Environmental Monitoring Report

Project Number: 49244-002 July–December 2020 March 2021

Armenia: – Border Regional Road (M6 –) Improvement Project

Prepared by the “Road Department” State Non-Commercial Organization of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia for the Asian Development Bank.

This environmental monitoring 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.

Semi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report

Project Number: 3449 - ARM July-December 2020

Armenia: M6 Vanadzor-Alaverdi-Georgian Border Interstate Road (Section Km 38+450 – Km 90+191) (Financed by the ADB)

Prepared by the “Transport Project Implementation Organization” SNCO based on the monthly Environmental Monitoring Reports of the Technical Supervision Consultant/Engineer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION...... 4 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES ...... 5 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD ACTIVITIES ...... 13 4. RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ...... 15 5. FUNCTIONS OF THE SEMP ...... 21 6. GOOD PRACTICE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT ...... 23 7. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 24

ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: PHOTOS OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD ANNEX 2: THE STATUS REPORT ON THE ISSUES OBSERVED DURING THE ADB’ S MISSION VISIT CONDUCTED ON NOVEMBER 26, 2020 ANNEX 3. STATUS OF MEASUREMENTS ON DUST, NOISE, WATER QUALITY AND VIBRATION IN THE REPORTING PERIOD ANNEX 4. PHOTOS FROM THE TRAININGS CONDUCTED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank

CEMP Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan

CR Completion Report

CAP Corrective Action Plan

DNVW Dust, Noise, Vibration and Water

EMP Environmental Management Plan

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

ES Environmental Specialist

LARP Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan

LAR Land Acquisition and Resettlement

MNP Ministry of Environment

MTAI Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

MESCS Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport

NCN Non-Compliance Notice

RD “Road Department” SNCO

RS Road Safety

SSEMP Site Specific Environmental Management Plan

TMP Traffic Management Plan

EMR Environmental Monitoring Report 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Preamble 1. This report represents the Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Review (SAEMR) for Rehabilitation and Improvement of the M6 Vanadzor-Alaverdi-Georgian Border Interstate Road (Section Km 38+450 – Km 90+191) (Loan No.: 3449-ARM).

1.2. Headline information 2. As of December 31, 2020, the following road sections are handed over to the Contractors: 3. Lot 1: km38+450 – km47+055; km47+065 - km48+140. The road sections km47+055 – km47+065 have not been handed yet. The section handover completion rate in Lot 1 is 99.9%. 4. Lot 2: km48+140 – km49+025; km49+060 – km54+515; km54+540 – km62+300. The road sections km49+025 –km49+060 and km54+515 – km54+540 have not been handed yet. The section handover completion rate in Lot 2 is 99.75%. 5. Lot 3: km62+300 - km90+191. 6. Total 51.671 km (99.99%) has been handed over to the contractors. 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES

2.1. Project Description 7. The Republic of Armenia (hereinafter called "Borrower") has received financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in a form of loan towards the costs for the Armenia – Georgia Border Regional Road (M6 Vanadzor–Bagratashen) Improvement Project. Actually, ADB has approved a $50 million loan to improve the transport efficiency and safety of the M6 Highway from Vanadzor in Armenia to the border with Georgia at Bagratashen, one of the strategic roads for internal and external trade. The Government is now giving priority to the rehabilitation of transport infrastructure and the proposed project is meant to promote economic development and support transit traffic, having in mind that the ports on the Black Sea, accessed through Georgia, provide one of the major access routes for this traffic.

Map 2-1: M6 Vanadzor–Alaverdi–Georgian Border Interstate Road Rehabilitation and Improvement Project Area

2.2. Project Contracts, Contact Details and Management

8. The Employer/Client: “Road Department” SNCO Address: Government House 3, Republic Square, 0010 , Armenia Email: [email protected] Tel: (+37412) 20-10-09, 20-10-10 Webpage: www.armroad.am

9. Contract for Construction Works: The Contractor: Horizon-95 LLC &Oberosler Cav Pietros SRL Joint Venture Address: Amiryan 26, 0002 Yerevan, Armenia Email: [email protected] Tel: (+37410) 53-88-56, 53-88-52 Webpage: www.horizon.am Lot 1 Civil works for rehabilitation/reconstruction of the existing M6 -Vanadzor-Alaverdi -Georgian border interstate road (km 38 +450 -Km 48 +140) Date of Signature: 30 November 2017 Commencement Date: May 29, 2018 Time for Completion: 900 days Defects Notification Period: 365 days The Contractor: Joint Venture: " Black Sea Group & AAB Project " Address: 39/1a Arabkir str., 0037 Yerevan, Armenia Email: [email protected] Tel: (+37410) 25-92-59 Webpage: www.aabconstruction.am Lot 2 Civil works for rehabilitation/reconstruction of the existing M6 -Vanadzor-Alaverdi -Georgian border interstate road (km 48 +140 -Km -Km 62 +300) Date of Signature: 30 November 2017 Commencement Date: May 29, 2018 Time for Completion: 900 days Defects Notification Period: 365 days The Contractor: SUARDI JSC Armenian Branch Address: 2nd Inuastrial str., №24 Transport Enterprise, , Armenia Email: [email protected] Tel: (+37499) 55-14-69 Webpage: www.suardispa.it Lot 3 Civil works for rehabilitation/reconstruction of the existing M6 -Vanadzor-Alaverdi -Georgian border interstate road (km 62 + 300 -Km 90 +191) Date of Signature: 30 November 2017 Commencement Date: May 29, 2018 Time for Completion: 1098 days Defects Notification Period: 365 days

10. Contract for Consultancy Services: Engineer: Joint Venture Safege SAS and Hill International N.V. Address: 1704 Hakhpat Kisakayaran, Alaverdi, Armenia Email: [email protected] Tel: (+37455) 55 08 30 Contract Signed: April 03, 2018 Commencement April 03/May 03, 2018 Date/Effective Date: Duration of the Services: 30 months Defect Notification Period 12 months 2.2.1. Safeguards Staff of RD 11. The Project Safeguards Management activities are undertaken by Head of Environmental Impact Management Service, Environmental Specialist, Head of Social Impact Management Service and Social Specialist: 12. Mr. Gevorg Afyan - Head of Environmental Impact Management Service (ЕМ) is responsible for environmental management of the project and compliance with the national environmental legislation of the RA and safeguard policies of financing donors during the preparation and implementation of the projects, including design, construction and supervision. Mr. Gevorg Afyan resigned during this reporting period, on December 7, new Head of Environmental Impact Management Service (ЕМ) will be hired in February 2021.Mr Mikael Tevosyan – Environmental Specialist is responsible for environmental inspection, day to day supervision of EMPs (CEMP, SSEMPs) implementation and reporting to EM. Mr. Mikael Tevosyan resigned during this reporting period, on September 15, new Environmental Specialist shall be hired during the next reporting period. 13. Mrs. Lilit Dilanyan - Head of Social Impact Management Service (SM) is responsible for social management of the project and compliance with the national legislation of the RA and safeguard policies of financing donors during the preparation and implementation of the projects, including design, construction and supervision. 14. Mrs. Shushan Kocharyan – Social Specialist is responsible for social inspection, day to day supervision of LARPs/CAPs implementation and reporting to SM.

2.2.2. The Safeguards Staff of the Engineer 15. Presently the Environmental Safeguards Staff of the Supervision Consultant/Engineer consists of: 16. Mr. Arsen Hayriyan, the Environment Specialist. He is responsible for (i) review all documents and reports regarding the integration of environmental including contractor’s environmental action plan, (ii) supervise the contractors' compliance to the site specific EMP, and (iii) prepare compliance reports for submission to the Client. He is a part-time employee and during the reporting period his input was 11 - 12 days per month. 17. Mr. Armen Grigoryan, the Social Safeguards (Resettlement) Specialist. He is responsible for provision all the professional and logistic support to the team leader. Conduct regular visits to project sites. Prepare Semi-annual Internal Social Monitoring Report, presents the observations, findings, issues, non-compliance, and any variance from the provisions of the LARP, recommended actions necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of the approved LARP and ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). He is part-time employed consultant and during the reporting period his input was 11 -12 days per month (depending on the month). 18. Mr. Walter Viti, the Road Safety Specialist. He is responsible for review designs, specifications, construction method, etc. from road safety perspective. Review traffic control plans prepared by the Contractor during construction. Verify design of temporary diversions and traffic management arrangements. Regularly inspect road safety audit work zones under traffic. Conduct a post-construction road safety audit, identify road safety issues and provide recommendations to address them. Raise the Client's capacity and awareness of the international standards of road safety. He is a part-time employee and during the reporting period his input was 9 -17 days per month (depending on the month). 2.2.3. The Contractor’s Safeguards Staff 19. The Contractors` Environmental Units are staffed as follows: 20. Lot 1 Mr. Gabriel Grigoryan – Project Manager: is responsible for the overall project management including the environmental, social and health and safety issues. Mr. Pertsh Bojukyan - Environment and Social Safeguards Specialist: is responsible for the compliance of the Contractor’s activities to Environment and Social requirements of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and Armenian legislation. Mr. Harutyun Aghajanyan - Health and Safety Specialist: is responsible for the compliance of the Contractor’s activities to Health and Safety requirements of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and Armenian legislation. 21. Lot 2 Mr. David Azatyan – Project Manager: is responsible for the overall project management including the environmental, social and health and safety issues; Mrs. Nairi Zadikian – Environment, Health and Safety and Social Safeguards Specialist: is responsible for the compliance of the Contractor’s activities to Environment, Health and Safety and Social requirements of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and Armenian legislation. 22. Lot 3 Project Manager Mr. Mauro D’Orazio and Quality, Health & Safety Manager - Sif Ababsia according to the organizational structure of Project Team are responsible for securing of the works quality as well as environmental, occupational health and safety (OHS) and social issues. Mr. Artak Ter-Torosyan – Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist: is responsible for the compliance of the Contractor’s activities to Environment and Social requirements of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and Armenian legislation.

2.3. Project Activities during current reporting period 23. The following activities were carried out during the current reporting periods (see photos in Annex 1): 24. Lot 1 During the reporting period no new road sections were handed over to the Contractor As of December 31, 2020, the following road sections are handed over to the Contractor: km38+450 – km47+055; km47+065 – km48+140. The section km 47+055 – km 47+065 is under expropriation and has not been handed over to the Contractor yet. By the end of December 2020, the progress of civil works is roughly as below:

Figure 2-1: Physical progress of the civil works by December 31, 2020

Table 2-1: Physical progress of the civil works by December 31, 2020 Completion rate % BoQ Description Actual vs number Actual vs Bill Schedule 1 General Provisions 8.9 8.9 2 Preparatory works 2.0 2.0 3 Earth works 89.0 89.0 4 Road pavement 18.7 18.7 5 Drainage 57.9 57.9 6 Road furnishing 1.8 1.8 7-1 Structures 47.9 47.9 7-2 PK 479+34 L=18.5 r/c bridge 0.0 0.0 8 Rock fall protection 0.0 0.0 9 Side works 0.0 0.0 10-1 Existing gas pipelines relocation 0.0 0.0 10-2 Relocation of Fiber Optic Cables 0.0 0.0 Total 49.3 49.3

25. Lot 2 During the reporting period no new road sections were handed over to the Contractor. As of December 31, 2020, the following road sections are handed over to the Contractor: km 48+140 – km 49+025; km 49+060 – km 54+515; km 54+540 – km 62+300. The section km 49+025 - km49+060 is under expropriation and has not been handed over to the Contractor yet. By the end of December 2020, the progress of civil works is roughly as below:

Figure 2-2: Physical progress of the civil works by December 31, 2020

Table 2-2: Physical progress of the civil works by December 31, 2020 Completion rate % BoQ number Description Actual vs Actual vs Bill Schedule 1 General Provisions 35.0 35.0 2 Preparatory works 32.8 47.7 3 Earth works 46.1 51.5 4 Road pavement 34.8 34.8 5 Drainage 45.0 56.6 6 Road furnishing 0.0 0.0 7 Structures 46.9 44.4 8 Rock fall protection 0.0 0.0 9 Sidewalks 43.0 79.3 10-1 Existing Gas Pipelines Relocation 0.0 0.0 Relocation of Existing Fiber Optic 10-2 0.0 0.0 Cables Installation of new underground 11 73.5 100.0 sewage system 12 Installation of new water pipeline 0.0 - Total 35.8 38.9

26. Lot 3 During the reporting period the section km 75+955 - km75+995 (40km on the left side) was handed over to the Contractor (Letter N01/03.1/1929-2020 dated 24.11.2020). As of December 31, 2020, the Lot 3 section (km62+300 - km90+191) handover rate is 100%. By the end of December 2020, the progress of civil works is roughly as below:

Figure 2-3: Physical progress of the civil works by December 31, 2020

Table 2-3: Physical progress of the civil works by December 31, 2020 Completion rate % BoQ number Description Actual vs Actual vs Bill Schedule 1 General provisions 36.3 38.2 2 Preparatory Works 2.3 2.3 3 Earth works 38.2 38.4 4 Road pavement 55.8 70.6 5 Drainage 35.5 35.5 6 Road furnishing 1.4 1.4 7 Structures 27.6 27.6 8 Rock fall protection 0.0 0.0 9 Sidewalk 92.0 - Existing Gas Pipelines 10-1 0.0 0.0 Relocation Relocation of Existing Fiber 10-2 0.0 0.0 Optic Cables 10-3 Water Pipelines Relocation 6.1 108.1 Total 39.8 53.3

2.4. Description of Any Changes to Project Design

27. LARP implementation in Phase 1, 2 and 3 have been completed and the respective Completion Reports (CRs) are approved by ADB. Consequently, the LAR-completed sections have been handed over to the contractors. So far, 8 CRs have been prepared and approved (CR of Phase 1 includes all 3 lots, subsequently for Phases 2 and 3 separate CRs were prepared for each lot). The CRs of Phases One, Two and Three were approved in May 2018, September 2018, and February 2019 respectively. Subsequently access was provided to the contractors. All completion reports are available at the RDs website1. 28. During implementation of the Project, additional impacts not foreseen in the Project LARP emerged. These were caused by discrepancies between cross sections drawings and LAR boundaries in Lot 1. Prompt action to address the additional impact was critical. As the LARP implementation in these sections was already completed and the areas were handed over to the Contractor, the latter had mobilized its resources and started construction activities. 29. With regard to the above-mentioned cases, during the reporting period as addendum to the LARP, two implementation ready Corrective Action Plans (CAP) namely CAPs 2 and 3 were prepared and presented to the ADB. The CAP 2 was approved by the ADB on 22.06.2020 and CAP 3 was by December 31, 2020 in the review process.2 30. The unforeseen LAR impacts due to design changes/realignments described in CAP 2 and 3 occurred in 7 of the Project affected communities, namely Alaverdi town and Archis, Aqori, Aygehat, , , and communities. A census survey was carried out with 25 affected households along with a Detailed Measurement Survey to map any additional impact and prepare respective compensation packages as described in the respective CAPs. 31. Furthermore, (potential) cases of design exist in addition to the those which were included in the CAPs 1-3. As agreed with ADB, additional CAPs will be developed and presented to ADB for approval. Development of further CAP(s) will depend on finalization of the design changes such as the Odzun junction which currently is in the process.

2.5. Description of Any Changes to Agreed Construction methods

32. No changes.

1 https://armroad.am/en/safeguard/social-impact-and-resettlement/monitoring-and-evaluation 2 Corrective Action Plan link: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/49244/49244-002-scar-en_0.pdf 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD ACTIVITIES

3.1. General Description of Environmental Safeguards Activities 33. The Road Department is implementing day-to-day management of project execution. The RD includes an Environmental Safeguards staff whose responsibilities include the management of all environmental aspects of the project. Mr. Mikael Tevosyn – Environmnetal specialist and Mr. Gevorg Afyan - Head of Environmental Impact Management Services resigned respectively on 15 September and 7 December 2020 to transfer to another job according to their application․ New hiring of environmental staff by “Road Department” SNCO is planned in January-February 2021. 34. The Engineer is providing Technical Assistance to the RD in the management and reporting of the project. Environmental Specialist of the Engineer is responsible for supervising the construction works in relation to environmental and archaeological impact and, in particular, for supervising and reporting on the Contractor’s performance in the implementation of the EMP. 35. Contractors are implementing construction works. Every contractor has Environmental specialist responsible for preparation and implementation CEMP and SEMPs, monitoring of the construction activities and reporting.

Monitoring Reporting

3.2. Site Audits 36. During the reporting period site audits were carried out according the Monitoring program developed based on the ADB Safeguards and EMP requirements. Unscheduled audit visits were carried out when needed. The following site audits were undertaken: 37. Regular audit site visits on weekly basis by contractors’ environmental specialists. The audits have been done according to the approved checklist template. 38. Regular audit site visits (twice a month) by the Engineer’s environmental specialist. The audits have been done according to the approved checklist template. Regular audit visits by the Engineer’s road safety specialist were conducted. 39. The RD environmental specialists participated in some of the audit site visits of the engineer’s environmental specialist, but not less than once in a quarter. 40. Virtual MTR Mission3 from 9 to 21 October was carried out to (i) review institutional, administrative, technical, safeguards, economic, and financial aspects of the project; including assessment of compliance of environmental and social safeguards, discussed any LARP implementation issues, and reviewed compliance status of social and environment safeguards documentation submission. Asian Development Bank (ADB) conducted Loan Midterm Review online mission on October 14 and fielded a review Mission for the captioned project on 26 November 2020. The main issues that were noticed as well as the status of the issues are summarized in Annex 2. The objectives of this Mission were to (i) assess status of ongoing works of the 3 civil works

3 Mission was originally planned from 9 to 21 October but was extended due to COVID-19 outbreak in Armenia and the then ongoing military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan requiring flexibility in receipt of information and scheduling of (Skype) meetings.Mission members included Zaigham Naqvi, Transport Specialist, CWTC (Mission Leader); Huiping Huang, Unit Head, Project Administration, ARRM; Thomas Herz, Senior Transport Specialist, CWTC; Aida Satylganova, Social Development Specialist (Resettlement), CWOD-PSG; Armine Yedigaryan, Environment Specialist, CWOD-PSG; Arusyak Harutyunyan, Social Safeguards Consultant; Nina Avetisyan, Project Analyst, ARRM; and K. Carissa Vila, Associate Project Analyst, CWTC. Paolo Spantigati, Country Director, ARRM joined the wrap-up meeting. Alexander Astvatsatryan, Project Implementation Consultant also joined the Mission. contracts under the loan (i.e. the 3 lots); and (ii) assess compliance status of safeguards documentation.

3.3. Issue Tracking 41. During the reporting period totally 19 issues were tracked 12 issues were closed and 7 are still open. 3 issues are environmental and 13 safeties. 32% of the issues have high priority, 5% - low and 63% - medium. During the reporting period, no Non-Conformance Notice was submitted by the Engineer. Summary of the issues is given in the tables below:

Table 3-1: Summary of Issues Tracking Activity for Current Period Summary Tables Issues by Category Total Number of Issues 19 Environment 3 Issues by Lot 1-3 Social 1 Number of Open Issues 7 Health 1 Lot 1 6 Number of Closed Issues 12 Safety 13 Lot 2 6 Percentage Closed 63% Other 1 Lot 3 7

Figure 3-1: Summary of Issues by Priority and Non-conformance level

Issues by Priority Non-conformance Level

1, 5% N/A, 0

6, 32% Major, 7

12, 63%

Minor, 12

Low Medium High Major Minor N/A

3.4. Trends 42. Total number of opened issues for the 5th period increased from 8 to 12. The number of environmental issues increased from 2 to 3 and safety issues increased by 2 (from 5 to 7). Table 3-2: Comparison table of Issues of Past Period 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total Period Period Period Period Period Period Period Period Period Period Total Number of 16 27 40 48 60 Issues by Category Issues for Project Total Number of 6 11 6 8 8 Env 13 7 10 2 3 33 Open Issues Total Number of 10 16 34 40 52 Social 0 0 0 0 1 1 Closed Issues Percentage Closed 63% 59% 85% 83% 87% Health 0 0 1 0 1 2 Issues Opened this 16 11 13 8 12 Safety 3 4 2 5 7 23 Reporting Period Issues Closed this 10 6 18 6 12 Other 0 0 0 1 0 1 Reporting Period

3.5. Unanticipated Environmental Impacts or Risks 43. No unanticipated environmental impacts and risks were identified during the current period.

3.6. Vibration Monitoring 44. Pre-Construction Inventory of Buildings and Vibration Monitoring Reports were developed by all tree Contractors and approved by the Engineer. 45. The vibration assessment results are provided below as well as in Annex 3.  Lot 1: Тhe actual vibration level at points N8 and 16 obtained as a result of 3 measurements conducted on 30.10.2020, were within the 109dB TLVs but exceeded the baseline level at point N8.  Lot 2: Three instrumental measurements were performed at point km 62+000 during the day on 03.12.2020. The actual average level of transport-technological (2nd category) vibration at point km 62+000 during the 1st measurement was above the 109dB TLV set by national standards, which is due to the operation of Vibro-roller. The actual average levels of transport-technological (2nd category) vibration at point km 62+000 during the 2nd 3rd measurements were within the 109dB TLV.  Lot 3: Тhe actual levels of transport-technological (2nd category) vibration (72.5 dB and 64.4 dB respectively) at points N9 and 13 obtained as a result of 3 measurements conducted on 17.12.2020 were below the 109 dB TLV and the baseline level.

3.7. GRM Tracking 46. In general, 44 grievances were tracked of which 9 occurred during July to December 2020. This involved both face to face and telephone interviews with the APs. 40 grievances were closed and 4 are still open. The significant part of the grievances relates to damages out of LARP boundaries and design issues. Summary of the grievances by status and subject is provided below. Damages outside of the LARP boundaries are covered by the contractors consequently this should not cause any issues regarding access of the contractors to the specified locations.

Table 3-3: Summary of GRM Tracking for Past Periods

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Summary Tables Total Period Period Period period period 1. Total Number of Grievances 16 14 23 35 44 132 2. Number of Closed Grievances 12 6 12 19 40 89 2.1. In satisfaction of AP 10 0 8 16 28 62 2.2. In non-satisfaction of AP 2 6 4 5 10 27 3. Number of Open Grievances 4 8 11 16 4 43 4. Percentage Closed 75% 43% 52% 54% 91% 67% 5. Grievances by Categories 5.1. New damage within LARP 4 2 5 5 6 22 boundaries 5.2. Damage out of LARP boundaries 7 9 12 13 17 58 5.3. Design issues 1 2 5 13 14 35 5.4. Environmental 0 0 0 1 0 1 5.5. Other issues 4 1 1 3 7 16

Figure 3-2: Summary of Grievances of 5th Period by Status and Subject

9% 16% 14%

32% 38%

91%

7.1. New damage within LARP boundaries Closed Grievances Open Grievances 7.2 Damage out of LARP boundaries 7.3 Design issues 7.4 Other issues

4. RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

4.1. Overview of monitoring conducted during the reporting period 47. During the reporting period instrumented measurements and monitoring of environmental parameters of air quality, noise and vibration, water quality were undertaken. 48. Contractor has completed the baseline data collection for dust, noise, vibration and water in 2018. 49. Instrumented measurements and monitoring of environmental parameters (dust, noise, vibration and water) during the reporting period has been implemented at the sensitive points by the Contractors which were identified and approved by the Engineer. 50. The Contractors hired the same company (ATMS Solutions LLC) to hold DNVW measurements. According to the monitoring reports vibration actual levels at measurement points were within the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) set by Sanitary norms and WHO standards. Actual noise equivalent and maximum levels at some measurement points of Lot 1 and 2 were above the TLVs. Contractors will reorganize the works, so less equipment work at the same time near each other. The main noise and vibration sources at all noise measurement points are operation of construction equipment and movement of cars and vehicles along the M6 highway. The actual dust concentrations in all measurement points in different daytime periods didn’t exceed the maximum permissible concentrations set by the RoA Government Decree No160-N “Norms of maximum permissible concentrations of atmospheric air pollutants in residential areas" and WHO Air Quality Guidelines - Global Update, 2005. 51. Detailed information on the results of operational monitoring is presented in the Dust, Noise, Vibration and Water Assessment Reports available in the Contractors` and the Engineer`s offices (see extract from reports in Annex 3). 52. The issue observed during ADB’ review Mission conducted on 26 November 2020 in Lot 1 and 2 were fixed during the reporting period. The Lot 1 Contractors fixed the issues related to the cleaning and removing of the rolled down stones and subsoil from the riverbank and from the area near the railway at Odzun 2 DS as well as the Tumanyan DS which is actually not used by the Contractor was formally handed over to the owner. The Lot 2 Contractor inform the municipality about asbestos pipes burial and the buried area inside the landfill was marked with a sign and fenced. 53. The Lot 3 Contractor fixed the issue related to the dust control at the camp, however the issues related to the DSs 1, Shnogh 2 and Shnogh 3 were not fixed during the reporting period. Due to the unfavorable weather conditions in December 2020, it has been technically unfeasible and unsafe (the construction equipment should operate on steep slope) to perform the proposed by ADB actions so far. Considering the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday season the Contractor asked to consider the possibility of postponing the implementation of corrective actions till the 20th of February 2021.

4.2. Trends 54. Most issues previously reported are being addressed and progress with improvement. More traffic signs have been installed, for speed control and driver approach warning. More flagmen have been utilized to manage traffic around active machinery.

4.3. Summary of monitoring outcomes 55. No NCN were submitted to the Contractors during the reporting period. 56. From the 19 issues tracked during the reporting period the major part (13 issues) relate to the road safety (RS). The major part of the RS issues was observed in Lot 1 and 2. During the reporting period, the Lot 3 Contractor was traditionally good in RS issues but the issues related to the dumping sites are urgent and are still pending.

4.4. Waste Management 57. Lot 1: All excavated materials were disposed at the dumping sites located in Odzun community. 58. Lot 2: All excavated unsuitable material is disposed in Alaverdi`s solid household waste landfill. Excavated rocky materials were disposed in Haghpat (DS near the camp), where the materials were crushed for further use in the road construction (sub base layer). No issue related to usage of non-approved dumping sites was observed during the reporting period. 59. Lot 3 The excavated materials were disposed at Akhtala 1 (PK 66+600), Shnogh 2 (PK 72+200) and Shnogh 3 (PK 72+327) DSs.

4.4.1. Current period Table 4-1: Waste generated in the reporting period4

Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3 Type of Waste Excavated soil (non- Excavated soil (non- Excavated soil (non- (hazardous or hazardous) hazardous) hazardous) non-hazardous) Waste Source Excavation works in Excavation works Excavation works in the right (what activity the right of way of way generated the waste and where) Quantity of waste Roadway excavation Roadway excavation (soil) Roadway excavation (soil) – generated (soil) – 9,574 m3 – 24,850 m3 4,282 m3 Rocky Excavation – Rocky Excavation – 04,70 8,800 m3 m3 Treatment/dispos Excavated soil is Rocky materials are taken Excavated soil was used as al route (provide reused for improving to Haghpat DS and crushed land improvement works in information on private and community for further use in the road Akhtala-1, Shnogh-2 and quantity of waste lands in accordance construction (sub base Shnogh-3 sites. reused, recycled with the Land layer). and sent to Improvement Stripped asphalt will be landfill or Agreement concluded reused as a road edge incineration) between the parties. material Rocky materials are crushed for further use in the road construction (sub base layer). Final Disposal Dumping Sites: Odzun Madan DS, dumpsite, sites Site for waste 1- 6 Rocky materials are taken Akhtala-1, Shnogh-2 and Stripped asphalt was to Haghpat DS. Shnogh -3. Stripped asphalt stored in the territory Stripped asphalt is stored in is stored at the storage site of Camp the territory of Camp near the Camp.

4The status of approval of SSEMPs is given in the table 5.1 below. 4.4.2. Cumulative waste generation

Table 4-2: Waste generated in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th periods

Lot 3 Lot 1 Lot 2 Type of Waste Excavated soil (non- Excavated soil (non- Excavated soil (non- (hazardous or hazardous) and hazardous) and stripped hazardous) and stripped non-hazardous) stripped asphalt asphalt (hazardous 4th asphalt (hazardous 4th (hazardous 4th category) category) category) Waste Source Excavation works in the Excavation works and Excavation works in the right (what activity right of way asphalt stripping works of way and asphalt stripping generated the works waste and where) Quantity of waste Roadway excavation Roadway excavation (soil+ Roadway excavation (soil) – generated (soil+ stripped asphalt) stripped asphalt) – 57,504 44,613 m3 - 179,974 m3 m3 Rocky Excavation – 5,991 m3 Rocky Excavation - (4,585 is soil +asphalt Stripped Asphalt – 4,866 m3 78,158 m3 (20%) and 52,919 - only soil) Rocky Excavation – 29,300 m3 Treatment/dispos Excavated soil is Excavated soil is used for Excavated soil has been used al route (provide reused for improving cultivation of Alaverdi solid as backfill material in Ayrum information on private and community household waste landfill dumpsite and land quantity of waste lands. (Madan DS). improvement works in Akhtala- reused, recycled Rocky materials are Rocky materials are 1, Akhtala-2 and Shnogh-1, and sent to crushed for further use crushed for further use in Shnogh -2 sites. landfill or in the road construction the road construction (sub incineration) (sub base layer). base layer). Stripped asphalt is reused as a road edge material.

Final Disposal Duping Sites: Madan DS, Ayrum dumpsite, sites Site for waste Tumanyan, Odzun 1- 6, Rocky materials are taken Akhtala-1, Akhtala-2 and Alaverdi. to Haghpat DS Shnogh-1, Shnogh -2, Stripped asphalt was Stripped asphalt is stored Shnogh-3. stored in the territory of in the territory of Camp Stripped asphalt is stored at Camp the storage site near the Camp.

4.5. Health and Safety

4.5.1. Community Health and Safety 60. No incidents or traffic accidents have occurred during the reporting period.

4.5.2. Workers Safety and Health 61. No accidents were recorded during the reporting period. 62. COVID 19 H&S Plan were prepared by the Contractors and approved by the Engineer. Compliance with the COVID-19 safety rules was in the focus of Engineer.

4.6. Trainings 63. Lot 1-3: The Environmental and H&S Specialist of the Contractors trained the personnel on site, on Work Site Safety and Environmental Policies and Procedures. New employees are trained as soon as they get involved with the project (see photos in Annex 4). The Contractors’ personnel are also trained on protective measures against COVID-19.

Table 4-3: Trainings conducted during the reporting period

Number of Lot Date of Trainings Participants

September 16, 2020 12 1 December 21, 2020 6 April 7, 2020 41 2 July 7, 2020 36 October 12, 2020 15 3 November 20, 2020 20

4.7. Archeological Issue 64. No archeological finds were found during the reporting period. 5. FUNCTIONS OF THE SEMP

5.1. SEMP review 65. Lot 1: During the reporting period the SEMP for Odzun 2 was revised, since the area occupied by the dumping site was extended. 66. Lot 2: No SEMPs were submitted during the reporting period. 67. Lot 3: During the reporting period the SEMP for Shnogh 3 (PK 72+327) DS was submitted by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer. 68. Currently, the following documents were submitted to the Engineer:

Table 5-1: Current status of SSEMP approval SSEMPs Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3 Odzun 1 (no objection 15.05.2020) /km 43+300 – 43+700/ Odzun 2 /km 45+100- 45+700/ no objection 21.10.2020 Ayrum Odzun 3 /km 81+500/ /no-objection /km 39+574 – 39+625/ no 05.08.18/ objection 15.05.2020 (PUBLIC LANDFILL) Odzun 4 /km 40+225 – 40+300/ conditional no objection 20.05.2020 Madan /no-objection Odzun 5 /km 40+500- 05.09.18/ 42+000/ no-objection (PUBLIC LANDFILL) 20.09.2019/ Odzun 6 / km44+000 – 44+300, no-objection 09.10.2019/ DSs in the section of Odzun 7 /KM38+450– Kapavor SC (Akhtala 1) SEMP for Dumping Sites KM39+574, KM396+25 – /km 66+600// no-objection KM402+25, KM403+00- 24.02.2019 / KM405+00, KM420+00- KM43+140, no-objection 21.10.2020/ Alaverdi /km 48+200 – 43+400/ no objection 12.06.2019 Tumanyan DSs in the section of (PUBLIC LANDFILL) Kapavor SC (Akhtala 2) /km 37+500/no-objection /km 64+850/ no objection 20.09.2018/ 30.05. 2019

Tumanyan 2 (Private, no Haghpat (no objection Shnogh-1 DS PK 71+460 / objection 24.12.2018) /km 26.02.2019) no-objection 10.10.19/ 37+500/ /km 56+600/

Shnogh-2 DS PK 72+200 Tumanyan 3 /PK 38+00- /20.11.2019/ PK38+500, no-objection Shnogh-3 DS PK 72+327 21.10.20/ /23.12.2020/ SEMP for Top-soil storage Top-soil was not no objection 12.06.19 site generated (no objection 24.12.2018) SEMP for Stripped asphalt (no objection (no objection 14.01.2020) storage site; 14.02.2019) (no objection 24.12.2018) (no objection SEMP for Crusher plant (no objection 28.06.2019) No Crusher Plant 14.02.2019) SEMP for Concrete plant/ (no objection 28.06.2019) No Concrete Plant Concrete Mixing Facility (no objection 20.11.2019) (no objection SEMP for Asphalt plant No Asphalt Plant 14.02.2019) (no objection 13.02.2020) (no objection SEMP for the CAMP (no objection 14.01.2020) 14.02.2019) SEMP for Vehicle Parking Odzun /PK 419+20 – N/A N/A Area 420+70/ 04.11.2019 PK 44+520 - PK 44+540 no objection 26.02.2019 and PK 46+000-PK46+150 PK 53+700 – PK /no objection 06.06.19/ 53+800 and PK 53+680 PK 42+150-42+450 / no SEMP for blasting works – PK 53+725 no N/A objection 20.09.19/ objection 14.02.2019 PK 424+50-426+00/no May 2020, PK 58+860 objection 11.03.2020/ May 2020, PK 424+60- PK425+60

Engineer`s no objection was provided (conditional or final) Engineer`s comments were provided or is under the Engineer’s review Have not been submitted yet Closed and handed over DS

6. GOOD PRACTICE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

6.1. Good Practice 6.1.1. Dumping Site Approval Procedure 69. RD adopted a procedure concerning a dumping site selection and SEMP approval as follows: (i) Contractor selects the site for topsoil stockpiling or dumping of excavated material; (ii) Engineer’s ES visits the site and provide Contractor with site evaluation report with identified sensitive receptors and recommendations on the site use. Archaeological specialist is also involved to give their conclusion concerning any potential historical and cultural object (if any); (iii) Contractor secures the site and prepares SEMP based on the findings of evaluation report and submits for Engineer’s approval; (iv) The Engineer’s ES reviews the SEMP and issues an approval; (v) Then Contractor is permitted to start the site operation. 70. The procedure allows to assess the site and identify the sensitive receptors in early stage of the procedure and by this way accelerates the further works related to SEMP preparation and approval. Figure 6-1: Dumping Site Selection and SEMP Approval Procedure

6.1.2. Grievance Registration Procedure 71. The Engineer adopted a procedure concerning the registration of Grievances. The main features of the procedure are: (i) The table or registration of the grievances is located in the Google Drive and all parties (Client, Engineer and Contractors) have access to the folder; (ii) The Grievance Registration Form is also available in the drive; (iii) Each case shall be registered in the registration table as well as a form shall be filled up. (iv) A folder shall be created in the name of the applicant and the affected community and the fill up form together with all related information shall be uploaded to the folder. 72. The procedure allows all parties to upload all files related to a case to the same folder and effectively share the information between the parties.

6.2. Opportunities for improvement 73. No opportunities outside the formal NCN process were identified during the reporting period. If any will be presented in the further reports. 7. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1. Summary 74. Contractor is guided by the IEE and CEMP for the Project as a part of the Bid and Contract documents, Site-specific Environmental Management plans, as well as by the Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan prepared by the Contractor that detail on site environmental management requirements implementation and management, particularly construction impacts mitigation, monitoring and reporting requirements in order to ensure the environmental performance. Compliance with CEMP is being regularly monitored and reported. 75. The rate of spread of COVID-19 in the second half of 2020 intensified and the Engineer's attention was focused on fulfilling the requirement of the COVID-19 H&S plan, which was prepared by the Contractors and approved by the Engineer during the reporting period. 76. In order to comply with national safeguard system and legislation, Contractor has obtained necessary permits and licenses for construction activities. During the reporting period it was observed that construction in general complies with all national pertinent environmental laws and regulations. In this regards some shortcomings were observed which are presented in details in the clause 3.3 of this report. Total number of opened issues for the 5th period increased from 8 to 12. The number of environmental issues increased from 2 to 3 and safety issues increased by 2 (from 5 to 7). 77. In order to ensure the environmental performance, it was supervised that the implementation of construction activities in general meets CEMP requirements which is prepared in accordance with IEE (July 2016), ADB Environmental Policy and RA legislation. 78. The thresholds for monitoring of environmental parameters of dust, noise, vibration and water are set in accordance with standards and norms set by Armenian legislation as well as by the guidance for ADB funded projects. 79. Contractors ensure all necessary communication with local self-governmental bodies (communities) and regional administrative authorities to comply with Armenian legislation during construction and obtains permits and approvals for any use of territory and roads for transportation, waste dumping, and material borrowing. 80. No pre-construction public hearings were held during the reporting period. 81. Proper functioning of the grievance registration and redress mechanism in all communities is regularly checked by the Engineer`s Social Specialist and reported. In order to perform effective monitoring of the grievances raised during the construction period the Complaint Log Sheet and the Grievance Recording Form were placed on the Google Drive. During the reporting period, totally 44 grievances were tracked. Detailed information on the grievances is summarized in the clause 3.7 (GRM Tracking). 82. The SSEMPs for the dumping sites for three lots were developed and reviewed by the Engineer. The list of shortcoming related to the SSEMPs as well as the status of approval is provided in clause 5.1 of this report. During the ADB’s field review mission visit conducted on November 26, 2020 issues related to the dumping sites Akhtala 1, Shnogh-2, and Shnogh-3 in Lot 3 section were observed which were not fixed during the reporting period. 83. The Environmental and Social Specialists of Contractors have already trained the personnel on site, on Work Site Safety and Environmental/Social Policies and Procedures. New employees are trained as soon as they get involved with the project. During the reporting period, the Contractor conducted trainings on protective measures against COVID-19. 84. No historical finds were found during the reporting period. 85. No NCNs were submitted by Engineer during the reporting period.

7.2. Recommendations 86. The Lot 1 and 2 Contractors shall improve the road safety management. Traffic Management shall be improved, since the regulators/flagman are not always at their positions. 87. Grievance Registration Process shall be improved. Not all grievances are properly registered on the Google Drive. 88. The Lot 3 Contractor shall fix the issue related to the dumping sites Akhtala 1, Shnogh-2, and Shnogh-3 observed during the ADB’s field review mission visit conducted on November 26. Annex 1: Photos of activities during the reporting period

Lot 1: Construction of r/c bridge at PK479+34 (L=9 m) Lot 1: Construction of r/c bridge at PK479+34 (L=9 m)

Lot 1: Upper retaining wall at PK476+42-PK477+38 Lot 1: Upper retaining wall at PK476+42-PK477+38

Lot 1: Lower retaining wall at km47+975-km47+990 Lot 1: Upper retaining wall at km47+945 – km48+070

Lot 2: Leveling of subgrade at km 58+950-km 59+150 Lot 2: Roadway excavation at km53+700 - km53+750

Lot 2: Rocky excavation at km 53+790-km 53+850 Lot 2: Placement of base at km61+600-km61+800

Lot 2: Lower retaining wall km54+515-km54+535 Lot 2: Upper retaining wall km54+470-km54+490

Lot 3: Preparation of sand base under pipes H=10cm at km Lot 3: Monting of water supply pipeline at km65+350 86+320

Lot 3: Shoulders embankment at km83+700 Lot 3: Shoulders embankment at km84+300 Annex 2: The status report on the issues observed during the ADB’ s mission visit conducted on November 26, 2020

Lot 1

No ADB observations Status Photos 1. Safety signs / Most issues previously reported Traffic are being addressed and management progress with improvement.

Action/Progress: More traffic signs have been installed, for speed control and driver approach warning. More flagmen have been utilised to manage traffic around active machinery.

No ADB observations Status Photos 2. /PPE/ COVID 19 Corrected plan following/ H&S mitigations

Odzun 2 DS: Corrected

Some amount of Rolled down stones and subsoil dumped unsuitable removed from the area near the subsoil and several railway large stones were found rolled down the slope of the “Odzun 2” dumpsite to the Debet river riverbank and the area situated nearby the railway. The cleaning and removing of the rolled down stones and subsoil from the riverbank and

from the area near the railway is Rolled down stones and subsoil urgent removed from the riverbank

No ADB observations Status Photos «Tumanyan» DS The issue is addressed

Handover of the dumping site still not implemented yet; this process should be finalized.

Lot 2

No ADB observations Status Photos 1. Safety signs / Most issues previously reported Traffic are being addressed and management progress with improvement. Action/Progress: More traffic signs have been installed, for speed control and driver approach warning. More flagmen have been utilised to manage traffic around active machinery.

2. /PPE/ COVID 19 Corrected plan following/ H&S mitigations

No ADB observations Status Photos 3 “Madan” Landfill Corrected

The buried area The local authorities are inside the landfill properly informed about was marked and asbestos pipes burial and fenced. The local notified about all the details for authorities still not the proper management of the properly informed site about asbestos pipes burial. The local authorities should be notified about all the details for the proper management of the site

Lot 3

№ ADB observations Status Photo 1 The area of the camping site, Corrected especially the construction materials storage area was dusty. The roads from the storage area were not appropriately watered and covered by gravel. To avoid the dust emission exceeding the mentioned roads should be watered 2-3 times per day and covered by gravel

2 "Akhtala 1" Dumping site. It was Not corrected observed that at the Akhtala 1 dumping site some amount of Due to the excavated subsoil was dumped into unfavorable the Debed River. Removing weather conditions dumped materials from the river in December 2020 should be implemented it has been technically unfeasible and unsafe (the construction equipment should operate on steep slope) to perform the proposed by ADB actions so far.

Considering the 3 upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday "Shnogh 2" and "Shnogh 3" season the Dumping sites. Several large Contractor asked to stones and excavated subsoil were consider the found rolled down the slope of the possibility of dumpsites into nearby agricultural postponing the private land plots. Cleaning and implementation of removing the stones from the corrective actions mentioned land plots is urgent. The till the 20th of stones and dumped materials February 2021. should be removed from the agricultural private land plots

Annex 3: Status of Measurements on Dust, Noise, Vibration and Water Quality in the reporting period

1. The list of Identified Sensitive/Monitoring Points

Point Parameters Piquet (km) Coordinates Community Lot 1 Dust 41°0'45''N №1 Noise 395+50 Tumanyan 44°38'15''E Vibration Dust 41°00'45.9"N №2 Noise 395+00 Tumanyan 44°38'15.5"E Vibration Dust 41°03'52"N №3 Noise 457+50 Alaverdi 44°37'18"E Vibration Dust 41°04'13"N №4 Noise 465+00 Alaverdi 44°37'01"E Vibration Dust 41°4'53''N №5 Noise 479+50 Alaverdi 44°37'2''E Vibration Dust 41°0'45''N №6 Noise 395+50 Alaverdi 44°38'15''E Vibration Dust 41°01'57"N №7 Noise 420+00 Odzun 44°38'00"E Vibration Dust 41°04'12.2"N №8 Noise 464+40 Odzun 44°37'02.0"E Vibration Dust 41°04'13"N №9 Noise 465+00 Alaverdi 44°37'01"E Vibration Dust 41°4'53''N №10 Noise 479+50 Alaverdi 44°37'2''E Water Dust 41°04'57"N №11 Noise 480+50 Alaverdi 44°37'05"E Vibration Dust 41°01'57"N №12 Noise 420+00 Odzun 44°38'00"E Vibration Dust 41°04'13"N №13 Noise 465+00 Alaverdi 44°37'01"E Vibration Dust 41°4'53''N №14 Noise 479+50 Alaverdi 44°37'2''E Vibration Dust 41°0'15''N №15 Noise 384+00 Tumanyan 44°38'24''E Water Dust 41°04'54"N №16 Noise 479+34 Alaverdi 44°37'00"E Water Dust 41°5'3''N №17 Noise 483+00 Alaverdi 44°37'9''E Water

Point Parametes Piquet (km) Coordinates Community Lot 2 Dust Noise 41° 05'51.56"N №1 52+900 Alaverdi Vibration 44°39'54.09"E Water Dust 41° 06'35.73"N Noise 58+400 Alaverdi №2 44°42'42.97"E Vibration Dust Noise 41° 06'35.73"N №3 60+600 Alaverdi Vibration 44°42'42.97"E Water Dust 41°5'51.16"N №4 Noise 54+450 Alaverdi 44°39'54.17"E Vibration Dust 41°5'32.24"N №5 54+984 Alaverdi Noise 44°41'41.37"E Dust 41°5'49.57"N №6 Noise 57+276 Aqori 44°40'16.85"E Vibration Dust 41°6'0.01"N №7 Noise 58+207 Haghpat 44°41'47.46"E Vibration Dust 41°6'45.68"N №8 Noise 60+632 Haghpat 44°42'50.29"E Vibration Dust Noise 41°7'7.89"N №9 62+350 Haghpat Vibration 44°45'6.05"E Water

Point Parametes Piquet (km) Coordinates Community Lot 3 Dust 41.139347N №1 Noise 65+700 44.770454E Vibration Dust 41.148195N 67+300 Akhtala №2 Noise 44.784881E Vibration Dust 41.148266N At the beginning of №3 Noise 67+800 44.790649E Akhtala community Vibration Dust Noise 41.150450N №4 71+900 Shnogh Vibration 44.831312E Water 41.167286N Between Karkop and №5 Water 74+125 44.844991E Shnogh communities Dust 41.170477N № 5-1 Noise 74+525 Shnogh community 44.847082E Vibration Dust 41.171838N № 5-2 Noise 74+775 44.849624E Shnogh community Vibration Dust 41.170541N Between Karkop and №5-5 Noise 74+600 44.848907E Shnogh communities Vibration Dust 41.174634N Between Karkop and №5-6 Noise 75+100 44.853666E Shnogh communities Vibration Dust 41.181427N №6 Noise 76+800 Karkop settlement 44.865782E Vibration Dust 41.187484N №7 79+800 Ayrum Community Noise 44.892219E Dust 41.207352N №8 Noise 82+900 Haghtanak Community 44.906010E Vibration Dust 41.220810N Between and №9 Noise 87+400 44.866024E Haghtanak settlements Vibration

41.222682N At the beginning of №10 Water 87+600 44.864761E Ptghavan community Dust 41.228809N №11 Noise 88+800 Ptghavan community 44.854147E Vibration Dust 41.230416N №12 Noise 90+100 Bagratashen community 44.840008E Vibration Dust 41.197590N №13 Noise 81+500 Artsis community 44.903876E Vibration Dust 41.122635N №14 64+000 Akhtala community Noise 44.753145E Vibration

2. The map of Identified Sensitive/Monitoring Points

Lot 1

Lot 2

Lot 3 3. Measurement Approach and Methodology

Dust Measurements

The measurements are conducted in accordance with the below mentioned national normative documents and international best practices:

 GOST 17.2.4.05-83. "Environmental protection. Atmosphere. Gravimetric method for determination of suspended dust particles",  Government Decree № 160-N. "Norms of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of atmospheric air pollutants in residential areas",  World Health Organization (WHO). Air Quality Guidelines Global Update, 2005.  Measurements of dust concentration (PM2.5 and PM10) are conducted during the daytime.

Measurements at every measuring point are taken 3 times during the day.

Daily average and maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) for PM2.5 and PM10

Maximum Permissible Concentration ( mg/m3) National National WHO5 № Name of substance Max Daily average 24 hour

1 PM2.5 0.16 0.035 0.025

2 PM10 0.3 0.06 0.05

Noise Measurements

Instrumental measurement, analysis and evaluation of results are carried out in accordance with the following regulations/standards:

 Sanitary Norms № 2-III-11.3 "Noise in the workplaces, in residential and public buildings and in residential construction areas" adopted by the order of RA Minister of Health №138 on 06.03.2002,  ISO 1996-1:2003 "Acoustics-description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise - Part 1: Basic quantities and assessment procedures",  ISO 1996-2:2007 "Acoustics-description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise - Part 2: Determination of environmental noise levels",  Guidelines for Community Noise, World Health Organization (WHO), 1999.

As criteria for determination of the conformity level of the actual noise in sensitive areas, the normative values of the equivalent (average) and maximum sound levels are used, according to the Sanitary Norms №2-III-11.3 "Noise in the workplaces, in residential and public buildings and houses in construction areas".

5 World Health Organization (WHO). Air Quality Guidelines Global Update, 2005 Measurements of noise levels are conducted during the daytime. Measurements at every measuring point are conducted 3 times with the duration of 10 minutes each one.

Threshold limit values for noise6

Threshold limit values (TLV), dBA National WHO № Premises and territories One hour Equivalent to Maximum equivalent to sound level sound level soud level 1 Workplace 80 85 Shops, trading halls, airport and railway stations 2 waiting rooms, drop-off points of public service 60 75 70 providers Territories adjacent to residential buildings, clinics, ambulatories, rest houses, care homes, 3 55 70 557 disabled persons homes, libraries, kinder gardens, schools and other educational facilities

Vibration Measurements

Instrumental measurement, analysis and evaluation of results are carried out in accordance with the following regulations/standards:

 Hygienic Norms №2-III-11.3 "Vibration in the workplaces, in residential and public buildings",  Directive 2002/44/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration),  GOST 31319-2006 (EN 14253) "Mechanical vibration. Measurement and assessment of occupational exposure to whole-body vibration with reference to health. Requirements for measurement at the workplace",  GOST 31191.1-2004 (ISO 2631-1) "Mechanical vibration and shock - Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration - Part 1: General requirements".

As criteria for determination of the conformity level of the actual vibration in sensitive areas, the normative values of vibration acceleration are used according to the Hygienic Norms №2.2.4-009- 06 "Vibration in the workplaces, in residential and public buildings".

Measurements of vibration acceleration are conducted during the daytime. Measurements at every measuring point are conducted 3 times with the duration of at least 5 minutes each one.

6 Only noise TLVs for day-time are presented in Table 3

7 The daytime indicator is taken, since no works are conducted at night. Threshold limit values (TLV) for vibration acceleration

TLV for corrected and equivalent corrected values № Whole-body vibration m/sec2 dB 1 Transport-technological (2nd category) 0.28 109 2 Technological (3rd category a) 0.1 100 3 Technological (3rd category b) 0.04 92 4 Technological (3rd category g) 0.014 83 5 Residential buildings, clinics, rest houses 0.004 72

Water quality measurements

Water quality instrumental measurement, analysis and evaluation of results are carried out in accordance with the following documents:

 Sanitary Norms No 2.1.5.001-10 "Hygienic requirements for the water quality for recreational purposes",  Government Decree №75-N dated 27.01.2011.  IEE report for the Project

Norms for water quality

Hygienic requirements Values for 1 class quality Parameters for water for water recreational use Suspended No more than 0.75 mg/l No more than 2,8 mg/l solids Biological demand of No more than 4.0 mgo/l No more than 3.0 mgO2/l oxygen Solved oxygen No less than 4.0 mgo/l No less than 6.0 mgO2/l Mineral Oil 0.1-0.3 mg/l 0.05 mcg/l

Lot 1: Extract from the Noise, vibration and Dust assessment report (October 2020)

Measurement Results and Evaluation Dust, noise and vibration instrumental measurement results for each sensitive point are summarized in Table 5 (for noise), Table 6 (for dust) and Table 7 (for vibration) accordingly.

Table 5: Results of noise measurements conducted at points №8 and №16 on 30.10.2020 compared with baseline noise measurements8.

Sound level Maximum sound Threshold limit (equivalent to sound Threshold limit level, LAmax, dBA value (equivalent Measurement № level), LAeq, dBA value (maximum to sound level), sound level), dBA dBA operational baseline operational baseline

№8 (Residential)

30.10.20 26.06.19 30.10.20 1st measurement 62.3 53 79.2 2nd measurement 63.7 51 79.2 No data 55 70 3rd measurement 61.2 53 80.5 Average value 62.4 52.3 79.6 №16 (Residential)

30.10.20 30.10.20 1st measurement 68.8 No 87.3 2nd measurement 72.9 baseline 85.9 No data 55 70 3rd measurement 63.5 data 63.5 Average value 68.4 78.9

Table 6. Results of dust PM2.5 and PM10 measurements conducted at points №8 and №16 on 30.10.2020 compared with MPC

Maximum permissible Dust actual concentration, concentration (MPC), mg/m3 mg/m3 Measurement No Maximum Daily operational baseline value average

No8 Date 30.10.20 21.06.2020 PM2.5 0.03 0.006 0.025 0.16 1st measurement PM10 0.033 0.006 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.029 0.009 0.025 0.16 2nd measurement PM10 0.035 0.01 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.033 0.019 0.025 0.16

8 Sensitive locations close to the construction site are selected for measurements 3rd measurement PM10 0.047 0.019 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.0307 0.015 0.025 0.16 Average value PM10 0.0383 0.020 0.05 0.3 No16 30.10.2020 Date PM2.5 0.035 0.025 0.16 1st measurement PM10 0.044 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.032 *No baseline 0.025 0.16 2nd measurement PM10 0.054 PM2.5 and 0.05 0.3 PM10 PM2.5 0.033 0.025 0.16 3rd measurement measurements PM10 0.048 for this point. 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.033 0.025 0.16 Average value PM10 0.048 0.05 0.3 * During the baseline survey measurements were held in accordance with local standard which defines permissible concentration for dust only. Thus, the baseline data is available in dust only and is not comparable with the operational measurement data. Taking into account the ADB`s comment on the 1st Semi-annual report the current measurements are held in accordance with the internationally acceptable parameters.

Table 7. Results of vibration level measurements conducted at points №8 and №16 on 30.10.2020 compared with TLV

Corrected and equivalent TLV for corrected corrected values, dB Measurement № Vibration category and equivalent operational baseline corrected values, dB

№8 30.10.2020 26.06.19 1st measurement 72.2 28 2nd measurement Transport-technological 64.2 26 109 3rd measurement (2nd category) 69.2 24 Average value 68.5 26 №16 30.10.20 1st measurement 66.4 Baseline data 2nd measurement 83.7 109 Transport-technological is not available 3rd measurement (2nd category) 63.8 Average value 71.3

CONCLUSIONS  PM2.5 (dust particles of 2.5um) averaged concentration at point №8 was above the 0.025 mg/m3 daily average set by the WHO, the baseline level 0.015 mg/m3 but was below the 0.035 mg/m3 daily average set by the national standards (Government Decree № 160-N) for residential areas. However, the PM2.5 averaged concentrations at point №8 was below the 0.16 mg/m3 national maximum concentration for residential areas (Government Decree № 160-N).  PM2.5 (dust particles of 2.5um) averaged concentration at point №16 was above the 0.025 mg/m3 daily average set by the WHO but below the 0.035 mg/m3 daily average set by the national standards (Government Decree № 160-N) for residential areas. However, the PM2.5 averaged concentrations at point №16 was below the 0.16 mg/m3 national maximum concentration for residential areas (Government Decree № 160-N).  PM10 (dust particle of 10um) concentrations at points №8 and №16 didn’t exceed the daily average (set by the WHO) and maximum permissible (national norm) concentrations for residential areas.  The actual vibration level at points N8 and 16 obtained as a result of 3 measurements conducted on 30.10.2020, were within the 109dB TLVs but exceeded the baseline level at point N8.  Actual noise equivalent levels at measurement point N8 PK464+50 were above the 55dBA TLV set for the territories, located near the residential areas by 7.3, 8.7 and 6.2 dBA respectively. The main source of noise is traffic on M6 road. Actual noise maximum levels at measurement point N8 PK464+50 were above the 70dBA TLV set for the territories, located near the residential areas by 9.2, 9.2 and 10.5 dBA respectively. The main source of noise is traffic on M6 road.  Actual noise equivalent levels at measurement point N16 PK477+00 were above the 55dBA TLV set for the territories, located near the residential areas by 13.3, 17.9 and 8.5 dBA respectively. The main source of noise is traffic on M6 road. Actual noise maximum levels at measurement point N16 PK477+00 were above the 70dBA TLV set for the territories, located near the residential areas by 17.3, 15.9 and 13.6 dBA respectively. The main source of noise is traffic on M6 road.  According to measurement results, noise levels at Point No 8 PK464+50 and Point No16 PK477+00 were above the TLV set. The main source of noise is traffic on M6 road. However, Contractor will organize the works, so less equipment work at the same time near each other.

Lot 2: Extract from the Noise, vibration and dust assessment report (December 2020)

Measurement Results and Evaluation Dust, noise and vibration instrumental measurement results for each sensitive point are summarized in Table 5 (for noise), Table 6 (for dust) and Table 7 (for vibration) accordingly.

Table 5: Results of noise measurements conducted at points №1 on 03.12.2020 compared with baseline noise measurements

Threshold limit value Sound level (equivalent to Maximum sound level, (equivalent to sound Measurement № sound level), LAeq, dBA LAmax, dBA level/ maximum operational baseline operational baseline sound level), dBA Noise 1 (workplace) 03.12.2020 02.08.18 03.12.2020 02.08.18 1st measurement 78.4 91.2 2nd measurement 69.5 86.0 65 No data 80 3rd measurement 65.9 76.9 Average value 71.3 84.7

Table 6. Results of dust (PM2.5 and PM10) measurements conducted at points №1 on 03.12.2020 compared with MPC Maximum permissible Dust actual concentration, concentration (MPC) for dust, Measurement time 3 mg/m3 mg/m (from - till) Daily average Maximum value operational baseline Dust 1 03.12.2020 PM2.5 0.068 0.025 0.16 1st measurement PM10 0.060 0.05 0.3 *No baseline PM2.5 0.035 0.025 0.16 2nd measurement PM2.5 and PM10 0.060 PM10 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.035 measurements 0.025 0.16 3rd measurement for this point. PM10 0.060 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.046 0.025 0.16 Average value PM10 0.060 0.05 0.3 * During the baseline survey measurements were held in accordance with local standard which defines permissible concentration for dust only. Thus, the baseline data is available in dust only and is not comparable with the operational measurement data. Taking into account the ADB`s comment on the 1st Semi-annual report the current measurements are held in accordance with the internationally acceptable parameters.

Table 7. Results of vibration measurements conducted at points №1 on 03.12.2020 compared with TLV

Corrected and equivalent TLV for corrected corrected values, dB Measurement № Vibration category and equivalent operational baseline corrected values, dB

№1 03.12.2020 *Baseline 1st measurement 112.8 measurement transport-technological unit does not 2nd measurement 65.3 (2nd category) correspond to 109 3rd measurement 87.1 the current Average value 73.8 method *During the baseline survey measurements were held in accordance with local standards and measurement unit does not correspond to the current method.

CONCLUSIONS

Noise Dust Vibration 1) Three instrumental 1) PM2.5 (dust particles of 2.5um) 1) Three instrumental measurements were performed at averaged concentration at point №1 measurements were point km 62+000 during the day. was above the 0.025 mg/m3 daily performed at point km 2) As a TLV for evaluation of noise average set by the WHO and 0.035 62+000 during the day. actual levels at measurement point mg/m3 daily average set by the 2) The actual average km 62+000, the 80 dBA should be national standards (Government level of transport- applied, as this point is considered as Decree № 160-N) for residential technological (2nd workplace. areas. However, the PM2.5 averaged category) vibration at 3) Actual noise equivalent levels at concentrations at point №1 was below point km 62+000 during measurement point km 62+000 during the 0.16 mg/m3 national maximum the 1st measurement the measurements are equal to 78.4 concentration for residential areas was above the 109dB dB, 69.5dBA and 65.9dBA and were (Government Decree № 160-N). TLV set by national below the 80dBA TLV set by the 2) PM10 (dust particles of 10um) standards, which is due national standards but exceeded the averaged concentration at point №1 to the operation of Vibro- baseline level. was above the 0.05 mg/m3 daily roller. 4) Actual noise maximum level at average set by the WHO and was 3) The actual average point N1 during the first and second equal to 0.06 mg/m3 daily average set levels of transport- measurement was above the TLV set by the national standards technological (2nd for the workplace. Actual noise (Government Decree № 160-N) for category) vibration at maximum level at point N1 during the residential areas. However, the PM10 point km 62+000 during 3rd measurement was within the TLV averaged concentrations at point №1 the 2nd 3rd set for the workplace. Contractor will was below the 0.3 mg/m3 national measurements were reorganize the works, so less maximum concentration for residential within the 109dB TLV. equipment work at the same time areas (Government Decree № 160- near each other. N). Lot 3: Extract from the Noise, vibration and dust assessment report (December 2020)

Measurement Results and Evaluation Dust, noise and vibration instrumental measurement results for each sensitive point are summarized in Table 5 (for noise), Table 6 (for dust) and Table 7 (for vibration) accordingly.

Table 5. Results of noise measurements conducted at points №9 and №13 on 17.12.2020 compared with baseline noise measurements

Sound level Threshold limit Threshold limit Maximum sound (equivalent to sound value (equivalent value (maximum Measurement № level, LAmax, dBA level), LAeq, dBA to sound level), sound level), operational baseline operational baseline dBA dBA №9 17.12.20 02.08.18 17.12.20 02.08.18 1st measurement 67.2 69.3 91.4 83.0 2nd measurement 50.3 69.8 89.9 84.2 80 3rd measurement 49 68.3 82.3 86.2 Average value 55.5 69.1 87.8 84.5 №13 17.12.20 10.10.18 17.12.20 10.10.18 1st measurement 46.6 54.4 60.7 71.3 2nd measurement 45.6 62.7 76.1 81.0 80 3rd measurement 60.7 58.6 88.2 79.9 Average value 50.9 59.0 75 77.4

Table 6. Results of dust (PM2.5 and PM10) measurements conducted at points №9 and №13 on 17.12.2020 compared with baseline dust measurements

Maximum permissible concentration Dust actual 3 Measurement time (MPC) for dust, mg/m concentration, mg/m3 (from - till) Daily average Maximum value operational baseline №9 17.12.20 02.08.18 PM2.5 0.041 0.013 0.025 0.16 1st measurement PM10 0.05 0.028 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.034 0.013 0.025 0.16 2nd measurement PM10 0.043 0.034 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.03 0.005 0.025 0.16 3rd measurement PM10 0.034 0.013 0.05 0.3 Maximum permissible concentration Dust actual 3 Measurement time (MPC) for dust, mg/m concentration, mg/m3 (from - till) Daily average Maximum value operational baseline PM2.5 0.035 0.01 0.025 0.16 Average value PM10 0.042 0.025 0.05 0.3 №13 17.12.20 10.10.18 PM2.5 0.041 0.023 0.025 0.16 1st measurement PM10 0.049 0.05 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.034 0.03 0.025 0.16 2nd measurement PM10 0.037 0.057 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.033 0.025 0.025 0.16 3rd measurement PM10 0.042 0.051 0.05 0.3 PM2.5 0.036 0.026 0.025 0.16 Average value PM10 0.042 0.053 0.05 0.3

Table 7. Results of vibration measurements conducted at points №9 and №13 on 17.12.2020 compared with baseline vibration measurements

Corrected and equivalent TLV for corrected Measurement № Vibration category corrected values, dB and equivalent operational baseline corrected values, dB №9 17.12.20 02.08.18 1st measurement 81.7 99.9 transport-technological 2nd measurement 66.1 93.9 (2nd category) 109 3rd measurement 69.8 100.2 Average value 72.5 98.0 №13 17.12.20 10.10.18 1st measurement 61.7 91.5 transport-technological 2nd measurement 67 91.8 (2nd category) 109 3rd measurement 64.6 96.8 Average value 64.4 93.4

CONCLUSIONS  As a TLV for evaluation of noise actual levels at measurement points №9 and №13 the 80 dBA should be applied, as these points are considered as workplaces (see Table 5).  At points №9 and №13 the equivalent noise averaged (average value of 3 measurements conducted at different daytimes during the day) values were 55.5 dBA, and 50.9 dBA respectively and were within the baseline level and the 80 dBA TLV set by the Sanitary norms for workplaces.  As a TLV for vibration (transport-technological (2nd category) vibration) at points №9 and №13 the 109 dB corrected and equivalent corrected value is applied.  At points №9 and №13 the actual levels of transport-technological (2nd category) vibration (72.5 dB and 64.4 dB respectively) were below the 109 dB TLV and the baseline level.  The main noise and vibration sources in measurement points №9 and №13 were operation of construction equipment as well as movement of heavy vehicles, operation of excavator and bulldozer.  PM2.5 (dust particles of 2.5um) averaged concentration at point №9 was above the 0.025 mg/m3 daily average set by the WHO, the baseline level 0.01 mg/m3 and equals to the 0.035 mg/m3 daily average set by the national standards (Government Decree № 160-N) for residential areas. However, the PM2.5 averaged concentrations at point №9 was below the 0.16 mg/m3 national maximum concentration for residential areas (Government Decree № 160-N).  PM2.5 (dust particles of 2.5um) averaged concentration at point №13 was above the 0.025 mg/m3 daily average set by the WHO, the baseline level 0.026 mg/m3 and 0.035 mg/m3 daily average set by the national standards (Government Decree № 160-N) for residential areas. However, the PM2.5 averaged concentrations at point №13 was below the 0.16 mg/m3 national maximum concentration for residential areas (Government Decree № 160-N).  PM10 (dust particle of 10um) concentrations at points №9 didn’t exceed the daily average (set by the WHO) and maximum permissible (national norm) concentrations for residential areas but exceed the baseline level. PM10 (dust particle of 10um) concentrations at points №13 didn’t exceed the daily average (set by the WHO), the baseline level and maximum permissible (national norm) concentrations for residential areas.

Annex 4: Photos from the trainings conducted during the reporting period

Trainings in Lot 1

Training in Lot 2

COVID Training + Test in Lot 3

COVID Training + Test in Lot 3