Manager and site supervisory personnel |
Weekly |
Throughout the Project Phase |
All project sites |
PMU/CSC |
|
All environmental impacts and health and safety issues |
Contractor’s internal HSE audits performed by HSE Manager and site supervisory personnel |
Monthly |
Throughout the Project Phase |
All project sites |
PMU/CSC |
|
Soil erosion and contamination |
Proper Waste Management practices, land clearing, vegetation removal, spills; field inspections, Contractor’s HSE audit and inspection reports, HSE Incident Reports |
Regularly |
Throughout the Project |
All project sites |
CSC |
|
Air quality |
Condition of vehicles and machinery; field inspections |
Regularly |
Throughout the Project |
All project sites |
CSC |
|
Noise and vibrations |
Condition of vehicles and machinery; field inspections |
Regularly |
Throughout the Project |
All project sites |
CSC |
|
Waste management |
Proper Waste Management practices; field inspections, Contractor’s HSE audit and inspection reports, HSE Incident Reports |
Regularly |
Throughout the Project |
All project sites |
CSC |
|
Safety hazards |
Contractor’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan implemented and training given to all workers; field inspections, Contractor’s HSE audit and inspection reports |
Ongoing |
Throughout the Project |
All project sites |
PMU/CSC |
|
Grievance Redress Mechanism |
Grievance Redress Mechanism functional; amount of grievances and processing time of grievances, paid compensations |
Ongoing |
Throughout the Project implementation |
N/A |
PMU/CSC |
ANNEX 4. ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICES - examples
ECP 1: Waste Management
|
Project Activity/ Impact Source |
Environmental Impacts |
Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines |
|
General Waste |
Soil and water pollution from the improper management of wastes and excess materials from the construction sites. |
The Contractor shall • Develop waste management plan for various specific waste streams (e.g., reusable waste, flammable waste, construction debris, food waste etc.) prior to commencing of construction and submit to CSC for approval. • Organize disposal of all wastes generated during construction in an environmentally acceptable manner. This will include consideration of the nature and location of disposal site, so as to cause less environmental impact. • Minimize the production of waste materials by 3R (Reduce, Recycle and Reuse) approach. • Segregate and reuse or recycle all the wastes, wherever practical. • Prohibit burning of solid waste • Collect and transport non-hazardous wastes to all the approved disposal sites. Vehicles transporting solid waste shall be covered with tarps or nets to prevent spilling waste along the route • Train and instruct all personnel in waste management practices and procedures as a component of the environmental induction process. • Provide refuse containers at each worksite. • Request suppliers to minimize packaging where practicable. • Place a high emphasis on good housekeeping practices. • Maintain all construction sites in a cleaner, tidy and safe condition and provide and maintain appropriate facilities as temporary storage of all wastes before transportation and final disposal. |
|
Hazardous Waste |
Health hazards and environmental impacts due to improper waste management practices |
The Contractor shall • Collect chemical wastes in 200 liters drums (or similar sealed container), appropriately labeled for safe transport to an approved chemical waste depot. • Store, transport and handle all chemicals avoiding potential environmental pollution. • Store all hazardous wastes appropriately in bunded areas away from water courses. • Make available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials on-site during construction. • Collect hydrocarbon wastes, including lube oils, for safe transport off-site for reuse, recycling, treatment or disposal at approved locations. • Construct concrete or other impermeable flooring to prevent seepage in case of spills |
