54123-001: Urban Transport Electrification Project

Initial Environment Examination

Project number: 54123-001 August 2020

Kyrgyz Republic: Urban Transport Electrification Project

Prepared by the Mayor’s Office of Bishkek City for the Asian Development Bank.

This initial environmental examination report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. 2

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS As of 27th August 2020 Currency Unit – Kyrgyz Soms (KYGS) 1 KYGS = $ 0.0135 US$1.00 = 74 KYGS

ACRONYMS

ACM Asbestos Containing Material ADB Asian Development Bank AIP Access to Information Policy BCMO Bishkek City Mayor’s Office BEBs Battery electric buses BTD Bishkek Trolley Bus Department COVID-19 Pandemic virus CSC Construction Supervision Consultant dB Decibel EA Executing Agency EARF Environment Assessment Review Framework EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EHS Environment, Health, and Safety EIA Environment Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EV Electric Vehicle FGD Focus Group Discussions FI Financial Intermediary GHG Greenhouse Gases GRG Grievance Redressal Group GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism IA Implementing Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination IFC International Finance Corporation KHM Kyrgyz Hydromet Km Kilometer KR Kyrgyz Republic LPC Local Point of Contact NGO Non-governmental Organization NOx Nitrogen oxide OVOS Russian Acronym for ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ PER Public Environmental Review PIU Project Implementation Unit PM Particulate Matter PPE Personal Protective Equipment REA Rapid Environmental Assessment SAEMR Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report SAEPF State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry SER State Environmental Review SOC State of Charge SOx Sulfur oxide SPS Safeguard Policy Statement SPZ Sanitary Protection Zone SSEMP Site Specific Environmental Management Plan TBD Trolley Bus Depot WHO World Health Organization

Content Details

S/No. Version Date Summary of Revisions made 1 1 30-06-2020 First Draft of IEE report 2 2 27-08-2020 Second Draft of IEE report 3 3 28-08-2020 Revisions based on ADB comments Table of Content

I. Introduction 1 A. Project Background 1 B. Project Objective 2 C. Project Scope 2 D. Environmental Category of the Project 2 E. Methodology of IEE Study 2 F. Proponent of Project 2 G. Structure of the Report 3 H. Further Additions & Updating of IEE study 3 II. Policy and Legal Framework 5 A. General 5 B. Environmental Protection Law and Policy 5 C. Permitting Processes in Kyrgyz Republic 7 1. Permitting Process for Project 7 2. Environmental Assessment system in KR and its relationship with Project 7 D. Responsible Agencies 12 E. ADB Policies 13 1. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), 2009 13 2. ADB’s Access to Information Policy (AIP) 2018 14 3. ADB’s Accountability Mechanism Policy 2012 14 4. Comparison of International and Local Environmental Legislations 14 III. Description of the Project 19 A. Project Overview 19 B. Justification and Need for Project 19 C. Project Construction Schedule 19 IV. Description of Environment 22 A. General 22 B. Physical Resources 22 1. Terrain and Topography 22 2. Soil and Geological Characteristics 22 3. Climate 22 4. Seismology 25 5. Hydrology of the Project Area 26 C. Ecological Resources 26 1. Flora 26 2. Fauna 27 D. Human and Economic Development 27 1. Population 27 2. Culture 27 3. Religion 27 4. Languages Spoken 27 5. Administrative Set up 28 6. Income Levels of Population 28 7. Employment and Remuneration Levels 28 8. Transport 28 9. Industry 28 10. Archaeological and Cultural Heritage 29 11. Energy Supplies 29 12. Noise Levels 29 13. Air Quality 29 E. Climate Vulnerability of Project 30 V. Analysis of Alternatives 30 A. Overview 30 B. ‘No Project’ Option 30 C. Rationale for selection of TBD Locations for Upgradation 30 D. Alternative use of technology (Construction equipment, methodology etc.) 30 VI. Potential Environmental Impacts And Mitigation Measures 32 A. Methodology For Impact Screening 32 B. Design/Pre-Construction Phase 33 1. Impact Screening Matrix 33 2. Likely 33 C. Construction Phase 34 1. Impact Screening Matrix 34 2. Noise Levels 34 3. Air Quality 36 4. Vehicular & Equipment Emissions 37 5. Fugitive Dust Control 37 6. Occupational Health and Safety 38 7. Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Management including Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) 39 8. Soil Contamination 41 9. Communicable diseases 41 10. Community Health and Safety 42 11. Vegetation and Wildlife Loss 42 12. Land Use and Aesthetics 43 13. Natural and Man-made Hazards 43 D. Operation Phase 43 1. Traffic Management Issues due to increased Bus Volume at TBDs 44 2. Replacement of BEB batteries 44 3. Soil Contamination from BEB Maintenance 45 4. Economic Growth 45 E. Cumulative Impacts 45 F. Indirect and Induced Impacts 46 VII. Environmental Management Plan 46 A. Environmental Management/Monitoring and Reporting 51 B. Capacity Building and Training 51 C. Environmental Management Costs 56 VIII. Public Consultation and Information Disclosure 70 A. Meaningful Consultations 71 B. Minimum topics required during consultation meetings 72 C. Details of Consultations Conducted 73 D. Future Consultations 75 E. Reporting on Consultations 75 F. Information Disclosure 75 IX. Grievance Redress Mechanism 76 A. Grievance Redress Group (GRG) 76 1. Local Level 76 2. Central Level 76 B. Grievance Resolution Process 76 3. GRG Records and Documentation 79 X. Conclusions and Recommendations 79 XI. References 81 ANNEXURES

Annexure A - Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist Annexure B - Kyrgyz Guidelines Annexure C - Public Consultations Annexure D - Photographs of Project Areas Annexure E - Site Specific EMP (SSEMP) Guide & Template for Guidance to Contractor Annexure F - Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report (SAEMR)

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Locations of the two TBDs in Bishkek City 4 Figure 3.1: Location of Proposed TBD No.1 20 Figure 3.2: Location of Proposed TBD No.2 21 Figure 4.1: Temperature Profiles for Bishkek City for period 2009-19. 23 Figure 4.2: Rainfall trends in Bishkek City for period 2009-19. 23 Figure 4.3: Snowfall trends in Bishkek City for period 2009-19. 24 Figure 4.4: Wind speed profiles in Bishkek City for period 2009-19. 24 Figure 4.5: Cloud Cover and Humidity profiles in Bishkek City for period 2009-19. 25 Figure 4.6: Zoning Map of Seismically Hazardous Areas in Bishkek City 26 Figure 5.1: Bus Depot Locations Initially Considered for Upgradation 31

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES.1: Screening of possible Impacts during Design/Pre-construction phase vii Table ES.2: Screening of possible Impacts during Construction phase vii Table ES.3: Screening of possible Impacts during Operation Phase viii Table 2.1: Relevant Laws and Regulations on Environmental Impacts for Road Projects 8 Table 2.2: International Conventions and Agreements 10 Table 2.3: Government Bodies on Environmental Protection Relevant to Project 12 Table 2.4: Preliminary Environmental Safeguards Capacity Assessment of Project Executing Agency & Implementing Agency 13 Table 2.5: IFC Work Environment Noise limits 15 Table 2.6: Comparison of IFC noise Guidelines (dB) & Kyrgyz Noise Standards 16 Table 2.7: Building Vibration Damage Assessment Criteria 17 Table 2.8: BS 5228 Vibration Assessment Criteria for Human Perception 17 Table 2.9: Kyrgyz Surface Water quality standards 17 Table 2.10: Comparison of IFC Air Quality Guidelines & Kyrgyz Air Quality Standards* 18 Table 6.1: Screening of possible Impacts during Design/Pre-construction phase 33 Table 6.2: Screening of possible Impacts during Construction phase 34 Table 6.3: Construction Equipment Noise Ranges, dB(A) 35 Table 6.4: Control measures for Fugitive Dust emissions 37 Table 6.5: Screening of possible Impacts during Operation Phase 43 Table 7.1: Summary of Environmental Safeguard Compliance Requirements 47 Table 7.2: Pre-Construction Monitoring Requirements 53 Table 7.3: Construction Phase Monitoring Requirements 53 Table 7.4: Operation Phase Monitoring Requirements 54 Table 7.5: Capacity Development and Training Programme 56 Table 7.6: Annual Cost Estimates for ‘Pre-Construction Phase’ Environmental Monitoring 56 Table 7.7: Annual Cost Estimates for ‘Construction Phase’ Environmental Monitoring 57 Table 7.8: Estimated Costs for EMP Implementation 57 Table 7.9: ‘Pre-Construction Phase’ Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 58 Table 7.10: ‘Construction Phase’ Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 58 Table 7.11: ‘Operation Phase’ Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 68 Table 8.1: Stakeholder Engagement Plan 70 Table 8.2:Feedback from Stakeholder Consultations 74 Table 9.1: Composition of the Local GRG 76 Table 9.2: Composition of the Central Level GRG in the Mayor’s Office 76 Table 9.3: Grievance Resolution Process 77 Table 11-1 Summary of Issues Tracking Activity for Current Period 117

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Overview

The Urban Transport Electrification project in Bishkek city, Kyrgyz Republic, is proposed for Asian Development Bank (ADB) financing and consists of the following four interlinked outputs:

Output 1: Zero-emission tailpipe bus fleet in Bishkek municipality upgraded Output 2: Trolley Bus depot infrastructure upgraded Output 3: Pilot green mobility corridor established Output 4: Bishkek bus operation sustainability improved

This IEE study has been prepared for Outputs 1 and 2, which will consist of the following activities:

• Maintenance of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) – Output 1 • Regular operational maintenance of the BEBs (Replacement of mechanical parts, tyre replacement, repair/maintenance of bus interior etc.) ▪ Replacement of the batteries of the BEBs1, when necessary and sale of old batteries; • Upgradation of two Trolley Bus Depots (TBDs) – Output 2 ▪ Construction of weatherproof parking facilities for the new e-buses in at least two BTD’s depots; ▪ Upgrading of existing electrical substations, and ▪ Provision of electrical works to connect the substations with each charging point. As future upscale of the project is anticipated, selected substations will be upgraded to serve charging infrastructure for up to 200 buses in each depot. A map of the locations of the two TBDs to be upgraded is provided as Figure ES-1.

Project Need

The proposed project will improve air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the city of Bishkek. The project will further contribute to long-term government savings from lower fossil fuel imports and decreased power demand (due to higher energy efficiency of e-buses compared to existing trolley buses). Financial savings will become available for long-term government targets, including poverty alleviation and economic development. The project will likewise improve the efficiency of public transport services to better serve the needs of residents in Bishkek.

Study Methodology

Available secondary data was reviewed along with IEE reports prepared earlier for other similar urban projects in the vicinity of the project area, along with any other documents found to be relevant to the environmental assessment of this project. The detailed design is presently being prepared.

An initial field visit to the two proposed TBDs to be upgraded was conducted. Limited consultations were conducted by the social safeguard consultant team while focused discussions on environmental aspects of the proposed project activities under Outputs 1 and

1 Total expected life cycle of each bus battery is a minimum of 15 years, consisting of 8 years’ use as a ‘bus battery’, after which it is sold for its ‘second life’ stationary applications for use for atleast another 7 years, until the need arises for it to be considered for recycling. ii

2 have yet to be conducted with key stakeholders such as local communities, local businesses, government and local government bodies etc. in line with the ADB requirements. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the consultations are delayed and will be conducted as soon as possible.

The significance of impacts from the proposed project have only been preliminarily assessed at present and once the detailed design is available, this initial impact analysis will be further refined and updated as felt necessary.

An initial draft detailed environmental management and monitoring plan has also been developed to ensure compliance to the proposed measures during the project development, which will also be further refined and updated based on the detailed design information.

Public Consultation Process

As mentioned above, detailed consultations will be conducted with all key stakeholders in the respective project areas and the findings will be updated in this section.

TBD No. 1: On the north-east side of this TBD, there is an urban market while on the northern side, behind the depot garage border, there is a private parking area. On the northern-west side of the TBD, there is a multi-store housing/dormitory.

TBD No. 2: On the western side of this TBD, there is a road, on the northern side behind the TBD, there is a populated area while on the eastern side, there are some private facilities.

The environmental safeguards focused consultations to be conducted in the coming weeks and months will focus on briefing the key stakeholders on the scope of the project activities, potential environmental impacts as a result of the proposed activities along with the required measures that will be implemented to ensure any potential impacts are limited to the site and do not impact the communities, businesses and any other stakeholders residing in the project areas of the two TBDs. Any comments and/or concerns raised by these stakeholders will be recorded and suitably addressed in the updated version of this IEE study. A stakeholder engagement plan has already been developed as a part of this IEE study.

A summary of the feedback obtained from the consultations conducted with 12 men and 26 men from the local communities in the project areas of the TBDs by the social safeguards project team are as follows:

• All participants of consultations have supported the idea of urban transport electrification, mostly because they expect the increase of bus fleet and consequently the expansion of an area covering by municipal transport. • Participants were especially happy with the idea of introducing e-buses to the new settlements, where the majority of people do not have alternatives to private transport companies, which operate with minibuses. • Several participants from both groups of consultations were mentioning the possible positive effects of this upcoming project: establishing new routes for e-buses will generate employment and indirectly stimulate business opportunities for local settlements; expanding and easing access to health care, education, market, and other social services. • Analysis of Alternatives

No Project’ Option. If the BEB fleet is not inducted into the existing bus fleet in Bishkek city and the TBDs are not upgraded to provide the required operational infrastructure for these iii

BEBs to operate, the benefits that are expected to result from this project will not materialize. As a result, the following issues will continue and in fact further worsen for the residents of Bishkek city:

• Deterioration of public health • Decreased quality of life • Decreased city attractiveness • Decreased economic growth • Increased levels of air pollution and GHG emissions • Reduced energy security of transport sector • High imports of fossil fuels, with negative impact on national balance of payments

Thus the ‘no project’ option is not viable and cannot be considered as a possible option.

Potential Major Impacts

The potential impacts from the pre-construction/design, construction and operation stages have been screened and assessed. These screening matrices are provided as Tables ES.1 to ES.3 in the main text.

The scope of proposed activities is generally minor and site specific in nature and majority of the environmental impacts are associated with the construction phase of the project such as occupational health and safety aspects due to the risk of electrocution since major electrical works will be conducted, risks of transmission of COVID-19 amongst Contractor workforce and potential noise and air quality impacts, to name a few.

No significant impacts are expected to take place from the proposed activities and the potential impacts have been screened to be, at most, ‘medium’ in terms of risk and can be effectively managed through implementation of required mitigation measures.

This impact analysis will be updated once the detailed design has been completed in the updated version of this IEE study.

Cumulative Impacts

The international financing agency, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is presently financing a number of different projects across Kyrgyz Republic and within Bishkek city across transport sector, municipal services such as water supply, power and energy sector, manufacturing services etc.2 Although the specific details of these projects and their proximity to the TBD sites is not exactly known at present, however, the possibility of cumulative impacts is possible.

The projects presently being financed by EBRD in Bishkek city consist of:

2 https://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/project-finance/project-summary-documents.html?c16=on&keywordSearch= iv

• Promoting Climate Resilience of Water Supples in Kyrgyz Republic, including Bishkek City:3 This project seeks to rehabilitate the water supply infrastructure in cities under the Framwork, including Bishkek city.

Indirect and Induced Impacts

The potential impact of upgradation of the TBDs has been examined, which indicates that the existing and planned infrastructure such as water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, municipal solid waste collection and disposal would be adequate. Any potential Impacts on the environment such as air emissions, traffic noise etc. have also been assessed and have found to be acceptable and within the carrying capacities of the environmental media.

Thus, negative indirect and induced impacts from this project are not expected.

Institutional Arrangements

The executing agency (EA) for this project is the Bishkek City Mayor’s Office (BCMO) while the implementing agency (IA) for these two Outputs will be the Municipal Company ‘Bishkek Trolleybus Department’.

During the construction phase, the overall responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the EMP rests with the respective IA. The IA, through its own Environmental Officer and the Supervision Consultant’s Environmental staff, will supervise the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures and monitor the implementation progress in the field.

The Contractor will be required to prepare the Site-Specific Environmental Management Plans (SSEMPs) and submit them to the IA for approval. Only once the IA has approved the SSEMP(s) will the Contractor be permitted to commence civil works. In addition, the Contractor will hire a full time Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) manager that will remain engaged until the completion of all works and will ensure implementation of the SSEMP(s) in true letter and spirit.

Consultation, Disclosure and Grievance Redress

Public consultations were carried out in accordance with the newly adopted rules through applying the preventive measures elaborated regarding COVID-19 pandemic. As no international staff could be mobilized due to the pandemic all consultations were carried out by the national social and environmental safeguard specialists. The IEE will be made available at public locations and will be disclosed to a wider audience via the ADB and EA/IA websites. The consultation process will be continued and expanded during project implementation to ensure that stakeholders are fully engaged in the project and can participate in its development, finalization, and implementation.

A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) is described within the IEE to ensure any public grievances are addressed quickly.

Monitoring and Reporting

Quarterly environmental monitoring data/reports will be incorporated in the project implementation progress reports to be shared with ADB and such monthly reports will be consolidated into semi-annual environmental monitoring reports and submitted to ADB for

3 https://www.thegef.org/sites/default/files/project_documents/EBRD%2520Kyrgyz%2520SCCF%2520ProDoc% 2520v1-1_1.pdf v review and clearance. Upon clearance, all such reports will be uploaded on the respective IA and ADB websites.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusion. The project is unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts. The potential impacts that are associated with construction and operation can be mitigated to standard levels without difficulty through incorporation or application of recommended mitigation measures and procedures. Based on the findings of the IEE, there are no significant impacts and the classification of the project as Category “B” is confirmed.

Mitigation will be assured by a program of environmental monitoring conducted during construction and operation to ensure that all measures in the EMP are implemented and to determine whether the environment is protected as intended. This will include observations on and off-site, document checks, instrumental monitoring of environmental paramteters such as noise levels, air quality etc. through engaging of accredited laboratories and interviews with workers and beneficiaries, and any requirements for remedial action will be reported. The engaging of external environmental monitoring consultants for ensuring efficient and effective implementation of the mitigation measures is also under consideration.

An action plan with clear roles and responsibilities of stakeholders has been provided in the IEE. The IA, Contractors and the Construction Supervision Consultant are the major stakeholders responsible for the action plan. The action plan must be implemented prior to commencement of construction work.

Recommendations. The following are recommendations applicable to the project to ensure no significant impacts:

• Obtain all statutory clearances at the earliest time possible and ensure conditions/provisions are incorporated in the detailed design; • Include this IEE with the EMP in bid and contract documents; • Update/revise the EMP based on site-specific conditions, contractors working methodology, and/or if there are unanticipated impacts, change in scope, alignment, or location; • Ensure that the existing materials to be demolished/dismantled are tested for hazardous contents and action plan for handling, storage, transport, and disposal of the wastes is prepared, informed to the contractors, and strictly monitored during project implementation. • Ensure that wastes (solid and liquid) should be stored and disposed at designated site/facility (dumping on vacant lot is not allowed); • Prepare end-of-life batteries management plan and/or hazardous materials management plan per site-specific conditions. • Conduct safeguards induction to the contractor upon award of contract; • Strictly supervise EMP implementation; • Ensure contractor appointed qualified EHS officers prior to start of works; • Documentation and reporting on a regular basis as indicated in the IEE; • Continuous consultations with stakeholders; • Timely disclosure of information and establishment of GRM; • Involvement of contractors, including subcontractors, in first-level GRM; and • Commitment from BCMO, Bishkek Trolley Department, supervision consultants, and contractors to protect the environment and the people from any impact during project implementation.

Figure ES-1: Locations of the two TBDs in Bishkek City

vii

Table ES.1: Screening of possible Impacts during Design/Pre-construction phase Likelihood Consequence Risk Level S/No. Potential Impact (Certain, Likely, Unlikely, (Catastrophic, Major, (Significant, Medium, Low) Rare) Moderate, Minor) 1 Inadequate planning to obtain timely permits and/or authorizations from respective departments/agencies Likely Moderate Medium resulting in delays in commencement of physical works Significant Risk Level Medium Risk Level Low Risk Level

Table ES.2: Screening of possible Impacts during Construction phase Likelihood Consequence Risk Level S/No. Potential Impact (Certain, Likely, Unlikely, (Catastrophic, Major, (Significant, Medium, Low) Rare) Moderate, Minor) 1 High noise levels from construction Likely Moderate Medium activities 2 Degradation of air quality due to Likely Moderate Medium construction works 3 Occupational Health & Safety Issues, Likely Major Medium particularly risk of electrocution. 4 Improper handling and/or disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous Likely Moderate Medium waste, particularly Asbestos containing materials (ACM). 5 Soil Contamination Likely Moderate Medium 6 Communicable diseases, particularly Likely Moderate Medium risk of COVID-19 transmission 7 Potential accidents and injuries to communities in project area during Unlikely Minor Low construction works 8 Vegetation and Wildlife Loss Unlikely Minor Low viii

9 Land Use Aesthetics Unlikely Minor Low 10 Natural and Man-made hazards Unlikely Minor Low

Significant Risk Level Medium Risk Level Low Risk Level

Table ES.3: Screening of possible Impacts during Operation Phase Consequence Likelihood Risk Level S/No. Potential Impact (Catastrophic, Major, Moderate, (Certain, Likely, Unlikely, Rare) (Significant, Medium, Low) Minor) 1 Traffic Management issues from increased volume of Likely Moderate Medium buses operating from upgraded TBDs 2 Replacement and disposal Likely Moderate Medium of BEB batteries 3 Soil Contamination from Likely Moderate Medium BEB maintenance Significant Risk Level Medium Risk Level Low Risk Level

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Project Background

1. The Urban Transport Electrification project in Bishkek city, Kyrgyz Republic, is proposed for Asian Development Bank (ADB) financing. This proposed project consists of the following four interlinked outputs:

Output 1: Zero-emission tailpipe bus fleet in Bishkek municipality upgraded. This component will include the procurement of (i) about 100 state-of-the-art, energy- efficient Battery Electric Buses (BEBs), (ii) relevant slow and fast-charging infrastructure, (iii) bus maintenance equipment, (iv) required spare parts for a period of 3 years, and (v) one tow truck.4 Procured buses will include universal accessibility design features to serve the needs of disabled and elderly passengers and will include security features, such as cameras and panic buttons, to cater to the needs of female and vulnerable passengers.

Output 2: Trolley Bus depot infrastructure upgraded. This component will include (i) the construction of weatherproof parking facilities for the new e-buses at two Trolley Bus Depots (TBDs), (ii) the upgrade of existing electrical substations, and (iii) the provision of electrical works to connect the substations with each charging point. As future upscale of the project is anticipated, selected substations will be upgraded to serve charging infrastructure for up to 200 buses in each depot.

Output 3: Pilot green mobility corridor established. This output will develop an e- bus pilot corridor to demonstrate improved traffic and parking management to reduce congestion and increase bus speed and service reliability. This will include (i) optimized locations and upgrade of bus stops along the pilot corridor, (ii) redesign of some of the intersections, traffic channelization, and minor road works, (iii) upgrade of the traffic signal system with optimized timing and synchronization, (iv) improved parking management measures, and (v) improvements for nonmotorized transport (pedestrians and cyclists). Improved bus stops will incorporate security features to protect women and vulnerable groups.

Output 4: Bishkek bus operation sustainability improved. This output will support the municipality in improving its management of urban mobility and the efficiency and financial sustainability of public transport operations through (i) enhanced institutional framework and capacity building, (ii) optimized public transport route network and revised business model, (iii) traffic and parking management policies, and (iv) training of bus drivers and maintenance technicians on buses and charging infrastructure. As part of the long-term optimization of public transport routes, the special needs of women for improved mobility options and reduction of time poverty will be considered.

2. This IEE study has been prepared only for the Outputs 1 and 2 above while Output 3 is presently undefined and its environmental assessment will be prepared later.

3. The map of the two TBDs to be upgraded in Bishkek city are provided as Figure 1.1 below.

4 Prices for spare parts will have to be guaranteed in the supply contract (with a provision for escalation at par with inflation) for 10 years against a performance security.

B. Project Objective

4. The proposed project activities under Outputs 1 and 2 will enable the operation of BEBs in Bishkek city, contributing towards an improvement in air quality and lowering of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The operation of the BEBs will further contribute to long- term government savings from lower fossil fuel imports and decreased power demand (due to higher energy efficiency of e-buses compared to existing trolley buses). Financial savings will become available for long-term government targets, including poverty alleviation and economic development. The project will likewise improve the efficiency of public transport services to better serve the needs of residents in Bishkek.

C. Project Scope

5. This IEE study has been prepared for the following activities: • Maintenance of BEBs (Output 1) • Upgradation of two Trolley Bus Depots (Output 2)

D. Environmental Category of the Project

6. The proposed project activities under Output 1 and 2 have been categorized as ‘B’ for Environment. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak along with the preliminary design information not yet being available, an extensive screening of the proposed activities for Outputs 1 and 2 from an environmental perspective cannot be conducted at present. Once the feasibility study for these two Outputs has been completed, the detailed screening shall be conducted based on the ADB-REA Checklist, provided as Annexure I.

E. Methodology of IEE Study

7. Available secondary data was reviewed along with IEE reports prepared earlier for other similar urban projects in the vicinity of the project area, along with any other documents found to be relevant to the environmental assessment of this project. The detailed design is presently being prepared.

8. An initial field visit to the two proposed TBDs to be upgraded was conducted. Limited consultations were conducted by the social safeguard consultant team while focused discussions on environmental aspects of the proposed project activities under Outputs 1 and 2 have yet to be conducted with key stakeholders such as local communities, local businesses, government and local government bodies etc. in line with the ADB requirements. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the consultations are delayed and will be conducted as soon as possible.

9. The significance of impacts from the proposed project have only been preliminarily assessed at present and once the detailed design is available, this initial impact analysis will be further refined and updated as felt necessary.

10. An initial draft detailed environmental management and monitoring plan has also been developed to ensure compliance to the proposed measures during the project development, which will also be further refined and updated based on the detailed design information.

F. Proponent of Project

11. The executing agency (EA) for this project is the Bishkek City Mayor’s Office (BCMO) while the implementing agency (IA) for these two Outputs will be the Municipal Company ‘Bishkek Trolleybus Department’.

G. Structure of the Report

12. The IEE report contains eleven chapters as follows: • Introduction • Policy and Legal Framework • Description of the Project • Description of Environment • Analysis of Alternatives • Assessment of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures • Institutional Requirements Environmental Management Plan • Public Consultation • Grievance Redress Mechanism • Findings, Recommendations and Conclusions • References

H. Further Additions & Updating of IEE study

13. This is the initial draft of the IEE study which will be updated and revised once detailed design information for these two Outputs becomes available as well as once the detailed scoping activities, stakeholder consultations and laboratory monitoring of ambient environmental parameters has been conducted over the coming months. These revisions shall be incorporated into subsequent updated versions of this IEE report and the bidding documents will include the applicable clauses of the updated EMP.

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..1: Locations of the two TBDs in Bishkek City

II. POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

A. General

14. This section provides an overview of the policy framework and national legislation that applies to the proposed activities under Outputs 1 and 2. The project is expected to comply with all national legislation relating to the environment in Kyrgyz republic as well as the requirements of ADB SPS 2009, and to obtain all the regulatory clearances required.

B. Environmental Protection Law and Policy

15. One of the main regulatory acts on Environment is Law of the Kyrgyz Republic, ‘’General Technical Regulations for Ensuring Ecological Safety in the Kyrgyz Republic’’, No. 151, dated May 8, 2009. (as amended by Law of the KR No. 83 dated July 8, 2019) and the law subordinate regulatory acts.

16. This Law is applied to protect the environment, defines the main provisions of technical regulation in the field of environmental safety and establishes general requirements for ensuring environmental safety in the design and implementation of activities at economic and other activities for production, storage, transportation and disposal of products. It defines general requirements and principles for sanitary and security zones, environmental impact assessment and environmental expertise, standardization, permits, payments for environmental management, monitoring systems and control organizations.

17. In addition, Law of the Kyrgyz Republic, ‘’On Environmental Protection’’. No. 53, dated June 16, 1999, is important as amended by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 29 dated March 23, 2020) and subordinate regulatory acts. This Law determines the policy and regulates legal relations in the field of nature management and environmental protection in the Kyrgyz Republic. This law identifies the requirements and principles of various measures for environmental protection – on the assessment of environmental impact and environmental expertise, on regulation, permits, payments for nature management, to the monitoring system, in particular:

• Article 16. Environmental expertise • Article 17. Environmental requirements for the placement, design, construction, reconstruction, commissioning of enterprises, constructions and other facilities

18. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic On ‘’Environmental Expertise’’, No. 54 dated June 16, 1999 (as amended by the Laws of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 92 of May 4, 2015), regulates legal relations in the field of environmental expertise, aims at implementing the constitutional right of citizens to a favorable environment by preventing negative environmental consequences, arising from the implementation of economic and other activities. It is based on the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On environment protection” and other normative legal acts adopted in accordance with them, in particular:

• Article 3. Objects of ecological expertise • Article 4. Principles ecological expertise • Article 9. Conducting state ecological expertise, • Article 10. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

19. ‘’The Regulation on the procedure for environmental impact assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic’’ was approved by Resolution No. 60 of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on February 13, 2015. The Regulation establishes the procedure for conducting an environmental

6 impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed activity. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is developed on the basis of the EIA, design decisions and is specified and concretized at each next stage of the project implementation. The EMP reflects all possible negative impacts that have been identified by the EIA and provides mitigation measures against these impacts. The results of the EIA are subject to state environmental review.

20. ‘’The Regulation on the procedure for conducting state environmental review in the Kyrgyz Republic’’ was approved by Decree No. 248 of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of May 7, 2014(amended on June 28, 2017 No.411), and establishes the procedure for organizing and conducting state ecological expertise.

21. The relevant environmental legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic is summarized in Table 2.1 below. In addition to the list in Table 2.1, there are special parts of the Administrative and Criminal Code which have strengthened the liability for illegal hunting, illegal harvesting of eggs from nests, destruction of nests, illegal enterprises in ecologically sensitive areas, and pollution of wetlands and sensitive habitats. The applicable international Conventions and Agreements are provided as Table 2.2 below.

22. The State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry (SAEPF) is the key institution responsible for the establishment and implementation of environmental policy in Kyrgyz Republic. The department of the State Environmental Review under the SAEPF is responsible for reviewing environmental assessment documents for projects of national significance.

23. The State Inspection for Environmental and Technical Safety is an authorized government authority, which ensures public supervision and control in the area of environmental and technical safety.

24. The objectives of this authority are as follows:

• Public supervision and control over observance of regulations and requirements and technical rules for mechanical, seismic, fire, environmental, water, industrial, energy, biological, chemical and radiation safety of products (sites) and/or associated production processes, construction, installation, adjustment, operation, storage, transportation, use, selling, disposal, and utilization; • Control over observance of citizen’s labor rights and labor safety requirements; • Enforcement of obligations emanating from international treaties within the scope of its jurisdiction; • Protection of the interests of the government and all actors of civil land relations based on the effective land law.

25. The other major stakeholders in environmental assessment are:

• Ministry of Health (safety and health issues); • Ministry of Emergency Situations (natural hazards), and its subsidiary agency Kyrgyz Hydromet (KHM, or Hydromet, responsible for ambient air and water quality monitoring); • State Committee for Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use; • Local administrations (social issues, land use, etc.).

C. Permitting Processes in Kyrgyz Republic

1. Permitting Process for Project

26. The permitting steps are as listed below:

• After detailed design development and its approval by ADB and the Executing Agency (EA), the required detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is prepared as part of the detailed design documentation. According to national legislation it is named ‘’Environmental protection section’’ (EPS). • After EA will review the EPS, all detailed design documentation including the EPS will be sent to State expertise to State Agency for Architecture, Construction and Housing and Communal Services under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the positive conclusion of State Environmental Review SAEPF must be obtained for EPS. • EMMP as an integral part of EPS must be elaborated. • All construction and environmental passport requirement for any objects that have discharges into the atmosphere, (air pollution, wastewater discharge (if required) and waste disposal in the environment) have to be obtained on the base of the design and EPS from state bodies by Contractors. • Construction works cannot be started without permits from state bodies.

2. Environmental Assessment system in KR and its relationship with Project

27. The Environmental assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic is founded on two subsystems:

• Ecological Expertise (State Environmental Review, SER) and • OVOS (the Russian acronym for “Environmental Impact Assessment”), required only for small category of economic activities, • Ecological Expertise (State Environmental Review, SER).

28. The assessment of the possible effects of economic and other activities on the environment and human health, as well as the development of a list of measures to prevent adverse effects (destruction, degradation, damage and depletion of natural ecological systems and natural resources) and improve the environment are carried out in the framework of an environmental impact assessment, complying with the environmental legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Environmental impact assessment is carried out according to:

• Regulations on the procedure for environmental impact assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic (13 February, 2015, #60); • Regulations on the procedure of the state ecological examination in the Kyrgyz Republic (7 May, 2014, #248); • Law “On Ecological Expertise” No.54 dtd. 1999, (with amendments as of 04 May 2015), • Law “On Environmental Protection” No.53 dtd. 1999, and • Law “General technical regulation on environmental safety.”No.151 dtd. 2009.

29. The ecological assessment based on a “List”, (project screening) is done to determine whether a project is subject to environmental assessment or not. For cases that are required to, an OVOS is conducted by an OVOS consultant hired by a project proponent. The environmental assessment process produces EIA (EPS) documents, which will be subject to further reviews. 30. According to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic On Environmental Protection No. 53 dated June 16, 1999 (on Article 17. Environmental requirements for the placement, design,

construction, reconstruction, commissioning of enterprises, constructions, and other facilities) and the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic On Environmental Expertise No. 54 dated June 16, 1999, (on the Article 3. Objects of ecological expertise and Article 4. Principles of ecological expertise), the EPS elaboration is required as a part of detailed design documentation.

31. Public consultation should occur at the stage of the OVOS and maybe also initiated in parallel to the SER as Public Environmental Review (PER). The PER is a supplement to the SER of a recommendatory nature. Procedures for Public consultation are considered in the Regulations on the procedure for environmental impact assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic (13 February 2015, #60).

32. The EPS, Statement of Environmental Consequences, and other supporting documentation are submitted to the State Environmental Review (SER). After which the project may be approved, rejected, or send for reexamination. The SER duration depends on the complexity of the project but should not exceed 3 months after submission of all the OVOS documents by the Project Proponent. The implementation of any project is permitted only in case of its approval by the SER.

33. The EMP is developed on the basis of the EIA, design solutions and refined, and is specified on each next stage of the project. The EMP reflects all the possible negative impacts that have been identified in the EIA and includes mitigation measures for these effects.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..4: Relevant Laws and Regulations on Environmental Impacts for Road Projects No. Legislation Number Purpose/Content Year of Adoption Main laws on environmental protection Land, its mineral resources, airspace, waters, forests, flora and fauna and other natural resources are used, but at Constitution of the Kyrgz 1 2010 the same time are under protection. Republic Everyone is obliged to take care of the environment, flora and fauna of the country. No.506 It establishes the basic principles of dtd. environmental policy and determines 23.11.2007 global, national and local environmental Environmental Safety 2 issues; priorities in the field of Concept of KR environmental protection at the national level as well as tools to ensure environmental safety. Approved by the The main strategic document of the Decree of the country, the purpose of which is to build President of the a developed, truly independent country. National Development Kyrgyz Republic of It formulates the image of the future of Strategy of the Kyrgyz 3 October 31, 2018, the country, the basic principles and Republic for 2018-2040 УП No. 221 ways to achieve development goals in

all areas of society – spiritual and political, social and economic.

Establishes the basic principles of environmental protection and provides legal authority to establish Law of KR “On No.53 dtd. 4 Environmental environmental quality, designate special 1999 Protection” protected areas, promulgate rules and procedures for the use of natural resources, establish environmental

No. Legislation Number Purpose/Content Year of Adoption monitoring and control system and reinforce procedures for overcoming emergency situations. Among the standards and norms of environmental quality authorized under this law and related to the project there are: ▪ Standards of Maximum Safe Concentration of Hazardous Substances in Air, Water; ▪ Standards of Natural Resources Use; ▪ Standards of Maximum Safe Noise, Vibration Levels and Other Hazardous Physical Impacts. This law establishes the requirements for environmental examination (environmental assessment) intended by economic or other activities to prevent potential adverse environmental impacts. In addition, it prohibits financing or implementation of projects related to the use of natural resources without obtaining approval from the State Environmental Expertise. It is the main law, and related to environmental assessment. Its task is to prevent negative impacts on human Law of KR On “ No.54 dtd. health and environment occurring as a 5 Environmental Impact 1999 result of economic or other activities, Assessment and to ensure compliance of these activities with environmental requirements of the country. Is meant to protect the environment. It determines the main provisions for Law of KR General “ technical regulation of environmental technical rules and No.151 dtd. safety and establishes general 6 regulations for 2009 requirements for ensuring environmental safety in environmental safety during design the Kyrgyz Republic ” and operations of businesses and other facilities of all legal and physical entities. Establishes the procedure for assessing the environmental impact of the Regulation on procedure proposed activity (hereinafter EIA). The for conducting No. 60 dtd. purpose of EIA is to prevent and/or 7 environmental 13.02.2015 mitigate the environmental impacts of impact assessment in the proposed activity and other related the Kyrgyz Republic social, economic and other consequences. Law of KR On Governs the relations on use and “ No.51 dtd. 9 Protection of protection of atmospheric air. 1999 Atmospheric Air” Defines the national policy in production and consumption waste management. It is aimed at preventing negative impacts Law of KR On “ No.89 dtd. from production and consumption waste 10 Production and 2001 on the environment and human health Consumption Waste ” while handling it and their maximum involvement in the economy as an additional source of raw materials.

No. Legislation Number Purpose/Content Year of Adoption Law of KR On Establishes the legal framework for “ No.53 dtd. 11 Protection and Use of ensuring effective protection, rational 2001 Flora” use and reproduction of flora resources. Establishes the legal relations in the No.59 dtd. 12 Law of KR On Wildlife context of protection, use and “ ” 1999 reproduction of wildlife. Establishes the principles for setting-up Law of KR On local self- “ No.101 dtd. local authorities at the level of 13 government and local 2011 administrative and territorial units of the state administration ” Kyrgyz Republic. The third attachment is Sanitary and Epidemiological rules and regulations ‘’Sanitary Protection Zones (SPZ) and sanitary classification of enterprises, structures and other objects’. Class III – SPZ of 300 meters for: Government Decision on ▪ Bus and Trolleybus stations 14 the Approval of Public No. 201,2016 ▪ Bus and trolleybus parks, car mills, Health Acts tram, metro depot (with repair base). Thus, for the proposed outputs 1 and 2, a SPZ of 300 meters around each TBD site will need to be established, if it does not already exist since these TBDs are existing TBDs and are being used at present for this same purpose. Law on protection and use of Historical and Cultural Heritage Establishes legal norms for protection and use of tangible historical and cultural heritage on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is of unique value for People. The law is mandatory for all legal entities and individuals. It defines their rights and obligations in the The Law "On protection context of protection and use of tangible No.91 dtd. 15 and use of historical and historical and cultural heritage. 26.07.1999 cultural heritage" Historical and cultural heritage are the historical and cultural monuments associated with historical events in the life of the people, development of society and the state, material and spiritual creative works representing historical, scientific, artistic or other value.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..5: International Conventions and Agreements Name of Description Applicability to Project S/No. Year Convention/Agreement UN Framework Combating The proposed Outputs 1 and 2 will Convention on Climate global climate contribute towards climate change 1 Change 2000 change and mitigation through operation of BEBs its to help people commute. consequences. Aarhus Convention on To support the The stakeholder consultation process access to information, protection of 2 2001 being ‘meaningful’ is extremely public participation in human important from both the national and decision-making and rights to a ADB perspectives to ensure all

Name of Description Applicability to Project S/No. Year Convention/Agreement access to justice on healthy required information on the proposed environmental issues. environment works is provided to all stakeholders and and project affectees. well-being, access to information, public participation in decision- making and access to justice on issues related to the environment. Abolition of Forced cancels certain It will need to be ensured that the Labour Convention forms of forced Contractor does not force anyone into labour still labor for the project works. allowed under the Forced Labour Convention of 3 1957 1930, such as punishment for strikes and as a punishment for holding certain political views. Agreement on the Broadly, the It will need to be ensured that the Application of Sanitary sanitary and project activities do not cause any and Phytosanitary phytosanitary harm or put at risk human, animal or Measures ("SPS") plant life or health. measures covered by the 4 1995 agreement are those aimed at the protection of human, animal or plant life or health from certain risks. Convention on Biological The Convention It will need to be ensured that the Diversity has three main project activities do not negatively goals, including impact the biological biodiversity in the the project area. 5 1992 conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); Convention on Long- This The proposed project works should Range Transboundary Convention is not contribute towards air pollution. Air Pollution intended to 6 1983 protect the human environment against air

Name of Description Applicability to Project S/No. Year Convention/Agreement pollution and to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution, including long- range transboundary air pollution

D. Responsible Agencies

34. The functions of the major government bodies relating to environmental protection are summarized in the Table 2.3 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..6: Government Bodies on Environmental Protection Relevant to Project Agency Name Relevant Source of ecological Role in Project Functions information Implementation State Agency on 1) Sets the state Atmospheric air and ▪ Issues the ‘No- Environment policy on climate change Objection’ Certificate for Protection and environmental Water resources this project. Forestry under the protection; Land resources ▪ Provides any technical Government of the 2) Promulgates Biodiversity guidance that might be Kyrgyz Republic norms of quality and State Forest sought during project (SAEPF) standards of Resources Wastes implementation, as felt www.nature.kg environmental necessary. protection; 3) Establishes special protected areas; 4) Establishes the environmental monitoring system; 5) Carries out ecological review on project design and performing economic activity. State Inspectorate on Performs control Discharge of Monitors the project environmental and functions over hazardous pollutants implementation to ensure technical information abidance of users of Discharge of waste compliance with EMMP. under the nature resources by waters Government of the the environmental Kyrgyz Republic protection http://geti.gov.kg/ legislation. Ministry of Health The organization Disease prevention To ensure spread of (MH) Department for and Prevention of harmful diseases amongst work Sanitary accomplishment of effects of certain force is prevented Epidemiological preventive and anti- factors of habitat on the through implementation Supervision epidemic actions for person; of required preventive fight against measures; infectious, parasitic and priority noninfectious diseases for ensuring sanitary

Agency Name Relevant Source of ecological Role in Project Functions information Implementation and epidemiologic wellbeing, efficiency evaluation of implementable programs, projects in the field of public health care, ensuring supervision in the sphere of sanitary and epidemiologic wellbeing of the population, safety of goods, products, objects of the environment and conditions, the prevention of harmful effects of factors of the habitat on health of the person.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..7: Preliminary Environmental Safeguards Capacity Assessment of Project Executing Agency & Implementing Agency Agency Name Role in Project Assessment of Existing Environmental Capacity Bishkek City Mayor’s Executing Agency The BCMO has experience with implementing Office (BCMO) EBRD financed projects but does not have any past experience in implementing ADB financed projects. There is one focal person for dealing with social safeguard related issues. The BCMO has a Sanitary-Environmental Inspectorate as one of the structural units. Municipal Company Implementing No past experience with ADB financed projects and “Bishkek Trolleybus Agency thus not familiar with ADB specific safeguard Department” requirements. No focal person in this IA with experience in environmental safeguard issues. Municipal Company Project The PIU will be developed specifically to implement “Bishkek Trolleybus Implementation Unit the proposed project activities under Outputs 1 and Department” (PIU) 2. An Environment Specialist will be engaged in the PIU with specific Terms of Reference (ToR) provided in the staffing arrangement provided in this document.

E. ADB Policies

1. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), 2009

35. The ADB’s SPS 2009 requires that environmental considerations be incorporated into ADB funded projects to ensure that the project will have minimal environmental impacts and be environmentally sound. Occupational health & safety of the local population should also be addressed as well as the project workers as stated in SPS. A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to receive application and facilitate resolution of affected peoples’ concerns, complaints, and grievances about the project’s environmental performance is also established.

36. All loans and investments are subject to categorization to determine environmental assessment requirements. Categorization is to be undertaken using Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklists, consisting of questions relating to (i) the sensitivity and vulnerability of environmental resources in project area, and (ii) the potential for the project to cause significant adverse environmental impacts. Projects are classified into one of the following environmental categories:

• Category A: A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required. • Category B: A proposed project is classified as category B if its potential adverse environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects. These impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE) is required. • Category C: A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental implications need to be reviewed. • Category FI: A proposed project is classified as category FI if it involves investment of ADB funds to or through a financial intermediary (FI)..

2. ADB’s Access to Information Policy (AIP) 2018

37. ADB’s new Access to Information Policy (AIP), reflects the ADB’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and participation by stakeholders. The policy contains principles and exceptions to information sharing with external stakeholders, led by a new overarching principle of “clear, timely, and appropriate disclosure.” All environmental safeguards documentation, including the Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Reports (SAEMRs) will be available on the ADB website as well as the project website.

3. ADB’s Accountability Mechanism Policy 2012

38. The objectives of the Accountability Mechanism is providing an independent and effective forum for people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects to voice their concerns and seek solutions to their problems, and to request compliance review of the alleged non- compliance by ADB with its operational policies and procedures that may have caused, or is likely to cause, them direct and material harm. The Accountability Mechanism is a “last resort” mechanism.

4. Comparison of International and Local Environmental Legislations

39. The ADB SPS requires application of pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international good practice, as reflected in internationally recognized standards. The SPS states that when host country regulations differ from these standards, the EA will achieve whichever is more stringent.

40. In order to select the most stringent standards applicable, a mix of national and international International Finance Corporation (IFC) regulations have been selected. The IFC Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, General EHS Guidelines: Environmental, Noise Management has noise level guidelines for daytime and nighttime,

15 which are applicable. Also, as per IFC Guidelines on ambient noise5, in case the baseline ambient noise levels are already exceeding the applicable noise thresholds, then in such a scenario, the project related noise levels in the project area of the trolley bus depots will not be allowed to increase the existing levels by 3 dB or more. Furthermore, it shall be ensured that all necessary noise mitigation measures are implemented to minimize the noise levels in the project area.

41. The comparison of Kyrgyz noise standards and IFC guidelines for ambient noise and the most stringent noise standards/guidelines applicable to the project are provided as Table 2.6. It can be observed that both standards are aligned for residential settlements with a maximum permissible limit of 55 dB(A) and 45 dB(A) for day time and night time respectively.

42. The Table 2.5 presents IFC workplace/occupational noise standards that are applicable to the construction workers.

43. No standards for vibration exist in Kyrgyz republic and IFC also does not have specific vibration impact guidance. Over the years, numerous vibration criteria and standards have been suggested by researchers, organizations, and governmental agencies. The Table 2.7 provides the vibration criteria. The Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual developed by the California Department of Transportation; USA, is considered the most comprehensive review of the worldwide vibration criteria. Wherever existing background levels are already higher than the limit in an area, then the vibration limits for that particular area must be established based on the results of the measurements.

44. Vibration due to the construction activities can also cause annoyance in addition to the possible structural damages. The Table 2.8 below shows human response to transient vibration such as construction vibration. Typically transit and intermediated vibration levels up to 10 mm/s would not cause annoyance, however, vibration levels are expected to increase as a result of operation of heavy machinery and compaction of road base layers.

45. As far as regulations regarding other environmental parameters are concerned such as acceptable effluent disposal parameters, the national regulations take precedence over any other international regulations such as IFC. The Kyrgyz surface water quality standards are provided as Table 2.9 below.

46. The comparison of Kyrgyz and IFC guidelines for ambient air quality and the most stringent applicable air quality guidelines as Table 2.10 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..8: IFC Work Environment Noise limits Type of Work, workplace IFC General EHS Applicable Guidelines Occupational Noise Guidelines for Project Activity Heavy Industry (no demand for oral 85 Equivalent level 85 Equivalent level communication) Leq,8h Leq,8h Light industry (decreasing demand for oral 50-65 Equivalent level 50-65 Equivalent level communication) Leq,8h Leq,8h

5 https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/4a4db1c5-ee97-43ba-99dd-8b120b22ea32/1- 7%2BNoise.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=ls4XYBw

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..9: Comparison of IFC noise Guidelines (dB) & Kyrgyz Noise Standards6 IFC Noise Guidelines Kyrgyz Noise Standards Applicable (most stringent) Noise Guidelines/Standards for in dB(A), Leq Project Residential Area: Areas directly adjacent to hospitals and sanatorium: Residential Area: DT:55 NT: 45 DT:55 NT: 45 Leq: DT:45 NT:35 Lmax: DT: 60 NT: 50. Commercial Area: DT:55 NT: 45 Commercial Area: Areas immediately adjacent to dwellings, polyclinics, Industrial Area: DT:55 NT: 45 DT:70 NT: 70 dispensaries, rest homes, holiday hotels, libraries, Silence Zone: DT:35 NT: 35 Industrial Area: schools, etc.: Since IFC Noise Guidelines do not contain Lmax values, thus DT:70 NT: 70 Leq: DT:55 NT:45 Lmax: DT: 70 NT: 60 this gap will be filled by applying the Kyrgyz national Noise Silence Zone: Areas immediately adjacent to hospitals and Standards for Lmax as follows: DT:55 NT: 45 dormitories: Areas directly adjacent to hospitals and sanatorium: Leq: DT:60 NT:50 Lmax: DT: 75 NT: 65 Lmax: DT: 60 NT: 50. Recreational areas in hospitals and sanitariums: Areas immediately adjacent to dwellings, polyclinics, Leq: DT:35 NT:35 Lmax: DT: 50 NT: 50 dispensaries, rest homes, holiday hotels, libraries, schools, Rest areas at the territories of micro-districts and etc.: building estates, rest houses, sanitariums, schools, Lmax: DT: 70 NT: 60 homes of aged, etc.: Areas immediately adjacent to hospitals and dormitories: Leq: DT:45 NT:45 Lmax: DT: 60 NT: 60 Lmax: DT: 75 NT: 65 Recreational areas in hospitals and sanitariums: Lmax: DT: 50 NT: 50 Rest areas at the territories of micro-districts and building estates, rest houses, sanitariums, schools, homes of aged, etc.: Lmax: DT: 60 NT: 60 Note: DT: Day time, NT: Night time

6 Most stringent standards selected from Kyrgyz standards and IFC noise guidelines. In case a less stringent standard/guideline is to be used, adequate justification needs to be documented prior to doing so.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..10: Building Vibration Damage Assessment Criteria Building Building Cosmetic Source Assumed Vibration Description Damage Reference for Building Damage Threshold Criteria Coupling Loss Risk Level ppv (mm/s) Extremely Fragile 2 Caltrans/BART historic buildings, n/a ruins, ancient monuments Fragile buildings of 3 Caltrans clay construction High Risk A 1 with shallow (<1m) rubble footings Fragile buildings of 3 Caltrans clay construction High Risk B 0.5 with concrete foundations/footings Residential brick 10 BS 7385/DIN 4150 built on concrete Medium Risk 0.5 foundations/footings and light commercial Heavy commercial, 25 BS 7385/DIN 4150 Low Risk industrial and 0.5 framed buildings

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..11: BS 5228 Vibration Assessment Criteria for Human Perception PPV (mm/s) Description of Effect Description of Impact <0.3 Vibration unlikely to be perceptible Negligible Increasing likelihood of perceptible vibration in 0.3 to 1.0 Minor residential Increasing likelihood of perceptible vibration in residential environments but can be tolerated at the 1.0 to 10 Moderate lower end of the scale if prior warning and explanation has been given to residents Vibration is likely to be intolerable for any more than >10 Major a brief exposure to a level of 10 mms-1

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..12: Kyrgyz Surface Water quality standards7 Parameter Standard pH 6-9 Dissolved oxygen, DO, mg/l >4 Sulphate, S, mg/l <250 Ammonium nitrogen, NH4-N, mg/l <3.3 Oil and grease, mg/l <0.05 Source: Water Law of the Kyrgyz Republic, 1995

7 More than 1,200 items are specified according to Kyrgyz Law.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..13: Comparison of IFC Air Quality Guidelines & Kyrgyz Air Quality Standards8* IFC Air Quality Guidelines Kyrgyz Air Quality Standards Applicable (most stringent) Air Quality Guidelines/Standards for Project 3 SO2: TSP (PM): Max Conc: 0.15 mg/m , 24hr Conc: 0.05 SO2: 24 hr: 20 ug/m3, 10 min: 500 ug/m3 mg/m3 24 hr Conc: 20 ug/m3, 10 min: 500 ug/m3 3 3 NO2: SO2: Max Conc: 0.5 mg/m , 24hr Conc: 0.05 mg/m CO: 1 yr: 40 ug/m3, 1 hr: 200 ug/m3 CO: Max Conc: 5 mg/m3, 24hr Conc: 3 mg/m3 24hr Conc: 3 mg/m3 3 3 O3: NO2: Max Conc: 0.085 mg/m , 24hr Conc: 0.04 mg/m NO2: 8 hrs: 100 ug/m3 NO: Max Conc: 0.4 mg/m3, 24hr Conc: 0.06 mg/m3 1 hr: 200 ug/m3, 1 yr: 40 ug/m3 PM10: O3: 1 yr: 20 ug/m3, 24 hr: 50 ug/m3 8 hrs: 100 ug/m3 PM2.5: TSP: 1 yr: 10 ug/m3, 24 hr: 25 ug/m3 24hr Conc: 0.05 mg/m3 PM10: 1 yr: 20 ug/m3, 24 hr: 50 ug/m3 PM2.5: 1 yr: 10 ug/m3, 24 hr: 25 ug/m3 Since IFC Air Quality Guidelines do not contain Max Conc values, thus this gap will be filled by applying the Kyrgyz national Air Quality Standards for Max Conc as follows: PM: Max Conc: 0.15 mg/m3 3 SO2: Max Conc: 0.5 mg/m CO: Max Conc: 5 mg/m3 3 NO2: Max Conc: 0.085 mg/m NO: Max Conc: 0.4 mg/m3 * In instances where the airshed is significantly degraded and the pollutant levels are already exceeding the ambient pollutant concentrations provided in the table above, it shall be ensured that the project activities cause as small an increase in pollution levels as feasible, and amounts to a fraction of the applicable short term and annual average air quality guidelines or standards as established in the project specific environmental assessment. .

8 Most stringent standards selected from Kyrgyz standards and IFC air quality guidelines. In case a less stringent standard/guideline is to be used, adequate justification needs to be documented prior to doing so.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A. Project Overview

47. The activities covered under this IEE study are as follows: • Maintenance of BEBs (Output 1) • Upgradation of two TBDs (Output 2)

48. Maintenance of BEBs. The activities to be conducted under this Output 1 are as follows: • Regular operational maintenance of the BEBs (Replacement of mechanical parts, tyre replacement, repair/maintenance of bus interior etc.) • Replacement of the batteries of the BEBs, when necessary and disposal of old batteries

49. Once more information is available on the maintenance aspects of the BEBs, this section will be further updated.

50. Upgradation of two TBDs. The activities to be conducted under this Output 2 are as follows:

• Construction of weatherproof parking facilities for the new e-buses at the two TBDs; • Upgrading of existing electrical substations at each TBD, and • Provision of electrical works to connect the substations with each charging point. As future upscale of the project is anticipated, selected substations will be upgraded to serve charging infrastructure for up to 200 buses in each TBD.

51. The design work of the upgradation of the TBDs is in progress and once this information becomes available, this section will be further updated.

52. The locations of the two proposed TBDs to be upgraded are provided as Figures 3.1 to 3.2 below.

B. Justification and Need for Project

53. The project represents a first step toward a long-term electrification of the Kyrgyz transport sector. The project will increase the share of low emission and energy-efficient, large buses in Bishkek’s public transport sector by replacing 75 diesel and 25 outdated trolley buses with BEBs. Considering the high renewable energy share in the Kyrgyz Republic’s power sector, the project will take advantage of the low levels of air pollutants—PM2.5, sulfur oxide (SOX), nitrogen oxide (NOX)—and GHG emissions at generation level, to initiate a long-term transition toward an environmentally and economically sustainable transport sector in Bishkek.9

C. Project Construction Schedule

54. The procurement of the BEBs under Output 1 is expected to commence by the fourth quarter of 2020 while the upgradation of the two TBDs under Output 2 is expected to commence by 2021 and be completed latest by 2022. It has yet to be finalized if works on both TBDs will be conducted in parallel or sequentially.

9 Kyrgyz Republic exhibits one of the lowest grid emission factors within the region at 0.18 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour (kgCO2/kWh).

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..2: Location of Proposed TBD No.1

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..3: Location of Proposed TBD No.2

IV. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

A. General

55. Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Republic) and it is also the administrative centre of the Chuy region. The province surrounds the city, although the city itself is not part of the province, but rather a province-level unit of Kyrgyzstan.

56. Bishkek is the most populated city in the Kyrgyz Republic with an estimated population in 2019 of 1,012,500.10 It has four districts, namely: Birinchi May, Lenin, Oktyabr and Sverdlov. Bishkek is located at an elevation of 800 meters (2600 feet) and is spread over 169.9 km211.

57. The description of various features of the project area environment are presented in the following sections.

B. Physical Resources

1. Terrain and Topography

58. Bishkek City is located in the north central part of the Kyrgyz Republic. The city area is situated at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains in the center of the Chui valley at an altitude of around 750 meters above sea level. Bishkek lies in the plain formed by the confluence of rivers such as Ala-Archa and Alamedin. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains ranging from 600 to 4,000 meters above sea level.

2. Soil and Geological Characteristics

59. The soils of Bishkek city are presented by northern grey common soils with low carbonate content. High salinity is one of its major characteristics.

3. Climate

60. In Bishkek city, the average July temperature is 25-30°С while the maximum summer temperature is 44°С. In the winter season, the temperature can drop down to -12°С. The temperature profile of the project area from 2009-19 can be observed in the Figure 4.1 below.

61. In 2019, as much as 250 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the project area as can be seen in the Figure 4.2 below. However, 2019 has been an exception in this regard since 150 mm of rainfall has been recorded, on average each year, over the past decade.

62. Snow more than 40 cm was recorded in 2019, which has been considerably higher than the average snow recorded each year over the past decade i.e. 20 cm of snow, as can be observed in Figure 4.3 below.

10 "Kyrgyzstan: Regions, Major Cities, Towns & Urban Settlements - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". citypopulation.de. Retrieved 6 April 2019. 11 https://web.archive.org/web/20120321015617/http://212.42.101.100:8088/nacstat/sites/default/files/город%20 Бишкек.pdf

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..4: Temperature Profiles for Bishkek City for period 2009-19.12

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..5: Rainfall trends in Bishkek City for period 2009-19.13

12 https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lang/en-pk/bishkek-weather-averages/bishkek/kg.aspx 13 https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lang/en-pk/bishkek-weather-averages/bishkek/kg.aspx

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..6: Snowfall trends in Bishkek City for period 2009-19.14

63. The wind speeds recorded in the project area over the past decade have been on average 15 kmph, while the highest wind speeds recorded in 2019 have been approaching 17 kmph as can be observed in Figure 4.4 below.

64. High levels of humidity of up to 75 percent have been recorded in the project area over the past decade while Cloud cover of 50 percent on average over the past decade has been recorded as can be observed in the Figure 4.5 below.

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..7: Wind speed profiles in Bishkek City for period 2009-19.15

14 https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lang/en-pk/bishkek-weather-averages/bishkek/kg.aspx 15 https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lang/en-pk/bishkek-weather-averages/bishkek/kg.aspx

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..8: Cloud Cover and Humidity profiles

in Bishkek City for period 2009-19.16

4. Seismology

65. There is a fault line called Issyk-Ata running east-west direction at the southern end of the territory of the city. It also indicates a zone of hazardous areas (level >9) in the north and classifies as an unsuitable land for urbanization. A seismic zoning map of Bishkek city is provided as Figure 4.6 below.

16 https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lang/en-pk/bishkek-weather-averages/bishkek/kg.aspx

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..9: Zoning Map of Seismically Hazardous Areas in Bishkek City17

5. Hydrology of the Project Area

66. The main waterways in the suburbs of Bishkek city are the river Chu and its feeders: the left shore river Issyk ata. The river Chu flows from east to west in the outskirts of Bishkek city; in some areas it closely approaches the ground road, necessitating bank protection.

67. In the suburbs of Bishkek city, the groundwater is present at a depth of 3.0m to 10m and in low sections from 0.5m to 1.8m, on the sides of Karasuk, the groundwater wedges out at a depth of 1.5-5.5m.

68. Surface and ground waters are highly saline to fresh, moderately hard and, in general, have sulphate aggressiveness towards concrete.

C. Ecological Resources

69. The ecological conditions in the areas around Bishkek city are mostly represented by anthropogenic landscapes and settlements. There are no specially protected natural areas (protected areas) in the immediate vicinity of the project areas.

1. Flora

70. Bishkek city is heavily disturbed by urban and agricultural development, the possibility that any habitat occurs, that is suitable for threatened or endangered plant species is very low. There are no special protection zones in the vicinity of the project areas.

17 Chief Architect Office of Bishkek City

2. Fauna

71. The natural environment of the city of Bishkek, as a large locality, has experienced a strong anthropogenic impact and now, in practice, represents a changed urban landscape.

72. Among the representatives of the fauna on the territory of the city are exclusively synanthropic species of birds (common Myna, or locust Starling Acridotheres tristi; turtledove Streptopelia, great tit Parus major, blue dove Columba livia, gray crow Corvus corone cornix and black crow Corvus corone corone), entomofauna (flies, mosquitoes, dragonflies, mosquitoes, wasps, cockroaches, ants, and various species of beetles, bark beetles, aphids, etc.) and mammals (cats, dogs, rats, mice, and bats). In addition, the city is home to Siberian squirrels, successfully introduced in the city in the early 1970s of the last century.

73. At the same time, it should be noted that over the past 10-15 years, the aviation fauna of the city is undergoing a transformation due to climate change: almost completely disappeared from the city Swifts and swallows, house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and white Wagtails (Motacilla alba), which lived in the city in large numbers in previous years. They were displaced from their ecological niche, which was occupied by the above-mentioned Afghan starlings (common Myna). Also appeared small groups of owls, previously, as a rule, lived exclusively in the mountainous zone of the country.

D. Human and Economic Development

1. Population

74. Bishkek is the most populated city in Kyrgyzstan. Its population, estimated in 2019, was 1,012,50018. From the foundation of the city to the mid-1990s, ethnic Russians and other peoples of European descent (Ukrainians, Germans) comprised the majority of the city's population. According to the 1970 census, the ethnic Kyrgyz were only 12.3%, while Europeans comprised more than 80% of Frunze population. Now, Bishkek is a predominantly Kyrgyz city, with around 66% of its residents Kyrgyz, while European peoples make up less than 20% of the population. The population of the area is rural, although, most people live in the suburbs in settlements along the major road.

2. Culture

75. The culture of Kyrgyzstan is heavily influenced by the traditions from nomadic life. Kyrgyz culture features influences from Russia, Persia, and Turkey, but yet remains something entirely unique.

3. Religion

76. The Kyrgyz consider themselves Sunni Muslims, but do not have strong ties to Islam. They celebrate the Islamic holidays but do not follow Islamic practices daily. Many areas were not converted to Islam until the eighteenth century, and even then it was by the mystical Sufi branch, who integrated local shamanistic practices with their religion. Ethnic Russians and Ukrainians tend to be Orthodox Christians.19

4. Languages Spoken

77. The Kyrgyz and Russian languages are the most commonly spoken languages in the project area while in the rural areas, Kyrgyz is generally more popular.

18 http://citypopulation.de/Kyrgyzstan.html 19 https://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Kyrgyzstan.html

78. In 2000, Russian was adopted as the official national language. It is still commonly used as the language of business, and many ethnic Russians cannot speak Kyrgyz. All children study Kyrgyz, Russian and English in school.20

5. Administrative Set up

79. The Kyrgyz republic is divided into seven regions, known as oblast (singular) or oblasttar (plural form). The capital, Bishkek, is administratively an independent city (shaar), as well as being the capital of Chuy province.

80. Each region is further divided into districts (raion), administered by government- appointed officials. Rural communities (aiyl okmotus) consisting of up to twenty small settlements have their own elected mayors and councils.21

6. Income Levels of Population

81. The living wage, legislatively defined as a necessary minimum cash income for one person is differentiated over the republic depending on the cost of basket of goods. In the third quarter of 2018, the shoe-string consumers’ budget (average per capita) over the country amounted to 4654 Soms per month. In comparison with the corresponding period of the previous year, it decreased by 4.1%. For Chui oblast, in the project area, the average monthly wage was 4451 Soms.

7. Employment and Remuneration Levels

82. In 2017, the total labor force was estimated at 2.53 million people (40.4%) with 174,000 thousand or 6.9% of the workforce unemployed. Among the unemployed workforce, 75% of the people are in the age bracket of 15 to 39 years.

83. The average monthly salary in 2017 was 15,670 Soms or 227.5 USD. In Chui region and more specifically in the project area, the average monthly salary was 13,391 Soms.

8. Transport

84. In the Chui region in January-September of 2018, 8.73 million tons of cargo was transported while 94.2 million passengers were transported (100.8%). Passenger turnover of motor vehicles amounted to 927.6 million passenger-kilometers.

85. In January-September 2018, Chui oblast revenues from postal and courier services and communication services amounted to 197.9 million soms, which compared with the previous period, decreased by 3.4%.

9. Industry

86. The main part of industrial enterprises is concentrated in Bishkek and Chui oblast, which produce 71% of all industrial products. This is followed by the Issyk-Kul region, which produces 23% of the total volume of industrial production.

20 https://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Kyrgyzstan.html 21 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Kyrgyzstan

10. Archaeological and Cultural Heritage

87. No historically or culturally significant sites have been identified in the proposed project areas.

11. Energy Supplies

88. Kyrgyzstan has small amounts of fossil fuels, but enjoys large amounts of water resources and an abundant supply of hydropower. The bulk (90%) of Kyrgyzstan's generating capacity is hydropower and the country has for some time now considered the development of hydropower resources as the central foundation of its overall economic development.

89. Approximately 95% of the population is connected to the grid. Losses in the distribution system range from 40 to 50% and reliability is poor. Electricity losses are greater in residential areas than non-residential areas and about 30% of the distribution systems need to be replaced.22

12. Noise Levels

90. In Bishkek, the main source of noise pollution is industry and road transport (82-87%). Other sources of noise are: railway transport (2-3%), electric municipal transport (3-6%), industrial enterprises, organizations, construction (3-4%). The urban population is exposed not only to external, but also internal noise that occurs when the engineering equipment of buildings (elevators, heating units, boilers, pumping stations, electrical sanitary equipment, etc.), as well as noise associated with the process of human activity (household noise). Studies have shown that the intensity of traffic flow is not always the main factor in increasing noise levels. this is largely influenced by the presence of two-way roads, intersections, markets and shopping areas.

91. Noise pollution levels on city streets are not measured, at least not on a regular basis. According to the head of the Production laboratory of the Ministry of health of the KR, noise interference is measured only for indoor premises, in particular, at the request of citizens who may complain about such factors as noise from industrial enterprises, loud music etc.

92. This section will be updated once laboratory monitoring of the ambient noise levels at the two TBDs has been conducted.

13. Air Quality

93. According to the air pollution monitoring department of Bishkek, kyrgyzgidromet, there have been no cases of high or extremely high air pollution in Bishkek in recent months. However, observations of the air pollution level are carried out by Kyrgyz Hydrometeorology on 5 indicators: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), formaldehyde (CHO2) and ammonia (NH3). Observations indicate that levels of NO (nitrogen oxide) exceed the national standards by an average of one and a half times, and formaldehyde-by more than 2 times. Other observable indicators also show an excess of 1.1- 2.5 times. Observations of dust pollution are not carried out on a regular basis, but one-time measurements show that this indicator sometimes exceeds the norm by 5-10 times.

94. This section will be updated once laboratory monitoring of the ambient air quality levels at the two TBDs has been conducted.

22 https://energypedia.info/wiki/Kyrgyzstan_Energy_Situation

E. Climate Vulnerability of Project

95. Based on a recent detailed Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) for a road project located in the suburbs of Bishkek city23, it is expected that considering the location of the proposed project activities under Outputs 1 and 2, climate change is not expected to have any direct or indirect impacts on the proposed activities.

V. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

A. Overview

96. The analysis of different alternatives considered for the Output 1 and 2 are provided below.

B. ‘No Project’ Option

97. If the BEB fleet is not inducted into the existing bus fleet in Bishkek city and the TBDs are not upgraded to provide the required operational infrastructure for these BEBs to operate, the benefits that are expected to result from this project will not materialize. As a result, the following issues will continue and infact further worsen for the residents of Bishkek city:

98. Thus the ‘no project’ option is not viable and cannot be considered as a possible option.

C. Rationale for selection of TBD Locations for Upgradation

99. A total of four locations were considered for upgrading of the bus depots, consisting of two existing TBDs and two existing bus depots with all four locations shown in the Figure 5.1 below.

100. However, considering the existing power infrastructure already in place at the two TBDs, it was considered more feasible, both from a technical standpoint as well as from an economic perspective to upgrade the two TBD sites. On the other hand, if the two bus depot sites had been chosen for upgradation, they would have required a considerably larger investment for installation of the required charging infrastructure along with resulting in a considerably longer construction period for upgradation of those bus depots.

D. Alternative use of technology (Construction equipment, methodology etc.)

101. The construction equipment and methodology to be used for the maintenance of the BEBs and upgradation of the TBDs consists of standard equipment that is used globally. Thus, no alternative equipment options and/or methodologies are available.

23 ADB. 2019. CRVA for Northern Bishkek Bypass Road. Bishkek.

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document..10: Bus Depot Locations Initially Considered for Upgradation

VI. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

102. This chapter presents the potential environmental impacts related to design, construction and operation phases of the activities under Outputs 1 and 2 of the proposed project. Following is a description of the environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation measures to minimize the negative impacts, if any. Since the detailed design work is still in progress, the impact analysis presented below may be updated, if felt necessary, once more information becomes available.

103. Preliminary impact-screening matrices during each of the project phases i.e. project design, construction and operation are presented below.

A. Methodology For Impact Screening

104. The methodology for assessing the risk level associated with each potential impact is presented below.

105. Risk is assessed as the likelihood that the activity will have an effect on the environment as well as the consequence of the effect occurring. It is often described like this:

Risk = Likelihood × Consequence

Likelihood Scale Likelihood Definition Scale Certain Will certainly occur during the activity at a frequency greater than 5 every week if preventative measures are not applied Likely Will occur more than once or twice during the activity but less than 3 weekly if preventative measures are not applied Unlikely May occur once or twice during the activity if preventative measures 2 are not applied Rare Unlikely to occur during the project 1

Consequence Scale Consequence Definition Score Catastrophic The action will cause unprecedented damage or impacts on the environment or surrounding communities 5

Major The action will cause major adverse damage on the environment or surrounding communities 3

Moderate No or minimal adverse environmental or social impacts 2 Minor No or minimal adverse environmental or social impacts 1

Risk Score Table Consequence Catastrophic Major Moderate Minor Certain 25 15 10 5 Likelihood Likely 15 9 6 3 Unlikely 10 6 4 2 Rare 5 3 2 1

Risk: Significant: 15-25 Medium: 6-10 Low 1-5

106. Any ‘Medium’ to ‘Significant’ risk requires an environmental management measure to manage the potential environmental risk. Judgement will be required concerning the application of an environmental management measure to mitigate low risk situations.

B. Design/Pre-Construction Phase

1. Impact Screening Matrix

107. The screening of potential impacts during the design/pre-construction phase is provided in Table 6.1 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..14: Screening of possible Impacts during Design/Pre-construction phase Consequence Likelihood (Catastrophic, Risk Level S/No. Potential Impact (Certain, Likely, Major, (Significant, Unlikely, Rare) Moderate, Medium, Low) Minor) 1 Inadequate planning to obtain timely permits and/or authorizations from 2. Likely respective Moderate Medium departments/agencies resulting in delays in commencement of physical works Significant Risk Level Medium Risk Level Low Risk Level

108. Inadequate planning in obtaining required permits/authorizations and leading to delays in commencement of physical works.

Impacts

109. If suitable planning is not conducted to obtain required environmental permits/authorizations, it could lead to delays in commencement of physical works. The specific tasks to be conducted and permits to be obtained are as follows:

• Obtaining Statutory clearance and permts • Development of Site-specific EMP, containing the Traffic Management Plan. • Development of Stakeholder engagement plan • Identification of Storage areas, disposal areas, ingress, egress, etc • Development of Materials inventory • Contractors induction on ADB SPS and government requirements • Documentation of pre-works conditions and baseline environmental conditions

Mitigation measures

110. Proper planning will be conducted to ensure all required permits/authorizations are obtained in a timely manner by assigning focal staff at the EA and IA to follow up in a timely manner until the approvals are in place.

C. Construction Phase

1. Impact Screening Matrix

111. The screening of potential impacts during the construction phase is provided in Table 6.2 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..15: Screening of possible Impacts during Construction phase Consequence Likelihood Risk Level (Catastrophic, S/No. Potential Impact (Certain, Likely, (Significant, Major, Moderate, Unlikely, Rare) Medium, Low) Minor) 1 High noise levels from Likely Moderate Medium construction activities 2 Degradation of air quality due to Likely Moderate Medium construction works 3 Occupational Health & Safety Issues, Likely Major Medium particularly risk of electrocution. 4 Improper handling and/or disposal of hazardous and non- hazardous waste, Likely Moderate Medium particularly Asbestos containing materials (ACM). 5 Soil Contamination Likely Moderate Medium 6 Communicable diseases, particularly Likely Moderate Medium risk of COVID-19 transmission 7 Potential accidents and injuries to communities in project Unlikely Minor Low area during construction works 8 Vegetation and Wildlife Unlikely Minor Low Loss 9 Land Use Aesthetics Unlikely Minor Low 10 Natural and Man-made Unlikely Minor Low hazards Significant Risk Level Medium Risk Level Low Risk Level

2. Noise Levels

Impacts

112. Considering the nature of the activities to be conducted, only the works for construction of weatherproof parking facilities for the new BEBs are expected to generate moderate noise levels, which would be on an intermittent basis. The activities expected to generate noise

35 during development of the weatherproof parking facilities are use of heavy machinery for excavation of the foundations and subsequent development of the weatherproof structure etc.

113. The other electrical works related activities such as upgrading of electrical substations, connecting of substations with each charging point at the TBDs are expected to be benign from a noise producing aspect.

114. All works will be conducted within the existing TBD premises and thus any potential noise produced during the works mentioned above will be temporary in nature and are not expected to produce any significant impact on any receptors located around the TBD sites. 115. Furthermore, various modern machines are acoustically designed to generate low noise levels, any high noise levels that might be generated will only be for a short duration during the construction phase.

116. The Table 6.3 below represents typical noise levels from various construction equipment items. It should be noted that the values indicated in the table may differ depending on the brand and age of machinery provided/used by construction company.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..16: Construction Equipment Noise Ranges, dB(A) Equipment Peak Noise Range Typica Typical Construction Phase at l Peak ‘Quieted Earthwork Structure Installatio 15 m Sound Equipment s s n Level ’ Sound in a Levelb at Work 15 m Cyclea at 15 m Concrete mixers 76-92 85 82 Y Cranes 70-94 83 80 Y Y Excavators 74-92 85 82 Y Front loader 77-94 85 82 Y Y Y Water bowsers 85-93 88 85 Y Y Y Bulldozers 65-95 85 80 Y Pumps 68-72 76 75 Y Y Y Diesel generators 72-82 81 77 Y Y Drilling machines 82-98 90 87 Y Y Compressors 74-88 81 71 Y Dumpers 77-96 88 83 Y Y Dump/flatbed 75-85 80 77 Y Y Y Truck Sources: USEPA, 1971; http://www.waterrights.ca.gov/EIRD/text/Ch11-Noise.pdf; http://www.lacsd.org/LWRP%202020%20Facilities%20Plan%20DEIR/4_6_Noise.pdf; http://newyorkbiz.com/DSEIS/CH18Construction.pdf Notes: a. Where typical value is not cited in literature, mean of the peak noise range is assumed b. Quieted equipment can be designed with enclosures, mufflers, or other noise-reducing features. Where data is not available, a 3 dB reduction is assumed

117. Precise information on the type, quantity and location of equipment to be used during the construction phase is not available at this stage and will be dependent on the working methods of the selected Contractor(s).

Mitigation measures

118. The following are examples of typical noise mitigation measures that can be utilized:

• Unnecessary revving of engines will be avoided and equipment will be switched off when not in use; • Plant and vehicles will be sequentially started up rather than all together; • Use of effective exhaust silence systems or acoustic engine covers, as appropriate; • Where possible, loading and unloading of material will also be carried out away from any noise sensitive areas around the TBDs; • Regular and effective maintenance by trained personnel will be undertaken to keep equipment working to manufacturers specifications; and • Vehicles and mechanical plants used for the purpose of the works shall be fitted with effective exhaust silencers, maintained in good and efficient working order and operated in such a manner in order to minimize noise emissions. The construction contractor shall ensure that all equipment complies with the relevant statutory requirements; • Equipment which breaks concrete, brickwork or masonry by bending or bursting shall be used in preference to percussive tools. • Rotary drills and busters activated by hydraulic, chemical or electrical power shall be used for excavating hard or extrusive material; • Equipment powered by mains electricity shall be used in preference to equipment powered by internal combustion engine or locally generated electricity; • No part of the works nor any maintenance of equipment shall be carried out in such a manner as to cause unnecessary noise except in the case of an emergency when the work is absolutely necessary for the saving of life or property or the safety of the works; • Equipment shall be maintained in good working order so that extraneous noise from mechanical vibration, creaking and squeaking is kept to a minimum; and • Noise emitting machinery which is required to run continuously shall be housed in a suitable acoustically lined enclosure. • Train staff in construction best practice. • Construction operation times shall be limited to 07:00 to 18:00 daily • Perform independent periodic noise and vibration monitoring to demonstrate compliance with Project noise limits.

3. Air Quality

Impacts

119. Only the civil works related to the construction of the weatherproof parking facilities is expected to generate any impact on the air quality, particularly generation of dust emissions (suspended particulate matter), at the TBDs due to the excavation works and movement of any heavy machinery on unpaved surfaces.The other activities related to installation of electrical equipment and upgradation of existing electrical infrastructure is benign from an air quality perspective.

120. Potential sources of particulate matter emission during construction activities include earthworks (dirt or debris pushing), exposed surfaces, exposed storage piles, truck dumping, hauling, vehicle movement on unpaved roads, combustion of liquid fuel in equipment and vehicles, land excavation and concrete mixing and batching.

121. The quantity of dust that will be generated on a particular day will depend on the magnitude and nature of activity and the atmospheric conditions prevailing on the day. Due to

37 the uncertainty in values of these parameters, it is not possible to calculate the quantity from a ‘bottom-up’ approach, that is, from adding PM10 emissions from every activity on the construction site separately. Typical and worst-case PM10 emissions from construction sites have been estimated24 as 0.27 megagram per hectare per month of activity (Mg/ha-month) and 1.04 Mg/ha-month, respectively.

122. Since all activities are to be conducted within the premises of the existing TBDs, thus any receptors located around the TBD boundaries are not expected to be significantly affected by the air quality impacts from the proposed works, which are expected to be largely site specific and temporary in nature.

Mitigation measures

123. The following are mitigation measures that can be utilized:

• Water will be sprinkled every three hours at the work sites and at a higher frequency if felt necessary, at all construction sites to suppress dust emissions. • All heavy equipment and machinery shall be fitted in full compliance with the national and local regulations. • Stockpiled soil and sand shall be slightly wetted before loading, particularly in windy conditions. • Fuel-efficient and well-maintained haulage trucks shall be employed to minimize exhaust emissions. • Vehicles transporting soil, sand and other construction materials shall be covered with tarpaulin. • If large stockpiles (>25m3) of crushed materials are necessary, they should be enclosed with side barriers and also covered when not in use. • Concrete plants to be controlled in line with statutory requirements and shall not be close to sensitive receptors around the TBDs. • Stack height of generators will be at least 3 meters above the ground. • Project traffic will maintain maximum speed limit of 20 km/hr on all unpaved surfaces.

4. Vehicular & Equipment Emissions

124. It shall be ensured that the following measures are taken to control emissions from vehicles being used in the construction activity:

• Periodically check and conduct maintenance of the construction machinery and haul vehicles. • Regularly change the engine oil and use new engines/machinery/equipment having good efficiency and fuel burning characteristics. • Training of the technicians and operators of the construction machinery and drivers of the vehicles. • Air quality monitoring at the project site during the construction phase.

5. Fugitive Dust Control

125. The source wise fugitive control measures are provided in Table 6.4 below.

24 Gaffney, G. and Shimp, D. 1997. Improving PM10 Fugitive Dust Emission Inventories. Sacramento, CA. California Air Resource Board.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..17: Control measures for Fugitive Dust emissions Source Control Measures Earth Moving For any earth moving that is to take place within the TBD premises, watering sprinkling must be conducted as required to prevent visible dust emissions.

Disturbed Surface Apply dust suppression measures frequently (clear vegetation only from areas Areas where work is to commence) to maintain a stabilized surface. Areas that cannot be stabilized, such as wind driven dust, must have an application of water at least twice a day. Inactive Disturbed Apply dust suppressants (clear vegetation only from areas where work is to Surface Areas commence) in sufficient quantity and frequency to maintain a stabilized surface Unpaved Roads Water all roads used for any vehicular traffic at least twice per day during active operations and restrict vehicle speed to 20 kmph. Open Storage Apply water to at least 80 percent of the surface areas of all open storage piles Piles on a daily basis when there is evidence of wind driven fugitive dust or install an enclosure all along the storage piles Track-out Control Wash down of construction vehicles (particularly tyres) prior to departure from site.

6. Occupational Health and Safety

Impacts

126. The risk of accidents taking place will be high, particularly from electrocution since electrical works will be conducted to upgrade the electrical infrastructure at the TBDs. In addition, the risk of falling objects during work being conducted on elevated structures will also exist along with falling of beams and metal rods.

Mitigation measures

127. The following measures will be ensured by the Contractor:

• All workers must be provided with and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, hand gloves, boots, masks etc); • All workers must follow standard practices of safety checks as prescribed before use of equipment; • Provide on-site Health and Safety Training for all site personnel; • Ensure all accidents/incidents are properly reported and documented. • In order to adequately address any electrical hazards, the following measures will be implemented by the Contractor during the works: • Marking all energized electrical devices and lines with warning signs; · • Locking out (de-charging and leaving open with a controlled locking device) and tagging-out (warning sign placed on the lock) devices during service or maintenance; • Checking all electrical cords, cables, and hand power tools for frayed or exposed cords and following manufacturer recommendations for maximum permitted operating voltage of the portable hand tools; • Double insulating/grounding all electrical equipment used in environments that are, or may become, wet; using equipment with ground fault interrupter (GFI) protected circuits; · • Protecting power cords and extension cords against damage from traffic by shielding or suspending above traffic areas; · • Appropriate labeling of service rooms housing high voltage equipment (‘electrical hazard’) and where entry is controlled or prohibited; ·

• Rubber tired construction or other vehicles that come into direct contact with, or arcing between, high voltage wires may need to be taken out of service for periods of 48 hours and have the tires replaced to prevent catastrophic tire and wheel assembly failure, potentially causing serious injury or death; • Conducting detailed identification and marking of all buried electrical wiring prior to any excavation work. • The Contractor shall provide bi-monthly refresher sessions to his staff on the safety precautions to be followed during the construction activity. • The Contractor will closely monitor his staff at all times and will take strict action against any non-compliance with these protocols and will ensure at all times that the safety of the personnel present at the TBD sites are kept a priority. • Random Health and Safety audits from PMU and/or a third party shall be conducted.

7. Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Management including Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)

Impacts

128. In the absence of national or domestic regulations and a waste management system in the project area, waste disposal can potentially become a serious environmental issue, particularly with the local Contractors. To avoid any potential issue, the IA will have to impose adequate internal controls.

129. During the proposed activities at the TBDs, it will need to be ensured that required protocols and precautions are in place in case any ACMs are encountered to ensure they are handled accordingly and do not result in any harm to the workers.

Mitigation measures

130. A waste management plan will be developed prior to the start of construction. This plan will cater to sorting of hazardous and non-hazardous materials prior to disposal, placing of waste bins at the TBDs for waste disposal and an onsite hazardous waste storage facility.

131. Periodic on-site audits of waste management will be undertaken along with auditing of waste disposal Contractors and disposal facilities on regular basis to check that procedures are being followed.

132. Records of all waste generated during the construction period will be maintained. Quantities of waste disposed, recycled or reused will be logged on a Waste Tracking Register.

133. Licensed waste Contractors will be engaged to dispose off all non-hazardous waste material that cannot be recycled or reused.

134. Training will be provided to personnel for identification, segregation and management of waste.

Measures specifically for ACM

135. In case asbestos is present in any existing structures at the TBDs that need to be demolished in order to conduct works, the Contractor must first develop the Asbestos Management Plan, as part of the SSEMP and ensure that internationally acceptable protocol is implemented as part of the best practices to either engage trained third party personnel and/or use properly trained personnel from the Contractor workforce are used to implement

40 the asbestos management plan, consisting of properly handling and disposing off the asbestos to prevent any damage to the health of all individuals exposed to the asbestos sheets. The steps to be followed to ensure safe handling of any materials containing asbestos are as follows: • Identify asbestos at the workplace ▪ The identification of asbestos at the workplace is the first step in managing the risk of exposure to asbestos. If someone with management or control is unsure that asbestos or ACM is present or not, it is always better to assume it is present and treat it with caution. ▪ Where asbestos has been identified or is likely to be identified, an asbestos register must be prepared and kept at the workplace. This register must be maintained to ensure the information in it is up to date.

• Assessing the risk of exposure ▪ If asbestos is in good condition and left undisturbed, it is unlikely that airborne asbestos fibres will be released into the air and the risk to health is low. Therefore, it is usually safe to leave it labelled and undisturbed, and review its condition over time. ▪ However, if the asbestos has deteriorated, has been disturbed, or if asbestos-contaminated dust is present, the likelihood that exposure may occur is increased. A visual inspection of the material, its location and an understanding of the work practices at the workplace will assist this decision. Asbestos-related work activities will also need to be considered.

• Asbestos related work ▪ Asbestos-related work activities are a type of work with asbestos which is permitted to occur in certain circumstances. It can include maintenance, plus unusual and infrequent activities (such as emergency activities).

• Asbestos management plans ▪ A written asbestos management plan sets out how asbestos or ACM identified at the workplace will be managed. It must be prepared for the workplace if asbestos has been identified or assumed present or is likely to be present from time to time at the workplace. ▪ The plan must be maintained to ensure the information is up to date (at least every five years), and must be kept at the workplace to ensure it is accessible.

• Control measures ▪ When choosing the most appropriate control measure, the following hierarchy of controls must be considered: • eliminate the risk (eg remove the asbestos) • substitute the risk, isolate the risk or apply engineering controls (eg enclose, encapsulate, seal) • use administrative controls (eg safe work practices, labelling) • use PPEs. ▪ A combination of these controls may be required to adequately manage and control asbestos.

• Indicating the presence of asbestos in the workplace ▪ All identified or assumed asbestos, including where the asbestos is inaccessible, must be clearly indicated (eg using labels or, where appropriate, warning signs).

• Reviewing Control measures ▪ Control measures that have been implemented must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised to make sure they work as planned and to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety. ▪ If an asbestos register or asbestos management plan has been created, it must be reviewed if circumstances change or are likely to change.

8. Soil Contamination

Impacts

136. During the construction works at the TBDs, spills of fuel, lubricants and chemicals can take place while transferring from one container to another or during refueling of construction equipment and vehicles. Also, during maintenance of equipment and vehicles, through leakages from equipment and containers and as a result of traffic accidents.

137. Depending on the nature of the material, location of spill and quantity of spill, the soil can get contaminated.

Mitigation measures

138. It will be ensured that spill prevention trays are provided and used during refueling. Also, on-site maintenance of construction vehicles and equipment will be avoided as far as possible. In case on-site maintenance is unavoidable, tarpaulin or other impermeable material will be spread on the ground to prevent contamination of soil.

139. Regular inspections will be carried out to detect leakages in construction vehicles and equipment and all vehicles will be washed in external commercial facilities.

140. Fuels, lubricants and chemicals will be stored in covered bounded areas, underlain with impervious lining. Appropriate arrangements, including shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials will be available near fuel and oil storage areas.

9. Communicable diseases

Impacts

141. Communicable diseases such as COVID-19 in particular might spread amongst the work force at the two TBDs.

Mitigation measures

142. The following COVID-19 specific measures must be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission amongst the work force:

• All workers must perform complete sanitization at the site as per SOPs/guidelines issued by WHO. • All workers must wear a mask and gloves as soon as they arrive at site and must keep wearing it at all times while present at the TBD premises. • As soon as workers arrive at work site, their body temperature must be checked and in case any worker is assessed to be running a fever or suffering from a flu or cough, he must be informed to leave immediately and self-isolate for a two week period and not report for work until this two week mandatory period has been completed.

• At the work site(s) of the TBDs, social distancing measures must be strictly implemented and gathering of workers at any location at the work site(s) must be strictly forbidden. In case of workers not taking this measure seriously, strict penalties must be imposed to ensure implementation. • The work tasks must be divided into shifts, as far as possible, to reduce the workforce present at the work site(s) at any one moment and improve the working speed/efficiency. • All workers will be strictly advised to wash their hands as frequently as practicable and not to touch their face during work. • A supply of safe drinking water will be made available and maintained at the TBD site(s). • Chlorinated disinfecting spraying must be conducted at the TBD work site(s) • COVID awareness sign boards must be installed at the TBD work site(s) • Contact details of all workers will be kept in a register on site in order to efficiently trace and manage any possible workers that might experience symptoms of COVID-19. • Prohibition of entry for local community/any unauthorized persons at TBD work sites. • Proper hygiene practices in the toilets and washrooms will be implemented with proper and adequate use of soaps and disinfectant spray. • Social distancing must be maintained during the pick-up and dropping off of workers from their residences to and from the TBD work site(s).

10. Community Health and Safety

Impacts

143. All works will be conducted within the premises of the existing TBDs and thus any potential risks to any receptors residing around the TBD sites is minimal.

144. The movement of any construction related vehicles to and from the TBDs, particularly any heavy vehicles, can pose an accident risk to any communities and other receptors located around the TBD sites.

Mitigation measures

145. Entry to the TBDs during the duration of the construction works will be strictly limited to only authorized personnel.

146. Work areas, especially where machinery is involved will be roped off and will be constantly monitored to ensure that local residents, particularly children, do not gain access to it. Also, no machinery will be left unattended, particularly in running condition.

147. Speed limit of 20 km/hr will be maintained by all project related vehicles.

11. Vegetation and Wildlife Loss

Impacts

148. The upgradation works at the TBDs are expected to be conducted completely within the existing TBD premises. Thus, in general, no impact on vegetation or wildlife is expected. However, in case such a situation arises, the mitigation measures provided below must be implemented.

Mitigation measures

149. In case any trees have to be felled, mitigation will be required in the form of reinstatement and compensatory planting in the minimum ratio of 3:1 i.e. 3 saplings to be planted for every tree felled given the possible difficulties with establishing trees and low survival rates of young trees.

12. Land Use and Aesthetics

Impacts

150. The proposed activities will be conducted at the existing TBD sites with a minor change in the overall aesthetic landscape. The construction of the new infrastructure is expected to add to the structural aesthetics and value of the existing TBDs.

Mitigation measures

151. No mitigation measures required.

13. Natural and Man-made Hazards

Impacts

152. Natural disasters include windstorms and/or earthquakes may be experienced during the construction phase. However, the likelihood of such events is quite low and the effect on the project in the case of an occurrence of such a natural calamity on the health and safety of the workers and affected population can be minimized by adopting appropriate and adequate mitigation measures.

153. Fire accidents and terrorist/sabotage activities are something that cannot be predicted or foreseen but can be prepared for by taking precautionary measures such as training of staff and acquiring extra safety and security measures.

Mitigation measures

154. No mitigation measures required.

D. Operation Phase

155. The impacts in the operation phase are important since these are ‘long term’. The summary of potential impacts during the operation phase are provided in Table 6.5 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..18: Screening of possible Impacts during Operation Phase Consequence Likelihood Risk Level (Catastrophic, S/No. Potential Impact (Certain, Likely, (Significant, Major, Moderate, Unlikely, Rare) Medium, Low) Minor) 1 Traffic Management issues from increased volume Likely Moderate Medium of buses operating from upgraded TBDs

2 Replacement of Likely Moderate Medium BEB batteries 3 Soil Contamination Likely Moderate Medium from BEB maintenance Significant Risk Level Medium Risk Level Low Risk Level

1. Traffic Management Issues due to increased Bus Volume at TBDs

Impacts

156. The increased volume of buses operating from the upgraded TBDs may potentially cause traffic management issues, unless their operation is properly planned and managed to ensure their movement does not result in traffic congestion and/or an increase in the risk of accidents taking place.

Mitigation Measures

157. A comprehensive traffic management plan will be implemented to ensure the movement of the additional buses to operate from each upgraded TBD does not cause traffic congestion and/or cause an increase in the risk of accidents taking place.

2. Replacement of BEB batteries

Impacts

158. The batteries from each BEB will need replacement after it reaches the end of its useful life.

159. No country worldwide, including Kyrgyz Republic, has so far established detailed regulations, including licensed recyclers for Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries. The batteries of the buses will be at their end of life in 8 years or more (during these 8 years, the batteries have a guaranteed State of Charge (SOC) i.e. the manufacturer takes back the faulty battery and replaces them). Thus, the issue of battery replacement will only need to be addressed after 8 years or more. This is also the reason most countries are only now starting to regulate this issue.

160. After a period of 8 years of usage, bus batteries still have a minimum of 80% SOC, since in this context, bus batteries refer to large homogeneous battery sets, unlike cars or motorcycle batteries. Currently, these bus batteries have a resale value and are used as energy storage devices or as back-up or as storage for PV systems. Bus batteries are especially sought after for this reason, due to being large and uniform batteries.

161. Depending on usage, they will still be in use for fixed applications for 5 to 20 years (until the SOC drops to approximately 50 percent). Eventually, whether used batteries are refurbished or not depends on further usage and if the buyer requires a warranty or not. This is a profitable business and recycling or battery disposal is not conducted at that stage.

162. After their useful life as stationary application, they will be eventually recycled. Currently, this is not profitable due to low volumes. If it might be profitable in 15 years’ time is possible but unknown at present as this depends on the battery quantities, materials used in

45 batteries, processes developed until then, raw material prices and material demand in 15 years’ time.

Mitigation Measures

163. The Kyrgyz Republic, in line with many other countries, will have to think of an appropriate battery regulation. However, it might be wise to wait till other countries and regions strong in EV production and usage have developed a good regulation instead of putting up regulations now for a problem that might potentially arise in the next 15 years.

164. In the event that used batteries are to be replaced, BMO will (i) designate a secured and engineered storage area; (ii) maintain records of inventory and photo-documentation; and (iii) implement health and safety requirements such as but not limited to signages, restricted access to unauthorized personnel, and warning labels.

3. Soil Contamination from BEB Maintenance

Impacts

165. The maintenance of the BEBs will consist of changing of different oils and lubricants, which will have a considerable possibility to contaminate the soil and premises within the TBDs, where this maintenance activities might be conducted.

Mitigation Measures

166. It will be ensured that spill prevention trays are provided and used during refueling. Also, on-site maintenance of construction vehicles and equipment will be avoided as far as possible and should be performed at dedicated BEB workshops. In case on-site maintenance is unavoidable, tarpaulin or other impermeable material will be spread on the ground to prevent contamination of soil.

167. Regular inspections will be carried out to detect leakages in BEBs and the BEBs will be washed in external commercial facilities.

168. Fuels, lubricants and chemicals at the TBDs will be stored in covered bounded areas, underlain with impervious lining. Appropriate arrangements, including shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials will be available near fuel and oil storage areas at the TBDs.

4. Economic Growth

169. The proposed project will increase the economic activities around the area, creating avenues for direct/indirect employment, particularly related to the operation and maintenance of the BEB fleet.

Mitigation measures

170. No mitigation measures required.

E. Cumulative Impacts

171. The international financing agency, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is presently financing a number of different projects across Kyrgyz Republic and within Bishkek city across transport sector, municipal services such as water

46 supply, power and energy sector, manufacturing services etc25.. Although the specific details of these projects and their proximity to the TBD sites is not exactly known at present, however, the possibility of cumulative impacts is possible.

172. The projects presently being financed by EBRD in Bishkek city consist of:

• Bishkek Public Transport Project Phase 1: This project focuses on priority investments in Bishkek trolleybus infrastructure. The Bishkek City has requested EBRD to finance the purchase of 49 trolleybuses and developing the public transport development strategy as part of the project. • Promoting Climate Resilience of Water Supples in Kyrgyz Republic, including Bishkek City:26 This project seeks to rehabilitate the water supply infrastructure in cities under the Framwork, including Bishkek city.

F. Indirect and Induced Impacts

173. The potential impact of upgradation of the TBDs has been examined, which indicates that the existing and planned infrastructure such as water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, municipal solid waste collection and disposal would be adequate. Any potential Impacts on the environment such as air emissions, traffic noise etc. have also been assessed and have found to be acceptable and within the carrying capacities of the environmental media.

174. Thus, negative indirect and induced impacts from this project are not expected.

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

175. The Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMP) is developed to eliminate and/or mitigate the impacts envisaged at the design, construction and operation stages and provide specific guidelines for long term monitoring by identifying the roles and responsibilities of the IA, Supervision Consultant and Contractor(s).

176. The detailed EMP provided in this section provided as Table 7.1 ensures that the proposed activities have no detrimental effect on the surrounding environment. The Plan shall act as a guideline for incorporating environmental measures to be carried out by the contractors engaged by the IA, as well as for other parties concerned for mitigating possible impacts associated with the Project and will form part of the Contract documents to be considered alongside the specifications. This Plan shall act as the Environmental Monitoring Plan during construction and operational phases of the Project, and will allow for prompt implementation of effective corrective measures.

177. The EMP attached with this report ensures the following:

• Delivery of the prescribed environmental outcomes during all phases of the Project; • Formulating a system for compliance with applicable legislative and non- legislative requirements and obligations and commitments for the Project;

25 https://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/project-finance/project-summary- documents.html?c16=on&keywordSearch= 26 https://www.thegef.org/sites/default/files/project_documents/EBRD%2520Kyrgyz%2520SCCF%2520ProDoc% 2520v1-1_1.pdf

• Ensure that project design process incorporates best practice environmental design and sustainability principles to minimize potential impacts of construction and operation on the environment and community. • Ensure that the construction work procedures minimize potential impacts on the environment and community. • Develop, implement and monitor measures that minimize pollution and optimize resource use.

178. The EMP provides a delivery mechanism to address potential impacts of the project activities, to enhance project benefits and to outline standardized good practices to be adopted for all project works. The EMP has been prepared with the objectives of:

• Defining the roles and responsibilities of the project proponent for the implementation of EMP and identifying areas where these roles and responsibilities can be shared with other parties involved in the execution and monitoring of the project; • Outlining mitigation measures required for avoiding or minimizing potential negative impacts assessed by environmental study; • Developing a monitoring mechanism and identifying requisite monitoring parameters to confirm effectiveness of the mitigation measures recommended in the study; • Defining the requirements for communication, documentation, training, monitoring, management and implementation of the mitigation measures. • Environmental Management Framework

179. Institutional arrangements are needed to monitor contractor performance in implementing environmental protection measures described in the environmental management plan (EMP). As earlier stated, enforcement will be under the authority of a Project Implementation Unit (PIU), with technical support from the Construction Supervision Consultants (CSCs).

180. The EA and IA for the proposed Outputs 1 and 2 will be as follows:

• EA: Bishkek City Mayor’s Office (BCMO) • IA: Municipal Company “Bishkek Trolleybus Department”

181. The organizational framework is provided as Figure 7.1 below.

182. In order to ensure compliance with ADB SPS, the IA will ensure the safeguards requirements and procedures in Table 7.1 are followed for the project.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..19: Summary of Environmental Safeguard Compliance Requirements Project Stage Compliance Requirements Prior to grant Environmental management system established in PIU effectiveness Safeguards Officer appointed in PIU Project preparation All the regulatory clearances/approval requirements have been identified (preliminary and detailed IEE conducted based on preliminary designs design) Meaningful consultations with stakeholders and affected people conducted and information disclosed EMP prepared IEE submitted to ADB for no objection and disclosure Project GRM established Bidding process IEE is approved by ADB prior to bid invitation IEE included in bid documents

Project Stage Compliance Requirements EMP provisions and compliance requirements per (i) covenants and (ii) Project Administration Manual explained to bidders in pre-bid meeting Confirmation that bids include sufficient costs and personnel to implement environmental safeguards Contract Award All the regulatory clearances / approvals are obtained prior to award of contract Contractors to undertake Safeguards Orientation upon mobilization Construction Prior to start of construction, contractors submitted site-specific EMP (SSEMP) Contractors EMP/SSEMP implemented by contractor during construction Monitoring conducted by PIU Submission of semi-annual monitoring report to ADB, including corrective action plan where non-compliance is identified Monitoring conducted by ADB Post-construction All the sites are cleaned up and restored as required prior to issuance of work completion certification to the contractor Monitoring and verification conducted by PIU Submission of semi-annual monitoring report to ADB, including corrective action plan where non-compliance is identified Monitoring conducted by ADB Operation All the operational stage regulatory clearances/ approvals are in place prior to start of operation Submission of semi-annual monitoring report to ADB, including corrective action plan where non-compliance is identified, will continue until ADB issues the project completion report Monitoring conducted by ADB

183. PIU-BTD will take the following responsibilities:

• Responsible for day-to-day project management and field-level supervision; • Reviews the reports submitted by project management, construction supervision consultants (CSC) with respect to detailed design, costs, safeguards, financial, economic, and social viability; • Prepare, with the support of CSC, requirements related to environmental safeguards, health and safety, conditions from government clearance and permits, core labor standards and include in bidding and contract documents; • Ensure request for proposals and bid evaluation reports include environmental safeguards considerations; • Ensure disclosure of environmental safeguard documents in language and form understandable by local people and stakeholders.

184. Key tasks and responsibilities of PIU Environmental Officer.are as follows:

• Confirm existing draft IEE is updated based on detailed designs; • Confirm IEE/EMP is included in bidding documents and civil works contracts; • Maintain records related to environmental safeguards requirements by ADB and government agencies; • Ensure meaningful consultations with stakeholders and affected people are conducted as part of IEE preparation/finalization and continuously conducted throughout project implementation; • Disclose final IEE/EMP in locations and form accessible to the public; • Ensure EMP provisions and compliance requirements as per (i) covenants and (ii) Project Administration Manual explained to bidders in pre-bid meeting;

• Confirm bids include sufficient costs and personnel to implement environmental safeguards with assistance from the CSCs, provide Safeguards Orientation to contractors and subcontractors prior to start of works; • Review and clear contractor’s SSEMP and verify pre-works site conditions prior to start of works; • Supervise and provide guidance to the project consultants to properly carry out the environmental monitoring as per EMP/SSEMP and conditions set forth in government clearances and permits; • Consolidate monthly environmental monitoring reports from project consultants and provide input to the quarterly progress reports and semi-annual monitoring reports; • Address any grievances brought about through the grievance redress mechanism in a timely manner; • immediately raise to the BTD any work-related accidents or incidents in worksites; • Provide inputs to relevant sections in quarterly progress reports and to any report as may be required by ADB or regulatory agencies; • Visit worksites prior to, during, and post-construction to monitor contractor’s compliance; • Prepare corrective action plan for non-compliances, discuss with contractors and monitor required activities until non-compliances are addressed; • Coordinate with CSC and other project consultants relating to supervision and compliance monitoring; • Visit completed works and assist with establishing environmental monitoring procedures for the operation phase of the improved infrastructure; and • Others as mutually agreed with EA and IA.

185. The CSC includes the position of an Environmental Safegaurds Specialist, who will perform the following tasks:

• Support the PIU Environment Officer; • Ensure no Category ‘A’ subproject per ADB SPS definition is included in the project; • Develop safeguards database or use of appropriate digital tools to keep track of reports, disclosures, issues/concerns, government requirements, etc; • Review and update the IEE prepared during project preparation stage based on detailed design; • Ensure EMP is included in the bid and contract documents; • As part of the EMP, prepare a project-focused Occupational Health and Safety Plan (OHS) to be adopted by PIU and Contractor(s); • Assist PIU in preparing documents required for obtaining all statutory clearances and permits and ensure these are obtained prior to award of contracts; • Facilitate meaningful consultations, prepare consultation reports, and support PIU in disclosure of safeguard documents, as necessary; • Together with PIU Environment Officer, conduct Safeguards Orientation to contractors prior to their mobilization to start works; • Review the Contractor’s SSEMP for adequacy as per EMP in ADB-cleared IEE and provide instructions to contractors for amendments and additions as necessary; • Monitor contractors’ implementation of the SSEMPs; • Ensure that relevant environmental safeguards, OHS, and core labor standards provisions in the contracts are abided by the contractors;

• Develop and conduct regular safeguards trainings for PIU and other stakeholders to ensure common understanding of ADB SPS requirements in all phases of project implementation; • Consolidate and summarize contractors’ monthly reports and prepare inputs to relevant sections in quarterly progress reports and to any report as may be required by ADB or regulatory agencies; • Conduct regular site inspections worksites prior to, during, and post- construction stages; • Immediately report to PIU and prepare necessary documentation of any work- related accidents or incidents in worksites; • Prepare environmental monitoring report and submit to PIU for review; • Prepare corrective action plan for non-compliances, support PIU in discussing with contractors and conduct field-level monitoring of required activities until non-compliances are addressed; • assist in grievance redressal;

186. ADB will take the following responsibilities:

• Review the IEE report as a basis for the approval to permit physical works for Outputs 1 and 2 • Disclose the draft and final versions of the IEE report • Conduct project review missions, midterm review mission and project completion review mission to assess project implementation progress of all outputs, compliance of grant covenants including actions required in terms of safeguards (environmental impacts and social mitigation measures applicable); timeliness of budgetary allocations and counterpart funding; project expenditures; progress with procurement and disbursement; • Post on ADB website the updated project information documents and safeguards documents as per disclosure provision of the ADB safeguards policy statement • Reviews submissions for procurement of goods, equipment, works and services and provides comments and no objection on the submissions

187. The project Contractor will be responsible for following items:

• Implementation of, or adherence to, all provisions of the IEE and EMP; • Preparation of site specific EMPs (SSEMPs), as required; • Submit SSEMP(s) to PIU for approval; • Ensure no civil works will commence until PIU has approved the SSEMP; • Appoint one full time environment, health and safety (EHS) officer (or equivalent) for implementation of EMP/SSEMP, community liaising, reporting and grievance redressal on day-to-day basis; • Ensure copy of the EMP/SSEMP is be kept on site all times; • Comply with contract provisions on environmental safeguards. Health and safety, core labor standards, etc. Non-compliance with, or any deviation from, the conditions set out in the contract, IEE or EMP constitutes a failure in compliance; • Conduct all activities in a manner that minimizes disturbance to directly affected residents and the public in general, and foreseeable impacts on the environment; • Provide briefing to staff about the requirements of ADB SPS and applicable government regulations;

• Ensure any subcontractors/suppliers, who are utilized within the context of the contract, comply with the SSEMP, ADB SPS and applicable government regulations. The contractor will be held responsible for non-compliance on their behalf; • Provide environmental, health and safety and core labor standards awareness training to staff; • Bear the costs of any damages/compensation resulting from non-adherence to the EMP/SSEMP or written site instructions; • Ensure that staff or engineers are informed in a timely manner of any foreseeable activities that will require input from the environment and safety officers (or equivalent); • Report to PIU any complaint/grievance received from the public and immediately implement remedial measures;

A. Environmental Management/Monitoring and Reporting

188. During the construction phase, the overall responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the EMP rests with the PIU Environmental Officer. This Officer through assistance from the CSC’s Environmental staff, will supervise the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures and monitor the implementation progress in the field. Monthly environmental monitoring data/reports will be incorporated in the project implementation progress reports to be shared with ADB and such monthly reports will be consolidated into quarterly monitoring reports and submitted to ADB for review and clearance. Upon clearance, all such reports will be uploaded on the IA and ADB websites.

189. The key environmental parameters such as ambient air quality and noise levels etc. will be monitored at key receptor locations.

190. A monitoring plan for the pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the project, indicating environmental parameters, frequency, locations and applicable standards is provided as Tables 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 below. Standards set under the applicable guidelines for the key receptors are also provided as Annexure B.

B. Capacity Building and Training

191. Capacity building and training programs are necessary for the IA staff in order to control any negative impacts resulting from the project construction and during its operation phase. They will also require trainings on monitoring and inspecting of such a project for environmental impacts and for implementation of mitigation measures.

192. The details of this capacity building and training program are presented in the Table 7.5 below.

Figure 7-1: Organizational Framework

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..20: Pre-Construction Monitoring Requirements Project Activity Objective of Parameters to be Measurements Location Frequency Responsibility and Potential Monitoring Monitored Impact Ambient Air To establish CO,NOx & PM10 1-hr and 24-hr Two TBDs: Twice in total (Once Relevant IA Quality baseline air (particulate matter concentration levels At two key receptor on a weekday and quality levels smaller than 10 locations around once on a weekend) microns) each TBD site concentration at receptor level Ambient Noise To establish Ambient noise level A-weighted noise levels Two TBDs: Twice in total (Once Relevant IA baseline noise near key receptors – At two key receptor on a weekday and levels along project 24 hours, readings taken locations around once on a weekend) corridor at 15 s intervals over 15 each TBD site min. every hour, and then averaged

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..21: Construction Phase Monitoring Requirements Project Activity Objective of Parameters to be Measurements Location Frequency Responsibilit and Potential Monitoring Monitored y Impact Noise To determine the Ambient noise level A-weighted noise levels Two TBDs: Monthly Contractor’s Disturbance due to effectiveness of near key noise – At two key receptor Environmental noise from noise abatement sensitive receptors 24 hours, readings taken locations around officer, IA construction activity measures on around the two at 15 s intervals over 15 each TBD site sound pressure TBDs min. every hour, and levels then averaged Air Quality To determine the CO,NOx & PM10 1-hr and 24-hr Two TBDs: Monthly Contractor’s Dust emissions from effectiveness of (particulate matter concentration levels At two key receptor Environmental construction dust control smaller than 10 locations around officer, IA vehicles and program on dust microns) each TBD site equipment at receptor level concentration at receptor level Visible dust Visual observation of Construction sites Once daily Contractor’s size of dust clouds, their Environmental dispersion and the officer, IA direction of dispersion

Project Activity Objective of Parameters to be Measurements Location Frequency Responsibilit and Potential Monitoring Monitored y Impact Increase in traffic To minimize risk Number of Visual monitoring Construction Once weekly Contractor’s accidents of traffic accidents taking vehicles traveling Environmental accidents place to/from TBDs officer, IA Safety precautions To prevent Number of near Visual inspections At TBD sites Once weekly Contractor’s by Safety workers accidents for miss events and Environmental workers and accidents taking officer, IA general public place Soil Contamination To prevent Incidents of oil and Visual inspections At TBD sites Once a month Contractor’s contamination of toxic chemical spills Environmental soil from oil and officer, IA toxic chemical spills and leakages Solid Waste & To check the Inspection of solid Visual inspections At TBD sites Once daily. Contractor’s Effluent disposal availability of and liquid effluent Liquid effluent to be Environmental Insufficient waste generation, tested on quarterly officer, IA procedures for management collection, basis waste collection, system and segregation, storage, implementation storage, recycling transportation and and disposal at TBD disposal sites

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..22: Operation Phase Monitoring Requirements Project Activity Objective of Parameters to be Measurements Location Frequency Responsibility and Potential Monitoring Monitored Impact Disposal of BEB To ensure Method of disposal - - Bi-annual review TBD Batteries batteries are of BEB Batteries management disposed as per established SOPs Soil To ensure Implementation of Quantity of oil/chemicals spilt TBD sites Monthly TBD Contamination required required measures management from BEB measures during to prevent soil BEB maintenace contamination due

Project Activity Objective of Parameters to be Measurements Location Frequency Responsibility and Potential Monitoring Monitored Impact maintenance at are being taken to oil/chemical spills TBDs to prevent soil etc. contamination

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..23: Capacity Development and Training Programme Provided by Organized Contents No. of Duration Cost by training (USD) events Pre-construction Phase Project Short seminars Two 2 days 2000 Monitoring Director and courses on: seminars for each Consultants/Organizations Environmental Contractor offering specialized Management Plan management services in environmental and Environmental staff and IA management and Monitoring Plan project staff monitoring Construction Phase Project Short seminars on Two 2 days 2000 Monitoring Director Environmental seminars for each Consultants/Organizations risks associated Contractor offering specialized with construction management services in social phase. staff and IA management and Development of project staff monitoring Environmental dealing in Performance environment Indicators and social Occupational issues Health and Safety (OHS) issues Operational Phase Project Short seminars Two 2 days 2000 Monitoring Director relating to seminars for each Consultants/Organizations monitoring of O&M offering specialized environmental and Contractor services in Occupational social parameters and IA staff Health and Safety (OHS) during operational Issues phase Total 6000 USD

C. Environmental Management Costs

193. The Table 7.6 below provides cost estimates for ‘Pre-Construction phase’ monitoring while Table 7.7 provides cost estimates for ‘Construction phase’ monitoring of key environmental parameters.

194. The costs associated with implementation of the EMP and the necessary mitigation measures are provided as Table 7.8 below. The Tables 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 below provides the Environmental management and monitoring plan for the design/pre-construction, construction and operation stages of the proposed activities.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..24: Annual Cost Estimates for ‘Pre- Construction Phase’ Environmental Monitoring Monitoring Parameters Quantity Amount Details Component USD Air Quality CO, NOx, 8 (Twice only at 2 2400 8 readings @ USD PM10 locations around each 300 per sample TBD) Noise Levels dB(A) 8 (Twice only at 2 2400 8 readings @ USD locations around each 300 per reading TBD) Contingencies 240 5% of monitoring cost Total (USD) 5,040

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..25: Annual Cost Estimates for ‘Construction Phase’ Environmental Monitoring Monitoring Parameters Quantity Amount Details Component USD/year Air Quality CO, Nox, 48 (Monthly basis at 2 14,400 48 readings @ USD PM10 locations around each 300 per sample TBD) Noise Levels dB(A) 48 (Monthly basis at 2 14,400 48 readings @ USD locations around 300 per reading each TBD) Contingencies 1440 5% of monitoring cost Total (USD) 30,240

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..26: Estimated Costs for EMP Implementation Item Sub-Item Estimated Total Cost (USD) Staff, audit and monitoring 2 persons for 12 months27 24,000 cost1 (@ USD 1000 per month) Monitoring Activities Provided separately in Tables 7.5 to - 7.7. Mitigation Measures As prescribed under EMP and IEE. 16,000 (i) Water sprinkling To suppress dust emissions 8,000 (ii) Solid waste collection & From TBD sites 8,000 disposal Contingencies 5% of EMP implementation cost 2000 Total Estimated Cost (USD) 42,000 1: To cover staff cost and expenses of Contractor

27 Expected duration of upgradation works at both TBDs

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..27: ‘Pre-Construction Phase’ Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern recommended implement MM implement Implementation Monitoring MM Design/Pre-Construction Stage Inadequate planning to To ensure required Proper planning will be conducted Prior to - IA & Relevant EA obtain timely permits permits and to ensure all required permits and commencement Consultants and/or authorizations authorizations are authorizations are obtained in a of physical works from respective obtained in a timely timely manner by assigning focal departments/agencies manner to prevent staff at the EA and IA to follow up in resulting in delays in any delays in a timely manner until the approvals commencement of commencement of are in place. physical works works IA - Implementing Agency EA - Executing Agency

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..28: ‘Construction Phase’ Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM Construction Stage ▪ Unnecessary revving of engines will be avoided Noise Levels To minimize and equipment will be switched off when not in During At TBDs. Contractor must IA / CSC noise level use; Construction maintain the increases during ▪ Plant and vehicles will be sequentially started works at acceptable construction up rather than all together; TBDs standards activities. ▪ Use of effective exhaust silence systems or acoustic engine covers, as appropriate; CSC to supervise ▪ Where possible, loading and unloading of relevant activities. material will also be carried out away from any noise sensitive areas around the TBDs; ▪ Regular and effective maintenance by trained personnel will be undertaken to keep equipment working to manufacturers specifications; and ▪ Vehicles and mechanical plants used for the purpose of the works shall be fitted with effective exhaust silencers, maintained in good

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Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM and efficient working order and operated in such a manner in order to minimize noise emissions. The construction contractor shall ensure that all equipment complies with the relevant statutory requirements; ▪ Equipment which breaks concrete, brickwork or masonry by bending or bursting shall be used in preference to percussive tools. ▪ Rotary drills and busters activated by hydraulic, chemical or electrical power shall be used for excavating hard or extrusive material; ▪ Equipment powered by mains electricity shall be used in preference to equipment powered by internal combustion engine or locally generated electricity; ▪ No part of the works nor any maintenance of equipment shall be carried out in such a manner as to cause unnecessary noise except in the case of an emergency when the work is absolutely necessary for the saving of life or property or the safety of the works; ▪ Equipment shall be maintained in good working order so that extraneous noise from mechanical vibration, creaking and squeaking is kept to a minimum; and ▪ Noise emitting machinery which is required to run continuously shall be housed in a suitable acoustically lined enclosure. ▪ Train staff in construction best practice. ▪ Construction operation times shall be limited to 07:00 to 18:00 daily ▪ Perform independent periodic noise and vibration monitoring to demonstrate compliance with Project noise limits. ▪ Water will be sprinkled every three hours at the Air Quality To minimize air work sites and at a higher frequency if felt During At TBDs. Contractor must IA / CSC

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM emissions necessary, at all construction sites to suppress Construction maintain the effectively and dust emissions. works at acceptable avoid complaints ▪ All heavy equipment and machinery shall be TBDs standards due to the fitted in full compliance with the national and airborne local regulations. CSC to supervise particulate ▪ Stockpiled soil and sand shall be slightly wetted relevant activities. matter released before loading, particularly in windy conditions. to the ▪ Fuel-efficient and well-maintained haulage atmosphere. trucks shall be employed to minimize exhaust emissions. ▪ Vehicles transporting soil, sand and other construction materials shall be covered with tarpaulin. ▪ If large stockpiles (>25m3) of crushed materials are necessary, they should be enclosed with side barriers and also covered when not in use. ▪ Concrete plants to be controlled in line with statutory requirements and shall not be close to sensitive receptors around the TBDs. ▪ Stack height of generators will be at least 3 meters above the ground. ▪ Project traffic will maintain maximum speed limit of 20 km/hr on all unpaved surfaces.

Vehicular & Equipment Emissions It shall be ensured that the following measures are taken to control emissions from vehicles being used in the construction activity: ▪ Periodically check and conduct maintenance of the construction machinery and haul vehicles. ▪ Regularly change the engine oil and use new engines/machinery/equipment having good efficiency and fuel burning characteristics. ▪ Training of the technicians and operators of the construction machinery and drivers of the vehicles.

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM ▪ Air quality monitoring at the project site during the construction phase. To ensure that ▪ All workers must be provided with and use Occupational the CSC, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment During At TBDs. Contractor must IA / CSC Health and Contractor and (helmet, hand gloves, boots, masks etc); Construction maintain the Safety workers ▪ All workers must follow standard practices of works at acceptable understand and safety checks as prescribed before use of TBDs standards have the equipment; capacity to ▪ Provide on-site Health and Safety Training for CSC to supervise ensure the all site personnel; relevant activities. environmental ▪ Ensure all accidents/incidents are properly requirements reported and documented. and ▪ The Contractor shall provide bi-monthly implementation refresher sessions to his staff on the safety of mitigation precautions to be followed during the measures. construction activity. ▪ The Contractor will closely monitor his staff at all times and will take strict action against any non-compliance with these protocols and will ensure at all times that the safety of the personnel present at the TBD sites are kept a priority. ▪ Random Health and Safety audits from PMU and/or a third party shall be conducted.

Electrical Hazards In order to adequately address any electrical hazards, the following measures will be implemented by the Contractor during the works: ▪ Marking all energized electrical devices and lines with warning signs; · ▪ Locking out (de-charging and leaving open with a controlled locking device) and tagging-out (warning sign placed on the lock) devices during service or maintenance;

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM ▪ Checking all electrical cords, cables, and hand power tools for frayed or exposed cords and following manufacturer recommendations for maximum permitted operating voltage of the portable hand tools; ▪ Double insulating/grounding all electrical equipment used in environments that are, or may become, wet; using equipment with ground fault interrupter (GFI) protected circuits; · ▪ Protecting power cords and extension cords against damage from traffic by shielding or suspending above traffic areas; · ▪ Appropriate labeling of service rooms housing high voltage equipment (‘electrical hazard’) and where entry is controlled or prohibited; · ▪ Rubber tired construction or other vehicles that come into direct contact with, or arcing between, high voltage wires may need to be taken out of service for periods of 48 hours and have the tires replaced to prevent catastrophic tire and wheel assembly failure, potentially causing serious injury or death; ▪ Conducting detailed identification and marking of all buried electrical wiring prior to any excavation work. Hazardous and To manage all ▪ A waste management plan will be developed Non-hazardous hazardous and prior to the start of construction, including an During At TBDs. Contractor must IA / CSC waste non-hazardous Asbestos Management Plan in accordance Construction maintain the management waste as per with international good practices and protocols works at acceptable including international on handling and disposing ACM. This plan will TBDs standards Asbestos best practices. cater to sorting of hazardous and non- Containing hazardous materials prior to disposal, placing CSC to supervise Materials (ACM) of waste bins at the TBDs for waste disposal relevant activities. and an onsite hazardous waste storage facility.

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM ▪ Periodic on-site audits of waste management will be undertaken along with auditing of waste disposal Contractors and disposal facilities on regular basis to check that procedures are being followed. ▪ Records of all waste generated during the construction period will be maintained. Quantities of waste disposed, recycled or reused will be logged on a Waste Tracking Register. ▪ Licensed waste Contractors will be engaged to dispose off all non-hazardous waste material that cannot be recycled or reused. ▪ Training will be provided to personnel for identification, segregation and management of waste.

Measures specifically for ACM The steps to be followed to ensure safe handling of any materials containing asbestos are as follows: Identify asbestos at the workplace The identification of asbestos at the workplace is the first step in managing the risk of exposure to asbestos. If someone with management or control is unsure that asbestos or ACM is present or not, it is always better to assume it is present and treat it with caution. Where asbestos has been identified or is likely to be identified, an asbestos register must be prepared and kept at the workplace. This register must be maintained to ensure the information in it is up to date. Assessing the risk of exposure If asbestos is in good condition and left undisturbed, it is unlikely that airborne asbestos

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM fibres will be released into the air and the risk to health is low. Therefore, it is usually safe to leave it labelled and undisturbed, and review its condition over time. However, if the asbestos has deteriorated, has been disturbed, or if asbestos-contaminated dust is present, the likelihood that exposure may occur is increased. A visual inspection of the material, its location and an understanding of the work practices at the workplace will assist this decision. Asbestos-related work activities will also need to be considered. Asbestos related work Asbestos-related work activities are a type of work with asbestos which is permitted to occur in certain circumstances. It can include maintenance, plus unusual and infrequent activities (such as emergency activities). Asbestos management plans A written asbestos management plan sets out how asbestos or ACM identified at the workplace will be managed. It must be prepared for the workplace if asbestos has been identified or assumed present, or is likely to be present from time to time at the workplace. The plan must be maintained to ensure the information is up-to-date (at least every five years), and must be kept at the workplace to ensure it is accessible. Control measures When choosing the most appropriate control measure, the following hierarchy of controls must be considered: ▪ eliminate the risk (eg remove the asbestos)

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM ▪ substitute the risk, isolate the risk or apply engineering controls (eg enclose, encapsulate, seal) ▪ use administrative controls (eg safe work practices, labelling) ▪ use PPEs. A combination of these controls may be required in order to adequately manage and control asbestos. Indicating the presence of asbestos in the workplace All identified or assumed asbestos, including where the asbestos is inaccessible, must be clearly indicated (eg using labels or, where appropriate, warning signs). Reviewing Control measures Control measures that have been implemented must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised to make sure they work as planned and to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety. If an asbestos register or asbestos management plan has been created, it must be reviewed if circumstances change or are likely to change. Soil To prevent ▪ It will be ensured that spill prevention trays are Contamination contamination of provided and used during refueling. Also, on- During At TBDs. Contractor must IA / CSC soil site maintenance of construction vehicles and Construction maintain the equipment will be avoided as far as possible. In works at acceptable case on-site maintenance is unavoidable, TBDs standards tarpaulin or other impermeable material will be spread on the ground to prevent contamination CSC to supervise of soil. relevant activities. ▪ Regular inspections will be carried out to detect leakages in construction vehicles and

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM equipment and all vehicles will be washed in external commercial facilities. ▪ Fuels, lubricants and chemicals will be stored in covered bounded areas, underlain with impervious lining. Appropriate arrangements, including shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials will be available near fuel and oil storage areas.

Communicable To prevent ▪ All workers must perform complete sanitization diseases outbreak of at the site as per SOPs/guidelines issued by During At TBDs. Contractor must IA / CSC diseases WHO. Construction maintain the ▪ All workers must wear a mask and gloves as works at acceptable soon as they arrive at site and must keep TBDs standards wearing it at all times while present at the TBD premises. CSC to supervise ▪ As soon as workers arrive at work site, their relevant activities. body temperature must be checked and in case any worker is assessed to be running a fever or suffering from a flu or cough, he must be informed to leave immediately and self-isolate for a two week period and not report for work until this two week mandatory period has been completed. ▪ At the work site(s) of the TBDs, social distancing measures must be strictly implemented and gathering of workers at any location at the work site(s) must be strictly forbidden. In case of workers not taking this measure seriously, strict penalties must be imposed to ensure implementation. ▪ The work tasks must be divided into shifts, as far as possible, to reduce the workforce present at the work site(s) at any one moment and improve the working speed/efficiency.

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM ▪ All workers will be strictly advised to wash their hands as frequently as practicable and not to touch their face during work. ▪ A supply of safe drinking water will be made available and maintained at the TBD site(s). ▪ Chlorinated disinfecting spraying must be conducted at the TBD work site(s) ▪ COVID awareness sign boards must be installed at the TBD work site(s) ▪ Contact details of all workers will be kept in a register on site in order to efficiently trace and manage any possible workers that might experience symptoms of COVID-19. ▪ Prohibition of entry for local community/any unauthorized persons at TBD work sites. ▪ Proper hygiene practices in the toilets and washrooms will be implemented with proper and adequate use of soaps and disinfectant spray. ▪ Social distancing must be maintained during the pick-up and dropping off of workers from their residences to and from the TBD work site(s).

Community To ensure the ▪ Entry to the TBDs during the duration of the Areas Health and residents and construction works will be strictly limited to only During around Contractor must IA / CSC Safety visitors to the authorized personnel. Construction TBDs maintain the project area are ▪ Work areas, especially where machinery is works at acceptable kept safe during involved will be roped off and will be constantly TBDs standards the construction monitored to ensure that local residents, activity at the particularly children, do not gain access to it. CSC to supervise TBDs Also, no machinery will be left unattended, relevant activities. particularly in running condition. ▪ Speed limit of 20 km/hr will be maintained by all project related vehicles.

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location to Responsibility Concern implement implement Implementation Monitoring MM MM Vegetation and To protect In case any trees have to be felled, mitigation will During TBDs Contractor must IA / CSC Wildlife Loss vegetation and be required in the form of reinstatement and Construction maintain the wildlife loss at compensatory planting in the minimum ratio of works at acceptable TBDs 3:1 i.e. 3 saplings to be planted for every tree TBDs standards felled given the possible difficulties with establishing trees and low survival rates of young CSC to supervise trees. relevant activities. IA - Implementing Agency PD - Project Director CSC - Construction Supervision Consultant O&M - Operation & Maintenance

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..29: ‘Operation Phase’ Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location Responsibility Concern implement MM to Implementation Monitoring implement MM Operational Stage Traffic To ensure no A comprehensive traffic management plan will be Prior to In project O&M Contractor TBD Management traffic implemented to ensure the movement of the commencement area of Management Issues due to management additional buses to operate from each upgraded and once each TBD increased Bus related issues TBD does not cause traffic congestion and/or cause project Volume at such as an increase in the risk of accidents taking place. operation TBDs congestion or commences. accidents take place from the TBD operation Replacement To ensure the ▪ The Kyrgyz Republic, in line with many other Once project At TBDs O&M Contractor TBD & Disposal of batteries from countries, will have to think of an appropriate operation Management BEB Batteries the BEBs are battery regulation. However, it might be wise to commences. replaced and wait till other countries and regions strong in EV disposed off in production and usage have developed a good an regulation instead of putting up regulations now for environmentally a problem that might potentially arise in the next 15 friendly manner years.

Environmental Objectives Mitigation Measures (MM) recommended Timing to Location Responsibility Concern implement MM to Implementation Monitoring implement MM and in ▪ In the event that used batteries are to be replaced, accordance BMO will (i) designate a secured and engineered with storage area; (ii) maintain records of inventory and international photo-documentation; and (iii) implement health good practices. and safety requirements such as but not limited to signages, restricted access to unauthorized personnel, and warning labels.

Soil To ensure the ▪ It will be ensured that spill prevention trays are Once project At TBDs O&M Contractor TBD Contamination maintenance of provided and used during refueling. Also, on-site operation Management from BEB the BEBs does maintenance of construction vehicles and commences. Maintenance not result in soil equipment will be avoided as far as possible and contamination should be performed at dedicated BEB workshops. due to oils, In case on-site maintenance is unavoidable, greases, tarpaulin or other impermeable material will be lubricants etc. spread on the ground to prevent contamination of soil. ▪ Regular inspections will be carried out to detect leakages in BEBs and the BEBs will be washed in external commercial facilities. ▪ Fuels, lubricants and chemicals at the TBDs will be stored in covered bounded areas, underlain with impervious lining. Appropriate arrangements, including shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials will be available near fuel and oil storage areas at the TBDs. IA - Implementing Agency CSC - Construction Supervision Consultant O&M - Operation & Maintenance

VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

195. Public participation and community consultations have to be taken up as an integral part of environmental and social assessment process of this project. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, only limited consultations have been possible by the social safeguards project team while additional consultations focusing more on the environmental aspects of the proposed activities are planned in the coming months, once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. The findings of these consultations will be incorporated in this section of the updated IEE report.

196. This participatory process will help in reducing the public resistance to change and will enable the participation of the local people in the decision-making process. Public participation and consultation are the major keys to achieving success in infrastructure development. The sustainability of any infrastructure development depends on the participatory planning in which public consultation plays a major role.

197. Aiming at promotion of public understanding and discussion on the local needs and concerns of the various stakeholders i.e., affected business persons, government officials, local community members and daily visitors to the respective project areas, consultations will be conducted through focus group discussions, individual interviews and formal consultations. The Stakeholder Engagement Plan is provided in Table 8.1 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..30: Stakeholder Engagement Plan Target Participants Topics to be Responsibilities discussed/Information to be shared During Updating of this IEE Study Local communities ▪ Briefing on Project details incl. IEE Preparatory Consultant technical scope, proposed activities, project timelines etc. ▪ Briefing on possible environmental impacts on this target participant from Project activities. ▪ Obtain comments and/or concerns on the proposed project activities and potential environmental impacts Local businesses ▪ Briefing on Project details incl. IEE Preparatory Consultant technical scope, proposed activities, project timelines etc. ▪ Briefing on possible environmental impacts on this target participant from Project activities. ▪ Obtain comments and/or concerns on the proposed project activities and potential environmental impacts Any other Project Affected ▪ Briefing on Project details incl. IEE Preparatory Consultant Persons incl. any vulnerable technical scope, proposed groups (women, children etc.) activities, project timelines etc. ▪ Briefing on possible environmental impacts on this target participant from Project activities. ▪ Obtain comments and/or concerns on the proposed

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Target Participants Topics to be Responsibilities discussed/Information to be shared project activities and potential environmental impacts Relevant public sector ▪ Share with them the IEE Preparatory Consultant agencies (EA and the IA). methodology being implemented for preparation of the IEE study ▪ Sharing with them the stakeholder concerns related to the proposed project activities and their potential impacts. ▪ Sharing with the EA and IA the mitigation measures and associated mitigation costs being proposed and obtaining their feedback on them including any comments and/or reservations from them. Upon Finalization of Detailed Design Relevant public sector ▪ Share any changes on IEE Preparatory Consultant agencies (EA and the IA). environmental impacts and mitigation measures based on detailed design along with associated revision in budget allocation due to these revised measures. ▪ Obtain any comments/suggestions based on revised impacts and mitigation measures and any changes in required budget allocation. Prior to Commencement of Construction Activity Contractor & IAs focal staff ▪ Trainings on SSEMP Engineering,Procurement, implementation and monitoring Construciton Management (EPCM) Firm (Engineer) During Construction Activity Local Communities, Local ▪ Obtaining feedback on EPCM Firm (Engineer) businesses and any other Contractor performance in project affected persons implementing mitigation measures and limiting any adverse environmental impacts.

A. Meaningful Consultations

198. Meaningful consultation activities should include the following elements:

• Begins early and is carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the project cycle. Methods for consultation and participation, and response to comments received during project preparation should be documented in the EIA/IEE. Throughout the life of the project, the borrower/client is encouraged to build upon established channels of communication and engagement with affected communities to disclose information and receive feedback on the effectiveness of mitigation measures, and affected communities’ ongoing interests and concerns about the project;

• Provides timely disclosure of relevant information. Affected people and stakeholders should have access to relevant project information prior to any decision-making that will affect them. Relevant information includes key aspects of the assessment such as project activities and locations, identified impacts, mitigation measures, compensatory methods and amounts, and consultation and grievance mechanisms. Information should be provided in a form and language that are understandable and readily accessible to affected people;

• Is free of intimidation or coercion. Consultation occurs freely and voluntarily, without any external manipulation, interference, or threat of retribution, and is conducted in an atmosphere of transparency;

• Is gender-inclusive and responsive, and tailored to the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Consultation should be inclusive of various segments of the affected community, including both women and men, and accessible to the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups within the community. In highly stratified communities or societies, lower ranking socioeconomic groups, ethnic groups, or castes may normally have little voice in public forums, community consultations, and formal meetings with project and/or borrower/client officials. Similarly, women in some communities are censored or shamed into silence in such forums and may be spoken for by their husbands or other male relatives. These barriers to participation need to be positively addressed in a culturally sensitive manner. Ensuring consultation with and participation of women may require a separate women’s consultation process, and hiring female professionals to engage female stakeholders. For other excluded low ranking groups, separate consultations without the presence of higher ranked groups are usually needed to obtain a full picture of the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and specialists in the participation of the poor and vulnerable may be required; and

• Requires the incorporation of relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into project design and decision-making, including the development of mitigation and compensation measures. It also involves communicating to affected people and other stakeholders the measures taken to address their concerns. It facilitates the sharing of development benefits and opportunities.

B. Minimum topics required during consultation meetings

199. The types and level of consultation need to be commensurate with the impacts on affected communities. However, as minimum requirement, the following topics to be included in all consultation meetings:

• Overview of the project – Explain relevant info about the project, including information on associated project or previous phase/s of the project, if any; schedule of implementation; etc.

• Specific design of the project such as capacity, number of beneficiary end users, exact locations, layouts, footprints that will be utilized, etc. – Discuss the design and components of the project in a way that can be understood by non- technical people.

• Construction methods and labor requirements – Discuss the design preferring local labor, if required skills are available.

• Operational processes during operation stage of the project – Discuss how the project will operate once it is constructed.

• Environmental impacts expected from the project and the mitigation measures to be implemented – Discuss all environmental impacts expected from the construction phase and operation phase of the project and enumerate the measures to be undertaken to mitigate these impacts. The presentation on this topic should provide comfort to consultees that their issues are as relevant/important and could be solved through these measures.

• Grievance redress mechanism – Discuss and emphasize the grievance redress process that is available under the project to facilitate any issues or complaints about the implementation, including the availability of line of communication between affected persons and project implementers (the GRM chart could be used in this case). Discuss and emphasize the access of all affected persons to information about developments on the project (e.g. contact details of contractors, project consultants, executing agency, implementing agency).

C. Details of Consultations Conducted

200. During the preparation of the social safeguards documentation, the Social Safeguards Consultants conducted several consultations with the key stakeholders in the city and E-bus potential project end users. These included the representative of Mayor’ Office, Director of Bishkek Trolleybus Department and his employees, Acting Director of Urban Transport Department, trolley drivers and public transport commuters.

201. The main goals of consultations were to share information about the Project, ensure the stakeholders’ cooperation during the LARP preparation (if any) and implementation of the Project, prepare the ground for the establishment of the Grievance Redress Groups, the procedure for establishment of the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Committees and compensation entitlements related to the involuntary resettlement if triggered by the Project before the Project implementation. 202. Consultations with Stakeholders and Project Area Communities

• TBD No. 1: On the north-east side of this TBD, there is an urban market while on the northern side, behind the depot garage border, there is a private parking area. On the northern-west side of the TBD, there is a multi-store housing/dormitory. • TBD No.2: On the western side of this TBD, there is a road, on the northern side behind the TBD, there is a populated area while on the eastern side, there are some private facilities.

203. In total, 12 men and 26 women participated in the face-to face interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs).

204. All participants of consultations have supported the idea of urban transport electrification, mostly because they expect the increase of bus fleet and consequently the expansion of an area covering by municipal transport. Participants were especially happy with the idea of introducing e-buses to the new settlements, where the majority of people do not have alternatives to private transport companies, which operate with minibuses.

205. Several participants from both groups of consultations were mentioning the possible positive effects of this upcoming project: establishing new routes for e-buses will generate employment and indirectly stimulate business opportunities for local settlements; expanding and easing access to health care, education, market, and other social services.

The perception of transport services and evaluation of future possible changes discovered significant gender difference as shown in Table 8.2 below.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..31:Feedback from Stakeholder Consultations Female participants ‘opinion Male participants’ opinion Women did not mention the ecological aspects of Men were highly evaluating the eco-effects of new upcoming bus fleet shifting from the transport means using diesel fuel to e-buses Women found most valuable the accessibility Men value as key advantage the price for and safety issues, because the experience with traveling and the time spent to reach minibuses which are full of risks to be robbed & destinations. women claimed they have been injured while the boarding / getting off the minibus. Women like comfort in terms of space in salon Men usually travel alone and they do not have the and place for baggage. They are well aware of habit of carrying heavy things with them. They kind of trolleybus types that are most convenient are not sensitive to free space in the vehicle places to put the luggage and have a comfortable interior. seat. The special interest to space in transport’s salon is related to the female transport using features: they usually go to shop, to the market (Bazaar) and have heavy luggage or accompany young children, who are sitting in baby strollers. Women usually have multiple trips (on average 8 Men travel shorter distances, have more direct per day), sometimes in different directions trips and spend less time and money. (kindergarten / school in one direction, job place – in another, bazaar – the third one, etc). Women spend more money for the transportation per day (around 150 soms per day, in accordance with the experience of our participants). The majority of women are loyal to female drivers Men are most likely not to support the idea of in public transport. There were also a few of them female drivers; they argue that women, by their that consider the profession of the driver as a nature, have limited responsiveness (capability male profession which is hard for the women to to react in risky situations) and they are afraid to get in. make maneuvers on roads with heavy traffic. Female commuters feel not so comfortable Men do not “see” any discriminatory practices, having the evidence of discriminatory practices: exercised by the drivers and they do not support harmful behavior against small children – pupils, the idea of claiming the violation of regulations. who belong to subsidized passengers according They consider the profession of driver too hard to the law and have to pay less tariffs in and do not think it is good to claim anything. minibuses, also pensioner women claimed they are often offended by drivers and always feel their disapproval for having subsidized tickets. Women argued that disable people do not have access to public transport as they live in new settlements where the municipal transport does not operate.

206. Participants from both groups articulated risks of limited or/and negative effects of the intervention. Among such risks:

• The urban transport system managers are tended to open new routes in the places most efficient for them in terms of economy and they have prerequisites for the routes opening – good quality of roads, which is not the case in majority of new settlements; • Risk to open a new route – a very long-distance route through the whole city, the running intervals will be too big, the commuters will wait for a long time, and the busses will be always too crowded.

207. Introducing of new bus fleet will trigger the tariffs rise, and E-buses might become expensive.

208. Participants appreciate the idea to involve the local population into the decision-making process on opening the new routes. It was found that the awareness on e-ticketing system (Tulpar) is very weak as people do not understand how to use the card, what are the limitations and advantages of the card. A full shift to e-ticketing has to be accompanied by a comprehensive, culturally and age appropriate information campaign.

D. Future Consultations

209. Further consultations will be held prior to start of works and during project implementation by BCMO and supervision consultant.

E. Reporting on Consultations

210. The consultation process and its results will be documented in the final IEE and monitoring reports.

211. Key information that should be reported includes:

• relevant government laws, rules and regulations; • methodologies/means used to inform and involve the affected people and other stakeholders in the environmental assessment process; • discussion of issues raised by various stakeholders; • response to affected people on how the project will address concerns raised during consultation; • continuous consultation measures to be and/or already established for the environmental management program; and • documentation of public meetings and interviews, including dates, names, topics, summary details of discussion, and important outcomes.

F. Information Disclosure

212. All environmental safeguards documents are subject to public disclosure, and therefore will be made available to the public. BCMO and ADB agree that in disclosing environmental information for the project to the public that:

• BCMO is responsible for ensuring that all environmental assessment documentation, including the IEE and environmental monitoring reports, are properly and systematically kept as part of the BCMO project specific record; • all environmental documents (IEE and environmental monitoring reports) are subject to local public disclosure, and will therefore be made available to public through publication on the BCMO/MOT website and posting notices of availability of hard copy to be provided by BCMO on request in affected village communities

• the IEE and environmental monitoring reports have to be disclosed on ADB’s website upon receipt, any update to the IEE during project implementation will be subject to ADB review and clearance before disclosure

213. BCMO will ensure that meaningful public consultations, particularly with project affected persons, are undertaken throughout preparation and implementation of the project.

IX. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

214. ADB Policy (SPS 2009) requires establishment of a local grievance redress mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of the Displaced Persons (DP)/Affected Persons (AP) concerns and grievances regarding the project’s social, resettlement and environment performance.

215. The grievance redress mechanism (GRM) for the proposed works under Output 1 and 2 will receive, evaluate, and facilitate the resolution of affected people’s concerns, complaints, and grievances about the social and environmental performance for these two outputs. The GRM aims to provide a trusted way to voice and resolve concerns linked to the project and to be an effective way to address affected people’s concerns.

216. The main purpose of the GRM is to receive operational and objective information, evaluation and consideration of requests (statements, proposals, complaints, requests, positive feedback) concerning the scope of the implementation of this project at all stages of implementation.

217. The establishment and development of the GRM will go through the Mayor’s Office Order instructing establishment of the GRM (the Order to be issued only after signature of Memorandum of Understanding). The GRM covers issues related to social, environmental and other safeguard issues under the ADB safeguard covenants and Kyrgyz law.

A. Grievance Redress Group (GRG)

218. The Grievance Redress Groups will be established at the local and central level and will function for the duration of project implementation. The local level GRG is established at PIU IA. The GRG at the central level is established at the Mayor’s Office in Bishkek. The Local Person of Contact (LPC) is appointed from PIU. The names and contact telephone numbers of the LPC at the local level and at the central level, will be included in the Project Information Brochure and distributed to each stakeholder before the consultations with communities, to all participants at the public consultations and made available to all people in the project area.

219. The grievance redress mechanism (GRM) involves the following appeal stages:

1. Local Level

2. Central Level

B. Grievance Resolution Process

221. The LPC of the GRGs will be regularly available and accessible to the project affected people. The grievances will be first lodged at the level of the complainant’s municipal administration. The complainant will report the case to the Local Point of Contact (LPC.) The LPC will register the grievance and screen the grievance for eligibility. If eligible, the LPC will organize the Local Grievance Redress Group (GRG) meeting.

222. The GRG will assess the situation and seek a solution through consultation with complainants. At this stage, the GRG should attempt to resolve the grievance within 10 working days from the day the grievance was lodged. All supporting documents, such as, photographs, required certificates, legal and technical expert opinions if required, should be prepared, reviewed and assessed. Once the complaint is resolved, the GRG will organize a complaint closure meeting, where the complainant(s) confirms the closure of the complaint. The Municipal administration representative will oversee the resolution of the complaint.

223. For deliberations at the local level, the meetings will be held in the residential place of the complainant. In the case of a complex complaint, where expert opinions are required, additional time may be allocated. This will be clearly communicated to the complainant(s).

224. The LPC will assist the complainant(s) to formally lodge their claims to the GRG. The complaints and grievances will be addressed through the process described in Table 9.3 below. Table Error! No text of specified style in document..34: Grievance Resolution Process Steps Action Process Timeline level Step 1 Resolutio In the initial stage, the LPC will hear the aggrieved person and n try to suggest acceptable solutions. If any complainant is not 3 days satisfied with the solutions, they will then lodge a written account of their grievances to their local GRG within three days. Step 2 GRG After receiving a written complaint, the LPC will review and Resolutio prepare a Case File for the GRG hearing and resolution. A formal 10 days n meeting will be held with the GRG at a date fixed by the LPC in consultation and the complainant(s). On the date of the meeting, the project affectees will appear before the GRG at the office of concerned Municipal Administration, present the case and produce proof (if available) in support of his/her claim. The LPC will record the statements of the complainant, get supporting documents proving the complaint and organize the GRG meeting to discuss the case. The decisions from the majority of the members will be considered final by the GRG and will be issued by the LPC and signed by other members of the GRG. The case record will be updated and the decision will be communicated to the complainant by the LPC within 10 working days of the complaint submission. If the complainant is not satisfied with the solutions, the LPC will lodge the grievances in writing to the central GRG at the Mayor’ Office with conclusion and supporting documents prepared at the local level. Step 3 Resolutio After receiving a written complaint, the central level GRG n at Chairperson will review and prepare a case file for the GRG 7 days Central hearing and resolution. A formal hearing will be held with the GRG GRG at a date fixed by the GRG Chairperson and the complainant. GRG members will contact the complainant and visit his/her village. Decisions reached by the majority of the members will be considered final by the GRG and will be issued by the GRG Chairperson and signed by other members of the GRG. The case record will be updated and the decision will be communicated to the complainant by the BTD representatives within 7 days. Note: Allocation of time for grievance resolution will be based on the Mayors ’Office Order to be issued after the MOU signature

225. If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the central level GRG and is willing to continue with the process, s/he can register/file the case in a court of law, whose decision will be final. All efforts will be made to settle the issues at the Municipal Administration level. All complaints and resolutions will be properly documented by the MA and made available for review, monitoring and evaluation purposes.

226. In addition, the complainant can appeal the decision and bring the case to the ADB Accountability Mechanism. The project level GRM does not in any way, impede the access of the complainants to the ADB Accountability Mechanism (AM)28 or the country’s judicial or administrative remedies. Should the complainant wish to register a complaint with the ADB AM, the focal person should provide the complainants the ADB AM contact information. The grievance redress process is shown in Figure 9-1 below.

Figure 9-1: Grievance Redress Process Central GRG (7 days)

Grievance not resolved

Local GRG (10 days) Grievance resolved

Resolution fails

Resolution at step-1 Negotiation Complaint settled GRG LCP (3 days) successful

Complainant

227. GRM proceedings may need one or more meetings for each complaint and may require field investigations by specific technical or valuation experts. Grievance cases shared by more than one complainant may be held together as a single case.

28 ADB Weblink: www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main

228. For appeals at the central level, the meetings will be carried out at the Mayor’ office in Bishkek with field trips of GRG members to the village of the complainant.

229. At each level of appeal, the GRG will be assisted, as required, by the professional capacity needed to solve specific cases.

230. The BTD will maintain the complaint register. This will include a record of all complaints for regular monitoring of grievances and results of services performed by the GRGs for periodic review by the ADB. The GRG Grievance Mechanism Form can be found in Order of Mayor’s Office on GRG establishment to be issued after MOU signature.

3. GRG Records and Documentation

X. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

232. The proposed project will improve air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the city of Bishkek. The project will further contribute to long-term government savings from lower fossil fuel imports and decreased power demand (due to higher energy efficiency of e- buses compared to existing trolley buses). Financial savings will become available for long- term government targets, including poverty alleviation and economic development. The project will likewise improve the efficiency of public transport services to better serve the needs of residents in Bishkek.

233. This IEE report highlights all potential environmental impacts and recommends required mitigation measures associated with pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the Outputs 1 and 2 i.e. maintenance of the BEBs and upgradation of the two TBDs. Any environmental impacts will need to be properly mitigated, through the existing institutional arrangements described in this report.

234. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, only limited consultations have been possible by the social safeguards project team while additional consultations focusing more on the environmental aspects of the proposed activities are planned in the coming months, once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. The findings of these consultations will be incorporated in the updated version of this IEE study.

235. The scope of proposed activities is generally minor and site specific in nature and majority of the environmental impacts are associated with the construction phase of the project such as occupational health and safety aspects due to the risk of electrocution since major electrical works will be conducted, risks of transmission of COVID-19 amongst Contractor workforce and potential noise and air quality impacts, to name a few.

236. No significant impacts are expected to take place from the proposed activities and the potential impacts have been screened to be, at most, ‘medium’ in terms of risk and can be effectively managed through implementation of required mitigation measures.

237. The implementation of mitigation measures will be the responsibility of the Contractor. Therefore, the required environmental mitigation measures will have to be clearly defined in the bidding and Contract documents, and appropriately qualified environmental staff retained by the Consultant to supervise the implementation process. The EMP includes measures to minimize any potential impacts due to the proposed activities.

238. This project has been assigned environmental category ‘B’ in accordance with the ADB SPS and thus this IEE study has been prepared for the proposed Outputs 1 and 2 of this project.

239. The following are recommendations applicable to the project to ensure no significant impacts:

XI. REFERENCES

240. Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment, and Home Appliances. USEPA, 1971; http://www.waterrights.ca.gov/EIRD/text/Ch11-Noise.pdf; http://www.lacsd.org/LWRP%202020%20Facilities%20Plan%20DEIR/4_6_Noise.pdf; http://newyorkbiz.com/DSEIS/CH18Construction.pdf

241. http://www.catf.us/resources/publications/files/20120227- Diesel_vs_CNG_FINAL_MJBA.pdf

242. http://www.apti.org/clientuploads/publications/2015/Johnson- HannenHiRes_SampleArt_46.2-3.pdf

243. Gaffney, G. and Shimp, D. 1997. Improving PM10 Fugitive Dust Emission Inventories. Sacramento, CA. California Air Resource Board. www.arb.ca.gov/emisinv/pubs/pm10tmp.pdf

244. El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District. 2002. Guide to Air Quality Assessment: Determining Significance of Air Quality Impacts Under the California Environmental Quality Act. First Edition. http://co.el-dorado.ca.us/emd/apcd

245. Reagan, J. A. and C. A. Grant. Highway Construction Noise: Measurement, Prediction, and Mitigation. Special Report. US. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Available from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/highway/index.htm

246. ADB 2011. Involuntary Resettlement Safeguards :- A planning & Implementation Good Practice Source Book –Draft Working Document . Asian Development Bank. March 2011

ANNEX A - RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. Project Siting Is the Project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas? ▪ Cultural heritage site X Not anticipated. The project sites are not within nor adjacent to any physical cultural resource including cultural heritage area. ▪ Legally protected Area (core zone or buffer X Not anticipated. The project sites are zone) not within nor adjacent to any legally protected area. ▪ Wetland X Not anticipated. There are no wetlands in the project area.

▪ Mangrove X Not anticipated. There are no mangroves in the project area. ▪ Estuarine X Not anticipated. There are no estuarines in the project area. ▪ Special area for protecting biodiversity X Not anticipated. There are no special area for protecting biodiversity in the project area. B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause… ▪ impairment of historical/cultural areas; X Not anticipated. The project sites are disfiguration of landscape or potential not within nor adjacent to any physical loss/damage to physical cultural resources? cultural resource including cultural heritage area. Construction activities are minor and will be contained within the rights-of-way. ▪ disturbance to precious ecology (e.g. sensitive X Not anticipated. There are no or protected areas)? sensitive or protected areas within or adjacent to project areas. ▪ alteration of surface water hydrology of X Not anticipated. Construction works waterways resulting in increased sediment in will only involve redesign of selected streams affected by increased soil erosion at intersections, traffic channelization construction site? and minor road works and will not involve bridges or works near waterways. ▪ deterioration of surface water quality due to silt X Anticipated during construction but runoff and sanitary wastes from worker-based temporary, site-specific and can be camps and chemicals used in construction? mitigated. Silt may be generated due to small excavation works. The environmental management plan (EMP) and contract provisions will include requirement for contractors to provide silt control measures. Worker camps will not be set up. Chemicals will not be used. ▪ increased air pollution due to project X Anticipated during construction but construction and operation? temporary, site-specific and can be mitigated. Positive impacts on air quality during operation are expected. The EMP and contract provisions will

include requirement for contractors to provide air pollution control measures such as water sprinkling of sites. ▪ noise and vibration due to project construction X Anticipated during construction but or operation? temporary, site-specific and can be mitigated. Nuisance or disturbance due to noise may be experienced but minimized with mitigation measures specified in the EMP. Scheduling of works and prior information with the affected people will be conducted. ▪ involuntary resettlement of people? (physical X Not anticipated. displacement and/or economic displacement) ▪ disproportionate impacts on the poor, women X Not anticipated. Vulnerable groups and children, Indigenous Peoples or other will benefit from environmentally vulnerable groups? sustainable transport and improved air quality. ▪ poor sanitation and solid waste disposal in X Not anticipated. No labor-camps will construction camps and work sites, and be set up. Contractors will be required possible transmission of communicable to segregate wastes and dispose to diseases (such as STIs and HIV/AIDS) from approved disposal sites. Contractors workers to local populations? will also be required to provide workers with awareness trainings on STIs and HIV/AIDS. ▪ creation of temporary breeding habitats for X Not anticipated. diseases such as those transmitted by mosquitoes and rodents? ▪ social conflicts if workers from other regions or X Not anticipated. All works will be countries are hired? conducted in urban areas with prevailing local labor force. ▪ large population influx during project X Not anticipated. The scale of construction and operation that causes construction works will not cause increased burden on social infrastructure and large population influx. services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)? ▪ risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational X Anticipated but temporary, site- health and safety due to physical, chemical, specific and can be mitigated. biological, and radiological hazards during Construction will not involve use of project construction and operation? chemicals, biological and radiological materials. Physical hazards are related to construction works. EMP will include measures and monitoring requirements on occupational health and safety for physical hazards. Contractor will be required to prepare occupational safety and health (OSH) plan as part of site-specific EMP. ▪ risks to community health and safety due to the X Not anticipated. Construction will not transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of involve use of explosives and materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals. Contractors will be chemicals during construction and operation? required to transport fuels in approved containers and storages to be lined and bunded areas to avoid spillage. ▪ community safety risks due to both accidental X Anticipated but temporary, site- and natural causes, especially where the specific and can be mitigated. Work

structural elements or components of the area will be clearly demarcated with project are accessible to members of the security access for the workers and affected community or where their failure could project-concerned members only. result in injury to the community throughout Community health and safety risks are project construction, operation and present during construction such as decommissioning? risks from excavations for pipe laying, equipment and vehicle operations which should be identified and implemented in the site-specific EMPs. ▪ generation of solid waste and/or hazardous X Anticipated but temporary, site- waste? specific and can be mitigated. Solid waste management plan including management of spent vehicle batteries will be included in the site- specific EMP. ▪ use of chemicals? X Not anticipated. Construction will not involve use of chemicals. ▪ generation of wastewater during construction X Not anticipated. or operation?

ANNEX 2 -KGZ GUIDELINES

Kyrgyz ambient air quality standards Maximum permissible Average daily Pollutants concentration (mg/m3) concentration (mg/m3) Total suspended particulate, PM 0.15 0.05 Sulphur dioxide, SO2 0.5 0.05 Carbon monoxide, CO 5 3 Nitrogen dioxide, NO2 0.085 0.04 Nitrogen oxide, NO 0.40 0.06 Source: Sanitary-hygienic standards SHS 2.1.6.1338-03 "Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of pollutants in the ambient air of settlements.

Kyrgyz outdoor noise standards (dB) Leq Lmax Description of activity/category Day Night Day Night Areas directly adjacent to hospitals and sanatorium 45 35 60 50 Areas immediately adjacent to dwellings, polyclinics, dispensaries, rest 55 45 70 60 homes, holiday hotels, libraries, schools, etc. Areas immediately adjacent to hospitals and dormitories 60 50 75 65 Recreational areas in hospitals and sanitariums 35 50 Rest areas at the territories of micro-districts and building estates, rest 45 60 houses, sanitariums, schools, homes of aged, etc. SN (Sanitary Norms) 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96 “Noise at workplaces, in dwelling rooms, in public buildings and at the area of residential development”.

Surface Water quality standards29 Parameter Standard pH 6-9 Dissolved oxygen, DO, mg/l >4 Sulphate, S, mg/l <250 Ammonium nitrogen, NH4-N, mg/l <3.3 Oil and grease, mg/l <0.05 Source: Water Law of the Kyrgyz Republic, 1995

29 More than 1,200 items are specified according to Kyrgyz Law.

ANNEXURE 3 -PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Discussion with Key Stakeholders Venue: Bishkek city, KR, Videoconference Date: 22.05.2020 Time: 10:00 - 12:00 PM Participants: (3 men) • Mr. Ulan Beishenbaev, Chief Transport Specialist (CTS)– Mayor’ Office, Executive Agency • Mr. Artur Omurzakov, Director – Bishkek Trolleybus Department (BTD), Implementing Agency • Mr. Yuri Dolgov, Independent Evaluator

Information shared: • General Project information • Coordination of Work

Discussion conducted by: • Ms. Dragica Veselinovic, International Resettlement Specialist (IRS), Consultant, ADB TA • Ms.Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA • Ms. Syrga Asanalieva, Social Safeguards Officer (SSO), KYRM ADB • Ms. Asanalieva, ADB SSO introduced the ADB TA Social team consisting of International and National Consultant to stakeholders.

Summary:

The general project purpose was explained and Ms. Dragica Veselinovic described the main mission and role of Social team within current project preparation stage. The stakeholders had briefing about ADB Safeguards policy, especially resettlement issues, and what kind of deliverable are expected from Social team and timelines.

Mr. Beishenbaev assured that stakeholders will provide any kind of assistance and cooperation in collection of data, information and field visits. Also, it was announced that he will be a Focal point from Mayor’s Office so consultants can forward all their requests, papers and deliverables directly to him as well as to two Implementing agencies for comments and final approval.

Since ADB just started this project and there is no design and specifications available for the time being, it was decided, first, to focus on potential location of parking area to be constructed in one of BTD depots. ITS highlighted that all potential areas should be inspected to identify any impact risk and if any independent Evaluator will be mobilized to do measurement and evaluation works, Then the results of his findings, conclusion and Social team work will be specified in draft LARP subject to approval by both sides, Mayor’Office, Kyrgyz Government and ADB.

Finally, it was agreed to inspect all depots, two trolleybus and two autobus depots on Saturday, 23 May 2020.

Field Visit

Trolleybus and Autobus depots inspection Venue: Bishkek city, KR, 4 depots Date: 23.05.2020 Time: 10:00 - 14:00 PM Participants: (7: 1 woman and 6 men) • Mr. Ulan Beishenbaev, Chief Transport Specialist (CTS)– Mayor’ Office, Executive Agency • Mr. Artur Omurzakov, Director – Bishkek Trolleybus Department (BTD), Implementing Agency • Ms.Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA • Ms. Syrga Asanalieva, Social Safeguards Officer (SSO), KYRM ADB • Mr. Yuri Dolgov, Independent Evaluator • Mr. Japar Ismaev - Chief Engineer, Bus depot #1 • Mr.Satybaldy Hakimov - Head of Operation Department, Bus depot #3 • Mr. Sultan - Environmental Consultant, KYRM ADB

Agenda: • Inspection and examination of two trolleybus and two autobus depots

Discussion conducted by: • Ms. Svetlana Keldibaeva, International Resettlement Specialist (IRS), Consultant, ADB TA

Summary:

The whole team consisting of stakeholders, ADB KYRM staff and Evaluator have visited two trolleybus depots and two bus depots. The main mission was to check, investigate, obtain data, take pictures and identify any impact risk.

Report on first examination of trolleybus depots and autobus fleets Trolleybus depot #1 1 Address 237, Moskovskay street, Bishkek, KR 2 Area 3,5 ha 3 Year of establishment During Soviet Union, working since 1970s 4 Legal status Under operation of Municipal enterprise Bishkek Trolleybus Department (BTD) 5 Brief description Depot is located quite close to the Bishkek center and in close proximity to the large urban whole year functioning market and housings. The facility has strategic importance and entrance is strictly controlled and authorized just to the staff. Fenced open flat area with deteriorated pavement surface. There are administrative premises which requires capital upgrade. Land is municipal. No private land inside the territory, no private economical/commercial activity of third parties. The whole territory is used just for the depot functioning, maintenance and repair activity. There is no covered area for trolleybuses so during winter and summer they are exposed to sun, rainfall and snowfall.

Trolleybus depot #1 Depot has garage with special equipment purchased by EBRD and covered area for repair and maintenance. There is automated washing system purchased by EBRD as well. There are working and non-working trolleybuses subject to write- off. There is industrial waste and debris subject to removal by the special company who perform it one time per week. On the north-east side of depot there is urban market, on the north side behind the depot garage border there is private parking area, on the north-west side there is multi-store housing/dormitory. The depot area needs upgrading as follows: repair of surface, asphalt pavement is required, administrative premises are subject to capital repair and upgrade. Depot has another area for trolleybus parking outside the main area, located across the street and fenced by metal wire fence. This is quite small area just for few trolleybuses, again open area and land is municipal. Number of trolleybuses 100 (including under repair or technical maintenance, old and subject to write off) Risk of impact: Given the new covered parking to be installed inside the fenced Land acquisition territory on the municipal land, No private land acquisition is expected; Business loss Given the strategic importance of the depot no private business or economic activity of third party is allowed inside the territory, so no business loss is expected; Shifting of any No light or capital structures/facilities of third parties inside the structures/facilities depot territory so no relocation is expected; No loss of employment and consequently no loss of livelihood is Loss of employment, expected, in fact the recruitment of new drivers might be livelihood meaning creation of new work place and contribution to the poverty reduction. However, during parking area construction there might be environmental impact as dust, noise etc.

Trolleybus depot #2 Address 2. Chui street, Bishkek, KR Area 4, 75 ha Year of establishment During Soviet Union, working since 1970s

Trolleybus depot #2 Legal status Under operation of Municipal enterprise Bishkek Trolleybus Department (BTD) Brief description Depot is located a bit far from the Bishkek center and on the north of depot the populated area, housing starts. The facility has strategic importance and entrance is strictly controlled and authorized just to the staff. Fenced open flat area with deteriorated pavement surface. There are administrative premises which requires capital upgrade. Land is municipal. No private land inside the territory, no private economical/commercial activity of third parties. The whole territory is used just for the depot functioning, maintenance and repair activity. There is a green zone around the parking territory with small trees and bushes and as per depot manager in case the need of parking area extension they might cut-off the vegetation to get more place. There is no covered area for trolleybuses so during winter and summer they are exposed to sun, rain and snow fall. Depot has covered area for repair and maintenance. There are working and non-working trolleybuses subject to write-off. There is industrial waste and debris subject to removal by the special company who perform it one time per week. On the western side of depot there is road, on the north side behind the depot there are populated area, on the eastern part there are some private facilities. The depot area needs upgrading as follows: repair of surface, asphalt pavement is required, administrative premises are subject of capital repair and upgrade. However, during 2017 the administrative building roof repair works were carried out. There are cameras so the whole activity inside the territory can be tracked, controlled and monitored. Number of trolleybuses 83 (including under repair or technical maintenance, old and subject to write off) Risk of impact: Given the new covered parking to be installed inside the fenced territory Land acquisition on the municipal land, No private land acquisition is expected; Given the strategic importance of the depot no private business or Business loss economic activity of third party is allowed inside the territory, so no business loss is expected; Shifting of any No light or capital structures/facilities of third parties inside the depot structures/facilities territory so no relocation is expected; No loss of employment and consequently no loss of livelihood is expected, Loss of employment, in fact the recruitment of new drivers might be expected meaning creation livelihood of new work place and contribution to the poverty reduction. However, during parking area construction there might be environmental impact as dust, noise etc.

Discussion with the Key Stakeholders Venue: Bishkek city, KR, BTD Date: 28.05.2020 Time: 14:00 - 17:00 PM Participants: (2) • Mr. Artur Omurzakov, Director – Bishkek Trolleybus Department (BTD), Implementing Agency • Mr. Ulan Najimudinov, Head – Legal Unit, BTD Information shared: • Briefing regarding ADB Safeguards Policy • Collection of data • Interview

Discussion conducted by: • Ms. Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA

Summary:

The main purpose of meeting was briefing regarding ADB Safeguards Policy, interview with aim to get more information regarding BTD activity and having recommendations from BTD.

Questions Answers Legal status? Municipal enterprise controlled by Mayor ‘Office, self- financing What right confirming and right Land under operative management based on land use establishing documents you have for certificate (5 years with further prolongation). No land tax. land where depot are located? Number of employees? 717 (detailed breakdown is attached) Out of them, number of women Number of trolleybuses? 183 (Depot #1 has 100 buses, depot #2 has 83 buses) Working? around 145 Subject to write off? around 20 Size of depot area? (ha) depot #1 - 3,5 ha depot #2 - 4,7 ha

Questions Answers Area needed for extension? Based on technical specifications some extension of territory might be required however the surrounding area is municipal land What is the average age of available 20 buses - 10 years, 79 buses -6 years, 28 buses - 19 trolleybuses? years, 52 buses - 2 years What is the average daily volume of 85 000 passengers, sufficient. Actually 31,906,300 passengers? passengers were transported by trolleybuses. In what season the highest and lowest Highest season is autumn and winter and lowest is summer volume of passengers Number of drivers? attached in a different table Out of them women? During employment, do you have any No specific requirements specific requirements for women to be employed as a driver? Did you have any incidents related to no incidents women using your services late at night? Or waiting the trolleybus late at night? If so, how these are registered, attended, solved? Are your stations lighted well so people Stations belong to Mayor's Office and light is Bishkeksvet' feel safe to wait a transport late at night? responsibility. Actually there is no light on stations however, this question was raised before but no decision yet. Any experience to work with international One EBRD project (procurement of special equipment, donors? some trolleybuses, upgrading of power utilities), duration of project was 3 years Any experience with involuntary No resettlement and land acquisition? Practical knowledge of donors social No safeguards procedure? What benefits are expected from project 1)Enlargement and renewal of buses, 2) Increase of implementation? passenger flow, 3) Opening of new routes, 4) Possibility to serve densely populated housing areas of Bishkek, 5) Access of population to ecologically friendly transport, 6) New experience to work with innovative technology and 7) Less maintenance expenses. Do you expect to employ new drivers as 240 new drivers are expected to be employed a result of project implementation? Do you plan to increase a passenger It is planned to increase by 2 Soms in 2021 г. Now fare is fare? 8 Soms, so 8+2 = 10 Soms How often you get the complaints or average is 15 complaints per month (50% are not justified) claims from local population? What is the Department established There is Technical Board who review and process Grievance Redress mechanism and how complaints, claims, etc. The meeting of TB is 1 time per it works? week. Will the number of e-buses to be Not sufficient. More buses are required as well as removal procured under the project is sufficient to of private microbuses who duplicate the 50% of trolleybus cover the demand of population? routes Is your enterprise operating on economic Subsidies are required. The tariff does not justify the cost. bases or you receive some subsidies from the Government budget? If so, what measures are needed to E-ticketing, increase of tariff will lead to increase of salary. increase the cost recovery and The separate bus only lane is required profitability?

Questions Answers What do you expect from the new fleet Increased passenger flow and this project? Any adverse effect you may envisage? If No adverse effect, just positive so, how to mitigate those? Any additional suggestion to improve the Training of engineering, technical staff how to operate and project outcome? maintain e-buses and infrastructure Will PIU be established under the PIU is required. Social safeguards specialist will be coming project and if so, who will be in appointed. charge of Social Safeguards issues? Composition of passengers, who often Socially vulnerable population (aged people, retired, use the trolleybuses? students, schoolchildren) Turnover of employees, drivers? Turnover is high due to low salary

Based on interview it was found that BTD who will serve as Implementing Agency as well as PIU to be established within BTD for the first 2 components need trainings regarding ADB SPS 2009.

Consultant informed BTD representatives that Social team will prepare first main parts of LARP or SDDR to be reviewed by BTD and ADB requested them to give their comments if any. Later the final draft LARP or SDDR will be developed also subject to stakeholder’s and ADB review and approval. BTD assured to render any kind of assistance and cooperate during the Consultant’s whole assignment period.

Consultations with Key Stakeholders, Trolley Drivers and Commuters Interview/Discussion with drivers Venue: Bishkek city, KR, BTD Date: 29.05.2020 Time: 14:00 - 17:00 PM Participants: (4) 2 drivers-women and 2 drivers-men

Information shared:

• General Project Information • interview

Discussion conducted by: • Ms.Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA

Summary:

The Social team prepared a questionnaire (attached below) for interview with drivers and it was agreed that 2 men and 2 women will take part.

As per the results of interview the following are found. Mostly all drivers work in BTD for a long time and more or less are happy with their job. The average salary is from $100 to $200 per month which is considered to be very low and the amount cannot cover family demands. It should be noted that the amount of salary is not fixed and depends on hour of work and passengers flow. No other source of income except salary. None has good living conditions and has desire to improve it.

None has any information regarding new planned Project but highly supports the expected outcomes. All participants highlighted only positive impact of Project like as better environmental conditions, autonomous transport without being dependent on power line, increased passenger flow, access to environmentally friendly transport for communities living in populated areas further from the center, since the city is expanding and more public transport is required. More vulnerable category as pensioners and students will use new coming transport.

Discussion with Key Stakeholders Venue: Bishkek city, KR, Videoconference Date: 01.06.2020 Time: 15:30 - 16:00 PM

Participants: (1 man) • Mr. Ulan Beishenbaev, Chief Transport Specialist (CTS)– Mayor’ Office, Executive Agency

Information shared: • Discussion of LARP/SDDR chapters

Summary:

Mr. Beishenbaev informed the Social team that he has reviewed the LARP chapters sent to him earlier and had some comments and suggestions.

Regarding Institutional part, he proposed to add Bishkek autobus passenger transport Municipal enterprise as third Implementing Agency. His proposal was welcomed but the final decision should be taken on a higher level.

Regarding Legal framework, he suggested to make some corrections which was duly noted.

Regarding GRM he also made some corrections and proposed other candidates to be included in a future GRM.

Since the connection was not good it was decided that NRS will meet him and discuss other potential comments and suggestions in his office later.

Discussion with Key Stakeholders Venue: Bishkek city, KR, Mayor’s Office Date: 03.06.2020 Time: 10:30 - 12:00 PM Participants: (1 man) • Mr. Ulan Beishenbaev, Chief Transport Specialist (CTS)– Mayor’ Office, Executive Agency

Information shared: • Discussion of SDDR chapters

Discussion conducted by: • Ms.Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA

Summary:

National Consultant showed the changes done to LARF/SDDR chapters to Mr.Beishenbaev and explained him.

Regarding GRM he proposed some candidates to be included in a future GRM and announced the name and contact details of Chairman; Discussion was ongoing mostly regarding the ADB procedures, scope of Project and outputs. Mr. Beishenbaev announced his desire to get more ecologically friendly buses to cover the city demand and achieve a main goal as broad circulation of public transport and less private transport, all these will contribute to a better ecological situation in a city and improved road safety.

As per him under EBRD financing a contract was awarded to one Consulting company from Israel who will do the redesign of the whole urban road network so that it is recommended that both donors to cooperate more closely with each other to avoid any duplication. NRS highlighted the issue with source of financing in case of any impact which should be discussed, agreed and decided now, on the Project preparatory phase to avoid any complications and long terms procedures in a future. CTS assured that this issue will be discussed with his management.

Finally, it was agreed that Social team will get his final comments asap in order to finalize all integral chapters of LARF/SDDR.

Discussion with Key Stakeholders Venue: Bishkek city, KR, Urban Transport Department Date: 05.06.2020 Time: 10:30 - 12:00 PM Participants: (1 man) • Mr. Nurlan Atykanov, Acting Head – Urban Transport Department, Implementing Agency

Information shared: • General Project information • Briefing about ADB SPS 2009

Discussion conducted by: • Ms.Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA • Ms.Gulnara Ibraeva, National Gender Consultant (NGC), ADB TA

Summary:

NRS briefed Mr. Atykanov on ADB SPS 2009 focusing on impact risks, resettlement and mitigation issues. As per Mr. Atykanov under Project Component 3 (green corridor) the routes optimization is expected and for the time being the impact risk is not clear. However, during e- bus routes selection there are some impact risks as follows: 1) no free land for installation of e- bus charging infrastructure since the whole area is occupied by commercial facilities (shops, structures etc.) functioning based on rental agreement with Mayor ‘Office so might be some resettlement risk however without detailed design and final routes selection the scale of impact is difficult to identify at current stage, 2) potential inconvenience for local population if routes are changed, 3) less passenger flow. Under his opinion, to cover population demand around 500 ecologically friendly buses are required.

Actually, UTD had one experience working with EBRD regarding E-card/e-ticketing which is now on place. However, under that project no social issues were raised. No experience with ADB and consequently, no knowledge about ADB SPS 2009 so training is required.

Regarding PIU within UTD the situation is not clear and it will be determined later but he already appointed two staff to be included in PIU within BTD in case one single PIU would be appointed. Regarding GRM, he explained their own grievance mechanism. NRS explained him that new Project specific GRM will be established involving BTD, UTD and the Mayor’ Office staff and training will be done.

Consultant got information regarding organizational chart specifying number of men/women. Finally, it was agreed that NRS will send him the chapters of SDDR for review and comments if any.

Gender Consultant, in her turn, posed several questions and discussed some gender and other issues.

Male Commuters Focus Group Discussion Venue: Bishkek city, KR, BTD Date: 10.06.2020 Time: 13:00 - 15:00 PM

Participants: Commuters (6 men)

Information shared: Focus group discussion

Discussion conducted by: • Ms. Gulnara Ibraeva, National Gender Specialist (NGS), Consultant, ADB TA • Ms. Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA

Summary:

The focus group consisted of 6 men of different age, social status and education being an active users/commuter of public and private transport.

The main issues of discussion included the 3 following blocks: 1) travel features, 2) reason for using public transportation and 3) assessment of bus services.

Commuters were very active and each shared his own opinion, experience and recommendations.

The majority of commuters prefer public transport as trolleybus considering this mode of transport as big, spacious, comfortable and no smell of gasoline in comparison with other modes. All of them use public transport few times per day and they travel to work, market, hospitals, school, parks, visit of family members etc. Commuters announced how much they spend for transport on a daily base. They also discussed the issue whether public transport is inclusive for vulnerable categories of population whether or not these categories have some opportunity access transport services irrespective of their place of residence. Microbuses stop wherever people want while trolley cannot.

The other point of discussion was the level of satisfaction with public transport services, what is their recommendation to improve transport services, whether they faced any negative incidents when using public transport in terms of safety, comfort, driver’ behavior, time of travel etc. E card costs 50 soms and some people use microbuses which are cheaper. Men think paying by phone app is better and one ticketing approach would be the best, e card or cash, but not to mix it.

Also, commuters got information regarding new Project and they all noted the positive impact however, some recommendations were announced one was a requirement for a separate line for public transport to be priority in terms of safety to be strongly considered during planning and implementation of project.

Female Commuters Focus Group Discussion Venue: Bishkek city, KR, BTD Date: 10.06.2020 Time: 10:00 - 12:00 PM

Participants: Commuters (13 women)

Information shared: Focus group discussion

Discussion conducted by: • Ms. Gulnara Ibraeva, National Gender Specialist (NGS), Consultant, ADB TA • Ms. Svetlana Keldibaeva, National Resettlement Specialist (NRS), Consultant, ADB TA

Summary

The focus group consisted of 13 women of different ages, social status and education being an active users/commuter of public and private transport.

The main issues of discussion included the 3 following blocks: 1) travel features, 2) reason for using public transportation and 3) assessment of bus services.

Commuters were very active and each shared her own opinion, experience and recommendations.

The majority of commuters prefer public transport as trolleybus considering this mode of transport as big, spacious and more comfortable in comparison with other modes. In a meantime they wish to use e-buses when they arrive. All of them use public transport few times per day and travel goals are work, market, hospitals, school, visit of family members etc.

Commuters announced how much they spend for transport on a daily base. Trolleybus and bus trip costs 8 soms and private microbus costs 10 soms. People usually spend 40 – 80 soms per day. If a woman has to take children to school and kindergarten, then continue to work, collect the kids after the school, go to a bazaar to get some products, she can spend on transport around 200 soms per day. They also discussed the issue whether public transport is inclusive and if vulnerable categories have an opportunity to get access to transport services irrespective of their place of residence. Sometimes private micro-busses do not take children or disables without accompanying person, or some do not have the platform for disabled and people have to help. Trolleybus transport is good and it would be good it extends its operation until 11 PM. To extend services until 11 PM.

The other point of discussion was the level of satisfaction with public transport services, what is their recommendation to improve transport services, whether they faced any negative incidents when using public transport in terms of safety, comfort, driver’ behavior, time of travel etc. Women are happy with trolley services as trolleys are big, clean, not crowded and therefore less chances for theft and have enough space for bags when they come from the bazaar.

The newly implemented e-card system as well as issue with tariffs for transport were also one point of hot discussions. Only four women use the e-card and they are happy with it as the driver is not disrupted by selling the tickets, chatting with passengers, waiting time is shorten and no possibility to have any misuse of money.

Also, commuters got information regarding new Project and they all noted the positive impact however, some recommendations were announced to be considered during planning and implementation of project.

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ANNEXURE D -PHOTOGRAPHS OF TROLLEY BUS DEPOTS

Trolley Bus Depot 1

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Trolley Bus Depot 2

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ANNEXURE E -Site Specific EMP (SSEMP) Guide & Template for Guidance to Contractor Guide for Development of SSEMP • Step 1: Define Boundaries • Step 2: Identify Sensitive Receptors • Step 3: Specify construction activities • Step 4: Conduct Risk Assessment • Step 5: Assign Environment Management measures • Step 6: Prepare Site Plans • Step 7: Prepare Environment Work Plans (if required) • Step 8: Monitoring

Step 1: The project area needs to be clearly defined.

Step 2: The mapping of sensitive receptors has already been conducted and needs to be presented clearly in a map.

Step 3: The tentative construction activities to be conducted are as follows: • Site Surveying and Vegetation (Trees and plants) Clearance • Establishment of Work Camp, Batching and Asphalt plant and access roads • Dismantling of Asphalt and existing structures including Utilities • Preparation of ground for Asphalting • Asphalting • Landscaping

Step 4: The Risk Assessment matrix template is provided in the table below. Risk is assessed as the likelihood that the activity will have an effect on the environment as well as the consequence of the effect occurring. It is often described like this:

Risk = Likelihood × Consequence

Consequence Scale Consequence Definition Score Catastrophic The action will cause unprecedented damage or impacts on 5 the environment or surrounding communities e.g. extreme loss of soil and water resources and quality from stormwater runoff extreme pollution of soil and water resources including major contamination from hazardous materials widespread effects on ecosystems with deaths of fauna/flora

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Consequence Definition Score widespread community impacts resulting in illness, injury or inconvenience loss or destruction of archaeological or historical sites Occurrence will almost certainly result in the work being halted and a significant fine. Major The action will cause major adverse damage on the 3 environment or surrounding communities e.g. major loss of soil and water resources and quality from stormwater runoff major pollution of soil and water resources including contamination from hazardous materials significant effects on ecosystems with isolated deaths of non-vulnerable flora and fauna significant annoyance or nuisance to communities major damage to or movement required to archaeological or historical sites Occurrence may result in work being halted and a fine Moderate No or minimal adverse environmental or social impacts e.g. 2 no measurable or noticeable changes in stormwater quality. Water quality remains within tolerable limits little noticeable effect on ecosystems no or isolated community complaints no or unlikely damage to archaeological or historical sites no likelihood of being fined

Minor No or minimal adverse environmental or social impacts e.g. 1 no measurable or noticeable changes in stormwater quality. Water quality remains within tolerable limits little noticeable effect on ecosystems no or isolated community complaints no or unlikely damage to archaeological or historical sites no likelihood of being fined

Risk Score Table Likelihood Consequence Catastrophic Major Moderate Minor Certain 25 15 10 5 Likely 15 9 6 3 Unlikely 10 6 4 2 Rare 5 3 2 1 Risk: Significant: 15-25 Medium: 6-10 Low 1-5

Any Medium to Significant risk requires an environmental management measure to manage the potential environmental risk. Judgement will be required concerning the application of an environmental management measure to mitigate low risk situations.

The higher the risk the more intensive the required mitigation measure will need to be; e.g. where site sedimentation is deemed to be low risk, then silt fences may be needed but as the risk increases, then sediment traps may be required. The selection of the appropriate mitigation measure will require judgement based on the level of risk and the specific site parameters.

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Step 5: The Environmental Management measures are to be extracted from the IEE study for this project and should be added in the last column of the table below.

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No. Construction Hazards to Likelihood Consequence Risk Score Environmental Management Activity Consider that the site or of the site or (consequence Measures sensitive sensitive x likelihood) receptors will be receptors being affected? affected? i Site Surveying & Damage to These can be taken from the vegetation vegetation EMP provided in the IEE report clearance beyond project (If Risk Score is 6 or more) footprint Erosion of exposed areas and sediment Loss of topsoil Dust generation Noise ii Establishment of Soil deposited Work Camp, onto roads from Batching plant etc. tires Stockpile erosion Noise & Vibration Traffic congestion Fuel spills iii Dismantling of Noise and Asphalt and vibration existing structures Dust generation including Utilities Community safety Worker safety Traffic Congestion iv Preparation of Sub- Noise and Base vibration Dust generation Traffic Congestion v Asphalting Noise and vibration

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Step 6: The Site plans are a critical part of the SSEMP and will need to be prepared, otherwise the ADB will consider the document as incomplete.

• The site plan will need to provide the following: • Indication of North and scale • Existing and planned supporting infrastructure (e.g. access roads, water supplies and electricity supplies) • Location of planned work • Contours • Drainage systems • Locations of sensitive receptors

Step 7 (if required)30: The completed SSEMP provides details of all the environmental management requirements for all stages of the construction process. For individual work teams who are responsible for only a small part of the overall construction works it can be confusing as to what is required for their particular work component. For example, the work team responsible for stripping soil for the construction areas are not going to be interested in the requirements for pouring concrete for footings and foundations. However, it is essential that the soil stripping team knows exactly what to clear and what to leave and where to put stockpiles of soil for later use. In situations where different work activities are required at different times or at different locations, environmental work plans can be prepared. These are similar to the work method statements that are often produced for major construction projects.

Step 8: A detailed monitoring plan will be provided along with frequency and responsibilities to ensure all key environmental parameters are monitored to ensure compliance with both national and ADB requirements.

Template for SSEMP Introduction Project Overview Scope of SSEMP Objectives of SSEMP Map of Sensitive Receptors Construction Activities Activities Risk Assessment Risk Assessment Matrix & Mitigation Measures Site Plan(s) Subplans (indicative) Traffic Management Plan Waste Disposal Plan Asbestos Containing Materials Management Plan End of Life Batteries Management Plan Grievance Redressal Plan Communication Plan Health and Safety Management Plan Environmental Monitoring Plan

30 ADB, Safeguards Unit for Central & West Asia Department, Environmental Management for Construction Handbook.

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Instrumental Monitoring of Environmental Parameters by Contractor as per EMP In-house monitoring Third Party environmental monitoring Visual monitoring of Environmental Parameters by Contractor as per EMP Responsibilities Organizational Responsibilities and Communication Responsibility of EA Responsibility of Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) Responsibility of Contractor Responsibility of EPA

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ANNEXURE F -TEMPLATE FOR SEMI-ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT (SAEMR)

{Semi Annual Environmental and/or Social} Monitoring Report

Project Number: {XXXXX} {Reporting period: Month Year}

{Full Country Name}: {Project Title} {(Financed by the )}

Prepared by {author(s)} {Firm name} {City, country}

For {Executing agency} {Implementing agency}

Endorsed by: (staff name of IA/PIU) and signature, submission date

Table of Contents List of Annexes List of Maps List of Figures List of Photographs Abbreviations Include list of abbreviations used in the report

INTRODUCTION Preamble • This report represents the Semi - Annual Environmental Monitoring Review (SAEMR) for INSERT PROJECT NAME. • This report is the (insert number of report, i.e. 1st, 2nd etc) EMR for the project. Headline Information • Include a brief summary of significant outcomes of the project construction process and any specific areas of concern of which ADB should be informed.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES

Project Description • Provide a brief description of the project. – this should not vary from one report to the next. • Project Contracts and Management • Provide a list or table of main organisations involved in the project and relating to Environmental Safeguards. This should include lender, borrower, PIU, Main Contractor/s and significant sub-contractors, environmental staff of various organisations should be named, and contact details provided. • Provide a description of how the contracts are being managed and names of key personnel. • Project Activities During Current Reporting Period • Provide an outline of major activities which have been carried out during the current reporting period. Provide adequate information so the reader can understand what has been taking place on site. Include photographs (with date stamp) of activities where possible and relevant. Place bulk photographs into an annex to the main report or a separate photographic record. • Where multiple work sites are involved provide information on which work sites have been active during the current reporting period. Provide map of work site areas if relevant. • Provide details (chart) of worker numbers (maximum, Minimum) in the current reporting period and anticipated changes in staff in following period • Highlight any significant new activities commenced during the current reporting period. • For the above make maximum use of charts, images and tables.

Description of Any Changes to Project Design • Describe any changes to the project design from that which was assessed in the Impact Assessment phase of the project and is set out in the Initial Environmental Examination/Environmental Impact Assessment. If none have taken place, please state – No changes. • Note if significant changes have occurred the PIU should have already informed ADB of this and made a decision on the need for updates to the EIA/IEE and/or Environmental Management Plans

Description of Any Changes to Agreed Construction methods • Provide a description and reason for changes to any construction processes, for example, blasting of rock rather than excavation, open channel rather than thrust boring at road crossings.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD ACTIVITIES

General Description of Environmental Safeguard Activities • Please provide a summary of the routine activities undertaken by environmental safeguard staff during the current reporting period. This should include the work undertaken by the contractor’s environmental manager, the Environmental Supervisor and any informal visits by the PIU environmental staff. Site Audits • Please provide details (table form preferred) of any formal audits undertaken by environmental safeguard process staff during the current reporting period. This would include Contractors Environmental Manager, Environmental Supervisor, PIU Staff and ADB staff during review missions. • Information required includes: ▪ Date of Visit ▪ Auditors Name ▪ Purpose of Audit ▪ Summary of any Significant Findings ▪ Cross reference to Audit Report which should be included as an annex. • Summarise Findings of Audits under taken in the current period, compare with previous periods and identify any trends or common issues.

Issues Tracking (Based on Non-Conformance Notices) • Provide an overview and description of issues tracked during the current period. • Provide commentary on key statistics based on graphs and tables which can be copied from the Environmental Safeguards Issues Tracing Workbook. For example:

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-35 Summary of Issues Tracking Activity for Current Period Summary Table Total Number of Issues for Project 6 Number of Open Issues 1 Number of Closed Issues 5 Percentage Closed 17% Issues Opened This Reporting Period 5 Issues Closed This Reporting Period 4

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document.-11 - Summary of Issues by Non- Conformance

• Use data from workbook as required. • Trends • Use information from previous period reports and the current period information to identify trends in issues. For example - Quarterly Report No Total No of Issues % issues Closed % issues closed late 1 5 87 0 2 18 56 15 3 59 23 26

• Provide a commentary on the trends, explain why they may be occurring and in the case of negative trends explain what steps have been taken to make corrections. • Provide a copy of all NCN’s for all major Non-Conformances in an annex. If none state this.

Unanticipated Environmental Impacts or Risks • Document any unanticipated environmental impacts and risks which have been identified in the current period (as a reminder, these are impacts or risks which were not identified in the Impact Assessment process). State what actions were taken to mitigate the impacts and risks, were these successful.

RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

Overview of Monitoring Conducted during Current Period • Provide a commentary on what environmental measurements have been undertaken during the current reporting period. Highlight any areas where agreed monitoring has not taken place. • Include sub sections for the report on those environmental media which have been measured, for example ▪ Noise ▪ Air Quality ▪ Water Quality • The sections should present highlights of the outcomes of the monitoring focussing on a comparison of the results with the agreed standards as set out in the Specific Environmental Management Plan and/or Monitoring Plan. • In particular make clear where exceedances in the standards have occurred and provide reasons and actions which have been implemented to correct – refer to relevant NCN as appropriate. • Detailed monitoring results should be presented as an annex.

Trends • Based on the current and past periods of monitoring identify and discuss any trends which may be developing.

Summary of Monitoring Outcomes • Provide any recommendations on the need for additional monitoring, or requests for ceasing/altering monitoring if activities have been completed or monitoring is showing no significant effects over long period.

Material Resources Utilisation • Current Period ▪ Provide values (tables, graphs etc) for current reporting period of utilisation of electricity, water and any other materials which have been include in the SEMP for monitoring. • Cumulative Resource Utilisation ▪ Provide values (tables, graphs etc) for cumulative resource utilisation of power water etc, for whole project life. Identify trends or significant changes and provide reasons for any such changes. Waste Management • Provide summary of waste management activities during the current period. Provide waste contractors/s names and location of waste sites. • Current Period - Provide breakdown using graphs, table etc, of waste streams during current reporting period. This information should include ▪ Type of Waste (description and classification – e.g. hazardous – non-hazardous; ▪ Waste Source – what activity generated the waste and where; ▪ Quantity of waste generated; ▪ Treatment/disposal route – provide information on quantities of waste reused, recycled and sent to landfill or incineration; and ▪ Final disposal sites for waste. ▪ Provide commentary on results.

Cumulative Waste Generation • Using the above bullet points for waste develop cumulative waste generation results. • Discuss trends and provide suggestions for waste reduction, increase in reuse and recycling if possible.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Community Health and Safety • Provide information on any incidents which have occurred during the reporting period which resulted in or could have resulted in Community Health and Safety issues. Include within this section traffic accidents.

Occupational Safety and Health • Provide confirmation on contractors appointment of EHS • Confirm Health and Safety Plan reviewed and cleared by BCMO • Confirm contractors compliance to government health and safety regulations • Provide information on incidents and accidents on site, actions undertaken by BCMO, CSC and contractors • Provide detailed statistics on accident rates, including Lost Time Incidents, Accidents and near misses. • Provide information on safety campaigns conducted during the reporting period. • Fatalities ▪ Provide details of any fatalities taking place during the reporting period along with the accident/incident causing the fatality.

Appropriate Staff Name and Contact Details • Provide Name and Contact details (Phone number and email) of the Environment Safeguards focal person responsible from the Contractor’s team for SSEMP implementation. • Incidents during the reporting period • Clearly report and present any incidents taking place, including their specific details, during the reporting period. Corrective Actions • Provide clearly the corrective actions that need to be taken to ensure the existing non-compliances observed in terms of Health and Safety are overcome. • Compensation and Insurance benefits • Clearly present the compensation to be issued to any of the effectees from the incidents taking place during the reporting period along with any insurance benefits that might be applicable. Training • Provide information on all environmental safeguard related training activities undertaken in this period and cumulatively for project life to date. These may include specific training of environmental staff, HSE inductions of site workers etc. • Discuss the need for additional training and what training is planned for coming quarter. • functioning of the SEMP

SITE-SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW • Provide a commentary on the SEMP in terms of the ability of the contractor to implement fully the requirements set out. Highlight any areas where the contractor has not been able to implement mitigation or monitoring measures. • Is the SEMP effective, are mitigation measures set out still appropriate and are they working as intended – do they need changing? • Are there better alternative mitigation measures? • Can some mitigation measures be reduced or removed as the specific risk identified in the IEE/EIA and/or SEMP has not materialised? • Provide a table of requests for changes to the current mitigation measures for consideration by ADB. Note you can send these at any time during the project, there is no need to wait until the quarterly reporting period to be completed. If PIU has supplied requests to ADB, these should be listed along with ADB response. Where changes (additions/deletions and modifications) of mitigation or monitoring measures have been approved, the PIU shall ensure that the SEMP is updated to reflect these changes.

GOOD PRACTICE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT • Good Practice ▪ Provide an overview with charts, images etc of examples of continuing good practice for the project. State why these have been implemented and how they are reducing environmental impacts or risks. • Opportunities for Improvement ▪ Identify any areas which may be outside of the formal NCN process, but which changes to construction techniques, mitigation etc would result in an improvement in environmental, health and safety performance of the project.

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary • Provide a summary of the effective implementation of Environmental Safeguards during the reporting period and for the overall project construction period to date.

Recommendations • Provide any recommendations for consideration by the ADB for changes to the Environmental Safeguarding process for the project.