E879

Public Disclosure Authorized GOVERNMENT OF ALBANIA

Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Albania: Water Resource Management Project Environmental Impact Assessment of Sub- Projects in First Phase and Environmental Public Disclosure Authorized Management Plan Framework

March 23, 2004 (Final Report) Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized i

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I I I Acronyms and Abbreviations

Executive Summary

I Introduction 5

2 Background 7

3 Legal, Policy and Institutional Framework 9 3.1 Legal and Polig Framework 9 3.2 InstitutionalFramework 11

4 Overview of Environmental Situation 14 4.1 Basic Features 14 4.2 Topography and Geologv 14 4.3 Climate 16 4.4 Water Resources 17 4.5 Sedimentation 22 4.6 Land Resources 23 4.7 Vegetation 29 4.8 Wetlands of Nature ConservationInterest 29

5 Overview of Environmental Assessment of First Phase Schemes 30 5.1 Background 30 5.2 Approach to the ELA 30 5.3 Scope of EnvironmentalAspects 31 5.4 Methodology 32

6 Berat BRU-3 34 6.1 Background 34 6.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works 36 6.3 PresentEnvironmental Situation 37 6.4 Without Project Future 38 6.5 EnvironmentalImpact of the ProposedRehabilitation Works 38 6.6 Mitigation Measures 40 6.7 The MonitoringProgramme 40 6.8 Conclusions 41 7 Fier FRU-3 44 7.1 Background 44 7.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works 47 7.3 Present EnvironmentalSituation 48 7.4 Without ProjectFuture 53 7.5 EnvironmentalImpact of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 53 7.6 Mitigation Measures 55 7.7 The Monitoring Programme 55 7.8 Conclusions 56

8 Korce Gjanci KOU-1 59 8.1 Background 59 8.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works 61 8.3 Present EnvironmentalSituation 62 8.4 Without ProjectFuture 64 8.5 En1vironmentalImpact of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 65 8.6 Mitigation Measures 66 8.7 The Monitoring Programme 66 8.8 Conclusions 68

9 Lezhe LEU-1 70 9.1 Background 70 9.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works 73 9.3 PresentEnvironmentalSituation 74 9.4 Without Project Future 77 9.5 Environmental Impacts of the ProposedRehabilitation Works 77 9.6 Mitigation Measures 79 9.7 The MonitoringProgramme 80 9.8 Conclusions 80

10 Shkoder SHU-4 83 10.1 Background 83 10.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works 87 10.3 PresentEnvironmentalSituation 87 10.4 Without ProjectFuture 90 10.5 EnvironmentalImpact of the ProposedRehabilitation Works 90 10.6 Mitigation Measures 92 10.7 The MonitoringProgramme 93 10.8 Conclusions 96 11 Vlore VLU-1 97 11.1 Background 97 11.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works 100 11.3 Present EnvironmentalSituation 102 11.4 Without Project Future 106 11.5 EnvironmentalImpact of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 106 11.6 Mitigation Measures 108 11.7 The Monitoring Programme 109 11.8 Conclusions 111

12 Environmental Management Plan First Phase Schemes 114 12.1 Introduction 114 12.2 Key EnvironmentalAspects 114 12.3 Mitigation Plan 118 12.4 Monitoring Plan 119 12.5 InstitutionalArrangements 122 12.6 Implementation of the EMP 123 12.7 Public Consultation and Disclosure 124 12.8 Post-ProjectEvaluation 124

13 Conclusions over First Phase Schemes 143

14 Environmental Management Plan Framework 146 14.1 Introduction 146 14.2 Environmental Review and Approval Process 146 14.3 InstitutionalArrangements 152 14.4 Budget 153 Tables Table 4.1: River Monitoring Programme 18

Table 4.2: Analysis of River Waters 1996 19

Table 4.3: Normal and High Flow Rates for Various Return Periods (m3/s) 20

Table 4.4: Estimated Flood Volumes for Various Return Periods (MCM) 20

Table 4.5: Estimated Low Flow Exceedance Probabilities (m3/s) 21

Table 4.6: Some Chemical Characteristics of Maliq Peat and Associated Soils 27

Table 4.7: Wetlands of Potential Interest 29

Table 5.1: List of Schemes Selected for the First Phase of the WRMP 32

Table 6.1: Berat BRU-3 Drain Water Salinity 38

Table 6.2 : Overview of the annual monitoring programme 42

Table 7.1: Water Chemistry of the Devoll and Osum rivers and the Kurjan Reservoir 50

Table 7.2: Fier FRU-3; FRK -7/8 Drain Water Salinity 51

Table 7.3: Overview of the annual monitoring programme 57

Table 8.1: Korce Gjanc KOU-1 River and Drain Water Salinity 63

Table 8.2: Overview of the annual monitoring programme 67

Table 9.1: Water Chemistry of the Mat at Millot 75

Table 9.2: Lezhe LEU-1 Drain Water Salinity 79

Table 9.3: Overview of the annual monitoring programme 81

Table 10.1: Water Quality of River Drin, Canal and Drain for Shkoder SHU-4 88 Table 10.2: Shkoder SHU-4/9 Drain Water Salinity 89

Table 10.3: Overview of the annual monitoring programme 94

Table 11.1: Water Chemistry of the Vjosa at Mifol 103

Table 11.2: Overview of the annual monitoring programme 111

Table 12.1: Potential Physical Environmental Impact of Sub-Projects 116

Table 12.2: Potential Biological Environmental Impact of Sub Projects 117

Table 12.3: Potential Human Environmental Impact of Sub-Projects 117

Table 12.4: Overview of Budget for Implementing the EMP for First Phase Schemes 125

Table 12.5: Environmental Management Framework for Berat BRU-3 Irrigation Rehabilitation 126

Table 12.6: Environmental Management Framework for Fier FRU-3 Irrigation Rehabilitation 128

Table 12.7: Environmental Management Framework for Korce Gjanci KOU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme 131

Table 12.8: Environmental Management Framework for Lezhe LEU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme 134

Table 12.9: Environmental Management Framework for Skhoder SHU-4/9 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme 137

Table 12.10: Environmental Management Framework for Vlore VLU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme 140

Table 14.1: Environmental Checklist 147

Table 14.2: Sample Environmental Assessment Typology 150

Table 14.3: Environmental Guidelines for Civil Works Contracts 151 Figures Figure 5.1: Location of the Irrigation Rehabilitation Sub-Projects 33

Figure 6.1: Berat BRU-3 Irrigation and Drainage Layout 35

Figure 6.2: Berat Ure-Kusove BRU-3 Monitoring Locations 43

Figure 7.1: Fier FRU-3 - Irrigation and Drainage Layout 45

Figure 7.2: Fier FRU-3 - Monitoring locations 58

Figure 8.1: Korce Gjanci KOU-1 - Irrigation Layout 60

Figure 8.2: Korce Gjanci KOU-1 - Monitoring locations 69

Figure 9.1: Lezhe LEU-1 - Irrigation and Drainage Layout 71

Figure 9.2: Lezhe LEU-1 - Monitoring locations 82

Figure 10.1: Shkoder SHU-4/9 - Irrigation and Drainage Layout 85

Figure 10.2: Shkoder SHU-4/9 Monitoring Locations 95

Figure 11.1: Vlore VLU-1 -Irrigation and Drainage Layout 98

Figure 11.2: Vlore VLU-1 - Monitoring locations 113 Photos Photo 7.1: Fier - Kurjani Reservoir 46

Photo 7.2: Fier - Drain in the Marineza Area 46

Photo 9.1: Lehze - Damaged Groyne on Mat River 72

Photo 9.2: Lehze - Main Canal Headreach 72

Photo 10.1: Shkoder - Drini Intake Gate 86

Photo 10.2: Shkoder - Main canal headreach 86

Photo 11.1: Vlore - Main and Secondary Drains in the Saline Area 99

Photo 11.2: Vlore - Mifoli Pump Station 99 Appendices

Appendix A: Generic Environmental Management Plan

Appendix B: Control of Construction-related Nuisances

Appendix C: Technical Assistance Programnme

Appendix D: Public Consultations

Appendix E: Environmental Questionnaire Acronyms and Abbreviations

BOD biochemical oxygen demand

CEC cation exchange capacity cm centimetre

DB Drainage Board DBC Drainage Basin Councils DO Dissolved oxygen dS m-' DeciSiemens per metre (electrical conductivity)

E. co/i Escherischia coli EC electrical conductivity EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation FWUA Federation of Water Users Association FiMI farm yard manure g gram ha hectare HTS Hunting Technical Services Limited

ICID Intemational Commission on Irrigation and Drainage IHNI Institute of Hydrometeorology kg kilogram km kilometre kWh kilowatthour

1 litre LEP Law on Environmental Protection LID Law on Irrigation and Drainage LWR Law on Water Resources

m metre masl metres above sea level MCM million cubic metres meq milliequivalent (mmolc) mg milligram MoAF Ministry of Agriculture and Food MoE Ministry of Environment

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation NEA National Environment Agency (now Ministry of the Environment) NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NGS National Geological Service NPK nitrogen, phosphate (P2 05) and potash (K2 0) fertiliser NWC National Water Council NWSSRC National Water Supply and Sanitation Regulatory Commission

PIU Project Implementation Unit PMU Project Management Unit PS Pump Station

REA Regional Environment Agency

SAR sodium adsorption ratio SIDRP Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Programme SS suspended solids t tonne (1000 kg) TDS total dissolved solids

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

WB World Bank WE Water Enterprise WHO World Health Organisation WUA Water Users Association y year Executive Summary

The Government of Albania has requested support from the World Bank towards the implementation of a Water Resources Management Project. This project will help Albania to increase the contribution of water resources to sustainable economic growth through increase in agriculture production. The implemented agency for the proposed project is the Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MoAF).

It is expected that the proposed Project will include the following components:

* Component 1: System Rehabilitation * Component 2: Institutional development for irrigation, drainage and flood management sector * Component 3: Institutional support for water resources management, and * Component 4: Project implementation support Under Component 1, the Project will support repair and rehabilitation of selected irrigation and drainage infrastructure (e.g., irrigation canals, drainage structures, pumping stations) to improve agriculture productivity as well as urgent physical measures to improve the safety of dams. The Project will not support investments into new infrastructure and all works will be done in agricultural lands. Given the nature of the physical works to be supported under the project, the project has been classified as Environmental Category B.

As part of project preparatory activities, the PMU under the MOAF has prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the first six irrigation rehabilitation schemes intended to be financed under Component lof the Project. Under the initial phase. The schemes selected for rehabilitation during the first phase include Berat (BRU-3), Fier (FRU-3), Korce Gjanci (KOU-1), Lezhe (LEU-1), Shkoder (SHU-4/9) and Vlore (VLU-1).

Since the remaining of the investments are not know yet, given the demand-driven nature of the project -water users associations and drainage boards will apply to the Project for assistance, the PMU has also prepared Environmental Management Plan Framework (EMPF). The EMPF will serve as a valuable tool for identifying key environmental and social impacts that could result from the rehabilitation works to be supported under the Project. It proposes environmental screening, mitigation measures to address the most significant negative impacts, monitoring programs, public disclosure and institutional responsibilities for implementation.

This document summaries the results of the EIA and EMPF, which were carried out with the assistance of Halcrow Group Limited.

EnvironmentalImpact Assessment of Sub-Projectsin FirstPhase

The World Bank has been supporting the Government of Albania through the MoAF with the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes since the end of 1994. The First Irrigation Rehabilitation Project led to the rehabilitation of about 91,000 ha of irrigation lands and 120,000 ha of drainage systems between 1995 and 2000. The Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project (SIDRP) rehabilitated the primary works of irrigation systems covering 50,000 ha, secondary works to 25,000 ha and drainage systems for 90,000 ha. The SIDRP had a bottom-up demand- driven approach in which the rehabilitation of irrigation canals depended on the strong commitment of farmers, including up-front financial contributions. Initially, farmers were reluctant to invest in these projects, but participation increased dramatically as the benefits became apparent.

During the initial phase, the Project will focus in completing rehabilitation works that started under the SIDRP, for which an environmental screening reports and feasibility studies were prepared. The Screening Reports and Feasibility Studies have been updated to allow for the work completed in the SIDRP on these schemes and the work that is anticipated to be carried out under the proposed Project.

The irrigation schemes covered in the EIA section of this report are: Berat BRU-3, Fier FRU-3, Korce Gjanci KOU-1, Lezhe LEU-1, Shkoder SHU-4/9 and Vlore VLU-1.

Each scheme was evaluated according to the World Bank guidelines for impacts upon the physical, biological and socio-economic environments. Impacts were graded as positive or negative and according to degree of severity from no impact through minor, moderate and severe levels. All schemes have been determined to be environmentally acceptable with negative impacts (i.e. those imposing some degree of risk to the environment) either nil or minor. Mitigation measures have been introduced to offset the minor negative aspects to the extent possible. These measures consist of engineering interventions, incorporated into the design of the schemes, or modifications to farming practices (through training schemes) to reduce groundwater and drain pollution by agrochemicals.

Improved irrigation and drainage will have beneficial impacts worth highlighting. First, they will reduce waterlogging and increase crop production, maintaining sustainability by ensuring salinity control. Second, they will derive considerable improvement of farm incomes and living standards of families dependant on agriculture, by increased employment opportunities, enhanced land values, improvement in the nutrition of both humans and animals, an overall improvement in health and an increase in the quality of life.

The potential negative environmental impacts of the proposed rehabilitation works have been grouped into two sets: those that may occur during the construction phase, and those that may occur during the operation phase.

During constructions, impacts will be limited to disturbance, noise and dust as well as disposal problems. These impacts will be temporary and will cease on the completion of the works. During the operation phase, potential environmental impacts may arise from sediment accumulation in canals, deterioration of water quality downstream and groundwater sources, disturbance to localized ecosystems, and hydrological disturbance.

Water quality deterioration could lead to public health concerns associated with nitrate levels in potable water from wells and the presence of untreated sewage in drain water, which is at present recycled within irrigation scheme for irrigation of summer vegetables. The nitrate problem wil be tackled under the farmer training programme. The irrigation of crops with potentialy polluted water will be substantial reduced by making available additional irrigation water supply. The review of the monitoring data collected over the first twelve month period of operation of the rehabilitated schemes shows that at present the quality of drainage water and groundwater is within acceptable limnits. Monitoring will continue during the life of the proposed Project.

Potential disturbance to ecosystem has been identified in two schemes: Skoder SLU-4 and Vlore VLU-1. These two sub-projects discharge into rivers that eventually reach Category 4 nature reserves. The Shkoder SLU -4 whose water, after dilution in Lake Myrtemza, reaches the Viluni lagoon and Vlore VLU-1, which discharges some drain water to the Narta lagoon. Current baseline data reveal that at present the quantities of pollutants passing into these schemes is relatively small. Nonetheless, it is important to monitoring drainage discharge given the dynamics of the irrigation sector and the increased agriculture production the rehabilitation works are expected to bring may lead to the increases in agro- chemical application.

Hydrological disturbance are not expected in any of the six schemes, since in all cases, the quantity of water to be abstracted will not exceed the amount extracted in former times. Trends in water use will be monitor during project implementation.

Public meetings were held for all sub-projects where each proposed scheme was outlined and the environmental implications of the development were explained. In all cases there was overwhelming support for rehabilitation.

In 2001, four of the sub-projects were submitted to the Albanian Ministry of Environment and Food (former Natiaonal Agency for Environmental Protection) and received approval, subject to monitoring conditions in respect of Shkoder and Vlore that have been incorporated into the environmental management plan for those sub-projects. Procedures are being followed to obtain the approval of the Ministry of Environment for the Berat and Korce Gjanci schemes.

Tables A through F below present the Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for each scheme proposed for first phase. The EMP proposes mitigation and monitoring measures to address potential negative impacts identified during the environmental screening, the implementation arrangements, the timing of the implementation of the measure, the proposed training, and the respective incremental cost of the measure.

EnvironmentalManagement Plan Framework(EMPF)

The PMU has also prepared the EMPF, which describes procedures for environmental screening, environmental documentation, review and approval, consultation, disclosure as well as institutional arrangements for ensuring full consideration of environmental safeguards accordance to World Bank operational guidelines and Albania procedures in the implementation of additional investments for rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage schemes financed under the project and proposed by Water Users Associations and Drainage Board.

While EMPF provides procedures for environmental screening and categorization, the EMPF describes procedures to deal with only environmental categories B and C schemes. Procedures for any environmental category A scheme would be developed on a case by case and in consultation with the World Bank. The EMPF will become an integral part of the Project Operational Manual. Table A: Environmental Management Framework for the Berat BRU-3 Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year)

Construction to ensure Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PMU. Contractor to ensure Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU Contractor to ensure Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor workers construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site basic training including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long term receive procedures spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP compliance PMU. to ensure Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction area s. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU. Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Operation Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs (main Included in Annually sediment at intake clearance of main, going issue that has to and secondary maintenance main canals, cross secondary and tertiary be addressed through drains) costs of the drainage structures. canals. regular maintenance. WUA scheme (tertiaries) Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMU Operation PMU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural Health awareness message nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices Programme to farmers. groundwater would Well water sampling continue. PMU 400 Operation programme (nitrate, phosphate, F. coliforms). Contamination of Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Rehabilitation PMU application of drainage water from applications results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme that drainage water was PMU 400 Practices Policy domestic sources (nitrate, phosphate, F. good. coliform s). Table B: Environmental Management Framework for the Fier FRU-3 Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Construction to ensure Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PMU. to ensure Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMIU to draft Bidding phase Contractor agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site wotkers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training. Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMIP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU to ensure Land and water Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor workers pollution by implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site basic training construction activities adequate SEMP. but no long term receive Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures comp]iance PMU. to ensure Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor workers construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction area s. term change in land Supervision by use. PMIU. Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Operation

Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- EWUAs Annually sediment in canals. clearance of main, going issue that has to (primaries and secondary and tertiary be addressed through secondaries) canals. regular maintenance. and WUAs (tertiaries) Deposition of crude Appropriate engineering The oil industry Contractor to Incorporated Design stage oil in irrigation canals design to prevent entry of remains a source of design and into the and drainage canals pollutant. pollution, but oils implement engineering spillages will not impact design cost. upon the irrigation canals. Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels. Monitor - operation Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMIU Operation PMU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural Health awareness message nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices Programme to farmers. groundwater would Well water sampling continue. PMU 400 Operation programme (nitrate, phosphate, F. coliforms). Contamination of Restrictions on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMIU Operation PMU application of drainage water from application to land. results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme that drainage water PMU 400 Twice a year Practices Programme domestic sources. (nitrate, phosphate, and F. quality was good. colform s). Table C: Environmental Management Framework for the Korce Gianci KOU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risk Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Construction Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure residents. implementation of adequate during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PMU. Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to ensure agricultural activity minimise disruption during to farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction implementation of adequate during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers activities including SEMP. but no long term receive basic training accidental spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance PMU. Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction wastes construction wastes through during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction in land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU. Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risk Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Operation_ Sediment loads in Requires a watershed High suspended source waters management programme. sediment will WB's related project - should continue due to look at this scheme as a pilot conditions in the project. upper catchment. Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs Annually sediment in canals. clearance of main, secondary going issue that has (primaries and and tertiary canals. to be addressed secondaries) and through regular WUAs (tertiaries) maintenance. application of" Water infiltration Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU into soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of Practices Programme plough pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain WUA Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains groundwater levels WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater levels within an acceptable PMU 500 period. and salinity. range Monitor - operation of Contamination of Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation PM7U Operation PMU application the rural water application on fields. is a major pathway Best Agricultural supply from Health awareness campaign of nitrates so PMU Operation Practices Programme agricultural and to farmers/ villagers. pollution to domestic sources Well water sampling groundwater would programme (nitrate, continue. PMU 400 Twice a year phosphate and F. coliforms). Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risk Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Contamination of Restrictions on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of drainage water from application to land. results have Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme indicated that PMU 400 Twice a year Practices Programme domestic sources. (nitrate, phosphate and F. drainage water coliform s). quality was good. Table D: Environmental Manageme t Framework for the Lezhe LEU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Construction Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PMU. Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to ensure agricultural activity minlimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance PMU. Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU. Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Operation Silt laden flows due to This scheme should be High sediment loads natural and considered under the will continue given the accelerated erosion in separate Natural Resources nature of the upper the u/s catchment. Management Project. catchment Erosion and hillslope De-silt canal and structures Long term problem due instability above main annually, or more to geomorphological canal which threatens frequently if required. nature of slopes. structure and sediment loads. Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs (primaries Annually sediment in canals. clearance of main, going issue that has to and secondaries) secondary and tertiary be addressed through and WUAs canals. regular maintenance. (tertiaries) Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU 500 period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMU Operation PMU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural from agricultural and Health awareness nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices Programme domestic sources. campaign to farmers/ groundwater would villagers. continue. Well water sampling PMU 400 Twice a year programme (nitrate, phosphate and F. coliform s). Contamination of Restrictions on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of drainage water from application to land results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Health awareness message that drainage water PMU Twice a year Practices Programme domestic sources to farmers. quality was good. Sampling programme PMU 400 Twice a year (nitrate, phosphate, and F. coliform s). Ecological habitats Regular monitoring of No significant impact PMU 500 Twice a year Training in the quantity and quality of expected methods of sampling drain discharge and use of field equipment Nitrates in drains Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of application results have indicated Best Agricultural Sampling programme that drainage water PMU 400 Twice a year Practices Programme quality was good. Table E: Envirounental Management Framework for the Skhoder SHU-4/9 Ir igation Rehabilitation Project Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (Us$/year) Construction

Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site adequate SEMP. but no long term workers receive Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance. PMU. SEMP procedures Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. ensure all site sowing and harvesting. workers receive Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. basic training in Monitor construction Supervision by Construction SEMP procedures activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long term workers receive spillages. Monitoring of SEMiP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance PMU. SEMP procedures Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. workers receive impacts PMU. basic training in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU. Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Operation Deposition of Regular canal clearance FWUAs (primaries and Annually sediment in canals secondaries) WUAs (tertiaries) Improvement of Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application water infiltration in to susceptible to of Best Agricultural soils development of plough Practices pans. Programme Changing - Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU 500 period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation Measurement of drain Installation of flow Engineering 7000 Operation discharge measurement devices contractor Contamination of tes Restriction on nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMIU Operation PMU application in well waters applications a major pathway of of Best Agricultural Health awareness nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices campaign to groundwater would Programme farmers/villagers continue. Sampling programme PMU 400 Twice a year Nitrates in drains Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application application results have indicated of Best Agricultural Sampling programme that drainage water PMU 400 Twice a year Practices quality was good. I _I_I I Programme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Ecological habitats Regular monitoring of No significant impact PMU 500 Twice a year Training in the quantity and quality of expected methods of drain discharge sampling and use of field equipment Table F: Environmental Mana ement Framework for the Vlore VLU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Construction Disturbance of Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to local residents. implementation of adequate during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site SEMP. but no long term workers receive Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance. PMU. SEMP procedures Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to agricultural activity minimise disruption during to farmers contracts. ensure all site sowing and harvesting. workers receive Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. basic training in Monitor construction Supervision by Construction SEMP procedures activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to construction implementation of adequate during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site activities including SEMP. but no long term workers receive accidental spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance PMU. SEMP procedures Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to construction construction wastes through during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site wastes SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. workers receive impacts PMU. basic training in SEMP procedures Permanent change Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction in land use construction are as. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU. Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Annual Cost Requirements Impact___Risks_ Activity(US$/year)

Operation _ Bank erosion River training works. Stabilise river banks. FWUA Annually affecting channel Regular inspection and stability reporting Deposition of Regular canal clearance FWUAs (primaries Annually sediment in canals and secondaries) WUAs (tertiaries) Improvement of Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of water infiltration in susceptible to Best Agricultural to soils development of Practices plough pans. Programme Changing Efficient use of water Maintain WUA Insert piezometers in groundwater levels Maintenance of drains groundwater levels WUA construction period. and quality Monitor groundwater levels within an acceptable PMU 800 Monitor - operation and salinity. range Contamnination of Restriction on nitrogen Poor rural sanitation PMU Operation PMUIJ application of the rural water applications is a major pathway Best Agricultural supply from Health awareness campaign of nitrates so PMU Operation Practices agricultural and to farmers/villagers pollution to Programme domestic sources Sampling programme groundwater would PMU 400 Twice a year (nitrates, phosphates and F. continue.

coliforms) ______Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Incremental Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Annual Cost Requirements (US$/year) Contamination of Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of drains from application results have Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme indicated that PMU 800 Twice a year Practices domestic sources (nitrates, phosphates and F. drainage water Programme coliforms) quality was good. Measurement of Installation of flow Very low levels of Engineering Construction phase drain discharge measurement devices contamination in contractor Sampling programme drainage water. PMU 5,000 Twice a year (nitrates, phosphates and F. coliforms) Ecological habitats Regular monitoring of No significant PMU 500 Twice a year Training in the quantity and quality of impacts expected. methods of Myrtemza main drain sampling and use of I field equipment ------I-- -- Introduction

The Government of Albania has requested support from the World Bank towards the implementation of a Water Resources Management Project. This project will help Albania to increase the contribution of water resources to sustainable economic growth through increase in agriculture production. The implemented agency for the proposed project is the Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MOAF)

It is expected that the proposed Project will include the following components:

* Component 1: System Rehabilitation * Component 2: Institutional development for irrigation, drainage and flood management sector * Component 3: Institutional support for water resources management, and * Component 4: Project implementation support The Government of Albania has requested support from the World Bank towards the implementation of a Water Resources Management Project. This project will help Albania to increase the contribution of water resources to sustainable economic growth through increase in agriculture production. The implemented agency for the proposed project is the Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MoAF).

It is expected that the proposed Project will include the following components:

* Component 1: System Rehabilitation * Component 2: Institutional development for irrigation, drainage and flood management sector * Component 3: Institutional support for water resources management, and * Component 4: Project implementation support

Under Component 1, the Project will support repair and rehabilitation of selected irrigation and drainage infrastructure (e.g., irrigation canals, drainage structures, pumping stations) to improve agriculture productivity as well as urgent physical measures to improve the safety of dams. The Project will not support investments into new infrastructure and all works will be done in agricultural lands. Given the nature of the physical works to be supported under the project, the project has been classified as Environmental Category B.

As part of project preparatory activities, the PMU under the MOAF with the assistance of Halcrow Group Limited has prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the first six irrigation rehabilitation schemes intended to be financed under Component lof the Project. Under the initial phase. The schemes selected for rehabilitation during the first phase include Berat (BRU-3), Fier (FRU- 3), Korce Gjanci (KOU-1), Lezhe (LEU-1), Shkoder (SHU-4/9) and Vlore (VLU- 1).

Since the remaining of the investments are not know yet, given the demand-driven nature of the project -water users associations and drainage boards will apply to the Project for assistance, the PMU has also prepared Environmental Management Plan Framework (ENIPF). The EMPF provides procedures for environmental screening and environmental categorization as well as public disclosure procedures and institutional responsibilities for implementation.

6 2 Background

Agriculture is the leading sector of the Albanian economy accounting for approximately 50% of the GDP and 60% of the total employment. Although Albania has substantial annual rainfall, the distribution varies from 3,000mm in the northern mountains to only 800mm in the coastal area with less than 20% of the rainfall occurring in the six-month period from April to September. Summer crops can only be grown if irrigation water is available and drainage is important in preventing flooding and water logging in winter, particularly in the coastal plain. The construction of irrigation and drainage schemes was given high priority under the socialist regime and by mid-1980s irrigation and drainage schemes covering about 420,000 and 280,000 hectares respectively were constructed.

During the socialist era, the state-owned Water Enterprises (WE) were responsible for the entire irrigation and drainage sector. During the gradual decline of the economy in the last period of the socialist regime, many irrigation and drainage systems entered into a vicious cycle of inadequate budget allocation, deferred maintenance, system deterioration and unreliable water delivery, which was exacerbated by the massive destruction of public property following the collapse of the socialist regime in 1991. As a result many irrigation and drainage schemes ceased operations and by 1993 only 80,000 hectares were irrigated.

Since the end of 1994, the World Bank has been supporting the Government of Albania through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (NIoAF) with the rehabilitation of existing irrigation schemes in order to improve their performance so that small farmers would be able to increase their agricultural production and improve their livelihoods.

In response to the acute crisis in the irrigation and drainage sector, the Government of Albania adopted the policy to transfer the operational responsibilities of secondary irrigation canals to water users through Water Users' Associations (WUAs), with the operation and maintenance of the primary canals and irrigation reservoirs remaining the responsibility of the state-owned Water Enterpn'ses. However, the Water Enterprises were not able to manage the primary canals and reservoirs due to diminishing subsidies and the extensive vandalism perpetrated during the civil turmoil of 1997. In 1998 the Government decided that the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the primary irrigation facilities

7 and associated drainage schemes should also be transferred to water users through Federations of Water Users' Associations (FWUAs).

Under the First Irrigation Rehabilitation Project, irrigation systems covering about 91,000 hectares and drainage systems for some 120,000 hectares were rehabilitated between 1995 and 2000. As there was a clear need to expand the initiatives taken under the first project across the country and to ensure the sustainability of the irrigation and drainage sector by continuing and completing the essential institutional reform a second project was undertaken. The Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project (SIDRP) rehabilitated the primary works of irrigation systems covering 50,000 hectares and secondary works to 25,000 hectares and drainage systems for 90,000 hectares.

The primary objectives of the SIDRP were:

* to achieve sustainable and equitable use of irrigation water for agricultural production; * to reduce the risks of floods; and * to support Government's initiative towards establishing institutional and legal framework for dam safety.

The SIDRP had a bottom-up demand-driven approach in which the rehabilitation of irrigation canals depended on the strong commitment of farmers, including up- front financial contributions, in order to nurture their ownership. Initially farmers paid only sufficient to rehabilitate the primary works but as the benefits became apparent demand for rehabilitation of the secondary systems has increased dramatically with farmers depositing their financial contribution.

The proposed Water Resource Management Project (WRMP) will complete the rehabilitation works and the irrigation management transfer process.

8 3 Legal, Policy and Institutional Framework

3.1 Legal and Policy Framework 3.1.1 Irrigation, Drainage and Water Resources Management Irrigation and drainage activities are governed by two laws, the Law on Water Resources (LWR) No. 8093 of 1996, and the Law on Irrigation and Drainage (LID), No. 8515 of 1999.

The LWR establishes the National Water Council (NWC).

The purpose of the LID is:

* to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment and operation of Water Users Associations (WUAs), Federation of Water Users Associations (FWUAs) and Drainage Board Councils (DBCs). * to define institutional arrangements and competences supporting a national policy in respect of irrigation, drainage and flood protection in Albania * to determine the legal rights and duties of legal and natural persons involved in irrigation, drainage and flood protection * to provide for the transfer in use and in ownership of irrigation systems to WUAs and FWUAs, and * to provide for the transfer in use and in ownership of drainage systems and flood defence works to DBCs.

3.1.2 Environment Environmental legislation is governed by the Law on Environmental Protection No. 8934, dated September 5, 2002. This Law establishes national and local policies on environmental protection, requirements for the preparation of environmental impact assessments and strategic environmental assessments, requirements for permitting the activities that affect the environment, prevention and reduction of environmental pollution, environmental norms and standards, environmental monitoring and control, duties of the state bodies in relation to environmental issues, role of the public and sanctions imposed for law violations.

9 According to the Law on Environment, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) is the competent authority for reviewing the request for ELA documentation prepared by independent experts hired by the project developer. The Law provides that the MOE will prepare and approve a list of experts to provide such services. The list has not been approved yet.

A new law on EIA , No.8990 was approved on January 23, 2003. This law defines the rules, procedures and deadlines in identifying and assessing the direct or indirect activities of projects or activities on the environment. The law establishes provisions for all of the steps necessary to implement the EIA procedures: presentation of the application, preliminary review, selection and classification criteria, public hearing and consultation, access to information, duties and rights of other bodies. The law also provides the list of activities that should be subject to the extended EIA process. These activities include oil and gas refinery plants, thermo-power stations, smelters, oil and other mineral extraction, incinerators, etc., with an identified capacity. The other list of activities that includes: agriculture, silviculture, aquaculture, quarries, food industries and other activities not included in the other list, is subject to the shortened EIA process. The extended EIA report should contain besides the standard data on the project, its description, potential impacts on the environment and rehabilitation measure, more detailed information on the site selection, direct and indirect impacts, potential impact on of the several development options on environment and public health, estimation of the risks for the accidents with considerable impact on the environment and sustainable use of energy, natural and mineral resources. Requirements for the implementation of transboundary EIA are also included, since Albania has ratified Espoo Convention on Transboundary Impacts.

3.1.3 InternationalConventions Albania has signed and ratified a number of intemational conventions.

(a) The UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. This was ratified on January 5, 1994. The Protocol on Water and Health was ratified on March 8, 2002. (b) The Convention on the Environmental Impact Assessment in Transboundary Context was ratified by Albania on October 4, 1991. (c) The UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents was ratified onJanuary 5, 1994. (d) Albania is a signatory to the RAMSAR Convention (1971) on the protection of wedands. At present there two designated RAMSAR sites in

10 Albania: the Karavasta lagoon and Butrinti Lake. The Narta lagoon has been identified as a candidate RAMSAR site. A management programme for the lagoon was proposed under the PHARE programme (PHARE, December 1999) and is being followed by UNDP/GEF . The wider objective of the management programme would be to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of bio-diversity by the improvement, planning and managing the resources of the lagoon. (e) The Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters was signed by the Ministers of Environment of EU Member States in Aarhus, Denmark, on 25 June 1998. Albania ratified the Aarhus Convention on 27 June 2001.

3.2 InstitutionalFramework 3.2.1 Irrigation, Drainageand Water Resources Management The principal executing agency established under the Law on Water Resources (LWR) is the Technical Secretariat of the National Water Council (NWC), which is responsible for montoring the nation's water resources, proposing regulations for their sustainable development and issuing permissions and licences for water abstractions, discharges and transfer of water across river basin boundaries. The law also provides for a regional component of water resources management based on Drainage Basin Councils (DBCs), responsible for the implementation of national water resources policy and permitting. However, the NWC has not been allocated sufficient budget to establish any DBCs.

In principal, the WUAs and FWUAs are responsible for entering into contracts with upstream suppliers of water, or securing licences to divert water, and then supplying the water to their members for an agreed fee.

The DBCs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of drainage and flood defence systems under the supervision of local interest groups such as FWUAs, municipalities and communes.

The regulation of groundwater abstraction for potable water supply is currently divided between the National Water Supply and Sanitation Regulatory Commission (NWSSRC) and the National Geological Service (NGS).

In summary, the legislation results in overlapping competences in the management of water resources between the various institutions. Three principal organisations are involved, the NWSSRC, the MOEP, and the NWC/DBCs. However, as the legislation is not fully implemented, the overlapping competencie s have yet to materialise. In practise:

* the role of the NWSSC is limited to approving water charges set by the newly established Water Supply Companies; * the NEA and REAs were established, but they have since been incorporated into a Ministry of Environment, and remain under-resourced and unable to carry out their full range of duties; * the Technical Secretariat of the NWC has been established but is under- resourced and none of the DBCs have been established to date.

As a result the management of water resources continues on an ad hoc basis. The control of surface waters is vested in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MoAF) through its (Irrigation and Drainage) Water Enterprises (WE) and the control of groundwater is with the Ministry of Public Works through the Water (Supply) Enterprises/ Companies. In many districts of Albania, responsibility for irrigation supply infrastructure has been handed over to the FWUAs and WUAs. The WUAs have also acccepted respo nsibility for the tertiary drainage systems in their areas whilst the remainder of the drainage system currently rests with the WEs.

3.2.2 Entironment In 2002, the Ministry of Environment approved its new structure, which consists of. The Directorate of Policy, Legislation and Integration, Directorate of EIA, Directorate of Pollution Prevention, Directorate of Nature Conservation and Directorate of Foreign relations and Communication. The new structure indudes the Environmental Inspectorate which on central level is comprised of the Chief inspector and two other inspectors, while in the qark (regional) level of the inspectors of the Regional Environmental Agencies. The EIA directorate and the Environmental Inspectorate coordinate their activities as regards inspection of environmental damages and pollution and enforcement of the permit conditionalities. The REAs are responsible for the enforcement of environmental legislation at the local level through local inspection. The inspection includes the review of actual construction in order to determine compliance and monitoring. The REAs must provide approval before construction can commence. They have the authority to take action should there be a breach of regulations or permit requirements, including halting works.

12 The EIA system of proposed and on-going projects is administrated by the EIA Directorate of the MOE. The EIA Directorate has approximately 5 level staff in Tirana and about 30 local staff in 12 Qarks. The EIA Directorate has the expertise needed to administrate the EIA system, but the expertise shall be further strengthened. This directorate cooperates very closely with the other technical directorates of the Ministry especially as regards the screening of the requests, identifying of the permit conditions monitoring of the permit application and rehabilitation of the environmental after the conclusion of activities.

A small number of full EIA studies have been carried out for internationally funded projects, generally under the procedures of the funding institutions. Although scientific and technical institutions have been weakened during the past decade, considerable experience exists in the university, scientific institutions and NGOs on fundamental aspects of environmental impacts assessment.

13 4 Overview of Environmental Situation

4.1 Basic Features The Republic of Albania is situated between latitudes 39°38' and 42o39' north and longitudes 19°16' and 21°40' east. It is bordered on the north by Montenegro, to the north-east by Serbia (Kosovo), to the south-east by the Republic of Macedonia, to the south by the Republic of Greece, and to the west by the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The total surface area is 28,748 square kilometres and the country is divided, for administrative purposes, into twelve Prefectures and further subdivided into 36 administrative districts.

Albania is a mountainous country, with a varied landscape and much bare rock. The location between the sea and a mountainous hinterland results in very varied climatic conditions. The population of 3.4 million is now distributed fairly evenly between the rural areas (53 5%/6) and the urban areas.

The land use in Albania consists of agricultural land (240/0), forests (360/6), meadow and pasture (16%) and 'unproductive' land: urban, waterways etc (24 %). The total agricultural area of around 700,000 ha is most intensively cropped in the western coastal lowlands where the majority of the irrigation schemes are located. About 420,000 ha are supplied with an irrigation infrastructure.

4.2 Topography and Geology Albania is a mountainous country and the topography exhibits considerable variability, with more than 75% of the land being described as hilly or mountainous. Elevations range from sea level to a maximum of 2751 metres at Korabi peak. The broad topographic classification adopted (Zdruli, 1997) is divided into three regions based on height above sea level. These are: the lower region 0-1000 metres, occupying about 67% of the land mass; the central region comprised of elevations between 1000-2000 metres and occupying 31% of the land; and high elevations (2000-2800 metres), that represent 2 % of the total land area.

Geologically the country is relatively young and was formed during the Tertiary era when tectonic activity resulted in uplift and formation of the mountain ranges, oriented in a general south-east to north-west direction. The resulting folding

14 produced anticlines and syndines superimposed on the system of inter-montane valleys and the coastal lowlands.

The country is located in a tectonically active zone and significant faulting has resulted in the formation of many steep slopes and near vertical fault scarps.

Igneous rocks form around 15 % of the land area. Most are intrusives and occur in the north, north-east, central and the south eastern sectors. The central and eastern regions are dominated by ultrabasic rocks that are the source of the important deposits of nickel and chromium. These ultrabasic rocks have a complex mineralogy dominated by the presence of olivine (a magnesium rich silicate). Other igneous rocks include gabbro, diabase, dolerite and basalt. Acid igneous rocks include pegmatites and granite. Metamorphic rocks occur only to a limited extent, usually as marble and gurbrinite.

The sedimentary rocks are widespread and occupy around 85% of the land area, mainly present on the coastal plain, central and southem Albania. The coastal plains are mainly sandstones and mudstones (shales) with conglomerates in the hills. However, limestones occur most frequently throughout the country with dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate) the most common form. Some gypsum deposits are encountered.

Albania is relatively well endowed with minerals and some thirty types have been recognised (Mining Journal, 1992). The south-west is rich in hydrocarbons, particularly petroleum and bitumen, whilst the north-east has chromite, copper and ferrous nickel deposits.

Petroleum and bitumen are found in the Tertiary deposits along the edge of the coastal plain between Elbasan and Vlore. Seepages of natural gas have been known from Classical times and mentioned in the writings of Strabo and Dioscorides. The petroleum is costly and difficult to refine with a high sulphur and asphalt base. The bitumen is of high quality and has been exported since Classical times from the mine at Selenica.

The chromite ore is widely distributed (48% Cr203 ) and the Albanian deposits are the fourth largest in the world, although the association with serpentine results in limited workability.

15 The copper occuts as low grade suiphide ores associated with iron pyrites, largely found in the valleys of the Mat and Drin rivers.

The iron nickel deposits contain about 1 % nickel and were originally processed at the large metal refining complex at Elbasan.

Lignite is mined at various places within seams that vary from 0.5 to 1.7 metres thick and of varying calorific value.

4.3 Climate Albania is situated between two major atmospheric regions and between two distinct systems of atmospheric circulation. In winter the Azores High extends over southern Europe and into Central Asia with low pressure over the Mediterranean and North Africa, bringing cold dry northerly winds into Albania. In the summer, Mediterranean low pressure extends northwards and brings very warm air into the region. At all seasons Atlantic and Mediterranean cyclonic depressions bring rain that is particularly extensive and violent in the winter months. Also the virtually land locked Adriatic trough possesses its own low pressure area and frequent cyclonic depressions bring south west and westerly winds into Albania. The depressions are forced to rise over the high land with resultant rainfall. These depressions also accelerate the general circulation of the Mediterranean Sea currents bringing warmer surface water through the Ionian Sea and into the Adriatic. This has the effect of mitigating the winter cold for the coastal regions and increasing the summer humidity. The climate is one of winter cold and heavy rainfall with a hot and dry summer. Altitude and aspect determine the local climate.

The Institute of Hydrometeorology (1988) has subdivided the country into four sub climatic zones. These are:

* The southern coastal plain; * The central and northern coastal plain; * The sub-mountainous or hilly region; * The mountain region.

The southern coastal plain extends from Lushnje to Saranda and includes the Elbasan valley. It is characterised by a relatively dry Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild wet winters. The average summer temperature is 260 C with a humidity of 60% (for July and August). Winter average temperature is 100 C in

16 January. Average annual rainfall is 800-1300 mm, mostly in winter, with around 300 mm falling between June and September.

The central and northern coastal plain is also characterised by the Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Average summer temperature is 240 C. Winter is wet and there is a possibility of frost. Rainfall is high, especially in the north, where up to 2000 mm is received.

The sub-mountain region extends, more or less parallel to the coast, from south to north having an altitude of 800 masl. This region is dissected by rivers that flow from east to west. The average summer temperature is 26.80 C and falls in winter to -11' C. Frosts are frequent. Rainfall varies but on the Korce plain, the most important agricultural area, the precipitation is only 640-800 mm, suggesting that this area is in a rain shadow situation.

The mountain region extends above 800 masl and is characterised by a continental climate with a summer rainfall from 600-1000mm and an annual average of 1500mm. November and December are the wettest months and July the driest. The northern areas have a very high rainfall, up to 3000 mm/y. The summer temperature may reach 250 C in July and winter minimum temperature may fall to -200 C.

4.4 Water Resources The water resources of Albania are extensive. Winter rainfall is good, even in the plains. Several major rivers, the Drini, Vjosa and the Semani drain from the highlands westwards to the Adriatic. There are several large lakes, Prespa, Ohrid and Scutary on the eastern borders. A series of coastal lagoons occur along the Adriatic of which the Karavasta, Narta, Kune-Vain and Shkoder are perhaps the most important. A large number of reservoirs have been constructed (630) and groundwater is also an important resource.

4.4.1 Surface Water (a) Surface Water Quality The Institute of Hydrometeorology (IHM) measure flow and monitor the water quality at various locations, about 18 in total. The location of each station is given in Table 4.1. Prior to 1990 the analytical data reported were devoted to evaluation for agricultural applications. More recently additional observations have been included (biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphate and

17 suspended solids) as an aid to monitor the potential environmental quality of the river water.

Table 4.1: River Monitoring Programme River Sampling Point Station number Kiri After Shkodra 1 Drini Bahcallek 2 Uraka Kurbnesh 3 Fani I Vogel Reps 4 Fani I Madh Reps 5 Mati Milot 6 Lumi i Tiranes Ura e Barit 7 Gjola Ura e Gjoles 8 Ishmi Ishmi 9 Shkumbini Labinot 10 Shkumbini Paper 11 Shkumbini Rrogozhine 12 Erzeni Ura e Beshirit 13 Devolli Kozare 14 Osumi Ura Vajgurore 15 Semani Mbrostar 16 Gjanica Fier 17 Dunaveci Korce 18

These station numbers are used in the following table that gives some chemical analyses of river waters measured in 1996.

18 Table 4.2: Analysis of River Waters 1996

Station Ca Mg Na K HCO3 Cl S04 EC SAR pH DO BOD SS 1 0.9 1.4 1.6 0.1 2.4 1.1 0.5 0.3 1.6 8.1 10.7 2.6 170 2 1.3 0.6 1.5 0.1 2.5 0.5 0.5 0.3 1.5 8.0 9.5 1.7 4

3 1.2 0.4 1.3 0.1 2.7 0.2 0.1 0.3 1.4 8.2 11.1 3.5 1

4 1.2 0.6 1.9 0.1 2.2 0.2 1.4 0.4 2.0 7.6 6.8 1.1 7

5 0.7 0.8 1.1 0.1 2.0 0.2 0.5 0.3 1.2 8.4 7.0 0.7 2

6 0.9 0.3 1.9 0.1 2.8 0.2 0.2 0.3 2.4 8.0 6.3 0.2 6

7 1.0 1.0 2.8 0.1 3.9 0.3 0.7 0.5 2.8 8.1 7.0 0.2 220

8 1.9 1.1 4.5 0.1 5.2 1.3 1.1 0.7 3.8 7.7 9.2 9.0 60

9 1.9 1.0 4.8 0.1 5.1 1.4 1.3 0.8 3.9 8.2 9.6 6.4 44

10 0.6 1.4 2.7 0.1 3.8 0.4 0.6 0.5 2.7 8.1 8.3 1.1 136

11 0.7 1.7 3.8 0.1 4.8 0.5 1.0 0.6 3.5 8.0 7.6 1.5 180

12 0.7 1.3 3.2 0.1 3.5 1.4 0.4 0.4 3.2 8.1 6.7 4.3 456

13 0.5 1.6 2.4 0.1 3.1 0.5 1.0 0.5 2.4 8.6 8.0 0.9 10

14 0.9 2.4 3.3 0.1 4.9 0.8 1.0 0.7 2.5 8.5 7.7 1.8 330

15 0.9 1.3 4.6 0.1 4.8 0.8 1.3 0.7 4.6 8.0 6.3 5.1 45

16 1.2 1.4 3.7 0.1 3.8 1.1 1.5 0.6 3.4 8.3 8.8 3.2 36

17 1.5 1.6 8.9 0.1 4.6 5.0 2.5 1.2 7.0 7.7 5.6 9.8 30

18 1.2 2.9 2.5 0.1 5.7 0.5 0.5 0.7 2.1 8.2 7.4 5.1 8 Notes: anions and cadons expressed in me/I and converted from IHM data (expressed in mg/i) given in Table 19 of the 'State of the Environment' report for 1995-1996 (NEA 1997). Sodium and potassium were not reported and were deduced as follows: potassium normally present in small amounts and so a token 0.1 me/I assumed. Sodium then calculated by difference between sum of anions and sum of reported cations ie calcium, magnesium and potassium. The electrical conductivity (EC) was not stated and this was calculated by dividing the sum of the total cations by 10. Dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and suspended solids all reported as mg/I.

19 As shown by Table 3.3, run off from hills and mountains can be high and the change of gradient is considerable as the water leaves the highland and reaches the valleys. Most rivers in the inter-montane valleys and the coastal zones are protected with embankments to prevent flooding of the low lying adjacent alluvial terraces where development is most intense. Most irrigation schemes are situated in this position. Flood volumes can be high as illustrated by the data in Table 4.4 for the Seman river at Ura e Kucit (Institute of Hydrometeorology, 1985). The run-off volume for the 10 year flood event has been estimated at more than 200 million cubic metres (MCM).

Table 4.3: Normal and High Flow Rates for Various Return Periods (m3/s) Flow Type River Mat at Ishm at Erzeni at Shkumbin at Seman at Vjosa Milot Sukth Sallmonaj Rrogozhine Ura e Kucit Normal 86.1 20.1 19.2 65.2 92.1 178 5-year 104 25.1 23.0 79.3 113 218 10 year 119 29.3 26.2 89.5 130 247 20-year 133 32.0 30.3 98.7 145 274 50-year 148 37.3 33.1 109 163 310 100-year 159 40.2 36.4 117 177 335

Table 4.4: Estimated Flood Volumes for Various Retum Periods (MCM) Retum River period Mat at Ishm at Erzeni at Shkumbin at Seman at Vjosa (year) Milot Sukth Sallmonaj Rrogozhine Ura e Kucit

10 172 55 55 120 208 503

20 213 64 68 152 268 618

50 267 77 80 192 348 768

100 308 84 90 222 402 883

Low flows, as measured in terms of low flow exceedance probabilities, are given in Table 4.5. The summer river flow is often insufficient and many schemes depend upon water supplied from reservoirs. Such water may be run-off from surrounding catchments or pumped storage supplied during the winter months.

20 Table 4.5: Estimated Low Flow Exceedance Probabilities (m3 /s) River Probability Mat at Ishm at Erzeni at Shkumbin at Seman at Vjosa (%) Milot Sukth Sallmonaj Rrogozhine Ura e Kucit 50 15.1 5.2 7.8 16.7 19.4 42.2 75 13.3 4.8 7.4 15.7 18.3 35.2 90 12.0 4.4 7.2 15.0 17.5 30.1 95 11.3 4.2 7.1 14.6 17.0 27.4 99 10.3 4.0 6.8 14.0 16.4 23.1

(b) Municipal Water Quality Water for municipal use has been made a priority and the Government has adopted the WHO standards for potable water (WHO, 1993), maintaining an active sampling programme for the larger municipalities and those centres that serve groups of villages. The Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology has responsibility for the source water sampling widtin the distribution systems. Parameters usually measured are residual chlorine, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and E. coli.

(c) Sediment in Rivers Measurement of sediment loads in major rivers was not a standard practice for the IHM, nor have sediment loads been measured in canals. This situation has been partially rectified in recent times and later reports contain some data. BCEOM (1996) also present data obtained from the IHM. All this data is of limited value unless the water velocity is reported and high sediment loads in the peak flow periods (winter and spring) have little overall relevance to the irrigation diversions that take place in the summer period, when river flow rates and suspended solids are generally much lower. However the deposition of coarse sediment at the intakes to many of the schemes results in considerable clearance costs at the start of the irrigation season.

4.4.2 Groundwater (a) Groundwater Levels Groundwater levels in the coastal plains fluctuate throughout the year, with periods of recharge closely following periods of high rainfall. The IHM maintains a series of observation wells. According to DAI (1996) groundwater resources are generally reserved for public water supphes and extraction for irrigation is not normally allowed. However, in several schemes where irrigation water is not

21 presently available, use is made of groundwater for irrigation of vegetables during the summer months. Similarly, private development of groundwater for high-value crops (vegetables) is taking place outside Tirana. The provision of irrigation water will reduce, but not entirely replace, use of groundwater.

Monitoring of the changes in groundwater level within the irrigation sub-projects has never been done on a routine basis. This information is important for the interpretation of the effectiveness of drains and their actual performance compared to design performance. High water tables in summer provide a source of water to the crop through the process of capillary rise, very important in situations where irrigation water is not supplied, and a factor that often enables the farmer to achieve a modest yield of summer crop. Hidromont (1998) provide some data on sub-soil water movement for a plot in Fier, illustraing the reaction of the water table to irrigation with both functioning and partly functioning tertiary drains and the impact of the plough pan restricting downward water flow. These observations are important and help in the interpretation of water movement over, into and through the soil. Unfortunately these measurements were restricted to the summer months and were curtailed after one season. Regular monitoring of the groundwater depth and quality (initially EC) has been recommended for each subproject so that the operation of the drains can be checked and any longer term trends detected concerning drain function, change of water quality and the possible onset of soil salinity.

(b) Groundwater Contamination Contamination by nitrogen is of some concern in the rural areas where the potable water supply is obtained from shallow wells not subject to control and analysis for water quality. These shallow wells are used by some sub-project households and a system of monitoring has been recommended to check groundwater water quality. The problems of nitrate in water are common to all sub-projects, to a lesser or greater extent, depending upon access to a piped and treated water supply.

4.5 Sedimentation Most rivers carry a substantial load of coarse and fine sediments that are deposited when the gradient eases. Sedimentation from rivers is at a peak during the winter months. Sub-scheme intake structures on these rivers are dosed at this period but much material is left to obstruct passage of irrigation water. The high velocity of the water (and deposited sediment) also destroys intake channels, scours the river beds and brings about bank erosion. Considerable annual costs are incurred by many sub-projects to clear these deposits.

22 The major irrigation canals often cross, or are close to, steeply sloping land and interrupt the natural drainage channels. Here the control of cross drainage is a constant challenge. Some high level canals also act as cut-off drains, collecting rainfall run-off and sediment.

Sedimentation in the smaller irrigation channels is not too serious as the diverted water supply has lost a lot of sediment by the time the tertiary channels are reached.

Assessments of sediment loss from local catchments, made as part of the environmental impact of irrigated lands in the Lushnje District (Halcrow 2001a) revealed a generally satisfactory situation. Losses were estimated at around one millimetre of soil depth per annum - a sustainable level.

Sedimentation into reservoirs also appears to be manageable for the sub-projects under study.

4.6 Land Resources 4.6.1 Introduction The national soil map of Albania was completed in 1958. The classification adopted was essentially a local one, adapted from the Russian system and clearly served its intended purpose quite well, providing an overview of the land resources, their distribution and suitability for agricultural development, based on physical, chemical and biological properties (Zdruli, 1997). Various attempts have been made since 1968 to reconcile the local soil classification to the intemational systems in common use, such as the FAO system and the USDA Soil Taxonomy, with only partial success.

4.6.2 Soils ofAlbania The most accessible source of information available is that of Zdruli (1997) and much more resides in the archives of several institutions dealing with soils, such as the Soil Research Institute at Tirana and the various universities, including the Agricultural University at Kamza on the outskirts of Tirana. This report does not intend to deal with the entire range of Albanian soils and discussion will be restricted to those soils specifically encountered on the irrigation schemes studied within this project. According to Zdruli (1997) each irrigation scheme originally was surveyed at the scale of 1:10,000 and 1:50,000 scales and reports with soil maps and analytical data were produced. However, since this information is not available, sketch maps at scales of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 were used for

23 examination. Classification was at the coarsest level of Soil Orders. These maps were classified according to the FAO Soil Map of the World legend and are reproduced for each sub-scheme area.

4.6.3 Specfic Problems of Local Soils (a) Soil Fertility The use of inorganic fertilisers is low due to the prevailing economic conditions and farmyard manure is used as much as possible.. Farmers would like to make use of artificial fertiliser to maintain crop nutrition and avoid crop yields decline. The major nutrients of interest in Albania are nitrogen, phosphate and potash. Only nitrogen and phosphate are routinely applied as potash fertiliser is considered too expensive and the return to that fertiliser is not economic under the existing circumstances. It is claimed that soil fertility is being degraded due to use of too little fertiliser (Zdruli, 1997) although data to support this statement have not been seen. The lack of fertiliser is not obvious in the commonly grown crops and visual observation indicates moderately healthy plants, with the occasional moderate yellowish foliage (nitrogen deficiency), but with few signs of major nutrient disorders such as phosphate deficiency. Crops may be suffering from sub-clinical deficiency symptoms and fertiliser inputs should, at the least, be matched with crop removal to maintain some sort of equilibrium. Potash reserves in some of the micaceous soils are probably good and soil mineral weathering sufficient to supply the rather modest crop needs, but these are special circumstances. Phosphate reserves in soil are usually not sufficient for sustainable plant growth and there is little phosphate in farmyard manure. Phosphate is probably the most important nutrient limiting crop growth at the present time.

(b) Plough Pan The problem of the existence of a plough pan in many areas of the irrigated lands has been known for some considerable time and deep ripping of soils used to be an operation c arried out on a five year rotational basis. This process was discontinued after 1990, apparently for economic reasons. Hidromont (1998) monitored the irrigation cyde at three sites (one site in each of three irrigation schemes, notably Lushnje, Kavaje and Fier). Various soil physical and meteorological data were determined at each site and piezometers installed to check phreatic water levels. Soil samples were taken from depths of 30 and 60 cm and subject to a series of tests including pF (soil moisture holding capacity), bulk density and compaction. These investigations provided technical evidence for the existence of a plough pan by confirmation of a high soil bulk density (1.7-1.8 g/cm3) at the 30 cm depth, accompanied by a soil compaction measurement of

24 1.7-2.0 kg/cm2. Tensiometers installed in field plots recorded little change of moisture content at a depth of 60 cm following irrigation, indicating that applied water was not penetrating below the 30 cm layer.

High values for soil bulk densities severely restrict downward water movement (as shown by the piezometer studies) and root growth. The problem, which is common in the finer textured soils of most of the sub-projects, is related to the practice of ploughing when the soil is wet, as noted during field visits in November. The problem can be overcome by deep ploughing (subsoiling) about once every five years - as was done pre-1990 and avoiding, as far as possible, ploughing when the soil is wet.

(c) Saline (Solonchak) Soils These soils occur on the westem lowland plains and are mainly found in low-lying areas where the water table is close to the surface and the groundwater brackish or saline due to influence from the sea. The local classification for saline soils is based on salt content and three categories are distinguished:

* slightly salty: containing 0.25 to 0.5% salt (EC 4.2 to 7.7 dS/m) * moderately salty: containing 0.5 to 1.0% salt (EC 7.8 to 15.4 dS/m) * very salty: containing greater than 1.0% salt (EC>15.4 dS/m).

The first two categories do not constitute a problem for agriculture production and salt removal can be accomplished under the normal agricultural operations, provided that the scheme drains are working according to design standard. The Project will include a few small areas near the coast for rehabilitation of drainage. Most have been excluded from the rehabilitation programme, such as the very saline clay soils at the Vlore VLU-1 sub-project. This will facilitate the natural restoration of coastal wetlands.

(d) Magnesium Dominated Soils (Serpentines) Ultramafic rocks and serpentinites occur in many parts of the world and are conspicuous for their unusual vegetation, characteristically lacking in the variety of species and numbers of plants (Krause, 1958). These ultrabasic rocks consist of iron-magnesium silicates that, following weathering, produce soils having high values for exchangeable magnesium, generally exceptionally low values for exchangeable calcium and smectite (montmorilloriites) as the typical clay minerals. Such soils are usually deficient in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, molybdenurn deficiency can occur. The heavy metals nickel, iron and chromium

25 often attain high values in soil and associated plants. Some plants accumulate very high concentrations of nickel (the accumulator plants). Albania has large areas of ultrabasic rocks and many magnesium rich soils, often called smonitsa soils.

There are also cracking clay soils in Albania that exhibit all the characteristic s of Vertisols and contain high amounts of exchangeable magnesium. They have been classified as smonitsa (and by implication serpentine soils) and yet are not characteristic serpentine soils since they appear to lack the ubiquitous high concentrations of nickel and chromium.

(e) Peat (Organic) Soils Peat soils are common within the lower lying lands of the coastal plain and in other places where swamps and marsh previously existed. The anaerobic decomposition of swamp vegetation (Juncus, Typha, Augustifola, Scirpus and Salix sp.) resulted in the formation of thick deposits of organic litter and eventually peat. The thickness of the peat layer varies from 50 to 150cm with even deeper layers present in some areas. The Maliq swamp area near Korce has up to 8 metres depth of peat. Drainage of the land and the lowering of the water table have resulted in the oxidation of much peat, accelerated by the disturbance of land due to cultivation. The former swamp at Maliq has all gradations from mineral soils with an organic rich layer merging into extensive deposits of peat in the low-lying central area. The peats are reasonably fertile with plenty of nitrogen, although incorporated into the organic material and not readily available to plants. Phosphate status is moderate, as is potash. Some zinc deficiencies have been observed. The peat is slightly to moderately acid in reaction (pH 5.5 to 6.0), has good permeability to air and water, with a bulk density less than 1.0g/cm 3 and can absorb water up to ten times their weight. The soils are friable and easily cultivated.

The peats are poorly drained and ponded water is common during the winter months. Groundwater may be just below the surface or even above the land level. The underlying silts and clays are very poorly drained at all times, are a dark grey in colour and bacterial reduction dominates soil forming processes. Reduction extends into the waterlogged peat and a strong smell of hydrogen sulphide was encountered during field inspections in November.

Groundwater tables are shallow and (according to Plaku et al, 1999) at the end of the dry season (October 1995) it was at 150 cm depth in the unburnt peat land and 120 cm in adjacent burnt areas. The following March (1996), at the end of the wet

26 season, the watertable depths wete respectively 30 cm below ground level and above ground level.

The peat lands a Maliq originally occupied around 2000 ha although that area has decreased significantly over the past fifty years, pardy as a result of cultivation and natural oxidation of the organic matter. The most catastrophic reduction of the volume of peat has resulted from fire, mainly due to burning of crop residues in the field. These incidents have taken place in scattered areas so that the resultant micro-relief is now undulating and the surface difficult to cultivate and to drain. The land now consists of a complex pattern of natural peat, partially burned and completely burned areas. The best estimate of the probable area of peat remaining is 1200-1500 ha. The ash content of the peat varies from 15 to 20% (Plaku et al, 1999). Some data on the peat and adjacent soils are given in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6: Some Chemical Characteristics of Maliq Peat and Associated Soils Property Mineral soil Burnt peat Peat PH 5.5 5.9 5.2 CEC (me/1OOg) 104 104 103

Base Saturation O/o 94 99 77 Organic matter % 41 2 66 Total N % 1.7 0.2 2.5

Total P2 0 5 % 0.7 3.5 0.7 Avail P205 mg/lOOg 15 4.0 17 Avail K20 mg/1OOg 0.2 0.7 0.2 Bulk density g/cm 3 0.41 0.55 0.18 Specific gravity 2.1 2.9 1.8 Source: Plaku et al (1999)

The burnt peat, essentially a mnixture of oxides of the various non-volatile components of the peat, has the highest pH, base saturation, bulk density and specific gravity. The organic matter, total nitrogen and phosphate contents are also low, as one would expect. There is very little difference in the cation exchange capacity (CEC), which is somewhat surprising, as the organic matter has been significantly reduced in the burnt peat areas. This ash still provides a satisfactory medium for plant growth and wheat planted in the winter of 2000 germinated and the young plants were growing as well as those in other, unburnt, parts of the fields.

27 (f) Soil Erosion Soil erosion problems in Albania are not new. The erosion of the uplands was exacerbated in the 1930s by deforestation for fuel wood and the widespread herding of sheep and goats (Mason, 1945). Significant strides were made in reforestation between 1950 and 1988. However the move to increase crop production under rainfall led to expansion of cultivation onto unsuitable land that quickly eroded despite efforts at soil conservation (Atkinson et al, 1991). The economic circumstances of the 1990s resulted in uncontrolled removal of trees for building purposes and fuel wood and increased grazing pressures on marginal land. Maintenance of installed soil conservation works ceased and erosion steadily accelerated. Not all erosion is manmade. Geological erosion is to be expected in a country such as Albania with steep slopes, high and often intense rainfall events and much exposed bare rock surfaces. Much of the land is geologically unstable and landslides are common. The coast has been prograding for many years and the coastline is estimated to have advanced by up to five kilometres since Classical times (Pounds, 1969).

Water erosion of the soil surface is the dominant form and sheet, ril and gully erosion is widely documented. There is some wind erosion that affects small areas of sandy soils on the coastal plains and the peat soils of the Korce plain. The critical erosion period is winter when the rain tends to fall as high intensity, short duration showers. Slope angle and length in combination are the two most important factors controlling water erosion and clearly the mountainous and hilly lands are most at risk. The majority of the irrigation schemes are situated on the plains and terraces of the principal river systems and erosion in the hills does not directly affect their operation. However many schemes are situated close to steep land and deposition of large volumes of sediment during torrent flow does affect intake structures (e.g. Lezhe LEU-1) and increases operation and maintenance costs.

Estimates of the quantities of soil lost from catchment areas throughout the country range from 20 to 70 tonnes per hectare per annum (Kovaci et al, 1996). Target figures for allowable erosion (to maintain sustainability) vary but generally in the range from 10 to 12.5 tonnes per hectare per year. It is therefore clear that some catchment areas need more protection and soil conservation measures need to be implemented. Overgrazing of some of the uplands near the irrigation schemes has resulted in some localised soil erosion. The production of increased quantities of livestock feed as a consequence of rehabilitation is a potential solution to at least part of the overgrazing/erosion problem.

28 Soil conservation will only succeed if the local people are fully aware and involved in the process. A Natural Resource Management Project has been proposed by the World Bank and, when implemented would include the participation of WUAs in local soil conservation schemes.

4.7 Vegetation The variation in altitude, rainfall and geology has resulted in a marked local vegetation and considerable species diversity. Coastal Albania is dominated by Mediterranean flora and evergreen hard leaved vegetation. Oak woodlands in the north give way to maquis scrub and marsh woodlands. Two vegetation regions are recognised within the highlands. The northern Albanian mountains and the central highlands support extensive forests of white bark pine and beech, particularly on the limestone, with oak forest at somewhat lower altitudes. The southern highlands consist of black pine with Greek firs, dry oak woodland and maquis scrub in the valleys.

4.8 Wetlands of Nature Conservation Interest Albania possesses some of the richest biodiversity in the Mediterranean basin and the coastal areas are particularly favoured. Irrigation development on the coastal plains has resulted in the drainage of many former wetlands and several developments occur near existing coastal lagoons. These coastal wetlands are important over-wintering and stop-over sites for migratory waterfowl and other avian species. The principal sites (NEA 1995/1996), along the coast, named from north to south, are given in Table 4.7. Karavasta and Butrint are RAMSAR sites and Narta is under preparation for RAMSAR status.

Table 4.7: Wetlands of Potential Interest Name Surface Area in square km Shkoder Lake 150 Vilunit lagoon 3.9 Kune-Vain lagoon 55 atokut lagoon 4.8 Rrushkullit lagoon 2.6 Karavasta lagoon 30 Pishe Poro lagoon 6.7 Narta lagoon 40 Orikumit lagoon 1.3 Butrint

29 5 Overview of Environmental Assessment of First Phase Schemes

5.1 Background A list of the priority schemes selected during the SIDRP for completion of the rehabilitation works during the first phase of the WRMP is given in Table 5.1 below and the location of the sub-projects is shown on Figure 5.1. These schemes were selected on the basis of technical and environmental aspects, economic viability, and the declared interest by stakeholders (the Water Users Associations - WUAs) for rehabilitation and, furthermore, their agreement to provide financial support.

Sections 6 through 12 present the results of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for each of the six irrigation rehabilitation projects that are being taken forward for refurbishment in the WRMP.

5.2 Approach to the EM In Albania, there is little guidance on the identification of projects requiring an EIA or the scope of an EIA. The Law on Environmental Protection (LEP) 1993 (No. 7664) prescribes the EIA process but does not define the methods for screening which projects require an EIA, determining the scope of the EIA, or the assessment methodology. A draft Council of Minister Decision was prepared in 1993, based on the EU Directive on EIA and elements of American law and procedures, but the Decision was not enacted. The environmental authorities required developers to follow Chapter 2 of the LEP, while EIAs undertaken by International Funding Institutes (IFIs) tend follow the guidance of the IFI.

The recent and ongoing studies for irrigation and rehabilitation in Albania have been funded by the World Bank. These projects have been classified as Category B for the purposes of environmental assessment. Operational Directive 4.01 (World Bank, 1991) states that a Category B project does not require a full environmental assessment and an environmental mitigation or environmental management plan should be sufficient.

In accordance with the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) for the Second Project an environmental assessment of all irrigation and drainage schemes in excess of 1,000 ha is required to fulfil Ministry of Environment (MoE) and Bank procedures

30 and requirements for a classification B project. For sub-projects under 1,000 ha implementation could proceed without an environmental assessment of the basis that PMU verify that no environmental impacts are expected from the rehabilitation works.

This EIA is based on guidance published by the World Bank in OP 4.01 and the International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and the requirements of EU legislation on EIA. This approach satisfies the procedures of the Government of Albania and the World Bank for a classification B project.

5.3 Scope ofEnvironmentalAspects The environmental impact for each scheme cannot be considered in isolation since the schemes are not independent, at least in environmental terms. Impacts arise in three areas:

* upstream of the irrigation project; * within the irrigation project; * downstream of the irrigation project.

Upstream impacts are mainly associated with the quality of the irrigation water received at the scheme intake. In Albania many of the rivers, which form the principal source of irrigation water, were formerly polluted with industrial effluent although the level of pollution is now much reduced due to closure of many of the offending factories. Urban effluent, principally raw sewage, is still discharged into rivers from all centres. Appropriate treatment facilities are planned by various funding agencies to reduce this problem

Occasionally environmental risks intrude such as the deposition of coarse sediments due to erosion of watersheds upstream and erosion of riverbanks near the intake associated with changes in bed morphology.

All potential environmental impacts have to be considered together within each scheme in order to prepare a comprehensive environmental assessment. There are potential direct scheme impacts such as increased crop production, increased use of fertilisers and pesticides, human health, soil erosion, land subsidence, salinsation, waterlogging and contamination of groundwater. Activities not directly attributable to the scheme may affect the irrigation operations, the soil, the groundwater and the drainage effluent. An example is the disposal of domestic effluent into drains and the consequent public health hazards.

31 Downstream impacts will be chiefly concerned with the quality and quantity of effluent discharged by the project back into the river system, or to the principal drain collectors, since a lot of river (and some drain) water is re-used downstream for irrigation.

Finally discharge of drainage effluent from the project has to be considered in terms of its potential effect upon fisheries, wildlife or wetlands downstream.

All these aspects are discussed in more detail in later sections of this report.

5.4 Methodology For each sub-project, the ICID checklist recommended by the Intemational Comnission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) was used to identify those environmental effects that impinge upon the project (upstream effects), those existing or interacting with the irrigation and drainage work proposed (on-site effects) and possible downstream effects of the rehabilitation of the project (downstream effects). A detailed questionnaire (based on the ICID checklist suitably modified for Albanian conditions) was completed by the local consultants prior to the field checks. Field visits were made by the international and Albanian specialists and the project area was thoroughly inspected from the intake structures for the water to the final drain discharge point(s). A reconnaissance was made both upstream and downstream of the subproject, where considered necessary. Farmers were informally interviewed. Notes were made of all potential problems related to water, soil, agriculture and public health. Possible effects upon ecosystems or sites of archaeological/historic interest were evaluated. These findings were compared to the results from the socio-economic surveys. Measures to overcome predicted problems (mitigation measures) have been recommended.

Table 5.1: List of Schemes Selected for the First Phase of the WRMP District Irrigation scheme Net Area ha Berat BRU-3 4,690 Fier FRU-3 7,170 Korce KOU-1 6,050 Lezhe LEU-1 4,320 Shkoder SHU-4/9 5,900 Vlore VLU-l 3,380 Total 31,510

32 Figure 5.1: Location of the Irrigation Rehabilitation Sub-Projects

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33 6 Berat BRU-3

6.1 Background The BRU-3 Berat Ura Kucit sub-project is located mainly in Berat District, and a small part, (740 ha), in Kucove District, in central Albania. The scheme lies in lower part of the Osumi river valley between the town of Berat and the confluence with the Devolli River to the west of the town of Kucove. The top-end of the sub- project lies within the suburbs of Berat town (population around 62,000).

Berat town is approximately 40 km southeast of Lushnje and from there it is around 90 km to Tirana or 56 km to Durres port. Joumey time from Tirana to Berat is around 3 hours along roads of reasonably good condition. Minor roads to the south east of Berat lead into the mountainous areas in central southern Albania.

Approximately 16 villages, within the four communes of Velabisht, Otilak, Poshnje and Perondia-Kucove have an interest in the sub-project.

Figure 6.1 shows the key components of the scheme.

The Berat BRU-3 Ura Kucit sub-project is located on both sides of the Osumi River in the wide alluvial plains which lie between the Shpirag Goncani hills to the west and the Berat Kucove hills to the east. The main canal system supplied from a barrage on the Osumi River is over 25 km long. The areas that make up the BRU-3 scheme are 3,960 ha comprising:

(a) 1,100ha from Beratto Ura Vajgurore, of which about 300 ha is supplied by pumping stations and the remainder by gravity; (b) 740 ha, now in Kucove District to the north east, and supplied by gravity; (c) 2120 ha on the left bank of the Osumi river, between Ura Vajgurore and Sheq Gadja, of which 150 ha is supplied from a pumping station and the remainder by gravity.

34 Figure 6.1: Berat BRU-3 Irrigation and Drainage Layout

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< //- . -W-IK>NC~~~~~~~~~~3 The provision of water is complex in this area with a number of nearby and linked areas supplied either from reservoirs or pumping stations. Extra features were examined and, where appropriate, these additional areas have been included in the proposed works. These additional areas, covering a total of 935 ha, comprise:

- irrigation of the Uznova area upstream of BRU-3 and supplied from a free intake on the right bank which serves 165 ha plus an additional small area (about 120 ha) supplied from the right bank canal from a pumping station;

- irrigation of a further 650 ha on the left bank of the Osumi River which is supplied from a number of sources including the Sadovice reservoir and the much smaller Manastiri and Males Grope reservoirs.

In addition, there are a large number of small pumping stations that supply supplementary water to areas, within the command areas described above, at times when water from the primary source of supply is inadequate.

In summary, of the 4,895 ha considered in this report, 4,325 ha are supplied by gravity and 570 ha from small pumping stations. Of the 4,325 ha supplied by gravity, about 1,600 ha can also be supplied from other small pumping stations when the gravity supply is insufficient during the irrigation season. These pumping stations are reported to be operated about 30 days per year.

This area was, under the previous regime from 1953, an agricultural cooperative that was broken up in 1991. It was highly productive and one of the major crops was cotton, which was processed and used for textile production. The factories were located in Berat town. After 1991 the cotton processing equipment fell into disrepair and is now only operating on a very limited scale. Farmers now grow a range of crops, primarily for home consumption.

6.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works The rehabilitation requirements were based on the findings of the condition survey by SELAS and visits to the sub-project area by the Consultants. The rehabilitation works that were originally proposed comprised the following sections of the irrigation sub-project BRU-3 (3,960 ha) and the adjacent areas (935 ha):

- minor rehabilitation to the main barrage structure across the Osumi River, - rehabilitation of the right bank intake structure, - repairs to the suspension bridge crossing over the Osumi River,

36 - irrigation canal earthworks to restore profiles and capacity,

6 0 - concrete lining of main canals and about % of secondary and sub- secondary canals,

- repair/reconstruction of gates and cross regulators,

- renovation of aqueducts, culverts, siphons and other associated structures,

- rehabilitation of the intake structures and associated works on the Manastiri, Malas Grope and Sadovice reservoirs,

- rehabilitation of five pumping stations which operate throughout the irrigation season and thirteen which are used for pumping supplementary irrigation water in the latter part of the irrigation season,

- improvement to access roads, rehabilitation of bridges and construction of new bridges.

The proposed rehabilitation works of the drainage sub-projects BRK1 and BRK2 (3,960 ha) were completed during the SIDRP. The outstanding works comprise a few remaining secondary canals.

6.3 Present Environmental Situation 6.3.1 Irrgation WaterQualiy Irrigation water quality from the Osumi and Devolli Rivers is extremely good, with very low EC (0.3-0.5 dS/m), TDS (240-340 mg/ 1) and SAR (0.4-0.7) values.

6.3.2 Soil Saliniy and Toxiaiy No saline soils are present in the sub-project areas. No areas of other major problem soils occur within the immediate confines of the sub-project areas.

6.3.3 Drainage WaterQualhy The drains within this project eventually discharge into the Osumi river that joins with the river Devolli within the scheme area to become the river Semani. The Semani water is used downstream to irrigate other lands.

Hunting et al (1998a) confirmed that irrigation water quality was good (EC 0.3 to 0.6 dS/m) and also that drain water in the autumn period (sampling September 1998) was in the range 0.4 to 0.6 dS/m, presumably a wetter year than 2003.

The drainage water quality was monitored in 2003: the sampling points are given on Figure 6.1 and the laboratory data in Table 6.1. The salinity data collected

37 during this recent monitoring exercise confirmed Hunting's results and showed that, even in a dry year, the drain waters (EC 0.6-1.79 dS/m) are not particularly saline and all could be reused directly for irrigation, although in most cases the drain water is diluted by river water before reuse.

Table 6.1: Berat BRU-3 Drain Water Salinity Sample Location Salinity (dS/m) Spring Summer Autumn 1 Shahinova Main Drain (Sheq-Gajde) 0.56 ns ns 2 Shahinova Main Drain (Manastir) 0.70 ns ns 3 Frashnjote Drain 1.79 ns ns 4 Perroi Gorraj Drain 0.90 ns ns

Nitrate (0.01 mg/1) and phosphate (0.01 mg/1) concentrations in the drain water are very low, with the exception of Sample 3 where both nutrients are somewhat higher (nitrate 3.64 and phosphate 2.26 mg/ 1) well above the general range in values, suggesting local contamination by sewage.

Drain water will be diluted by the river, further reducing a salt and agrochemical content that is already low. There are no measurable environmental impacts downstream.

6.4 Without Project Future Summer cropping without water will remain very restricted except for those lands close to the river where it may be possible to abstract some water. In dry years even the drains do not flow (as in 2003). The farmers grow a lot of vegetables for the nearby market at Korce and use of drain water, often contaminated by sewage, will continue to pose a health hazard to consumers.

6.5 Environmental Impact of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 6.5.1 Impacts During Construction The remaining engineering work s are modest and will be constructed using small scale plant and local manual labour. These works will cause some disturbance, noise and dust. The disturbance to passage of traffic will be small due to the scale of operations and only relatively small excavation equipment will be involved. Noise and dust will be limited and may affect the workers more than the inhabitants as the majority of the construction work will be outside the villages.

38 Local labour will be employed and there will not be any clash of cultures.

Supply of construction materials will be sub-contracted to outside individuals who will deliver the quantities necessary for, at most, one or two days work. There will be little or no stockpiling of aggregates or fuel.

Construction will result in the creation of solid waste that will removed from site and dumped at an approved site (either by agreement with the local administration or with the regional environmental officer). All of these impacts will be of a temporary nature and will cease on the completion of the works.

6.5.2 Impacts During Operation (a) Upstream Impact There are no significant upstream impacts.

Sediment has accumulated around the barrage structure, flood debris has been deposited on the steel superstructure and there is scour damage downstream of the piers of the dam. Consequently the presence of these structures is affecting the river morphology locally.

(b) Within Scheme Impact There will be an increase in agricultural production, particularly in the summer months that will be accompanied by an increase in the overall quantity of agrochemnicals applied annually. This increase is estimated to be moderate as the type of crops that will be grown will be the same as presently grown. The application of fertiliser and pesticides will also be restricted by the socio-economic status of the local farmers.

The irrigation efficiency will not be markedly improved so the salt burden of the drain water will remain about the same as at present. The concentration of fertiliser and pesticide residues in the drain water will increase slightly above present levels.

The increase in the supply of water will mean more water in drains and dilution and flushing of sewage components. It will also mean that less water will be used for irrigation, both from the drains and from the groundwater resource.

39 (c) Downstream Impact The drain water from the scheme will continue to have a quality suitable directly for reuse downstream. Any pollutants are effectively diluted when discharged back into the river system so the resultant downstream effect is negligible.

6.6 Mitigation Measures There will be regular inspection and clearing of debris and sediment from canals and drains.

The increased agricultural activity will result in the increased use of agrochemicals and the inevitable loss of agrochemicals, particularly nitrate and pesticide, to drains or groundwater. These impacts will be offset by the introduction of the best agricultural practice training programme. Specifically this will involve:

* Deep ploughing to break up the plough pan to improve water infiltration and crop aeration.

* Farmer education concerning the storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticide residues and containers

* Farmer education concerning the problem of nitrates in water and potential health effects.

* Community agreement to limit nitrate applications to crops.

* Storage and handling of farm yard manure

6.7 The MonitoringProgramme The proposed monitoring requirements have been kept to a minimum consistent with the need to monitor those aspects identified as critical for public health (well water quality, drain water quality), and those that will give information and possible early warning of trends that will affect longer term sustainability (water table behaviour and salinity). Irrigation water quality from the Devoll and Osum rivers is good and it is not necessary to check. The location of the water table monitoring sites and the sampling sites for irrigation and drain water collection are shown in Figure 6.2. The annual monitoring programme is summarised in Table 6.2.

40 6.7.1 Public Health (a) Drainage canals Six sites have been selected. The locations are shown in Figure 6.2. The actual sites will be determined in relation to the villages - both upstream and downstream sample sites are needed. Analysis will be done for the determinands EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. Samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken in April and September of each year.

(b) Well waters Six wells have been chosen according to the locations shown in Figure 6.2. The actual sites will be determined by a field visit and discussion with the farmers. Analysis will be done for the determinants EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. Samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken at six month intervals in April and September each year.

6.7.2 Scheme Water Tables Water table observation pipes will be installed at 6 sites, according to the locations show in Figure 6.2. The location of the pipe must be with the consent of the landowner who should be asked to take responsibility for its protection from interference. Water table depth will be measured at three month intervals during the months of September, December, March and June. Water samples will be collected and analysed for EC only.

6.8 Conclusions Overall the net environmental impact of this scheme would be positive, raising crop production and farm incomes, and will be economically and environmentally sustainable provided that the designated mitigation measures are followed. The rehabilitation would improve the socio-economic status of the farmers considerably provided that the various mitigation measures are implemented. In addition the improved availability of water in the summer months would flush the drains and reduce the health hazard due to disposal of sewage. The scheme produces a significant amount of vegetables for the nearby town of Berat and provision of irrigation water would reduce the tendency to use polluted drain water for irrigation. Negative impacts can be offset, or reduced, by engineering interventions and/or improved farming practices. The scheme does not affect cultural values and it would greatly increase the quality of life of the local people.

41 Table 6.2: Overview of the annual monitoring programme Berat Ure Kucove BRU-3 Monitoring Programme Instrument NoD zt Month and number samples _ Ja Fe Ma Ap My Ju Jy Au Se Oc No De Piezometer 6 De 6 6 6 6 EC 6 6 6 6

Domestic 6 EC 6 _ 6 Wells Nit 6 = 6

Phos 6 6 __ FC 6 6 Drains 6 Fl = = 6 6 = = = EC 6 6 Nit = - = 6 6 Phos 6 6

FC __6 6 Totals by Month Fl 6 _ __ 6

De __ _ 6 6 __ _ 6 __ _ 6 EC =_ 6 12 6 18 6

Nit 12 ___12 Phos __ __ 12 _ _ _ _ 12

______F C _ _ _ __ 12 ______12 _ _ Fl - flow measurement; De - depth measurement; EC - electrical conductivity Nit - nitrate, nitrite, ammonium; Phos - phosphate; FC - faecal cohforms.

42 '~~~~~~Cq g ; '

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-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~: -lr via -9al SUOl],ll:)Oi.niai 'UIO r-XJAS 7 Fier FRU-3

7.1 Background The FRU-3 irrigation scheme and FRK-7 and 8 drainage schemes are located in the Fier District in central Albania and were constructed in stages between 1950 and 1970 to supply most of the agricultural area in east Fier District. Irrigation water is supplied by pumping from the Semani river and gravity from Kurjami reservoir.

The scheme covers an area of 6400 ha of which some 70% is currently cultivated for the production of low value grain and fodder crops. However, there are significant areas of vegetable production for the market of Fier. Large areas where water is not available are cultivated under rainfed conditions.

An estimated 4225 ha net is under gravity command of the Kurjani Reservoir. This is subdivided into four distinct command areas, LB (left bank) 1, 2, and 3, and RB (right bank). The net area fed by direct pumping from Gorrican is 1870 ha. The LB3 area is also supplemented by a small pump station at Belina, which feeds 150 1/s directly into the V4 canal.

An area of about 800 ha of the original subproject was found to be severely affected by pollution from leaking oil wells. This area was excluded from the present study since it required specialist rehabilitation treatment. However, certain parts of the irrigation and drainage system pass through the area and require some limited engineering work for rehabilitation and protection from surface spread of crude oil. The V4 canal runs across it from Marineza to Belina and feeds the Kurjani LB3 area of 375 ha. The Roskoveci-Hoxhare Collector Drain traverses the area and is contaminated with crude oil downstream of the Marineza Pump station.

44 Figure 7.1: Fier FRU-3 - Irrigation and Drainage Layout

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45 Photo 7.1: Fier - KurJani Reservoir

p.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Photo 7.2: Fier - Drain in the Marineza Area

vs

46 7.2 Descriptionof the Rehabilitation Works This section describes the works that were intended to be undertaken under the SIDRP. Parts of these works were completed under that Project and the remaining works will be completed under the Water Resource Management Project.

The SIDRP proposed to rehabilitate the main canals, main drains, provide protection works to vulnerable areas to prevent damage from the Semani River and rehabilitate 5 pump stations. Canal and drain structures and canal lining would also be rehabilitated.

Some works were considered to be essential for the continued operation of the scheme. These essential works are not complex or expensive but without them the system would remain largely inoperable as at present. These works are:

* Restoration of Matke Pumping Station. * Rehabilitation of S hequi and Marinze Drainage Pumping Stations * Repairs to Cerveni - Kurjani feeder canal.

All other works proposed are less complex in nature including canal lining, de- silting, and replacement of minor structures. Although as many of these as possible will be constructed under the rehabilitation programme, some of this work could be carried out under a rolling programme of maintenance to give a steady improvement in the overall scheme as funds become available.

The main and the secondary canals are in many places filled with sediment and have damaged sections, damaged lining and destroyed structures. Seepage is significant in hilly areas where soils tend to be permeable. The project proposed to rehabilitate the canals and structures to their original condition, with concrete lining extended to all main and secondary canals. Where precast slabs have been used for lining, these have in many places been stolen. In situ concrete lining will be used as replacement.

The V6B canal will be shortened by about 2.3 km from its existing route, in order to by-pass the urban area of Fier city. An inverted siphon will convey the canal across the main road and a depression.

Earthworks consist mainly of de-silting and re-sectioning canals and drains. Elsewhere on the scheme, excavation is limited to removing sediment and flood debris from structures such as siphons and culverts.

47 Secondary canals are extensively damaged and need significant work in 3 remodelling. The total volume of excavation is estimated at 127,000 m .

Mass concrete lining is proposed for all main and secondary canals, and all canals that pass through village or urban areas. Standard design is Ml 50 concrete, thickness 10-15 cm, with 1:1 side slopes. The total volume of concrete required for 3 canal lining is estimated at 34,000 m .

Structures are extensively damaged or have been demolished. It is planned to repair all 468 existing structures and build 314 new ones where necessary. The majority of new structures will be gated outlets, of which in total 177 are proposed.

The main access routes are generally in good condition. Most gravel roads within the project area are adequate and no significant improvements are proposed, other than repair or reconstruction of bridges and culverts. New bridges are induded where there is a demonstrable need. These are normally simple concrete slabs spanning the canals. A total of 166 bridges are proposed for repair or renewal.

Drain rehabilitation will comprise resectioning, repair and replacement of structures, with special arrangements for disposal of contaminated spoil.

Excavation works for resectioning the main and secondary drainage canals is 3 estimated at 530,000 m , with 1880 m3 of concrete for lining and 72,000 m3 of contaminated material to be transported. In addition 110 structures, mainly bridges and culverts, will be repaired or replaced.

The left bank of Seman River is induded in scheme FRK-7 rehabilitation. In the area of Samatic-Jagodine the bank is damaged by erosion and it is necessary to repair and improve the existing protection works. It is proposed to carry out bank reinstatement (filling and compaction), construction of 4 new concrete revetment panels and repairs to existing panels.

It was only possible, under SIRDP, to rehabilitate the main canal from the Kurjan reservoir and the main drains VMK, VMK-1, and VMK-2.

7.3 PresentEnvironmental Situation One subproject is the rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme for FRU-1 and two sub-projects concern the drainage rehabilitation schemes FRK-7 and FRK-8. All the irrigated land in FRU-1 will also have drain rehabilitation so the area of FRU-1

48 is the same as the total of FRK-7 and FRK-8. The irrigation scheme was constructed in stages over the period between 1950 and 1970. Soil erosion in the uppet catchment area of the Devolli results in a high sediment load in the river at high flow periods when the irrigation system does not function. Clearly sediment loads are lower during the summer months of reduced rainfall and water velocity. The intake requires annual cleaning to remove sediments. The river banks are also subject to erosion. A large dam (the Banja dam) is being constructed upstream and will be completed within the next five years. This will result in an attenuation of flood volumes and reduced sediment loads at the intake.

Petroleum deposits were known to extend under the scheme area and oil field development started within the scheme during 1957. The development was very intensive and many production wells were established in and around the former scheme, between the river Seman and the foothills on the southern periphery.

The original proposition for rehabilitation of the irrigation system was amended. An area of about 800 ha suffers from gross pollution of land or drain infrastructure and so this area was excluded from the subproject leaving a net area of 6200 ha.

Rehabilitation within that exclusion zone was limited to repair and protection of the main irrigation or drain feeders that need to cross the area to connect to otherwise separated parts of the irrigation subproject.

7.3.1 The Water Resource The sub-project FRU-3 and the associated drainage sub-projects FRK-7 and FRK-8 are situated on the left bank of the river Seman to the east of the town of Fier.

7.3.2 Imgation Water The planned irrigation water sources are by abstraction from the Seman river by pump stations at Gorrican and Belina with additional storage and rainfall collection from the Kurjan reservoir. The IHM maintain a river monitoring station for the Seman at Mbrostar situated at the downstream end of the sub-project area. This station is below the scheme water abstraction intakes. The Devoll river and the Osum river combine near Kucova to form the Seman. The IHM have monitoring stations on the Devoll at Kozare and on the Osum at Ura Vajgurore. The chemical analyses of these waters, published by the NEA (2000) have been used to assess the water quality of the Seman for irrigation within sub-project FRU-3. There is

49 liniited water quality data available for the Kurjan reservoir that indicates it is suitable for irrigation. The analytical data are reproduced in Table 7.1 below.

Table 7.1: Water Chemistry of the Devoll and Osum rivers and the Kurian Reservoir River Ca Mg Na K HCO3 Cl S04 EC SAR pH Devoll 0.9 2.4 3.3 0.1 4.9 0.8 1.0 0.7 2.5 8.5 Osum 0.9 1.3 4.6 0.1 4.8 0.8 1.3 0.7 4.6 8.0 Kurjan 2.0 2.2 Na 0.1 na 0.6 na na na na Note: anions and cations are expressed in me/litre.

The two river waters have a similar chemical composition, with the Osum containing slightly more sodium than the Devoll. The Devoll has a larger catchment area (and flow volume) than the Osum and so, after mixing, the dominant water will be that characteristic of the Devoll.

The Kurjani re servoir is expected to provide the majority of the irrigation water and since the water is basically a mix of Semani river water and local catchment run-off then it is reasonable to assume that water quality is similar to that in the Seman.

Although irrigation water is of a good quality, at the present time there would be insufficient water to meet the needs of the peak summer demand for the crops at full project development.

The Kurjani reservoir is an off-stream storage facility supplied, in part, by a pumped diversion from the main canal through the Matke Pump Station and a gravity canal supply from the Cerveni dam.

7.3.3 Drain lWater The sub-project has only a very limited supply of irrigation water at present. All drain water eventually drains into the Roscovice Collector, the main spinal drain within the sub-project that eventually discharges into the Adriatic Sea. Scheme water efficiency, under the brazda system, will be low and a large proportion of the applied water will run across the soil surface and directly into the field drains. Consequently, since the soils are non-saline the collected field drain water, both run-off and soil drainage, will have a composition not dissimilar to that of the applied irrigation water. Domestic raw sewage generally goes to sumps (cess pits) although some is discharged directly into the drain system. Children play and fish

50 in the drains. Domestic waste discharge is small compared to the quantity of water passing along the drains and so will be well diluted and overall quality at the point of discharge to the main drain will probably be adequate. The environmental concern here must be related to the health of the rural population within the scheme.

Pesticide and fertiliser use is low because the farmers, for reasons of cost, are normally applying the minimum doses necessary to maintain a satisfactory crop production. The quantities of nitrogen and phosphate entering the drain are low, as confirmed by the 2003 monitoring programme (Halcrow, 2003). Monitoring was restricted to measurement of salinity, phosphate and nitrate in selected drains. The sampling sites are indicated on Figure 5.2 and the salinity data are given in Table 7.2.

Table 7.2: Fier FRU-3; FRK -7/8 Drain Water Salinity Sample Location Salinity (dS/m) Spring Summer Autumn 1 Drain K30 1.18 NS NS 2 Drain (Shekult Pump Station) 2.30 NS NS 3 Drain K31 1.04 NS NS

The drain water quality is good with low salinity (1.0-1.2 dS/m), low phosphate (O.Olmg/l), and low nitrate content (O.lmg/l), and does not present any problem downstream.

7.3.4 Soils and Agriculture The scheme is situated within the valley of the river Semani and the soils are mairly developed from alluvial sediments of Quaternary to Recent age. The soils exhibit a range of textures that reflect the age and depositional sequence of sediment from river waters moving across a floodplain. The most recent sediments are coarse textured sands to sandy loams and are deposited nearest to the river channel. Behind the levees the sediments are finer textured (silt loam to silty clay loam) on the cover flood plain with the finest textures (silty clay to clay) in the backswamp areas where river water originally ponded against the hill slopes. The soils are calcareous with a pH in the range 7.5-8.0. Salinity is not a problem.

51 A plough pan exists in most of the medium to fine textured soils and the soil, at a depth of 20 to 30 cm, is compacted and has a high bulk density such that root penetration and water movement are impeded. The consequence is that irrigation water and rainfall are not penetrating (or only penetrating slowly) below the 30 cm depth and substantial run off occurs under intense rainfall, contributing to the surface drainage problem. A regular programme of sub-soiling to a depth of 30 to 40 cm will improve water entry and root elongation.

The brazda system of irrigation is inefficient unless the flow of water is carefully supervised (the conservative estimate of irrigation efficiency is only 40%) and particularly so where a plough pan is present. Most incident water (including rain) flows to drains, carrying away a portion of any applied fertiliser, of which nitrogen fertilisers are the most vulnerable.

Pesticide use is extremely low, as most crops presently are grown on rainfall (winter) and the summer crops depend upon residual soil moisture, supplemented in part by subsurface irrigation and intermittent summer rain.

Fertiliser applications are low and at the best, fertiliser and manure application may just balance removal by the crops.

7.3.5 Socio-Economic Conditions The waste disposal situation within the sub-project is most unsatisfactory since there is no organised collection and disposal programme for domestic rubbish. Household waste litters road verges, fields, villages, drainage and irrigation canals. It is unsightly and unsanitary as well as contributing to scheme water distribution and drainage problems. Domestic sewage disposal to drains presents a potential health hazard to children, collectors of frogs and fish and others. Some 80% of households dispose of sewage to unlined cess pits and the remainder to drains. Water for domestic use is supplied to some villages through a piped distribution system. The socio-economic studies did not record any households connected to a piped water supply for domestic use. Of the households surveyed 86% rely upon water abstracted from private or shared wells. The location of wells and cess pits in the same vicinity, gives rise to some concem regarding possible pollution of the well water supply. Provided the wells are deep and are well sealed then contamination from cess pits should not be a problem.

52 7.4 Without Project Future The scheme will continue much as at present with winter crop production based on rainfall and crop losses due to waterlogging - a common problem, particularly in the western sector beyond Shequista. Summer crop production, apart from the very limited areas that receive some irrigation water, will be limited to growth from stored soil moisture, some sub-irrigation where the water table is shallow and the occasional summer rain shower. There will be economic pressure to irrigate summer vegetable crops using any water source available, including sewage polluted drain water, with a consequent public health hazard. Some farmers may be forced to dig shallow wells for irrigation.

7.5 Environmental Impact of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works The overall environmental impact of rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage infrastructure would be positive as far as agriculture is concerned and the project would be economically sustainable over the long term, provided that the recommended mitigation measures are implemented and that sufficient money is available to ensure timely routine maintenance of irrigation and drainage scheme infrastructure. However social tensions are likely to develop if the irrigation water cannot be distributed in such a manner that all stakeholders receive an equal share. Disputes over water at the irrigation scheme level and between schemes and other users will be monitored during the course of the Project.

7.5.1 Construction Impacts The remaining engineering work s are modest and will be constructed using small scale plant and local manual labour. These works will cause disturbance, noise and dust. Disturbance to passage of traffic will be small due to the scale of operations. Noise and dust will affect the workers more than the inhabitants as the majority of the construction work will be outside the villages. Construction will result in the creation of solid waste that will be removed from site and dumped. All of these impacts will be of a temporary nature and will cease on the completion of the works.

7.5.2 OperationalImpacts (a) Upstream Technically at present there is insufficient water to irrigate all the command area. However, due to agronomic constraints, it is expected that only 80% of the land will be brought into cultivation. The build up to full development will take about five years. During this time it is estimated that the Banja Dam will become operational, and will provide any additional water that may be needed.

53 The intakes on the Semani River remain vulnerable to damage from floods and deposition of sediments.

The river banks are also liable to further erosion, a situation that will be improved to a certain extent following commissioning of the Banja Dam and attenuation of the river flow.

Some crude oil from production wells, situated outside and at a higher elevation than the scheme, will continue to seep downslope and theV4 irrigation canal is vulnerable to contamination.

(b) Within Scheme Impacts There will be an increase in agricultural production, particularly in the summer months that will be accompanied by an increase in the overall quantity of agrochemicals applied annually. This increase is estimated to be moderate as the type of crops that will be grown will be the same as presently grown. Use of ferti]iser and pesticides will also be restricted by the socio-economic status of the local farmers.

The irrigation efficiency will not be markedly improved so the salt burden of the drain water will remain about the same as at present. The concentration of fertiliser and pesticide residues in the drain water will increase slightly above present levels.

The increase in the supply of water will mean more water in drains and dilution and flushing of sewage components. Less water will be taken from drains and groundwater. Some public health concerns will remain however.

The irrigation canals that cross the oil fields will have to be inspected at regular intervals to ensure that crude oil is not entering the system.

(c) Downstream The water draining from the cropped land is expected to remain relatively salt free and with low concentrations of fertiliser and pesticide residues. All drain water drains to the Roscovice Collector and is eventually discharged into the sea. Drain water, representing rainfall runoff, oil field brines and crude oil, is emptied into the Collector at the Marinza pump station. The resultant mixture is not suitable for any reuse purpose whatsoever.

54 7.6 MitigationMeasures The following engineering mitigation measures wil be implemented:

* Small river bank protection works. * Canal protection works from oil spillage. These consist of the provision of covers for the channels in those sections at risk to contamination. These covers will be installed as part of the final rehabilitation of the scheme.

Other mitigation measures to be implemented are:

* Regular inspection and clearance of debris from canals and drains and culverts * Application of improved farming practices including: * Deep ploughing to break up the plough pan to improve water infiltration and crop aeration. * Farmer education concerning the storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticide residues and containers * Farmer education concerning the problem of nitrates in water and potential health effects. * Community agreement to limit nitrate applications to crops. * Storage and handling of farm yard manure

7.7 The Monitoring Programme The water supply quality (the Devoll and Osum rivers) is monitored (and has been for many years) by the Institute of Hydrometeorology - there is no need to duplicate such work. The proposals for further monitoring are outlined below and summarised in Table 7.3.

7.7.1 Public Health NMonitoring within the scheme (now confined to those lands not polluted by crude oil) has been confined to those aspects likely to affect the general health of the scheme residents.

(a) Drainage canals Six sites will be selected. The locations are shown in Figure 7.2, the actual site will be determined in relation to the villages-both upstream and downstream sample sites are needed. Analysis to be carried out for the determinants EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. Samples will be collected according

55 to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken at approximately six month intervals in April and September of each year.

(b) Normal well waters Six wells will be chosen according to the locations shown in Figure 7.2. The actual sites will be determined by a field visit and discussion with the farmers to select wells that are shared by four families and two that are individually owned. The analytical work will measure the determinands EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. The samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. The samples will be taken at six month intervals in April and September each year.

7.7.2 Scheme Water Tabler Water table observation pipes will be installed at ten sites, according to the locations shown in Figure 7.2. The water table depth will be measured at three month intervals during the months of September, December, March and June. The Water will be sampled and analysed for EC.

7.8 Conclusions Overall the environmental impact of this scheme would be positive, raising crop production and farm income. There is a strong demand for this scheme and the farmers have reacted enthusiastically to form WUAs. The rehabilitation would improve the socio-economic status of the farmers considerably provided that the various mitigation measures are implemented. In addition the improved availability of water in the summer months would flush the drains and reduce the health hazard due to disposal of sewage. The scheme produces a large amount of vegetables for the nearby town of Fier and provision of irrigation water would reduce the tendency to use polluted drain water for irrigation. Negative impacts can be offset, or reduced, by engineering interventions and/or improved farming practices. The scheme does not affect cultural values and on the contrary it would greatly increase the quality of life of the locality.

56 Table 7.3: Overview of the annual monitoring programme Fier FRU-3 Monitoring Programme Instrument NoD2 t Month and number sampls Jak Fe Ma Ap My Ju Jy Au Se Oc No De Piezometer 6 De _ 10 10 10 _ 10 EC 10 10 10 10 Domestic 6 EC 6 6 Wells Nit 6 6 Phos 6 6

FC __ 6 6 Drains 6 Fl _ =_ 6 6 EC 6 6 Nit 6 ____ 6 Phos 6 6 FC 6 6 Totals by Month Fl 6 6 = = De 10 10 10 10 EC 10 12 10 22 = 1 10 Nit 12 12

Phos __ _ _12 ______12 _

FC = = _=_12 = = = = 12 = = = Fl - flow measurement; De - depth measurement; EC - electrical conductivity Nit - nitrate, nitrite, ammorium; Phos - phosphate; FC - faecal coliforms.

57 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 Wi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~L

a- 0

~44 ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~_____ 44~~~~~~~~~~ ee Korce Gjanci KOU-1

Background This sub-project (KOU-1) is located in Korce District the most easterly district within the country and is close to both Greece and Macedonia. The sub-project hes in a south westerly to north easterly plain and the city of Korce lies on its eastern side.

The sub-project area lies within the four communes of Mollaj, Drenove, Voskop and Bulgarec, within which there are 21 villages as shown on Figure 8.1.

It is a traditional wedge-shaped irrigation scheme for those located at the top end of a valley, approximately 12 km from the head to the tail end; it is approximately 9 km wide at the lower end.

A good spinal road runs up through the entire length of the sub-project, with reasonable connections to the numerous villages most of which lie along the edges of the irrigation area, and to the others located within the area itself. There is good access to the reservoir from which the sub-project obtains its water supply.

The nominal gross area of the main sub-project area is 6,050 ha having taken account of drains, canals, access roads and other infrastructure, the net area available for cultivation is approximately 5,445 ha.

Of the gross area, 2,570 ha lies on the left bank and 3,480 ha lies on the right. Included within this area are two small systems, KOU-1-2/9, Boboshtica (300 ha) and KOU-1-2/10 Mborje (70 ha); the net area is estimated at 333 ha. These are located above the gravity command area and depend on pumped water supply from the right bank canal; they are situated on the valley slopes behind and close to Korce city. The costs of rehabilitating the required pumps have been included; the heads for these are 40 m and 50 m for Boboshtica and Mborje respectively.

59 Figure 8.1: Korce Gjanci KOU-1 - Irrigation Layout

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60 Approximately mid-way down the left bank is an area of around 1,100 ha where a sprinkler system was installed some years ago. Most of the sprinklers no longer operate, but the main pipe system can be made to operate and distribute water to command the area, by gravity flow. The rehabilitation of the main pipe distribution system has been costed in the overall estimate, but no provision has been included to cover rehabilitation of the sprinkler system.

At the head of the scheme is an area of 120 ha gross, (108 ha net), supplied by a small canal near Floqi. This has also been included in the overall study as part of the right bank area.

The whole area is part of the KOK-1 drainage scheme, whose total served area is 17,600 ha and covers the KOU-1 area plus three other large-scale irrigation schemes. Drainage is not a major problem, as there are generally good slopes within the sub-project, but, in certain locations, drainage requires attention to protect the irrigation infrastructure.

8.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works The rehabilitation requirements have been based on the findings of the detailed condition survey visits to the sub-project and our studies. They take account, where appropriate, of suggestions by representatives from the relevant WJUAs where these have been forthcoming.

The proposed works are as follows: - Rehabilitation of the 6.5 km long supply canal to its design capacity of 3 m3/s, from its intake on the Osumi River to the Gjanc reservoir; - Minor improvements to the Gjanc reservoir to include: extension of the wave walls at both dams; erosion repairs at the main dam; drainage works at the main dam and subsidiary dam; refurbishment of the overflow; and miscellaneous minor works; - Rehabilitation of the intake and supply tunnel (1.64 km long, horseshoe shaped to a capacity of 4 m3/s) to include re-profiling and lining (subject to checks on peak water demands); - Rehabilitation of the main supply canal improved lining and repair of masonry walls to same capacity as the tunnel; - Minor repairs to the penstock and hydro-electric plant;

61 - Rehabilitation of the left bank main canal (25.9 km long, capacity 1.5 m3/s) and subject to checks on peak water demands and associated siphons, aqueducts, cross drainage and associated control and measuring structures;

- Rehabilitation of the right bank supply canal (16.7 km long, capacity 2.5 m3/s) and associated siphons, aqueducts, cross drainage and associated control and measuring structures;

- Reconstruction and complete re-fit of pumping stations, at Boboshtica (serving 300 ha) and Morje (serving 70 ha) (if considered worthwhile);

- Restoration of the underground piped irrigation network (system M6, M7, M8 and M9 with 12.5 km of main supply pipes) to serve a surface irrigation network in the area of Polena, Voskop, Goskove e Poshtme and part of Qatrom; (provision for future development of distribution pipework to serve hand-move sprinkler system of 1,100 ha would be made possible but actual implementation would depend on the formation and initiatives of farmer organisations);

- Rehabilitation of secondary canals (85.6 km), addition of new control and measuring structures and gated outlets to tertiary canals;

- Restoration of tertiary canals in areas not recently irrigated and to be brought back under command of the rehabilitated system;

- Minor repairs to lining and siphon on the recently constructed canal (built in 1995-96) which supplies the Flogi area;

- Improvements to canal access roads.

Most of the proposed works were completed under the SIDRP. The outstanding works comprise the rehabilitation of secondary canals and will be undertaken under the Water Resources Management project.

8.3 Present Environmental Situation 8.3. 1 Water Resources Irrigation water is abstracted from the Dunavecit river and also from the Gjanci reservoir, the water source for the reservoir is the Osumi river. All drainage water is returned to the Dunavecit by a series of drains from both left and right banks and this river joins the Devolli near Maliqe. Water quality monitoring was conducted in 2003 to ascertain the salinity of the water supplies and the resultant river salinity downstream of various drains. The sampling points are shown in Figure 8.2 and the results for salinity are given in Table 8.1.

62 Table 8.1: Korce Gjanc KOU-1 River and Drain Water Salinity Sample Location Salinity (dS/m)

Spring Summer Autumn

1 Reservoir water (main supply canal) 0.29 0.30 0.45

2 River water near penstock 0.51 0.49 0.80

3 River (and drain) water at Turani 0.45 0.52 1.04

4 River downstream Korce main drain 0.64 0.69 0.62

5 River downstream at Bulgarec 0.50 0.75 0.69

The water quality from river and reservoir is good. Catchment sedimentation into the reservoir, mentioned by Hunting et al (1998b), is only a minor problem because most of the water in the reservoir originates by diversion from the Osumi river.

8.3.2 Irrigation Water Irrigation water quality from the reservoir and headwaters is extremely good, with very low EC (0.3-0.6 dS/m), TDS (270-500 mg/ 1) and SAR (0.2-0.6) values.

As with other areas, the sediment load in source waters and side streams are of some concern as they increase the cost of maintenance. The local problem will be addressed under a new programme that will involve the WUAs in soil conservation measures (Natural Resources Management Project).

8.3.3 Drainage Water The drains receive agricultural runoff and sewage from houses. Sewage discharge is intermittent and difficult to quantify - it is more obvious in the drier months at low drain flow. The river and drainage water was monitored for nitrogen and phosphate. Phoshate content of river water varied between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/l even when mixed with drain water, a low level (most river water averages about 0.1 mg/l). The exception was downstream of Turani villages (sample site 3) where the concentration increased to 0.6 mg/I. Nitrate concentrations of the river ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 mg/l, rising to 6.8 mg/l at Turani village. Also at the Turani site the ammonium content was high at 5.1 mg/l. These elevated levels represent localised contamination of the drain by sewage from Turani village. Concentrations

63 of all nutrients decreased to more normal levels 2 kms downstream at Bulgarec (phosphate 0.24, ammonium 0.84, and nitrate 0.42 mg/l respectively).

8.3.4 Soils Some concem was expressed about the presence of soils derived from ultrabasic rocks, these soils have a higher exchangeable magnesium than exchangeable calcium content. This subject was discussed in the Phase 2 screening study reports on environmental aspects (Halcrow 2001c). There is little evidence to conclude that these soils are a problem. Most of them have a high clay content and are difficult to work, as are most clay soils. In any case they are not the dominant soils within the scheme. Similar soils are cultivated elsewhere - Egypt has large areas under cultivation without too many problems.

8.3.5 Summary The 2003 monitoring results confirm previous findings (Hunting 1998b) that irrigation water quality is good and that the drain water discharged back into the river has very little effect upon overall river quality. Nitrate and phosphate values are generally low, rising somewhat in the vicinity of villages (such as Turani) then returning to more normal low values further downstream.

Drain water salinity remains low throughout the dry season, a time when one might expect higher values.

Drain water has no measurable effect upon river water quality and the small quantities of pollutants therein will be quickly diluted downstream. There are no measurable environmental impacts.

8.4 Without ProjectFuture Famling will continue as present with farmers supplementing water supply in late summer by pumping from drains or river, wherever water is available for use. Late summer crops are mainly vegetables for the Korce market and there are health implications if watered by sewage contaminated drain water. The risks are greater in the summer months as rainfall is low and inadequate to dilute drain water. The application of agrochemicals will be limited.

64 8.5 Environmental Impact of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 8.5.1 Construction Impacts The remaining works entail the reconstruction of small scale secondary channels. The associated construction impacts are expected to be similarly localised and short term.

The construction impacts revolve around dust, noise, disturbance to farmers and local residents and removal of solid waste. The quantities of materials involved are small, and most are imported on a daily basis and used that day. Equipment will be small scale and mobile, being removed from site each day.

Dust and noise will be minimal, likewise obstruction of access roads. Labour will be recruited locally from the scheme villages so there will not be any conflict with village life and customs.

Small amounts of solid waste will be generated and disposed according to the wishes of the local community.

8.5.2 OperationalImpacts (a) Upstream Impact There are no upstream impacts.

(b) Within Scheme Impact Sewage discharge is intermittent and difficult to quantify: it is more obvious in the drier months at low drain flow. Rehabilitation and provision of irrigation water in summer will result in a greater drain flow, dilution and flushing. A regular water supply will also offset the practice of using drain water (or groundwater) for irrigation.

An increased cropping intensity will result in the application of more agrochemicals with increased amounts going to drains and/or the groundwater table.

(c) Downstream Impact Drain water is discharged back to the river along the length of the sub-project. Present discharges have little impact upon water quality. Future water quality is expected to be similar, possibly with more nitrate and phosphate, but not unduly so. There is no measurable impact.

65 8.6 Mitigation Measures Regular inspection and clearance of debris from canals and drains and culverts will be undertaken.

Application of improved farming practices will be encouraged through training programmes on:

* Deep ploughing to break up the plough pan to improve water infiltration and crop aeration.

* Farmer education concerning the storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticide residues and containers

* Farmer education concerning the problem of nitrates in water and potential health effects.

* Community agreement to limit nitrate applications to crops.

* Storage and handling of farm yard manure

8. 7 The Monitoring Programme The following section sets out a monitoring programme for public health and environmental aspects. The programme is summarised in Table 8.2 and the proposed locations are shown on Figure 8.2.

8.7.1 Public Health (a) Drainage canals Six sites will be selected, according to the locations shown in Figure 8.2, the actual site to be determined in relation to the villages - both upstream and downstream sample sites are needed. Analysis will be undertaken for the determinands EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and faecal co]iforms. Samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken in April and September of each year.

(b) Well waters Six wells will be chosen, according to the locations shown in Figure 8.2. The actual sites will be determined by a field visit and discussion with the farmers. Analysis will be undertaken for the determinands EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and faecal coliforms. Samples will be collected according to the

66 requirements of the public health laboratory. The samples will be taken at six month intervals in April and September each year.

8.7.2 Scheme Water Tables Water table observation pipes will be installed at 6 sites, according to the locations shown in Figure 8.2. The location of the pipe must be with the consent of the landowner who should be asked to take responsibility for its protection from interference. The water table depth will be measured at three month intervals during the months of September, December, March and June. Water samples will be collected and analysed for EC only.

Table 8.2: Overview of the annual monitoring programme Gjanc (Korce KOU-1 Monitoring Programme Instrument NoD* t Month and number san s Ja Fe Ma Ap My Ju Jy Au Se Oc No De Piezometer 6 De 6 6 6 6 EC 6 6 6 6 Reservoir/ 4 Fl 4 4 River EC 4 4 Nit 4 4 ___ Phos 4 4 fC 4 4 Drains 2 Fl 2 2 EC 2 2 Nit 2 2 Phos 2 2 fC ___ 2 2 ___ Domestic 6 EC De 6 6 Wells Nit 6 6 Phos nisf 6 6 fC 6 6 Totals by Month Fl 6 6 EC 6 12 6 18 6 De 6 6 6 6

Nit 12 ___ 12

Phos ______12 ______12 _ _ FC 12 12

Fl - flow measurement; De - depth measurement; EC - electrical conductivity Nit - nitrate, niitrite, ammoriium; Phos - phosphate; FC - faecal coliforms.

67 8.8 Conclusions Overall the environmental impact of this scheme would be positive and would increase crop production and farm income. The rehabilitation would improve the socio-economic status of the farmers and would be environmentally sustainable, provided that the various mitigation measures are implemented. In addition the improved availability of water in the summer months would flush the drains and reduce the health hazard due to disposal of sewage. The scheme produces a substantial quantity of vegetables for the nearby town of Korce and provision of irrigation water would reduce the tendency to use polluted drain water for irrigation. Negative impacts can be offset, or reduced, by engineering interventions and/or improved farming practices. The scheme does not affect cultural values and the increased incomes, improved diets, chances of employment for farm labour, and an increase in the value of land would greatly increase the quality of life of the local population.

68 Figure 8.2: Korce Gjanci KOU-1 - Monitoring locations

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69 9 Lezhe LEU-1

9.1 Background The LEU-1 scheme is situated between the mouths of the Drin and the Mat rivers on the Adriatic coast in Lezhe District in North West Albania. It was constructed in the 1 960s. The scheme was designed to irrigate a near level plain which was reclaimed from coastal swamp, from a free intake on the adjacent river Mat as shown on Figure 7.1.

Lack of canal maintenance in recent years has caused an almost total abandonment of the scheme and the destruction of many structures. During 1999 rehabilitation of the part of the drainage system was undertaken.

The scheme covers an area of 4,900 ha. Some 70% of this is currently cultivated under rainfed conditions for the production of low value grain and fodder crops. Only a small area of land is currently irrigated, due to the poor state of the main canal and distribution system.

70 4-~~~~~ i .- -

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Photo 9.2: Lehze - Main Canal Headreach

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45 -37

.. . . _.72 9.2 Description of the Rehabilitation Works The following description of the rehabilitation works covers all the works that were intended to be undertaken under the SIDRP.

Rehabilitation is aimed at improving the whole irrigation network in this area. Most of the canals are to be lined and canal structures rehabilitated.

The following works are considered to be essential for the continued operation of the scheme. Without these works, the scheme will become completely inoperable very rapidly. They are too complex or expensive to be carried out under a regular maintenance programme.

* River training works in the Mat River, alongside the headreach. * Stabilisation of the headreach with retaining walls and partial lining. * Cover slabs in the lower part of the headreach to protect the canal from falling rock debris. * Repair of joints in aqueducts and flumed reaches on the main canal.

The river training works, stabilisation of the headreach and the provision of cover slabs over the canal have been carried out by NATO as part of infrastructure works.

All other works proposed are less complex in nature including canal lining, de- silting, and replacement of minor structures. Although as many of these as possible should be constructed under the rehabilitation programme, some of this work could be carried out under a rolling programme of maintenance to give a steady improvement in the overall scheme as funds become available.

Major river training works are required alongside the main canal headreach. Elsewhere on the scheme, excavation is limited to removing sediment and flood debris from canals and structures such as siphons and culverts. Secondary canals are extensively damaged and need significant work in remodelling.

Where existing concrete lining is damaged it will be repaired or replaced with a mass concrete overlay. All lining in serviceable condition will be retained.

Structures are extensively damaged or have been demolished. It is planned to repair all existing structures and build new ones where necessary. A total of 484 new steel gates are proposed.

73 Service roads are generally in very good condition. The new highway goes through the scheme from north to south. No significant improvements are proposed. New bridges are included where there is a demonstrable need. These are normally simple concrete slabs spanning the canals.

The works on the main canal and secondary canals remain to be completed and these are planned for consideration under the proposed Project.

9.3 Present Environmental Situation 9.3.1 The Water Resource The water supply is from the Mat river through a long intake channel that borders the floodplain and then runs along the pediment of a limestone ridge. The sedimentary rock strata slope steeply, and are poorly vegetated, a natural consequence of an environment where weathered rock is rapidly moved downslope by gravity. The resulting debris (scree) slopes are in a state of metastable equilibrium. In one case the longitudinal profile of the scree slope is now convex and slippage could occur at any time, especially during the rainy season. A landslip here would effectively block the intake canal. This section has recently been safeguarded by NATO who have reconstructed the section and the irrigation water now passes through a pipe.

The flood embankment within the floodplain that protects the intake channel from the high river flows, was formerly also in poor condition (in places), has also been provided with protective spurs (groynes), again by NATO.

From the intake gates the main canal more or less follows the line of the Tirana- Lezhe road, and is constructed on the narrow fringing pediments of a series of limestone ridges. Rock outcrop is frequent, hillslopes are steep and the deeply fissured limestone readily crumbles to form fan shaped, unstable mounds of debris. The slopes above the canal are prone to landslips and rapid rainfall runoff that continually threaten to dislocate irrigation water supplies. Small water slowing check dams constructed in drainage ways are rapidly filled with debris. The lower mountain slopes are planted with pine trees (Pinus spp) and little further soil conservation can be achieved. Continuing maintenance of water slowing structures and regular clearance of rubbish from culverts/cross regulators is essential. A substantial allocation of maintenance costs is required to ensure a sustainable project.

74 9.3.2 Imgation Water The river source for LEU-1 is the Mat river and the Institute of Hydrometeorology (IHM) maintain a river gauging and sampling point at Millot, across the river from the intake works. The water quality is excellent for irrigation and there are no problems whatsoever for use. Details of the river water chemistry published by IHM are reproduced in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1: Water Chemistry of the Mat at Millot River Ca Mg Na K HCO3 Cl S04 EC SAR pH

Mat 0.9 0.3 1.9 0.1 2.8 0.2 0.2 0.3 2.4 8.0

Note: anions and cations expressed in milliequivalent per litre.

9.3.3 Drain Water LEU-1 is only partly supplied with irrigation water at present due to the poor state of the water distribution network. The main drains are still functioning and the main pump station (Tale PS) is still operational. All drains contained water, even at the end of the dry season, and a fair amount of sediment and vegetation. This suggests that the drains are impeded and not working efficiently, especially as irrigation water has not been provided. The field visit recorded that raw sewage from houses was being discharged to drains. In addition some polluted drain water was used for irrigation of vegetables.

The scheme drainage is partly by gravity to the coast and also through the Tale PS where water is pumped directly into a creek within the tidal flats bordering the Adriatic. The scheme water efficiency is extremely low and most irrigation water passes into the drains without a great deal of change to its chemical composition. The major change is a decrease in the calcium content as a consequence of the precipitation of calcium carbonate as the water passes through the soil. This reaction increases slightly the SAR of the water although the change is not significant and has little effect upon the overall water quality. Domestic discharge of sewage is well diluted by the time the effluent reaches the sea. The quantities of pesticide and fertiliser will be small because the farmers are applying the minimum doses necessary to maintain a satisfactory crop production.

Soil erosion in the watershed catchment areas results in a high sediment load in the river at high flow periods when the irrigation system does not function. Clearly sediment loads are lower during the summer months of reduced rainfall and water

75 velocity. The quantity of the sediment deposited in the irrigation and drainage system is sufficient to demand regular annual clearance.

9.3.4 Soils and Agriculture The scheme is situated at the seaward end of the rivers Drin and Mat and the soils are developed from Quatemary deltaic and marine sediments.

Soil textures vary according to the physiographic position within the riverine floodplain and the mixture with the marine sediments. Textures range from gravelly sandy loams to silty clays. Soils are calcareous with a pH range from 7.4- 8.0. They are not saline. A plough pan exists in the medium to fine textured soils and the soil, at a depth of 20 to 30 cm, is compacted and has a high bulk density such that root penetration and water movement are impeded. The consequence is that irrigation water and rainfall are not penetrating (or only penetrating slowly) below the 30 cm depth and substantial runoff occurs, contributing to the surface drainage problem.

The brazda system of irrigation is inefficient unless water application is carefully supervised (the conservative estimate of irrigation efficiency is only 40%) and particularly so where a plough pan is present. Most incident water (including rain) flows to drains, carrying away any applied fertiliser, of which nitrogen fertilisers would be most vulnerable.

Pesticide use is extremely low and also fertiliser inputs as most crops are grown on rainfall (winter) and residual soil moisture, supplemented in part by subsurface irrigation and sporadic summer rain.

9.3.5 Socio-Economic Conditions The canals and drains are used for the disposal of solid and liquid domestic wastes and the problems are most acute in the vicinity of scheme villages, as might be expected. Domestic sewage disposal to drains presents a considerable health hazard. It is clear that all households are not connected to cesspits, as reported in the socio-economic surveys. The socio-economic studies reveal that only 15% of households are connected to a piped water supply for domestic use. The other households rely upon water abstracted from private or shared wells. The location of wells and cess pits in the same vicinity near the commune village, gives rise to some concern regarding possible pollution of the well water supply.

76 The deep groundwater is extracted for domestic supplies through a piped distribution system. The groundwater aquifer in the sub-project is separated from the overlying soils by a thick clay layer, said to be in excess of 30 metres thick, that effectively seals off any penetration of potential contaminants.

The existing solid waste disposal situation is unsatisfactory since there is no organised collection and disposal scheme for domestic rubbish. Household waste litters road verges, fields, villages, drainage and irrigation canals. It is unsightly and unsanitary as well as contributing to scheme water distribution and drainage problems. The quality of life of the inhabitants of these villages is significantly degraded.

9.4 Without Project Future The scheme will continue much as at present. Summer crop production will continue to be limited to growth from stored soil moisture, some sub-irrigation where the water table is shallow and the occasional summer rain shower. There will be an increased tendency to water crops using any water source available, especially sewage polluted drain water, with a consequent public health hazard.

Some farmers may be forced to dig shallow wells for irrigation, depleting a freshwater source that serves as the domestic water supply for many families.

9.5 Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 9.5.1 Construction Phase The rehabilitation of scheme infrastructure will, inevitably, give rise to some noise and dust and temporary interruption to normal life. The engineering operations are generally modest, apart from the main canals, and large excavations and/or construction work is not envisaged. Imported machinery will be of a modest size and most construction materials will be delivered to site on a daily basis. Local people will be employed as workers. However, the reconstruction of lined irrigation channels will result in production o f solid waste (principally solid blocks of concrete). Contractors will agree a site with the WUAs (and the other villagers) for the orderly and safe disposal of solid engineering waste. Otherwise arrangements will be made to remove the material from the scheme with final disposal at the landfill sites now being developed for the major municipalities.

Biodegradable material, sediment, soil and vegetation, will be deposited on site and then smoothed on the banks of the canal in the traditional manner.

77 9.5.2 Operation Impacts (a) Upstream There are no upstream impacts.

(b) Within Scheme Impacts The projected increase in agricultural production will be accompanied by an increase in the application of fertilisers and pesticides. This increase is expected to be moderate since the introduction of high pesticide use or high demand fertiliser cropping is not foreseen. The irrigation efficiency will not be improved significantly, so the salt burden of the drain water will remain about the same as present. The concentration of fertiliser and pesticide residues in drain water will increase slightly above the present very low levels.

Provision of an assured water supply will reduce the pressure to utilise drain water for irrigation, although not entirely. Some vegetables will continue to be irrigated using drain water to supplement the design determined schedules, with the same concerns for public health due to contamination by raw sewage. Drains will carry an increased volume of water and will dilute and flush sewage out of the system, thereby reducing the health risk.

The pressure to utilise the groundwater resource for irrigation will be removed.

(c) Downstream Drain water is collected and discharged from the Tale PS to a creek that joins the Drin river just before the river enters the Adratic. This water will be slightly saline, will contain negligible amounts of fertilisers, and some well diluted untreated domestic sewage. The daily inflow of sea water will further dilute any effluent remaining on the tidal flats and any negative impacts to marine or littoral ecosystems are considered to be negligible.

The southern area is drained by gravity to the sea.

The sub-project is situated on the southern boundary of the Kune-Vale Tale managed nature re serve, a IUCN category 4 protected area, which contains important biodiversity . Therefore, it is expected that some pollutants in the drain water may reach the edge of the nature reserve. At present, no major impacts are expected, but the Project will support monitoring of the impacts in the protected site.

78 The drain water quality was monitored in 2003. The sampling sites are shown on Figure 9.2 and the analytical data are reproduced in Table 9.2.

Table 9.2: Lezhe LEU-1 Drain Water Salinity Sample Location Salinity (dS/m)

Spring Summer Autumn

1 Northem Pump Station 2.83 ns 2.8 2 Main Drain south 12.2 ns 6.9

The drain water collected at the northem pump station is not unduly saline, although somewhat more saline than other schemes. The southem drain is directly connected to the sea and is influenced by the tide and hence the higher salt content. Since the drain waters are discharged into the sea there are no environmental problems associated with disposal.

9.6 Mitigation Measures The proposed mitigation measures consist of regular clearance of debris from culverts, irrigation and drainage channels and farmer training on the use of agrochemicals.

Regular inspection and clearance of debris from canals and drains and culverts

Application of improved farming practices including:

* Deep ploughing to break up the plough pan to improve water infiltration and crop aeration.

* Farmer education concerning the storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticide residues and containers

* Farmer education concerning the problem of nitrates in water and potential health effects.

* Community agreement to limit nitrate applications to crops.

* Storage and handling of farm yard manure

79 9.7 The MonitoringProgramne 9.7.1 Public Health The following sections describes the proposed monitoring programme which is summarised in Table 9.3. The locations of monitoring sites are shown in Figure 9.2

(a) Drainage canals Six sites will be selected, according to the locations shown in Figure 9.2. The actual sites will be determined in relation to the villages along the drains - both upstream and downstream sample sites are needed. The analyses required are EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite and ammonium, and faecal coliforms. Samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken in April and September of each year.

(b) Well waters Six wells will be located as shown in Figure 9.2. The actual sites must be determined by a field visit and discussion with the farmers to select four wells that are shared by several families and two that are individually owned. Analyse will be for the determinands, EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and faecal coliforms. The sample collection will follow the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken at six month intervals in April and September each year.

9.7.2 Scheme Water Tables Water table observation pipes will be installed at six sites, according to the locations shown in Figure 9.2. The location of the pipe must be with the consent of the landowner who should be asked to take responsibility for its protection from interference. Water table depth and salinity (EC) will be measured at three month intervals during the months of September, December, March and June.

9.8 Conclusions Overall the environmental impact of this scheme would be positive and would significantly increase crop production and farm income. The rehabilitation would improve the socio-econonic status of the farmers and would be environmentally sustainable, provided that the various mitigatory measures are implemented. In addition the improved availability of water in the summer months would flush the drains and reduce the health hazard due to disposal of sewage. The scheme produces vegetables for the nearby town of Shkoder and the provision of irrigation water would reduce the tendency to use polluted drain water for irrigation. Negative impacts can be offset, or reduced, by engineering interventions, regular

80 attention to inspection and maintenance of infrastructure and/or improved farming practices. The scheme does not affect cultural values and the increased incomes, improved diets, chances of employment for farm labour, and an increase in the value of land would greatly increase the quality of life of the local population.

Table 9.3: Overview of the annual monitoring programme Lezhe LEU-1 Monitoring Programme Instrument N Det Month and number determinands o Ja Fe Ma Ap My Ju| Jy Au Se Oc No De Piezometer 6 De 6 _ 6 6 6 EC 6 6 6 6 Domestic 6 EC 6 6 Wells Nit 6 6 Phos _ 6 6

FC __6 6 Drains 6 Fl 6 6 EC 6 6 Nit 6 6 Phos 6 6

______FC ______6 6 Totals by Month Fl = = = 6 6 _ De 6 6 6 6 EC 6 12 6 18 6 Nit 12 = = 1212 = = = Phos 12 12 FC = = 112 = = = 12 Fl - flow measurement; De - depth measurement; EC - electrical conductivity Nit - nitrate, nitrite, ammomium; Phos - phosphate; FC - faecal coliforms.

81 - a

0~~ , I. .2t 10 Shkoder SHU-4

10.1 Background The SHU-4 scheme area is located in Shkoder District in northern costal Albania. It was originally constructed for the irrigation of wetland rice. Irrigation water is provided by a free offtake on the Drini River downstream of the Vau I Dejes power station.

The scheme covers an area of 5,300 ha of which some 6 0% is currently cultivated for the production of low value grain and fodder crops. Approximately 25% of the area is currently able to receive irrigation. The remaining area is cultivated under rainfed conditions. A significant portion of the area, 1,200 ha, where there is uncertain land ownership has developed into permanent natural pasture, which is grazed all year.

As shown in Figure 10.1, the water for the SHU-4 system is taken from the distributor structure P121 of the Mjedes main canal which bifurcate s to form the left branch P121-Kukel with a capacity of 4.6 m3/sec, and the right branch P121- Beltoje-Berdice-Daj,, U3, with a capacity of 12.6 m3 /sec. Canal U3 supplies all the other main canals and the other secondary canals of the SHU-4 irrigation system.

All the drain water from the drainage sub-projects is collected at one location, passed into the Myrtemza main drain to be drained westwards under gravity, out of the project area, into lake Myrtemza. A drainage canal conducts lake water through the Veluni lagoon and then to the Adriatic. Lake Myrtemza also receives drain water from several other irrigation schemes situated around Lake Myrtemza.

Lack of canal maintenance in recent years has resulted in damage to the canals and the destruction of many structures limiting the area able to receive irrigation water.

The project would rehabilitate the main canal, main drains and secondary works. Canal and drain structures will be (some already have been) rehabilitated and canal lining rehabilitated.

83 Water Resources

Water for this sub-project is abstracted from the Drin upstream of the confluence with the Buene. Drainage from this subproject is discharged into a shallow lake, Lake Myrtemza, then through the Veluni lagoon to the Adriatic.

The Drin river has a catchment area of 14,173 square kilometres, of which 5973 lie within Albania. The Drin has two tributaries - the Black Drin and the White Drin. The Black Drin originates in FYR Macedonia and flows into Albania. The White Drin originates in the Serbia and Montenegro, flows into Albania and joins the Black Drin within Albanian territory. Near the town of Shkodra the Drin combines with the Buene river, which flows from Shkodra Lake (an international lake shared between Albania and the Serbia and Montenegro) to the Adriatic sea.

There is no ratified agreement regarding the use of international waterways between Albania and FYR Macedonia, or between Albania and the Serbia and Montenegro. However the Government of Albania informed both countries on 17 August 1998 concerning its intention to rehabilitate irrigation schemes with an IDA credit and provided detailed information and a map on 7 November 1998. The Government of Albania has not received any response from either country.

84 Figure 10.1: Shkoder SHU-4/9 - Irrigation and Drainage Layout

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Photo 10.2: Shkoder - Main canal headreach

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86 10.2 Descnption of the Rehabilitation Works The rehabilitation works described below were intended to be undertaken under the SIDRP. Part of these works were undertaken under that Project and the remaining works, which are proposed to be undertaken under the proposed Project.

Rehabilitation is aimed at improving the whole irrigation network in this area. The improvement includes cleaning canals, repairing existing structures and building new ones where necessary. Some of the canals will be lined.

10.2.1 Earthworks Earthworks consist mainly of de-silting and re-sectioning canals and drains. Elsewhere on the scheme, excavation is limited to removing sediment and flood debris from structures such as siphons and culverts. Secondary canals are extensively damaged and need significant work in remodelling.

10.2.2 CanalLining Mass concrete lining is proposed for some main and secondary canals, and all canals that pass through village or urban areas. Standard design is M150 concrete, thickness 8-10 cm, with 1:1 side slopes.

10.2.3 Structures Structures are extensively damaged or have been demolished. It is planned to repair all existing structures and build new ones where necessary. The majority of structures are gated outlets in secondary canals, and culverts across drains.

10.2.4 Service Roads The main access routes are generally in good condition. Most field roads within the project area are adequate and no significant improvements are proposed, other than repair or reconstruction of bridges and culverts.

10.2.5 Work to be Completed All the drainage works have been completed and about half of the main canals rehabilitated. The works to be undertaken under proposed Project comprise the completion of the rehabilitation of the main canal works and rehabilitation of all the secondary canals.

10.3 PresentEnvironmental Situation The sub-project involves one irrigation rehabilitation scheme SHU- 4.

87 A part of SHU-4 was studied during the first phase of SIDRP (HTS, Shkoder- Zadrime 1998) and comprised 3200 ha situated adjacent to the Drin river and to the east of the Lezhe-Shkoder road. The balance of the irrigated land within SHU- 4 (5300 ha) is the subject of the present sub-project study and is located to the west of the Lezhe-Shkoder road.

10.3.1 Irrigation Wlater This sub-project is supplied from the Drin river intake into canal U-1. Some analyses of water from drains and canal and river are presented in the HTS report and can be used to give a picture of the situation for the Shkoder SHU-4 sub- project. The analytical data presented only concerns the quality of water for irrigation. Some analyses are reproduced in Table 10.1 below:

Table 10.1: Water Quality of River Drin, Canal and Drain for Shkoder SHU-4 Location Ca Mg Na K HCO3 Cl S04 EC SAR pH

Drin 1.9 1.8 0.7 0.1 2.8 1.1 0.6 0.5 0.5 8.4

Canal 2.3 1.5 0.2 0.1 2.9 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.1 8.4

Drain 4.2 5.7 0.9 0.1 6.3 0.6 1.2 0.8 0.4 8.5 Note: anions and cations expressed in milliequivalent per litre.

Drini river water is of excellent quality for irrigation and does not pose any problems whatsoever, as far as the chemical quality is concerned. The calcium/magnesium ratio is rather narrow (1.0) and will decrease after irrigation following precipitation of calcium (as calcium carbonate) from the irrigation water. This prediction is supported by the analytical data for SHU-4 drain water where the ratio of Ca/Mg is less than one.

10.3.2 Results of the 2003 MonitoringProgrammer All drainage from this scheme goes to the Myrtemza main drain and out of the sub-project area. It therefore provides a useful location to monitor all potential water borne pollutants leaving the area. The sampling point monitored in 2003 is shown on Figure 10.2 and the salinity data collected are summarised in Table 10.2. Nitrate and phosphate contents were low at 0.2 mg/l and 0.05 mg/l respectively.

88 Table 10.2: Shkoder SHU-4/9 Drain Water Salinity Sample Location Salinity (dS/m)

Spring Summer Autumn

1 Myrtemza Main Drain 0.65 ns Ns

10.3.3 Drain Water All the drain water from the drainage sub-project will be collected into the large spinal drain to be drained westwards under gravity, out of the project area, through the Veluni lagoon and then by a channel to the Adriatic. Since irrigation efficiency will be low the drain water quality will not be greatly changed from that of the irrigation water, apart from a slight decrease in the calcium content, some nitrogen and phosphate from fertilisers, a small quantity of pesticides and well diluted sewage effluent.

10.3.4 Soils and Agriculture The soils are derived from both riverain deposits and piedmont alluvial outwash deposits. The alluvium deposited from the Drini river reflects the characteristic textures associated with sedimentary deposition from overtopping of the river banks. The soils nearest the river are coarse textured, mainly loamy sand and sandy loam. Across the cover floodplain the textures are silt loam to silty clay loam and silty clay at the boundary with the piedmont deposits. Soils are mainly greyish brown and exhibit gley features in the poorly drained low lying portions of the floodplain. The piedmont alluvium is somewhat redder in colour and of a dominantly clay loam texture, becoming somewhat more sandy and gravelly as the higher ground is approached. The soils are calcareous with a range of pH from 7.8 to 8.2. The water table during a visit in September 2000 was between 2 to 3 metres deep and alfalfa and maize were grown under rainfall, with some ryegrass. A lot of the area was under pasture in the south-west corner, where the water-table was higher and adjacent drains full and stagnant.

10.3.5 Socio-Economic Conditions Household waste litters in road verges, fields, villages, drains and irrigation canals. The litter is unsightly and unsanitary as well as contributing to problems in water distribution and drainage. Domestic sewage disposal to drains presents a local health hazard. The quality of life of the inhabitants of the villages is significantly degraded.

89 The socio-economic surveys recorded that no households were connected to main drainage, all had latrines connected to cess pits. Some 30% of households reported having access to stand pipes for domestic water use. The other households rely upon groundwater abstracted locally from private wells. The location of wells and cess pits in the same vicinity near a village, gives rise to some concern regarding possible pollution of the well water supply.

10.4 Without ProjectFuture The irrigation canal system from the Drin is not likely to be breached by external events but is sensitive to blockage by waste material. The present situation of pasture production in the areas of high winter and summer water table, winter crop losses due to water logging, subdued summer crop production without irrigation and better crop yields in the areas with irrigation water should continue. The health risk from irrigation of summer vegetable crops with drain water will remain.

10.5 EnvironmentalImpact of the ProposedRehabilitation Works 10.5.1 Construction Impacts The construction works that remain to be finished are completion of the main canal network and all the secondary canals. The canals are not large and the associated construction impacts are expected to be localised and short term.

The construction impacts revolve around dust, noise, disturbance to farmers and local residents and removal of solid waste. The quantities of materials involved are small, and most are imported on a daily basis and used that day. Equipment will be small scale and mobile, being removed from site each day. The types of impacts might include some disruption to nearby residents from noise or dust, contamination of channels from runoff of aggregate stockpiles or accidental spillages of fuel or lubricants.

Dust and noise will be minimal, likewise obstruction of access roads. Labour will be recruited locally from the scheme villages so there will not be any conflict with village life and customs.

All solid waste will be removed and disposed according to the wishes of the local community.

90 10.5.2 OperationalImpacts (a) Upstream Upstream impact is negligible. The river Drin passes through a series of reservoirs from the border with Kosovo to a final dam located south-east of Shkoder town. A considerable amount of the sediment load is deposited within the storage system and the irrigation water is relatively clear.

(b) Within Scheme Impacts The improvement in drainage will eventually bring about a change from a pasture- based system to more winter wheat production and irrigation in summer will increase the area of land under crops. There will be a modest increase in the applications of fertilisers and pesticides with a corresponding moderate increase of nutrients and pesticide residues in the drain water. Irrigation efficiency will not be improved so the salt burden of the drain water will remain similar to the present levels.

Plough pans develop in the medium to fine textured soils and this pan requires ripping at regular (generally five year intervals).

Domestic water is obtained mainly (70%) from private wells, with possible contamination by nitrogen from fertiliser and manure and domestic sewage from cess pits.

Domestic sewage is discharged to drains. Drain water is occasionally used in summer months for irrigation of summer vegetables between irrigation intervals. This activity is a potential health hazard but the risk will be reduced as drain water will be in greater supply, diluting and flushing sewage through the system.

(c) Downstream Drainage from the scheme is collected at the Myrtemza main drain, which then flows by gravity between two limestone ridges into Lake Myrtemza. A drainage canal conducts lake water through the Veluni lagoon and then to the Adriatic. Since irrigation efficiency will be low the drain water quality will not be changed significantly from that of the irrigation water, apart from a slight decrease in the calcium content, some nitrogen and phosphate from fertilisers, a small quantity of pesticides and well diluted sewage effluent. Lake Myrtemza also receives drain water from the other irrigation schemes around Veliposa. The Veluni lagoon is rated a category 4 protected area (a managed nature reserve). Drain water reaching the lagoon will be a mix of SHU-4 and other scheme drains. Drain water quality

91 monitoring will be restricted to SHU-4 water although to monitor total inputs to the Veluni lagoon then other scheme drain waters should also be assessed. In practice, it is reasonable to assume that Veliposa drain water will be similar to SHU-4 water as most irrigation projects in the vicinity have similar cropping patterns.

10.6 Mitigation Measures Engineering works for the primary canal system involves substantial rehabilitation leading to moderate negative impact of disturbance, noise and dust. The engineering works for the secondary canal system requires mainly minor and short- lived impacts causing disturbance, noise and dust. Even so the work force will not be large, perhaps 20 to 30 persons, most of whom will be recruited from the scheme viUages or nearby Shkoder town. There will not be any cultural clashes. Supply of most items will be sub-let to small contractors who will deliver aggregates, steel rods, and other building requirements on a daily basis. There is no need for a large storage area. Reconstruction of the main canals and secondary irngation channels will result in the production of solid waste (principally solid blocks of concrete). A fair amount of solid waste will be generated (mainly concrete and steel gates) which will require disposal in the local land fill site.

Other mitigation measures will involve regular inspection and clearance of debris from canals and drains. The agrochemical mitigation will be handled through the implementation of improved farming practices. These will include:

* Deep ploughing to break up the plough pan to improve water infiltration and crop aeration.

* Farmer education concerning the storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticide residues and containers

* Farmer education concerning the problem of nitrates in water and potential health effects.

* Community agreement to limit nitrate applications to crops.

* Storage and handling of farm yard manure

92 10.7 The Monitoring Programme The irrigation water supply quality (the Drin river) is monitored (and has been for many years) by the Institute of Hydrometeorology - there is no need to duplicate such work. The PMU will obtain and analyse data from the Hydrometeorology Institute. The following sections describes the monitoring programme, which is summarised in Table 8.3. The location of the water table monitoring sites and the sampling sites for drain water collection are shown in Figure 10.2.

10.7.1 Public Health (a) Drainage canals Six sites will be chosen, according to the locations shown in Figure 8.2, the actual site to be determined in relation to the villages along the drains. Samples from upstream and downstream of each village are needed. The analysis will be for the determinants EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. The samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. The Samples will be taken in April and September each year.

(b) Well waters Four wells will be monitored according to the locations shown in Figure 10.2. The actual sites must be determnined by a field visit and discussion with the farmers to select two wells that are shared by several families and two that are individually owned. The analysis will comprise EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. The sample collection must follow the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples are to be taken in April and September each year.

10.7.2 Scheme Water Tables Water table observation pipes will be installed at 6 sites according to the locations shown in Figure 10.2. The water table depth will be measured at three month intervals during the months of September, December, March and June. Water samples will be collected and analysed for EC only.

10.7.3 Collector Drain Monitoring The main collector on SHU-4 will be monitored for flow and quality. Drain water will be sampled before it enters Lake Myrtemza. Analyses will be undertaken for EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, sediment load and pesticides at six monthly intervals. Samples will be collected in April and September. A gauging station will be constructed at the end of the Myrtemza main drain to record drain flow. Measurements will be made four times a year in September, December, April and June.

93 Table 10.3: Overview of the annual monitoring programme Shkoder SHU4/9 Monitoring Programme Instrume No Det Month and number sam les nt Ja Fe Ma Ap M Ju| Jy| Au Se Oc No De Piezomet 6 De 6 6 6 6 er EC 6 6 6 6 Domesti 4 EC _ 4 4 c Wells Nit 4 4 Phos 4 4 FC ___ 4 4 Drains 6 Fl 6 6 EC _ _ 6 6 Nit 6 6 Phos 6 6 FC 6 6 Outfall 1 Fl 1 1 1 1 Drain EC 1 1 Nit11 Phos __ 1 1 FC 1 1 Pest 1 1 Total by Month EC 6 17 6 = 17 6 De 6 6 6 6

Fl 1 6 1 7 __ 1

Nit __ 11 _ 1 1 Phos 11 11 FC 11 11 Pest 1 1 Fl - flow measurement; De - depth measurement; EC - electrical conductivity Nit - nitrate, nitrite, ammonium; Phos - phosphate; FC - faecal coliforms.

94 56

Ni AA I a, . i

SUOTWOO'- .U!JO$UZON 6/t'-f1HS apt,rnjql:ro ...... ~~~uOlzOI iu l ON 6.-fH JP3lq :j- 1 a---tUl- 10.8 Conclusions Overall the environmental impact of this scheme would be positive and would significantly increase crop production and farm income. Farming will probably continue with a significant proportion of animal husbandry but the supply of irrigation water will provide an increased amount of fodder, both lucerne and maize stover. The availability of increased amounts of fodder will remove the necessity to graze flocks on adjoining hill land, thus reducing the onset of soil erosion. The rehabilitation would improve the socio-economic status of the farmers and would be environmentally sustainable. The improved availability of water in the summer months would flush the drains and reduce the health hazard due to disposal of sewage. The scheme produces some vegetables for the nearby town of Shkoder and the provision of irrigation water would reduce the tendency to use polluted drain water for irrigation. Negative impacts can be offset, or reduced, by regular attention to inspection and maintenance of infrastructure and/or improved farming practices. The scheme does not affect cultural values and the increased incomes, improved diets, chances of employment for farm labour, and an increase in the value of land would greatly increase the quality of life of the local population.

96 Vlore VLU-1

Background The rehabilitation works of irrigation scheme VLU-1 and drainage schemes VLK-1 and VLK-2 are located in the Myzeqe massif of the Vlore District in southem coastal Albania. The drainage schemes cover the entire area, whilst the irrigation scheme presently covers only 3000ha of the area, omitting the former state land reclamation scheme that consists of low lying saline land.

As shown on Figure 11.1, the VLU-1 irrigation scheme is a gravity system taking water from Vjosa river through the Mifoli pump station which supplies the Ul primary canal, the UU2-U9 secondary irrigation canals and the sub-secondary and tertiary canals system. Most of the area is drained to the Adriatic sea through the Akernia pump station.

The scheme serves the agricultural communities of Mifol, Novosele, Cerkovine, Aliban, Akernia, Bishan, Poro and Delisuf villages.

The northern area of 3,000 ha has been allocated to farmers. Of this area 50 to 6 0 % is currently cultivated for the production of low value grain and fodder crops with only 300 ha receiving irrigation. Areas unable to receive irrigation are cultivated under rainfed conditions.

Lack of canal maintenance in recent years has caused the deterioration of the canals and structures severely limiting the area able to receive water. The intake channel to the Mifoli pump station suffers from severe siltation annually and there are problems of river control where riverbank erosion threatens the irrigated area in several places.

The project would rehabilitate the main canal, main drains, provide protection works to vulnerable areas to prevent damage from the river Vjosa and rehabilitate the irrigation and drainage pump stations for the cultivated area of 3,000 ha where land has been allocated to farmers. Canal and drain structures and canal lining will be rehabilitated.

97 00 co

HI I-4,!bl 1, ~44 ~ ~ au~'- o -e

v4 I t ,i t Photo 11.1: Vlore - Main and Secondary Drains in the Saline Area

Photo 11.2: Vlore - Mifoli Pump Station

99 The Vjosa river is the main water source. After rehabilitation of the scheme, the volume of water abstracted will not be greater than that formerly taken.

11.2 Desctiption of the Rehabilitation Works The following description of the rehabilitation works covers the works that were intended to be undertaken under the SIDRP. Only some of these works were carried out under that Project and the remaining works are proposed to be undertaken under the proposed Project.

Rehabilitation is based on the original plan and is aimed at improving the irrigation and drainage network to the currently cropped area of 3000 ha. This improvement includes cleaning and desilting all canals and drains, repairing existing structures and building new ones where necessary.

Some works are considered essential for the continued operation of the scheme. These essential works are not complex but without them the system will remain inoperable. These are:

* Reconstruction of Mifoli Pump Station and replacement of pumps with submersibles. * Replacement of pumps at Akernia Pump Station. * Restoration of power lines to Akernia Pump Station.

The Skrofolina saline area was considered too expensive to reclaim and was excluded from the irrigation programme, apart from the drainage works necessary to conduct water away for eventual discharge to the sea.

All other works proposed are less complex in nature including canal lining, de- silting, re-sectioning, and replacement of minor structures. Although as many of these as possible should be constructed under the rehabilitation programme, some of this work could be carried out under a rolling programme of maintenance to give a steady improvement in the overall scheme as funds become available.

100 (a) Akerrnia Pump Station The rehabilitation works comprise:

* Replacing the 3 destroyed pumps with 3 new pumps (Q = 2.5 m3 /s, H 6 m,N = 200 kw * Replacing the delivery pipes * Replacing the electric control plant * Construction of a new electric line tension 10 kv, 12 km long from Mlifoli sub-station. * Structural improvements induding the damp-course of the old station, partial replacement of the doors and windows, repairing plastering and painting. * Repairing and construction of pump intake structure.

(b) Mifoli Pump Station A complete re-design is recommended, in order to avoid the perennial problems of siltation of the existing intake channel. This is based on the use of electric submersible pumps mounted on sloping rails inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal. Civil works are minimal, pumps can be raised clear of the water during floods or for maintenance, and the pumps themselves require no priming and little maintenance.

(c) Canals The main and the secondary canals are in many places filed with sediment and have damaged sections, damaged lining and destroyed structures. Seepage is significant in hilly areas where soils tend to be permeable. The project proposes to rehabilitate the canals and structures to their original condition, with concrete lining in some main and secondary canals, which are situated in sandy or other permeable soils.

(d) Earthworks Earthworks consist mainly of de-silting and re-sectioning canals and drains. Elsewhere on the scheme, excavation is limited to removing sediment and flood debris from structures such as siphons and culverts. Secondary canals are extensively damaged and need significant work in remodelling.

101 (e) Canal Lining Mass concrete lining is proposed for some main and secondary canals, and all canals that pass through vilage or urban areas. Standard design is M150 concrete, thickness 10-15 cm, with 1:1 side slopes.

(f) Structures Structures are extensively damaged or have been demolished. It is planned to repair all existing structures and build new ones where necessary. The majority of structures are gated outlets in secondary canals, and culverts across drains.

(g) Service Roads The main access routes are generally in very good condition. Most gravel roads within the project area are adequate and no significant improvements are proposed, other than repair or reconstruction of bridges and culverts.

(h) River Training Works In total five new groynes 30m long are proposed in the two reaches of the Vjosa River that are prone to severe bank erosion. It has been suggested that they should be placed across the current at an angle of 60 degrees, but this is not in accordance with internationally accepted practice and is unlikely to be effective. A better alternative will be to orient the groynes perpendicular to the bank, and at a spacing of 3 times the length of individual groynes. Construction would utilise precast concrete blocks 1 m cube.

The works on the pump station, river training works, main and secondary canals remain to be completed and these are planned for the Water Resource Management Project.

11.3 PresentEnvironmental Situation 11.3.1 Setting The subproject is situated on the right bank of the river Vjosa close to the outfall to the sea. The scheme consists of irrigation rehabilitation of 3,040 ha of both irrigated and drained land, and drainage of 1,170 ha of saline land. Two distinct physiographic features are included: a higher lying alluvial plain derived mainly from sediments of the river Vjosa with some piedmont alluvial material (the scheme lands) and a lower lying lacustrine plain of mixed riverain and marine sediments (saline land excluded from the irrigation scheme). Coastal dunes isolate the scheme from the Adriatic on the west. A substantial part of the coastal dune land has been planted to pines and this land, comprising 1,770 ha, is a IUCN

102 Category 4 protected area. The southern boundary of the scheme is formed by salt works that separate the sub-project from the Narta lagoon (an area being prepared for Ramsar site status).

11.3.2 The Water Resource Water is abstracted from the Vjosa river by a pump station situated near to the village of Mifoli. The main irrigation canal is the U-1 canal that runs parallel to the Vjosa river and supplies water to most of the alluvial plain soils. A subsidiary canal (the Ull) contours along the side of the higher land to the south of Mifoli and provides irrigation water to the soils of the piedmont alluvium.

The U-1 irrigation channel, in places, runs very close to the meandering river channel of the Vjosa and minor changes in channel direction threaten the integrity of the canal. Two sites, in particular, appear at risk and embankment protection (in the form of groynes) is proposed to rectify the potential problem.

The subsidiary canal (U-I l) is a higher level contour canal that is constructed on the fringing pediments from the hills that form the south east boundary of the sub- project. The slopes above the canal are only partially stable and rapid rainfall run- off carries substantial debris into the cross drainage structures. Continuing maintenance and regular clearing of culverts and check dams will be essential. A substantial allocation of maintenance costs is required to ensure a sustainable project.

11.3.3 Irmigation Water Some analytical data for the Vjosa at Mifol is provided by BCEOM (1996). The water quality is excellent for irrigation. Details of the water chemistry published by BCEOM have been converted to units suitable for irrigation water quality assessment (conversion of results in milligrams per litre to milliequivalents per litre or millimols per charge). Results are reproduced in Table 11.1.

Table 11.1: Water Chemistry of the Vjosa at Mifol River Ca Mg Na K HCO3 Cl S04 EC SAR pH

Vjosa 2.9 1.1 0.6 0.1 | 3.0 0.6 1.1 0.5 0.4 8.0 Note: anions and cations expressed in milliequivalent per litre.

11.3.4 Drain Water Only a limited amount of land is presently irrigated, said to be around 10% or 300 ha, and the proposed irrigation rehabilitation is restricted to the 3,000 ha of the

103 higher lying alluvial plain soils. This land is drained by gravity. Drain KK-1 will remove surplus water from around 1,100 ha of irrigated land and another 860 ha of adjoining upland, by-passing the salt works, with eventual discharge into the Narta lagoon. The lagoon receives about 30% of the total drain water and also the rainfall runoff from the adjoining upland. The total quantity of water involved over 6 3 the year is around 4.2 X10 m .

Drain water and upland runoff water contribute equal amounts to the total drain flow.

The remaining land, apart from 300 ha, is drained into the former cultivated lagoon lands for eventual disposal to the sea through the Akernia pump station. The Akernia pump station does not work at the present and so the former lagoon area is poorly drained, even in the summer months, and partly flooded in the rainy season.

The final 300 ha in the vicinity of the village of Porcja will be drained into an old channel of the Vjosa, suitably deepened for gravity outfall into the sea.

11.3.5 Soils andAgnculture The scheme is situated at the seaward end of the Vjosa river and the soils are developed from a complex mix of parent material, river alluvium, piedmont alluvium, deltaic and marine sediments. The piedmont alluvial soils are loams to clay loams.

The soils of the alluvial plain exhibit a range of textures that reflect the age and depositional sequence of sediment from river water moving across the floodplain. The most recent sediments are of a coarse texture of sands to sandy loams and are deposited nearest to the river channel. Behind the levees the sediments are finer textured (silt loams to silty clay loams) on the cover flood plain with the finest textures (silty clay to clay) in the backswamp areas where water previously ponded against the hill slopes. The soils become much sandier to the west near to the coast.

The alluvial and piedmont alluvial soils are mainly calcareous with a pH in the range 7.5-8.0. Salinity is not a problem except to the west, near the villages of Porcja and Delisuf where the soils are sandy, the groundwater is saline, close to the surface and there is sufficient capillary rise to salinise the topsoils. Drainage and irrigation will reclaim these areas. The irrigation pump station at Mifoli works

104 sporadically when money is available to pay for electricity. During the last summer season only about 25% of the crop was irrigated and five applications were given.

A plough pan exists in most of the medium to fine textured soils and the soil, at a depth of 20 to 30 cm, is compacted and has a high bulk density such that root penetration and water movement are impeded. The consequence is that irrigation water and rainfall are not penetrating (or only penetrating slowly) below the 30 cm depth and substantial run off occurs under intense rainfall, contributing to the surface drainage problem.

The brazda system of irrigation is inefficient unless water application is carefully supervised (the conservative estimate of irrigation efficiency is only 40%/6) and particularly so where a plough pan is present. Most incident water (induding rain) flows to drains, carrying away any applied fertiliser, of which nitrogen fertilisers would be most vulnerable.

Pesticide use is extremely low and also fertiliser inputs, as most crops presently, are grown on rainfall (winter) and residual soil moisture, supplemented in part by subsurface irrigation, the occasional surface irrigation when water is available, and sporadic summer rain. Fertiliser and manure applications, at best, may just balance nutrient removal by the crop.

11.3.6 The Narta Lagoon The total surface area of Narta lagoon is around 4,000 ha, including the salt pans that occupy around 1200 ha. The area covered by water varies with the season. There is only one outlet channel to the Adriatic sea with a flow rate of 1-5 m3 /s. Two islands exist in the south west of the lagoon of which the larger is covered by Cypress trees and contains a small monastery. The lack of significant water exchange with the Adtiatic and intense summer evaporation brings about a reduction, in summer, of water surface of 30%. The dry area appears to be increasing annually. Water depth in summer is about 10-20 cm and increases in winter to around 40 cm.

11.3.7 Soeio-Economic Conditions Domestic sewage disposal to drains presents a health hazard, although 90% of the households dispose of sewage to cess pits. The existing waste disposal situation within the sub-project is unsatisfactory since there is no organised collection and disposal scheme for domestic rubbish.

105 The socio-economic studies reveal a good situation with regard to water supply for domestic use as 80% of households are connected to a piped supply. The other 20% of households rely upon water abstracted from private wells. The location of wells and cess pits in the same vicinity near the commune village, gives rise to some concern regarding possible pollution of the well water supply.

11.4 Without ProjectFuture The scheme will continue much as at present and continuing downstream bank erosion will eventually result in the loss of agricultural land and the breaching of the principal irrigation canal (the U-1 canal). Loss of agricultural land and loss of summer irrigation water will reduce scheme summer crop yields from an already low base. Summer crop production will then be limited to growth from stored soil moisture, some sub-irrigation where the water table is shallow and the occasional summer rain shower. There will be pressure to water crops using any water source available, including sewage polluted drain water, with a consequent public health hazard.

Some farmers may be forced to dig shallow wells for irrigation, depleting a freshwater source that serves as the domestic water supply for some of the villagers.

11.5 EnvironmentalImpact of the ProposedRehabilitation Works 11.5.1 ConstructionPhase Engineering works for the primary canal system involves substantial rehabilitation leading to moderate negative impact of disturbance, noise and dust. The engineering works for the secondary canal system requires mainly minor and short lived impacts causing disturbance, noise and dust. The reconstruction of the Mifoli Pump Station will be a fairly large project but takes place away from most settlements. River bank protection structures also involve some larger than normal construction work. The work force will not be large, perhaps 20 to 30 persons, most of whom will be recruited from the scheme villages or nearby Vlore town There will not be any cultural clashes. Supply of most items will be sublet to small contractors who will deliver aggregates, steel rods, and other building requirements on a daily basis. There is no need for a large storage area. A fair amount of solid waste will be generated (mainly concrete and steel gates) which will require disposal in the local land fill site.

11.5.2 OperationPhase (a) Upstream Impacts

106 No upstream impacts are expected. Withdrawal of water will be restricted to the volume extracted when the systems were working.

(b) Within Scheme Impacts The KK-1 main drain crosses many drainage ways and also acts as a cutoff drain. Each year there is substantial deposition of sediment and inspection and clearance of drain and cross drain structures is essential.

The projected increase in agricultural production will be accompanied by an increase in the application of fertilisers and pesticides. This increase is expected to be moderate since the introduction of high pesticide use or high demand fertiliser cropping is not foreseen due to the high cost of agrochemicals following removal of state subsidies.

The irrigation efficiency will not be improved so the salt burden of the drain water will remain about the same as present. The concentration of fertiliser and pesticide residues in drain water will increase slightly above the present very low levels. The effect of the volume of drain water that will be discharged into the Narta lagoon is likely to be small, but a monitoring programme will be implemented to check this assumption.

Provision of an assured water supply will reduce the pressure to utilise drain water for irrigation. This situation will be monitored by drain sampling. The need to utilise the groundwater resource for irrigation of the major summer crops will be largely removed.

The increased volume of water moving through the drains in the dry summer months will dilute and flush away any sewage.

Plough pans develop in the medium to fine textured soils and this pan requires ripping at regular (generally five year) intervals.

Some 2 0% of households obtain potable water from private wells, with possible contamination by nitrogen from fertiliser and manure and domestic sewage from cess pits.

107 (c) Downstream Impacts Water that is discharged directly to the sea through the Akernia drainage pump station will be saline since it passes through the Akernia salt flats and will inevitably collect some saline return flow from these salty soils. The water will also contain negligible amounts of fertiliser and pesticides, and some well diluted untreated domestic sewage.

Drain water that reaches the sea through the old meander channel of the Vjosa will be slightly saline, contain only small amounts of fertiliser and pesticide as well as very small quantities of untreated sewage. The daily inflow of sea water will further dilute any effluent remaining on the foreshore or the tidal flats and any negative impacts to marine or littoral ecosystems are considered to be negligible. The current flow along the coast is in a northerly direction and so any effluent will be carried away from the entrance to the Narta lagoon, an area being prepared for Ramsar site status.

The drain water from drain KK-1 will discharge directly into the Narta lagoon. The expected discharge from this source is estimated to be around 4 million cubic metres per year and will be a mixture of surplus rain water from the upland and land drainage water. The quantities of fertiliser and pesticides will be small and salinity of the water will be low. Problems due to eco-toxicity are not expected but the drain water will be monitored on a regular basis to establish longer term trends in water quality. Similarly, regular monitoring of ecological habitats will be conducted.

11.6 Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures have been adopted wherever possible in the engineering design.

* The river Vjosa is unstable and bank erosion a problem. This has been rated as a moderate negative impact. Engineering works, consisting of construction of groynes are proposed to provide protection of the main supply canal. * One high level irrigation canal is situated at the base of hillslopes subject to soil erosion. This is considered to be a minor problem. Cross drainage structures and check dams will require continuous repair and cleaning. * The soils of the alluvial plain will be ripped periodically. * Drain water from about 1,100 ha of the alluvial plain will be discharged into the Narta lagoon, a protected area. The impact is not expected to be

108 more than minor since improved agricultural operations are expected to be modest. * Some drain water will be discharged into the Vjosa near its outfall to the sea with negligible impact.

Drain water from the rest of the alluvial plain, and the saline drain water from the reclamation lands of the lacustrine plain, will be discharged into the Adriatic sea. The impact will be negligible.

Training on the application of improved farming practices will be undertaken, including:

* Deep ploughing to break up the plough pan to improve water infiltration and crop aeration.

* Farmer education concerning the storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticide residues and containers

* Farmer education concerning the problem of nitrates in water and potential health effects.

* Community agreement to limit nitrate applications to crops.

* Storage and handling of farm yard manure

11.7 The MonitoringProgramme Monitoring for environmental purposes has been designed to check those aspects identified as critical for public health (well water quality, drain water quality) and those that will give information and possible early warning of trends that will affect longer term sustainability (water table behaviour and salinity). Since one of the drains empties into the Narta lagoon this location will be monitored for salinity, phosphate, nitrates, and pesticides. An overview of the monitoring programme is provided in Table 11.2. The proposed location of the water table monitoring sites and the sampling sites for drain water collection are shown in Figure 11.2. The water supply quality (the Vjosa river) has been monitored systematically over many years by the Institute of Hydrometeorology - there is no need to duplicate such work. The PMU will obtain data and analyse trends.

109 11.7.1 Public Health (a) Drainage canals 10 sites will be monitored, according to the locations shown in Figure 9.2, the actual site to be determined in relation to the villages along the drains - both upstream and downstream sample sites are needed. Water will be analysed for the determinants EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliform. Samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken in April and September of each year.

(b) Main Drain The KK-I drain discharges to the environmentally sensitive Narta lagoon, which is expected to be declared a Ramsar site. The principal interest from the ecological side will be the concentrations of pesticides and fertilisers in the drain water.

KK-1 drain water will be sampled twice a year in April and September. Drain flow volume will be recorded four times each year in September, December, April and June. A measuring weir will be installed. Samples will be analysed for EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, EC, sediment load and pesticide residues.

(c) Well waters Six wells will be monitored, according to the locations shown in Figure 9.2. The actual sites must be determined by a field visit and discussion with the farmers to select wells. Samples will be analysed for the determinands EC, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammronium and faecal coliform. Samples will be collected according to the requirements of the public health laboratory. Samples will be taken at six month intervals in April and September each year.

11.7.2 Scheme Water Tabkes Water table observation pipes will be installed at 10 sites, according to the locations shown in Figure 9.2. The location of the pipe must be with the consent of the landowner who should be asked to take responsibility for its protection from interference. Water table depth will be measured at three month intervals during the months of September, December, March andJune. Water samples are to be collected and analysed for EC.

110 Table 11.2: Overview of the annual monitoring programme Vlore VLU-1 Mo oring P ogramme Instrument NoD t Month and number determinands Ja Fe Ma Ap My Ju lY Au Se Oc No De Piezometer 10 De 10 10 10 10 EC 10 10 10 10 Domestic 6 EC 6 6 Well Nit 6 6 Phos 6 6

FC 6 6 _ Drain 10 Fl 10 10 EC 10 10 Nit 10 10 Phos 10 10 fC 10 10 Outfall Drain 1 Fl 1 1 KK-1 EC 1 1 Nit 1 1 Phos 1 FC 1 1

______P est 1 1 Totals by Month EC 10 17 10 27 10 De 10 10 10 10 Fl 1 11 = = Nit 17 17 Phos 17 17 FC = = = 17 17 _ = = Pest = = 1 1 = Fl - flow measurement; De - depth measurement; EC - electrical conductivity Nit - nitrate, nitrite, ammonium; Phos - phosphate; FC - faecal coliforms.

11. 8 Conclusions Provision of irrigation water will significantly increase crop production and improve the socio-economic status of the farmers. The projected increase in agricultural production will be accompanied by an increase in the application of fertilisers and pesticides. This increase is expected to be moderate since the introduction of high pesticide use or high demand fertiliser cropping is not foreseen.

The drains will be flushed more frequently and any sewage diluted and removed from source, again reducing a public health risk.

The irrigation efficiency will not be improved so the salt burden of the drain water will remain about the same as present. The concentration of fertiliser and pesticide residues in drain water will increase above the present very low levels. Downstream impact of the drain water upon the seashore will be negligible. The pollution load of the drain water that will be discharged into the Narta lagoon is likely to be small. The increase in agricultural activity to full production is predicted to take place over a five year period that will give time to obtain a comprehensive series of results from the monitoring programme.

Provision of an assured water supply will reduce the pressure to utilise drain water for irrigation. The need to utilise the groundwater resource for irrigation of the major summer crops will be removed.

Operation and maintenance schedules must be implemented for the success of the rehabilitated scheme. The route of the main canal remains vulnerable to damage from riverbank erosion by future changes in river morphology.

The culverts, the torrent flow courses, and the minor water control structures along the subsidiary main canal must be kept free from debris to prevent flood damage from upper slope run-off.

The scheme will be sustainable, both from a social and environment point of view, provided that regular inspections and maintenance of infrastructure is carried out and that the monitoring scheme results are carefully analysed and the cause(s) for unexpected changes determined. The results from the KK-1 drain that discharges to the Narta lagoon are particularly important.

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It Ii iI' 12 Environmental Management Plan First Phase Schemes

12.1 Introduction The principal objective of an EMP is to ensure that the proposed schemes are implemented in such a way as to avoid negative construction and operational impacts on the environment. To achieve this objective, seven tasks are identified:

1. Identification of the key environmental aspects and impacts 2. Development of mitigation measures to address negative impacts 3. Development of a monitoring programme to track impacts of the scheme on the environment through the construction and operational phases 4. Establishment of sound environmental institutional arrangemrents 5. Implementation of the EMP 6. Promotion of environmental awareness among stakeholders 7. Detailed post-evaluation (environmental audit).

The following sections describe the main components of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which are summarised in the site specific EMPs. A generic EMP is provided in Appendix A, which should be used as a guide for the preparation of new EMPs for additional schemes.

12.2 Key EnvironmentalAspects The six irrigation rehabilitation schemes are located in areas with a long-standing tradition of irrigation dating back to the 1 960s. None of these irrigation areas are known to be sensitive eco-systems, although two of the schemes drain to wetlands of scientific interest. There are no sites of archaeological interest in the irrigation areas, despite the abundance of many such important sites within Albania. Numerous villages are sited within and around the irrigation sites, which lead to environmental problems particularly due to the lack of adequate wastewater facilities and solid waste disposal activities by inhabitants.

Tables 12.1 to 12.3 provide an overview of the magnitude, direction and duration of impacts on the physical, biological and human environments associated with the rehabilitation of the six irrigation schemes.

114 Construction impacts are expected to have minor, negative, temporary effects on land disturbance, dust and noise. All the schemes are expected to have minor, negative long term impacts on drain water quality, groundwater levels and groundwater quality. Schemes SHU-4 and VLU-1 would have no significant or only minor negative impacts on the water quality of downstream lagoons. All of the schemes are predicted to have minor benefits on soil salinity and soil fertility.

Rehabilitation of S HU-4 and VLU-1 schemes may have minor, negative, long term impacts on the aquatic flora and fauna of nature reserves, namely the Veluni lagoon (a nature reserve) for SHU-4 and the Narta lagoon (a candidate RAMSAR site) for VLU-1.

All six rehabilitation projects are expected to benefit people and communities, with the exception of public health issues related to the quality of groundwater quality used for drinking. There is potential for contamination by nitrates and bacteria, the main sources being rural sanitation facilities (e.g. cess pits) rather than the use of fertilisers on agricultural land. Moderate benefits are expected for health, land values, crop cultivation and quality of life.

115 Table 12.1: Potential Physical Environmental Impact of Sub-Pro ects Environmental Sub-Project

Issue BRU3 |FRU3 |KOUl |LEU1 |SHU4 |VLU1

Water

River water discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0

River water quality 0 0 0 0 0 0

Drain water discharge 0 0 0 0 0 0

Drain water quality -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1

Groundwater level -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1

Groundwater quality -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1

Surface drainage 0 0 0 0 0 0

Lagoon siltation 0 0 0 0 0 0

Lagoon pollution 0 0 0 0 -1? -1?

Marine siltation 0 0 0 0 0 0

Marine pollution 0 0 0 0 0 0 Land

Land erosion 0 0 0 0 0 0

Land disturbance -lt -lt -lt -lt -lt -lt

Waterlogging 0 0 0 0 0 0

Soil salinity +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1

Soil fertility +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Climate

Microclimate change +1 [+1 +1 I +1 +1 +1 Atmosphere

Dust -lt -it -lt -lt -lt -lt

Noise -lt -lt -lt -it -lt -lt + positive impact 0 = negligible/nil 2 = moderate x =not applicable negative impact 1 = minor 3 = major t = temporary

116 Table 12.2: Potential Biological Environmental Impact of Sub Projects Environmental Sub-Project Issue BRU3 FRU3 KOUl LEUI SHU4 VLU1

Marine communities 0 0 0 0 0 0 / habitats Aquatic communities 0 0 0 0 0/-1? -1? / habitats Bird communities/ 0 0 0 0 0/-i? -1? habitats Terrestrial flora 0 0 0 0 0 0 Terrestrial fauna 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nature reserves 0 0 0 0 0/-i? -1?

Table 12.3: Potential Human Environmental Impact of Sub-Prolects Environmental Sub-Project Issue BRU3 |FRU3 |KOUl |LEU1 |SHU4 |VLU1 Social Human carrying 0 0 0 0 0 0 capacity Settlement 0 0 0 0 0 0 Land Ownership 0 0 0 0 +1 0 Social cohesion 0 0 0 0 +1 0 Gender and age 0 0 0 0 0 0 Health +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Safety 0 0 0 0 0 0 Socio-Economic Incomes +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Employment +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 + 1 Land values +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Institutional Institutional activity +1 +1 +1 + +1 +1 Institutional +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 effectiveness

117 Environmental Sub-Project Issue BRU3 FRU3 KOUl LEU1 SHU4 VLU1

Human Use Ctop cultivation +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Livestock +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Aquaculture +1 +1 0 +1 0 0 Drain fish/frogs +1 +2 +1 +1 +1 +1 Forestry x x x x x x Agro/industrial +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 activity Transport/ communic 0 0 0 0 0 0 ations Domestic well water -1 -1 -1 quality Culture Historic/Archaeologi x x x x x x cal sites Cultural Heritage 0 0 0 0 0 0

Quality of Life +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2

12.3 Mitigation Plan It is inevitable that some of the sub-projects will have negative impacts and the ultimate degree of severity will depend very much upon project mitigation measures. The EIA identified the need for mitigation in the following areas (a) engineering interventions, (b) control of construction-related nuisances, (c) operational and maintenance activities, (d) farming interventions through TA training programmes. The following text summarises the main mitigation measures identified for the rehabilitation of the six irrigation areas. No mitigation measures are proposed for the up and downstream areas, where scheme impacts are not considered to be significant.

* EngineeningInterventions. Engineering interventions include: improved de sign and replacement of intakes, provision of river bank protection structures, remodelling of cross drainage, lining of primary and secondary irrigation channels, new irrigation water control gates and improved drainage. These

118 structures have all been considered under SIRDP and incorporated (as necessary) into the scheme engineering designs. The costs have been incorporated into the scheme costs. * Control of construction-relatednuisances. Construction-related impacts on communities and the environment can be largely mitigated through good housekeeping measures on site. This approach will involve the incorporation of environmental clauses and the SEMP in the contract documents, the obligation on the contractor to comply with these conditions, and good site supervision by an independent engineer to ensure that the contractor complies with the contract documents. A list of clauses to be incorporated in the contract documents is provided in Appendix B. * Regular cleaning and necessay maintenance. During the operational phase, impacts on the quality of irrigation water will be mitigated through routine maintenance activities, such as de-silting the irrigation channels. These types of activities are the responsibility of the WIUAs. * Farming Interventions. A set of realistic, easily achieved, and relatively low cost measures to improve agricultural practices in the short to medium term have been prepared (Halcrow, 2001b) and should be adopted by farmers. For the purposes of this project, this will be achieved by training of trainers in more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The mitigation plan includes a component for Technical Assistance in the training of staff of the PMU. A list of possible issues to be covered is present in Appendix C.

12.4 MonitoringPlan 12.4.1 The EnvironmentalMonitoringand Evaluation System (EMES) Environmental monitoring may be defined as the collection of specific information on the characteristics, quantities and functioning of the environmental variables over space and time. Monitoring evaluation is the analysis and interpretation of this collected information to determine trends in space and time. Regular monitoring of key parameters is necessary to measure environmental change and to give an early warning so that corrective action can be taken.

12.4.2 Baseline Monitoring Programme A monitoring programme was designed under the SIDRP and implemented during 2003. Monitoring consisted predominantly of the collection of water samples from scheme drains and analysis for those components that may adversely affect

119 downstream projects or the aqueous environment, particularly impact upon nature reserves such as the Narta lagoon.

Samples were analysed for salinity, nitrogen (both ammonium-nitrogen and nitrate- nitrogen) and phosphate. Pesticide residues were not included since intensive earlier work in the Lushnje district (Halcrow 2001 a) indicated that the modem pesticides now in use did not constitute a serious hazard. Furthermore such pesticides rapidly break down in the aqueous environment and concentrations depend upon residence time on the field and in the drain, making collection and interpretation of any data extremely difficult.

The monitoring data collected over the first twelve month period was reviewed by Halcrow (2003) and has been used to inform the environmental impact assessment for the six schemes reviewed in this EIA report. The review confirmed previous work that showed that the present level of environmental impact was minor. The monitoring programme will continue.

12.4.3 FutureMonitoring Programme At this stage regular monitoring is only proposed for a few key parameters that are relatively easy to measure yet will give an early indication of possible unwanted changes. Additional measurements could always be included at a later stage should agricultural cropping develop commercially with more intensive farming systems or to comply with future environmental legislation.

The focus of the monitoring programme is placed on those parameters that appear to be crucial. These are public health, groundwater conditions and scheme effluent quality.

The recommended approach is:

* Installation of groundwater observation sites to measure changes in water level and water salinity. * Establishment of monitoring sites and flow gauges at the location (or locations) where drainage water is discharged from the scheme. * Monitoring of the quality of well water used for domestic purposes. * Monitoring of the discharge of domestic sewage to drains as part of a drain monitoring campaign.

120 Monitoring, and the associated laboratory costs for analyses, is often an expensive undertaking and yet it is vitally necessary for the sustainability of any irrigation scheme to guard against adverse impacts such as rising groundwater tables and soil salinisation. The health and welfare of the rural (and often urban) population depends upon the quality of scheme water for potable supplies, the harvesting of fish and frogs for consumption, and for recreational use. Therefore checks are needed on the quality of drain water discharged into rivers. Agricultural drain water discharges to rivers that connect to sensitive lagoons or sea with the potential for impact upon the biosphere. Monitoring provides information on nutrient levels and pesticides that can affect water quality and aquatic life.

The following recommendations for implementation are considered to be the minimum necessary:

(a) Scheme water tables (groundwater) Depth to water to be measured and sampled at three month intervals (months September, December, March andJune). In situ measures of chemical analysis for electrical conductivity (EC) only.

(b) Rural Drinking Water Supply Wells Samples to be collected at six month intervals during April and September and analysed for faecal coliform, phosphates and nitrate, nitrite and ammonium.

(c) Drainage Water Within Scheme Samples to be collected at six month intervals during April and September, and analysed for EC, phosphates, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and faecal coliforms.

(d) Drainage water at discharge point(s) A simple system to monitor drain water quality exported from each sub-project is recommended. The assessment of water quality alone is not sufficient. It is the quantity of the potential pollutant that is discharged downstream over time that is the critical factor. Therefore the quantity of water flowing out of the system must be determined as well as quality.

To monitor the quality (and quantity) of water leaving the scheme (downstream environmental effect). Sample twice a year at the end of the winter cropping and at the end of the summer cropping (March/April) but when the drains still discharging. Record effluent volume and collect one bulk sample (several small

121 samples combined) and analyse for: salinity (EC), nitrate, nitrite, ammonium- nitrogen, phosphate, sediment load, and pesticide residues.

12.4.4 Equipment Needs Salinity is traditionally measured by a laboratory procedure that reports total dissolved solids (TDS) in milligrams per litre. The procedure is both time and energy dependent (evaporation of water) and requires sample transportation and laboratory facilities. It is much simpler and more cost effective to measure the electrical conductivity (EC) of waters and effluents directly at site by use of an electrical conductivity meter. Modern EC meters are robust, easy to carry, easy to use and relatively inexpensive. It is recommend that monitoring staff should be provided with these instruments and trained to use them.

12.4.5 Evaluation and Reporting Responsibility for the collection, sampling, analysis, and reporting of the data should rest with the Environmental Specialist in the PMU.

The monitored data will be evaluated and reported at intervals of twelve months.

The evaluation will comprise the review of all data collected in the previous twelve months and a comparison with earlier results and trends. Data wil be plotted continually so that long-term trends can be seen. The conclusions drawn from this exercise will form the main content of each annual report but would also include tabulations of all quantitative data and simple statistical analysis as required to illustrate the findings and trends.

The PMU will liaise with the scheme managers (WUAs and DBs) to ensure that they are fully aware of any changes occurring, and in the case of negative impacts, to attempt to identify the cause (or causes) of the problem.

The reports will be prepared by the end of each calendar year, after the cessation of the irrigation period and collection and analysis of the last samples. The reports should be automatically issued to the Ministry of Environment.

12.5 InstitutionalArmngements 12.5.1 ProposedInstitutionalArrangementsfor the EMP The most suitable organisation to take overal responsibility for the implementation of the EMP would be the PMU. The PMU has the logistical

122 resources necessary to organise the collection of samples and the contacts within the schemes.

The PMU therefore would be responsible for the co-ordination of the monitoring (in conjunction with the WUAs and DBs) and for the evaluation of the collected data. However the technical range of the monitoring tasks (and the expertise in analytical procedures) is such that different organisations would have to be sub- contracted as necessary. The PMU would subcontract the work and exert overall environmental control and take responsibility for the publication and dissemination of the results.

12.6 Implementation of the EMP 12.6.1 Programme (a) Bidding Phase The EMP will be annexed to the contract documents for each scheme, and the main contract will include clauses for the protection of the environment. Contractors will be required to prepare a short Method Statement to describe the measures they will undertake to comply with the environmental conditions of contract. This document will be evaluated as part of the bidding procedures.

(b) Construction Phase The PMU will appoint the contractor and a supervising engineer for each scheme. The role of the supervising engineer is to ensure that the works are implemented according to the contract documents, including design drawings, programme, and special clauses such as those on the protection of the environment. The PMU will also nominate a member of staff (Environmental Specialist) with responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the EMP and environmental contract clauses for all schemes.

(c) Operations Phase During the operational phase, the following activities

* routine operational and maintenance activities * TA to the PMU field staff involved in the monitoring exercise * TA to the PMU agricultural staff (training of trainers) for messages on best agricultural practices programme * Overall review and assessment of the data from the monitoring programme by an international consultant

123 12.6.2 Bud,gets A break down of the overall budget for the implementation of the EMP for first phase schemes including the cost to be incurred for the remaining is summarised in Table 12.4 below.

1Z27 Public Consultation and Disclosure 12.7.1 Public Consultation There is a requirement for public consultation as part of the environmental assessment process.

Public consultations have taken place to inform the local communities of the proposal to rehabilitate the sub-projects, to obtain the opinions of farmers, and others, on the merits of the scheme and to explain the environmental consequences. Most meetings had an enthusiastic response from the public and often more than 100 people participated, from government, local authorities, stakeholders, the general public, NGOs and the regional environmental agency. Minutes of these meetings are attached as Appendix D.

12.7.2 Disclosure of Information It is recommended that the annual monitoring reports (and data) are made available to any public person who requests the information. Consideration should be given to publication of the annual monitoring report under the environmental review prepared every year by the Ministry of the Environment.

12.8 Post-Project Evaluation It is normal practice to undertake a detailed environmental post-evaluation at some time following scheme rehabilitation. These schemes are quite small and a major effort is not justified unless the monitoring programmes reveal changes that were not predicted at this initial stage of rehabilitation. Schemes that might fall into this category are those of Shkoder and Vlore that discharge some drain effluent into biologically sensitive habitats (the Veluni lagoon and Narta lagoon respectively).

124 Table 12.4: Overview of Bud et for Implementing the EMP for First Phase Schemes Item Unit Cost Number of Annual Cost Frequency Total for (US$) Items (US$) project (US $) EnvironmentalManagement (for overal/project) Environmental expertise (PMU staff or contracted out) 12,000 3.5 years 42,000 ConstructedMitigation Measures Construction of flow measuring device - Shkoder 7,000 1 7,000 7,000 Construction of flow measuring device - Vlore 5,000 1 5,000 5,000 MonitoringProgramme Transpottation 3,000 3.5 years 10,500 Installation of piezometers 3,300 First year 3,300 Analytical costs 10,400 3.5 years 36,400 Equipment purchase (cap. cost) 1,000 * EC meters 125 6 750 * Miscellaneous items, e.g. water level gauges, bottles Various 250 TechnicalAssistance (for overallproject) Review of monitoring data and training of DBs 2x2 week visits 20,000 First 2 years 40,000 Training programme on best agricultural practices 0.75 month 20,000 First 2 years 30,000 Environmental advice 1.75 months 20,000 First 3 years 105,000 Total 280,200

125 Table 12.5: Environmental Management Framework for Berat BRU-3 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Measure Programme Training Impact Activity US$ Requirements Construction Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PMU. . Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to ensure agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance PMU. Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction area s. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU.

126 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Measure Programme Training Impact Activity US$ Requirements Operation Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs (main Included in Annually sediment at intake clearance of main, going issue that has to and secondary maintenance main canals, cross secondary and tertiary be addressed through drains) costs of the drainage structures. canals. regular maintenance. WUA scheme (tertiaries) Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMU Operation PMIU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural Health awareness message nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices Programme to farmers. groundwater would Well water sampling continue. PMU 400 Operation programme (nitrate, phosphate, F. coliforms). Contamination of Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Rehabilitation PMU application of drainage water from applications results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme that drainage water was PMU 400 Practices Policy domestic sources (nitrate, phosphate, F. good. coliform s).

127 Table 12.6: Environmental Management Framework for Fier FRU-3 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Construction

Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PM-U. Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to ensure agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU Land and water Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure pollution by implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers construction activities adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance PMU. Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU.

128 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Operation Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs Annually sediment in canals. clearance of main, going issue that has to (primaries and secondary and tertiary be addressed through secondaries) canals. regular maintenance. and WIUAs (tertiaries) Deposition of crude Appropriate engineering The oil industry Contractor to Incorporated Design stage oil in irrigation canals design to prevent entry of remains a source of design and into the and drainage canals pollutant. pollution, but oils implement engineering spillages will not impact design cost. upon the irrigation canals. Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels. Monitor - operation I

129 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMU Operation PMU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural Health awareness message nitrates so pollution to PMIJ Operation Practices Programme to farmers. groundwater would Well water sampling continue. PMU 400 Operation programme (nitrate, phosphate, F. coliforms). Containination of Restrictions on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of drainage water from application to land. results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme that drainage water PMIU 400 Twice a year Practices Programme domestic sources. (nitrate, phosphate, and F. quality was good. coliform s)3.

130 Table 12.7: Environmental Management Framework for Korce Gjanci KOU-1 ]rrigation Rehabilitation Scheme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibili Cost of Measure Programme Training Impact / Risk Activity ty US$ Requirements Construction Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure residents. implementation of during construction, prepare mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term SEMP. receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. Supervision by PMU. Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to ensure agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision Construction activities. b PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare mobilisation all site workers including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long termn SEMP. receive basic training spilages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance Supervision by PMU. Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors Contractor Contractor to ensure construction wastes construction wastes during construction, to prepare mobilisation all site workers through SEMP but no long term SEMP. Construction. receive basic training impacts Supervision in SEMP procedures by PMU. Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision use. by PMU.

131 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibili Cost of Measure Programme Training Impact / Risk Activity ty US$ Requirements Operation Sediment loads in Requires a watershed High suspended source waters management programme. sediment will continue WB's related project - due to conditions in the should look at this scheme upper catchment. as a pilot project. Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs Annually sediment in canals. clearance of main, going issue that has to (primaries secondary and tertiary be addressed through and canals. regular maintenance. secondaries) and WUAs (tertiaries) Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme .pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater W[JA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation

132 Environrmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibili Cost of Measure Programme Training Impact / Risk Activity ty US$ Requirements Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMU Operation PMU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural from agricultural and Health awareness nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices Programme domestic sources campaign to farmers/ groundwater would villagers. continue. Well water sampling PMU 400 Twice a year programme (nitrate, phosphate and F. coliform s). Contamination of Restrictions on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of drainage water from application to land. results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme that drainage water PMU 400 Twice a year Practices Programme domestic sources. (nitrate, phosphate and F. quality was good. coliform s).

133 Table 12.8: Environmental Management Framework for Lezhe LEU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Measure Requirements US$ Construction

Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance. PMU. Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to ensure agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. all site workers sowing and harvesting. receive basic training Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. in SEMP procedures Monitor construction Supervision by Construction activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long term receive basic training spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. in SEMP procedures compliance PMU. Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to ensure construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation all site workers through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. receive basic training impacts PMU. in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision by use. PMI.

134 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Measure Requirements US$ Operation . Silt laden flows due to This scheme should be High sediment loads natural and considered under the will continue given the accelerated erosion in separate Natural Resources nature of the upper the u/s catchment. Management Project. catchment Erosion and hillslope De-silt canal and structures Long term problem due instability above main annually, or more to geomorphological canal which threatens frequently if required. nature of slopes. structure and sediment loads. Deposition of Regular inspection and Deposition is an on- FWUAs (primaries Annually sediment in canals. clearance of main, going issue that has to and secondaries) secondary and tertiary be addressed through and WUAs canals. regular maintenance. (tertiaries) Water infiltration into Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMIU application of soils susceptible to Best Agricultural development of plough Practices Programme pans. Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation

135 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Measure Requirements US$ Contamination of the Restriction of nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMU Operation PMU application of rural water supply application on fields. a major pathway of Best Agricultural from agricultural and Health awareness nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices Programme domestic sources. campaign to farmers/ groundwater would villagers. continue. Well water sampling PMU 400 Twice a year programme (nitrate, phosphate and F. coliforms).. Contamination of Restrictions on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMJU application of drainage water from application to land results have indicated Best Agricultural agricultural and Health awareness message that drainage water PMNU Twice a year Practices Programme domestic sources to farmers. quality was good. Sampling programmne PMU 400 Twice a year (nitrate, phosphate, and F. coliform s). Ecological habitats Regular monitoring of No significant impact PMU 500 Twice a year Training in the quantity and quality of expected methods of sampling drain discharge and use of field equipment Nitrates in drains Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of application results have indicated Best Agricultural Sampling programme that drainage water PMU 400 Twice a year Practices Programme .______quality was good. I

136 Table 12.9: Environmental Management Framework for Skhoder SHU-4/9 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Construction Disturbance of local Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to residents. implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site adequate SEMP. but no long term workers receive Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance. PMU. SEMP procedures Disruption of Programme work to Minimal disruption to PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to agricultural activity minimise disruption during farmers contracts. ensure all site sowing and harvesting. workers receive Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. basic training in Monitor construction Supervision by Construction SEMP procedures activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to construction activities implementation of during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site including accidental adequate SEMP. but no long term workers receive spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance PMU. SEMP procedures Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to construction wastes construction wastes during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site through SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. workers receive impacts PMU. basic training in SEMP procedures Permanent change in Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction land use construction area s. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU.

137 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Operation Deposition of Regular canal clearance FWUAs (primaries and Annually sediment in canals secondaries) WUAs (tertiaries) Improvement of Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of water infiltration in to susceptible to Best Agricultural soils development of plough Practices pans. Pg_ ramme Changing Efficient use of water Maintain groundwater WUA 500 Insert piezometers groundwater levels Maintenance of drains levels within an WTUA in construction and quality Monitor groundwater acceptable range PMU period. levels and salinity. Monitor - operation Measurement of drain Installation of flow Engineering 7000 Operation discharge measurement devices contractor Contamination of tes Restriction on nitrogen Poor rural sanitation is PMLU Operation PMU application of in well waters applications a major pathway of Best Agricultural Health awareness nitrates so pollution to PMU Operation Practices campaign to groundwater would Programme farmers/villagers continue. Sampling programme PMU 400 Twice a year Nitrates in drains Restriction on nitrogen Previous monitoring PMU Operation PMU application of application results have indicated Best Agricultural Sampling programme that drainage water PMU 400 Twice a year Practices I quality was good. I Programme

138 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements

Ecological habitats Regular monitoring of No significant impact PMU 500 Twice a year Training in the quantity and quality of expected methods of drain discharge sampling and use of I field equipment

139 Table 12.10: Environmental Management Framework for Vlore VLU-1 Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Measure Requirements US$ Construction

Disturbance of Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to local residents. implementation of adequate during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site SEMP. but no long term workers receive Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance. PMU. SEMP procedures Disrupton of Programme work to Minimal disruption PMU to draft Bidding phase Contractor to agricultural activity minimise disruption during to farmers contracts. ensure all site sowing and harvesting. workers receive Avoid cultivated areas. Contractors. Construction. basic training in Monitor construction Supervision by Construction SEMP procedures activities. PMU Pollution by Preparation and Low level nuisance Contractor to Contractor Contractor to construction implementation of adequate during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site activities including SEMP. but no long term workers receive accidental spillages. Monitoring of SEMP impacts Supervision by Construction. basic training in compliance PMU. SEMP procedures Disposal of Control of disposal of Low level nuisance Contractors to Contractor Contractor to construction construction wastes through during construction, prepare SEMP. mobilisation ensure all site wastes SEMP but no long term Supervision by Construction. workers receive impacts PMU. basic training in SEMP procedures Permanent change Reinstate temporary No significant long Contractor Post-construction in land use construction areas. term change in land Supervision by use. PMU.

140 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Measure Requirements US$ Operation Bank erosion River training works. Stabilise river banks. FWUA Annually affecting channel Regular inspection and stability reporting Deposition of Regular canal clearance FWUAs (primaries Annually sediment in canals and secondaries) WUAs (tertiaries) Improvement of Deep ploughing Some soils are PMU Every five years PMU application of water infiltration in susceptible to Best Agricultural to soils development of Practices plough pans. Programme Changing Efficient use of water Maintain WUA 800 Insert piezometers in groundwater levels Maintenance of drains groundwater levels WUA construction pe riod. and quality Monitor groundwater levels within an acceptable PMU Monitor - operation and salinity. range Contamination of Restriction on nitrogen Poor rural sanitation PMU Operation PMU application of the rural water applications is a major pathway Best Agricultural supply from Health awareness campaign of nitrates so PMU Operation Practices agricultural and to farmers/villagers pollution to Programme domestic sources Sampling programme groundwater would PMU 400 Twice a year (nitrates, phosphates and F. continue. coliform s)

141 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact / Risks Activity Measure Requirements ______U S$ Contamination of Restriction on nitrogen Previous moritoring PMU Operation PMU application of drains from application results have Best Agricultural agricultural and Sampling programme indicated that PMU 800 Twice a year Practices domestic sources (nitrates, phosphates and F. drainage water Programme coliforms) quality was good. Measurement of Installation of flow Very low levels of Engineering 5000 Construction phase drain discharge measurement devices contamination in contractor Sampling programme drainage water. PMU Twice a year (nitrates, phosphates and F. coliform s) Ecological habitats Regular monitoring of No significant PMU 500 Twice a year Training in the quantity and quality of impacts expected. methods of Myrtemza main drain sampling and use of I field equipment

142 13 Conclusions over First Phase Schemes

Since all six irrigation programmes are concerned with rehabilitation of existing infrastructure environmental impacts within schemes are mostly minor. There are no sites of archaeological interest, despite the abundance of many such important sites within Albania. Although two sites discharge water to areas of ecological importance (Narta lake and Viluni lagoon), the impacts are expected to be very small at the present. While more agrochemicals will be used following rehabilitation, the concensus amongst agronomists is that agrochemical use will not increase markedly and there will be a fairly long period of five years from rehabilitation to full production development. This gives time for the monitoring programme to assess the increase in agrochemical content in drain waters and for the mitigating measures included in the Best Agricultural Practices programme to take effect.

Improved irrigation and drainage will reduce waterlogging and increase crop production, maintaining sustainability by ensuring salinity control. Salinity is not an issue in these sub-projects and any small amounts of salt that may accumulate temporarily, following use of drain water, are quickly removed in the following rainy season. Some areas, near the sea, are saline, due to a combination o f saline groundwater and natural poor drainage. Only very small areas of slightly saline land, easily reclaimed given water and drainage, have been included in the rehabilitation programme. All the schemes will have considerable social and socio- economic benefits derived from increased incomes, increased employment opportunities, enhanced land values, improved nutrition of both humans and animals, overall improvement in health and an increase in the quality of life.

There are no significant upstream impacts for any of these schemes. Floods and high sediment loads in winter result in the deposition of sediment against the intake works, closed during this period. River bank erosion is a problem in places such as Vlore.

Sediment in canals is less of a problem. Localised soil erosion or landslip may occasionally occur from uplands bordering the course of canal or drain

143 These impacts are nitigated either by engineering works, properly costed as part of the overall economic and financial assessments or by regular inspection and maintenance.

The within scheme impacts, mainly related to use of agro-chemicals, are small at present. The use of agro-chemicals is predicted to increase following rehabilitation, although not markedly and the increase will be gradual as build up to full production is expected to take five years.

The negative impacts predicted following rehabilitation are expected to be minor. These will be mitigated through training programmes (training of trainers) for farmers on best agricultural practices.

A monitoring programme to monitor all SIDRP schemes was designed by Halcrow (2002) and implemented in 2003. Mfonitoring consisted predominantly of the collection of water samples from scheme drains and analysis for those components that may adversely affect downstream projects or the aqueous environment, particularly impact upon nature reserves such as Narta lagoon. The parameters measured were salinity, phosphates and nitrates.

The monitoring data collected over the first twelve month period was reviewed, and the review confirmed previous work that showed the present environmental impact of all the sub-projects was minor. The monitoring programme will continue until the new monitoring programme is put in place.

Two sub-projects discharge drain water that eventually reaches nature reserves. These are Shkoder SHU-4/9 and Vlore VLU-3 schemes. The potential impact upon the reserves (based upon present data) is very minor since the quantities of nitrogen and phosphate reaching the sites are low. Furthermore these sub-projects are only one of several schemes that contribute drainage to the lagoons and any serious assessment of impact must take into account the cumulative impact of all potential contributors of pollutants, including inputs from urban areas. The monitoring will continue following rehabilitation and will be extended to include pesticide residues, once the change of agricultural practices can be established and the type (and quantity) of pesticide determined.

The remaining works to be implemented under the proposed Project are generally small scale, relating mainly to the rehabilitation of the secondary distribution

144 system. There are some larger features that still need to be constructed such as primary canal system and headworks (Fier, Lezhe, Shkoder and Vlore).

During construction potential impacts include nuisances to workers and farmers due to construction noise and dust, interference with farming activities, soil compaction; pollution of soils and water from accidental spillages e.g. lubricants and fuels, erosion and siltation; and waste disposal issues mainly for inert construction materials. The impacts are expected to be negative, minor and temporary. These impacts will be mitigated through standard good housekeeping measures that will be included in the contractors contract and checked at regular intervals by the supervising engineer.

In summary, the minor adverse impacts identified for the post rehabilitation phase can be mitigated through improved agricultural practices and are greatly outweighed by the socio-economic benefits to farmers and the local community.

145 14 Environmental Management Plan Framework

14.1 Introduction This Section presents the general procedures as well as implementation arrangements for ensuring full consideration of environmental safeguards in the implementation of irrigation and drainage rehabilitation, flood control and dam safety improvements works financed under the proposed WRMP. The procedures describe here deal with only environmental categories B and C schemes. Procedures for any environmental category A scheme would be developed on a case by case and in consultation with the World Bank.

14.2 Environmental Review and Approval Process 14.2.1 Screening and Environmental Classification As described in Section 2, in Albania there are regulations that make control and supervision of construction works mandatory. The current legislation specifies procedures required for obtaining environmental permit, based on the nature of activities irnpied. The EIA Act requires an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public participation in the decision-making.

Under the proposed project, the screening of sub-project proposals and the assessment of their environmental impact and proposed mitigation measures will be carried out by PMU staff and/or consultants A simple screening of sub- projects will determine what type of environmental assessment is required, based on a project typology.

Environmental Screening An environmental checklist of the likely items that may affect rehabilitation schemes has been prepared, based upon a review of previous experience, as an aid for design engineers, local consultants and PMU staff to guide them towards an understanding of the environmental factors that need to be considered during the planning for rehabi]itation of irrigation and drainage schemes. Table 14 1 addresses those possible areas (within an Albanian context) that impinge upon the physical, biological and human environment.

146 Table 14.1. Environmental Checklist

Component Sub-Component rNo | Yes Hydrology Water sources River Reservoir Groundwater Drain Plenty of water available? Is water quality of all sources good? Sediment deposition at intake? River bed erosion at intake? Remodelling of Intake? Will remodelling raise water level? (and) Flood nearby land? Does flooded land have economic significance such as woodland/farmland/ Does flooded land have any ecological significance such as bird habitat/protected flora of fauna? Any social implications of flooding-do local people cut wood for fuel, reeds, collect honey? Any additional land need ed for engineering works Does river cause flooding of scheme land or erosion of river bank and loss of land? Soils and Land Any problems with saline soils? Use Any soil erosion within scheme? Any soil erosion on surrounding non-irrigated land result in blocked culverts and irrigation canals? Any land subsidence on peat soils? Soil and Water Are there any sources of serious pollution Pollution (industrial sources) that affect directly the soils and/or waters within the scheme? Pollution by petroleumr Pollution by agricultural chemicals (fertiliser and pesticides) Textiles and paper mills Metallurgical works Cement Coal (lignite) Mine spoil Crop processing and canning factories Leather processing factories Fish farming activities Other (state type of activity)

147 Ecology Are there any water bodies (wetlands or lagoons) within or downstream of the scheme that will receive drain water? Is the receiving water body used for irrigation elsewhere? Is the receiving water boldy a narure reserve? (OP/BP/4.04) Does the receiving water body bave special significance tor rare species of fish, aquanc animaLs, plaors or birds?(OP/BP/4.04) Does the water body support a significant population of fishermen? Quality of Life Doe. dhe scheme contaLn, or is likely to affect, any historic buildings or archaeological sites; (OPN 11.03) Does the sch eme affect any recreational areas such as lakes, seashore, forest? Will the scheme affect the source of drinking water, if groundwater? Will1 dhe rehabilitation require appropnacion of land for system works? Will the rehabilitation mnvolhe movement of people?(OP/BP/ 4.12) Intemational Does the nver catchment reside completelv vnihin Agreements Albania? (OP/BP/GP 7.50) \W'll drain water enter a water body (lake or river) shared with another county? ( OP/BP/GP 7.50)

Negative impacts are recorded so that an assessment can be made of the severity of the problem. In practice many of these impacts will be such that they can be offset by adoption of a best agricultural practice approach (Halcrow, 2001c) or sympathetic engineering design or by compensation (loss of land or amenity). These mitigation measures become part of the costs of rehabilitation (see Halcrow, 2004).

The checklist also allows for the identification of any possible critical issues where another professional opinion may be needed. The Regional Environmental Agency should always be consulted for advice at an early stage of any studies. Their opinion may be necessary where severe pollution may be a problem (for example crude oil or waste products of industry or mining) or for any projects that discharge drain water upstream of ecologically sensitive lands such as the coastal lagoons or major lakes. The major lakes of Albania are particularly sensitive environments as they are not only biologically important but share an international

148 boundary (Lake Shkodra, Lake Ohrit) or boundaries (Lake Prespes). The river Bunes, downstream of Shkoder, is a biologically important river and shares a common boundary with Montenegro. Abstractions from, or discharges to, such environments are subject to intemational agreements.

Agriculture is at a stage where the future trends are not clear. There may be in the future land consolidation and more intensive farming on a larger scale, or new crops may be introduced. Monitoring of schemes is now used to check that the earlier operational predictions were correct and to ensure that the scheme complies with environmental regulations specified by the Govemment. The environmental licence to proceed will contain mandatory requirements to monitor certain aspects ( LEP,Article 35). Monitoring is a relatively new concept in Albania but one that needs to be carefully considered, especially for schemes that may have (or be considered by others to have) a degrading effect upon the natural habitat. It is better to pre-empt possible unnecessary criticism by proposing and implementing a monitoring programme to ensure that any drainage into these habitats is measured. There are plenty of examples of all these evaluations in the various sub-screening reports submitted by consultants during 2000 to 2001 (Halcrow, 2000-2001a).

The environmental checklist is to be used in conjunction with the with the environmental questionnaire provided in Appendix E. The questionnaire covers most of the likely problems to be encountered whilst assessing a project scheme. It will provide the essential information needed to complete the environmental checklist. The checklist will then indicate what particular impacts are important and this information can be used to screen and categotise the sub-project for the necessary level of environmental assessment.

Table 14.2 is a sample of a typology for environmental classification, which will be further elaborated before Project implementation and will be consistent with recently adopted Albania legislation. Some sub-projects will not need an EIA and a simple review may suffice, following the completion of the site environmental questionnaire and the application of the checklist; some a limited environmental assessment (LEA) and others may require an environmental impact assessment as a World Bank Category B scheme that needs an EMP. Although Table 14.1 lists environmental category A sub-projects that may require full environmental impact assessment, it must be pointed out that procedures to be followed up for these schemes will be developed in consultation with the World Bank.

149 Table 14.2: Sample Environmental Assessment Typology Recommended Environmental Assessment Approach

Subproject Type None Simple Limited Environmental Environmental Environmental Impact Review Assessment Assessment Itigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Sub-projects -Lessthan 300 ha, only rehabilitation no new control / structure, no to very minimal change in hydrological or ecological impacts Fewer than 1,000 ha, no new control structure, no V to minimal change in hydrological or ecological impacts Fewer than 1,000 ha, construction of new pumping V stations and new main canals, minimal to small change in hydrology or ecologic impacts More than 1,000 ha, no new construction, minimal V to small change in hydrology or ecologic impacts More than 1,000 ha, construction of pumping stations and new main canals, moderate change in hydrology or ecologic impacts Scheme impacts upon one of the following V Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) Cultural Property (OPN 11.03) Involuntary Resettdement (OP/BP 4.12) Projects on Intemational Waterways (OP/BP/GP/7.50) Flood Protection Only rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, no to V minimal change in hydrological or ecological impacts Construction of new infrastructure, moderate change in hydrology or ecologic impacts Dam safety improvements Only rehabilitation works, no to very minimal V change in hydrological or ecological impacts Modification of original design and construction of V new works, no to minimal change in hydrological or ecological impacts

Note: In every case, the suggested EA instrument is only a recommendation; the special circumstances ofany given subproject may impose use of a stricter instrument It probably would not be appropriate to ever "downgrade" the recommended EA instrument or approach.

150 Table 14.3: Enviromnental Guidelines for Civil Work Contracts Contractors will be oblige to apply environmentally sound construction standards and procedures. AU civil works contracts will have the following environment-protecting provisions:

* Take measures and precautions to avoid adverse environmental impacts, nuisances or disturbances arising from the execution o f the works. This shall be done by avoidance or suppression whenever possible rather than abatement or mitigation of the impact once generated.

* Comply with all environmental laws and regulation. Nominate staff to be responsible for implementation of environmental actions and to receive guidance and instructions from the engineer or environmental authorities.

* Minimize dust emissions to avoid or minimize adverse impacts on air quality.

* Maintain foot and vehicular traffic flows and public access to neighboring sites and facilities. Provide markers, lights and temporary connections or bypasses for safety and convenience.

* Prevent or minimize vibration and noise from vehicles, equipment and blasting operations.

* Minimize disturbance to and restore vegetation disturbed as a consequence of the works. Protect surface and groundwater and soil quality from pollution. Appropriately collect and dispose of waste material. More details can be found in Appendix B.

151 In all cases, contractors engaged in civil works will be provided with Environmental Management Guidelines, listed in Table 14.2 bellow, which will form an integral part of civil works contracts. All procurement documents will specify that no environmentally unacceptable materials will be used, e.g., gravel from unlicensed sites, among others..

14.2.2 EnvironmentalDocumentation The PMU will commission the required document to address environmental issues after consultation with REI staff. For sub-projects requiring LEA and EIA, site specific Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) will be prepared to specify mitigation, monlitoring, institutional arrangements. (A generic EMP is provided in Appendix A).

14.2.3 Review andApproval The documentation for the EMP will be sent to the REI for review and approval.

14.2.4 Consultation The PMU will arrange with the participation of WUAs the public consultation with sub-project stateholders and NGOs. Participation will be open to all interested parties. Consultation often takes place after preparation of the draft ER, LEA or EIA.

14.2.5 Disclosure The respective document and EMP will be made available to interested parties at the local REI, who will be responsible for making it available and disclosing it to the public. The PMU will assist in the disclosure process.

14.3 InstitutionalArrangements The PMU through its Environmental Expert (and the REI staff) must monitor construction sites for ensuring that contractors comply with their contractual obligations, including those relating environmental safety. In case of non- compliance, the penalties and sanctions stipulated in a contract must be applied to contractors including, if no other remedy exists, the suspension of the contract until alternatives to environmentally harmful practices are identified.

As for the implementation of the EMP, the steps listed below will be followed.

152 * Monitoring/data collection. Data will be generated by technical field staff (i.e., DBs, HMI, REI, or contractors)

* Data analysis. This will be performed by specialist staff (either PMNU staff or outsourced to external consultants). The REIs and PMU will be responsible for reporting and disclosing information as well as archiving and maintaining information.

* Evaluation. The REI will evaluate the reports and recommend actions to the PMU.

14.4 Budget The additional budget for incorporating environmental concerns in additional rehabilitation works (about 20,000 ha) amounts to US$100,000, including US$40,000 for monitoring and US$60,000 for commissioning environmental review and limited environmental assessment reports.

153 References:

BCEOM (1996). National Water Strategy for Albania. PHARE.

DAI (1996) Environmental assessment of irrigation and drainage projects in Lushne District, Albania.

FAO (1995) Environmental Impact Assessment of Irrigation and Drainage Projects. Irrigation and Drainage Paper 53, FAO, Rome.

FAO (1988). Soil Map of the World. Revised Legend. FAO-UNESCO, Rome.

Halcrow (2001 a). Environmental Impact of Adjacent Irrigation Schemes upon the Karavasta RAMSAR Site. SIDRP, PMU, Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana.

Halcrow (2001b) Assessment of Agriculture Around the Karavasta Lagoon and Recommendations for Improved Practices. SIDRP, PMU, Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana.

Halcrow (2002). Report of Environmental Monitoring Contract. SIDRP, PMU, Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana.

Halcrow (2003). Environmental Assessment of Sub-Projects. Review of Monitoring Programme-Year 1. SIDRP, PMN, Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana.

Hunting et al (1998a). Sub-Project Feasibility Study, Berat BRU-3 and BRK1/2. SIDRP. Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana.

Hunting et al (1998b). Sub-Project Feasibility Study Korce Gjanc KOU-1. Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana.

IHM (1985) Vecore klimatike dhe hidrologjike te ultisires perendimore.

Kovaci V, Laze P, Dhima S, Gjoka L and Doko A. (1996). Environment's aspects and effects of erosion in the soil. 65-68 in Soil Resources of Albania Symposium, Kamza, 1996.

Mining Journal (1992). Albania supplement, 811, May 1992.

154 MockJ and Bolton P (1993) The ICID Environmental Check List. HR Wallingford, Wallingford, UK.

NEA (1996). State of the Environment.

NEA (2000). The State of the Environment 1993 -1996.

PHARE (1999). Environmental and Regulatory Framework and Institutional Strengthening, Albania. Final Report OSS 98-5388.00.

Plaku T, Damo R, Cara K and Spahiu E (1999). Some problems of the peat soils of Maliq. Internal Report, Soil Science Institute, Tirana.

Regional Environmental Centre (1997). Libri I Kuq (equivalent of a country Red Book of threatened species).

WHO (1993). Guidelines for drinking water quality. Second edition. Volume 1 Recommendations. WHO, Geneva.

World Bank (1993) Environmental Review and Environmental Strategy Studies. Phase 11 Framework for Environmental Management in the Shkumbin River Basin, Albania.

World Bank (1994) Albania Rehabilitation Project. Staff Appraisal Report, Washington.

World Bank (1999a). Albania-Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project. Project Appraisal Document.

World Bank (1999b). Albania-Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project. Project Implementation Plan.

Zdruli P (1997) Benchmark Soils of Albania. Volume 1. Resource Assessment for Sustainable Land Use.

155 Appendix A. Generic Environmental Management Framework Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost -of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Construction Disturbance of local residents Disruption of agricultural activity Land and water pollution by construction ac tivities Disposal of construction wastes Permanent change in land use Operation . Deposition of sediment in canals Water infiltration into soils Changes in groundwater levels and quality Contamination of the rural water supply from agricultural and domestic sources

156 Environmental Mitigation / Monitoring Residual Impact Responsibility Cost of Programme Training Impact Activity Measure Requirements US$ Contamination of drains from agricultural and domestic sources Discharge of polluted waters to receiving waters Deterioration of natural habitats

157 Appendix B: Environmental Specifications in Contract Documents

The control of construction-related nuisances will be implemented through the preparation of contract documents containing specific environmental and H&S clauses; the requirement on contractors to meet the specification sin the contract documents; and supervision of contractors on site.

The Albanian Ministry of Environment (MoE) is committed to the environmental principles of stewardship and sustainability and the Contractor is required to plan and order his activities to assist the MoE to achieve these goals. In addition to this general requirement, particular areas for action are:

* Avoidance of pollution of any waters (surface or underground) * Avoidance of pollution of land * Preservation of flora and fauna * Avoidance of the nuisance of noise, vibration and dust

The Contractor has to demonstrate in his written Statement of Method of Work his proposals to minimise environmental impact and satisfy the above requirements. The following points should be addressed in the Method Statement:

* Plant that leaks any fuel, lubricant or hydraulic fluid shall not be used * Plant shall be maintained to ensure efficient operation and minimisation of emissions * Fuel and oil shall be stored away from water courses (river, canal or drain) and fully protected by an embankment to contain spills * Refueling, servicing and cleaning of plant shall be done in designated locations away from watercourses * An adequate supply of oil absorbing material shall be readily available on site at all times * Any spills shall be immediately contained, removed from site and disposed to a licensed waste site. Supervising Engineer to be informed * All construction materials to be stored away from watercourses (river, canal, drain) and in such a manner as to avoid contamination of agricultural land * Concrete shuttering to be designed to avoid escape of cement, especially if water contamination likely * Working areas shall be defined with a demarcation fence to avoid damage to adjacent land/vegetation * All trees and other vegetation shall be protected * Plant shall be effectively silenced and shall comply with the requirements of the Local Authority * Access over watercourse to be maintained during period of construction * Waste disposal must be carried out in a responsible and controlled manner. Contaminated or hazardous substances such as soil, sediment or water polluted by crude oil must be deposited in an agreed place, with the full agreement of the landowner(s), the Ministry of Health and the Regional Environmental Agency.

158 Appendix C: Scope for Technical Assistance

It is necessary to establish clear philosophical and practical links between farming and the environment. There is a clear need for a revitalised and profitable agricultural sector to proceed in an environmentally friendly manner. Farmers have to be convinced that they are the principal protectors of the environment as well as protecting the health and well-being of their families and the community.

Farming activity within the scheme areas is expected to increase once irrigation water supplies are provided. The progression to full production is estimated to take place over five years, post rehabilitation. This provides the opportunity to train PMU staff (who in turn will train members of the WUAs) in some basic practices that will lessen the impact of agrochemicals on the environment. It will also present an opportunity to explain the linkages between agrochemicals and public health, including the presence of nitrates in well waters and the health risks associated with irrigation of vegetables using drain water and the hazards of handling pesticides. A set of realistic, easily achieved, and relatively low cost measures to improve agricultural practices in the short to medium term have been prepared (Halcrow, 2001).

The most important measures are:

(a) Cultivation * Subsoiling to improve infiltration of water and reduce runoff * Seedbeds of wheat left rough to increase infiltration and reduce runoff. * Cross slope cultivation in upland areas. * Check ridges if downslope cultivation practised. * Introduction of minimal cultivation techniques.

(b) Crop Yields * Balanced input of nutrients

(c) Cropping calendar * Increased area of winter cropping to limit loss of nitrogen

(d) Nitrogen Fertiliser Control * Campaign to stop or substantially reduce the use of nitrogen on leguminous crops (alfalfa and beans) * Campaign to set maximum limnits for nitrogen applications to wheat and maize.

(e) Irrigation * Provision of on-farm water storage * Improved irrigation interval (where needed)

159 (f) Drainage * Cleaning by farmers of tertiary drains * Location and unblocking of tile drain outlets * Cleaning of brazda surface drains

(g) Farmyard manure * Protection of manure from rainfall (reducing loss of nitrogen) * Storage away from drains

(h) Pesticides * Operator safety * Training of operators * Efficiency of spraying, reduction of drif

160 Appendix D: Public Consultations

IRRIGATION REHABILITATION PROJECT

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

PROJECT MENAGEMENT UNIT OF IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE

REHABILITATION

ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR THE PUBLIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION

To precede the Irrigation and Drainage Project, the Project Management Unit in collaboration with the National Agency of Environment, will organize public conferences for the irrigation schemes.

Hereinafter are given the dates and places of the meeting.

10.03.1999, 10 a.m, Sbkoder, Municipality hall; for Lezhe and Shkoder

11.03.1999, 11 am, Eibasan, District Council hall, for Vlore, Berat, Kucove, Peqin, Korce, Elbasan.

Invited to participate:

- Association and Federations' Presidents that cover the irrigation schemes; Llakatund-Vlore, Berat-Ura e Kucit, Gorican-Berat, Darsi-Peqin, Mollas-Elbasan, Gjanci-Korce, Zadrime- Lezhe and Bushat-Barbullush of Shkodra district.

- Representatives of Local Government of all levels.

- Directors of Agriculture and Food Directorates and Water Enterprises of respective districts.

- Specialist of Regional Agencies of Environment.

- Second Project's Coordinators.

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5..- - 9:2 ON~t PARTICIPANTS IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR ELUl AND FRU3 WHERE IT IS ANTICIPATED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND PROJECT

1. Ylli Dedja, IRP I PMU Director 2. Zamir Dedej, Director of EPD in NEA 3. Ermal Halimi, Specialist of EPD in NEA 4. Adrian Tafilaj, Specialist of EPD in NEA 5. Agim Shtepani, WUA Specialist in PMU 6. Gjergj Papajani, WUA Specialist in PMU 7. Ymer Tola, Director of Agricultural Enterprise, Elbasan 8. Faik Memushi, Director of Agricultural Enterprise, Fier 9. Kujtim Qosja, Director of Water Enterprise, Elbasan 10. Kujtim Meta, Director of Water Enterprise, Fier 11. Alfred Balla, WUA Coordinator, Fier 12. Besnik Shaqiri, WUA Coordinator, Elbasan 13. Aleksander Cullhaj, President of Naum Panxhi Federation, Elbasan 14. Ramazan Hoxha, President of Gjergjan WUA, Elbasan 15. Shpetim Aliu, President of Aliu WIUA, Elbasan 16. Kujtim Cepa, President of Kuqan WUA, Elbasan 17. Elmaz Isaku, President of Shkendia WUA, Elbasan 18. Hysni Tafani, President of Ferrasi WUA, Elbasan 19. Behar Hoxha, President of Vidhishte WIJA, Fier 20. Bashkim Gjemi, President of Beline WUA, Fier 21. Ajet Capele, President of Jagodine WUA, Fier 22. Hamza Toro, President of Kuman WUA, Fier 23. Idajet Llaka, President of Kurian WUA, Fier 24. Llambi Mita, President of Marinez WUA, Fier 25. Namik Plepi, President of Novosele WUA, Fier 26. Xhemal Henci, President of Portez WIUA, Fier

163 27. Gun Xhaxho, President of Roskovec WJUA, Fier 28. Behar Muska, President of Sheqishte WUA, Fier 29. Thoma Rama, President of Strum WTUA, Fier 30. Zarif Hatia, President of Suk-Arapaj WUA, Fier 31. Fatmir Daka, President of Velmisht WUA, Fier 32. Idajet Isufi, President of Verbas WUA, Fier 33. Shyqo Hoxha, President of Zharez WUA, Fier 34. Environmental Culture Organisation (NGO) 35. Ecological Club Organisation (NGO) 36. Vegetable -Potatoes Organisation (NGQ) 37. Parks Protection Organisation (NGO) 38. Muharrem Meja, Chief of Gjergjan Commune, Elbasan 39. Shpresa Musai, environmentalist in Elbasan 40. Ramazan Saka, Chief of Kuqan Commune 41. Gezim Frakulli, Chief of Mollas Commune 42. Kasem Jaupi, Chief of Kuman Commune 43. Bashkim Xhindole, Chief of Zharza Commune 44. Shaban Xhemali, Representative of the Elbasan District Council 45. Qemal Kurti, Representative of Elabasan Prefecture

Also, Chiefs of Labinot, Shales, Gostime Communes, and agronomists from Elbasani Communes, and AEs of Elbasan and Fier Districts participated in this Public Co.

164 PARTICIPANTS IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR LEU 1WHERE IT IS ANTICIPATED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND PROJECT

1. Ylli Dedja, LRP / PMU Director 2. Zamir Dedej, Director of EPD in NEA 3. Ermial Halimi, Specialist of EPD in NEA 4. Adrian Tafilaj, Specialist of EPD in NEA 5. A.gim Shtepani, WUA Specialist in PMU 6. Gjergj Papajani, WUA Specialist in PMU 7. Gjin Lazri, Director of Agricultural Enterprise, Lezhe 8. Ndue Preka, Director of Water Enterprise, Lezhe 9. Hue Gjoka, Chief of Advisory Services in AE, Lezhe 10. Gjergj Prendi, Specialist in Agricultural Enterprise, Lezhe 11. Nikolle Gjini, Specialist in Agricultural Enterprise, Lezhe 12. Jak Gjini, Environmentalist in Lezha 13. ZefZogu, Agronomist in AE, Lezhe 14. Gjon Vata, Agronornist in AE, Lezhe 15. Gjyste Shabi, Agronomist in AE, Lezhe 16. Kel Gazulli, WUA Coordinator, Lezhe 17. Rexhina Toma, President of Bregu i Mates Federation, Lezhe 18. Cesk Lici, President of Ishull WUA 19. Gjergj Pervathi, President of Manati WUA 20. Gjeke Makaj, President of Mati WIUA 21. Dod Lazri, President ofBarbulloje WIUA 22. Pal Marku, President of Shenkoll WUA 23. Luigj Kola, President of Spiten WUA 24. Mark Rudi, Secretary of Ishull WUA 25. Agim Simoni, Secretary of Manati WUA 26. Gjovalin Jaku, Secretary of Mati WVUA

165 27. Preng Tuci, Secretary of Shenkoll WUA 28. Terezina Gjoka, Secretary of Spiten W[A 25. Naim Bisha, Financial of Ishull W[A 30. ZefGjoka, Financial of Mati WUA 31. Prenda Gjergji, Financial of Manati WUA 32. Gjon Baca, Financial of Spiten WUA 33. Environmental Protection Organisation 34. Flora and Fauna Protection Organisation 35. Environmental Cultural Organisation 36. Animal and Fowl Protection Organisation 37. Ecological Club 38. Parks Protection Organisation

39. Environmental Culture Organisation (NGO) 40. Ecological Club Organisation (NGO) 41. Vegetable-Potatoes Organisation (NGO) 42. Parks Protection Organisation (NGO) 43. Chief of Shenkoll Commune 44. Chief of Manati Commune 45. Chief of Zejmen Commune 46. Chief of Ishull Commune 47. Chief of Spiten Commune

48. Representative of Lezha Prefecture, etc.

166 PARTICIPANTS IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR SHKODRA WHERE IT IS ANTICIPATED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND PROJECT

1. YIli Dede IRP/PMU, DIRECTOR 2. Zamir Dedej NATURE PROTECTION DIRECTORATE, DIRECTOR 3. Ermal Tahiri" " EXPERT 4. Adrian Tafilaj " EXPERT 5. Wob Groot WORLD BANKIWUAS -S' EXPERT

6. Idriz Xhamara IRP/PMU" " COORDINATOR 7. Agim Shtepani " " COORDINATOR

8. Shyqyri Selhani COUNCIL DISTRICT OF SHKIODRA, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN 9. Engjell Haxhari REPREZENTATIVE OF PREFECTURE OF SHKODRA 10. Sadedin Limani PREFECTURE PROJECT OFFICE, COORDINATOR 11. Naim Facaj I.M.O OFFICE DIRECTOR 12. Ahmet Osja MAIZE AND RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SPECIALIST 13. Gjergj ToniSEED ENTERPRIZE DIRECTOR 14. Ilmi Hysaj FOREST ENTERPRIZE DIRECTOR 15. Agim RamaDIRECTOR OF DDAF, MALESIA E MADHE 16. Fadil KukajDDAF, MALESIA E MADHE, SPECIALIST 17. Perlat Romcaj DIRECTOR OF WATER ENTERPRIZE, MALESIA E MADHE 18. Viktor Jubani REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY, SHKODRA 19. Petrit Ymeri ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION 20. Gjergj Grizha FOREST ASSOCIATION, SHKODRA 21. Gun Beshi DDAF,CHIEF SPECIALIST 22. Preng Morina MAIZE AND RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE 23. Rudolf Rasha CARITAS FONDATION 24. Fatbardh Kashta ECOLOGIC ASSOCIATION 25. Pashka Doci WUA, BUSHAT, GENERAL SECRETAIR

167 26. Elez Zajani WUA BUSHAT, PRESIDENT 27. Ali Mola MEDICAL PLANT ASSOCIATION 28. Fadil Heto DDAF, SHKODRA

29. Rrok Voka HEAD OF VILLAGE MALI I JUSHIT 30. Cesk Moisi DDAF, SHKODRA

31. Sadedin Shpuza WATER ENTERPRIZE, ECONOMIST

32. Agron Zeneli DIRECTOR OF WATER ENTERPRIZE OF SHKODRA 33. Mark Shelqeti WUA, BARBULLUSH, SECRETAIR 34. Riza SpahiaWUA, POSTRIBE, PRESIDENT 35. Namik Mehmeti WATER ENTEPRIZE, SPECIALIST 36. Fin Zefi DDAF OF SHKODRA, SPECIALIST 37. Bardh Sokoli DDAF OF SHKODRA,SPECIALIST

38. Tom Goma CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNE BUSHAT 39. Zija Gerbeti COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, SPECIALIST 40. Fahri Imeshi COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, SPECIALIST. 41. Zef Hila CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNE, BARBULLUSH 42. Agustin Qarri COMMUNE OF BARBULLUSH, ECONOMIST 43. Zamir Hoxha WUA, MJEDE, PRESIDENT 44. Sabah Rasimi WUA OBLIKE, PRESIDENT

45. Ilmi Xhoka CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNE, OBLIKE, SHKODRA 46. Shpresa Alia DDAF, SPECIALIST 47. Eqerem Cemi DDAF, SPECIALIST 48. Dashamir Cacaj DDAF, SPECIALIST 49. Gjergj Shpati WUA, PLEPAN, PRESIDENT 50. Hajdar Moldi COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, AGRONOMIST 51. Rahman Bicaku DDAF, SPECIALIST 52. Frrok Prenga DDAF, SPECIALIST 53. Hamit Bashkimi WUA, MURIQAN, PRESIDENT

168 54. Kol Toma WUA, BERDICE, PRESIDENT 55. Vera SokoliDDAF, SPECIALIST 56. Meiha Mandia DDAF, SPECIALIST 57. Hatije Vorfa DDAF, ECONOMIST 58. Aurel Marku WUA, GONJOLLE, PRESIDENT 59. Bardh Ndoka WUA, HOT I RI, PRESIDENT 60. Fahrije Voda DDAF, SPECIALIST 61. Gjovalin Gjoni DDAF, SPECIALIST 62. Feizi Gjoni DDAF, SPECIALIST 63. Aleksander Zeka WUA, HAJMEL, PRESIDENT 64. Ainbrot Marku WUA, HAJMEL, ECONOMIST 65. Ded Shita COMMUNE OF HAJMEL, AGRONOMIST 66. Maliq KurtiDDAF, SPECIALIST 67. Ismet Dibra DDAF, SPECIALIST 68. Gjon Engjelli WUA, OBOT, PRESIDENT 69. Alfred Hoxhoti COMMUNE OF GURI I ZI, AGRONOMIST 70. Gjok Herba WUA, NARAC, PRESIDENT 71. Fadil Rama DDAF, SPECIALIST 72. Gasper Lacuku CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNE, BERDICA 73. Mark Matusha CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNE, VELIPOJA 74. Ernest Gocaj COMMUNE OF DAJCI, AGRONOMIST 75. Luigj Ujka WUA, VELIPOJE, PRESIDENT 76. Lek Laca WUA,VELIPOJE, ECONOMIST 77. Bajrain Neziri DDAF, SPECIALIST 78. Ana Miri DDAF, SPECIALIST 79. Lek Ndreu WUA, SHTOJ, PRESIDENT 80. Kristina Palushi DDAF, SPECIALIST 81. Vlash Gjondreka COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, AGRONOMIST 82. Gjovalin Sukaj COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, AGRONOMIST 83. Shefki Serbeti COMMUNE OF BARBULLUSH, EKONOMIST 84. Gezim Sala COMMUNE OF BARBULLUSH, ENGINEER 85. Rifat Kodra COMMUNE OF POSTRIB, AGRONOMIST

169 86. Fejzi Taija COMMUNE OF BARBULLUSH, SEKRETARY 87. Ylvi Shima COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, SEKRETARY

88. Paulin Shqau HEAD OF VILLAGE SUNIT 89. Simon Doda HEAD OF VILLAGE BUSHAT 90. Kujtim Sokoli DDAF, SHKODER, SPECIALIST 91. Mehdi Vekshori DDAF, SPECIALIST

92. Paulin Gjuraj. COMMUNE OF DAJC, SPECIALIST 93. Sokol Duka COUNCIL OF DISTRICT, SHKODRA, SPECIALIST 94. Aleksander Shtoni PREFECTURE OF SHKODRA, SPECIALIST

95. Astrit Fishta IMMOVABLE PROPERTY RREGISTRATION OFFICE 96. Rexhep Keca SEED DEPARTMENT, SPECIALIST 97. Enver Faci DDAF, SHKODER, SPECIALIST 98. Elmira Tafa DDAF, SHKODER, SPECIALIST 99. Maksim Memishi AGRICULTURAL BUSSINES CENTER, SHKODRA 100. Burhan Celepia COMMUNE OF BUSHAT, SPECIALIST 101. Rrok Kola COMMUNE OF BERDICA, SPECIALIST 102. Ramadan Elezi DDAF, SHKODER, SPECIALIST 103. Bejto Stafizi DDAF, SHKODER, SPECIALIST 104. Pal Preka DDAF, SHKODER, SPECIALIST 105. Ismet Bryli AGRICULTURAL BUSSINESS 106. Mark Neli PROJECT COORDINATOR, SHKODRA 107. Kel Gazulli PROJECT COORDINATOR, LEZHA 108. Gjin Lazri DDAF OF LEZHA, DIRECTOR

109. Ejll Gega WUA-S PRESIDENT OF ZADRIMA, LEZHA 110. Pjeter Pali WUA-S 'PRESIDENT OF GJADER, LEZHA 111. Diella Nikolla WUA-S TRESIDENT OF DRINI, LEZHA 112. Fran Shtjefni WUA-S 'PRESIDENT OF BALLDRE, LEZHA 113. Gjin Marku WUA-S 'PRESIDENT OF GRASH, LEZHA

170 114. ZefLieshi WUA-S PRESIDENT OF DAJC, LEZHA 115. Gjergj Koleci WUA-S PRESIDENT OF ISHULL, LEZHA 116. Gjergj Pervathi WUA-S PRESIDENT OF MANATI, LEZHA 117. Pal Marku WUA-S PRESIDENT OF SHENKOLLE, LEZHA 118. Gjok Prela WUA-S PRESIDENT OF TOROVICE, LEZHA 119. Nik Toma WUA-S PRESIDENT OF KALLMET, LEZHA

171 MINUTES OF MEETING PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON ELU -1 AND FRU -3 IRRIGATION SCHEMES,

WHERE IT IS ANTICIPATED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND

IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE REHABILITATION PROJECT

A Public Consultation was held on February 9, 2001 in Elbasan and Fieri Districts on ELUl and FRU- 3 schemes where it is anticipated to start the implementation of the project.

The following participated in the consultation: Mr. Ylli Dedja, Director of the Second Irrigation Rehabilitation Project, and two specialists from the Project, Mr. Zamir Dedej, Director of Enviromnental Protection Directory and two specialists from the Environmental Protection Directory in the National Environmental Agency, Presidents of Federations And Water Users Associations of these schemes and Naum Panxhi irrigation canal in Elbasan District, and Kurjan reservoir in Fieri District. There were also invited directors of Agricultural Enterprises and Water Enterprises of the above mentioned districts, specialists of Regional Environmental Agencies, Chiefs of Communes, agronomists of Communes and Agricultural Enterprises, representatives of local units of all levels, and NGO's representatives such as environmental culture, vegetable-potatoes, fishery, parks protection, ecological club, etc. This Public Consultation was advertised in three daily local newspapers.

All participants were provided with copies of material available for this Public Consultation on environmental assessment carried out by the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project.

The meeting was addressed by the Director of Agriculture and Food Directory of Elbasan District who introduced the participants, the Consultation's outline and then MIr. Ylli Dedja took the floor.

Mr. Ylli Dedja summarized the achievements of the First Irrigation Rehabilitation Project and introduced the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project, results achieved by the project, and the positive impact of the project implementation on environment protection. The implementation of this project gives way to water management, prevents flooding, and minimizes erosion. Mr. Dedja emphasized the criteria to be met in order to be included in the Second Project, such as:

- Development of WUAs and Federations. WUAs establishement and organization into Federations;

- Irrigation system transfer to WUAs and Federations before rehabilitation;

- Co finance with 3000 lek/ha, in cases of irrigation by gravity the co finance should be 10% of all investments for pumping stations rehabilitation and infrastructure to be rehabilitated;

- WUAs membership should be over 90%.

172 Mr. Ylli Dedja introduced the phases of the rehabilitation process after contributions have been collected, starting from preliminary studies on structures to rehabilitated, system transfer to WUAs or Federations, participation of WUAs or Federations' representatives in all rehabilitation phases, like studies, design, bidding process, supervision, implementation and completion of project.

Then Mr. Zamir Dedej, Director of Environmental Protection Directory in the National Environmental Agency introduced the participants with the activities of this Agency, its role in protecting the environment. He emphasized the importance of the environment, and the need for well studied interventions to the environment. In the systems to be rehabilitated, the water to be used for irrigation and the impact of the project on the environment are assessed. Mr. Dedej appreciated the studies carried out by the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project on the above schemes. He emphasized that these studies are based on the rehabilitation of existing schemes, thus the impact of the project on the environment should be positive and should improve and consolidate land. Some main indicators were taken into consideration when carrying out these studies: quality of irrigation and drainage water, land salinity, erosion and flood, use of fertilizers (pesticides, herbicides), etc.

Analysis of the schemes show that their impact is not a problem. Salinity, sediments, pollution of water, etc. show that there will be no problems at the moment, however, erosion should be taken into consideration and interventions should take place to avoid negative impacts in some places.

Another important aspect of the studies is the plan to have these indicators under control in the future through a monitoring program recently introduced. This is important because WJUAs would be engaged with these indicators and would avoid their negative impacts on these schemes. The National Environmental Agency will co-operate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and other responsible institutions to follow the progress of the monitoring program and to keep under control all indicators whose impact on the environment or people's health is negative.

Mr. Dedej wished that the project has the support of all the participants and its implementation start as soon as possible.

Mr. Gjergj Papajani, WUA specialist in the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project, emphasized the important role of WUAs in managing irrigation and drainage, but in a protected environment, transfer of works to WUAs (farmers themselves), positive aspects of the transfer.

The meeting went on with questions and discussions. The Director of the Agricultural Enterprise of Elbasan District discussed about the work carried out by WUAs in this District in fulfilling the required criteria, about the co-operation with the communes and other local entities, Agricultural Enterprise, Water Enterprise and WUAs in order to fulfill these criteria. Advertisement and media have been very much of help. He also emphasized AE's and WE's technical support to WUAs when required, the completion of irrigation systems transfer and that the implementation of the foreseen schemes will positively influence the environmental protection, and appreciated the studies carried out by the project.

173 The Chief of Gjergjan Commune emphasized the Commune's support to WIUAs, and that this area wiU respond to the required criteria in order to enhance the implementation of the project. We, he said, will try to convince farmers to pay their contributions.

The Director of the Agricultural Enterprise of Fieri District discussed about problems in this District. He mentioned that Kurjani Federation is going to be established very soon, and irrigation works will be transferred from the Water Enterprise to the Federation. He appreciated the studies carried out by the project and their positive impact on the environment.

The President of Kuqan WUA in Elbasani District emphasized the necessity of project implementation in this WUA and the good job in paying the contributions.

The President of Vidhishte WUA introduced the activity of this WUA, the transfer of irrigation works to WUA, and collection of contributions up to 100%. They have already proved this a year ago when a pumping station was rehabilitated in accordance with such criteria.

Other WIUA Presidents questioned and discussed, such as Zharrza WUA, Porteza WUA, Sheqishte WUA, Kurjan WUA, and Kuman WUA of Fieri District, as well as the President of Naum Panxhi Federation, Aliu WUA, Shkendia WUA, and Ferrasi WUA of Elbasan District.

Mr. Ylli Dedja and Mr. Zamir Dedej answered the questions, emphasizing once more the criteria to be met in order to benefit from the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project, and the importance of environmental protection.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SECOND IRRGATION AND DRAINAGE AGENCY REHABILITATION PROJECT DIRECTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MAN GEMENT UNIT PROTECTION

DIRECTOR fE OR

eDEJ * YLJI DED

ELBASAN, on 9 February 2001

174 MINUTES OF MEETING PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON LEU -1 IRRIGATION SCHEME, WHERE IT IS ANTICIPATED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE REHABILITATION PROJECT A Public Consultation was held on February 12, 2001 in Lezha District on LEU 1 scheme where it is anticipated to start the implementation of the project.

The following participated in the consultation: Mr. Ylli Dedja, Director of the Second Irrigation Rehabilitation Project, and two specialists from the Project, Mr. Zanrmir Dedej, Director of Environmental Protection Directory and two specialists from the Environmental Protection Directory in the National Environmental Agency, Presidents of Federation and Water Users Associations of the Bregu i Mates scheme. There were also invited specialists of the Regional Environmental Agency, directors of Agricultural Enterprises and Water Enterprises of the district, Chiefs of Communes, agronomists of Communes and Agricultural Enterprises, representatives of local units of all levels, and NGO's representatives such as environmental protection, environmental culture, animal and fowl protection, parks protection, ecological club, etc.

The organization place, date and time of this Public Consultation was advertised in three daily local newspapers.

All partiGipants were provided with copies of material available for this Public Consultation on environmental assessment carried out by the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project.

Environmental impacts on the above irrigation and drainage scheme, and the co financing policy were the main themes of this Public Consultation.

The meeting was addressed by the Director of Agriculture and Food Directory of Lezha District who introduced the participants, the Consultation's outline and then Mr. Ylli Dedja took the floor.

Mr. Ylli Dedja summarized the achievements of the First Irrigation Rehabilitation Project and introduced the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project, results achieved by the project, and the positive impact of the project implementation on environment protection, where the contemporary requirements and methods of environmental protection have been considered in order to prevent from using biologically polluted water and sewage in this scheme. The implementation of this project gives way to water management, prevents flooding, and minimizes

175 erosion. Mr. Dedja emphasized the criteria to be met in order to be included in the Second Project, such as:

Development of WUAs and the Federation;

Irrigation system transfer to WUAs and Federation before rehabilitation; Co finance with 3000 lek/ha, in cases of irrigation by gravity the co finance should be 10% of all investments for pumping stations rehabilitation and infrastructure to be rehabilitated; WTUAs membership should be over 90%.

Mr. Ylhi Dedja introduced the phases of the rehabilitation process after contributions have been collected, starting from preliminary studies on structures to rehabilitated, system transfer to WtJAs or Federations, participation of WtUAs or Federations' representatives in all rehabilitation phases, like studies, design, bidding process, supervision, implementation and completion of project.

Then Mr. Zamir Dedej, Director of Environmental Protection Directory in the National Environmental Agency introduced the participants with the activities of this Agency, its role in protecting the environment. He emphasized the importance of the environment, and the need for well studied interventions to the environment.

Mr. Dedej emphasized once more that there were no negative impacts in this project, however, consciousness awareness is necessary as these impacts were ignored before. Mr. Dedej appreciated the studies carried out by the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project on the above scheme. He emphasized that these studies are based on the rehabilitation of the existing scheme, thus the impact of the project on the environment should be positive and should improve and consolidate land. Some main indicators were taken into consideration when carrying out these studies: quality of irrigation and drainage water, land salinity, erosion and flood, use of fertilizers (pesticides, herbicides), etc. Analysis of the scheme show that their impact is not a problem. Salinity, sediments, pollution of water, etc. show that there will be no problems at the moment, however, erosion should be taken into consideration and interventions should take place to avoid negative impacts in some places.

Another important aspect of the studies is the plan to have these indicators under control in the future through a monitoring program recently introduced. The National Environmental Agency will co-operate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and other responsible institutions to follow the progress of the monitoring program and to keep under control all indicators whose impact on the environment or people's health is negative.

Mr. Dedej wished that the project have the support of all the participants and its implementation start as soon as possible.

176 The meeting went on with questions and discussions.

The Director of the Agricultural Enterprise of Lezha District discussed about the work carried out by WUAs in this District in fulfilling the required criteria, which needs to be improved, and promised to co-operate with the communes and other local entities, Agricultural Enterprise, Water Enterprise, WUAs and the Federation in order to fulfill these criteria. A meeting will be organized for this purpose, and representatives from communes, WUAs, etc. will be invited.

Other WUA Presidents, such as Ishull, Mati, Shenkoll, Manati, Spiten discussed about their commitment to meet the necessary criteria in order to benefit from the project.

The Chief of Shenkoll Commune emphasized the Commune's support to WUAs, in order to enable them to meet the required criteria and enhance the implementation of the project which will increase the land value and will influence the environmental protection.

The President of Spiten WUA emphasized the necessity of project implementation in this WUA as it has been a long time that farmers do not irrigate. He mentioned the cooperation with all units in collecting farmers' contributions, and convincing them not to expect everything from the Govemment.

The Secretary of Shenkoll WUA, the President of Manati WUA and others discussed about the importance of project implementation and collection of contributions, as well as project's positive impact on the environment.

Mr. YIli Dedja and Mr. Zamir Dedej answered the questions raised by WUA Presidents, NGOs and agriculture specialists about the Second Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation Project, and environmental issues.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SECOND IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE AGENCY REHABILITATON PROJECT DIRECTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MAN T UNIT PROTECTION

DIRECTOR

L on 12 February 2001

177 STATEMENT

OF SHKODRA MEETING, MARCH 10, 1999 ON

"PUBLIC CONSULTATION RELATING TO IMPACT OF IRRIGATION AND REHABILITATION PROJECT ON ENVIRONMENT"

Looking forward to the starting of Second Irrigation and Rehabilitation Project, Project Management Unit, in collaboration with Environmental National Agency, on march 10't, 1999 has organized a Public Consultation. The consultation has been concentrated on irrigation and Drainage scheme of Lezha and Shkodra.

It was first consultation meeting in our practice on how to attract opinions of benefits farmers from the investment also to disseminate, spread out and divulge idea relating further consequences of environmental impact. The consultation was attended from more 100 participants of two districts; WUA-s' presidents cover Irrigation and Drainage scheme and respective associated drainage schemes, Directors of DDAF and Water Enterprises, representatives of Local Governments and other extensionists. Also have participated specialists of Environmental Regional Agencies.

Also, many responsible people from Malesia e Madhe have attended the meeting.

The PMU team was made up of its Director, Mr. Ylih Dede and three other specialists, and from Environmental National Agency attended the seminar Mr Zamir Dedej, Director of Department of nature Protection and Mr. Ermal Halimi and Adrian Tafilaj.

The above consultation has focused and treated some of main problems and expected impacts on the environment of irrigation and drainage and how to meet "demand driven" requests.

PMU's Director, Mr. Ylli Dede presented a full picture of ongoing process of First Project, which is nearly finishing. Later on he emphasized, some specifics of above schemes where are reflected all contemporane and very restricted condition in order to prevent as much as possible the environmental degradation. Due to above restriction, there are excluded every way of deterioration of natural equilibrum. The design 'has taken into consideration expected consequences, where their recovering will be very costly.

The main indicator of project impact on the environment is the avoiding as much as possible of water logging and decreasing of solid discharge at very low level as possible through going deep to the watershed characteristics.

Nevertheless all requests of Second Project that imply farmer self organization in WUA-s and later on in federation including their participation in "demand driven", make up premises in

178 order to establish a very sustainable irrigation and drainage system aiming to increase the community feeling on the ownership of rehabilitated works. Also is expected to reach some very important objectives such as how to protect the environment also how to create a very sustainable situation where the androgen factors will influence in a very controlled and restricted way and not in spontaneous manner,

Mr. Zamir Dedej emphasized again that is satisfied concerning the projects of above schemes and none negative influence is revealed. Nevertheless the divulgation of such idea to the users is indispensability indeed as those indicator before used to be ignored.

Nowadays based in legislation into force, couldn't be tolerated the approval of all projects seen by environmental impacts' point of view .The national Environmental Agency is charged to cheek in above projects.

In a comprehensive term we can say that seminar was concentrated on following topics such as: Irrigation water quality, the possibilities to reuse drainage water, avoiding of further salinisation by overusing or not taking into consideration of scientific criteria of pesticides and fertilizers. Also is needed the establishment of monitoring program on the implementation ongoing process by choosing of main indicators to measure above influence.

Irrespective that above meeting is first, everybody could take in evidence the increasing sensibility of project beneficiaries relating to environmental impact.

More or less all kind of participants including extensionists, WUA-s presidents and local government representatives have expressed their attitude toward environmental protection.

There have debated and discussed Chairman of Commune of Blinsht, Lezha, WUA's president of Postriba, Shkodra, Chairman of Bushati Commune, WUA's president of Gjadri, Lezha, WUA's president of Bushati, Shkodra, WUA's president of Berdica, also many extensionists of two districts.

The above meeting had the contribution of Mr. Wob Groot, World Bank Consulent. Mr. Wob Groot has underlined and emphasized many important issues starting with the investigation of very old institutional tradition concerning irrigation in that region. Also he draw attention of participants on how to estimate those impacts which individually couldn't be solved.

179 Appendix E: Environmental Questionnaire

Irrigation Region:

Name of Irrigation Scheme:

Potential Irrigable Area:

Present Irrigated Area:

A Hydrology at Intake

1 Is water supply at intake sufficientfor scheme water needs (Yes/No) If not please indicate constraint

(a) too little water in river (b) sediment deposition around intake (c) river bed erosion around intake (d) other reason (not engineering such as pump capacity)

2 Any plans to remodel intake to increase water supply (weir!barrage) or engineering structures to reduce sediment problems? Ifyespleasegive brief description.

3 Willproposed engineering structures raise river water levels andflood adjacent alluvial land on sides of river? If yes does this land have any economic or ecological significance egfarm land, woodland, bird habitat, protectedflora andfauna, or social implications-do localpeopk cut woodforfuel or other needs, or reeds or collect honey? Ifyes please describe brief!y

4 Does riverflood and cause problems to the scheme irrigatedland-give brief details of area affected and reasonsfor flood- eg no protection banks (embankments).

B Soils and Land Use

1 Is soil drainage needed and if so what type-surface or subsu face?

(a) What area is flooded and is the land: (b) Cultivated (irrigated land)? (c) Abandoned or never cultivated land? (d) Is flooded land used for grazing or is it a wildlife habitat?

180 2 Is soil salinity a problem?. Are any soils alkali (sodic). How are they class#ifed?- solonett, solodised solonetz, solonchak, takyr. State area affected and whether land is included or excludedfromm the proposed rehabilitation scheme.

(a) What is present land use on saline areas: (b) cultivated (give name of crops) (c) not cultivated-abandoned or never cultivated? (d) Used for grazing? (e) Other use?

3 Soil erosion

(a) is erosion a problem? (b) Type of erosion-sheet, rill, gully. (c) Is erosion a problem on the irrigated land-what area is affected? (d) Is problem on non-cultivated land (steep slopes)-please state area affected. (e) Does erosion of non-cultivated land affect cultivated land- please state area affected (or just cross drainage-culverts etc) by deposition of sediment?-.

4 Soil Stabiliy

(a) Are soils stable under irrigation. Does soil surface disperse and hinder seedling emergence? (b) Is land-both irrigated and non-irrigated-subject to landslides?

5 Soil Pollution

(a) Are there any polluted soils?-if yes what is the pollutant -petroleum -agricultural chemicals -mine/industrial waste -waste material from animal feedlots -other, please specify.

C Ecology

1 Are there any water bodies within the scheme? Ifyes what y)pe-lake, reservoir? What use is made of the water?- potable water, inimgation,fishing, recreation eg sailing.

181 2 Any wetlands?

(a) If yes what is land use-hunting, fishing, collection of wood, reeds, other activities?. (b) Any areas designated as nature reserves and for what reason? Any endangered species of animal, bird or plant, other?

D Agricultural Industry/ Industry

I Factories

(a) Are there any factories discharging effluent into the soil, or waters-drains or rivers, or into the atmosphere? (b) Please indicate type of factory: -Chemical-fertiliser/insecticide/other -Petrochemical -Textiles -Paper -Aluminium -Cement -Metals Other (specify):

2 Mines and Quarries

(a) Any mines, quarries discharging effluent into water, soil or atmosphere? (b) Please indicate type: -Coal -Bitumen -Limestone -Bauxite (for aluminium) -Others-please specify type

3 AgriculturalIndustgy

(a) Any industries producing effluent: -sugar beet -vegetable canning -leather treatment

182 -fish farms -other (describe)

4 Large Scale AgriculturalEnterprises (Feed Lots) cattle, poultry, others. Give animal numbers for each feedlot

5 Infrastructure

Any pipelines crossing the scheme? Please state type (petroleum, gas, other) and whether above or below ground

E Quality of Life

1 Please indicatepresence of thefollouing within the scheme: (a) archaeological remains (b) buildings of historic interest (c) recreational areas (lakes, seashore, forests, mountains, other) (d) the source of drinking water for scheme villages: groundwater (deep -public supply or shallow - domestic wells)

2 village sewage: treatedl not treated

3 sewage disposalto: land (septic tank), drains or river.

4 Otherproblems (a) major plant diseases (name) (b) major animal diseases (name) (c) water related human diseases

5 Nuisances (a) -aquatic weeds in drains (b) -effluent/sewage/animal wastes in drains (c) -other (describe)

F Downstream problems

All surplus scheme water will contain pollutants such as salts, agricultural chemicals, nitrates, phosphates, sewage, various organic and inorganic compounds and metals arising from human

183 habitation, industry and agricultural operations. This polluted water will leave the scheme, probably by discharge to a river and may cause environmental problems downstream. Are there any local nature reserves, wetlands of biological importance that receive scheme water downstream? Any large towns that depend upon the river water for drinking water or industry?

G Upstream Problems

Some scheme problems may result from events taking place upstream of the scheme water intake. There may be industrial pollutants, material washed from mine spoil by winter rains, or other material from waste dumps. Please indicate any known problems related to water quality of river (or drain if used for irrigation- salt content, biological oxygen demand, toxic heavy metals, insecticides, phosphates, nitrates, sediment.

Alternatively if data not available please list major upstream industries or irrigation schemes disposing of effluent into the scheme river supply.

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