Initial Environmental Examination
Loan 2860 (SF) July 2015
ARM: Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project – Additional Financing Improvement of Kotayk Region Settlements Water Supply Systems (revised version)
Prepared by the Armenian Water and Sewerage Closed Joint Stock Company (AWSC) for the Asian Development Bank.
The initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website.
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HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
STATE COMMITTEE OF WATER SYSTEM UNDER THE RA MINISTRY FOR TERRITORIAL GOVERNANCE “ARMWATERSEWERAGE” CJSC
FUNDED BY ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR PROJECT - ADDITIONAL FINANCING
Date of preparation 17.10.2013 Date of revision 14.07.2015
IV Subproject IMPROVEMENT OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF THE SETTLEMENTS OF KOTAYK REGION
L2860-ICB-1-03: ABOVYAN, CHARENTSAVAN, HRAZDAN, TSAGHKADZOR TOWNS AND KAGHSI, AKUNK, SOLAK VILLAGES
INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REVISED VERSION
Yerevan, July, 2015
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 1 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
STATE COMMITTEE OF WATER SYSTEM UNDER THE RA MINISTRY FOR TERRITORIAL GOVERNANCE “ARMWATERSEWERAGE” CJSC
FUNDED ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR PROJECT - ADDITIONAL FINANCING
Subproject IV IMPROVEMENT OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF THE SETTLEMENTS OF KOTAYK REGION
L2860-ICB-1-03: ABOVYAN, CHARENTSAVAN, HRAZDAN, TSAGHKADZOR TOWNS AND KAGHSI, AKUNK, SOLAK VILLAGES
INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION
HGSN LLC, Director V. Hovasapyan
Environmental expert K.Sahakyan
Yerevan, July, 2015
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 2 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.The Scope of Work ...... 4
2. Description of the Existing Water Supply and Sewage Systems ...... 6
2.1. Description of the water supply systems ...... 6
2.2. Description of the sewerage system ...... 9
3. Geographical Location and Climate of the Settlements ...... 10
4. Biodiversity and Specially Protected Areas ...... 11
5. Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 12
Appendix 1. Checklist for Quick Environmental Evaluation ...... 13
Appendix 2: Checklist for Preliminary Climate Risk Screening ...... 16
Appendix 3. Kotayk subproject layout ...... 17
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 3 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
1.The Scope of Work The aim of this subcomponent of the subproject is the improvement of drinking water supply systems of Abovyan, Charentsavan, Hrazdan and Tsaghkadzor towns and its adjacent 3 rural settlements (Kaghsi, Akunk, Solak) in Kotayk Region, RA within the framework of the project. Priority has been given to the improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements. The works carred out for this purpose involve the following: Abovyan town - Construction and reconstruction of distribution network waterlines with polyethylene pipes of de40–de225 diameter and approximate total length of 3,63 km, - Replacement of entry lines together with water metering chambers of private houses, multi- apartment buildings, economic entities, - Installation of water supply chambers (6 pc), wedge valves on the entry lines (1pc) and construction and reconstruction of hydrant chambers (3pc). Charentsavan town - Construction and reconstruction of distribution network waterlines with polyethylene pipes of de40 – de250 diameter and approximate total length of 26km, - Replacement of entry lines with water metering chambers of 13 private houses, multi- apartment buildings, economic entities, - Construction and reconstruction of water supply (49 pc) and hydrant chambers (5 pc), as well as buried valve junctions (7 pc). Hrazdan town - Replacement of intra-neighborhood main pipelines of distribution network with polyethylene pipes of de100-de225 diameters and approximate total length of 19.5 km. - Replacement of entry lines of a total of 115 multi-apartment buildings with polyethylene pipes of de63-de100 diameters and approximate total length of 4,3 km, - Replacement of entry lines of a total of 365 private houses and 142 economic entities with polyethylene pipes of de20-de32 diameters and a total length of 4,4 km. Tsaghkadzor town - Construction of external pipeline with polyethylene pipes of de250 diameter and approximate total length of 3,44 km, - Demolition of the existing DRR of Writers’ House with a capacity of 400m3, which is in the state of failure, and construction of new one (W=1000m3), - Replacement of distribution network with polyethylene pipes of de63-de160 diameters and approximate total length of 3 km, - Dismantling 2 pumps with the capacities of Q=30l/sec in “Makravan-2” pumping station and installation of more powerful new pumps Q=50l/sec. Akunk village - Replacement of distribution network with polyethylene pipes of de63-de160 diameters and approximate total length of 10 km, - Construction of a new pipeline from the pumping station to the DRR with a capacity of 500m3 and approximate length of 1,2km, - Construction of entry lines of 465 private houses in total,
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 4 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
- Reconstruction of water supply deep well. Kaghsi village - Replacement of intra-neighborhood main pipelines of distribution network with polyethylene pipes of de63-de100 diameters and approximate total length of 10,5 km, - Replacement of the entry lines of a total of 115 multi-apartment buildings, polyethylene pipes of de63-de100 diameters, approximate total length of 4,3 km, - Replacement of entry lines of 295 private houses in total, with polyethylene pipes of de20- de32 diameters and approximate total length of 2,4 km. Solak village - Replacement of intra-neighborhood main waterlines of distribution network with polyethylene pipes of de40-de200 diameters, approximate total length of 8 km, - Replacement of entry lines of 180 private houses, economic entities with polyethylene pipes of de20-de32 diameters, approximate total length of 1,8 km (with replacement of water metering chambers), - Construction and reconstruction of water supply chambers (4 pieces) and hydrant chambers (3 pieces). Brief description of the works Table 1.
Works M/U
Solak
Akunk
Kaghsi
.
.
TOTAL
.
v
Tsaghadzor
v
v
razdan
Ծ
Abovyan Charentsavan
.
t
. H . .
t t t Repair of pump station set - - - 1 1 - - 2 Reconstruction of DRR m3 - - - 1000 - - - 1000 Reconstruction of water lm - - - 3440 1200 - - 4640 main Reconstruction of water supply internal network with de40-de280 diameter lm 19500 3630 25752 3000 9900 8034 10500 80316 pipes, washing, testing and disinfection Construction of entry lines of private houses and business entities connections with set 480 30 13 30 465 180 295 1493 constructing water metering chambers Deep well area fencing lm - - 42 - 42 Construction and set reconstruction of water - 9 54 - 1 6 - 70 supply and fire hydrant chambers Construction of valve and set buried valve - 1 7 - - 12 - 20 junctions
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 5 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Population of the subproject as of 01.01.2014 was 55348 people in Abovyan town, 30684 in Charentsavan town, 56400 people in Hrazdan town, 3500 people in Tsaghkadzor town, 2550 people in Kaghsi village, 2200 people in Akunk village and 2483 people in Solak village.The total number of consumers is more than 30 000 households, 1551 of which are the consumers of the rural settlements.
According to the data published by the "Demographic Handbook of Armenia, 2012", the population growth is 0.4%.
Due to the project implementation, it is planned to provide drinking and sustainable water supply to the consumers of the communities.
2. Description of the Existing Water Supply and Sewage Systems
2.1. Description of the water supply systems
The water supply and sewage systems of all the settlements included in the Subproject are served by “Armwatersewerage” CJSC. Hrazdan and Tsaghkadzor towns, Kaghsi and Solak rural communities are located in the district of Hrazdan in Kotayk Region, where the total level of leakages is approximately 87%. Abovyan town and Akunk village are located in the district of Abovyan in the region, where the total level of leakages is about 82%.
All the settlements included in the subproject are fed from “Makravan – Abovyan, Alapars external pressure pipelines and deep spontaneous (artesian) wells.
Water supply of Abovyan town is provided from “Makravan” springs by the pumping stations located in their territory; currently it provides water supply not only to Abovyan, but also to Hrazdan and Tsaghkadzor towns.
In the town of Abovyan the works aimed at the improvement of the water supply systems have been carried out since 2013 financed by EBRD. However, those works don’t cover “Kentron” and “5th neighborhood of 8th micro region”; their water supply is carried out from the distribution network fed from N1 DRRs of Abovyan town with a capacity of 2x3000m3. The existing distribution networks in these neighborhoods are mainly from steel pipes which are corroded and deteriorated. The entry lines of the buildings and the valves need to be reconstructed. There are great leakages as a result of deterioration of the water supply pipes.
The water supply system of Charentsavan town is fed from Makravan and Alapars springs. The existing DRRs with a capacity of 2x2000m3 are operating, but the DRRs with a capacity of 2x600m3 are not.
From catchment structures of Makravan springs Makravan-Abovyan pipeline passes by “Makravan-2” pumping station (reconstructed in 2010 financed by ADB), through the western section of Charentsavan town, from where 50 l/sec water amount is given to Charentsavan. Some water amount is also given to the distribution network by gravity.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 6 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
On average an additional volume of Q=50l/sec water is pumped from the catchment structures of Alapars springs by pumping station to Charentsavan DRRs with a capacity of W=2x2000m3. Some high-rise buildings on the elevated sections were supplied with water directly from Alapars pipeline.
The length of the distribution network of Charentsavan town is approximately 40km. It was constructed in 1960s and is mainly from steel of different sizes and manhole pipes. The inner water supply network, entry lines of houses, as well as valve junctions are technically in deteriorated conditions.
Some improvement works were realized in the water supply system of the town in 2005 and 2010 financed by ADB. Particularly, waterlines with approximate total length of 3.5km were renovated by installing polyethylene pipes of de50-de160 diameter.
According to the AWSC data, leakages make 75%; the duration of water supply as per neighborhood is 17-24hours.
Water supply of Hrazdan town is implemented from “Makravan” springs through “Makravan-2” and “Makravan-3” pumping stations located at 1700-1705m elevations adjacent to the bank of Hrazdan River through the town area, the overall capacity of which is approximately 1350- 1400l/sec.
The estimated average daily water demand for the drinking-household needs of the town is 22000m3/day, taking into consideration the normative permissible 20% leakages.
In 2010-2011 certain works have been implemented related to the installation of new water metering junctions, construction and replacement of pipelines, entry lines of private houses and multi-apartment buildings within the distribution network of Hrazdan town financed by the World Bank.
As a result of the works implemented in Hrazdan town, despite of 30% decrease of supplied water and existing 82% leakages in the distribution network, currently the water supply average duration is about 15 hours.
Although in recent years some work has been done aimed at the improvement of sanitary-hygienic and plumbing condition of the water supply sources and structures of the water utilities, there are still recorded breakdowns of pipelines and sewers.
Water supply and sewage systems of Tsaghkadzor town are served by “Armwatersewerage” CJSC. Currently water supply of the town is mainly performed from “Makravan-2” pumping station. However, Tsaghkadzor town has also 2 other water supply systems, Teghenis and Sport base springs, capacities of which are respectively 0-15l/sec and 0-5l/sec. However these types of sources are seasonal, as in months short of water (September-February) they are completely dried up. Water is supplied mainly from “Makravan-2” pumping station after it is disinfected. Currently there are 7 daily regulation reservoirs operating in Tsaghkadzor town with an overall capacity of 3400m3.
The operating water supply system was constructed 30-40 years ago and is not in favorable condition. However in recent years, financed by the World Bank, certain works have been
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 7 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region implemented in the town related to the construction of new pipelines, replacement of entry lines of private houses, reconstruction of DRRs and construction of new chlorination plant. However these works are not enough, as according to the existing data, leakages are still more than 50% and the distribution network of the town is partially zoned.
Water supply of Kaghsi village is implemented through the pumping station fed from Makravan- Abovyan DN700 water main constructed in 2007. Water is pumped to the new DRR with a capacity of 300m3 near Yerevan-Sevan highway constructed in 2011-2012 financed by ADB.
As a result of works implemented in 2011-2012, the external water supply system of Kaghsi village is currently in normal conditions. However, the overall water supply of the village is in extremely poor condition because of deteriorated and failing condition of waterlines of the distribution network, as a result of which the level of leakages reaches 95%. The fact that the main structures of water supply systems have no sanitary zones is disturbing.
Water supply of Akunk village is implemented from 3 deep spontaneous (artesian) wells in the village area after it is disinfected. The overall capacity of deep wells is approximately 40l/sec. They are located in the lower areas of the village at an elevation of 1445-1448m, at a distance of 300- 350m from each other. Next to each of the deep wells water intake reservoirs with a capacity of 10- 15m3 and small pumping stations are constructed, the two of which are dilapidated. The DRR with a capacity of 500m3 located in the higher part of the village at 1485.0m elevation is in normal condition; however, generally it does not operate, as the overall water volume of 40l/sec pumped from 3 pumping stations is directly supplied to the village distribution network.
The distribution network of the village is worn-out and in a breakdown state. As a result of the existing huge leakages, some higher parts of the village during daytime have no water supply, despite of the fact that the 40l/sec water quantity exceeds the real water demands of the village approximately 5 times.
Water supply system of Solak village is fed from Makravan-Abovyan pipeline. The pipeline feeding Abovyan town from “Makravan 2” pumping station passes through the western section of Solak. In 2010 a new pumping station has been constructed, financed by ADB, in the south- western section near Makravan-Abovyan pipeline from where the water is pumped to the 3 DRRs (W=120m3, W=100m3, W=300m3) which are located in the territory of the village and provide the water supply of the village. The DRR of W=300m3 capacity was also constructed in 2010 financed by ADB.
The length of distribution network is approximately 22km. It was constructed in the 1960s and is mainly from steel pipes. In 2010 ADB financed installation of polyethylene pipes (6.8km), valve junctions, as well as reconstruction of sanitation zone fences of water reservoirs in the village. As a result of implemented works, although the condition of the water supply system has been definitely improved, many sections of pipelines are deteriorated resulting in breakdowns. The distribution network and valve junctions need to be reconstructed.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 8 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
2.2. Description of the sewerage systems
Besides Solak village, all the other inspected settlements have sewage systems, though the sewers do not function properly. The wastewater of Tsaghkadzor town is disposed through Hankavan-Hrazdan collector, however they flow into the river without treatment. Hrazdan town does not have wastewater treatment plant, and the treatment plant of Kaghsi does not operate since 1993. There are blocked sections in the main collector of the sewage system and inter- district drainage network, some wells need a reconstruction and manhole replacement. Improvement of the water supply of Hrazdan and Tsakhadzor towns will result in increase of household wastewater quantity. Since Kaghsi WWTP does not operate currently the household wastewater fills into the Hrazdan river without treatment and pollutes it. At the first glance, the increase in the quantity of wastewater will cause further pollution of the Hrazdan river, but since the population number remains constant, dilution of wastewater occurs, thus additional contamination is not expected.
Wastewaters of Charentsavan and Abovyan towns are disposed to “Aeration” WWTP in Yerevan, where the perspective development of population was considered during the construction. Currently the rehabilitation works of the treatment plant are ongoing, therefore the increased quantity of water in the result of improvement of water supply system will not hinder the normal operation of the sewer system.
Table 2. Design population growth by years
Settlement Population number by years
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040
t. Charencavan
25100 25200 25301 25402 25504 25606 25708 25811 25915 26018 26122 26227 26332 26437 26543 26649 26756 26863 26970 27078 27186 27295 27404 27514 27624 27734 t. Abovyan, “Kentron”
and “5th neighborhood” 151 151 152 152 153 154 154 155 155 156 157 157 158 159 159 159 160 161 161 162 162 163 164 164 165 166
3 3 v. Solak
2493 250 2513 2523 2533 2543 2553 2564 2574 2584 2594 2605 2615 2626 2636 2647 2657 2668 2679 2689 2700 2711 2722 2733 2744 2755
Total
0006
27593 27703 27814 27925 28037 28149 28262 28375 28488 28602 28717 28832 28947 29063 29179 29296 29413 29531 29649 29767 29886 3 30126 30246 30367 30489
Table 3. Mean water demand of settlements Average daily design water Design population Water use rate, N Settlement demand (2040) number, man l/day, man m3/day l/sec 1 t. Charencavan 27734 210 5824,2 67,4 t. Abovyan, “Kentron” and 3 166 210 34.86 0.40 “5th neighborhood 4 v. Solak 2755 200 551,0 6,4 Total 30489 - 6375,2 73,8
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 9 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Table 4. Design water demands Design water demand
sv.
մ
max
(l/sec)
β
, (l/sec)
, (l/sec) ,
N x
(l/sec)
(l/sec)
(l/sec)
max
concent
av.daily
concent.
=1.3 ),=1.3 Q
con.
Settlement
+Q
max.h.
Designed Designed
hourl
Q
=αα
day
coefficient,
=210/200l/day, =210/200l/day,
+Q
h
Q
n
Average daily, Average daily,
Maximal hourly Maximal hourly
K
(K
Population number
Hour irregularity
(q
av.h
max.h
Current Current instruction
Concentrated yield,
Max.average hourly Max.average hourly
man), Q
Q
Q
1 t. Charencavan 27 734 67,4 87.62 1.53 134.05
t. Abovyan, “Kentron” and 2 166 0.40 0.52 4.55 2.37 - - - “5th neighborhood o 3 v. Solak 2 755 6,4 8.32 1.60 13.31 - - - Total 30 489 73.80 95.94 - 147.36
Table 5. Designed discharges
Design discharges
(qÏ=130 l/day, man qÏ=175l/day. man) Design Q Settlement population Q av. Qav. Qmax.daily max.daily Q max.daily number, man daily Kgen. hour 3 m /h max.hour, l/sec m3/day m3/h max.sec, m3/h t. Charencavan 27 734 4853.5 202.2 262.9 1.7 446.9 124.1 t. Abovyan, “Kentron” and 166 21.6 0.90 1.17 2.5 2.9 0.81 “5th neighborhood o v. Solak 2 755 358.2 14.9 19.4 2.5 48.5 13.5
The household-fecal wastewater issue of the rest houses and sanatoriums in service is also actual; the wastewater flow into the nearby rivers or get absorbed into the ground without initial treatment and disinfection. There is also removal of wastewater through open rills, which causes environmental pollution.
3. Geographical Location and Climate of the Settlements All the settlements covered by the subproject belong to RA Kotayk region, the area of which is 2076km2. The centre of the region is town Hrazdan, which is 45km away from capital Yerevan.
The area is included in the cold climatic zone and is characterized by cool summer and very cold winter, where in July and August the monthly average temperature is 17.20C. Yearly average temperature is 5,20C. The coldest month of the year is January, the warmest is July.The air absolute maximum temperature is +33oC, absolute minimum is -31oC, air relative humidiy is 71%. According to the observations of Hrazdan meteorological station, the annual precipitations are
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 10 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
588mm. Precipitations mainly fall in the months of March-June. In summer winds dominate in the north-eastern and in winter in the south-western direction. The maximum snow cover in ten-day period reaches 132cm. The ground freezing depth is 0.96m.
Mentioned settlements are located on the right and left sides of Hrazdan River, where the surfaces are uneven and have disrupted hill-dam relief typical to volcanic plateau. The absolute elevations vary between 1700-1708m.
From orographic view point the biggest rivers of the area are Hrazdan river and its right confluent Marmarik river, with their numerous temporary and permanent flows.
The studied areas are located on the left side and right side valley upper stream of Hrazdan river and its nearby places.
From geomorphological point of view the area is located in the south-eastern extremities of Tsaghkunyats mountain range, which is limited by the north-western edge of Geghama mountains from the east, complicated with low hill-ranges and not deep concavities.
The geological structure is diverse. Basalts and andesite volcanic flows of mid-quaternary period, lower Eocene limestone and sand-stone sediments, also chalk age limestones and marls, which are covered with modern diluvial-proluvial as well as lake-alluvial formations caused by Hrazdan River, with quite different thicknesses.
In this area among the exogenous geological phenomena there are storm flows, weathering, waterlogging caused by the atmospheric precipitations, deepening of riverbed, in some places stone falling, anthropogenic phenomena, etc., which need more detailed investigation and examination in the course of further work.
The area has got 0.3g acceleration and is situated in region of possible earthquakes of 8-9 magnitude.
4. Biodiversity and Specially Protected Areas
The settlements of RA Kotayk region are rich with historical and cultural heritage, which is a stimulus for tourism and recreation zone development in the region.
Taking into consideration the region’s rich biodiversity, unique forest landscape and ecosystem protection necessity, “Banks' pine”, “Arzakan-Meghradzor”, “Hankavan” reserves and “Erebuni” reserve have been formed in Kotayk Region.
Wild Poaceaes are spread in the region; “Erebuni” reserve, which is also in Kotayk region, is considered as a conservation hotbed of Poaceaes genofond.
The region has rich and diverse vegetation, it is located on dry mountain-heath and wormwood semi-desert borderline.The widely spread plant coexistences are mainly formed from yearling poaceaes: Aegilops cylindrica, Amblyopyrum muticum, Secale Vavilovii, Triticum araraticum, T. Boeoticum, T. Urartu, etc. There are more than hundred types of wheat. Here are also other rare and endangered species recorded in the RA Red Book. Among them there are Iris reticulata, Rhizocephalus orientalis, Hohenackeria excapa, Cundelia tournefortii, etc.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 11 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
The animal world is rich and diverse. Tere are various types of reptiles, from which are Macrovipera lebetina, Malpolon monspesscullanus, Mabuya aurata, Eumeces schneideri and etc. From the amphibious are meeting Rana ridibunda, Bufo viridis, Hyla savigna. The forest zone bird world is presented mainly with about 40 type sparrow bird species. Among them ther are the remarkable Coturnix coturnix, Perdix perdix, Streptopelia turtur, Falco tinunnculus, Circus macrourus, Athene noctua, Coracias careulus and etc. Species of mammals are forest mouse, fox, wolf, gray bear, boar, weasel, rarely also marten and badger.
Though the existence of cultural heritage spiritual institutions in the communities of the subproject (such as Kecharis Monastery in Tsaghkadzor, 11-13th centuries), however the subproject does not deal with the latter.
In the subproject implementation areas, there are no environmentally vulnerable and special natural protection places.
5. Environmental Impact Assessment
Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has revealed that no damage is expected to be caused to the landscape, flora, fauna, land and water resources of the area where works on improvement of the water supply systems will be impelemented. The sub-project will be implemented mainly in the urban areas of the settlements, and new areas will not be used for the purposes of work implementation. As a result of the project, the disposal of old equipment and pipes as scrap metals is not anticipated. The old pipeline of internal system will be under operation until the end of construction works. At the moment when new pipeline considers ready (after being disinfected and tested), the old waterline will be cut-down and the new waterline will be put into operation. The old pipeline is the property of community and will remain under the discretion of community. As to the preliminary environemntal inspection the sub-project was classified as B category project. Along with the Detailed Design an Environemntal Management Plan has to be elaborated for this project, which shall cover all the communities that are included in the Detailed Design.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 12 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Appendix 1. Checklist for Quick Environmental Evaluation
Improvement of water supply and sewerage systems of RA Country/ Subproject Title settlements
Sector division Subproject 4 – Abovyan, Charentsavan, Hrazdan, Tsaghkadzor towns and Qaghsi, Akunq, Solak villages of Kotayk region, RA
Screening Questions Yes N/A No Remarks A. Project Siting Is the project area…
. densely populated? Kotayk region is considered as one of the + most densely populated regions of Armenia, 134,3 people/square km . heavy with development activities? Both 2 town settlements have urban + development project documentation (master plans). In Hrazdan town construction works are partly implemented, however they are not overloaded with development actions. In rural settlements there is no such a problem. + . adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas?
Almost all settlements have cultural . cultural heritage site + heritage monuments, but the project does not deal with them + “Erebuni” reserve is located between Mushaghbyur and Geghadir villages of . protected Area Kotayk region, 58km away from Hrazdan town + There are no marshes during project . marsh implementation + There are no such kind of areas in . mangrove Armenia + Hrazdan town and Kaghsi rural . estuarine settlements are located on the right and left sides of Hrazdan river + . buffer zone of protected area
+ “Banks' pine”, “Arzakan-Meghradzor”, . special area for protecting biodiversity “Hankavan” reserves are located 10-15 km away from Hrazdan town . bay +
B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause… . pollution of raw water supply from upstream wastewater + water supply is foreseen from ground discharge from communities, industries, agriculture, and soil waters erosion runoff? . impairment of historical/cultural monuments/areas and + All the settlements have cultural heritage loss/damage to these sites? monuments, but the project does not deal with them
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 13 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Screening Questions Yes N/A No Remarks . hazard of land subsidence caused by excessive ground water + It is not applicable to this subproject pumping?
. social conflicts arising from displacement of communities ? + Not anticipated
. conflicts in abstraction of raw water for water supply with other + In the frame of the subproject potable beneficial water uses for surface and ground waters? water supply will be done from underground sources. The drinking water shall not be used for irrigation or any other purposes. . unsatisfactory raw water supply (e.g. excessive pathogens or + In the frame of the subproject potable mineral constituents)? water supply will be done from underground sources, after treatment. . delivery of unsafe water to distribution system? +
. inadequate protection of intake works or wells, leading to + Within the frame of this subproject in the pollution of water supply? main buildings works are not designed.
. over pumping of ground water, leading to salinization and + The design doesn’t foresee pumping of ground subsidence? ground water, that is why the implementation of the design cannot result in salinization and ground subsidence
. excessive algal growth in storage reservoir? +
. increase in production of sewage beyond capabilities of + In the settlements included in the community facilities? subproject sewage treatment plants are missing, and the existing ones do not operate . inadequate disposal of sludge from water treatment plants? + Not applicable for the subproject
. inadequate buffer zone around pumping and treatment plants + Project documentation is prepared to alleviate noise and other possible nuisances and protect according to acting urban development facilities? norms.
. impairments associated with transmission lines and access + Impairment associated with access roads, roads? and crossings with transmission lines will be carried out according to the required norms . health hazards arising from inadequate design of facilities for + All design documents for all structures are receiving, storing, and handling of chlorine and other prepared according to acting urban hazardous chemicals. development and sanitation norms. . health and safety hazards to workers from handling and + While working with chlorine or other management of chlorine used for disinfection, other contaminants prescribed technological contaminants, and biological and physical hazards during procedures shall be followed. project construction and operation? . dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? + Not foreseen . disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, + Not foreseen Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups? . noise and dust from construction activities? + During construction it will have temporary character and mitigation measures will be developed in EMP (Environmental Management Plan). . increased road traffic due to interference of construction + Not significant increase is predicted for the activities? construction period. . continuing soil erosion/silt runoff from construction operations? + Detailed measures of construction management will be described in the EMP . delivery of unsafe water due to poor O&M treatment processes + Mud accumulation issue is not applicable. (especially mud accumulations in filters) and inadequate Monitoring of chlorine residuals in chlorination due to lack of adequate monitoring of chlorine distribution system will be performed residuals in distribution systems? according to established procedure.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 14 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Screening Questions Yes N/A No Remarks . delivery of water to distribution system, which is corrosive due + During operation of this system corrective to inadequate attention to feeding of corrective chemicals? chemicals for water treatment are not used. . accidental leakage of chlorine gas? + In the case of technical security providing it is not anticipated. . excessive abstraction of water affecting downstream water + The design of the system reconstruction is users? developed to exclude such cases . competing uses of water? + The project aims at softening competition in water uses . increased sewage flow due to increased water supply +
. increased amount of household sewages (wastewater from + No any settlement covered by the Project cooking and laundry) and sludge from wastewater treatment has waste water treatment plant plant . large population influx during project construction and + The volume of the project is small and it operation that causes increased burden on social focused at reconstruction of existing infrastructure and services (such as water supply and systems, new casual impacts are sanitation systems)? anticipated. . social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries are + Mainly local labor force will be involved hired? . risks to community health and safety due to the transport, + If safety measures of explosives, fuels and storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as other chemicals used within the framework explosives, fuel and other chemicals during operation and of the project are maintained, risks will be construction? minimized. . community safety risks due to both accidental and natural + If safety measures of associated with the hazards, especially where the structural elements or transport, storage and use of explosives, components of the project are accessible to members of the fuel and other chemicals used within the affected community or where their failure could result in injury framework of the project are maintained, to the community throughout project construction, operation community safety risks due to both and decommissioning? accidental and natural hazards
Climate Change and Disaster Risk Questions Yes No Notes
The following questions do not concern the ecological classification. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks. Is the Project area subject to hazards such as earthquakes, + Armenia is situated in an active tectonic floods, landslides, tropical cyclone winds, storm surges, tsunami zone and can undergo dangers with all or volcanic eruptions and climate changes (see Appendix I) the possible consequences
Could changes in temperature, precipitation, or extreme events + The shortage of precipitations can patterns over the Project lifespan affect technical or financial cause water shortages in the resources sustainability (e.g., changes in rainfall patterns disrupt reliability of which will result in changes of the water water supply; sea level rise creates salinity intrusion into proposed supply stability water supply source)
. Are there any demographic or socio-economic aspects of the + Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g., high incidence of marginalized populations, rural-urban migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or children)
. Could the Project potentially increase the climate or disaster + vulnerability of the surrounding area (e.g., by using water from a vulnerable source that is relied upon by many user groups, or encouraging settlement in earthquake zones).
*Hazards are potentially damaging physical events.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 15 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Appendix 2: Checklist for Preliminary Climate Risk Screening
Country/Project Title: Armenia/ Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project - Additional Financing Sector: Water supply and other municipal infrastructure and services Subsector: Urban policy, institutional and capacity development, Urban water supply Division/Department: Environmental and Social Impact
Screening Questions Score Remarks1 Location Is siting and/or routing of the project (or its 0 N/A for this project and components) likely to be affected by climate Design of conditions including extreme weather related project events such as floods, droughts, storms, landslides? Would the project design (e.g. the clearance for 0 N/A for this project bridges) need to consider any hydro- meteorological parameters (e.g., sea-level, peak river flow, reliable water level, peak wind speed etc)? Materials Would weather, current and likely future climate 1 Selection of construction and conditions (e.g. prevailing humidity level, materials and design decisions Maintenan temperature contrast between hot summer (ex. Prior identification of soil ce days and cold winter days, exposure to wind freezing depth) should be and humidity hydro-meteorological parameters made taking into account the likely affect the selection of project inputs over climatic conditions of the life of project outputs (e.g. construction settlements, thus mitigating material)? the risks. Would weather, current and likely future climate 0 N/A for this project conditions, and related extreme events likely affect the maintenance (scheduling and cost) of project output(s)? Performan Would weather/climate conditions and related 0 N/A for this project ce of extreme events likely affect the performance project (e.g. annual power production) of project outputs output(s) (e.g. hydro-power generation facilities) throughout their design life time? Options for answers and corresponding score are provided below: Response Score Not Likely 0 Likely 1 Very Likely 2 Responses when added that provide a score of 0 will be considered low risk project. If adding all responses will result to a score of 1-4 and that no score of 2 was given to any single response, the project will be assigned a medium risk category. A total score of 5 or more (which include providing a score of 1 in all responses) or a 2 in any single response, will be categorized as high risk project.
Result of Initial Screening (Low, Medium, High): _1____ Medium ______
Other comments: ______Prepared by: Kristine Sahakayan (HGSN LLC environmental specialist)
1 If possible, provide details on the sensitivity of project components to climate conditions, such as how climate parameters are considered in design standards for infrastructure components, how changes in key climate parameters and sea level might affect the siting/routing of project, the selection of construction material and/or scheduling, performances and/or the maintenance cost/scheduling of project outputs.
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 16 HGSN LLC -JINJ Ltd Improvement of the water supply systems of the settlements of Kotayk region
Appendix 3. Kotayk subproject layout
Subproject IV Initial Environmental Examination 17