Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
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REHABILITATION OF MINOR ROADS IN ABKHAZIA
PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
05 September 2012 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development and The HALO Trust. It was prepared by David A . Burack for The HALO Trust. The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development, the United States Government, or The HALO Trust.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Preface!and!Acknowledgements!
This is the Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) prepared for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to address the predicted impacts on the human environment of a proposed project for “Rehabilitation of Minor Roads in Abkhazia.” The PEA was prepared for the project proponent, The HALO Trust, in accord with USAID Environmental Procedures (22 CFR 216) and is intended to be in accord with the project’s Environmental Scoping Statement (ESS) that identified significant issues relating to the proposed action, and that determined the scope of issues to be addressed in the PEA.
USAID determined that a Programmatic Environmental Assessment would be required in order to address the environmental effects of the several subprojects involved, including their cumulative impact, to identify environmental effects that are common to or generic among the subprojects, and to lay the basis for supplemental environmental reviews, if necessary.
The author wishes to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of personnel from The HALO Trust, without whose support the work could not have been accomplished: Mr. Andrew Moore, Caucasus and Balkans Desk Officer for overall direction and coordination; Mr. Tom Meredith, Humanitarian Mineclearance Programme Manager, for technical guidance, logistical support, clearances, and local arrangements; and, especially, Mr. Esmet Zade, Programme Manager for the Humanitarian Mineclearance Organization in Abkhazia, without whose engineering and construction knowledge, splendid graphics arts, four-wheel vehicle driving skills, and endurance little would have been accomplished in a short time. The author also acknowledges the valuable contribution by Prof. Dr. George Nakhutsrishvili, Head of the Department of Plant Systematics & Geography, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, and Focal Point, Caucasus Plant Red List Authority, and his assistant, Ketevan Batsatsashvili, for inputs to the existing environment overview and map, discussion of important flora and fauna, and species lists, and to Mr. Nugzar Zazabashvili, Conservation Director of WWF Caucasus, Ekaterine Kakabadze, Conservation Officer of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Caucasus Cooperation Center (IUCN /CCC) and IUCN/CCC Project Assistant Marika Kavtarishvili for their advice and assistance. None of the above-mentioned people should be held responsible in any way for the interpretation and use that I have made of the good information that they have provided.
Cover photo: Environmental and engineering site inspection of the road from Bedia Village (Project task #4, Bedia Pipes), 13 July 2012. Replacement of the failing cross-road pipe culvert with an erosion- protected structure will preserve access to markets and towns for hundreds of isolated farmers in the uplands, as well as protect stream bank integrity and the environment.
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Contents!
1. Introduction ...... 5 1.1 Project description and purpose ...... 5 1.2 Environmental assessment process ...... 7 1.3 Description of methodology and timing of the PEA ...... 8
2. Environmental setting, baseline data, and existing conditions ...... 9 2.1 Topography ...... 9 2.2 Geology ...... 10 2.3 Climate ...... 10 2.4 Hydrology ...... 10 2.5 Soils ...... 11 2.6 Biodiversity ...... 11 2.7 Archaeology and cultural heritage ...... 15 2.8 Socio-economic characteristics ...... 16
3. The Project and its alternatives ...... 17 3.1 Alternatives Including the proposed action, and the no-action alternative ...... 17 3.2 Scope and significance of issues to be analyzed in the PEA ...... 18 3.2 Identification and elimination from study of non-significant issues ...... 18 3.4 Public consultations ...... 19
4. Sub-project (task) descriptions and incorporated mitigative measures ...... 20 4.1 Subprojects/tasks #1, 2, and 3: Okumi Pipes ...... 21 4.2 Subprojects/tasks #4 – Bedia Pipes; #5 – The Pipes in Bedia; #7 – The Pipes in Perevili-Bedia Village ...... 26 4.3 Subproject/task #6 – Repi Bridge II ...... 30 4.4 Subproject/task #8, Okumi Bridge 1...... 33 4.5 Subproject/task #9 – The Bridge at Chkhortoli Village ...... 34 4.6 Subproject/task #10 - Tsarche Bridge ...... 35 4.7 Subproject/task #11 – Achigvara Bridge Construction and Road Repair ...... 38 4.8 Subproject/task #12 - Naa Village – Road Repair ...... 40 4.9 Subproject/task #13 – Repi Bridge I ...... 43 4.10 Subproject/task #14 - Upper Kodori Roads ...... 44 4.11 Subproject/task #29 – The Bridge Reconstruction in Mugudzirkhva Village ...... 45 4.12 Subproject/task #31 – North Kelasuri flood protection works ...... 47
5. Environmental impacts and mitigative measures ...... 49 5.1 Identification of Concerns and Significant Effects ...... 49 5.2 Ecosystem and habitat damage ...... 50 5.3 Impacts to cultural resources ...... 52 5.4 Changes in water quality and quantity ...... 52 5.5 Cumulative impacts of road rehabilitation and other infrastructure activities...... 53 5.6 Erosion and sedimentation impacts ...... 54 5.7 Air quality and noise impacts ...... 54 5.8 Construction crews and camps ...... 54 5.9 The Upper Kodori roads (Marukh road) subproject/task #14 ...... 55 5.10 Summary of environmental impacts, by subproject/task ...... 56 5.11 Required Mitigation Measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) ...... 58
6. Sustainability of project improvements ...... 59
7. Summary ...... 59
References ...... 60
Annex A – The HALO Trust Project Proposal [separate] ...... 61
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Annex B - Letters of interest and commitment from four villages and signature lists of community public consultation participants...... 61
Annex C – Environmental Management Plan...... 65
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Rehabilitation!of!Minor!Roads!in!Abkhazia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Programmatic!Environmental!Assessment!
1.! Introduction!
The HALO Trust has cleared all known minefields in Abkhazia, but a residual HALO capacity has been retained in order to deal with the significant quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that continue to be found in Abkhazia, and to react to the discovery of currently unknown minefields should they be found. HALO proposes to utilize its mechanical equipment and experience to repair some 16 damaged roadways and riverine roadway flood protection structures, with an additional 15 alternative sites also identified. Rehabilitation of these sites will provide access to the rural population, with approximately 9,000 – 10,000 beneficiaries.
This Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) is the environmental documentation and safeguards to be provided for the rehabilitation of minor roads in Abkhazia under U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) regulation Title 22 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), “Agency Environmental Procedures.” One purpose of 22 CFR 216 is to assure that negative impacts of the subprojects on the human environment individually and cumulatively are eliminated or minimized (mitigated) by the use of best practices and other measures. It has been determined by USAID that a PEA will be required for that purpose.
1.1! Project!description!and!purpose!
Following the clearance of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Abkhazia many people returned to their villages to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. However, there have been instances where, despite clearance being completed, a lack of infrastructure—principally Figure 1 Map of Abkhazia, with major rivers road access—has prevented people from using or returning to their land.
Further, the natures of Abkhazia’s climate and topography make the region particularly prone to the erosion of roads and bridges: a combination of heavy and persistent spring rains, rapid spring snow melt in the mountains and summer downpours leads to watercourses swelling destructively in the Spring and following storms in Summer.
As part of its mine clearance operations HALO built up a stock of armored earth moving equipment which is useable for other purposes in addition to using this machinery for mechanical mine clearance. HALO has often used this equipment to repair roads and bridges prior to the commencement of clearance in order to provide access to mine clearance teams. Consequently, HALO has acquired a much experience in remedial and medium road repairs.
With continued pacification of formerly war-torn regions in Abkhazia, many areas are being returned to productive use, but deteriorated infrastructure problems have prevented this in many cases, for example in Ochamchira and Gali Districts where many minor roads are impassable, cutting off villages and fields from access both to farmers and to markets, and preventing a return to habitation and cultivation. The problem is present in other districts of Abkhazia as well.
The proposed project recognizes that essential but relatively simple and relatively low cost repairs can be made which will open up these access routes for agricultural machinery and vehicles carrying building supplies. The opening of these routes will be a crucial step that will allow further activities to take place – houses to be rebuilt and subsistence farming to resume. In some instances roads need to be repaired to prevent land, homes and even villages from being cut off. 5 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
The rehabilitation of Abkhazia’s entire rural road network is a task beyond the scope of this project, but a targeting of specific repairs to open up areas that have been inaccessible since the end of the conflict in Abkhazia and to prevent areas from becoming inaccessible. Nor will the roads themselves be rebuilt to a paved standard.
These remedial and medium-term repairs can be expected to last for three years in the case of road resurfacing and over five years for structural work carried out on drainage, culverts and bridges. Indeed, with simple annual maintenance provided by the local community, the longevity of these repairs will be considerably higher. The lack of a functioning road is a major obstacle to the activities described above and it is HALO’s expectation that the initial basic rehabilitation of particular roads and bridges will enable the use of land and resettlement of villages that currently cannot be accessed. It is intended that the sustained use over a number of years following the opening of access and the increased economic activity resulting from it, will make it viable in future for road users to maintain the roads themselves, as is the case with similar rural roads across Abkhazia. The basic foundations provided by HALO’s repairs will make future community repairs easier and more viable.
Additionally, as part of the construction process HALO will involve the local communities at all stages, providing advice on the continued maintenance of the roads.
1.1.1# Subprojects/tasks#location#
Figure 2. Minor roads of Abkhazia subprojects/tasks
HALO conducted a survey in 2012 to identify potential subprojects (tasks), and found 31 tasks that were within the capability of equipment on hand or equipment available for timely and reasonable rental, and the capabilities and availability of supervisory management personnel, technical personnel, and local labor. A map showing the location of all presently identified subprojects is shown as Figure 2. The list of subprojects, region, village and beneficiaries are indicated in Table 1, following. Further information regarding the subprojects is included herein.
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Table 1. Subprojects/tasks
Subprojects/tasks #29 and #31 have been included in the PEA to allow the potential for them to be considered given their high—and recently increased—priority. Since the original proposal for this project was submitted, these subprojects/tasks have emerged as priority tasks in terms of beneficiaries and urgency due to seasonal flooding and other factors.
1.1.2# Project#phases#
It was recognized that not all subprojects/tasks could be completed within one fiscal year, given the time, personnel and equipment constraints, so the project duration has been extended from 12 to 18 months, the list of tasks has been divided approximately in half, with the first sixteen tasks, shown in yellow color on Figure 1 and Table 1 proposed for construction in the first year. The list includes alternative tasks, in case some tasks are dropped for environmental, technical, or other reasons.
This environmental documentation may serve to support both phases by using group categories of the 16 initial site sub-projects as representative of subsequent site sub-projects, and in order to eliminate or minimize supplemental environmental investigation. However, USAID requires that for any subprojects/tasks proposed for which safeguards/controls are not covered in this PEA and its Environmental Management Plan (EMP), the Implementing Partner must demonstrate that appropriate environmental safeguards/controls are in place prior to USAID approving these additional activities. A mitigation measure to this effect has been placed in the EMP.
1.2! Environmental!assessment!process!
1.2.1# 22#CFR#216#background#
USAID’s environmental regulations (22 Code of Federal Regulations 216, often referred to as simply, “[22] CFR 216”) establish the conditions and procedures for environmental review. These procedures apply to new projects, programs, or activities authorized by USAID. CFR 216 establishes a process for the review of environmental and social impacts; ensures that projects that are undertaken as part of programs funded under USAID are environmentally sound, are 7 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( designed to operate in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and as required by the legislation are not likely to cause a significant environmental, health or safety hazard.
The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for HALO Road Rehabilitation project was drafted and approved by the Europe and Eurasia Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) on March 28, 2012 (DCN: 2012-GEO-014). Pursuant to Reg. 216 and the IEE’s Positive Determination for road rehabilitation and bridge construction activities, a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) is required. A PEA is meant to ensure that environmental consequences and their significance are known and clearly identified prior to the approval of the final design and start of construction [216.3 (a) (4)].
Under the Positive Determination for HALO Roads Rehabilitation, a PEA is required and an Environmental Scoping Statement (ESS) has been prepared to determine the extent of and the approach to the EA [216.3 (a) (4)]. The ESS included:
(a) A determination of the scope and significance of issues to be analyzed in the PEA, including direct and indirect effects of the project on the environment.
(b) Identification and elimination from detailed study of the issues that are not significant or have been covered by earlier environmental review, or approved design considerations, narrowing the discussion of these issues to a brief presentation of why they will not have a significant effect on the environment.
(c) A description of: (1) timing of the preparation of environmental analyses, including phasing (if/where appropriate); (2) variations required in the format of the PEA; and (3) the tentative planning and decision-making schedule; and
(d) A description of how the analysis will be conducted and the disciplines that will participate in the analysis;
Georgian environmental legislation does not consider preparation of the ESS as a part of the PEA process, and thus, does not contain any specific requirements for the preparation of a Scoping Statement.
1.2.2# Programmatic#Environmental#Assessment#
As per 22 CFR 216, Programmatic Environmental Assessments (PEAs) are useful for sector projects such as roads that contain several subprojects. It provides the basis for future environmental reviews that may become necessary at the subproject level as further details and final designs become available. Attention in a PEA is directed toward cumulative environmental impact and environmental impacts that are generic or common to a class of actions. These criteria all apply to the Abkhazia minor roads project.
In accord with the ESS and current best EIA practice, this PEA places relatively less emphasis on the inventory of existing conditions and evaluation of environmental impacts, and more of a focus on detailed description of the mitigation measures, addresses the issue of cumulative impacts of all of the subprojects, and integrates those features with a monitoring function into an environmental management plan (EMP).
1.3! Description!of!methodology!and!timing!of!the!PEA!!
Consultant with support and participation of The HALO Trust technical personnel completed the following steps:
1. Reviewed existing documentation of the 16 initial sites prepared by The HALO Trust – Georgia.
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2. Conducted site visits to all 16 proposed subproject locations and completion of Site Environmental Assessment Data Sheets, mapping of project footprints, photography of existing conditions illustrating sensitive features of sites. 3. Conducted four public consultations regarding affected parties’ interests, and noted environmental concerns, as well as conducted numerous informal discussions with inhabitants. 4. Assessed site environmental characteristics: topography, geology, and soils; hydrological characteristics; habitat, biodiversity, and threatened/endangered species determination; socioeconomic parameters—effects on nearby villages, farm productivity and labor force utilization. 5. Described planned subproject improvements. Provided maps for each site showing subproject footprint imposed on satellite imagery when needed for clarity and environmental context. 6. Evaluated impacts of the proposed project, assuming incorporation of standard mitigative measures and best engineering practices. Addressed special concerns at selected sites. 7. Described alternatives to the project and/or subprojects, collectively or individually, as appropriate, discussed impacts, and provided justification for preferred alternative. 8. Determined residual significant impacts of the preferred alternative, possible and recommended mitigations, and costs. 9. Developed environmental management plan and contractor clauses for all mitigations. 10. Developed recommendations for environmental compliance monitoring.
2.! Environmental!setting,!baseline!data,!and!existing!conditions!
Abkhazia is situated in the northwestern part of the Caucasus. See Figure 3. Its northern border passes along the ridge of the Main Range of the Greater Caucasus (Kavkasioni); from the south and southwest Abkhazia is washed by the Black Sea; the north-western border goes along the river Psou, and the eastern along the Svaneti-Abkhazian range and the lower part of the river Enguri. The area of the region is about 8,700 km2.
The project region is on the border between temperate and subtropical climatic zones. The region represents the northwestern part of Colchis, an outstanding refugium, i.e., a “shelter of life” for the subtropical species of ancient geological epochs (Kolakovsky 1961). The physical-geographic conditions of Colchis, and particularly Abkhazia, are highly diverse.
2.1! Topography!
During almost the entire Figure 3. Physiographic map of the Caucasus, showing Abkhazia Miocene two highland areas existed where Colchis is now situated: the northern and southern highlands, separated by a sea strait. However, by the end of the Miocene era Colchis had already acquired its present configuration.
Geomorphologically, Abkhazia in its major part is a mountainous region. Mountains and foothills occupy 74 percent of its territory. The main peaks are: Agepsta (3,259 m a.s.l.), Psysh (3,790 m), Eruakhvu (3,910 m). On the Main Range of the Greater Caucasus composed of Pre- Cambrian crystalline and Paleozoic rocks the alpine type relief is formed with rich ancient and 9 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( recent (geologically) glacier forms. The southern slope of the Main Range steeply descends to tectonic-erosion valleys of the rivers Sakeni, Chkhalta and Bzypi. The middle part of mountainous Abkhazia is occupied by the Gagra, Bzypi, Kodori, and Svaneti-Abkhazian side ranges with their numerous branches. The longitudinal limestone Gagra range, where karstic relief forms are common, separates valleys of the rivers Gagripsha and Zhoekvara from the river Bzypi. On the Arabika massif ancient glacial cirques and troughs are frequent. The western part of the Main Range is characterized by limestone rocks and karstic topography; while in the eastern porphirite portion, erosional and glacial mountain valley forms predominate. In the eastern part between the rivers Kodori and Enguri, are located the Kodori and Svaneti- Abkhazian ranges.
The surface of the mountainous part of Abkhazia is characterized by significant partition depth and has many canyons and notches (Kolakovsky 1961).
2.2! Geology!
Pre-Paleozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cainozoic rocks are present in the project region. Rocks of the Lower Jurassic period are mainly represented by black clayey shale, those of the Middle Jurassic by volcanogenic rocks, coal-bearing clay and sandstone, and the Upper Jurassic by reef limestone. Cretaceous and Paleocenic-Eocenic rocks are found in the southern part of the region. Oligocene and Neogene rocks are formed mostly on coastal areas of Abkhazia and are represented by sandstone, clay and conglomerates. In the southern part of the region, Upper Jurassic, Paleogenic and Neogenic rocks are slightly folded. In the northern part, igneous rocks of the Cretaceous predominate. Abkhazia is rich in ore metals (mercury, lead, etc.) Of non-ore fossils barite, gypsum, etc. (in the gorges of Bzypi, Kodori, etc.) are noteworthy (Adamia 1981).
2.3! Climate!
Because of Abkhazia's proximity to the Black Sea, its climate is very mild despite its northern latitude. The Caucasus Mountains are largely responsible for moderating the region's climate, as they shield Abkhazia from cold northerly winds.
The coastal areas have a subtropical climate, where the average annual temperature in most regions is around 15°C (59°F). Average winter (January) temperatures vary between 4 and 6°C (39.2 and 42.8°F), while average summer (July) temperatures are anywhere between 22 and 23°C (71.6 and 73.4°F). The coastal territory rarely experiences strong frosts during the winter.
Higher elevations of Abkhazia, above 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) above sea level have a maritime, mountain climate, experiencing relatively cold winters and long, warm summers. Elevations above 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level have colder winters and shorter summers. Abkhazia's highest regions have a cold, summerless climate throughout the year.
The following climatic zones are present: marine humid subtropical with warm winter and hot summers prevail up to 300-400 meters above seal level, (m a.s.l.); humid with moderately cold winters and long cool summers from 1,000-1,100 to 2,000-2,100 m; high montane humid and cool climate from 2,000-2,100 to 2,800-2,900 m; and high montane climate > 2,800-2,900 m. The mean annual air temperature ranges from 13.9°C-15°C in the lower part, and is about 0°C in the mountains > 2,600 m. Precipitation ranges from 1,310-1,500 mm in the coastal zone, and gradually rises toward the foothills and high mountains.
2.4! Hydrology!
The Black Sea and the southern slopes of the Great Caucasus Range bordering Abkhazia promote abundant rainfall throughout the territory, thus augmenting the hydrographic potential of the rivers. The majority of these rivers flowing across the territory have their source in the southern hills of the Main Caucasus Range, which accounts for the large volume and heavy water fall causing high-energy capacity waters. 10 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Abkhazia receives high amounts of precipitation, but is known for its unique micro-climate (transitional from subtropical to mountain) along most of its coast, causing lower levels of humidity. The annual precipitation along the coast ranges from 1,100 to 1,500 mm (43.3 to 59.1 in). The foothills, the lower ranges, and the interior gorges receive anywhere between 1,000 to 1,800 mm (39.4 to 70.9 in) of precipitation annually. Some of the interior gorges that are sheltered from the moist influences of the Black Sea receive the lowest amounts of precipitation. The higher mountainous regions receive 1,700 to 3,500 mm (66.9 to 137.8 in) of precipitation per year. Although there is usually no significant snowfall in the coastal regions, the mountains of Abkhazia do receive significant amounts of snow. Avalanches in the northeast sometimes pose a threat to populated areas. Snow depths often exceed 5 meters (16.4 ft) or 500 cm (196.9 in) in some of the high, mountainous areas facing the Black Sea.
The following project region rivers are noteworthy: Kodori - length 117 km, basin area 2,030 km2; Bzypi - length 110 km, basin area 1,510 km2; Gumista - length 50 km, basin area 576 km2. At the coastline of the Black Sea are located outflows of the major rivers Enguri (south-eastern side) and Psou (north-western side). Rivers of Abkhazia are bountiful, and represent rich energetic resources. There are many lakes, notable among them Big Ritsa - area 1.5 km2, depth 101 m; and Derkvarsadzish - area 0.1 km2.
In the high mountains, 376 glaciers are recorded.
2.5! Soils!
A variety of soils are found in the project area ranging from gray-brown and saline semi-desert types to richer red earths and podzols. Artificial improvements add to the diversity. Most soils in the project area are highly erodible, and even large boulders and gravel are moved downstream by floods.
In the coastal zone alluvial and marshy soils predominate. On downward-sloping sites, podzolic and alluvial carbonate soils prevail. In the waterlogged western coastal part of the Gali district marshy and bog-peat soils are abundant. In the lower parts of foothills on weathered volcanic rocks yellow and red soils prevail, and on the weathered limestone and marl, humus-carbonate soils are mainly present. The major part of the territory of Abkhazia has montane forest soils, while in the upper montane zone carbonate or light and podzolic brown forest soils are widespread. In high mountains montane-meadow turf and turf-peaty soils predominate.
2.6!! Biodiversity!!
The great biological diversity of Abkhazia is due to the broad range of habitats, from coastal forests (endemic Pitsunda pine forests near Bichvinta/Pitsunda) and citrus plantations, to subalpine and alpine montane environments, to the eternal snows and glaciers to the north. Because of Abkhazia's complex topographic setting, most of the territory has been spared from significant human cultivation and development. Therefore, a large portion of Abkhazia (nearly 70 percent of the territory) is still covered by forests today. Abkhazia is also well known for the high number of endemic species of plants that are found only in the region.
Southeastern Abkhazia, a part of the Colchis Lowland, is covered by Colchian forests (alder, hornbeam, oak, beech), or by citrus and tea plantations. The foothills, up to an elevation of 600 meters (1,969 ft) above sea level, are covered by deciduous forests (with evergreen elements), and include tree species such as oak, hornbeam, beech, and buxus. The forest covers from 600 to 1,800 meters (1,969 to 5,906 ft) above sea level and is made up of both deciduous and coniferous tree species. The most common species are beech, spruce, and fir. The mixed forest zone is home to some of the tallest trees in Europe and the world, where some specimens of the Nordmann Fir (especially around Lake Ritsa) reach heights of over 70 meters (230 ft). The zone extending 1,800 to 2,900 meters (5,906 to 9,514 ft) above sea level is made up of either subalpine forests or alpine meadows. Territory lying above 2,900 meters (9,514 ft) is mainly covered by eternal snows and glaciers. 11 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 4. Vegetation zones in the project area, showing the locations of the subprojects/tasks..Key to the vegetative types is described in the text. Source: Bedoshvili, D., Dolukhanov, A., Ivanishvili, M., Nakhutsrishvili, G., Zazanashvili, N. Map of the Natural Vegetation of the Caucasus [with several papers by the listed authors]. – In: U. Bohn, G. Gollub & Ch. Hettwer (editors), Karte der natürlichen Vegetation Europas. Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe, Maßshtab/Scale 1:2.500.000. Bundesamt für Natürschutz, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn.
!
2.6.1# Altitudinal#vegetation#zones#
The following clear altitudinal vegetation zones are distinguished and illustrated on the vegetation map, Figure 4.
• Coastal sandy zone • Lowland and foothill forest zone • Montane forest zone • Treeline (subalpine) forest zone • Alpine zone The( coastal( sandy( zone, K24 on the vegetation map, passes along the entire sea coast as a narrow line. In places mountains press in on this zone and terminate at the waters of the sea. Coastal sands and gravels Figure 6. Coastal Abkhazia are a special, very ancient type of substrate. Figure 5. Coastal Abkhazia Mainly Mediterranean species occur there such as Pancratium maritimum, Glaucium flavum, Euphorbia paralias, Eryngium maritimum, etc. Special ecological conditions in this littoral zone, in particular, strong heating and rapid drying of the substrate, have left their mark of the composition and structure of the plant cover, which is mainly manifested by unclosed vegetation cover and development of the layer of ephemerals. Coastal zone vegetation diversity is not high. Complexes of typical sand xerophytes dominated by Euphorbia paralias, Eryngium maritimum, etc., occur here as well as complexes of bulb plants with
12 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Pancratium maritimum, those of rhizomatous plants with Carex colchica, community of Imperata cylindrica, etc.
On compacted sand of the first stage of soil formation, complexes of xerophilous perennials: Anthemis euxina, Silene euxina, Stachys maritima, etc. are found. On sand already significantly involved in soil formation process communities of Paliurus spina-christi, Crataegus spp., Ruscus ponticus, etc. occur; and on sandy soil hornbeam-box-tree (Carpinus orientalis-Buxus colchica) formation is present.
In the Kodori valley, and along the Chkhalta River/Marukh road, subproject/task 14, riparian foresta grow, with species typical of wetlands.
Formations of coastal pine forest made up of Pinus pityusa are worth mentioning. In a form of separate variants this forest occurs on limestone slopes of the coast north of Gagra. This relict seashore pine makes up a forest on the plane surface of a cape.
Of fauna representatives, the area supports hares, Caucasian squirrels, horseshoe bats; quails, ducks; copperheads, Aesculapian snake, Caucasian viper, etc. Salmon and Atlantic sturgeon penetrate into some rivers from the Black Sea.
Lowland( and( foothill( forest( zone. These forests are distinguished by original floristic composition with clear Colchic features, i.e., evergreen relict understory. In this zone the following forest formations predominate:
• Alder forests • Chestnut forests • Oak forests • Beech forests • Oriental hornbeam forests • Mixed forests of gorges • Hornbeam forests
The principal species of the alder forests, zone T3 on the vegetation map, is Alnus barbata. These forests are confined to moist and marshy areas. Their floristic composition is not diverse. Matteuccia struthiopteris is restricted to this formation. The general description of the vegetation is as follows: Colchic alder areas (Alnus barbata) in combination with alluvial forests (Alnus barbata, Fraxinus excelsior, Pterocarya pterocarpa), tall reed vegetation (Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia) and sedge swamps (Carex spp.)
The largest areas occupied by oak forests, zones H1 and F169 on the vegetation map, are made up of Quercus iberica, and the smallest of Q. imeretina. The oak forests mainly grow on south-facing macro-slopes. In the depths of Colchis, e.g. the Adzituko range in Kodori valley, etc., they occur in a form of separate groves.
Oriental hornbeam forests in Colchis are mostly confined to limestone slopes. Primary forests of Carpinus orientalis are found on slopes of the Gagra range, near the Kodori exit; these forests necessarily need protection.
In hornbeam forests of Abkhazia at the upper limits of Carpinus caucasica distribution (about 1,000 m) hornbeam is displaced by beech, and it moves to the rocky limestone substrates. Here (near the Bzypi ridge) snow piles contribute to the development of crook-stemmed forest.
Chestnut forests are widespread from the river Pshad in the north to the Enguri river (spreading further to Adjara). They ascend from 200 to 1,400 m and sometimes reach 1,800 m. Castanea sativa prefers moderately moist fresh soils of forest brown soil type. In Gagra surroundings, on the south-facing slopes of the Gagra range this forest’s root system grows into limestone bed cracks.
13 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Beech (Fagus orientalis) forests of the lower part of the beech forest line are relatively insignificant in the general landscape pattern.
Mixed forests of gorges best reflect the typical features of the Colchic forests. The main reason is that the climate of gorges has even humidity throughout a year and abundance of atmospheric precipitation sweeping from slopes of the gorges (Kolakovsky 1961). One of the most characteristic plants of the mixed forests of limestone gorges is box-tree (Buxus colchica), and of non-limestone gorges relict evergreen shrubs.
The general description of the vegetation is as follows: Colchic lowland to submontane mixed oak forests (Quercus imeretina, Q. hartwissiana, Zelkova carpinifolia, Carpinus caucasica, Castanea sativa, Fagus orientalis) with evergreen understory species (Rhododendron ponticum, Prunus laurocerasus), alternating with oak and hornbeam-oak forests (Quercus iberica, Carpinus caucasica) in the submontane zone, zone H1 on the vegetation map; East Euxinian oak and hornbeam-oak forests (Quercus iberica, Carpinus orientalis, C. caucasica), alternating with hornbeam-chestnut-Oriental beech forests (Carpinus caucasica, Fagus orientalis, Castanea sativa) with evergreen understory, zone F169 on the vegetation map.
Macro-fauna is represented by wolve, brown bear, lynx, wild cat.
Montane(forest(zone, zones F163 and D32 on the vegetation map. The largest area of the zone is occupied by beech forests that dominate on the whole montane forest zone. Dark coniferous forests, namely fir (Abies nordmanniana) forests cover smaller areas. Spruce (Picea orientalis) forest has a subordinate position (Kolakovsky 1961).
From 600-800 m beech forest prevalence becomes apparent; in places these forests reach 2,000 m. Beech is a species undemanding of a strictly defined type of substrate and thrives on both carbonate and non-carbonate soils.
Fir forests almost always occupy the upper line of the montane forest zone. Significant participation of fir in the landscape is observed only in certain orographic regions where climate is more humid (Kolakovsky 1961; Dolukhanov 2010).
Spruce forests do not have an important position in these landscapes and in most cases are admixed to fir forests.
The general description of the vegetation is as follows: East Euxinian-Caucasian Oriental beech forests (Fagus orientalis) partly with Picea orientalis, mostly with evergreen understorey (Prunus laurocerasus, Rhododendron ponticum, Daphne pontica) with Hedera colchica, Ilex colchica, Ruscus colchicus, zone F163 on the vegetation map; West Caucasian fir, spruce-fir and beech-fir forests (Abies nordmanniana, Picea orientalis, Fagus orientalis) with evergreen understory Rhododendron ponticum, Prunus laurocerasus, Ilex colchica), often alternating with Oriental beech forests (Fagus orientalis), zone D32 on the vegetation map.
Treeline(–(Subalpine(zone, C42 on the vegetation map. Included for complete description of the vegetation map. Please note that no proposed subproject/tasks reach into the subalpine or alpine zones.
Above 1,800-2,200 m tall-trunk forests are replaced by subalpine crook-stemmed forest, open forest, scrub, tall herb vegetation and meadows. The general landscape is rather diverse and mosaic.
The crook-stemmed forest is made up of beech and birch and prostrate scrub of Rhododendron caucasicum.
Colchic hazel (Corylus colchica) makes thickets only on limestone ridges.
14 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
In Abkhazia tall herb vegetation containing relict species remained in the Colchic refugium from the Tertiary (Heracleum ponticum, Angelica silvestris, etc.) is well formed.
The general description of the vegetation is as follows: Southwest Caucasian krummholz and open woodlands (Betula litwinowii, Fagus orientalis, Acer trautvetteri) with Betula megrelica, Quercus pontica, scrub (Rhododendron caucasicum) with Rhamnus imeretina (on carbonate rocks with Corylus colchica), tall-forb communities (Heracleum ponticum) with Delphinium pyramidatum (on carbonate rocks with Heracleum aconitifolium, Ligusticum arafoë) and grasslands (Calamagrostis arundinacea, Betonica macrantha, on carbonate rocks with Woronowia speciosa, Carex pontica), zone C42 on the vegetation map.
Alpine(zone, zones B56 and A6 on the vegetation map. Included for complete description of the vegetation map. Please note that no proposed subproject/tasks reach into the subalpine or alpine zones.
The alpine zone is quite broad in Abkhazia. Species of rather different ecology and life forms are present in the zone such as mesophilous, xerophilous, psychrophilous, wetland, meadow-wetland and calcephilous species.
On subalpine and alpine meadows the following noteworthy representatives of fauna occur: Caucasian snowcock, Caucasian blackcock, chough, alpine gull, etc.
The general description of the vegetation is as follows: West Caucasian alpine grasslands (Geranium gymnocaulon, Nardus stricta, Festuca djimilensis) on calcareous rocks with Geum speciosum, Carex pontica and small herb communities (Sibbaldia semiglabra, Ranunculus brachylobus), alternating with shrub (Rhododendron caucasicum), rock and scree vegetation, zone B56 on the vegetation map; Caucasian open vegetation of lichens and mosses (Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca, Thamnolia vermicularis, Pohlia elongata, Dicranum elongatum) with scattered vascular plants on rocky habitats (Saxifraga ruprechtiana, Primula bayernii) and on screes (Cerastium kasbek, Delphinium caucasicum, Symphyoloma graveolens, Scrophularia minima, Lamium tomentosum), zone A6 on the vegetation map.
A special emphasis should be made on the importance of Kodori valley ecosystems not only as a wilderness area but also as a site of exceptional paleobotanical importance and a source of scientific discoveries in this field. However, it is also noted that the Marukh road, subproject/task #14, in no part of its length, traverses the treeline or subalpine zone, but is rather deeply embedded in the (Chkhalta) river montane forest zone valley next to the river, which it parallels throughout the 40 km for which some road improvements are planned. See illustrations in section 4.10 of this PEA.
Noteworthy for high level of vascular plant endemism are limestone mountain ridges of Abkhazia (Gagra, Bzypi, Egrisi) that are stretched almost parallel to the Main Watershed Range of the Greater Caucasus. Examples of the endemic species present there are: Campanula dzaaku, C. mirabilis, C. paradoxa, Alboviodoxa elegans, etc.
2.7! Archaeology!and!cultural!heritage!
The archaeology and cultural heritage of Abkhazia date back to the earliest stages of human history. Of particular note are highly interesting works of the megalithic architecture of the Bronze Age, and portal tombs daring from the third millennium BC.
The population (including all ethnic groups) of Abkhazia includes Orthodox Christians and Sunni Muslims, scattered enclaves of ethnic Armenians, and a very small number of Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and followers of new religions. As such, this diverse population has left a complex archaeological and cultural heritage.
The archaeology and cultural heritage of the project area preserves numerous remnants of old buildings, including Bronze Age tombs, cities, fortresses, bridges, palaces, churches and 15 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( monasteries. It has 77 listed monuments dating from various periods. Some churches are adorned with sculptures, mural and mosaic paintings, which are the earliest samples of Christian art in the entire South Caucasus. All forms of art are presented: architecture, mosaics, murals, manuscript illumination, stone reliefs, repoussé art, embroidery etc.
Initial site visits and inquiries revealed that there are no cultural or archaeological monuments, and that the sites have been continuously and thoroughly disturbed for decades by road building and maintenance, agricultural and other human activity, and natural forces. There are unlikely to be cultural or archaeological artifacts within the work areas. While it is unlikely that artifacts protected under various international conventions will be found, mitigation measures will be recommended in the PEA’s environmental management plan in order to guard against the destruction or disturbance of archaeological habitats and found objects.
2.8! SocioReconomic!characteristics!
The affected environment includes only rural areas. There are more than 25 villages in the project area, nearly all with poorly developed rural infrastructure. There are schools in larger villages. Wells are widely used by households but some villages are provided with groundwater fed water supply systems.
Villages will provide and house the project workforce as well as provide labor for unskilled work, as local people have skills needed for irrigation network rehabilitation. It is important to note that there will be no established construction camps, although heavy equipment will be left in place overnight during the actual construction events, and the operators in remote villages who do not return to their homes daily will be temporarily housed in village homes.
Agriculture is the most important income generation activity for the project area populations. Few have salaried jobs and most are involved in selling agricultural products and/or providing labor to the agriculture sector. The uses of agricultural lands in the (current versus projected after rehabilitation works) will be provided in a table in the PEA.
In the project-affected region, the vast majority of rural plots are smaller than two hectares. Such small land parcels are primarily suitable for subsistence farming, which represents virtually all of the agricultural sector in the project area. Typically in project-affected areas, lands owned by farmers are fragmented—they are in different locations—this restricts development of the agriculture sector. The unemployment rate is high and the population is mostly self-employed in agricultural activities. Perhaps of more concern than actual numbers of employed, is that according to UNDP reports, more than 62 percent of employment countrywide is ranked as “vulnerable,” or as unpaid family workers or self-employed. Of those employed, 17.4% live on less than 1.25 US$/day.
The project will rehabilitate infrastructure that will contribute to economic growth of the villages and its surrounding area, and improve the social condition of the local population.
Phase#1# Achigvara Mgudzirkhva Repi Atara Okumi Tsarche Bedia Otkhara Various, more distant Chkhortoli Pirveili
Phase#2# Dikhazurga Gup Khumushkuri Otkhara Tkhina Makhundjia Otsartse Tskhiri Mokva Repi Zeri Mziuri Tageloni 16 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
3.! The!Project!and!its!alternatives!
3.1! Alternatives!Including!the!proposed!action,!and!the!noRaction!alternative!
This section describes the alternative actions that meet the project’s purpose and need. The following alternatives have been identified: Alternative 1 - No Action, Alternative 2 - Proposed Action – Minor road rehabilitation; Alternative 3 – Major rehabilitation. No other alternatives were identified that are feasible and meet the project purpose.
Alternative#1#–#No#action#alternative
The No-action alternative will satisfy neither the immediate need nor remedy the environmental problems caused by the currently degraded facilities. Environmental conditions in the project area will continue to deteriorate and extend in geographic scope. Most of the proposed project sites are amongst the last roads in Abkhazia that would be likely to receive attention from the Abkhaz authorities, given the few construction assets available—partly due to the extensive construction now under way for the Winter Olympic Games at Sochi. The sites proposed for rehabilitation have not been maintained for more than 20 years and very likely decades more will go by with little attention to them. People would continue to be unable to regain access to their homes, cultivated areas, and markets, and economic growth would be reduced. Families and local communities are performing their own makeshift rehabilitations, or learning to live with the risks of flooding or losing access, and will attempt to rehabilitate critical points of infrastructure without proper environmental controls. In such cases, environmental as well as humanitarian damage is likely to continue and increase. Thus, the No-action alternative, in the long run, will be more damaging to the environment than a controlled return of conditions of these facilities to their original or better conditions with modern environmental protection measures in place.
Alternative!2!R!#Proposed#alternative#
The purpose of this alternative is to rehabilitate and protect minor roads and bridges and their adjacent lands in Abkhazia. A description of the project as a whole, and several of the representative subprojects/tasks are contained in the separate pilot project description document, The HALO Trust Abkhazia: Rehabilitation of Minor Roads in Abkhazia.
Basically, the subprojects/tasks involve one or more of the following four categories of actions:
• Concrete pipe/culvert replacement • Retaining wall/cages • Bridge abutments • Causeways/road surface rehabilitation
For most of the subprojects, there are no low-cost alternatives. At increased cost for each sub- project it is possible to upgrade the planned improvements to accept higher future capacities and to make the environmental protection features more low maintenance. This will involve sizing culverts, wing-walls, grades, et cetera to a higher standard than current needs indicate or allowed by budget. To proceed in the upgrade course of action within the current budget constraint would require a drastic reduction in the number of subprojects feasible.
Although providing longer term assured protection against erosion and sedimentation—the principal expected impacts—the upgrading alternative will also result in larger subproject footprints with increased construction impacts. If, as seems feasible, community commitments can be obtained to maintain the improvements using local labor, such as for culvert clearance and drain cleaning, then the lower-intensity alternatives are clearly the preferred and appropriate technology for the problems.
17 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
As sub-project changes occur, new projects are identified, or substitutions are made, the mitigations suggested in this PEA may be used to address the revised or new subprojects with minimal field study and modification of the PEA.
Alternative#3##
A third alternative would be to build out the various facilities using more durable engineering designs that will be self-maintaining for longer periods of time, include additional safety features, and provide longer-lasting maintenance free operation. Oversizing of pipes would be required in order to accommodate 50- and 100-year flood passages. Additional beams would be fabricated and put in place instead of—as will be the usual practice for Alternative 2—using the existing beams when they are in satisfactory condition, and simply reconstructing the support structures, sidewalls and other features. Drainage ditches would be concrete lined. Logs for road strengthening and bridge roadbed reconstruction would be replaced by newly fabricated reinforced structures that would bear greater loads that might be expected with future development.
The problem with Alternative 3 is that costs would increase significantly, doubling or tripling, or more, depending on the augmented design capacities, with possibly greater environmental impacts and only marginal improvement in benefits to the immediately foreseeable numbers of users and current modest truck and bus loads. Safety features are not needed or customary for rural roads of this nature. Environmental benefits of the completed constructions would be improved, but at the cost of much more stringent environmental measures required during heavy construction, as well as the social impacts of importing skilled labor and heavy equipment operators. Costs would increase such that only a fraction of the proposed subproject tasks could be completed, and the number of beneficiaries would decrease so as to make the cost/benefit ration prohibitive.
In addition, from a cumulative impacts point of view, increased capacities and longevities without maintenance are potentially growth-inducing measures.
In summary, the increased economic and environmental benefits for any given subproject would be outweighed by the economic costs, and the number of beneficiaries would be severely reduced. Given the proposed level of funding, Alternative 2 is preferable to Alternative 3.
3.2! Scope!and!significance!of!issues!to!be!analyzed!in!the!PEA!
Environmental site visits were made to all of the 16 priority tasks/subprojects of phase 1. It may be noted that the 15 remaining tasks shown on the map and in Table 1 do not appear to differ significantly from the priority sites, and it is expected that conclusions of this PEA will carry over to the remainder of sites. If it is necessary to substitute non-priority tasks, the PEA for phase 1 may prove to be suitable for phase 2 as well.
Detailed findings at each of the subproject/task sites are presented verbally and pictorially in section 4 of the PEA.
3.2! Identification!and!elimination!from!study!of!nonRsignificant!issues!
It is expected that initial site investigations will eliminate most potential parameters other than hydrological, erosion/sedimentation, biodiversity, and socioeconomic. Effects on air quality, for example, can be expected to be negligible and temporary. Water pollution and toxics spillage to be avoided with strict oil/petrol safeguards. Archaeological sites are unlikely to be present or affected. No construction camps will be needed, and their adverse socio-economic impacts can also be eliminated from study
When compiling the list of subprojects HALO selected from numerous sites across Abkhazia where specific road rehabilitation projects would bring benefit to the rural population. Where 18 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( possible, the sites were chosen to allow for a wide geographical spread across Abkhazia and across communities in Abkhazia.
When reducing the list to 14 sites for this proposal HALO focused in particular on sites where the road to be repaired is the only means of access – if it is closed then there is no alternative and access to housing and fields will be lost completely.
The following criteria were used:
• Rural roads away from the main routes, i.e., those least likely to be maintained by the Abkhaz de facto authorities. • Although difficult to quantify, project sites in areas likely to see the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and subsequent low-level or subsistence economic activity accompanied by rebuilding/resettlement of housing. • Sites where current, viable economic activity is impossible due to access restrictions; i.e., farmers cannot get their tractors to their fields or produce cannot be transported from the fields, but where such activities could be successful with restored access. • Numbers of beneficiaries: sites close to villages and those with the most direct impact on Abkhazia’s rural civilian population. • Sites where there is current access but where the roads being close to complete destruction threaten access.
HALO does not intend to conduct the rehabilitation of roads which have become damaged by heavy vehicles used by the Abkhaz de facto authorities, military or large construction companies as seen in some parts of Abkhazia.
The Environmental Scoping Statement concluded that with specific exceptions impacts are expected to vary from none or negligible to slightly positive in most categories of environmental concern, such as with respect to organic or toxic pollution, noise, air quality, habitat alteration, land use, and socioeconomic conditions. The possible exceptions to be described in further detail in the PEA are: • Hydrology and water quality • Soil erosion/sedimentation • Biodiversity and nature area protection • Socio-economic impacts
3.4! Public!consultations!
Three public consultations were held during the July 2012 site visits, in the affected communities and involving the direct beneficiaries, including women, and other interested in the economic and environmental effects. Purpose of the consultations was in order to detect affected parties’ interests, note environmental concerns, and determine community commitment to maintenance of facility improvements to be implemented.
1. On July 12, 2012 a public meeting was held onsite at the site of the subprojects near Okumi Village, #1, 2, 3, and 8 on Figure 1 and Table 1. More than 12 inhabitants and village leaders attended and were briefed by HALO personnel and the environmental consultant. All attendees expressed a strong interest in the subprojects. In response to direct questions concerning adverse impacts, none were pointed out. The attendees expressed a commitment to maintenance of the subprojects in order to extend subproject longevity beyond the minimum 3-5 year standard, as “it is in our interest to do this.” A list of the attendees and written remarks with respect to the maintenance commitment and environmental impacts will be transmitted to the project office, is included in Annex B to the PEA.
19 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
2. On July 13, 2012 a public meeting was held onsite at the site of the subprojects near Pirveli and Bedia Villages, #4, 5, and 7 on Figure 1 and Table 1. More than 10 inhabitants and village leaders attended and were briefed by HALO personnel and the environmental consultant. All attendees expressed a strong interest in the subprojects. In response to direct questions concerning adverse impacts, none were pointed out. The Figure 6. Public consultation on site with Okumi villagers, July 12, 2012 attendees expressed a commitment to maintenance of the subprojects in order to extend subproject longevity beyond the minimum 3-5 year standard. .” A list of the attendees and written remarks with respect to the maintenance commitment and environmental impacts will be transmitted to the project office, is included in Annex B to the PEA.
3. On July 17, 2012 a public meeting was held onsite at the site of the subproject to repair river diversion structures (gabion installations, using local materials and labor) in the village of North Kelasur, #31 on Figure 1 and Table 1. Six inhabitants and village leaders attended and were briefed by HALO personnel and the environmental consultant. All attendees expressed a strong interest in the subproject. In response to direct questions concerning adverse impacts, none were pointed out. The attendees expressed a commitment to maintenance of the subprojects in order to extend subproject longevity beyond the minimum 3-5 year standard. .” A list of the attendees and written remarks with respect to the maintenance commitment and environmental impacts will be transmitted to the project office, is included in Annex B to the PEA.
In addition to the organized consultations held above, informal communications with curious farmers and other inhabitants occurred at most of the other subproject sites. In each case, the persons present were asked if they had concerns about the subproject as described, and no concerns were expressed. In most cases, the inhabitants expressed a desire to see the subproject implemented at the earliest date possible.
Subsequent to the public consultations noted above, a meeting was held of members of the community formerly served by the Tsarche Bridge, subproject/task #10, in support of the recommended improvements there, and their letter is also included in Annex B.
4.! SubRproject!(task)!descriptions!and!incorporated!mitigative!measures!
Subproject/task descriptions and their corresponding incorporated mitigation measures are shown below for each of the 16 priority subprojects/tasks. “Incorporated” mitigations, also known as “assumed” of “standard” mitigations, are an inherent part of each subproject, “mainstreamed” into the subproject specifications and are designed to eliminate or minimize potential adverse environmental impacts before they become apparent. Most anticipated negative environmental impacts for the Abkhazia minor roads project have been mitigated in this way. Additional measures to mitigate impacts, as well as the incorporated mitigations, are shown in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) chart that is annnexed to this PEA as Annex C. Evaluations and mitigations are based on reviews of previous reports and individual site investigations by the author from July 12-16, 2012.
20 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
4.1! Subprojects/tasks!#1,!2,!and!3:!Okumi!Pipes!
Three sections of the road leading from Okumi village to Gali town have collapsed culvert pipes.
Figure 7. Location of subproject/tasks 1-5, 7-10.
Figure 7a. Location of subprojects/tasks #1-3. Surrounding lands are agricultural.
21 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Existing situatrion and proposed rehabilitation is described below.
Site Site Summary of Photo No. Name proposed Works 1 Okumi Installation of three 1.2 Pipes 1 meter pipes to allow drainage and year-round road access across this stream. The existing concrete pipes will be reused wherever possible and set into a reinforced concrete structure to stabilise the pipes and prevent through-flow eroding the base of the construction.
Okumi Installation of three 1.2 Pipes 2 meter pipes to allow drainage and year-round road access across this stream. The existing concrete pipes will be reused wherever possible and set into a reinforced concrete structure to stabilise the pipes and prevent through-flow eroding the base of the construction.
3 Okumi Installation of three 1.2 Pipes 3 meter pipes to allow drainage and year-round road access across this stream. The existing concrete pipes will be reused wherever possible and set into a reinforced concrete structure to stabilise the pipes and prevent through-flow eroding the base of the construction.
22 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 8. Site of Okumi Pipes 3, showing that the road is close to collapse, and pictures one of the houses that would be cut off in case of collapse.
Proposed#restoration/improvement#
HALO proposes constructing three identical sets of pipes (or culverts) to allow the free-flow of water ensuring that crossing point remains open and the risk of flooding is reduced, as indicated for one of the three collapsed sections in Figure 9, below, along with the proposed improvement
Figure 9. Okumi Pipes 1 - Proposed restoration. Simple replacement of three pipes, restoration of existing concrete rail bridge and earth road bed.
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#
Incorporated#mitigative#measures#
1. Install culverts at natural stream grade. See Figure 10. 2. Install wingwalls and/or riprap protection as appropriate in order to protect restored pipes and roadway, and to prevent soil erosion, sedimentation. See Figure 11. 3. Provide overflow protection. Construct fills over culverts with an armored low point near the pipe in low fills or add an armored rolling dip on native ground just beyond a large fill to return water to the drainage and prevent off-site damage. See Figure 12. 4. Include provisions for oil and fuel spillage prevention in Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and contractor requirements. See Annex C. 5. Community commitment to maintenance. Obtain written community commitment to carry out the basic maintenance required to ensure a significant extension of the 3-5 year planned longevity of the proposed constructions.
Figure 10. Install culverts at natural stream grade. Source: Low V olume Roads Engineering: Best Management Practices Field Guide, Gordon Keller, P.E., and James Sherar, P.E., U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development, July, 2003.
24 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 11. Install wingwalls and/or riprap drainage protection. Source: Adapted from U.S. Federal Highway Administration Hydraulic Design Series No. 5, 1998 ([Online] http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/hydpub.htm. Includes a comprehensive design for both conventional culverts and culverts with inlet improvements; and, Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practice for Water Quality, 1955.
Figure 12. Okumi Pipes 3. In their current condition, this and the other two sites block the flow of water and consequently erode the soil around the road and flood the land upstream of the crossings. HALO proposes constructing three identical sets of pipes or culverts to allow the free flow of water, ensuring that the crossing point remains open and the risk of flooding is reduced. Wingwalls as shown in Figure 11, above, will be incorporated in this and all pipe replacement subprojects as an incorporated mitigation measure against streambank erosion and downstream sedimentation.
‘
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Figure 12. Provide overflow protection. Source: Handbook for Forest and Ranch Roads: A guide for planning, designing, constructing, reconstructing, maintaining, and closing wildland roads. W. Weaver and D. Hagans, 1994. Ukiah, CA: Pacific Watershed Associates for the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District.
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4.2! Subprojects/tasks!#4!–!Bedia!Pipes;!#5!–!The!Pipes!in!Bedia;!#7!–!The!Pipes!in! PereviliRBedia!Village!
For general location of these two tasks, see Figure 7, above. The map showing specific position and surrounding environment is shown in Figures 13 and 14. The existing situation with these two road segments, and the improvements, are similar to the Okumi pipes tasks, and are described below.
26 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 13. Location and environmental setting for subprojects/tasks #4, Bedia Pipes, and #7, Pipe in Pirveli-Bedia Village
Figure 14. Location and environmental setting for subproject/tsk #5, Pipe in Bedia Village
27 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
4 Bedia(Pipes( Using(existing(steel(culverts,( HALO(will(install(a(concrete( structure(to(secure(the(pipes( and(prevent(throughMflow( from(eroding(the(base(of(the( construction.(
See(also,(cover(photograph.(
5 The(Pipe(in( Improvements(to(the( Bedia( concrete(structure( Village( supporting(the(existing( culvert(under(the(road.(( Replacing(the(part(of(the( road(already(washed(away( with(gravel.(
7 The(Pipes(in( Using(existing(steel(culverts,( PirveliM HALO(will(install(a(concrete( Bedia( structure(to(secure(the(pipes( Village( and(prevent(throughMflow( from(erroding(the(base(of(the( construction.(
28 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
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Figure 15. For task #5, The Pipe in Bedia Village, an in-design mitigation will be incorporated to establish the culvert inclination at stream grade, to minimize erosion. HALO will install the segmented sections of pipe on an incline as follows: (1) Gravel laid at the base following the course of the incline; (2) A dry mixture of cement and sharp sand covers the gravel; (3) Segments of pre-formed concrete pipe are bedded into the dry mix; (4) Junctions between segments are sealed using bitumen mastic set in a fabric matrix; (5) Soil and gravel back-fill and compaction; (6) Watering to cure dry mix where necessary. See also, Figure 10, above.
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Figure 16. Villagers at site of subproject/task #7, The Pipes in Pervili-Bedia Village
29 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
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!4.3! Subproject/task!#6!–!Repi!Bridge!II!
This task is to reconstruct a bridge and an adjoining road segment of less than 1 km in the Gali district, as shown on Figure 17. The significance of this subproject/task is that it will re-open a
Figure 17. Location map for subproject/task #6, Repi Bridge II in the vicinity of a disued power station, and subproject/task #13, Repi Bridge I. large area of previously cultivated and settled territory that is now constrained to the southeast side of the river. The deteriorated road is no longer indicated on maps such as the one in Figure 17. The general environmental situation can be seen in Figure 18.
The original bridge at this site collapsed many years ago. HALO built a bridge for access whilst clearing minefields there but this has not been maintained since clearance was completed. Two large steel beams remain in place though the bridge requires strengthening to last for 8-10 years rather than one (HALO’s original bridge was built to last for the duration of mine clearance only).
Hazelnuts have been planted on the land since it was cleared of mines and several fields that were cultivated prior to the conflict have been rehabilitated. Five separate farmers wish to plant watermelons in these fields but to do this the land needs to be plowed by tractor and there is no way of bringing vehicles across the canal.
An additional benefit of the work would be that it will open access to the entire north west bank of the Gali Canal upstream of the Black Sea river mouth.
30 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 18. General environmental situation for subproject/task #6, Repi Bridge II. Re-settled farmland and orchards on the southeast side of the river, abandoned lands to the northwest of the river.
Figure 19. Repi Bridge II. Top left: abandoned farms beyond the bridge. Top right: Bridge to be replaced. Bottom left: Road to be reclaimed. This road was temporarily re-opened for de-mining operations, and is again overgrown. Lower right: Farms between Gali and the bridge are slowly being resettled.
31 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
The restoration plan for Repi Bridge II is described below:
6 Repi(Bridge( Installation(of(bridge(abutments( II( made(from(welded(reinforcing( steel(and(poured(contrete.( ( Existing(steel(beams(will(be( reused(and(covered(with(new( decking(constructed(from( 16x16cm(sawn(timber.(((
Concrete(and/or(ripMrap(side( walls(will(be(added(for( streambank(protection.(
This(photo(is(older(than(the(one( shown(in(Figure(19,(in(which( some(logs(have(been(replaced.( Without(proper(reinforcement( and(streambank(protection,(the( superstructure(will(again( collapse,(and(environmental( damage(from(erosion(and( sedimentation(will(continue.(
Figure 20. Planned improvements, Repi Bridge II
32 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
4.4! Subproject/task!#8,!Okumi!Bridge!1.!
For location of this subproject, see Figure 7, above. The situation to be corrected by this project is shown in Figure 21, and is best described as simple overtopping of the bridge during high water. The roadway provides access to a public school for the surrounding settlements, and the invisibility of the bridge during overtopping creates a dangerous situation for the school bus driver, who cannot see the road.
Figure 21. Okumi Bridge 1
Figure 22. Environmental context of Okumi Bridge 1.
33 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
8 Okumi( Installation(of(simple( Bridge(1( concrete(blocks(as( bridge(abutments,( reuse(of(existing( metal(structural( beams(and(decking,( installation(of( handrail(running(the( length(of(the(bridge.( The(masic(intention( is(to(raise(the(level(of( the(bridge(so(it(is(not( exposed(to(flooding.(
4.5! Subproject/task!#9!–!The!Bridge!at!Chkhortoli!Village!
The location of the Bridge at Chkhortoli Village, subproject/task #9 is shown on the map in Figure 7, above. The existing bridge is being undermined by the river it crosses and is in danger of collapse, cutting off access for farming families. Lack of streambank protection, such as shown on the far bank on the right side of Figure 23, is the cause.
Figure23. Subproject/task # 9, The Bridge at Chkortoli Village
The recommended improvement, shown in figure 24, consists of installation of additional breast walls around the existing bridge abutments and back-filling with gravel to provide the necessary support to the existing structure. These additions will act as protection for the bridge and as a mitigation measure for streambank erosion prevention and avoidance of downstream sedimentation.
34 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
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Figure 24. Location and environmental conditions, subproject/task #9. An example of a typical Abkhasia braided stream, with river meanders in the flood plain surrounded by agricultural lands.
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4.6! Subproject/task!#10!R!Tsarche!Bridge!
Location of the Tsarche Bridge is shown in the subregional map of Figure 7, above. The subproject addresses issues involving the restoration of the approach to the bridge, not the bridge itself, and involves measures to redirect river flow to a previous river channel. The situation is described in Figure 25.
The reader should be aware that this situation is common in Abkhazia, whose landscape is characterized by numerous “braided streams,” well illustrated by the example in Figure 21, below. Such streams meander back and forth in their flood plains from year to year, and gradually warp and extend even the floodplains themselves as they carry forward with their normal geological and hydrological progression.
35 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
View upstream. Bridge, top center, built by local residents years ago, has become isolated from its approach road as the river annually migrates toward the viewer. River meanders to the right year by year, reclaiming a former floodplain.
About 60 families on the far side of the bridge have lost direct access to the main road (behind photographer) and must travel much farther to markets.
View downstream. Several meters of arable pasture land are lost to riverine erosion during annual Spring floods. The power line pylon, upper left of the photo, will likely topple into the river soon, cutting the population off from electricity as well as access. ! Figure 25. Tscharche Bridge present situation.
The HALO Trust proposes to address this problem upstream of the bridge, top photo, excavating river stone and gravel from the orphaned channel and erecting two stone-filled gabions, in order to restore the stream to its previous bed, as depicted on Figure 26,
The use of gabions, shown in red on Figure 26, is common in Abkhazia, and is discussed further below .
36 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 26. Works to be completed at Tsarche Bridge will help restore the river’s flow to its former channel under the bridge, and away from the causeway, adjoining grazing land, and electrical pylon.
Instances of gabion emplacement are common in Abkhazia. See figure 27. A gabion is simply a wire cage, filled with rocks, used as a slope retaining structure, flood prevention wall or for other purposes. Gabions are favored in river use due to their large weight and stability and ability to allow water to pass through the wall freely. They can be built of local materials using local labor, both of which will likely be supplied without cost to the Abkhazia minor roads rehabilitation project. There is little to no maintenance of the wall. Due to their construction out of natural materials, they also have a softer and more natural effect in a landscape.
Detailed specifications for gabions are contained in the Environmental Management Plan, Annex C. Figure 27. Gabion streambank protection as found elsewhere in Abkhazia #
# #
37 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
4.7! Subproject/task!#11!–!Achigvara!Bridge!Construction!and!Road!Repair!
Location of subproject/task #11 is shown on Figure 28. Achigvara lies in the West of Gali Region between the towns of Ochamchira and Gali. It was the scene of partisan fighting against the Abkhaz following the end of the war in 1993 at a time of poor security in Gali region. There were several mine accidents involving Anti-Tank (AT) mines predominantly along roads in Achigvara in the late 1990’s and HALO cleared AT mines from over 12 km of roads there in 2005-6.
Figure 28. Location of suproject/task #11. Access to Ochamchira for the population in the large area shown in orange color now is via an extensive trip through Gali (red dashed line). Repair of bridge and road will dramatically improve access and resettlement in the orange zone (black dashed line).!
In 1995 after particularly heavy flooding, a bridge south of Achigvara village was damaged, removing the main access route to a large part of rural Gali stretching from the M27 Highway (the main road through Abkhazia) right down to the Black Sea coast (see map below and photo on the next page). Public access along the coastal road has been blocked by the recent building of a Russian military base, so the road south of Achigvara is also the main route from Ochamchira town to the village of Primorsk at the mouth of the Gali Canal on the coast.
Within the affected area highlighted below the distance to reach the market in Ochamichara would be reduced from 61km to 22km in some cases if the bridge was repaired.
Currently, the failed bridge at site 11 on the map and the disrepair of the road prohibits access to a large number of families and abandoned farms. Rehabilitation of the damaged facilities will provide a greatly reduced trip to the town of Ochamchira, and will improve travel times to Gali center as well as opening access to the entire north west bank of the Gali Canal upstream of the Black Sea river mouth.
38 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
HALO proposes reconstructing the bridge south of Achigvara along with the rehabilitation of the adjoining roads to return vehicle access to this part of Gali for the first time in 16 years. The part of Gali highlighted on the map on the previous page has seen much less resettlement than other areas further east, closer to Gali town, and the lack of road access is one of the principle reasons for this. It is hoped that the repairs will act as a first step in opening up this largely unoccupied part of Gali region to returning Gali Mingrelians (ethnic Georgians). Achigvara lies between the largely ethnically Abkhaz town of Ochamchira and Mingrelian region of Gali. Beyond the practical benefits of reopening this particular section of road, this project also provides the potential for increased communication between these two ethnic groups.
HALO’s proposed bridge design is shown in figure 30 on the following page. Reinforced concrete bridge abutments will be made to support the bridge beams. The deck of the bridge comprises wooden beams supported by concrete beams already on site.
Some 6 km of overgrown road will be cleared but no furher improvements are planned.
Figure 29. Formerly cultivated fields in vicinity of Achigvara bridge.
11 Achigvara( Construct(two(bridge( M(Bridge( abutments(in(situ(from( Construct poured(concrete(with( ion(and( internal(steel( Road( reinforcing.((Reuse( Repair( existing(preformed( concrete(girders(placed( on(the(abutments(as( the(main(structure.(( Cover(with(20cm( preformed(reinforced( decking(blocks.((Install( wooden(handrail.( Resurface(bridge(and( adjacent(road( approaches.(
39 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 30. Achigvara proposed bridge reconstruction
Stone-filled gabions will be used to protect both the slope and the bridge abutments installed.
4.8!! Subproject/task!#12!R!Naa!Village!–!Road!Repair!!
Location of subproject/task #12 is shown on figure 31. Prior to the Abkhaz war in 1992-1993 the village of Naa was home to approximately 40 families of mixed ethnicity including Svans, Abkhaz, Armenians and Greeks. The 1989 census records that 112 people lived in Naa at that time. During the war the hills surrounding Naa were the scene of heavy fighting between the Abkhaz and Georgian forces and the entire village was abandoned.
HALO cleared 36 mines from around Naa village between 2006 and 2008 – these cleared minefields are shown in dark green on the map of Figure 32.
The village of Naa sits on the bank of the Kodori River and has rich alluvial soils that supported a thriving agricultural community prior to the war. The village is currently not inhabited year- round, though landowners do visit during the summer months to harvest hazelnuts, soft fruits and other produce easily retrievable from their once well-tended land.
40 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 31. Location of subproject/task #12, Naa road repair, and # 31, North Kelasuri flood protection works.
Figure 32. Vicinity map for Naa road repair
There is only one road into Naa which descends a steep hill into the village from the South and is currently in a poor state of repair and requires rebuilding yearly by the farmers themselves following the spring floods. Even after rebuilding, the road is only passable by large, all-wheel drive trucks. HALO proposes repairing this road to a standard where it is
41 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( passable year-round by light vehicles, including the installation of sufficient drainage to ensure that it does not wash away each spring and as a built-in mitigation against further erosion and sedimentation in the area’s receiving waters. It is hoped that improving vehicle access will encourage more landowners to return to Naa to cultivate their land, and in time eventually rebuild their homes to resettle there.
Naa village and farmland, Footpath to Amtkel and now overgrown with trees Lower Kodori Valley and other vegetation.
Figure 33. Naa road repair context. Naa village lies to the East of the Kodori River with one road leading into it from the South and a footpath leaving the village to the North. View is North from the vicinity of the blocked section of road.
The parts of the road prone to flooding and rapid erosion will be improved over a 500 meter stretch. These works will include improving drainage ditches to the side of the road and installation of culverts where necessary. The principle task is to replace the road surface, currently river stone) with two grades of crushed gravel: No 1, 40- 70mm; and, No. 2, 10-20mm.
Gravel will be taken from a commercial source away from the site, transported to the site by tipper truck. and crushed as necessary by HALO. Due to the steep gradient and high volume of run-off at the affected sections of road, HALO will compact the aggregate to further strengthen the construction. Figure 34. Road access to Naa is along a steep track comprised of poor quality river stone, and the road easily washes away with the annual Spring rains.
42 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 35. Proposed rehabilitation of existing Naa road. The new road profile will be properly designed as shown so as to mitigate erosion.
4.9! Subproject/task!#13!–!Repi!Bridge!I!
This bridge has been reduced to a precarious footbridge. It is proposed to provide a concrete base and sidewall protection against continued erosion of the streambank and bridge foundation. and strengthening, that will improve access between some 50 families in Repi and 150 families in Kumushkuri to the south, as well as open afford a connection to the areas to be re-opened by repair of Repi Brige II, to the north. Both subprojects are shown on the map of Figure 17, above.
13 Repi(Bridge(1( Installation(of(reinforced( bridge(abutments,(back( ( filling(of(new(concrete(or( gabion(walls(as(part(of( ( river(bank(protection.( Pipes(laid(between(the( abutments(and(covered( with(decking(made(from( sawn(wooden(beams(or( logs.(
43 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 36. Bridge support beams will be set wider apart and logs will undergird the roadway, as depicted in the right hand photograph of a separate HALO project. Rehabilitated bridge loads will be sufficient for trucks up to 3 tons, which now must ford the river, at low water seasons only. Critically important to the sustainability of this subproject will be the construction of concrete or gabion-type wingwalls and embankment protection in order to constrain further erosion of the embankment and the bridge foundations visible in Figure 37.
Figure 37. Included environmental mitigation at Repi Bridge I will be retaining walls to retard erosion.
4.10!! Subproject/task!#14!R!Upper!Kodori!Roads!
This subproject refers specifically to rehabilitation of approximately 40 km (25 miles) of one road, from Ptish towards Marukh (“the Marukh road”) that parallels the Chkhalta River, the largest tributary to the upper Kodori River. See map, figure 38.
This dirt road is typical of many in this remote, mountainous area. The road is accessible for just 4-5 months each year, being covered in deep snow for the rest of the year. The annual snow melt leaves the road Figure 38. Location of subproject/task #14, Upper Kodori roads impassable in many places as the (Marukh road) road is simply washed away.
44 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Although this area is sparsely populated the road is vital to the people who do live in the area and without the road any return of the original population of Kodori is likely to remain limited.
It is not feasible for HALO to build a proper road for the entire 40km length of this route but the road can be opened up for the full summer each by some basic repairs using plant machinery – something that HALO has done each year since 2008 in order to create access for mine clearance teams. A HALO team will deploy as soon as the snows have melted sufficiently in late May or early June with a front loader and laborers: the machine will conduct major earth moving activities and the laborers will use fallen trees to shore-up embankments and to make log causeways across the wettest stretches of road. This process will require no materials to be purchased.(
Once the road to Marukh is open Figure 39. A HALO survey team in Summer 2009 conducts basic HALO will consider other routes road repairs in upper Kodori to allow their vehicle to pass. in the area that might need to be similarly opened. In the event of any extreme weather causing damage to the road during the summer HALO will deploy the teams again to conduct repairs.
Figure 40. Restoration of this Marukh road segment, with installation of proper drainage and culvert will prevent complete destruction of the road and inhibit deposition of sediment into the Chkhalta River.
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4.11!! Subproject/task!#29!–!The!Bridge!Reconstruction!in!Mugudzirkhva!Village!
Located along the coast northwest of Gudauta, Figure 41, the bridge in Mugudzirkhva Village is along a key rural coastal highway servicing an agricultural area. It straddles a river outlet that traverses the immediately adjacent beach, and is subject to coastal flooding.
45 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
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Figure 41. Location of subproject/task #29, The Bridge Repair at Mugudzirkhva Village
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Figures 42,43. The Bridge at Mugudzirkhva Village
Insufficient channel and streambank protection has caused scour to occur behind three of the bridge’s four unprotected abutments during coastal storms, river floods, and normal stormwater runoff. Construction of three concrete breastwalls and filling the areas behind the walls should be sufficient to prevent eventual bridge collapse and loss of access to the area East of the bridge for 270 families.
46 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 44. Subproject/task #29. View of the proposed bridge repairs, and the environmental context.
Figure 45. Subproject/task #29. Proposed support walls/erosion-prevention measures for The Bridge at Mukudzirkhva Village
4.12! Subproject/task!#31!–!North!Kelasuri!flood!protection!works!
Location of the North Kelasuri subproject is shown on Figure 31, above. This project is meant to protect the road and several farms in North Kelasuri from the Spring floods of a river that is reclaiming a former flood plain following the gradual deterioration of Soviet-era protection works dating from 1953. It is remarkable that these works lasted as long as they did with
47 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( community maintenance. With proper rebuilding, protection can be expected to last at least as long, and much longer with the promised continued community maintenance.
Flooding has been severe in the last two years, and according to local residents, the fear is that the better part of the community in the flood prone area will be obliterated within the next two flood seasons. The situation is shown in Figure 46, which also locates the proposed gabion reconstructions on the river’s edge that will shield the road and farms downstream. This is another example of a stream meandering within its flood plain and causing changes of the sort being experienced here.
Figure 46. Subproject/task #31, Upper Kelasuri road and farm flood protection works, snd environmental context
Figure 47. View downstream at one of three locations where reconstructed gabions will prevent the river, on the left, from reclaiming a former flood plain, on the right, thus preventing further flood damages further downstream.
One notable feature of this subproject, as well as the others using wire cages/gabions, is that stone for the gabions will be gathered locally, and that gabion construction will be done with local labor. This investment on the part of the community is part of the “guarantee” of future maintenance. The use of gabions is further discussed and illustrated in section 4.6, above. 48 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
5.! Environmental!impacts!and!recommended!mitigative!measures!
5.1! Identification!of!Concerns!and!Significant!Effects!
As described in the ESS the potentially significant impacts and specific issues that will be further evaluated are shown in Table 2. Discussion of these and other likely significant impacts follows the table. See also, Annex
Table 2. Potentially significant impacts of minor roads in Abkhazia rehabilitation project
Environmental/Social Potentially significant issue EA Requirements/Work Tasks Concern Ecosystem(and(habitat(damage. Rehabilitation, including Identify presence of TES and/or Impacts to threatened, construction and operation habitat; identify other important endangered, and protected phases, could impact TES and habitats; determine possible short species (TES); disruption of sensitive ecological habitats and long-term habitat alterations. sensitive ecological habitats. through direct impacts (workers may disrupt habitats without oversight) or indirectly through habitat alterations. Short and long -term impacts are possible.
Impacts to cultural resources During the construction phase, Identify cultural resources of cultural resources may be found, importance in the vicinity of the disturbed, and/or destroyed. projects and as appropriate for the specific resources, measures to remove or protect.
Changes in water quality and Roads and drainage runoff may Determine points of possible quantity; sediment loads; carry contaminants downstream contamination (i.e., where changes deterioration of downstream to areas where they may to water quality or sediments water and impacts on concentrate if flushing is impact downstream users). downstream users; pollutants inadequate and/or to areas where include hydrocarbons, they may cause significant damage suspended solids, possible to natural resources. This is toxics. mainly a long-term impact that is of concern during operations.
Cumulative impacts of road Cumulative impacts may result Identify the space, time, and rehabilitation and other from the combination of past, assumptions to predict cumulative infrastructure activities. present, proposed, and reasonably impacts. foreseeable actions. A cumulative effects analysis is part of all EAs.
Increased erosion and Local concern. Effect of all Sufficient information is available sedimentation during operation projects is positive, by installation to develop Best Management of wingwalls, rip-rap side Practices (BMPs) to minimize this protection, adding drainage concern; BMPs to be included in features, etc. the bidding document.
Degraded air quality, noise Local concern Sufficient information is available pollution, and leaks from to develop best practices to machinery operations could minimize this concern; these to be pollute water and soils. included in the bidding document.
Construction crews and camps Local concern. No construction Sufficient information is available could result in pollution of camps anticipated. Outside to develop BMPs to minimize this surface and groundwater if workers will commute daily or be concern if needed. inadequate sanitary facilities are housed within community not provided; damage to facilities. habitats; cutting of trees if 49 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Environmental/Social Potentially significant issue EA Requirements/Work Tasks Concern alternative fuel or building material is not provided; alter landscapes if site is not returned to previous conditions; introduce alcohol and socially destructive practices.
Impacts are generally similar for all of the subprojects/tasks, with exceptions that are noted within the discussion of the particular category of environmental/social concerns. The subprojects/tasks for which the impacts are described can be recapitulated as follows:
• Culvert (concrete pipe) repair with corresponding road surface replacement - Subprojects/tasks #1-5, 7 • Bridge and bridge abutment repair - Subprojects/tasks # 11, 29 • Causeway/road surface rehabilitation, other than associated with the subprojects above - Subprojects/tasks # 12, 14 • In-stream flood protection for roads, bridges, causeways - Subprojects/tasks #10, 11, 31 • Upper Kodori roads (Marukh road) special considerations, subproject/task #14
The Upper Kodori roads subproject/task warrants a separate discussion, section 5.9, below.
Annex A contains a chart indicating severity of potential environmental impacts (unmitigated) for all 31 subprojects/tasks of the initial project phase, as well as subsequent phases. The author has confirmed or modified the entries for the 16 subprojects/tasks of phase 1, based on site visits and subsequent research. Summary findings are described in the remaining subsections of this PEA chapter.
5.2! Ecosystem!and!habitat!damage!
International concern is growing for the maintenance and protection of biodiversity in Abkhazia. Inadequate attention to biodiversity issues in road improvement can lead to the loss of local species, even in relatively non-degraded habitats, and to significant adverse effects on threatened species. Even the rehabilitation of existing roads may disrupt the integrity of plant and animal populations and permanently alter sensitive ecosystems. New roads may also introduce exotic or non-indigenous flora and fauna that may be highly detrimental to the stability of existing plant and animal communities. Road access can also contribute to poaching and trapping of exotic species, and high-speed roads can significantly contribute to animal mortality.
The project for improvement of minor roads in Abkhazia consists of interventions that remain entirely within the footprint of pre-existing facilities, or that seek to reconstruct destroyed previous functional works such as the flood-protection gabions in the Upper Kelasuri (subproject/task #31). There is little likelihood of damage to endemic species if construction equipment is confined to the road and immediate environs. With exception of the Upper Kodori roads—discussed separately—the culverts/pipes, bridges and causeway reconstructions are all within the “lowland and foothill forest” and “montane forest” zones (H1 and F169 on the vegetation zones map, Figure 4), and would naturally tend toward oak and hornbeam forest if undisturbed. The zone does not exhibit a high degree of biodiversity.
These habitats are unlikely to shelter threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna or species of concern. No threatened, endangered or protected species are believed to be within the construction zone, nor were any observed during sight visits. It is possible that occasional instances of such species will be encountered, and personnel unfamiliar with these species or their protected status, can damage them. The subproject footprints are all in previously 50 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( cultivated and disturbed, active or formerly active farmlands and pastures. The Gali area is resuming its busy farming character, with numerous cattle, pigs, and horses found along the roadside. Normal mitigation measures will constrain excursions of equipment into potentially undisturbed territory, of which none was observed. Species lists and, if available, pictures and drawings of flora and fauna in this zone which should not be disturbed should be distributed to foremen and workers.
Constructing new roads or realigning existing roads may adversely affect scenic and aesthetic values, which under some circumstances can lead to lost tourism revenues. The cumulative effects of poorly located and managed quarries and borrow pits over time may also cause significant losses in scenic values. None of these impacts are likely to occur for the minor roads project. Tourism growth is unlikely to revive in these inland, non-mountainous areas. Construction materials will be obtained only from established quarries and borrow pits.
None of the subprojects/tasks lie in or proximate to established Abkhazia nature reserves. See Figure 48.
Figure 48. Subprojects/tasks in relation to established Abkhazia nature reserves
(
For the subprojects/tasks involving gabions (#10 - Tsarche Bridge, and #31 - Upper Kelasuri), installation of gabions on the banks of the river will occur during the dry season, within or adjacent to the exposed river bed, and no impacts to river fisheries are expected. Special provisions regarding the Kodori roads, which are in ecological zones of concern are discussed separately, in section 5.9, below.
51 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
5.3! Impacts!to!cultural!resources!
No churches, shrines, or other artifacts were noted or have been identified at the specific locales, or were during site visits. When residents and community leaders were present they were asked if there were significant cultural resources in the vicinity of the subproject, with none noted. The bridges are entirely of constructed materials, and the bridge approaches were put in at the same time. The roadways over the pipes have been in place for more than 50 years and are unlikely to reveal future finds. No construction will occur outside of the previous footprints for the facilities. No impacts are expected.
5.4! Changes!in!water!quality!and!quantity!
5.4.1# Water#quality#
Detrimental effects on water quality associated with soil erosion and the siltation of nearby bodies of water--rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands will be reduced by all subprojects. Effects from indirect siltation are primarily caused by agricultural development, which tends to increase when new roads expand into previously inaccessible areas and when existing roads are rehabilitated, improved, or upgraded. As the areas for the project are all in formerly used but subsequently abandoned agricultural areas, the repopulation and resumption of agriculture can be expected to increase farming-related water quality impacts to former levels, but not beyond those levels. In any case, this is an unavoidable impact for which project-related mitigation measures are not applicable.
Water quality may be adversely affected when fuel and lubricants at road camps, vehicle maintenance depots, and fueling areas are poorly managed. Mitigation measures specified in the EMP are applicable to eliminate or minimize this impact.
For new roads projects, large quantities of water are often needed for the preparation and compaction process of road construction and maintenance. This will not occur on the minor roads for Abkhazia project.
Roads and quarries (“borrow pits”) may also create craters for pools of water that breed mosquitoes or harbor waterborne diseases. On the other hand, the pits can be managed to supplement dry season water supplies. The net effect of the minor roads project, however, will be to reduce the number of such pools on the damaged roadways, and so can be considered a positive impact.
Roads that pass through areas with high water tables or wetlands may create a dam-like effect on surface and subsurface water flows. These effects are especially prominent where large quantities of initial material must be added to raise the road above the land surface, where new material must be added annually to keep the road elevated, or where there are water crossings. Under these circumstances, land on one side of the road can become much wetter than before the improvement, land on the opposite side drier. This may adversely effect crop production, ecosystem species composition, and road stability. Alternatively, poorly installed culverts in wet areas or meadows may concentrate water and then form gullies both up-slope or down-slope of the road. These gullies can subsequently drain the area and contribute to drying up the wetland. Mitigation measures are specified in the EMP to reduce this type of impact, and the net effect of improved drainage throughout the project may also be considered as a positive impact.
Spillages of petroleum products used for fuel and lubrication are possible, and will be reduced if not eliminated by the standard mitigations. Any residual ground spillage will be absorbed within five meters, or in the rare case of spillage into streams, dissipated within 10 to 100 meters downstream of the spillage. Agricultural use, which generally does not depend on river withdrawals, is unlikely to be impacted, and although not impossible, unlikely to have an effect on well water quality in the area.
52 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
5.4.2# Water#quantity#and#hydrological#impacts#
Based on community leaders’ statements, original pipe diameters were adequate for passage of high flows. But the lack of sidewalls and embankment protection, and lack of maintenance for 20 years, and as much as 50 years, has led to the observed erosion, loss of the roadbed, and failure of the pipes. In general, the objective of the minor roads in Abkhazia project is to reconstruct the existing facilities to the capacity of the original structure as a minimum, and to improve on the original design by adding protective measures. The incorporation of sidewalls, streambed drainage profile, and rip-rap or other roadside fill will prevent erosion and should lead to a reduced and more stable embankment profile. The mitigation measures with respect to hydrological impacts are included in the EMP to neutralize both past and future impacts.
5.5!! Cumulative!impacts!of!road!rehabilitation!and!other!infrastructure!activities.!!!
Cumulative impacts may result from the combination of past, present, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable actions. They may be divided, for purposes of the minor roads in Abkhazia project, into direct impacts, short and long term, and indirect or long term induced-growth impacts.
5.5.1# Short#and#long#term#direct#cumulative#impacts#
Short and long-term direct cumulative impacts are simply the sum total of construction-related direct impacts across all subprojects/tasks. The subprojects are limited in spatial extent to river crossings and degraded short stretches of road, with the exception of Repi Bridge II, for which some 0.75 km of overgrown abandoned dirt roads will be rehabilitated, Achigvara Bridge Reconstruction and Road Repair, for which a similar length of road will be rehabilitated and numerous spot repairs along the Upper Kodori roads (Marukh road).
The total linear extent of all other construction activities than Repi Bridge II, Achigvara, and the Maruch road is less than 1.5 km (<1.0 mile), which in the context of an Abkhazia rural road network of approximately 1,200 km represents 0.125 percent of the total road network. Environmental impacts are all of short-term duration, most impacts will be mitigated by the mitigation measures specified in the EMP, and can be considered to be negligible.
Cumulative long-term direct construction impacts of all subprojects taken together on environmental quality parameters such as water quality, air pollution, noise, etc., are low to negligible.
5.5.2# Indirect,#long#term#inducedMgrowth#impacts#
The principal potential long-term cumulative impact would be that common to all highways, their potential growth-inducing effect. However, these subprojects are all part of a pre-existing road network. The areas for the project are all in formerly used but subsequently abandoned agricultural areas. The subprojects/tasks taken together will have the cumulative effect of supporting repopulation of the area up to its former level, and will be unlikely to have an effect on induced growth beyond previous limits in the foreseeable future.
The repopulation and resumption of agriculture can be expected to increase farming-related water quality impacts to former levels. Associated environmental impacts to former levels are unavoidable, and measures to control regional environmental quality are a matter for future control by the authorities concerned; project-related mitigation measures are not effective.
The long term cumulative impacts of the project with respect to restoring previous social and economic well-being are all strongly positive. Rehabilitating existing roads often improves personal well-being, access to educational opportunities and social services, including healthcare. Road construction and maintenance may also provide income for road workers and farmers.
53 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
5.6! Erosion!and!sedimentation!impacts!
Adverse impacts from soil erosion can occur when water is not kept off road surfaces. Roads that cross hilly or steep terrain without following contours or minimizing grades are especially susceptible to erosion, as are roads that concentrate water without adequate side drainage to handle heavy rain or flooding. Roads that develop multiple tracks to avoid water and ruts may also contribute to soil erosion problems. Multiple tracks occur wherever inadequate attention is paid to keeping standing water off the road surface.
For the minor roads in Abkhazia project, inadequate or destroyed side protection, collapsed culverts/pipes, bridges, bridge abutments and appurtenant road and flood protections structures has caused undercutting of pipes and roadways and embankments, consequent soil loss and increased downstream erosion. The reconstructed facilities will decrease these impacts. Some additional siltation during construction is unavoidable, but the effects are short term—essentially during the construction operations only—and effects downstream would be dissipated within 50—100 meters maximum from point of impact. Long-term, the reduction of erosion and of sediment loads during runoff events is one of the purposes of the subproject, and the incorporated mitigations are intended to guarantee this result; therefore, impacts of the subproject on erosion/sedimentation and local drainage are expected to be positive.
The incorporated mitigations include attention to added features to the culverts, such as wingwalls and rip-rap side embankment protection. These mitigation measures are dealt with extensively in other sections of this PEA.
Bridge and road repairs include erosion protection measures that were either destroyed over time or were not present in the first place. These include the provision of concrete breastwalls on one or more sides of the bridge abutment exposed to high water flows. The area behind each wall will be filled with stone and gravel to the height of the roadway, and drainage ditches will be included to convey surface flows away from the bridge and walls. For the roads, adequate drainage features and appropriate road profiles are incorporated mitigations. These all have a strongly positive effect on the environment by inhibiting erosion and sedimentation in the streams being crossed, along the roadway, as well as giving longer life to the repairs.
For the in-river gabion subprojects/tasks (#10, Tscarche Bridge and #31, Upper Kelasuri), long term, river volumes will be unaffected, and the only change is that the flow will be restricted to alternate channels of the river, with no net change in erosion/sedimentation expected.
5.7! Air!quality!and!noise!impacts!
During construction, temporary degradation of local air quality is possible, as is noise pollution. Depending on local conditions and the vicinity of houses and communities, dust and noise may be detrimental to health during construction and once the road is back in use. The health of road construction and maintenance staff may also be adversely affected by noise and dust produced from construction, road rehabilitation and maintenance.
All of these impacts can be expected during construction only, will be short lived, and minimized by the recommended mitigations. Air quality impacts are limited to fugitive dust that escapes mitigation, normal engine exhaust—subject to best management practices specified in the EMP—and occasional small spillages, also expected to be minimized with implementation of the precautions specified in the EMP.
5.8! Construction!crews!and!camps!
Construction crews will be small, limited to 3-5 heavy machinery operators, with most of the remainder of labour being supplied by local villages and other nearby labour sources. It should be recognized that these areas are all heavily grazed, with cows in the road, so that potential sanitary
54 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012( impacts of small temporary work crews are marginal. For the most part, neighboring residents have offered to make their homes available gratis to HALO workers in this region in the past.
There will be no construction camps, as most laborers are either local, will commute to the jobsite, or will be housed within neighboring farms, residences or in the nearest village. Therefore, the socio-economic issues usually associated with road construction camps are moot in the Abkhazia minor roads rehabilitation project.
5.9! The!Upper!Kodori!roads!(Marukh!road)!subproject/task!#14!
Opening new roads to support and promote agricultural development puts adjacent forests at risk, especially where no effective forest management systems are in place. The most sig nificant impacts result from land cleared for agriculture. Once a road is in place, it provides access to urban or semi-urban charcoal and fuel wood markets. The Marukh road is an existing road, one in long use, but as it is the only subproject in a heavily forested zone, and in a region of ecological interest, special provision should be made to mitigate potential impacts.
It should be noted that although the road is depicted on the vegetation zones map, Figure 4, as being within a subalpine environment, the source map is generalized and misleading with respect to the immediate environment of the road, which is at all points adjacent to the Chkhalta River and deep within the montane forested zone. At no point does the road traverse subalpine environment, as is partially evidenced by the photographs for the subproject herein.
The Marukh road is within a prospective national park, but not in an established Nature Reserve. See Figure 48. National parks in Abkhazia, which include many areas of active inholdings, have a lesser degree of protection than nature reserves. Nature reserves are roughly equivalent in protection to USA wilderness (roadless) areas. The prospective national park has no official status or designation at this time. However, the road is proximate to, although likewise not within, other priority conservation areas of the Caucasus (Caucasus Biodiversity Council, 2012).
The construction of the original road predated HALO’s demining activities. The main past use was for agriculture: small holdings and summer only pastures in the upper Kodori valley. Prior to the war in Abkhazia, the population of the Upper Kodori valley was over 2,500 and it is now approximately 200-250 at its peak in the summer. The most likely change following the road rehabilitation would be an increase in the number of farmers and hunters returning to use the area. Each year more of the ethnic Svans are returning to the Upper Kodori from Georgia and farmland is being put back to use.
Restoration of the road will increase usage, eventually approaching former levels. Traffic is not expected to exceed 30-50 vehicles per day in the near future. This is restoration of past usage, but increased access provides the potential for increased impacts to the forest resource
The felling of trees in the upper Kodori virgin forest is illegal and violations would be subject to prosecution for felling virgin forest.
The above considerations lead to the conclusion that adverse environmental impacts of this subproject are likely unless special mitigation measures are implemented. Such measures are incorporated in the EMP provisions for this subproject. See Annex C, mitigation measure Nos. 3 and 20 (special provisions for Upper Kodori roads).
It is essential that best management practices (BMPs) and the standard rural road mitigations given elsewhere in the EMP are also complied with diligently. Using the BMPs will reduce, the environmental impact of the road improvements—drainage improvements, culverts, use of correct road profile, environmental damage to streams and biota will be reduced.
Fire protection access for the forest is enhanced by maintenance of the road, which is a highly positive impact. 55 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
5.10!! Summary!of!environmental!impacts,!by!subproject/task!
56 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
! 57 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
5.11! Required!mitigation!measures!and!best!management!practices!(BMPs)!
The following policy is proposed to be a requirement included in the project environmental management plan (EMP).
• Produce a safe, cost effective, environmentally friendly, and practical road design that is supported by and meets the needs of the users • Protect water quality and reduce sediment loading into water bodies; • Avoid conflicts with land use • Protect sensitive areas and reduce ecosystem impacts • Maintain natural channels, natural stream flow, and maintain passage for aquatic organisms • Minimize ground and drainage channel disturbance • Control surface water on the road and stabilize the roadbed driving surface • Control erosion and protect exposed soil areas • Implement needed slope stabilization measures and reduce mass wasting; • Avoid problematic areas • Stormproof and extend the useful life of the road.
The aim is to avoid the presence of high impact roads, and promote the continued presence of low impact roads. All road segments in this project will be required to continue to meet the low impact road standard shown in Figure 49.
Figure 49. Low versus High Impact Roads: These figures show the reduced work and reduced environmental impacts from low standard roads that conform to the topography. The low standard road reduces cut and fill slope size, reduces earth works, visual impacts, and minimizes changes to natural drainage patterns. The high standard road can move a large volume of traffic rapidly and safely, but is not required in this project. Source: Low V olume Roads Engineering: Best Management Practices Field Guide, Gordon Keller, P.E., and James Sherar, P.E., U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development, July, 2003.
Mitigation( measures( for adverse environmental impacts, again in groups, will be described, along with an environmental compliance monitoring function for contractors and other stakeholders. Proposed mitigation measures will include:
• Keep retention of water upstream to a minimum • Use least maintenance, most appropriate technology • Restrictions on sources of gravel/aggregate for back-filling and causeways • Conservation of excavated material and re-use for back-filling of soil or gravel behind retaining wall/cages. • Restrictions on machinery working in or close to water courses. • Regulation of refueling of vehicles 58 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
• Minimization of transport of materiel and personnel • Commercial sourcing of wood for shuttering and construction • Restrict cultivation and grazing adjacent to right of way, obtaining written community “buy in” if possible. This has to be done with realistic consideration of local needs. • Special measures regarding opening of road in the Upper Kodori Valley
Detail on these and other mitigation measures is included in the EMP, Annex C, which is intended for use either together with this PEA and/or as a separate document to be included in the construction contract documents and used by contractor foremen as a field guide.
6.! Sustainability!of!project!improvements!
Community involvement is an integral part of the sustainability features of this project. Most repairs will have an initial lifespan of at least three years though much longer with simple maintenance that will be described further in the PEA. In the case of drainage, culverts and bridges, all constructions have an initial intended lifespan of at least five years though simple maintenance carried out by the local community will also extend the longevity of these constructions considerably.
The willingness of communities living in rural Abkhazia to get involved in the maintenance of the roads they require for their daily life is evident in the attempts made to construct or repair several of the existing roads, bridges and culverts included in the proposal. However, more lasting repairs are often beyond the scope of the local population and require earth moving machinery and cranes as well as more complex/expensive construction techniques (welding of reinforcing steel and poured concrete) to provide a more permanent construction. This community involvement provides good evidence to suggest that the local population is both willing and capable to carry out the basic maintenance required to ensure a significant extension of longevity of the proposed constructions.
HALO should stay involved with the community in the planning and the construction of all road rehabilitation subprojects. As part of the construction process, while technical advisors are on site, and at the handover for each subproject, HALO should provide full training and advice as to the correct upkeep required on all completed installations and repairs.
7.! Summary!
There is no new construction and all subprojects are rehabilitative and lie within the footprint of pre-existing improvements, many of which date back to the 1950s, and are within previously and/or currently disturbed agrarian environments. Effects on water and air quality are expected to be negligible and temporary during construction, notably minor and limited stretches of siltation in riparian waters. No private lands will be taken and no resettlement is necessary. No public water supplies are involved. The linear extent of any subproject is less than 1 kilometer, and in most cases 10-25 meters or less, with the exception of the 20-km upper Kodori (Marukh) road, #14, and even there the improvements consist of spot culvert replacements, side drains, or stone and gravel replacement of surface fills in washed out road sections and eroded cuts.
The economic benefits of the project will be immediate and apparent, and community support is enthusiastic and apparently universal. With good design and proper maintenance delivered as promised by village leaders and beneficiaries, the subproject rehabilitations can be expected to last well beyond the planned 3-5 year lifetimes. Environmental benefits are generally an inherent part of each project, which will re-introduce soil and erosion conservation measures that time, wear and tear have destroyed. The application of the attached EMP will protect the environment.
59 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
References!
Adamia, Sh. 1981. Relief, geological structure and minerals of Abkhazia. In: Abashidze, I. (editor). Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia. Tbilisi. (in Russian) [Adamia, Sh. 1981. Relyef, geologicheskaya struktura i poleznye iskopaemye Abkhazii. V kn: Abashidze, I. (red.) Gruzinskaya Sovetskaya Encyklopedia. Tbilisi.]
Adzinba, Z. 1987. Endemic of the flora of Abkhazia. Mestniereba, Tbilisi. (in Russian) [Adzinba, Z. 1987. Endemy flory Abkhazii. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.]
Bedoshvili, D., Dolukhanov, A., Ivanishvili, M., Nakhutsrishvili, G., Zazanashvili, N. Map of the Natural Vegetation of the Caucasus [with several papers by the listed authors]. – In: U. Bohn, G. Gollub & Ch. Hettwer (editors), Karte der natürlichen Vegetation Europas. Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe, Maßshtab/Scale 1:2.500.000. Bundesamt für Natürschutz, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn.
Bohn, U., Gollub, G., and Hettwer, Ch. (editors), Karte der natürlichen Vegetation Europas. Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe, Maßshtab/Scale 1:2.500.000. Bundesamt für Natürschutz, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn.
Caucasus Biodiversity Council, 2012. Ecoregion Conservation Plan for the Caucasus. WWF, KFW, and others.
Dolukhanov, A. 1980. Colchic underdtorey. Metsniereba, Tbilisi. (in Russian) [Dolukhanov, A. 1980. Kolkhidskiy podlesok. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.]
Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Forest vegetation of Georgia. Universal, Tbilisi. (in Russian) [Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaya rastitel’nost’ Gruzii. Universal, Tbilisi.]
Keller, G. and Sherar, J. 2003. Low Volume Roads Engineering: Best Management Practices Field Guide, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development, July, 2003.
Kolakovsky, A. 1961. Plant life of Colchis. Bulleten’ Moskovskogo obshchestva ispytateley prirody, otd. bot. 10 XVIII, Moscow. (in Russian) [Kolakovsky, A. 1961. Rastitel’nyi mir Kolkhidy. Bulleten’ Moskovskogo obshchestva ispytateley prirody, otd. bot. 10 XVIII, Moskva.]
Kolakovsky, A. 1980-1986. Flora of Abkhazia, 2nd ed., Vol. 1-4. Metsniereba, Tbilisi. (in Russian) [Kolakovsky, A. 1980-1986. Flora Abkhazii, 2-oe izd., t. 1-4. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.]
Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216). http://transition.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216.htm
U.S. Federal Highway Administration. Hydraulic Design Series No. 5, 1998. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/hydpub.htm
U.S. Federal Highway Administration. Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 11, 1978.
Weaver, W., and Hagans, D., 1994. Ukiah, CA: Pacific Watershed Associates for the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District.
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practice for Water Quality, 1955.
!
60 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Annex!A!–!The!HALO!Trust!Project!Proposal!
“The HALO Trust Abkhazia: Rehabilitation of Minor Roads in Abkhazia” – Supplied separately.
Annex!B!R!Letters!of!interest!and!commitment!from!four!villages!and! signature!lists!of!community!public!consultation!participants.!
Figure 50. Okumi village letter of interest and commitment to maintenance.
61 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 51. Tsarche bridge community letter of interest and commitment to maintenance
62 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 52. North Kelasuri community letter of interest and commitment to maintenance
63 Abkhazia(Minor(Roads(PEA(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((05(September(2012(
Figure 53. Perveli-Bedia villages community letter of interest and commitment to maintenance
64 ABKHAZIA'MINOR'ROADS'REHABILITATION'PROJECT'4'ENVIRONMENTAL'MANAGEMENT'PLAN'' ''''PEA''ANNEX'C''''''''''
The Implementing Partner (IP) and its contractors must be aware of their responsibilities under this Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and must ensure that the necessary budget for applicable mitigation measures is incorporated in the contractor’s cost. Details for certain mitigations, and environmental context and environmental impacts and other supporting materials can be found in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the project. The drawings of appropriate erosion control structures herein are illustrative; design details are expected to vary with existing conditions and local practices. Implementation and costs of mitigation measures shall be borne by the contractor. Monitoring and reporting. EMP compliance is the responsibility of USAID and the IP. For each subproject/task under the agreement: (1) This EMP shall be attached to and made a part of all tenders and contracts issued by the IP; and, (2) upon complete of the subproject/task, the IP shall complete and submit a Record of Compliance Certification using the example attached to this EMP.
Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 1 Land No land acquisition, compensation packages, resettlement and rehabilitation, poverty Not applicable Pre construction acquisition alleviation programs for affected people or related issues are to be implemented under this phase project.
2 Finalization of Consult with local people to finalize the alignment especially to avoid landslide areas, to Throughout the Prior to alignments decide location for culverts and other drainage structures. alignment of commencing any Avoid excessive cut and fill and road should be aligned to follow natural topography. proposed subproject/ construction task works Avoid the requirement of forestland for road construction. In case, requirement of forestland is unavoidable, determine the legal status of forestland and initiate actions to seek permits for diversion of forestland for non forest uses (road construction). In case alignment has trees, which are known to be nesting/breeding places for migratory birds, consult with Ilia University biologists. No tree shall be cut in such stretches and construction works are to be strictly scheduled for non-breeding/nesting season. Avoid or minimize tree felling, acquisition of agricultural land, shifting of burial sites, shrines, disturbance to community ponds, community resources, etc. to the extent possible through evolving alternate alignment options.
3 Protection of Refer to the list of species of interest in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment Throughout the Construction biodiversity, All wood will be taken from existing commercial sources in Abkhazia. alignment of phase flora and proposed subproject/ fauna, On Upper Kodori roads, naturally fallen timber of good quality on the Marukh road or within task threatened or 25 meters of the road may be used for bridges and for in-road retention structures and endangered paving. Contractor shall not fell any live trees for timber during repair of the Marukh road. species
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 4 Land clearing The road land width requiring clearing shall be clearly demarcated on ground. All through the Pre-construction operations During land clearing operations, topsoil shall be collected, preserved, and reused as a base for subproject/ task Phase turfing of embankment slopes or development of barren areas along roadside. except in stretches of habitations Trees falling within roadway width and other vegetative cover may be removed. Small shrines within the road land width may be shifted to adjacent areas in consultation with local community leaders. During clearing operations, any historical artifacts, slabs with epigraphical evidence or edicts, sculptural or any material found that appears to have historical importance, construction will cease and the items found should be brought to the notice of Department of Archaeology, and instructions of this Department, if any, including temporary construction halt, must be followed. All public utilities like power transmission cables, telephone cables, water/sewerage lines, drains, wells, etc., falling within road land width shall be inventoried, and arrangements will be made for relocation /shifting to adjacent areas in consultation with the respective agencies/authorities. Establish and maintain interaction with local community to ensure that no social resentment sets in due to operations.
5 Establishment The temporary office and storage area for construction works, if any, shall be located away from As determined by Pre-construction of temporary human settlement areas (minimum 500 m) and forest areas (minimum 1 km). contractor, subject to and Construction office and USAID approval Phase storage areas, The office and storage areas shall preferably be located on barren/waste lands and conversion if any of agricultural/cultivable lands for office and storage areas shall not be allowed under any circumstances. All fuel oil/lubricants loading, unloading and storage areas shall be paved (impermeable), and have separate storm water collection system with facility for separation of oil/lubricants prior to discharge. The temporary office and storage area shall be provided with adequate water supply, sanitation, septic tank/soak pit of adequate capacity so that it functions properly for the entire duration of its use. After completion of construction works, the site shall be restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up operations.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 6 Mobilization of All gravel and aggregate brought to the subproject site shall be taken from existing commercial As determined by Pre- construction quarries. contractor, subject to construction materials, A mobile rock crushing plant may be used to supply the subprojects with high quality crushed USAID approval and stone stone, graded where necessary to the correct particle size. construction aggregates, Phase earth and To the extent feasible, insure that stone quarries and crushing units have pollution control construction systems in place and operational, e.g., for dust, and that occupational safety procedures/ practices shall be in place and regular inspections shall be carried to ensure compliance. water Earth borrow areas shall not be placed in ecologically sensitive areas. Permits are to be obtained from authorities and all permit conditions are to be complied with. Topsoil from borrow areas (first 30cm) is to be preserved and used for redevelopment of borrow areas, or as a base for turfing along embankment slopes. Agricultural lands shall not be used for earth borrow or fill unless no reasonable local alternative sources exist. In such cases, written consent shall be obtained from the landowners. Water for construction works shall not be drawn from sources which serve routine needs of local people. In case water is sourced from existing private wells, well owner shall be informed about the quantity and duration for which water withdrawals will be carried out and possible implications. Written consent for use of groundwater shall be obtained.
7 Transportation To the extent feasible, existing tracks/roads are to be used for hauling of construction As determined by Pre- of construction materials. contractor, subject to construction materials Dust suppression along transportation links is to be ensured by deploying water tankers with USAID approval and See also, No. sprinkling system are to be deployed along haul roads where judged necessary. construction Phase 8, Air quality The vehicles deployed for material transportation shall be spill-proof to avoid or minimize the management, spillage of material during transportation. Transportation links are to be inspected daily to clear including accidental spillage, if any. fugitive dust, and noise Precautions shall be taken to avoid inconvenience to the local community due to movement of materials. Truck speeds on unpaved roads where dust is mobilized shall be less than 60 km/h.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 8 Air quality All construction equipment and vehicles will be maintained in good operating condition to Throughout the Ongoing during management, minimize exhaust emissions. alignment of construction including Heavy equipment powered by diesel fuel used at the site shall use lower emitting diesel fuels if proposed fugitive dust, available. All trucks that make deliveries to the site that are under the control of the contractor subproject /task and noise shall also use lower emitting diesel fuels. Idling diesel equipment during constructions shall be shut off after 5 minutes of idling. For the duration of construction activities, actively disturbed areas will be stabilized through the use of wet suppression when necessary during the dry months. Adequate supplies of water for dust suppression will be available such that chemical dust suppressants will not be necessary for dust control. Disturbed areas, including storage piles not being actively used for a period of 1 week or longer, will be stabilized as appropriate to minimize dust emissions. Active stabilization may not be required if soil moisture or natural crusting is sufficient to limit ambient impacts. Bulk material stored onsite that is a possible fugitive dust source will be actively wetted, as needed, to minimize ambient impacts. It is anticipated that the majority of the material will be used onsite upon arrival. Should bulk materials require onsite storage for an extended period of time, the application of active wet suppression or the installation of a porous wind fence will be used as necessary to minimize fugitive dust generation. When required to prevent spread of dust, truck operators will a loaded truck with plastic cover. Where necessary, contractor shall provide and require use of a mask and noise cover for operators of noisy equipment such as stone crusher, compactor, some hydraulic equipment.
9 Fuel and other Construction methods shall be used that prevent potential pollutants from entering or spilling Throughout the Construction pollutants into flowing or dry watercourses, and groundwater sources. alignment of phase spillage, Potential pollutants and wastes include refuse, garbage, cement, concrete, sewage effluent, proposed refueling of industrial waste, gasoline/benzene/petrol, oil and other petroleum products. subproject /task vehicles, and receiving Machinery with leaking fluids (engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, coolant, etc.) will not be allowed waters quality to work on or close to a watercourse. This will be enforced by daily checks from the plant control operators and construction supervisors as well as weekly checks during scheduled maintenance from contractor’s mechanic. The refueling of vehicles shall take place on hard standing away from the project site with direct transfer of fuel from bowser to vehicle. Fuel/oil spill absorption kits shall be provided.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 10 Diversion of Contractor shall provide traffic diversion schemes and signage as required in specific stretches Throughout the Construction traffic to avoid inconvenience to present road users due to construction, to ensure smooth traffic flow, alignment of phase and to minimize accidents to road users during construction. proposed Traffic diversion signs should be bold and clearly visible, particularly at night. subproject /task 11 Cut and fill Finalisation of alignment plan and profile shall consider options to minimise excessive cuts or Throughout Construction fills. The design shall as per the relevant “Low Impact Road the alignment of phase provisions of the Low Volume Roads Engineering BMP Field Guide that is referenced herein. proposed subproject Cut and fill quantities required for profile correction shall be balanced to the extent possible, /task to avoid dependence on earth from borrow areas. In all cases of cut and fill, top soil shall be preserved and reused for turfing of embankment slopes or redevelopment of borrow areas or any other areas in the vicinity of roads. Under no circumstances shall topsoil be used for fill.
Low versus High Impact Roads: These figures show the reduced work and reduced environmental impacts from low standard roads that conform to the topography. The low standard road reduces cut and fill slope size, reduces earth work, visual impacts, and minimizes changes to natural drainage patterns. The high standard road can move a large volume of traffic rapidly and safely, but is not required in this project. Source: Low Volume Roads Engineering: Best Management Practices Field Guide, Gordon Keller, P.E., and James Sherar, P.E., U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development, July, 2003.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 12 Cross Road construction will also require construction of cross drainage structures, across At all Construction Drainage streams/rivers flowing across the road. Appropriate structures are illustrated. locations of cross phase Structures Ensure that construction of drainage structures will not alter drainage patterns, and that drainage structures discharge capacities of drainage structures are designed to facilitate smooth passage of water along the road and flooding is avoided even in flood season.
Install culverts at natural stream grade.
Culvert/pipe wingwall construction. Culvert/pipe rip-rap protection.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 13 Cross Natural drainage crossings with a culvert will adhere to the design principles illustrated below, to At all Construction Drainage the extent feasible and appropriate under the conditions encountered. locations of cross phase Structures drainage structures (continued) along the road
14 Alteration of Contractor shall keep to a minimum, the use of mechanical plant in, or close to watercourses Works in progress in Construction watercourses and shall ensure that any mechanical plant working in or close to a watercourse is used in a proximity to any phase targeted, controlled manner. watercourse Contractor shall minimize the number of access routes for mechanical plant to reduce the impact on the banks of the watercourse. One access route shall be used for any machine entering or exiting the base of the watercourse. Contractor shall not permanently alter any watercourse other than where the water is actively eroding or isolating a pre-existing road or bridge, or associated constructions (culverts, bridge crossings, retaining walls/cages). Temporary excavations in river and stream beds will be permitted only so as to allow concrete structures to be rebuilt.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 15 Roadway For the Naa road and other rehabilitated road segments where a roadway V-ditch is used to Along all During erosion capture road surface water runoff, contractor shall space leadoff ditches frequently to prevent reconstructed forest construction control for accumulation of excessive water in the roadway ditches and follow the norm as illustrated: roads point of discharge of concentrated flows
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 16 Use of Where possible material excavated in the course of constructing the retaining wall/cage shall Wherever retaining Construction retaining walls be used to form the back-filling material. If there is insufficient material available, any walls or gabions are phase and gabions additional materials will be sourced from a commercial available source and transported to emplaced (wire cages the project site by tipper truck. Material will not be taken from borrow pits, nor will the base of filled with the watercourse be excavated to provide material. rocks) The stability and drainage of soil placed behind retaining walls/cages is paramount. Graded See also gravel may be added to the back-fill to aid drainage. mitigation no. Where possible, bushes and small trees shall be planted to increase soil stability through root 19, Gabions. binding. Existing examples in Abkhazia suggest that the planting of walnut trees would be particularly effective as they have a strong root structure and provide additional impetus to the local population to tend to collection of walnuts and, by extension, the basic upkeep of the construction.
17 Tree Planting Tree planting operations shall be commenced immediately after completion of Throughout the Construction in cases embankment compaction. alignment of phase where trees Species shall be suitable for local climate and available. The concerned District Forest proposed rural road have been Officer can be consulted for selection of species and technical guidance, if required. (in stretches removed due wherever applicable) to construction Proper care shall be taken to increase survival rate of saplings like regular watering, pruning, activity provision of tree guards, manure for better nourishment, etc., including timely replacement of perished saplings.
18 Streambank The figure below presents the size of rip-rap appropriate for streambank and culvert Wherever Construction protection protection that will resist displacement for various velocities of water flow and side slopes. streambank rip-rap phase This figure is a guide, recognizing that typical embankment linings will be no more than 2-10 stabilization is meters in length, 2-3 meters high, and that locally available stone will be used offering a provided limited range of gradations, sizes and weights. Ideally, riprap should be placed upon a stable foundation and upon a filter layer made of coarse sand, gravel. The riprap itself should be graded to have a range of sizes that will minimize the voids and form a dense layer. The riprap should be placed in a layer with a thickness that is at least 1.5 times the size (diameter) of the largest specified stone, with the thickest zone at the base of the rock. In a stream channel, the riprap layer should cover the entire wetted channel sides, with some freeboard, and it should be placed to a depth equal or greater than the depth of expected scour.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 18 Streambank Wherever Construction protection streambank rip-rap phase (continued) stabilization is provided
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 19 Gabions: Wherever gabion During Standard protection is provided construction specification for size and placement
Box gabions
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 18 Gabions: Wherever gabion During Standard protection is provided construction specification for size and placement (continued)
Mattress gabions
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 18 Gabions: Wherever gabion During Standard protection is provided construction specification for size and placement (continued)
All gabions – mesh size S1 = 80 mm S2 = 100 mm Wire diameter = 2mm
Size of rock for gabions > 2S (200 mm)
Placement
Mattress gabions – slope protection
Box gabions – streambank protection
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 18 Gabions: Wherever gabion During Standard protection is provided construction specification for size and placement (concluded)
Box gabion specifications
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 19 Preparation of Engineering measures for countering soil erosion, slope protection, drainage wherever required Throughout Construction embankment shall be considered and implemented as per the examples given in the PEA. the alignment of phase and road base proposed subproject Measures such as selection of less erodable material for embankment construction, /task (in stretches compaction, adequate embankment slopes and turfing shall be favored. where applicable) 20 Hot mix plants Road surfaces will be either compacted gravel or as available in the case of the Marukh Throughout the Construction and laying of road. Concrete beams or wooden beams will be used on several bridges/crossings. Hot mix alignment of phase asphalt/ bitumen plants for asphaltic/bitumen materials are not to be considered for use in any aspect or phase proposed rural road prohibited of this project.
21 Pollution and All diesel equipment/vehicles/ deployed for construction activities shall be regularly As determined by Construction spillage control maintained for smooth operation, a measure contributing to air quality and noise control. contractor phase for equipment/ All vehicles deployed for material movement shall be spill proof to the extent possible. In any vehicles case, all material movement routes shall be inspected daily to clear off any accidental spills. deployed for When feasible, schedule construction activities in the dry season so that impacts on water quality construction of stream/river are minimized or avoided. works Precaution shall be exercised to prevent oil/lubricant/ hydrocarbon contamination of channel bed during construction works. Spillage, if any, shall be immediately cleared with utmost caution to leave no traces. Ensure all construction wastes are removed from work site and stream/river beds are to be cleaned up (at least 50 m on both upstream and downstream sides of water courses) after completion of construction but prior to onset of rainy season,
22 Onsite concrete The contractor shall make or confirm arrangements with the concrete batch plant operator for the Wherever Construction management recycling of excess concrete and site wash-down with the client. No excess concrete will be concrete is phase disposed of by contractor other than at a designated facility offsite. poured All usage of concrete, including delivery, should be carried out to minimize the risk of spillage. The concrete deliverer is responsible for safe and timely delivery to the site without causing spillage en route. Contractor shall not allow excess concrete, slurry or truck wash-down water enter a drain or waterway or otherwise pollute the environment. Contractor shall not conduct any concrete finishing and curing operations (spraying, blasting on compounds). Contractor shall not allow washout of concrete trucks and concrete-handling equipment on site. Washout of concrete trucks and concrete-handling equipment shall be conducted by the concrete batch plant operator in a designated area offsite.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 23 Special A wheeled loading shovel shall be used to open up blocked access along the existing dirt road, As determined by Construction contractor protective move fallen trees, level uneven ground and remove small landslides. The road shall not be Phase mitigation widened or altered in any way beyond its current extent. measures for the Material removed from landslips or fallen vegetation will be deposited on the downhill bank of the Upper Kodori road close to where removed, or used nearby to improve the road surface. roads, subproject/task For parts of the road that require retaining to prevent subsidence, retaining structures shall be #14 (Marukh constructed of rough-sawn timber. road) See also, Mitigation Measure No. 3 regarding tree felling, which is applicable.
24 Occupational All personnel at work sites shall be provided with protective gears like helmets, boots, etc., so As determined by Construction safety and health that injuries to personnel are avoided or minimized. contractor Phase measures at Children (less than 16 years) and pregnant women shall not be allowed to work. work sites, camp sites, and No personnel shall be allowed to work at site for more than 12 hours per day. construction Workforce likely to be exposed to noise levels beyond regulatory stipulated limits, shall be camps, if camps provided with protective gears like hear plugs etc., and regularly rotated. are allowed by Dust suppression measures shall be ensured at all operations areas. USAID in future. The work and campsites shall have suitable facilities for handling any emergency situation like fire, explosion, etc. All areas intended for storage of hazardous materials shall be quarantined and provided with adequate facilities to combat emergency situations. All required permits for storage of inflammable/hazardous materials are to be obtained. The personnel in charge of such areas shall be properly trained, licensed and with sufficient experience. The operational areas shall be access controlled and entry shall be allowed only under authorization. Construction camps, if any are permitted by USAID in the future, shall have in-house community/common entertainment facilities. Dependence on local entertainment outlets by construction camps shall be prohibited.
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Project No. MITIGATION MEASURES Location Activities Time Frame 25 Construction No construction camps are planned or authorized under this project. If as some future date, As determined by Pre-construction camps, if construction camps are authorized, the following mitigation measures shall apply: contractor, subject to and construction permitted by Construction campsites shall be located away from any local human settlement areas and USAID approval phase USAID for future preferably located on lands, which are barren/waste lands. project phases The camps shall be located, at a minimum, 5 km from forest areas to deter trespassing by construction labourers. The campsites shall be provided with adequate water supply, sanitation and all requisite infrastructure facilities. This would minimize dependence on outside resources, presently being used by local populace and minimize undesirable social friction thereof. The camps shall have septic tank/soak pit of adequate capacity so that it can function properly for the entire duration of its use. Construction camps shall be provided with kerosene/LPG to avoid dependence on firewood for cooking to the extent possible. After completion of construction works, location of campsites shall be restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up operations.
26 Phase II Prior to the implementation of activities in addition to the 16 subprojects/tasks that are the At any location Post-construction activities or subject of this Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), the Implementing Partner (IP) proposed for a phase, or at any additional shall notify the USAID Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) about any proposed activities subproject/task not time that subprojects/ that would require mitigation measures, safeguards or controls that are not covered in the PEA covered in the PEA additional tasks or this Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The AOR may require that the IP demonstrate or this EMP. subprojects/tasks that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place before approving such additional are identified activities.
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RECORD OF COMPLIANCE WITH ACTIVITY-SPECIFIC
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLANS (EMMPs)
Subject: Site or Activity Name/Primary Project Name/IEE DCN Number
To: COR/AOR Name
Copy: Mission Environmental Officer Name
Date: Date
The [name of the implementing organization] has finalized its activities at the [subproject/task site name] to [describe activities and processes that were undertaken]. This memorandum is to certify that our organization has met all conditions of the EMMPs for this activity. A summary of the how mitigation and monitoring requirements were met is provided below.
1. Mobilization and Site Preparation: [Expand as needed]
2. Activity Implementation Phase: [Expand as needed]
3. Site Closure Phase: [Expand as needed]
4. Activity Handover: [Expand as needed]
Sincerely,
______Implementer Project Director/COP Name Date
Approved:
______USAID/Project COR/AOR Name Date
______Mission Environmental Officer Name Date
Distribution:
• Project Files • Bureau Environmental Officer
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