Sergey O. SEMENYCHEV Director UE “BIOMEKHZAVOD BYTOVYKH VTORRESURSOV”

January 31, 2018 Public Disclosure Authorized

UE “BIOMEKHZAVOD BYTOVYKH VTORRESURSOV” Public Disclosure Authorized UTILITY EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Public Disclosure Authorized Construction of Regional Municipal Solid Waste Landfill for the City of Novopolotsk, the City of Polotsk, and Polotsk, Rossony and Ushachi Rayons of Vitebsk Oblast

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Public Disclosure Authorized

Project No. 101-18

City of Polotsk, January 31, 2019

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CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

1 Environmental and Social Assessment Legal Framework ...... 12 1.1 World Bank Safeguard Policies ...... 12 1.2 Applicable environmental and social legislation of the Republic of Belarus ...... 15 1.3 Comparison of the Requirements of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies and the Legislation of the Republic of Belarus...... 17 2 Project Description ...... 20 2.1 Estimated Waste Volumes...... 20 2.2 Waste collection and transportation ...... 22 2.3 Landfill Site Layout...... 24 2.4 Landfill Cell Configuration ...... 26 2.4.1 Bottom Liner Structure ...... 26 2.4.2 Cover Layer...... 27 2.4.3 Landfill closure ...... 28 2.4.4 Leachate Drainage and Collection System ...... 30 2.4.5 Landfill Gas Collection System ...... 30 2.5 Leachate Treatment System ...... 31 2.6 Landfill Gas Management System ...... 33 2.7 Surface Drainage System ...... 34 2.8 Landfill Construction ...... 34 2.9 Landfill Operation ...... 35 2.9.1 Waste Weighing and Recording ...... 36 2.9.2 Monitored Parameters During the Landfill Operation ...... 36 2.9.3 Personnel and Equipment...... 36 2.9.4 Water Consumption ...... 36 2.9.5 Power Consumption ...... 37 2.9.6 Health and Safety During Waste Disposal Operation ...... 37 2.10 Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Monitoring of the Landfill ...... 38 2.10.1 Closure of the Non-sanitary Landfill ...... 38 2.10.2 Closure of the Sanitary Landfill ...... 38 3 Project Alternatives ...... 40 3.1 Do Nothing Alternative ...... 40 3.2 Site Alternatives ...... 40 3.3 Waste Collection and Transportation Alternatives ...... 41 3.4 Landfill Lining Alternatives ...... 43 3.5 Leachate Management Alternatives ...... 46

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3.6 Landfill Gas Management Alternatives ...... 46 4 Baseline Conditions ...... 50 4.1 Study Area ...... 50 4.2 Climate ...... 50 4.2.1 Temperature ...... 50 4.2.2 Atmospheric Precipitation...... 51 4.2.3 Wind ...... 51 4.3 Ambient Air Quality ...... 52 4.4 Surface Waters ...... 54 4.4.1 Rivers and Flooding ...... 54 4.4.2 Lakes ...... 56 4.4.3 Geology and Soil ...... 56 4.4.4 Ground Water ...... 57 4.4.5 Noise ...... 58 4.5 Biological Environment ...... 58 4.6 Flora...... 58 4.7 Fauna ...... 58 4.7.1 Aquatic Environment ...... 59 4.7.2 Terrestrial Environment ...... 59 4.8 Areas of Environmental Significance...... 59 4.9 Socio-economic and Cultural Conditions...... 59 4.9.1 Land use ...... 60 4.9.2 Population and Demographics ...... 60 4.9.3 Economic Conditions ...... 61 4.9.4 Cultural Features and Heritage ...... 61 4.9.5 Traffic...... 61 4.10 Baseline Conditions of the Existing Non-Sanitary Landfill ...... 63 5 Environmental and Social Impacts of the Proposed Project ...... 64 5.1 Approach and Methodology ...... 64 5.2 Impacts on Physical Environment ...... 64 5.2.1 Impact on Ambient Air Quality ...... 64 5.2.2 Impact on Noise Level ...... 68 5.2.3 Impact on Surface Water ...... 70 5.2.4 Impact on Groundwater ...... 72 5.2.5 Impact on Soil ...... 73 5.2.6 Summary of Impacts ...... 73 5.3 Impacts on Biological Environment ...... 76 5.3.1 Impact on Terrestrial Fauna ...... 76 5.3.2 Impacts on Aquatic Fauna ...... 76 5.3.3 Impacts on Flora...... 76

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5.3.4 Impacts on aquatic vegetation ...... 76 5.3.5 Summary of Impacts ...... 77 5.4 Impacts on Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ...... 80 5.4.1 Impact on Demographics ...... 80 5.4.2 Impact on Population Health and Safety...... 80 5.4.3 Impacts on Economic Environment ...... 81 5.4.4 Impacts on the Cultural Heritage ...... 81 5.4.5 Summary of Impacts ...... 81 5.5 Cumulative Impacts ...... 84 5.6 Impacts of the Closure of the Proposed Landfill ...... 84 5.7 Impacts of the Closure of the Existing Non-Sanitary Landfill ...... 84 6 Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 85 6.1 Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan ...... 85 6.2 Pest Management Plan ...... 92 6.3 ESMP implementation schedule ...... 93 6.4 Health and Safety Measures ...... 93 7 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ...... 93 8 Health and Safety ...... 103 8.1 Health and Safety Measures during Construction ...... 103 8.1.1 General Safety Requirements ...... 103 8.1.2 Fire Protection ...... 103 8.1.3 Traffic Safety ...... 103 8.2 Health and Safety Measures for Landfill Gas Handling ...... 103 8.2.1 General Safety Requirements ...... 103 8.2.2 Landfill Gas Hazards ...... 104 8.2.3 Operation of Heavy Equipment ...... 105 8.2.4 Confined Space Entry ...... 106 9 Project Cost Estimate Implementation Schedule ...... 109 10 Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 110 10.1 Grievance Filing Options ...... 110 10.2 Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest ...... 110 10.3 Collection/Receipt of Grievances ...... 110 10.4 Investigation ...... 111 10.5 Response to the applicant ...... 111 10.6 Publication ...... 111 10.7 Transparency ...... 111 10.8 Regular internal monitoring and reporting ...... 111 11 ESMP Implementing arrangements and capacity building ...... 112 11.1 The ESMP implementing arrangements ...... 112 11.2 Contractors’ responsibilities ...... 112

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11.3 EA Reporting ...... 112 11.4 Integration of the EMPs into project documents ...... 112 11.5 Environmental and Social Assessment capacity and proposed building activities ...... 113

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Location of the projected sanitary landfill and the closure of the non-sanitary landfill ..... 20 Figure 2.2 Landfill capacity by filling stages ...... 22 Figure 2.3 Layout of the premises at the projected landfill, Stage 1 ...... 25 Figure 2.4 Bottom liner structure ...... 27 Figure 2.5 Waste placement scheme and intermediate cover layers ...... 28 Figure 2.6 Final cover layer typical detail ...... 29 Figure 2.7 Landfill rehabilitation scheme ...... 29 Figure 2.8 Scheme of landfill gas collection and flaring ...... 31 Figure 2.9 Estimated gas generation (m3/year) at Novopolotsk MSW landfill ...... 33 Figure 2.10 Estimated CH4 generation (tons/year) (Phase 1 only) ...... 34 Figure 3.1 Biogas collection and neutralization process ...... 47 Figure 3.2 Power Plant Example ...... 47 Figure 3.3 Vertical gas collection well ...... 48 Figure 3.4 Horizontal gas collection trench (well) ...... 49 Figure 4.1 Study Area Layout ...... 50 Figure 4.2 Temperature graph ...... 51 Figure 4.3 Precipitation graph ...... 51 Figure 4.4 Fixed stations location ...... 53 Figure 4.5 The network of points for surface waters monitoring at the River Western Dvina...... 55 Figure 4.6 Number of inhabitants in the territory of Novopolotsk municipality at the beginning of the year ...... 60 Figure 4.7 Age composition of the population of the city of Novopolotsk ...... 61 Figure 4.8 MSW transportation route from Ushachi rayon ...... 62 Figure 4.9 MSW transportation route from Rossony rayon ...... 63 Figure 8.1 Gas migration and confined spaces at landfills ...... 108 Figure 8.2 Example signages for warning gas explosion and Confined Spaces ...... 108

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 List of World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies and their applicability to the project ...... 12 Table 1.2 The Bank’s requirements vs. the legislative requirements of the Republic of Belarus regarding environmental assessment ...... 17 Table 2.1 Waste generation volumes for the new regional landfill ...... 21 Table 2.2 Landfill filling stages and capacity ...... 21 Table 2.3 Characteristics of standard types of garbage trucks serving territorial administrative units 23 Table 2.4 List of main components of the proposed landfill ...... 25 Table 2.5 Results of chemical analysis of leachate from a similar landfill ...... 33 Table 2.6 Landfill operation staffing arrangements ...... 36 Table 3.1 Comparison of two waste collection and transportation alternatives from the point of view of their environmental impact ...... 42 Table 3.2 Landfill lining alternatives comparison ...... 45 Table 4.1 Annual wind rose ...... 52 Table 4.2 Background concentrations of pollutants...... 53 Table 4.3 River runoff for a long-term period and for 2016 ...... 54 Table 4.4 Ecological state (status) of surface water bodies in 2016 ...... 55 Table 5.1 The list of pollutants emitted at the facility and their MAC ...... 65 vi

Table 5.2 Pollutant emissions from the landfill body ...... 65 Table 5.3 Mass properties of pollutants emitted during biogas flaring ...... 66 Table 5.4 Mass emissions of pollutants during the construction phase ...... 66 Table 5.5 Mass emissions of pollutants into the air caused by operation equipment ...... 67 Table 5.6 The results of the pollutants dispersion calculation for the operational phase ...... 67 Table 5.7 The results of the pollutants dispersion calculation for the construction phase ...... 68 Table 5.8 Noise characteristics of the machinery used in the landfill construction ...... 68 Table 5.9 Estimated noise level during construction ...... 69 Table 5.10 Estimated noise level during construction ...... 69 Table 5.11 Estimated noise level during construction ...... 70 Table 5.12 Water quality indicators for surface water bodies used for breeding, feeding, wintering, migration of salmonids and sturgeons, as well as of other surface water bodies ...... 72 Table 5.13 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on physical environment during the construction phase ...... 74 Table 5.14 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on physical environment during the operational phase...... 75 Table 5.15 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on physical environment during the construction phase ...... 78 Table 5.16 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on biological environment during the operational phase...... 79 Table 5.17 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on the socio-economic and cultural environment during the construction phase ...... 82 Table 5.18 Summary of significant impacts of the proposed landfill project on the socio-economic and cultural environment during the operational phase ...... 83 Table 6.1 Proposed mitigation action for adverse impacts on physical environment during the construction phase ...... 86 Table 6.2 Proposed mitigation actions for adverse impacts on physical environment during the operational phase...... 88 Table 6.3 Proposed mitigation actions for adverse impacts on biological environment during the construction phase ...... 89 Table 6.4 Proposed mitigation actions for adverse impacts on biological environment during the operation phase ...... 90 Table 6.5 Proposed actions for mitigating adverse impacts on socio-economic and cultural environment during the construction phase ...... 90 Table 6.6 Proposed actions for mitigating adverse impacts on socio-economic and cultural environment during the operational phase ...... 91 Table 7.1 Performance monitoring program for key components of the proposed landfill project .... 94 Table 7.2 Compliance Monitoring program for Noise level during construction phase ...... 97 Table 7.3 Compliance Monitoring program for Ambient Air Quality during construction phase ...... 97 Table 7.4 Compliance Monitoring program for groundwater quality during operational phase ...... 98 Table 7.5 Compliance Monitoring program for Surface water quality during operational phase (Lakes, River Ushacha and River Western Dvina) ...... 99 Table 7.6 Compliance Monitoring program for ambient air quality during operational phase ...... 99 Table 7.7 Compliance Monitoring program for groundwater quality during post-closure phase ..... 100 Table 7.8 Compliance Monitoring program for Surface water quality during post-closure phase ... 100 Table 7.9 Compliance Monitoring program for Ambient air quality during post-closure phase ...... 101 Table 8.1 Action Levels for Landfill Gas ...... 105 Table 9.1 Cost breakdown of the proposed activities under the project ...... 109 Table 9.2 Project implementation schedule ...... 109 Table 11.1 Capacity Building Plan to facilitate ESMP Implementation ...... 114

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ANNEXES

Annex 1 – Estimated Pollutants Dispersion in the Ambient Air Annex 2 – Estimated Noise Level Annex 3 - Minutes of ESIA & ESMP Public Consultations

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Background

Overall Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve the access to, quality and efficiency of water and wastewater services, and support the introduction of regional solid waste management in selected waste sheds.

Project components. The project has 4 components.

Component 1. Improving water and wastewater services. Component 1 aims to improve the operational performance of WSS service-providers as well as an enhanced quality of water and wastewater service provision to the people of Belarus through packages of support tailored to the needs of each utility. The component is designed as a comprehensive range of technical assistance, capacity building, and investment support, and aims to lift service-providers with varying levels of performance to higher levels of performance and increase their eligibility for further support, leading to gradual and continuous improvements. Specifically, this component will finance: • Component 1a. Service-providers with lower performance (as per applied two stage screening criterion) will receive assistance to: (i) prepare Utility Performance Improvement Plan`s (UPIP) and (ii) implement measures identified in UPIPs to improve performance before being given access to financing in Component 1b. The activities may include physical activities (like purchase and rehabilitation or replacement of meters, creation of pressure control zones, NRW reduction measures, energy efficiency measures, etc.) and non-physical activities (improving the customer database, improving the billing collection ratio, etc.). • Component 1b. Service-providers with solid performance (as per applied two stage screening criterion) will receive financial support to: (i) prepare UPIPs, (ii) implement performance improvement measures identified in UPIPs (any physical and nonphysical activities), and (iii) construct, upgrade and modernize WSS infrastructure, including water treatment facilities and wastewater treatment facilities. All utilities in category 1b are required to develop UPIPs within the first year of accessing finance for infrastructure, however UPIP preparation is not precondition for access to infrastructure financing. • Component 1c. Service-providers with best performance (as per applied two stage screening criterion) will receive: (i) financial support to construct, upgrade, and modernize WSS infrastructure, including water treatment facilities and wastewater treatment facilities, (ii) technical assistance (TA) to improve creditworthiness, develop viable investment plans and prepare financing proposals for these investments (including proposals to access non-government financing from the domestic financial market) and pilot co-financing to improve financial sustainability. & Utilities in category 1c are not required to develop UPIPs.

Component 2. Strengthening utility performance (US$2 million). Component 2 will finance Government activities in water service provision sector aimed at performance improvement implementation and monitoring, and facilitating access to financing, trough supporting central government to assess, improve and/or develop national level policies, building on the Clean Water Programs and implementation of the Water Strategy 2030, and establishing of a stand-alone specialized republican body for water supply and sanitation.

This activities include: (i) development of utility-level information collection and analysis platform (benchmarking); (ii) strengthening the national water utility sector regulatory framework, (iii) developing guidelines and standards for performance criteria for service-providers, (iv) preparing feasibility studies and detailed designs for priority sub-projects, including construction management and investment monitoring, (v) strengthening the customer orientation of water

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utilities and citizen engagement (e.g. through supplementing the benchmarking with participatory monitoring elements such as scorecards) and public dissemination of information, (vi) introducing a remote meter reading system to collect data from individual water meters in the housing stock in Belarus, and (vii) developing capacity building and knowledge sharing activities based on existing best practices

Component 3. Enhancing the solid waste management process in the country (US$25 million). Component 3 will finance activities to introduce a regional approach to SWM and technical assistance to further develop the sector more broadly. One site and waste shed have been identified and the remaining sites will be determined during project implementation. This Component includes (i) the construction of the Polotsk/Novopolotsk Regional Landfill (RLF) and supporting infrastructure and equipment, including through the execution of civil works and provision of equipment as well as detailed designs, construction management and investment monitoring, and closure and remediation of the old site in the same area; (ii) preparatory investment studies, such as site selection studies, feasibility and design studies, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), detailed designs, and construction of other RLFs and supporting infrastructure and equipment including through the execution of civil works and provision of equipment as well as construction management and investment monitoring; the activity may include closure of additional dump sites if such are identified during project implementation; and (iii) technical assistance for sector development policy studies related to improving the efficiency of the sector including improvements to the reduction and recovery of waste, financing studies, public communications campaigns to raise environmental awareness, and/or technical preparation for future projects.

Component 4. Project Management (US$1 million). This Component will finance travel, training, audits, general consulting services support to the Project Coordinating Team (PCT). More specifically, this component will finance TA to support the PCT to: (i) execute project screening and prioritization; (ii) conduct monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities; (iii) implement environmental and social safeguards; (iv) train PCT staff; and (v) conduct annual audits for the project and providers.

Novopolotsk RLF location

The site for the proposed landfill was selected 5 km to the South of Novopolatsk city in Vitebsk oblast. Total area allocated for the landfill is 18.9 hectares (ha), design capacity 2.7 million m3, operating life 32 years. Original design of 2009 envisioned a two-stage approach to construction and operation of landfill. Landfill would serve cities Polatsk and Novopolatsk and several nearby rayons. The new sanitary landfill will replace the old non-sanitary landfill that is being operated by the state enterprise "Novopolatsk Spetsavtobaza". Construction of the new landfill will allow closure and remediation of the old landfill. The new landfill will be operated by the state enterprise "Biomekhzavod" that currently operates the sorting facilities and is responsible for collection and transportation of waste from Novopolatsk to the existing non-sanitary landfill located 900 m to NW from the new site. As of January 2019, Biomekhzavod will also take over collection of waste from Poltsk.

Figure E1 shows the location of the proposed sanitary landfill, old non-sanitary landfill and other key environmental and social features in their vicinity.

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Western Dvina River

Old Non-sanitary Landfill New Sanitary Landfill

Existing Industrial Landfill

Figure E1 - Location of the landfills and key features in the study area

Scope and main objectives of project environmental and social assessment The main scope and objectives of the ESIA study was to conduct a full scale ESIA and prepare the ESMP for the construction of the Novopolatsk landfill, which would identify and assess the potential environmental and social impacts and risks of the proposed activities, determine adequate mitigation and monitoring measures as well as define the institutional responsibilities and implementation arrangements for the implementation of the ESMP, as well as to ensure disclosure and public consultation on ESIA and ESMP. ESIA findings ultimately will be incorporated into the landfill's final design.

Project Description The objective of this project is to construct a new sanitary regional landfill and closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill in Novopolotsk (TKO), both located approximately 5km south of Novopolotsk, near an existing industrial landfill site (fiberglass factory disposal site) and a liquid waste treatment facility (operated by polymer factory), just north of Highway Polack-Miory. The new regional landfill is to serve four rayons of Rossony, Ushachi, Polotsk and Novopolotsk, all under the Vitebsk Oblast. The old landfill is a controlled non-sanitary landfill, currently serving Novopolatsk a few surrounding villages and institutions in Polatsk. This landfill is equipped with weigh bridge and a partial gas collection and a gas to energy facility. The total population of the four rayons that will be served by the new landfill is 245,000. The land for the selected site is publicly owned with no settlements and/or infrastructure and properties.

Construction of the proposed landfill will take place in two phases, each phase consisting of two disposal cells with a total lifespan of about 32 years. Phase 1 of the proposed sanitary landfill includes construction of the first two cells with a footprint of 8.2 ha with an allocated area of approximately 10.7 ha.

The Phase 1 of the proposed landfill (Cells 1 and 2) is expected to accommodate waste disposal for 14 years. Approximately 71,000 tons per year of waste is currently generated in the region, of which about 59,000 tons per year is disposed and the rest is recycled through source segregation 3

activities as well as two existing mixed waste sorting facilities. No new waste processing and separation is envisioned at the proposed regional landfill site.

The new landfill will be equipped with impermeable bottom liners to prevent downward migration of leachate to the subsurface layers and to the local shallow groundwater system. Surface water generated around and within the proposed landfill (outside of the disposal cells) will be drained to avoid contact with the waste disposal areas. Any contaminated runoff (contacted with waste) will be treated as leachate and will be sent to the leachate management facility. Surface water from closed landfill will be drained and discharged in a controlled manner.

Leachate generated at the new sanitary landfill will be collected and fully recirculated for the first 1 to 2 years prior to construction and operation of complete leachate treatment plant. Landfill gas will also be collected and flared in a gas flare facility to be constructed and operated within 1 to 2 years after the commencement of the landfill operation. Leachate generation from the old landfill will be significantly reduced as a result of construction of the impermeable cap. The gas generated from old site will continue to be collected and utilized at the existing gas to energy facility.

The new landfill will be operated in accordance with a standard operation program including day to day waste filling processes, placement of daily cover soil and intermediate covers. Completed cells will be covered with an impermeable final cover system. A closure and post-closure including a monitoring program aimed at ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements will be implemented.

Project Alternatives The basic alternative to the proposed project is a “no project alternative” or “do nothing” one. A No Project Alternative will result in continuation of the current environmentally burdensome practice of waste disposal which has resulted in a number of adverse environmental impacts on the surrounding natural and social environments. The existing waste disposal practice is being conducted in environmentally inadequate disposal sites in an unsustainable manner, continuation of which could result in irreversible environmental damages.

The proposed sanitary landfill is an environmentally sustainable alternative to the existing practice as it will be equipped with all necessary environmental control measures including but not limited to leachate and gas management, surface water drainage system, bottom liners to protect the underlying groundwater system and enclosure of a socially and environmentally sound day-to-day operation, taking into consideration the requirements set forth through the relevant operational policies of the World Bank as well as the local regulations and standards.

Additionally, other alternatives regarding the RLF location, lining, leachate and gas management have been analyzed, based on what have been identified the best ones.

Project Environmental Category and triggered WB Safeguard Policies According to the World Bank safeguard policies, the project is assigned Category A and respectively for such project, the development of a full ESIA and preparation of the ESMP is mandatory. The project triggers several WB OPs: OP 4.01 is clearly triggered as the Project may generate a series of environmental and social impacts (see below). It also triggers the OP 4.09 on Pest Management, as during the landfill operation might be used pesticides for combating the pests. Among other apllicable regulatory documents are the World Bank Group EHS Guidelines, including the General Guidance, Industry Sector EHS Guidelines for Waste Management Facilities. The OP 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement it is not triggered as the project is being implemented on the public lands which are currently not legally or illegally used for any purpose.

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National EA legal framework The proposed project ESIA was done taking into account the national EA rules and procedures, which overall are in line with the WB safeguard policies and specifically: (a) The law of the Republic of Belarus No. 399-Z dated July 18, 2016 "On State Environmental Expert Review, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment" and Provision on the “Procedure for environmental impact assessment, requirements for the composition of an environmental impact assessment report, requirements for specialists conducting environmental impact assessment, which is approved by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 47 dated January 19, 2017. Furthermore, the ESIA followed the procedures for the EA disclosure and public consultations, which are in details specified in the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus No. 458 dated 14/06/2016 “On Approval of the Provision on the Procedure for Organizing Public Hearings on Environmentally Significant Draft Decisions, Strategic Environmental Assessment Reports, Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Accounting of the Made Environmentally Significant Decisions and Introduction of Amendments and Additions to Certain Resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus”. The specified Provision defines the procedure for organizing and conducting public hearings on environmentally significant draft decisions, strategic environmental assessment reports, environmental impact assessment reports, as well as the procedure for taking into account environmentally significant decisions.

Baseline Environmental and Social Conditions The proposed sanitary landfill and the old non-sanitary landfill are located in an area with an annual rainfall of approximately 550 to 700mm with steady snow cover of about 25 to 35cm from January to March. Ambient air quality seems to have been impacted by the old landfill and nearby industrial facilities. However, concentrations of several pollutants measured in ambient air around the proposed landfill site did not show any exceedances compared to applicable local standards.

The proposed landfill area is generally situated on a mild sloped sandy soil in the hilly ridges over subsurface clayey layers. Western Dvina river, located approximately 7 to 8km north of the proposed site, is amongst the major rivers in Belarus. There are two lakes within the floodplain of Western Dvina in a distance of about 4 to 5km to the north of the proposed landfill site. River Ushacha flows in the northwestern side of the proposed landfill area at a distance of about 2.9km. Geologically, the proposed landfill area comprises relatively shallow fill material up to a depth of 1.9m overlain on top of glaciofluvial deposits including fine sand, silt, clay and loam to a depth of about 10m and beyond.

While perched groundwater seems to be present in a thin sandy layer overlain by a clayey soil layer at a depth of about 2.4m, the actual aquifer appears to be present in sandy layers and lenses confined within a clayey layer with a hydraulic head of 0.5 to 3m.

Potential Project Environmental and Social Impacts The current landfill has almost reached its full capacity. Closure of this landfill and construction of the proposed new sanitary landfill will result in an overall betterment of the environment due to termination of the existing environmentally unsustainable waste disposal practice. Based on a systematic approach, all the relevant positive and negative environmental and social impacts of the proposed landfill project were identified and categorized in terms of magnitude and significance during construction and operational phases.

Majority of the project impacts during construction phase were assessed as having minor to moderate adverse environmental and social impacts on the physical, biological and social environments. Also, no significant adverse environmental impacts were identified during the operational phase mainly due to the fact that the project entails all the necessary environmental

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control measures including but not limited to bottom liner, leachate and gas management and surface water drainage system. The following is a list of potentially adverse as well as positive moderate and significant environmental and social impacts of the proposed landfill project: • Minor to Moderate Temporary Negative Impacts during the Construction Phase due to: o Emission of dust due to earthwork including excavation and filling, installation of liner and leachate drainage layer impacting ambient air quality; o Emission of fossil fuel combustion products from onsite vehicle, machinery and equipment impacting ambient air quality; o Minor temporary negative impact on ambient air quality due to increased traffic to and from the site delivering construction materials impacting ambient air quality; o Elevated noise levels resulting from operation of onsite machinery; o Alteration of the local surface runoff pattern with possible local erosion and sedimentation into the surface water bodies; o Local soil pollution on the worksite due to construction wastes and possible leakage of fuel and motor oil; o Potential labor safety risks during the civil works.

• Minor to Moderate Temporary Impacts during Operational Phase due to: o Air emissions and malicious odors through the leachate circulation system for the first 1 to 2 years of the proposed landfill operation; o Emission of methane not collected through the gas collection system; o Emission of fossil fuel combustion products by the waste transportation vehicles to and from the proposed landfill. • Significant Positive Impacts o Closure of the existing non-sanitary and environmentally unsustainable waste disposal practice at the existing large landfill (located approximately 900 m from the new landfill); o Providing opportunities for closure of several mini-landfills within the region, which currently have serious impacts on the environment, as a result of construction of the proposed regional sanitary landfill; o Minimizing leachate migration to the subsurface soil layers and groundwater system using geosynthetic clayey liner and geomembrane liner underlain a leachate drainage system; o Minimizing contaminant emission into the receiving surface water bodies through leachate treatment plant as an integrated part of the proposed landfill project.

Social impacts: The sub-project in Novopolotsk will not require land acquisition or cause any physical or economic displacement. There are no social impacts caused by this sub-project as per OP 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement. The sub-project might generate also some adverse social impacts related to labor influx (during construction). Potential livelihoods impact to waste-pickers are not expected and such risks are minimal to non-existent given the country context of Belarus, including in Novopolotsk. If any, in most cases these impacts will be minor, short-lived. Number of workers involved in Novopolotsk are expected to be around 50 at the peak of construction and labor influx associated risks will be mitigated following EHS as well as through encouraging to engage local workforce (most of the workers are indeed expected to be from local communities). Some of the positive impacts for nearby communities include additional employment opportunities at sub-project site.

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Environmental and Social Management Plan Based on conducted ESIA was prepared an ESMP which specifies proposed environmental and social mitigation measures along with the supervision and monitoring activities. The proposed mitigation measures have been planned as an integrated part of the proposed landfill project including leachate and gas management and landfill liners, placement of daily cover soil and appropriate closure of the landfill among others, result in minimal adverse environmental impacts. The following main mitigation measures, are to be strictly implemented during construction and operational phases: • Construction Phase: o Minimizing dust and noise emission through good construction management practice; o Minimizing ambient air emissions associated with the operation of onsite machinery and equipment using emission-controlled vehicles meeting the local emission standards; o Surface water drainage system implemented on the construction site to avoid excessive erosion and sedimentation; o Ensuring an efficient solid wastes management and disposal; o Emergency spill kits to be made available onsite to cleanup oil and fuel (and other chemical) spills; o Ensuring workers with relevant protective wearing and providing necessary labor safety training. • Operational Phase: o Minimizing leachate migration into subsurface layers and groundwater through installation of a geosynthetic clay and geomembrane liners, over which the leachate drainage layer and collection pipes should be placed; o Minimizing fugitive methane emission directly into the atmosphere through installation of gas collection and flaring facility at the proposed landfill site; o Minimizing adverse impacts on surface water quality through construction and operation of a compliant leachate treatment plant at the proposed landfill site; o Minimizing malicious odors and attraction of rodents and disease vectors through good day to day operational practice including placement of daily soil cover and intermediate covers; o Efficient implementation of the Pest Management Plan; o Environmentally compliant closure of the proposed landfill through placement of final cover and leachate and gas management plan.

Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Environmental and social supervision and monitoring during project implementation will provide information about the project environmental and social impacts and the effectiveness of applied mitigation measures. Such information enables the subproject beneficiaries to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision, and, allows corrective action to be taken when needed. The monitoring section of the ESMPs provides: (a) details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements; and, (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation; and (c) institutional responsibilities.

The following is a list of key elements of the project environmental and social monitoring plan to be implemented during construction and operation phases of the proposed landfill project: • Construction Phase:

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o Monitoring ambient air emissions including particulate matter and fossil fuel combustion products; o Monitoring of solid wastes management; o Monitoring surface water quality exiting the site through the temporary surface water drainage system; o Monitoring of labor safety issues. • Operational Phase: o Monitoring ambient air emissions including particulate matter and fossil fuel combustion products and methane; o Monitoring upstream (as a reference) and downstream groundwater quality through monthly measurement relevant contaminants including but not limited to chloride, total organic carbon, pH, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen etc.; o Annual monitoring of surface water quality for a similar list of parameters at the lakes and River Oshacha.

Environmental and Social Reporting Supervision of the ESMPs implementation will be the responsibility of the Biomechplant of Municipal Secondary Material Resources”, which periodically (on quarterly basis) will prepare short reports on ESMPs implementation to be submitted to the PCT. PCT will compile these reports and semi-annually will present short information about the ESMP implementation as part of the Progress Reports to the WB.

Integration of the EMPs into project documents The ESMP provisions will form part of the design document for the project, and will be included in construction contract, both into specifications and bills of quantities. Respectively, the Contractor will be required to include the cost of ESMP requirements in their financial bids and to comply with them while implementing the project activities. The contract with winning bidder will include also an obligation to inform Biomechplant of any significant Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) accidents and events among subcontracted project workers.

The ESMP implementing arrangements The City of Novopolotsk will be the owner of the proposed regional landfill, while in coordination with Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, Polotsk Rayon Executive Committee and the MHU, will jointly have the decision-making responsibilities regarding to the proposed investments under the project. The city and ministry officials will participate in the procurement process, approve terms of reference for consultants, participate in discussions with the consultants responsible for design and supervision of the project, and participate in evaluations of proposals and bids. UE “Biomechzavod of Municipal Secondary Material Resources” (Operator) will be responsible for the operation of the proposed facility and it is anticipated to also transport the waste to the regional landfill. The City, through the supervisory engineer, will review consultants’ reports, payments and invoices to ensure that the work is up to required standards. The City will also assign an environmental specialist with the following main responsibilities: ensuring that contractor complies with all ESMP requirements; (b) conducting ESMP supervision and monitoring and assessing environmental and social impacts and efficiency of mitigation measures, as well as identifying non-compliance issues or adverse trends in results, and putting in place programs to correct any identified problems; and, (e) reporting to the general Project Coordination Team under the MoH with regard to ESMP implementation.

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Environmental and Social Assessment capacity and proposed capacity building activities During the project ESIA was concluded there are limited landfill operation experiences within Novopolatsk Spetsavtobaza and the Biomekhzavod utility which will operate the facility.To strengthen the institutional and human capacities in this regard, the project will support relevant trainings on knowledge and information on topics such as the ESMP implementation, supervision and reporting, World Bank Guidelines etc. For this purpose, at the initial stage of project implementation, the Biomechzavod will hire a consultant with knowledge on the environmental and social management requirements for Belarus, including substantial knowledge on Bank safeguard policies and requirements, which will provide ESA training that will include the basic requirements of the WB and National safeguards rules and procedures, as well as case studies in this regard. The training activities will continue also during the project implementation when the consultant will provide on the job training regarding environmental and social monitoring and supervision. Some of the highlights of the proposed training programs include: • Liner installation and quality control procedures; • Principals of landfill operation and management; • Landfill gas management system, operation, maintenance and monitoring; • Leachate treatment systems, operation, maintenance and monitoring; • Sanitary landfills environmental control and monitoring systems; • Health and Safety; • Landfill post-closure care and monitoring.

Contractors’ responsibilities The actual investments will be carried out by contractor (s) selected through the public tendering process. It should operate in full compliance with national environmental and other pertinent legislation and with the ESMPs requirements. Further, the contractor is obliged to follow regulative requirements of the national law related to civil works, traffic safety, occupational health and safety; fire safety; environmental protection; and community health and safety. The contractors will also be requested to designate a person in charge of environmental, social, health and safety issues and for implementing the ESMP.

Project Cost Estimate and Implementation Schedule The total cost for the project is estimated at 20.1 million Rubles (excluding VAT) with the breakdown shown in Table E1. Table E1. Cost breakdown of the proposed activities under the project Estimated Cost # Name of facility investment thousand Rubles (Excl. VAT) 1. Construction of the new Regional landfill (Phase 1) 8,367.1 2. Leachate treatment system (First Module for Phase 1) 1,410.0 3. Landfill gas collection and Flare facility 1,261.0 4. Garbage trucks for the collection of MSW 3,234.7 5. Containers for waste collection 2,646.2 6. Closure of the existing Novopolotsk Landfill 3,200.0 Total Estimated Capital Cost 20,119.0

Project’s tentative implementation schedule is shown in Table E2.

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Table E2. Cost breakdown of the proposed activities under the project

# Milestone Tentative Date 1. Preparation of Construction Tender Documents July - October 2019 2. New Landfill Phase 1 Construction March - December 2020 3. Detailed Design for Closure of the Existing Landfill September 2019 4. New Landfill Commencement January 2021 5. Old Landfill Closure System Construction March - December 2021 6. Leachate Treatment Plant Commissioning July 2022 7. Landfill Gas Flare System Commissioning July 2022

Grievance Redress Mechanism

The project will establish and maintain a functioning Grievance Redress Mechanism throughout project implementation. This ESIA describes GRM procedures and principles, which builds on both national legislation and WB recommendations.

ESIA and ESMP disclosure and public consultation

This ESIA was developed by the LLC “Scientific and Production Association “ProektKontsept”. Prior to approval of the project by the World Bank, it was disclosed by the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee in the Russian and English languages in relevant places in the country and the English version of the ESIA at the World Bank’s website. The ESIA will be re-disclosed once finalized and approved by the World Bank. Wide-ranging consultations help to: (i) ensure that people are made aware of a project and have the opportunity to comment on it (ii) improve responsiveness, accountability and transparency on the part of project management (iii) promote better decision-making and (iv) increase cooperation of community and government partners during project implementation and local ownership after handover.

Initial meetings with stakeholders provide a forum not just for dissemination of information about a sub project and its potential impacts, but also constitute an important opportunity to hear people’s concerns and take on board their recommendations to the extent possible in project design. These meetings also will lay the foundations for systematic consultation and participation of the community in all subsequent stages of a sub project’s development.

It is a basic requirement of the World Bank OP 4.01 (Environmental Assessment) to have adequate consultation and participation from the stakeholders, re on cords of which will need to be part of the EA documentation. The consultations took place on January 3, 2019, and various stakeholders including project beneficiaries were informed and invited. The Minutes of these consultations and the list of participants are provided in Annex 3 of the document.

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INTRODUCTION

This report contains an environmental and social impact assessment of the projected new sanitary regional MSW landfill in the City of Novopolotsk and the closure of the existing non- sanitary one.

The proponent of the landfill is the Novopolotsk city Unitary Enterprise "BIOMEKHZAVOD BYTOVYKH VTORRESURSOV” (UE “Biomechanical Plant for Domestic Recyclables” – hereinafter referred to as “Biomekhzavod”). Postal address: Vitebsk oblast, 211440, City of Novopolotsk, Tekhnicheskaya Str. 5. The ESIA report was developed by LLC “Scientific and Production Association “ProektKontsept”. Postal address: 211440, City of Polotsk, Zygin Str. 57а-8, tel. (8 0214) 74-26-26

In accordance with the Bank’s procedures (BP) (GP) 4.01 (ОР/BP4.01), The project is assigned as Category A and requires of a full-scale ESIA and of an ESMP. The projected facility also falls under the List of Types and Objects of Economic Activity Subject to Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Article 7, p. 1.7 of the Law “On State Environmental Expert Review, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment” No. 399. In accordance with the national ESIA Regulations the ESIA and ESMP report constitutes an integral part of the design documentation. It should include information on the state of the environment in the project area, potential adverse effects on the human life or health and the environment associated with its construction, as well as the relevant mitigation measures.

Taking into account the WB and National environmental assessment requirements the main objectives of the study are as follows:

a) to conduct a full scale Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and prepare the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the construction of the Novopolotsk sanitary landfill and the closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill, which would identify and analyze the potential environmental and social impacts and risks of the proposed activities, determine adequate mitigation and monitoring measures, as well as define the institutional responsibilities and implementation arrangements for the implementation of the ESMP; and, b) to ensure disclosure and public consultation on the ESIA findings and the ESMP with all interested parties and local population which might be affected by the project.

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1 Environmental and Social Assessment Legal Framework

1.1 World Bank Safeguard Policies

As specified above, according to the World Bank (WB) safeguard policies (OPs) it is t required conducting an environmental and social impact assessment for this project. The main OP describing the World Bank's environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) requirements is the WB Operational Policy (OP) and Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01 on Environmental Assessment (EA). This OP is one of the WB ten safeguard policies and all projects proposed for Bank financing must comply with the requirements of these OPs. The main objective of the OP 4.01 is to identify, minimize and mitigate potential adverse environmental and social impacts. The ten WB safeguard policies that are presented in Table 1.1 define all World Bank’s environmental and social requirements for project lending along with their applicability to the current project.

Table 1.1 List of World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies and their applicability to the project Safeguard Policies Triggered Relevance Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01) Yes This OP is triggered as the project will This Policy aims to ensure that projects include civil works for constructing proposed for Bank financing are regional landfill which will generate a environmentally and socially sound and series of environmental and social sustainable; to inform decision makers of impacts: increased environmental the nature of environmental and social pollution with wastes, noise, dust, and risks; to increase transparency and air pollution, ground water pollution, participation of stakeholders in the health hazards and labor safety issues, decision-making process. etc. Majority of the project impacts during construction phase were assessed as having minor to moderate adverse environmental and social impacts on the physical, biological and social environments. Also, no significant adverse environmental impacts were identified during the operational phase, mainly due to the fact that the project design entails all the necessary environmental control measures including but not limited to bottom liner, leachate and gas management and surface water drainage system. To address these risks and impacts it was conducted the full ESIA and prepared a detailed ESMP, aimed at specifying the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional responsibility measures to be taken during the project implementation to eliminate adverse environmental and social impacts, offset, or reduce them to acceptable levels. The ESMP also suggests a series of EA capacity building activities which will be supported by the project. Per WB requirements the draft TORs and of the 12

Safeguard Policies Triggered Relevance final ESIA&ESMP document have been disclosed and consulted with all interested parties, including local population. Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) No This OP is not triggered as the project is This Policy aims to safeguard natural located on open area and the proposed habitats and their biodiversity; avoid mitigation measures will ensure no significant conversion or degradation of natural habitats will be impacted. critical natural habitats, and to ensure sustainability of services and products which natural habitats provide to human society. Forestry (OP/BP 4.36) No The project will be implemented on This Policy is to ensure that forests are already open area and the proposed managed in a sustainable manner; mitigation measures will ensure no significant areas of forest are not impacts on the adjacent forests status. encroached upon; the rights of communities to use their traditional forest areas in a sustainable manner are not compromised. Pest Management (OP 4.09) Yes Triggered as pesticides will be used for This policy is to ensure pest management pest control during landfill operation. A activities follow an Integrated Pest pest management plan have been Management (IPM) approach, to minimize included in the ESMP. environmental and health hazards due to pesticide use, and to contribute to developing national capacity to implement IPM, and to regulate and monitor the distribution and use of pesticides. Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) No This OP is not triggered as the project This policy is to ensure that: Physical will be implemented on open area with Cultural Resources (PCR) are identified no any PCRs. The chance archaeological and protected in World Bank financed finds requirements will be included in projects; national laws governing the the contractors’ contracts. protection of physical cultural property are complied with; PCR includes archaeological and historical sites, historic urban areas, sacred sites, graveyards, burial sites, unique natural values; implemented as an element of the Environmental Assessment Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10) No There are no IPs in the country. IP – distinct, vulnerable, social and cultural group attached to geographically distinct habitats or historical territories, with separate culture than the project area, and usually different language. The Policy aims to foster full respect for human rights, economies, and cultures of IP, and to avoid adverse effects on IP during the project development.

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Safeguard Policies Triggered Relevance Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12) No The OP 4.12 on Involuntary This policy aims to minimize displacement; Resettlement it is not triggered as the treat resettlement as a development project is being implemented on the program; provide affected people with public lands which are currently not opportunities for participation; assist legally or illegally used for any purpose. displaced persons in their efforts to improve their incomes and standards of living, or at least to restore them; assist displaced people regardless of legality of tenure; pay compensation for affected assets at replacement cost; the OP. Annexes include descriptions of Resettlement Plans and Resettlement Policy Frameworks Safety of Dams(OP/BP4.37) No The project activities will not be This Policy is to ensure due consideration is dependent on the functionality of dams. given to the safety of dams in projects involving construction of new dams, or that may be affected by the safety or performance of an existing dam or dams under construction; important considerations are dam height & reservoir capacity Projects on International Waterways No OP 7.50 is not triggered because the (OP/BP7.50) proposed activities will not use water The Policy aims to ensure that projects will from or will not discharge waste waters neither affect the efficient utilization and in international waterways. protection of international waterways, nor adversely affect relations between the Bank and its Borrowers and between riparian states Disputed Areas (OP/BP7.60) No The project will be implemented on The Bank may support a project in a public lands and no disputed areas will disputed area if governments concerned be involved. agree that, pending the settlement of the dispute, the project proposed for one country should go forward without prejudice to the claims of the other country Disclosure Policy (BP17.50) supports Yes The draft TOR was disclosed on decision making by the borrower and Bank November 6, 2018. The full draft of the by allowing the public access to ESIA and ESMP was disclosed on information on environmental and social December 17, 2018 and consulted in the aspects of projects and has specific country on January 3, 2019. requirements for disclosure

Among other applicable regulatory documents are World Bank Group EHS Guidelines, including the General Guidance, Industry Sector EHS Guidelines for Waste Management Facilities and Industry Sector EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation1. The EHS Guidelines are technical reference documents with general and industry-specific examples of Good International Industry

1 See: https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at- ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines 14

Practice (GIIP) and are referred to in the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and in IFC’s Performance Standards. The EHS Guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are normally acceptable to the World Bank Group, and that are generally considered to be achievable in new facilities at reasonable costs by existing technology. As stipulated in the Guidelines, the World Bank Group requires borrowers/clients to apply the relevant levels or measures of the document. When host country regulations differ from the levels and measures presented in the EHS Guidelines, projects will be required to achieve whichever is more stringent.

1.2 Applicable environmental and social legislation of the Republic of Belarus

The development of the ESIA report is regulated by a number of legislative and regulatory acts of the Republic of Belarus. The Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Environmental Protection” No. 198-XII dated 26.11.1992 (as amended on 22.01.2017) defines the general environmental requirements for siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation, conservation, dismantling and demolition of buildings, structures and other facilities. The law establishes the obligation of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs to ensure good environmental conditions providing for, inter alia: -preservation, rehabilitation and (or) enhancement of the environment; -mitigation (prevention) of adverse impacts on the environment; -use of low-waste, energy - and resource-saving technologies; -rational use of natural resources; -prevention of accidents and other emergency situations; -material, financial and other means to compensate for possible environmental damage; -financial guarantees to ensure the implementation of planned environmental protection measures. When siting buildings, structures and other facilities, environmental requirements shall be enforced taking into account the immediate and remote environmental, economic, demographic and other consequences of the operation of these facilities and the priority of maintaining a healthy environment, biodiversity conservation, and management of natural resources. Design documents for construction, reconstruction, conservation, dismantling and demolition of buildings, structures and other facilities shall be developed following the standards for permissible anthropogenic pressures on the environment, envisaging waste management methods, using resource-saving, low-waste or waste-free technologies that facilitate environmental protection and restoration of the natural environment, and management of natural resources. The environmental impact assessment procedure, the requirements for materials and the content of the EIA report are set forth in the following regulatory documents: -TKP 17.02-08.2012 “Rules for Conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drafting a Report”; -Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 399-Z dated July 18, 2016 “On State Environmental Expert Review, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment”; Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 47 dated January 19, 2017 “On Selected Measures for Implementation of the Law of the Republic of Belarus dated July 18, 2016 “On State Environmental Expert Review, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment”; -Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 333-Z dated December 24, 2015 “On Amending Selected Laws of the Republic of Belarus on Environmental Protection and Public Participation in the Adoption of Environmentally Significant Decisions”; -Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 205-Z dated June 14, 2003 “On the Flora”, as amended by Law No. 402-Z dated July 18, 2016; -Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 257-Z dated July 10, 2007 “On the Fauna” as amended by Law No. 399-Z dated July 18, 2016;

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-Sanitary norms, rules and hygienic standards “Requirements for sanitary protection zones of organizations, structures and other facilities that affect human health and the environment”, approved by Resolution No. 91 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated October 11, 2017; -EcoNiP 17.01.06-001-2017 “Environmental Protection and Environmental Management. Environmental Safety Requirements”. -Resolution No. 113 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated November 8, 2016 “On approval of Standards for Maximum Allowable Concentrations of Air Pollutants and Indicative Safe Exposure Levels of Pollutants in the Air in Residential Areas and Public Recreational Areas”; -Resolution No. 174 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated December 21, 2010 “On Approval of Hazard Classes of Air Pollutants and Establishment of the Procedure for Assigning Pollutants to Specific Hazard Classes”. -Sanitary norms, rules and hygienic standards “Noise at workplaces, in vehicles, in the premises of residential and public buildings and within residential developments”, approved by Resolution No. 115 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated November 16, 2011. -Hygienic standard “Hygienic standard for the content of air pollutants having a summation effect”, approved by Resolution No. 33 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated March 30, 2015. -Resolution No. 1426 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated October 25, 2011 (as amended by Resolution No. 1020 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated December 14, 2016) “On Selected Issues Related to the Flora Management”. The legal and institutional framework for the prevention of human exposure to adverse environmental factors seeking to ensure the sanitary and epidemic wellbeing of the population are established by the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Sanitary and Epidemic Wellbeing of the Population” No. 340-Z dated January 7, 2012 (as amended on January 6, 2017). The legal framework in the field of protection of the population and territories from natural and man-made emergency situations is established by the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Protection of the Population and Territories from Natural and Man-made Emergency Situations” No. 141-Z dated May 5, 1998 (as amended on March 30, 2016). The main international agreements governing relations in the field of environmental protection and environmental management as part of the construction, operation and decommissioning of proposed activities, include the following: -the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change dated May 9, 1992 (New York) (in force for the Republic of Belarus from August 9, 2000); -the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change dated December 11, 1997 (in force for the Republic of Belarus from November 24, 2005); -the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer dated March 22, 1985 (in force for the Republic of Belarus on September 22, 1988); -the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer dated September 16, 1987 (in force from January 1, 1989); -the Stockholm Convection on Persistent Organic Pollutants dated May 22, 2001 (the Republic of Belarus joined the Convention in February 2004); -the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage dated November 16, 1972 (Paris) (in force for Belarus from January 12, 1989); -the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context on dated February 25, 1991 (Espoo) (in force for the Republic of Belarus from February 8, 2006); -the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters dated June 25, 1998 (Aarhus), in force for the Republic of Belarus from October 30, 2001;

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-the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution dated November 13, 1979 (Geneva) and its protocols (in force for the Republic of Belarus from March 16, 1983); -the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes dated March 17, 1992 (Helsinki) and the Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes dated June 17, 1999 (London); -the Convention on Biological Diversity dated June 5, 1992 (Rio de Janeiro) (in force for the Republic of Belarus from December 29, 1993), -the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity dated January 29, 2000 (in force for the Republic of Belarus from September 11, 2003).

1.3 Comparison of the Requirements of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies and the Legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

The comparison of the main requirements of the World Bank OP 4.01 on environmental assessment of projects proposed for Bank financing, and the requirements of Belarus’ environmental legislation with respect to ESIA (including the requirements for the development of “Environmental Protection” section in design documents) shows their overall similarity. However, there are some differences (see table 1.2 below) on the following aspects: the criteria for preliminary environmental and social assessment of a project (subproject, facility) depending on the scale and level of potential negative impacts on the environment; the list of projects subject to environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA); environmental and social assessment procedures; procedures and the number of public consultations on projects; availability of environmental and social management plans; and inclusion of health and safety provision and requirements and grievance redress procedures (mechanism) in the ESIA.

Table 1.2 The Bank’s requirements vs. the legislative requirements of the Republic of Belarus regarding environmental assessment World Bank Republic of Belarus Criteria for preliminary environmental assessment ОР 4.01: establishes 4 project categories (A, B, The categories of preliminary environmental C, FI) depending on their type, location, and social impact assessment for projects are “environmental sensitivity” and scale, and the not stipulated in the legislation. The nature of the potential environmental impacts assessment of the significance of (sensitive, diverse or unprecedented environmental and social impacts of a for category A; less adverse than for Category proposed activity is based on the determination A for category B; minimal or no adverse of the spatial and temporal exposure indicators impacts for Category C) and its size. EA is and the significance of changes resulting from conducted as early as possible at the stage of this exposure; and on the conversion of project review (processing). qualitative characteristics and quantitative values of these indicators into scores according to TKP 12.02-08-2012 “Rules for Conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drafting a Report”. List of projects subject to environmental impact assessment ОР 4.01: Environmental assessment is carried The Law “On State Environmental Expert out for all projects (subprojects) to be financed Review, Strategic Environmental Assessment by the WB and Environmental Impact Assessment” establishes a List of Projects Subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (see Annex 3) and the main conditions for conducting an 17

EIA: preventive approach (conducting an EIA before making a decision on the implementation of a project), presumption of environmental hazard of the proposed economic and other activities and the availability of alternative options for siting and (or) implementing the proposed activities, including abandonment (zero option). For projects not requiring an EIA is, there is a requirement for the development of “Environmental Protection” section as part of the design and cost estimate documents, which reviews possible adverse environmental impacts and measures to mitigate (prevent, minimize) adverse impacts. Environmental assessment procedures ОР 4.01: Depending on the project category, a The procedures for conducting an EIA are number of mechanisms can be used to perform established by the Regulations on the EIA the EA: environmental and social impact Procedure. The following parties are involved assessment (ESIA), regional or sectoral EA, in the EIA process: proponent, designer, environmental audit, hazard or risk citizens, NGOs, territorial bodies of the assessment, as well as an environmental Ministry of Environment, local executive and management plan (EMP). EA uses one or administrative bodies, specially authorized more of these mechanisms, or elements of state bodies exercising control and supervision them, as appropriate. as pertains to the proposed activity. Procedures for conducting public consultations on projects ОР 4.01: For all Category A and B projects, The organizational arrangements, procedures during the EA process, the borrower consults and the timing of public consultations on ESIA project-affected groups and local non- reports and other environmentally significant governmental organizations (NGOs) about the decisions are established by the Regulations on project's environmental aspects and takes their the Procedure for Organizing and Holding views into account. For Category A projects, Public Consultations on EIA Reports and the borrower consults these groups at least Consideration of the Adopted Environmentally twice: (a) shortly after environmental Important Decisions (Resolution of the screening and before the terms of reference for Council of Ministers No. 458 dated June 14, the EA are finalized; and (b) once a draft EA 2016 as amended on January 13, 2017). Public report is prepared. In addition, the borrower consultations on projects, which do not require consults with such groups throughout project an EIA, are conducted in accordance with the implementation as necessary to address EA- procedure and within the timeframe related issues that affect them. Any separate established by the Regulation on the Procedure Category B report for a project proposed for for Holding Public Consultations in the Field financing is made available to project-affected of Architectural, Urban-planning and groups and local NGOs. The venue, time and Construction Activities (Resolution of the purpose of the consultation shall be announced Council of Ministers No. 687 dated June 1, at least two weeks before the event. 2011 as amended on January 13, 2017). It is not required to hold meetings during public consultations. A meeting to discuss a draft policy document or a draft regulatory legal act is held by the organizer of public consultations on the draft policy document or the draft regulatory legal act in case of receiving a written or electronic request from a citizen or

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legal entity concerning the need to hold such a meeting within 10 working days from the commencement of public consultations. Such a meeting can be scheduled no earlier than in 25 calendar days from the date of commencement of public consultations in accordance with the statutory procedure, before the end date of the public consultations. Availability of environmental management plans (EMPs) ОР 4.01: An Environmental and Social If the national legislation contains Management Plan (EMP) is an integral part of requirements regarding the enforcement of the ESIA for Category A projects (regardless environmental mitigation measures and the of the other instruments used) as well as for monitoring of these measures for all projects, Category B projects. there are no statutory requirements for preparing a special ESMP describing an organizational structure for ESMP implementation, capacity-building measures and information on the related costs. There is a statutory provision requiring ESIA specialists to meet the established qualification requirements. Inclusion of labor management provisions and requirements in the environmental assessment The EA regulatory framework takes into Labor management issues, including account the laws governing labor management occupational health and safety, are not covered issues. in ESIA reports. These issues are regulated by labor legislation and are reviewed in in a special section of the design documentation. Grievance redress procedures (mechanisms) The Environmental and Social Management Issues related to the handling of all types of Plan should contain a regarding the grievance communications, including grievances, are redress mechanism for grievances related to regulated by the Law “On Communications the preparation and implementation of the from Citizens and Legal Entities” and the Project. related Government resolutions and are not required to be part of the ESIA & ESMP.

In case of differences between the Bank’s requirements and those set forth in the legislation of the Republic of Belarus regarding environmental assessment of the Project, the more stringent requirements will be followed.

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2 Project Description

The objective of this project is to construct a new sanitary regional MSW landfill near the City of Novopolotsk (TKO) and close the existing non-sanitary landfill in the City of Novopolotsk. The facilities are located in a partially forested area located about 5km south of Novopolotsk near the existing industrial landfill site, just north of Highway Polack-Miory. Construction of the proposed landfill will take place in two phases, each phase consisting of two disposal cells with a total lifespan of 32 years. Phase 1 includes closure of the existing non- sanitary landfill in Novopolotsk and establishment of the first two cells of the new sanitary regional landfill with an area of approximately 10.7 ha. The proposed landfill site is situated about 7 km south of the Western Dvina River and about 2.9 km east of the Ushacha River. Lakes Medvezhino and Liukhovo are situated about 5 km north of the proposed landfill site. The new sanitary landfill will be built 880 m east of the existing non-sanitary landfill. The Novopolotsk regional landfill will be used for landfilling municipal solid waste generated in the residential sector of the City of Novopolotsk, Polotsk, Polotsk rayon, Ushachi rayon, and Rossony rayon. The location of the proposed sanitary landfill is shown in Figure 2.1.

Novopolotsk

Non-sanitary landfill

Sanitary landfill

Figure 2.1 Location of the projected sanitary landfill and the closure of the non-sanitary landfill

2.1 Estimated Waste Volumes

The projected sanitary landfill will be used to dispose of solid waste from human activities. This is mainly non-recyclable waste from human activities (organic waste, mixed waste, fine waste materials), which accounts for about 90%, polymers (PET, polyethylene, other types of plastic) – 4%, metals, textiles, leather, batteries, glass – 4%, paper, Tetra Pak cartons - 1%, and wood waste - 1%. The projected sanitary landfill is expected to accommodate 59,659 tons of municipal solid waste per year to. Figure 2.1 shows the waste quantities delivered to the projected sanitary landfill for disposal broken down by the regions served.

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Table 2.1 Waste generation volumes for the new regional landfill Waste Currently Recycled as generation Disposal rate Rayon/Town recycled of 2019 rate (tons/year) (tons/year) (tons/year) (tons/year) City of Novopolotsk 39 251 2 100 2 100 37 151 City of Polotsk 16 154 - 1 050 15 104 Polotsk rayon 4 238 - - 4 238 Town of Rossony 1 944 - - 1 944 Rossony rayon 1 750 - - 1 750 Town of Ushachi 3 445 - - 3 445 Ushachi rayon 4 212 - - 4 212 Deposit-refund system - 4 800 4 800 - Informal recycling - 3 479 3 479 - Total generated waste 70 994 - - - Total recycled waste - 10 379 11 429 - Total landfilled waste 59 565

The volumes of MSW to be landfilled are calculated on the basis of the generation rates, less: • recyclables recovered through separate collection – 15.6% of the total generated MSW; • wastes recycled through the deposit-refund system (DRS) – 10%. The tonnage of MSW to be landfilled in the first year of the landfill operation will amount to 59,565 tons/year. The expected waste density after the landfilling will be 0.8 tons/m3. 11,000 m3 of insulation materials will be required annually for cover layers Accordingly, the actual capacity of the projected sanitary landfill will be approximately 85,600 m3/year. The waste quantities to be disposed of at the projected landfill are given in Table 2.2 and in Figure 2.2.

Table 2.2 Landfill filling stages and capacity

Construction phases Filling stage Landfilled MSW volume, m3

Projected cells 1 and 2 Construction Phase I 1 190 925 Construction Phase II 2 175 935 3 675 425 Subtotal: 1 042 285 Future cells 3 and 4 Construction Phase III 4 209 565 Construction Phase IV 5 241 205 6 876 875 Subtotal: 1 327 645 TOTAL (cells 1-4): 2 369 930

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Figure 2.2 Landfill capacity by filling stages

2.2 Waste collection and transportation

Waste will be transported via the existing roads, a large proportion of which have improved (bituminous concrete) surface. The waste collection and transportation scheme for the City of Novopolotsk, the Towhship of Borovukha and the Village of Mezhdurechie will remain almost unchanged. The main waste transportation route is via motor roads of republican subordinance (Р- 14, Р-20, Р-24, Р-46, Р-113). The waste will be collected by specialized machinery (garbage trucks with the body space 10 and 20 m3, and two existing garbage trucks with the body space of 18 m3) from temporary storage sites in residential neighborhoods and near office buildings and transported to the Novopolotsk “Biomekhzavod” for sorting. After the sorting and processing of non-recyclables, waste will be transported by garbage trucks to the projected regional landfill. The projected sanitary landfill is located in the same direction as the current non-sanitary MSW landfill, and the changes in the route of garbage trucks will be minimal. The proposed landfill is not to receive hazardous waste as well as medical and radiological wastes. control on radioactive wastes is done at the entrance by a special devise while for the hazardous wastes, will be visually inspected and separated. It is also worth noting that the enterprises transporting the wastes to the landfill have signed contracts with the landfill where it is stipulated no such wastes are allowed. However, given the fact that some hazardous waste may or may not find its way to the proposed landfill. In such cases, the operator must set up a program to detect and prevent disposal of hazardous wastes. The program will include procedures for random inspections, record keeping, training of personnel to recognize hazardous wastes, and notification of the appropriate authorities if such waste is discovered at the facility. The scheme of municipal waste collection in the City of Polotsk will also change slightly. Once the new landfill is commissioned, it is planned to sort waste coming from the City of Polotsk at the Novopolotsk “Biomekhzavod”, with further disposal at the projected regional landfill. Significant changes in waste transportation will occur in Ushachi, Polotsk and Rossony rayons. Currently, the MSW collected in these rayons is landfilled in local mini-landfills. After the commissioning of the regional landfill, the waste transportation scheme will change. The establishment of a new sanitary landfill will provide an opportunity to close and rehabilitate the mini-landfills. A preliminary study of specific mini-landfills in the designated area was carried out in the framework of this project. The project does not provide for a detailed study and design of rehabilitation measures for these sites.

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It is proposed to arrange MSW transportation by garbage trucks from Ushachi rayon as follows:

1. Motor road Р-113 Senno - Beshenkovichi - Ushachi. Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section – 9.2 km. 2. Motor road P-46 Lepel - Polotsk - the border of the Russian Federation (Yukhnovichi). Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section –32 km. 3. Motor road P-45 Polotsk - Glubokoye - the border of the Republic of Lithuania (Kotlovka). Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section –4.6 km. 4. Motor road P-14 Polotsk - Miory - Braslav. Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section – 4.3 km. It is proposed to arrange MSW transportation by garbage trucks from Rossony rayon as follows: 1. Motor road P-24 Polotsk - Rossony. Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section – 42 km. 2. Motor road P-20 Vitebsk - Polotsk - the border of the Republic of Latvia (Grigorovschina); entrances to the City of Polotsk, the City of Novopolotsk, and the Town of Verkhnedvinsk. Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section –8 km. 3. Motor road P-14 Polotsk - Miory - Braslav. Surface – bituminous concrete, length of the road section –6 km. Phase 1 of the projected landfill (Cells 1 and 2) is expected to accommodate waste disposal for 14 years. The waste from Polotsk, Ushachi and Rossony rayons will be landfilled without processing and sorting at the regional landfill.

Table 2.3 Characteristics of standard types of garbage trucks serving territorial administrative units Indicators City/Town Rural Community Region Garbage truck parameters Garbage truck for Garbage truck for Garbage truck for collecting MSW collecting MSW in MSW transportation in urban areas rural areas from transfer station

Garbage truck name KO-427B-90 Garbage truck with Garbage truck name rear loading KO- 456-10 on MAZ- 4380P2 chassis

Loading type rear rear rear Body space, m3 20 10 30 Estimated weight of collected 9.0 3.675 16.2 MSW, tons Assumed loading percentage 90 73.5 90 of the truck body, %

Average fuel consumption in 42 26 42 motion, l/100 km

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Indicators City/Town Rural Community Region Average fuel consumption 4.6 3.3 4.6 during loading and unloading operations, l/h Average driving speed of the 20 20 does not collect MSW garbage truck when collecting MSW, km/hour Average driving speed of the 60 60 60 garbage truck on the highway (from the place of collection (loading) to the place of MSW unloading), km/h Number of staffs required to 2 2 2 operate the garbage truck during the trip, persons in 1 shift Assumed driving time, hours 7 7 7

2.3 Landfill Site Layout

The sanitary MSW landfill is an environmental protection facility for the disposal of solid household waste removed from residential areas settlements by stockpiling them in layers; it provides protection against air, soil, surface and groundwater pollution. The following major works are to be performed at the landfill: receiving, stockpiling, compacting and covering solid municipal waste with inert materials. It is planned to build the sanitary landfill in two stages. Each stage is divided into two construction phases. The landfill (1st construction stage: Cells 1 and 2) is to be constructed in two phases. Construction phase I includes the following facilities: -disposal cell 1 – used for the disposal of municipal solid waste; -weighbridge with the capacity of 40 tons – to control MSW volumes delivered for disposal; -checkpoint M-K2-2-13 – for controlling solid waste entering the landfill; -disinfectant wheel wash – used to clean the wheels of vehicles leaving the landfill; -a container-type amenity unit – the amenity rooms are designed for the landfill workers. The amenity unit includes a locker room and a break room for the workers; -a cesspit – for the accumulation of domestic wastewater from the plumbing fixtures located in the amenity unit; -a machinery shed – for storing the machinery serving the landfill; -fire ponds – holding waters reserves of extinguishing fires at the site. The volume of fire ponds is designed to be sufficient to extinguish a potential fire; -a lavatory; -a leachate management system comprising (1) pipes and wells for collecting leachate, (2) a settling tank for storing the leachate, (3) a pumping station for recirculating the leachate (for the initial complete recirculation of the leachate during 1-2 years), and (4) a leachate treatment plant (which will be commissioned after the sanitary landfill has been in operation for 1-2 years);

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-a landfill gas management system, including main gas pipelines (collectors), through which the collected gas is fed to the flare (gas production and flaring facilities will be built 1-2 years after the landfill commissioning); -floodlight tower – for illuminating the landfill area; -observation wells – for monitoring the parameters of the state of surface waters; -earth deposits – reserves of inert soil for covering the compacted waste layer of the active cell; -recreation area – for the workers to have a short break during the work shift; -parking lot – for temporary storage of the workers’ personal cars and company cars; -fencing – the perimeter fencing of the landfill prevents unauthorized access to the territory, and keeps wild animals away from the landfill; Construction phase II will include building: -disposal cell 2 - for the disposal of municipal solid waste; The proposed layout of sites and buildings of the projected sanitary landfill is shown in Figure 2.3. The main components of the proposed landfill are listed in Table 2.4 and are described further in the following sections.

Figure 2.3 Layout of the premises at the projected landfill, Stage 1

Table 2.4 List of main components of the proposed landfill # in the map Description Construction phase I (Phase 1 Landfill, Cell 1)

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# in the map Description 1a. Waste disposal cell No.1 2. Weighbridge, 40 tons 3. Checkpoint M-K2-2-13 4. Disinfectant wheel wash 5. Container-type amenity unit 6. Cesspit 7. Machinery shed 8a., b. Fire pond 9. Lavatory 10a. Leachate Manholes 11a.-d. Floodlight towers N1-5, H = 22.8 m 12а.-g. Monitoring wells 13. Landfill Gas Flare Location 14. Location of leachate storage and treatment facility 15. Recreation area 16. Parking lot 17. Fencing Construction phase II (Phase 1 Landfill, Cell 2) 1b. Waste disposal cell No.2 10b. Leachate manhole

2.4 Landfill Cell Configuration

The proposed sanitary landfill is to be constructed and operated in two phases (Phase I: Cells 1 and 2, Phase II: Cells 3 and 4). The landfill will be filled in 6 stages, as described below. The landfill will be filled in 6 stages. Stage 1 of MSW stockpiling includes filling Cell 1. Waste will be stockpiled up to the level of 140.30. The MSW volume will be 224,620 m3. Stage 1 of the stockpiling includes filling Cell 2 and stockpiling MSW to the level of 140.30. Stage 3 includes stockpiling MSW in accordance with an elevation scheme from the level of 140.30 to the full design elevation of 166.70 m (in the area of Cells 1 and 2). Stage 4 of MSW stockpiling includes filling Cell 3. Waste will be stockpiled up to the level of 140.30. Stage 5 of the stockpiling includes filling Cell 4 and stockpiling MSW to the level of 140.30. Stage 6 includes stockpiling MSW in accordance with an elevation scheme from the level of 140.30 to the full design elevation of 166.70 m (in the area of Cells 3 and 4). A bottom liner is installed on the bottom of the cells and on the internal slopes of the embankments; along the perimeter of the cells, embankments are arranged rising 1.5 m above the bottom of the cells. During the operation of the landfill, the waste will be compacted and covered daily. The project also includes a leachate collection and treatment system, and a landfill gas collection and flaring system.

2.4.1 Bottom Liner Structure

To protect groundwater from pollution, it is necessary to install a bottom liner, which consists of the following layers:

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-bentonite mats, 6 mm thick; - textured double-sided geomembrane, 2 mm thick; -geotextile, 1200 g/m2; -a protective layer of gravel, 0.50 m thick along the bottom and 0.80 m thick on the slopes. The structure of the bottom liner is shown in Figure 2.4.

protective layer of sand, 0.50 m thick along the bottom and 0.80 m thick on the slopes

geotextile, 1200g/m 2

double textured geomembrane, 2 mm thick

GCL (bentonite mat), 6 mm thick

compacted base soil

Figure 2.4 Bottom liner structure

2.4.2 Cover Layer

Municipal solid waste unloaded from a garbage truck is stockpiled and compacted in an active cell designated for the work shift. Unlimited stockpiling of MSW over the entire landfill site and outside of the active cell is not allowed. For safe operation of the bulldozer, the site must be at least 5 m wide, i.e., the dimensions of a daily cell will be 5 x 18 m. A single vehicle at any one time transports an average of 9 m3 of MSW, therefore there will be 12 garbage trucks unloading at the unloading site. Based on the dimensions and the turning radius of a garbage truck, an area of 50 m2 is required to ensure its safe operation. So the area of the unloading site will be 50 x 12 = 600 m2. To arrange for uninterrupted unloading of vehicles and bulldozer operation, the unloading site in front of the active cell will be divided into two sections. The unloading of the garbage truck will take place in one section, while the bulldozer will work at the other. The bulldozer will push the waste onto the active area, creating layers up to 0.3 meters high. 12-20 compacted layers will form an embankment with a slight slope 2 meters above the unloading site level (Figure 2.5). The compacted 2-meter high MSW layer is covered with a soil layer of 0.20 m. The municipal waste placed on the active area is compacted by a bulldozer weighing at least 14 tons making four passes, ensuring the density of MSW of 800 kg / m 3 . The recommended thickness of the “thin” layer is determined by the need for effective compaction of MSW and destruction of large-sized waste. Periodically (twice a year), it is necessary to determine the degree of waste compaction. Placement of the next layer of waste on the active cell begins only after completing the placement of waste up to the same level over the entire territory prepared for waste stockpiling. In case the integrity of the cover layer is affected due to non-uniform sinkage of waste, the integrity of the cover should be restored by means of mineral soil upfilling. Two bulldozers weighing at least 14 tons will be used to push the unloaded waste onto the working face

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A third bulldozer weighing at least 14 tons will be used for compaction operations. In total, 3 bulldozers are needed to operate the landfill. The soil for cover layers will be delivered by contracted vehicles.

Dumptruck

Bulldozer Zone “A”

Waste placement by pushing (bottom-to-top)

Waste placement by pushing (bottom-to-top) Dumptruck Zone “B” Bulldozer Bulldozer Garbage trucks

Zone “A”

Arrangement of “thin” sloped layers

Arrangement of “thin” horizontal layers

Figure 2.5 Waste placement scheme and intermediate cover layers

2.4.3 Landfill closure

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The closure of the existing unsanitary landfill will take place after the proposed new landfill is ready to accept waste for disposal. It is worth noting that the existing landfill will be capped (as explained bellow) and closed with the waste already disposed of at the existing landfill remaining in place. No waste will be transferred from the existing landfill (to be closed when the new landfill is operational) to the new landfill. The closure of the new landfill will take place after it has been filled and covered to the design level, while the height of the capping layer will be between 0.8 to 1.5 m depending on the further use of the site. After the stabilization of the closed landfill is completed, rehabilitation works will be implemented in two stages: ➢ technical – Placement of final cover system including impermeable layers and topsoil layer. ➢ biological – a complex of agro-engineering and vegetative reclamation activities to restore disturbed lands. The technical stage of landfill rehabilitation will be implemented by the landfill operator. The biological stage of landfill rehabilitation will be implemented after the end of the technical stage by specialized communal, agricultural or forestry enterprises. The typical detail for the final cover for landfill rehabilitation is shown in Figure 2.6. A schematic landfill rehabilitation is presented in Figure 2.7.

Figure 2.6 Final cover layer typical detail

Figure 2.7 Landfill rehabilitation scheme

1 - bulldozer; 2 - motor vehicles;

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3 - flattening of slopes; 4 - filled soil; 5 - landfill surface; 6 - rehabilitated layer; 7 - biological stage; 8 – forestry-based rehabilitation.

2.4.4 Leachate Drainage and Collection System

Leachate drainage and collection system will be constructed on top of the bottom liner system in the areas that will receive waste (Cells 1 and 2). All leachate generated in each cell will be directed to the lower points and then to the leachate equalization (storage) pond shown on Figure 2-3. Collected leachate will be fully recirculate for the first 1 or 2 years of landfill operation until leachate treatment facility is constructed and commissioned. Leachate treatment facility is described in the following section.

2.4.5 Landfill Gas Collection System To recover landfill gas from the landfill body, a gas collection system will be installed that will include: • vertical and/or horizontal gas collection wells; • Gas wellheads and control and valves; • gas collection piping network

The wells are constructed by drilling or during the construction meeting the requirements for protection from impacts caused by machinery and the natural clogging with dry MSW fractions during their storage in the entire landfill area. Wells are constructed with perforated PVC pipes. With the soil body of about 30 m, Gas pipelines are installed in trenches below frost depth. The estimated averaged landfill gas output is 500 + 650 m3/day from a single well up to 30 m deep after MSW has been stored for over 7 years. Number of wells for the estimated gas output: 20 - 30 units. According to the engineering studies conducted by process engineers, it is planned to establish the landfill in stages: Stage I is designed for 14.9 years of storage (Cells No. 1 and No. 2) and Stage II includes additional Cells No. 3 and No. 4, bringing the total filling time to 31.8 years.

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Figure 2.8 Scheme of landfill gas collection and flaring

2.5 Leachate Treatment System

It is estimated that leachate will be generated and collected at an average rate of 50 m3/day.

The collected leachate will be fully recirculated back to the landfill (for the first year of landfill operation) until an advanced leachate treatment facility is installed and operated.

The most common methods for leachate treatment are:

• Activated sludge (extended aeration with biologically nitrogen removal) • MBR (Membrane Bio-Reactors) • R.O. (reverse osmosis)

For the Novopolatsk sanitary regional landfill, we propose that R.O. leachate treatment to be used for the following reasons:

1. Fully automated unit, thus requiring no special attendance and limited personnel 2. R.O. systems come in modules and therefore it can be easily expanded when additional leachate generated from Cells 3 and 4 (phase 2 of the landfill) is received 3. It is highly efficient producing an excellent effluent meeting the highest standards for discharge limits 4. It is easy to operate and maintain (with technical support of manufacturer). The membrane units can be easily replaced when required

The treatment scheme is as follows: the leachate from the landfill cells flows to Pumping Station 1 by gravity, and then is pumped to the distributing tank. Homogenization and settling of

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the leachate takes place in the tank. From the tank, the leachate is pumped to the treatment facilities with a capacity of up to 50 m3/day.

The treatment facilities include: • a mechanical treatment unit with a granular filter, which allows for removing particulate matter and colloidal particles; • a polishing unit with a mechanical polishing filter with a retention capacity of up to 20 µm; • a deep purification unit for deep cleaning and two-stage desalination with a membrane module; • a polymer accumulation tank for reverse flushing of the granular filter. Source water is fed for treatment to the clarification station, to the granular filtering units operated in parallel, which consisting of an automatic pressure filter with a granular special load, a control panel, a flush water pump and a flush tank.

To increase the inter-flush interval of pressure filters, they are packed with a multilayer medium — filtering materials with different density and particle size. The clarified water is discharged from the filter and channeled for further use. The operating cycle of filtration ends when a difference in water pressure is reached at the inlet and outlet of the filter (differential pressure). The operation of the filters is controlled based on the difference in the readings of the pressure gauges installed on the pipeline, which delivers the leachate for treatment, and on the pipeline, which outfeeds clarified water from the filter. At the end of the operating cycle, reverse flushing of the filters is carried out, and the accumulated debris is washed out of the filtering layer. Then the clarified stream passes through a mechanical preliminary filter, which retains randomly removed medium from the pressure filters, as well as suspended impurities with a particle size larger than 20 µm, is delayed. Then the water is pumped under the pressure of up to 6 MPa to a two-stage membrane module equipped with reverse osmosis membrane elements. Preliminary, a sedimentation inhibitor solution is introduced into the stream of clarified water by a proportional dosing pump to prevent sedimentation on the membranes.

The effluent treatment process results in the generation of: • filtrate (permeate) – a flow of water (70-90% of the source water), which has passed through the membrane and has been cleared from colloidal particles, excess salts, iron residues, heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms; • concentrate - a flow of water (10-30% of the source water) enriched with salts and other impurities, which is recirculated into the landfill body (disposed of).

Alternate regeneration of granular filters is carried out periodically along with the chemical washing of membrane elements with a cleaning solution, which is carried out in a semi-automatic mode as necessary (1-2 times per month); in the event of a long break, the membrane module is temporarily shut down. Treated water meets the requirements for discharge into fishery water bodies.

The amount of the extract depends on the volume of water entering the landfill site, the physic-chemical and biological properties of the waste, and the complex destructive hydrolytic and biochemical processes that can take place in the landfill body.

Residual solids and concentrate from different treatment processes of the leachate treatment plant will be collected and disposed of in the active face of the new landfill. These residuals could include solids and concentrate from membrane process.

The expected leachate composition before and after treatment are summarized in Table 2.5.

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Table 2.5 Results of chemical analysis of leachate from a similar landfill Values Values Ingredients (treated (Raw leachate) leachate) PH 8,2 6.5 – 9.0 Suspended solids 839 35.0 COD, mgО/dm3 6100 125 BOD5, mgО/dm3 2340 25 Dry residue, mg/dm3 12170 Chlorides, mg/dm3 2250 250 Nitrites, mg/dm3 0,73 1.0 Iron, mg/dm3 6,6 2.0 Sulfates, mg/dm3 6,4 200 Zinc, mg/dm3 0,428 2.0 Total chromium, mg/dm3 0,86 0.5

2.6 Landfill Gas Management System

An active biogas collection system will be installed at the sanitary landfill. The collection system will consist of: - gas collection wells (vertical or horizontal) - gas collection pipe network; - condensate management system. Figures 2.9 and 2.10 illustrate landfill gas and methane generation rates from Phase 1 (cells 1&2) and Phase 2 (Cells 3&4) of the proposed sanitary landfill. Landfill Gas Generation at Novopolatsk Landfill 5,000,000

4,500,000 /year)

3 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000

Gas Gas Generatin rate(m 500,000

0

2019 2023 2027 2031 2035 2039 2043 2047 2051 2055 2059 2063 2067 2071 2075 2079 2083 2087 2091 2095 2099

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phases 1 and 2

Figure 2.9 Estimated gas generation (m3/year) at Novopolotsk MSW landfill

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Methane Generation at Novopolatsk Landfill 3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

MethaneGeneration Rate (tons/year)

2055 2099 2019 2023 2027 2031 2035 2039 2043 2047 2051 2059 2063 2067 2071 2075 2079 2083 2087 2091 2095

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phases 1 and 2

Figure 2.10 Estimated CH4 generation (tons/year) (Phase 1 only)

Peak gas generation from Phase 1 of the new landfill will occur in 2033 and will exceed 290 m3/h which is equivalent of approximately 43,000 tons of CO2-e/year.

The collected gas will be flared in a gas flare facility to be constructed and operated within 1 to 2 years after the commencement of the landfill operation. The quality and quantity of the generated landfill gas will be monitored for 12 months, at which point, if it is economically feasible, a decision will be made to build an energy facility for the utilization of landfill gas. Gas-to-Energy (GTE) facility is not proposed for the new landfill. LFG system is designed in a way to allow future GTE, if feasible at all.

2.7 Surface Drainage System

Precipitation water falling on the landfill body is treated by the leachate treatment system as described above. The precipitation falling on the driveways and the economic zone does not represent polluted wastewater and is discharged into the environment without treatment. The runoff resulting from precipitation on the planned area of sites and driveways is diverted into a catch drain.

2.8 Landfill Construction

- Earth works. During the construction of landfill cells, an embankment and a dam. As part of Construction Phase I, the project provides for raising the bottom of the landfill by about 1 m from the existing ground elevation and banking up the dam of the cell by 2.2.-2.7 m. The shortage of suitable soil for Phase I amounts approximately to 48,199m3. It is possible to bring the soil balance from the sand-and-gravel quarry “Kanashi”. The distance to the quarry is 43 km. Road surface: bituminous concrete. This quarry is licensed and operates based on necessary environmental permits. - Delivery of construction materials will be determined at subsequent design stages. Tentatively, precast reinforced concrete elements (reinforced concrete collars) can be delivered from the enterprise “Novopolotskzhelezobeton”, a subsidiary of the OJSC Krichevtseementnoshifer”, with a haul length of 7 km. Metal structures for sheds can be manufactured by OJSC “Neftezavodmontazh”, with a haul length of 7 km. - The main contractor for civil works will be determined after conducting a tender for the services.

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- The cover layer materials will be delivered from the quarry “Kanashi” (43 km away), along with suitable soil displaced during the construction of buildings and structures in the cities of Novopolotsk and Polotsk. In the territory of the landfill there will be a site for temporary storage of the cover soil. - Water consumption. During the construction process, imported water will be used. Water will be trucked to the construction site and stored in containers. Water is used mainly for domestic, household and practical needs and its amount is calculated based on water consumption rates per employee. The exact volume of water will be determined at a subsequent design stage. Approximate water consumption will be 60-80 l/day. There is no domestic sewage on the construction site of the landfill. The construction camp should be equipped with portable toilets. - Health and safety. When developing the work schedule, it is necessary to provide for such sequencing of the works that any of the work performed does not cause occupational hazards for concurrent or subsequent works. Work completion deadlines and labor needs should be determined with a view to ensure a safe sequence of works and allow time to take measures to ensure safe work conditions (temporary fixing of structural building components in the final position, arrangement of slopes or fixtures to support walls of ground excavations, etc.). The construction master plan should indicate hazardous areas close to the locations where loads are moved using the lifting and handling equipment, close to buildings or structures under construction, as well as overhead transmission lines. If the temporary roads are located in the zone, where loads are moved by the crane, decisions should be made to install signal barriers, signs or road signs warning of entry into a danger zone. Operating, security, and emergency lighting should be provided. The placement of construction machines should be determined in such a way to provide space for viewing the working area and maneuvering, subject to maintaining safe distance from unfortified excavations, cargo stacks, and equipment. The choice of mechanical equipment must ensure that the technical specifications of a machine correspond to the working conditions. When organizing workplaces, it is necessary to address the issues related to equipping them with means of collective protective equipment, rational technological equipment, labor saving tools, mechanized tools, and devices for ensuring safe working practices. The method statements for the production of earthworks should indicate: - ways to ensure soil stability when making pits or trenches; - safety measures to be applied when installing construction machines, placing materials or soil along the edges of trenches and pits;

2.9 Landfill Operation

The following major works are to be performed at the landfill: receiving, stockpiling, compacting and covering solid municipal waste with inert materials The bulldozer will push the waste onto the working face, creating layers up to 0.3 meters high. 12-20 compacted layers will form an embankment with a slight slope 2 meters above the unloading site level. The compacted 2-meter high MSW layer is covered with a soil layer of 0.25 m. The municipal waste placed on the working face is compacted by a bulldozer weighing at least 14 tons making four passes, ensuring the density of MSW of 800 kg/m3. The recommended thickness of the “thin” layer is determined by the need for effective compaction of MSW and destruction of large-sized waste. Periodically (twice a year), it is necessary to determine the degree of waste compaction.

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Placement of the next layer of waste on the active cell begins only after completing the placement of waste up to the same elevation mark in the entire territory prepared for waste stockpiling. In case the integrity of the cover layer is affected due to non-uniform sinkage of waste, the integrity of the cover should be restored by means of mineral soil upfilling.

2.9.1 Waste Weighing and Recording

In the service zone, a weighbridge will be located, making it possible to weigh loads up to 40 tons. The weighbridge operator’s workplace will be arranged in the checkpoint room. Data from the weighbridge is transmitted to the checkpoint room. Both loaded and empty garbage trucks will be weighed. In addition to this, records of incoming waste will be kept.

2.9.2 Monitored Parameters During the Landfill Operation

It will be necessary: - to monitor the composition of the delivered MSW (it is prohibited to landfill hazardous waste and contaminated waste); - to perform radiometric monitoring. When accepting the waste, a visual inspection of each vehicle is performed, and the accompanying certificates for waste transportation are checked.

2.9.3 Personnel and Equipment

A staff of 10 people is envisaged to perform works at the landfill.

Table 2.6 Landfill operation staffing arrangements Name of the worker's occupation Number of persons working

Total In shifts

1st shift ½ of 2nd shift night shift

1. Landfill foreman 1 1 — — 2. Bulldozer operator 4 3 1 — 3. Ancillary worker 1 1 — - 4. Watchman 2 — 1 1 5. Weighbridge operator 2 1 1 - Total: 10

Work at the landfill is organized in 1.5 shifts. The internal mode of operation at the landfill provides for the alternation of work and rest by introducing short additional breaks for rest. The duration of breaks and the nature of the rest (passive or active) is established in the production process by the administration. The recommended duration of the lunch break is 40-60 minutes, after 4 hours of work.

2.9.4 Water Consumption

During the operation, water at the landfill is consumed for drinking and shower needs, and for external fire extinguishing. The source of water supply is imported water stored in two tanks each holding 0.5 m3, which are installed in the pumping room and included in the delivery package of the container-

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type amenity unit. The tanks will be refilled with imported water every two days by a special vehicle “Drinking water”. В The water from the tanks is collected by a self-priming pump installation and is supplied to an electric heater ARISTON and further to the shower and the washbasin.

Sanitation during the operation period Wastewater is discharged to the cesspit via a designed outlet. From the cesspit, wastewater is pumped out by mobile equipment and transported to the treatment facilities of JSC “Naftan”. The cesspit of 6.0 m3 will accommodate a six-day wastewater discharge and is designed in the section 09.035-1-6-КЖ. The outdoor toilet is designed with a set of drawings 09.035-1 -9-КЖ.

2.9.5 Power Consumption

In terms of the reliability of power supply, the projected current collectors at the MSW landfill fall into category III. The source of power supply is a 110/10 kV substation “Farinovo”, and the connection point is existing 10 kV transmission tower of Feeder №506. To supply power to the current collectors, a 40-kVA pole-mounted substation of MTP type (pole-mounted transforming substation) will be installed at the landfill site. The total required power will be 33 kW. Annual electricity consumption will be 40,000 kWh.

2.9.6 Health and Safety During Waste Disposal Operation

An occupational health and safety (H&S) instruction will be developed for the landfill, taking into account current regulatory documents and local conditions. A list of H&S recommendations is provided in Chapter 8. The H&S instructions for waste disposal operation will include the following main provisions: - the stay of outsiders in the territory of the landfill is prohibited; - the operations of machines and mechanisms (garbage trucks, bulldozers, watering machine) is regulated; - it is prohibited to unload motor vehicles at a distance of less than 10 m from the external slope; - it is forbidden to operate bulldozers on slopes, the steepness of which exceeds technically permissible values; - personnel presence in the working area of the bulldozer is forbidden. Healthcare services for the personnel should include: - regular medical care; - prophylactic tetanus immunization; - training of one of the landfill workers in a sanitary activist program. Special clothing is issued in accordance with the current regulations. At the projected sanitary landfill, responsible persons are obliged to keep an occupational health and safety log and record there all recommendations of supervisory organizations and data on health & safety briefings and training sessions with the personnel. The project provides for fire prevention measures in accordance with regulatory requirements, as well as the existing instructions and guidelines on the protection of buildings and structures against fires. To extinguish fires in the territory of the service zone, 2 fire ponds are provided, each with a holding capacity of 50 m3. The landfill must be equipped with primary fire extinguishing equipment based on the following principle: two foam fire extinguishers per 500 m2 of cell area.

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The landfill service area must be equipped with primary fire extinguishing equipment (fire extinguishers, water barrels, sandbags, etc.). Smoking in the territory of the landfill is allowed only in designated areas equipped with fire-fighting equipment. To prevent fire hazardous situations (and, at the same time, to increase the degree of MSW compaction) during the operation of the landfill, in the hot season, domestic waste should be humidified. In the period when fire risks are especially high, it is advisable to have the watering machine on duty. Water consumption for the humidification is 10 l/m3 of waste, which will amount to 7.84 m3/day for the projected landfill.

2.10 Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Monitoring of the Landfill

2.10.1 Closure of the Non-sanitary Landfill

As soon as the new sanitary landfill becomes operational, the existing non-sanitary landfill will be fully closed and capped. Closure of the landfill includes minimal waste relocation (cut and fill of the waste for reshaping the site acceptable, safe and stable slopes) and installation of a final closure system. We propose the closure system from, bottom to top, to include: - Intermediate soil cover - Leachate and gas drainage layer (gravel) - Geotextile protection layer - Double textured geomembrane layer - Geotextile protection layer - Drainage layer (gravel) - Geotextile separation layer - Topsoil layer,

The closure system will also include components such as: - Surface waster control system - Topsoil erosion control system - Landfill gas collection system - Toe leachate collection system, and - Post-closure monitoring system

The closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill, mainly through installation of a final cap, will minimize the leachate generation. The residual leachate generated upon closure of the existing landfill, which is anticipated to gradually fade over time, will be collected and transported to the leachate treatment facility provisioned for the new landfill. Therefore, the environmental impacts associated with the closure of the existing landfill will be of positive nature, minimizing soil and groundwater contamination compared to the current operation of the landfill. Since the existing landfill is lined, no adverse impacts on soil and groundwater are anticipated as a result of closure of the existing landfill.

2.10.2 Closure of the Sanitary Landfill

The closure of the landfill will take place after it has been filled and covered to the design elevation mark, with the height of the capping layer varying from 0.8 m to 1.5 m depending on the further use of the site. The description of the landfill closure procedure is given above. After the landfill is closed, the following indicators should be monitored: The state of groundwater in the test wells – once every 6 months.

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The quality of surface water at the point of discharge of treated leachate – once every 6 months. The quality of landfill gas – once every 6 months. A visual inspection of grass cover and woody vegetation at the landfill site under rehabilitation – for the first two years.

Suggested post-closure monitoring requirements are further elaborated in Chapter 7.

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3 Project Alternatives

In this chapter the project alternatives are described including the Do Nothing alternative along with the alternatives related to sites selected and to key components of the proposed landfill operation, specifically bottom liner system, leachate treatment and gas management.

3.1 Do Nothing Alternative

A do nothing alternative was defined to contrast the concept of implementation of the proposed landfill. This alternative is simply defined as a scenario where the proposed landfill is not implemented and the target waste management is to be continued in status quo (i.e. the waste is continued to be buried at the non-sanitary landfill).

Currently the waste collected in Novopolotsk and Polotsk is buried at the existing non- sanitary landfill in Novopolotsk. Novopolotsk landfill has been in operation since 1989 and its capacity has been almost fully used. This is the only one in the region landfill to have a bottom liner; the other mini-landfills have a natural bedding. The bottom liner at Novopolotsk landfill is made of bitumen. Vertical extension of the existing landfill is not possible due to the shape of the slopes and their instability. Horizontal extension of the existing non-sanitary landfill is also not possible, since it is surrounded on all sides with highways, pipelines and utility networks. There is an access road to the industrial landfill sites of OJSC Polotsk-Steklovolokno fiberglass factory and OJSC Naftan polymer factory at a distance of about 10 meters from the landfill to the north. There is a highway connecting the Novopolotsk industrial area with the R-14 highway at a distance of about 200 meters from the landfill to the west and to the south. There are high-voltage overhead power lines located 130 meters to the east. Based on the foregoing it can be concluded that if it is not possible to modernize and extend the existing landfill, the issue of disposal of municipal waste generated in the city of Polotsk and Novopolotsk will soon become critical. MSW in the Polotsk, Ushachi and Rossny rayons is currently buried at mini-landfills. Each of the rayons has a large mini-landfill, used by the capital of the rayon and nearby villages. Each of the mini-landfills fails to comply with a number of requirements. A lot of mini- landfills are located near residential houses and water bodies. None of the mini-landfills is fenced, many are located in the exclusion zones of utility networks. In fact, small mini-landfills located long way from rayon capitals turn into spontaneous damp sites, with no accounting of waste types and volume. There is a risk of hazardous waste being dumped at those mini-landfills.

Negative consequences of non-implementation of the project of Novopolotsk regional landfill construction: - The towns of Polotsk and Novopolotsk will face the acute challenge connected with MSW disposal, since the existing landfill will soon need to be reclaimed in view of its limited capacity; - in Polotsk, Ushachi and Rossny rayons MSW will continue to be dumped at mini-landfills, failing to comply with environmental and sanitary legislation and causing environmental pollution.

3.2 Site Alternatives

The proposed landfill is to be constructed at the site of unfinished Novopolotsk MSW landfill. The construction of the landfill started in 2009, but it was not completed. All works at the site have been suspended. The following scope of work has been completed by 2018: - cutting of trees and shrubs as needed for the first phase of construction has been fully done; - cutting of trees and shrubs in the territory of the construction camp has been completed;

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- metal frames for the weighbridge have been installed; - driveways needed to perform works on the site have been made. Initially, the choice of the site for the new landfill construction was based on the following criteria: - proximity to the town of Novopolotsk and Polotsk; - access roads availability; - sanitary protection zones observance; - absence of specially protected zones within the impact area of the planned facility; - absence of any other restrictions. As mentioned above, the extension of the existing landfill is not possible due to the natural space limitations. The location of the regional landfill in this area complies with the requirements of the legislation in the field of environmental protection, as well as with the sanitary norms and rules. The choice of a new site for the construction of a regional landfill will result in additional surveys and massive cutting of trees and shrubs. Reclamation of disturbed areas of unfinished construction will require funding.

3.3 Waste Collection and Transportation Alternatives

The feasibility study analyzed the following options for collecting and transporting MSW to the planned regional landfill between the cities of Polotsk and Novopolotsk: - MSW collected, transported to the regional landfill through transfer stations from the Rossony and Ushachi rayons with new garbage trucks equipped with multi-lift having a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the maximum lifting capacity of a garbage truck of 23.1 tons per axle (option No. 1). It is planned to purchase new garbage trucks with a capacity of 10 m3 and 20 m3 for collection, transportation of MSW within each of the rayons; - collection and direct transportation of MSW to a regional landfill from Rossony and Ushachi rayons without transfer stations with new garbage trucks having a body capacity of 10 m3 and 20 m3 (option No. 2). As only a small amount of waste in generated in Rossony and Ushachi rayons, both options (transportation through transfer stations or directly to the regional landfill) have a similar estimated cost. However, the dynamic performance indicators calculated for this scenario taking into account the cash flows profile over time proves the advantage of direct transportation of small amounts of MSW to the landfill of the neighboring rayon without a transfer station. Thus, the factors in favor of the transfer station are as follows:

- costs reduction due to the transportation of significant volumes of MSW over long distances in garbage trucks of larger capacity; - optimal use of garbage trucks for MSW collection due to reduction of MSW transportation time. The reasoning against transfer stations is as follows: - additional loading and unloading operations and additional risks of equipment breakdown; - relatively big one-time investments; - small annual volumes of MSW, resulting in high costs per ton.

The both alternatives have almost similar costs, the 2nd alternative implies a more-costly waste disposal process but taking into account the need to arrange two transfer stations, possible equipment breakdowns and other unforeseen costs, both options can be considered acceptable and equal in economic terms (Table 3.1).

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Table 3.1 Comparison of two waste collection and transportation alternatives from the point of view of their environmental impact Impact area 1st alternative One transfer station per rayon, 2nd alternative without any transfer stations Positive factors Negative factors Positive factors Negative factors

Atmospheric Minor reduction of exhaust Transfer stations will create additional sources No transfer stations in the Slight increase in the number air emissions of motor vehicles of pollutant emissions (car parked at transfer rayons and therefore no new of motor vehicle trips to used to deliver waste to the stations, equipment operation) near the sources of emissions in the deliver MSW to the landfill. regional landfill populated localities. vicinity of populated localities. Land resources - Temporary disturbance of the topsoil for the No impact (except for the - period construction of additional sorting landfill construction) stations.

Surface and - Discharge of household sewage into a No impact - groundwater watertight cesspool and then to the treatment plant

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As it is shown in the comparative table the transfer stations alternative will impact not only the atmospheric air, same as the second alternative, but land and water resources as well. In environmental terms the second alternative without transfer stations is more attractive.

3.4 Landfill Lining Alternatives

The design of the bottom liner approved for the project is based on the results of previous geological surveys. The survey also defined the level of the landfill bottom where the bottom liner has to be installed. A bottom liner is needed to protect groundwater against pollution, it should consist of the following layers: - 6 mm thick bentonite mats; - 2 mm thick double-sided textured geomembrane; - geotextile with a density of 1200 g/m2; - a layer of gravel with a thickness of 0.50 m - 0.80 m for leachate drainage. This design with synthetic materials will prevent pollution of groundwater.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) or “Bentonite mats” have a number of peculiar features: this material has an excellent “self-restorability”, eliminating minor mechanical damages, including those caused by the root system of various plants. Need for preliminary surface preparation is minimized. a mat can be laid on a compacted layer of upfilling; it does not need a specially prepared bedding. the possibility of mistakes in the course of its installation is reduced to a minimum; the material is durable, and its properties do not change over time; it demonstrates good resistance to such cycles as "hydration - dehydration" and "freezing - thawing"; it has a very high resistance to various types of chemical pollution, including non-polar liquids (oils, petroleum oil, gasolines); material is environmentally safe; relatively low complexity of work, moderate requirements to workers and their qualification. A geomembrane is made of high density (HDPE) or low density (LLDPE) polyethylene. This is a dense non-woven polymeric fabric, absolutely impermeable to water, aqueous solutions and a number of organic mixtures. The advantages of geomembrane are: • resistance to diffusion permeability- most substances cannot penetrate through the polymer layer; • inertness to the effects of acids and alkalis in a wide range of pH (from 0.5 to 14); • adjustable mechanical strength and elasticity. The hdpe geomembrane has higher plasticity, while ldpe films have an increased resistance to mechanical stress. Elongation of the material at break reaches 800% or more; • easy to manufacture, compared with other types of waterproofing coatings; • possibility of large canvases production (up to 5 m wide); • frost resistance up to -70 ºC; • anti-corrosion properties in aggressive environments - the geo-film protects against penetration of caustic components and does not react with them; • resistance to dynamic and seismic effects with intense versatile loads; • non-toxicity and environmental safety due to the use of primary polyethylene, having less disadvantages as compared to recycled materials; • long service life (up to 50 years); • express quality control of products.

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Based on the above data, it can be concluded that the bottom liner design will reliably protect groundwater against leachate contamination.

Geotextiles are used as a separating, reinforcing, protective, filtering and draining material, resistant to chemical attack, it can be used at high and low temperatures. The bottom liner can have different composition, in this particular case we consider three alternatives, taking into account the high level of groundwater occurrence:

1st alternative - 6 mm thick bentonite mats; - 2 mm thick double-sided textured geomembrane; - geotextile with a density of 1200 g/m2; - a protective sand layer.

2nd alternative - 2 layers of needle-punched non-woven fabric IGTS-PPV-0-V-530 - 2 layers of polyethylene film δ = 0.02 mm

3rd alternative - 1 layer of geomembrane δ = 2 mm

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Table 3.2 Landfill lining alternatives comparison Unit cost per Moisture Reliability Installation Durability 100 m 2 resistance 1st 3116 BYN provided by In case of mechanical Due to the high resistance to mechanical In the absence of mechanical alternative bentonite mats damage to the damage, the installation of all elements of damage the design of the and a layer of bentonite mats. There the bottom liner can be performed by bottom liner is durable. double-sided is a possibility of the general construction workers geomembrane protective layer self- restoration. High degree of reliability 2nd 460 BYN Provided by Low strength of the Installation work is complicated by the In the absence of mechanical alternative plastic film polyethylene film, low resistance of the polyethylene film to damage the design of the mechanical damage mechanical damage. Requires complex bottom liner is durable. can cause holes in the preparation of the base for the plastic film film. Possible leakage installation (high-quality compaction and of leachate into the the absence of large inclusions that can soil. damage the material) 2nd 1026 Provided by High degree of Requires complex preparation of the base In the absence of mechanical alternative geomembrane reliability, the for the plastic film installation (high- damage the design of the material is able to quality compaction and the absence of bottom liner is durable. withstand moderate large inclusions that can damage the mechanical stress. material) Non-restorable

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3.5 Leachate Management Alternatives

The treatment process is as follows: the leachate from the landfill cells flows to Pumping Station 1 by gravity, then it is pumped to the distributing tank. Equalization and settling of the leachate takes place in the tank. The collected leachate will be fully (100%) recirculated back to the landfill until an advanced leachate treatment facility is designed, installed and operated. After construction of such a system the leachate will be pumped from the distributing tank to the treatment facility at a rate of up to 50 m3/day. The treatment facility includes: - mechanical treatment unit with a ZF granular-bed filter to remove solids and colloidal particles; - fine purification unit with a mechanical barrier filter having a retention capacity of up to 20 µm; - deep purification and two-stage desalting unit with a membrane module; - polymer accumulation tank for ZF granular-bed filter reverse flushing. The following aspects were taken into account when choosing the leachate treatment technology: - Climatic conditions of the area; - Further use of purified filtrate; - Modus operandi of the treatment facilities. Biological treatment was not considered as an option in the selection of a leachate treatment technology due to the long season of cold weather and the difficulties associated with equipment operation in winter and spring. The purified leachate must comply with the requirements for water to be discharged into a water body. The use of chemical cleaning agents may cause interruptions in the operation of the treatment plant caused by their irregular procurement, shortage of supplies etc. Also, the chemical treatment method is associated with higher costs when the facility is under operation. The final selection of equipment suppliers and elaboration of the technological process will be done during the subsequent project phases.

3.6 Landfill Gas Management Alternatives

Landfill gas management system includes (i) collection of generated methane and (ii) destruction of the methane. Collection system could be done by horizontal gas collectors and/or vertical gas wells. While construction costs of these systems are approximately the same, horizontal has collectors allow for earlier collection of the generated gas. Vertical gas wells may offer higher collection efficiency of gas, however, this alternative does not allow gas collection until the waste elevations in each cell has reached the final design levels. Combustion of gas (methane destruction) can be done by (i) using open or enclosed flaring and/or (ii) utilization of gas or generation of electricity using reciprocating engines (cogens). Because the quality and actual quantity of the gas is not known, it may be difficult to properly design a gas to energy facility.

Figure 3.1. shows a schematic diagram of landfill gas collection and utilization.

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Figure 3.1 Biogas collection and neutralization process

Figure 3.2 Power Plant Example

The expediency of a selected method depends on specific features of MSW landfill economic activity and primarily on availability of a solvent consumer of energy carriers, produced from landfill gas. In most developed countries this process is promoted by the state via special legislation. The possibility to use biogas is likely to appear after 5 years of landfill operation. By this time biogas will be actively generated at the landfill in volumes, which will be feasible to use. Also, the biogas extraction process requires storage site where the waste can be piled up to the height of 10 m (the design of the waste storage site at the landfill provides for the height of 23 m).

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The selection of biogas utilization method will be determined during the phase of the biogas collection system construction and it will be based on technologies available at that time. Collection of biogases can be performed using horizontal gas collectors (Figure 3.4) and/or vertical gas wells (Fig.3.3). While construction costs of these systems are approximately the same, horizontal gas collectors allow for earlier collection of the generated gas. Vertical gas wells may offer higher collection efficiency of gas however, this alternative does not allow gas collection until the height of the waste accumulated in each of the cells reaches the final design level. Gas combustion can be done with (i) open or enclosed flaring and/or (ii) utilization of gas or generation of electricity using reciprocating engines. As the quality and actual quantity of the gas is not known step by step approach can be applied. Flaring can be used as the first option and after accurate detection of the generated methane volume and quality, power generation systems can be installed.

Figure 3.3 Vertical gas collection well

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Figure 3.4 Horizontal gas collection trench (well)

Based on the above, we can draw the following conclusions: • The site for landfill construction of the has been selected correctly, taking into account the existing infrastructure, the absence of residential housing, as well as the possibility to comply with the sanitary protection zone of the facility; • Bottom liner for the landfill was designed based on hydrological specifications of the landfill area and in compliance with the requirements of the Technical Code of established practice (TCP) 17.11-02-2009; • The project includes a system for leachate management and treatment (or its complete recirculation), which will prevent groundwater pollution. The project envisages leachate treatment and discharge of purified leachate into a water body (a nameless stream); • This project envisages landfill gas collection and flaring. Landfill gas utilization may be considered in the future. According to TCP 17.11-02-2009 it is recommended to develop a system for landfill gas collection and utilization with the capacity of 300 thousand m3/year.

At the moment selection of the "Do Nothing Alternative", i.e. giving up on building a regional sanitary landfill, will lead to deterioration of the environmental conditions in the region.

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4 Baseline Conditions

In this section, existing conditions of the environment where the proposed landfill is to be constructed and operated are described. The baseline conditions are presented under major categories of Physical, Biological and Socio-economic and Cultural environments. Baseline conditions are also characterized to take into consideration the closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill. As explained later in this Chapter, the non-sanitary landfill which will be closed upon commencement of the operation at the proposed new sanitary landfill, are only about 900m apart and are situated within the same Study Area. Therefore, the baseline conditions of the non-sanitary landfill will be practically similar to those of the proposed new landfill. The main objective of presenting the baseline conditions is to characterize the main features of physical, biological and socio-economic environments that could impact or be impacted by the proposed project as a system.

4.1 Study Area

Figure 4.1 Study Area Layout

The site is located on the lands of Public Unitary Agricultural Enterprise KUSHP “Banon”, Polotsk rayon, Vitebsk oblast. The territory of the proposed landfill does not fall within the water protection zones of any water bodies. There are no sanatoriums, recreation centers, cultural and architectural monuments, nature reserves, open-air museums in the study area. The nearest residential housing (Koltuny village) is located at a distance of about 1460 m to the south-west of the proposed landfill border. There are also other settlements like the city of Novopolotsk, Polotsk and the village of Rudnya in the vicinity which are located more than 3-4 and more km away. The industrial zone of Novopolotsk is located to the north of the site. There are sludge collectors of polymer factory OJSC Naftan and the industrial landfill site of fiberglass factory OJSC Polotsk-Steklovolokno in the vicinity of the proposed landfill. The River Ushacha is located to the west of the proposed landfill. To the north, at a considerable distance, there is the River Western Dvina. The nearest lakes are Medvezhino and Lyukhovo.

4.2 Climate

4.2.1 Temperature In terms of agro-climatic zoning, the study area is referred to the northern moderately warm humid agro-climatic region, which is distinguished by the most severe climatic conditions in the country.

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According to the Construction Standards of the Republic of Belarus SNB 2.04.02-2000 “Construction Climatology”, the city of Novopolotsk is located within the climatic subarea of the 2 V category. The average air temperature in January is -6.4 °C, in July +23 °C. The maximum air temperature is + 36 °C, the minimum -40° C. The duration of the period with air temperature above 0 ° C makes from 225 to 230 days. Air frosts start normally on September 25-30 and end around May 15. The duration of the frost-free period ranges from 135 to 140 days.

Figure 4.2. shows the temperature graph

Figure 4.2 Temperature graph

4.2.2 Atmospheric Precipitation

The average annual precipitation ranges from 550 to 700 mm; during the growing season it makes from 400 to 475 mm. The rayon is characterized as having a sufficient humidity, i.e. plants do not suffer from the lack of moisture, except for abnormally dry periods. The steady snow cover period makes from 104 to 105 days (from January 10-15 to the end of March). The average of the largest decadal heights of snow cover reaches from 25 to 30 cm, the water supply in the snow is from 60 to 75 mm. The average of the highest depths of freezing for sandy and light loamy soil makes from 60 to 65 cm.

Figure 4.3. shows the precipitation graph.

Figure 4.3 Precipitation graph

4.2.3 Wind

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The region is dominated by the south-east, west, south and south-west winds. The average annual wind rose is given in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Annual wind rose N NE E SE S SW W NW No wind January 5 4 10 12 23 17 19 10 2 July 13 9 10 7 14 14 22 11 10 year 9 7 12 11 19 15 18 9 6

4.3 Ambient Air Quality

Atmospheric air monitoring is carried out at three fixed weather stations (figure 4.4), including one automatic, installed in the area of Molodezhnaya st., 49 of Novopolatsk city. According to the results of stationary observations, the content of pollutants in the atmospheric air hasn't not always complied with the existing standards. In areas of stations using a discrete sampling mode (Molodezhnaya st., 135 and 158) the maximum one-time concentrations of carbon oxide, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, phenol and hydrogen sulfide were in the range of 0.3-0.6 MAC, solid particles (dust/aerosol with undifferentiated composition) did not exceed 0.9 MAC. An increase in the content of formaldehyde in the air up to 1.2-1.3 MAC was recorded on June 28. The content of lead and cadmium in the air remained steadily low. According to the data received by continuous measurements at the automatic station, the maximum daily average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide varied in the range of 0.5–0.8 MAC, and carbon oxide and nitrogen oxide were below 0.2 MAC. Short-term (20 minutes) peaks of sulfur dioxide concentration exceeding the quality standard (1.2-1.9 times) were registered on June 20-21. During the quarter 4 days were registered with exceedance of the average daily MAC for particulate matter, with detection of fractions up to 10 microns in size (hereinafter referred to as PM-10). The maximum average daily concentration of 1.5 MAC was registered on April 21. The estimated maximum concentration of PM-10 with a given probability of its exceedance of 0.1% made 2.1 MPC. The increase in the content of solid particles in the air is associated with a deficit of precipitation.

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Figure 4.4 Fixed stations location Monthly average concentrations of particulate matter (undifferentiated dust/aerosol), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, phenol and hydrogen sulfide stayed in the range of 0.1-0.3 MAC, and lead and cadmium were below the existing quality standards. Compared with the previous month, an increase in the pollution of ambient air with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide and a decrease in the concentration of carbon monoxide were recorded. The main sources of emissions of pollutants into the air are the heating enterprises, chemical industry and motor vehicles. Emissions from the enterprises of the Novopolotsk industrial zone have a large influence on the state of the ambient air of the city in case of unfavorable wind directions. Background concentrations of pollutants in the ambient air of Novopolotsk are given in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Background concentrations of pollutants Maximum admissible Average concentration Code Pollutant name concentration, one-time, mcg/m3 mcg/m3 MAC fraction 2902 Particulate matter total 300 126 0.42 330 Sulfur dioxide 500 115 0.23 337 Carbon oxide 5000 1287 0.26 301 Nitrogen dioxide 250 91 0.36 333 Hydrogen sulphide 8 2.7 0.34 1071 Phenol 10 3.1 0.31 303 Ammonia 200 24 0.12 1325 Formaldehyde 30 10 0.33 602 Benzene 100 0.8 0.008 703 Benz(a)pyrene 5 ng/m3 1.8 ng/m3 0.36

Background concentrations are based on the information provided by the State Institution "Republican Center for Hydrometeorology, Control of Radioactive Pollution and Environmental Monitoring".

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Overall the background concentrations of pollutants do not exceed the standards for maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in the air and estimated safe levels of exposure to pollutants in the air of settlements and places of mass recreation, approved by the Decree of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus No. 113 of 08.11.2016

4.4 Surface Waters

4.4.1 Rivers and Flooding

The territory of the Novopolotsk outskirts is crossed by the middle course of the second largest river of Belarus, the Western Dvina. The banks of the river are high, often steep and cuspate. The river course is winding. River Ushacha is the biggest tributary of the River Western Dvina in the study area. In general, the hydrographic network in the territory under consideration is at the stage of formation. Drainage of soils is mainly performed through the system of micro-depressions of the relief in the form of an areal flow. There are no significant and sustained slopes. The presence of flat shallow reservoirs in low areas contributes to water saturation of soils and surface runoff dispersion. At the same time, the absence of significant slopes delays the formation of morphologically expressed lines of runoff. That is why in case of excess of surface water, especially in spring and autumn, areal flow is observed over most of the territory and many forest areas are temporarily flooded. The surface water receptors are the nearby lakes Lyukhovo and Medvezhino villages. The southeastern part of the area is covered with a network of reclamation canals, some of which are inactive. The assessment of the hydrographic network within the flat to gently rolling topography of the lowlands showed its imperfection. This is determined by the geomorphological features of the territory and the conditions of impermeable horizons occurrence. In some cases, the violation of the natural drainage network and the flooding of forest plantations occurred as a result of construction work performed without regard to natural conditions. Lyukhovo and Medvezhino lakes are located to the north of the landfill at the distance of 4- 5 km, the River Ushacha is to the west at the distance of 2.9 km, the River Western Dvina is to the northeast at the distance of 7-8 km. Western Dvina The total length of the river is 1020 km, the length of the river section located in Belarus is 328 km. The catchment area in Belarus is 33.2 km2. The average slope of the water surface of the river is 0.12%. The river head is located at the Valdai Hills in the lake of Koryakino (Tver oblast, Russia). Major tributaries in Belarus are Usvyacha, Obol, Polot, Drys (right), Kasplya, Luchosa, Ulla, Ushacha, Disna and Druika (left). The banks are moderately steep, sandy, less commonly sandy-argillaceous with boulders, up to 8 m high, occasionally up to 22 m. The valley is trapezoid almost all along the river, deep-cut. The structure of the valley of the middle part of the river most often contains an expressed floodplain and up to 3-4 above-flood terraces. There are 2 levels of floodplain: low (1.5-2 m above the summer line of the river, flooded during the high water season every year) and high (4-5 m high, flooded only after snowy winters). The main hydrological characteristics of the Western Dvina are defined according to the water cadastre of the Republic of Belarus.

Table 4.3 River runoff for a long-term period and for 2016 Catchment Long-term values of the river run- River River 3 River station Area, off, km /year run-off basin thousand km3 average maximum minimum 2016,

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km3/year

Western Dvina Polotsk 41.7 9.4 15.8 4.6 7.77

Table 4.4 Ecological state (status) of surface water bodies in 2016 Name of water body Observation point Ecological state (status) Polotsk, 2.0 km upstream of the the Western Dvina good city

Figure 4.5 The network of points for surface waters monitoring at the River Western Dvina.

The River Ushacha crosses the Ushachi and Polotsk rayons and flows into the Western Dvina. Its length is 118 km, the catchment area is 1150 km. The drainage-basin topography is flat to gently rolling, dissected by longitudinal ancient valleys; in dry valleys there are a lot of dome-shaped elevations with boulders. About 20% of the area is covered with forest, about 17% with wetlands, and 1.5% with lakes. The density of the river network is 22 km/100 km. The largest tributaries are Alzeyitsa, Volocha, there are a lot of land-reclamation canals. The valley in the middle course reaches a width of 200 - 250m, it is well developed; slopes are steep in some of the sections and are covered with forest; the floodplain is low all the way through and marshy; the river course is winding, with a width of 4–50 m, a depth of 0.5–1.0 m, up to 1.8m in the reaches. The transparency of the water is 0.2m, chromaticity is 50–200°. The current flow is 0.1-0.2 m/s, the total fall is 61m, the slope is 0.0005 m, the flow in the low water season is 2 m3/s, and the average long-term flow is about 7 m/s. The main economic use is a water intake for the ameliorative network.

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The receptor of the purified leachate is a nameless stream, which is the right tributary of the River Ushacha. Due to the low flow rate of the leachate and the distance of more than 500 meters from the discharge point to the mouth of the stream, we can conclude that the project will not have a direct impact on the water quality in the River Ushacha.

4.4.2 Lakes

The Lyukhovo lake belongs to the basin of the River Western Dvina. The lake's water surface area is 0.43 km2, the water volume is 2.07 million m3. The maximum depth is 20.7 m., the average is 4.8 m. The length of the lake is 1.68 km, the average width is 0.25 km. The basin of the lake is of glacial origin, it has a complex lobed shape, consists of two stretches, the deepwater southern stretch and the shallow northern stretch. The shores are ubiquitously low, covered with marshy forest, overgrown with wet and marshy vegetation, composed of sandy peat and of sand in the northeast and east. The coastline is smooth, weakly indented, forms two shallow gulfs in the land in the north and south. In the northwest a stream flows into the lake, in the southwest another stream flows into the Medvezhino lake. Inflow and runoff in streams is observed only during floods and high water. By chemical composition, the lake is referred to the hydricarbonate class of the calcium group. The Lyukhovo lake is part of the Novopolotsk recreational zone, used for short-term recreation and recreational fishing. The surface of the Medvezhino lake is 0.045 km2, the water volume is about 0.25 million m3, the maximum depth is 18.5m, the average is 5.9 m. The length of the lake is 0.55 km, the maximum width is 0.12 km. The lake basin has a glacial origin, a simple sickle shape, it is extended from the north to the southwest. The coasts are ubiquitously low, swampy, overgrown with wetland vegetation and forest, composed of sandy peat. The coastline is smooth, slightly indented, 1.15 km long. By chemical composition, the lake is referred to the hydricarbonate class of the calcium group. The lake has no economic use.

4.4.3 Geology and Soil

In terms of geomorphology, the study area is referred to a glaciolacustrine plain, developed during the retreat of the Poozersky glacier (Valdai Glaciation). The relief is in the state of stable equilibrium. No currently active physical and geological processes or phenomena are observed. Geological surveys were held in the study area in 2009. The final report on the survey was prepared by PKUP "Belkomunproekt" design institution. Groundwater was revealed in the study area at the time of the survey (August 2009): perched water, subsoil water and sporadicly distributed water. Perched water table was detected in the fine sands (EGE-2) at the roof of clay soils (EGE-4) at a depth of 0.1 -2.4 m (TVDSS 132.30-132.70 m). The thickness of the water layer is 0.1-4,3 m. Artesian ground water was discovered at a depth of 2.1-4.6 m (TVDSS 129.30-132,70 m), limited to sand layers and lenses (EGE-3) within the clay formation (EGE-4). The piezometric level is set at a depth of 0.3-1.6 m (TVDSS 132.30-132.70 m). Head is 0.5-3,3 m. The penetrated thickness of the aquifer is 0.5-1.6m. Sporadically distributed waters were penetrated via wells at different depths, they are non- artesian and limited to thin sand layers and sand lenses within clay soils (EGE-4). Based on the chemical analysis results, this water has low carbonate aggressiveness effect on concrete structures of W4 water resistance grade. Sand permeability according to the laboratory analysis is: - fine sand (EGE-2) - from 0.49 m/day to 2.17 m/day, average 1.80 m/day; - Silty sand (EGE-3) - from 0.29 m/day to 2.51 m/day, average 0.40 m/day; The following engineering geotechnical elements (EGE) have been identified in accordance with the Standards of the Republic of Belarus STB 943-93 [3] and GOST 20522-96 [2]:

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Technogenic (man-made) formations EGE-1. Fill-up ground Glacifluvial formations dating back to the glacial retreat EGE-2. Fine sand of medium density EGE-3. Silty sand of medium density EGE-4. Stiff clay The spatial variability of soils physical properties within the EGE-1,2,4 is irregular by nature. The average values of EGE-1, 2, 4 soil density based on laboratory analysis have been taken as standard values, the design values are assumed to be equal to the standard values with the soil reliability index of 1. The standard and design values of the specific gravity of EGE-2 and EGE-3 water-saturated sands are given with due account of the water weighting effect with the soil reliability index of 1. The geotechnical conditions of the survey site can be characterized as moderately favorable for the landfill construction. The following deposits are present within the geological structure at a depth of up to 10.0 m: - technogenic (man-made) formations with a thickness of up to 1.9 m; - water glacial deposits of glacier retreat period represented by fine, silty, clay, loam sands, having a thickness of up to 9.9 m. Taking into account the conditions of the perched water table occurrence, the predicted level of groundwater can rise by about 0.7 m (up to TVDSS of about 133.40 m) due to natural factors of the regime. The natural bedding of the landfill will consist of: - sandy soils (EGE-2,3); - clay soils (EGE-4); Complicating factors: - weak drainage in the area resulting in a shallow groundwater depth level, which is located higher than the designed landfill base; - glacio-lacustrine loam and clay sediments (EGE-4) show a tendency to thixotropic weakening under dynamic load (transition to high plasticity and fluid state) and deterioration of strength and deformation properties, - sporadically distributed waters can be encountered anywhere in the clay-bearing soil within the sand layers. The seismicity of the study area is low and equals to the magnitude of 5 or less.

There is a clear predominance of the fine sand fraction and the complete absence of coarse soil over the whole study area. In concave and low sites of the upper soil horizons, a gradual increase in the silt and clay fraction is observed. The soils in the study area have low humus content, which normally makes 1–2 % and only in rare cases exceeds 3%. Soils range from acidic to strongly acidic. In the humus horizon, the acidity does not rise above 4.0 pH, normally it stays within 2.7 - 3.15 pH. Acidity gradually decreases with depth. Survey results demonstrate that during the period of 1978 -2000 the pH of idiomorphic (nonphreatic) sands has changed from 4.0 to 2.7 -2.9. This is mainly due to the impact of industrial emissions. Soils in the upper genetic horizons have low or insufficient potassium and phosphorus level.

4.4.4 Ground Water

Ground waters were penetrated at a depth of 0.1-4.6 m within silty and fine sand formations (sands permeability according to laboratory findings is as follows: fine sand (EGE-2) - from 0.49 m/day to 2.17 m/day, average 1.80 m/day; sand and silty (EGE-3) - from 0.29 m/day to 0.51 m/day,

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average 0.40 m/day). They are superposed with topsoil or with silty loams layers of insignificant thickness, which does not protect the groundwater of the first horizon from pollution. According to laboratory findings the study area contains loam and clay formations with a plasticity number of 1 p = 14.2-21.4 (average 17.3) of considerable thickness. The historical sources give the permeability of loams and clays as is 8.5 x 10-5 m/day depending on their plasticity number 1p. Based on this we can assume that these formations will serve as a natural impermeable stratum and protect deep aquifers from pollution. However, given the permeability concluded from the geotechnical investigations conducted in 2009, additional protection is recommended to minimize or prevent leachate migration into the subsurface layers and consequently into the local groundwater system.

4.4.5 Noise

Currently there are no sources of noise detected within the study area. The source of noise closest to the site of the proposed landfill is the P14 highway. No measurements of noise have been done at this site. Based on the findings at the analogues facilities, taking into account the intensity of movement and the allowed speed, it can be concluded that the equivalent noise from the road will not exceed 65 dBa. Considering that there is a piece of forest 80-90 meters wide between the site of the landfill and the road, the sound level reduction will make about 20-30 dBa. This noise level will not exceed the permissible level of exposure for landfill workers.

4.5 Biological Environment

There are no species of animals listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus within the study area. There are no rare animals' habitats in this area due to high anthropogenic load of the surroundings. The land plot allocated for the landfill is not classified as a specially protected natural area.

4.6 Flora

In accordance with the geobotanical zoning of Belarus, the forests of the study area are referred to oak and dark coniferous subtaiga forests of the Western Dvina district of the Polotsk rayon. The diversity and tessellation of the forest phytocenoses is determined by a dense hydrographic network, incised beds of rivers and streams, rugged terrain, many lakes of various types that have both Z-shaped undulating elevated and low marshy shores. The forests of this district have the most pronounced features of taiga forests, the most widespread are the boreal flora plants and the Western European plant species are least represented. Pine, spruce and small-leaved wood species prevail in the forest structure. The typologic diversity of forest biocenoses is determined by a rather wide diversity of taxa: ranging from dry heather and lichen pine forests to sphagnum pine and spiraea-type black alder forests.

4.7 Fauna

Neither mammals nor their habitats have been found in the study area. Similarly, no bird nests have been found in the study area. The following amphibian species live in various types of biotopes within the study area, the same species are widely spread throughout the entire Vitebsk oblast: grass frog (Rana temporaria), moor-frog (Rana arvalis), lake frog (Rana ridibunda), edible frog (Pelophylax esculenta), common spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus), green toad (Bufo viridis), common toad (Bufo bufo). Amphibian

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diversity is characterized by expressed mediocrity, it does not have any unique features or peculiarities related to species diversity and abundance. The following reptiles are found in the study area: lizards (agile (Lacerta agilis) and viviparous (Zootoca vivipara)), grass snake (Natrix natrix), common viper (Vipera berus). No protected amphibian or reptile species were found in the study area.

4.7.1 Aquatic Environment

There are no water bodies (rivers and lakes) located directly in the study area.

4.7.2 Terrestrial Environment

There are no land animals having a protected status in the study area. The species composition of land animals is represented by invertebrates (insects of various classes, worms), there can also be found some land animals that do not have a permanent habitat in the study area. habitat in the study area. The proposed for construction area represent a fully modified habitat, former agricultural land which was transferred for the landfill and partially covered by overgrown trees. The area was cleared by the vegetation as the landfill construction has started in 2009 (earthworks and embankments) but has stopped due to lack of funds and currently is not used legally or illegally for any purposes (see Photo 4.1)

Photo 4.1 General view of the proposed land for the new landfill construction

4.8 Areas of Environmental Significance

The land plot allocated for the landfill is not a specially protected natural area and don’t have any natural habitats.

4.9 Socio-economic and Cultural Conditions

The nearest settlement Rudnea is sparsely populated, there are only 5 permanent residents, there are no jobs in the settlement. The inhabitants of this settlement live in close proximity to the

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sanitary protection zone of a large chemical enterprise (OJSC Naftan, Polimir factory) and the operating landfill of the city of Novopolotsk.

4.9.1 Land use

The land plot allocated for the regional landfill construction is surrounded by lands allocated for forestry, agriculture and industry (existing sludge collectors). There are no recreational facilities near the allocated land plot. The following land users are located along the main route of solid waste transportation in Ushachi rayon: - forest husbandry; - agricultural land; - power lines exclusion zones; - land of the settlements. There are no recreational facilities located on the route of garbage trucks. The following land users are located along the main route of solid waste transportation in Rossony rayon: - forest husbandry; - agricultural land; - power lines exclusion zones; - land of the settlements; - land of industrial enterprises; There are no recreational facilities located on the route of garbage trucks.

4.9.2 Population and Demographics

The number of inhabitants in Novopolotsk municipality (Novopolotsk, Borovukh rayon, Mezhdurechie village) has not changed significantly over the past 5 years, however shows a steady upward trend (Figure 4.6).

Figure 4.6 Number of inhabitants in the territory of Novopolotsk municipality at the beginning of the year

Since 2012 the birthrate has been steadily growing. The number of births in January- December 2011 amounted to 1,119 people, which is 14.4% more than during the same period of 2010. The number of births in 2014 increased by 4.2% compared with 2013 (1,132 children in 2013 and 1,182 children in 2014, while the mortality rate remained the same). The working-age population share makes 65.4%, share of people of retirement age is 20.7%, share of people younger than working age - 13.9% (Figure 4.7).

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Figure 4.7 Age composition of the population of the city of Novopolotsk

The average age of city residents is 38.6 years. The population is aging, during the period from 2006 to 2010, the number of people older than working age increased by 2.5 thousand. Since 2011 the working population has been replenished with the generation of people born in 1995-1998 reaching the working age, however their number was quite small.

4.9.3 Economic Conditions

4.9.4 Cultural Features and Heritage

In the surrounding settlements there have been no distinctive traditions found, which could be considered as intangible historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Belarus. People of the region are mostly Orthodox Christians by religion. There have been no inter- confessional conflicts registered in the study area.

4.9.5 Traffic

The option of municipal solid waste delivery to the regional landfill via roads of republican subordinance is currently under consideration. This project does not provide for waste collection throughout the territory of the rayon, just delivery of waste to the regional landfill.

Figure 4.8. shows the most likely option for the delivery of MSW from Ushachi rayon.

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Figure 4.8 MSW transportation route from Ushachi rayon

The most intensive traffic is observed in the section of the P46 road from Sarochino to Polotsk. All roads are paved with asphalt. The roads have one lane in each direction. Figure 4.9. shows the most likely option for the delivery of MSW from Rossony rayon.

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Figure 4.9 MSW transportation route from Rossony rayon

The most intensive traffic is observed in the section of the P20 road from Polotsk to Novopolotsk. All roads are paved with asphalt. The roads have one lane in each direction. The section of the P20 road from Polotsk to Novopolotsk has 2 lanes in each direction with a dividing strip.

4.10 Baseline Conditions of the Existing Non-Sanitary Landfill

It is worth noting that the existing and the new landfill are within the same area and are only about 900m apart. In terms of environmental baseline conditions, no significant variation is expected for the two landfill sites. The soil and groundwater system, wind direction and climatic conditions along with social environment near both landfills situated within the same study area is not considered to be significantly different if different at all.

The main potential differences between the existing and the new landfill in terms of the baseline conditions might be associated with the operation of the existing non-sanitary landfill. The non- sanitary landfill is properly lined and is equipped with a partial gas collection system. However, the existing landfill does not include a leachate treatment plant and the generated leachate is disposed of into the receiving environment in untreated form. Operation of the existing landfill and other nearby facilities in this industrial zone have led to the present date (baseline) condition. Given the area, it is practically impossible to distinguish the impact of the existing landfill on the environmental quality separately.

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In general, it can be concluded that the quality of soil, surface water and groundwater as they stand presently, could be affected by several years of operation of different industrial and otherwise facilities within the Study Area including the existing non-sanitary landfill. It is worth noting that the closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill will indeed result in significant improvement of the environmental quality of the air, soil, surface water and groundwater.

5 Environmental and Social Impacts of the Proposed Project

In this section, the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of the proposed landfill are identified and assessed in terms of their type (positive or negative), significance (international, regional or local) and magnitude (high, moderate, low, negligible) and indications on their temporal characteristics. Environmental impacts are distinctively identified and assessed for two main phases of Construction and Operation. It is worth noting that the closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill will also be assessed in terms of associated environmental impacts.

5.1 Approach and Methodology The Environmental Impacts of both operation of the new landfill and closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill is anticipated to be positive, improving the overall quality of the surrounding environment. However, construction and operation of the new landfill could also have some adverse environmental impacts as identified and assessed in this Chapter. As stated earlier, the impacts and risks are characterized in terms of their attributes described above, while a formal Risk identification and characterization is beyond the scope of this ESIA. The impacts are identified and assessed based on a systematic approach. The entirety of the project is considered as a system with various tasks and activities (components or aspect) in different phases of construction and operation. Environmental impacts and inferred risks of each component or aspect is characterized based on the characteristics of the component provided in the design. In case, the design does not provide certain features in the landfill design, mitigation measure(s) are proposed to correspond the identified adverse environmental impact(s). It is important to note that the design of the new landfill is in accordance with the relevant standards and the main environmental control features such as gas collection, bottom liner, final cap and leachate treatment system are included in the design. The key Environmental Impacts as identified to be of moderate to high magnitude persisting for a significant period of time (long-term) in a significantly broad extent, are therefore recommended to be mitigated through appropriate mitigation measures. The residual impacts can also be assessed using the same attributes, including geographical extent of the impact, temporal characteristics, and magnitude. The general anticipation is that the mitigation measures will result in improving the conditions from high or moderate environmental impacts to low and negligible ones.

5.2 Impacts on Physical Environment

5.2.1 Impact on Ambient Air Quality

The assessment of the impact on the ambient air quality will be done for the phase of Construction and for the phase of Operation Separate consideration will be given to sources of emissions from the landfill body (the landfill itself and the landfill gas utilization system), as well as to special equipment having internal combustion engines operated directly at the landfill site.

Impact associated with the landfill gas generation

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Construction Phase

No landfill gas is generated during the construction phase.

Operational Phase

Landfilling of organic waste results in its degradation and generation of landfill gas. This gas consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. If the gas is not collected or burned, it can cause an unpleasant odor in the area adjacent to the landfill and increase the volume of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of the planet. Landfill gas also contains minor amounts of NMOC and hazardous air pollutants. The landfill will generate landfill gas starting a few months after waste disposal and during the whole active lifespan as well as during a long period after landfilling has ended. Landfill gas generation can continue 50 to 100 years after closure of the landfill. Landfill gas generation rate at the new sanitary landfill will continue to increase until the expected closure year in 2051 when it reaches approximately 490 m3/hr. It is expected that approximately 70% of the generated gas will be collected and flared and the rest will be released to the atmosphere.

This report contains an analysis of the uncollected biogas release into the environment.

The table 5.1 below shows mass properties of biogas emission into the atmospheric air and products of biogas combustion in a flare facility. Concentrations of pollutants in the air will be given in a summary table, taking into account the emissions from special vehicles operation at the landfill.

Table 5.1 The list of pollutants emitted at the facility and their MAC Maximum allowed concentration mcg/m 3 Substance code Pollutant name Hazard Class maximum one- average daily time Nitrogen dioxide 0301 250.0 100.0 2 (Nitrogen (IV) oxide) 0303 Ammonia 200.0 - 4 0328 Carbon (soot) 150.0 50.0 3 Sulfur dioxide 0330 500.0 200.0 3 (sulfurous anhydride) 0333 Hydrogen sulphide 8.0 - 2 0337 Carbon oxide 5000.0 3000.0 4 0410 Methane 5.0 * 10 4 2.0 * 10 4 4 0602 Benzene 100.0 40.0 2 0616 Xylene 200.0 100.0 3 0621 Toluene 600.0 300.0 3 0627 Ethylbenzene 20.0 - 3 1325 Formaldehyde 30.0 12.0 2

Mass indexes of pollutants emitted from the landfill body are given in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2 Pollutant emissions from the landfill body

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M і, g/s Component Methane 4.674309 Toluene 0.063867 Ammonia 0.047083 Xylene 0.039133 Carbon oxide 0.022261 Nitrogen dioxide 0.009805 Formaldehyde 0.00848 Ethylbenzene 0.008392 Sulfurous anhydride 0.006184 Hydrogen sulphide 0.002297

Table 5.3 Mass properties of pollutants emitted during biogas flaring Pollutant Release g/s 1 Carbon monoxide 0.0061 2 Hydrocarbons 0.00035 3 Sulfurous anhydride 0.1595 4 Nitrogen dioxide 0.201

Considering the fact that the proposed landfill will be equipped with landfill gas collection and flaring systems, the impact of the landfill gas emission to the atmosphere is anticipated to be minor to moderate.

Impacts Associated with Traffic

Construction Phase

In the construction phase emissions from internal combustion engines are expected. Those emissions will be temporary. Emissions will be caused by operation of the following equipment: - Bulldozer (during earthworks); - Excavator (during earthworks); - Trucks. The specifications of analogous vehicles and machines have been used for calculation of pollutants emissions at the current stage. At the subsequent design stages, more specific calculations will be required. Analysis of pollutants concentration in the air is given in the annex 1. The table 5.4 below shows mass emissions of pollutants during the construction phase.

Table 5.4 Mass emissions of pollutants during the construction phase Code Pollutant Name Maximum one-time release, g/s 301 Nitrogen dioxide (Nitrogen (IV) oxide) 0.103648 304 Nitrogen (II) oxide (Nitrogen oxide) 0.016838 328 Carbon (soot) 0.018889 330 Sulfur dioxide (sulfurous anhydride) 0.01176 337 Carbon oxide 0.112643 2754 Hydrocarbons C11-C19 0.030264

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The overall impact of the transportation and onsite machinery on air quality during the construction phase is therefore considered minor to moderate given the temporary nature of this phase and the regulatory compliance of the vehicle emissions

Operational Phase

Pollutants will be released in the air during the landfill operation. The following sources of pollutant emissions into the atmospheric air were taken into account for the purpose of this calculation: - Biogas flaring; - Landfill body; - Equipment operation; - Car parking.

Mass emissions of pollutants into the air caused by equipment operation at the landfill and car parking are given in the Table 5.5 below.

Table 5.5 Mass emissions of pollutants into the air caused by operation equipment Code Pollutant Name Maximum one-time release, g/s 301 Nitrogen dioxide (Nitrogen (IV) oxide) 0.0913 304 Nitrogen (II) oxide (Nitrogen oxide) 0.01483 328 Carbon (soot) 0.010727 330 Sulfur dioxide (sulfurous anhydride) 0.011788 337 Carbon oxide 0.129592 2754 Hydrocarbons C11-C19 0.040354

Accordingly, the total impact of the special equipment used in the facility construction on the air quality is anticipated to be minor to moderate, given that this stage is short-term and that the compliance with the pollutants MAC for exhaust gases is observed. The analysis of pollutants concentration in the atmospheric air will be done taking into account pollutants released during biogas flaring and from the landfill body. To determine the impact of the proposed landfill on the air basin pollution, the computer-aided calculation of pollutant emissions dispersion was performed using the Universal Software Package for Atmospheric Pollution Calculation “ECO Center” (approval by the Main Geophysical Observatory named after A. I. Voeikov №1930 / 25 dated 12/03/2014). The calculation was performed taking into account the background concentrations for an estimated site of 5.5 km x 5.5 km with a coordinate system grid spacing of 500 m x 500 m. Impact analysis was based on the maximum values of surface concentrations of pollutants expected in the residential area and at the border of the basic sanitary protection zone. The size of the basic sanitary protection zone of the proposed landfill makes 500 m according to the Sanitary Norms and Regulations “Requirements to sanitary protection zones of enterprises, structures and other facilities that can impact human health and the environment”, approved by the decree of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated 11.10.2017 No. 91.

Table 5.6 The results of the pollutants dispersion calculation for the operational phase MAC fraction Sanitary Pollutant name Residential Landfill site protection zone housing boundary

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1 Nitrogen dioxide 0.73 0.53 0.47 2 Ammonia 0.152 0.128 0.123 3 Nitrogen oxide 0.016 0.006 0.001 4 Soot 0.035 0.012 0.001 5 Sulfur dioxide 0.305 0.25 0.23 6 Hydrogen sulphide 0.38 0.35 0.34 7 Carbon oxide 0.264 0.26 0.26 8 Methane 0.021 0.006 0.002 9 Dimethylbenzene 0.045 0.012 0.005 10 Methylbenzene 0.024 0.006 0.003 11 Ethyl benzene 0.096 0.025 0.01 12 Formaldehyde 0.32 0.294 0.29 13 Hydrocarbons C11-C19 0.019 0.005 0.001

Table 5.7 The results of the pollutants dispersion calculation for the construction phase MAC fraction Sanitary Pollutant name Residential Landfill site protection zone housing boundary 1 Nitrogen dioxide 0.58 0.49 0.46 2 Nitrogen oxide 0.016 0.005 0.001 3 Soot 0.039 0.011 0.001 4 Sulfur dioxide 0.236 0.23 0.23 5 Carbon oxide 0.263 0.26 0.26 6 Hydrocarbons C11-C19 0.015 0.005 0.001

The results of dispersion calculation for construction and operational phases are given taking into account the existing background concentration. It can be concluded that the impact on air quality due to landfill operation will be of moderate magnitude for the onsite workers and of minor impact on offsite human settlements within the study area.

5.2.2 Impact on Noise Level

Construction Phase

Construction vehicles will become a noise source for the period of the landfill construction. At this point the type and number of construction machinery to be used for the landfill construction has not been defined yet. Anticipated types of machines and equipment were used in the calculation. The obtained results will have to be specified later.

Table 5.8 Noise characteristics of the machinery used in the landfill construction Indicator Sound pressure level, dB in octane bands with geometric Equivalent average frequencies, Hz sound level 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Construction site of the Novopolotsk regional landfill Source No. 1 bulldozer L, dB 87 87 92 93 91 85 80 76 73 96 Source No. 2, truck L, dB 98 98 98 91 86 81 77 72 68 89

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The calculation of sound pressure levels in the construction site of the landfill and in the adjacent territory was carried out by the “EcoCenter software package. Noise”. The calculation is given in the annex 2. The estimated noise levels at the reference point during the landfill construction are given in Table 5.9.

Table 5.9 Estimated noise level during construction Item The value of the indicator (dB) at the geometric mean Equivalent frequency of the octave band, Hz sound level, дБ 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Reference points at the construction site Reference 48.1 48.1 47.7 44.1 40.4 33.9 26.6 0 0 41.3 point Reference 53.1 53.1 52.5 48.2 44.4 38.6 32.5 22.2 0 45.7 point Reference 58 58 57.1 51.4 46.6 41.6 36.2 27.8 0 48.8 point Reference 52.1 52.1 51.3 46 41.4 35.8 29.6 17 0 43.2 point Reference points in the residential area Reference 36.4 36.3 35.3 29.7 22.6 0 0 0 0 24.9 point Reference points at the border of the Sanitary protection zone Reference 45.8 45.7 45.7 43 39.5 32.8 24.8 0 0 40.1 point Allowable exposure levels in the residential area L, dB 90 75 66 59 54 50 47 45 43 55 Performance of all types of work at permanent workplaces in industrial premises and in the territory of enterprises L, dB 107 95 87 82 78 75 73 71 69 80 Operational Phase The following noise sources will be located on the landfill site during operation of the facility: - Motor vehicles; - Working equipment; - leachate treatment plant; - flare facility. The analogues noise sources have been used at this stage for the purpose of the design.

Table 5.10 Estimated noise level during construction Indicator Sound pressure level, dB in octane bands with geometric Equivalent average frequencies, Hz sound level 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Novopolotsk regional landfill operation Source No. 1 bulldozer L, dB 87 87 92 93 91 85 80 76 73 96 Source No. 2, truck L, dB 98 98 98 91 86 81 77 72 68 89 Source No. 3, passenger car L, dB 83 83 83 76 71 66 62 57 53 74 Leachate treatment plant L, dB 0 68 70 69 72 74 70 69 64 77 Biogas flare facility

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L, dB 0 94 98 92 98 85 81 75 70 95

The results of the calculation of noise levels at the reference point during the landfill construction are given in Table 5.11.

Table 5.11 Estimated noise level during construction Item The value of the indicator (dB) at the geometric mean Equivalent frequency of the octave band, Hz sound level, дБ 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Reference points at the construction site Reference 64.8 64.8 65 64.5 62.6 57.8 53.1 47.7 40.8 63.6 point Reference 55.6 55.6 57.3 56.9 54.6 48.8 43.4 37.4 28 55.2 point Reference 52.9 52.9 53.7 52.4 49.9 44 38.3 30.9 16 50.5 point Reference 53.4 53.4 53.8 51.9 59.4 43.7 38 30.2 0 50.1 point Reference points in the residential area Reference 38.8 38.7 38 33.2 27.5 16.7 0 0 0 28.9 point Reference points at the border of the Sanitary protection zone Reference 48 47.9 47.7 44.2 40.8 34.3 27.1 0 0 41.5 point Allowable exposure levels in the residential area L, dB 90 75 66 59 54 50 47 45 43 55 Performance of all types of work at permanent workplaces in industrial premises and in the territory of enterprises L, dB 107 95 87 82 78 75 73 71 69 80

The analysis of the calculation results showed that the values of sound pressure level, equivalent and maximum sound levels at the border of the base Sanitary protection zone and residential buildings do not exceed the regulatory requirements of paragraph 9 Appendix 2 (areas directly adjacent to residential buildings, out-patient clinics, ambulatories, dispensaries, recreational centers, rest homes, boarding houses for the elderly and disabled, educational institutions, libraries) in the daytime (from 7 to 23 o'clock)) of the Sanitary and hygienic standards and rules “Noise at workplaces, inside vehicles, within the residential, public buildings and in the territory of residential housing", approved by the decree of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated 16.11.2011. №115. Impact of noise is therefore anticipated to be of moderate level for the onsite workers and of negligible to minor impact on the settlements within the study area.

5.2.3 Impact on Surface Water

The impact of the proposed activity on water resources is considered for: - the construction phase; - the operational phase.

Construction Phase

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The construction works will not affect directly the surface waters, since there are no water bodies at the construction site, and the site is located outside of water protection zones of any water bodies. The construction camp will be equipped with dry closets, the discharge of household waste water will not be performed.

Operational Phase

The facility operation will affect the surface water bodies. The main potential source of impact on surface water is the leachate treatment plant. The project provides for the discharge of treated water through the force main sewerage to an unnamed stream. No other sources of impact on surface water have been identified (the landfill doesn't provide for a discharge of household waste water into water bodies). Capacity of treatment facilities is 50 m3/day. In order to average the flow rate of the leachate and to reduce the load on the treatment plant (the maximum design amount of filtrate generation is 100 m3/day) it is planned to install a storage tank upstream of the treatment plant. The water quality in the nameless stream 500 meters downstream of the treated wastewater discharge point should not exceed the following levels:

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Table 5.12 Water quality indicators for surface water bodies used for breeding, feeding, wintering, migration of salmonids and sturgeons, as well as of other surface water bodies For surface water bodies used for Item For other surface water Indicator breeding, feeding, wintering, migration number bodies of salmonids and sturgeons 1 Physical indicators: 1.1 suspended solids no more than 25 mg/dm3 no more than 25 mg/dm3 Discharging of wastewater, performing works on a surface water body and in the coastal strip, should not result in an increase of the content of suspended solids at the control station over that at the background station (located upstream of the discharge point) by more than: 5 mg/dm3 5 mg/dm3 1.2 floating impurities No films of petroleum products, oils, fats and accumulations of (substances) other impurities have to be visible on the water surface. 1.3 temperature When waste water is discharged the temperature of the water at the control station should not exceed the natural temperature of the surface water body by more than: 1.5 °C 3 °C with an overall temperature not exceeding: 20 °С in summer and 5 °С in winter 28 °С in summer and 8 °С in winter 2 Chemical indicators: 2.1 pH Should be within 6.5–8.5 2.2 water mineralization no more than 1000 mg/dm3 2.3 dissolved oxygen In the ice period should be higher than: 3 3 6 mg O2/dm 4 mg O2/dm In the no-ice period should be higher than: 8 mg/dm3 6 mg/dm3 2.4 biochemical oxygen No more than: 3 6 demand BOD5 3 mg O2/dm 6 mg O2/dm 3 3 2.5 chemical oxygen 25 mg O2/dm 30 mg O2/dm demand, bichromate oxidizability COD Cr

With the right choice of a leachate treatment system and guaranteed uninterrupted operation of the treatment plant, the impact on the surface water can be considered acceptable.

5.2.4 Impact on Groundwater

Construction Phase

The construction of leachate wells, observation wells and a drainage ditch can potentially affect groundwater. The following measures and requirements should be applied to mitigate harmful impacts on groundwater caused by construction and installation works: - strict observance of the construction site borders; - provision of inventory containers for household and construction waste collection at the construction sites; - repair and maintenance of construction machinery at the existing service stations; - prevention of oil products penetration into the soil;

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- removal of construction waste from the sites after completion of works. The impact on the aquatic environment during construction and installation work at the proposed landfill is temporary, non-recurrent by nature and is estimated as a minor impact.

Operational Phase

There is potential risk of groundwater pollution during the landfill operation. Groundwater pollution can occur if the bottom liner is damaged. In case the bottom liner is punctured, then the groundwater can be contaminated with leachate generated in the landfill body. Another potential source of groundwater pollution during the facility operation is a waterproof cesspool. In case of defects in the cesspool structure or overflow of untreated household wastewater, soil contamination may occur, and contamination of groundwater will also occur in this case due to its high levels. Additionally as a potential source of pollution might be the leachate distributing tank located upstream of the leachate treatment plant. Groundwater pollution can occur during depressurization of the buried part of the tank. In the absence of emergencies, the landfill operation will not lead to groundwater pollution. The impact of the proposed landfill operation on local groundwater system is anticipated to be minor to moderate resulting from potential leaks from the lining system.

5.2.5 Impact on Soil

Construction Phase

The construction works will affect soil within the construction site boundaries. The project provides for the removal of topsoil at the site construction of an access road to the cells 1,2,3,4 as well as to the utility zone. The removed topsoil will be stored in piles and further used for landscaping in Novopolotsk. The project does not envisage excavation of a pit for landfill cells construction. The project envisages bedding of the cells bottom, the height of the bedding is about 1 meter. Minor to moderate impacts on soil are anticipated during the construction of the proposed landfill due to local spills of fuel and oils and other chemicals.

Operational Phase

During the operational phase there will be no direct impact on the soil. The indirect impact on the soil will be observed during landfill reclamation and installation of thin insulating layers.

5.2.6 Summary of Impacts

The summary of potential project impacts are presented in the tables below.

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Table 5.13 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on physical environment during the construction phase Source / Activity Pathway Potential Receptor Type of Impact Significance Temporal Magnitude (negative/positive) (international, Significance (high, regional, local) (temporary, short- medium) term, long-term) Earthworks 1. Construction Atmospheric air Negative. Emission of Local Short-term low machinery operation pollutants into the air

soil Negative. Topsoil Local Short-term low 2. Topsoil disturbance removal

Delivery of Cargo traffic Atmospheric air Negative. Emission of Local Short-term low materials pollutants into the air Assembly works 1. Construction Atmospheric air Negative. Emission of Local Short-term low machinery operation pollutants into the air 2. Welding Bottom liner 1. Construction Atmospheric air Negative. Emission of Local Short-term low installation machinery operation pollutants into the air

Installation of an 1. Construction Atmospheric air Negative. Emission of Local Short-term low overhead power machinery operation pollutants into the air line for electric lighting

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Table 5.14 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on physical environment during the operational phase Temporal Significance Magnitude Type of Impact Significance Source/Activity Impact Potential Receptor (international, (high, (negative/positive) (temporary, short- regional, local) moderate) term, long-term) Waste 1. Motor vehicle traffic Atmospheric air Negative. Emission of Local Long-term (the Moderate landfilling and specialized pollutants into the air whole period of the equipment operation landfill operation)

Leachate Waste water treatment Surface water Negative Discharge of Local Long-term (the Moderate management treated wastewater whole period of the and treatment into the nameless landfill operation) stream

Landfill gas Landfill gas flaring Atmospheric air Negative Emission of Local Long-term (the Moderate collection and pollutants into the air whole period of utilization landfill gas generation in the landfill body)

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5.3 Impacts on Biological Environment

5.3.1 Impact on Terrestrial Fauna

Construction Phase

The construction works will affect soil invertebrates. The project provides for the disturbance of topsoil, which is the habitat of invertebrates. Disturbance of topsoil normally causes demise of all invertebrates because of their restricted spatial mobility.

Operational Phase

No negative impact on the fauna is expected within the study area during the operational phase.

5.3.2 Impacts on Aquatic Fauna

Construction Phase

No negative impact on the aquatic and amphibious animals is expected during the construction phase.

Operation Phase

The landfill operation will have an impact on aquatic and amphibian animals. The project provides for the treated wastewater discharge into a water body. However, as the leachate will be treated at the wastewater treatment plant to bring it in compliance with the required indicators, no negative impact on aquatic and amphibious animals is expected.

5.3.3 Impacts on Flora

Construction Phase

Construction works will affect the flora directly. The project provides for the removal of shrub and woody vegetation at the proposed landfill site. The project provides for the reduction of the coppice of low-value alder gray and goat willow, as well as removal of grass cover.

Operational Phase

Landfill operation will have no direct impact on vegetation.

5.3.4 Impacts on aquatic vegetation

Construction Phase

No impacts on aquatic vegetation are expected.

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Operational Phase

The landfill operation will have a direct impact on the aquatic vegetation of the nameless stream. However, no negative impact of treated wastewater on aquatic vegetation in the nameless stream is expected, since wastewater will be treated to meet the standards. Furthermore, wastewater will not affect the temperature regime of the water body, due to the significant distance from the treatment plants to the water body.

5.3.5 Summary of Impacts

The final comments are presented in the tables below.

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Table 5.15 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on physical environment during the construction phase Temporal Significance Magnitude Potential Type of Impact Significance Impact (international, (high, Source/Activity Receptor (negative/positive) (temporary, short- regional, local) medium) term, long-term) Earthworks Soil invertebrates Negative. Demise Local Short-term average 1. Topsoil disturbance of soil invertebrates 2. Removal of flora Woody, shrub and Negative. Land Local Short-term average grass vegetation clearing

Delivery of materials No impact - - - - -

Installation and No impact - - - - - assembly works Bottom liner No impact - - - - - installation

Installation of an No impact - - - - - overhead power line for electric lighting

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Table 5.16 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on biological environment during the operational phase Significance Temporal Significance Magnitude Type of Impact Impact Potential Receptor (international, (temporary, short-term, (high, Source/Activity (negative/positive) regional, local) long-term) medium) Waste No impact - - - - - landfilling

Leachate Discharge of Aquatic and Neutral Local Long-term (the whole low management treated amphibian animals period of the landfill and treatment wastewater into operation) the nameless stream

Landfill gas No impact - - - - - collection and utilization

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5.4 Impacts on Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

The project will have a number of positive impacts on the environmental and social areas: improvement of social, sanitary and ecological conditions for the population, facilitation of employment of the local population and raising its living standard, improvement of the quality of housing and communal services, including improvement of the municipal waste utilization scheme. The landfill operation may also lead to some negative impacts associated with emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, odors and arising need to take measures on disinfestation (pest control). All problems associated with the consequences and risks are to be resolved by applying best practices to all types of work, preparing and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate possible negative environmental impacts in all phases of project implementation: design, construction and operation, as well as the creation of sanitary protection zones having dimensions that would provide for an adequate level of public health safety and protection against negative impacts (chemical, biological, physical) of the sources located at the sanitary protection zone border and beyond.

5.4.1 Impact on Demographics

Construction Phase

The construction works will affect the social environment. A selected contractor will have funds to pay wages. There are construction companies, which would have an adequate resource base and personnel for this project implementation. The project doesn't provide for migrant labor to be used in construction. The impact on the social sphere during the construction period can be characterized as positive.

Operational Phase

Positive impact is expected during the operational phase. The construction of the landfill will create 10 new jobs directly at the landfill. Additional jobs will also be created in Ushachi and Rossony rayons related to waste transportation to the regional landfill.

5.4.2 Impact on Population Health and Safety

Construction Phase

The construction of the landfill will have an impact on the health of contractor's employees. The construction works will inevitably cause emissions of pollutants into the atmospheric air. According to the results of calculations, no maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) of pollutants will be exceeded in the atmospheric air. It can be concluded that with the observance of the construction rules and standards, no negative impacts on the health of contractors' workers are expected. The safety of construction work is the contractor's responsibility. The proposed landfill doesn't provide for any complex design solutions, all buildings and canopies do not exceed the height of one floor. The main scope of works to be performed includes earthworks.

Operational Phase

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Landfill workers will be affected by the following adverse factors during the landfill operation: - noise; - pollutants in atmospheric air. According to the results of the atmospheric air evaluation, the concentrations of pollutants at the landfill will not exceed the standards for the atmospheric air quality, and noise levels will not exceed the permissible exposure levels of the sanitary standards. Strict adherence to safety rules will help to avoid accidents. It is also important to use personal protective equipment at the workplace, which is also included in the labor safety regulations. The impact of the proposed landfill on the nearest residential development is minimal, this is confirmed by design calculations and by observance of the basic sanitary protection zone.

5.4.3 Impacts on Economic Environment

Construction Phase

Construction works will lead to payment of taxes, which will form a part of a budget to finance environmental programs. Also, compensation will be paid for plants removal and land clearing. 100% of compensation payments received by the local budget will be allocated for creation of new green spaces in the study area.

Operational Phase

Landfill operation will result in payments for the use of natural resources. The project provides for treated leachate discharge into a water body (a nameless stream). A permission for special water use should be obtained prior to commissioning of the leachate treatment plant. A compensation will have to be paid for the use of the water body as a wastewater receptor. The rate of compensation will be based on the existing tariffs. If the treated leachate will fail to meet the established parameters, the amount of damage to the environment will have to be determined and amount of compensation for the damage will be defined based on the existing tariffs. The landfill operation will also be subject to taxation, which will also be partially used for environment protection purposes.

5.4.4 Impacts on the Cultural Heritage

Construction Phase

The chance archaeological finds will be included in the contractors’ contracts, as specified in the World Bank Operational Policies (OP) 4.11 Physical cultural resources.

Operational Phase

Landfill operation will not lead to any impact on the cultural heritage.

5.4.5 Summary of Impacts

The summary of potential impacts on socio-economic environment is presented in the tables below.

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Table 5.17 Summary of impacts of the proposed landfill project on the socio-economic and cultural environment during the construction phase Temporal Significance Magnitude Type of Impact Significance Source/Activity Impact Potential Receptor (international, (high, (negative/positive) (temporary, short- regional, local) medium) term, long-term) Earthworks Morbidity of Negative. Dust Local Short-term low 1. Topsoil contractor's workers generation in dry disturbance weather 2. construction Morbidity of Negative. Local Short-term low machinery engines contractor's workers Ambient air running pollution

Delivery of construction Morbidity of Negative. Local Short-term low materials machinery engines contractor's workers Ambient air running pollution

Assembly works No impact - - - - -

Bottom liner No impact - - - - - installation

Installation of an Construction Contractor's workers Negative. Local Short-term low overhead power machinery engines Ambient air line for electric running pollution lighting

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Table 5.18 Summary of significant impacts of the proposed landfill project on the socio-economic and cultural environment during the operational phase Temporal Significance Magnitude Potential Type of Impact Significance Source/Activity Impact (international, (high, Receptor (negative/positive) (temporary, short- regional, local) medium) term, long-term) Waste 1. Motor vehicle traffic Morbidity of Negative. Local Long-term (the whole low landfilling and specialized landfill workers Emission of period of the landfill equipment operation pollutants into the operation) air

Leachate No impact - - - - - management and treatment Landfill gas Landfill gas flaring Morbidity of Negative Local Long-term (the whole low collection and landfill workers Emission of period of landfill gas utilization pollutants into the generation in the air landfill body)

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5.5 Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts are in fact changes to the environment that are caused by an action in combination with other past, present and future actions. In some cases, cumulative impacts occur because a series of projects of the same type are being developed. In other cases, cumulative impacts occur from the combined effects over a given resource of a mix of different types of projects.

Regarding the proposed landfill project, no cumulative environmental and social impacts are anticipated since the proposed landfill project will lead to a better environmental condition and is not characterized to have similar and significant adverse impacts to the existing waste disposal practice. In other words, the proposed project will help minimize the existing uncontrolled and potentially adverse environmental impacts of the existing unsustainable and environmentally detrimental waste disposal practices.

5.6 Impacts of the Closure of the Proposed Landfill

In general, closure of the proposed sanitary landfill will result in significant improvement of the environmental and social conditions of the Study Area. The fading leachate and gas generation which are designed to be managed in accordance with applicable regulations and standards, are not considered to pose significant adverse impact on the environment and in worst case, their impacts on the environment will be negligible.

Considering the systematic approach explained earlier in this Chapter, the main sources of environmental impact particularly on physical environment and consequently the social environment can be leachate and gas generation at the closed sanitary landfill. These sources are to fade over time starting from the closure and given the environmental protective measures already included in the design, such as leachate treatment plant, bottom liner (preventing downward migration of residual leachate), final cap (minimizing infiltration of atmospheric precipitation resulting in minimized leachate generation), gas collection and flaring system (minimizing fugitive emission of residual and fading landfill gas upon closure and thereafter), no or negligible adverse environmental and social impacts are anticipated. Reduced traffic due to termination of waste transportation to the new landfill upon closure along with visual improvements, air quality among others, will improve the social environment and adverse impacts on social environment are anticipated to be absent or negligible.

5.7 Impacts of the Closure of the Existing Non-Sanitary Landfill

Closure of the existing non-sanitary landfill is among the aspects of the proposed project that in general results in significant improvement of environmental and social conditions within and beyond the Study Area. This will be achieved with placing a final cap in place which will minimize leachate generation. Stopping waste disposal in the existing landfill will result in fading rates of leachate and gas generation, which in turn will result in no or negligible environmental and social impacts similar to what was described for the closure of the new landfill. As per the design, any residual leachate from generated at the closed non-sanitary landfill will be collected and transported into the leachate treatment plant of the new landfill preventing discharge of leachate into receiving water bodies, consequently improving one of the key environmental components.

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6 Environmental and Social Management Plan

6.1 Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan

In this section the main components of the proposed project that were identified as posing moderate to high adverse impacts on physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environments, are listed along with mitigation measures through which the associated adverse environmental impacts can be minimized or eliminated. The following Tables summarize the mitigation measures to be undertaken by different parties involved in design, implementation and supervision of the proposed project.

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Table 6.1 Proposed mitigation action for adverse impacts on physical environment during the construction phase Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring Monitoring measures Cost Indicators Indicators Earthworks Topsoil Observance of Provided for in The contractor's To be defined - Absence of air disturbance the boundaries the construction work should be in the design dust for the of the documents done in documentation period of construction accordance with works. site. the project design Proper storage documents. of unused Construction fertile soil. design supervision Water sprinkling on unpaved roads during the dry season Construction Keeping the Contractor's Building Based on the Compliance with Reduction of machinery construction internal Contractor cost of road exhaust gas pollutants operation machinery in guidelines. State transport standards content in the Noise working order, control over the technical repair construction generation timely condition of and machinery and emission maintenance of vehicles maintenance exhaust of pollutants vehicles into the air Material Cargo traffic Keeping the Contractor's Building Based on the Compliance with Reduction of Shipping and motor vehicles internal Contractor cost of road exhaust gas pollutants Installation in working guidelines. State transport standards content in the order, their control over the technical repair motor timely condition of and vehicles' maintenance vehicles maintenance exhaust

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Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring Monitoring measures Cost Indicators Indicators Installation and 1. Compliance Compliance with Building As defined in Compliance with Reduction of assembly works Construction with the process the guidelines for Contractor the design exhaust gas pollutants machinery sheet. construction and documentation standards content in the operation Prevention of installation Based on the construction 2. Welding welding works cost of road machinery consumables transport exhaust overuse. technical repair Keeping the and construction maintenance machinery in working order, timely maintenance of vehicles Bottom liner Cargo traffic Keeping the Contractor's Building Based on the Compliance with Reduction of installation motor vehicles internal Contractor cost of road exhaust gas pollutants in working guidelines. State transport standards content in the order, their control over the technical repair motor timely condition of and vehicles' maintenance vehicles maintenance exhaust Installation of an Cargo traffic Keeping the Contractor's Building Based on the Compliance with Reduction of overhead power motor vehicles internal Contractor cost of road exhaust gas pollutants line for electric in working guidelines. State transport standards content in the lighting order, their control over the technical repair motor timely condition of and vehicles' maintenance vehicles maintenance exhaust

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Table 6.2 Proposed mitigation actions for adverse impacts on physical environment during the operational phase Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring monitoring measures Cost Indicators indicators Earthworks 1. Motor vehicle Keeping the Monitoring over Mechanical Based on the Compliance with Reduction of traffic and motor vehicles in the equipment engineer at the maintenance exhaust gas pollutants specialized working order, condition at the facility cost standards content in the equipment their timely facility motor operation maintenance vehicles' exhaust Leachate Waste water The design Keeping the Environmental To be Compliance of Compliance management discharge provides for a wastewater engineer at the determined wastewater of the surface and treatment system for treatment plant in facility after the quality with water quality leachate working order treatment plant regulatory in the management and design is documents nameless treatment. finalized stream with regulatory documents Landfill gas Emission of The project Control over the Environmental - Compliance of Compliance collection and biogas combustion provides for the operation of engineer at the flue gases quality with the air utilization products into the landfill gas landfill gas flare facility with regulatory quality atmospheric air collection and facility. documents standards in incineration. Compliance with the area, the quality of flue where the gases with the landfill is design located documentation and standards established by environmental legislation

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Table 6.3 Proposed mitigation actions for adverse impacts on biological environment during the construction phase Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring monitoring measures Cost Indicators indicators Earthworks Observance of Provided for in The contractor's To be defined - Absence of air 1. Topsoil the construction the construction work should be in the design dust for the disturbance site boundaries. documents done in documentation period of Proper storage of accordance with works. unused fertile the project design soil. documents. Water sprinkling Construction on unpaved design supervision roads during the dry period 2. Removal of Observance of Provided for in The contractor's To be defined - Improvement flora the construction the construction work should be in the design of the landfill site boundaries. documents done in documentation area Restoration of accordance with the grass at the the project design landfill in the documents. areas free from Construction driveways, design supervision buildings or process sites

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Table 6.4 Proposed mitigation actions for adverse impacts on biological environment during the operation phase Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring monitoring measures Cost Indicators indicators Leachate Discharge of The design Keeping the Environmental To be Compliance of Compliance of management treated provides for a wastewater engineer at the determined after wastewater quality the surface and treatment wastewater system for treatment plant in facility the treatment with regulatory water quality in into the leachate working order plant design is documents the nameless nameless management finalized stream with stream and treatment. regulatory documents

Table 6.5 Proposed actions for mitigating adverse impacts on socio-economic and cultural environment during the construction phase Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring monitoring measures Cost Indicators indicators Earthworks Topsoil Observance of Provided for in The contractor's To be defined - The disturbance the construction the construction work should be in the design construction site boundaries. documents done in accordance documentation environment Proper storage of with the project should be unused fertile design documents. dust-free. soil. Construction design Water sprinkling supervision on unpaved roads during the dry period

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Table 6.6 Proposed actions for mitigating adverse impacts on socio-economic and cultural environment during the operational phase Performance Compliance Mitigation Approximate Source/Activity Impact Implementation Reporting Monitoring monitoring measures Cost Indicators indicators Waste Ambient air The design Provided for by Environmental 2.6 million Compliance of the Maintenance of landfilling pollution provides for the designer engineer at the USD atmospheric air with the current landfill gas facility the quality standards morbidity level collection and flare in the area, where among the facility the landfill is population of located. the settlements in the area

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6.2 Pest Management Plan

A Pest Management Plan (PMP) will be prepared and implemented during the proposed landfill operation to ensure sanitary and epidemiological safety of the settlements in the area of landfill. The main objectives of the plan are the following: prevention of a number of infectious and allergic diseases spread by insects and rodents; provision of adequate sanitary and hygienic conditions in residential and industrial premises; elimination of an adverse factor that impairs public health. As required by national legislation, all proposed PMP activities should be carried out on a contractual basis by individuals or legal entities that have a special permit to perform such activities. A pest control report should be prepared and periodically submitted to the landfill operator to facilitate his decision-making process. The requirements for the procedures of disinfection, disinsection and deratization are established by the Sanitary Regulations and Rules approved by the Decree of the Ministry of Health of 21.03.2013 No. 24. At that only those disinsection and deratization agents are allowed for use, which comply with the state hygienic regulation and which are properly registered. The requirements for Pesticide Handling Regulations are established by the decision of the Ministry of Health dated September 27, 2012 No. 149 and by the “Sanitary rules on safety of workers performing works on disinfection, deratization and disinsection”, approved by the Decree of the Ministry of Health dated December 28, 2005 No. 271. According to these sanitary rules: • disinfection can be performed only with those disinfection, disinsection and disinfestation agents, which have a certificate of state registration, and only with the medical disinfection equipment, which has a registration certificate issued according to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus; • the following direct control methods can be used: o setting food poisoning baits; o sprinkling entrances to burrows and rodent movement paths; o mechanical devices for rodents catching or exterminating; o use of sticky, poisonous coatings; o introduction of gaseous poisons into isolated rooms and vehicles; o introduction of gaseous poisons or spraying powder poisons at the entrances to rodent holes in the sites of human and animal natural focal infectious diseases; o application of ultrasonic rodent deterrent; • the choice of disinfestation means and methods of their use should be carried out taking into account: o • peculiar features of the treated object (type, category, sanitary and technical condition); o • biological features of the exterminated rodents (species, location, resistance to rodenticides, etc.); o • features of the poisons used (active substance and its concentration, acute or chronic type of action, form and method of application, toxicity to humans and animals, effects on the treated objects, environment etc.).

The use of chemicals will not have a harmful effect on agricultural land, due to landfill remoteness from arable land.

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6.3 ESMP implementation schedule

• Impact reduction activity : Begins at the planning stage of the project implementation and continues through the whole period of the project implementation. • Monitoring activity : Begins with the implementation of the project, starting from the construction stage through the whole period of the project implementation. • Training activity : Begins at the planning stage of the project implementation. Starting from the planning stage of the project implementation until the beginning of operation.

6.4 Health and Safety Measures Among other applicable regulatory documents are World Bank Group EHS Guidelines, including the General Guidance, Industry Sector EHS Guidelines for Waste Management Facilities and Industry Sector EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation2. These technical refernces contain the performance levels and measures that are normally acceptable to the World Bank Group, and that are generally considered to be achievable in new facilities at reasonable costs by existing technology.

While specific EHS recommendations and a site-specific EHS document should be prepared as part of the detailed design process, it is recommended the World Bank’s EHS Guideline for Waste Management Facilities (including landfills) to be implemented. Additional landfill specific health and safety recommendations are presented in Chapter 8.

7 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan

This section presents the necessary monitoring plan to ensure environmental compliance during the construction, operation and post-closure of the proposed project. It is also important to ensure the performance required by design for some of the main components such as leachate management and gas management systems. The Summary of performance and compliance monitoring activities is presented in the tables below.

2 See: https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at- ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines 93

Table 7.1 Performance monitoring program for key components of the proposed landfill project Sampling and Phase or Key Approximate Performance Indicators Analysis Implementation Reporting Duration of Component Cost Frequency Monitoring Leachate pH, Temperature, Chemical Weekly By the Ministry of 330 Throughout Management/ Oxygen Demand (COD), Landfill/Gas Environment the Treatment Management Operational Biochemical Oxygen Demand Operator Phase (BOD),

Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Electric Conductivity (EC),

Chloride, Nitrate

Chloride, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia Nitrogen, Sulphate, Alkalinity, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs),

Coliforms

Gas Landfill Gas Composition, Bi-Weekly By the Ministry of 60 Throughout Management Methane, CO2 and Non-Methane Landfill/Gas Environment the System Organic Compounds (NMOCs) Management Operational Operator Phase, and Post-Closure

Fugitive Gas Methane Monthly By the Ministry of 60 Throughout Emissions Landfill/Gas Environment the Management Operational

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Sampling and Phase or Key Approximate Performance Indicators Analysis Implementation Reporting Duration of Component Cost Frequency Monitoring System Phase, and Operator Post-Closure

Surface Water Chloride Weekly By the Ministry of 40 Throughout Drainage Landfill/Gas Environment the Outlet Management Operational EC Weekly Operator 15 Phase

pH Weekly 15

COD Monthly 40

BOD Monthly 40

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Sampling and Phase or Key Approximate Performance Indicators Analysis Implementation Reporting Duration of Component Cost Frequency Monitoring Ammonia Nitrogen Monthly 40

Coliforms Monthly 40

Total Suspended Solids Biweekly 40

Total Cost 720

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Table 7.2 Compliance Monitoring program for Noise level during construction phase Sampling Compliance and Approximate Duration of Implementation Reporting Indicators Analysis Cost Monitoring Frequency Noise level Daily Health and City Center 40 Entire Safety Unit at for Hygiene Construction the Construction and Phase Site Epidemiology

Table 7.3 Compliance Monitoring program for Ambient Air Quality during construction phase Sampling and Compliance Approximate Duration of Analysis Implementation Reporting Indicators Cost Monitoring Frequency Particulate 40 Matter (Dust) Health and Hydrocarbons Weekly 40 Safety Unit at City Center for Entire During Carbon the Hygiene and 40 Construction Construction Monoxide Construction Epidemiology Phase Hours Site NOx 40

SOx 40

Total Cost 200

Groundwater quality should be monitored to ensure any potential deterioration of groundwater through possible emissions from underneath the landfill. It is worth noting that due to the fact that the proposed landfill is to be equipped with a geosynthetic clay liner and geomembrane, impacts associated with the emission of contaminants into the underlying groundwater layer can be considered minor to moderate. However, in a longer term when the geosynthetic liner and in general the overall environmental protection measures as well as leachate drainage and collection system can approach their service life, probability of emission migration into subsurface layers can increase. In longer term, it should be understood that the concentration of contaminants in the leachate and the quantity of the leachate will also be decreased and the risks can be considered low. In any case, groundwater needs to be monitored both during operational phase and during the post-closure phase.

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Table 7.4 Compliance Monitoring program for groundwater quality during operational phase Sampling Compliance Approx. Duration of & Analysis Implementation Reporting Indicators Cost Monitoring Frequency pH Monthly 15 temperature Monthly 15

Chemical Oxygen Bimonthly 40 Demand (COD)

Biochemical Oxygen Bimonthly 40 Demand (BOD)

Total Organic Carbon Bimonthly 40 (TOC)

Electrical Biweekly 15 Conductivity (EC) Entire Landfill Ministry of Operational Chloride Biweekly Operator Environment 40 Phase Nitrate Bimonthly 40

Nitrite

Ammonia Nitrogen sulfate, Every 6 40 months

Alkalinity Monthly 40

Volatile Organic Bimonthly 40 Compounds (VOCs)

Coliforms Bimonthly 40

Total Cost 405

Surface water quality monitoring should be performed at the potential receptor surface water bodies, including the lakes, River Ushacha as well as River Western Dvina. It should be noted that referring to the Environmental Impacts identified and assessed as presented in Chapter 5, the likelihood of emission into River Ushacha, River Western Dvina and the lakes is very slim. The frequency of surface water monitoring should therefore vary depending on the distance and dimensions of the receiving surface water bodies. Particularly, it is recommended to conduct the monitoring in accordance with the following frequency: - Lakes; every six months

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- River Ushacha; every quarter - River Western Dvina; annually. The list of controlled substances in the River Western Dvina has to be confirmed before sampling, since near Novopolotsk there is a control station for surface water quality of the National Environmental Monitoring System of the Republic of Belarus.

Table 7.5 Compliance Monitoring program for Surface water quality during operational phase (Lakes, River Ushacha and River Western Dvina) Sampling and Approx. Compliance Duration of Analysis Implementation Reporting Cost Indicators Monitoring Frequency (Rubles) pH 15

EC lakes; every six 15 months Chloride 40

Ammonium 40 Nitrogen River Ushacha; Entire every quarter Landfill Ministry of Volatile 40 Operational Operator Environment Organic Phase Compounds River Western (VOCs) Dvina; Select Heavy annually. 280-80 Metals (Pb,

Fe, Ni, Mn, Cd, Cr, Zn),

Total Cost 430-230

During the operation phase, it is of significance to monitor fugitive methane emission from the surface of the landfill (intermediate or final cover where applicable).

Table 7.6 Compliance Monitoring program for ambient air quality during operational phase Sampling & Approx. Duration of Compliance Analysis Implementation Reporting Indicators Cost Monitoring Frequency Methane Monthly 60 Entire Landfill Ministry of Operational NMOCs Every Three Operator Environment 60 Months Phase

Total Cost 120

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In the post-closure period of the proposed landfill, the frequency of groundwater monitoring can be decreased due to gradual decline in leachate generation and associated emissions to the subsurface layers and into the local groundwater system. It is recommended to monitor the groundwater quality for a number of indicative contaminants.

Table 7.7 Compliance Monitoring program for groundwater quality during post-closure phase Sampling & Compliance Approx. Duration of Analysis Implementation Reporting Indicators Cost Monitoring Frequency Chloride 40

EC 15 pH 15 Terminate Ammonium 40 Upon Consultant (hired Landfill Operator Nitrogen Observing for Landfill and The Ministry Every 6 No change Monitoring) of Environment Select Heavy months 80 (Statisticall Metals y Valid) Alkalinity 40

Carbonate and 40 Bicarbonate

Total Cost 270

Table 7.8 Compliance Monitoring program for Surface water quality during post-closure phase Sampling & Compliance Duration of Analysis Implementation Reporting Approx. Cost Indicators Monitoring Frequency Chloride 40 Terminate Landfill Consultant Upon EC Operator 15 (hired for Observing Annual and The pH Landfill 15 No change Ministry of Monitoring) (Statistically Ammonium Environment 40 Valid) Nitrogen

100

Select 80 Heavy Metals

Total Cost 190

Table 7.9 Compliance Monitoring program for Ambient air quality during post-closure phase Sampling Compliance Approximate Duration of & Analysis Implementation Reporting Indicators Cost Monitoring Frequency Methane Every 6 60 Terminate Landfill months Consultant Upon Operator NMOCs (hired for 60 Observing and The Landfill No change Ministry of Monitoring) (Statistically Environment Valid)

Total Cost 120

Notes on Quality Assurance and Quality Control Quality Assurance and Quality Control Monitoring programs should include a quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) component in their design, in order to provide confidence in the data obtained. Refer to the manual Quality Assurance in Water Quality Monitoring produced by Environment Canada for the development and implementation of acceptable water quality monitoring programs.

Laboratories should have their own QC program and be certified to perform the necessary monitoring and surveys. Sampling should be performed in accordance with approved methodologies and guidelines. Glass or plastic transparent bottles with a capacity of 1.5 liters have to be used for sampling and water samples storage. 3 liters are sampled for advanced water analysis. Bottles and caps are thoroughly washed beforehand, rinsed at least three times by the water sampled for analysis. The sampling point is selected depending on the characteristics of the water source and on the analysis objectives. In an open water body, a sample is taken at the depth and from the area of potential water intake; in case of an existing water intake sampling is performed at the water intake pipe. The bottles with water samples must contain a record or label with the following data: • applicant; • applicant's address; • sample name; • sampling point; • sampling date and time; • additional information.

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If the time required for delivery of a water sample exceeds 5 hours, measures must be taken to prevent sample heating or freezing. It is preferable to perform water analysis on the day of sampling. If this is not possible, then water samples should be stored in a fridge, however sample storage time cannot exceed 48 hours. The calibration and maintenance of field equipment is also an integral component of the QA/QC program. All equipment must be kept clean and in good working condition, using the techniques described by the manufacturer. Calibrations have to be performed prior to the sampling event. The frequency of calibration will depend on the accuracy requirements of the investigation. To ensure a high standard of QA/QC, monitoring personnel must be adequately trained and supervised.

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8 Health and Safety

8.1 Health and Safety Measures during Construction

8.1.1 General Safety Requirements

The Contractor shall undertake all measures, as required, to prevent accidents during construction works, as well as for the health protection and provision of first aid to employees on site. The Contractor will also comply with all the relevant local regulations and provisions to ensure health and safety during the construction phase. The works will be carried out safely and in accordance with the National Laws, Directives and other provisions relating to health and safety of the staff. During the construction all measures will be taken to prevent accidents to personnel and all third parties and to provide first aid to them. More specifically: • All working positions will be equipped with drinking water and sanitation facilities (showers, toilets etc.); • First aid stations must be available; • Positioning of signs and high visibility (glowing) signs which inform, warn or forbid certain actions regarding dangers in the site; • Dispensation to all staff working in the site of appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as helmets, steel toe boots, goggles, gloves, masks etc.; • All workers will pass mandatory training on labor safety issues; • In case of works taking place during night, adequate lighting must be ensured in the relevant areas.

8.1.2 Fire Protection

For fire protection and effective response at the construction site installations and other working places, the following provisions are to be made: • Installation of appropriate fire-fighting equipment; • Regular cleaning of sites from potentially flammable materials and proper disposal; • No welding or other open fire activities near areas for fuel or other flammable materials storage (belonging to the worksite or other neighboring activities); • Safe storage of explosive materials, in accordance with relevant permits from local authorities; • In case the use of explosives is permitted during excavation, measures are to be taken to avoid damage and accidents from the use of explosives, such as controlled blasts, explosion alarms, protective measures for adjacent installations / properties etc.

8.1.3 Traffic Safety

Measures will be taken to ensure safe traffic in the public roads adjacent to the construction site. Exit from the public roads to the construction site will be marked with road signs in accordance with the traffic rules. A traffic plan with detailed information about the construction project will be installed near the site's entrance.

8.2 Health and Safety Measures for Landfill Gas Handling

8.2.1 General Safety Requirements

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Health and safety of workers is essential and a crucial parameter of proper landfill operation. The workers must be vaccinated as necessary (hepatitis, tetanus etc.). Workers have to also undergo medical check-up regularly. Hot and cold water will be available at the sinks and showers. A disinfecting mat will be placed on entrance to the amenity space, to avoid transfer of infectious agents by the workers’ footwear. Workers will be equipped with appropriate PPE in accordance with the legislation and standards in force. A fully equipped first aid kit and a stretcher will be available at the locker rooms. All workers will be informed about disposal practices and operation of the landfill, including contingency situations, mainly accidents relating to biogas and leachate management.

8.2.2 Landfill Gas Hazards

Landfill gas can be very hazardous when present at high enough concentrations. The hazards are: • toxicity. Caused primarily by hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in biogas; • explosion and/or flames from methane (CH4); • asphyxiation from lack of oxygen in confined spaces. Methane, at concentrations between 5 to 15 % by volume in air, will cause an explosion, if it comes in contact with an ignition source (flame). The lower end of the range (5%) is referred to as the lower explosive limit (LEL), and the upper end (15%) is referred to as upper explosive limit (UEL). Combustible gases are a concern in relation to LFG migration issues.

Carbon dioxide, another major component of LFG, is found at low concentrations in atmospheric air. The main danger posed by CO2 is that it can displace atmospheric air in confined structures such as manholes and wells. This could cause asphyxiation for someone entering such a structure without properly checking the СО2 concentration.

LFG may also contain Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), which originates from the biological consumption of sulphur found in gypsum wallboard. Hydrogen Sulphide is a flammable gas and highly toxic in concentrations above 50 ppm. Normally H2S can be smelled at concentrations as low as 0.05 ppm, and by 3 ppm, a distinctive odor of rotten egg is normally noted. H2S causes eye injury above 50 ppm and a serious life threat above 300 ppm.

During construction, monitoring and/or maintenance of the landfill gas management system at the old landfill as well as the new sanitary landfill workers may be at risk of exposure to landfill gas. The greatest risks for landfill gas exposure are: • when a worker is doing maintenance work on the gas collection system (well repairs, draining condensate collection sumps, blower service etc.); • when entering a building where landfill gas may be accumulated (gas collection system electrical control building, leachate pump control building or in other permanent or temporary structures at the site); • when entering a manhole where landfill gas may be accumulated; and in any excavation, depression or low spot.

Due to the inherent hazards with landfill gas, all personnel and subcontractors working with the landfill gas collection system must let the landfill resident manager or foreman know where and for how long they intend to work on the system. They must also establish a follow up procedure should the worker not return or call back within a set timeline. A portable radio should be used for communication with the personnel. 104

A worker should continuously monitor the gas concentrations in the work area. The monitoring program should include the use of direct read gas monitor with oxygen, methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon oxide sensors. The readings should be taken in the breathing zone (approximately 1.5 m above ground level) in areas where workers will be located. These devices are usually referred to as “four-gas personal monitors”. Two examples of these gas monitors are shown in Photos 8.1 and 8.2 below.

Photo 8.1 Dräger X-am® 2000 from Photo 8.2 GasAlertMax XT II from Draeger Safety Inc BW Technologies by Honeywell

Immediate action in response to detection of high exposure levels to the abovementioned toxic gases are recommended. Furthermore, any confined spaces, defined in the next section, should be thoroughly scanned before anyone entering the area. Table 8.1 below, shows the recommended action levels for exposure to landfill gas.

Table 8.1 Action Levels for Landfill Gas Instrument gas Action Reading 0 to 10% Continue working and monitoring. Inform others if greater than Combustible LEL 5% LEL. Gases Leave the area and do not resume work unless levels are > 10% LEL consistently below 5%.

<19.5% or > Leaving the area and do not resume work unless levels within oxygen 23.5% range.

Hydrogen If levels approach 10 ppm, leave the area and do not resume work 10 ppm sulphide unless levels are consistently below 10 ppm. Carbon If levels approach 25 ppm, leave the area and do not resume work 25 ppm Monoxide unless levels are consistently below 10 ppm.

Explosion Hazard

During any well drilling operation in the area around the working front must be constantly monitored for methane concentrations to avoid explosion.

8.2.3 Operation of Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment operators must take the following measures: • Always inspect machinery before the commencement of works;

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• The controls of the machinery must be operational; • Inspect the site before the works commencement; • Begin to operate machinery only after they are seated at the driver’s seat; • Wear a safety belt; • Never shut down the machine during movement; • Keep machinery clean; • Avoid excessive speed during working operations; • Avoid driving on the side surfaces of the landfill; • Keep the buckets and blades of machinery close to the ground; • Lower buckets and blades of machinery to the ground during parking; • Not leave machinery unattended; • Perform repair and maintenance as needed; • Keep a daily record of the machinery’s operation.

8.2.4 Confined Space Entry

There are several locations at the existing and the new landfill that could be considered confined spaces. Examples of confined spaces can be condensate traps, pump stations and valve chambersUnder no circumstances may anyone enter into a confined space without authorization and until a proper hazard assessment has been completed. Definition: A "confined space" means an area, other than an underground working area, that 1. is enclosed or partially enclosed; 2. is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy; 3. has limited or restricted means for entry or exit that may complicate the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response service;

Hazards: There are four main hazards in confined spaces: 1. Oxygen deficiency and oxygen enrichment; 2. fire and/or explosion; 3. toxicity; 4. drowning in liquids and/or entrapment in free-flowing solids.

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What is a Confined Space?

Is the area enclosed or partially enclosed? An enclosed space is any area enclosed on all sides, bottom, and overhead. A partially enclosed space may have an open top or side(s) and is deep enough to restrict the natural movement of air. Examples include pipes, pits, tanks, vaults and manholes.

YES

Is the space in question large enough that a worker could enter, even partially, to perform work inside? For example, are the openings large enough for a person to enter or put their head inside to perform inspections, repairs, or sampling?

YES

Does the space in question have limited or restricted means for entry or exit? Examples: If you have to crawl, climb, twist, follow a lengthy path, or exert unusual effort to enter or exit. If there are physical obstructions such as bulkheads, machinery, narrow passages, or openings

YES

Is the space designed for continuous worker occupancy? For example, is there ongoing or regular work activity in this space? Is the space designed for frequent or lengthy human occupancy has easy points of entry and exit?

NO

This is a Confined Space: Label or secure points of access and follow requirements of confined space entry procedure

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Figure 8.1 Gas migration and confined spaces at landfills

Example of gas explosion risks and confined space signage are shown in Photo 8.4 below.

Figure 8.2 Example signages for warning gas explosion and Confined Spaces

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9 Project Cost Estimate Implementation Schedule

The total cost for the project is estimated at 20.1 million Rubles (excluding VAT) with the breakdown shown in Table 9.1. The cost for the project was determined by the totality of the proposed phases of project implementation, shown in Table 10.1.

Table 9.1 Cost breakdown of the proposed activities under the project Estimated cost # Name of facility investment thousand robles. (Excl. VAT) 1 Construction of the new Regional landfill (Phase 1) 8,367.1 2. Leachate treatment system (First Module for Phase 1) 1,410.0 3. Landfill gas collection and Flare facility 1,261.0 4. Garbage trucks for MSW collection 3,234.7 5. Containers for waste collection 2,646.2 4. Closure of the existing Novopolotsk Landfill 3,200.0 5. Total Estimated Capital Cost 20,119.0 project’s tentative implementation schedule is shown in Table 9.2.

Table 9.2 Project implementation schedule # Phase Approximate deadline 1 Construction tender preparation July - October 2019 2. Construction of the new Regional landfill (Phase 1) March 2020 - December 2020 3. Detailed design of the existing landfill closure September 2019

4. New sanitary landfill commencement January 2021 5. Non-sanitary landfill closure March 2021 - December 2021 4. Leachate treatment plant construction July 2022 5. Landfill gas flare facility construction July 2022

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10 Grievance Redress Mechanism

Transparency and accountability are the fundamental principles of the Project. A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) has been set up in the Project to this end. The purpose of the GRM is to improve accountability to the project beneficiaries and to provide stakeholders with a mechanism for feedback on issues related to project activities. This mechanism, in particular, allows to identify and resolve issues adversely affecting the Project implementation. GRM improves transparency and accountability and seeks to reduce the risk of the Project unintentionally causing harm to citizens/beneficiaries; it will also serve as an important feedback mechanism to improve the overall efficiency of the Project. This mechanism is used not only to receive and register grievances but to process them as well. Despite the fact that feedback must be processed at the moment of grievance filing, all grievances must be registered in the general system in accordance with the key provisions on GRM.

10.1 Grievance Filing Options

The Project provides for the following options for citizens/beneficiaries/persons to file grievances related to the project activities: - to the hearings organizer's website: http://www.novopolotsk.by/; - by regular mail to the address: Republic of Belarus, 211440, Vitebsk oblast, Novopolotsk, Molodezhnaya str., 74; - by fax: +375 214 -50-31-94; - written complaints are filed with the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of the Novopolotsk municipality. Options should be flexible enough so that any person could file a grievance if needed. Consideration will also be given to grievances on projects, supported with World Bank currency resources within the framework of the Sustainable Energy Scale-Up project. It is allowed to file grievances anonymously. When filing a grievance, the person may also suggest possible solutions for resolving the issue.

10.2 Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest

Grievances can be filed anonymously, however confidentiality must be ensured in all cases, also when the identity of the person filing the grievance is known. Several options to file complaints have been set up to this end in order to avoid conflicts of interests.

10.3 Collection/Receipt of Grievances

The person, who registers a grievance must fill out the Complaints/Requests Registration List himself or provide a fill-out form to the applicant and promptly submit the filled form to the municipality. If the grievance is related to a specific Project activity, then right after that the grievance has to be sent to the general registration system to be categorized and relayed to the appropriate department responsible for grievances processing. The head of the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Novopolotsk municipality determines where to relay a grievance, whether an investigation is needed, as well as the time of response. When appointing an investigator, the Head of the Architecture and Urban Planning Department of the Novopolotsk Municipality ensures absence of the conflict of interest, that is, none of those involved in the investigation process should have any material, personal or professional interest in the results or maintain any communication on personal or professional matters with applicants or witnesses.

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Then the grievance is registered in the Grievance Registry by the person in charge of the GRM reports management. The number and type of proposals and questions must also be registered for further analysis in order to improve interaction with the Projects.

10.4 Investigation

In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Belarus dated July 18, 2011 No. 300-3 (revised on July 15, 2015 and as may be amended from time to time) “On Grievances of Citizens and Legal Entities”, grievances are to be processed within 15 working days from the date of their receipt, and those grievances that require additional investigation and documents review are to be processed within one month. The person responsible for grievance investigation will collect the facts to get a clear picture of the circumstances associated with the grievance. An investigation/follow-up may include visits to the construction site, reviewing documents and meeting those who can resolve the issue. The results of the investigation and the proposed response to the applicant will be provided for review to the head of the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Novopolotsk municipality, who will decide on further actions to be taken. After the decision is made the investigator describes the actions to be taken in the Grievances/Requests Registration Sheet, including details the investigation and findings, and submits the response to the head of the Architecture and Urban Planning Department of the Novopolotsk municipality for signing.

10.5 Response to the applicant

If the applicant is known, the information on the proposed measures is communicated to him/her by regular mail, e-mail or in person. The response should contain references to the investigation findings and, if necessary, to the national legislation. In the following cases the deadline for grievance processing may be extended by 30 business days, of which the applicant shall be duly informed: - additional consultations are needed; - the grievance is serious and additional materials need to be studied to respond to it.

10.6 Publication

After the case is resolved, the grievance and the measures taken to resolve it will be published on the website: http://www.novopolotsk.by/;

10.7 Transparency

GRM policies, procedures and regular updates, as well as the list of grievances filed and resolved, will be available online at: http://www.novopolotsk.by/ and other permanent platforms. They will be updated quarterly.

10.8 Regular internal monitoring and reporting

The project coordinator will evaluate the functioning of the GRM on the quarterly basis with the purpose to: - provide quarterly summary of the GRM results, including all the suggestions and questions to the management; - review the grievance processing progress to track those that have not been resolved yet and to propose the measures to be taken in this respect.

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11 ESMP Implementing arrangements and capacity building

11.1 The ESMP implementing arrangements

The City of Novopolotsk will be the owner of the proposed regional landfill, while in coordination with Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, Polotsk Rayon Executive Committee and the MHU, will have jointly the decision-making responsibilities regarding to the proposed investments under the project. The city and ministry officials will participate in the procurement process, approve terms of reference for consultants, participate in discussions with the consultants responsible for design and supervision of the project, and participate in evaluations of proposals and bids. The Novopolatsk Spetsavtobaza will be the responsible agency for the project implementation on behalf of the city administration while the Unitary Enter[rise “Biomechzavod of Municipal Secondary Material Resources” (Operator) will be responsible for the operation of the proposed facility and it is anticipated to also manage the transfer station, transport the waste to the regional landfill. UE "Biomekhzavod" is the enterprise that is currently responsible for MSW collection, sorting and transport in Novopolotsk. UE "Biomekhzavod" has sorting lines and lines for secondary raw material processing (PET bottles, various plastics). The Client, represented by its director, will be responsible for project implementation, as well as for implementation of the environmental management program. The City, through the assigned supervisory engineer, will review consultants’ reports, payments and invoices to ensure that the work is up to required standards. The City will also assign an environmental specialist with the following main responsibilities: ensuring that contractor complies with all ESMP requirements; (b) conducting ESMP supervision and monitoring and assessing environmental and social impacts and efficiency of mitigation measures, as well as identifying non-compliance issues or adverse trends in results, and putting in place programs to correct any identified problems; and, (e) reporting to the general Project Coordination Team under the MoH with regard to ESMP implementation.

11.2 Contractors’ responsibilities

The actual investments will be carried out by contractor selected through the public tendering process. It should operate in full compliance with national environmental and social legislation and with the ESMPs requirements. Further, the contractor is obliged to follow regulative requirements of the national law related to civil works, traffic safety, occupational health and safety; fire safety; environmental protection; and community health and safety. The contractors will also be requested to designate a person in charge of environmental, social, health and safety issues and for implementing the ESMP.

11.3 EA Reporting

Supervision of the ESMPs implementation will be the responsibility of the Biomechplant of Municipal Secondary Material Resources”, which periodically (on quarterly basis) will prepare short reports on ESMPs implementation to be submitted to the PCT. PCT will compile these reports and semi-annually will present short information about the ESMP implementation as part of the Progress Reports to the WB.

11.4 Integration of the EMPs into project documents

The ESMP provisions will form part of the design document for the project, and, will be included in construction contract, both into specifications and bills of quantities. Respectively the Contractor will be required to include the cost of ESMP requirements in their financial bids and required to comply with them while implementing the project activities. The contract with winning

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bidder will include necessary also an obligation to inform Biomechplant of any significant Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) accidents and events among subcontracted project workers.

11.5 Environmental and Social Assessment capacity and proposed building activities

During the project ESIA was concluded there are limited landfill operation experiences within Novopolatsk Spetsavtobaza and Biomehzavod. Proper mitigation, monitoring, and compliance of the environmental parameters and standards listed in the ESMP requires a certain level of training, expertise, and special equipment that are not available within Biomekhzavod nor Novopolatsk Spetsavtobaza utilities. They have accumulated experience in landfill facility management, but as the proposed new sanitary landfill has a number of peculiar features (landfill gas collection and flaring, leachate management system), which make it different from the existing non-sanitary landfill additional knowledge are required. Based on this, it can be concluded there is no local personnel having adequate equipment, skills and experience to operate the new sanitary landfill. To strengthen the institutional and human capacities in this regard, the project will support relevant trainings on knowledge and information on topics such as the ESMP implementation, supervision and reporting, World Bank Guidelines etc. For this purpose, at the initial stage of project implementation, the Biomechzavod of Municipal Secondary Material Resources” will hire a consultant with knowledge on the environmental and social management requirements for Belarus, including substantial knowledge on Bank safeguard policies and requirements which will provide ESA training which will include the basic requirements of the WB and National safeguards rules and procedures, as well as case studies in this regard. The training activities will continue also during the project implementation when the consultant will provide on the job training regarding environmental and social monitoring and supervision. Some of the highlights of the proposed training programs include: • Liner installation and quality control procedures • Principals of landfill operation and management • Landfill gas management system, operation, maintenance and monitoring • Leachate treatment systems, operation, maintenance and monitoring • Sanitary landfills environmental control and monitoring systems • Health and Safety • Landfill post-closure care and monitoring. The capacity building plan to facilitate the ESMP implementation is given in Table 11.1.

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Table 11.1 Capacity Building Plan to facilitate ESMP Implementation

Type of Training Targeted Personnel Frequency Location Cost Responsibility

Every two at the Municipality/Housing and Gas Monitoring Operators 180 BYN years workplace Public Utilities Company Every two at the Municipality/Housing and Surface runoff sampling Operators 90 BYN years workplace Public Utilities Company Production laboratory Every two at the Municipality/Housing and Water analysis 270 BYN years workplace Public Utilities Company Production laboratory Municipality/Housing and Every two at the Runoff analysis 270 BYN Public Utilities Company years workplace

Every two Municipality/Housing and Gas collection and control Operators on the job 180 BYN years Public Utilities Company Bottom liner arrangement Building Contractor Prior to at the 270 BYN Client and control over the quality commenceme workplace of its installation nt of work Every two at the Municipality/Housing and Leachate collection Operators 90 BYN years workplace Public Utilities Company Municipality/Housing and Leachate monitoring at the Every two at the Operators 180 BYN Public Utilities Company treatment plant years workplace

Health and Safety Unit Every two at the Municipality/Housing and Health and Safety at the Construction 90 BYN years workplace Public Utilities Company Site Landfill workers Every two at the Municipality/Housing and Landfill operation 270 BYN years workplace Public Utilities Company

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Type of Training Targeted Personnel Frequency Location Cost Responsibility

Building Contractor Every two Training 270 BYN Client Post-closure landfill service years center The training cost is given for short-term training courses, per trainee.

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Annex 1

The estimated pollutants dispersion in the air during the construction phase.

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The estimated pollutants dispersion in the air during the operational phase.

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Annex 3. The estimated noise emissions during the construction phase

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The estimated noise emissions during the operational phase

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Annex 3. Public Consultations Information on the proposed activity – the construction of a regional MSW landfill in Novopolotsk – was widely publicly available online and in print media (i.e. local newspapers, etc.). The ESIA report was discussed in line with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus and the World Bank’s policies. There were two public hearings arranged. The first public hearing was held from November 11, 2018 to December 6, 2018. The relevant information—the Terms of Reference for preparation of the ESIA and the first version of the ESIA—was posted on the website of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee and published in print media – the Novaya Gazeta newspaper. The paper versions of the documents were available in the lobby of the City Executive Committee. The Novopolotsk City Executive Committee established a commission to hold the public hearings, including the following officials: A.A. Shakel, Deputy Chairman of the City Executive Committee – Chairman of the Commission; O.G. Buevich, Chairman of the Council of Deputies; A.E. Kolotsey, Head, Division of Architecture, Construction, and Urban Planning, Novopolotsk City Executive Committee; E.O. Khlamenok, Head, Land Management Division, Novopolotsk City Executive Committee; O.V. Kazak, Head, Economic Directorate, Novopolotsk City Executive Committee; D.V. Piven, Head, Novopolotsk City Division for Emergency Situations; V.D. Kuksenok, Head, Novopolotsk City and Rayon Inspectorate of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection; A.N. Spirkov, Chief Medical Officer, Novopolotsk City Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology; S.O. Semenychev, Director, UE “Biomekhzavod of Household Secondary Resources” (customer representative); I.V. Yatsyuchenko, Chief Specialist, LLC Scientific and Production Association “Projectconcept” (representative of the project developer). According to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus, no public meeting was held, since there was no request for a public meeting stressing the need for it. During the period of the public hearing there were no comments received to the documents offered for discussion. The results of the public hearing were reflected in the minutes. The minutes are presented in the annex. The second public hearing on the ESIA was held from December 17, 2018 to January 3, 2019. Information about the public hearing was posted on the websites of the executive committees of Novopolotsk City, Polotsk, Ushachy, and Rossony Rayons. The website contained information on the public hearing and an electronic version of the revised ESIA report. Information on the public hearing was also disseminated in a targeted way by e-mail, with the ESIA report attached, to the rayon (Ushachy and Rossony) inspectorates of natural resources and environmental protection and Novopolotsk inter-rayon inspectorate. The information was also shared with the hygiene and epidemiology centers of the respective rayons. The residents of the settlement of Koltuny, the nearest to the construction site, were specifically informed by means of transmission of information on the public hearing and the paper version of the ESIA report to the village council. The public hearing ended with a public meeting held in Novopolotsk, at 25a Blokhin str., on January 3, 2019, at 5:30 PM. In the meeting, the Chief Specialist of LLC Scientific and Production Association “Projectconcept” presented a report on the ESIA. During the public meeting, there were no major questions or proposals received regarding the ESIA report on the MSW regional landfill in Novopolotsk.

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