Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)
Project Number: 51365-001 June 2020
Kazakhstan: Urban Infrastructure Modernization
Program – Wastewater Treatment Project
Reconstruction of Stepnogorsk Wastewater Treatment Plant
Prepared by The Kazakhstan Center for Communal Services Modernization and Reform (KazCenter ZhKH) for the Asian Development Bank.
This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
WASTEWATER MODERNISATION PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN
KAZ: “RECONSTRUCTION OF STEPNOGORSK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT”
INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE) (DRAFT)
June 2020
Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 A. INTRODUCTION ...... 9 A.1 General ...... 9 A.2 Background ...... 9 A.3 Purpose of the Report ...... 9 A.5. Project Proponent ...... 11 A.7. IEE Boundaries ...... 11 A.8. Methodology applied ...... 12 A.9. Structure of the report ...... 13 B. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 14 B.1. General ...... 14 B.2. Country policies and administrative framework ...... 14 B.2.1. Overall legal framework ...... 14 B.2.2. Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 15 B.2.3. Administrative Framework ...... 15 B.3. Air, Water, Land and Noise Legislation ...... 16 B.3.1. Air Quality Legislation ...... 16 B.3.2. Water Quality Legislation ...... 17 B.3.3. Health and Safety...... 19 B.3.4 Physical Cultural Heritage ...... 20 B.3.5. Waste Management ...... 21 B.3.6. International Conventions and Treaties ...... 23 B.4. Environmental Quality Standards ...... 25 B.4.1. Air Quality Standards ...... 27 B.4.2. Water Quality Standards ...... 28 Synthetic-surface substances ...... 31 B.4.3. Soil Quality Legislation and Standards ...... 35 B.4.4. Noise Standards...... 36 B.5. Sanitary Protection Zones ...... 37 B.5.1. Setting the borders of a sanitary protection zone ...... 38 B.6. ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 ...... 39 B.7. Comparison of ADB requirements and legislation of Republic of Kazakhstan ...... 42 C. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 48 C.1 Background ...... 48 C.2 Project location ...... 48 C 3. Existing Situation ...... 49 C.3.1. Existing Master Plan ...... 49 C.3.2. Water Supply Network ...... 50 C 3.3 Wastewater Network ...... 51 C 3.4. Assessment of the Existing WWTP (KOS) ...... 52 5
C.3.5. Design Standard ...... 61 C.3.6. Design horizon ...... 62 C.4. Conceptual Design Sizing of the New WWTP...... 62 C.4.1. Plant Hydraulics ...... 66 C.4.2. Design Components ...... 66 C.4.3. Layout of the New WWTP ...... 70 C.5. Construction Activities ...... 70 C.5.1. Land Acquisition ...... 71 C.5.2. Access Roads ...... 71 C.5.3. Methods to accomplish main works ...... 71 C.5.4. Earthworks ...... 71 C.5.5. Concrete works (Monolithic foundations, frames of buildings) ...... 72 C.5.6. Construction Equipment...... 73 D. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 74 D.1. ‘No Project’ Alternative ...... 74 D.2.Technical Options for New WWTP ...... 74 D.2.1. Wastewater treatment technologies ...... 75 D.2.2. Wastewater treatment processes ...... 75 D.2.3 Conventional Activated Sludge Process ...... 76 D.2.4. SBR - Sequencing Batch Reactor ...... 77 D.2.5. MBR - Membrane bioreactor ...... 78 D.2.6. MBBR - Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor ...... 79 D.2.7. Other technologies ...... 80 D.2.8. Summary of main features ...... 80 D.2.9. Selection of Technologies and Multi-Criteria Analysis...... 82 D.2.9. Conclusions on preferred technology ...... 87 D.3. Alternative Construction Camp(s) ...... 87 E. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRNMENT (BASELINE DATA) ...... 88 E.1 Introduction ...... 88 E.2 Physical Resources ...... 88 E.2.1 Climate and Air Quality ...... 88 E.2.2 Climate Change ...... 96 E. 2.3. Geology ...... 102 E.2.4. Hidrological Resoureces...... 106 E.2.5. Noise ...... 109 E.2.7. Natural Hazards ...... 110 E.3. Ecological Resources ...... 111 E 3.1 Flora ...... 111 E.3.2 Fauna ...... 112 E.4. Social, Economic, and Cultural Profile ...... 112 E.4.1 Population and Gender ...... 112 E.4.2 Employment and sources of income ...... 112 E.4.3 Agricultural sector ...... 112 E.4.4 Industry ...... 113 E.4.5 Development and Promotion of Small and Medium Businesses ...... 114 E.4.6 Education ...... 115
E.4.7 Healthcare Facilities ...... 115 E.4.8 Cultural Resources ...... 115 E.4.9 Tourism ...... 116 E.5. Infrastructure, Utilities, and Service ...... 116 E.5.1 Housing ...... 116 E.5.2 Water supply ...... 116 E.5.3 Waste ...... 117 E.5.4 Land Resources ...... 117 F. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 118 F.1. General ...... 118 F.1.1. Types of Project Impacts ...... 119 F.1.2 Mitigation Hierarchy ...... 119 F 1.3. Positive Project Impacts ...... 120 F.2. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...... 120 F.2.1. Design / Pre-construction Phase ...... 120 F.2.2 Construction and Operation Phases ...... 121 F.2.3. Summary of the Project’s Environmental Impact ...... 152 I. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 111 I.1 Environmental Management Plan ...... 111 I.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) ...... 112 I.3 Specific EMP (SEMP) ...... 112 I.4 Institutional Arrangements ...... 113 I.4.1 Proposed project implementation arrangements ...... 113 I.4.2 Construction and financing of KOS ...... 116 I.5 Reporting and Review of the EMP ...... 117 I.6 Inspection ...... 118 I.7 Implementation Costs ...... 119 K. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 121 K.1 Recommendation ...... 121 K.2 Conclusion ...... 121 ANNEXES ...... 123 Annex 1: Environmental Management Plan ...... 109 Annex 2: Environmental for general construction activities in Stepnogorsk ...... 122 Annex 3: Thematic Mangement Plans ...... 126 Annex 4. Specific Environmental Management (SEMP) Plan ...... 134 Annex 5. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist To be added! ...... 136 Annex 6. Sample Chance Find Procedures ...... 137 Annex 7. Guidance on Public Consultations within the COVID19 limitations context ... 141 Annex 8: Rapid Assessment Questionnaire...... 1 7
ABBREVIATIONS ADB - Asian Development Bank Akimat - Local executive body in Kazakhstan BD - Bid Documents BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand CA - Cross section area CERC - Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control CC - Civil Contractor COD - Chemical Oxygen Demand CSC - Construction Supervision Consultant CWR Committee for Water Resources DBO - Design Build Operation Tender DB - Design Build tender DC - Design Consultant DD - Detailed Design DMF - Design and Monitoring Framework EA - Executing Agency EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EIP - Environmental Impact Permit EMP - Environmental Management Plan GC - General Conditions IA - Implementing Agency ICB International Competitive Bid IEE - Initial Environmental Examination LARF - Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework LARP - Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan MEGNR - Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan MFF - IP - Multi-Tranche Financing Facility Investment Program MoM - Minutes of Meeting MPC - Maximum Permissible Concentrations O&M - Operation and Maintenance PE - Equivalent Person PIU - Project Implementation Unit PMC - Project Management Consultant PS - Pumping Station WBG - World Bank Group WS - Water Supply WSS - Water Supply and Sanitation WSSIP - Water Supply and Sanitary Investment Program WTP - Water Treatment Plant WWTP - Waste Water Treatment Plant / also KOS
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES As - Arsenic Cl - Chlorine cm - Centimeter CO - Carbon Monoxide CO2 - Carbon Dioxide COD - Chemical Oxygen Demand dB - Decibel(s) dBA - A-Weighted Decibel(s) kg - Kilogram km - Kilometre l - Liter lpcd - Litres per Capita per Day M - Metre MAC - Maximum Allowable Concentrations m3/day - Cubic Meter Per Day mg - Milligram mg/l - milligram per litre mg/m3 - Milligram Per Cubic Meter mm - Millimetre mSv/hr - Microsievert per hour NO3 - Nitrate NOx - Nitrogen Oxides P - Phosphorus PH - power of hydrogen PM - Particulate Matter PM10 - Particulate Matter of 2.5 micron or 10 micron and size PM2.5 Zn - Zinc
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I. Introduction:
1. This Initial Environmental Examintion (IEE) is part of the process of compliance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) (2009) in relation to the construction of wastewater treatment plant in Stepnogorsk city, herein referred to as the “Project”.
2. The IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the project. More specifically, the IEE:
• Describes the existing socio-environmental conditions within the project area; • Describes the project design, construction activities, and operational parameters; • Examines alternatives to the proposed project site, technology, design, and operation; • Describes the extent, duration, and severity of potential impacts on the environment; and • Formulates the mitigation actions and presents it all in the form of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
3. Based on the existing ADB Environmental Safeguards Policy (2009), this Project falls under ADB’s project Category B as theproposed project’s potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects.
II. Description of the Project
4. The implementation of the present project is necessary with the aim to improve wastewater treatment system for the population and ecological indices of the region. 5. Today, 27 of 86 cities of Kazakhstan either do not have WWTPs, or have the existing WWTPs totally out of order (in 10 cities). It is also necessary to rehabilitate, modernize and/or increase the capacities of the WWTPs in 26 cities. Following the above-mentioned, within the scope of 53 cities, the construction/rehabilitation of WWTPs in 53 cities is planned. At the first stage, it was decided to implement the projects in 5 cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 6. KazCenter ZhKh (KAZC) is the national agency identified for implementing this program by the GoK. It would be the single borrower from ADB and EBRD, which would be guaranteed by GoK. The city of Stepnogorsk is a part of the first tranche identified by KAZC.
7. The city of Stepnogorsk is located in the north of Kazakhstan, in the Akkola district of Akmolin region on the left bank of the river Selety, at 135 km on the North of Nur Sultan and 220 km on the South-East of Kokchetav.
8. In the city of Stepnogorsk, the wastewater disposal system is a combined one, stormwater and wastewater are conveyed jointly. Wastewater from the residential area (domestic and household effluents), as well as effluent from industries, are delivered in the sewerage network. The rate of connection is estimated around 100%. The service for potable water and sewerage is realized by Stepnogorsk Vodakanal owned 100% by the Akimat (Municipality). Two years ago, it was managed by KHAZAK MYS but for some social events now it is back to the Municipality.
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9. The existing wastewater treatment plant is located in the northern part of the city, 650 m from residential area. The WWTP provides a mechanical and biological treatment of wastewater including an additional processing of disinfection with liquid chlorine, the final effluent is delivered into the river Aksu.
10. The existing sewage treatment facilities of the City of Stepnogorsk are in unsatisfactory technical condition. The main issues regard: i) Low quality of effluent coming from wastewater treatment; ii) The unsuitable conditions of the main biological treatment facilities, due to physical deterioration of the structures and the obsolescence of the technology; iii) The low quality of wastewater delivered to the river after treatment is serious matter of concern.
11. Therefore, it was decided that adequate performance of the WWTP to meet the effluent standard can be achieved with the construction of a new Plant with mechanical and biological treatment facilities, as well as sludge treatment facilities in accordance with modern technologies.
12. The proposed WWTP is designed for a capacity of 10,000 m3/d with an average flow of 417 m3/h and a peak flow of 737 m3/h and its effluent quality will be compliant with national standards. The Capital Costs for the WWTP (Conventional Activated Sludge plus Tertiary Treatment based on microfiltration) are estimated at US$ 11,252,000 equal to KZT 5.057 billion. The operation cost is estimated at US$ 486,667 per year, equal to KZT 186.88 million per year. All costs are inclusive of 12% VAT.
III. Analysis of Alternatives
13. The alternatives considered for the proposed Project include: i) ‘No Project’ Alternative, ii) Technical alternatives for construction of new wastewater treatment plant facilities of Stepnogorsk city, and iii) a short summary of alternative camp site(s), etc. Alternative locations have not been considered since it was decided that new WWTP will be constructed at the location of the existing plant.
14. The ‘No Action’ Alternative addresses the likely consequences of not undertaking the proposed action. While it has no environmental and social impacts resulting from reconstruction works, the failure to construct new wastewater treatment plant in Stepnagorsk city proposed would result in the continued deterioration of the sewage system, thereby impeding the socio-economic development of the Project area and the region. Therefore, it can be determined that the ‘No Action’ alternative is not a reasonable option if the environmental and overall socioeconomic situation in the region is to be improved.
15. Construction of new wastewater treatment plant in Stepnnogorsk city was the second alternative also considered. The existing sewage treatment facilities of the City of Stepnogorsk are in unsatisfactory technical condition. Therefore, it was decided that adequate performance of the WWTP to meet the effluent standard can be achieved with the construction of a new Plant with mechanical and biological treatment facilities, as well as sludge treatment facilities in accordance with modern technologies.
16. From a technical point of view, several alternatives have been considered: (i) CSA- Conventional Activated Sludge; (ii) SBR - Sequence Batch Reactor; (iii) MBR - Membrane Bio-Reactor technology; and (iv) MBBR - Moving Bed Bio-filter Reactor. The basic screening criteria for the selection of different processes are: (i) Compliance with wastewater effluent Standards; (ii) Proven wastewater treatment technology; (iiii) Reliable performance of the processes; (iv) Possibilities for reuse of effluent and energy recovery options; (v) Must have the scope of modular 3
expansions in time; (vi) Must include sludge management and reuse options of dewatered sludge;
17. Acoording with Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) the Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) technology has the highest score, this is due to reasonable costs, to the fact that it is already used in the region and its operation is likely to generate a lower impact on the environment while complying with the effluent standard of Kazakhstan. Also, the system is already used in cold climates and shows good resilience to loads variation. The effluent may be reused, and the sludges may be intended for agricultural purposes.
18. Therefore, referring to the result of the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), the recommended technology is the “Conventional Activated Sludge” system.
IV. Description of the Environment: 19. The IEE report presents information about the physical, biological, and socio-economic characteristics of the environment in the Project area. The environmental baseline conditions in the Project area include:
20. Climate and meteorology. The climate of the region is steppe continental and temperature with average of +40.0 C in the summer and -10.0 C in the winter, essentially there are only two seasons. Projections for future climate were accessed using general climate models (GCMs). This assessment shows that the annual precipitation is expected to reduce between -5% (in East Kazakhstan province) to -15% (in Kyzlorda province). Reduction will be more pronounced during summer. Following the observed trends over recent decades, more precipitation is expected to fall as heavier precipitation events. Higher temperatures are to be expected with on average 0.3oC for each 10 years. This increase is somewhat more pronounced during spring and autumn. Kyzlorda show a slightly higher increase and East Kazakhstan slightly lower. In general, these seasonal and spatial differences between seasons and province are relatively small. Precipitation is expected to reduce between - 5% (in East Kazakhstan province) to -15% (in Kyzlorda province). Reduction will be more pronounced during summer. At the same time are higher daily rainfall intensities projected.
21. At subproject level the impact of climate change has been evaluated and summarized by six indicators. Details per subproject are described in this report. The overall trend is that (i) crop water requirements will increase by about 15% in 2050; (ii) runoff from the landscape will reduce by around 10% for the subprojects in East-Kazakhstan, 30% for Karaganda and Akmola region, by 2050; (iii) total snow depths will increase substantially for Karaganda and Akmola region especially for the more southern located ones; (iv) risk on flooding will remain relatively low and might decrease even somewhat, although the subprojects in the more hilly provinces remain vulnerable; (v) subprojects relying on water resources from the bigger upstream rivers might will be more vulnerable for water shortage as those river flows will decrease; (vi) a substantial seasonal shift with earlier water availability and favorable temperatures for crops of 10-15 days can be expected; (vii) groundwater resources will reduce substantially by climate change for most subprojects and especially for the ones located in Karaganda and Akmola region by lower rainfall and higher evaporation.
22. Geology and geomorphology. In a geomorphological respect, the territory is a flat relief with slightly sloping hills and frequent rock outcrops. It is a hillocky area. The contrasting relief forms are formed as a result of the complexity of the geological structure and the entire course of its geological history. In a geological respect, the territory of the Stepnogorsk Region is composed of intensely dislocated metamorphic schistslates, quartzites, sandstones and limestones of the Paleozoic Age.
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23. Hydrology and hydrogeology. The River Ai flows across the study area in the southern circuit of Ai-Karaaul ground and forms its principal runoff during the snowmelt and rain; by July in summer, the river becomes extremely shallow. In the west, there flow the River Tansyk. 1.3–1.5 km north- east of the study site, along Berdygozh tract, the River Konkay flows in the southern direction, which merges with the side tributaries with the rivers Bainazar and Akit and forms the river Baipu, flowing south of the site into the river AI. With the type of runoff formation, all watercourses have exclusively snowmelt supply; the water supply in the snow cover at the beginning of snowmelt is approximately 60-90 mm. During the autumn and winter low-water periods, the surface watercourses are fed at the expense of the discharges of fissure groundwater along the thalwegs and erosive incisions of local intermountain depressions.
24. Air quality. The state of air pollution was assessed based on the results of the analysis and by treating air samples taken at the fixed observation stations. As the fixed network observation data suggest, the level of atmospheric air pollution of the city of Stepnogorsk in 2019 was described as low. The average concentrations of pollutants did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). The maximum single-time concentrations of sulfur dioxide were 1.1 MPC and the concentrations of other pollutants did not exceed MPC. The cases of high pollution (HP) and extremely high pollution (EHP) of the atmospheric air in the city of Stepnagorsk were not identified. Following the reconstruction of the WWTP, no changes in the emissions are supposed and as a result, the issue of emissions is not considered in the operation phase.
25. In line with sanitary standards No. 237 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the establishment of a sanitary protection zone of production facilities”, dated by 20.03.2015, approved by order of the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the existing WWTP is the III -category facility meaning that the nearest settled area must be distanced from it by at least 400 m1. This requirement with Stepnagorsk WWTP is met.The nearest settled area is distanced from Stepnogorsk WWTP by 650 m, consequently, the risk of propagation of objectionable odor will exist during the WWTP operation period.
26. with the aim to avoid air pollution in the operation phase, the following mitigation measures are to be accomplished: (i) design and install different cover options to fit tanks, basins and lagoons; (ii) Cover options should include floating, structurally supported, modular, inflated and dual membrane; (iii)solutions should make with strong, long-lasting materials to resist tears, punctures, chemicals and UV rays.
27. Surface Water Quality. As mentioned in Project description the body receiving the treated domestic wastewater (following its complete treatment) is the Aksu River. By analyzing the background data in line with the discharge flow rate of the concentration of pollutants at the outlet of the treatment plant, we can conclude that the background concentration of pollutants along the Aksu River is higher than the concentration of the discharged treated wastewater in respect of the following indices: BODcomplete, COD, suspended substances, dry residue, chlorides, sulfates, nitrites, nitrates, total iron. The given excess can be explained by the background of Aksu River. As for other ingredients, no excess MPC of them was identified.
28. in line with Resolution 778 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan of May 29, 2009 “The Rules to Receive Effluent Waters by the Water Diversion Systems in the Populated Areas”, rain, melt, natural and irrigation water, also industrial liqued waste are not subject to the drainage
1 OVOZ – Chapter 3.5 Information about the sanitary protection zone 5
into the sewerage system.
29. Groundwater at the time of the geological engineering survey in January 2018 was not found. It is possible to observe the irregular temporary water throughout the year on the top of clays and rocky soils, the main reason for the possible occurrences of high water is spring floods and heavy rainfall. According to laboratory data, soils in the range of depth from 0.0 to 4.50 m, have highly aggressive properties to concrete made by Portland cement.
30. Noise and vibration. A noise and vibration study to identify baseline data have not been developed for the Project. In this case Construction Contractor is requested to carry out baseline measurements of noise and vibration before commencement of construction activities in line with national legislation and in accordance with the limits provided in the IFC's EHS Guidelines for noise. Findings and analysis from the noise and vibration study have been incorporated into updated IEE and Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).
31. Radiation. Mean values of radiation gamma background of the ground-level layer of the atmosphere in the settled areas of the Province were within the limits of 0,01 – 0,44 mSv/hr. On average, the radiation gamma background in the Province was 0,13 mSv/hr and was within the admissible range.
32. Ecological Resources. Fauna: The fauna in the study area is predominantly presented by small rodents, reptiles and birds. The class of mammals is presented by small mammals from the order of rodents: field mouse and root vole. Common birds in the area are: English sparrow, magpie, raven, rook, tit and starling. There are no Red-Listed animals in the area. Flora: The site where the project works are to accomplish, in under an intense versatile anthropogenic impact of the industrial enterprise. Consequently, the natural vegetation with a significant amount of various weed species can be seen in the area unattended by the production enterprise. The natural vegetation grows in the undeveloped areas and is presented by herbaceous vegetation.
33. Social, Economic, and Cultural Profile. In 2016 – 2018, the situation on the labor market of the city of Stepnogorsk was characterized by an increased number of employees and decreased number of unemployed and unproductively employed people. There is a trend of an increasing number of social assistance recipients. At the same time, the proportion of the people receiving special social services (in the total number of people who need such services) is increasing. The proportion of recipients of targeted social assistance (conditional cash assistance) involved in active measures to promote employment in 2018 was 22,0%. The share of the employed with disabilities among the people having applied to the employment centers in 2017 was 100% and 98.4% in 2018. A priority of the economic development of the city of Stepnogorsk is the development of small and medium businesses. By January 1, 2019, 11,555 people were engaged in small and medium businesses what is 18,2% more the same level in 2017. As per the results of 2018, the share of operating registered small and medium businesses was 83,5% what is 2% more the same indicator of 2017 (it was 81,8% in 2017).
34. The development of housing and communal services of the city of Stepnogorsk accomplished within the scope of program “Development of regions until 2020”. Its main goal is to provide the population with high-quality public services. 100% of the population of the city has an access to the centralized water supply system and 87% of the adjoining villages: Aksu, Zavodskoy, Bestobe, Karabulak village, Kyrykkydyk, Izobilnoye and Bogenbaisky rural district. The sewerage covers 100% of the territory of the city, like central heating and hot water supply. The water supply services of the city are provided by the State Public Utility Enterprise at Stepnogorsk- Vodokanal. The total length of water disposal networks is 131.7 km. (53.8 of pressure; 77.9 – by gravity). Since 2017, the reconstruction of the water supply systems of the city of Stepnogorsk (micro-districts 4, 6 and 7) and reconstruction of the water supply systems of the villages of Aksu
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and Zavodskaya have been carried out. The source of the city’s water intake is the Seletinsky Reservoir, 51.5 km from the city. The actual annual volume of the water supplied in 2018 was 20.862 mln. m3.
35. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures: Most of the predicted impacts are associated with the construction process. Impacts mainly arise from the generation of dust from soil excavation and refilling; disturbance of residents, traffic and activities in the town. These are common impacts of construction, and following methods are suggested for their mitigation: (i) Utilizing surplus soil for beneficial purposes; (ii) Measures to reduce/control dust generation (cover/damp down by water spray; consolidation of top soil, cover during transportation of materials, etc); (iii) Immediately replacing defective equipment and removing it from the work site and restriction of working hours for truck movements in inhabited areas between 22:00pm and 8:00am for noise mitigation; iv) Control dust generation while unloading the loose material (particularly aggregate and sand) at the site by sprinkling water/unloading inside barricaded area; v) During construction, machinery and transport will be used by the contractor; both have potential of causing contamination to underground and above ground water assets. There is need to compile temporary drainage management plan before commencement of works. Proper installation of temporary drainage and erosion control before works within 50m of water bodies should be done; vi) Sludge and soil on which it is used must be sampled and analyzed. Sludge shall be analyzed for heavy metals every 12 months; vii) restoring the top soil after construction, (vi) avoiding tree cutting through location alignment changes, viii) A traffic control and operation plan will be prepared together with the local traffic management authority prior to any construction; ix) Residents and businesses will be informed in advance through media of the WWTP construction activities, given the dates and duration of expected disruption; x) for occupational healt and safety Contractor should ensure that all workers are provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment - helmets, hand gloves, boots, masks, safety belts (while working at heights etc.).
36. Environmental Effects occurred during the construction phase will have short term effects and they cannot deteriorate the existing landscape and visual conditions. No possible environmental effects will arise during the operational phase as well.
37. Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation: No on-site public consultations or focus group discussions have been possible due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Instead, conducting of public consultations with interested stakeholders, such as representatives of local government, households (about 70 households as a representative sample of population under the project), using distant communication channels such as mobile phones and internet. . Special questionaries’ were prepared for phone and internet interviews (see annex 8). The IEE findings, project expected impacts and proposed mitigation measures have been incorporated into the disclosed information. Respondents asked for feedback and comment if any. APs were informed that in case of substantial comments/ questions, draft IEE would be accessible in Russian on a website to download, and any further questions can be sent through email or discuss by phone contacts provided during discussions. Until now, no question or request for clarification was received. In case of state of emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic will be abolished before the starting of the construction activates the consultations with key stakeholders will be conducted through organizing personal meetings. However, if the state emergency du to COVID-19 will be continued the Guidance on public consultation within the COVID 19 limitation context provided in Annex 7. Following SPS General Requirements pp. 53‒54, public consultation meetings will be conducted and the information will be disclosed in due manner. In compliance with ADB's SPS (2009) the draft IEE will be provided for disclosure on the ADB website and KazCenter’s website in the local language.
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38. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) have been prepared and will be implemented during the project implementation. The EMP identifies the potential environmental impacts arising from the project along with a set of the mitigation measures to reduce the impacts to acceptable levels. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing the EMP to ensure its effectiveness. EMP will be included into the bidding documents so that bidders can consider and incorporate their environmental responsibilities into their bid proposals. Later the EMP becomes an integral part of a contract for the provision of works and is binding for implementation. A monitoring plan (EMoP) defining all parameters to be monitored, with tentative location, project stages for measurements, implementation and institutional responsibility for different environmental components is prepared for all stages of project and presented in Annex 2 Error! Reference source not f ound..
39. KazCenter will appoint consultants/ contracted staff for construction supervision and for the support to the PMU (Project Management Unit).
40. KazC will also procure the DBO operator at the request of the SPV. KazCenter will sign the DBO contract and undertake construction supervision (CSC firms will be recruited under the loan and Project Management Unit will be established to manage the Program).
41. The EMP includes measures to raise project implementation effectiveness, such as the PMU and the DBO (Design Build Operation) will be required to engage the necessary staff for environmental safeguards and compliance. To build the capacity of KazCenterZhKH in environmental management, the DBO will conduct environmental training workshops for the KazCenterZhKh, SPV, Akimat and the Vodakanal at the preconstruction stage.
42. Specific EMP (SEMP). The SEMP will describe the precise location of the required mitigation / monitoring, the persons responsible for the mitigation / monitoring, the schedule and reporting methodology. The SEMP and all of its thematic management plans (i.e., topic and location specific plans) will be submitted to the Engineer and KazCenter for approval at least 10 days before taking possession of any work site. No access to the site will be allowed until the SEMPs are approved by the Engineer and KazCenter, and where indicated in the tables below, the ADB.
43. Conclusions and recommendations: The overall conclusion of this IEE is that provided the mitigation and enhancement measures are implemented in full, there should be no significant negative environmental impacts as a result of location, design, construction or operation of the Stepnogorsk waste water Project. There should in fact be positive benefits through major improvements in quality of life and individual and public health once the scheme is in operation.
44. The environmental impacts of infrastructure elements proposed in the waste water system improvement subproject in Stepnogorsk will be assessed and described in the following sections of this document. Potential negative impacts were identified in relation to design, location, construction and operation of the Project components. Mitigation measures have been developed to reduce all negative impacts to acceptable levels.
45. The main beneficiaries of the improved system will be the citizens of Stepnogorsk, who will be provided with a new waste water system. This will improve the quality of life of people as well as raising the standards of both individual and public health as the improvements in hygiene should reduce the incidence of disease. This should lead to economic gains as people will be away from work less and will spend less on healthcare, so their incomes should increase.
46. The recommendation of this Environmental Assessment process is that all mitigation, enhancement and monitoring activities proposed here shall be implemented in full. This is
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essential to ensure that the environmental impacts are successfully mitigated; this is the responsibility of Stepnogorsk Vodokanal.
47. IEE should be attached to the tender and contract documents as part of the specifications to be heeded by the contractor, and is addressed by the contractor at the time of bidding. This allows the EMP and monitoring plan to be incorporated into the tender and contract process and ensure that: (i) the EMP is addressed as a condition of the contract; (ii) the EMP is property costed; and (iii) management systems are established for the complying with the EMP.
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A. INTRODUCTION
A.1 General
48. This section of the report; a) provides the background to the Kazakhstan’s Urban Infrastructure Modernization Program, b) summarizes the Project need and objectives, c) outlines the purpose of the IEE, d) describes the Project Category and c) describes the scope of the IEE and the structure of the report.
A.2 Background
49. The Government of Kazakhstan (GOK) is promoting the ‘Wastewater Treatment Plants Reconstruction and Construction Program’ (the Program) to improve the wastewater treatment facilities in the 53 cities across the Country. The implementation of the present programin the Republic of Kazakhstan is necessary with the aim to improve wastewater treatment system for the population and ecological indices of the region. 50. Presently, water resource management is one of the most important social issues for the development of the country and is immediately affected by the lack of the wastewater treatment plants or incomplete operation of the existing plants in the cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 51. Today, 27 of 86 cities of Kazakhstan either do not have waste water treatment plants (WWTPs), or have the existing WWTPs totally out of order (in 10 cities). It is also necessary to rehabilitate, modernize and/or increase the capacities of the WWTPs in 26 cities. Following the above- mentioned, within the scope of 53 cities, the construction/rehabilitation of WWTPs in 53 cities is planned. At the first stage, it was decided to implement the projects in 5 cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 52. The Program will be implemented through a phased approach and will be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The Phase 1 covers 11 Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP-KOS), of which 5 WWTPs (Stepnogorsk, Zhezkazgan, Satpaev, Balkhash and Zhanatas) are to be financed by ADB.
53. KazCenter ZhKh (KAZC) is the national agency identified for implementing this program by the Government of Kazakhstan (GoK).
54. The city of Stepnagorsk is a part of the first phase investment identified by KAZC.
A.3 Purpose of the Report
55. The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of the Project in Stepnogorsk city (Akmola region) is conducted as part of preparation of the proposed Kazakhstan Urban Infrastructure Modernization Program and Finance Facility to meet requirements of ADB’s Guidelines and Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS 2009), as well as to comply with environmental legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The IEE covers all proposed physical activities under the project.
56. The present IEE report covers construction of wastewater treatment plant in Stepnogorsk city (Akmola region) with the aim to:
• describe the existing socio-environmental conditions within the Project area; • identify potential direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced environmental impacts and
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risks that may emerge due to Project implementation; • analyze Project’s alternatives of location, design and technological solutions, including “no project” option; • develop Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that will include proposed mitigation measures, monitoring program and reporting requirements, institutional and organizational arrangements, capacity development and training provisions; • describe grievance redress procedures under the Project.
A.4. Category of Project
57. Rapid Environmental Assessment checklists (see in Annex 5), review of National Feasibility Study report, together with several site visits, as well as review of their location vicinities through Google Earth and other GIS services were used to assign the category of the Project. Based on the existing ADB Environmental Safeguards Policy (2009), this Project falls under ADB’s project Category B. According to ADB SPS 2009 proposed project can be classified as Category B due to the following reasons:
• adverse environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects; • these impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and • in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects.
58. An initial environmental examination is required for category B projects. A category is assigned to a project by its most sensitive component, therefore, all of the outputs and activities to be undertaken under the Project fall under Category B as well.
59. According to the requirements of national legislation OVOS was prepared by the firm - “Promenergoproekt” in 2018. Public consultations for national Environmental Impact Assessment Report (OVOS) conducted on 23 August, 2018 in the project area to capture the stakeholders’ opinions about the project, and agree on the project activities. OVOS was approved by the Regional Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control of Karaganda Region in October 2018.
60. No on-site public consultations or focus group discussions have been possible due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Instead, conducting of public consultations with interested stakeholders, such as representatives of local government, households (about 340 households as a representative sample of population under the project), using distant communication channels such as mobile phones and internet, are in progress. The IEE findings, project expected impacts and proposed mitigation measures have been incorporated into the disclosed information. Respondents will be asked for feedback and comment if any. If they have substantial comments/ questions, draft IEEs will be accessible in Russian on a website to download, and any further questions can be sent through email. All findings of consultations and minutes of meetings will be incorporated into final IEE. In case of state of emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic will be abolished before the starting of the construction activates the consultations with key stakeholders will be conducted through organizing personal meetings. However, if the state emergency du to COVID-19 will be continued the Guidance on public consultation within the COVID 19 limitation context provided in Annex 7. Following SPS General Requirements pp. 53‒54, public consultation meetings will be conducted and the information will be disclosed in due manner. In compliance with ADB's SPS (2009) the draft IEE will be provided for disclosure on the ADB website and KazCenter’s website in the local language. 11
A.5. Project Proponent
61. The Project proponent is the Government of Kazakhstan (GoK) acting through its newly created (June 17, 2019) Ministry of Ecology, Geogology and Natural Resources (MEGNR). The Kazakhstan Center for Communal Services Modernization and Reform, (KazCenter ZhKH) is the borrower under the project and will receive a Sovereign Guarantee from the Republic of Kazakhstan. KazCenter ZhKH is the Executing Agency (EA) and Implementing Agency (IA) for the project. KazCenter ZhKH will establish a Project Management Unit which will be supported by the Project management consultants and Project Implementation Units (PIU) in the regions for implementation activities. KazCenter ZhKH will procure the WWTPs under a Design-Build contract arrangement, undertake contract supervision and make payments to the contractors. In line with Decree #617 of the Committee of State Property and Privatization of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated by November 2, 2009, JSC KazCenter Zhkh with 100% state participation in its authorized capital was established.
A.6. Nature, size, and location of the Project 62. In compliance with the City Master Plan, the construction of a new WWTP is planned and the location is confirmed in the area of the lot of the existing WWTP, which is the more convenient taking into consideration the existing infrastructure of the district, transport links, etc.
63. The selection of the proposed site for the WWTP seems reasonable because it is located at sufficient distance from the urban area and appropriate because in the existing lot there is enough space to build a new plant while maintaining in operation the old one.
64. The WWTP is located in the northern part of the city, at a distance of 650 m from the residential area. The relief is flat with a slightly sloping hill.
65. Since the site of the WWTP is located at the outskirt of the City, there is no potential impact on the planned expansion areas for the City. The closest neighboring residential area is far anconsequently, there will be no involuntary resettlement.
A.7. IEE Boundaries
66. For the purpose of the IEE, physical area considered as potentially being affected by the project in Stepnogorsk city of Akmola region, include:
(I). Areas of direct impacts due to construction activities and their vicinity, including:
• construction sites for WWTP facilities construction; • access roads along WWTP construction site; • dumpsite for construction and household wastes; • borrow pits and quarries used as material sources; • any other sites to be used by contractor, such as sites for labor camp, concrete batching plant, temporary material stockpiling and storage areas, etc.
(II). Areas of indirect impacts, including: • water sources and receivers, such as river Aksu, lake Altaysor in the Kokchetav region where river Aksu flows and their aquatic habitats;
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• the existing WWTP is located 650 meters away from populated areas, during the operation period it is possible that the unpleasant odor may affect the residents; • vicinity of affected water bodies, such as riparian habitats in rivers (Ai, Tansik, Konkai,), water reservoir shorelines; • all adjacent lands potentially subject to pollution with dust generated by construction activities.
67. During detail project design and further project implementation, other actively used remote sites can be included into consideration of project’s environmental impact assessment and scope of mitigation measures in contractor’s EMP, such as material borrow pits and quarries, waste dumps, concrete production facilities, labor camp(s), etc.
A.8. Methodology applied
68. The methodology is based on the ADB SPS (2009) and the joint experience of the International and National environmental consultants involved in the IEE. It included following tasks: • to collect baseline data • to conduct public consultation • to assess impacts and propose mitigation measures • to analyze alternatives • to conduct baseline analysis
69. Environmental assessment was made through desk studies and field visits; quantitative data were preferred where possible. Background data and information was obtained from published and unpublished sources, (e.g., on climate, topography, hydrology, geology and soils, natural resources, flora and fauna, agriculture, and socio-economic data).
70. The site visit was carried out on 22th of October 2019 by the TA consultant assisted by the KAZC staff (designer Aqua-Rem). During a meeting with the representative of the city Mayor's Office, the Authorities have confirmed their support to the project. The information gathered during the site visit are summarized below:
(i) The WWTP provides the treatment of wastewater of the civil population and the commercial activities of the city of Stepnogorsk. The settlements of Zavodskoy are connected to the WWTP of “Progress”. The wastewater from Aksu and Quartzitka settlements are disposed in storage ponds or in septic tanks. (ii) The total population, according to the documentation issued by the Municipality and confirmed by Vodokanal, equals 58,451 people (including surrounding villages) and 48,000 are connected to the sewerage system. Therefore, assuming a connection rate equal to 95% and considering that the actual population of Stepnogorsk is 45,919 people, 43,623 people of the city of Stepnogorsk are connected to the wastewater network. The remaining connections are related to the city of Zavodskoy (about 4,377 people) which discharge the wastewater to the WWTP of “Progress” (see the layout Annex D2), while the other villages discharge the wastewater in septic tanks or in nearby ponds. 13
(iii) The capacity of the WWTP is 22,000 m3/d, the average inflow is around 10,000 m3/d with peaks during rainfall of 18,000 m3/d. The groundwater table is located at a minimum level of 3.0 m and the infiltration in the network is considered negligible. 71. In the city of Stepnogorsk, the wastewater disposal system is a combined one, stormwater and wastewater are conveyed jointly. Wastewater from the residential area (domestic and household effluents), as well as effluent from industrial enterprises, are delivered in the sewerage network. The factories provide a treatment before discharging the wastewater into the network.
72. The site visit has confirmed the poor technical status of the existing WWTP and the need to have a new installation to carry out sustainable operations on the treatment of the wastewater of the City of Stepnogorsk.
A.9. Structure of the report
73. The report is organized to comply with ADB Safeguard Policies (2009) as follows:
• Section A: Introduction – The section in hand provides the introductory information for the Project. • Section B: Legal, Policy and Administrative Framework - This section presents an overview of the policy/legislative framework as well as the environmental assessment guidelines of Kazakhstan that apply to the proposed project. The section also identifies relevant Asian Development Bank Safeguard Policies that will apply. • Section C: Description of the Project – Section C describes the Project and the need for the Project. A detailed scope of works is also provided indicating the type of engineering works required. • Section D: Analyses of Alternatives - This section discusses various Project alternatives including the ‘no project’ option. • Section E: Description of the Environment – This section of the report discusses the regional and local environmental baseline conditions. • Section F: Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures – Section F outlines the potential environmental impacts and proposes mitigation measures to manage the impacts. • Section G: Information Disclosure, Consultations and Participation - Section G provides a summary of all of the stakeholder consultation activities undertaken. • Section H: Grievance Redress Mechanism – A grievance redress mechanism for project affected persons is also provided along with information regarding the disclosure process. • Section I: Environmental Management Plan & Institutional Requirements – This section provides the Environmental Management Plan and an Environmental Monitoring Plan for the design, construction and operational phases of the Project. • Section K: Conclusions and Recommendations – The final section of the report provides the report conclusions and any necessary recommendations.
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B. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
B.1. General
74. This section presents an overview of legal, policy and administrative framework of the subproject, including national requirements for environmental assessment and water resources management, as well as ADB’s requirements that will be applicable to the subproject. The subproject will be required to comply with all applicable international agreements, national legislation, and ADB’s requirements.
B.2. Country policies and administrative framework
B.2.1. Overall legal framework
75. The overarching legislative framework that establishes the legal framework for environmental protection in Kazakhstan is the Environmental Code, adopted on January 9, 2007 with latest amendments and additions on October 10, 2018. Three main laws (the Law on Environmental Protection, the Law on Ecological Expertise and the Law on Air Protection) were abrogated subsequent to their integration into the Environmental Code. Moreover, some 80 normative legal acts were abrogated after the adoption of the Environmental Code.
76. Detail standards, such as requirements to air, water, soil quality, calculation of emissions from different sources, classification of environmental and sanitary hazards of different production facilities, environmental monitoring, sanitary-epidemiological standards, hygienic norms for indoors and outdoors, health and safety at workplace, etc. are established by different regulations, instructions, rules, procedures, norms, methodologies and other types of documents enacted through orders, laws, and decrees of Presidential, Governmental, Ministerial or regional levels.
77. The Water Code establishes requirements to sustainable management of all water resources in the Republic of Kazakhstan for public, industrial and environmental needs; requirements to protection of water resources from pollution, contamination, and depletion; provisions for prevention and recovery from adverse impacts of water bodies (such as floods); and ensures enforcement and compliance to water legislation in water relations.
78. The Forest Code regulates public relations in ownership, use, and management of all forests in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as establishes legal grounds for protection, preservation, regeneration, and sustainable management of forest reserves. Its ultimate goal is to preserve available forested areas and constantly increase them at national level2. Any cutting of trees under the Project shall be performed only based on a pre-issued “tree felling permit”.
79. The Land Code regulates legal grounds for ownership of lands and land relations in the Republic of Kazakhstan; establishes types of land use; provides protection of soil fertility; provides equal development of all types of industries; ensures land rights, and enforcement of compliance to land legislation.
2Latest version in Russian: http://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K030000477 15
B.2.2. Environmental Impact Assessment
80. According to Article 36 of the Environmental Code, development of EIA (OVOS) is mandatory for all types of activities and projects that can have direct or indirect impact on environment or human health. All projects should pass through a process of State Expertise in order to get clearance for implementation. Project design package that is submitted for clearance should include section on “Environment Protection”.
81. The Decree No.204-p of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of GoK (June 28, 2007 with latest amendments and additions on 17 June 2016) on “Approval of the instruction on conducting environmental impact assessment” establishes requirements for EIA process.
82. The EIA process consists of three stages:
(i) Preliminary environmental assessment (PEIA or predOVOS): essentially a scoping-level desk study prepared in parallel with an engineering feasibility study; (ii) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA or OVOS): a comprehensive assessment of positive and negative environmental impacts with detailed mitigation & monitoring plan prepared during design stage; and (iii) Section “Environment Protection” is developed if there are changes in final detail design or project is prepared in one single stage, and included in the final set of a project design documentation, which is then submitted for approval by the mandatory State Expertise.
83. A “Notification of environmental consequences” is prepared by the project proponent as an annex to each stage of EIA documentation and is submitted for the State Expertise along with other project documentation.
B.2.3. Administrative Framework
84. The central executive body for environmental protection in the Kazakhstan is the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources (MEGNR) and its Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control (CERC). MEGNR's responsibilities include enforcement of compliance with the Environmental Code, development and implementation of national environmental programs, state supervision and licensing of environmental activities, and state environmental expertise of Category I projects. MEGNR oversees the country’s compliance with ratified international environmental conventions and interstate environmental agreements. It also controls emissions and discharges of pollutants, climate change related programs and regulations, distributes and manages trade of carbon credits under National Plan on GHG emissions for 2016- 2020, issues emission permits for Category I projects, and determines maximum limits of pollutants to be emitted into environment.
85. At the local level, CERC has 17 (14 Oblast, and 3 major cities) territorial Departments of Ecology, whose responsibility includes inspection of local sites, consultations and recommendations to businesses and other authorities on environmental matters, and state environmental expertise of Category I projects of local importance (based on approved list of projects of local importance or decision of CERC).
86. Akimats (the executive branch of local government) and Maslikhats (representative local authorities) are entitled to perform state supervision and can approve certain provisions and
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tariffs for use of natural resources. They also determine, within certain limits, the pollution charges paid by enterprises; allocate natural resources, including mountain and woodland pastures and grasslands; establish and administer local legally protected natural areas, as well as enact regulations for use of natural resources within their competencies.
87. Other state bodies within administrative framework with relevant environmental responsibilities are:
• The Committee for Water Resources (CWR) under the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) administers implementation of the Water Code and maintenance of national system for protection and efficient use of all water resources. CWR’s responsibility includes managing water intake from natural watercourses and groundwater; freshwater consumption; water use for production; water use for agriculture; conservation and reuse of fresh water; sewage discharges into natural water bodies and into ground water. Water resources are managed through eight river basin inspections created and named according to hydrographic or river basin principles: Ertis (East-Kazakhstan Oblast), Nura-Sarysu (Karaganda), AralSyrdarya (Kyzylorda), Shu-Talas (Taraz), Balkhash-Alakol (Almaty), Esil (Astana), Zhayik-Kaspi (Atyrau), and Tobol-Torgay (Kostanay). • The Committee for Forestry and Wildlife (CFW) within MoA ensures implementation of the Forest Code and manages all woodlands and legally protected natural areas. There are total of 10 national natural reserves and 13 national natural parks in the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the local level, territorial offices of CFW ma\\nage forestry and biodiversity, and their Forest Conservation Branches (accountable to CFW) are responsible for specifically allotted areas of forest protection and conservation. • The Emergency Management Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for environmental disaster management and prevention (such as fires, floods, mudslides, industrial accidents).
B.3. Air, Water, Land and Noise Legislation
B.3.1. Air Quality Legislation
88. The Environmental Code defines the basic terms and principles for State control of air and soil conditions. In addition, Sanitary Regulations and Standards (referred to as "SanPiN") establish requirements to protection of human health.
89. Quality of ambient air for urban and rural localities is established by the Order No. 11036 of the Minister of National Economy dated May 13, 2015 called “On approval of hygienic standards for atmospheric air in urban and rural settlements".
90. The emission of hazardous substances (pollutants) in the atmospheric air by the stationary source is allowed only on the basis of a special permit issued by the authorized state body in charge of atmospheric air protection or its territorial subdivisions. The fee is based on the total annual emissions of the polluter without disaggregating data by emission sources. The issuing of air pollution permits for stationary sources of emissions (ground and air transport) is stipulated in the Environmental and Tax Codes of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 17
91. All motor vehicles of any type (including buses and trucks) are required to pass an annual test, which includes emission testing that must be in accordance with the regulations referred to below.
Table 1: Air quality legislation On approval of hygienic standards for The Order No. 11036 of the Minister of atmospheric air in urban and rural National Economy dated May 13, 2015. settlements. On approval of certain methodological The Order No. 221-o of the Minister of documents in the field of environmental Environmental Protection and Water protection. Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated June 12, 2014. On approval of the Rules for conducting The Order of the Minister of Energy of automated monitoring of emissions the Republic of Kazakhstan dated under industrial environmental September 7, 2018 No. 356. monitoring and reporting requirements for the results of industrial environmental monitoring. On approval of the Rules for monitoring The Order No. 221 of the Minister of and control of greenhouse gases. Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 19, 2015. On approval of the Methodology for The Order No.110-ө of the Minister of Calculation of Emission Limits. Environmental Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 16, 2012.
B.3.2. Water Quality Legislation
92. The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has adopted “State Program on Development of Agro-Industrial Complex for 2017-2021” via Decree No.423 on July 12, 2018, which among other objectives is aimed at protection and efficiency of use of water resources.
93. The main document in the field of water resources protection and its use is the Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 481 dated July 09, 2003. According to the definition provided in the Water Code, “Water Bodies Protection” is an activity aimed at conservation, rehabilitation and reproduction of water bodies, as well as prevention of adverse impacts of water.
94. According to Article 112, water bodies shall be protected from:
• natural and industrial pollution by hazardous chemical and toxic substances and its compounds, as well as thermal, bacterial, radiation and other types of pollution; • pollution by solid, non-soluble objects, industrial, household and other wastes; • exhaustion.
95. Water bodies shall be protected to prevent:
• disturbance of the environmental stability of natural systems; • causing harm to the lives and health of population;
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• reduction of fishery resources and other water fauna; • deterioration of the water supply conditions; • weakening of the natural self-reproduction and cleansing functions of the water bodies; • worsening of hydrological and hydrogeological regimes of water bodies; • other unfavorable conditions that negatively affect physical, chemical and biological qualities of water bodies.
96. Protection of water bodies is carried out through:
• establishing of general requirements to protection of water bodies to all water users, who carry out any type of water use; • establishing of special requirements for certain types of economic activity; • improving and applying water protective measures with the help of new equipment and environmentally and epidemiologically safe technologies; • establishment of water conservation zones, water bodies protection zones, sanitary protection zones for drinking water supply sources; 5) execution of public and other forms of control over the use and protection of the water bodies; 6)applying sanctions for non- observance of the water protection requirements.
97. Central and local execution authorities of Oblasts (cities of republican significance, capital), in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, take measures that are in compliance with the principles of sustainable development towards water resources conversation, prevention of their pollution, littering, and exhaustion, as well as liquidation of such events.
98. Individuals and legal entities, activities of which affect conditions of water bodies, are obliged to comply with environmental requirements set out by the environmental legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and conduct organizational, technological, forestry and land reclamation, agro technical, hydro-technical, sanitary-epidemiological and other activities, which ensure protection of water bodies from pollution, littering, and exhaustion.
99. Article 116 of the Water Code regulates issues related to the water protection zones: to maintain water bodies and water facilities in the condition required by the hygiene-sanitary and environmental norms; to prevent pollution, littering and exhaustion of the surface water; as well as water protection zones and belts are required to preserve flora and fauna.
100. While developing any project, which may have any impact on the water system/resources, the project design should be agreed with the local executive bodies responsible for water resources protection.
101. In developing the Water Code, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has adopted normative acts for procedures on permits of water reservoirs use for special needs, procedures for permits issuance for special water use, procedures for water use for firefighting needs, classifying water ways as navigable routes, and for using water reservoirs for air traffic needs. The Government has developed a list of water bodies (underground waters) that have health- improving significance in the country, as well as water bodies that have special state significance or special value, which restricts or completely prohibits its use.
102. The maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of pollutants have been developed for the water standards, just as for the atmosphere air standards. As a rule, the MPC for fishing water 19
reservoirs are stricter than MPC for drinking water reservoirs. It is necessary to emphasize that this refers primarily to the fish industry, and the human needs protection was taken here into account, probably, through water ecosystems protection principles.
103. Same as in case of atmosphere air, various indices, which enable the consideration of the presence of several pollutants, are used for comparative assessment of the water pollution. The most widely used index is Water Pollution Index (WPI). The basic document regulating the condition of the surface waters and content of the pollutants is the “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for water sources, water intake sites for household and drinking purposes, household water supply and places of cultural and community water use and safety of water bodies” approved upon the Order of the Minister of National Economy of the RK No.209 dated 16.03.2015.
104. The legislative and regulatory and procedural documents in the field of the water environment protection are listed below:
Table 2: Water quality legislation The Calculation Procedure for Standards Approved upon the Order of the Minister of Discharged Waters with Pollutants of Environmental Protection No. 100- (MPD) into the Water Bodies, Disposal pdated April 18, 2008 (Appendix 19). Fields and Relief of Land. On approval of the Methodology for the The Joint Order of the Deputy Prime development of target indicators of water Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, quality in surface water bodies and Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of measures to achieve them. Kazakhstan dated October 6, 2016 No. 422 and Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 27, 2016 No. 505. Procedural Definitions of Norms and Approved upon the Order of the Minister Standards of Water Resources Use in of Ecology and Bio Resources of the RK Various Natural Climatic Zones of the dated 1997. Republic of Kazakhstan during Ecological Zoning. On Approval of the Methodology for The Order No.110-ө of the Minister of Calculation of Emission Limits. Environmental Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 16, 2012.
B.3.3. Health and Safety
105. During the construction phase it is necessary to meet the requirements of CSaR 3.06.04-91 “Construction Safety”.
106. Personal protective equipment shall comply with the applicable GOST (special aprons under the GOST 12.4.029, rubber gloves under the GOST 20010, respirator "The Petal” under the GOST 12.4.028, gloves under the GOST 12.4.010, goggles under the GOST 12.4.013 and breathing mask of В type or В with filter, helmets). The site should be kept in safe, clean and good sanitary conditions. The Contractor shall bear the responsibility for clean-up of the site from garbage, construction waste and household rubbish and their removal to the municipal solid waste landfill (MSW). In this regard the Contractor shall be guided by the CSaR No3.01.016.97.
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107. In addition, the “IFC’s EH&S Guidelines”3 will be used as a reference for health and safety during construction and operation throughout the whole project. In case, there is a conflict between the national legislation and the World Bank Guidelines the more stringent standard shall be implemented.
B.3.4 Physical Cultural Heritage
108. The main legislative documents on cultural heritage are as follows:
• The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "About Culture”, dated 15.12.2006 No.207- III • The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Protection and Use of the Historical Cultural Heritage", dated 2.07.1992 No.1488-XII • The Land Code of the RK, dated 20.06.2003 No.442-II.
109. For the purpose of recording and protection the historical and cultural monuments they are divided into the following categories:
• Historical and cultural monuments of international status representing the historical, scientific, architectural, artistic and memorial objects included in the UNESCO World Heritage List; • Historical and cultural monuments of national status representing the historical, scientific, architectural, artistic and memorial objects, having the special significance for the history and culture of the whole country; • Historical and cultural monuments of local significance representing the historical, scientific, architectural, artistic and memorial objects, having the special significance for the history and culture of the region (city of republican status, capital), districts (centers of regions).
110. According to Art. 127 of the Land code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated June 20, 2003 No.442-II construction works without carrying out of archaeological examination are connected with risks for the project.
111. According to Art.39 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "About protection and use of objects of historical and cultural heritage". That is, after full archaeological studying of the monuments, located in a zone of road construction and their removal from the State account:
• The survey on identification of objects of historical and cultural heritage have to be carried out prior to land acquisition. • In case of detection of the objects having historical, scientific, art and other value, private and juridical persons are obliged to suspend further works conducting and to report about it to authorized body. • Work conducting, which can create threat to existence of objects of historical and cultural heritage is forbidden.
112. Any works, which can expose to danger the existing monuments, are forbidden. The enterprises, organizations, institutes, public associations and citizens in case of identification of
3 https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/29f5137d-6e17-4660-b1f9-02bf561935e5/Final%2B- %2BGeneral%2BEHS%2BGuidelines.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jOWim3p 21
archaeological or other sites of historical, scientific and cultural value, are obliged to inform authorized bodies on preservation and use of historical and cultural heritage, and to stop the current works.
B.3.5. Waste Management
113. The following summarizes the Environmental Code requirements for waste management including the requirements for hazardous waste management.
114. Article 286. Industrial and Consumption Waste. Types of Industrial and Consumption Waste - In terms of hazard they may pose, industrial and consumption waste may be hazardous, non- hazardous, and inert. Hazardous waste is the waste that contains one or several of the following substances:
1. explosives; 2. highly inflammable liquids; 3. highly inflammable solid substances; 4. self-inflammable substances and waste; 5. acidifying substances; 6. organic peroxides; 7. poisonous substances; 8. toxic substances causing long-lasting and chronic disease; 9. infectious substances; 10. corrosive substances; 11. eco-toxic substances; 12. substances or waste giving off flammable gases when put in contact with water; 13. substances or waste which may give off toxic gases when put in contact with the air or water; and 14. substances and materials that may form other materials with one of the abovementioned properties.
115. Article 288. General Environmental Requirements Applicable upon Treatment of Industrial and Consumption Waste: • Individuals and legal entities, whose undertakings generate waste, must implement measures of safe treatment of the waste, comply with environmental and sanitary and epidemiological requirements, and carry out recycling, neutralization and safe disposal of the same. • The places of placement of waste are designated for safe storage of waste for up to three years if the waste is to be recovered or processed, or for up to one year if the waste is to be buried. • Waste owners must ensure a gradual reduction of the volumes of waste throughout the entire production cycle, including through the improvement of production processes, waste recycling, and giving the waste out to individuals and legal entities who are interested in using it. • When choosing methods and places for neutralization and placement of waste and selecting individuals and legal entities to carry out the processing, disposal or placement of waste, the owners of the waste must ensure that the movement of the waste from their source of origin is kept to a minimum.
116. Article 290. Environmental Requirements Applicable upon Planning of Activities Related
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to Waste Treatment:
• In the design of facilities, the operation of which generates waste, there shall be mandatory to: prepare a waste management program as an integral part of the project documentation; • In the design of residential buildings, industrial enterprises, buildings, premises, facilities and other objects the operation of which generates waste there shall be necessary to provide spaces (sites) for the accumulation of waste in compliance with the rules, regulations and requirements established by the environment protection authority and the government agency for sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population.
117. Article 296. Waste Accounting:
• The owners of waste must keep waste accounting (type, quantities and origin of the waste) and collect and keep information on waste’s properties that endanger the environment and/or human health. • The owners of waste must keep waste accounting records for a period of five years. • The owners of waste must on an annual basis submit to the environment protection authority reports on their activities in respect of waste management, in order for this information to be entered into the State Registry of Wastes.
118. Article 289. Hazardous Waste Profile Sheet:
• A hazardous waste profile sheet must be prepared and approved by individuals and legal entities if their undertakings generate hazardous waste. • The hazardous waste profile sheet must be registered with the environment protection authority within three months after the waste has been generated. • Copies of the registered hazardous waste profile sheets must be issued to the individual or legal entity carrying out transportation of a lot of hazardous waste or part thereof, as well as to each consignee of such lot (or part thereof). • A hazardous waste profile sheet must contain the information on precautionary measures to be taken in order to prevent and mitigate the consequences of emergencies that may be caused by the hazardous waste, including those arising in the course of transportation and loading/unloading operations.
119. Article 293. Environmental Requirements Applicable upon Handling Hazardous Waste:
• Individuals and legal entities whose undertakings and activities generate waste must carry measures aimed at the prevention or reduction of the formation of waste and/or reduction of the level of hazard posed by waste. • The owner of hazardous waste must ensure labeling of packages containing hazardous waste wherein their hazardous properties would be denoted. When transferring such hazardous waste to other persons for a certain period of time, the owner of the waste must inform them in writing of the waste’s hazardous properties and of handling precautions that need be taken. • There shall be prohibited to mix hazardous waste with non-hazardous or/and inert waste, as well as intermix different types of hazardous waste during production, transportation and placement. • The placement of hazardous waste must be performed at specifically equipped places pursuant to the requirements set out in environmental permits. Carrying out any other 23
activities at the waste placement site that are not directly related to waste treatment shall be prohibited. • Enterprises whose business is to collect, recycle, transport and dispose hazardous waste must develop emergency and accident action plans.
120. Article 294. Environmental Requirements Applicable upon Transportation of Hazardous Waste: • Formation of hazardous waste and their transportation must be kept to a minimum. • Transportation of hazardous waste shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:
- hazardous waste is packaged and labeled as appropriate for purposes of transportation; - hazardous waste is transported in properly equipped transportation means having special signs; - a hazardous waste profile sheet is present along with documentation for transportation and transfer of hazardous waste, with information on the volumes of hazardous waste being transported, purpose of transportation, and place of destination; and - safety requirements for transportation of hazardous waste and loading/unloading operations are met.
B.3.6. International Conventions and Treaties
121. Kazakhstan is a signatory of the following international conventions and treaties relevant to environmental issues.
Table 3: International Conventions and Treaties No: Convention Name Description/Convention Objectives 1 The Convention on Aims to prevent a danger of extinction of migratory Conservation of Migratory species; implementation of scientific research Species and Wild Animals related to migratory species and their protection. 2 Convention on International Its aim is to ensure that international trade of wild Trade of Endangered Species animals and plants does not threaten the survival of of Wild Flora and Fauna the species; the agreement provides for varying (CITES) degrees of protection to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants. 3 Convention on Access to The convention promotes protection of the right of Information, Public each person of present and future generations to Participation in Decision- live in the environment favorable for his health and making and Access to Justice welfare. Each Party that signed the present in Environmental Matters, Convention grants the rights regarding access to Aarhus, 1998, June 25th ecological information, participation of the public in decision-making process for access to justice on the environmental issues according to the provisions of the present Convention. 4 Convention on the The Convention sets the rules for the international International Trade in trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna. Endangered Species of Wild The trade of these species must be supervised to Flora and Fauna ensure that international trade of wild animals and (Washington, March, 3, 1973): plants does not threaten the survival of the species
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in the wild and can be permitted only under exceptional circumstances. 5 UN Convention to Combat The Convention aims to combat desertification and Desertification mitigate the effects of drought through the integrated approach aimed at achievement of sustainable development in affected areas including the increase of lands efficiency, rehabilitation, preservation, stable and rational use of land and water resources to improve living standards, especially communities. 6 Convention on Biological The goals of the Convention are the conservation of Diversity (Rio de Janeiro, biological diversity, sustainable use of its June 5, 1992) components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources including access to genetic resources and transfer of relevant technology with the account of all rights for such resources and technology as well as through proper financing. 7 Convention on Protection of The Convention: -adopts a general policy which the World Cultural and Natural aims to give special functions to the cultural and Heritage (Paris, November 16 natural heritage in public life and to integrate 1972): protection of that heritage into the comprehensive planning programmes. -sets up within its territories, where such services do not still exist, one or more services for protection, conservation and promotion of the cultural and natural heritage… -develops scientific and technical studies and research, methods of work, allowing the state to counter dangers that threaten its cultural or natural heritage 8 Kyoto Protocol to the UN At present the Amendment to Kyoto-2 is not ratified Framework Convention on in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan does Climate Change (Kyoto, not enter the list of the countries of the Appendix B December 11, 1997). of the Kyoto Protocol. The National plan of distribution of quotas for the amount of green house gas emissions for 2014-2015 has been adopted in Kazakhstan. (The resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 31, 2013 No. 1536). The Kyoto Protocol regulates: - Obligations for restriction and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. - Implementation of policy and measures for increase of the efficiency of use of energy, stable forms of agriculture, protection and improvement of 25
quality of absorbers and stores of greenhouse gases. 9 UN Framework Convention on The objective of the Convention is to "stabilize Climate Change, May 9, 1992 greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference in the climate system", in the terms sufficient for natural adaptation of ecosystems to climate change allowing not to pose risks to food production and providing further economic development on a stable basis.
B.4. Environmental Quality Standards
122. The project will be implemented following both national and international standards. ADB’s Safeguard Policy requires applying pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international good practice, as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group's Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines for Water and Sanitation (IFC Standard)4. These standards contain performance levels and measures that are normally acceptable and applicable to projects. When Kazakhstan standards differ from those levels and measures, KazCenter will achieve whichever is more stringent. In case if no national standard for a certain environmental aspect exists, an international standard will be applied.
123. The EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation include information relevant to the operation and maintenance of (i) potable water treatment and distribution systems, and (ii) collection of sewage in centralized systems (such as piped sewer collection networks) or decentralized systems (such as septic tanks subsequently serviced by pump trucks) and treatment of collected sewage at centralized facilities.
124. According to the IFC’s EHS guidelines, under Wastewater and Sludge Treatment and Discharge, sewage will normally require treatment before it can be safely discharged to the environment. The degree and nature of wastewater and sludge treatment depends on applicable standards and the planned disposal or use of the liquid effluent and sludge and the application method. The various treatment processes may reduce suspended solids (which can clog rivers, channels, and drip irrigation pipes); biodegradable organics (which are consumed by microorganisms and can result in reduced oxygen levels in the receiving water); pathogenic bacteria and other disease- causing organisms; and nutrients (which stimulate the growth of undesirable algae that, as they die, can result in increased loads of biodegradable organics). Wastewater discharge and use options include discharge to natural or artificial watercourses or water bodies; discharge to treatment ponds or wetlands (including aquiculture); and direct use in agriculture (e.g., crop irrigation). In all cases, the receiving water body use (e.g. navigation, recreation, irrigation, or drinking) needs to be considered together with its assimilative capacity to establish a site-specific discharge quality that is consistent with the most sensitive use. The most significant environmental impacts related to wastewater and sludge treatment, discharge, and use include:
• Liquid effluents • Solid waste • Air emissions and odors
4https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/0d8cb86a-9120-4e37-98f7- cfb1a941f235/Final%2B%2BWater%2Band%2BSanitation.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jkD216C
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• Hazardous chemicals • Ecological impacts
125. Liquid Effluents: Treated wastewater (liquid effluents) may be reused for irrigation or other purposes or disposed subject to regulatory oversight. If not re-used, treated wastewater can be discharged to the sea; rivers; large surface water bodies; smaller, closed surface water bodies; and wetlands and lagoons. Recommended measures to prevent, minimize, and control liquid effluents include: Minimize bypass of the treatment system by using separate storm water and wastewater systems, if possible, and providing capacity sufficient to treat peak flows; Implement an industrial source control program which includes monitoring and effective regulatory enforcement; Collaborate with public officials to select appropriate treatment technologies, considering factors such as the quality and quantity of raw wastewater and its variability; available land area for the treatment facility; and resources for capital expenditures, operation, maintenance, and repair; availability of skilled operators, operator training, maintenance personnel, treatment chemicals, and replacement parts; Design, construct, operate, and maintain wastewater treatment facilities and achieve effluent water quality consistent with applicable national requirements or internationally accepted standards and consistent with effluent water quality goals based on the assimilative capacity and the most sensitive end use of the receiving water; Consider discharge of treated wastewater to natural or constructed wetlands, which can buffer the impact from discharge on the aquatic environment, unless the wetland itself would be degraded by the discharge; Treat greywater, if collected separately from sewage, to remove organic pollutants and reduce the levels of suspended solids, pathogenic organisms and other problematic substances to acceptable levels based on applicable national and local regulations. Greywater lines and point of use stations should be clearly marked to prevent accidental use for potable water quality applications; Based on an assessment of risks to human health and the environment, consider re-use of treated effluent, especially in areas with limited raw water supplies. Treated wastewater quality for land application or other uses should be consistent with the relevant public health-based guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO)5 and applicable national requirements.
126. Air Emissions and Odors. Air emissions from wastewater treatment operations may include hydrogen sulfide, methane, ozone (in the case of ozone disinfection), volatile organic compounds (such as from industrial discharges), gaseous or volatile chemicals used for disinfection processes (e.g., chlorine and ammonia), and bioaerosols (discussed in Section 1.2 below). Odors from treatment facilities can also be a nuisance to workers and the surrounding community. Measures related to management of air emissions from drinking water treatment systems, discussed above, are also generally applicable to wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, the following measures are recommended to prevent, minimize, and control air emissions and odors: i) Cover emission points (e.g., aeration basins, clarifiers, sludge thickeners, tanks, and channels), and vent emissions to control systems (e.g., compost beds, biofilters, chemical scrubbers, etc.) as needed to reduce odors and otherwise meet applicable national requirements and internationally accepted guidelines; ii) Where necessary, consider alternate aeration technologies or process configurations to reduce volatilization.
127. Hazardous Chemicals. Wastewater treatment often includes the use of hazardous chemicals, such as strong acids and bases for pH control, chlorine or other compounds used for disinfection, etc. Environmental impacts and mitigation measures discussed above for disinfection in drinking water treatment are also generally applicable to disinfection in wastewater treatment facilities.
5 WHO Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater (2006). 27
Additional guidance on chemicals management is provided in the General EHS Guidelines.
128. Occupational and Community Health and Safety: Occupational health and safety impacts during the construction and decommissioning of Water and Sanitation facilities are common to other large industrial projects and are addressed in the General EHS Guidelines. Occupational health and safety impacts associated with the operational phase of water and sanitation projects primarily include the following: i) Accidents and injuries; ii) Chemical exposure, iii) Hazardous Atmosphere; iv) Exposure to pathogens and vectors; v) Noise.
B.4.1. Air Quality Standards
129. The air quality standards in Kazakhstan establish permissible concentrations of harmful substances both at workplace and in residential areas (Table 4). The main terms and definitions related to air pollution, monitoring programs, behavior of pollutants in the ambient air are determined by the GOST 17.2.1.03-84: Environmental Protection, Atmospheric Air Terms and Definitions for Contamination Control.
Table 4: Air quality standards in Kazakhstan Substance Maximum Allowable Concentration, Hazard Class mg/m3 One Time Daily Average Maximum Inorganic dust 0.3 0.1 2 Nitrogen Dioxide 0.2 0.04 2 Sulphur dioxide 0.5 0.05 3 Carbon Monoxide 5.0 3 4
130. IFC Standards – The IFC, part of the World Bank Group (WBG), have established ambient air quality standards based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. WBG guideline limits will be followed during the construction and operational phase of the Project. The following Table 5 illustrates the guidelines.
Table 5: WBG Ambient Air Quality Guidelines 6 Parameter Averaging Period Guideline Value (mg/m3) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 10 minute 20 24 Hour 500 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 1 Hour 40 1 Year 200 Particulate Matter PM10 24 Hour 20 1 Year 50 Particulate Matter PM2.5 24 Hour 10 1 Year 25
131. Any air quality monitoring during the construction phase will be undertaken against national standards. This is based on the criteria adopted by the WBG which state that:
132. A stricter requirement will be used for each pollutant within the scope of the project. As Tables 4 and 5 show, the requirements of the national Kazakhstan standards are more stringent that those
6Not including interim targets.
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of IFC. Consequently, during the emission monitoring within the scope of the project, the requirements of the national legislation will be used
B.4.2. Water Quality Standards
133. Water quality standards in Kazakhstan are set for fishery waters and for water bodiesused for household drinking and utility water as shown in Table 6. The table also shows the 2017 WHO standards for drinking water.
Table 6: List of Pollutants and Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPC) Polluting the Surface Waters of the Republic of Kazakhstan7 Pollutant MPC for MPC for the WHO Standard Fishery water Standard for for water bodies bodies used Drinking Drinking (mg/dm3 ) for Water Water household and (2017)8 for the drinking and project recreational water (mg/dm3 ) Chrome (3+) - - - - Chrome (6+) 0.02 0.05 - 0.05 Iron (total) 0.1 0.3 - 0.3 Iron (2+) 0.005 - - - Iron (3+) - - - Zinc (2+) 0.01 5.0 - 5.0 Mercury (2+) 0.00001 0.0005 0.006 0.0005 Cadmium 0.005 0.001 0.003 0.001 Arsenic 0.05 0.001 0.003 0.001 Copper (2+) 0.001 1.0 2.0 1.0 BOD5 - - - - Phenols 0.001 0.25 - 0.25 Oil Products 0.05 0.1 - 0.1 Fluorides 0.05 1.5 1.5 1.5 Nitrites 0.08 - 3 3 Nitrates 40.0 45.0 50 45.0 Salt Ammonia 0.5 - - - Sulfates 100 500 200 200 Magnesium 40.0 - - Manganese 0.01 0.1(0.5) 0.05 0.05 Nickel 0.01 0.1 0.07 0.07
7Water Quality Standards and Norms in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia. 2009 8 Source: Information Bulletin of Status of Environment of Republic of Kazakhstan. 2018. and WHO’s Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. 4-th edition 2017. 29
Dissolved oxygen - 4 - 4 pH - 6-9 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5
134. Table 6 gives the drinking water quality requirements used within the scope of the project.
B.4.2.1 Rules to Receive Effluent Waters by the Sewerage
135. In line with Resolution 778 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan of May 29, 2009 “The Rules to Receive Effluent Waters by the Water Diversion Systems in the Populated Areas”, only the following types of effluent waters can be discharged into the sewerage:
• Waters that will not lead to the disruption of the sewer networks and structures; • Waters that do not pose a danger to the staff and can be cleaned by a sewage treatment plant of the city together with domestic waste water and in accordance with the requirements of the Rules for the protection of surface and underground water, as well as with other regulatory acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan; • Waters that have a temperature lower than 40°С.
136. The following types of waters are not subject to the discharge into the sewerage:
• Water containing soil, sand, construction and household debris, grease or substances that may clog pipes and wells; • Waters containing sediment from local treatment facilities or solid production waste; • Waters to be used in the systems of reverse and repeated water supply (water from the pools of fountains, condensate, drainage and, conventionally clean effluent water); • Surface effluents from the industrial sites; • Rain, melt, natural and washhouse waters; • Ice and snow chips; • Water containing radionuclides with different decay periods
137. Industrial wastewater, subject to the combined discharge and cleaning with municipal wastewater of the settled area, must not interrupt the operation of networks and facilities of the wastewater system, have a destructive effect on the materials of the components of the networks and facilities of the wastewater system, and must have a temperature of more than 40°C:
• Flammable impurities, acids, toxic and dissolved gaseous substances, that may be originated in all buildings and constructions of a drainage system, explosive and toxic gases and mixtures; • Substances and objects clogging the elements of the drainage system or deposited on them; • Harmful substances exceeding the values of maximum permissible concentration of harmful substances and obstructing biological treatment of sewage; • Substances, for which the values of maximum permissible concentrations in water of water reservoirs of respective type of use have not been established; • Mineral pollution; • Hazardous bacterial pollution; • Undissolved oils, as well as tar and oil;
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• Substances in which COD (chemical oxygen demand) exceeds the biochemical consumption of oxygen (hereinafter - BOD) (total) more than 1.5 times.
138. Water discharge networks or systems of consumers working in public catering, are equipped with grease traps before their connection to the water disposal networks.
B.4.2.2 Discharge Water Standards
139. Currently, the regulation of the quality of discharges into water facilities for the design and construction of wastewater treatment plants (KOS) is administered by several departments (until recently the Ministry of Agriculture Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development). Due to the lack of inter-agency coordination, the country has developed an imperfect and inefficient system of rationing the quality of treatment of municipal wastewater discharged into water facilities.
140. The national legislative base of Kazakhstan does not specify the maximum permissible discharges of harmful substances during the water discharge. The maximum permissible discharge during the water discharge is specified for each individual case. The norms are regulated with the following normative acts: (i) the calculation of maximum permissible discharges was done on the basis of the “Methodology for determining the standards for emissions into the environment”, approved on April 16, 2012 by order No. 110-f of the Minister of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan and (ii) the methodology to calculate the standards for discharges (MPD) of harmful substances from wastewater into the water bodies, filtering fields and terrain (approved by order No100-o of the Minister of MEP dated by 04/18/2008). 141. In order to specify the maximum admissible levels of hazardous substances in every individual case, the following data are used: (i) maximum hourly discharge of effluent waters, m3/h, (ii) pollutant concentration permissible for discharge, gr/m, (iii) maximum allowable pollutant concentration in a water facility, gr/m, (iv) background concentration of a pollutant in a watercourse 0.5 km above the sewage outlet, gr/m, (v) design water flow rate in the watercourse of 0.24 m3/s, and (vi) mixture ratio showing how much of the river discharge is mixed with wastewater in the most polluted stream in the area. For large watercourses, y = 0.6, for medium watercourses y = 0.8 and y = 1.0 for small watercourses.
142. By analyzing the background values for the Aksu river above the discharge of wastewater and the values of the concentration of pollutants at the outlet of the treatment plants, it can be concluded that the background values of the concentrations of pollutants along the Aksu are less favorable than the concentration values of the treated discharged wastewater according to the following indicators: total BOD, COD, suspended solids, dry residue, chlorides, sulfates, nitrites, nitrates and total iron. Such an excess is due to the existing background of the Aksu River. No excess of MPCк-б of other components was fixed.
143. The given methodology was used to calculate maximum permissible concentrations of hazardous pollutants at the discharge stage. The standards of pollutants discharge into the Aksu River from 2018 through 2028 are given in Table 7
Table 7: standards of pollutants discharge into the Aksu River from 2018 through 2028 Pollutant Discharge standards (gr/h) and discharge limits (t/year) of pollutants in perspective in 2018-2028 in the Aksu River 31
Admissible Discharge Year of Effluent waters concentration reachin discharge at the outlet g MPC м3/ч тыс. Mg/dm3 gr/h t/year м3/год Biological Oxygen 1032,1 5722,5 4,82 34951,550 306,152 2018 Demand (BOD) 5 Chemical Oxygen 29,35 56445,120 494,421 2018 Demand (COD) Suspended substances 35.75 23584,130 206,581 2018 Dry residue 990.02 1437260,000 12589,434 2018 Chlorides 245.95 457375,330 4006,301 2018 Sulfates 189.73 340107,980 2979,118 2018 Nitrites 0.16 130,660 1,144 2018 Nitrates 0.76 783,960 6,867 2018 Oil and Grease 0.10 134,841 1,181 2018 Synthetic-surface 0.49 721,126 6,317 2018 substances Total Phosphorus 3.49 3155,439 27,640 2018 Total iron 0.30 209,056 1,831 2018 Ammonia salts 1.66 2001,711 17,534 2018
144. In accordance with the protocol order of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan on August 8, 2019. KazCenter of Housing and Housing has started to develop a single feasibility study for the construction and reconstruction of 53 urban WWTPs (KOSs). Technological solutions to clean up the drains will be made within the feasibility study. The issues of rationing runoff will be decisive in the choice of technologies and equipment.
145. In August of 2019, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Kasymbek J.M., an inter-agency working group was set up to rework the regulatory framework on the quality of wastewater treatment. The working group included representatives of all interested government bodies. Taking into account the fact that, in accordance with the Roadmap for the implementation of projects for the construction and reconstruction of treatment plants, the project-estimated documentation for the KOS will be developed in early 2020, it is necessary in the next 2-3 months to develop a single regulatory document regulating the quality of wastewater treatment. Taking into account the current situation, at the meeting of the inter-agency working group on October 17, 2019, it was decided to develop a national standard for the quality of treatment of municipal wastewater. The development of the standard is entrusted to KazCenter housing and utilities with the issue of financing the works and attracting performers. According to preliminary data, the development of the standard can cost 3-5 million. tenge, the amount will be clarified after the development of the technical task. The cost of work on scientific justification of new indicators of existing MAC and categorization of water objects can reach 8-10 million. Tenge. After the adoption of the new standard, it is necessary to revise the regulatory document on the design of water drainage systems of the REPUBLIC 4.01-03-2011 "Water drainage, outdoor networks and facilities." In the wastewater treatment in recent years, more than a dozen innovative solutions for biological wastewater treatment are actively used abroad, which are not described in the existing regulatory framework and therefore cannot be used in our country without costly pilot tests. In addition, the regulation requires, given the current economic realities, to identify new approaches to the construction of low-productivity wastewater treatment facilities for rural communities.
146. Currently, the country's construction industry is actively developing in the process of harmonizing
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the state regulations of Kazakhstan with international, both the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union and the countries of the European Community. They also need to be studied and the most effective rules with established application practices to be included in the Regulation. In the framework of harmonization of the norm, following international practice, excessive regulation of certain provisions, as well as outdated norms, should be excluded from the current version.
147. The municipal water supply and sewerage system is controlled by IFC by virtue of Instructions of 2007 „Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Water and Sanitation“. As per the given Instructions, „When host country regulations differ from the levels and measures presented in the EHS Guidelines, projects are expected to achieve whichever is more stringent“.
148. The above-mentioned Instructions do not specify the maximum admissible values of hazardous substances into sewerage waters. The World Health Organization has not developed the given standards either.
149. In the given document, due to the absence of other data, „Indicative Values for Treated Sanitary Sewage Discharges“ given in „Wastewater and Ambient Water Quality“ are used as the international maximum permissible levels of the treated sanitary sewage discharges – see Table 89.
Table 8: The treated sanitary sewage discharges specified by IFC Instructions Pollutant Unit Guideline Value pH pH 6-9 Biological Oxygen Demand Mg/l 30 (BOD) Chemical Oxygen Demand Mg/l 125 (COD) Total Nitrogen Mg/l 10 Total Phosphorus Mg/l 2 Oil and Grease Mg/l 10 Total Suspended Solids Mg/l 50 Total Coliform Bacteria MPNA / 100 ml 400
150. The comparison of the requirements of the treated sanitary sewage discharges specified for the Aksu River and the IFC requirements is given in Table 9.
Table 9: comparison of the requirements of the treated sanitary sewage discharges specified for the Aksu River and the IFC Instructions Pollutant Unit Guideline Value Guideline Value Guideline Value
9Not applicable to centralized, municipal, wastewater treatment systems which are included in EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation.
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IFC Kazakhstan (For project) PH pH 6-9 - 6-9 Biological Oxygen Demand Mg/l 30 4,82 4.82 (BOD) Chemical Oxygen Demand Mg/l 125 29,35 29.35 (COD) Total Suspended Solids Mg/l 50 35.75 35.75 Сухой остаток Mg/l - 990.02 990.02 Хлориды Mg/l - 245.95 245.95 Сульфаты Mg/l - 189.73 189.73 Нитриты Mg/l - 0.16 0.16 Total Nitrogen Mg/l 10 0.76 0.76 Oil and Grease Mg/l 10 0.10 0.10 Синтетически поверхностно- Mg/l 0.49 активные вещество - СПАВ - 0.49 Total Phosphorus Mg/l 2 3.49 2 Железо общее Mg/l - 0.30 0.30 Аммоний солево Mg/l - 1.66 1.66 Total Coliform Bacteria MPNA / 400 - 400 100 ml
Water Quality Project Standards
151. Baseline water quality monitoring will be assessed against national MPCs.
Water Discharge Project Standards
152. As Table 9 shows, a more stringent requirement is used as a maximum permissible level of hazardous substances at the discharge stage within the scope of the project.
B.4.2.2. Water Quality for Agriculture
153. Kazakhstan's water quality standard is determined by the Order No. 151 of the Chairman of the Committee of water resources of the Ministry of Agriculture RoK dated 09.11.2016 "On approval of unified classification system of water quality in water bodies". According to the Order quality of surface water is identified based on the hydromorphological and physic-chemical parameters (42 indicators) and classified into 5 classes. Waters of classes 1 up to 4 can be used for irrigation purposes.
154. There are also recommendations of FAO on trace elements in irrigation water as shown in Table 10: Recommended Maximum Concentrations of Trace Elements in Irrigation Water.
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Table 10: Recommended Maximum Concentrations of Trace Elements in Irrigation Water10 Element Recommended Remarks Maximum Concentration (mg/l) Al (aluminum) 5.0 Can cause non-productivity in acid soils (pH < 5.5), but more alkaline soils at pH > 7.0 will precipitate the ion and eliminate any toxicity. As (arsenic) 0.10 Toxicity to plants varies widely, ranging from 12 mg/l for Sudan grass to less than 0.05 mg/l for rice. Be (beryllium) 0.10 Toxicity to plants varies widely, ranging from 5 mg/l for kale to 0.5 mg/l for bush beans. Cd (cadmium) 0.01 Toxic to beans, beets and turnips at concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/l in nutrient solutions. Conservative limits recommended due to its potential for accumulation in plants and soils to concentrations that may be harmful to humans. Co (cobalt) 0.05 Toxic to tomato plants at 0.1 mg/l in nutrient solution. Tends to be inactivated by neutral and alkaline soils. Cr (chromium) 0.10 Not generally recognized as an essential growth element. Conservative limits recommended due to lack of knowledge on its toxicity to plants. Cu (copper) 0.20 Toxic to a number of plants at 0.1 to 1.0 mg/l in nutrient solutions. F (fluoride) 1.0 Inactivated by neutral and alkaline soils. Fe (iron) 5.0 Not toxic to plants in aerated soils, but can contribute to soil acidification and loss of availability of essential phosphorus and molybdenum. Overhead sprinkling may result in unsightly deposits on plants, equipment and buildings Li (lithium) 2.5 Tolerated by most crops up to 5 mg/l; mobile in soil. Toxic to citrus at low concentrations (<0.075 mg/l). Acts similarly to boron. Mn 0.20 Toxic to a number of crops at a few-tenths to a (manganese) few mg/l, but usually only in acid soils. Mo 0.01 Not toxic to plants at normal concentrations in soil (molybdenum) and water. Can be toxic to livestock if forage is grown in soils with high concentrations of available molybdenum
10Source: R.S. Ayers and D.W. Westcot. Water Quality for Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization. 1985 35
Element Recommended Remarks Maximum Concentration (mg/l) Ni (nickel) 0.20 Toxic to a number of plants at 0.5 mg/l to 1.0 mg/l; reduced toxicity at neutral or alkaline pH. Pd (lead) 5.0 Can inhibit plant cell growth at very high concentrations. Se (selenium) 0.02 Toxic to plants at concentrations as low as 0.025 mg/l and toxic to livestock if forage is grown in soils with relatively high levels of added selenium. An essential element to animals but in very low concentrations. Ti (titanium) Effectively excluded by plants; specific tolerance unknown. V (vanadium) 0.10 Toxic to many plants at relatively low concentrations. Zn (zinc) 2.0 Toxic to many plants at widely varying concentrations; reduced toxicity at pH > 6.0 and in fine textured or organic soils.
B.4.3. Soil Quality Legislation and Standards
155. New sanitary rules were introduced in Kazakhstan following long-term scientific studies. As such, SanPiN (Sanitary Rules and Norms) 2.1.7.1287-03 Sanitary and Epidemiological Requirements for Quality of Soil and Subsoil establishes standards for soils quality in inhabited localities and agricultural lands, and control the observance of the sanitary hygienicstandards during engineering, construction, renewal (technical upgrading and operation of facilities for different purposes that may cause the adverse impact on soil).
156. The main terms related to the chemical contamination of soils are defined by the GOST 27593- 88. The basic regulatory documents for control of the soil pollution content is “Standards of the Maximum Allowable Concentrations of the Hazardous Substances, Harmful Microorganisms and Other Biological Materials Being the Soil Pollutants” approved by the Order of the Ministry of Health of the GoK #99, 30.01.2004 and the Order of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the GoK №21П, 27.01.2004.
157. The maximum allowable concentration (MAC) or allowable permissible concentration (APC) of chemical substances in soil refer to principal criteria for the sanitary assessment of soil contamination by chemical agents.
158. This requirement applies to all land uses and does not differentiate between various land uses. The verification of the MAC of the chemical substances in the soil is based on 4 main nuisance values identified. The Maximum Allowable Concentration for the soil valid in Kazakhstan is shown in the Table 11 below.
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Table 11: Soil quality standards in Kazakhstan11 Substance Maximum Limiting Rate Allowable Concentration, mg/kg Manganese (gross form)* 1500 According to the General Sanitary Norms Cupric (flexible form)* 3.0 According to the General Sanitary Norms Lead (gross form) 32.0 Translocational Zink (gross form)* 23.0 Translocational Arsenic (gross form) 2.0 According to the General Sanitary Norms ❖ Due to the absence of these substances in new SanPiN data was taken from the previous document «Standards of the Maximum Allowable Concentrations of the Hazardous Substances, Harmful Microorganisms and Other Biological Materials Being the Soil Pollutants» approved by the Order of the Ministry of Health of the GoK №99, 30.01.2004 and Order of the Ministry for Environmental Protection of the GoK №21П , 27.01.2004.
B.4.4. Noise Standards
159. The sanitary rule regulating noise level in the workplace and within settling areas is Hygienic standards for physical factors affecting a person approved with the Order of MNE № 169 from 28.02.2015, and noise standards are set depending on the frequency and type of the occupation. In residential area noise levels are generally regulated with respect to sound levels at specific places referred to as "sensitive receptors" such as schools, hospitals or, in the absence of such facilities, at residential buildings or a given distance from the source of the noise.
160. Equivalent level of noise for workplaces of drivers and service personnel of self-propelled chassis tractors, trailed and mounted agricultural machines, road construction and other similar machines - 80 dBA.
161. The equivalent level of noise is assumed for areas neighboring on the residential houses, rest areas of the micro-districts and residential groupings, school areas, playgrounds of the preschool after adjustment as follows:
• For living rooms depending on the time of the day from 7 hours till 23 hours - 40 dBA, from 23 hours till 7 am – 30 dBA. • For hospitals and sanatoriums daylight time from 7 am till 23 hours - 35 dBA, from 23 hours till 7 am – 25 dBA. • For schools – 40 dBA.
162. The IFC also publish noise limits for residential areas which are similar to the Kazakh standards with the exception of the timings, with daytime noise being classified as 07;00 to 22:00, see Table 10 below.
11Source: “Sanitary and Epidemiological Requirements for Atmospheric Air in Urban and Rural Areas, Soils andTheir Protection, Maintenance of the Territories of Urban and Rural Settlements, Working Conditions with Sources of Physical Impacts Affecting People", dated January 25, 2012. 37
Table 10: IFC Noise Level Guidelines Receptor One hour Laeq (dBA) Daytime: 07.00-22.00 Night-time: 22.00 – 07.00 Residential; institutional; 55 45 educational Industrial; commercial 70 70
163. IFC provides noise limits for various working environments, which are also illustrated in Error! R eference source not found..
Table 11: IFC Work Environment Noise limits Type of Work, workplace IFC General EHS Guidelines Heavy Industry (no demand for oral 85 dBA Equivalent level Laeq,8h communication) Light industry (decreasing demand for 50-65 dBA Equivalent level Laeq,8h oral communication)
164. Measures of protection is determined according to the construction norms SN RK 2.04-02-2011 «Noise Protection».
165. For construction phase monitoring, IFC guideline limits will be followed as the nighttime period is slightly longer than national standards. For workplace noise, national guidelines shall be followed.
B.5. Sanitary Protection Zones
166. Generally, a sanitary protection zone is established with the goal to ensure the safety of the population, and its size ensures the reduction of pollution impact (chemical, biological, physical) on the atmospheric air to the values established by the health standards. With its functional purpose, a sanitary protection zone is a protective barrier ensuring the necessary level of public safety during a normal operation of the facility.
167. For the facilities with the technological processes causing adverse impact on the environment and human health within the scope of the construction or reconstruction project of the facility, the size of the sanitary protection zone is substantiated for the total design capacity of the facility operation.
168. The sources of impact on the environment and human health are the facilities, for which the levels of pollution beyond the limits of an industrial site exceed 0.1 maximum permissible concentration (hereinafter referred as to as “MPC”) and/or maximum permissible level (hereinafter referred to as “MPL”). In case of such facilities, the border of the sanitary protection zone may coincide with the border of the industrial site. In line with Order No. 237 of 03/20/2015 of the Minister of the National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan validating “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for establishing a sanitary protection zone of industrial facilities”, the borders of the sanitary protection zone are set from the outermost sources of chemical,
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biological and/or physical exposure, belonging to the industrial facility realizing its business activities and established in the prescribed manner.
169. In case of facilities, which are the sources of impact on the environment and human health, the following sizes of a sanitary protection zone are set depending on the hazard category of the given enterprise:
1) Facilities of the I hazard category with a sanitary protection zone of 1000 m or more; 2) Facilities of the II hazard category with a sanitary protection zone from 500 m to 999 m; 3) Facilities of the III hazard category with a sanitary protection zone from 300 m to 499 m; 4) Facilities of the IV hazard category with a sanitary protection zone from 100 m to 299 m; 5) Facilities of the V hazard category with a sanitary protection zone from 0 m to 99 m.
170. The adequacy of the width of a sanitary protection zone must be confirmed by calculations of the levels of pollution in line with the current instructions to calculate the dispersion in the atmosphere of harmful substances contained in the emissions of enterprises. The sanitary protection zone of facilities is developed in a due sequence:
• A design (preliminary) sanitary protection zone established on the basis of the project by calculating the dispersion of air pollution; • An established (final) sanitary protection zone on the basis of the results of an annual (following the launch of the facility with full capacity) cycle of field observations and measurements to confirm the design parameters.
171. The dimensions of a sanitary protection zone are fixed for the facilities which are the sources of impact on the environment and human health, by considering the planned measures to reduce the adverse impact of various factors on the environment and human health in line with the sanitary classification of industrial objects and enterprises according to the hazard category of a given facility in line with Appendix 1 of the present Sanitary Rules.
B.5.1. Setting the borders of a sanitary protection zone
172. Setting of a sanitary protection zone between the enterprise and the residential settlement is one of the principal, measures to protect the air ensuring the required air quality in the settled areas. In line with Order No. 237 of 03/20/2015 of the Minister of the National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan validating “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for establishing a sanitary protection zone of industrial facilities”.
173. In line with Order No. 237 of 03/20/2015 of the Minister of the National Economy of the Republic 39
of Kazakhstan validating “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for establishing a sanitary protection zone of industrial facilities” and Appendix 3 to the Sanitary Rules, the minimal sanitary protection zone from the treatment of domestic wastewater with the capacity of 35,000 m3/day is as follows: • Structures for mechanical and biological treatment with sludge grounds for stored precipitations as well as drying grounds - less than 400 m.
174. The facility belongs to the III category, with the sanitary protection zone of 300 to 499 m from the atmospheric air pollution sources.
B.6. ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009
175. ADB’s SPS adopted in 2009 describes common objectives of ADB’s safeguards, lays out policy principles, objectives, scope and triggers, and principles for three key safeguard areas: (i) environmental safeguards, (ii) involuntary resettlement safeguards, and (iii) indigenous peoples safeguards. It applies to all ADB-financed, ADB administered projects, and their components including investment projects funded by a loan, grant, or other means. Objectives of ADB’s safeguards are to:
• avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible; • minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and • help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks.
176. Safeguard Requirements 1: Environment –The objectives are to ensure the environmental soundness and sustainability of projects, and to support the integration of environmental considerations into the project decision-making process. Environmental safeguards are triggered if a project is likely to have potential environmental risks and impacts. Eleven ‘Policy Principles’ have been adopted as part of the SPS, including:
1. Use a screening process for each proposed project, as early as possible, to determine the appropriate extent and type of environmental assessment so that appropriate studies are undertaken commensurate with the significance of potential impacts and risks (The Project was screened in accordance with criteria of the ADB’s SPS and classified as a Category B project).
2. Conduct an environmental assessment for each proposed project to identify potential direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts and risks to physical, biological, socioeconomic (including impacts on livelihood through environmental media, health and safety, vulnerable groups, and gender issues), and physical cultural resources in the context of the project’s area of influence. Assess potential transboundary and global impacts, including climate change. Use strategic environmental assessment where appropriate. (The IEE herewith provides the environmental assessment for the Project, including an assessment of climate change. Transboundary impacts are not applicable).
3. Examine alternatives to the project’s location, design, technology, and components and their potential environmental and social impacts and document the rationale for selecting the particular alternative proposed. Also consider the no project alternative. (Alternatives have
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been considered, including the ‘no project’ alternative in Section D - Error! Reference source n ot found.).
4. Avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, minimize, mitigate, and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts by means of environmental planning and management. Prepare an environmental management plan (EMP) that includes the proposed mitigation measures, environmental monitoring and reporting requirements, related institutional or organizational arrangements, capacity development and training measures, implementation schedule, cost estimates, and performance indicators. Key considerations for EMP preparation include mitigation of potential adverse impacts to the level of no significant harm to third parties, and the polluter pays principle. (An EMP has been prepared for the Project and is outlined in detail in Section I - Error! Reference source not found.).
5. Carry out meaningful consultation with affected people and facilitate their informed participation. Ensure women’s participation in consultation. Involve stakeholders, including affected people and concerned nongovernment organizations, early in the project preparation process and ensure that their views and concerns are made known to and understood by decision makers and taken into account. Continue consultations with stakeholders throughout project implementation as necessary to address issues related to environmental assessment. Establish a grievance redress mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of the affected people’s concerns and grievances regarding the project’s environmental performance. (At this stage, no public consultations or focus group discussions have been possible due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Instead, conducting of public consultations with interested stakeholders, using distant communication channels such as mobile phones and internet, are in progress. All findings of consultations and minutes of meetings will be incorporated into final IEE. A description of the Project grievance redress mechanism is presented in Section H -Error! Reference source not found.).
6. Disclose a draft environmental assessment (including the EMP) in a timely manner, before project appraisal, in an accessible place and in a form and language(s) understandable to affected people and other stakeholders. Disclose the final environmental assessment, and its updates if any, to affected people and other stakeholders. (This IEE and its EMP will be disclosed on the ADB web-site and KazCenter’s website in local language).
7. Implement the EMP and monitor its effectiveness. Document monitoring results, including the development and implementation of corrective actions, and disclose monitoring reports. (The IEE and its EMP outline a plan to monitor the implementation of the EMP and the institutional responsibilities for monitoring and reporting throughout the Project lifecycle: Section I - Error! Reference source not found.).
8. Do not implement project activities in areas of critical habitats, unless (i) there are no measurable adverse impacts on the critical habitat that could impair its ability to function, (ii) there is no reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species, and (iii) any lesser impacts are mitigated. If a project is located within a legally protected area, implement additional programs to promote and enhance the conservation aims of the protected area. In an area of natural habitats, there must be no significant conversion or degradation, unless (i) alternatives are not available, (ii) the overall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the environmental costs, and (iii) any conversion or degradation is appropriately mitigated. Use a precautionary approach to the use, development, and management of 41
renewable natural resources. (Critical habitats have not been identified that maybe significantly impacted by the Project).
9. Apply pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international good practices as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. Adopt cleaner production processes and good energy efficiency practices. Avoid pollution, or, when avoidance is not possible, minimize or control the intensity or load of pollutant emissions and discharges, including direct and indirect greenhouse gases emissions, waste generation, and release of hazardous materials from their production, transportation, handling, and storage. Avoid the use of hazardous materials subject to international bans or phase-outs. Purchase, use, and manage pesticides based on integrated pest management approaches and reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. When host country regulations differ from these levels and measures, the borrower/client will achieve whichever is more stringent. (The IEE and its EMP outline specific mitigation and management measures to prevent and control pollution. Section I - Environmental Management Plan and Institutional Requirements.
10. Provide workers with safe and healthy working conditions and prevent accidents, injuries, and disease. Establish preventive and emergency preparedness and response measures to avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, to minimize, adverse impacts and risks to the health and safety of local communities. (The IEE and its EMP outline the requirement for specific community health and safety plans: Section I - Error! Reference source not found.).
11. Conserve physical cultural resources and avoid destroying or damaging them by using field- based surveys that employ qualified and experienced experts during environmental assessment. Provide for the use of “chance find” procedures that include a pre-approved management and conservation approach for materials that may be discovered during project implementation. (No physical and cultural resources have been identified that would be significantly impacted by the Project.
177. Safeguard Requirements 2: Involuntary Resettlement – The objectives are to avoid involuntary resettlement wherever possible; to minimize involuntary resettlement by exploring project and design alternatives; to enhance, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons in real terms relative to pre-project levels; and to improve the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups. The safeguard requirements underscore the requirements for undertaking the social impact assessment and resettlement planning process, preparing social impact assessment reports and resettlement planning documents, exploring negotiated land acquisition, disclosing information, and engaging in consultations, establishing a grievance mechanism, and resettlement monitoring and reporting.
178. The involuntary resettlement requirements apply to full or partial, permanent or temporary physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential land, or loss of shelter) and economic displacement (loss of land, assets, access to assets, income sources, or means of livelihoods) resulting from (i) involuntary acquisition of land; or (ii) involuntary restrictions on land use or on access to legally designated parks and protected areas. Resettlement is considered involuntary when displaced individuals or communities do not have the right to refuse land acquisition that results in displacement. (Since the new WWTP is proposed to be constructed within the boundaries of the existing plot containing the existing WWTP, therefore no additional land will be needed. The closest neighboring residential area is far consequently, there will be no involuntary resettlement. In the eventuality, the detailed final design requires additional land outside the existing boundaries of the WWTP, a resettlement plan (LARP), based on the project’s Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF) and reviewed by ADB, will be required. Civil works will proceed only after the full
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implementation of the LARP, as certified by a third party).
179. Safeguard Requirements 3: Indigenous Peoples – The objective is to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for Indigenous Peoples’ identity, dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, and cultural uniqueness as defined by the Indigenous Peoples themselves so that they (i) receive culturally appropriate social and economic benefits, (ii) do not suffer adverse impacts as a result of projects, and (iii) can participate actively in projects that affect them. (The Project does not involve impacts to Indigenous Peoples and therefore no further actions relating to this safeguard are required).
B.7. Comparison of ADB requirements and legislation of Republic of Kazakhstan
180. An evaluation of the national environmental protection legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and ADB procedures and its meaning for the Project is presented in this chapter. The environmental legislation of Kazakhstan mainly has been developed to provide control of activities and to control adverse impacts on the environment and human health. The submission of EIA for Ecological Expertise is not all the time complies with best international practice, which includes a significant component of ongoing evaluation in an iterative process. The preparation of EIA in Kazakhstan is more statistical process, which more focusing in the calculation of emissions, which charges for emissions are paid and less focusing on the analysis and conclusions with the understanding of adverse impact and measurements on their avoidance and mitigation. Data collection process for report is not always related with the goal of EIA and with the project framework.
181. Public procedures in Kazakhstan are not always adapted for monitoring during the project construction. For example, the Regional Department of Environment must submit an application to the prosecutor's office to conduct an audit, and can only do this once a year, with notification of the Contractor within 2 weeks prior to the audit. The content of environmental plans includes only the description of the overall mitigation and monitoring of impacts, without information on the place and the responsible entities, focusing on references on regulations and standards, and has little value for the contractors.
182. The environmental assessment of the Project will need to satisfy the requirement of both the Government of Kazakhstan and ADB. A harmonized safeguard framework is developed for conducting IEE and EIA studies of the Projects. It should be noted that in harmonizing the National and ADB standards the most stringent will be applied in accordance with the SPS 2009.
183. The table comparing ADB and Kazakhstan legislation requirements and providing harmonized framework is given in Table 12 Error! Reference source not found.. 43
Table 12: Comparing ADB and Kazakhstan legislation requirements
EIA Stage ADB Kazakstan Harmonized Framework Environmental ADB’s SPS (2009) sets out the policy The overarching legislative The Project shall comply with Policy and objectives, scope and triggers, and framework that establishes the both requirements. Regulations principles for three key safeguard areas: legal framework for • Environmental safeguards, environmental protection in • Involuntary resettlement safeguards, Kazakhstan is the Environmental and Code, adopted on January 9, • Indigenous peoples safeguards 2007 with latest amendments
and additions on October 10, 2018. Three main laws (the Law on Environmental Protection, the Law on Ecological Expertise and the Law on Air Protection) were abrogated subsequent to their integration into the Environmental Code. Classification ADB uses a classification system to Classification of activities The Project is Categorized as reflect the significance of a project’s according to risk level from I Category B. potential environmental impacts. A (high) to V (low) in Kazakhstan. project’s category is determined by the Depending on the risk the Level category of its most environmentally of Environmental Category from sensitive component, including direct, 1 to 4 is assigned. Sanitary indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts Epidemiological Regulations in the project’s area of influence. Projects specify Environmental Category are assigned to one of the following four categories: through the lists of activities by sector (e.g. chemical industry,
metallurgy, agriculture, etc.) and (i) Category A. A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to by risk category (i.e. I – V). have significant adverse environmental Environmental Category 1 impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or covers activities of the I and II unprecedented. These impacts may affect risk levels. The main aim of the
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an area larger than the sites or facilities Sanitary Rules are concluded in subject to physical works. An the established environmental impact assessment is SanitaryProtection Zones (SPZ) required. which are for the objects of the (ii) Category B. A proposed project is Category 1, not less than 1000 classified as category B if its potential m, for the risk category 1, and not adverse environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects. less than 500 m for the risk These impacts are site-specific, few if any category 2. of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An initial environmental examination is required. (iii) Category C. A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental implications need to be reviewed. (iv) Category FI. A proposed project is classified as category FI if it involves investment of ADB funds to or through a FI. Screening ADB carries out project screening The EIA process consists of The Project is Categorized as and categorization at the earliest three stages: (i) Preliminary Category B. stage of project preparation when environmental assessment sufficient information is available for (PEIA or predOVOS): essentially this purpose using REA checklist a scoping-level desk study Categorization into Category A, B, C, prepared in parallel with an FI. engineering feasibility study; (ii) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA or OVOS): a comprehensive assessment of 45
positive and negative environmental impacts with detailed mitigation & monitoring plan prepared during design stage; and (iii) Section “Environment Protection” is developed if there are changes in final detail design or project is prepared in one single stage, and included in the final set of a project design documentation, which is then submitted for approval by the mandatory State Expertise.
Alternatives Examination of financially and Alternative assessments are to Assessment of alternatives will technically feasible alternatives to the be carried out for the project include the location and design, project location, design, technology location and design. and also no project alternative. and components, their potential environmental and social impacts. Consider no project alternative. EIA Report/IEE For Category A projects an According to Article 36 of the The EIA/IEE and EMP reports Report environmental impact assessment (EIA) Environmental Code, will follow the table of contents is required. development of EIA (OVOS) is proposed by ADB SPS (2009). For Category B projects an initial mandatory for all types of environmental examination (IEE) is activities and projects that can required. have direct or indirect impact on For Category C projects no environmental assessment is required environment or human health. All although environmental implications need projects should pass through a to be reviewed. process of State Expertise in order to get clearance for Guidelines and Table of Contents are implementation. Project design provided for EIA report in SPS (2009). package that is submitted for EMP will include proposed mitigation clearance should include section measures, monitoring and reporting on “Environment Protection”.
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requirements, institutional arrangements, schedules, and cost estimates. Public Carry out meaningful consultation with Kazakhstan has a procedure of Consultations will be carried out Consultations affected people and facilitate their public consultation, but mainly in with the stakeholders, affected informed participation. this process state sector is people, NGOs throughout the Involving stakeholders, project- affected participating and rearly involves project cycle and consider their people and concerned NGOs early in the common citizens. views in project design and project preparation and ensure that their safeguard plan. Questions and views and concerns are made known and concerns raised during public understood by decision makers and taken consultations held will be into account. considered and addressed in the Continue consultations with EIA. stakeholders throughout project implementation as necessary to address environmental assessment- related issues. Public Disclosure Draft EIA will be published in ADB Submission of a full Draft EIA/IEE report (English and website for 120 days before Project environmental assessment to Russian) will be published in approval by the Board. the local /oblast-level ADB and IA Websites. The environmental authority and its copies of the draft EIA/IEE report review by the central government will be made available with the takes 60 days. During the first 30 Akimat (municipal) offices. days there is a theoretically a time for the public to comment. But since there is no real announcement this does not happen. Further, there is a ‘public debate/hearings are held as part of the final EIA approval. There is no other disclosure. This document when agreed by the Bank as suitable for public 47 disclosure under the 120 rule will be put on the KAZCenter website in Russian. 30 days after its submission the next round of public consultation will take place.
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C. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
C.1 Background
184. The Government of Kazakhstan (GoK) is promoting a plan to improve the wastewater treatment in the 53 cities in the country. GoK has proposed that this program be financed through a sovereign loan from ADB and EBRD. The priority of GoK is to start the construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP - termed KOS), in all cities. However, not all cities are ready for implementation, 17 cities have been identified in the first phase of the program based on readiness criteria that includes: capacity of existing KOS and shortfall in treatment, land availability, sufficient information to design the rehabilitation. The 17 cities have been tentatively allocated between the two agencies and ADB is likely to finance 10 or 11 cities.
185. KazCenter ZhKh (KAZC) is the national agency identified for implementing this program by the GoK. It would be the single borrower from ADB and EBRD, which would be guaranteed by GoK.
186. The city of Stepnogorsk is a part of the first tranche identified by KAZC.
C.2 Project location
187. The site is located in Stepnogorsk. The city of Stepnogorsk is located in the north of Kazakhstan, in the Akkola district of Akmola region on the left bank of the river Selety, at 135 km on the North of Nur Sultan and 220 km on the South-East of Kokchetau. From the district centers, which are also large settlements and cities of regional subordination, the city of Stepnogorsk is distant (in a straight line):
• in the south-west direction - the city of Akkol (Akkol district) - 75 km, • in the western direction - the city of Makinsk (Bulandinsky district) - 100 km, • in the north-west direction - Stepnyak (Enbekshildersky district) - 85 km, • in the southeast direction - the city of Yereymentau (Yereymentau district) - 100 km.
169 The area covered by the Municipality of Stepnogorsk is 15,836 hectares, including the area of the industrial zone – 8,690 hectares. The industrial zone is far from the city at a distance of 4 to 24 km in the north-east direction.
170 The terrain is a hilly plain typical for Northern Kazakhstan with absolute elevations of 280-350 m above sea level.
171 Stepnogorsk is connected by roads with the cities of Nur-Sultan, Kokshetau, and Pavlodar, the national highway M-36 Almaty-Yekaterinburg passes in 200 km from the city. The city has a network of intra-city roads, industrial zone roads and roads connecting the city with towns and industrial zones. The total length of paved city roads is 48.5 km.
172 Aksu Tselinnaya railway station is 12 km away from Stepnogorsk, located on the 123rd kilometer of a 220 km dead-end branch, limited to the Yereymentau and Aisary stations, through which there is a railway connection with Nur-Sultan and Pavlodar. The location of the city of Stepnogorsk is shown in Figure 1. 49
Figure 1: Stepnogorsk location
C 3. Existing Situation
C.3.1. Existing Master Plan
173. The Stepnogorsk’ s City Master Plan was developed in 2007 by the Company “Design Landscape”. The documents, filed in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Stepnogorsk, were not preserved and further housing development was possible only based on the newly adjusted General Plan for the development of the city.
174. Therefore, the Mayor (Akimat) of Stepnogorsk decided to allocate funds for the development of a new Master Plan. Future developments for water supply and sewage lines in the Plan were Considered till 2016.
175. Stepnogorsk was founded in 1959. It was first established as a secret town with code names Tselinograd-25 and Makinsk-2. The town is known as a nuclear and bio-chemical site, where uranium ore was enriched and where bacteriological weapons were developed and produced.
176. Tselliny Gorno-Khimicheskii Kombinat (“TGK”) was the second-largest nuclear fuel mining and processing business in the former Soviet Union and TGK was the city-forming enterprise of Stepnogorsk. However, in 1996 the TGK uranium mining operations, on a standalone basis, had become economically non-viable. By the beginning of the 1990s, a decline in production began at the TGK, caused by the growth of post-Chernobyl radiophobia, a decrease in uranium demand, conversion, and then, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a parade of sovereignty, a rupture of economic ties. This led to serious changes in the production and structure of the TGK. During the privatization period, part of the enterprises was corporatized and removed from TGK, four mining plants were closed.
177. When NAC Kazatomprom took over the management of the plant in 2004, measures were taken to reanimate the plant. The main task was the restoration of the mining complex, the launch of the hydrometallurgical plant. After a long downtime and almost a halt in production over the years, the fabrication of finished products steadily increased at TGK. In 2007, TGK entered the cost-effective phase of production. TGK is now focused on the production of uranium oxide 49
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concentrate (the main component of uranium concentrates in fuel for nuclear reactors) and copper-molybdenum concentrate.
178. According to the Master Plan, the existing treatment facility of the WWTP should be partly reconstructed and partly rehabilitated in the same location. In particular, the master plan suggests the following elements and facilities as components to be re-constructed:
• Sewage inlet chamber, mechanical cleaning facility, bioreactors (aero-tanks), distribution bioreactor chambers, secondary radial sedimentation tanks d=18m, sludge chamber of secondary sedimentation tanks, distribution basin of secondary sedimentation tanks. • Gravitation sludge compactor, compacted sludge pump station, drainage pump station, sludge pump station, air pump station/dispatcher room. • Sludge treatment facility, dewatered sludge storage, UV disinfection station, technical water pump station, sewage water measuring installation, 10/0.4KV transformer substation.
179. The following structures should be rehabilitated or renovated:
• Administration building, emergency sludge sites, metal workshop, garage.
C.3.2. Water Supply Network
180. Seletinsky reservoir is the source of water supply for the city of Stepnogorsk and the industrial zone. The raw water is delivered to the water treatment plant of Sopka-305 (at a distance of 51.5 km) through a pumping station. After purification, the water enters the city reservoirs and is then delivered to consumers.
181. The area covered by the water supply system is the urban area, the industrial area and a village located 18 km away. The production of potable water is done by an old plant (sedimentation and sand filtration) and a new one (in construction) which will use the membrane process.
182. The production and the distribution of hot water are carried out by a private industrial company.
• The production of potable water for the City of Stepnogorsk is estimated at around 25,000 m3/day with a service continuity of 24/7. • The purified water is distributed approximately equally between the city of Stepnogorsk and the industrial zone. • The 21,000 customers in the city are metered. • In addition to the population of Zavodskoy, Aksu, and Kvartsitka villages, a large water consumer is industry, including a thermal power plant, a hydrometallurgical plant, a mining equipment plant, ball-bearing plant, and others.
183. The existing water supply network is approximately 231 km within the limits of the city of Stepnogorsk and about 100 km in the adjacent industrial villages. The network has 2 control storage tanks. In recent years, Vodokanal has been taking active steps to reconstruct the water supply network, which is why the current state of this network can be assessed as good.
184. A scheme of the water supply and wastewater main and collectors is reported in the Figure 2 below.
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Figure 2: Layout of Stepnogorsk Water Supply Mains, Wastewater Collectors and location of WWTP of Stepnogorsk
C 3.3 Wastewater Network
185. In the city of Stepnogorsk, wastewater within the city is collected by a system of sewer pipes and then is delivered through pumping stations to the urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The wastewater disposal system is de facto a combined one, stormwater and wastewater are conveyed jointly because of the inefficiency of the existing drainage system. The wastewater delivered in the sewerage network comes from the residential area (effluents from population and commercial activities). After treatment, wastewater is discharged through the main sewer into the Aksu River.
186. Wastewater from the industrial zone is not discharged to the city’s sewerage network and WWTP but is treated and disposed locally by the industries (according to the information provided by KAZCenter). From the village of Zavodskoy and industrial enterprises, wastewater is discharged through a wastewater network using 6 sewage pumping stations (owned and operated by Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal) to the WWTP of “Progress”, which is currently a private enterprise. Wastewater from the villages of Aksu and Kvartsitka are disposed through discharge into septic tanks or into the nearby storage ponds.
187. The existing wastewater network is 131,64 km. Even though the depreciation of the sewer network is estimated at 60%, this assessment reflects only the age of the network. Since the main 51
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material of the pipes is asbestos-cement pipes, not exposed to corrosion, and therefore with long service life, it is possible to consider the condition of the sewer network as satisfactory. It can be argued that in the near future the sewage network will work properly, and its technical condition will not become an obstacle to reliable wastewater delivery to the WWTP.
188. There are 4 sewage pumping stations in the city, 2 of which pump wastewater directly to WWTP.
C 3.4. Assessment of the Existing WWTP (KOS)
C 3.4.1. Location of the Plant and Topography
189. The service for potable water and sewerage is provided by Stepnogorsk Vodokanal owned 100% by the Akimat (Local executive body).
190. The existing wastewater treatment plant is located in the northern part of the city, 650 m from residential area.
191. The WWTP provides a mechanical and biological treatment of wastewater including an additional processing of disinfection with liquid chlorine, the final effluent is delivered into the river Aksu.
192. The existing WWTP in Stepnogorsk is shown in the Figure 3 below.
Figure 3: Photo and Scheme of Stepnogorsk existing WWTP
Legend: Blue line – WS Yellow – discharge collector Purple – power supply Red – heating Brown – pressure collector 53
1) Checkpoint, (2) Garage, (3) Methane tanks (nonoperational), (4) Pre-aerators, (5) Primary sedimentation tanks, (6) Aerotanks, (7) Secondary sedimentation tanks, (8) Sand site, (9) Chlorine store, (10) Air pumping station, (11) Sludge dewatering facility, (12) Administration building
C 3.4.2 Description of the Process
193. The WWTP provides a mechanical and biological treatment of wastewater including additional processing of disinfection with liquid chlorine, the final effluent is discharged into the river Aksu.
194. The technological scheme of the existing WWTP is:
• Pretreatment consisting of mechanical stages: screens, aeration tank for grit and grease removal, primary sedimentation tanks, bed for removed sand and grit. • Biological treatment performed in two-corridor aeration tanks and secondary vertical sedimentation tanks. • Disinfection (Chlorination) facilities. • Sludge treatment - sludge thickeners (compactors), sludge dewatering facility and sludge beds (or ponds). • Auxiliary facilities - blower pumping station, sludge pumping station, laboratory, administrative building, and drainage pumping station. 195. After disinfection, the water is discharged into the river Aksu through a discharge collector (yellow line on the scheme, see above). The Aksu River originates 7 kilometers north of Lake Zhartikul and flows into the salty lake Altaysor in the Kokchetav region.
196. The sanitary and epidemiological rules classify the Aksu river as a water body for cultural and domestic purposes (Category II). Therefore, the water discharged have to comply with the requirements for water bodies for cultural and domestic purposes according to the Sanitary rules "Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for water sources, places of water intake for household and drinking purposes, drinking water supply and places of cultural and domestic water use and safety of water bodies" - Approved by the order of the Minister national economy Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 16, 2015 No. 209.
C.3.4.4 Laboratory Analysis
197. Laboratory tests, carried out by the chemical-bacteriological laboratory of Stepnogorsk Vodakanal, analyzed the qualitative and quantitative status of the effluent from the WWTP (Table 13) and of the water flowing in the River Aksu (Table 14).
198. According to data in Table 13, the concentration of the pollutant after treatment exceeds the national discharge standards (MAC12). In particular, the value of BOD is 20 times more than the standard, COD is 5 times more, Ammonium is 20 times more, Phosphate is about 3 times more. The other parameters are essentially within the limits. These data show clearly that the WWTP is not working effectively.
12 Maximal Allowable Concentration according to Kazakh standard 53
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Table 13 - Effluent from Stepnogorsk WWTP Concentration mg/dm3 (mg/l) (ppm) Pollution MAC13 Parameters 2015 2016 2017 Average
BODultim. 102,50 118,84 140,52 120,62 6 COD 135,00 149,30 179,16 154,49 30 Suspended Baseline+0.7 111,86 95,98 149,66 119,17 solids 5 Dry residue 1017,60 1138,80 1422,00 1192,80 1 000 Chlorides 220,27 259,58 258,00 245,95 350 Sulphates 180,50 207,70 181,00 189,73 500 Nitrites 0,13 0,18 0,18 0,16 3.3 Nitrates 0,00 0,41 1,88 0,76 45 Oil products 0,51 0,26 0,50 0,42 0.1 Surfactant 0,59 0,52 2,04 1,05 0.5 Phosphate 6,59 7,61 13,32 9,17 3.5 Total iron 0,87 0,82 0,84 0,84 0.3 Ammonium 34,41 33,23 57,18 41,61 2
199. Table 14 shows that most of the time, downstream of the effluent’s discharge point the pollution load decreases, rather than increase. This probably means that pollution in the river is already high and perhaps due to some inflow of water or wastewater from other sources.
Table 14: Test on the sample from river Aksu dated 04.06.2018 (Upstream and Downstream of the effluent delivery point)
# Actual concentration Indicators Units MAC upstream downstream 1 PH PH units 6-9 8.32 7.91 2 Temperature 0C na 10 11 3 Suspended mg/dm3 0.25-0.75 36.1 30.2 solids 4 Dry residue mg/l 1000 2200 1980 5 Chlorides mg/l 350.0 700.1 680.3 6 Sulphates mg/l 500 520.6 500.3 7 Nitrites mg/l 3.3 0.2 0.15 8 Nitrates mg/l 45 1.2 0.52 9 Phosphate mg/l n/s14 2.5 3.2 10 Ammonium mg/l 2.0 1.2 3.33 11 Clarity mg/l n/s 32 33 12 Dissolved mg/l 4.0 10.1 9.5 oxygen (DO) 13 COD mg/l 30 86.4 98.2 14 BODultim. mg/l 6 53.5 37.8 15 BOD5 mg/l 6 46.7 31.1 16 Surfactant mg/l 0.5 0.046 0.06 17 Oil products mg/l 0.1 0.02 0.05 18 Total iron mg/l 0.3 0.32 0.27
13 Maximal Allowable Concentration according to Kazakh standard
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C.3.4.5. Assessment of WWTP Conditions
200. The condition of the existing buildings, structures and equipment of the WWTP have been technically audited by the specialized company “Vostok Engineering LLP”. Based on their investigation the “EXPERT CONCLUSION No. 2512” was issued on December 25, 2017, on “the technical examination of the reliability and stability of building structures of the sewage treatment plant at the public utility at Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal, Stepnogorsk, Akmola Region”.
201. The results of expertise are summarized in the table below.
Group of Buildings Technical condition Conclusion The administrative The category of the technical Major repairs of buildings are required. building, plumber’s condition is assessed as category II The project under development should workshop, carpentry - the operational state of the include decisions on the further use of shop building, structure. the existing chlorination building in the Chlorination building. All engineering equipment is in new technological process (after major unsatisfactory condition, and repairs and replacement of technological physical wear is 70-80%. equipment), or, if it is impossible to use this building in the new technological process, its dismantling. Blower and transformer The category of the technical Due to the pre-emergency state of the building, Sludge condition is assessed as category III main load-bearing structures of the dewatering workshop, - a partially functional state of the screening building, blower and Screen and Crusher structure. transformer building and sludge building Required: reinforcement of external dewatering shop. walls, partial replacement of A complete replacement of all masonry walls. engineering networks and technological equipment is necessary. It is recommended to dismantle the blower and transformer building and dewatering workshop. The construction of new buildings for screens, blower and transformer buildings, and a sludge dewatering workshop, or buildings replacing them, shall be carried out following a specially developed project. Sand traps, Pre- The reinforced concrete structures In general, the technical condition of the aerators, Primary of aeration tanks (walls, bottom), named structures is critical and unsafe. sedimentation tanks, sand trap, primary and secondary They all need to be replaced. Aeration tanks, sedimentation tanks show the Secondary following damages: defrosting, sedimentation tanks spalling of concrete to a depth of 100 mm; in places, complete destruction of concrete walls (up to 1m2) with exposure of reinforcement bars leading to uncontrolled flow of wastewater from one tank to another. Steel constructions have the following defects: rust-through corrosion, cracks in the welds, destruction of bolted joints, deformation of metal hand railing. Engineering connections and equipment have drip leaks at threaded pipe joints, corrosion of and defects of pipelines in the form 55
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Group of Buildings Technical condition Conclusion of worm-holes, traces of leakage through holes in pipelines and flange connections, evidence of repairs of pipelines and collectors (clamps, patches).
C 3.4.5 Conclusion
202. As of 2019, the wastewater treatment facilities of the city of Stepnogorsk are in unsatisfactory technical condition and the low quality of wastewater delivered to the river after treatment is a serious matter of concern.
203. The main issues are summarized as the following: • Wastewater effluent quality is not compliant with the national standards and exceeds the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) from 5 to 20 times (see table 1). • Unacceptable conditions of the sand traps, pre-aerators, primary sedimentation tanks, aeration tanks, secondary sedimentation tanks, due to significant physical deterioration of the reinforced concrete structures and the obsolescence of the mechanical equipment. • Inadequate conditions of blowers and transformer building, sludge dewatering workshop, screen and crusher building, due to physical deterioration of the structures and of the engineering service networks, which suggest its full replacement.
204. Considering the critical condition of the WWTP structures (buildings, tanks, workshop) and the general obsolescence of the mechanical equipment, as described in the assessment report and as confirmed during the site visit, it is more convenient to plan a reconstruction rather than rehabilitation of the existing system.
205. The new Plant with mechanical and biological treatment facilities, as well as sludge treatment facilities will be designed in compliance with national standards.
C.3.4.6. Water Demand and Wastewater Production
206. According to the information provided by the Municipality and Vodokanal, the estimation of global water supply volume is carried out according to norm flowrate values, as follows:
• For multi-story buildings with water supply, sewage, and centralized hot water supply – 250 (l / c d) • For private houses with water supply, sewage and local heaters – 150 (l / c d). • Housing developments with no drainage system – 120 (l / c d) • Area not connected to sewerage - 25 (l / c d)
207. Because of insufficient information to estimate the total volume based on the different types of consumers, the average water demand of 200 15liters per capita per day is considered as a basis for the water and wastewater demand projections.
• Water Demand: 200 l/(c*d) • Volume of wastewater = 200 x (45,000) = 9.000 m3/d
15 Water demand include also the public buildings 57
3 • Qavg 375 m /h 3 • Qpeak 713 m /h considering a Peak factor 1.9
208. As already noted, there is no wastewater discharged from industries to the network because they are located outside of the city and treat wastewater with their facilities, therefore the volume of industrial wastewater declared by the Municipality is not taken into consideration. However, to our time horizon of 2040, adopting a conservative approach, we can estimate a small amount of additional wastewater coming from various sources (commercial activity inside the city urban area) up to 550 m3/d (around 6% of total civil water demand).
209. At the moment 95% of the residents are connected. In the future, it is assumed the same rate of connection. Also, we can estimate that the rate of inflow to the wastewater network (wastewater generation factor) equal to 100% and an infiltration rate of 10%16. Therefore, the wastewater entering the WWTP is: • Volume domestic = 0.95 x 1.00 x 9,000 m3/d = 8,550 m3/d • Volume from commercial users = 550 m3/d • Volume of infiltration 900 m3/d 3 • Average Inflow Qavg = 10,000 m /d • Daily peak factor 1.2 • Hourly peak factor 1.6 • Global Peak factor = 1.2 x 1.6 = 1.92 fixed to 1.90 3 • Average Inflow Qavg = 417 m /h 3 • Peak Inflow Qpeak = 737 m /h
210. The WWTP is intended to treat only wastewater and not stormwater, which, even if discharged to the wastewater network, has to be overflowed. Therefore, during the preparation of the Detailed Design, the contractor and the Consultant, developing the Hydrological Study, will take care to carry out a proper estimation of the volume of stormwater to overflow and, to size a proper spillway.
211. Anyway, for a conservative approach, it is considered in the calculation a reasonable amount of stormwater through the infiltration coefficient and the wastewater generation factor17 because the network is not perfectly sealed, and some infiltration and\or discharge may occur.
212. All the main data are reported in the following Table.
Table 15: Population - Water Demand - Wastewater production
Parameter Units 2019 2040
Water Demand
Total Population in service area person 45,919 45,000
Water Supply Connection rate % 100 100
Per capita water demand l/c*d 200 200
Domestic water demand m³/d N/A 9,000
Total water demand m3/d N/A 9,000
Wastewater production
16 Infiltration is considered 10% of the volume of domestic water supply 17 Percentage of the water supply that is delivered to the wastewater network. 57
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Parameter Units 2019 2040
Population in service area number 45,919 45,000
Wastewater connection rate % 95% 95%
Population served number 43,623 42,750
Wastewater generation rate % 100% 100%
Infiltration rate % 10% 10%
Average wastewater generated Qavg (domestic) m³/d 8,725 8,550
Commercial wastewater generation m³/d 550 550 Average wastewater production m³/d 9,274 9,100 Qavg (domestic + commercial water)
Volume of infiltration (10% domestic water) m³/d 927 900 Average wastewater production m³/d 10,201 10,000 Qavg = (domestic+commercial+infiltration)
Average wastewater production m3/h 425 417 Qavg = (domestic + commercial +infiltration)
Daily peak factor 1.2 1.2
Hourly peak factor - 1.6 1.6
Hourly peak factor for the peak day (1.2x1.6) - 1.9 1.9
Daily Peak wastewater production Dry Weather: 3 Qpeak, dry = Qavg (domestic) x daily peak factor + m /d 11,710 commercial + infiltration water
Hourly Peak wastewater production Dry Weather: Qpeak, dry = Qavg (domestic ) x daily peak factor x hourly m³/h 737 peak factor + commercial + infiltration water
WWTP CAPACITY m3/d 10,000
Design Flow (max flow)- dry period m³/h 737
Design Flow (average flow) – dry period m³/h 417
C.3.4.7. Pollution Loads and Design Flow
213. The population and the flow estimated in the paragraph above relate to the estimation of the pollution loads.
214. In the existing Feasibility Study, the concentration and nature of the polluting parameter for Stepnogorsk are determined based on the recommendations of SN RK 4.01-03-2011, and according to the result of Laboratory tests done by the state-owned enterprise “Vodokanal”, Stepnogorsk, 2015-2017.
215. They are summarized in the table below. 59
Table 16: Pollution Parameters in the Feasibility Study
Actual concentration Estimated18 # Parameters (average value 2015-2017) concentration mg/l mg/l 1 Suspended solids (SS) 119 53.4 - 130.13 2 BOD5 99,0 76,8 - 170 3 BODultim 120,6 61,0 - 204,0 4 COD 154,5 - 5 Ammoniacal nitrogen 41,6 19,23-70,9 6 Phosphates 9,2 4,9 - 16,8
216. These values refer to wastewater with low pollutants concentration. The results of the laboratory tests carried out by an independent institution within this Conceptual Design are reported in the table below.
217. The last laboratory test carried out within this project in 2020 shows that the concentrations are higher than estimated in 218. 219. Table 13 - Effluent from Stepnogorsk WWTP, however, the data of Table 1 are an average of the data sampled for two years, while the test carried out in January 2020 relate to a single sample. It is noted that most of the parameters are anyway within the range identified by Vodokanal.
220. The following tables summarize the results of laboratory tests carried out in January 2020.
Table 17: Pollution Parameters According to independent tests (January 2020)
Concentration INFLOW Concentration # Parameters (mg/l) OUTFLOW (mg/l) 1 Suspended solids (SS) 279.20 14.70 2 BOD5 163.10 17.68 3 COD 203.8 44.2 4 Ammoniacal nitrogen 48.00 4.60 5 Phosphates 7.90 3.49 INFLOW (m3/d) 6,000
Table 18: Summary table- Comparison between Pollution loads evaluated in FS from test data provided by Vodokanal and Pollution loads evaluated during the test (2020)
INFLOW OUTFLOW (Concentration – mg/l) (Concentration mg/l) Estimated on Based on LAB Based on LAB KAZ EU Parameters Test done VK # -TEST (2020) -TEST (2020) Standard Standard (2015-2017) Suspended solids 119 279.20 14.70 35 1 (SS)
2 BOD5 99,0 163.10 17.68 6 25 3 COD 154,5 203.8 44.2 30 125 Ammoniacal 41,6 48.00 4.60 2 15 4 nitrogen
18 Estimated concentrations are assumed based on actual concentrations (average value for 2015-2017). 59
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5 Phosphates 9,2 7.90 3.49 3.5 2 INFLOW (m3/d) 6,000
C.3.4.8. Design Parameters
221. The design parameters to be used in the detailed design are suggested in the following table, these values derive from a critical analysis of the available data shown in the tables above. They should be considered as a reference by the Contractor’s Design Consultant (which will develop the detailed design), and the design should be developed to guarantee the necessary flexibility and performance of the new WWTP when there are variations in the pollution loads and flow. Therefore, also the Contractor should carry out its own evaluation of the pollution loads and agree with the Client on the final design parameters.
Table 19: Indication of Pollution Parameters to be used for Design
Estimated Range of Concentration # Parameters Concentration (mg/l) (mg/l) 1 Suspended solids (SS) 150 53.4 - 130.13 2 BOD5 130 76,8 – 170 3 BODultim 170 61,0 - 204,0 4 COD 200 - 5 Ammoniacal nitrogen 45 19,23-70,9 6 Phosphates 10 4,9 - 16,8 INFLOW (m3/d) 10,000
C.3.4.9. Effluent Standard
222. The effluent parameters used by KazCenter to design the WWTPs are the existing Kazakh standards for wastewater and sludge treatment. The Aksu River is classified as a water body for cultural and domestic purposes (Category II)). According to the Sanitary rules19 of the Republic of Kazakhstan the Maximum Allowable Concentration for recreational water bodies are presented in the table below.
Table 20: Effluent Standard parameters for treated water. Parameters for water bodies of category II (cultural and domestic water use) Pollution Parameters Maximum Allowable Concentration (mg/l) (ppm)
BODultim. 6
19 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for water sources, places for water intake for household and drinking purposes, domestic and drinking water supply, places for cultural and domestic water use and the safety of water bodies" - approved by the order of the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 16, 2015 No. 209.
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COD 30 Suspended solids Baseline+0.75 (SS) Dry residue 1 000 Chlorides 350 Sulphates 500 Nitrites 3.3 Nitrates 45 Oil products 0.1 Surfactant 0.5 Phosphate 3.5 Total iron 0.3 Ammonium 2
C. 3.4.10. Sludge Disposal
223. This paragraph is developed according to the norm SN RK 4.01-03-2011 “Water disposal. Outdoor networks and facilities”, to summarize the basic specification regarding sludge disposal in Kazakhstan.
224. The sludge produced during the wastewater treatment (sand, sludge of primary sedimentation tanks, raw, excess activated sludge, etc.) shall be subjected to processing that ensures its disposal or storage.
225. The selection of a technological scheme for sludge treatment (methods of stabilization, dewatering, and sludge neutralization) should be made according to the results of technical and economic calculations taking into account its physicochemical, thermophysical and water- discharge characteristics and local conditions (available disposal methods, distance to expected storage sites and other). When calculating sludge treatment facilities, seasonal non-uniformity of its formation should be considered. All liquid sludge shall be dehydrated to a consistency that allows them to be transported by dump trucks.
226. When the population exceeds 15,000 people the sludge should be dehydrated only with the use of dewatering equipment. For stabilized sludge, periodic sludge dewatering is allowed through mobile units serving several treatment facilities.
227. Silt sites (ponds or beds) are allowed only as reserve facilities and can also be used if there is free land not suitable for agricultural use using flocculants.
228. When the population exceeds 50,000 people the sludge should be stabilized. The use of biological, chemical, thermal and thermo-chemical stabilization methods is allowed. When using thermal drying or incineration plants (pyrolysis, etc.) at sewage treatment plants, as well as sludge burial at landfills equipped with a system for collecting and utilizing landfill biogas, additional stabilization of sludge is not necessary.
229. To increase the concentration of excess activated sludge before its further treatment, it is recommended to thicken it in structures and equipment of various types (gravity, mechanical flotation, etc.).
C.3.5. Design Standard
230. The following design standards will be applied:
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• Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan • Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan • SP RK 1.02-21-2007 Rules for the development, coordination, approval and composition of feasibility studies for construction • SN RK 1.02-03-2011 The procedure for the development, coordination, approval and composition of the project construction documentation • SP RK 2.01-101-2013 Corrosion protection of building structures • SP RK 2.04-01-2017 Construction climatology • Construction norm (CNR) 3.04.03-85 “Protection of building structures and facilities from corrosion” • CNR II-7.01-96 “Construction Climatology
C.3.6. Design horizon
231. Considering the lifetime of the relevant major structures of the wastewater system, an overall period of at least 20 years shall be considered for the design horizon of the new WWTP. Considering also the degree of uncertainty of all relevant design criteria (population, and urban development, per capita consumption and water demand, wastewater production, etc.), it is not recommended to apply a longer projection period which may lead to an unnecessary oversizing of the WWTP.
232. Generally, the possibility of a later extension of the WWTP shall be considered.
233. Technical components having a lifetime shorter than 20 years will be designed for a shorter projection period to save initial investment and operation costs. The design period for the different components of the future wastewater system are summarized in the table below:
Table 21: Design horizons for components of the wastewater system
Criteria Value Unit Design horizon Civil structures of wastewater treatment 20 years 2040 Sewerage collector 20 years 2040 Mechanical equipment of wastewater 10 years 2030 treatment
C.4. Conceptual Design Sizing of the New WWTP
234. The sizing at the conceptual level of the new WWTP with Conventional Activated Sludge process has been carried out, based on the technology selected by the Multi-Criteria Analysis. It is the same technology proposed in the Feasibility Study by KAZCenter but including some additional treatment components as part of the process.
235. The target is to identify the necessary units and their preliminary design.
236. The General Process scheme adopted for the WWTP is depicted in the figure below.
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Figure 4: WWTP Scheme – Concept Design
237. The basic sizing parameters, i.e.: population, inflow, and pollution loads are shown in the table below (with the usual meaning of abbreviations). It is noted that the hourly value of Qmax has been 3 3 rounded from 758 m /h to 760 m /h and the daily value of Qmax has been rounded from 11,830 m3/d to 12,000 m3/d.
Table 22: WWTP Basic Sizing parameters
Basic Parameter Pollution Loads (Inflow)
Population 45,000 COD (mg/) 200
Water demand (l/c*d) 200 BOD5 (mg/) 130 WWTP Capacity (m3/d) 10,000 N (mg/) 45 3 Qaverage (m /d) 10,000 P (mg/) 10 3 Qmax (m /d) 11,710 TSS (mg/) 150 3 3 Qaverage (m /h) 417 Wastewater production (m /d) 10,000 3 Qmax (m /h) 737 Daily peak coefficient 1,20
238. The following table summarizes the treatment units and the corresponding design parameters in terms of flow. For safety reasons, the pretreatment has been sized for twice the maximum inflow and the disinfection for twice the average daily inflow. Some values are rounded.
Table 23: Treatment units and design parameters
Treatment Unit Design basis
Metering Process sized for peak flow up to 2,000 m3/h >2 x Qmax
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Process sized for peak flow up to 1,475 m3/h (duty/standby channel), 2 Screen times max hourly flow
Grit and Grease removal Process sized for peak flow up to 1,475 m3/h
Equalization Process sized for peak flow up to 12,000 m3/d
Denitrification (anoxic) Process sized for average flow up to 10,000 m3/d
Nitrification-oxidation (aerobic) Process sized for average flow up to 10,000 m3/d
Sedimentation Process sized for average flow up to 10,000 m3/d
Tertiary filtration Process sized for average flow up to 10,000 m3/d
UV Disinfection sized to treat flows up to 20,000 m3/d, duty/standby Disinfection channels\ or Sodium Hypochlorite System
Sludge Thickening Sized for 1,100 kgSST/day
Sludge Dewatering Belt press to treat a volume of 37 m3/d (3% dry content)
239. The key design parameters used for process sizing at the conceptual design level are reported in the table below. Process design must be reviewed and refined at the detailed design stage as required.
Table 24: Key design parameters used for process sizing at the conceptual design (CAS)
Treatment Unit Design basis
Open channel meter (weir and ultrasound) sized for a peak flow of 2,000 Metering m3/h
Screen Process sized for peak flow up to 1,475 m3/h (duty/standby channel)
Grit and Oil removal Process sized for peak flow up to 1,475 m3/h
Process sized to balance the variation in the daily average inflow of Equalization 10,000 m3 using a peak factor of 1,20. Sized for Q = 12,000 m3/d- 1 tank 15 x 26.5 x 5 m, total size 2000 m3.
Speed of denitrification Vd =1.9g NO3-N/kg SSV h Denitrification (anoxic) MLTSS = 4,000 mg/l Total Volume = 1562 m3 – 2 tanks @ 781 m3 (12.5x12.5x5) each
HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time) = 7.80 hours @ average flow SLUDGE LOAD = (F/M) = 0.10 kg BOD5/kg MLTSS d Nitrification-Oxidation (aerobic) MLTSS = 4,000 mg/l Total Volume = 3250 m3 – 2 tanks @ 1625 m3 (12.5x26x5) each
Process sized for surface flow rate = 7 kg SS/ (m2x h) Sedimentation Total Surface = 904 m2 – 2 circular tanks @ 452 m2 (24 m diameter) each - average depth 3 m, 1356 m3 each. 65
Treatment Unit Design basis
Process sized for peak flow up to 12,000 m3/d – Filter features based on Tertiary filtration manufacture’s requirements
Two channels (duty/standby) each sized to treat up to 10,000 m3 /d with Disinfection an assumed UV Transmittance (UVT) = 60% for secondary plant effluent or Sodium Hypochlorite System
Sludge Thickening Sized for 1,500 kg TSS/day
Belt press to treat a volume of 50 m3/d (3% dry content) \ Size and Sludge Dewatering based on manufacture’s requirements
240. The sizing at the conceptual design level was carried out using the above design parameters, the calculation was developed by proprietary software created for modeling the WWTP with Activated Sludge technology. The efficiency of the removal process in the biological phase is in the range 70%-90%, the filtration of clarified wastewater in the tertiary phase will increase the treatment efficiency to comply with existing norms.
241. The following table summarizes the result of the calculation and identifies the treatment units, with basic dimensions, volume, and areas (note: figures are rounded). Final sizing for new processes and equipment should be reviewed during detailed design.
Table 25: Summary of Process Tankage and Equipment Sizing
Treatment Unit Number of Units and Basic Sizing
Reception chamber
Reception chamber for inflow – plan dimensions 2 x 2 m
Open channel
Open channel for measuring the inflow – length >10 meters equipped with weir and ultrasound
Screening
2 channels interconnected – length > 5 m – each equipped with a coarse screen and fine screen – automatic and self-cleaning
Grit and Grease removal
1 Grit tank V= 75 m3 Length 5.0 m Width 4.0 m Height 3.0 m Equalization tank 1 tank total size 2000 m3 15 x 26.5 x 5 m. Length 15.0 m Width 26.5 m Height 5.0 m Denitrification tank
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Treatment Unit Number of Units and Basic Sizing
2 tanks working in parallel \ Total Volume = 1562 m3 Volume of each tank 781 m3 Length 12.5 m Width 12.5 m Height 5.0 m Oxidation-Nitrification tank 2 tanks working in parallel \ Total Volume = 3,250 m3 Volume of each tank 1625 m3 Length 12.5 m Width 26.5 m Height 5.0 m Clarification Tanks 2 circular tanks working in parallel \ Total Surface = 904 m2 \ Total Volume 2,713 m3 Surface of each clarifier 452 m2, Volume 1,356 m3 Diameter 24 m Depth average 3 m Filtration 3 filters working in parallel \ 2 duty +1 standby (according to manufacturer’s specification)
DisinfectioN
UV units in parallel or Sodium Hypochlorite System
Sludge thickening
1 circular tank Total Surface = 50 m2 \ Total Volume 175 m3 Diameter 8.0 m Depth average 3.5 m
Sludge dewatering
screw-press (1 duty\ 1 standby) Capacity 1-12 m3/h TSS
WWTP Footprint
WWTP Minimum Area required 150 m x 70 m
C.4.1. Plant Hydraulics
239. The plant hydraulics will be studied in the detailed design phase. C.4.2. Design Components
242. In the following paragraphs, there is a short description of the units and some additional 67
information on the design approach and procedure.
C.4.2.1. Inlet and Metering Channel
243. The wastewater arrives in a reception chamber and from it is conveyed to an open channel where the volume is metered. The channel will have a minimum length of 10 meters to allow undisturbed gauging of inflow. The peak flow will be 2,000 m3/h.
C.4.2.2. Pretreatment
244. This stage is composed of mechanical screening and units to remove grit and grease. The screening phase is installed in two open channels interconnected, one in operation and the other in standby. The installation of a coarse screen and a fine screen, both automatic and self- cleaning, is planned in each channel. The inflow for sizing each is 1,475 m3/h. The solid waste will be collected and disposed in an appropriate dump.
245. The grit and grease removal will be carried out in one aerated tank with a total volume of 75 m3.
246. Following the mechanical treatment, an equalization basin to compensate for the daily variation of inflow due to seasonal habits or to unexpected volume of stormwater is planned. The compensation tank has been sized for a volume equal to 20% of the average inflow. i.e.: 2,000 m3.
C.4.2.3. Biological Stage
247. The wastewater treatment is carried out by a biological process where the bacteria remove the contaminants turning them in oxidized sludge flakes.
248. The biological process, where the organic matter is oxidized and turned into settleable sludge by dedicated bacteria, takes place in reactors with anoxic and aerobic condition. Further, the wastewater is conveyed for clarification to two settlers where there is a gravity separation of sludge from water, the clarified water coming from secondary sedimentation is conveyed to filtration (in order to meet the stringent Kazakh standard) and then may be disinfected before it is delivered to the final receiving body (the need of continuous disinfection should be evaluated during the detailed design phase). The sludge coming from the final clarification is recirculated and partially sent for final treatment and disposal.
249. In the Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) process, adopting a low “Sludge Load”, the oxidation of organic matter and nutrients is essentially performed in the wastewater line. It is noted that a low “Sludge Load” process implies long aeration of the mixed liquor in the biological tanks and provides a good stabilization of sludge. Therefore, the process with a low sludge load is also described or named as “Extended Aeration” but in reality, it is simply a particular case of the CAS process.
250. The main treatment units are the denitrification tanks (for the striping of nitrates) working in anoxic condition, the nitrification-oxidation tanks where the degradation of ammonia and the BOD removal take place and the final clarification\sedimentation tanks.
251. From the final clarification tanks, there is a recirculation of sludge (Return Activated Sludge), according to 252. 253.
254. Figure 4, to maintain the active biomass in the reactors, and separation of clarified water. It is 67
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also necessary to provide recirculation of mixed liquor to feed the Nitrification-Denitrification reaction.
255. The supply of oxygen will be provided through a system of fine bubble diffusers. Based on preliminary calculation the amount of air required for the whole process is 12,000 m3/hour, it will be provided by three blowers, two in operation and one in standby. The best operational choice is to provide air by centrifugal blowers with a variable frequency device (VFD) to adapt to real system needs of oxygen (that can be measured by sensors in the reactors).
C.4.2.4. Tertiary treatment
256. The treated water coming from the final clarification will not meet the effluent requirements defined in the national standards, even though the efficiency of the biological process is in the range of 80%- 90%. Therefore, the clarified water will be conveyed to a filtration system able to reduce further the pollution loads in order to comply with existing effluent standards. The removal of Phosphorus by addition of salt of iron or aluminum after the final clarifier can be considered versus the removal with the filtration system.
C.4.2.5. Disinfection
257. Disinfection of treated wastewater can be achieved using UV disinfection or “Chlorite Compounds” like sodium hypochlorite, the first is a physical process and the second is a chemical process.
258. The UV system will consist of two channels that would be capable of providing full duty/standby UV treatment. Each channel would be hydraulically designed to convey the average plant flow of 10,000 m3/d but with the option, in case of exceptional flow, to work together increasing the disinfection capacity up to 20,000 m3/d. The proposed design includes one bank of UV lamps in each channel, the system will have automated mechanical/chemical cleaning, reducing the frequency at which the lamps would require removal for cleaning.
259. The disinfection with “Sodium Hypochlorite”, considering the actual diffusion of COVID-19, may be considered rather than UV disinfection, adopting the same design parameters.
260. The contractor will finalize with KAZCenter the most appropriate option and will study it in the detailed design stage.
C.4.2.6. Sludge Line
261. The excess sludge coming from the final clarification may be considered enough stable even though still in a liquid state. Therefore, it is necessary to thicken and dewater it to provide for disposal.
262. It is considered the construction of one sludge thickener with a volume of 175 m3.
263. Polyelectrolyte will be added to the thickened sludge and then sludge will be compacted by a screw press and then disinfected if considered necessary for final disposal. It is forecasted the installation of two dewatering facilities (one in standby).
264. The final treated sludge, in solid state, in shape of brick and with a dry content of 22% will be delivered to authorized dump. Stepnogorsk municipal waste landfill is located 1 km from the 9th district of Stepnogorsk. As the locals say, a strong objectionable odor of waste is felt in windy weather, particularly in summer. The landfill is not fenced and all types of waste are disposed on 69
it. The landfill is owned by private company “Kurilis MTK” Ltd. As per the obtained information, the landfill is overfilled with waste and cases of self-ignition of waste are also registered. The landfill causes discontent among the local people. Consequently, it is not recommended to dispose sludge on the given landfill.
265. In case of emergency the sludge can be temporarily disposed in the beds of the existing WWTP.
С.5.2.7. Dehydrated Sludge Storage Ground
266. A ground with a canopy and hard surface sized 60x15 m is considered to store mechanically dehydrated sludge. The height of the sludge storage is 1.5m. The sediment is planned to store with a 3 months’ production capacity.
267. The estimated volume of the dehydrated and disinfected sludge with the moisture content of 75% is 6.3 m3/day. The area of the ground needed to store the sludge is 900 m2. The final product, i.e. the dried and bagged sludge, can be used as a fertilizer in agriculture.
268. The given sludge treatment system allows providing mechanical dewatering of the sludge with the subsequent processes of its disinfection and stabilization. Besides, it allows using the sludge as an organic mineral substrate as a fertilizer, after reaching the relevant agreement with the sanitary and epidemiological authorities.
C.4.2.8. Emergency Sludge Grounds
269. Emergency sludge grounds are needed to discharge sludge in case of emergency at a mechanical sludge dewatering shop. Within the scope of the present project, the emergency sludge grounds are envisaged for emergency discharges of sludge in case of emergency at a mechanical dewatering shop, in accordance with the requirements of 4.01-03-2013 Building Standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The needed area of emergency sludge grounds (20%) will be 0.0460 ha. The total area of the existing sludge grounds (2 sludge yards), is 1.1 ha. An emergency discharge of the sludge on the sludge grounds will be done by switching the force main of the pumping station for supplying the compressed sludge.
C 4.2.9. Final Disposal of Treated Effluent
270. The effluents will be delivered through through discharge collector – pipe directly into the Aksu river. The river is classified as Category II20, a water body for cultural and domestic purposes.
C.4.2.10. Reuse of Treated Water
271. A part of the treated water may be reused by the industrial zone as technical water or for irrigation of green spaces. This option should be studied by the contractor and agreed with local Authorities.
20 According to “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for water sources, places of water intake for household and drinking purposes, drinking water supply and places of cultural and domestic water use and safety of water bodies”, approved by Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 18.01.2012 No. 104 69
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C 4.2.11. Potential of Biogas Generation
272. Biogas generation is not in the plan of the GOK.
C.4.2.12. Auxiliary Services
273. The blowers and the main recirculation pumps (for wastewater and sludge) will be located below the ground in appropriate chambers.
274. For emergency reasons, it is planned to install an Electric Generator.
275. The office building will also include a control room, a Laboratory, a storage area and a workshop for urgent maintenance.
C.4.2.13. Automation
276. The process will be monitored and controlled by a SCADA system which will transfer the data and the operation to a control center located in the office.
C.4.3. Layout of the New WWTP 277. Schematic layout of the new WWTP with dimensions 150 x 70 m is shown in the Figure 5 below.
Figure 5: Stepnogorsk – Schematic Layout of the proposed WWTP
C.5. Construction Activities
278. The following is a sequential description of the potential activities associated with the construction of the Project. 71
C.5.1. Land Acquisition
279. The new WWTP is proposed to be constructed within the boundaries of the existing plot containing the existing WWTP and therefore no additional land will be needed.
280. The presented layout drawing (Figure 6) of the WWTP site shows the existing and the proposed new facilities. There is enough space in the lot of the existing WWTP to accommodate the new buildings and structures. Therefore, no additional land is needed for implementing the new WWTP. Since the site of the WWTP is located at the outskirt of the City, there is no potential impact on the planned expansion areas for the City. The closest neighboring residential area is far consequently, there will be no involuntary resettlement.
281. In the eventuality, the detailed final design requires additional land outside the existing boundaries of the WWTP, a resettlement plan (LARP), based on the project’s Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF) and reviewed by ADB, will be required. Civil works will proceed only after the full implementation of the LARP, as certified by a third party.
C.5.2. Access Roads
282. Existing paved and unpaved roads will be used for the initial transportation of materials and equipment from the staging and storage areas to location where they will be needed for WWTP construction site.
283. If any new access roads are required the EPC Contractor shall do what is necessary to make the access suitable for his use and shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid damage, including, if required the erection of temporary fences or gates where permanent fences, hedges or gates have been removed.
284. In addition, during the construction, the dust control measures will be implemented on access roads within 250 m of residential/sensitive receptors.
C.5.3. Methods to accomplish main works
285. Before the construction of the main facilities, there comes a mobilization phase with the aim to provide the conditions for the successful implementation of the construction works. The following works will be accomplished at the mobilization phase:
- The works related to the development of the construction site; - The works to equip the park of construction machinery and vehicles; - Preparation for the construction site, and - Construction of temporary buildings and structures and temporary and permanent roads.
C.5.4. Earthworks
286. In the mobilization phase, before the excavation of the pits, the following works must be performed:
- Break-down of the pits by fixing their axes and sizes to the batter boards; - Layout of the territory and equipment to drain surface and ground waters from the construction ground. - Moving underground and above-ground utilities.
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287. After planning the bottom of the pit, it is necessary to compact the upper loosened soil layer with D220 rollers, to tamp gravel d=40=100 mm, with the thickness of 100 mm, with bitumen impregnation to complete saturation. Soil compaction near the foundations and placing it under the floors using manual pneumatic ramming.
C.5.5. Concrete works (Monolithic foundations, frames of buildings)
288. The following preparatory works are necessary to performe before the main works to provide the monolithic foundations:
1. Delivery and storage of falsework; 2. Procurement of reinforcing nets and frames. 3. Break-down of the foundations.
289. All concrete and reinforced concrete structures located in the ground must be made of concrete on sulfate-resistant cements, waterproof grade W-6.
290. The surface of concrete and reinforced concrete structures in contact with the ground must be painted with 3 layers of hot bituminous cement. When concreting the foundations, the concrete mixture will be laid in layers of 20-30 cm and they must not exceed 1.25 of the length of the working section of the vibrator.
291. The complex process to produce monolithic reinforced concrete structures consists of the following processes:
• Installation of formwork and scaffolding; • Installation of reinforcement; • Placement of concrete mixture in the structure; • Concrete curing; • Form stripping.
292. For concreting wall structures, columns and coatings, an inventory movable panel formwork, with its parts connected with bolts will be used. The formwork will be delivered to the installation site with a crane. After the concreting of structures is over and the concrete is duly cured to the required strength, the formwork is disassembled and moved with a crane to the new sites. The formwork must be lubricated or watered before the placement of concrete.
293. The concrete must be delivered to the site of its placement with a concrete pump with the capacity of (3=51 m'/hour ensuring not overloaded and continuous supply of the concrete mix.
294. The concrete mix must be placed in the columns with their height exceeding 5 m directly from the top, for the entire height of the columns. If there are overlapping clamps in the reinforcing cage, the concrete mixture must be placed through the windows provided in the formwork in every 1.5- 2 m for the height.
295. Every next layer of the concrete mixture must be placed before the setting of concrete of the previous layer. The duration of the interval between placing adjoining layers of the concrete mixture without the formation of a construction joint is determined by the construction laboratory. Reinforcing frames must be made on the reinforcement square of the construction site and the preformed frames must be delivered to the operation zone of the tower crane with a truck crane.
296. Welding of valves on their assembly site will be performed with mobile welding machines ПС-300 and transformers, type CTП-450. 73
C.5.6. Construction Equipment
297. Table 26 provides indicative lists of the key equipment required in the construction phase.
Table 26: Key Equipment
Machines and mechanisms Total demand, No. pcs. 1 Motor grader of a medium type, 99 kW 1
2 Truck-mounted cranes, 10 t 2 3 Crawler cranes for the construction of trunk pipelines, 25 t 1 4 Bulldozers, 79 kW 1 5 Crawler tractors, 79 kW 1
6 Single-bucket diesel excavators with pneumatic wheels 0,25 m3 1 7 Binder distributor, up to 7000 l 1 Trailed road rollers on pneumatic wheels, 25 t 1
9 Plain self-propelled road-rollers, 8 t 1 10 Plain self-propelled road-rollers, 13 t 1 11 Plain self-propelled road-rollers, 18 t 1 12 self-propelled road-rollers with pneumatic wheels, 16 t 1 13 Watering machines, 6000 l 1 14 Asphalt pavers 1
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D. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
298. During Project preparation, three alternatives for Project components were proposed, screened, and studied against technical, economic, social, and environmental criteria. The primary objective with respect to the environmental criteria was to identify and adopt options with the least adverse environmental impacts and maximum environmental benefits. The following key environmental factors were used in comparing alternatives: (i) impact on air quality; (ii) noise; (iii) impact on soil; (iv) impact on surface water; (v) impact on biodiversity and ecological integrity; (vi) landscape and visual impact; and (vii) socio-economic impact.
299. The alternatives considered for the proposed Project include: i) ‘No Project’ Alternative, ii) Technical alternatives for construction of new wastewater treatment plant facilities of Stepnogorsk city, and iii) Alternative camp site(s).
D.1. ‘No Project’ Alternative
300. The ‘No Action’ Alternative addresses the likely consequences of not undertaking the proposed action. While it has no environmental and social impacts resulting from reconstruction works, the failure to develop sewage treatment plant of Stepnogorsk city would result in the continued deterioration of the sewage system, thereby impeding the socio-economic development of the Project area and the region.
301. The technical condition of the existing WWTP is generally unsatisfactory. Due to deteriorated concrete structures and outworn mechanical equipment, most of the facilities of the plant have to be rehabilitated or replaced. Moreover, the effluent quality does not comply with the national effluent standards. Therefore, it is recommended to construct a new plant next to the existing one.
302. The implementation of the project and normal operation of treatment facility will significantly eliminate the poor sanitary condition and improve the quality of life of residents of the City of Stepnoogorsk as well as raise the standards of both individual and public health. Therefore, it can be determined that the ‘No Action’ alternative is not a reasonable option if the environmental and overall socioeconomic situation in the region is to be improved. In view of the above, the ‘no project’ option is not a preferred alternative.
D.2.Technical Options for New WWTP
303. The evaluation of the most appropriate technological process for a new treatment plant is done in two sequential steps. In the first stage, the technological processes that are suitable and efficient for the climatic conditions and for the type of wastewater are screened, and the retained processes are described.
304. In the second stage, the different options are evaluated based on cost and other relevant key parameters through a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA).
305. Conceptual design of the final identified process is described in Section C.
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D.2.1. Wastewater treatment technologies
306. Based on international practice and experience in wastewater treatment there is a preference for simple and effective technologies that are easy to manage, with proved efficiency and flexible enough to withstand changes in loads and in temperature due to severe climate conditions as in Stepnagorsk (long and cold winter).
307. The basic screening criteria for the selection of different processes are: • Compliance with wastewater effluent Standards • Proven wastewater treatment technology • Reliable performance of the processes. • Possibilities for reuse of effluent and energy recovery options (“green technology”) • Must have the scope of modular expansions in time. • Must include sludge management and reuse options of dewatered sludge.
308. The considered processes are reported in the Table 27 below.
Table 27: Overview of Wastewater treatment process considered # Process Process Technique name 1 CAS Conventional Activated Sludge 2 SBR Sequence Batch Reactor 4 MBR Membrane Bio-Reactor technology 3 MBBR Moving Bed Bio-filter Reactor 5 Other technologies
309. These technological processes are described in Paragraphs Error! Reference source not f ound. below and then evaluated against a set of criteria to identify the most appropriate solution in terms of cost, efficiency, and manageability.
D.2.2. Wastewater treatment processes
310. Wastewater treatment can be categorized into three stages, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary 21. (also considered ‘advanced’ wastewater treatment).
311. As wastewater enters the treatment plant, it is screened to remove large objects and a grit removal system isolates inert particles especially sand, additionally, oil and fats are separated. This is called Preliminary Treatment, which is used to remove settleable organic solids.
312. In Secondary treatment, organics are removed whether colloidal or soluble.
313. Tertiary treatment refers often to nitrogen or phosphorus removal, or both, whilst advanced wastewater treatment usually further refers to required disinfection and additional removal of solids often to be used for water reuse.
21 Metcalf & Eddy – Wastewater Engineering – McGraw Hill 75
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314. It is important to understand the specific elements of all these technologies to compare the options related to the local circumstances and to recognize that some processes can be combined to get to more efficient results.
315. The following paragraphs describe the most common technologies used for wastewater treatment as selected in Table 25 and already in operation worldwide.
D.2.3 Conventional Activated Sludge Process
316. The activated sludge is a family of processes for treating domestic or industrial wastewaters using aeration and a biological mixture composed of bacteria and protozoa. The activated sludge (AS) group of processes also include the plug flow and the complete mix, which differ essentially for the type of flux in the aeration tank (i.e.: plug-flow or stirred). Within this report, we consider the complete mixed flow in the aeration tank, that for easier classification, is named Conventional Activated Sludge Process (CAS).
317. The CAS processes are regulated by several parameters, the most common being the “Food to microorganism ratio” (F/M) or sludge load and the “Mean Cell Residence Time” or sludge age. Assuming different parameters in design lead to different types of activated sludge process. In particular, the CAS can be sized with low sludge load, medium sludge load, and high sludge load. Usually, the process with low sludge load is defined “extended aeration” process because requires a long aeration time and on the other hand provide a good stabilization of the excess sludge.
318. The biological process can be used for one or several of the following purposes: • oxidizing carbonaceous biological matter, • oxidizing nitrogenous matter: mainly ammonium and nitrogen in biological matter, • removing nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
319. The process takes advantage of aerobic micro-organisms that can digest organic matter in sewage, and clump together (by flocculation) as they do so. It thereby produces a liquid that is relatively free from suspended solids and organic material and flocculated particles that will readily settle out and can be removed.
320. The general plan of an activated sludge process for removing carbonaceous pollution includes the following items:
• Aeration tank where the air is injected in the mixed liquor and where oxidation takes place. • Settling tank (secondary settling tank) to allow the biological flocs to settle, thus separating the biological sludge from the clear treated water.
Figure 6: The basic flow scheme of the CAS 77
321. The excess sludge coming from secondary sedimentation is removed from the treatment process to keep the ratio of biomass to food supplied in the wastewater (F/M) in balance. This sewage sludge is usually mixed with primary sludge from the primary clarifiers and undergoes further sludge treatment if not yet stable, for example by aerobic or anaerobic digestion, followed by thickening, dewatering, composting and land application.
322. Treatment of nitrogenous matter and\or phosphate involves additional steps where the mixed liquor is left in the anoxic condition in an additional tank
323. The amount of sewage sludge produced from the activated sludge process is directly proportional to the amount of wastewater treated. The total sludge production consists of the sum of primary sludge from the primary sedimentation tanks as well as waste activated sludge from the bioreactors.
D.2.4. SBR - Sequencing Batch Reactor
324. All processes in the activated sludge system take place in a single reactor. Whilst processes for the SBR and CAS are identical in principle, the fill and draw configuration of the SBR enables the mixed liquor to remain in the reactor during all cycles. This eliminates the need for separate secondary sedimentation tanks and therefore less land is required.
325. The 5-phase operation sequence in a SBR consists of:1) fill, (2) react (aeration), (3) settle (sedimentation/clarification), (4) draw (decant of supernatant), and (5) idle.
326. During the treatment process, sludge wasting typically occurs during the settlement or idle phases, thus eliminating the need for return sludge. Multiple reactors are used to ensure an over- all continuous process.
327. During the reaction type, oxygen is added by an aeration system. During this phase, bacteria oxidize the organic matter just as in activated sludge systems. Thereafter, aeration is stopped to allow the sludge to settle. In the next step, the water and the sludge are separated by decantation and the clear layer (supernatant) is discharged from the reaction chamber. Depending on the rate of sludge production, some sludge may also be purged. After a phase of idle, the tank is filled with a new batch of wastewater. At least two tanks are needed for the batch mode of operation as continuous influent needs to be stored during the operation phase.
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328. SBRs are suited to lower flows because the size of each tank is determined by the volume of wastewater produced during the treatment period in the other tank.
329. An SBR requires less space than a CAS and is less expensive to build as there is no need for a clarifier. The system is essentially a batch process and effluent quality can be less consistent than a continuous process like CAS. However, the SBR system is not appropriate to treat large volumes of wastewater.
D.2.5. MBR - Membrane bioreactor
330. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is the combination of a membrane process like microfiltration or ultrafiltration with a biological wastewater treatment process, the activated sludge process. It is used for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
331. When used with domestic wastewater, MBR processes can produce effluent of high quality enough to be discharged to a coastal, surface or brackish waterway or to be reclaimed for urban irrigation. Other advantages of MBRs over conventional processes include small footprint, easy retrofit, and upgrade of old wastewater treatment plants.
332. It is possible to operate MBR processes at higher mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations compared to conventional settlement separation systems, thus reducing the reactor volume to achieve the same loading rate.
333. Two MBR configurations exist: internal/submerged, where the membranes are immersed into the biological reactor; and external/sidestream, where membranes are a separate unit process requiring an intermediate pumping step.
334. Recent technical innovation and significant membrane cost reduction have enabled MBRs to become an established process option to treat wastewaters. As a result, the MBR process has now become an attractive option for the treatment and reuse of industrial and municipal wastewaters, as evidenced by their constantly rising numbers and capacity.
Figure 7: Schematic of conventional activated sludge process (top) and external (sidestream) membrane bioreactor (bottom) – from Wikipedia
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D.2.6. MBBR - Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor
335. Moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) is a biological technology based on activated sludge, suitable for municipal and industrial applications.
336. It uses a combination of activated sludge process i.e. suspended growth and biofilter i.e. attached growth. It uses the entire tank volume for biomass growth by implementing the carriers for attached growth of biofilm. Movement of carriers is enabled by air bubbles through agitation. The reactor can be in any shape and support different loads depending on carrier filling.
337. The technology is used to treat organic substances, nitrification, and denitrification. The sludge is collected on the plastic carriers which have a large internal surface area. The surface area in the carriers optimizes the contact of water, air, and the bacteria. The process is carried out in different stages in individual tanks separated by screens to ensure that bacteria remain in their specific tank.
338. Aeration tank: The tank is similar to an activated sludge tank. The aeration is used to keep in motion the activated sludge and carriers. The MBBR system separates the excess bacteria and sludge which are directed to the final separator.
339. Special plastic carriers: They provide a surface for biofilm growth. Carrier materials are made of materials with a density close to that of water, for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These carriers are moved into the tank through the aeration system. This ensures good contact between the wastewater and the biomass on the carriers.
340. The Figure 8 below shows the flow scheme of MBBR.
Figure 8: MBBR flow scheme
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D.2.7. Other technologies 341. There are many other technologies developed by different constructors in order to fulfill the requirements for outflows. They are mainly based on biological or chemical treatments and there is no reason to describe all of them in this report.
D.2.8. Summary of main features 342. The main features (advantages and disadvantages) of the processes considered and described above are summarized in the Table 28 below.
Table 28: Overview comparison of sewage treatment process configurations
# WWTP Process Process Advantages Potential Operating Challenges
o Reasonable capital cost o Sensitive to industrial pollution o Known and effective o Requires diff. air or surface process aerators o Adequate for low o Medium skill level for temperatures management o BOD, SS & N+P removal o High sludge production Conventional o High efficiency o Medium OPEX Activated Sludge 1b o Acceptable efficiency also (CAS) for low temperatures Complete Mixed o Adequate to treat large volumes o Doesn’t need primary treatment o Little odor o Easy to manage &control
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# WWTP Process Process Advantages Potential Operating Challenges
o Simple process o Adequate for small plants o BOD & nitrification o Sensitive to industrial o Natural denitrification o Can be poor settling o Doesn’t need primary o Medium skill level Sequencing o Everything in one tank o Requires diff. air or surface 2 Batch Reactor o Flow balancing needs aerators (SBR) minimal o Control required for aeration o Can support primary and sequencing sludge digestion o Minimum two reactors
o Flow balancing before Cl2 o High sludge production
o Small footprint o Membrane are expensive – o BOD & nitrification High CAPEX o Doesn’t need primary and o High operational cost - OPEX secondary sedimentation o Process patented – no RAS o Very high aeration o Coarse aeration requirements and low o Good process efficiency energetic efficiency (use of more power) o Dual aeration system for mixing and to prevent fouling o Time-consuming membrane cleaning procedure Membrane Bio 3 o Extra power requirements for Reactor (MBR) vacuum on the microfilter o Waste activated sludge is not thickened – o Large volume of sludge to process o Broken membranes result in low effluent quality o Separate reactors for nitrification and denitrification o High skill level for good management o Sensitive to low temperature
o Medium OPEX o Packing expensive – High Moving Bed Bio o Simple process Capex 4. Reactor o Small footprint o Process patented (MBBR) o Suitable for high pollution o High skill level load o Foaming can be a problem 81
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# WWTP Process Process Advantages Potential Operating Challenges o Separate reactors for o BOD & nitrification nitrification and denitrification o Doesn’t need primary o Solids can be difficult to settle sedimentation o Change of media after some o Extension and expansion time are easy. o Odor problems may occur. o Slightly affected by toxic o High skill operators required shock o Biofilm carriers need special o High effectiveness of attention esp. when other sludge retention time (industrial/chemical) (SRT) which enhances wastewater enters the plant the nitrification process o Production of sludge is low
D.2.9. Selection of Technologies and Multi-Criteria Analysis
343. The selection of the most appropriate technology and process, among the ones identified in the first stage, is carried out with a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), based on key parameters. For every considered process (CAS, SBR, MBR, MBBR) a score to the parameters is assigned in the range 1-10 as explained below. The key parameters considered are the following (Table 29).
Table 29: Multi-Criteria Analysis Capital cost - CAPEX: Lowest investment gets 10 points, all other technologies are related to the lowest investment Operational cost -OPEX: Lowest operational costs get 10 points, all other technologies are related to this lowest operational cost. Experience: Experience of operation of similar wastewater treatment technologies elsewhere in Kazakhstan, and in consideration of a potential adoption by other urban communities in the country. The positive experience gets 10 points, other experiences are scored consequently. Environmental: Minimal expected problems related to technology gets 10 points Discharge quality: Technology with best results to comply with discharge standards gets 10 points, techniques less adaptable to load changes receive lower points Land requirement: Approximate land requirement and a possibility to be accommodated within the footprint of the existing plant (hence avoiding land acquisition and resettlement issues); Smallest land occupied gets 10 points, all other technologies are related to this lowest land occupation 83
System complexity: Simple process technique gets 10 points, more complex fewer points Easiness of operation: Easiest operation procedure gets 10 points, more complex fewer points
Suitability to cold The more adaptable process to cold climate gets 10 climate: points, the “stiffer” fewer points Flows and loads The easier to adapt to flow changes and /or load resilience: changes result in a higher score starting from 10. Recycle and reuse: The more residuals can be recycled or reused (e.g. water effluent reuse, treated sludge), the higher the score starting from 10.
344. Considering that each parameter has different importance on the selection of the process a weighting factor is proposed and applied, the sum of all weight factors is 100.
345. The score related to each parameter and its corresponding weighting factor is proposed by the Experts, based on their experience and international practice.
346. In the MCA the parameter’s score and the weighting factors are combined to calculate a total score for each considered technology. The best option is identified by the highest final score.
347. CAPEX and OPEX are important parameters for the selection criteria and each has a weighting factor of 15.
348. Experience for similar technology in the region is a key parameter too, the weight factor is 15.
349. Possible environmental problems related to technology are weighted 10.
350. The system configuration and the easiness of operation have a significant influence of the selection, and thus have both a weighting factor of 8.
351. The ability to comply with the discharge standards 5, the flow and load resilience capabilities of the treatment process 10.
352. The ability to work satisfactorily in a cold climate is estimated with a weight factor 7.
353. Land availability is not an issue, anyway, it would be more convenient if the new WWTP (minimum estimated area = 1.30 ha) may be located in the existing lot, the weight factor is 2.
354. The parameter recycling and reuse was given a weighting factor of 5.
355. To identify a score for the CAPEX and OPEX it is necessary to understand the cost of the different processes. Therefore, based on international best practice and experience in wastewater treatment technologies in cold and temperate climates, a parametric table for the capital cost (CAPEX) and operational cost (OPEX) for different wastewater treatment technologies presented in the table below.
356. The CAPEX for the CAS was estimated by the Consultant at US$ 15.7 million while the estimation of the cost for the other technologies is based on coefficients, deriving from international best practices in similar countries. The estimation of the operational cost (OPEX) is calculated by coefficients.
357. It should be noted that this only concerns the process technologies and not include additional 83
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works (like roads, workshops, pump stations, etc.). It is noted that these costs and parameters are only used for comparison and ranking purposes.
Table 30: Treatment Technologies related estimated costs: for comparisons reasons only
# Treatment Process Land Area Land Area CAPEX OPEX/yr Configuration (ha/1000m3 (m US$) Range (ha.) ) (CAS = 1)
1. Conventional Activated ~ 0.13 ~ 2.6 ~ 15.68 ~ 1.00 Sludge (CAS)
2. Sequencing Batch ~ 0.18 ~ 3.6 ~ 14.37 ~ 1.05 Reactor (SBR) 3. Membrane Bio Reactor ~ 0.07 ~ 1.4 ~ 19.60 ~ 1.40 (MBR) 4. Moving Bed Bio Reactor ~ 0.11 ~ 2.2 ~ 15.68 ~ 1.10 (MBBR) 358. The result of MCA is presented in 85
359. .
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Table 31: Multi-Criteria Analysis – Selection of WWTP Technology
Wastewater Treatment Plant Scoring for Different Process Technologies
CAS SBR MBR MBBR Stepnagorsk Conventional Sequential Membrane Moving Bed Activated Batch Reactor Bio-Reactor Bio Reactor sludge Selected Multi-Criteria Analysis weighting factor 1 CAPEX 15 9.4 10.0 7.5 9.4 2 OPEX 15 10.0 9.6 6.9 9.2 3 Experience in the region 15 10.0 7.0 8.0 7.0 4 Environment 10 10 10 10 10 5 Discharge quality 5 9.8 9.8 10 10 6 Land requirement 2 8 9 10 8 7 System complexity 8 9 9 8 8 8 Easiness of operation 8 9 9 8 8 9 Use in cold climate 7 10 9 8.5 8.5 10 Flows & Loads resilience 10 9 8 9.5 8 11 Recycle 5 8 8 9 7
Individual Score 950 893 834 853
HIGHEST SCORE 950 CAS – Conventional Activated sludge
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D.2.9. Conclusions on preferred technology
360. The Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) technology has the highest score, this is due to reasonable costs, to the fact that it is already used in the region and its operation is likely to generate a lower impact on the environment while complying with the effluent standard of Kazakhstan. Also, the system is already used in cold climates and shows good resilience to loads variation. The effluent may be reused, and the sludges may be intended for agricultural purposes.
361. Therefore, referring to the result of the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), the recommended technology is the “Conventional Activated Sludge” system.
362. It is noted that also KazCenter proposed the same technology.
D.3. Alternative Construction Camp(s)
363. The locations of construction camp(s) are not currently known. The EPC Contractor will choose the sites which will need to follow the guidelines for siting and permitting as outlined in this IEE, including consultations with local residents. Employment of local labor force will reduce the need for a large construction camp size.
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E. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRNMENT (BASELINE DATA)
E.1 Introduction
364. This section of the report discusses the existing environmental and social conditions within the Project area under the following headings:
• Physical Resources (climate and air quality, topography, geology and soils, hydrology, etc.); • Ecological Resources (flora, fauna, protected areas); • Economic Resources (infrastructure, land use, etc.); • Social and Cultural Resources (health, education, noise, cultural resources, etc.)
365. The potential impacts of the Project on its surrounding physical and biological environments include air and water quality impacts, noise generation, land transformation and changes to soil. These are expected to reduce with the increased distance from the Project facilities, affecting more the areas located closer, up to one kilometer, to the Project facilitities. For this, a study area of one kilometer around the site was delineated, to assess the baseline conditions in the areas likely to be affected by the Project due to its proximity to the Project site. This is referred to as the Project Area in this report. The Project area selected for the IEE includes sensitive receptors22 that are most likely to be impacted by the Project’s development activities.
E.2 Physical Resources
E.2.1 Climate and Air Quality
E.2.1.1. Climate
Temperature 366. The city of Stepnogorsk is located in the north of Kazakhstan, in the Akkol district of Akmola region on the left bank of the river Seleti in the northern part of Saryark. 367. The climate of the region is steppe continental and temperature with average of +40.0 C in the summer and -10.0 C in the winter, essentially there are only two seasons. 368. The warm season in Stepnogorsk lasts for 3.9 months, from May 14 to September 11, with an average daily high temperature above 18.3°C. The hottest day of the year is July 1, with an average high of 26.1°C and low of 13.3°C. 369. The cold season lasts for 3.8 months, from November 20 to March 12, with an average daily high temperature below -4.4°C. The coldest day of the year is February 7, with an average low of -21.7°c and high of 12°C. The average high and low temperature of the city is given
22Sensitive receptors include, but are not limited to flora and fauna within and near the project area, along the access roads and camp site), river Aksu and ichtiophauna, population living along the access roads, surface water, soil. These are areas which are more susceptible to the adverse effects of an anthropogenic activity such as noise, air emissions, traffic influx, and privacy issue.
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in Figure 9. Figure 9: Average High and Low Temperature
Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive Clouds 370. In Stepnogorsk, the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. 371. The clearer part of the year in Stepnogorsk begins around April 2 and lasts for 6.3 months, ending around October 11. On July 31, the clearest day of the year, the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 66% of the time, and overcast or mostly cloudy 34% of the time. 372. The cloudier part of the year begins around October 11 and lasts for 5.7 months, ending around April 2. On January 24, the cloudiest day of the year, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 79% of the time, and clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 21% of the time. Cloud cover categories are shown on Figure 10 below. Figure 10: Cloud Cover Categories
Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive Precipitation 373. A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. The chance of wet days in Stepnogorsk varies throughout the year. 374. The wetter season lasts 3.8 months, from April 24 to August 18, with a greater than 15% chance of a given day being a wet day. The chance of a wet day peaks at 24% on July 13. 89
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375. The drier season lasts 8.2 months, from August 18 to April 24. The smallest chance of a wet day is 5% on January 31. 376. Among wet days, we distinguish between those that experience rain alone, snow alone, or a mixture of the two. Based on this categorization, the most common form of precipitation in Stepnogorsk changes throughout the year. 377. Rain alone is the most common for 7.4 months, from March 28 to November 7. The highest chance of a day with rain alone is 24% on July 13. 378. Snow alone is the most common for 4.6 months, from November 7 to March 28. The highest chance of a day with snow alone is 8% on December 13. Daily chance of precipitation is shown in Figure 11. Figure 11: Daily Chance of Precipitation
Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive Rainfall 379. To show variation within the months and not just the monthly totals, we show the rainfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day period centered around each day of the year. Stepnogorsk experiences some seasonal variation in monthly rainfall. 380. The rainy period of the year lasts for 5.8 months, from April 20 to October 12, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 1.25 cm. The most rain falls during the 31 days centered around July 14, with an average total accumulation of 3.7 cm. 381. The rainless period of the year lasts for 6.2 months, from October 12 to April 20. The least rain falls around February 1, with an average total accumulation of 0.0 cm. Average monthly rainfall is given in Figure 12.
Figure 12: Average Monthly Rainfall 91
Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive
Snowfall 382. Snowfall is reported in liquid-equivalent terms. The actual depth of new snowfall is typically between 5 and 10 times the liquid-equivalent amount, assuming the ground is frozen. Colder, drier snow tends to be on the higher end of that range and warmer, wetter snow on the lower end. 383. As with rainfall, we consider the snowfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day period centered around each day of the year. Stepnogorsk experiences some seasonal variation in monthly liquid-equivalent snowfall. 384. The snowy period of the year lasts for 6.4 months, from October 15 to April 28, with a sliding 31-day liquid-equivalent snowfall of at least 0.25 cm. The most snow falls during the 31 days centered around November 29, with an average total liquid-equivalent accumulation of 0.8 cm. 385. The snowless period of the year lasts for 5.6 months, from April 28 to October 15. The least snow falls around July 19, with an average total liquid-equivalent accumulation of 0.0 cm. Average Liquid-Equivalent Monthly Snowfall is given on Figure 13.
Figure 13: Average Liquid-Equivalent Monthly Snowfall
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Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive Humidity 386. The humidity comfort level is based on the dew point, as it determines whether perspiration will evaporate from the skin, thereby cooling the body. Lower dew points feel drier and higher dew points feel more humid. Unlike temperature, which typically varies significantly between night and day, dew point tends to change more slowly, so while the temperature may drop at night, a muggy day is typically followed by a muggy night. 387. The perceived humidity level in Stepnogorsk, as measured by the percentage of time in which the humidity comfort level is muggy, oppressive, or miserable, does not vary significantly over the course of the year, staying within 1% of 1% throughout. Humidity comfort levels are shown on Figure 14. Figure 14: Humidity Comfort Levels
Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive
Wind 388. This section discusses the wide-area hourly average wind vector (speed and direction) at 10 meters above the ground. The wind experienced at any given location is highly dependent on local topography and other factors, and instantaneous wind speed and direction vary more widely than hourly averages. 93
389. The average hourly wind speed in Stepnogorsk experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. 390. The windier part of the year lasts for 6.6 months, from October 15 to May 4, with average wind speeds of more than 18.1 km per hour. The windiest day of the year is December 15, with an average hourly wind speed of 22.2 km per hour. 391. The calmer time of year lasts for 5.4 months, from May 4 to October 15. The calmest day of the year is July 31, with an average hourly wind speed of 14.2 km per hour. See average wind speed on Figure 15 below. Figure 15: Average Wind Speed
Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive
392. The predominant average hourly wind direction in Stepnogorsk varies throughout the year. 393. The wind is most often from the north for 2.1 months, from June 13 to August 15, with a peak percentage of 42% on July 25. The wind is most often from the west for 9.9 months, from August 15 to June 13, with a peak percentage of 53% on January 1. Wind direction is shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16: Wind Direction
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Sourcee: Stepnogorsk airport weather archive
E.2.1.1. Air Quality
394. To obtain the baseline information on air quality in the city of Stepnogorsk and project area, secondary data from permanent air quality measurement stations were used provided by the Department of Environmental Monitoring of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan23.
395. The observations over the atmospheric air quality on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan were accomplished at 140 posts of observation in 45 settled areas of the Republic, including 58 fixed stations, including the ones in the city of Stepnogorsk.
396. In 2019, high levels of pollution were fixed in the following cities: Nur-Sultan, Karaganda, Temirtau, Atyrau, Aktobe, Balkhash, Ust'-Kamenogorsk, Zhezkazgan, Almaty; extremely high levels of pollution were fixed in the cities of Atbasar, Aktau, Kul'sary, Semey, Taraz, Karatau, Shu, Shymkent, Turkestan, Kentau and in the village of Korday; Low levels of pollution were fixed in Kokshetau, Stepnogorsk, and in other cities.
397. High levels of air pollution in the settlements with such pollutants as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, suspended solids, phenol and ammonia is caused by:
• congestion of roads with motor transport; • dispersion of emissions from industrial enterprises; • low ventilation of the atmosphere in the settled areas.
E.2.1.2 The state of air pollution in the city of Stepnogorsk
398. There is one fixed observation station operating in the city of Stepnogorsk to monitor the atmospheric air quality in the Region (Table 32).
399. The locations of the observation stations and the calculated admixtures are given in Table
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Table 32. Locations of the observation stations and the calculated admixtures Station no. Term of Observatio Station Calculated admixtures sampling n address Every 20 Ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, 1 minutes Non-stop Micro-district sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, №1 carbon monoxide, ozone (ground-level)
Figure. 17: Layout of a fixed network to monitor the atmospheric air pollution in the city of Stepnogorsk
400. General assessment of the atmospheric air pollution in the city of Stepnogorsk. As the fixed network observation data suggest, (Fig.19), the level of atmospheric air pollution of the city in 2019 was described as low. It was determined by the value of the atmospheric pollution index (API)24 = 1 (low level); standard index (SI)25 is 1.1 (low level) and the highest repeatability (HR) = 0% (low level).
401. The average concentrations of pollutants did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). The maximum single-time concentrations of sulfur dioxide were 1.1 MPC and the concentrations of other pollutants did not exceed MPC.
402. The cases of high pollution (HP) and extremely high pollution (EHP) of the atmospheric air in the city of Stepnagorsk were not identified.
403. Baseline monitoring for air quality will be conducted in the project area during detailed design and will be reflected in the final updated IEE and EMP.
24 Atmospheric pollution index (API) is the indicator of the atmospheric pollution. It is calculated by using the mean values of concentrations of various pollutants, divided by MPC and reduced to the harmfulness of sulfur dioxide. 25 Standard Index (IS) is a the highest measured single concentration in the city of any pollutant divided by MPC. 95
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E.2.2 Climate Change E.2.2.1 Introduction
404. Kazakhstan, an upper-middle-income country, holds vast natural resources and is Central Asia’s largest economy. As the region’s leading wheat producer and exporter, Kazakhstan’s wheat production plays a central role in Central Asian food security. Sustaining agricultural productivity is increasingly challenged by climate change trends of altered precipitation patterns and growing seasons and increased risk from pests and diseases. Wheat production is primarily rainfed and vulnerable to increasing weather variability, as demonstrated by losses due to both drought and unseasonable rainfall in recent years. Agriculture accounts for 5 percent of GDP and employs 25 percent of the population. The country is subject to natural disasters, including droughts, heat waves, floods, mudflows and landslides that are already responsible for land degradation, infrastructure damage and loss of life. Climate trends are expected to exacerbate these impacts; for example, a 2–3°С temperature increase will diminish vegetation cover, which combined with increasing heavy precipitation events and glacial melt is estimated to increase mudflow occurrence tenfold. Mudflows already threaten 156 towns and cities, including Almaty (Kazakhstan’s largest city). Central Asia’s water resources are expected to decline after mid-century, amplifying the challenge of accommodating competing water demands among the region’s countries and water-intensive sectors (agriculture, hydropower, etc.).
405. Projected changes include the following projections by 2050 indicate26: • Increased average annual temperature by 2.1– 2.6°C. • Expansion of drought zone to north and center. • Decrease in number of frost and “cold” days. • Increase in annual average precipitation by 0.8– 15.0 percent; greatest increases December– March and a decrease July–September. • Increase in precipitation intensity and storm severity. • Increase in extreme events (heat waves, droughts, floods, landslides, mudflows). • Reduced glacier mass; potential loss of half of the total current glacier volume of the Tien Shan.
E.2.2.2. Water Sector
406. Water resources are critical for agriculture and power generation in Kazakhstan; irrigation accounts for 90 percent of national water consumption while hydropower produces 13 percent of the country’s electricity. Glacial melt is an important contributor to river flow during summer months, particularly in the south. Higher temperatures will increase glacial melt in the medium term, changing river flows and increasing flood risk. Glacial loss will diminish the flow of mountain rivers by mid-century, threatening a water supply important for irrigation and food security. Heavy precipitation leading to increased flooding threatens to wash industrial, agricultural and mining pollutants into water sources, diminishing water quality. Domestic water resources, mainly surface water, are susceptible to warming and drying, trends particularly significant for the rivers flowing into the Lake Balkhash basin, one of the largest and most densely populated areas.
407. Predicted climate change may result: (i) Increased temperatures; (ii) Decreased summer precipitation and increased incidence of drought; and (iii) Increased frequency of intense precipitation. Which in turn affects the environment and as a result: (i) Reduced wheat yields
26Climate Change Profile Kazakhstan - Fact Sheet. 2018 USAID. 97
due to shifting agriculture zones and crop land degradation related to reduced soil moisture, heat stress and drought; (ii) Increased variability of wheat production due to drought; (iii) Increased incidence of pests and diseases, such as Hessian fly and wheat rust; and (iv) Reduced pasture productivity related to heat stress and increased flood and mudflow.
E.2.2.3. GHG Emissions from Wastewater
408. Worldwide CH4 from wastewater accounted for more than 523 MtCO2 equivalent in 2000. Wastewater is the fifth largest source of anthropogenic CH4 emissions, contributing approximately 9% of total global CH4 emissions in 2000. Global CH4 emissions from wastewater grow by approximately 20 % between 2005 and 2020. Wastewater is also a significant source of nitrous oxide (N2O). Worldwide, N2O emissions from wastewater accounted for approximately 91 MtCO2 equivalent in 2000. Wastewater as a source is the sixth largest contributor to N2O emissions, accounting for approximately 3% of N2O emissions from all sources.
409. Methane emitted during wastewater transport, treatment, and disposal, including from wastewater sludge, amounts to 3 to 19% of global anthropogenic methane emissions27. Globally, the major sources of greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O), are human sewage wastewater treatment28. Methane emissions from wastewater are expected to increase by about 50 % in the next few decades and N2O emissions by 25%. Thus, one of the most direct ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is through improvements in the collection and management of urban wastewaters, using technologies most appropriate to the economies and settings involved (IPCC 2007). Technologies already exist for reducing, and perhaps reversing, these emissions growth rates. To estimate the GHG emissions of the WWTPs in a comparable way, the considered emissions have to be listed29:
1. CO2 and N2O emissions at biotreatment, endogenous respiration, and BOD oxidation; 2. Nitrification CO2 credit and nitrogen removal; 3. Energy use of the plant, for aeration, mixing and pumping, which leads to CO2 emissions; 4. Sludge digestion, biogas CH4, and CO2; 5. Sludge disposal, truck emissions trip to reuse/disposal site, CO2 emissions mineralization; 6. Power credit by use of biogas; 7. GHG emissions from chemical use. 410. Methane (CH4) production is a direct result of anaerobic decomposition of the organic matter currently in sewers. The methanogenesis or CH4 production rate depends primarily on the concentration of the degradable organic material in wastewater measured by biochemical 30 oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) .
411. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) production are associated with the breakdown of nitrogen components common in wastewater, e.g. protein and urea. Biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes have the ability to transform the ammonia and organic nitrogen
27Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (1996) IPCC guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories: reference manual. National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, pp 6–15 28Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2007) Climate change 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the fourth assessment report of the IPCC. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 29Snip L (2010) Quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions of wastewater treatment plants. Thesis Systems and Control. Wageningen University, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen, The Netherlands
30 Guisasola A, de Haas D, Keller J, Yuan Z (2008) Methane formation in sewer systems. Water Res 42:1421–1430 97
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compounds into nitrogen gas, which can be released into the Earth’s atmosphere31.
412. Carbon dioxide (CO2) production is attributed to two main factors: the treatment process and the electricity consumption. During the anaerobic process, the BOD5 of wastewater is 32 either incorporated into biomass or converted into CO2 and CH4 .
413. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas evolves from the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter or from the reduction of mineral sulphites and sulphates. H2S gas mixed with the sewage gases (CH4+CO2) is highly corrosive to sewer pipelines, manholes, concrete junction chambers, and mechanical and electrical equipment33.
E.2.2.4. Mitigation Measures
414. The methane emission in relation to the anaerobic digestion of primary and secondary sludge counts for about three quarters of WWTP overall methane emission and causes a slightly larger greenhouse gas footprint than the carbon dioxide emission avoided by using the resulting biogas for energy generation.
415. Methane emissions can be significantly reduced by better handling of the ventilation air of sludge treatment facilities; one way to valorize the residual methane produced in the buffer tank is to use the ventilation air from the tank as combustion air in the gas engines of the cogeneration plant. The methane concentration in the ventilation air could of course be increased by using less fresh air for ventilation. This would result in less diluted methane streams, but then the ventilation system should be adapted to handle methane concentrations that exceed the lower explosive limit of methane in air, which is 4.4 %34.
416. Recovering the energy to provide heat and electricity for the WWTP process can offset significant fossil fuel-related GHG emissions. In general, intuitively sustainable practices for biosolids (energy recovery, recycling nutrients, and organic matter) reduce GHG emissions. Besides, the methane emitted into the atmosphere not only contributes to the greenhouse gas footprint of a WWTP, but also implies a waste of energy since the methane emitted from the unit processes related to the anaerobic digestion (7 to 2 % of the produced methane) could potentially be used as a fuel for the cogeneration plant. Although biogas production from waste sludge may be a sustainable technology from the energy aspect, it has no benefits in this case over fossil fuel-derived energy regarding greenhouse gas emissions.
E.2.2.5 WWTP Affected by Climate Change
417. The treatment, distribution, and disposal of wastewater as well as reuse of wastewater are subject to the effects of climate change through increased energy costs and through increases in the volumes of wastewater and storm water entering treatment facilities in when precipitation increases, and through increased needs for reuse when droughts become more prevalent.
418. In consideration of the wastewater infrastructure and baseline climate data, the following
31 Park KY, Inamori Y, Mizuochi M, Ahn KH (2000) Emission and control of nitrous oxide from a biological wastewater treatment system with intermittent aeration. J Biosci Bioeng 90(3):247–252 32 Snip L (2010) Quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions of wastewater treatment plants. Thesis Systems and Control. Wageningen University, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen, The Netherlands 33 Listowski A, Ngo HH, Guo WS, Vigneswaran S, Shin HS, Moon H (2011) Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from urban wastewater system: future assessment framework and methodology. J Water Sustain 1:113–125 34 Daelman MRJ, van Voorthuizen EM, van Dongen UGJM, Volcke EIP, van Loosdrecht MCM (2012) Methane emission during municipal wastewater treatment. Water Res 46:3657–3670 99
climate factors were identified as being particularly significant35:
• Rainfall (intensity–frequency relationships, annual, and seasonal totals) • Wastewater infrastructure is affected by rainfall storm events and, to a lesser degree, by the total annual rainfall. • Snowfall (predicted increasing temperatures in future years for all months estimate that snowfall is expected to decrease). • Storm surge. • Rain on snow events (another flood generation mechanism). • Extreme temperatures (low and high). • Drought conditions. • Wind speed (extremes and gusts). • Frost (freeze-thaw cycles).
E.2.2.6. Climatic Events
419. Biological wastewater treatment is very much influenced by climate. Temperature plays a decisive role in some treatment processes, especially the natural-based and nonmechanized ones. Warm temperatures decrease land requirements, enhance conversion processes, increase removal efficiencies, and make utilization of some treatment processes feasible. Some treatment processes, such as anaerobic reactors, may be utilized in diluted wastewater, such as domestic sewage, only in warm climate areas. Other processes, such as stabilization ponds, may be applied in lower temperature regions, but occupying much larger areas and being subjected to a decrease in performance during winter. Other processes, such as activated sludge and aerobic biofilm reactors, are less dependent on temperature, as a result of higher technological input and mechanization levels36.
420. Warmer temperatures can also indirectly cause more severe weather; exacerbated by urban heat islands, which could in turn result in additional convective thunderstorms, hail, cyclonic events (i.e. tornadoes, cyclones, and hurricanes), and higher winds that may exceed the design capacity of the infrastructure37.
421. Rainfall: Increased frequency and intensity of rainfall is one of the most immediate effects of global warming and is already apparent in stream flow records from several previous decades. The expectation is that more severe storms will produce more severe flooding. This will inevitably result in additional water pollution from a large variety of sources. Chief among these are wastewater treatment, storage, and conveyance systems38.
422. Storms: Increased storm intensities will have negative effects on water resources. More intense storms can damage some infrastructures, because of increased flooding, which can overwhelm water infrastructure and cause pollutants to directly enter waterways and contaminate water supplies39.
35Athanasia K. Tolkou, Anastasios Zouboulis - Effect of Climate Change in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Reviewing the Problems and Solutions. 2015 36 Von Sperling M, de Lemos Chernicharo CA (2005) Biological wastewater treatment in warm climate regions. IWA Publishing, Padstow. 37 Major DC, OmojobaA, Dettinger M, Hanson RT, Sanchez-Rodriguez R (2011) Climate change, water, and wastewater in cities. In: Rosenzweig C, Solecki WD, Hammer SA, Mehrotra S (eds) Climate change and cities: first assessment report of the urban climate change research network. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 113–143 38 Cromwell JE, Smith JB, Raucher RS (2007) Implications of climate change for urban water utilities. Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), Washington, DC. 39EPA (2012) Watershed Academy Web. The effect of climate change on water resources and programs (PDF file adapted). http://www.epa.gov/watertrain. Accessed 5 Jan 2014. 99
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423. Since they affect local tides, the frequency and intensity of storm events must be considered in the analysis of sea-level rise and its impact on WWTPs. Generally, intense storm events occur less frequently than smaller storms40.
424. Impacts on water pollution: According to EPA, for the most part, WWTPs and combined sewer overflow control programs have been designed on the basis of the historic hydrologic record, taking no account of prospective changes in flow conditions due to climate change. As a result, it is conceivable that water suppliers will face a continually increased influent challenge from sewage overflows producing high concentrations of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and coliforms.
425. In addition, more frequent heavy rainfall events will overload the capacity of sewer systems and water and WWTPs. An increased occurrence of low flows will lead to decreased contaminant dilution capacity meaning higher pollutant concentrations, including pathogens. In areas with overall decreased runoff (e.g. in many semi-arid areas), water quality will be even worse41.
E.2.2.7. Wastewater Infrastructure and Design Issues
426. In all five cities waste water infrastructures consist of transmission facilities, treatment facilities, and discharge bodies. The impacts on the wastewater infrastructure can be categorized as follows:
• Impacts indirectly associated with climate change such as the decrease in water usage associated with water conservation. • Impacts on infrastructure directly associated with climate change
427. Indirect impacts: Climate change is primarily to blame for the water infrastructure. Reduced water usage decreases water that flows into the wastewater transmission and treatment systems of the community. This means that it decreases the overall water volume but not the waste load. The increased wastewater strength results in increased sewer cleaning and increased system corrosion. Wastewater viscosity will increase and system flushing will not occur easily.
428. Direct impacts: Climate change is mainly responsible for the increase in frequency of intense rainfall. Rainfall infiltrates into sewer systems through cracks, poorly constructed or corroded manholes, and direct connections. Sewers are not hydraulically designed to convey large quantities of inflow. This causes the sewer to become hydraulically overloaded during intense rainfall and allows raw sewage to flow into receiving waters and homes as it escapes the sewer system.
429. Another direct impact relates to the decrease in base flow of the waters, which receive the WWTP effluent. Climate change in drought-prone areas is likely to reduce the stream and river base flows. Base flow is used to determine the effluent parameters required by the WWTP, and therefore, as the base flow decreases, effluent requirements will become more stringent and may require the treatment plants to install additional treatment facilities to meet those requirements42.
40 Zervas CE (2005) Response of extreme storm tide levels to long-term sea level change. Oceans. In: Proceedings of MTS/IEEE, vol 3, pp 2501–250 41Bates BC, Kundzewicz ZW, Wu S, Palutikof JP (eds) (2008) Climate change and water. IPCC technical paper VI, Geneva 42O’Neill II JA (2010) Climate change’s impact on the design of water, wastewater, and storm waterinfrastructure. In: Proceedings of AGU hydrology days 2010, Colorado States University, Colorado, 22–24 March 2010 101
E.2.2.8. Mitigation measures
430. Generally, the effects of climate change will require that water and wastewater service providers perform more frequent technical maintenance, undertake unscheduled rehabilitation, and in some cases, scale down operations at their facilities. Therefore, this will reduce the service to their clients. All of these imply additional utility costs. The utility may reduce additional expenditure through the implementation of improved planning, monitoring and maintenance, pass on the cost to consumers, let parts of the system deteriorate, provide lower service levels, or a combination of the above43.
431. Adaptive capacity: According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, adaptation is defined as “the ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences”44.
432. Using a multistep adaptation assessment process, wide ranging adaptation studies are under way, and a study of reservoir operations using future climate scenarios in reservoir modelling. Potential adaptations include operating system changes, flood walls for Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP), relocation of facilities, improved drainage, and enhanced water quality treatment45.
433. Assessment tool: To consider the effects of a facility flooding into the surrounding community, an impact assessment tool was created. Suitable tools were developed in wastewater facilities. The crucial factor considered for wastewater facilities is the ratio between the average flow rate and the design flow rate of the plant. This ratio measures how close to maximum capacity a wastewater treatment facility operates. A facility that operates close to maximum capacity will be less able to handle an increase in inflow, possibly caused by a storm or flood, than a facility which does not. Facilities that have an average flow rate of up to 50% of their design capacities were rated as low impact. Facilities with an average flow rate above 50% and up to 70% of their design capacities were rated as medium impact. Facilities with an average flow rate above 70% of their design capacities were rated as high impact46.
434. Monitoring of wastewater treatment plants: Wastewater operation monitoring provides changes in volumes and composition of wastewater, brakes, and clogs in wastewater collection network, adequacy of existing technology to composition of wastewater, and wastewater treatment effluent and sludge47.
435. The development of innovative monitoring of combined sewer overflows and an early warning system for fecal contamination in recreational waters will allow wastewater utilities to be better prepared and to respond faster to any contamination due to combined sewer overflows and uncontrolled runoff caused by more frequent and heavier rainfall48.
43Danilenko A, Dickson E, Jacobsen M (2010) Climate change and urban water utilities: challenges& opportunities. Water Working Notes, Water Sector Board of the Sustainable Development Network of the World Bank Group, Washington, DC 44Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2007) Climate change 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the fourth assessment report of the IPCC. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 45Major DC, OmojobaA, Dettinger M, Hanson RT, Sanchez-Rodriguez R (2011) Climate change, water, and wastewater in cities. In: Rosenzweig C, Solecki WD, Hammer SA, Mehrotra S (eds) Climate change and cities: first assessment report of the urban climate change research network. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 113–143 46 Blumenau A, Brooks C, Finn E, Turner A (2011) Effects of sea level rise on water treatment & wastewater treatment facilities. 41-JPH B113. Date: 14 Oct 2011 47 Danilenko A, Dickson E, Jacobsen M (2010) Climate change and urban water utilities: challenges& opportunities. Water Working Notes, Water Sector Board of the Sustainable Development Network of the World Bank Group, Washington, DC 48PREPARED Enabling Change (2010). www.prepared-fp7.eu. Accessed 4 March 2014. 101
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436. Membrane treatment processes: Many water suppliers in over-constrained settings have also turned to energy-intensive membrane treatment processes to enable desalination of water sources and reuse of highly treated wastewater effluent. These processes attempt to overcome any deterioration in the reliability of normal sources of supply by making it possible to meet part of the demand from sources abundant under most climate change scenarios (i.e. yields from water reuse and desalt supply options are drought-resistant). If these technologies fill a gap or hide vulnerability produced by climate change processes, in such a way so as to enable a broader scope for optimization across the entire portfolio, they can play a critical role in improving the overall optimization49.
E. 2.3. Geology
437. Information regarding the geological and geotechnical conditions described in this section are reported from Russian OVOS, where the general information of the engineering- geological surveys on the project was processed by IrtyshZem LLP in January of 2018. However, the Contractor, before developing the detailed design, will have to carry out its own Geological and Geotechnical surveys in order to describe the site and quantify the bearing capacity and the expected settlements for the main structures.
438. In a geological respect, the territory of the Stepnogorsk region is composed of intensely dislocated metamorphic schistslates, quartzites, sandstones and limestones of the Paleozoic Age.
E.2.3.1 Engineering-Geological Works
439. The types and scope of work accomplished during the survey in 2018 as mentioned above are given in the table below.
Table 33: Types and volumes of work performed during the survey # Types of works Unit of Scope measurement а) Field works 1 Borehole drilling d=168 mm auger drilling borehole, m 16 114,00 with the depth of up to 30,0 m 2 Borehole drilling =168 mm to the depth of borehole, m 20,0 m by impact-rope drilling 3 Soil sampling of the disturbed structure sample 79 4 Monolith sampling from cohesive soil monolith 7 5 Monolith sampling from rocky ground monolith 8 b) Laboratory works 1 A reduced set of physical-mechanical specimen 7 properties of clay soil with shear and compression tests with loads up to 6 kg.force/cm2 2 A reduced set of determination of physical specimen 18 properties of rocky grounds
49 Cromwell JE, Smith JB, Raucher RS (2007) Implications of climate change for urban water utilities. Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), Washington, DC.
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3 Particle-size analysis with sieves by dividing specimen 56 the fractions from 10 to 0,1m 4 Consistence of the disturbed ground specimen 23 5 Analysis of aqueous migrate from the sample 3 ground
440. The geological workings were georeferenced by instrumental topographer V.E. Taranik the boreholes were drilled by the drilling crew with a drilling rig УГБ-50M d = 168mm, with an impact-rope method. Disturbed samples and monoliths of cohesive and rocky soils were obtained from the boreholes. The physical-mechanical properties of the ground properties were studied at a soil science laboratory in line with effective GOST standards. The analyses of aqueous migrate from the ground were provided by Gkp Semey Vodokanal, an analytical control laboratory. Certificate of Attestation No. 04 was issued on 21.08.2013. The field materials were subject to laboratory investigation and the laboratory analyses were done in accordance with ST RK 25100-2011, SNiP RK 21.302-2002, SNiP RK 5.01-01-2002, SNiP RK 1.02-18-2004, SNiP RK 2.01-19 -2007, SNiP RK 2.03-30-2006 and other regulatory documents.
E 2.3.2 Engineering and Geological Conditions of the Construction Site
441. The site of the wastewater treatment plant is located in Stepnogorsk AO. In respect of geomorphology, the site is a flat area with slightly sloping hills. Absolute elevations of the natural relief on the construction site vary from 312.70 to 342.62 m. The geology of the working site is presented by dark brown Neogene clays of Pavlodar suite (N2pv) and rocky grounds of middle Carboniferous Age (C2); the geology of clay shales in their upper part is disturbed to the state of slack (eluvium).
442. As the data of the engineering-geological surveys suggest, the geological and lithological structure of the ground is as follows:
• from the surface, to the depth of 0,00-0,20 m, a soil-vegetation layer of a loamy content with the roots of herbaceous vegetation outcrops in workings № 01, 02, 05, 07, 11, 12,17,20,21; • filled soil presented as a sludge with different sand-and-loamy infillers outcrop in workings № 03, 04, 06, 08, 09, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, at the depth of 0,00 - 0,50- 2,60 m; deeper, from 0,20-2,60 m to 1,10 - 7,50 m, dark brown clays with medium swelling and of hard consistence outcrop in all workings; • in the base of the clays, at the depth of 7,50 m, slates outcrop in workings № 02 - 18, 20, 21; they are of a greenish-gray color, disturbed to the state of eluvium (slack) in the upper part, from 1,10-4,40 to 2,30 - 6,60 m, with sabulous infiller, subject to intense processes of physical and chemical weathering, without any clear signs of shift on their bedding site; they range from decreased to low hardness; they are of dark gray color in the lower section, from 2,30 - 6,60 to 7,50 m, with insignificant processes of physical and chemical weathering, ranging from medium hardness to hard consistence, jointed along the cracks, with observed iron deposits. Total strength of clay slates up to the depth of 7,50 m does not outcrop. • Exceptions are workings № 01 (7,5 m) and 19 (4,5 m) in which clay slates are not found.
E 2.3.3 Physic-Mechanical Properties of Soils 443. Based on the accomplished engineering-geological surveys, the data of field work and laboratory studies of soils, three engineering and geological elements were identified on the site: 103
104
o The first element (I) is a soil and plant layer with the sandy composition with roots of herbaceous vegetation and filled soil, which is characterized as landfills of slightly densified soils with a varying degree of compressibility, with heir design resistance (Ro), according to SNiP RK 5.01-01-2002 (Annex 3, Table 5), from 0.8 to 1.0 kgf/cm2, is taken for the soil and plant layer - ρII - 1.20 kgf/cm3; for filled soil, ρII is 1.40 kgf/cm3; (СН РК 8.02-05-2002 table 1 No. 9b, c);
o The second element (II) – the clays with medium swelling ability, as per the results of statistical processing of the laboratory data, has the following physical properties:
Table 34: Laboratory results # Soil name according to GOST Unit of Standard 251002011 measurement value Clays with medium swelling EGE-2 X Indices EGE-2 X 1 Soil density, ρ Gr/cm3 2,01 2 Dry ground density, ρd Gr/cm3 1,59 3 Specific weight Gr/cm3 2,74 4 Porosity, n % 42,0 5 Porosity coefficient, е Unit fraction 0,723 6 Natural humidity, W Unit fraction 0,26 7 Degree of humidity Unit fraction 0,985 8 Liquid limit Unit fraction 0,53 9 Liquid rolling limit, Wp Unit fraction 0,24 10. Plasticity number Ip 0,29 11 Consistence 0-0,22 12 Swelling humidity Unit fraction 0,43 13 Free swell index Unit fraction 0,05-0,10 14 Swelling pressure kgf/cm2 0,32
444. With their values of relative swelling in terms of free swelling, the clay is medium swelling. According to SNiP RK 5.01-01-2002 (Appendix 1, Table 2.3; Appendix 3, Table 3) and soil laboratory data, we accept the standard and design values of strength properties for sandy loam at e = 0.582:
Сн= 0,58 kgf/cm2; СII= 0,57 kgf/cm2; φн= 19 ˚; φII= 19 ˚; 2 Еест = 220 kgf/cm2; Еdesign= 215 kgf/cm ; R0 =300 KPa = 3,0 kgf/cm2; рII= 1,80 gr/cm3; (mean value)
445. The third engineering-geological element (III) is divided into two layers of the same content, but of different strengths (IIIa - IIIb). The third element (IIIa) is slates of a greenish-gray color, disturbed to the state of eluvium (slack) with sandy loamy infiller ranging from 1.10 - 4.40 to 2.30 - 6.60 m, according to the results of statistical treatment of the laboratory data and has the following physical properties (Table 35):
Table 35: Laboratory results
# Soil name according to GOST 25100- Unit of Standard value 105
2011 measurement Slates disturbed to the state of eluvium EHE-За Х (slack) Indices 1 Soil density, ρ gr/cm3 1,88 2 Dry ground density, ρd gr/cm3 1,86 3 Specific weight gr/cm3 2,76 4 Porosity, n % 34 5 Porosity coefficient, е Unit fraction 0, 536 6 Natural humidity, W Unit fraction 0,04 7 Degree of humidity Unit fraction 0,206 8 Liquid limit Unit fraction 0,14 9 Liquid rolling limit, Wp Unit fraction 0,12 10 Plasticity number Ip 0,02 11 Consistence <0
446. According to GOST 25100-2011 (Annex B, Table B-1), for the tensile strength in uniaxial compression of the slates of medium strength, Rc = 50 – 15 MPa; φн= 42 ˚.
447. By the time of accomplishing the engineering-geological surveys (in January, 2018), the groundwaters do not outcrop. A temporary overhead may outcrop during the year at the upper boundary of clays and hard rocks. The principal reason for the possible outcropping of the overhead is spring floods and intense atmospheric precipitations.
E 2.3.4 Results of the Laboratory Data of the Aqueous Migrate from the Ground
448. As the laboratory data suggest (the aqueous migrate from the ground for the object: “RECONSTRUCTION OF SEWER TREATMENT FACILITIES OF STEPNOGORSK CITY OF AKMOLIN REGION”, test report No. 93, СКВ No. 4), the grounds within the range from 0.0 to 4.50 m are highly aggressive to Portland cement-base concrete according to GOST 10178, are extremely aggressive to Portland cement-base concrete according to GOST 10178 with the content of С3S of no more than 65%, С3А of not more than 7 %, С3А + С3 АF of no more than 22 % and to blast-furnace cement; they are extremely aggressive to the concretes with sulfate-resistant cements according to GOST 22266, with the content of sulfates (21182,4 mg/kg of ground), with the content of chlorides calculated in terms of the sulfate amount on chloride content by multiplying it by 0,25 and summing it up with the content of chlorides (21182,4 х 0,25 +248,15 = 5543,75 mg/kg of ground), are averagely aggressive to Portland cement and blast-furnace cement according to GOST 10178 and sulfate-resistant cements according to GOST 22266 (SNiP РК 2.01-19-2004, Table 4, p. 6.). The degree of soil aggressiveness: it is medium for the structures made of carbon steel below the groundwater level; it is medium for carbon steel structures above the groundwater level; in terms of specific resistance of soils of more than 20 Ohms, as well as total content of sulfates and chlorides of (21182.4 + 248.15 = 21430.55 mg/kg of soil) and hydrogen index (pH - 8.3), according to (SNiP RK 2.01-19-2004, table 28, p.21.).
449. As the laboratory data suggest (the aqueous migrate from the ground for the object: “RECONSTRUCTION OF SEWER TREATMENT FACILITIES OF STEPNOGORSK CITY OF AKMOLIN REGION”, test report No. 94, СКВ No.10), the grounds within the range from 0.0 to 4.50 m are highly aggressive to Portland cement-base concrete according to GOST 10178, are extremely aggressive to Portland cement-base concrete according to GOST 10178 with the content of С3S of no more than 65%, С3А of not more than 7 %, С3А + С3 АF of no more than 22 % and to blast-furnace cement; they are extremely aggressive to 105
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the concretes with sulfate-resistant cements according to GOST 22266, with the content of sulfates (10899,8 mg/kg of ground), with the content of chlorides calculated in terms of the sulfate amount on chloride content by multiplying it by 0,25 and summing it up with the content of chlorides (10899,8 х 0,25 + 159,53 = 2884,48 mg/kg of ground) are averagely aggressive to Portland cement and blast-furnace cement according to GOST 10178 and sulfate-resistant cements according to GOST 22266 (SNiP РК 2.01-19-2004, Table 4, p. 6.).
450. Degree of aggressiveness of grounds impact:
• Medium for carbon steel structures of below the groundwater level; • Medium for carbon steel structures of above the groundwater level; • in terms of specific resistance of soils of more than 20 Ohms, as well as total content of sulfates and chlorides of (10899,8 + 159,53 = 11059,33 mg/kg of ground), and hydrogen index (pH – 7,91), according to (SNiP RK 2.01-19-2004, table 28, p.21.).
E.2.4. Hidrological Resoureces
451. The region is famous for its historical rivers Selety and Aksu. The River Selety is located 51.5 km from Stepnogorsk. Seleta is the river belonging to the Irtysh basin; its length is 407 km, Including 302 km on the territory of the region. Its catchment area is 18.5 thousand km2. It heads from the confluence of streams in 7 km north-east of village Elizavetinka. It has high and steep shores, which are rocky at some locations. The River is fed with snow; in summer, the river is shallow; it freezes at the beginning of November and melts in April. The ice thickness on the reaches is 130 cm. The water is drinkable. It is used to supply water to the nearby settlements, as well as well as for estuary irrigation of floodplain meadows and to water the orchards. The Selety River is a source of water supply for Stepnogorsk and the industrial zone. The surface of the water reservoir is 36 km2; the reservoir tonnage is 240 mln. m3.
452. The River Aksu flows near the city. It is a small steppe river flowing in the direction of the Irtysh plain. Currently, due to the artificial ponds, there is no water in it. Its channel is a chain of Karasu – the marshy depressions overgrown with reeds. However, in the historical past, at the height of the terraces, the River had a permanent water regime and was inhabited from as early as in the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. There are historical monuments found near the river. The region is rich in underground waters flowing onto the surface as springs, sources and small lakes.
E.2.4.1. Surface Water Quality
Surface water quality in Akmola Province 453. Kazakhstan is divided into eight river basins (see Figure 18). Water resources of Akmola Province belong to the Irish river basin). As mentioned in Project description the body receiving the treated domestic wastewater (following its complete treatment) is the Aksu River.
Figure 18: Main River Basins of Kazakhstan 107
454. The Aksu River (in the upper reaches of the Bogembay) originates 7 kilometers north of Lake Zhartikul, flows into the Salt Lake Altaysor in the Kokchetav region. The total length of the river is 82 km and its water catchment basin is 1220 km2. The total fall of the river is 118 m and its slope is 1.4%. There are three blind dams with rip-rap across the river creating water reservoirs to meet the cultural and domestic needs of the population in village Aksu.
455. As per the letter №1-4/119 of the Forestry, Fishery and Hunting Committee of 17.04.2000, the Aksu River is not a fishery reservoir.
456. The sanitary and epidemiological rules #104 “The sanitary and epidemiological requirements for water sources, places for water intake for household and drinking purposes, drinking water supply and sites of cultural and domestic water use and the safety of water bodies”, approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 18.01.2012, the requirements for the content and properties of water of cultural and domestic water bodies apply to the Aksu River.
457. The observations over the hydrochemical indices of the surface waters quality were provided at 412 hydrochemical cross sections of 141 water bodies: 91 rivers, 15 water reservoirs, 31 lakes, 3 canals and 1 sea. The main regulatory document to evaluate the quality of water in water bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the “Single Classification System for Water Quality in Water Bodies” (hereinafter referred to as “The Unified Classification”).
458. As per the Single Classification, the water quality in the water bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan is classified into five classes, according to which the Aksu River (Akmola Province and Zhambyl Province) belongs to > 5 Class (the water quality is not standardized) together with 28 rivers, 22 lakes, 2 reservoirs and 1 sea.
Quality of surface waters on the territory of Akmola Province
459. The observations over the pollution of the surface waters in Akmola Province were provided for 26 water bodies, the rivers of Esil, Nura, Akbulak, Sarybulak, Zhabay, Silet, Aksu, Kylshykty, Chagallaly, Bettybulak; Vyacheslavkoe Reservoir, Nura-Esil Canal; lakes: Sultankeldy Lake, Kopa, Zerenda, etc. 107
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460. As per the Single Classification, the water quality in the River Aksu was assessed as follows:
• The water temperature in the River Aksu was observed from 0-19,8ºC, pH = 7,49-8,47, the 3 3 concentration of water-dissolved oxygen is 6,34-13,10 mg/dm , BOD5 - 1,63-5,03 mg/dm , color – 25-70 degrees; odor – 0 points. • The water quality in the River Aksu in the city of Stepnogorsk is not standardized: the water 3 3 quality is not rated (>5 Class): manganese – 0,110 mg/dm , COD – 62,9 mg/dm , chlorides 3 – 584,6 mg/dm .
Qualitative and quantitative indices of the state of surface waters of River Aksu
461. The qualitative and quantitative properties of the surface waters in the Aksu River above and below the discharge point of treated wastewater are monitored by chemical- bacteriological laboratory at GKP “Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal”. The values above the wastewater discharge point are taken as baseline values.
462. The results of the analyses carried out by the chemical-bacteriological laboratory of the laboratory at GKP “Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal” are given in Table 36, which gives the qualitative and quantitative values of the state of inlet effluents are presented (the results of chemical-bacteriological analyses of wastewater based on the observations in 2015-2017 (average values)). The excess values given in the Table describe the state of the Aksu River.
Таble 36: Chemical and bacteriological composition of sewage
Substance Concentration, MPC mg/dm3 2015 2016 2017 Average BODUltimate 102,50 118,84 140,52 120,62 6 COD 135,00 149,30 179,16 154,49 30 Weighted 111,86 95,98 149,66 119,17 Background substances +0,75 Solid residue 1017,60 1138,80 1422,00 1192,80 1000 Chlorides 220,27 259,58 258,00 245,95 350 Sulfates 180,50 207,70 181,00 189,73 500 Nitrites 0,13 0, 18 0,18 0,16 3,3 Nitrates 0,00 0,41 1,88 0,76 45 Oil products 0,51 0,26 0,50 0,42 0,1 Synthetic 0,59 0,52 2,04 1,05 0,5 surface-active substance Phosphates 6,59 7,61 13,32 9,17 3,5 Total iron 0,87 0,82 0,84 0,84 0,3 Salt ammonia 34,41 33,23 57,18 41,61 2
Considering the local features in calculating a water body pollution
463. The wastewaters, following its complete biological treatment and disinfection along the 109
existing collector are discharged into the Aksu River. The Aksu River has a cultural and domestic value.
464. For most of the year, the Aksu River does not have permanent runoff; its flow is formed with treated domestic wastewater discharged from treatment plants of the city and the industrial site of Stepnogorsk.
465. By analyzing the background data in line with the discharge flow rate of the concentration of pollutants at the outlet of the treatment plant, we can conclude that the background concentration of pollutants along the Aksu River is higher than the concentration of the discharged treated wastewater in respect of the following indices: BODcomplete, COD, suspended substances, dry residue, chlorides, sulfates, nitrites, nitrates, total iron. The given excess can be explained by the background of Aksu River. As for other ingredients, no excess MPC of them was identified.
E.2.4.2. Groundwater
466. Groundwater at the time of the geological engineering survey in January 2018 was not found. It is possible to observe the irregular temporary water throughout the year on the top of clays and rocky soils, the main reason for the possible occurrences of high water is spring floods and heavy rainfall.
467. According to laboratory data, soils in the range of depth from 0.0 to 4.50 m, have highly aggressive properties to concrete made by Portland cement.
E.2.5. Noise
468. A noise and vibration study to identify baseline data have not been developed for the Project. In this case Construction Contractor is requested to carry out baseline measurements of noise and vibration before commencement of construction activities in line with national legislation and in accordance with the limits provided in the IFC's EHS Guidelines for noise. Findings and analysis from the noise and vibration study have been incorporated into updated IEE and Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).
E.2.6. Radiation gamma background in Akmola Province
469. The observations over the levels of gamma radiation in the area were carried out on a daily basis at 15 weather stations (Astana, Arshaly, Akkol’, Atbasar, Balkashino, Complex Background Monitoring Station “Borovoye”, Egindykol’, Yereymentau, Kokshetau, Korgalzhyn, Stepnogorsk, Zhaltyr, Burabay, Shchuchinsk, Shortandy (Fig. 20).
Figure 20: Location plan of weather stations to monitor the radiation gamma- background level and density of radioactive debris on the territory of Akmola Province
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470. Mean values of radiation gamma background of the ground-level layer of the atmosphere in the settled areas of the Province were within the limits of 0,01 – 0,44 mSv/hr.
471. On average, the radiation gamma background in the Province was 0,13 mSv/hr and was within the admissible range.
E.2.7. Natural Hazards
472. The seismic survey with the necessary details has not been undertaken to date and will be provided during the detailed design phase.
473. The model of seismic sources (seismogenic zones) for Kazakhstan territory was developed50 based on the map of active faults of Kazakhstan and adjacent territories together with a complex set of geophysical, geological-tectonic and seismological data. The general outlines of zones were determined on the base of crustal segmentation, in view of the large-scale kinematic processes controlling the distribution of seismicity. Geometry of zones reflected geological features and the distribution pattern of earthquake foci. The map of seismogenerative zones of Kazakhstan and adjacent territories is shown in Figure 19.
Figure 19: The map of seismogenerative zones of the Kazakhstan's Earth crust
epiplatform orogens
inter- and intra-montane depressions
epigeosynclinal orogens
orogen and platform conjunction zones
50A.V. Timush, T.V. Taradayeva, N.A. Stepanenko, A.B. Sadykova, A. SydykovSeismogenic zones of Kazakhstan, Almaty (2012), p. 80
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ancient platform with Paleozoic– Cenozoicslab complex (the Caspian basin) the young Turan epihercine platform with Mesozoic–Cenozoic slab complex the Kazakh Shield (consolidated basement) of the young platform Tarim Massif
As shown in Figure 20, no protected areas are located near the design area. The nearest protected areas to the west of the design WWTP are Vostochniy Zakaznik and to the south - Belodymskiy Zakaznik. Both are located about 200 km from the project area.
Figure 20: Protected areas and Ecological Values of Kazakhstan
474. The protected areas are distanced by 200 km from the project area. Consequently, the project will not have an impact on them either the construction, or operation phase.
E.3. Ecological Resources
E 3.1 Flora
475. In the immediate vicinity of the WWTP, there are no specially protected areas or valuable natural complexes (e.g. nature reserves, nature monuments); there are no picturesque cliffs or rocks, waterfalls, lakes, valuable tree species or other “monuments” having historical, esthetic, scientific or cultural value.
476. The site where the project works are to be accomplished, in under an intense versatile anthropogenic impact of the industrial enterprises. Consequently, the natural vegetation with a significant amount of various weed species can be seen in the area unattended by the
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production enterprise. The natural vegetation grows in the undeveloped areas and is presented by herbaceous vegetation.
E.3.2 Fauna
477. The fauna in the study area is predominantly presented by small rodents, reptiles and birds. The class of mammals is presented by small mammals from the order of rodents: field mouse and root vole. Common birds in the area are: English sparrow, magpie, raven, rook, tit and starling. There are no Red-Listed animals in the area.
478. According to the survey results, habitats and species of flora and fauna of high conservation value as well as endangered flora and fauna species are not presented in the territory of the enterprise. Though, if we consider the specifics of the planned activity, a significant impact is not expected.
E.4. Social, Economic, and Cultural Profile
E.4.1 Population and Gender
479. Stepnogorsk is a town in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan. It was established in 1959, and has been a town since 1964. It is located about 200 km North-East of Nur-Sultan. The town is known as a nuclear and biochemical site. Population is 46,712 according to 2009 Census results and 47,372 according to 1999 Census results.
E.4.2 Employment and sources of income
480. 32. In 2016 – 2018, the situation on the labor market of the city of Stepnogorsk was characterized by an increased number of employees and decreased number of unemployed and unproductively employed people.
481. By 01.01.2019, the number of employees was 29,741, making 78% of the economically active population. For the past three years, the number of employees increased by 117 people (0,4%) following the expanded production of JSC “Stepnogorsk Bearing Plant”, introduction of a new Ao "Gmk Kazakhaltyn" and launching other projects.
482. Over the time of 2016-2018, there was a tendency of a decreased share of self-employed population from 10,424 (25.1%) to 9461 (23.2%). In 2018, the number of self-employed was 9461, including 8999 (95.1%) productively self-employed and 462 (4.9%) unproductively self-employed. In 2016, the unemployment rate of the city was 4.0%; in 2017-2018, this number was at the same level (1,663 unemployed in 2016; 1,658 people in 2017 and 1,640 people in 2018).
483. There is a trend of an increasing number of social assistance recipients. At the same time, the proportion of the people receiving special social services (in the total number of people who need such services) is increasing. The proportion of recipients of targeted social assistance (conditional cash assistance) involved in active measures to promote employment in 2018 was 22,0%. The share of the employed with disabilities among the people having applied to the employment centers in 2017 was 100% and 98.4% in 2018.
E.4.3 Agricultural sector
484. Following the natural-climatic conditions in the region, the dynamics of aggregated indices 113
of the agricultural sector is not constant. In the years with rich harvest, the dynamics is positive, while it is negative in the years with poor harvest.
485. For the last 4 years, the plant growing in the region was 70% on average (Table 37).
Table 37: Structure of gross agricultural production of the city of Stepnogorsk in 2015-2018 2015 2016 2017 2018 Tota agricultural 2932,1 2780,4 4200 4451,6 production, mln. tenge, (115,4%) (100,2%) (114,4%) (97,5%) Index of physical volume of production, % Plant growing, mln. tenge, 2229,6 1748,8 2987,5 3138 Index of physical volume of (120,6% ) (99,3%) (119,3%) (95,7%) production, % Cattle breeding, mln. tenge, 702,5 1031,5 1212,6 1313,6 Index of physical volume of (101,8%) (101,9%) (104,1%) (102,1%) production, %
486. In 2018, as compared to the previous years, the area sown by the wheat increased by 50%; the area planted with vegetables decreased by 70,3% and the area planted with potato decreased by 35,3%. The areas with oil-yielding crops decreased by 50% making 1,2 thousand ha.
487. The principal enterprise engaged in plant growing is “Greenhouse Technologies of Kazakhstan” LLP harvesting 2208.2 tons of fruit and greens in 2018. The major portion of the sowing area (56,4%), or 8735,5 ha belongs to agricultural enterprises, 42,3% (6564,8 ha) belongs to the farms and 1,2 % (186,9 ha) belongs to the population.
488. The region has a good potential for cattle breeding. In 2018, the livestock of the principal species of farm animals increased as compared to 2017 as follows: cattle - by 9.5% (up to 12391), pigs - 27.2% (up to 645), poultry - 7% (up to 31500), while the number of horses increased by 12.8% (to 9106 animals), sheep and goats increased by 10.9% (to 19780 animals). Despite the annual reduction in the share, the majority of cattle is still owned by private farmsteads - 83.7% (83.8% in 2017).
E.4.4 Industry
489. The majority of the industrial production is represented by manufacturing industry, making 72.6% (Table 38).
Table 38. Structure of industrial production of the city of Stepnogorsk
2015г 2016г 2017г 2018г
Industrial production, % 100 100 100 100 Manufacturing industry, % 67,6 66,3 63 72,6 Mining industry, % 14,5 20,4 22,1 16,5 Power supply, gas and steam supply 15,5 11,5 13 9,5 113
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and air conditioning, % Water supply; sewerage, waste 2,4 1,8 1,9 1,4 collection and disposal control, %
490. Development of the manufacturing industry of the region: The manufacturing industry in the region is represented by chemical industry, metallurgy and machine building. In 2018, the production volume of the plants operating in the field of manufacturing industry amounted to 101 751,7 mln. tenge; the Index of physical volume of production of the manufacturing industry was 129,9% (75,2% in 2015; 95,1% in 2016 and 85,7% in 2017).
491. Metallurgy: The increased production in the fields of machine building and metallurgy had an impact on the positive dynamics of the volume growth. The principal production of the branch is raw gold, gold and silver in the Dore alloy. In 2017, the production of raw gold amounted to 804 kg; gold in the Dore alloy amounted to 30 kg and silver in the Dore alloy was 42 kg; in 2018, the production of raw gold amounted to 2542 kg; gold in the Dore alloy amounted to 1904 kg and silver in the Dore alloy mounted to 2021 kg. The principal enterprises of the industry are JSC "MMC Kazakhaltyn" and "Kazakhaltyn Technology".
492. Mining industry: The major plants in the mining industry of the city are Ao "Gmk Kazakhaltyn" (processing of auriferous ore), (processing of copper-molybdenum ore).
493. Machine building: The share of engineering products in the total manufacturing industry of the city of Stepnogorsk in 2018 was 28.5% (31.1% in 2017). The principal products of the industry are: ball and roller bearings, repair of trains, etc. The principal enterprises of the industry are: “Stepnogorsk Bearing Plant: JSC (production of railway and spherical bearings), “ZGO” LLP (production of non-standard equipment for mining and chemical production), “Tselingormash” LLP (production of equipment and spare parts for mining equipment, power-generating facilities, spare parts for railway freight cars).
494. Chemical industry: The principal enterprises operating in the branch of chemical industry of the city are: Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Combine LLP (processing of uranium- containing raw materials), SP SKZ Kazatomprom LLP (production of sulfuric acid), branch of “Astana-Nan Chemicals” in Stepnogorsk Astana-Nan LLP, LLP Progress-Selkhozkhim (production of plant protection products), Astana-Oil Oil House LLP (winter diesel fuel production), Alfa Organic Malt Distillery LLP (production of ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide), Biotron Group LLP (production of veterinary preparations on appointment), Progress Agro LLP, Agrovit LLP (production of feed additives for farm animals and poultry).
495. Power engineering: The principal plants operating in the branch of power engineering of the city are: Stepnogorsk Thermal Power Plant LLP (generation of heat and electrical energy), gas treatment plant at the Gkp Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal (water collection, processing and distribution).
E.4.5 Development and Promotion of Small and Medium Businesses
496. A priority of the economic development of the city of Stepnogorsk is the development of small and medium businesses. By January 1, 2019, 11,555 people were engaged in small and medium businesses what is 18,2% more the same level in 2017. As per the results of 2018, the share of operating registered small and medium businesses was 83,5% what is 2% more the same indicator of 2017 (it was 81,8% in 2017).
497. As per “Business Roadmap 2020” Program: 19 projects are subsidized; the following companies received grants in 2018: Individual Enterprise “Berik” to open a gym for people 115
with disabilities and “Duger Plus” LLP to purchase the equipment needed for the children’s rehabilitation. There were new business facilities opened in 2018. The subjects of small and medium businesses in Stepnogorsk have the following problems: i) limited access to credit resources due to the lack of collateral; prolonged review of documents by crediting establishments; lack of tax benefits; ii) lack of experience of the owner and employees; lack of qualified personnel; inefficient use of credit resources.
E.4.6 Education
498. There are 20 preschool establishments in the city of Stepnogorsk, including 13 kindergartens and 7 mini-centers serving 2288 children. There are 7 kindergartens for 1805 children in the city, including 1 private kindergarten for 165 children. There are total of 4 kindergartens in the villages, including 1 state kindergarten in the village of Shantobe for 74 children and 3 private kindergartens in the village of Bestobe for 169 children. Three are total of 7 mini-centers in the region: 1 private mini-center in the city of Stepnogorsk for 30 children, 3 mini-centers functioning at the secondary schools of different settlements for 71 children and 3 mini-centers functioning at the secondary schools of different villages for 62 children.
499. The student body in 2018-2019 academic year amounted to 9424 (9247 in the academic year of 2017-2018, what is 177 more students; the quality of knowledge at the end of the academic year was 65.8% (65.1% in 2018). All institutions of general education are equipped with computers and a 100% access to broad-band Internet; they are connected to the Kundelik.kz UIS (Unified Information System) and the «Bilimland» educational platform. At present, there are 8 students per computer in the city. The number of the subject rooms at secondary schools increased from 45.2% in 2015 to 50.4% in 2019. The qualitative composition of the city’s teachers is increasing annually in terms of educational and qualification categories.
500. There are 3 colleges in the city (state - GKKP "Industrial and Technical College (Stepnogorsk), GkkP "Industrial’nyy-Tekhnicheskiy Kolledzh (Mining and Technical College) under the Department of Educational System of Akmola Province", private colleges: College" Matsat"); the student body is more than 1.0 thousand. 2 VET organizations have dormitories.
E.4.7 Healthcare Facilities
501. There are 4 healthcare objects in the city: 3 organizations providing inpatient care (Emergency Care Center “Stepnogorsk Multidisciplinary City Hospital”, State Institution “Stepnogorsk Regional Psychiatric Hospital” of Akmola Province Health Department, State Emergency Management Center “Stepnogorsk Interregional Tuberculosis Dispensary at Akmola Province Health Department”), emergency ward, 1 organization providing outpatient care (Municipal Utility Service Emergency Care Center "Stepnogorsk City Polyclinic").
502. For the purposes of healthcare staffing, 12 doctors were employed at hospitals and polyclinics (9 - the Central City Hospital, 3 at polyclinics) in 2018. Provision of medical personnel: 64.5% at clinics and 54% at hospitals. In 2018, clinic allocated 5 apartments to attract the doctors to work in the city.
E.4.8 Cultural Resources
503. By January 1, 2019, there were 5 state enterprises on the territory of the city of Stpnogorsk: Central House of Artists “Miner”, “House of Friendship and Creativity”, recreation center of the village of Aksu, recreation center of the Miner of the village of Shantobe, recreation 115
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center of Rauan of the village of Bestobe; 3 clubs: Izobilny village club; Zavodskoy village, Variety Theater, which is a branch of the Gornyak Central House of Artists. 1 Local History Museum (a branch of the regional museum), 12 libraries (2 of them are urban, 6 are rural and 4 of them are located in small villages) and 1 teacher resource Center.
504. 2017-2018 was marked by an increased number of library visits due to the improved material-technical base and modernized rural and village libraries. In 2018, the following projects were realized as part of the Rukhani Zhanyru Program («Рухани Жаңғыру»): i) digitalization of the centralized library system and modernization of rural libraries. Consequently, an electronic library was acquired and it operates successfully; ii) model libraries were opened in the villages of Shantobe and Bestobe and in the village of Kyrykkydyk; iii) the Museum of Local Lore of the city was repaired and its expositions were renewed.
E.4.9 Tourism
505. The leisure and tourism industry in the city of Stepnogorsk is one of the underdeveloped sectors of the economy, the reasons for which are the lack of open reservoirs, recreation centers and sights. Tourism in the region is represented only by travel agencies, accommodation (hotels) and the only small pond “Sopka 305”. In 2018, as per the statistical data, the number of objects involved in the accommodation of visitors was 5 with 111 rooms and one-time capacity of 156 beds.
E.5. Infrastructure, Utilities, and Service
E.5.1 Housing
506. The housing development in the city is realized within the scope of Nurly Zher state program. In 2018, owing to the state support, the annual volume of commissioned housing of the city was approximately 10 thousand square meters. In the regional context, the majority of the commissioned living space falls on the city of Stepnogorsk. In 2017, 96.1% of the total housing resources of the city (1395.9 thousand sq. m) is located in the urban area and 3.9% is located rural area.
507. The development of housing and communal services of the city of Stepnogorsk accomplished within the scope of program “Development of regions until 2020”. Its main goal is to provide the population with high-quality public services. 100% of the population of the city has an access to the centralized water supply system and 87% of the adjoining villages: Aksu, Zavodskoy, Bestobe, Karabulak village, Kyrykkydyk, Izobilnoye and Bogenbaisky rural district. The sewerage covers 100% of the territory of the city, like central heating and hot water supply.
508. As per the results of 2017, the number of apartment buildings in the city of Stepnogorsk was 277, with the total area of 1015.7 thous. m2. There are no hazardous non-residential buildings in the city of Stepnogorsk.
E.5.2 Water supply
509. Water supply in the region is developed within the scope of the Regional Development Program. The main goal of the program is to ensure a public access to high-quality drinking water. As per the statistics, in 2018, 63,505 users were provided with centralized water supply and 553 users were provided with decentralized water supply, with 3,355 users 117
supplied with the transported water.
510. The water supply services of the city are provided by the State Public Utility Enterprise at Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal. The total length of water disposal networks is 131.7 km. (53.8 of pressure; 77.9 – by gravity). Since 2017, the reconstruction of the water supply systems of the city of Stepnogorsk (micro-districts 4, 6 and 7) and reconstruction of the water supply systems of the villages of Aksu and Zavodskaya have been carried out. The source of the city’s water intake is the Seletinsky Reservoir, 51.5 km from the city. The planned annual capacity of the Seletinsky Reservoir is 223 mln. m3. The actual annual volume of the water supplied in 2018 was 20.862 mln. m3.
511. Water diversion: The total length of the water diversion networks is 131,6 km; the wear of the networks is 60,0%; 79,0 km of the networks need construction, reconstruction or average repairs (the responsible entity is State Public Utility Enterprise at Stepnogorsk-Vodokanal). The wear of the sewerage pumping stations is 15%.
512. As compared to 2017, the amount of leakage from the water supply networks decreased by 20% in 2018. In 2018, the project to reconstruct Sopka-305 water treatment plant (WTP) was launched.
E.5.3 Waste
513. There is 1 landfill operating in Stepnogorsk for the utilization and burial of solid municipal waste, found 1 km from the city, with an area of 20,3356 ha. The solid municipal waste is stored and utilized d on the landfill. Recycling is done by means of compaction and each layer is isolated with ground.
E.5.4 Land Resources
514. The total area of the lands (including villages of Zavodskaya, Aksu, Bestobe, Karabulak, the Kyrykkydyk, Izobilnoye and Bogenbai rural district) is 290,540 ha, including 153,106.8 ha of the agricultural lands, with 22,358.30 ha of arable land, 12317.0 ha of deposits and 185,075.50 ha of pastures. The village of Shantobe is located on the lands of the Sandyktau Districtof Akmola province.
515. The area of settlements is 77,234 ha, including the area of the city of Stepnogorsk (14,220 ha). The industrial site is distanced from the city by 24 km north-east. Under Decree No. 455 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan of May 06, 2013 “On changing the administrative boundaries of districts and cities of regional significance of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, 123,000.0 ha of land of Akkol District were confined to the administrative borders of the city of Stepnogorsk. In line with joint decision No. a-3/149 of the Akimat of Akmola Oblast of 11 on April 11, 2013 and decision No. 5C-12-3 of Akmola Regional Maslikhat of April 11, 2013, the lands of the settlement of the village of Kyrykkydyk with a total area of 3302 ha and the lands of the settlement of the village of Izobil’ne of Ereymentau District with the total area of 12005.0 ha were transferred to the city of Stepnogorsk. The total area of the lands of Akkol District incorporated within the administrative borders of the city of Stepnogorsk is 126302,0 ha; it is 12005,0 from Ereymentau District making total of 138307,0 ha. The agricultural lands of Kyrykkydyk and rural district Izobil’ne are not incorporated within the administrative borders of the city of Stepnogorsk.
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F. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
F.1. General
516. This section of the IEE details the Projects potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures to limit any negative impacts identified during the initial stage of the IEE process. The baseline surveys were conducted keeping in consideration the potential impacts. The impact assessment and mitigating measures cover the entire cycle of the project activities, from pre-construction to construction and operation and maintenance. The coverage of each of sub-project phases is defined as follows:
• Feasibility / Design Phase, or the Pre-Construction Phase • Construction Phase • Operation Phase
517. This section is discussed by construction package rather than by specific environmental or social characteristics, e.g. soils, hydrology, etc as this is considered easier to understand the specific issues.
518. The environmental components, which may be adversely affected by projects at their construction, operation and decommissioning stages, generally are grouped as physical, biological and socio-economic ones. Examples of the environmental components which might be of a different levels and attributes are presented in the Table 39 below.
Table 39: Environmental Aspects Physical Components Biological Components Socioeconomic Components • Physical component of • Flora and Fauna • Human health ecosystems (habitats) • Vegetation communities/ • Settlements • Air forests • Cultural heritages • Soil (quality, structure, • Animals’ and plants’ • Employment fertility, erodibility) populations (number, • Demography • Land abundance, distribution, etc.) • Income • Water resources • Biological component of • Poverty (surface water: quality, forest, aquatic, meadow, • Gender availability, hydrological steppe and other ecosystems • Education regime); (as a whole), etc. • Migration • Landscape/Aesthetics, • Micro-organisms, etc etc.
519. Project potential impacts: Within the proposed project the impacts associated with the activities on construction of WWTP might be positive and negative. This Project will have positive impact on Stepnogorsk city, bringing sanitary sewage services to many small business enterprises and local community, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving river water quality, creating jobs, etc. Negative impacts attribute to water, air and soil pollution, additional water and energy consumption, noise and health risks, during both construction and operation phases. Measures to be taken to minimize potential negative environmental impacts depend on their type, magnitude, combination and distribution. 119
F.1.1. Types of Project Impacts
520. The following types of impacts considered under the proposed Project are summarized below: (i) Cumulative impact (ii) Indirect Impact (iii) Residual Impact.
521. Cumulative impact. The Project will not have a cumulative impact, since the site of the WWTP is located at the outskirt of the City, there is no potential impact on the planned expansion areas for the City. There will be minor cumulative impact in the construction phase when the central highway is used to transport construction materials.
522. Indirect Impacts. Indirect (or secondary) impacts are those arising from activities associated with direct activities implementing within the project implementation. These might be positive and negative social, economic, or environmental impacts. Of positive impacts, the opportunity to use the water treated with WWTP in agriculture is worthwhile, as well as planned use of the treated sewage sludge in agriculture as a fertilizer. A negative social impact is a possible growth of service fees both, for legal and physical entities. 523. Residual Impacts. Residual impacts are those that remain after all mitigation has been carried out. Assuming that all mitigation as indicated in the guideline tables are implemented appropriately. 524. As a result of the project implementation, the project residual Impact will mostly be positive. The project may also have a minor negative impact. The following positive impacts are worthwhile:
(i) Prior to the project implementation, the sewerage sludge was discharged into the Aksu River only following its minor mechanical treatment, what caused intense environmental pollution of the river. As a result, the river water was impossible to use in agriculture and dangerous to use for drinking by domestic and wild animals. Following the project implementation, the water of the Aksu River can be used in agriculture, what, in a social respect, will have a positive impact on the local population; (ii) If the sewerage sludge is used as a fertilizer, this also, will have a positive environmental impact on the local population. The use of natural fertilizers instead of organic ones decreases the degree of pollution of agricultural plots with heavy metals and other chemicals. (iii) Use of residual waters in agriculture and manufacturing will also have a positive environmental effect. This will help avoid the pollution of the waters taken from other sources. 525. As for the expected negative residual Impact of the project implementation, the disposal of the sewerage sludge and residual water from the WWTP area and their use in agriculture and manufacturing will be done in small consignments what will increase the traffic of heavy techniques within the project zone.
F.1.2 Mitigation Hierarchy
518. The following mitigation hierarchy will be utilized in selecting practical mitigation measures for unacceptable impacts as follows (in order of preference): ~ • Avoid the impact wherever possible by removing the cause(s). • Reduce the impact as far as possible by limiting the cause(s). • Ameliorate the impact by protecting the receptor from the cause(s) of the impact.
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526. Providing compensatory measures to offset the impact, particularly where an impact is of high significance and none of the above are appropriate.
F 1.3. Positive Project Impacts
527. Most of the proposed works might generate adverse environmental impacts. These could include water and air pollution; noise pollution, soil erosion; dumping of excavated sediments and other materials WWTP construction and operation. At the same time, the project will bring several positive environmental and social impacts.
528. The main benefits are summarized below:
(i) As already mentioned, the sewage treatment facilities of the City of Stepnagorsk are in unsatisfactory technical condition. Due to deteriorated concrete structures and outworn mechanical equipment, most of the facilities of the plant have to be rehabilitated or replaced. Moreover, the effluent quality does not comply with the national effluent standards. On the one hand, as aresult of the WWTP operation, no polluted water will be discharged into the surface waters and on the other hand, there will be the possibility for the secondary use of sewage waters, what on its turn, will economize the use of water resources;
(ii) Sewerage sludge, which was also discharged into the surface waters, will be used as a fertilizer in agriculture following its treatment. This will also have a positive impact on both, the local population and in economic and social respects;
(iii) Untreated sewerage sludge is one of the main sources for greenhouse gases (methane) in the world (as a source of greenhouse gases, as per different classification systems, the wastewater ranks the fifth in the world). The preferred methodology to treat sewage waters reduces the amount of warehouse gases drastically and has a positive impact on the climate change problems.
F.2. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
F.2.1. Design / Pre-construction Phase
Impacts: 529. Soil pollution - in the mobilization phase, the topsoil must be stripped what may cause topsoil loss. The loss of topsoil may occur both, in the soil stripping and storage phases. Besides, topsoil stripping increases the risk of dust formation even in case of weak winds. Soil pollution may also be caused by wrong management of fuel, lubricants and waste.
530. Noise, dust, vibration - in the mobilization phase, the probability of noise, dust and vibration occurrence increases. Despite the fact that the settled area is located far from the project facility, this fact may have a negative impact on the workers.
531. Land Acquisition and Compensation – The layout drawing (Figure 4) of the WWTP site shows the new proposed facilities. There is enough space to accommodate the new buildings and structures. Therefore, no additional land is needed for implementing the new WWTP construction. Since the site of the WWTP is located on the outskirt of the city, there is no potential impact on the planned expansion areas for the City. The closest neighboring residential area is far consequently, there will be no involuntary resettlement.
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532. In the eventuality, the detailed final design requires additional land outside the existing boundaries of the WWTP (accessroads), a resettlement plan (LARP), based on the project’s Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF) and reviewed by ADB, will be required. Civil works will proceed only after the full implementation of the LARP, as certified by a third party.
Mitigation: 533. In the first instance, planning and design of all irrigation schemes components shall be based on international standards such as European standards and ISO or DIN norms under due consideration of local guidelines where available such as SniP and GOST.
534. Mitigation is recommended through strategic avoidance combined with construction and monitoring. Bid and contract documents are recommended to specify that a Site Specific EMP (SSEMP) shall be required. The Contractors shall ensure that the SSEMP is submitted to the Engineer for review at least 10 days before taking possession of any work site. No access to the sites will be allowed until the SSEMP is reviewed and approved by the Engineer. The SEMP will include the following Topic Specific Plans: • Waste Management Plan. • OHS Plan. • Traffic Management Plan. • Air Quality Management Plan. • Noise Management Plan. • Spill Response Plan. • Hazardous Materials Management Plan.
535. All the above-mentioned documents must be developed by the Contractor and submitted to the KazCenter Project Management Unit (PMU) for approval. The Construction Contractor will be entitled to start the construction works only after the above-said documents are approved by PMU.
F.2.2 Construction and Operation Phases
536. The construction and rehabilitation works have the potential to cause a number of site specific temporary environmental impacts arising from the location and management of work camp(s) and haul roads and from disturbance issues relating to dust, noise and vibration, procurement of construction materials, liquid discharges, waste collection and storage. During construction stage the following direct impacts are expected:
• Air emissions including dust • Climate change • Noise and vibration • Soil erosion and contamination • Surface waters contamination • Construction and household waste generation • Flora and fauna • Potential impacts on public cultural resources • Health and safety of workers and community • Odor • Greenhouse gases
537. Adverse environmental impacts during pre-construction and construction stages. Potential negative impacts of the project would include: 121
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• Soil pollution during the construction activities, including in the phases of topsoil stripping and storage; management of fuels and lubricants; waste management; earthworks and other construction activities. • Impact on traffic during the transportation of construction materials (during construction phase); • Air pollution: (i) emissions and dust originated as a result of heavy technique traffic; (ii) dust formed as a result of topsoil stripping; (iii) emissions, noise and vibration originated during the operation of the construction techniques; • Damage to trees or other vegetation, both, in the project zone and access roads and beyond the project zone during the construction phase; • Occupational hazards and community health and safety during the pre-construction and construction activities. 538. Adverse environmental impacts during operation stage. Potential negative impacts of the project would include:
• Pollution of soil, air or surface water during planned and unplanned rehabilitation and repair works; • Increasing noise and vibration in case of disposal of small portions of sewerage sludge and treated water by farmers and entrepreneurs. • Occupational hazards and community health and safety during the operation activities.
F.2.2.1. Air quality
539. This section discusses emissions of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to Emit Atmospheric Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases are the following: • Stationery sources at the construction camp and on the construction grounds (generator, diesel supply reservoir, parking for techniques and vehicles, welding posts, etc.); • Mobile sources, such as construction techniques and vehicles (excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks, etc.); • Emission of inorganic dust will also occur during the intense earthworks and management of inert materials. • Air quality impacts from WWTP during operation phase.
Sensitive Receptors: 540. The nearest settlements are located 650 meters from the design WWTP. Dust and noise can become a nuisance for the population when moving their equipment during the construction phase. No sensitive receptors have been identified in the vicinity of Stepnagorsk WWTP construction site that could be affected by dust or vehicle emissions.
541. There is also a risk of contamination of soil and surface water during the construction phase
Potential impacts: Construction Phase
542. Release of Exhaust Gases - During construction, the release of combustion gases will mostly be from vehicles and potentially from mobile sources such as mobile generators. These may locally increase concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (NOX and SO2) to a 123
limited extent and over a short time period. Sensitive receptors and residential buildings have been located in 650 m radius of design WWTP site, as such exhaust emissions are unlikely to have any significant impact. 543. Dust - Dust impacts on sensitive receptors will generally be of low significance due to the distances involved between the worksites and the receptors. Some minor, short term dust impacts may occur to agricultural areas and in areas adjacent to access roads.
Operational Phase 544. The impact on air quality in the operation phase will be much less:
• In line with sanitary standards No. 237 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the establishment of a sanitary protection zone of production facilities”, dated by 20.03.2015, approved by order of the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the existing WWTP is the III -category facility meaning that the nearest settled area must be distanced from it by at least 400 m51. This requirement with Stepnagorsk WWTP is met. • Winds of south and south--west direction are typical to the given region. Wind velocity is 3,7 m/sec. The highest wind velocity is observed at the end of winter and at the beginning of summer. Maximum wind velocity, as per the available long-term data, is 30 m/sec. The nearest settled area is distanced from Stepnogorsk WWTP by 650 m, consequently, the risk of propagation of objectionable odor will exist during the WWTP operation period. • Air pollution will occur in the phase of realizing the planned and non-planned rehabilitation works with the construction techniques; • In the phase of transporting treated sewage sludge; • Minor amounts of greenhouse gases will be emitted in the WWTP operation phase.
Mitigation measures:
Construction Phase
545. The following air pollution control mitigation measures will be undertaken during construction phase of the project:
• Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Pollution Prevention Plan. The Plan will include measures to limit air pollution during the construction phase of the Project. • Construction materials (sand, gravel, and rocks) and spoil materials will be transported by trucks covered with tarpaulin; • All vehicles (e.g., trucks, equipment, and other vehicles that support construction works) will comply with the national vehicle regulations and international emission standards. Regular exhaust emissions tests need to be conducted.; • No equipment using any fuel that may produce air pollutants, including mobile generators, will be installed without consent of the engineer. Construction equipment will be maintained to a good standard and fitted with pollution control devices which will be regularly monitored by the engineer. • No burning of debris or other materials will occur on the construction sites • For dust generated from unpaved roads, material stock piles, etc: • The contractor will ensure that material stockpiles will be located in sheltered areas
51 OVOZ – Chapter 3.5 Information about the sanitary protection zone 123
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and be covered with tarpaulins or other such suitable covering to prevent material becoming airborne. • All trucks used for transporting materials to and from the sites will be covered with canvas tarpaulins, or other acceptable type cover (which will be properly secured) to prevent debris and/or materials from falling from or being blown off the vehicle(s). • Effective use of water sprays will be implemented: carrying out watering for dust control at least 3 times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon during dry weather with temperatures of over 25°C, or in windy weather. All water used for controlling dust will be free of odor and pollution. • Regular monitoring of atmosphere air pollution must be carried out throughout the construction period to ensure control and apply mitigation measures for settlements and workers who are involved in the construction, if necessary. • Clean wheels and undercarriage of haul trucks prior to leaving construction site. • Bring the material (aggregate and sand) as and when required. • Ensure speedy completion of work and proper site clearance after completion. • A strict Project speed limit of 30km/hr will be enforced for Project vehicles using unmade tracks and within Project construction zones. • Vehicles carrying fine aggregate materials will be sheeted to help prevent dust blow and spillages.
Operational Phase 546. A wind-breaking belt is to be provided around the project WWTP. This measure is also viewed as the mitigation measure for the production of greenhouse gases. If the given measure proves to be inefficient, additional mitigation measures will be necessary. The most efficient method against the odor propagation is gathering and storing biogas or using the gathered biogas to generate the power. The major disadvantage of the given measure is high starting capital.
547. with the aim to avoid air pollution in the operation phase, the following mitigation measures are to be accomplished: • design and install different cover options to fit tanks, basins and lagoons; • Cover options should include floating, structurally supported, modular, inflated and dual membrane; • solutions should make with strong, long-lasting materials to resist tears, punctures, chemicals and UV rays.
548. As alternative to reduse the smell from WWTP possible to seal wastewater treatment tanks/lagoons with a gastight cover solution. Covering these tanks will reliably prevent diffusion of odor vapors. Escaping odor vapors can be contained and evacuated for further treatment. In addition to the above-listed activities, with the aim to avoid air pollution in the operation phase, the following mitigation measures are to be accomplished: • Operating non-faulty vehicles; • Operating non-faulty equipment and mechanisms, which the part of the plant; • Providing monitoring and planning mitigation measures as necessary; • Providing training to the personnel once a year.
F.2.2.3. Soils and Geology
549. This section discusses potential impacts on soils and geology during construction and 125
operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The following planned Project activities could affect soils and geology and in the Project area:
• Use of vehicles, heavy plant and equipment in worksite areas. • Topsoil clearance in worksite areas and camps. • Topsoil and subsoil storage (for re-use in backfilling and reinstatement). • Construction of access roads. • Accidental release of potential contaminants (e.g. fuel, hazardous waste, chemicals) at all work sites.
Sensitive receptors: 550. Generally, the soils in the Project area are unproductive. These areas will not be affected permanently by construction works.
Potential Impacts: ConstructionPhase 551. Soil Properties and Compaction – Soil compaction may occur around access roads and tower pad sites. This will not impact upon agricultural land but could have some impacts relating to increased runoff and erosion.
552. Soil Erosion and Soil Loss - Erosion is a natural process by which wind and rain wear away soils that have poor cohesion or are steeply sloping. Where the land surface is disturbed and when vegetation and topsoil are removed, erosion rates increase. After reinstatement of topsoil temporarily removed from the worksites during construction or at the temporary areas, the soil is less cohesive and is much more easily erodible in wet weather.
553. Soil Contamination During Construction - The principal potential contaminants associated with the construction activities are the same as those listed above for hydrology. The soil can also be contaminated if substances from hazardous waste storage leach into the ground or if large quantities of raw sewage are discharged onto the ground.
554. Aggregate Requirements – Any aggregate required for construction of tower foundations (e.g. fill material beneath tower pads) will be obtained from state licensed quarries and/or borrow pits. Extraction and use of aggregates constitute depletion of non-renewable natural resources. If borrow pits or quarries are poorly sited, extraction can have adverse impacts on ecology, water resources, cultural heritage and communities.
Mitigation Measures: Construction Phase 555. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Pollution Prevention Plan and a Reinstatement Implementation Plan. The Plans will include measures to limit soil pollution during the construction phase of the Project and measures to reinstate land affected by construction works.
556. Soil Compaction and Erosion - To avoid compaction impacts outside the cleared areas, i.e. pad sites, vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency).
557. Temporary erosion control measures will be developed and implemented after initial land disturbance and if construction activity on the working areas is suspended over the winter before reinstatement has been completed.
558. If topsoil is stored for more than six months, the stacks will be monitored for anaerobic 125
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conditions and manual aeration will be undertaken if they develop. This aims to provide sufficient fertility for reinstatement at the end of the construction period. Stored subsoil and topsoil will be segregated in a manner that avoids mixing. Topsoil stacks along the within the Project area will be free draining. Topsoil will be stored outside the running track used by construction plant, equipment and vehicles. Soil storage areas will be protected from vehicle movements to avoid soil compaction. Keeping the topsoil mounds free from disturbance in this manner will reduce risk of physical damage and compaction.
559. Soil Contamination - The following mitigation measures will be implemented with the aim of reducing the risk of soil contamination:
• The storage of hazardous materials will be restricted to designated impermeable hazardous materials storage areas located at least 50m from any surface water course or seasonal water channel. • A refueling procedure will be developed by the EPC Contractor, which will include a restriction on refueling within 50m of any watercourse. • The EPC Contractor's will ensure all material safety data sheets (MSDS) are kept on site with the relevant materials. • Materials that can potentially react with each other will be segregated during storage. • Procedures will be established to determine acceptability of material storage and to promote the minimization of storage volumes. • Hazardous chemicals will be securely stored on site in a designated storage area. • Relevant personnel will be trained in safe use and handling of hazardous materials. • Diesel storage tanks at construction camps will be located in suitably sized and constructed bunded areas that are designed to be impervious to water and fuel. The bund volume will be designed to no less than 110% of the tank volume. Loading and off-loading connections will be located over secondary containment. • Regular inspections and maintenance will be carried out of secondary containment areas at camps to confirm that they are functioning effectively. • Information will be incorporated into the Site induction process and will outline the role of personnel in the management of waste and emissions from site and spill response procedures. • Site induction training will be supplemented by regular ‘toolbox’ talks with relevant personnel if inspections or audits highlight failings in waste management. If a spill does occur, the following measures will reduce the associated potential impacts: o Spill response equipment (absorbents etc.) will be available in hazardous materials storage areas. o Relevant construction personnel will be trained in use of spill kits and disposal practices. o Vehicles delivering fuel or hazardous liquids will carry appropriate spill kits to allow an initial response to any spill to be deployed. o All mobile plant (excluding vehicles) will be integrally bunded or will be equipped with a bund or drip tray which will be regularly inspected and emptied to prevent rainwater accumulating.
560. Restoration- To facilitate natural re-vegetation of the pad sites, the separately stockpiled topsoil and vegetation debris will be spread over the surface of the work sites following completion of works. Once the topsoil has been replaced it will be stone picked to remove any large stones which are not in keeping with the surrounding soil texture.
561. Upon completion of subsoil and topsoil reinstatement, the EPC Contractor and PIC will inspect disturbed areas jointly for signs of erosion, slope stability, relief, topographic 127
diversity, acceptable surface water drainage capacity and function, and compaction and implement remedial measures, if necessary.
562. Borrow Pits – Only state licensed borrow pits will be allowed for use. The EPC Contractor will provide copies of the borrow pit operator’s license and permit prior to the PIC before any materials from the borrow pit are delivered to site The following practices will be adopted to minimize the risk of soil contamination and topsoil loss:
• The contractors will be required to instruct and train their workforce in the storage and handling of materials and chemicals that can potentially cause soil contamination; • Solid waste generated during construction and at campsites will be properly treated and safely disposed of only in demarcated waste disposalsites; • Construction chemicals will be managedproperly; • Clearly labelling all dangerousproducts; • Fuel tanks (diesel or oil) should be placed in a concrete bunded facility with a storage capacity of 110% of the volume of the fuel stored; • A proper floor drain should be installed on the slab of the concrete pool for safety discharging the leakages
Operational Phase
563. To avoid any kind of leakage due to loss of power supply, WWTPshould have a small electrical generator. Soil contamination may also occur during performance of the planned or emergency repair works:
• Water pressure in the pipelines must be continuously monitored during entire operation phase. In addition, the relevant mitigation measures shall be implemented during maintenance works. • Depending on the class of WWTP, it is required to develop a plan for disposal of sludge to the dump site.
F.2.2.4. Sludge management
Potential Impacts: Operation Phase
564. The amount of sewage sludge produced is proportional to the amount and concentration of wastewater treated, and it also depends on the type of wastewater treatment process used. It can be expressed as kg dry solids per cubic metre of wastewater treated. The total sludge production from a wastewater treatment process is the sum of sludge from primary settling tanks (if they are part of the process configuration) plus excess sludge from the biological treatment step. For example, primary sedimentation produces about 110–170 kg/ML of so-called primary sludge, with a value of 150 kg/ML regarded as being typical for municipal wastewater in the U.S. or Europe52. The sludge production is expressed as kg of dry solids produced per ML of wastewater treated; one mega litre (ML) is 103 m3. Of the biological treatment processes, the activated sludge process produces about 70–100 kg/ML of waste activated sludge, and a trickling filter process produces slightly less sludge
52 Tchobanoglous, George; Burton, Franklin L.; Stensel, H. David (2003). Wastewater engineering : treatment and reuse (4 ed.). Metcalf & Eddy. p. 1449. ISBN 978-0071122504.
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from the biological part of the process: 60–100 kg/ML53. This means that the total sludge production of an activated sludge process that uses primary sedimentation tanks is in the range of 180–270 kg/ML, being the sum of primary sludge and waste activated sludge.
565. By considering the present-day situation in Stepnogorsk, 9 000 000 liters of wastewater is originated annually. Based on the available statistics, 1620-2430 kg (average 2025 kg) sewerage sludge is originated annually as a result of the WWTP operation.
566. At this stage, it is possible to consider two options of sludge management and final disposal: (i) using sludge as a fertilizer, and (ii) disposing sludge to the landfill. As soon as it is possible to use sludge as a fertilizer, owing to its chemical composition, surely, this option will be preferred. Otherwise, the sludge will be disposed to the landfill.
567. At the stage of the conceptual design, the landfills where the sludge will be disposed are not specified. At the stage of developing the detailed design, the concrete landfill where the sewage sludge is to be disposed will be specified. The landfill will be selected based on the following criteria: (i) the waste sludge must be disposed to as near location from its origination site as possible to avoid the transportation of the sewage sludge to long distances, (ii) the landfill must be bordered to prevent domestic animals from penetrating it, and (iii) the landfill must have sufficient area to have a separate cell for sludge disposal.
568. Starting from sludge treatment at WWTP through its final disposal, biogas production is another desirable option to consider. In an environmental respect, this option is the most acceptable one. The main disadvantage of this option is high initial cost and the need for additional area. At the same time, it should be noted that the biogas method will produce the following financial benefits for the project: (i) with biogas production, ¾ of the greenhouse gases produced by the WWTP will be neutralized; (ii) the produced gas will be possible to use for different purposes, including for power generation, (iii) biogas production will reduce the propagation of harmful substances in the air by 75% and virtually, the risk of propagation of objectionable odor will be zero, and (iv) after harmful substances are isolated from the sludge (methane in particular), the quality of the sludge as that of the fertilizer will be improved.
569. At the given stage, the preliminary conceptual design developed within the scope of the project does not consider biogas method. Both, the economic and environmental benefits of the given approach are desirable to consider at the stage of development of the detailed design.
570. In view of the lack of national legislation with regard to the use of sludge in agriculture, European regulations shall be considered in case the sludge will be used as fertilizer. Sludge Management Plan Preparation guidelines are presented in Annex 3 of this report.
571. According to European legislation the use of sludge is prohibited: • on grassland or forage crops if the grassland is to be grazed or the forage crops to be harvested before a certain period has elapsed (this period may not be less than three weeks);
53 Biosolids Generation, Use, and Disposal in The United States (PDF) (Report). EPA. September 1999. p. 2. EPA530-R-99-009. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
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• on fruit and vegetable crops during the growing season, with the exception of fruit trees; • on ground intended for the cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops which are normally in direct contact with the soil and normally eaten raw, for a period of ten months preceding the harvest and during the harvest itself.
572. USA regulations related with the federal biosolids (treated sewage sludge) rule described in the EPA publication is contained in 40 CFR Part 503. Biosolids that are to be land applied must meet these strict regulations and quality standards. The Part 503 rule governing the use and disposal of biosolids contain numerical limits, for metals in biosolids, pathogen reduction standards, site restriction, crop harvesting restrictions and monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements for land applied biosolids as well as similar requirements for biosolids that are surface disposed or incinerated. Most recently, standards have been proposed to include requirements in the Part 503 Rule that limit the concentration of dioxin and dioxin like compounds in biosolids to ensure safe land application.
573. Sludge and soil on which it is used must be sampled and analyzed. Sludge shall be analyzed for heavy metals every 12 months. The limit values are given in the Table 40 below.
Table 40: Limit Values Heavy Metals
Limit values for Limit values for Limit values for concentrations of heavy metal amounts of heavy heavy metals in soils concentrations in metals which may be sludge added annually to agricultural land mg/kg of dry matter mg/kg of dry matter mg/kg of dry matter
Cadmium 1-3 20 – 40 0.15 Copper 50 - 140 1000 - 1750 12 Nickel 30 -75, 300 – 400 (3) 30 -75, 300 – 400 (3) 30 -75, 300 – 400 (3) Lead 50 - 300 750 – 1,200 15 Zinc 150 - 300 2500 – 4000 30 Mercury 1 - 1,5 16 - 25 0,1
574. If the sewerage sludge is impossible to use as a fertilizer, it will be necessary to dispose to the landfill. Stepnogorsk municipal waste landfill is located 1 km from the 9th district of Stepnogorsk. As the locals say, a strong objectionable odor of waste is felt in windy weather, particularly in summer. The landfill is not fenced and all types of waste are disposed on it. The landfill is owned by private company “Kurilis MTK” Ltd. As per the obtained information, the landfill is overfilled with waste and cases of self-ignition of waste are also registered. The landfill causes discontent among the local people. Consequently, it is not recommended to dispose sludge on the given landfill.
575. Following the above-mentioned, for Stepnogorsk, it will be necessary to identify a new territory for safe final disposal of the sewerage sludge. As already mentioned, maximum 2500 kg of sewerage sludge is originated in the WWTP operation stage annually, what, following its specific weight, is equivalent to approximately 9 m3 (approximately 300 kg in volume equals 1 m3). The volume of the sewerage sludge originated for 50 years in terms of a 3% increase, will make 600 m3. In order to dispose 600 m3 solid sewerage sludge at the height of 1 m, 0.1 ha area (with relevant infrastructure) is sufficient.
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576. As a conclusion we may say that if the sewerage sludge is impossible to use as a fertilizer following its inferior quality, for Stepnagorsk, within the scope of the project, a 0.1 ha area will be identified and improved for final sludge disposal. The design-build contract will update the final IEEs with the option/s finalized for sludge disposal and/or utilization (e.g. through biogas generation, fertilizers, etc.). The project can be implemented once the IEEs are finalized with the above requirements.
Mitigation Measures: Operation Phase • Water pressure in the pipelines must be continuously monitored during entire operation phase. In addition, the relevant mitigation measures shall be implemented during maintenance works. • Depending on the class of WWTP, it is required to develop a plan for disposal of sludge to the dump site. The plan has to be agreed with the MoEGNR of Kazakhstan. • Need to have a modern laboratory facility. It is required that WWTP has modern facility of laboratory to enable test on toxicity and heavy metal content. • During the first operating year the sludge management and disposal plans should be developed, focusing on testing to see how much of the material can be used in agriculture. These tests will be for toxic and hazardous material content such as chromium and cadmium. This plan will be agreed with the MoEGNR of Kazakhstan.
F.2.2.5. Hydrological Resources
577. This section discusses potential impacts on hydrology (both surface and groundwater) during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The following Project activities in the construction phase of the Project could affect surface water resources in the Project area:
• Discharge of domestic wastewater from camps into watercourses. • Accidental release of potential contaminants (e.g. fuel, hazardous waste, chemicals). • Disruption of flow during crossing of irrigation ditches and sais from the construction of access roads. • Increased sediment run-off from the tower pad sites, construction camp and storage areas after vegetation and soil stripping, until the area has re-vegetated after reinstatement.
Sensitive Receptors:
578. The most sensitive receptor of surface water is the river Aksu and its aquatic fauna, located in 0.6 km distance from the WWTP. The treated water is discharged through discharge collector pipe in the river Aksu 579. If the treated sewage water is not used in agriculture, then it must be discharged into the river Aksu under the project. At present, the untreated sewage water is discharged to the same river Aksu.
580. Consequently, in 2018, 21 wells were drilled in the project zone with a depth of 20 to 30 meters, and no groundwater was observed during the drilling phase. Within the scope of the project, the underground waters are sensitive receptors with a less probability. 131
Potential Impacts:
Construction Phase
581. The Project will involve the use or generation of some or all of the following materials that have the potential to contaminate surface waters:
• Fuels and lubricating oils. • Paints and solvents. • Leachate from hazardous waste storage areas at camp sites. • Raw sewage from camp sites.
582. The surface water may be contaminated due to improper placement of the excavated soil, poor management of construction camps, and improper storage of construction materials and leakage of fuel and lubricates from construction machinery.
583. Discharge of wastewater to watercourses is only allowed with the permission from sanitary and epidemiological service and fisheries; at the same time, composition of wastewater must comply with requirements of SanPiN No.3.02.002.04 for protection of surface water from pollution.
584. In order to prevent negative impacts on water bodies, water protection zone is established for a river. Dimensions of the water protection zone on each side from the middle summer- period bank line for small rivers (up to 200 km length) is 300 m; for the rest of the rivers:
• with simple conditions for household use and favorable environmental conditions in the catchment area - 500 m; • with complex conditions of household use and intense environmental conditions in the catchment area - 1000 m.
585. In water protection zones of rivers, pollution of the earth’s surface, especially landfills, waste production, as well as parking, fueling, washing and repair of motor vehicles and road equipment is prohibited. The perpetrators are liable in accordance with legislation for pollution and contamination of waters, structures commissioning works without devices to prevent pollution and contamination of waters, wasteful water use, violation of water protection regime in catchment areas and other violations.
586. According to the Instructions for Approval and Issuance of Permits for Special Water Use in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Contractor should get a permit for water use during the road reconstruction.
587. Works within the water-protection zone can be allowed with special permit issued by the territorial departments of the Committee for Water Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of the RK.
Operation phase
588. In general, operation of the WWTP will have large positive impact on the quality of the groundwater and the river Aksu. There are large positive impacts on the social environment elements: improved water supply of populated areas due to good quality of the groundwater, and improved health of the population as a result of the improved quality of drinking water.
589. The risk of surface water pollution in the operation phase is low. Pollution of surface waters 131
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may be the case during the planned or non-scheduled rehabilitation works or repairs (maintenance), as well as in case of emergency water discharge. The surface water may also be contaminated due to improper storage of construction materials and leakage of fuel and lubricates from construction machinery.
590. As far as operation failure/emergency of WWTP is concerned, there should be provisions for zero tolerance on failures during operation. During normal operation once the processes are stabilized, one can't foresee a longer failure of operations, and the failures are largely due to failure of mechanical or electrical parts, which can be rectified very easily. In most of the instances, such failures not necessarily bring down full operation (e.g. failure of one aerator, or a pump), as there is always sufficient standby built in WWTP design. For this purpose, there has to be 100% power back-up, and sufficient spare parts to rectify any such failures within shortest possible time.
591. Emergency sludge grounds are needed to discharge sludge in case of emergency at a mechanical sludge dewatering shop. Within the scope of the present project, the emergency sludge grounds are envisaged for emergency discharges of sludge in case of emergency at a mechanical dewatering shop, in accordance with the requirements of 4.01- 03-2013 Building Standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Rehabilitation of the emergency sludge discharge ground is also planned within the project. Detailed information on the emergency sludge discharge site will be prepared at the detailed design stage.
592. The operation of WWTP will generate treated wastewater. Treated wastewater will be discharged into the river Aksu. The Aksu river is classified as a water body for cultural and domestic purposes (Category II). According to the Sanitary rules54 of the Republic of Kazakhstan the Maximum Allowable Concentration for recreational water bodies are presented in the table 10. below. After commencement of WWTP operation the quality of the surface water will be significantly improved. The quality of the effluent will be in accordance with IFC and National regulations and can be discharged into the surface water.
593. The treated water corresponds to the quality of water for reservoirs of cultural and domestic water use. The water of the given quality can be used to water green plants or to meet the technical needs of the plants with their demands for technical water corresponding to the parameters of the water of cultural reservoirs.
Mitigation Measures:
Construction Phase
594. Regional departments of the Committee for Water Resources and akimats in consultation with the Contractors must ensure that water withdrawal is carried out from the existing wells (for construction activities) and from water supply systems (for household needs of the camps, etc.). The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all permits from akimats and competent authorities required for use of surface and ground water. No water shall be used
54 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for water sources, places for water intake for household and drinking purposes, domestic and drinking water supply, places for cultural and domestic water use and the safety of water bodies" - approved by the order of the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 16, 2015 No. 209.
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without special water use permit.
595. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented:
• Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Pollution Prevention Plan. The Plan will include measures to limit surface and groundwater pollution during the construction phase of the Project. • Water Quality – The EPC Contractor will be responsible for implementing his Pollution Prevention Plan which will include the following measures to reduce therisk of surface water contamination: • Concrete batching (if required) will be sited at least 50m away from sensitive receptors such as watercourses; wash pits to be lined with an impermeable liner. • Domestic sewage from camps will be stored and transported to water treatment works or treated through a dedicated site sewage water treatment plant before discharge to ground or surface water. • All wastewater discharges will be in compliance with the national standards (MPDs). • Where works are in progress, erosion control and sedimentation facilities including sediment traps and straw bale barriers or combinations thereof will remain inplace. • Lubricants, fuels and other hydrocarbons will be stored at least 100m away from water bodies. • Topsoil stripped material shall not be stored where natural drainage will bedisrupted. • Solid wastes will be disposed of properly (not dumped instreams). • Guidelines will be established to minimize the wastage of water during construction at camp site. • During construction, machinery and transport will be used by the contractor; both have potential of causing contamination to underground and above ground water assets. There is need to compile temporary drainage management plan before commencement of works. • Proper installation of temporary drainage and erosion control before works within 50m of water bodies should bedone. • lubricants/fuels should be placed in drip tray or bunded area to 100% of volume stored. • Should any accidental spills occur immediate clean-up will be undertaken and all clean-up materials stored in a secure area for disposal. Disposal of such was will be undertaken by a waste management company contracted by the contractor. The waste management company must have the required licenses to transport and dispose of hazardous waste before any such waste is removed from the site. The Contractor will keep copies of the company’s licenses and provide waste transfer manifests at his camp site for routine inspection by the engineer.
Measures to achieve maximum permissible discharge standards 596. To achieve the calculated concentrations, water protection measures are required aimed at increasing the degree of wastewater treatment, primarily due to low-cost measures:
• Continuous laboratory monitoring; • Analysis of the operation of each structure/facility in order to determine the effectiveness of wastewater treatment; • Timely response measures for emergency response; • Strict adherence to the technological regulations for the operation of structures; • Timely implementation of maintenance work; 133
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F.2.2.6. Noise and Vibration
597. This section discusses the impacts of noise and vibration during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The following planned Project activities could generate noise and vibrations in the Project area during construction: • Logistics and use of access roads by construction vehicles. • Construction camp operations (including generators). • General activities in construction camps. • WWTP construction.
Sensitive Receptors:
598. In general, the WWTP does not interfere with residential areas and the design area is distanced from the residential properties by 650 m. Consequently, the settled areas cannot be viewed as receptors of the noise and vibration originated in the construction and operation phases. Noise and vibration will have an impact on the representatives of the scarce local fauna. Vibration will have a particular impact on the rodents living underground. The personnel employed in the construction phase are also considered as sensitive receptors.
Potential Impacts: Construction Phase
599. Noise and vibration are likely be generated by large construction equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, trucks, concrete mixers, and power generators, diverted traffic, etc. As it is known, construction site is far away (650 km) from the residential buildings and therefore noise and vibration impact will be low on sensitive receptors.
600. The combination of machinery being used at any one time during the construction process at the tower sites will vary and noise levels will fluctuate accordingly. In a worse-case scenario construction noise will be less than 65 dB(A) and will not cause nuisance at a distance of about 500m. Moreover, construction work will be temporary and discontinuous.
601. It is possible that some construction traffic moving through the city of Stepnagorsk to the WWTP construction sites may induce some very low levels of vibration. No vibration impacts from WWTP construction site are anticipated due to the distance of properties from the WWTP construction site.
602. Vibration from the construction activities is a cause concern to the community. The effects of vibration vary and depends on the magnitude of the vibration source, the particular ground conditions between the source and receiver, presence of rocks or other large structures in the area. The intensity, duration, frequency and number of occurrences of a vibration all play an important role in both the annoyance levels caused and the strains induced in structures.
603. Sources of vibration includes construction equipment movement, pile driving, compaction, hammering (hydraulic or pneumatic) and operation of generators. The propagation of vibration from construction activities are different in nature from the vibration from blasting. The construction activities are undertaken essentially on ground surface and spreads basically as two-dimensional waves.
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604. Table 42 provides an indication of the approximate vibration levels that may be expected for various vibration sources.
Table 42: Approximate Vibration Levels for Various Sources
Activity Typical levels of ground vibration Vibratory rollers Up to 1.5 mm/s at distances of 25 m Higher levels could occur at closer distances; however, no damage would be expected for any building at distances greater than approximately 12 m (for a medium to heavy roller) Hydraulic rock breakers (levels typical of a 4.50 mm/s at 5 m large rock breaker operating in hard 1.30 mm/s at 10 m sandstone) 0.4 mm/s at 20 m 0.10 mm/s at 50 m Compactor 20 mm/s at distances of approximately 5 m, 2 mm/s at distances of 15m. at distances greater than 30 m, vibration is usually below 0.3 mm/s Pile driving/removal 1 to 3 mm/s at distances of 25 m to 50 m depending on soil conditions and the energy of the pile driving hammer Bulldozers 1 to 2 mm/s at distances of approximately 5 m. at distances greater than 20 m. vibration is usually below 0.32 mm/s Air track drill 4 to 5 mm/s at a distance of approximately 5 m, and 1.5 mm/s at 10 m. at distances greater than 25 m, vibration is usually below 0.6 mm/s and at 50 m or more, vibration is usually below 0.1 mms Truck traffic (over normal (smooth) road 0.01 to 0.2 mm/s at the footing of buildings surfaces) located 10 to 20 m from a roadway Truck traffic (over irregular surfaces) 0.1 to 2.0 mm/s at the footings of buildings located 10 m to 20 m from a roadway
Operational Phase
605. Thelevel of noise and vibration in the operation phase is low, as all installations are located in the closed space what drastically reduces the possibility of noise and vibration propagation. Consequently, no additional mitigation measures will be necessary to reduce the noise and vibration levels in the operation phase.
Mitigation Measures:
Construction Phase
606. During the construction phase the following mitigation measures will be taken:
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• Time and activity constraints. In case if construction sites will be in proximity to residential buildings operations will be scheduled to coincide with periods when people would least likely be affected; work hours and workdays will be limited to less noise- sensitive times. Hoursof-work will be approved by the engineer having due regard for possible noise disturbance to the residents or other activities. Construction activities will be strictly prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM in the residential areas. When operating close to sensitive areas such as medical facilities and schools, the contractor’s hours of working shall be limited to 8 AM to 6 PM; • Use temporary noise barriers while working in sensitive locations in case accidence of allowable limits is expected. Placing the barrier close to the source proves to be effective. • Give notice as early as possible to sensitive receptors for periods of noisier works such as excavation. Describe the activities and how long they are expected to take. Keep affected neighbors informed of progress. • Within normal working hours, where it is reasonable to do so:
- schedule noisy activities for less sensitive times. - provide periods of respite from noisier works (for example, periodic breaks from jackhammer noise).
• The weekend/evening periods are important for community rest and recreation and provide respite when noisy work has been conducted throughout the week. Accordingly, work should not usually be scheduled during these times. • All mechanical plant is to be silenced by the best practical means using current technology. Mechanical plant, including noise-suppression devices, should be maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications. Internal combustion engines are to be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair. • Fit all pneumatic tools with an effective silencer on their air exhaust port. • Install less noisy movement/reversing warning systems for equipment and vehicles that will operate for extended periods, during sensitive times or proximity to sensitive sites. Occupational health and safety requirements for use of warning systems must be followed. • Turn off equipment when not being used. • All vehicular movements to and from the site to only occur during the scheduled normal working hours, unless approval has been granted by the engineer. • Where possible, no truck associated with the work should be left standing with its engine operating in a street adjacent to a residential area. • Provision of noise protection kits such as ear plug, earmuff, for workers who are working in the area with noise level is higher than 85 dB(A). • The site-specific EMPs will be developed prior to the start of the construction works. They will contain procedures and plans to ensure that the mitigation measures and monitoring requirements are implemented during the construction period. All civil works will be designed and implemented in accordance with environmentally sound engineering practices and governed by the relevant environmental standards. • Prior to the commencement of any activity, the Contractor shall identify whether any machinery or planned action will cause significant vibration. If is the answer is yes, the Contractor is to undertake a condition survey of all structures within the zone of influence; • The Contractor shall monitor vibration at the nearest vibration-sensitive receptors at the start of and during use of non-blasting equipment causing vibration. If vibration levels are monitored and found to exceed the vibration threshold according to relevant criteria, the Contractor shall modify the construction activities until compliance with the criteria has been achieved. 137
F.2.2.7. Biodiversity
607. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on flora and fauna during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The primary impacts associated with construction come from vegetation clearance and topsoil removal activities within the working area. Additional impacts can arise from a range of associated activities including (but not limited to) the following:
• Pollution from construction; • Vehicle mobilization, including transport of people and equipment within the works area; and • Construction and use of compounds, field working camps construction and operation, including the effects of the production of wastes and indirect pressure of workers’ presence.
Sensitive Receptors: 608. The representatives of scarce flora and fauna can be considered as sensitive receptors in the project area, as well as fish fauna of Aksu river.
Potential Impacts: Construction Phase 609. The project territory is located on an urbanized and technologically developed territory, habitats and species of flora and fauna of high conservation value are not presented in the project areaand therefore, construction activities will not have a significant adverse impact on the local ecological resources since they are in areas that have already been affected by human activities for a long period. Construction activities are expected to impact only a small land allocated for WWTP construction including bushes, and potential cutting of trees on the WWTP area and along the access road.
610. Dust, depending on the chemical composition, has a specific effect on plants caused by the penetration of harmful compounds into the leaves tissues. At the same time, accumulation of compounds in plant tissues causes disturbance of metabolic functions of the organism, reducing the amount of photosynthetically active energy absorbed by leaves and results in acceleration of the aging processes.
611. Slight adverse impact on flora and fauna directly from the construction activities is possible only during the construction period due to the random construction equipment movement outside the construction site. In conclusion, the natural flora and fauna species may be potentially adversely impacted by the construction activities; however, these impacts are unlikely to be significant.
Operation phase
612. Operation of the wastewater supply components of the subproject will not have any significant negative impact on the biological environment.
Mitigation Measures: Construction phase
613. Based on the above-specified, field studies and discussions, the following measures need to be implemented to avoid any impacts on flora and fauna:
• The worksite shall be fenced. Vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access 137
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routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency) to reduce unnecessary impacts to habitat. Sensitive habitats that need to be avoided during construction will be marked for protection. • Avoid tree cutting, in unavoidable cases compensation planting will be undertaken to off-set the essential removal of any trees. An inventory will be made of all trees felled during the Project construction phase, in accordance with the requirements of national legislation. • The trench shall not be kept open in the night/after working hours. This will avoid any safety risk to animals. • Reducing use of salts and chemical materials to disperse snow and ice in winter period, so that soils, plants, animals and birds are not adversely affected. An alternative for salt and other chemicals replacement can be friction materials such as sand or gravel; • Reducing dust pollution may occur in good maintenance of the construction site, regular cleaning and watering for reduction of negative effect on vegetation. • In addition, all vehicles and cargo transportation means, including construction machinery, should be covered with tarpaulins or other suitable covers.
614. Considering the nature of the project and the types of works envisaged, there will be no significant loss of flora or habitat.
F.2.2.8. Economy, Employment and Livelihoods
615. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on the economy, employment and livelihoods during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. A discussion of land acquisition and compensation is provided below under the section on Land Use.
616. Project activities will provide opportunities for companies at the international, national, and possibly regional, level to supply goods and services. The Project is expected to affect the local economies, employment, skills and livelihoods primarily by:
• Employing local people temporarily to carry out construction work on the Project. • Local purchases of goods and services directly by the Project and workers, particularly in communities located in the vicinity of construction workforce camps. • Potential in-migration of individuals/households to take advantage of economic opportunities created by the Project.
617. Other Project activities that have the potential to affect livelihoods are:
• Atmospheric emissions (especially dust) that cause a decline in crop productivity. This is discussed above in the section relating to Air Quality. • Impacts to productive land. This is discussed below under the heading of Land Use.
Key Sensitivities: • High expectations among local people that they will be employed. • Concern that jobs should be given to local people and only to non-locals where no suitably qualified locals are available. • Concern that jobs will not be allocated fairly between communities. • Job availability for women. • Food and healthcare costs.
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Potential Impacts: Construction Phase
618. In the construction phase the following beneficial impacts may occur:
• Direct employment generation will be provided through the construction phase. Construction works are anticipated to be carried out by an internationally recognized Contractor, selected through a transparent, competitive bidding process, with a stipulation on the portion of jobs available to local workers. Work assignments for some of the construction personnel are expected to be short-term and may not require deployment for the full construction period, because different qualifications and abilities will be required at different stages of the construction process. • The workforce engaged in construction of the Project, including local workers and expatriate personnel of the contractor, will be accommodated in residential facilities to be determined by the contractor. Selection of the camp sites(s) will be undertaken in consultation with local communities, the LazCenter and the Engineer. • The Contractor has the role of determining the number of workers to be engaged during construction. However, it is estimated that a construction workforce of approximately 150-200 people will be required for 21 months, comprising 58% skilled labor, 20% semi- skilled labor and 22% unskilled labor, however the exact figure will be dependent on the Contractors resourcing design. • The construction workforce, at the completion of the works, will be demobilized. The construction workforce will be engaged by the Contractor or subcontractors, and as such, may be re-deployed to other projects and work locations at the end of construction works, however this will be at the discretion of the Contractor or subcontractors. • Indirect workforce and business opportunities during construction phase will include for suppliers and service providers to meet the needs of construction team. This will include providing food supplies, security, vehicles, transportation services and fuel, as well as catering, laundry, cleaning and sanitation in workers’ accommodation. • Demand for various materials and services will support growth and diversification of the local business environment, noting that the availability, quality, quantity, and reliability of supply of the goods and services from within the Project area may be limited by a lack of depth in local business capability. As such, some goods and services for the Project may still need to be sourced from elsewhere in Kazakhstan or internationally as necessary.
619. The following adverse impacts may occur:
• Un-met employment expectations. • Resentment between local people who are employed by the Project and those whose applications were unsuccessful. • Frustration and resentment if local workers perceive that foreign workers are receiving better pay or conditions for exactly the same job. • Resentment from business owners whose offer of goods and services is refused. • Tensions resulting from cultural differences, anti-social behavior of construction workforce, potential prostitution and attraction of ‘economic migrants’ at camp sites. This is discussed further below under Community Health and Safety. • Increased inflation, particularly of food and housing costs. • Accidents to livestock resulting in loss of income/adverse livelihood impact. This is discussed further below under Community Health and Safety. • Local small- and medium-sized enterprises and public-sector organizations ’losing’ key workers to the Project.
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• Subsistence farmers taking up jobs and land being neglected making it difficult to re- start farming when jobs cease following retrenchment.
Mitigation Measures:
620. Employment - Targets for local recruitment from the local communities will be agreed with the EPC Contractor and PMU. The Project will seek to manage employment expectations by explaining the number and type of opportunities in advance to local communities via the PMU Safeguards Specialist. Unskilled labor will be preferentially recruited from the Project affected communities. Applications for employment will only be considered if submitted via the official application procedure.
621. Recruitment procedures will be transparent, public and non-discriminatory and open with respect to ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability or gender. Clear job descriptions will be provided in advance of recruitment and will explain the skills required for each post. Job vacancies will be advertised in the local communities through appropriate and accessible media (consistent with employment targets).
622. Procurement of goods and services- Environmental considerations will be included in the Project procurement process. A plan will be developed and implemented that will aim to discourage and prevent the workforce from purchasing goods from informal vendors, to discourage vendors from establishing themselves at construction camp fence-lines in the hope of securing additional business. Taking into account relevant commercial considerations as appropriate, the Project will seek to purchase goods and services from within Kazakhstan and will monitor such purchases.
623. Community relations - A Company policy limiting alcohol consumption in construction camps will be applied by the EPC Contractor. An employee Code of Conduct will be prepared and issued to all recruits and camp residents during the employee induction process. The Project will review measures to mitigate community health and safety impacts regularly, and consult community leaders every six months, informing them on the status of implementation and results, and discussing any changes needed to the ‘Pollution Prevention Plan’ or the ‘Community Health, Safety and Security Plan’ in advance of proposed changes.
624. The Employee Code of Conduct will prohibit the workforce from participating in illegal activities, including use of illegal drugs, bribery and corruption or requesting or receiving gifts from communities. The EPC Contractor company policy limiting alcohol consumption in construction camps will be applied.
625. Workforce training will include a briefing on camp rules and awareness of local social issues and sensitivities. No unauthorized access to, or use of, camp facilities will be allowed.
626. No hunting, fishing and unauthorized gathering of products (including plants and cultural heritage artefacts) by the workforce will be allowed.
F.2.2.9. Land Acquisition and Compensation
627. This section discusses the issue of land acquisition and compensation and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause Land Acquisition and Compensation are:
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• Permanent land acquisition required for the construction of WWTP facilities. Land acquisition may also be necessary to build the access road. At the stage of detailed design development, it will be clear if it is necessary to rent the land temporarily to provide a construction camp or warehouse facility on it. Besides, all entities using land plots either legally, or illegally to gain income, will receive compensation, if as a result of the project construction or operation, they lose the given source of income either permanently, or temporarily.
Sensitive Receptors and Potential Impacts
628. The layout drawing of the WWTP site shows the new proposed facilities. There is enough space to accommodate the new buildings and structures. Therefore, no additional land is needed for implementing the new WWTPconstruction. Since the site of the WWTP is located on the outskirt of the city, there is no potential impact on the planned expansion areas for the City. The closest neighboring residential area located in 650 m from WWTP territory and consequently, there will be no involuntary resettlement.
629. In the eventuality, the detailed final design requires additional land outside the existing boundaries of the WWTP, a resettlement plan (LARP), based on the project’s Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF) and reviewed by ADB, will be required.
Mitigation Measures:
630. Land Use (permanent and temporary) - The key mitigation for land use is implementation of the LARP.
631. LARP Implementation will start after the endorsement of the final LARP by the government and approval by ADB. The EA shall plan all activities related to the land acquisition and resettlement to ensure that compensation is paid before taking possession of land and commencement of civil works. Public consultation, monitoring, and grievance redress will be undertaken intermittently throughout the project duration. Construction will be initiated when all compensations and entitlements are fully paid. The completion of LARP implementation will be documented through the LARP implementation compliance report submitted by the EA/PMU and approved by ADB.
F.2.2.10. Waste Management
632. This section discusses the impacts of waste management during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The following aspects of the Project are likely to generate waste:
• Construction camp waste, including domestic and liquid wastes. • Hazardous waste (Paint sludge and waste, Solvents and chemical waste, Paint and solvent cans, Oil filters, Oil and Lubricants, Batteries, Tires, Oily rags, Oily soils, Light bulbs) and non-hazardous waste from construction sites.
Sensitive receptors:
633. Since residential buildings are located in 650 m distance from the construction site it is possible that unpleasant odor will become a nuicance for the population during operation of WWTPImproper management and disposal of liquid and solid wastes could result in localized pollution of soils and groundwater. Pollution of surface water is considered unlikely.
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Potential impacts: Construction Phase
634. Construction activities will likely generate construction wastes, including spoil materials, and other debris. Spoil material and other construction waste will also be produced during the concrete laying works. Household wastes will be generated by contractor’s workforce throughout construction period. Small quantities of hazardous wastes will be generated as a result of vehicle operations and the maintenance activities. Medical waste is generated in the Medical Care and Control Point withint the camp site and belongs to hazardous waste category. This waste is collected in special plastic boxes and is transferred to a contractor for farther incineration. It is recommended that the medical waste is directly transferred to a contractor from the place of its consolidation.
635. If construction waste, from camp sites, ancillary facilities and work sites is not managed correctly, it can lead to numerous impacts on the environment and the local community. As examples; Illegal dumping of inert waste, e.g. waste concrete, can be unsightly, washing out of concrete mixers close to rivers can have impacts to water quality, poor storage and disposal of hazardous liquids can lead to contamination of soils and groundwater. Uncontrolled discharges of sewage and ‘grey water’ (e.g. from washrooms and canteens) from construction sites and worker’s camps may cause odors and pollute local water resources. As well as being a cause of complaints by the local population, this may lead to contravention of local regulations and fines being imposed on the Contractor.
636. Disposal of waste materials from worksite can be difficult to manage due to the de- centralized nature of the works. Without suitable waste containers and without adequate training, workers could dump waste materials haphazardly around the work sites which could create pollution events.
Operation Phase:
637. Minor amounts of waste will be originated in the operation phase, at the stage of planned and non-planned rehabilitation works and repairs. The said waste may be either hazardous, or non-hazardous. Large amounts of sewage sludge will be originated in the WWTP operation phase, which, as per the project, will be used as fertilizer in agriculture. The sludge will be used as a fertilizer only in case it meets the requirements of relevant standards. If the treated sludge is polluted with harmful substances and it is impossible to use in agriculture, further sludge management will be provided as that of waste. Under the project, the sludge will be disposed to the landfill.
Mitigation Measures:
Construction Phase
638. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Waste Management Plan. The Plan will include measures to limit impacts of waste during the construction phase of the Project. The plan shall include the following items listed below. General Measures • To ensure waste management is adequately controlled during both the construction phase of the Project, the EPC Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the waste hierarchy is followed including prevention, minimization, reuse and recycling. 143
• The impact of waste generation on environment during construction will be mitigated by proper storage, maximum reuse and recycling of waste and timely removal of unusable waste to agreed location according to national waste management regulations. • The EPC Contractor has an obligation to provide regular training of staff in waste management issues. Recycling • All recyclable waste (plastic, metal, paper, etc.) will be sorted on source and sent for recycling where facilities for recycling of these materials exist.
Liquid Waste • Provide septic tanks for the camp site servicing less than 150 employees. State authorized company to remove the liquid waste regularly. For larger sites, provide multiple septic tank facilities, or package wastewater treatment plants. Domestic and Inert Waste • Collect domestic waste in containers fitted with lids to avoid attraction of scavengers, scattering around. The lid will also protect waste from rain and snow. • Remove domestic waste to the nearest landfill under agreement with state authorized waste management companies. • Provide garbage bins and facilities within the project site for temporary storage of domestic solid waste and construction waste. • Waste storage containers will be covered, tip-proof, weatherproof and scavenger proof. • Ensure that wastes are not haphazardly dumped within the project site and adjacent areas. Hazardous Waste • At worksites and camps where, hazardous waste is generated the EPC Contractor willensure compliance with the following safety measures: o Use containers suitable for each type of waste; o Prohibit use of damaged containers. Check integrity of containers – regularly; o Mark containers adequately specifying the waste types; o Provide secondary containment for hazardous waste liquids; o Do not mix various waste streams. • Hire state authorized contractor for hazardous waste removal and keep agreements with hazardous waste management company’s active. • Keep copies of waste manifests on site. Keep a record of waste on-site and waste removed
639. Waste Disposal – Waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, shall be collected and disposed of by a licensed waste management contractor. The contractor will keep copies of the waste management company’s licenses on file at his site office. The contractor shall also keep a record of the waste volumes and types removed from the site and the waste transfer notes provided by the waste management contractor.
640. Construction of worker camps shall be located close to settlement areas but not near sensitive water resources. In such cases, the constructor needs to provide a detailed design of each work camp including infrastructure planning (water supply, electricity supply, waste management, waste water treatment and disposal). Workers need to be trained how to behave and to handle waste and waste water according environmental management requirements. 143
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Operation Phase
641. The Waste Management Plan developed by the Contractor must show the sludge management plan for the sludge originated as a result of the WWTP operation. The originated waste must be transported by a licensed sub-contactor. The residual sludge must be transported with a closed vehicle to avoid odor propagation. The transportation must be done to the shortest possible distances. All entities engaged in the waste sludge management activities must be duly trained.
642. At the stage of the conceptual design, the landfills where the sludge will be disposed are not specified. At the stage of developing the detailed design, the concrete landfill where the sewage sludge is to be disposed will be specified. The landfill will be selected based on the following criteria: (i) the waste sludge must be disposed to as near location from its origination site as possible to avoid the transportation of the sewage sludge to long distances, (ii) the landfill must be bordered to prevent domestic animals from penetrating it, and (iii) the landfill must have sufficient area to have a separate cell for sludge disposal.
643. The company must have the Emergency Management Plan in place. Emergency sludge grounds are needed to discharge sludge in case of emergency at a mechanical sludge dewatering shop. Within the scope of the present project, the emergency sludge grounds are envisaged for emergency discharges of sludge in case of emergency at a mechanical dewatering shop, in accordance with the requirements of 4.01-03-2013 Building Standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The needed area of emergency sludge grounds (20%) will be 0.0460 ha. The total area of the existing sludge grounds (2 sludge yards), is 1.1 ha. An emergency discharge of the sludge on the sludge grounds will be done by switching the force main of the pumping station for supplying the compressed sludge.
F.2.2.11. Workers’ Rights and Occupational Health and Safety
644. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on workers’ rights and occupational health and safety during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The main Project-related activities that may result in OHS issues are:
• Accidents involving the use of heavy equipment. • Accidents involving working at height. • Accidents involving live power lines. • Accidents involving construction vehicles. • Accidents due to lack of, or poor application of, personal protective equipment (PPE). • Poor sanitary conditions at camps and work sites. • Lack of first aid and medical facilities.
645. Workers’ rights including occupational health and safety need to be considered to avoid accidents and injuries, loss of man-hours, labor abuses and to ensure fair treatment, remuneration and working and living conditions. These issues need to be considered not only for workers who are directly employed by the Project but also sub-contractors.
Potential Impacts:
646. The Project is expected create at least 200 direct employment opportunities during the peak of the construction period, the duration of which is currently unknown. The majority 145
of workers will be engaged by the EPC Contractor and will consist of anunskilled, semi- skilled to skilled workforce.
647. The expected impacts on worker rights and H&S as a result of construction, activities and Project operation are as follows:
• Risk to workers H&S due to hazardous construction activities; and • Violation of workers’ rights.
648. Construction activities will involve the operation of heavy equipment and trucks, working at height, construction traffic, use of electric devices, handling of hazardous materials and other hazardous activities. Due to the nature of the activities being undertaken during construction, worker H&S is a key risk with the potential for accidents that may result in injuries and fatalities as well as lost man-hours.
Mitigation Measures:
Construction Phase 649. Occupational Health and Safety - An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan will be prepared by the EPC Contractor to manage worker safety. The OHS Plan will include a specific section relating to Emergency Response Procedures. TheEPC Contractor shall ensure that the OHS plan is strictly implemented through his Health and Safety Officer.
650. In addition, the EPC Contractor will provide a series of safety training courses and meetings as follows:
• Initial Safety Induction Course: All workmen will be required to attend a safety induction course before they are allowed access to the work site. • Periodic Safety Training Courses: Periodic safety course will be conducted not less than once every two months. All EPC Contractor (and any sub-contractor) employees will be required to participate in relevant training courses appropriate to the nature, scale and duration of the works. Training courses for all workmen on the Site and at all levels of supervision and management. A list of training participants’ names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training will be provided by the EPC Contractor to the PIC for his records. • Safety Meetings: Regular safety meetings will be conducted on a monthly basis. The PIC will be notified of all safety meetings in advance. The PIC may attend in person or by representative at his discretion. The minutes of all safety meetings will be taken and sent to the PIC within seven (7) days of the meeting and will include a list of participants names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training.
651. The EPC Contractor will regularly inspect, test and maintain all safety equipment (including firefighting equipment), scaffolds, guardrails, working platforms, hoists, ladders and other means of access, lifting, lighting, signing and guarding equipment. Lights and signs will be kept clear of obstructions and legible to read. Equipment, which is damaged, dirty, incorrectly positioned or not in working order, will be repaired or replaced immediately by the EPC Contractor.
652. Workers will be provided (before they commence works) with of appropriate PPE suitable for electrical work such as safety boots, harnesses, helmets, gloves, protective clothes, goggles, and ear protection at no cost to the workers. 653. In addition to the above, the following general OHS measures shall be implemented by the EPC Contractor: 145
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• All construction plant and equipment used on or around the Site will be fitted with appropriate safety devices. These will include but not be limited to: o Effective safety catches for crane hooks and other lifting devices, and o Functioning automatic warning devices and, where applicable, an up-to- date test certificate, for cranes and hoists. • Zones with noise level above 80 dBA must be marked with safety signs and appropriate PPE must be worn by workers. • Portable toilet facilities for workers at road work sites will be provided. • Fencing on all areas of excavation greater than 2 m deep will be installed along with warning signs. • Ensure sufficient fresh air supply to confined work spaces. • Keep air inlet filters clean and free of dust and microorganisms. • Ensure reversing signals are installed on all construction vehicles. • A suitably staffed and equipped health clinic for all workers is to be provided on site. • First aid kits (compliant with OSHA standard 1910.266 App. A) will be provided at all work sites.
654. The Contractor shall keep a log of both training records and safety incidents including near misses.
655. Regarding workers’ rights, the development of the Project the EPC Contractor shall:
• Set targets for local employment based on initial assessment of the labor market for unskilled and semi-skilled work force. • For unskilled the EPC Contractor shall use a ‘ballot’ system to ensure that employment is fair and not weighted to connected people for unskilled roles. Repatriation of locals through recruitment measures will use online resources. • Provisions in the EPC Contractors contract are to include as far as practicable items to address the collective bargaining, retrenchment, worker accommodation and non-employee worker gaps, to ensure that ILO and Lender requirements are met. At a minimum, the EPC Contractor shall ensure the following measures are followed: o The development and implementation by the EPC Contractor of Human resources policies to hire, train, assess, and reward the project workforce. These policies should prevent any form of discrimination in the workplace and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally. o Policies should exclude the use of child or forced labor in the project, and that national and international requirements for non-employee workers and supply chain workers are also reflected in these policies. o A grievance mechanism for workers will need to be provided for the workforce to be able to raise reasonable workplace concerns. The EPC Contractor will inform the workers of the grievance mechanism at the time of hiring and make it easily accessible to them. o The workers will additionally not be restricted from joining or forming workers organizations or from bargaining collectively, and the EPC Contractor will not discriminate or retaliate against workers who form or join collectives or bargain collectively. o Prepare a retrenchment plan, with the aim of reducing the impacts of cessation of employment contracts including for example and as appropriate, the implementation of a transparent retrenchment process and mechanisms of consultation with the workforce. The Contractor will explain the temporary 147
nature of jobs during the recruitment process and explain to workers the need to prepare for losing jobs and to manage their income wisely while employed.
656. All employees will receive at least the minimum wage as defined by Republic of Kazakhstan legislation. All workers will have contracts describing their job description and conditions of work and will have the contents explained to them.
657. The EPC Contractor will hire a team of Health and Safety Specialists to implement and manage the tasks listed above.
658. Sub-Contractors - All Project sub-contractors will be supplied with copies of the SEMP. Provisions will be incorporated into all sub-contracts to ensure the compliance with the SEMP at all tiers of the sub-contracting. All subcontractors will be required to appoint a safety representative who will be available on the Site throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract unless the PICs approval to the contrary is given in writing. In the event of the PICs approval being given, the PIC, without prejudice to their other duties and responsibilities, will ensure, as far as is practically possible, that employees of sub- contractors of all tiers are conversant with appropriate parts of the SEMP. To implement the above items, the EPC Contractor will designate a qualified environmental, health and safety personnel.
Operational Phase 659. Occupational health and safety will be managed according to national regulations during the operational phase of the Project. However, it is recommended that a long-term program of OHS training by International OHS specialists is provided to KazCenter to help strengthen their OHS knowledge and procedures.
F.2.2.12. Community Health and Safety
660. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on community health and safety during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The main Project-related activities that may result in impacts to community health and safety are: • Introduction of non-local workers, almost entirely males, to certain localities. • Provision of early works accommodation and construction camps for these workers with operating rules that allow for interaction between workers and local people. • Storage and handling of food and drinks in accommodation/camps. • Movement of construction vehicles. • Dangerous work sites, such as excavated areas. • Uncontrolled facilities, such as temporary storage areas. • Solid and liquid waste disposal.
Key Sensitivities:
661. Local villages and their residents within the Project area could be impacted as well as regional traffic using the existing access roads.
Potential Impacts:
Construction Phase
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662. During the construction phase, the Project will be adding a mix of light, and heavy and slow-moving vehicles onto the existing roads. This will include vehicles transporting workers, trucks carrying heavy equipment between work areas and haul trucks moving borrow material.
663. The potential impacts of Project construction include the increased risk of collisions and road transport accidents (potentially resulting in injury, death, or fuel or cargo spillage) and subsequent harm to animals, and communities (including contamination of soils and groundwater). The potential also exists for accidents to occur where there is uncontrolled access to work sites and camps. Migrant workers may also increase community health and safety risks, for example, through the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Operational Phase 664. Most of the accidents (including fatalities and collisions with pedestrians) are occurring in the area which will be avoided through the construction of the Project. Access roads have been included in the design which will provide safe crossing points for vehicles and pedestrians as well as livestock.
Mitigation Measures: Construction Phase 665. Management Planning – The Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Community Health and Safety Plan.
666. The Contractor will be required to implement the Grievance Procedure provided in Section 9.4 Error! Reference source not found., to provide opportunity for local residents to raise c oncerns.
667. The Project will review measures to mitigate community health and safety impacts regularly and will consult with local communities every six months, informing them on the status of implementation and results, and discussing any changes needed to the Pollution Prevention Plan or the Community Health and Safety Plan in advance of proposed changes.
668. Risk of accident to local people particularly from traffic:
• A strict Project speed limit of 30km/hr will be enforced for Project vehicles. • Temporary traffic control measures will be employed at road crossings and junctions (flagmen, temporary traffic lights) where a safety risk assessment has identified traffic control measures will reduce the risk of traffic accidents. • Random drug and alcohol testing of the workforce will be conducted, recorded and audited regularly. • At sensitive locations where traffic will be using local roads, and particularly where schools and markets are close to the road, awareness of safety issues will be raised through village meetings and classroom lessons in the schools identified above. • Temporary traffic control (e.g. flagmen) and signs will be provided where necessary to improve safety and provide directions. Where traffic is diverted around crossings, traffic control or careful selection of the exit from the working areas will be provided with the aim of ensuring vehicles join the road in a safe manner. • Night-time driving will be by exception only, as approved by the Engineer, to minimize driving risk and disturbance to communities. 149
• Vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency). • Where practical construction traffic shall avoid rods that pass the schools or other buildings. If this is not possible the Contractor will employ flagmen outside of the schools during the start and finish of the school day to ensure that pupils can cross the road safely. • Construction traffic warning signs will be positioned at road crossings and other appropriate locations as determined by the Project, for example road signs will be positioned along access routes before they are used by construction traffic.
669. Risk of conflict between community members and security personnel leading to injury:
• The Project will implement the ‘Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights’. • During construction, due diligence will be applied to selection of security providers, rules of engagement will be devised, and training provided to all personnel. Performance will be monitored and audited periodically.
670. Accidental releases during construction:
671. Vehicles delivering fuel or hazardous liquids will carry appropriate spill kits to allow an initial response to any spill to be deployed.
672. Sexually transmitted Disease (STD)
673. Mitigation measures to reduce the potential impacts of STDs:
• A worker education and awareness program regarding the risks and prevention measures associated with STDs including HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases (e.g. TB and COVID19) will be implemented. • The Project will make information on communicable diseases and STDs available to communities’ close to the camps.
F.2.2.13. Physical Cultural Heritage
674. This section discusses the impacts upon physical cultural heritage (PCR) during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The following planned Project activities could affect cultural heritage in the Project area: • The removal of topsoil and subsoil during preparation of the foundations, access roads, construction camp(s) and equipment lay-down areas. • Movement of heavy vehicles and equipment.
Sensitive Receptors:
675. To date no PCR has been identified in the Project site and access roads.
Potential Impacts: 676. At this stage of the Project no impacts to PCR are anticipated. However, it is possible that chance finds could occur during excavation works.
Mitigation Measures:
677. In the event of any chance finds during the construction works procedures shall apply that are governed by GoK legislation and guidelines. A chance finds procedure shall also be 149
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developed by the EPC Contractor. A sample of chance find procedures is presented in Annex 6. Other mitigation measures involve the following:
• Contractor should put in place a protocol for conducting any excavation work, to ensure that any chance finds are recognized, and measures are taken to ensure they are protected andconserved. • To comply with the previous condition, having excavation observed by a person with archaeological field training. Supervisory procedures and any other necessary measures shall be agreed with the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan; • Stopping work immediately to allow further investigation if any finds are suspected; • Calling in the state archaeological authority if a find is suspected and taking any action they require ensuring its removal or protection insitu.
678. At the construction stage archaeological monitoring should be ensured by the contractor under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The budget necessary for the archaeological supervision and other agreed works should be fixed under the construction works appraisal.
F.2.2.14. Utilities and Infrastructure
679. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on utilities and infrastructure during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause impacts to utilities and infrastructure are the following:
• Undertake earth-moving/excavation works that may inadvertently damage existing infrastructure • Use existing infrastructure and utilities for construction camps and other temporary or permanent above ground facilities. • Vehicle movements on access roads. • Transport of materials and equipment.
Sensitive Receptors: • Existing infrastructure that serves the city within the Project area. • Issues relating to water supply from the groundwater protection zones. • Utility consumers • Road users
Potential Impacts: Construction Phase 680. The main potential impacts during construction are as follows:
• In the construction phase, the public infrastructure is possible to get damaged either unintentionally or as per the project and/or dislocated. As already mentioned, the project area is located far from the settled areas and the WWTP infrastructure is found in the area. The underground infrastructure, whether public or private, is less expected to be present in the WWTP project area. At the given stage, no detailed design is developed within the scope of the project. Consequently, at this stage, it is impossible to state with confidence, if it is expected to face the need of relocation or dismantling any type of public infrastructure. In the construction phase, during the extension works of the 151
existing access roads or construction of new roads or camp, the following may occur: - Removal/disassembly of the existing road pavement; - Disassembly and relocation of the power transmission lines, gas or water drainage pipelines; - Unintentional damage to the underground infrastructure; - Damage to private (fences, orchards) and/or public infrastructure (bus stops, small trading benches); - Constraining or temporal stoppage of traffic along the existing road; - Soil pollution in case of using outdated or faulty techniques.
Mitigation Measures:
Construction Phase
681. The EPC Contractor will be responsible for preparing and implementing his Topic Specific Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which will be approved by both the Engineer and Local subdivisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the control of traffic.
682. In addition, the EPC Contractor will:
• Obtain information on the locations of underground infrastructure adjacent to the project area prior to construction; • Provide information to the public about the scope and schedule of construction activities and expected disruptions and access restrictions at least 72 hours before the disruptions occur; • Allow for adequate traffic flow around construction areas via diversions or temporary access roads; • If temporary access roads are to be constructed with a gravel surface, they will be routinely watered by the EPC Contractor during dry weather to reduce dust impacts; • Provide adequate traffic signs, appropriate lighting, well-designed traffic safety signs, barriers and flag persons for traffic control; and • The authorities will be notified when oversize heavy loads need to be transported and the loads will be escorted by the Project. • In case of damage to public or private infrastructure, the construction contractor is obliged to restore it as soon as possible or to pay compensation for the damage.
683. Regarding utilities, during construction all electricity and gas supply networks in the Project area will be kept operational, particularly during the winter months. Some lines may require temporary relocation during the construction phase and as such the EPC Contractor will be responsible for liaising with the relevant utilities operators to ensure they remain operational. Should utilities need relocating in a different location the EPC Contractor will consult with the relevant utilities and local community to ensure that there is no change in supply as a result of these changes.
F.2.2.14. Cumulative, Transboundary and Induced Impacts
Cumulative Impacts
684. Following the existing situation (COVID-19), the visit to the project zone was organized for 151
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one day only. Consequently, the information about the impact of the industry adjacent to the existing project zone on the environment could not be gathered. As already mentioned, there are some small and medium enterprises found adjacent to the project WWTP.
685. As it became known during the site visit, the liquid industrial waste produced by them are discharged into the municipal sewerage network, after being cleaned in accordance with the national requirements (“Rules for the collection of wastewater into the sewage disposal systems of settlements", approved by Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated May 28, 2009 No. 788).
631. We can say that the cumulative impact will not take place within the project. Transboundary Impacts
686. No works will be undertaken that cross the border. Accordingly, no transboundary impacts are anticipated.
Induced Impacts
687. Following the project implementation, the ecology of the territory adjacent to the WWTP is expected to improve significantly. As a result of the project implementation, a number of induced beneficial impacts in the Project area are expected, in particular:
• The water quality of the river Aksu will improve. If the existing WWTP discharged almost untreated water into the river, following the project implementation, the sewage will be treated with the quality of waters to be used for domestic needs. Consequently, the local population will be able to safely use river water in agriculture what will improve the agricultural product quality thus having a positive impact on public health. • As already mentioned, so far, none of the average or medium plants has expressed a wish to use the WWTP treated water in industry. However, as the practice shows, following the economic benefit, hopefully, quite soon, we will see the industrial enterprises wishing to use the said water in industry. Consequently, they will not use other sources of technical water what will further improve the local environment; • The sludge, which will be treated with high quality on the technological line, will allow the local farmers and private entities to use the sludge as fertilizer. This process will help avoid, or stop soil pollution caused by the use of artificial fertilizers.
688. In addition to the induced beneficial impacts on the environment, small-scale induced adverse impacts are expected, in particular: (i) as the treated sludge will be disposed from the territory by farmers or private entities as small batches, the number of vehicles used will increase, and (ii) the number of vehicles will also increase because of transporting sludge from the territory by small and medium business representatives.
F.2.3. Summary of the Project’s Environmental Impact
689. The summary of the impacts, their magnitude and the mitigation measures is presented in the Table 43 below.
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Table 43: Environmental Impacts and proposed mitigation measures for Stepnogorsk WWTP
No. Types of activities Impacts / Mitigation Measures Sensiti Magnitude / Receptors Likelihood PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE 1. Updating IEE document Incomplete or Updating of IEE document after detailed design development; All receptors according with detailed design incorrectly The submitted updated IEE must be agreed with PMU and ADB; defined project impacts and mitigation measures
2. Preparation of SSEMPs incorrectly The construction contractor must develop SSEMPs prior to construction and agree All receptors defined project these plans with the PMU or Supervision Consultant (Engineer); impacts and The construction contractor must develop SSEMPs within 10 days of signing the mitigation contract; measures The Construction Contractor will have the right to start work only after the SSEMP is approved by the PMU.
Capacity Building Training on ADB • PMU and the DBO (Design Build Operation) will be required to engage the Environmental necessary staff for environmental safeguards and compliance. To build the Safeguards capacity of KazCenterZhKH in environmental management; • DBO will conduct environmental training workshops for the KazCenterZhKh, SPV, Akimat and the Vodakanal at the preconstruction stage. • Training workshop on ADB Environmental Safeguards for , PMU and PIU
3. Preparatory works: mobilization Emissions of Flora and fauna of the temporal infrastructure, harmful Equipping the concrete unit with relevant air-cleaning systems. transport and construction substances into Making noise-protection barriers if necessary between the noise sources and the appliances and equipment and the atmospheric receptors (population). mechanisms needed for air, propagation construction. and noise propagation
Risks of pollution Use of non-faulty construction techniques and vehicles. Lands and surface of surface waters The machines/equipment and potentially polluting materials will be placed far from the water bodies and soils surface water objects, in the areas protected against the atmospheric precipitations. adjacent to camp Equipping the territory with sewage, storm-water and treatment systems at the initial area and access construction stages. roads Limiting the perimeter of the oil products supply reservoirs to prevent the propagation of the pollutants in case of emergency spills. Discharge of any kind of untreated wastewater into the rivers is to be prohibited. Making the water-proof layers over the surfaces of the storing areas.
Risks of safety of Use of non-faulty construction techniques and vehicles; Workers and local local people and Fencing the camp territories right at the initial stage of the construction; population personnel Installing the safety signs along the perimeter of the territory. Protecting the perimeter of territory and controlling the movement of foreign people in the area. Equipping the personnel with PPE. Equipping the camps with first aid kits; Ensuring electrical safety. Keeping an incident registration log. Personnel training at the initial stages. Negative visual- Temporal structures, materials and waste will be placed at locations far and not visible landscape from the visual receptors. change The color and design of the temporal structures will be chosen to suit the environment. Demobilization of the temporal infrastructure and recultivation works following the completion of the works.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
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Construction activities on: Dust generation / Transportation of materials and vehicle movement: Lands adjacent to Moderate All dust generating roads should be watered to suppress dustformation during project sites and Construction site - WWTP magnitude / movement of vehicles, as frequent as necessary depending on circumstances; access roads facilities Certain During hot dry summer days and active construction works, it is a usual practice to Accessroads water access roads every twohours; Labor camp(s) Trucks carrying earth, sand or stone should be covered with tarpaulins or other suitablecover. Stockpiles of materials and spoil: All stockpiles should be managed to reduce dustemissions; Stockpiles should be located downwind of sensitive receptors; Stockpiles emitting dust should be sprayed with water prior tomoving; If a stockpile is within 300 m of sensitive receptors, precautions should be taken to avoid dust generation, including using of a reusable stockpile cover and fencing to form a high barrier to prevent wind lifting and dispersing. Construction sites: Water should be sprayed on construction sites and material handling routes, where fugitive dust isgenerated
Air emissions / • No burning is allowed on any construction sites throughout the project Air around the Small implementationperiod; project area magnitude / • Construction vehicles and machinery should be maintained to a high standard Certain to minimize emissions and should avoid unnecessary idling to save fuel and reduceemissions; • Manufacturing plants locations should be agreed with Supervision Consultant and should be downwind and at least 500 m from nearest residential area.
Noise / Small • Noise monitoring should be organized near sensitive receptors; Residential areas magnitude / • All exhaust systems should be maintained in goodorder; Certain • Noise generating equipment should be located at least 300 m from any sensitiveareas; • Noise generating equipment at construction sites should be isolated and, where possible, should be faced away from most sensitivedirections; • All construction workers should be provided with PersonalProtective Equipment (PPE) and use them against high noise and/ or lengthy exposure; • Noisy works and vehicle movement near sensitive receptors should be limited to daylight workinghours; • Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to inthe permit; • During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment should be closed, and equipment placed as far away from sencitive areas aspossible; • Measures should be taken to reduce any noise disturbance to community, including advance warning on timing of noisy activities, seeking suggestions from community members to reduce noise annoyance, and dissemination of procedure on handling complaints through GRM
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Vibration / • Project area and vehicle movement routes should be inspected for sensitive Fragile structures Small structures; pictures and precautions should be taken toavoid vibration impacts and buildings in magnitude / on sensitive structures near project sites and roads, prone to cracking and proximity of Unlikely breaking caused by vibration from construction activities. transportation routes
Soil erosion / • Minimize unnecessary encroachment onto adjacent lands to reduce area of Fertile soils on
Moderate disturbance to vegetation andsoil; project sites and magnitude / • Fertile topsoil layer should be cut and stockpiled separately from spoil material to in proximity Likely be readily available for later use in slope stabilization andland reinstatementworks; • Where possible, surplus soil should be used for earth filling worksat approvedlocations; • Excavation width and depth should be kept to a feasible minimum to reduce extra spoilgeneration; • Settling ponds, silt fences and screens should be used to prevent sediment transport into surface water near constructionsites and excess road; • Intercepting ditches and drains should be organized to prevent runoff entering construction sites and to divert runoff from sites to existing drainage • Works and material handling should be limited during heavy rainsand high winds to minimize soil erosion • All disturbed sites prior to project completion and commissioning should be reinstated at least to pre-project conditions by (i) cleaning area from wastes and debris, (ii) mechanical remediation and (iii) biological revegetation with nativeplants
Soil • Petroleum products, hazardous materials and wastes should be stored covered Soils on project contamination / from precipitation, on an impermeable surface, and securedfrom acts ofvandalism sites and in Small • Fuel tanks shall be installed on an impermeable ground in a bunded area with proximity magnitude / capacity of 110% of fueltank Likely
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• Avoid soil contamination with petroleum products, lubricants, or hazardous materials during equipment maintenance and repair, field refueling, and hazardous materialhandling • Organize spill response kit at construction site for collection and storage of contaminated soil and provide training for workers on useof spill responsekit
Surface water • No equipment washing is allowed in any surface water bodies Surface water contamination / throughout the project implementationperiod bodies Small • No wastewater shall be dumped into any ditches orstreams magnitude / • Sediment poolsarrangement Likely • Wastewater from labor camp and construction site should becanalized into septic tanks without contactingground • Septic tanks should be timely emptied by a hired septic truck and transported to legally approved treatment facility ordumpsite • Fuel storage, equipment maintenance and repair workshops, and vehicle washing areas shall be stationed at least 300 m away from any water body
Solid wastes • No wastes shall be burned throughout the project implementation period Soils and water generation • Develop Waste and Spoil Management Plan for handling, storage and bodies disposal of construction, household wastes on actual situation at project sites Improper and selecteddumpsites disposal of • Waste and Spoil Management Plan should indicate approved spoil disposal solid and liquid sites, which should not to be on slopes or near pasture lands, and should have waste, Spills further plans forrehabilitation andinadequate All construction wastes and demolition debris should be disposed at clean-up / • authorizedlocations Moderate magnitude / • Stockpiling of construction material should be avoided if possible. Ifnot, Certain construction material should be stored on the construction site, and protected from weathering. Hazardous materials like paints, oils, enamels and others should be kept on impermeable surface, and adsorbents like sand or sawdust should be kept for handling small spillage. • Trees and bushes cut under the project works can be provided for useto localhouseholds • All household wastes shall be collected into confined waste containers
equipped with covers installed away from sensitiveareas • Any toxic/ hazardous wastes shall be kept in safe leak-proof containers labeled with description of contents, properties, and handling information, and disposed at authorizedfacilities • Use waste management hierarchy: (i) avoid waste generation atsource; (ii) minimize waste generation, where it is inevitable; (iii) reuse or recycle if possible; (iv) dispose at authorized locations.
Impacts on • Acquire tree cutting permit from local forestry and wildlife departmentfor any Flora and fauna flora and trees to be cut under theproject fauna, loss of • For any tree cut or valuable grassland area disturbed for project needs, replant biodiversity trees or re-vegetate areas at other approved locations; best practice ratio is 3 and habitats/ trees planted for 1 cut. For large trees in the vicinity of the activity, mark and Moderate cordon off with a fence large tress and protectroot system and avoid any damage magnitude / to thetrees Likely • Use only native plants for re-vegetation of disturbedareas • Identify, demarcate and protect sites where small animals, reptiles, and birds of common species live, such as vegetated roadside areas, tree belts, inner areas of bridges, river riparian zones, etc. • All recognized natural habitats and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not be damaged or exploited, all staff willbe strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. • Adjacent wetlands and streams will be protected, from construction site run-off, with appropriate erosion and sediment control features to include but not limited to hay bales, siltfences No unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas are allowed, especially in protected areas. • If any paleontological fossils, archaeological finds or other important cultural Impacts on Public cultural objects are encountered during construction, all activities at that location shall public cultural resources stop and local authorities shall be notified; works may restart only after resources / fulfillment of prescribed measures and permission received to resumeworks Small magnitude / Rare
Occupational • Contractor shall allocate budget for Occupational Health and Safety Workers Health and measures Safety / Small • All legally required permits should beacquired magnitude / • Health and Safety Specialist shall be hired to develop, implement, and Likely supervise Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP), subject to approval by SupervisionConsultant
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• H&S Specialist will conduct initial and regular refresher training for all workers on labor rights, occupational health and safety matters, ensure provision and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), first aid, medical and health services, safety practices, equipment and training, HIV/ AIDS / IEC and alleviation programs and keep record and report on any H&Sincidents • HSM Plan shall follow national legislation requirements and include among others requirements to: (i) norms on provision of fresh water at all sites; (ii) adequate hygienic and sanitation facilities; (iii) labelling, warning, storage, and handling procedures for hazardous liquidmaterials; (iv) emergency response procedures; (v) records of occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents; (vi) OH&S publications, such as brochures, leaflets, posters in Kazakh and Russian languages at relevant construction sites; (vii) monthly records on labor profile, including information on workers’ place of origin, gender, ethnicity, type of contract (full-time/ part-time, unskilled/ semi-skilled/ skilled, management, administration) (viii) ensure all workers have officially signed contracts, correct and timely pay, no excessive use of overtime • Carry out the routine inspection of the machinery and equipment for purpose of the trouble shooting and observance of the time ofrepair,
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Occupational • Contractor shall allocate budget for Occupational Health and Safety Workers Health and measures Safety / Small • All legally required permits should be acquired magnitude / • Health and Safety Specialist shall be hired to develop, implement, and Likely supervise Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP), subject to approval by Supervision Consultant • H&S Specialist will conduct initial and regular refresher training for all workers on labor rights, occupational health and safety matters, ensure provision and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), first aid, medical and health services, safety practices, equipment and training, HIV/ AIDS / IEC and alleviation programs and keep record and report on any H&S incidents • HSM Plan shall follow national legislation requirements and include among others requirements to: (i) norms on provision of fresh water at all sites; (ii) adequate hygienic and sanitation facilities; (iii) labelling, warning, storage, and handling procedures for hazardous liquid materials; (iv) emergency response procedures; (v) records of occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents; (vi) OH&S publications, such as brochures, leaflets, posters in Kazakh and Russian languages at relevant construction sites; (vii) monthly records on labor profile, including information on workers’ place of origin, gender, ethnicity, type of contract (full-time/ part-time, unskilled/ semi-skilled/ skilled, management, administration) (viii) ensure all workers have officially signed contracts, correct and timely pay, no excessive use of overtime • Carry out the routine inspection of the machinery and equipment for purpose of the trouble shooting and observance of the time of repair, training and instruction of the workers engaged in maintenance of the machinery, tools and equipment on safe methods and techniques of work. • Special attention should be paid to welding operations. It is prohibited to distribute the faulty or unchecked tools for work performance as well asto leave off hand the mechanical tools connected to the electrical supply network or compressed air pipelines; to pull up and bend the cables and air hose pipes; to lay cables and hose pipes with their intersection by wire ropes, electric cables, to handle the rotating elements of power driven hand tools. • Child labor at this subproject is prohibited by national laws and ADB requirements with minimum full 16 years ofage.
Community • Temporary traffic management and road safety awareness measures should be Community near health and taken to ensure safety of nearby residents, community and visitors, when project areas Safety necessary. Traffic management system and staff training should be ensured, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe passages Unsafe and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes. Active traffic access routes management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and and convenient passage for the public. construction • Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoidingmajor traffic hazards transport activities during rush hours or times of livestockmovement. / Small • Clear signs shall be installed in view of public, warning people ofpotential magnitude / dangers, such as moving vehicles, hazardous materials, etc.; all dangerous sites Unlikely should be secured from unauthorizedaccess • GRM should be established as designed by PMU team and focal point should be appointed to implement GRMprocedures
OPERATIONSTAGE • Before operation Phase commencement the “Emergency Management Plan” should 2 Operation of Risk of accidental release of Surface be prepared. WWTP untreated wastewater from the water body WWTP • provision of dual power supply; • spare parts for key components; /Moderate magnitude • regular inspection and proper maintenance of the WWTP; /unlikely • automated on-line, real-time monitoring of influent and effluent quality; Foul Odor Off-site Migration • close monitoring of the aerobic units to ensure the conditions are not anoxic (without Workers from WWTP enough oxygen), /Moderate magnitude • landscaping with trees and shrubs around the facility shall be done to position them as wind breaks, and /unlikely • conduct of WWTP‟s annual odor audit to identify operational measures that can prevent odor problems
Disturbance/ nuisance/ noise • Consulting company has to define the noise level and its spreading area generated Workers due to operation activity at the stage of WWTP operation; / Small magnitude • Additional changes will have to be included in the design if required and also noise /unlikely reducing barriers will have to be arranged.
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G. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATIONS AND PARTICIPATION
G.1 Public Consultations
690. One of the main goals of the IEE is to facilitate the participation of all stakeholders and local communities at all stages of the project cycle: from the pre-construction phase and construction activities to its operation.
691. According to the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009): “The borrower/client will carry out meaningful consultation with affected people and other concerned stakeholders, including civil society, and facilitate their informed participation. Meaningful consultation is a process that:
(i) Begins early in the project preparation stage and is carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the project cycle; (ii) Provides timely disclosure of relevant and adequate information that is understandable and readily accessible to affected people; (iii) Is undertaken in an atmosphere free of intimidation or coercion; (iv) Is gender inclusive and responsive, and tailored to the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups; and (v) Enables the incorporation of all relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into decision making, such as project design, mitigation measures, the sharing of development benefits and opportunities, and implementation issues.
692. Consultation will be carried out in a manner commensurate with the impacts on affected communities. The consultation process and its results are to be documented and reflected in the environmental assessment report.”
693. No on-site public consultations or focus group discussions have been possible due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Instead, conducting of public consultations with interested stakeholders, such as representatives of local government, households (about 70 households as a representative sample of population under the project), using distant communication channels such as mobile phones and internet. . Special questionaries’ were prepared for phone and internet interviews (see annex 8). The IEE findings, project expected impacts and proposed mitigation measures have been incorporated into the disclosed information. Respondents asked for feedback and comment if any. APs were informed that in case of substantial comments/ questions, draft IEE would be accessible in Russian on a website to download, and any further questions can be sent through email or discuss by phone contacts provided during discussions. Until now, no question or request for clarification was received. In case of state of emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic will be abolished before the starting of the construction activates the consultations with key stakeholders will be conducted through organizing personal meetings. However, if the state emergency du to COVID-19 will be continued the Guidance on public consultation within the COVID 19 limitation context provided in Annex 7. Following SPS General Requirements pp. 53‒54, public consultation meetings will be conducted and the information will be disclosed in due manner. In compliance with ADB's SPS (2009) the draft IEE will be provided for disclosure on the ADB website and KazCenter’s website in the local language.
G.2 Information disclosure
694. It is anticipated that in compliance with ADB's SPS (2009) the document will be provided for disclosure on the ADB and the CazCenter PMU Website (in local language).
695. The PMU will be responsible to notify and inform the public of construction operations prior to construction works, publish an emergency response plan disclosing his intentions to deal with accidents and emergencies, including environmental/public health emergencies associated with hazardous material spills and similar events, etc.
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F. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANIZM
696. The Project-specific Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is developed following the principles of ADB SPS (2009) and the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the procedure for considering appeals of individuals and legal entities” (2007 No. 221). GRM is formed to resolve the grievances of the DPs or public related to the project’s involuntary resettlement and environmental safeguards performance, and information disclosure. It will not replace the country’s judicial system, but aims resolve the grievances in effective and fair manner, and will be maintained for the duration of the Project. All grievances and their resolution status will be monitored and reflected in the project’s progress reports.
697. The Grievance Redress Committees (CRCs) are established with responsible staff of the authorities, Akimats and Vodokanal at the district, regional and central levels to take actions and decisions for solving grievances that can be lodged during the project implementation. Awareness about the GRM and people’s access to it is important. Information about the GRM, contact information of the GRM focal persons assigned by KazCenter, and members of the in the project provinces that includes representatives of relevant authorities and stakeholders should be disseminated to the affected communities and DPs. Different communication means, such as distribution of the project information brochures, posters, local media, public consultations, community and individual meetings, can be used in awareness raising.
698. KazCenter is responsible for well-functioning of the GRM and should provide the required human and financial resources. KazCenter will lead the grievances resolution and the work of the GRC for resolving grievances. KazCenter and Vodokonal have assigned 3 of its staff for environmental safeguards tasks and serve as focal persons for GRM: • 1 staff at the central KazCenter • 2 staff in Vodokonal.
699. The local authorities and Akimats have also assigned staff responsible for GRM in the district and regional levels, including their contact information and phone numbers made available for public access.
700. The GRM and the GRCs given below were discussed with KazCenter and vodokonal staff as during the public consultations in all provinces. Based on feedback, experience from other ADB- assisted projects in Kazakhstan, the project specifics and geographic scope, the following grievance resolution process is envisaged under the project.
G.1 Three levels of grievance resolution 701. The stakeholder’s consultation confirmed the current practice that the residents usually approach to the Akimats for complaints and issues they may have. In some cases, the complainants contact directly the Contractors or KazCenter. Therefore, the project GRM provides the grievances can be accepted at the offices of all these three actors, registered and forward it by email to the assigned focal person at the KazCenter who will have a consolidated database of all grievances and their status. All complaints and resolution status will be recorded and reported at each level of the GRCs. The steps and the GRCs are given in the Table 44 below.
702. The summary of key steps at the District level: (i) The grievance registration: The staff of the district Akimats, the Contractors and the Vodokonal appointed as focal persons, will receive and register the grievances (they open a Project Grievance Log Book) and provide acknowledgement of receipt to the complainant. They will put efforts to resolve the grievance at the entry, if not possible, it will be reviewed by the GRC at the district level. (ii) The grievance processing and resolution: The GRC will resolve the grievance within seven working days. The complainant
should be informed about the decision and actions to be taken. (iii) The feedback and further actions: If the complainant does not agree with the decision, or if the resolution of the complaint requires further assessment and actions on a higher level, it will be forwarded to the GRC at the regional level. The complainant should be informed in written form.
703. The summary of key steps at the regional level: • Grievance processing and resolution: KazCenter will convene the meeting of the GRC to discuss the received grievance (s) and make decision, within ten working days. The minutes of GRC meeting and decisions shall be properly documented and forwarded to the concerned parties. • Feedback and further actions: If grievance was resolved at the regional level, the complainant will be informed of the outcome in written form. If the complainant is not agreeing with the decision, or if the resolution of the complaint requires further assessment and decision on higher level, it will be forwarded to the GRC at the central level. The complainant should be informed accordingly.
704. The summary of key steps at the central level:
(i) Grievance processing and resolution: KazCenter will convene the meeting of the GRC at the central level to discuss the grievance(s) and resolve it within twenty working days. The minutes of GRC meeting and decisions shall be documented and forwarded to the concerned parties in written form. (ii) Feedback and further actions: The decision of the GRC on the grievance will be informed to the complaining party in written form. If the grievance was not satisfied, information will be provided to the complaining party about why the case was not resolved, and how the complaining party can make appeal to the country’s legal system, if wished so.
705. GRM can resolve the complaints and issues effectively if the GRCs members have adequate authority to make decisions and take actions. In consultations with KazCenter, staff of the relevant authorities on the managerial levels are proposed for CRCs. KazCenter will coordinate with the authorities and the regional and district Akimats to confirm the proposed members of the GRCs at the district, regional and central levels respectively. Efforts should be made to include women staff in the CRCs to ensure women perspectives in resolving grievances.
Table 44: GRM levels and composition of the GRCs District Review and resolving at the district within 7 working days The entry points: District Akimat, Vodokanal, Contractors The complainant (s) can visit, call or send a letter or e-mail or fax to the assigned staff of the Akimats or the Contractor. This local level will be important to give people easy access to GRM. In addition, minor issues can be solved immediately at this level. If not, the grievance will be forwarded for resolution by the GRC at the district level: The District GRC members: (i) Head or Deputy Head of the District Vodokonal; (ii) Deputy of the District Akimat; (iii) KazCenter assigned focal person; (iv) Representatives of the affected persons or communities; (v) Supervision Consultant, Contractors (during the project implementation); and (vi) Other specialized agencies and experts if required by the case specifics. Regional Review and resolving at the region level within 10 working days The regional CRC members: (i) Head or Deputy Head of the Vodokanal; (ii) Deputy of the Regional Akimat;
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(iii) Representatives of the affected persons or communities; (iv) Supervision Consultant, Contractors (during the project implementation); and (v) Other specialized agencies and experts if required by the case. Central Review and resolving at the KazCenter Central level within 20 working days The Central CRC members: (i) Head or Deputy Head of the Central KazCenter; (ii) Representatives of the affected persons or communities; and (iii) Other specialized agencies and experts if required by the case.
I. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
I.1 Environmental Management Plan
706. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) documents the impacts identified in the IEE report, the actions required to mitigate those impacts to acceptable levels in accordance with the laws of the country and the ADB safeguard policy, and the monitoring activities that are to be undertaken as part of the project to confirm that the mitigation actions have been effective in achieving their objectives or to initiate changes in the actions required.
707. The EMP also details the institutional arrangements and capacities that currently exist, or that will be put in place as part of the project implementation, to ensure that the environmental due diligence (including the EMP) has comprehensively considered both the national and ADB requirements for environmental protection, has identified all likely environmental impacts and proposed appropriate mitigation measures, and has the systems in place to ensure that effective procedures for environmental monitoring and control of the project impacts and mitigation measures are implemented throughout the life of the project.
708. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) provides details on the implementation of mitigation measures, monitoring program, cost estimates, and institutional arrangement to ensure that no significant adverse impacts results from the investment.
709. The basic objectives of the EMP are to:
• establish the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the Project’s environmental management; • ensure implementation of recommended actions aimed at environmental management and its enhancement; and • ensure that the environment and its surrounding areas are protected and developed to meet the needs of the local communities including other stakeholders and safeguard the interests of the local people.
710. The environmental mitigation measures have been differentiated into the following three stages: (i) Pre-Construction Stage; (ii) Site Preparation, Construction and Worksite Closure (i.e., project closure) Phases; and (iii) Operation Stage.
711. Pre-Construction Stage. The mitigation measures adopted during design or pre-construction stage are preventive in nature and include the following scope of management actions:
• baseline monitoring pre-development (e.g., noise monitoring, walkover surveys); • environmental engineering design requirements for operations phase (e.g., to ensure that the necessary mitigation measures for key environmental variables such as climate change are investigated and incorporated into the design); • approvals, permits, and licensing requirements for construction (e.g., licenses for quarry operation and relocation of utilities); and • environmental management planning to be undertaken during the construction phase (i.e., thematic management plans. Guidance and direction will be provided in Error! Reference s ource not found.).
712. Site Preparation, Construction and Worksite Closure (i.e., project closure) Phases. To address the adverse impacts during construction, the EMP includes measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potentially adverse impacts and risks and, as a last resort, propose compensatory
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measures. Various physical, biological, and socio-economic impacts have been summarized in the EMP.
713. Operation Phase. The operation phase mitigation measures cover good operating practices to ensure the sustainable management (i.e., to avoid and / or minimize environmental damage) of the environment through the operational life of the road section.
714. The EMP is provided in Error! Reference source not found. and will be included into the bidding d ocuments so that bidders can consider and incorporate their environmental responsibilities into their bid proposals. Later the EMP becomes an integral part of a contract for the provision of works and is binding for implementation.
I.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP)
715. A companion document of the EMP, the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) provides the procedures and actions that recognize and analyze environmental and social changes consequent to the pre-construction, construction, and operational phases of the project. The monitoring ensures that:
• legal standards for environmental parameters are not exceeded; • mitigation measures are implemented in the manner described in the ESMP; • changes to baseline environmental and social conditions during the project activities are continually monitored; • early warning of environmental and social damage is recognized so that action may be taken, if possible, to prevent or reduce the seriousness of the unwanted impact; and • corrective actions or new adaptive management programs are implemented, as required, if proposed mitigation measures are unable to reduce and/or eliminate potential project related impacts or meet the predetermined level of performance.
716. Regular monitoring of air quality, water quality and noise levels against Kazakhstan and IFC standards shall be carried out throughout the construction and commissioning periods. The party responsible for monitoring will be the Engineer who will report the results to the KazCenter. The reports shall clearly indicate the monitoring dates, times, locations, weather conditions, types of equipment used and calibration information.
717. A monitoring plan defining all parameters to be monitored, with tentative location, project stages for measurements, implementation and institutional responsibility for different environmental components is prepared for all stages of project and presented in Annex 2 Error! Reference s ource not found..
I.3 Specific EMP (SEMP)
718. The SEMP is the document that the Contractor shall prepare outlining how he intends to implement the EMP and ensure that all of the mitigation and monitoring is completed according to the implementation arrangements specified in this EMP and the IEE as a whole.
719. The SEMP will describe the precise location of the required mitigation / monitoring, the persons responsible for the mitigation / monitoring, the schedule and reporting methodology. The SEMP and all of its thematic management plans (i.e., topic and location specific plans) will be submitted to the Engineer and KazCenter for approval at least 10 days before taking possession of any work site. No access to the site will be allowed until the SEMPs are approved by the Engineer and KazCenter, and where indicated in the tables below, the ADB. The SEMP will include the following thematic management plans:
Table 45: Approvals for Thematic Management Plans Approvals Plan KazCente Engineer ADB r Waste Management Plan Yes Yes No Wastewater Management Yes Yes No Plan Spoil Disposal Management Yes Yes Yes Plan Soil Erosion Management Plan Yes Yes No Traffic Management Plan Yes Yes No Method Statement for Temporary Yes Yes No Roads Aggregate and Borrow Pits Yes Yes No Management Plan Employment and Procurement Yes Yes No Procedure Occupational and Community Health Yes Yes No and Safety Management Plan Emergency Response Plan Yes Yes No Waterway Safety Plan Yes Yes No Method Statement for River Crossings Yes Yes No Air Quality Plan Yes Yes No Spill Management Plan Yes Yes No Clearance, Revegetation, and Yes Yes No Restoration Management Plan Noise Management Plan Yes Yes No Biodiversity Management Plan Yes Yes Yes Laydown Area and Construction Yes (for Camp Management Plan Construction Yes Yes Camp Management plan if needed) Asphalt, Rock Crushing, and Concrete Yes Yes No Batching Plant Management Plans Bridge Construction Method Yes Yes Yes Statement Chance Finds Procedure NA NA NA
720. Direction and guidance on what the above-mentioned thematic management plans should cover is provided in Error! Reference source not found.. A template for the SEMP is provided in REF _Ref3023485 \h \* MERGEFORMAT Error! Reference source not found..
I.4 Institutional Arrangements
I.4.1 Proposed project implementation arrangements
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721. The wastewater treatment projects are a part of the GoK’s overall support to investments in wastewater management. A separate program provides funding to cities to expand the sewage network55.
722. The KOS will be procured under a DBO or DB arrangement depending on the actual presence and performance of existing O&M arrangements (either from the public or private sector).
723. The KOS assets would be ring fenced. This is since the intent is to make the KOS expansion financially sustainable. This is possible only if the KOS is a ring fenced asset outside the Vodakanals (which are WSS providers). The reasons/ assumptions for this are as follows:
• The Vodakanals will not be able to set aside their revenues for KOS as a priority since existing arrangements with lenders would not allow them do prioritise cash flows to new assets56. • The KOS are one of the WSS assets that GoK intends to privatise in the future. Therefore if they are ring fenced from the start, the future privatisation program would be easier to implement. • Further, some Vodakanals are not fully State owned entities and therefore, if the KOS assets are ring fenced, it would be possible to provide them with State guaranteed funding for the proposed KOS expansion57. • Vodakanals58 do not have sufficient systems and capacity to manage the KOS which would have modern technology.
Figure 21: Proposed Project Implementation Structure
55 KC to confirm the details of the program and funding available to cities since a standalone expansion of KOS will be an incomplete approach. 56 ADB legal experts to validate/ invalidate this assumption 57 ADB legal experts to validate/ invalidate this assumption 58 GoK/ KazCenter ZhKh stand
ADB
C. Sovereign Guarantee KazCenter ZhKH GoK Republican Budget Funds E.Investment T-H Agreement H A. 100% shareholding Akimat E. Co Sign Investment Agreement Existing Legal arrangements I. Payment Security A. SPV for WWTP* Wastewater Delivery Fund for O Existing KOS Transferred to SPV Vodakanal & M KOS
Bill Escrow D. Builds/ Operates KOS G Under DBO Contract F. KOS tariff item
DBO Contractor Customers
* Wastewater Treatment Plant known as KOS
724. In the Program cities, the Vodakanal would operate the wastewater collection system and would be responsible for conveying the wastewater to KOS and would be in charge of the monitoring of the operation under the DBO contract supported by PIU units at city level.
725. Where there is an existing KOS (which may need to be rehabilitated or operated as such), it would be transferred to the SPV owned by Akimat.59 (B in in 726. 727. Figure ).
728. Both the existing and new KOS would be housed within the SPV60.
729. The KOS would be constructed using DBO model as a standard approach (Item D 730. 731. Figure ) using ADB procurement procedures and model documents61. Where projected tariff is unlikely to meet anticipated O&M costs, a DB approach would be followed since “Operation” phase under DBO arrangement will not be sustainable62. The selection63 (under either DB or DBO contract) would be on competitive basis considering life cycle costs (construction, operation, efficiency parameters like energy consumption, land, energy extraction etc).
59 Legal feasibility to be confirmed 60 KazCenter ZhKh to confirm if a) staff operating existing KOS would remain in Vodakanal or would be transferred to the SPV; If DBO operator scope will also include existing KOS. 61 Will KazCenter ZhKh follow two different procurement procedures, one for EBRD and one for ADB cities 62 KazCenter ZhKh to confirm operating modalities in case DB arrangement is chosen 63 DBO/ DB approach to be developed further by procurement expert
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732. Both the existing KOS and the new KOS would be operated by the DBO operator64
I.4.2 Construction65 and financing of KOS
733. The KOS would be financed through a sovereign loan from ADB to KazC which is guaranteed by GoK (Item C in in 734. 735. Figure ).
736. KazC would on lend these funds to the SPV66 to meet the cost of KOS construction.
737. KazC will also procure the DBO operator at the request of the SPV. KazC will sign the DBO contract and undertake construction supervision (CSC firms will be recruited under the loan and Project Management Unit will be established to manage the Program). This option has been chosen since the SPV has to follow national procurement procedures67. Only entities that use IFI funds are likely to get an exemption from national procurement procedures. A Framework agreement to this effect has been signed between ADB and GoK and is awaiting ratification68. However, the SPV will not be considered as recipient of IFI funds since it is receiving the funds from KazC as a sub-loan. Therefore they will not be eligible for this exemption.
738. Based on the feasibility study that it is carrying out, KazC will develop a proposal for establishing a KOS in the eligible cities. The proposal will outline technical scope and cost estimates. It would also outline loan terms69 and security. It will detail individual responsibilities of the stakeholders – KazCenter ZhKh, SPV, Akimat and the Vodakanal.
739. An Investment Agreement (Item E in 740. 741. Figure ) covering project approval, loan, procurement and construction supervision will be signed between KazC and SPV; and will also be co-signed by the Akimat and the Vodakanal to confirm their respective responsibilities.
742. KazC will appoint consultants/ contracted staff for construction supervision and for the support to the PMU (Project Management Unit).
743. KazC will directly make payments to the DB/ DBO contractor for construction (managed by PMU)
744. The KOS assets and the loan will be reflected in the books of the SPV as construction progresses or after construction is complete.70
64 Procurement to address take over of existing KOS and timelines for the same by DBO operator. Also environmental and technical liabilities of exiting plant/ asset replacement and repairs etc to be addressed. 65 To be developed by procurement expert 66 ADB legal experts to confirm that KC is allowed to lend to SPVs owned by Akimat. 67 ADB legal expert to confirm 68 As per ADB 69 Loan pricing policy to be developed by KazCenter ZhKhKazCenter ZhKh 70 ADB legal expert to confirm if asset and loan can be reflected within SPV during construction progress; and as each construction payment and loan disbursal is made.
745. KazC will also develop common KOS management systems (accounting, financial management, wastewater flows, effluent quality monitoring, energy metering, MIS etc) with a central M&E unit (this will be managed and performed by the PMU). This would be a common expenditure proportionately allocated to each KOS based on the share of project cost71. The KOS management systems would be designed and procured by KazC and would be offered/mandated for use to all DBO contractors.72
746. The EMP includes measures to raise project implementation effectiveness, such as the PMU and the DBO (Design Build Operation) will be required to engage the necessary staff for environmental safeguards and compliance. To build the capacity of KazCenter ZhKH in environmental management, the DBO will conduct environmental training workshops for the KazCenter ZhKh, SPV, Akimat and the Vodakanal at the preconstruction stage.
I.5 Reporting and Review of the EMP
747. The following reporting requirements will be followed during the implementation of the EMP and Construction Contractor’s SEMP:
Table 46: Reporting Requirements Responsibility Requirement Submitted to Contractor Quarterly Environmental and Social Reports Engineer / KazCenter PMU Engineer Monthly Environmental, Social and Health and KazCenter Safety Reports, to include at least the following PMU items: • Summary of Works to Date. • Status of EMP. • Status of Licenses and Permits. • Summary of camp site and work site inspections, i.e. observational monitoring by the Engineer. • Results of instrumental monitoring undertaken by the Contractor, including: o Air Quality o Noise o Soil o Surface Water • Non-compliances identified during the reporting period. • Update on previously identified non- compliances. • Correspondence with the Contractor regarding environmental and social issues. • Findings from stakeholder meetings (per the SEMP). • Table of grievances and actions to manage on- going grievances.
71 Concept outline discussed with KazCenter ZhKh. To be further developed by technical team. 72 What if each KOS operator also has integrated systems alongwith their equipment/ plant?
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• Summary of accidents during the reporting period. • Summary of meetings between the Engineer and Contractor regarding environmental, social and health and safety issues. • Overview of training provided by the Contractor during the reporting period.
The report will be published monthly on the RD website. RD / Engineer Bi-annual Environmental and Social Reports ADB summarizing the findings of the monthly and quarterly reports prepared by the Contractor and the Engineer External Annual Report ADB Monitoring Consultant
748. Review of EMP. The EMP shall be reviewed periodically to evaluate environmental controls and procedures to make sure they are still applicable to the activities being carried out. Reviews will be undertaken by the Contractor’s Environmental Specialist and Engineer as follows:
• The full EMP shall be reviewed at least annually; • Relevant parts of the EMP shall be reviewed following a reportable incident; • In case any issues of failure of mitigation measure to reduce the impact occurs; • Relevant parts of the EMP shall be reviewed following the receipt of an updated site specific or topic specific plan; and • At the request of stakeholders.
749. The review shall include analysis of the data collection and analysis of data, monitoring reports, incident reports, complaints/grievances and feedback from stakeholders.
750. \The Contractor is responsible for the preparation of monthly environmental monitoring report that should be sent to SC.
751. The Supervision Consultant is responsible for the preparation of quarterly environmental monitoring reports that should be sent to KazCenter PMU.
752. The Environmental Specialist is responsible for the preparation of bi-annual and quarterly environmental monitoring reports and will provide to ADB and KazCenter PMU. Semi-annual environmental monitoring reports will be posted on ADB website, and available in Kazakh language.
I.6 Inspection
753. The Employer will regularly inspect works undertaken by the contractor to check on the implementation of environmental management and monitoring requirements. A non-compliance notice will be issued to the contractor if the employer requires action to be taken. The contractor is required to prepare a corrective action plan which is to be implemented by a date agreed with the employer. The non-compliances will be ranked according to the followingcriteria:
754. Non-compliance Level I: A noncompliance situation not consistent with the requirements of the concession agreement, but not believed to represent an immediate or severe social or environmental risk. Repeated Level I concerns may become level II concerns if leftunattended.
755. Non-compliance Level II: A noncompliance situation that has not yet resulted in clearly identified damage or irreversible impact, but which potential significance requires expeditious corrective action and site-specific attention to prevent severe effects.
756. Non-compliance Level III: A critical situation, typically including observed significant social or environmental damage or a reasonable expectation of very severe impending damage, intentional disregard of specific prohibitions is also classified as a level III concern. The failure to prepare a corrective action plan or to implement it within the required time frame will result in the owner undertaking the works and the cost, and 20% will be recovered from the final payment to the Contractor.
757. The contractor will have a system for recording and communicating any complaints received by any person employed by or contracted to the Contractor. All complaints will be communicated in writing to the Employer within one working day of their receipt.
I.7 Implementation Costs
758. The Costs for Environmental Management of the project shall mainly consist of the (i) monitoring of works by the EMS who will be employed by the SC; (ii) baseline and regular parametric measurements of noise, dust and emission (water quality testing may not be needed unless water supply sources will be affected by the construction works). All of the implementation of mitigation measures shall be part of the contractual works and obligation of the Contractor.
759. The cost for the environmental management for construction period is tentatively estimated in the Table 47.
Table 47: Environmental Management Cost Total Item Quantity1 Unit Cost Remarks Cost To be conducted by the Baseline Parametric Contractor for noise, air 6 200 USD 1,200 Measurements emissions, dust (andwater, if necessary)measurements Monthly Parametric Tests to be conducted by Measurements (at 72 200 USD 14 400 the Contractor at 2 sites x36 least 2 sites) months monthly monitoring The costs are included in the Environmental 36 contract signed between Management 2,500 USD 90 000 months Stepnagorsk Vodokanal and Specialist (SC) SC and no additional costs will occur. Environmental The costs will be included in specialist 36 month 1500 USD 54000 the contract signed between (Contractor) Stepnagorsk Vodokanal and Contractor. To be installed by Contractor Construction dust 100000 1 100000 at the WWTP construction and noise barriers USD site Miscellaneous 259600.00 10% for above Items
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Subtotal 285560.00 Total for above
1To be established by CS Consultant and international environmental
Draft Initial Environmental Examination
K. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
K.1 Recommendation
760. The environmental impacts of infrastructure elements proposed in the waste water system improvement subproject in Stepnogorsk have been assessed and described in the previous sections of this document. Potential negative impacts were identified in relation to design, location, construction and operation of the sub project components. Mitigation measures have been developed to reduce all negative impacts to acceptable levels.
761. Mitigation measures were discussed with engineering specialists, and some measures have already been included in the designs.
762. Regardless of these and various other actions taken during the IEE process and in developing the project, there will still be impacts on the environment when the infrastructure is built and when it is operating. Appropriate monitoring measures to guarantee the long term and sustainable operation of the waste water system are presented in a monitoringplan.
763. When operating, waste water components will have overall beneficial impacts to human health and the environment as it will provide the inhabitants of Stepnogorsk with a new waste water system.
764. The main beneficiaries of the improved system will be the citizens of Stepnogorsk, who will be provided with a new waste water system. This will improve the quality of life of people as well as raising the standards of both individual and public health as the improvements in hygiene should reduce the incidence of disease. This should lead to economic gains as people will be away from work less and will spend less on healthcare, so their incomes shouldincrease.
765. Mitigation will be assured by a program of environmental monitoring conducted during both construction and operation to ensure that all measures are provided as intended, and to determine whether the environment is protected as envisaged.
766. The recommendation of this Environmental Assessment process is that all mitigation, enhancement and monitoring activities proposed here shall be implemented in full. This is essential to ensure that the environmental impacts are successfully mitigated; this is the responsibility of the Implementinh Agency.
767. The conceptual design prepared under the project does not address sludge management at this stage using the biogas method. It is desirable that both economic and ecological positive aspects of this approach be considered as an alternative at the detailed design stage.
K.2 Conclusion
768. The environmental impacts of the proposed waste water components have been assessed by the Initial Environmental Examination reported in this document.
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769. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared and will be implemented during the project implementation. The EMP identifies the potential environmental impacts arising from the project along with a set of the mitigation measures to reduce the impacts to acceptable levels. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing the EMP to ensure its effectiveness.
770. The overall conclusion of the IEE is that provided the mitigation and enhancement measures are implemented in full, there should be no significant negative environmental impacts as a result of location, design, construction or operation of the subproject. There should in fact be positive benefits through major improvements in quality of life and individual and public health once the scheme is in operation. Project will stimulate economic growth. The waste water good quality is a prerequisite for tourism development. Standard of individual and public health will improve as a result of the project. Project will generate new job opportunities.
Draft Initial Environmental Examination
ANNEXES
Error! Reference source not found. Annex 2. Environmental Monitoring Plan Error! Reference source not found. Error! Reference source not found. Annex 5. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist Annex 6. Chance Find Procedures Annex 7. Guidance on Public Consultations within the COVID19 limitations context
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Annex 1: Environmental Management Plan
Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts A. Project Preparation and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Development Feasibility IEE updating • Submit IEE for review and comments by ADB and KazCenter Approval of IEE by ADB and Study PMU Kazcenter
Public • Conduct public consultations in targetdistrict PMU Report on public consultations consultation results in IEE;
Grievance • Prepare GRM PMU Approval of IEE and GRM by Redress • Validate requirements withKazCenter ADB and KazCenter Mechanism (GRM) B. Detail Design Establishing Environmental • Hired invironmental Specialist KaaCenter ES hired Project Specialist (ES) Implementati on Unit(PIU) and Design Build Operation Capacity Training on • PMU and the DBO (Design Build Operation) will be required to KazCenter Workshop will be conducted. Building ADB engage the necessary staff for environmental safeguards and PIU Records conducted workshops Environmental compliance. To build the capacity of KazCenterZhKH in DBO and trainings Safeguards environmental management; • DBO will conduct environmental training workshops for the KazCenterZhKh, SPV, Akimat and the Vodakanal at the preconstruction stage. • Training workshop on ADB Environmental Safeguards for , PMU
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and PIU
EIA (OVOS) Incorporating • Review, update, and ensure incorporation of this IEE and measures Design Approval of updated EMP/ IEE preparation IEE results and defined in current EMP into subproject detail design, decision- Building (DB) by Kazcenter and ADB by detail EMP into detail making, and national EIA (OVOS)process Contractor - Approval of project IEA design design process (OVOS) by State Environmental Building Expertise Contractor (DBC) 111
Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts Climate • Incorporate into detail design adequate considerations and DB Consultant Approval of IEE and detail change provisions in relation to climate change aspects in subproject area design by KazCenter and ADB impacts through recommended climate change adaptation measures and good engineering designpractices
Public • Archaeological research should be undertaken during detail design DB Consulant - Archaeological report cultural as required bylaws - Approval of the subproject resources from StateExpertise Grievance • Establish GRM PIU, GRM established will be intended Redress • Appoint GRM coordinators / focalpoints districts branch Mechanism • Conduct initial and refresher training for coordinators / focal points / of KazCenter stakeholders / affected people on GRMprocedures
Public • Conduct public consultations on decisions made in regards to detail Consultant, Report on public consultations on design, present updated IEE/ EMP, and get feedback to consider in districts branch consultations included into detail design IEE/ final subproject design of final IEE. EMP • Explain established GRM, disseminate information andcontacts KazCenter Approval of IEE by KazCenter and ADB Bidding IEE and EMP • Include EMP obligations in tender documents and specifications, PMU Bidding documents approved documents requirements referencing to this IEE and EMP by PMU and ADB
C. Pre-Construction Stage Pre- Contractor’s • Contractor shall hire a full-time environmental specialist(-s) with DB Contractor Environmental Specialist construction Staffing relevant background and sufficient experience to ensure compliance of Contractor hired arrangements with all applicable national laws and regulations, obtainall necessary environmental licenses and permits, and implement EMP All licenses and permits will be requirements obtained
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Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts
Roles and • Assign roles and responsibilities related to subproject’s PIU Roles and responsibilities responsibilities Environmental Monitoring and ReportingSystem assigned
Environmental • Conduct environmental protection training on implementation and PMU Training will be delivered Protection Training supervision of subproject’s environmental mitigation measuresfor PIU, Supervision Consultant and Contractor
Site Specific EMP • Prior to any construction works may commence, prepare Site Specific DB Contractor SSEMPs will approv by EMPs for each construction site based on requirementsset forth in Supervision Consultant and bidding documents, design package IEE/ EMP, actual on- site PMU conditions and decisions on workarrangements
Baseline • Conduct initial baseline monitoring of water and soil quality at DB Contractor Baseline monitoring results monitoring approved locations prior to commencement of construction works, to track changes due to consequent projectimplementation
D. Construction Stage 113
Air quality Dust Emissions Transportation of materials and vehicle movement: DB Contractor Dust related generation • All dust generating roads should be watered to suppress dust complaints Visual formation during movement of vehicles, as frequent as necessary depending oncircumstances. inspection • During hot dry summer days and active construction works, it is a usual practice to water access roads every twohours. • Trucks carrying earth, sand or stone should be coveredwith tarpaulins or other suitablecover.
Stockpiles of materials and spoil:
• All stockpiles should be managed to reduce dustemissions Stockpiles should be located downwind of sensitive receptors, • Stockpiles emitting dust should be sprayed with water priorto moving • If a stockpile is within 300 m of sensitive receptors, precautionsshould be taken to avoid dust generation, including using of a reusable stockpile cover and fencing to form a high barrier to prevent wind lifting anddispersing
Constructionsites:
• Water should be sprayed on construction sites and material handling routes, where fugitive dust is generated • No burning is allowed on any construction sites throughout the project implementationperiod • Construction vehicles and machinery should be maintained to a high standard to minimize emissions and should avoid unnecessary idling to save fuel and reduceemissions • Manufacturing plants locations should be agreed withSupervision Consultant and should be downwind and at least 500 m from nearest residentialarea
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Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts Noise Noise • Noise monitoring should be organized at sensitive reseptors DB Contractor Noise related and • All exhaust systems should be maintained in goodorder vibration complaints Monitoring • Noise generating equipment should be located at least 300 m from any sensitiveareas reports • Noise generating equipment at construction sites should be isolated and, where possible, should be faced away from most sensitive directions • All construction workers should be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and use them against high noise and/ or lengthyexposure • Noisy works and vehicle movement near sensitive receptors should be limited to daylight workinghours • Measures should be taken to reduce any noise disturbance to community, including advance warning on timing of noisy activities, seeking suggestions from community members to reduce noise annoyance, and dissemination of procedure on handling complaints throughGRM
Vibration • Project area and vehicle movement routes should be inspected for DB Contractor Vibration related complaints sensitive structures; pictures and precautions should be taken to avoid vibration impacts on sensitive structures near project sitesand roads, prone to cracking and breaking caused by vibration from construction activities 115
Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts
Soil Soil erosion • Minimize unnecessary encroachment onto adjacent lands toreduce DB Contractor Visual inspection area of disturbance to vegetation andsoil • Fertile topsoil layer should be cut and stockpiled separatelyfrom spoil material to be readily available for later use in slope stabilization and land reinstatementworks • Where possible, surplus soil should be used for earth filling worksat approvedlocations • Excavation width and depth should be kept to a feasible minimum to reduce extra spoilgeneration • Settling ponds, silt fences and screens should be used toprevent sediment transport into surface water • Works and material handling should be limited during heavyrains and high winds to minimize soilerosion • All disturbed sites prior to project completion and commissioning should be reinstated at least to pre-project conditions by (i) cleaning area from wastes and debris, (ii) mechanical remediation and (iii) biological revegetation with nativeplants
Soil contamination • Petroleum products, hazardous materials and wastes should be DB Contractor Visual inspection stored covered from precipitation, on an impermeable surface, and secured from acts ofvandalism • Fuel tanks shall be installed on an impermeable ground in a bunded area with capacity of 110% of fueltank.
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Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibily aspect important factors/ impacts • Avoid soil contamination with petroleum products, lubricants, or hazardous materials during equipment maintenance and repair, field refueling, and hazardous materialhandling • Organize spill response kit at each construction site for collection and storage of contaminated soil and provide training for workers on use of spill responsekit
Surface water Surface water • No equipment washing is allowed in any surface water bodies DB Contractor Visual inspection contamination throughout the project implementationperiod • No wastewater shall be dumped into any water bodies Monitoring • Wastewater from labor camp and construction site shouldbe Reports canalized into septic tanks without contactingground • Septic tanks should be timely emptied by a hired septic truck and transported to legally approved treatment facility ordumpsite • Fuel storage, equipment maintenance and repair workshops, and vehicle washing areas shall be stationed at least 300 m away from any waterbody 117
Solid wastes Waste and • No wastes shall be burned throughout the project implementation DB Contractor Waste and Spoil Management spoil period Plan approved by Construction management • Develop Waste and Spoil Management Plan for handling, storage and Supervision Consultant and PIU disposal of construction, household wastes, at project sites and selected dumpsites Visual inspection • Waste and Spoil Management Plan should indicate approvedspoil disposal sites, which should not to be on slopes or near pasture lands, and should have further plans forrehabilitation • All construction wastes and demolition debris should be disposed at authorizedlocations
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Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts • Trees and bushes cut under the project works can be providedfor use to localhouseholds • All household wastes shall be collected into confined waste containers equipped with covers installed away from sensitiveareas • Use waste management hierarchy: (i) avoid waste generation at source; (ii) minimize waste generation, where it is inevitable; (iii) reuse or recycle if possible; (iv) dispose at authorizedlocations.
Flora Impacts on flora • Acquire tree cutting permit from local forestry andwildlife DB Contractor Visual inspection and and fauna department for any trees to be cut under theproject fauna • For any tree cut or valuable grassland area disturbed for project needs, replant trees or re-vegetate areas at other approved locations; best practice is three trees planted for onecut • Use only native plants for re-vegetation of disturbedareas • Identify, demarcate and protect sites where small animals, reptiles, and birds of common species live, such as vegetated roadside areas, tree belts, inner areas of bridges, river riparian zones, etc. • Strictly prohibit poaching of wildlife and damagingplants
Public Impacts on PCR • If any paleontological fossils, archaeological finds or other important DB Contractor Visual inspection cultural objects (including human bones, which may have criminal resources background) are encountered during construction, all activities at that location shall stop and local authorities shall be notified; works may restart only after fulfillment of prescribed measures and permission received to resumeworks
Health Occupational • DB Contractor shall allocate budget for Occupational Health and Contractor HSE Management Plan should be and Health and Safety measures; approved by Supervision 119
Safety Safety • Health and Safety Specialist shall be hired to develop, implement, Consultant and PIU and supervise Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP), subject to approval by SupervisionConsultant • H&S Specialist will conduct initial and regular refresher training for all workers on labor rights, occupational health and safety matters, ensure provision and distribution of Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE), and keep record and report any H&Sincidents • HSM Plan shall follow national legislation requirements and include among others requirements to: (i) norms on provision of fresh water at all sites; (ii) adequate hygienic and sanitation facilities; (iii) labelling, warning, storage, and handling procedures for hazardous liquid materials; (iv) emergency response procedures; (v) recordsof occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents; (vi) OH&S publications, such as brochures, leaflets, posters in Kazakh and Russian languages at relevant construction sites; (vii) monthly reporting on labor profile, including information on workers’ place of origin, gender, ethnicity, type of contract (full-time/ part-time, unskilled/ semi-skilled/ skilled, management, administration) (viii) ensure all workers have officially signed contracts, correct and timely pay, no excessive use of overtime. • Child labor at this subproject is prohibited by national laws andADB requirements with minimum full 16 years ofage.
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Project Potential Mitigation measures Institutional Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ responsibility aspect important factors/ impacts Community Safety • Temporary traffic management and road safety awareness Contractor Visual inspection measures should be taken to ensure safety of nearbyresidents, community andvisitors Clear signs shall be installed in view of public, warning people of potential dangers, such as moving vehicles, hazardous materials, etc.; all dangerous sites should be secured fromunauthorized access
GRM Grievance redress • GRM focal point should be appointed to implement GRM Contractor GRM established mechanism
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Project Potential Mitigation measures Institution Monitoring Indicators stage/ issues/ al aspect important responsibil factors/ it impacts y E. Operation Stage Contemination PMU O&M Plan preparedand Risk of • Operation and Maintenance Plan should be developed after taking over of of water bodies implemented accidental works byKazCenter
release of • O&M Plan should include provisions for regular inspection and untreated maintenance WWTP wastewater • Before operation Phase commencement the “Emergency Management Plan” from the should be prepared. WWTP • provision of dual power supply; • spare parts for key components; • regular inspection and proper maintenance of the WWTP; • automated on-line, real-time monitoring of influent and effluent quality;
Foul Odor Off- Air • close monitoring of the aerobic units to ensure the conditions are not anoxic PMU O&M Plan preparedand site Migration emmisions (without enough oxygen), implemented from WWTP • landscaping with trees and shrubs around the facility shall be done to position them as wind breaks, and • conduct of WWTP‟s annual odor audit to identify operational measures that can prevent odor problems
Disturbance/ Air emmisions • Consulting company has to define the noise level and its spreading area PMU O&M Plan preparedand nuisance/ noise generated at the stage of WWTP operation; implemented due to • Additional changes will have to be included in the design if required and also operation noise reducing barriers will have to be arranged activity
ADB = Asian Development Bank; KazCenter = Executive Agency; PMU = Project Management Unit; IEE = Initial Environmental Examination; EMP = Environmental Management Plan; SSEMP = Site Specific Environmental Management Plan; Construction sites = include access road, areas around project, water regulating devices, material storage, labor camp, borrow pits, dumpsites, and any other physically affected areas.
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Annex 2: Environmental for general construction activities in Stepnogorsk
Item Parameter Frequency Action Level Response When Responsibility Action Level Exceeded
Pre - construction Tender documentation Environmental Issues Once before bid Environmental audit of The bidding document shall SC announcement bidding documents to ensure reflect all environmental relevant sections of the EMP mitigation measurements have been included Contract documentation Environmental Issues Once before contract Environmental audit of The contract document shall SC with constriction signature contract documents to reflect all environmental Contractor ensure relevant sections of mitigation measurements the EMP have been included Construction Ambient Air Dust Continual Visual assessment If dust levels are above SC during the Works acceptable visual levels, implement dust suppression
Impact Monitoring techniques (wetting down area) and/or assess weather
Compliance conditions and maybe Monitoring temporarily cease worksuntil conditions ease Noise (15 minute) Only as required: +20 dBA for short If noise action level is exceeded SC Noise Levels Periodic attended term (1 Month) then review work Monitoring at hourly practices and noise intervals at nearest control procedures, potentially sensitive including maintenance of receivers. equipment, installation of silencers, provision of noise barriers and modification of work hours. Noise (15 minute) Dally (At the nearest Measurement If noise action level is SC Noise Levels receptors) exceeded, then review work practices and noise control procedures, Water Quality Quality/ Continue Guideline / licence If contaminant SC Contaminant requirements (whichever is concentrations/licence concentrates In rain weather Applicable) conditions are exceeded, Impact Monitoring review disposal options.
Waste Segregation, Monthly - Visual assessment during Solid waste cycled as 0 % of SC Management Storage and inspection the works; movement of solids or liquid Implications transport of - Fieldinspection, waste through the soil,rocks, wastes - Report of waste volumes water,atmosphere. generated. - Report and record all leakages andspills - ImpactMonitoring. - Compliance Monitoring Ground Soil Continual Assess adequacy of If controls have failed or are SC Monitoring sedimentation/environmental found inadequate, cease works and Erosion controls on-site immediately and repair to an Control Impact Monitoring acceptable standard Ecological Fauna and Continual Minimal ecological impacts Required to ensure the SC Resources Flora Impact Monitoring recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented. Landscape Surface Once at the Minimum disturbance of the Required to ensure the SC and Visual treatment of Completion of original landscape. Impact recommended mitigation temporary work Monitoring measures are properly structures implemented Operation
WWTP quality BOD5, COD, weekly Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring,inflow Nitrogen, parameters Vodokanal Phosphorus WWTP quality Oxygen daily Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, parameters Vodokanal aerationtank WWTP quality Sludge volume daily Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, parameters Vodokanal aeration tank WWTP quality Dry matter Thrice per Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, contents week parameters Vodokanal aeration tank WWTP quality Dry matter Weekly Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, contents of parameters Vodokanal aeration tank return sludge WWTP quality Microscopical Twice per Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, analysis week parameters Vodokanal aeration tank
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WWTP quality Temperature, daily Compare with Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, pH, suspended permission Vodokanal outflow solids WWTP quality BOD5, COD, weekly Compare with Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, NH4-N, NO3-N, permission Vodokanal Outflow Pgesamt WWTP quality NO2-N monthly Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, parameters Vodokanal outflow WWTP quality Coliforms monthly Monitor development Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, Vodokanal outflow WWTP quality temperature, pH daily Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, parameters Vodokanal sludgetreatment WWTP quality Dry matter monthly Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, contents parameters Vodokanal sludge treatment WWTP quality loss on ignition monthly Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, parameters Vodokanal sludge treatment WWTP quality sludge gas daily Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, parameters Vodokanal sludge treatment WWTP quality sludge as required Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring, production parameters Vodokanal sludge treatment (watered, de- watered) WWTP quality energy daily Compare with design Adjust treatment process Stepnogorsk monitoring consumption parameters Vodokanal WWTP quality Methane monthly Check occurrence Check sludge treatment Stepnogorsk monitoring installations Vodokanal Aksu River water Suspended weekly Sample taking, water Compare with effluent Stepnogorsk quality monitoring particles, analysis, compare with quality, adjust treatment Vodokanal BODoverall, baseline data process COD, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus WWTP operation Noise monthly Compare with National Inspect installations Stepnogorsk standards for Vodokanal noisecontrol
WWTP operation Odor monthly Compare with normal Inspect installations Stepnogorsk odor levels Vodokanal Infrastructure Breaks / Monthly Visual Assessment If breaks/ failures occur, Stepnogorsk Deteriorations/ inspection Public Complaints close isolation valves (or Vodokanal Leakage Compliance Monitoring plug manholes)immediately and repair / replace to anacceptable standard. Aksu river during O2 Twice per day Stepnogorsk failure of WWTP Vodokanal
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Annex 3: Thematic Mangement Plans
Before the construction starts, the Contractor will prepare a number of thematic management plans and method statements consistent with the EMP for review and approval by the PMU. Approval will be required prior to construction commencing. Contract documents shall explicitly indicate that construction cannot start until all documents are approved. The thematic management plans include the following:
1. Waste Management Plan The Contractor will ensure that, for the relevant areas, waste is managed in accordance with local and national policies, as well as with international best practice. An overarching Project-wide Waste Management Plan should be produced by the Contractor and used to ensure a consistent approach to managing waste at the construction sites. The Projectwide plan should provide a central location for all Project waste information to ensure that waste is effectively managed in accordance with the waste hierarchy, meeting regulatory control requirements, and reducing waste disposal costs. The Project-wide plan should: • make reference to statutory waste management requirements and obligations’ • record the Contractor’s responsible person(s) for waste management; • set out waste handling procedures; • set out waste transportation procedures; • set out waste disposal procedures; • set out auditing and other oversight requirements; • record the waste types generated by the entire Project; • provide details of waste minimization actions; • provide project-wide waste forecasts for each waste type; and • contain a complete register of all approved waste carriers and receptor sites for the Project.
The Contractor is also required to produce a Wastewater Management Plan and a Spoil Disposal Management Plan. These plans can be treated as separate management plans or within the overall Waste Management Plan.
2. Wastewater Management Plan The Wastewater Management Plan will need to identify: • plans for provision of sanitary latrines and proper sewage collection and disposal system to prevent pollution of watercourses or groundwater; • plans for the operation of the work camp (if any) indicating proposed arrangements for the collection and disposal of sewage consistent with applicable national regulations (e.g., provision of sanitary latrines, installation of proper sewage collection, and disposal systems designed to prevent pollution of land and watercourses; • plans detailing how wastewater would be collected from all wastewater
generating areas, as well as storage and disposal methods. If the Contractor intends to carry out any on-site wastewater treatment, this should also be included.
3. Spoil Disposal Management Plan The Spoil Disposal Management Plan will need to identify: the approach taken to excavated material and waste management taking into account the waste hierarchy; • procedures for identifying contaminated soil; • the dedicated area for the handling and storage of excavated materials; • where the practicable opportunities for the use of material with recycled content during construction will be adopted; • the types of excavated material and waste removed from site, its description and estimated quantities of waste generated; • the authorized waste carrier details; • plan for waste segregation to maximize opportunities for reusing and recycling; • the types of training that will be provided to all site workers on waste management and recycling procedures; • disposal routes and permitting requirements; and • details of the site that the waste and/or material will be and was taken to.
A soil disposal assessment template is provided as an annex in this IEE and should be utilized to confirm that the site selected is appropriate and the level of assessment is sufficient to meet ADB safeguards requirements.
4. Soil Erosion Management Plan The Soil Erosion Management Plan addresses the management and mitigation of significant impacts relating to soil erosion on the site for the proposed Project. The aims of the Management Plan are to provide: • a general framework for erosion management, which enables Contractors to identify areas where erosion can be accelerated from their actions; and • an outline of general methods to monitor, manage, and rehabilitate erosion to ensure that all erosion caused by this development is addressed.
This Management Plan serves as a guideline to be applied by all Contractors on the Project. The plan is an evolving guideline, however, that needs to be updated or adapted as conditions change within the Project area, and successes and failures of procedures are identified. The objectives of the ESMP are to: • identify the risk from soil erosion across the Project site and in relation to the areas and water assets; and • identify and set prescriptive management actions to protect key assets in identified high risk areas.
5. Traffic Management Plan
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A site-specific Traffic Management Plan will be produced, coordinated, and then implemented by the Contractor. The Management Plan will be prepared in consultation with traffic authorities and the emergency services. The Plan will need to be approved by the KAZCenter in consultation with the relevant local authorities. The Plans will need to include:
• site boundaries and the main access/egress points for the worksites; • temporary and permanent closures and diversions of roads or highways (including program and/or phasing); • the strategy for traffic management such as the use of parking measures and/or site operatives to manage how construction vehicles will enter and exit the sites; • local routes to be used by trucks, cranes, and abnormal loads generated by construction activity including, where required, the timings of use of such routes, truck holding areas, truck route signing strategy, means of monitoring truck use, and any routes prohibited from use; • a schedule and program of the planned traffic management schemes and measures required to undertake the works; • required bus diversions and bus stop locations; • measures (including notification to suppliers) to address potential risk to residents and activities on local roads adjacent to the construction site. These will include where appropriate restrictions on delivery hours where practical, and strict enforcement of speed limits; and • procedures for carrying out regular full safety audits on all highway works and temporary diversion routes.
6. Method Statement for Temporary Roads The purpose of this document is to describe plans for the use of temporary roads (also referred to as access/haul roads), including designs for construction of new temporary roads (if applicable). The statement shall be prepared with contribution from and in consultation with relevant traffic authorities and should cover measures to maintain the temporary roads (i.e., erosion protection, dust prevention, reinstatement, etc.)
7. Aggregate and Borrow Pits Management Plan The Aggregate and Borrow Pits Management Plan will describe work activities, technology, potential environmental impacts, and mitigation measures for aggregate/borrow pits (if operated by the Contractor) and extraction sites. Contractors will ensure that: • borrow areas will be located outside protected areas and the Aksu River and avoid valuable pasture/grazing land; • after use, borrow pit areas will be graded to ensure drainage and visual uniformity; • borrow pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance with all applicable standards and specifications; and • topsoil from borrow pits will be saved and used during restoration were possible.
The plan should provide information on the following: • the location and extent of extraction areas, current land use, and assessment of the character and key features of the surrounding area; • a reclamation strategy and plan; • a summary of compliance and copies of licenses obtained in accordance with national and local laws; and • a plan showing the proposed main haul routes to and from the site.
8. Employment and Procurement Procedure During the construction phase of the Project, temporary and permanent workforce will be employed by the Contractor, subcontractors, and other contractors. Contractors to comply with all applicable labor laws and core labor standards, including the Core Labor Standards of the ADB.
The prime Contractor will have a fundamental role in the process of managing the supply chain and implementing mitigation measures. The Contractor will implement its own Employment and Procurement Procedure, providing details on management methods and mitigation measures in line with this IEE. The plan should include the following: • provisions prohibiting employment of child laborers and forced labor; • provisions encouraging employment of women; • provisions on equal pay for equal work of equal value regardless of gender, ethnicity, or caste • provisions on dissemination of information on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, to employees and local communities surrounding the Project sites • grievance mechanism that ensures concerns are addressed promptly using an understandable and transparent process that provides timely feedback to those concerned, without any retribution; • a general framework which allows the Contractor to track the number of local firms, workers, and women that are/have been employed; and • the types of training that will /have been provided to all site workers.
9. Occupational and Community Health and Safety Management Plan For management of occupational health and safety (OHS), the Contractor will prepare a Occupational and Community Health and Safety Management Plan for the construction workers based on the EMP and in line with Kazakhstan legislation. The detailed management plan will include the following provisions: • Clean Water. Provide a clean and sufficient supply of fresh water, for construction and for camps (if established), offices, and workshops. • Sewage and Wastewater. Provide an adequate number of latrines and other sanitary arrangements at the site and work areas and ensure that they are cleaned and maintained in a hygienic state. • Solid waste. Provide garbage receptacles at construction site and camps, which will be periodically cleared. • Liquid Chemical Waste. Provide receptacles in suitably bunded areas for the
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storage of liquid chemical waste prior to disposal. Include clear warnings with health risks. • Personal Protection. Provide personal protection equipment (PPE), such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection, in accordance with relevant health and safety regulations, for workers. • Emergency Preparedness and Response. An Emergency Response Plan (prepared separately) to take actions on accidents and emergencies, including public health emergencies associated with hazardous material spills and similar events will be prepared. Emergency phone contacts with the nearest hospitals will be established. The Contractor will ensure that qualified first-aid can be provided at all times. Appropriately equipped first-aid stations should be easily accessible throughout the Project site (potentially on both sides of the Aksu River deepening on staging of construction). • Records Management. A Records Management System that will store and maintain easily retrievable records protected against loss or damage should be established. It will include documenting and reporting occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents. The records will be reviewed during compliance monitoring and audits. • Safety Communication. Ensure that safety, rescue, and health matters are given a high degree of publicity to all persons regularly or occasionally at active construction sites. Posters in Georgian and any other language appropriate for the Contractors drawing attention to relevant health regulations will be made or obtained from the appropriate sources and will be displayed prominently at the site. • Training, Awareness, and Competence. Train all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work. Implement HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases awareness and prevention program to target the local community and construction workers.
10. Emergency Response Plan
The Emergency Response Plan will contain the following as a minimum: • guidance on the storage and use of hazardous materials with the aim of preventing and containing spills and releases; • guidelines on the degrees of containment which take account of the nature of the materials and the sensitivity of the environment; • procedures and appropriate information required in the event of any incident such as a spillage or release of a potentially hazardous material; and • systems for notifying appropriate emergency services, the KazCenter PMU and other relevant authorities, and the Contractor's personnel.
11. Air Quality Plan
Plan that outlines measures that will be taken to limit emissions emanating from construction related operations. Such measures may include, but are not limited to: • spraying/paving of internal haul roads; • spraying of stockpile and plant areas during dry and windy conditions; • siting of plant and machinery away from sensitive receptors; • provision of landscaping around the perimeter of the site, or around the dust emitting activity; • dust suppression on plant and machinery; • seeding and landscaping of berms and other open areas not directly affected by extraction operations; • reduction of emissions from site vehicles; • continual plant operator training, and management of driver behavior; • measures to ensure road cleanliness; and • monitoring and recording of dust-generating activities.
12. Spill Management Plan
The Contractor’s Spill Management Plan will document the specific requirements, protocols, responsibilities, and materials necessary to implement an emergency spill response following an incident. The Management Plan will contain: • an assessment of the type of materials to be used and the risk of contamination; • guidance on the storage and use of hazardous materials, with the aim of preventing and containing spills and releases; • guidelines on pollution prevention for sites on or adjacent to the Aksu River and other watercourses; • procedures to be adopted in the event of a pollution incident, to contain and limit any adverse effects; • systems for notifying appropriate emergency services, authorities, and the Contractor's personnel; • standby equipment and materials; and • specific arrangements for sites on or adjacent to the Aksu River.
13. Noise Management Plan
The Noise Management Plan should outline measures that will be taken to limit noise emanating from the Project construction and related activities. Descriptions of the following measures should be included: • the use of temporary noise barriers around noisier activities/machinery; • siting of plant and machinery away from sensitive receptors; • construction of berms or other noise barriers between the site and receptors; • noise dampening apparatus on plant and machinery; • limitations on working hours; • regular maintenance of all plant and machinery;
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• appropriate surfacing/grading of internal haul roads; • regular monitoring of noise and vibration levels; • use of plant and machinery that is suited to its application; • continual plant operator training, and management of driver behavior. • pre-construction survey of the nearby buildings for documents existing cracks and other issues; • minimize use of backup alarms to the extent possible; and • under water noise measurements during coffer dam construction and impact pilling.
14. Laydown Area and Construction Camp Management Plan The Laydown Area and Construction Camp Management Plan should propose preventive/mitigation measures for environmental impacts of laydown areas and the construction camp, i.e., offices, accommodation facilities, testing facilities/laboratories, batching areas, storage and stockpiling areas, workshops, vehicle washing areas and all other areas/facilities required for the undertaking of activities required for completion of the Project. The Management Plan should contain procedures for establishing and operating laydown areas and work camps in order to safeguard nearby communities and environment resources.
The Management Plan should comprise the following details: • details of the sites selected; • site preparation; • arrangements/ facilities within the laydown area and camp; • mitigation measures that will be undertaken as per the EMP; • re-development plan; and o list of structures to be demolished and list of the cleanup activities that needs to be undertaken o proposed use of the land after demobilizing o presence of facilities that could be put in use by the land owner if it is a leased out private land or community in case of a public property • working drawings and certifications. o electrical plan showing the electrical network planned for the site o location of plants, generators, master switch boards, etc. o plumbing drawing showing the network of water supply lines, sewerage line, and drainage line o copy of certificates / permissions obtained from regulatory authorities / local governing body / community etc. as applicable o copy of agreement entered with the owner of the site if it is a leased-out land.
15. Asphalt, Rock Crushing, and Concrete Batching Plant Management Plans The Management Plans should include, but not be limited to, providing method statements and information on the following: • Asphalt Plant Management Plan on Description of the layout and management of asphalt plant, including management of bitumen (if planned to run own facility) • Rock Crushing and Concrete Batching Plant Management Plans on description of the layout and management of crushing and concrete batching plants, including waste water discharge, dust management, etc. on Method Statement detailing cement storage, concrete batching areas and methods, method of
transport of cement and concrete, storage and disposal of used cement bags, and spill contingencies for each concrete batching operation.
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Annex 4. Specific Environmental Management (SEMP) Plan
Content of SSEMP Chapter Brief Description of each chapter
1. INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW OF THE SITE Brief description of the project; ADB environmental SPECIFIC EMP category; When IEE/EIA have been prepared; The main objective of the plan; By whom the SSEMP is prepared (construction contractor should be mentioned in this chapter). 2. DEFINITION OF BOUNDARIES Brief description of project site location; Provide here project site map with construction site boundaries; The decision on how to divide a project can be made based on the following criteria:
1. If the construction activities are different 2. If there are variations in the environments (such as a transition from agricultural land to forest or from rural to residential areas).
Justification is also needed why this project has been divided in one or more areas for which a single or more SSEMP preparation is needed.
3. SENSITIVE RECEPTORS AND Once the boundaries of a site to be covered by a ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES SSEMP have been defined, the sensitive receptors surrounding the site and the environmental values of the area need to be confirmed and accordingly described in this chapter. 4. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES In this chapter various phases of work for each site should be described. Different phases of work will include different activities and thus different environmental management requirements.
For example, construction of a reservoir could have the following schedule of works: - Site Clearance, Topsoil Stripping - Site Establishment, Excavation and Materials Transportation - Demolition of Reservoirs - Concrete Pouring Activities - Backfilling and Compaction - Reinstatement
5. RISK ASSESSMENT The Risk Assessment Matrix should be included in this chapter. The last column of Risk Assessment Matrix includes brief description of environmental management measures (mitigation measures). 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Environmental Mitigation measures and their MEASURES implementation should be described in this chapter in more details than in Risk Assessment Matrix. 7. SITE PLAN The environmental management requirements need to be included in a site plan. This is the final, but vital stage in the preparation of SSEMP. ADB will not consider a SSEMP to be complete unless a site plan accompanies the risk assessment matrix. A site plan must cover the extent of the construction activity and should contain: - Indication of North, and scale; - Existing and planned supporting infrastructure (e.g. access roads, water supplies, electricity supplies, etc) - Location of planned work - Contours - Drainage systems - Locations of sensitive receptors 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN Sample of environmental monitoring plan is given in Annex 1 below.
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Annex 5. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist To be added!
Annex 6. Sample Chance Find Procedures
Purpose of the chance find procedure
The chance find procedure is a project-specific procedure that outlines actions required if previously unknown heritage resources, particularly archaeological resources, are encountered during project construction or operation. A Chance Find Procedure, as described in IFC Performance Standard 8 and ADB SPS 2009 (Section 11. Physical Cultural Resources), is a process that prevents chance finds from being disturbed until an assessment by a competent specialist is made and actions consistent with the requirements are implemented. Scope of the chance find procedure This procedure is applicable to all activities conducted by the personnel, including contractors, that have the potential to uncover a heritage item/site. The procedure details the actions to be taken when a previously unidentified and potential heritage item/site is found during construction activities. Procedure outlines the roles and responsibilities and the response times required from both project staff, and any relevant heritage authority. Induction/Training All personnel, especially those working on earth movements and excavations, are to be inducted on the identification of potential heritage items/sites and the relevant actions for them with regards to this procedure during the Project induction and regular toolbox talks. Chance find procedure If any person discovers a physical cultural resource, such as (but not limited to) archaeological sites, historical sites, remains and objects, or a cemetery and/or individual graves during excavation or construction, the following steps shall be taken: 1. Stop all works in the vicinity of the find, until a solution is found for the preservation of these artefacts, or advice from the relevant authorities is obtained; 2. Immediately notify a foreman. The foreman will then notify the Construction Manager and the Environment Officer (EO)/Environmental Manager (EM); 3. Record details in Incident Report and take photos of the find; 4. Delineate the discovered site or area; secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. In cases of removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard shall be arranged until the responsible local authorities take over; 5. Preliminary evaluation of the findings by archaeologists. The archaeologist must make a rapid assessment of the site or find to determine its importance. Based on this assessment the appropriate strategy can be implemented. The significance and importance of the findings should be assessed according to the various criteria relevant to cultural heritage such as aesthetic, historic, scientific or research, social and economic values of the find; 6. Sites of minor significance (such as isolated or unclear features, and isolated finds) should be recorded immediately by the archaeologist, thus causing a minimum disruption to the work schedule of the Contractor. The results of all archaeological work must be reported to the Ministry/Agency, once completed. 7. In case of significant find the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan should be informed immediately and in writing within 7 days from the find.
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8. The onsite archaeologist provides the Ministry/Heritage team with photos, other information as relevant for identification and assessment of the significance of heritage items. 9. The Ministry must investigate the fact within 2 weeks from the date of notification and provide response in writing. 10. Decisions on how to handle the finding shall be taken by the responsible authorities. This could include changes in the layout (such as when finding an irremovable remain of cultural or archaeological importance) conservation, preservation, restoration and salvage; 11. Construction works could resume only after permission is granted from the responsible authorities. 12. In case no response received within the 2 weeks’ period mentioned above, this is considered as authorization to proceed with suspended construction works.
One of the main requirements of the procedure is record keeping. All finds must be registered. Photolog, copies of communication with decision making authorities, conclusions and recommendations/guidance, implementation reports – kept.
Additional information
Management options for archaeological site • Site avoidance. If the boundaries of the site have been delineated attempt must be made to redesign the proposed development to avoid the site. (The fastest and most cost-effective management option) • Mitigation. If it is not feasible to avoid the site through redesign, it will be necessary to sample it using data collection program prior to its loss. This could include surface collection and/or excavation. (The most expensive and time- consuming management option.) • Site Protection. It may be possible to protect the site through the installation of barriers during the time of the development and/or possibly for a longer term. This could include the erection of high visibility fencing around the site or covering the site area with a geotextile and then capping it with fill. The exact prescription would be site- specific.
Management of replicable and non-replicable heritage Different approaches for the finds apply to replicable and non-replicable heritage.
Replicable heritage Where tangible cultural heritage that is replicable73 and not critical is encountered, mitigation measures will be applied.
73 Replicable cultural heritage is defined as tangible forms of cultural heritage that can themselves be moved to another location or that can be replaced by a similar structure or natural features to which the cultural values can be transferred by appropriate measures. Archaeological or historical sites may be considered replicable where the particular eras and cultural values they represent are well represented by other sites and/or structures.
The mitigation hierarchy is as follows: • Avoidance; • Minimization of adverse impacts and implementation of restoration measures, in situ; • Restoration of the functionality of the cultural heritage, in a different location; • Permanent removal of historical and archaeological artefacts and structures; • Compensation of loss - where minimization of adverse impacts and restoration not feasible.
Non-replicable heritage
Most cultural heritage is best protected by in situ preservation, since removal is likely to result in irreparable damage or even destruction of the cultural heritage. Nonreplicable cultural heritage74 must not be removed unless all of the following conditions are met: • There are no technically or financially feasible alternatives to removal; • The overall benefits of the project conclusively outweigh the anticipated cultural heritage loss from removal; and
Any removal of cultural heritage must be conducted using the best available technique advised by relevant authority and supervised by archaeologist. Human Remains Management Options The handling of human remains believed to be archaeological in nature requires communication according to the same procedure described above. There are two possible courses of action: • Avoid. The development project is redesigned to completely avoid the found remains. An assessment should be made as to whether the remains may be affected by residual or accumulative impacts associated with the development, and properly addressed by a comprehensive management plan. • Exhumate. Exhumation of the remains in a manner considered appropriate by decision makers. This will involve the predetermination of a site suitable for the reburial of the remains. Certain ceremonies or procedures may need to be followed before development activities can recommence in the area of the discovery.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Address: Almaty city, 158A Bogenbai Batyr St.
74 Nonreplicable cultural heritage may relate to the social, economic, cultural, environmental, and climatic conditions of past peoples, their evolving ecologies, adaptive strategies, and early forms of environmental management, where the (i) cultural heritage is unique or relatively unique for the period it represents, or (ii) cultural heritage is unique or relatively unique in linking several periods in the same site. Examples of non-replicable cultural heritage may include an ancient city or temple, or a site unique in the period that it represents.
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Tel.: +7(727)292 64 62
+7(727)292 03 81
E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Annex 7. Guidance on Public Consultations within the COVID19 limitations context
In cases of limitations of mobility and communications due to the current pandemic, where it has been established that accessing communities and soliciting their views and feedback is difficult, best efforts shall be made to ensure that alternative available options of consultations/communication with Project’s main stakeholders are adopted.
Apart from traditional consultations methods such as local and country wide newspapers, brochures (hard and soft copies), interviews (face to face through phone, social media), community meetings, the use of remote communications technology will also be acceptable, if established as an operational and meaningful channel. The use of Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, FB messenger/groups, other chat and teleconference technologies such as Skype and Zoom is encouraged in the absence of direct access to project affected persons and stakeholders.
While the best efforts should be made to achieve meaningful consultations, it is understandable that those may still not be achievable under the Project context. In such case, safeguards documents must identify the consultations process limitations and associated risks and demonstrate the strategy of future consultations with inaccessible stakeholders.
Due to tremendous development of cellular and internet networks availability in many resided areas throughout Kazakhstan, people have access to many social networks and apply them successfully in their everyday lives. Hence, it is often possible the public consultations to be held remotely by applying of available social networks and various communication applications in compliance with recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, if the national legislation and regulations related to pandemic still allows face-to face meetings following the required specific safety measures, meetings should be organized.
In the given circumstances, it is critical that all Project stakeholders are properly screened at this stage in order to identify who needs to be consulted and at what stage to enable their informed participation in preparation of project and safeguards documents avoiding complaints at later stages of project implementation.
Thus, the below table suggests the most feasible and convenient methods of remote communications and consultation mechanisms for each of the Project stakeholders at this stage.
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Options of remote communication and consultations methods per Project stakeholders
Options of remote Notification on holding Sharing of project Consultations/collecting Recording Remarks communication and of consultations materials of feedback consultations methods per Project stakeholders List of Project stakeholders Direct government Preparation of public Any social media The Minutes of Meeting -All government 1. Municipality of communication channel consultation platform, chat and (MoM) will be developed institutions have internet Satpaev to inform on remote materials/information teleconference for each virtual meeting, access and computers. If consultations. leaflet (in power point or technologies (Telegram, reflecting the information different stakeholders 2. Other government other format) in advance FB, WhatsApp, Viber, provided in the course of want to use different regulatory institutions and their disclosure at Zoom, Skype) as means that meeting, along with social media platforms, KazCenter ZhKh of communication to the Q&As and other then (i) multiple sessions (KAZC) and organize virtual town information, if it is can be held, or (ii) Stepnagorsk town/region halls, virtual calls for required to be provided in majority rule can be websites at least 1-week group discussions. given conditions. established as preferred in advance.1 Public virtual meeting The MoM will be and considered optimal Provide the link of should involve as many enclosed with the list of based on initial disclosed materials to all people as optimal for participants of virtual communication to invited stakeholders. enabling perceiving of meeting and a joint photo stakeholders. information and (screenshot) of -All the project materials participating in participants. shall be available also at discussions. All the MoM(s) to be KazCenter ZhKh As per stakeholders’ attached to final IEE. (KAZC) and request, they will be Stepnagorsk provided with the Municipality. information by phone and other materials for the visualization of the project, along with other available documentation. Direct email Preparation of public The invitation letter All the supporting Information leaflet shall 3. NGOs and CBOs communication with the consultation should specify a date until documents on conducted include the description of working in the affected NGOs/CBOs active in materials/information which interested parties invitations, virtual proposed project with communities Satpaev and regions to leaflet (in power point or may express their consultations (if any), maps, tentative timeline other format) in advance disclosure methods, as of project implementation
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inform on remote and their disclosure at positions, comments and well as Q&As shall be (if available), details on consultations. KazCenter ZhKh suggestions. recorded, attached GRM, as well as (KAZC) and If needed, any social and described in final contact details of public Stepnagorsk city/region media platform, chat and IEE. consultation focal persons websites at least 1-week teleconference in KazCenter ZhKh in advance. technologies (Telegram, (KAZC) and Stepnagorsk Provide the link of FB, WhatsApp, Viber, Municipality. disclosed materials to all Zoom, Skype) can be invited stakeholders. used for individual or group meetings with NGOs/CBOs or their associations. As per request, they will be provided with the additional information materials for the visualization of the project, along with other available documentation. AnnouncementAnnouncement via via local local PreparationPreparation of of public public TheThe announcement announcement placed placed AllAll the the supporting supporting 4. Community newspapernewspaper or or online online news news consultationconsultation at atthe the web web-pages-pages and and in in documentsdocuments on on adopted adopted representative (including(including local local radio radio materials/informationmaterials/information thethe posted posted information information announcements,announcements, stations,stations, if ifany), any), as as well well as as leafletleaflet (in (in power power point point or or leafletsleaflets should should specify, specify, a a disclosuredisclosure methods, methods, as as (People who live, and informationinformation leaflets leaflets which which otherother format) format) in in advance advance datedate until until which which the the wellwell as asQ&As Q&As shall shall be be work in the vicinity of willwill be be placed placed at at Food Food andand their their disclosure disclosure at at interestedinterested persons persons may may recorded,recorded, attached attached and and construction sites in (Markets)(Markets) and and Pharmacies Pharmacies KazCenterUWSGC’s ZhKh and MoRDI expressexpress their their positions, positions, describeddescribed in inthe SDDR. IEE. Satpaev city, sites,sites, including including (KAZC)and Telavi and town/region commentscomments and and prominent citizens, MunicipalityMunicipality offices. offices. Stepnagorskwebsites at city/regionleast 1-week suggestions.suggestions. Interested Interested religious leaders, elders, websitesin advance at least 1-week partiesparties shall shall be be asked asked to to women’s groups) Announcements through inThe advance link of disclosed provideprovide an an email email address address mobile phone messaging Thematerials link of shoulddisclosed be oror other other contact contact to towhich which (if possible). materialsprovided should in local be responsesresponses to totheir their providednewspaper in local or via online communicationscommunications can can be be newspapernews, as wellor via as online provided.provided. A Aspecial special news,information as well asleaflets which designateddesignated person person should should informationwill be placed leaflets at Food which bebe assigned assigned in inKazCenter UWSGC,
will(Markets) be placed and at PharmaciesFood ZhKhas well (KAZC) as in the, as well (Markets)sites, including and Pharmacies asMunicipality in the Stepnagorsk for public sites,Municipality including offices. Municipalityconsultation for related public StepnagorskSufficient hard Municipality copies of consultationissues, who related will be offices.PC materials should be issues,responsible who will to addressbe Sufficientavailable hard at Municipal copies of responsiblequestions/requests to address from PC materials should be questions/requestsinterested persons/parties. from available at Municipal interestedInformation persons/parties. on this focal offices 1 week in advance Informationperson should on this be providedfocal of the date when people personin the should posted be provided can provide their in announcementsthe posted and in comments and announcementsweb pages. and in suggestions so thatAnnouncement every web via pages. local newspaper or online news, as well as 5. Other community representatives (prominent citizens, interestedreligious personinformation can take leafletsAs per people’swhich will requests, be placed at Food (Markets) and leaders, elders, and get detailed they will be provided with information regarding the the additional information
project and planned materials for the activities under it. visualization of the project, along with other available documentation.
Annex 8: Rapid Assessment Questionnaire
Willingness-to-Pay Rapid Assessment Questionnaire (English Version)
Questionnaire No.
Hello, my name Is . I represent BRIF Research Group LLP. We conduct research on various topics. Please, give me some time and answer a few questions? Our conversation is recorded to control the quality of my work.
01. How can I refer to you? Write down the name of the respondent/ /
1А. Which city do you live in? One answer Balkhash 1 Zhanatas 2 Zhezkazgan 3 Satpaev 4 Stepnogorsk 5 Other 6 Finish
02. How old are you? One answer write down the age / / /
PROGRAMMER, CODE IN THE TABLE BELOW AUTOMATICALLY. ONE ANSWER ONLY. Less than 18 years old Finish 18 or more Continue
2А. Is the house/apartment you live in is yours, or you are renting? ONE ANSWER ONLY.
Own 1 Continue Rented 2 Finish
B ACCESS TO SANITARY SERVICES B.1 Liquid Waste Disposal 06 Do you have at home… (read)? Shower/ Bath 1 = Yes 2 = No 999 = No answer / Difficult to answer / Refused to answer (FINISH)
Kitchen sink 1 = Yes 2 = No 999 = No answer / Difficult to answer / Refused to answer (FINISH)
2
Communal/Shared bathroom 1 = Yes 2 = No
999 = No answer / Difficult to answer / Refused to answer (FINISH) 07 How do you usually dispose of used 1 = Just into the yard (splash on the ground in water and other LIQUID WASTES the yard) from the household? 2 = Into the street (splash on the ground into the street) 3= In a septic tank without waterproofing (waterproofing is the protection of the system from penetration into groundwater and the environment from the penetration of chemically active substances into the soil) 4 = In a septic tank with waterproofing (waterproofing is the protection of the system from penetration into groundwater and the environment from the penetration of chemically active substances into the soil) 6 = Through a centralized sewage system 7 = Others: please write 999 = No answer / Difficult to answer / Refused to answer (FINISH) B.2 Toilets and Household Sanitation 08 What kind of toilet does your 1 = Flush tank/toilet bowl connected to the water household have? supply system 2 = Pit toilet/ without waterproofing 3 = Pit toilet/ with waterproofing
C QUALITY OF WASTEWATER AND HEALTH IMPACT 09 Did water/liquid waste disposal, 1 = Yes, it did Go to question № 10 quality of toilet, quality of sewage 2 = no, it did not.>>> go to question № 12 system services cause any harm to 999 = No answer/difficult to answer / refused to your health or those of household answer >>> gp to question # 11A members in 2018-2019?2019-2020 ? 10 What harm was caused? 1= Gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, etc.) 2= Diseases of the respiratory tract 3= Infectious diseases (typhoid fever, cholera, Other SPECIFY 11 Approximately, how much did your THOUSAND KZT household spend on medical 999 = No answer/difficult to answer / refused to treatment answer these health issues related to waste disposal, quality of toilet, in 2019-2020?
C WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED SANITATION SERVICES 11А. Do you have a water meter at home? One answer 1. Yes 2. No Scenario: Currently, sanitation in your area is considered poor due to the unsatisfactory condition of your wastewater treatment plant that puts your health and the health of your community at high risk. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has proposed a project that intends to improve sanitation services in your area by constructing a new wastewater treatment facility. Consequently, tariffs for wastewater and sewerage will need to be increased. If tariffs are not increased, there may not be sufficient money to operate and maintain as well as pay the interest on the ADB loan causing sanitation services in your area
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to deteriorate again. Given the proposed improvements in sanitation with the construction of a new wastewater treatment in your area, consider and respond to the following questions: What is the greatest amount your household can 12 pay for 1 cubic meter of centralized wastewater KZT/m3 of water with sewerage Ask sewerage services if payment is made with a water services №12, If meter? 11А=1 13 If without a water meter, what is the greatest KZT per month for 1 member Ask amount your household can pay per month per 1 of the household №13, If member for tap water with sewerage service? 11А=2 Ask №14-№17, If 11А=1 Next, please answer the questions below for tariffs which might be set for 1 cubic meter of WASTEWATER SEWERAGE SERVICES WITH A WATER METER. 14 If the water and wastewater sewerage service are in 1 = Yes .>>> go to question constant supply, can your household pay KZT 300 № 18a per 100 buckets of water? 2= No, go to question №15 999= No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer 15 If the water and wastewater sewerage service are in 1 = Yes .>>> go to question № constant supply, can your household pay KZT 250 18a per 100 buckets of water? 2= No go to question №16 999= No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer 16 If the water and wastewater sewerage service are in 1 = Yes .>>> go to question № constant supply, can your household pay KZT 200 18a per 100 buckets of water? 2= No go to question №17 999= No answer 17 If the water and wastewater sewerage service are in 1 = Yes .>>> go to question № constant supply, can your household pay KZT 150 18 per 100 buckets of water? 2= No Go to question №24 999= No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer 18a According to WHO, the risk of getting COVID-19 is 1 = Yes .>>> go to question significantly reduced with a carefully managed water № 24 waste treatment plan. If this project potentially 2= No go to question №18 b reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection in your city, 999= No answer/Difficult to answer / are you ready to pay 30% in addition to the above- refused to answer mentioned amount? 18b If this project potentially reduces the risk of COVID- 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question 19 infection in your city, are you ready to pay 20% in № 24 addition to the above-mentioned amount? 2= No Go to question №18c 999=No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer 18c If this project potentially reduces the risk of COVID- 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question № 19 infection in your city, are you ready to pay 10% in 24 addition to the above-mentioned amount? 2= No 999= No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer Ask №19-№22, If 11А=2 INTERVIEWER, READ: Now, please answer the questions regarding tariffs that can be set FOR 1 HOUSEHOLD MEMBER WITHOUT A WATER METER if the sewer pipeline is in your yard or house. 19 If the water and wastewater sewerage are in 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question №23a constant supply, can your household pay KZT 2500 2= No Go to question №20 per household member per month?
999=No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer 20 If the water and wastewater sewerage are in 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question №23a constant supply, can your household pay KZT 2000 2= No Go to question №21 per household member per month? 999= No answer/Difficult to answer / refused to answer 21 If the water and wastewater sewerage are in 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question №23a constant supply, can your household pay KZT 1500 2= No >>>> Go to # 22 per household member per month? 999= No answer 22 If the water and wastewater sewerage are in 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question constant supply, can your household pay KZT 1000 №23a per household member per month? 2= No >>>> Go to # 24 999= No answer 23a According to WHO, the risk of getting COVID-19 is 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question significantly reduced with a carefully managed water №24 waste treatment plan. If this project potentially 2= No >>>> Go to # 23b reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection in your city, 999= No answer are you ready to pay 30% in addition to the above- mentioned amount? 23b If this project potentially reduces the risk of COVID- 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question 19 infection in your city, are you ready to pay 20% in №24 addition to the above-mentioned amount? 2= No >>>> Go to # 23c 999= No answer 23c If this project potentially reduces the risk of COVID- 1 = Yes .>>> Go to question 19 infection in your city, are you ready to pay 10% in №24 addition to the above-mentioned amount? 2= No >>>> Go to # 24 999= No answer
Interviewer, read:
As a result of reconstruction (construction in Balkhash) of the sewage treatment plant, the quality of treated water will improve, which will positively affect the environmental situation in the region.Negative impacts will be only during the construction period in the form of dust, noise, construction debris, emissions of construction equipment and impact on the soil of construction work. Negative impacts on flora and fauna are not expected. Construction will take (Balkhash - 22, Zhezkazgan - 23, Satpayev - 21, Stepnogorsk - 14, Zhanatas - 16) months. During construction, measures will be taken to mitigate the negative impacts: garbage will be collected in containers and disposed of to permitted places, equipment will be in good condition, dusty areas will be watered in summer, disturbed soil will be re-cultivated by grass sowing and at the end of construction all areas will be cleaned from debris and restored to its original condition. There are no residential buildings, hospitals, and schools near the construction sites, therefore, a strong impact of noise on sensitive places is not expected.
24. Do you have any suggestions or comments on environmental issues? Yes go to question #25 No Thanks and finish.
25. If so, our ecologists have prepared a report on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project. The report is available for download on the website of KazCenter Housing and Public Utilities JSC zhkh.kz. You can download and read it, and then send any questions by e-mail to: [email protected] or call 8 702 999 74 1534
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A RESPONDENT’S BASIC PROFILE
03. Mark the respondent gender without asking. ONE ANSWER ONLY. Male 1 Female 2
04. How many people are in your family, including you (living with you and sharing a household)? ONE ANSWER ONLY. One 1 Two 2 Three 3 Four 4 Five or more 5
05. What is your occupation? ONE ANSWER ONLY. Government employee 1 Private sector employee 2 Unemployed 3 Retired 4 Housewife / Maternity leave 5
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