Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) June 2019

Armenia: North-South Road Corridor Investment Program, Tranche 2 Task 1: Preparation of detailed design documents and author supervision for a road section of about 8 kilometers of M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra near

Agarak community to avoid archaeological area

Prepared by “Transport Project Implementation Organization” (TPIO) SNCO for the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI) and the Asian Development Bank.

This environmental impact assessment 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.

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. (s nu.,u.. n'su3n Linu;ffil! 4'n i'ft'.nh.," T p I m il5iuftffi[tl J.T,Y^Hbf I T T E "TRANSPORT PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION" STATE NON.COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION

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4rupqutrpn{ Best regards,

€.1ru1bgrutr Ch. Ghalechyan

9iuar.' 9. U$.1LuL /, erep ay: G. Afyan U. Ghnulr-ult M. Tevosyan June, 2019

Multi-tranche Financing Facility for “North-South Road Corridor Investment Program” in the Republic of Armenia

Project Management of the Project No. 42145-03 (Projects 1 and 2)

Design and Author Supervision of Additional Scope of Works, Tranche 2

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Task 1

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Preparation, Revision and Authorization

Revision Position Date Signature Prepared by:

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Mr. Roman Pecak, Backstopping Project Manager

Issue Register Distribution List

Organization Date of Issue No. of copies Sent on (date) “Transport Projects Implementation 5 June 2019 Organization” SNCO Asian Development Bank 1 June 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 5 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 BACKGROUND ...... 6 2. POLICY, LEGAL, REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 7 Legal and Regulatory Framework ...... 7 Baseline Conditions ...... 7 Impact Assessment ...... 7 Environmental and Social Management Plan...... 8 National Legislation ...... 8 International Agreements ...... 8 ADB Environmental Assessment Requirements ...... 9 Administrative Framework ...... 9 3. TASK 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...... 10 Alignment ...... 11 Artificial Structures ...... 13 Traffic Safety Arrangement ...... 13 Construction Works Indicators...... 13 4. ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION ...... 14 4.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND RELIEF...... 14 4.2 GEOLOGY ...... 14 4.3 SEISMOLOGY ...... 14 4.4 CLIMATE, AIR QUALITY, DUST, NOISE AND VIBRATION ...... 14 Climate ...... 15 Air Quality ...... 19 Dust ...... 19 Noise ...... 19 4.5 WATER RESOURCES...... 20 Rivers ...... 20 Lakes, Reservoirs and Underground Water ...... 20 Water Quality ...... 20 Lands, Erosion and Soil Pollution ...... 22 4.6 BIODIVERSITY ...... 22 Flora ...... 22 Fauna ...... 23 Red Books of Plants and Animals ...... 23 Specially Protected Areas...... 24 4.7 ARCHAEOLOGICAL, HISTORICAL, NATURAL AND CULTURAL MONUMENTS ...... 24 4.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 25 Marz Aragatsotn ...... 25 Affected Communities ...... 26 5. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 28 5.1 INTRODUCTION OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 28 5.2 IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS ...... 30

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5.2.1 Habitats and Flora ...... 30 5.2.2 Fauna ...... 31 5.2.3 Cultural Heritage ...... 31 5.2.4 Vibration ...... 32 5.2.5 Air Basin ...... 33 5.2.6 Water Use and Drainage ...... 33 5.2.7 Soil and Land Resources ...... 35 5.2.8 Waste Generation ...... 36 5.2.9 Noise ...... 37 5.2.10 Social Impact ...... 39 5.2.11 Occupational Health & Safety Impact ...... 40 5.2.12 Cumulative Impact ...... 42 5.3 IMPACTS IN OPERATION STAGE ...... 42 5.3.1 Air Quality ...... 42 5.3.2 Noise ...... 42 5.3.3 Fauna ...... 43 5.3.4 Socio-Economic Impacts ...... 43 6. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 47 Recession from a Project...... 47 The Presented Option ...... 47 7. INFORMATION, DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION ...... 47 8. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM...... 48 9. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 49 9.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS...... 49 9.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ACTIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 50 Implementation Arrangements ...... 51 Specific Impact and Mitigation Measures Caused by Works ...... 52 Monitoring ...... 67 10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 71 11. ANNEXES ...... 71 ANNEX 1. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ...... 71 ANNEX 2. BIODIVERSITY. REPORT ON FIELD SURVEY ...... 90 ANNEX 3. REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF AGARAK BYPASS SECTION OF THE NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY ON TREE-SHRUB VEGETATION ...... 101 ANNEX 4. REPORT ON THE RESEARCH MADE FOR THE UTILIZATION OF TOPSOIL OF THE AGARAK BYPASS SECTION OF THE NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY ...... 102 ANNEX 5. RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS OF SOIL-COVER, AIR BASIN AND NOISE IN THE AGARAK BYPASS SECTION OF THE NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY ...... 108 ANNEX 6. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD PLANNED UNDER THE REVISED DESIGN OF “NORTH-SOUTH ROAD CORRIDOR INVESTMENT PROGRAM” ASHTARAK-TALIN SECTION PASSING THROUGH THE “AGARAK” HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESERVE ...... 119 ANNEX 7. LETTERS ON HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ISSUES ...... 127 ANNEX 8. MAP OF THE CHANGED SECTION ...... 129 ANNEX 9. CALCULATION OF THE IMPACT DUE TO LOCAL LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ...... 131 ANNEX 10. ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ...... 135 ANNEX 11. IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 137

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction As a part of country development strategy of the Republic of Armenia, the road transport sector is one of top priorities for the RA Government. The Government the Government in cooperation with Asian Development Bank (ADB) developed relevant program for sustainable development and continual improvement of road infrastructure, road network management capacity, and road safety in Armenia. For realization of this program Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) with total amount of 500 million USD was approved by ADB on September 08, 2009 and “North-South Road Corridor Investment Program” (NSRCIP) was established by the RA Government (the Government’s Decree No.892-A as of October 26, 2009). The MMF will support construction and/or improvement of 550 km Agarak-Kapan-Yerevan- Bavra route (M1 and M2 roads) crossing Armenia from south to north with further connection to Georgia’s east-west highway. MMF consists of 5 Tranches for financing relevant works on the road sections as it is shown on the map. Executing Agency (senior beneficiary) of NSRCIP is the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technologies of RA (MoTCIT). MoTCIT has delegated management of NSRCIP to the Project Management Unit (PMU) established by the RA Government (the Government’s Decree No.446-N as of March 11, 2010). The PMU holding status of State Non- Commercial Organization (SNCO) is the executive authority responsible for all ongoing operations of the NSRCIP in Armenia. According to the RA Government’s Decree No.1304-A dated December 15, 2016 the PMU has been merged with the “Transport Projects Implementation Unit” State Institution establishing a new SNCO named “Transport Projects Implementation Organization” (TPIO). Starting from March 01, 2017 the TPIO is in charge of all activities related to NSRCIP in Armenia. Project No. 42145-03 undertakes implementation of construction works and provision of consultancy services, and contains 2 projects signed under a single contract: Project 1 financed by Tranche 1 (Loan L2561- ARM) and Project 2 financed by Tranche 2 (Loan L2729-ARM). Tranche 1 and Loan Agreement L2561 for SDR 38,443,000 agreed on October 12, 2009 with expected project completion by December 31, 2014 (including extension of the Loan Agreement) finances reconstruction and improvement of 49.491 km 4-lane section of Yerevan-Ashtarak road (Section 3), and improvement of road safety of Yerevan-Ararat road (Section 2). Tranche 2 and Loan Agreement L2729 for USD 170,000,000 agreed on May 30, 2011 with expected project completion by December 31, 2016 (including extension of the Loan Agreement) finances reconstruction and widening of 41.900 km section of Ashtarak-Talin

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road from the existing 2-lane road up to 4-lane road (Section 1). Division of the roads per sections S1, S2 and S3 shown on the map above. Background Agreement No.9 to the Contract for Consulting Services (L2561-ARM and L2729-ARM) of the MFF “North- South Road Corridor Investment Program” in Armenia signed between the Client (TPIO) and the Consultant (PMC/Engineer) in April 2018. According to this Agreement the Consultant undertakes implementation of additional scope of works in the frames of Tranche 2 (reconstruction, upgrade and widening from 2-lane to 4-lane standard of the road M1 (Ashtarak-Talin) from Km 29+600 to Km 71+500, total length 41,900 km). Scope of these additional works consists of: Task 1: Preparation of detailed design documents and author supervision for a road section of about 8.0 km of highway M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra near Agarak community to avoid archaeological area. During the archaeological excavations in the frame of the civil works of Tranche 2 road section in the area of Agarak Historical-Cultural Preserve (km 32+750 to km 33+400), a section of fortification wall dating back to the first half of the II Millennium BC and Early Medieval structures were discovered, the relocation of which is prohibited by the Ministry of Culture of the RA. Therefore, to avoid any negative impact on the monument, it is crucial to prepare a detailed design package for a road section of about 8 km of M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra I Category 4-lane dual carriageway highway (from km 29+600 – to km 37+600) near Agarak community. Task 2: Redesign of road lighting and author supervision under Tranche 2 based on technical requirements for LED lighting system. As per requirements of the original design (Contract Ref.: 02-CS-02) the street lighting system of Ashtarak- Talin road section - Tranche 2 (km 29+600 to km 71+500) should be equipped with HPS light luminaries. However, rising energy costs are making it vital to use the most energy-efficient solutions for road lighting. Thus, the LED lighting system has proven to be the most efficient option for road lighting. For this purpose, the Client has modified the Technical Specifications envisaged for the lighting of Ashtarak-Talin road section. Therefore, to introduce the LED lighting system for Ashtarak-Talin road section, a redesign for street lighting should be prepared, which covers lighting of nine interchanges as per original design. Task 3: Preparation of detailed design documents and author supervision for drainage system for the entrance to Ashtarak town. In the frame of the civil works under Tranche 1, it revealed that the original design had not foreseen a drainage system to regulate drainage water flows to Ashtarak town. The issue addressed during the taking-over procedure for Tranche 1 and it was agreed to perform improvement works in the scope of Tranche 2. Therefore, to establish a drainage system for the entrance of Ashtarak town, a detailed design package should be prepared. Task 4: Implementation of topographic survey of the 4 parts (km 30+700 – km 32+700, km 36+700 - km 39+400, km 45+100 – km 47+400, km 68+500 – km 71+500) (the Areas) of the detailed design for the Ashtarak-Talin road section of the M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra highway. In the scope of the Construction works performed in Ashtarak-Talin road section - Tranche 2 (km 29+600 to km 71+500) the Contractor conducted the regular topographic survey to verify earthwork volumes. As per the findings of the survey, there is a significant difference between the actual volumes and the volumes presented in the Design. In addition, the Contractor conducted another survey related to the topsoil issue and based on the data submitted by the PMC/Engineer, in the result of the removal of topsoil material; there will be a significant lack of embankment material, which is not compliant with the volumes presented in the Design. To verify the findings of the above-mentioned surveys and to justify additional costs deriving from the increase of design volumes, a topographic survey should be implemented. According to Agreement No.9 Appendix A – Section I “Reporting Requirments” of the Contract on Consulting Services defines relevant list of delivarebles of the above-mentioned additional works as follows: D-1: Topographic survey report (Task 4) D-2: Draft detailed design reports separate for Tasks 1, 2 and 3 D-3: Detailed design report separate for Task 1

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D-4: Final detailed design reports separate for Tasks 2 and 3 D-5: Final detailed design report for Task 1 with positive environmental expertise conclusion from the Ministry of Nature Protection of the RA D-6: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) (Tasks 1) This Report relates to deliverable D-6: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Task 1. ESIA and EMP for Task 1 describe the main concepts and related documents in compliance with respective Terms of References for Task 1 stipulated by the Client in the Agreement No.9. Envronmental and Social Impact Assesment submitted by the Consultant to the Client on December 05, 2018 (the Consultant’s letter 12IEB014/RP/20.03/18/5489) was commented by the Client (the Client’s letter 1796 dated 21.12.18). Revised version of the ESIA presented below.

2. POLICY, LEGAL, REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK Legal and Regulatory Framework According to the RA legislation, implementation of any activity, which may cause environmental impacts, is a subject of respective examination and needs to obtain a positive conclusion of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) expertise conducted by the authorized body (“Environmental Impact Expertise Center” of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection). Environmental impacts of the planned physical activities or a sectoral/regional development plan/program has to be assessed during the pre-implementation period. The RA Law “On the Environmental Assessment and Expertise” (2014) stipulates provisions regarding the environmental impact assessment, conditions impacting the environment and conditions under which cause of such impact is allowed, thus, eventually it is the most important national law for EIA development. According to the Article 14, Paragraph 4, Subparagraph 10 of the law mentioned above: “c. in case of construction or reconstruction of new roads with four and more traffic lanes, or expansion of roads with maximum two traffic lanes in order to get four and more traffic lanes, when the relevant section has 10 km and above continuous length”, construction of the 8 km length bypass road section close to the “Agarak” archaeological complex at as a part of Tranche 2 is classified as Category A activity. Baseline Conditions Territory of the “Agarak” archaeological complex close to the M2 Ashtarak-Gyumri road located in Aragatsotn marz in a rid-steppe and steppe landscape zones. The road passes through high seismic zone (8-9 force on the Richter scale and 0.4 g peak ground acceleration). The changed section of the road characterized by a continental climate. In July the average air temperature ranges between +20 and +24oC. The maximum air temperature reaches +40oC and above. Number of days with +10oC and above temperature reaches 180-200 per year. The average air temperature in January ranges between -4 to -6oC. Most of the lands in the Project area are included in agricultural rotation with only small islands of wildlife preserved. Brown soils and black soils with their many sub-types are common here. Impact Assessment Change of the alignment was specifically to avoid significant impacts to the “Agarak” Historical and Cultural Reserve. Summary of the field survey results suggests there are serious archeological obstacles in the “Agarak” Historical and Cultural Reserve (km 33.750 – km 33.400) planned for construction: the main part of the Right- Hand Side (RHS) of the northern section of the Monument would been directly impacted by the road. From the engineering point of view, it was impossible to implement the shift or change of the design to maintain the integrity of the Monument, therefore, a new design has been developed in full consultation with the RA Ministry of Culture passing through the central part of the Historical and Cultural Reserve. Selected corridor with east-western orientation at the location of the Reserve area has been selected, where the archeological layers are not of great strength or there are none, and there are no cave monuments of key importance.

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During the construction works, the main air emissions are caused by the earthworks, operation of construction machinery and vehicles, and in a result of asphalting. The mixture used for the asphalting works contains melted bitumen, which during the mixture pavement is a source of hydrocarbons. During construction works, the operation of construction machinery and trucks generates noise. Meanwhile, the increased level of noise may also have an adverse impact on health of population. During the road construction, there are dust and diesel fuel combustion products generated that pose risk to the health of population. Intensification of traffic will also cause inconveniences for the nearby population and for the traffic on the existing road. Environmental and Social Management Plan Design Phase Detailed design is developed in the way to minimizing needs for land take and physical relocation. Minimal need for the construction of new local access roads is also targeted. Construction Phase Pollution of soil and water will be avoided by maintenance and re-fueling of construction equipment on sealed and enclosed areas, provision of spill-control materials, storage of liquid materials in adequate storage areas, provision of proper sanitation facilities, and training of workers. Construction Contractor will discuss with the local municipalities how to arrange disposal of waste through the communal service providers. Operation Phase Monitoring of noise and air emissions during Defect Liability period aimed to understand the need of additional mitigation measures to minize impacts during the new road exploatation. National Legislation According to the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, it is mandatory that design and relevant construction works shall guide by the international obligations undertaken by the RA in respect of the environmental safeguards and respective national laws, regulations and normatives related to the environment protection. The main environment-related RA laws listed below: 1. RA Land Code (02.5.2001) 2. RA Water Code (04.6.2002) 3. RA Subsoil Code (28.11.2011) 4. RA Forest Code (24.10.2005) 5. RA Law on Waste (24.11.2004) 6. RA Law on Flora (23.11.1999) 7. RA Law on Fauna (03.4.2000) 8. RA Law on Administrative Offences (07.02.2012) 9. RA Law on Specially Protected Nature Areas of Armenia (27.11 2006) 10. RA Law on Protection of the Atmospheric Air (01.11.1994) 11. RA Law on Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise (21.06.2014) 12. RA Law on Preservation and Use of the Immovable Historical and Cultural Monuments and Historical Environment (11.11.1998) 13. RA La №-N of 29.01.2010 “On Approval of the Red Book of Animals of the RA” 14. RA La №-N of 29.01.2010 “On Approval of the Red Book of Plants of the RA”. In addition to the above-mentioned laws, a numerous strategies, concept frameworks and national programs related to the nature protection have been developed. International Agreements During the years the RA joined and ratified a number of international Agreements and Conventions related to the environment management issues. The list of these Agreements, Conventions and Protocols is available on the website of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection (see the link http://www.mnp.am/?p=201). This list includes also the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention).

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The list of relevant International Conventions and Protocols as well as their legal statuses presented in the table below: Convention or Protocol In force Signed Ratified NN Comments (title, place and date) from on on Convention on Biological Diversity Re-registered 1 1993 1992 1993 (Rio-De-Janeiro, 1992) in UN in 1993 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (New- Re-registered 2 1994 1992 1993 York, 1992) in UN in 1993 3 Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto, 1997) 2005 2002 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Re-registered 1983 1996 Pollution (Geneva, 1979) in UN in 1997 Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants 4 1998 (Aarhus, 1998) Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrofication and 1999 Ground-level Ozone (Gothenburg, 1999) Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Re-registered 1997 1996 Transboundary Context (Espoo, 1991) in UN in 1997 5 Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (Kiev, 2003 2003) Re-registered 6 UN Convention to Combat Desertification (Paris, 1994) 1996 1994 1997 in UN in 1997 Convention on the Control of Transboundary Re-registered 7 Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal 1992 1999 in UN in 1999 (Basel, 1989) Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer Re-registered 1988 1999 (Vienna, 1985) in UN in 1999 8 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Re-registered 1989 1999 Ozone Layer (Montreal, 1987) in UN in 1999 Convention on Access to Information, Public 9 Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice 2001 1998 2001 in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, 1998) Convention on Protection and Use of Trans-boundary 1996 1999 10 Watercourses and International Lakes (Helsinki, 1992) Protocol on Water and Health (London, 1999) 1999

ADB Environmental Assessment Requirements The Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009) sets the requirements of environmental assessments for all projects supported by the ADB. At an early stage of project preparation, the policy also requires that the Project’s potential risks and their significance are to be identified through the consultation and communication of stakeholders (relevant ministries, members of the community, persons affected by the project, the NGOs, etc.). If potentially adverse environmental impacts and risks are identified, an environmental assessment must be undertaken as early as possible. The assessment should consider all phases of the Project including construction and operation, and impacts should be prevented where possible or mitigation be recommended. Administrative Framework Role of the RA Governmental agencies that may have involvement in this Project primarily, but not exclusively from an environment perspective, is described below. The Ministry of Nature Protection (MNP) is responsible for protection, sustainable use, and regeneration of natural resources as well as the improvement of the environment in the Republic of Armenia. In those areas, the MNP’s authority includes overseeing national policy development, developing environmental standards and

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guidelines, and enforcement. The MNP implements those functions through the following structural departments: Departments: • Department of Environmental Protection Policy, • Department of Environmental Strategic Programs and Monitoring, • Legal Department, • Information and Public Relation Department, • Department of Underground Resources and Land Protection Policy, • Department of International Cooperation, The MNP also undertakes several functions through the following key detached divisions and agencies: • Hazardous substances and waste policy division, • Water Resources Management Agency, • Waste and Atmosphere Emissions Management Agency, • Bioresources Management Agency Organizations: • “Environmental Impact Expertise Center” SNCO, • “Environmental Monitoring and Information Center” The Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources (MoENR) is a state body of executive authority, which elaborates and implements the policies of the Republic of Armenia Government in the energy and natural resources management sector. The MoENR implements the functions related to the natural resources management. Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body was created based on the RA Law on “Inspection bodies”, in result of restructuring of the Environmental Inspectorate of the Ministry of Nature protection and Mining Inspection of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources. Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body is a governmental body that is subject to the Government's control, supervision and other functions as defined by the law, which, in the manner prescribed by the law, imposes sanctions, takes responsibility measures in the fields of environment and the mining. The Ministry of Healthcare (MoH) is a state body of executive authority, which elaborates and implements the policies of the RA Government in the healthcare sector. The MoH implements functions related to development and organization of implementation of the healthcare management policy and state projects, development and approval and sanitary norms and rules, drafting as well as oversight over implementation of laws and regulations related to healthcare sector. The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) that governs the State Fire and Technical Safety Inspection and “National Center of Technical Safety” SNCO.

3. TASK 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Bypass road as a part of the Ashtarak-Talin road section (Tranche 2, km 29+600 – 37+600) of the M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra highway considered to avoid the archaeological area at km 32+750 – 33+400. The bypass road section with 8 km length designed as an express road with estimated speed of 100 km/h. Geological and existing utilities/communications surveys have been carried out at the site with the works being designed based on those. The road section designed according to the following standards: improved road markings, traffic signs, safety, drainage, culverts and shoulders. Design considers 4-lane carriageways and culverts. Advantages/benefits of the landscaping include enhancing of ecological value, facilitating infiltration of run-off, enhancing visual aesthetics of the locality as well as certain noise suppression. The road design ensures access of the neighboring communities to the existing road. Underpasses for pedestrians, cattle, agricultural and personal vehicles, and wild animals provided as necessary. No changes have been made of the design solutions of the cross section of the Ashtarak-Talin road section, only the route of design has been changed. Construction methodology and technical solutions remain the same as for the rest part of Tranche 2.

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Alignment Modified alignment passes through the following communities: Voskevaz, Agarak and Aghdzk. The new route starts at km 29+600 and finishes at km 37+544. The road has four carriageways. Design envisages 26.6 m wide road-bed, the concrete cover of which is 21.4 m. Maximum longitudinal slope is 5%, minimum radius of horizontal curves is 1,000 m. According to calculations, the excavation volume in the given sector will be about 1,230,943 m3, the backfill volume - about 873,772 m3. There is one transport interchange at km 31+967 of the newly designed road. Situational map below depicts the area representing the changed route (connection to the existing road).

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Situational Map of the Changed Route Location

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Typical road-cross sections of the existing and new road-beds are shown in the figure below:

Artificial Structures Design provides 2 overpasses constructed by reinforced concrete with two 18 m-long flights. Length of the overpasses is 72 m (relevant map presented in the Annex 8 of this Report). In order not to hinder the agricultural works, it is envisaged to build 4 agricultural machinery and 1 livestock animal underpasses (relevant map presented in the Annex 8 of this Report). To provide water drainage of the rainwater and meltwater in the gorges and at the carriageway, about 10 pipes are envisaged along the road. All artificial structures will be built in accordance with the international norms. Traffic Safety Arrangement Road signage, markings and barriers are envisaged for relevant estimated speed of 100 km/h. Individual information signs are planned for the traffic participants’ convenience. Traffic safety is arranged according to the relevant acting norms (GOST R 52289-2004, GOST R 52290-2004). Construction Works Indicators • Overall duration of construction works is 2 years, 5 days per week, 8 hours per day. • Earthworks: total volume of the excavated soil and ground is 1,230,943 m3, 873,772 m3 from which will be used for backfilling, and the remaining 357,171 m3 will all be used for the mounting of internal and edge layers of the road. Due to design calculations during the construction no soil masses will be removed and no new soil will be imported. Construction wastes will also be used for internal layers as much as possible. • Excavators, bulldozers, road rollers, asphalt paver, concrete paver, power grader and trucks will be used during the construction. The list of construction machinery presented in the contractor’s design. • Along the changed alignment the following is envisaged: - 2 pieces of agricultural machinery passes with 6 x 4.5 m openings, - 4 pieces of agricultural machinery underpasses with 2x18 m flights, - 1 piece of animal pass with 5x3.0 m opening, - Road interchanges with 1 piece of T-cut crossing and 1 piece of overpass with 2x18 m flights. • Planned construction machinery: - Bulldozer - 3 pieces, - Concrete paver – 1 piece, - Asphalt paver – 1 piece, - Excavator - 3 pieces, - Dump-trucks - 10 pieces, - Road roller - 3 pieces, - Other auxiliary technical equipment. • Main part of the road will be covered by concrete layer, however several carriageways on the passes will be asphalted. For asphalting the following material will be used: - Small-granular asphalt mixture - 162 m3,

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- Large-granular asphalt mixture - 185 m3, - Gravel mixture - 115 m3. Total: 462 m3. • Construction materials used is the reinforced-concrete constructions, concrete paste, diesel fuel, petrol, crushed stone, sand, etc. will be used. The list and quantities of these materials are presented in the contractor’s design.

4. ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION 4.1 Geographical Location and Relief The alignment of the Agarak Bypass Section of the North-South Highway passes through steppe and arid steppe landscape zones. It crosses the Shaghvard and Amberd gorges. Along the full length of the alignment there are agricultural lands: partially arable lands, perennial plantations /including orchards/ mostly with pasture functionality. In many sites, the soil had once been reclamed resulting in formation of artificial rock hills, and later, the abandoned areas had been subject to erosion. For changed section the absolute altitude above sea level is from 1050 meters to 1,180 meters. 4.2 Geology The main factor in the formation of the region’s geologic profile is the upper Paleogene activity of the volcanic Mount Aragats. It is mostly manifested by Andesite-basalt, Andesite-dacite and tuff lava volcanic flows. At the intervals between their eruptions, among the basalt lava flows, the volcanic tongues and emissions converged with slag-ash-pyroclastic volcanic emissions formed. In separate isolated areas, at lower horizons of the profile, the liparid-perlite-obsidian, and often also the pumice emissions and lava flows occur. The lava flows are mainly of southern and south-western directions. They are mostly covered with a thick layer of erosion formations that contain clay-fracture sedimentations. 4.3 Seismology The road passes through high seismic zone (8-9 force on the Richter scale and 0.4 g peak ground acceleration). In 1988, the 6.9 force earthquake on the Richter scale took place in northern regions of the RA causing a large number of victims and devastations. During the road bridges, passages, landfilling and other works, the seismic risk factor shall be considered. 4.4 Climate, Air Quality, Dust, Noise and Vibration The EIA team used all the available sources for collection of the baseline environmental data. In order to fill in the gap of lacking data, a number of surveys were carried out, particularly, the surveys of the actual noise level, air etc. These surveys were carried out by the well-known and reliable technical and scientific organizations and specialists. Vibration surveys haven’t conducted, because the closest building of the changed section is located more than 200m away from the construction site and it a wine factory, not residential area. It is worth mentioning that residential buildings exist in the last section near km 37+400 – 37+500, where the road has the same alignment as original design of Tranche 2. Distance of those buildings is around 70m. During construction period Contractor is obliged to implement test measurements of the vibration in that location and necessary controls of excavation works at any archaeological sites likely to be affect. Allocation and distance from wine factory shown on the aerial photo below:

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Climate Road section in Aragatsotn marz characterized by the dry continental climate. In July, the average air temperature ranges between 20 to 24oC. The maximum temperature reaches 40oC and above. The number of days with 10oC and above temperature reaches 180-200. The average air temperature in January ranges between -4 to -6oC. The minimum temperature reaches up to -34oC. Steady snow cover remains 1-3 months on average. The number of days without frost ranges between 200 to 240 days on average. The annual precipitation is 300-400 mm, sometimes - 400-500 mm. The annual evaporability is 900-1100 mm and the average relative air humidity ranges between 40% (in summer) and 75% (in winter). The wind directions are mainly northern and north-eastern. As per the pattern specific for mountainous countries, the climate zones in the RA vary as per their altitude. To describe the climatic conditions of the presented area we used the “Construction Climatology” HHSHN II- 7.01- douet approed the Order of the RA Miister of Ura Deelopet №-N of September 26, 2011. Tables below show the climatic indicators of the region: average ambient air temperature, relative air humidity, atmospheric precipitation and snow cover, which shall be registered at all stages of the investment process – design, construction and operation.

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Table 4.4-1. Average Ambient Air Temperature as per Data of the Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station Name of Altitude 0 Annual Absolute Absolute Settlement, Average temperature by months, C above sea average minimum maximum Meteorological Station level, m 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ashtarak 1090 -4.2 -1.3 -4.4 11.3 16.2 20.8 24.7 25.0 20.2 13.6 6.6 -0.5 11.4 -2.5 41

Table 4.4-2. Average Air Humidity as per Data of the Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station Monthly average at Name of Altitude Annual 15 Hours Settlement, Average air humidity by months, % above sea average Meteorological in January in August level, m Station 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ashtarak 1090 76 68 61 60 59 53 51 49 53 61 70 77 62 67 40

Table 4.4-3. Duration of the Sunshine as per Data of the Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station

Total Duration by months, hours Name of Annual

Settlement,

Meteorological July May Station June April March August January October February

December November September Ashtarak 120 152 183 203 255 320 362 332 295 230 151 94 2697

Table 4.4-4. Wind Parameters as per Data of Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station

Recurrence, % /average speed (m/sec), Estimated )

by directions speed (m/s),

hPa ) which may

, ( )

, m/s , m/s

) m/s occur once in

) ) (15 calm,% (SW) Months (NW (NE

"n" years (S) (N (E) speed (W speed strong winds strong atmospheric atmospheric South rn Recurrence of of Recurrence annual Average Eastern Eastern ern (SE) pressure Western Western Average annual ern ern Northern Northern Average monthly Southeast Northwest Southwest Northeaste Number of dys with with dys of Number 20 50 100

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4 21 22 11 16 12 10 4 January 0 2.0 1,6 2,0 2,2 2,3 2,0 1,8 2,0 2,1 4 18 23 12 15 13 11 4 April 0 2.7 3,7 2,8 2,6 2,8 2,8 2,7 2,9 2,8 892,0 2,5 32 31 35 38 4 26 23 11 12 11 9 4 July 0 3.2 4,4 3,5 3,3 3,2 3,2 2,6 2,7 3,2 4 24 26 12 13 10 9 2 October 0 2,2 1,7 2,1 2,3 2,4 2,3 2,1 2,1 2,2

Table 4.4-5. Climatic Parameters of the Warm Season of the Year as per Data of Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station Relative air humidity Precipitations, Air temperature, 0C of the warmest Wind, m/s mm month, % -

Daily Name of Maximum average Minimum Settlement, average of Monthly Dominant With Absolute fluctuation Monthly average speed Meteorological the average at direction in Station provision, % maximum of the average by direction in

warmest 15:00 October June-August warmest July Precipitation month precipitation Daily maximum month amount in April

0,95 0,99 Ashtarak 32 33 41 32,0 13,3 49 40 224 56 E 3,3

Table 4.4-6. Solar Radiation as per Data of Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station

Total (direct and scatter) radiation on the horizontal surface in case of shining sky, MJ/m2 Name of by months Annual Total

Settlement,

Meteorological Station July May June April March August January October February December November September

Ashtarak 120 152 183 203 255 320 362 332 295 230 151 94 2697

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Table 4.4-7. Climatic Parameters of the Cold Season of the Year as per Data of Ashtarak town’s Meteorological Station

Atmospheric Relative air precipitations and Air temperature, 0C humidity of the Wind ground freezing coldest month depth

of the of the coldest

Name of Duration, day Settlement, coldest day five-day

March,

-

Meteorological February

Average temperature with -

Station m/s mm daily average temperature of 15:00

with provision, % Number of period the period – not higher speed as per precipitations in Monthly average Maximum ground November freezing depth, cm depth, freezing Maximum average Monthly average at

than, °C December directions in January, January, in directions Dominant direction in the coldest month Absolute minimum Absolute Average ofthe coldest 0,98 0,92 0,98 0,92 0 8 10 Average daily fluctuation of 73 143 159 Ashtarak -20 -17 -19 -16 -4,3 -2.5 8,1 76 67 158 70 E 2,2 -2,7 0,6 1.4

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Air Quality

During 2010, the “Armecomonitoring” made samplings and carried out surveys of SO2 and NO2 in Agarak and Ujan communities. The special survey for Agarak 8 km has been done in the period from June 9 to June 16, 2018. Table 4.4- shos the results of sures. The RA Goeret Deree №-N of February 2, 2006 approved the normative of the air polluting substances MPCs in the RA settlements. The table shows that the average daily concentrations of the abovementioned pollutants are significantly lower of MPCs.

Table 4.4-8. Average Concentrations of Air Pollutants Measures Parameters (mg/m3) Community SO2 NO2 Agarak 0.0104 0.0122 Ujan 0.0080 0.0098

MPC (mg/m3) Maximum Average daily one-time SO2 0.50 0.05 NO2 0.2 0.040

Dust To assess the air quality directly within the borders of the changed route, measurements were carried out in August, 2018 to determine the content of dust, carbon and nitrogen dioxide. Moreover, the content of 2.5 microns, as well as of up to 10 microns dust particles was determined. Results of the measurements presented in Tables 4.4.-9 and 4.4.-10. Table 4.4-9. Dust Measurements

2.5 microns 10 microns Sampling location Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement № № № № Poit № 0.005 0.005 0.013 0.011 Poit № 0.004 0.004 0.011 0.010 Poit № 0.005 0.005 0.011 0.011 Poit № 0.004 0.005 0.010 0.012

Table 4.4-10. Dust MPCs MPC (mg/m3) Substance’s name and amounts Maximum Daily

one-time average Suspended particles (undifferentiated dust 0.5 0.15 as per its composition)

Suspended solids PM2.5 0.16 0.035 Suspended solids PM10 0.3 0.06 Measurements Report attached to the Annex 5 of this Report. Noise The traffic noise also has negatively impact on the communities located up to 250 meters far from the road. Certain increase in the noise is also expected during the implementation of the construction works. To study the present noise level, the noise measurement activities were carried out in the period from June 4 to June 10,

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2018 in the changed road. Measurements were carried out at 4 points. Results of the noise measurements presented in the Tables 4.4.-11.

Table 4.4-11. Noise Measurements

dBA/30 seconds average/ Measurement location Measurement № Measureet № (10:00-11:00) (15:00-16:00) Poit № 73 74 Poit № 64 64 Poit № 61 62 Pot № 68 71 Measurements Report attached to the Annex 5 of this Report. 4.5 Water Resources Rivers Rivers of Tranche 2 (Ashtarak – Talin) project area belong to three river basins: Kasakh, Metsamor and Akhuryan. Shahverd and Amberd are the main rivers crossing the changed section of the road. In the interfluve of Shaghverd and Amberd rivers, the highway route runs through ameliorated and cultivated land plots that presently are uncultivated and used as pastures. There are also numerous rivulets that are seasonal and are mostly dry during the summer months as well as the sections of rivers mentioned above. The revised section included in the Hrazdan river basin management area. Lakes, Reservoirs and Underground Water There are no lakes near the road. The nearest lake is in Ashnak village, which is at about 5.5 km distance. The road runs through the areas with dominating dry continental climate. In such conditions, the cultivation of lands without irrigation is impossible. The groundwaters in Aragatsotn marz are at depth of 120-150 m. Water Quality The RA Goeret Deree RA Goeret Deree № -N of January 27, 2011) “On Establishing Water Quality Provision Standards for Each Water Basin Management Area, Depending on Location Specifics” establishes the surface water quality assessment system in the RA for each water chemical quality indicator. It differentiates five grades of status: excellent (1st grade), good (2nd grade), average (3rd grade), insufficient (4th grade) and poor (5th grade). The overall rating of the chemical water quality is formed by the grade of the worst quality indicator. If various water quality indicators belong to the different quality classes, the worst is considered during the final classification. The following principle applies: “If one is in a poor state, then all of them are in a bad state”. The surface water quality monitoring in the RA is carried out by the “Armecomonitoring” SNCO.

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The Agarak modified section of Ashtarak-Talin highway is included in Hrazdan Basin Management Area’s Kasakh river basin. Hrazdan Basin Management Area In the section of Kasakh river above the town Aparan the water is of a “good“ quality (2nd grade), below town Aparan it is of “poor“ quality (5th grade). In the sections above and below Ashtarak the water is of an “average“ quality (3rd grade) and in the estuary section - it is of insufficient quality (5th grade). The water quality in the project area is “average“ (3rd grade).

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Lands, Erosion and Soil Pollution The road runs through arid steppe and steppe landscape zones. Most of the lands in the project area included in agricultural rotation with only small islets of wildlife preserved. The brown soils and black soils with their many sub-types are common here. Brown soils: These types of soils are mainly common for the section covering from the beginning to the end part of the Project. They have the following features: first – the humus content is 2-4%; second – they are rocky; third – they are prominent with existing strictly expressed, partially cemented eluvial-carbonate horizon; fourth – they have weak alkaline and alkaline reaction (pH 7.4-8.5), the soil alkalinity is 30-35 mg/equivalent; and the fifth – they have unfavorable hydrophysical properties. 4.6 Biodiversity Flora Considering the fact that the changed route passes through the slightly different area from the original design, the additional survey was carried out in the area of the new route in August, 2018. The field research was performed with classical method of geological survey. The surveyed region has been particularized by the main biotopes, considering the terrain and landscape of the site, including the full range of microrelief diversity. During the survey, the occurring plant species have been recorded and photos have been taken. If determining the plant species in field conditions was impossible, the sampling of the whole plant or separate plant organs was done to study them in working conditions. Particular attention was paid to the flora and fauna representatives included in the Red Books of Plants and Animals of Armenia. The status of the rare and disappearing species was verified according to the Red Books of Animals and Plants of Armenia and the criteria developed by the Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Detailed information regarding biodiversity investigations provided in the Annex 2 of this Report. Picture 4.6-1 Riverbed of Shaghvard River from the edge of the cliff

In the center of the picture, you can see the tree layer growing at the edge of the cliff. Of the upland landscape zones, the North-South Highway Agarak Bypass Section occupies the arid steppe low mountainous zone, in separate areas (particularly in southern and dry) with typical for it the Semi-desert and mainly the Desert vegetation type. The channel vegetation assemblage is typical for Shaghavard and Amberd riverbeds.

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The main plant composition of the semi-desert natural vegetation is wormwood-ephemeris with participation of: Artemisia fragrans Willd., Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad., Capparis spinosa Willd., Ceratoides papposa Botsch. et Ikonn., Atraphaxis spinosa L., Rhamnus pallasii Fisch. et Mey., Tanacetum argyrophyllum (C. Koch) Tzvel., Poa bulbosa L. Bromus, Aegilops, Eremopyrum, Alyssum, Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan) Parl. The steppe natural vegetation composition is cereal, forbs-cereal, with participation of Volga Fescue /Festuca valesiaca Gaudin/, Sheep’s fescue /F. ovina L./; Thin grass: two species: /Koelaria albovii Domin, K. cristata (L.) Pers./, Yellow bluestem /Bothriochloa ischaemum (I.) Keng/; Needle grass: three species /Stipa capillata L., S. lessingiana Trin. et Rupr., S. tirsa Stev./; /Elytrigia trichophora (Link) Nevski/, Yellow bedstraw /Galium verum L./; Phleum /Agropyron/, Andropogon, Pincushion /Scabiosa/, Speedwell /Veronica/, Wormwood /Artemisia/, Yarrow /Achillea/, Milkvetch /Astragalus/. Fauna According to the survey of 2011, the amphibians and reptiles are widespread here, of which frequently occur various species of toddlers, frogs, lizards and snakes. Of widely distributed species, here occur: of mammals – European hare (Lepus europaeus), Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Wolf (Canis lupus), as well as a number of rodents. In 2018, the additional surveys were carried out. The following fauna species presence is likely in the area surveyed: Siberian Winter Damselfly/Sympecma paedisca (Brauer, 1877), Transcaucasian ratsnake (Zamenis hohenackeri), White-throated robin /Irania gutturalis/ and Mehely's horseshoe bat /Rhinolophus mehelyi/. In the area surveyed certain predatory birds can temporary occur, such as Egyptian eagle /Neophron percnopterus Linnaeus/, Bearded vulture /Gypaetus barbatus Linnaeus/, Griffon vulture /Gyps fulvus/, Short- toed snake eagle /Circaetus gallicus/, Steppe eagle /Aquila nipalensis orientalis Hodgson/, Golden eagle /Aquila chrysaetos/ and European roller /Coracias garrulus/ inhabiting the steep slopes in semi-desert and mountain- steppe zones and having extensive natural habitat. However, there is no suitable nesting environment for them in the requested area /except for European roller/. As a rule, the suitable nesting places for the large predatory birds are the high rocks that are abcent in the vicinities of the site. The proximity of the rural community also repels these animals. For them the vicinities of the site may be only an area of seeking food and the operation of the site cannot have a significant impact on the number of these birds. In all cases, being mobile, the representatives of fauna, particularly birds, will leave the region without significant losses. Picture 4.6-2 Mighty Antlion

Red Books of Plants and Animals The Red Books of Plants and Animals of Armenia has been surveyed in order to detect the animal and plant species registered in the Red Book of Armenia that are likely to be met in the Agarak bypass section of the North-South highway area and in the region. During the office works phase, the following plant species registered in the Red Book of Plants of Armenia were distinguished in the region: Hohenackeria exscapa (Stev.) Kos.-Pol., Dianthus cyri Fisch. et Mey., Sedum tetramerum Trautv., Elegant iris /Iris elegantissima Sosn/, however, their habitats do not adjacent to the requested area. During the field works in the area requested for the Agarak bypass section of the North-South Highway, it’s been proved that immediately at the site of the planned activity there are no plant or animal species that are in

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need of special protection, endangered, vulnerable, at the brink of extinction and registered in the Red Books of Plants and Animals of Armenia or in the Red List of IUCN. As the Hohenackeria exscapa (Stev.) Kos.-Polsamples collected in the vicinities of Ujan and Agarak villages are preserved in the herbarium of the Institute of Biology (ERE), we observed the sites with special attention and should mention that they have not been found in that area. During the filed works carried out in the requested area, no land migration routes of animals were detected. Specially Protected Areas Besides the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve along the presented section of the road and it adjacent areas there are no Specially Protected Areas of Nature, such as reserves, national parks, state sanctuaries or registered natural monuments. 4.7 Archaeological, Historical, Natural and Cultural Monuments The route does not run through or near any cultural heritage or archeological site registered by the UNESCO or the RA Ministry of Culture, with the exception of Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve. Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve Agarak Community, Aragatsotn Marz The distance with ratio of “0 point” of the road: 2.600-3.200 km Location data: N 40՛, 17’, 47, 0’’, E 44՛, 16’, 28, 7’’ State List of Historical and Archeological Monuments: #2.4.1. The excavations site is located on the western (left) shore of Amberd river, covering about 200 ha area, most of which (118 ha) in 2001 was recognized by the Armenian Government as a historical and cultural reserve (Map 2). The excavations site is based on the horizontal layer of soild turff, bordering with the river on the east, whereas in the west it turns into a mountain range. Considering the local relief features, the ancient residents of this area have transformed the landscape making tuff natural masses an extensive system of stone structures. Many kilometers along Amberd River, there are traces of intensive stone processing on steep tuff slopes, rock hills, natural plains, as well as on the standing apart rockpiles. Among other types of structures, there are open cavities on steep slopes, as well as access polygonal platforms. All these structures, including the round, beaded structures and the endless row of connecting paths, as well as the table-form “altars” transform the natural landscape into a magnificent, ritual monument. These series of worship structures is complemented by artificial structures located around and among the plateaus. According to the stratigraphic observations, this worship ensemble was created in the Early Bronze Age (29-27 centuries B.C.). Within the boundaries of Armenian plateau and the surrounding area there are no other similar excavation sites. This one is unique with its unusual structure and design, as well as with its volumes and area covered. Generally, the Agarak excavation site is one of the most famous historical monuments of Armenia with the open temples (“Ritul Landscape”), and it represents almost all stages of material culture: from the Eraly Bronze Age, Urartian and Classical stages to the Late Middle Ages. Annexes contain a Preliminary Assessment Report of the specialists from the RA NAS Institute of Archeology and Ethnography.The changed route of the highway was discussed and agreed with the RA Ministry of Culture resposile authorities, i a result of hih the letter №/./-18 of 25.06.2018 (attached in the Annexes) was received from the Minister of Culture stating that the Ministry does not object to the proposed change of the route. In particularly, as a result of the surveys conducted, it’s been choosen a corridor with east- western orientation at the location of the Reserve area, where the archeological layers are not of great strength or there are no such, and there are no cave monuments of big importance. The design implemented along the given corridor, that runs about 900 m (km 32.700 – km 33.600, Map 3.7-1) through the Reserve area, has been examined again by the specialists of the RA IAE and RA Ministry of Culture. The RA Ministry of Culture approved the outline of the road alignment with condition to implement the inspection and rescue excavations along it, considering the most problematic section to be the km 32+700 – km 32+900 part, where the road crossing the Amberd River entering the Monument area.

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Map 4.7-1: Archaeological investigation required for the new road alignment

The features reflected on the map are two areas proposed for the safeguard excavations situated on the eastern and western boundaries of the preserve (Excavation areas 1 and 2). Between the 2 areas series of test trenches with size of 2mx2m and\or 3mx3m are required along the whole section of the alignment passing through the boundaries of the Reserve. 4.8 Socio-Economic Conditions Agarak, Aghdzk and Voskevaz located in Aragatsotn marz are the affected communities of the construction of the road section that was changed under this application. Marz Aragatsotn Marz (province) Aragatsotn located in the eastern part of Armenia. Through the marz Aragatsotn pass the 3 roadways of national importance: Yerevan – Ashatarak – Talin – Gyumri, Yerevan – Ashtarak – Spitak and Yerevan – Armavir – Karakert – Gyumri. The area of the marz crosses also the RA main railway (only in the western part, not having a significant impact on the marz economic development). In the marz there are the Byurakan’s famous Observatory, the RA National Academy of Sciences’ Radiophisycs and Electronics and Phisycal Research Institutes.

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In 2017, the share of the major sectors of the marz economy in the total volumes of the RA relevant sectors was as follows: • Industry 2.2 % • Agriculture 9.7 % • Construction 5.0 % • Retail trade 1.3 % • Services 0.7 % Industry and agriculture are the basis of the marz economics. Industry specializes in the production of food, beverages and jewelry and operation of construction materials’ mines. Geographical location and climatic conditions of the Marz are favorable both for the development of both crop cultivation (grain, potatoes, perennial plantations, fodder crops) and livestock breeding. Agriculture mainly specializes in crop production (particularly, cereal crop production) and livestock breeding. Cargo transportation in the Marz is carried out by motor transport. Some socio-economic indicators of the Marz are presented in the table below:

Table 4.8-1. Characteristics of Aragatsotn Marz Area 2,756 sq. km Share of the Marz area within the RA territory 9.3% Communities as of the beginning of 2017 72 Cities 3 Villages 117 Number of population as of beginning of 2017, 127.1 thousand including: urban 27.6 thousand rural 99.5 thousand Share of the Marz population within the total 4.3 % RA population Share of the urban population 21.7 % Agricultural lands, including: 218,210.3 ha arable lands 54,082.5 ha

Affected Communities Agarak Area: 5.74 km2 Population: 2,027 A village in Ashtarak region of Aragatsotn Marz, 6 km to the west from Ashtarak town, on the Yerevan – Gyumri roadway. It has previously been called Agarak, Akerak, Akeran. It is mentioned in the Middle Ages as one of the Aragatsotn province settlements of Ayrarat world. The ruins of Saint Astvatsatsin Church built in the 7th century have been preserved. Traces of urban structures built with large stones still visible to the east of the village, are of interest. The village is at the altitude of 1100 meters above sea level. It has tuff and sand deposits of industrial significance. Climate is subtropical, dry continental, with hot and dry summers, moderately cold winters. The average July temperature ranges between +25 to +26°C, and the January temperature is -4°C. Annual precipitation is 350 mm. Natural landscapes are arid steppes that have been transformed into culture-irrigable landscapes in a result of irrigation.

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The population of the village are migrants of 1915-1916 from Van, Gavash and Bitlis. In 1897, the population was 603, in 1926 - 550, in 1939 - 701, and in 1979 - 1150 people. The village has 667 households. There is a school, a communication hub, medical point. Of agricultural lands the arable lands are 159 ha, fruit and vineyard - about 5 ha. Pasture areas that are reserve lands make 46 ha. Agriculture is the specialty sector of economy. People are engaged in viticulture, horticulture and field crops. They cultivate melons and gourds. Dairy livestock breeding and poultry breeding are developed here. Food production is developed in the industry. There is “Ashtarak Kat” Company, which specializes in dairy and ice cream production. “Lori” cheese is also produced here. The produce is mostly consumed in Yerevan. Irrigation water and rehabilitation of village roads are the main issues for the community.

Aghdzq Area: 1.997 km2 Population: 1,978 A village in Ashtarak region, 7-8 km northwest from Ashtarak town. It has previously been called Akhs, Akhts, Aktsits avan, Khaghs. Under name Akhts, it is mentioned as borough of Aragatsotn province of Mets Hayk Ayarat world. It was renamed into Aghtsk in 1991. There are various antiquities and monuments, caves, traces of the ancient fortress, remnants of the church built in the fourth century and the mausoleum of King Arshakuni, preserved in the village. The village is situated on the southern foot of Aragats, at the altitude of 1250 m above sea level. The climate is subtropical, dry continental, with hot and dry summers, moderately cold winters. The average July temperature ranges between +25 to +26°C, and the January temperature is -4°C. Annual precipitation is 350 mm. Natural landscapes are arid steppes that have been transformed into culture-irrigable landscapes in a result of irrigation. The Armenian population of the village was 93 in 1831, 404 in 1897, 603 in 1926, 837 in 1939, 1040 in 1959 and 1351 in 1979. The population of the community is 1936 people, of whom 49% men and 51% women. Pre- working age population is 26%, working age representatives - 60% and post-working age - 14%. There are 595 households in the village. There is a school, communication hub and medical point. Arable lands and pasture areas make a major part of agricultural lands. There are also fruit orchards. Pasture areas occupy 970 ha area. Population is engaged in tobacco growing and crop cultivation. Cereals, fodder crops, melons and gourds are cultivated. Cattle, sheep and goat are breeded here; they are also engaged in milk processing and dairy production. Irrigation water, rehabilitation of village roads and marketing of harvest are the main issues for the community.

Voskevaz Area: 9.4 km2 Population: 4,226 A village in Ashtarak region, 4 km southwest from Ashtarak town. It has previously been called Kyzyl-Tamir, Kuziltamir and Ghzltamur. After invading and destroying the neighboring Akhtamar village, Tumberlaine moved to Voskevaz. The terrified village population surrendered to the cruel dictator, who forgave and did not slaughter them. There are a number of monuments near the village: saint Hovhannes church and ruins of the ancient fortress Akhtamar. The village is located at the altitude of 1040 km above sea level. The climate is subtropical, dry continental, with hot and dry summers. Natural landscapes are arid steppes that have been transformed into culture- irrigable landscapes in a result of irrigation. The village population are migrants from Persian Armenia – Khoy province. The population was 410 in 1831, 1429 in 1897, 2035 in 1939, 2818 in 1959, 3356 in 1979 and 4062 in 1989. The community population is 4339 people, of whom 45% men and 55% women. Pre-working age population is 26%, working age representatives - 57% and post-working age - 17%. There are 1548 households in the village. There is a school established in 1879, kindergarten, library, hospital and communication hub.

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Climate is subtropical, dry continental, with hot and dry summers, moderately cold winters. The average July temperature ranges between 25-26°C degrees and the January temperature is -4°C. Annual precipitation is 350 mm. Population is engaged in tobacco growing, horticulture, viticulture, cultivating melons and gourds, cereal crops. Agriculture is the specialty of the community economy. Most of agricultural lands are used as fruit orchards and vineyards, arable lands and grasslands. Major share of Gross Agricultural Products makes the crop production. Reserve lands occupy 20% of the community area with the share of arable lands being 26 ha. Pastures occupy a rather small area – 11 ha. Population is engaged in cattle, sheep and goat breeding. Wine production is the main industrial property of the community. There is a food processing enterprise – grape processing and vine factory in the village.

5. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 5.1 Introduction of Impact Assessment It is important to firstly note that the re-routed section of the NS Highway for which this EIA has been prepared is a direct result of best practice implementation, in terms of avoiding significant impacts. The Nationally important Agarak Archaeological complex would have been directly impacted by the original alignment and so to avoid impacts the 8km re-route was necessary. This subsequent impact assessment has sought to assess the re-routed alignment and should be read in conjunction with the original EIA where wider impacts along the sections covered by Tranche 2 of the “North- South” Highway are included. Impacts identified were initially screened. Table 5.1 below shows the impacts, significant (S) from which were predicted. This is the impact assessment focused on. Where interactions (I) shown, these have not been focused on. As it is clear from the table, impacts largely will result from the construction period, although there will also be some operational impacts as shall be expected from a project of this scale.

Screening Aspect Impact Receptors Impact

Phase Assessment Air Quality C Emissions from stationary sources Nearby communities I C Exhaust Emissions from construction vehicles Nearby communities I and generators C Dust from the movement of vehicles, Nearby communities / Agric. S stockpiles, etc. Crops O Vehicle Emissions from traffic using the road. Nearby communities S Climate C GHG Emissions from road construction. Global I Change O GHG Emissions from vehicle emissions. Global I Soils C Soil erosion on unstable slopes caused by Nearby communities / Water I poor construction works. bodies O Soil erosion caused by poorly designed Nearby communities / Water S erosion protection measures, drainage, etc. bodies C Soil contamination via spills and leaks of Soil / Water bodies / Ground S hazardous liquids from construction camps. water Hydrology C Flooding caused by blocking existing drainage Nearby communities - structures. O Flooding caused by poorly designed drainage Nearby communities - structures. C Water contamination from construction Nearby communities / Water S camps, etc. bodies C Excessive water extraction affecting local Nearby communities / Aquatic S water supplies. wildlife Flora & C Degradation of habitat caused during site Terrestrial / Aquatic wildlife S

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Screening Aspect Impact Receptors Impact

Phase Assessment Fauna clearing. C Direct Loss of Fauna from accidents Terrestrial / Aquatic wildlife S C Direct Loss of Flora during vegetation Terrestrial habitat S removal. O Blocking wildlife corridors Terrestrial wildlife S Infrastructure C Damage to access roads caused by Nearby communities / Road S and construction vehicles. Users Transport C Traffic delays due to road works. Nearby communities / Road S Users C Limited accessibility to properties as road Nearby communities S works block access. C Temporary disruption to utilities while they is Nearby communities S removed to make way for construction works. Land Use C Loss of land and property due to the new Nearby communities S road. C Disruption to businesses caused by reduced Nearby communities S access to the business. O Reduced income for businesses no longer Nearby communities S located by the road. O Induced changes. Nearby communities I Waste C Pollution from hazardous waste from Nearby communities / Water S construction camps, etc. bodies C Pollution from inert waste from construction Nearby communities / Water S camps, etc. bodies C Spoil from road grading and preparation Communities / Terrestrial habitat S OHS / C Accidents and injuries during the construction Communities / Contractors staff S Community phase. Health and C STD’s contracted and spread by workers. Nearby communities / I Safety Contractor’s staff Emergencies C Fires, explosions, etc, at site. Nearby communities / I Contractor’s staff Cultural C Damage to Cultural Heritage caused during Cultural Heritage site and its S Heritage construction. users O Effects to Cultural Heritage in terms of Cultural Heritage site and its I elevated noise, dust, etc. users Noise C Elevated noise levels from construction Contractors staff / Nearby S equipment. communities O Elevated noise levels from vehicles using the Nearby communities S road. Vibration C Damage to properties caused during Nearby communities S construction O Damage to properties from vehicle movement Nearby communities I vibration. Note: Phase: C - Construction, O - Operation; Significance: I – Interaction, S - Significant

Following sections have been completed splitting the impacts into the construction and operation phases of the project and a summary table has also been prepared outlining the overall impacts. The impact assessment has been completed following Good Practice Guidance developed by ADB whereby the sensitivity of Valued Environment Receptors (VERs) has been assessed against project activities (giving a severity) to give an overall impact assessment. Methodology for the assessment provided in Annex 11 and should be looked at for further details particularly in the interpretation of Table 5.3 that summarizes the impact assessment.

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5.2 Impact of Construction Works 5.2.1 Habitats and Flora Impacts During construction works, vegetation will need to be permanently removed from the road corridor along its entire 8km length. The majority of habitat present is modified. However, some natural habitats still exist along the banks for the Shahvard and Amberd Rivers. Removal of habitat will mean the loss of flora and will also likely result in the direct mortality of some fauna species too, although this is not likely to be significant. According to the surveys of the entire area carried out in 2011, as well as the additional survey carried out in 2018, no plant species identified were included in the Red Book of Plants of Armenia or that are globally threatened or endemic. Impacts are considered to be Medium considering the scale impacts, the wider availability of habitat and the lack of known high sensitivity species. Mitigation Replanting While it is acknowledged that there will be the permanent loss of some vegetation, all trees and shrubs that will be cut will be replanted to ensure that the Project meets its requirements of ”No Net Loss” and replanting will be done in a most appropriate time in terms of minimizing damage to flora and fauna. According to the preliminary estimations based on a result of the re-route survey there are 458 trees, including 211 /horticultural/ cultivated trees, considered the ones that has 5cm trunk diameter on a level of 50cm above the land surface. The Report of the biodiversity survey, including the types and characteristics of the trees to be cut, are presented in the Annex 2 of this Report. These calculations shall be verified immediately before the commencement of the works at every site where there are trees. The cut trees shall be replanted, including all native kinds of trees and shrubs. Replanting works shall be arranged either in late autumn, after leaf fall, or in early spring. Replanting for mature trees shall be replaced at a ratio of 10 : 1, while smaller trees can be replanted on a 3:1 ratio. The new trees shall be looked after for 3 years before they become viable (Note: 80% survival is considered excellent). Total 2470 trees should be replanted. Local species will be selected to be planted. Planting sites will be identified by the local communities, will be agreed with the RA Ministry of Nature Protection and outlined in the Reinstatement Plan prepared by the Constructor prior to commencement of works. In addition to the above, habitat will be reinstated in all temporary construction areas along the road corridor where verges will be reseeded (naturally or artificially). This will significantly reduce the project impacts. Other Mitigation • Trainings will be organized for the employees on environmental protection and avoiding cutting trees during the construction works. • Contractors will be responsible for the relevant fuel supply to prevent collecting wood in construction camps. • Due to vegetation clearance during construction, there might be potential temporary environmental adverse impact caused by quarries/borrow pits and their nearby territories, materials collection sites and worksites. Reinstatement of these sites will be required if they were developed specifically for the project. • Vegetation removal and site clearing should be undertaken during late autumn and/or winter which are seasons most favorable to avoid impact to protected flora and fauna species.

Residual Impacts Based on the above impact assessment and the proposed mitigation the residual impacts are considered to be Not Significant.

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5.2.2 Fauna Impacts During construction the Project will have adverse impacts on fauna. The following is possible: • Direct Loss of breeding / resting sites: with the loss of couches and spawning places, nesting sites etc; • Direct Injury / Mortality of individuals through earthmoving, traffic accidents, poaching from staff, accident within works sites • Impacts resulting in a loss or degradation of habitat which may affect feeding resources, mobility or may cause increased completion between species or individuals; • Displacement or disturbance to species resulting from noise, vibration, air, light, visual and water pollution All of the above impacts may occur during the construction period. However, based on the surveys undertaken in 2011 and recently in 2018, there is no indication that rare or threatened species will be adversely affected by the Project. Impacts on fauna will undoubtedly still occur even if these are only temporary and limited in footprint. Of particular importance will be the crossing points of the Shahvard and Amberd rivers as these will be key to support species in this semi-arid landscape. Based on the fact that impacts will be temporary, that no species of conservation concern were identified and that impacts will be limited only really to the Project footprint impacts have been assessed as being Low. Mitigation The following mitigation measures are suggested to reduce impacts to an acceptable level: • Effort should be made to try and avoid removal of ripian habitat for the two river crossings as this will ensure these wildlife corridors remain viable throughout the construction period. • Re-plantation will result in some habitat restoration. Wildlife that will re-locate may return once planted vegetation is established • Use of sites designated for dumping to avoid polluting ecologically important areas such as habitat for wildlife or aquatic species • Use of sites designated for dumping will also result in prevention of contamination of the food chain, especially of water bodies which are very important for bird fauna in and around the Study Area • Noise pollution should be minimized and limited to daylight hours to reduce the disturbance to species as far as possible • Dust pollution should be minimized to reduce disturbance to species and degradation of remaining habitats which species will still use • Hunting and poaching should be prevented to protect species of conservation importance and minimize loss of wildlife, which will already be undergoing habitat loss due to the Project implementation. • Construction sites should be made safe with no excavations left open overnight if possible and where not possible self-rescue facilities should be present such as sloped edges which species can get out of independently. • Inspections of all excavations should be carried out every morning. • Temporary protective fence during construction in the sections where animals appear often. Residual Impacts Based on the above Impact assessment and assuming the proposed mitigation is appropriately implemented, impacts are assessed to be Not Significant.

5.2.3 Cultural Heritage Impacts The highway does not pass through the impact zone of cultural heritage monuments registered in the List of UNESCO and defined by the Decrees of the RA Government, with the exception of Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve.

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As a result of preliminary joint research and discussions with the specialists of the RA Ministry of Culture, it turned out that there were several small sites along the new alignment, where it would be required to carry out the small-scale excavations. However, these works will not be an obstacle for construction of the changed alignment. Due to investigations over years by the archaelogical experts, the sensitivity of the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve along the proposed corridor is known to be much lower than it was along the original alignment of Tranche 2. The alignment does not pass through or near any cultural heritage or archaeological sites designated by UNESCO or the MOC except as noted above, the Agarak archaeological preserve. However, as there will be some impacts to several small sites, the severity of impacts will remain and overall impacts considers as Medium without mitigation. Mitigation Safeguard excavations should take place before the commencement of works. Road alignment of the changed section should be cleared in case any findings due to the safeguard excavations and test tranches. During the construction activities if any item of cultural heritage or archaeological interest is uncovered during safeguard excavation activities, works must stop and the MOC notified. Construction activities should be stopped and cannot commence until the chance-find has been investigated by an archaeologist and written permission given by the MOC. Contractors will be obliged to familiarize themselves with the chance-find procedure of the MOC and will be contractually required to implement them strictly. During implementation of construction activities, the Contractor shall implement following chance-find procedure in case of finding of archaeological artefacts: a) Stop construction works immediately, b) Notify the PMC/Engineer, TPIO, c) Isolate the site, d) Document and photograph the find and the area immediately around it, e) Inform the Ministry of Culture and hire an experienced and qualified archaeologist to determine whether and how the chance-find should be preserved, f) When advised and as directed by TPIO, ensure proper archaeological excavation in coordination with the concerned government agencies, g) Obtain necessary approvals from MOC to proceed with construction works where archaeological excavations are finished and site is free from archaeological findings. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Low.

5.2.4 Vibration Impacts Ground-borne vibration is the oscillatory motion of the ground about some equilibrium position, and can be described in terms either of displacement, velocity or acceleration. Because human sensitivity to vibration typically corresponds best to the amplitude of vibration velocity within the low frequency range of most concern (roughly 5- 100 Hertz), vibration velocity is the preferred measure for evaluating ground-borne vibration from transit projects. Vibration from the construction activities is a cause concern to the community. The effects of vibration vary and depends on the magnitude of the vibration source, the particular ground conditions between the source and receiver, presence of rocks or other large structures in the area. The intensity, duration, frequency and number of occurrences of a vibration all play an important role in both the annoyance levels caused and the strains induced in structures. The effects of vibration include annoyance, sleep disturbance, and potential damage to structures. For this project, due to the re-routing of the alignment there are no residential buildings located closer than 200 m, so the impacts considers as non-significant. Only in a section km 37+400-km 37+500, where the residential buildings are located in around 70m and could be affected.

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There is the potential for impacts to archaeological sites located along the alignment. However, as described in Section 5.2.3 above, impacts will be mitigated prior to construction by identification and removal /preservation of any sites likely to be affected and therefore these impacts are not considered further in this section. Sensitivity for receptors is considered to be generally low, impact severity is also considered to be at worse Moderate giving an overall impact assessment of Low without mitigation. Mitigation For the properties located within 70m of the alignment, test measurement is required in the construction phase to ensure that appropriate vibration levels are not exceeded. In this case that will likely be to not exceed 5 mm/sec, which is generally recognized as a level below which damage is likely to be caused to residential property in reasonable condition. To avoid annoyance disturbance to local residents, construction work will be avoided at night and full consultation with local residents will be required should any blasting activities be required. In general, blasted is not the preferred method for any rock removal and the use of a jackhammer is preferred which is less likely to cause damage to properties or disturbance to individuals. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Not Significant.

5.2.5 Air Basin Impacts During the construction works, the main air emissions are caused by the earthworks, operation of construction machinery and vehicles, and in a result of asphalting. Dust emissions will be generated as a result of earthworks. The exposed lands of work sites will also become dust sources, deteriorating air quality in the given area. Fuel combustion products and dust are generated during the operation of construction machinery and vehicles, however, their impact on the potentially affected people will be at worst Low considering that the project could cause crop damage and other nuisance impacts to local residents. Calculation of the amount of emissions generated during construction and of economic damage caused by emissions are presented in Annex 10. Mitigation The following mitigation will be implemented during the construction period to ensure air quality is maintained as far as possible: • Dust generation shall be mitigated primarily by maintaining the vegetation for the period required and watering the roads intended for transportation of construction materials and machinery. • Emission reduction measures will be applied for vehicles, such as gas filters or diesel particles filters. • Regular maintenance of vehicles will be required to ensure that they are running efficiently and not key sources of impact. • Regular monitoring of air quality will be required during the construction period. As a result of this monitoring, if project standards are exceeded then the Contractor will need to implement remedial action to ensure that standards are met. These measures are likely to be similar to those described above. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Not Significant.

5.2.6 Water Use and Drainage Impacts The road alignment crosses 2 water courses (Shahvard and Amberd). Bridges are designed for those water courses and long-term footprint in these watercourses will be minimal.

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Preparation works and works during construction of the road, bridges and tunnels may have impacts on surface and ground water hydrology. Impact on hydrology generally includes: • Contamination of surface and ground waters, which can be caused by: • Accidental leakages of fuel/oil/ lubricants from cars and machinery (including emergency situations); • Pollution caused by improper management of construction materials and waste; • Increase of turbidity caused by earthworks and construction activities near and/or in the riverbed; • Possible pollution with runoff from contaminated areas; • Contamination of ground waters by infiltrated contaminated surface water; and • Possible pollution of ground water (shallow horizons) during earthworks and construction activities, and • Blockage of streams during construction near/in the waterbed During construction works, water is used for watering of the site, soil mass wetting, as well as for drinking purposes and domestic needs of the construction staff. At this stage it is unclear as to where the source for such water use will be and this will need to be determined by the Contractor. For potable water, this will be supplied from the settlements situated along the construction corridor. Impacts to surface water from project construction and usage are considered to be Medium given the sensitivity of water as a resource in the region and for social and biological receptors and the potential impacts likely to be caused by the construction activities and use of water from local settlements. Mitigation The following relevant measures shall be taken to prevent impacts during construction. The Contractor will prepare a pollution prevention plan and within this plan ensure the following conditions are met: (i) Rain-water run-off arising on the site will be managed appropriately to ensure that sediment laden water does not directly enter the watercourses during construction. (ii) There will be no direct discharge of sanitary or wash water to surface water. (iii) In the absence of functioning sewerage and sewage treatment facilities it is recommended that the Contractor provides his own on-site septic tanks. There will be no direct discharge of untreated sanitary or oily wastewater to surface water bodies. (iv) Licensed contractors will be required to collect and disposal of liquid waste from the septic tanks on regular basis. (v) Disposal of materials such as, but not limited to, lubricating oil and onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited. (vi) Liquid material storage containment areas will not drain directly to surface water. (vii) Waste water from vehicle washing bays will be free of pollutants if the wash bay has been constructed correctly. (viii) Lubricating and fuel oil spills will be cleaned up immediately and spill cleanup materials will be maintained at the storage area. (ix) Construction and work sites will be equipped with sanitary latrines that do not pollute surface waters and are connected to septic tanks, or waste water treatment facilities. (x) Discharge of sediment-laden construction water directly into surface watercourses will be forbidden. Sediment laden construction water will be discharged into settling lagoons or tanks prior to final discharge. (xi) Washing out concrete trucks at construction sites will be prohibited unless specific concrete washout areas are provided for this purpose at the construction site (e.g. a bridge site). The washouts will be impermeable and emptied when 75% full. (xii) Spill cleanup equipment will be maintained on site (including at the site maintenance yard and vehicle fueling areas). The following conditions to avoid adverse impacts due to improper fuel and chemical storage: (a) Fueling operations will occur only within containment areas.

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(b) All fuel and chemical storage (if any) will be sited on an impervious base within a bund and secured by fencing. The covered storage area will be located away from any watercourse or wetlands. The base and bund walls will be impermeable and of sufficient capacity to contain 110% of the volume of tanks. (c) Filling and refueling will be strictly controlled and subject to formal procedures and will take place within areas surrounded by bunds to contain spills / leaks of potentially contaminating liquids and more than 100 m from any surface water bodies. (d) All valves and trigger guns will be resistant to unauthorized interference and vandalism and be turned off and securely locked when not in use. (e) The contents of any tank or drum will be clearly marked. Measures will be taken to ensure that no contaminated discharges enter any drain or watercourses. (f) Disposal of lubricating oil and other potentially hazardous liquids onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited. (g) Should any accidental spills occur immediate cleanup will be undertaken, and all cleanup materials stored in a secure area for disposal to a site authorized to dispose of hazardous waste. For water usage, wherever possible, surface water flows will be used for watering. Calculation of water consumption volumes according to the intended use, are presented in Annex 9. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Low.

5.2.7 Soil and Land Resources Impacts Excavation During the road and construction sites preparation, the 1,230,943 m3 soil will be excavated and removed. The significant part of the excavated soil will be used for backfilling, and the remaining 357,171 m3 is used for the mounting of internal and edge layers of the road, as well as for the site leveling and restoration. In cases when the non-usable material will occur the Contractor is obliged to store the material within the approved existing dump sites. The requirements for such dump sites will be set out in the EMP and mitigation section below. Topsoil There is practically no topsoil layer in the area envisaged for construction of the planned new road. The site is very rocky with the topsoil layer mostly ranging from 5 to 8 cm. No extraction of topsoil soil is planned at those sites, as it is practically impossible. However, at some sites, mainly cultivated and previously irrigated, there is a topsoil with 12-25 cm capacity. Only 5 sites are circumscribed with the overall soil volume to be extracted being 21,133 m3. Soil erosion Soil erosion may occur during earthworks. Land damage is one of the main reasons of erosion. Disturbed lands are to be rehabilitated through reclamation. For this reason, before commencing of works, at each site, the topsoil of alignment and construction sites is cut and removed, and stored in a special site developed by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer. In summary, impacts on soil from construction activities and for spoil disposal are considered to be Medium without mitigation, largely as a result of the significant volumes of spoil that will need to be disposed of. Mitigation Mitigation measures will include many pollution prevention measures already included for surface water as outlined above. Specifically, for spoil disposal the final decision regarding the location of spoil disposal sites ultimately rests with the Contractor. The Contractor shall prepare a Spoil Disposal Plan which will be submitted to TPIO and the Engineer for review and approval as part of his SEMP before any proposed site can be used. In addition, the

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Contractor will be required to prepare a simple brief environmental assessment for any spoil disposal site to meet national requirements. 1. The spoil disposal plan shall follow the format as previously used for the North South Highway if not better and will indicate: a) The location of disposal area (layout, coordinates etc.). b) Agreement with the land owner. c) Category of the land. d) Distance from the surface water source. e) Prepare a route Risk Assessment (Providing information on route of spoil transportation and means of transport (including routes avoiding, where possible, sensitive receptors)). f) Schedule of the timing of material transport. g) Any necessary improvements to local roads to cater for the increased level and types of trucks using the roads. h) The measures for stripping and storing of topsoil (if needed in that location. i) The scheme of dumping. j) The maximum height of disposed soil and anti-erosion measures. k) Describe re-cultivation of disposal area. l) Provide coordinates of the spoil area. m) Provide profile drawings of the spoil area. n) Provide time stamped photographs of the pre-disposal site conditions. 2. The Plan will also be provided to the TPIO and the Engineer as part of his SEMP. No spoil storage will be allowed until the RD and the Engineer have approved the plan and all licenses and approvals have been received from relevant government departments. Regarding construction of the spoil sites, they shall be graded to fit in with the surrounding landscape and will be reinstated as per the Contractors Reinstatement Plan. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Low.

5.2.8 Waste Generation Impacts For all construction projects, waste is always generated. Whether that is considered as construction waste or from other sources. In general waste can be split into Hazardous or Non-hazardous. At this stage of Project development, the projected waste volumes and waste streams are not yet known. However, for this project it is likely that the majority of waste will be non-hazardous and relatively inert. It may consist of wood, concrete, metal, plastic, spoil and domestic waste (food or non-food). Of the above list, spoil will likely be the largest volume of waste generated on the project and it will need to be carefully managed as outlined in the mitigation section below. In addition, and of key importance will be waste which is considered as hazardous. This may be oily water, lubricants, chemicals, asbestos, tyres, sewage waste, and medical waste among others. It is unlikely for this 8 km stretch of road that significant volumes of hazardous waste will not however be generated. Given the scale of the project and the level of waste likely to be generated the overall impacts are considered to be Medium before mitigation. Mitigation To ensure waste management is adequately controlled during both the construction and operational phase of the Project, the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the waste hierarchy is followed including prevention, minimization, reuse and recycling. Specifically, the Contractor will be responsible for the following measures: (i) Waste Management Plan (WMP) – The WMP shall include items relating to the safe handling and management of: (a) Domestic waste

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(b) Food waste (c) Recycled Waste (d) Plastic (e) Metals (f) Wood (g) Construction Waste (h) Hazardous Waste (i) Liquid Waste (ii) Recycling and Reuse – Where possible, surplus materials will be reused or recycled – this should include asphalt, concrete, wood, plastic, metal and glass. A plan for the recycling of materials should be included in the WMP. (iii) Storage of Hazardous Wastes – Oils, fuels and chemicals are substances which are hazardous to human health. They need to be stored properly in correctly labeled containers, both within the construction camp and also at construction areas. Oil and fuel should be stored in tanks with lined bunds to contain spillage (the bund should be able to contain at least 110% of the volume of the largest storage tank within the bund). (iv) Waste Disposal – Waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, shall be collected and disposed of by a licensed waste management contractor. The Contractor will keep copies of the waste management company’s licenses on file at his site office. The Contractor shall also keep a record of the waste volumes and types removed from the site and the waste transfer notes provided by the waste management contractor. (v) Waste Spoil Material – For spoil disposal the Contractor will be required to identify appropriate spoil disposal sites and then gain appropriate approval for disposal at this site and also complete a Spoil Disposal Plan. The Contractor will need to do as follows: (a) Undertake any relevant surveys for potential spoil disposal sites such as for archaeology and biodiversity; (b) Using the above collected data, gain all appropriate approvals as part of the preparation phase, with the land owners / users. Local municipalities and any relevant government departments (c) The Spoil Disposal Plan to be submitted to the engineer and TPIO in addition to all the approval documentation and survey data will need to include details of: a. the sites delimitation, specification for the height of spoil and slope angles (profile), b. the volume to be disposed of at the site, c. presence of sensitive receptors, d. access route to the site, and e. recultivation plan including how topsoil will be managed following national legislation. (d) The Plan will also be provided to the engineer and TPIO as part of his SSEMP. No spoil storage will be allowed until the TPIO and the Engineer have approved the plan and all licenses and approvals have been received from the government and local authorities. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Not Significant.

5.2.9 Noise Impacts During construction works, the operation of construction machinery and trucks generates noise. Different plant and equipment will have different noise impacts. Table below lists generic construction equipment that will likely be used in road construction. These levels presented are measured at source. Actual Max Equipment (dBA ) Roads – Preparation Stage

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Actual Max Equipment (dBA ) Dozer 81.7 Jackhammer 88.9 Excavator 80.7 Grader 85 Roller 80.0 Rock Drill 81.0 Dump Truck 76.5 Roads - Completion stage Compressor 77.2 Paver 77.2 Roller 80.0 Tractor 84.0 Concrete Mixer 78.8 Truck While the levels presented are high, there are no residential receptors located within close proximity to the construction zone. In addition, all construction activities will be temporary and mobile meaning that noise sources will only cause impacts for a short period of time. Given the lack of sensitive receptors and the temporary nature of the noise the impacts assessed as Low. Mitigation While impacts are considered to be generally Low, mitigation will still be applied as per normal construction good practice as follows: Pre-construction and Construction Phase Correct siting of construction camps and ancillary facilities will reduce the potential for elevated noise levels to affect sensitive receptors. Locating these facilities more than 500 meters from residential or sensitive receptors should mean that the noise generated by these facilities will be lower than IFC daytime and night- time guideline limits at this distance. Locating these facilities more than 1km downwind of sensitive receptors will further limit potential noise impacts. During the construction phase the Contractor will be responsible for the following: (i) Time and Activity Constraints, i.e., operations will be scheduled to coincide with periods when people would least likely be affected; work hours and work days will be limited to less noise- sensitive times. Hours-of-work will be approved by the Engineer having due regard for possible noise disturbance to the local residents or other activities. Construction activities will be strictly prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM in the residential areas. When operating close to sensitive areas (within 250 meters) such as medical facilities, the Contractor’s hours of working shall be limited to 8 AM to 6 PM; (ii) Use temporary noise barriers while working in sensitive locations in case accidence of allowable limits is expected. Placing the barrier close to the source proves to be effective. (iii) Within normal working hours, where it is reasonable to do so: (a) schedule noisy activities for less sensitive times. (b) provide periods of respite from noisier works (for example, periodic breaks from jackhammer noise). (iv) The weekend/evening periods are important for community rest and recreation and provide respite when noisy work has been conducted throughout the week. Accordingly, work should not usually be scheduled during these times. (v) All mechanical plant is to be silenced by the best practical means using current technology. Mechanical plant, including noise-suppression devices, should be maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications. Internal combustion engines are to be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair.

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(vi) Maintenance tools, machines and equipment so that they are in good conditions. When some wrong is found, they must be fixed immediately in order to reduce noise from the equipment. (vii) Fit all pneumatic tools with an effective silencer on their air exhaust port. (viii) Install less noisy movement/reversing warning systems for equipment and vehicles that will operate for extended periods, during sensitive times or in close proximity to sensitive sites. Occupational health and safety requirements for use of warning systems must be followed. (ix) All vehicular movements to and from the site to only occur during the scheduled normal working hours, unless approval has been granted by the Engineer. (x) Keep good conditions of trucks that use to transport construction materials so they cause no loud noise and control the truck speed, to be not exceeded 40 km/h when driving through communities, and not exceeded 80 km/h when driving on highways. (xi) Where possible, no truck associated with the work should be left standing with its engine operating in a street adjacent to a residential area. (xii) Provision of noise protection kits such as ear plug, earmuff, for workers who are working in the area with noise level is higher than 85 dB(A). It is designated as a regulation that workers must wear protection kits in case of working in a noisy area. (xiii) Implement monitoring in sensitive locations to keep impact under control, check efficiency of mitigation measures and enable adaptive management (development of additional mitigation measures to reduce an impact, etc.) Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Not Significant.

5.2.10 Social Impact Impacts During the road construction, the road construction for the re-route section will likely have the following impacts on social receptors. • Direct loss of land / crops within the footprint of the proposed road, from access routes or from dump/quarry sites; • Traffic impacts to locals which could result in lack of access, increased journey time and road closure possibly; • Interruption of water electricity supply if utilities are interrupted during construction • Impacts to people property from construction generated, dust, particulate matter, noise etc. • Increased health and safety risk from project related activities such as road traffic accidents, injury on- site if access is not impeded; • Increased spread of communicable diseases as a result of worker presence. The re-route section has no direct requirement for resettlement as no properties will be affected. There will be some loss of land, but a LARP will be developed for this and will be fully implemented prior to construction. It should also be noted that a significant number of workers will be involved from local community population, which will positively impact the population livelihood. Given the rural setting of the re-route section, passing through arable/hay fields and natural/modified habitat away from the existing road, the impacts to the local population will likely be Moderate at worst. The sensitivity of the VERs may remain still quite high at a regional level, but considering the overall without mitigation, impacts mitigation are considered to be Medium. Mitigation The Contractor will need to develop a Health and Safety Plan as part of their preparation. This plan will need to include aspects relating to community health and safety. In addition to the above a Traffic Management Plan will also be developed. Mitigation measures to be adopted for the Project’s construction transport activities include the following, noting a degree of flexibility in the event of adverse weather or unforeseen circumstances:

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• Stipulations that all driving is to occur during daytime hours where possible; • Stipulations in regard to maximum driving hours per day and week; • Strict adherence to speed limits; • Strict adherence to spill response measures in the event of a spillage from a vehicle, particularly in the vicinity of the two rivers; • Consultation with local households, community groups, police, and emergency services along the transport routes; and • Driver training programs to ensure that Contractors staff are aware of community sensitivities, such as specific livestock movement periods. The access roads will be paved if necessary, to minimize dust affects. Ongoing community engagement will be required as well as the implementation of the grievance mechanism in order that any community or livestock safety issues are being adequately addressed and rectified. The Contractor will need to ensure that the LARP is properly implemented and that an appropriately assigned staff member is dedicated to the work. The LARP must be implemented prior to construction, whether on a sectional or complete basis. In addition to the above, the Contractor will need to ensure that any properties which have the potential to be impacted must be the subject of a pre-construction survey and any utilities that must be temporarily stopped are only done so after prior warning is provided to affected people and while utilities are not available an alternate supply must be provided by the contractor if needed. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts and assuming the above proposed mitigation is implemented, the residual impacts are considered to be Low.

5.2.11 Occupational Health & Safety Impact Impacts In addition to community impacts there are also occupational health and safety risks associated with any project of this scale. Workers always have the potential to be impacted. This may be as a result of road traffic accidents, or other accidents caused during the construction period. They may also be affected should labor conditions not be appropriate. The sensitivity of workers will always remain high in such a context and without mitigation the severity of impacts will likely be Major, giving an overall impact assessment of Medium. Mitigation An Occupational and Community Health and Safety (OCHS) Plan will be prepared by the Contractor to manage worker safety. The Plan will include the following items: (i) Safety Training Program. A Safety Training Program is required and will be delivered by a qualified H&S expert. The program will consist of: (a) Initial Safety Induction Course: All workmen will be required to attend a safety induction course before they are allowed access to the Site. (b) Periodic Safety Training Courses: Period safety course will be conducted not less than once every six months. All Contractor (and any sub-contractor) employees will be required to participate in relevant training courses appropriate to the nature, scale and duration of the works. Training courses for all workmen on the Site and at all levels of supervision and management. A list of training participant’s names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training will be provided by the Contractor to the Engineer for his records. (c) Safety Meetings. Regular safety meetings will be conducted on a monthly basis. The Engineer will be notified of all safety meetings in advance. The Engineer may attend in person or by representative at his discretion. The minutes of all safety meetings will be taken and sent to the Engineer within seven (7) days of the meeting and will include a list of participants names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training.

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(d) Safety Inspections. The Contractor will regularly inspect, test and maintain all safety equipment (including firefighting equipment), scaffolds, guardrails, working platforms, hoists, ladders and other means of access, lifting, lighting, signing and guarding equipment. Lights and signs will be kept clear of obstructions and legible to read. Equipment, which is damaged, dirty, incorrectly positioned or not in working order, will be repaired or replaced immediately by the Contractor. (e) PPE – Workers will be provided (before they commence works) with of appropriate PPE suitable for electrical work such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothes, goggles, and ear protection at no cost to the workers. (ii) The Contractor shall keep a log of both training records and safety incidents including near misses. (iii) All construction plant and equipment used on or around the Site will be fitted with appropriate safety devices. These will include but not be limited to: - Effective safety catches for crane hooks and other lifting devices, and - Functioning automatic warning devices and, where applicable, an up-to-date test certificate, for cranes and hoists. (iv) Zones with noise level above 80 dBA must be marked with safety signs and appropriate PPE must be worn by workers. (v) Portable toilet facilities for workers at road work sites will be provided. (vi) Fencing on all areas of excavation greater than 2 m deep will be installed along with warning signs. (vii) Keep air inlet filters clean and free of dust and microorganisms. (viii) Ensure reversing signals are installed on all construction vehicles. (ix) Implement fall prevention and protection measures whenever a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling more than two meters, falling into operating machinery or through an opening in a work surface. Note: fall prevention/protection measures may include installation of guardrails with mid- rails and toe boards at the edge of any fall hazard area, proper use of ladders and scaffolds by trained employees, use of fall prevention devices, including safety belt and lanyard travel limiting devices to prevent access to fall hazard, fall protection devices such as full body harnesses, etc. (x) Mark the areas where risk of injuries from falling objects exist with rope or flagging to minimize risks and injuries. (xi) Provide spotters. Employ flag persons to control traffic when construction equipment is entering or leaving the work area. The Contractor shall ensure that the OCHS plan is strictly implemented through his Health and Safety Officers. Pre-construction / Construction Phase For the development of the Project the Contractor shall: • Set targets for local employment based on initial assessment of the labor market for unskilled and semi-skilled work force. • For unskilled the Contractor shall use a ‘ballot’ system to ensure that employment is fair and not weighted to connected people for unskilled roles. Repatriation of locals through recruitment measures will use online resources such as careercenter.am, job.am or relevant. Provisions in the Contractors contract are to include as far as practicable items to address the collective bargaining, retrenchment, and worker accommodation and non-employee worker gaps, to ensure that ILO and Lender requirements are met. First aid kits (compliant with OSHA standard 1910.266 App. A) will provided at all work sites. Sub-Contractors All Project sub-contractors will be supplied with copies of the SEMP. Provisions will be incorporated into all sub-contracts to ensure the compliance with the SEMP at all tiers of the sub-contracting. All subcontractors will be required to appoint a safety representative who will be available on the Site throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract unless the Engineers approval to the contrary is given in writing. In the event of the Engineers approval being given, the Engineer, without prejudice to their other duties and

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responsibilities, will ensure, as far as is practically possible, that employees of sub-contractors of all tiers are conversant with appropriate parts of the SEMP. To implement the above items the Contractor will designate a qualified environmental, health and safety personnel. Residual Impacts Given that the sensitivity of the receptors will remain high regardless of how much mitigation is put in place, the residual impacts are considered to be Low.

5.2.12 Cumulative Impact Impacts Сhanged alignment of the Ashtarak–Talin highway near Agarak community passes mainly through the waste areas, gardens, near gas filling stations and only its small section passes near the settlements. No other similar scope construction or other activity is implemented or planned to be implemented in the mentioned locations that may cause cumulative effect. Given that no known projects are known that will be implemented in the area, the cumulative impacts have been assessed as Not Significant. Mitigation While impacts are not considered as significant, there is some uncertainty as to whether other projects may in the future be implemented. As such continued dialogue with the government will be required should any additional projects be approved and should this occur the cumulative impacts section should be revisited. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts residual impacts remain Not Significant. 5.3 Impacts in Operation Stage Given that the main project impacts will have occurred during the construction period the impact assessed for the operational phase of the Project has only sough to focus on areas where impacts have the potential to be significant. These include Air Quality and Noise.

5.3.1 Air Quality Impacts The surveys of the air pollution level in the communities near the road showed that factual quantities of pollutants are significantly lower than nationally allowable of MPC limits. Due to the increased traffic, it is possible that there will be new emissions, nevertheless, given the new road section actually takes the traffic away from most receptors compared to the original alignment, impacts are expected to be Not Significant. Mitigation While impacts are not considered as significant, operation of the road will result in dust and other airborne particles being emitted and as such the TPIO will need to monitor the road during operation so that if dust is shown to be an issue then appropriate cleaning or suppression spraying should be implemented as needed. Residual Impacts Based on the above assessment of impacts residual impacts remain Not Significant.

5.3.2 Noise Impacts During the highway operation, it is expected to have increased noise levels taking into account the fact of new alignment, which is already high presently, exceeding the maximum permitted levels (MPL) for residential areas and IFC limits. However, the re-aligned section is in fact located generally away from residential receptors and in fact will be likely to actually reduce noise impacts to the local communities for this section of the NS Highway. The closest receptor is residential housing located 70 m from the alignment towards the end of the section which could be negatively impacted and the only other receptor is the wine factory located in a distance around 200m, but the factory considers as an industrial area and so only levels of 70dB(A) need be applied.

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Modelling has not been carried out to predict noise impacts during operation, so conservatively impacts are considered to be Medium given that the residential receptor located 70 m from the new road could be above the limits. Mitigation Given the above lack of clarity about the status of one receptor, prior to construction, the Contractor will need to complete noise modelling to determine whether any mitigation needs to be implemented for this receptor, such as construction of a noise barrier. Should the need for mitigation be identified, the implementation of this mitigation will be a key requirement for the contractor. Residual Impacts Following completion of the modelling and the implementation of any recommended mitigation, residual impacts are considered to be Not Significant.

5.3.3 Fauna Impacts During the highway operation, there is the potential for impacts to fauna species from road traffic accidents, particularly as the new alignment will pass through green field areas which would normally have been freely traversed by species without interruption. No highly sensitive areas and species were identified during baseline survey and also taking into account the fact that 4 underpassses and 2 overpassess designed for the 8 km section, the potential impacts are considered to be Non-significant. Mitigation While impacts before mitigation are likely to be non-significant, monitoring during the defect liability period should be carried out to ensure that existing mitigation is appropriate and whether any additional requirements are needed. Residual Impacts Resdiual impacts will remain as Non-significant with mitigation.

5.3.4 Socio-Economic Impacts Impacts The re-routed section of the road is located away from local communities in Agarak. From a health perspective this is a positive impact as air quality and noise impacts will be reduced. However, from a socio- economic perspective, road side vendors may be negatively affected. While the above impact is negative the Project will also have positive socio-economic impact for the local communities: the highway will promote regional economic development, as it will connect the south of the country to the north and there will be service companies, new jobs, etc., created. The improved highway link will induce regional economic growth by enhancing accessibility between the North and the South. Overall the impacts are considered to be Non-Significant. Mitigation For the re-route section as normal a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) will need to be completed. Within the LARP an assessment in relation to livelihood restortation for any roadside vendors will be made. Should there be any mitigation required, it will be outlined, however, given the wider availability of locations to sell produce, this is considered unlikely. Redisual Impacts Considering the positive impacts as well as negative ones and taking into account the fact that type of the negative impact is non-direct, the impacts are overall considered to be Non-significant.

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Table 5.3. Results of Environmental Assessment

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Impact Impact VER Value/ Sig before Sig after M E D F R P VER Description Mitigation Measures Description Severity Sensitivity Mitigation Mitigation The cut trees shall be replanted, if possible. All kind of trees and shrubs replanting works shall be arranged either in late autumn, after leaf fall, or in early spring. If trees are quite Habitats and One Low Reg Med Cert Cert Minor Disturbance of mature, and there are several trees to be cut during the road Flora off Regional Medium NS (2) (2) (3) (4) (4) (16) natural habitats construction, they shall be replaced with new trees and (1) shrubs with 1 : 10 ratio. The new trees shall be looked after for 3 years before they become viable (Note: 80% survival is considered excellent). Total 2470 trees should be replanted. 2 water courses Exclude run-offs into the water bodies during the that are crossed Impact on Nat Nat Short Infre Most Prob Minor construction process. by the alignment National Medium Low water bodies (3) (3) (2) (2) (2) (3) (15) Besides, Pollution Prevention Plan should be developed by (Shahvard and the Contractor and approved by the Engineer. Amberd) Stationing of certain drainage system elements (culverts, rectangular pipes) coincides with the location of passages envisaged for the animals’ migration. Therefore, the drainage system installed in those areas will also serve as a passage ensuring safe migration of animals, hunting, nesting, etc.; Invertebrates: continuous monitoring is required for the further biodiversity status of invertebrates; When designing the construction work schedule, it is necessary to consider the need to suspend the works, as the Impact on Low Loc Med Freq Full Poss Minor Disturbance of Regional Low intensive physical factors of work (noise, vibration, light NS fauna (2) (1) (3) (3) (1) (2) (12) natural habitats effects, etc.) have adverse impact at specific periods of the animal biological activity, such as estrous, incubation and nesting (experts shall be consulted, if necessary, when making a schedule); The nests (with hatcher and/or hatchling) found by workers during the works are to be moved to another species-specific habitat, after consultations with specialists. The highway shall be protected by fence, restricting the road access for animals. Impact on Nat Nat Med Infre Part Poss Moderate about 900 m (km National Medium Safeguard archaeological excavations prior to Low

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CONSTRUCTION PHASE Impact Impact VER Value/ Sig before Sig after M E D F R P VER Description Mitigation Measures Description Severity Sensitivity Mitigation Mitigation archaeological (3) (3) (3) (2) (3) (2) (16) 32.700 – km commencement of works. During the construction activities if sites 33.600, Maps 2- any item of cultural heritage or archaeological interest is 1) through the uncovered during safeguard excavation activities, works must Reserve area stop and the MOC notified. Obtain necessary approvals from MOC to proceed with construction works where archaeological excavations are finished and site is free from archaeological findings. House at the Impact on near distance of 70m residential and Low Reg Med Freq Full Poss Minor from the road Measurements of noise, dust and vibration shall be Regional Low NS commercial (2) (2) (3) (3) (1) (2) (13) and commercial conducted by the Contractor during the construction phase. buildings building at distance of 200m Before commencing of works, at each site, the topsoil of alignment and construction sites is cut and removed, and Impact on soil Low Reg Med Freq Most Cert Moderate stored in a special site developed by the Contractor and and land Land resources Regional Medium Low (2) (2) (3) (3) (2) (4) (16) approved by the Engineer. As well as Spoil Disposal Plan resources should be developed by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer The Contractor will need to develop a Traffic Management Plan, Health and Safety Plan. The Contractor should ensure Low Reg Med Freq Most Cert Moderate Affected Persons Social impacts Regional Medium that the LARP is properly implemented and that an Low (2) (2) (3) (3) (2) (4) (16) and communities appropriately assigned staff member is dedicated to the work. To ensure waste management is adequately controlled Construction site during both the construction and operational phase of the Waste Low Reg Med Freq Most Cert Moderate and surrounding Local Medium Project, the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that NS generation (2) (2) (3) (3) (2) (4) (16) areas. the waste hierarchy is followed including prevention, minimization, reuse and recycling. Occupational An Occupational and Community Health and Safety (OCHS) Low Loc Med Freq Most Prob Minor Health & Workers safety Regional Medium/Low Plan will be prepared by the Contractor and approved by the Low (2) (1) (3) (3) (2) (3) (14) Safety Impact Engineer to manage worker safety.

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6. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES The presented change of Agarak section of the Ashtarak – Talin highway is per se an alternative for the main alignment. This change has been done because the old alignment was located in the section of Agarak Cultural and Historical Reserve where the main valuable complex is finded. Recession from a Project “No Project” Option cannot be considered, as the changed section is a part of the Ashtarak – Talin highway, and the main Project has already been approved and is presently under construction. As for the entire alignment, the existing road network is inconvenient. The adverse impact of vehicle emissions on the air quality of the cities (where the highway passes) is high, and there are more safety issues both for road users and those with mobility problems. The Presented Option While discussing the initial design of the Ashtarak-Gyumri new Highway in 2010, it was planned to build the road through the central portion of the Agarak Preserve, where since 2001 systematic archaeological excavations were implemented by the team of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of NAS RA. For protecting the historical-cultural value of the excavated important units it was suggested to allocate the design of the road and remove it further north on the right side of the functioning Yerevan-Gyumri Highway, which is the northernmost part of the monument and to implement safeguard excavations in the framework of the new road design. During 2012-2014 a new excavation phase started for saving the historical-cultural value of the site portion which would stay under the North-South Highway. Unfortunately, new excavation campaign unearthed units, which are of great significance and cultural value. Within this situation it was proposed by the Ministry of Culture to remove the road more north for saving the newly excavated structures. Study of the proposal showed that it was impossible. By that reason a new design was implemented regarding the highway passing through central portion of the site, which was studied and approved by the MOC. The considered option is practically an alternative, as it is a part of the Ashtarak – Talin highway, which has certain indicators, location, direction, and the new alignment largely depends on those conditions, as well as on the location features. Nevertheless, at some sites the sections with small differences have been discussed, which, however, had only technical peculiarities, being similar in terms of environmental and social impacts.

7. INFORMATION, DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION EIA process involved dialogue of the EIA team with various agencies of the Government and specialists of the relevant fields with the purpose of sharing their experience and take advice. Consultant’s environmental and social specialists held meetings with the representatives of Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Culture, and conducted field trips to the Agarak part of Ashtarak – Talin road. The Ministry of Culture, Agency for Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments was consulted on the procedures to protect historical and cultural sites. The Final Draft version of the EIA report, including the EMP, will be disclosed to the public in English and Armenian versions to allow stakeholders to familiarize with it. The document will be posted on the website of RA Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Information Technologies and hard copies will be delivered to local administration offices. Printed copies will be also provided to representative civil society organizations. 2 phases of public consultations took place during the design preparation period in accordance with the ADB SPS requirements. 1st one conducted within the draft design phase and organized in the Aragatsotn Marz Governor’s Office's Conference Hall on March 20, 2018 at 11:00. 2nd one during the final design preparation phase organized in the Aragatsotn Marz Governor’s Office's Conference Hall on June 29, 2018 at 12:00. The scope of the Project and the objectives of the public consultations were presented to the participants of those consultations by the environmental, social and archaeological specialists of the design company. All the details of those public consultations have been recorded and presented in the MoM’s (see Annex 1).

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8. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM This section includes a grievance redress procedure for stakeholders and the public to raise concerns related to road construction activities provide feedback and comments about the project operations and how those complaints/comments will be handled. Grievance redress procedures for the project aim to provide an effective and systematic mechanism in responding to queries, feedbacks and complaints from beneficiary communities, other key stakeholders and the general public. Grievance redress procedure suggests resolution of grievances done in the spirit of mediation between the parties, and should comply with EIB approaches. Anyone can lodge a grievance if they feel that project activities are negatively affecting them, their community or their local environment. Example of possible grievances associated with road construction activities could include, but are not limited to: • Noise and dust from construction works, • Damage to private and common assets and properties, • Community health and safety, for instance in relation to impacts of increased traffic, • Disruption of transportation services and utilities, • Practices that endanger the health, safety and security of employees working on the project, • Failure to meet the labour rights of employees working on the project. A grievance mechanism is a process focused on receiving, evaluating, and resolving project-related grievances from affected communities and stakeholders. The grievance redress mechanism differs from other forms of dispute resolution (e.g. courts, administrative systems, etc.) in that is offers the advantage of a locally based, simplified, and mutually beneficial way to amicably settle issues within the framework of the project. Persons or entities impacted by the project have the right to file complaints and/or queries on any aspect of road construction activities. In order to ensure that grievances and complaints are addressed in a timely and satisfactory manner and that all possible avenues are available to beneficiary communities to air their grievances, the following mechanism for grievances will be set up: • First - complaints resolution will be attempted at the Construction Contractor(s) level, where a dedicated representative for communication, also serving as a grievance focal point, will be appointed by Construction Contractor. Grievance focal point at Construction Contractor’s level will address minor grievances and possibly resolve them on spot. Grievances and complaints, as well as resolutions provided will be registered in the record-book maintained by Construction Contractor(s) on-site. If the issue cannot be resolved within one week, Construction Contractor will pass complaint to affected community for review and resolution. • Second - if grievance cannot be resolved on the spot, the resolution will be attempted at affected community level (with notification provided to “Transport Project Implementation Organization” SNCO), with the involvement of relevant parties (as necessary including complaining party, Construction Contractor, Technical Supervision Consultant, etc.). Affected community leader (other representative of community authority, as agreed) will act as a grievance focal point at community level and coordinate resolution of grievances. Representatives of NGOs and civil society can also be involved in grievance resolution process as informal mediators. If the issue cannot be resolved within one week, affected community will pass the complaint to “Transport Project Implementation Organization” SNCO for review and resolution. • Third - complaints resolution will be attempted at the level of “Transport Project Implementation Organization” SNCO, where the grievance focal point for the project will be nominated. Complaining party, grievance focal points at Construction Contractor(s) and respective affected community, representative of Technical Supervision, as well as representatives of other relevant stakeholders can be invited to attend the discussion related to resolution of particular case. Within ten days “Transport Project Implementation Organization” SNCO will discuss the case and recommend its settlement to parties. If the case remains unsolved a complaint can be lodged to the court. Representatives of NGOs and civil society can also be involved in grievance resolution process as informal mediators. • If after the intervention and assistance from “Transport Project Implementation Organization” SNCO no solution has been reached and if the grievances redress system fails to satisfy the complaining

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parties, they can pursue further action by submitting their case to the court. Nevertheless, abovementioned grievance mechanism does not limit the right of complaining party to submit the case to the court of law just in the first stage of grievance process. Complaints can be received through the staff of the Construction Contractor and/or affected communities. Details and contact information of grievance focal points designated for the project will be available at each construction site. Complaining parties or other concerned individuals may visit, call or send a letter or e-mail to any of the grievance focal points to register their comments or complaints related to environmental, social or other aspects of the project road construction activities. The grievance focal points at each level will maintain a record-book to register the complaints on-site. Grievance information to be registered in the record-book include: • Name and contact details of complaining party; • Details of the nature of the grievance; • Details on how the grievance was received; • Dates when complaint was received, responded to and closed out; The grievance redress procedure for the project will be disseminated through information leaflets and presented during the public consultations. During these gatherings, it should be emphasized that the grievance redress process in aimed at quick and amicable resolution of complaints and does not substitute the legal process established under national legislation.

9. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 9.1 General Provisions The Environmental Management Plan is intended to prevent the impacts described in the previous Chapter and ensure their mitigation, if they cannot be prevented. To develop the Plan, special surveys and preparatory works have been carried out, with the main of those being as follows: (i) Studying, maintenance and moving of the existing infrastructures, including irrigation systems and telecommunication lines, (ii) Selecting the most appropriate places for construction camps, infrastructures and offices, storage of materials and machinery, (iii) Fencing of construction camp and installation of gates, (iv) Development of a Waste Management Plan, (v) Identification of installation locations for debris scattered along the road, (vi) Identification of and agreeing with the Community Administration the removed topsoil storage locations, (vii) Inventory of the trees to be cut, and their replanting with 1 : 10 ratio, (viii) Improvement of construction sites, camps, roadsides and middle parts after construction, agreedwith the Local self-governments. Considering the temporary nature and manageability of adverse impacts on the environment and important archeological sites, the Project implementation will result in construction of safe and more efficient highway that will contribute to the economic growth of the Republic of Armenia. Design includes construction of the carriageway lanes and culverts, tree planting. The Project has already been subject to reviews and updates in relation to the exclusion of potential damage to archeological sites. Considering the environmental and archeological impacts and changes of the design, as well as strictly following the mitigation measures described in the EMP, several environmental and archeological sites, which otherwise would have been damaged, would be preserved. In any case, when any cultural and archeological unit is discovered during excavations, the works must be suspended and the Ministry of Culture informed. The construction works cannot recommence before the chance find is explored by an archeologist, and the Ministry of Culture provided the written permit. The

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Contractor shall be familiar with the Chance Finds Procedure of the Ministry of Culture and strictly following the procedure shall be stipulated by the contract. 9.2 Environmental and Social Actions, Environmental Management Plan 1. The EMP is intended to prevent and mitigate the impact expected in a result of the construction activities as well as to serve as a guide for the solution of the environmental protection issues during the operation and subsequent maintenance period. EMP will be a basis for the following: (i) Managing, preventing or mitigating the potential Project impacts, (ii) Preparing all the required documents by the Contractor before commencement of the pre- construction and construction-related activities, (iii) Verifying compliance to the environmental laws, regulations and standards, (iv) Implementing the Monitoring Plan. 2. EMP summarizes the expected environmental impacts. The relevant mitigation measure is proposed for each impact identified. The Environmental Monitoring Plan, authorities responsible for its implementation and implementation costs are also included. (i) The Contractor will update the EMP and adopt it to the changed conditions, based on the peculiarities of the civil works contract. It will be submitted to the Consultant’s consideration, (ii) According to the environmental safety points proposed for the civil works contracts, the Contractor shall initiate the following surveys and actions during the mobilization period: - hire the full-time Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist (EHSS), - organize the environmental and safety training and orientation for workers, - carry out preliminary research of the access roads condition, - initiate measures to identify and preserve the existing community trees that can be damaged in a result of construction works, - preserve and/or relocate the water pipes, sewage pipes, electric wires and other communication lines, - carry out surveys prior to construction works, to collect baseline data on water quality (in case construction works will be done when there is flow in a riverbed), air quality (dust), noise and vibration (iii) In addition to the above, the Contractor will also carry out the following: provide access to the work site and accessibility of facilities/equipment for the environmental monitoring, (iv) At any time required, permit the environmental monitoring and supervision at the work site. 3. Upon completion of works, carry out all the required activities to reinstate (in the acceptable form) all the construction site’s areas used. The provisions set out in the EMP will be implemented by the Contractor and monitored by the Consultant. 4. EMP presents the basic principles and general mitigation measures and includes the following sub-plans:  Environmental Protection, Health & Safety Orientation Plan  Public Consultation and Communications Plan  Flora and Fauna Plan  Physical Cultural Resources Plan  Construction Work Camps Plan  Quarry/Borrow pit Management Plan  Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan  Waste Management and Disposal Plan  Traffic and Access Plan  Spoil Disposal Planning and Management Plan  Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials  Water Quality Monitoring Plan

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 Vegetation Clearing Plan  Dust and Emissions Control Plan  Noise Control Plan  Site Reinstatement, Landscaping and Revegetation Plan Implementation Arrangements 5. The implementation schedule and authorities responsible for the implementation are presented in the EMP. 6. Environmental Specialists will be involved on Engineer and Contractor levels. The capacity development aimed at ensuring the Project activity compliance with the ADB Safeguards Policies and the Republic of Armenia Legislation, as well as tasks and responsibilities of the Environmental Units and specialists, are also described in the EMP. 7. Monitoring commitments, the responsibilities, roles, tasks and frequency of activities related to the EMP implementation, supervision and monitoringare distributed as follows: • During the pre-construction phase ADB will perform review and approve EIA on no-objection basis, • Review bi-annual reports and provide necessary advice to the TPIO and undertake two environmental review missions per annum, • Undertakes and reviews post construction audit. 8. During construction the key tasks of the Supervising Engineer will include the following major key activities: • Supervise and monitor the construction of the Project including the implementation of the Site- Specific EMP, • Ensure that all work associated with the Project are carried out in full compliance with the designs and specifications and following international engineering and quality standards, • Manage contract changes, contractor claims and scope revisions, • Monitor the Project performance, benefits and ensure compliance with all social requirements; ensure that environmental, health and safety requirements, road safety and monitoring are carried out in compliance with the relevant safeguards documents, the ADB safeguards policy and the applicable laws of Armenia, • Carry out site visits during the Defects Notification Period, • Report to TPIO. 9. Contractor’s Supervision Team and Environmental Specialist are implementing the environmental mitigation measures and related daily monitoring activities. Contractor’s Environmental Specialist with the occupational health and safety education has the following responsibilities, roles and tasks: • Prepare Site-specific environmental management plans (SEMP) and obtain the Engineer approval as a working construction document based on the present EIA report and the EMP, update the SEMP during the construction when needed and obtain the Engineer approval of the updated part, • Supervising the baseline data surveys according to the Technical specifications and the Environmental Management Plan, • Conducts weekly site visits and inspections, • Document the monitoring activities and results and includes them in weekly monitoring report, • If the monitoring results do not meet the established requirements, the Contractor’s Environmental Specialist defines the necessary corrective measures the soonest possible via the Plan of Corrective Measures, • Contractor’s Environmental Specialist shall prepare monthly progress report, as part of the Contractor’s works monthly progress report,

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• During the elimination of defects, the Contractor’s Environmental Specialist shall conduct site visits upon needed and submit the site status report. 10. In case of accidents (fire, explosion, oil leakage, bitumen leakage, etc.), the Contractor shall immediately inform the Engineer. The preliminary notification may be verbal; however, within 24 hours after the incident or accident, the written report shall follow. 11. Contractor will be responsible for the organization of general orientation trainings on Project activities and environmental awareness. These trainings will focus on the responsibilities of people/workers at worksite, addressing the environmental protection and providing a safe approach to social issues during construction phase, in accordance with the RA Environmental Legislation, EIA and EMP. 12. The necessity of the training process will be assessed in order to properly present the EMP at the field level. The trainings will include, but will not be limited to, the following: minimizing waste, respecting and protecting wildlife at the worksite, proper waste management, and occupational safety measures during work, preparedness during emergencies or incidents, etc. Separate training shall be organized for the nearby affected communities in order to keep people away from incidents during construction. Special training will also be provided for drivers of trucks and other vehicles.

Specific Impact and Mitigation Measures Caused by Works 13. Construction camps: the Contractor will select the location for each construction camp so that the impact is minimal. For each construction camp, the Contractor will develop the Construction Work Camp Plan that will include measures mentioned in the EMP as part of the site-specific EMP. 14. Safety: Safety of construction site, as well as safety of workers and population of nearby communities, is of crucial importance. Impacts are associated with the occupational health risks, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated during asphalting works, as well as with the construction works-related safety risks. The Contractor shall take all the required measures to ensure the safety of public and pedestrians during construction in accordance with Health & Safety Orientation Plan. Before commencement of construction, the first aid supply shall be provided and the Emergency Response Plan developed. 15. Employment: There are opportunities to create job places for the locals under the Project. It is recommended to involve workers from local communities, to the extent possible. 16. Environmental and safety orientation: the environmental and safety orientation training plan will be developed and implemented in all stages of Project implementation. The training plan will involve training courses for the entire staff of the Contractor on environmental protection, health and safety issues organized by the Contractor’s Environmental and Safety Specialists according to the Health & Safety Orientation Plan presented in the EMP. During the first week of their work, the Engineer staff and workers shall participate in the introductory orientation/safety course and periodically organized courses for the newly recruited employees. The construction site workers shall be informed and trained on standard environmental, health and safety requirements. 17. Impact on the public and mititgations measures: The Contractor will notify the potential affected people on further construction works in their area, which will cause the increased dust, noise, temporary closure of roads and traffic deviations. This can be announced through mass media. The notifications shall include contact information of persons to whom one must apply to receive additional information or to submit a grievance. In order to ensure the efficiency, public information campaigns shall be expanded by involving the NGOs. 18. Solid and liquid wastes: solid wastes that may be generated during construction, include the excess road cover material, materials and dirt generated from tunnels excavation works, oil filters, packaging materials and solid wastes thrown by workers. The wastewater/sewage water and oil wastes are liquid wastes generated during the Project. The Environmental Management Plan provides for the collection, storing, transportation and accumulation of wastes in accordance with the RA Legislation and Ministry of Nature Protection requirements.

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19. Issues related to the excessive soil, oil and fuel leakages, as well as emissions of other waste, are presented in the EMP; measure for their mitigation will be implemented by the Constractor based on Waste Management and Disposal Plan. 20. Movement of vehicles on local roads and the realigned accesses: During the Project construction works, there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic on local roads caused by the transportation of wastes, construction materials and equipment. Access to public roads will be disrupted, the section, where the highway crosses the existing road, will be bypassed, and traffic conflicts will increase. The Contractor shall define his routes and Access points to the construction site. He will also be responsible for the selection of sources of his materials and products (crushed stone, asphalt, etc.). 21. Transportation of construction materials in the Project construction sites. The routes envisaged for transportation will depend on the locations of quarries and opencast mines to be used by the Contractor. The Contractor to whom the contract is awarded shall acquire all the necessary permits related to traffic routes and develop the Traffic and Access Plan as part of the updated EMP. The relevant transportation scheme shall be included in the updated EMP. 22. During the mobilization period, the Contractor shall develop the Traffic and Access Management Plan as part of the EMP that will define the secure entrance and exit points, provide for strict security measures with involvement of local police, develop the supply schedule and determine the routes on local roads, jointly with local authorities, in order to minimize the traffic management and potential conflicts. 23. Construction site reinstatement. before completion of the construction works and transfer of the construction site to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technologies, the Contractor shall reinstate the construction site, including cleaning of site from all construction materials and wastes and their transportation to the areas approved by the Community Administrations. Spreading and improvement of the accumulated fertile soil. Landscaping Works will involve sowing of grass and planting of local species of trees and shrubs as provided by the design. All the trees cut and not included in other compensation programs /e.g. compensation for orchards/, will be replaced with local trees with 10:1 ratio, with the majority of them being near the alignment, maintaining the required space for visibility (i.e. in the landfill slopes). The Contractor shall ensure the proper maintenance of the planted vegetation during the works and in the period of correction of defects, as well as will hire specialized companies to take care of the trees and shrubs after construction works. The Contractor will receive the final payment only after reinstatement of construction site in a manner acceptable to the Client and affected local communities.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Detail Design Phase Change of Impact on (i) Revise and finalize Agarak bypass road alignment to reduce adverse impact of the Project on Agarak Consultant Consultant alignment archaeological site Cultural and Historical Reserve to the minimum. Review revised road included in (ii) Undertake safeguard archeological excavations prior to road construction so as to reduce adverse impact alignment at supervision contract of project on Agarak archaeological site to feasible minimum. environmentally, archaeologically, historically, and culturally sensitive areas described in EIA TPIO TPIO Coordinate with Design included in TPIO costs consultant details of relocations

ADB ADB Reviews relocation included in effectiveness and provides corporate non-objection environmental due diligence budget Construction Impact to (i) Obtain necessary approvals for construction in areas where archaeological finds have been identified, and Consultant Consultant planning for archaeological sites follow the chance-find procedures of MOC. Engage an archaeologist included in supervision archaeological and chance-finds (ii) Incorporate archaeological excavations in construction schedule. contract excavations/ (iv) To avoid potential adverse impacts to historic and cultural resources, the Contractor shall: preservation of (a) Conduct safeguard archaeological excavations prior to commencement of works TPIO TPIO historical and (b) Protect sites of known archeological, historic and cultural resources by the placement of suitable Ensure that appropriate included in TPIO costs cultural sites fencing and barriers. approvals are in place (c) Construction camps shall be located 500 meters away from cultural resources. (d) Adhere to accepted Ministry of Culture (MOC) practice and all applicable historic and cultural ADB ADB preservation requirements of the MOC. Review and provide non- included in corporate (e) In the event of unanticipated discoveries of cultural or historic artifacts (movable or immovable) in objection environmental due the course of the work, the Contractor shall take all necessary measures to protect the findings and diligence budget shall notify the Engineer and the MOC. If continuation of the work would endanger the finding, work shall be suspended until a solution for preservation of the artifacts is agreed upon.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts

Construction Phase Hiring of Social conflicts from (i) Maximize employment opportunities for local people by employing them as part of the project labor Contractor’s non-local workers force. Labor force and restriction (ii) Ensure that employment opportunities are made available to qualified female workers. towards female workers Construction Impairment of the (i) Update and submit, within 30 days of contract effectiveness, the following environmental management works environment sub-plans: and work camps 1. Environmental Protection, Health & Safety Orientation Plan activities Destruction of 2. Public Consultation and Communications Plan archaeological, 3. Flora and Fauna Plan historical, and 4. Physical Cultural Resources Plan cultural sites and 5. Utility Protection and/or Relocation Plan monuments 6. Construction Work Camps Plan 7. Quarry Management Plan Deleterious effects 8. Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan on nearby residents 9. Waste Management and Disposal Plan from air 10. Traffic and Access Plan and noise pollution 11. Spoil Disposal Planning and Management Plan 12. Emergency Plan For Hazardous Materials Health hazards to 13. Water Quality Monitoring Plan workers and nearby 14. Vegetation Clearing Plan residents 15. Dust and Emissions Control Plan 16. Noise Control Plan 17. Site Reinstatement, Landscaping, and Revegetation Plan (ii) The sub-plans should be based on the EIA report, bid and contract documents, best international environmental management practices, and as briefly outlined below.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Construction Workers lack of 1. Environment Protection, Health & Safety Orientation Plan Contractor Contractor works and understanding and (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the general contractor (GC), subcontractors Engage training specialist to included in total related care to protect the (SCs), and their workers in the implementation of a training program for construction workers in relation to devise plan and implement construction cost, activities environment and environmental, archaeological, and occupational health and Safety issues. orientation program estimated to be archaeological/ (i) Orientation rationale. The implementation of the EMP will require the involvement of all construction Record and report maximum 2% historical sites and personnel. The nature of the EMP is such that personnel at all levels have a degree of responsibility in relation environment and safety cultural monuments to environmental, archaeological, and occupational health and safety issues and the implementation of incidents to relevant measures contained in the EMP. As such, orientation for all personnel in relation to environmental and authorities. Lack of information archeological issues and the implementation of the EMP will be critical to ensuring the effectiveness of the about the EMP and EMP. TPIO/Engineer applicable (iii) Orientation objective. The objective is to raise and enhance the awareness of the construction workforce Review plan and monitor TPIO environmental laws in relation relevant legislation and policy issues: implementation included in TPIO cost and regulations for a. General environmental awareness, including rules and regulations to be followed on archeological, the Project. historical, cultural sites, construction site and in the construction camps; ADB b. general health and safety awareness, including an AIDS/HIV and STD awareness Review and issue non- ADB Spread of program; objection prior to included in corporate communicable c. job-specific orientation for workers with responsibility for activities that could have adverse impacts on construction environmental due disease and the environment or humans (e.g., PAH); and diligence budget sickness, d. requirements for worker personal protective equipment including hard hats, safety boots,high-visibility vests, gloves, eye-glasses and ear defenders, and PAH masks or equivalent, as required. No safety measures (iv) To include posters in work camps that illustrates the Red Book species likely to be found in various areas of for the prevention the project. of injury, or death (v) Contractor should post a progressive penalty plan to discourage the hunting and consuming of wildlife. of workers, road (vi) Safety and Health risks prevention. To include information and education for construction workers as part users and other of the health and safety program at campsites during the construction period. people,

Lack of preventive measures against exposure to hazardous substances; slips, falls and falling objects.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts

Construction Phase Public Lack of information 2. Public Consultation and Communications Plan Contractor Contractor consultation and and understanding (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Engage public liaison and included in total awareness by communities and implementation of a plan to relate to the general public and nearby residents prior to commencing site awareness specialist to construction cost, building affected parties preparation and construction activities and during construction. revise plan and implement estimated to be maximum about the planned (ii) This plan should be consistent with the LARP and social assessment, and should include the following: awareness and grievance 2% works activities and a. Procedures for communicating with local residents and other nearby receptors developedin redress program. schedule of advance of activities, particularly when noise, vibration, utility service disturbance, or other implementation can nuisances may be generated. TPIO/Engineer TPIO lead to frustration b. Details on the dedicated project phone line. Review plan and monitor included in TPIO cost and complaints c. Complaints and grievance process developed whereby the public and other stakeholders may make the implementation which could result in complaints and be assured of receiving responses within a reasonable period (refer to Section V of ADB delays. the EIA report). ADB included in corporate (iii) Clear signs and notices posted around construction sites to provide project information. Review consultation reports environmental due and issue non- objection diligence budget prior to construction

Road construction Uncontrolled clearing 3. Flora and Fauna Plan Contractor Contractor works and undue (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers to minimize Engage Environmental included in total disturbance and the impact on flora and fauna. Specialist to report on construction cost, displacement of Red (ii) The plan should comply with MNP policy and the RA laws on flora and fauna and include the following extent of Red Book flora and estimated to be Book flora and fauna provisions: Red Book fauna respectively maximum 2% species a. Vegetation removal and site clearing should be undertaken during late autumn and/or winter which and provide are seasons most favorable to avoid impact to protected flora and fauna species. recommendations to b. No clearance of vegetation other than that outlined within the plan. minimize impact on each. c. If Red Book plant and/or nesting places, burrows, and holes of animals discovered, inform TPIO TPIO/Engineer environmental specialist and MNP for appropriate actions. Review plans and monitor TPIO d. Provide animal pass according to design. the implementation included in TPIO cost e. Temporary protective fence during construction in the sections where animals appear often.

f. Reporting and contacting the MNP in the case of an injured animal being found. ADB ADB

Review implementation included in corporate reports and issue non- environmental due objection diligence budget

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Construction Phase Construction Uncontrolled 4. Physical Cultural Resources Plan Contractor Contractor works encroachment and (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC and SCs and their workers to protect Engage archaeologist to $11,560 Archeological damage to lead safeguard excavations identified archaeological, historical, and cultural sites and monuments and to manage any physical cultural Chance-find and archaeological, and chance-finds, report on resources that are encountered during the construction works. safeguard historical, and extent of archaeological excavations: cultural sites and (ii) The plan should comply with procedures set by MOC. impacts, provide Agarak monuments (iii) For archeological chance find the procedures set by MOC shall be followed. recommendations historical- (iv) Specifically, implementation arrangements of safeguard archaeological excavations in Agarak historical- to minimize impacts cultural preserve cultural preserve at 2 sites at km 32+900 and km 33+400, as well as for test excavations between those 2 TPIO safeguard sites. TPIO/Engineer included in TPIO cost excavations = 1 Review plan and monitor months implementation. Provide liaison with MOC ADB included in corporate ADB environmental due Review implementation diligence budget reports Accommoda-tion Environment 5. Construction Work Camps Plan Contractor Contractor of workers and degradation, (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total equipment and workers health, implementation of measures to manage construction work camps that will be part of the project. construction cost, materials sanitation and (ii) Issues associated with the design, construction, and use of the camps relate both to the potential estimated to be maximum storage safety; environmental impacts of the camps, and the need to suitably plan camps to protect the environment 2% Water pollution and maximize worker health, safety, and amenity. The following aspects of camp development should be TPIO/Engineer addressed in this sub-plan: Review plan and monitor TPIO a. definition of elements to be included in construction work camps. implementation. included in TPIO cost b. criteria/principles for the location of components of the work camps to minimize soil and water pollution, diseases and possible outbreaks, and conflict situation with villagers, local/central ADB authorities and/or the contractor. Review implementation ADB c. specific management requirements for construction of components of the work camps, and reports included in corporate d. management of camp operation. environmental due diligence budget

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Quarrying Dust and noise 6. Quarry/Borrow pit Management Plan Contractor Contractor impact on nearby (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total residents implementation of measures to manage the effects of the quarrying activities to be carried during construction cost, construction. TPIO/Engineer estimated to be maximum (ii) In the event, that a new quarry/borrow pit is required, the appropriate agreement/license shall be Review plan and monitor 2% obtained prior to commencement of quarrying. implementation. TPIO included in TPIO cost ADB ADB Review implementation included in corporate env. reports due diligence budget Earthworks Erosion of soil, 7. Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan Contractor Contractor material piles, and (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total discharge of sediment implementation of measures to manage erosion and sedimentation caused as a result of the construction cost, and pollutants into construction activities. TPIO/Engineer estimated to be maximum water courses (ii) One of the main risks to water quality during construction arises from the erosion of soils and the Review plan and monitor 2% resulting effects of sediment-laden pollutants entering watercourses. Several elements of the implementation. construction activities have the potential to cause erosion and generate sediment that can have adverse TPIO effects on the surrounding environment in terms of water quality. However, the implementation of the ADB included in TPIO cost following erosion and sediment control measures should reduce the risk of any impacts to an acceptable Review implementation level: reports ADB a. preserve existing ground cover where practicable; included in corporate b. where ground cover is removed and if ground is to be exposed for long periods, provide temporary environmental due cover such as fast-growing grass species; diligence budget c. avoid erosion and therefore, generation of sediment-laden runoff, through appropriate siting of works and minimization of exposed areas; d. ensure clean runoff is diverted around the construction site where possible; e. treat sediment-laden runoff generated by construction activities prior to it entering watercourses; f. regularly monitor operation and effectiveness of mitigation measures, record the results, and submit to TPIO on a monthly basis; g. regularly maintain drains, runoff, erosion and sedimentation protective measures to ensure effectiveness; h. Inspect and repair or modify drainage structures and erosion controls as soon as practicable after rain

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Handling Leakage or spillage 8. Waste Management and Disposal Plan Contractor Contractor hazardous and of diesel or oil may (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total non-hazardous result in these toxic implementation of measures for the management of wastes produced during construction. Engage sub-contractors to construction cost, substances substances to enter (ii) Several elements of the construction activities have the potential to generate waste that can have load and haul wastes to estimated to be maximum the soil, surface adverse effects on the surrounding environment in terms of water quality, soil quality, air quality (odor sites approved by MNP 2% water including and pollutants) and human health: reservoirs, and (iii) Non-hazardous solid waste includes construction waste and domestic refuse. Improper storage, handling, TPIO/Engineer groundwater. and disposal may cause adverse effects via spills or being carried away by wind or vectors, may affect Review plan and monitor TPIO health and be unsightly. Non-hazardous solid waste can be further divided into putrescible and non- implementation. included in TPIO cost putrescible waste streams. Provide liaison with MNP (iv) Hazardous solid wastes can have the most severe impacts. A material is hazardous if it is ignitable; corrosive; reactive; or toxic (causing bodily damage, sickness, or death). The following categories of ADB ADB hazardous wastes will potentially be generated by the project: Review implementation included in corporate a. Chemical wastes reports environmental due b. Medical wastes diligence budget c. Batteries, paint, and solvents d. Used oil and grease (v) Wastewater includes wastewater from construction activities (e.g. sediment pond outlets, crushing plant operation), domestic wastewater from activities such as from kitchens or showers (grey water) and may contain pollutants such as grease, soap and mild detergents, and liquid sanitary waste (black water) that contains nutrients, organic substances, and pathogens. (vi) The key waste management philosophy that is applied in this sub-plan is based on the following hierarchy of waste management approaches (highest to lowest priority): 1. Avoid waste generation 2. Minimize waste generation 3. Reuse as much waste as practical 4. Recycle as much waste as practical 5. Dispose of any remaining waste in an environmentally suitable manner in locations approved by the MNP. (vii) Implementation of this hierarchy, together with the use of appropriate collection, segregation, storage, disposal and education/training methods will ensure that the level of risk associated with waste management is low.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Vehicle Traffic hazards and 9. Traffic and Access Plan Contractor Contractor movements on safety (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers inthe Prepare plan included in total and off-site implementation of measures to manage traffic and access on the construction site during the construction construction cost, works. The sub-plan will cover vehicle management on and off-site and will include: estimated to be maximum a. Driver requirements (license, training) and safety requirements. 2% b. Carefully selected construction vehicle routes including safe entry and exit points. c. Clear route directions. TPIO/Engineer TPIO d. Designated parking areas. Review plan and monitor included in TPIO cost e. Appropriate signage. implementation. f. Established speed limits. g. Scheduling of vehicle movements to avoid peak periods where practicable. ADB ADB h. Traffic diversions on public roads including direction signs, markings, traffic signals, lighting, clearly Review implementation included in corporate visible solid barriers to channel traffic, flagmen employed as needed, and maintenance of reports environmental due diversions. diligence budget i. Vehicles requirements including covering loads (when carrying sand, soil, spoil and waste material), exhaust attenuators, silencers, regular maintenance of vehicles to prevent fuel and oil leaks to meet national standards requirements and to ensure compliance. Construction Improper disposal 10. Spoil Disposal Planning and Management Plan Contractor Contractor works of construction (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total spoils and debris at implementation of measures to manage spoil generated by the construction of the project. Coordinate disposal of construction cost, the construction (i) Spoil should be disposed of in locations approved by MNP and local government. surplus soil and excess estimated to be site and immediate (ii) Top soil should be stored for site restoration and in medians. Surplus top soil should be distributed in the topsoil with heads of local maximum 2% vicinities area based on recommendations by the local government. communities

(iii) The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that no soil, rock or debris is deposited on public or TPIO/Engineer TPIO private rights of way as a result of its operations, including any deposits arising from the movement of Review plan and monitor included in TPIO cost Construction Plant or vehicles. implementation. (iv) The Contractor ensures that vehicles exiting from the Site do not have excessive material on their tires. Provide liaison with local (v) The Contractor shall at all times ensure that all existing stream courses and drains within and adjacent to communities ADB the Site are kept safe and free from any debris and excavated materials arising from the Works. included in corporate ADB environmental due Review implementation diligence budget reports

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Handling Leakage or spillage 11. Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Contractor Contractor hazardous of diesel or oil may (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers for the Prepare plan included in total substances result in these toxic handling, storage, use, and disposal of chemicals and in the implementation of measures in the event of Dispose of hazardous construction cost, substances to enter spills or accidental releases of hazardous materials during the construction works. materials per MNP directive estimated to be the soil, surface The implementation of the following measures should reduce the risk of any impacts to an acceptable maximum 2% water, and level: TPIO/Engineer groundwater. a. Develop and implement procedures to ensure safe handling and storage of hazardous substances, Review plan and monitor TPIO e.g., diesel, waste oil. Material safety data sheets, emergency response procedures, and clean-up implementation. included in TPIO cost materials should be readily available on site and their proper use should be part of the workers’ Provide liaison with MNP training. ADB b. Spill clean-up materials should be appropriately located and stored to ensure availability. ADB included in corporate c. An Emergency Response Team (ERT) that is part of the Environment Protection team should be Review implementation environmental due identified, include an organizational diagram, work and out of hours phone numbers, and reports diligence budget reporting lines. d. Ensure that the ERT receives emergency response training. e. Ensure that the ERT and all personnel handling chemicals and hazardous substances receive hazard and risk management training. f. The area of spill should be cleaned in a timely manner to prevent potential contamination of surface and groundwater and soil and the spilled material, together with contaminated soil and absorbent materials should be disposed of in a site approved by MNP. (ii) Only necessary chemicals, hazardous substances, and fuel should be stored on site, within a covered, secure and naturally ventilated area that has an impervious floor and impervious bund around it. The bund should have a capacity of at least 150% of the capacity of the largest tank. (iii) The storage area should be located away from drainage lines and danger areas.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Construction Water pollution 12. Water Quality Monitoring Plan Contractor Contractor works from liquid waste (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total and effluents from implementation of measures to monitor the effects of their activities on water quality in the project area Engage water quality construction cost, construction sites, during the construction works. The sub-plan should address monitoring requirements for the following: monitoring specialists estimated to be work camps and a. Storm water discharge from all construction sites (in-stream and point of discharge Report results monthly maximum 2% from quarries, monitoring), crushing plant, and b. run off from construction work camps, TPIO/Engineer concrete batch c. run off from waste disposal areas and construction work areas, Review plan and monitor TPIO plant d. effluent from quarries, crushing plant, and concrete batch plant (if any), and implementation. included in TPIO cost e. workers’ potable water. Provide liaison with MNP f. Rivers Shahvar and Amberd in a monthly basis, but seasonally when the water flows monitored there. ADB ADB (ii) In-stream monitoring should be carried out approximately 50 m upstream and 50 m downstream of the site Review implementation included in corporate discharge (2 monitoring points) reports environmental due diligence budget Earthworks and Removal and/or 13. Vegetation Clearing Plan Contractor Contractor construction destruction of (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers to vegetation Prepare plan included in total sites protected species of clearing activities during construction. The plan should comply with MNP policy and the RA Law on Flora Engage arborist to devise construction cost, plants and include the following provisions: dendro design for tree estimated to be a. Guidance on mulching removed vegetation, storage, and use. replanting or replacement maximum 2% b. Storing and managing removed topsoil (graded, stabilized and drained) for re-use for landscaping Report results monthly TPIO activities. included in TPIO cost c. Vegetation removal and site clearing should be undertaken during late autumn and/or winter TPIO/Engineer which are seasons most favorable to avoid impact to protected flora and fauna species. Review plan and monitor d. No clearance of vegetation other than that outlined within the plan. implementation. ADB Provide liaison with MNP included in corporate environmental due ADB diligence budget Review implementation reports

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Hauling and Nuisance from 14. Dust and Emissions Control Plan Contractor Contractor transport of excessive dust along (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total construction construction sites; implementation of measures to control gaseous emissions and dust resulting from the construction Engage local water trucks construction cost, and quarry activities, including quarry sites, crushing plants, road construction, haulage of materials, and establishment for dust control estimated to be materials; Air quality of construction work camps. The management measures in this sub-plan have been developed to minimize Report results monthly maximum 2% potential health and nuisance impacts by incorporating the following principles: Road works a. Preserve existing ground cover where practicable. TPIO/Engineer TPIO b. Provisions to use and using water spray of road surfaces to control dust. Review plan and monitor included in TPIO cost c. Minimize the amount of excavated material held on site and cover all materials wherever possible to implementation. prevent generation of dust. d. Avoid double handling of material. ADB ADB e. Ensure that vehicles used should be at their maximum load capacity to minimize the number of Review implementation included in corporate vehicles and journeys to and from the site. reports environmental due f. Do not leave construction equipment idling when not in use. diligence budget g. Use mains electricity or battery power where possible (or practical for hand tools) rather than diesel. h. Avoid the use of diesel or petrol powered generators where practicable. i. Spray aggregate loading point at quarries and crusher plants

Road works Exceedence of 15. Noise Control Plan Contractor Contractor allowable noise (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total (decibel) limits implementation of measures to minimize and manage the impacts of noise generated during Report results monthly construction cost, construction. estimated to be (ii) A number of elements of the construction activities have the potential to cause noise impacts. The maximum 2% health effects of noise range from annoyance to hearing impairment and can impact both construction workers and nearby villages or settlements. The management measures in this sub-plan have been developed to minimize potential health and nuisance impacts by incorporating the following principles: TPIO/Engineer TPIO a. minimization of noise generation at source; Review plan and monitor included in TPIO cost b. reduction of the transmission of noise from the source to sensitive receivers including nearby implementation. villages and settlements and construction workers on the construction site; c. schedule noisier activities towards the middle of the day where practicable; ADB ADB d. locate noisier activities away from sensitive receptors where practicable; Review implementation included in corporate e. fit vehicles and equipment with silencers to meet national noise standards and regularly check to reports environmental due ensure compliance; diligence budget f. provide response mechanism for noise-related complaints

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts Site re- Construction 16. Site Reinstatement, Landscaping, and Revegetation Plan Contractor Contractor instatement of materials that are (i) The purpose of this sub-plan is to document the approach of the GC, SCs, and their workers in the Prepare plan included in total all areas not cleared from implementation of site clearance and restoration, landscaping, and revegetation measures as part of the Engage arborist to prepare construction cost, the site are construction works. The sub-plan should include the following: dendro design estimated to be Re-vegetation, potential safety (ii) All construction-related materials and equipment cleared from the site including waste, unused Engage landscape maximum 2% landscaping hazards materials, fencing etc. contractor to implement (iii) Natural drainage lines reinstated. plan Localized flooding (iv) Plan of areas to be landscaped. from impermeable (v) Check-list to be prepared for final sign-off by the TPIO Environment Specialist TPIO/Engineer TPIO surfaces if (vi) Procedures for planting, maintenance and monitoring to ensure stable growth of trees and groundcover. Review plan and monitor included in TPIO cost inadequate (vii) Species must be implementation. drainage a. endemic to entire site or specific area, Monitor tree survival b. readily available (commercially or from seed collection), and ADB Sediment and c. relatively easy to propagate. ADB included in corporate erosion of (viii) Species should ideally be Review implementation environmental due uncovered areas a. easily seeded (manual or mechanical methods), and reports diligence budget b. relatively easy to maintain. (ix) Replant trees and bushes according to dendro design and agreements with heads of affected communities. (x) Plant new trees at a ratio of 10 new trees per 1 tree cut. (xi) Maintain new trees until viable or 3 years, whichever comes first as certified by qualified arborist (Note: 80% survival is considered excellent). (xii) Total: 2470 trees should be planted, investigate and check the quantities.

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Table 9.1: Environmental Management Plan Potential Issues/ Indicative Cost Project Constraints and Proposed Mitigation Measures Responsible Entities of Mitigation Activities Environmental (USD) Impacts

Operation and Maintenance Period

Traffic Noise impacts (i) The TPIO should engage an acoustic specialist to monitor noise on a periodic basis and in response to any TPIO/Engineer TPIO movements complaints. Engage noise and air quality included in TPIO cost Air pollutants from (ii) The need for further investigation or mitigation should be identified. specialists Report results vehicle emissions (iii) The TPIO should engage a specialist to monitor air quality associated with vehicle emissions on a periodic ADB ADB included in corporate basis and in response to any complaints. Review reports environmental due (iv) The need for further investigation or mitigation will be identified. diligence budget Revegetation Does not establish (i) Monitoring the health of the trees and replacement as required. TPIO/Engineer TPIO Engage arborist and included in TPIO cost botanist Report results ADB included in ADB environmental due Review reports diligence budget

Monitoring 24. EMP monitoring involves collection of baseline monitoring data and plan of regular environmental monitoring. 25. The Consultant have collected baseline data on soil and air quality during the EIA development; these data will also be collected or approved by the Contractor before commencing of works. The Contractor shall collect also baseline data on water quality, noise and vibration. 26. The regular environmental monitoring provides actions that will guide the Contractor in verification and/or comparison of the mitigation measures in order to prevent or manage the adverse impacts caused by the Project. It is also used for measurements and comparative analysis of various parameters to find out if the environmental standards and indicators are met or exceeded in order to take immediate actions. The Environmental Monitoring may also show and identify the efficiency of mitigation measures implemented for the adverse Project impacts management. Environmental Monitoring outcomes will be documented to record the consequences of the adverse impacts and to take corrective measures at the earliest possible date. The discrepancy between the environmental performance indicators and monitoring results will also be recorded. 27. Monitoring shall be carried out through site visits of the various Project level Environmental Specialists. Site visits shall be carried out according to the official monitoring schedule, i.e. the Contractor – weekly and the Engineer – monthly. The details of the environmental monitoring tasks are presented in the EMP. Here are the main points of monitoring plan:

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Table 9.1A: Environmental Monitoring Plan

All monitoring must be verified by independent expert or NGO Location Parameters Monitoring Instruments & Responsible Frequency & Activity To be Environmental Performance Indicator Locations Method Entities Time Phase Monitored Construction Phase (To be updated by the Contractor together with the Environment Specialist prior to beginning construction and thereafter, as required) Public notices, signs Contractor’s field Review of Procedures for communicating, complaints and grievance process Contractor Prior to commencing Public and notices around the office and documents, with local residents and stakeholders developed, Signs and notices Keep log and report site preparation and consultation site; construction sites Visual posted around construction sites, Complaints logged and resolved. construction activities, and education complaints register TPIO/Engineer If complaint is received Review reports Construction Boundary of property Maximum at sensitive receptor: Contractor Noise and Vibration within 250 m of of sensitive receptors In case of residentual buildings Engage specialists Management Plan a sensitive Noise to be identified in the Noise meter - 6am to 10pm (day) – 55dBA LAeq, 70dBA LAmax receptor Noise and Vibration - 10pm to 6am (night) – 45dBA LAeq, 60dBA LAmax TPIO/Engineer Management Plan In case of industrial buildings Monitor results Boundary of property - 6am to 10pm (day) – 70dBA LAeq, 80dBA LAmax If complaint is received of complainant - 10pm to 6am (night) – - dBA LAeq, - dBA LAmax

Or as agreed with the MNP and receptors

Representative Dust deposition Dust deposited below 0.3 mg/m3 daily average Contractor All sites boundary between gauge Engage specialists Samples analyzed Dust-air pollution road and adjacent weekly residences TPIO/Engineer Monitor results Selected construction Visual/ocular No visible dust, vehicles covered if transporting wastes, soil, Contractor Ongoing and weekly Dust vehicle routes inspection spoils, sand, and other materials, Established speed limits. Check, Monitor and Inspection, including safe entry report Daily during and exit points Works TPIO/Engineer earthmoving activities sites, Traffic Review reports diversions on public roads Run-off control, slope Site boundary and Visual/ocular Water is clear or contains minimal sediment, Contractor Weekly inspection, protection and downhill inspection No evidence of significant erosion, Keep log and report After a rainfall event drainage Drainage control measures in place TPIO/Engineer Review reports

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Table 9.1A: Environmental Monitoring Plan

All monitoring must be verified by independent expert or NGO Location Parameters Monitoring Instruments & Responsible Frequency & Activity To be Environmental Performance Indicator Locations Method Entities Time Phase Monitored 2 water courses Water quality: Approximately 50 m Water quality Pre-construction baseline data and information established, Contractor Prior to the start of that are upstream and 50 m Engage specialists - Turbidity meter and Results are not above measured baseline levels prior to construction crossed by the downstream of the laboratory analysis Construction - Total suspended solids Monthly thereafter alignment(Sha site (2 monitoring of samples TPIO/Engineer and (TSS) hvard and points each site) Monitor results if complaint is received Amberd) - Total dissolved solids

(TDS)

- Acidity (pH) - Temperature - Dissolved oxygen Material Stockpiled material Stockpile locations Visual Stockpiles within designated area, Contractor Weekly stockpiles Stockpiled correctly (height, slope, drainage lines around) Topsoil Spot-check stockpiled correctly and not within drainage line TPIO/Egnineer Monitor results Work sites Workers’ protective All workers Visual, Personal protective equipment worn by workers on site, Contractor Ongoing and weekly, safety equipment, Knowledge Question a sample Workers are informed and demonstrated knowledge of Conduct awareness Monthly report of construction rules of workers construction safety rules and regulations, Safety signage testing and report and procedures, points appropriately displayed at all work sites results of contact TPIO/Engineer Review results Waste Solid waste from work Designated waste Visual inspection No construction litter, Contractor Ongoing management and camps and disposal sites No waste outside designated areas Spot-check disposal construction spoils and Formally weekly debris, effluents from TPIO/Engineer quarries, crushing plant Monitor results Handling Diesel, asphalt mixed, Designated Visual inspection Appropriately stored and in designated areas Contractor Monthly hazardous bitumen, used oil and hazardous Record Hazardous materials inventory up-to-date and tallies Keep inventory materials grease material storage current area TPIO/Engineer Check inventory MNP Secured Security fence Boundary of Visual inspection Security fence properly set and intact Contractor Weekly construction construction Check entire length

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Table 9.1A: Environmental Monitoring Plan

All monitoring must be verified by independent expert or NGO Location Parameters Monitoring Instruments & Responsible Frequency & Activity To be Environmental Performance Indicator Locations Method Entities Time Phase Monitored sites/camps sites/camps Traffic and Traffic diversion Road works Visual and records Measures in place in accordance with the Traffic and Contractor When measures and road safety measures and signage Transport Management Plan, Check facilities signage are installed Number of accidents TPIO/Engineer Monthly Spot check Revegetation Vegetation cover, All sites as Visual inspection Revegetation as per Landscaping and Site Reinstatement Contractor As required at the end and Site Exposed soils on slope construction Sub-plan check-list of works until signed rehabilitation areas, Natural drainage is completed Drainage lines reinstated TPIO/Engineer off as acceptable lines, Const-ruction Waste materials and construction equipment removed from the Check compliance waste site with Sub-plan Tree planting Planted trees and Along highway Visual inspection, Planted trees and bushes according to dendro design and 10:1 Contractor Monthly design bushes and/or locations counts of number ratio. Obtain arborist agreed by the of established and Tree replanting agreements with heads of affected communities. reports Engineer dead trees Maintenance and monitoring of new trees for 3 years or until TPIO/Engineer viable. Check compliance with Sub-plan

Records and Inspection check-list, Recorded Visual review All records are available and recorded correctly. Contractor Monthly reporting Complaints log, information Consultation record, TPIO/Engineer Training records, Ensure contract and Licenses, Approvals check-list compliance and permits Operation and Maintenance Phase (To be updated by the TPIO Environment Specialist prior to operation of the road if required) Landscaped Type and number of List of area identified Visual inspection, Maintenance and monitoring the health of trees until viable within Contractor Bi-annually areas endemic and non- for landscaping, counts of number 3 years and replacement as required, endemic species graded, stabilized of established and No dead trees, soils covered by vegetation TPIO/Engineer planted, or specific to and drained areas dead trees Monitor the area developments * During implementation of the construction activities in the changed section, the Contractor obliged to consider all requirements included in the main EIA of Tranche 2: Ashtarak-Talin in parallel with the requirements provided in this document.

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10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This Environmental Impact Assessment Report is prepared for detailed design of 8 km road section near Agarak community KM 29+600 – KM 37+544 under the North-South Road Corridor Investment Program Tranche 2: Ashtarak-Talin road. Current EIA study examined in detail the implementation of the rehabilitation and improvement of 8km road section, including “No action” alternative. Minimization of the impact on the archaeological complex is the main benefit of the current design solution that is a result of detailed investigations done within the design preparation period and overall implementation of the Tranche 2. The EIA envisages that all the potential adverse and beneficial social and environmental impacts of the proposed final design option will be prevented and/or mitigated and the positive impacts strengthened in the result of implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures included in the Environmental Management Plan. Assessment of environmental impacts of this section done by taking into account international best practices and norms, based on the results of the surveys and investigations done by the qualified specialists. The positive socio-economic and environmental effects of the project outweigh the likely environmental and social risks associated with its implementation. Implementation of the project will improve efficiency of transportation; provide reliable, speedy and safe commute and connection; decrease operation and maintenance costs for road infrastructure; significantly reduce risk of accidents; reduce vehicle maintenance costs for both commuters and cargo transporters; contribute to improved social and economic welfare of the local population including men and women.

11. ANNEXES

Annex 1. Public Consultations

1st Public Consultation (Advertisements, attendance lists and sheets, handout)

1st Public Consultation – March 20, 2018 (Ashtarak) Armenia: North-South Road Corridor Investment Program Tranche 2. Ashtarak-Talin road. CHANGE OF ALIGNMENT

PUBLIC CONSULTATION MINUTES OF M1 YEREVAN-GYUMRI-BAVRA HIGHWAY AGARAK ARCHEOLOGICAL SECTION BYPASS ROAD SECTION DETAILED DESIGN, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT INITIAL ASSESSMENT APPLICATION Under the North-South Road Corridor Investment Project Tranche 2 implemented by financing of the Asian Development Bank, Public Consultations on the detailed design and initial environmental impact assessment application for about 8.0 km road section of M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra Highway to bypass the archeological site near the Agarak community were organized in the Aragatsotn Marz Governor’s Office's Conference Hall on March 20, 2018 at 11:00. The representatives of initiator, environmental and archeological specialists presented to the community the Project and the objective of the Public Consultations within the general scope of the Project. Public Consultations Agenda Welcoming speech was made by the RA Aragatsotn marz Deputy Governor Mushegh Abgaryan, who mentioned the objective of the consultations was to present to the community the information and related analyzes on the detailed design and initial environmental impact assessment application for about 8.0 km road section of M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra Highway to bypass the archeological site near the Agarak community, as well as to record the expected outcomes. Overall, a number of issues were presented during the consultations, and the team answered questions raised by the stakeholders. Though it has been mentioned that a separate meeting with the affected communities will be organized shortly in the framework of the LARP, the majority of

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questions were related to that topic. Each special question raised and its feedback are presented in the below Table. FINAL DESIGN In the area envisaged by the design of the North-South Road Corridor Investment Project Tranche 2 M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra Highway, a high value cultural units were discovered, therefore it has been decided to move the road to the north, and however, the alignment surveys showed that this solution may not be an option. The archeologists were suggested to consider the possibility to conduct the road by the southern part of the monument. During the additional field surveys the area free of serious cultural layers, as per initial observations, was revealed, and it's been suggested developing a new design through that area, after agreeing it with the Ministry of Culture. The design works were implemented based on the site geological and existing communication means survey. No changes were made in relevance to the design solutions, with only the design alignment being modified. Technical Specification of the Designed Road The alignment passes through the following communities: Voskevaz, Agarak, Aghdzk and Ujan. At the km 31+967 of the newly designed road, there is a one transport junction. Under the alignment, it is planned to move all the communication means. Artificial Constructions Two reinforced concrete overpasses with 2 flights of 18 m length are planned under the design. The total overpasses length is 72 m. 3 agricultural passages and 2 cattle passages are planned to be built in order not to hinder the agricultural works. To provide the water drainage of the rainwater and meltwater in the gorges and at the carriageway, about 40 pipes are envisaged along the road. All the artificial structures will be built in accordance to the international norms. Traffic Safety Arrangement Road signage, markings and barriers are envisaged for the relevant estimated speed of 100 km/h. Individual information signs are planned for the traffic participants’ convenience. Traffic safety is arranged according to the relevant acting norms (GOST R 52289-2004, GOST R 52290-2004).

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT APPLICATION The modification of the planned road construction mainly refers to the Highway section between the Agarak and Voskevaz communities and implies the declination of the alignment from Agarak to Voskevaz. As the mentioned declination will not cause new environmental impacts, and the existing impacts were discussed during the previous consultations, thus the questions raised mainly related to the land acquisition and passage accessibility, which is reflected in the below «Questions and Answers» section.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERES

Question Question raised by Answer Answer given by Are any changes of irrigation Agarak community All the water pipelines crossing the Hayk Norekyan network and field road planned representative – M. designed road will be changed. in Agarak community? Muradyan Overall, 3 agricultural passages and 2 cattle passages are planned for the modified section. Will the village lands be divided Voskevaz community The road crosses Voskevaz Hayk Norekyan into 2 parts in a result of change representative – H. community area with 500 m length. of the road? Have any passages Hovhannisyan No restriction of access to the been planned? existing land plots occurs; therefore, no agricultural machinery passage is required.

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A part of my land plot has been Aghdzk community All the land acquisition related Mushegh Abgaryan acquired before. In a result of representative – E. questions will be answered during the design modification, an Petrosyan the LARP Public Consultations. isolated land plot will remain. How will the agricultural works be organized for the mentioned section? The land plots access roads pass Aghdzk community No, there will be no restrictions. Boris Gasparyan through the archeological areas. representative – E. Won't there be any restrictions Petrosyan for the use of those roads? What are the planned land Aghdzk community All the land acquisition related Mushegh Abgaryan acquisition values? representative – E. questions will be answered during Petrosyan the LARP Public Consultations. There are lands not verified by Agarak community Land registration procedure takes Mushegh Abgaryan the Cadastre. Is it possible to representative – M. time and the solution will be register these lands under this Muradyan processed. Project? There are already excavated Agarak community Your question will be answered in Karine Azatyan areas in Agarak. Who is going to representative – M. details at the next Public fill them and when? Muradyan Consultations. Presently, it is the tree spraying Aghdzk community Please, keep the payment receipts Hayk Norekyan period. If we buy materials and representative – E. for the works implemented, to be spray them, and the lands are Petrosyan used as a proof. acquired later, will those expenses be compensated? If Start the works, and as for land Karine Azatyan not, why should we start those acquisition and compensation works? related questions, the LARP team members will answer those during the upcoming consultations.

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2nd Public Consultation (Advertisements, attendance lists and sheets, handout)

2nd Public Consultation – May 8, 2018 (Ashtarak)

Armenia: North-South Road Corridor Investment Program Tranche 2. Ashtarak-Talin road.

CHANGE OF ALIGNMENT

PUBLIC CONSULTATION MINUTES OF M1 YEREVAN-GYUMRI-BAVRA HIGHWAY AGARAK ARCHEOLOGICAL SECTION BYPASS ROAD SECTION DETAILED DESIGN, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT INITIAL ASSESSMENT APPLICATION

Under the North-South Road Corridor Investment Project Tranche 2 implemented by financing of the Asian Development Bank, Public Consultations (Phase Two) on the detailed design and initial environmental impact assessment application for about 8.0 km road section of M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra Highway to bypass the archeological site near the Agarak community were organized in the Aragatsotn Marz Governor’s Office's Conference Hall on June 29, 2018 at 12:00. The RA Aragatsotn marz Governor's Office Head of Environmental Section of the Agriculture and Nature Protection Department Sevak Melkonyan, Head of Environmental Section Sevak Melkonyan, Transport Section employee A. Ghazaryan, Voskevaz Community Mayor Hayk Hovhannisyan, Aghdzk Community Mayor Artur Avetisyan, representatives of “INSTITUTE DIRPROJECT” LLC – Hayk Norekyan, Karine Azatyan, Lilit Tadevosyan, Arsen Nazaryan and representatives of Aghdzk and Voskevaz communities participated in the meeting. The representatives of initiator, environmental and archeological specialists presented to the community the Project and the objective of the Public Consultations within the general scope of the Project. Public Consultations Agenda Welcoming speech was made by the Head of Environmental Section of the RA Aragatsotn marz Governor's Office Agriculture and Nature Protection Department Sevak Melkonyan, who mentioned the objective of the consultations was to present to the community the information and related analyzes on the detailed design and initial environmental impact assessment application for about 8.0 km road section of M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra Highway to bypass the archeological site near the Agarak community, as well as to record the expected outcomes. Overall, a number of issues were presented during the consultations, and the team answered questions raised by the stakeholders. Each special question raised and its feedback are presented in the below Table. FINAL DESIGN In the area envisaged by the design of the North-South Road Corridor Investment Project Tranche 2 M1 Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra Highway, a high value cultural units were discovered, therefore it has been decided to move the road to the north, and however the alignment surveys showed that this solution may not be an option. The archeologists were suggested to consider the possibility to conduct the road by the southern part of the monument. During the additional field surveys the area free of serious cultural layers, as per initial observations, was revealed, and it's been suggested developing a new design through that area, after agreeing it with the Ministry of Culture. The design works were implemented based on the site geological and existing communication means survey. No changes were made in relevance to the design solutions, with only the design alignment being modified. The RA Aragatsotn marz gives its preliminary approval to the implementation of the planned activity in the communities of the marz. Technical Specification of the Designed Road The alignment passes through the following communities: Voskevaz, Agarak and Aghdzk. At the km 31+967 of the newly designed road, there is a one transport junction. Under the alignment, it is planned to move all the communication means. Artificial Constructions

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Two reinforced concrete overpasses with 2 flights of 18 m length are planned under the design. The total overpasses length is 72 m. 3 agricultural passages and 2 cattle passages are planned to be built in order not to hinder the agricultural works. To provide the water drainage of the rainwater and meltwater in the gorges and at the carriageway, about 40 pipes are envisaged along the road. All the artificial structures will be built in accordance to the international norms. Traffic Safety Arrangement Road signage, markings and barriers are envisaged for the relevant estimated speed of 100 km/h. Individual information signs are planned for the traffic participants’ convenience. Traffic safety is arranged according to the relevant acting norms (GOST R 52289-2004, GOST R 52290-2004).

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT APPLICATION The modification of the planned road construction mainly refers to the Highway section between the Agarak and Voskevaz communities and implies the declination of the alignment from Agarak to Voskevaz. As the mentioned declination will not cause new environmental impacts, and the existing impacts were discussed during the previous consultations, thus the questions raised mainly related to the land acquisition and passage accessibility, which is reflected in the below «Questions and Answers» section.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERES

Question Question raised by Answer Answer given by In our opinion, another passage is Voskevaz Community We will present the given Hayk Norekyan required to access the lands of Mayor – H. section of the design. If Voskevaz community; is it possible Hovhannisyan possible and necessary, to add another passage? another passage will be added, and it will be presented at the next Consultations. Due to the design modification, Aghdzk community When the land acquisition Hayk Norekyan there will be isolated lands representative – E. process starts, you can raise remaining after the land Petrosyan your question to the company acquisition. Is it possible to acquire dealing with land acquisition. those isolated land plots too? At Aghdzk community section of Head of Aghdzk Yes, an overpass will be added Hayk Norekyan the road km 35+440 there is a need community at that section. for a new overpass. Is it possible to representative – E. add an overpass at that section? Petrosyan

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Annex 2. Biodiversity. Report on Field Survey 1. Introduction Considering the fact that the changed route passes through the slightly different area, the additional survey was carried out immediately in the area of the new route in August, 2018. The mentioned Survey Report is presented below. The area requested for the Agarak Bypass Section of the Noth-South Highway covers two types of natural vegetation: semidesert /or arid steppe/ and steppe. Except the mentioned main natural vegetation types, along the Shaghvard and Amberd riverbeds, there are channel weed assemblages, as well as vegetation typical for the abandoned orchards, cereal and fodder crop lands, cultivated and eliminated from the rotation. The natural vegetation types are partly distorted and poor in the nearby village pastures and agriculture lands. Crossing the Agarak-Oshakan road, the highway runs through flat, ameliorated fields. During the amelioration, the stone piles gathered from the fields were accumulated hundreds of meters long in a form of a few meters high mounds. Presently, on those mounds are growing the shrubs of Elm /Ulmus/ and Dog rose /Rosa/, which formed separate biotopes among the surrounding rocks. The route of highway after the locations of arable land and artificial mounds crosses the wide valley of Amberd river. From eastern part, the slope of the riverbed has a slight steepness, where the temporary wetlands due to the irrigation water losses occur; there are Brambles /Rubus/ bushes here and there. The right bank of the river is a few meters high cliff formed of tuff lavas, where there are shallow holes, which are the suitable nesting areas for reptiles. Then, the highway slightly changes its direction towards west and rises mainly through basis of tuff lava up the corrugated hill. In one section the highway runs over an abandoned tuff mine, near which there is a shallow pond formed due to a loss of irrigation water on the area of several hundred square meters. The pond coasts are not covered with vegetation; however, they are acquired by animals. The arid steppe landscape dominates in this section of the area. The soil cover here is extremely eroded. Significant areas have been ameliorated before, cleaned of stones, accumulated somewhere at the edge of ameliorated land plots, becoming a unique habitat for steppe animals. In a higher mountainous area, the vegetation changes significantly; it’s more abundant with the Brome steppe dominating in the lowlands turning into Fescue here. In this area, the representatives of Dendraflora occur more often: mainly bushes of Buckthorn /Rhamnus/, Dog rose /Rosa/, Hawthorn /Crataegus/, Willow- leaved pear /Pyurus salicifolia/; rarely occurs Ash /Fraxsinus/; there is a significant number of wild growing fruit trees: Apple tree, Pear tree, Armenian plum /Prunus Armeniaca/, Plum tree, and, sometimes – Bread tree /Elaeagnus/. Rarely occurs the /Acantalimon/ Prickly thrift. Along the old orchard’s irrigation canals certain Poplars /Populus/ and Willows /Salix/ are preserved. The difference in the altitudes of the river valley and the ridge peak at the crossings of the highway is approximately a hundred and twenty meters /from 1057 m to 1179 m/, which significantly affects the species compositions and abundance of vegetation. Then, the highway route runs through the old, uncultivated orchards and reaches the existing road. Although the anthropogenic impact on the natural vegetation is still significant in this section, it has gradually been acquired by the wild nature representatives. The vegetation is rich and widespread, with various invertebrates. Before crossing the existing road, at about the last ten kilometers, the highway route runs through the cultivated orchards. Those are fruit orchards /Pear tree, Apple tree, Apricot tree, Plum tree, etc./. There are also vineyards. At the next approximately 700 meters section the highway route runs through the existing highway, and, on the border of Ujan village, it runs through the shallow gorge, parallel to the existing road. Though there is no permanent running water in the gorge, nevertheless, the gorge is covered with steady vegetation; there are many trees: Ash /Fraxinus/, English Walnut /Juglans regia/, Mulberry /Morus/, Dog rose /Rosa/ and Brambles /Rubus/ bushes. Parallel to this part of the highway, on the southern side, there are twenty-five Silverberries /Elaeagnus/ and a few Nettle trees /Celitis/, which rarely occur in this region. On some of these trees there are nests of hoopoe and magpie. Thus, in the Agarak bypass area the North-South highway crosses two riverbeds, running through cultivated lands, arid steppe and steppe landscape zones, uncultivated and cultivated orchards.

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Picture 1.1. Riverbed of Shaghverd River from the edge of the cliff

In the center of the picture, you can see the tree layer growing at the edge of the cliff.

2. Office Work Phase Particular attention was paid to the flora and fauna representatives included in the Red Books of Plants and Animals of Armenia. When determining plant species and verifying plant names the work “Flora of Armenia” (1- 11 volumes, 1954-2010), a number of other books and professional literature, were used. The status of the rare and disappearing species was verified according to the Red Books of Animals and Plants of Armenia and the criteria developed by the Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

3. Field Work Phase The field research was performed with classical method of geological survey. The surveyed region has been particularized by the main biotopes, considering the terrain and landscape of the site, including the full range of microrelief diversity. During the survey, the occurring plant species have been recorded and taken photos of. If determining the plant species in field conditions was impossible, the sampling of the whole plant or separate plant organs was done to study them in working conditions. The fauna survey was carried out parallel to the fauna, according to biotopes. The type of flight of the flying animals /nature of movement/, the sounds made by the animals or the results of their vital activity can give information on the presence of those animals. Birds are usually observed with telescope and compared on site to the Birds Field Guide data /Martin S. Adamyan, Daniel Klam Junior “Birds of Armenia”, Field Guide, ISBN: 0- 9657429-5-4/. In exceptional cases, traps are placed, ambushes and night observations arranged. 3.1 Vegetation Of the upland landscape zones, the Noth-South Highway Agarak Bypass Section occupies the arid steppe low mountainous /1000-1600 m/ zone, in separate areas /particularly in southern and dry/ with typical for it the Semi-desert and mainly the Desert vegetation type. The channel vegetation assemblage is typical for Shaghavard and Amberd riverbeds. The main plant composition of the semi-desert natural vegetation is wormwood-ephemeric, with participation of: Artemisia fragrans Willd., Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad., Capparis spinosa Willd., Ceratoides

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papposa Botsch. et Ikonn., Atraphaxis spinosa L., Rhamnus pallasii Fisch. et Mey., Tanacetum argyrophyllum (C. Koch) Tzvel., Poa bulbosa L. Bromus, Aegilops, Eremopyrum, Alyssum, Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan) Parl. The steppe natural vegetation composition is cereal, forbs-cereal, with participation of Volga Fescue /Festuca valesiaca Gaudin/, Sheep’s fescue /F. ovina L./; Thin grass: two species: /Koelaria albovii Domin, K. cristata (L.) Pers./, Yellow bluestem /Bothriochloa ischaemum (I.) Keng/; Needle grass: three species /Stipa capillata L., S. lessingiana Trin. et Rupr., S. tirsa Stev./; /Elytrigia trichophora (Link) Nevski/, Yellow bedstraw /Galium verum L./; Phleum /Agropyron/, Andropogon, Pincushion /Scabiosa/, Speedwell /Veronica/, Wormwood /Artemisia/, Yarrow /Achillea/, Milkvetch /Astragalus/. The highway route crosses the Shaghvard riverbed's wetland area, which is prominent with its biodiversity. The right bank of the rivulet is the partially ruined cliff with 10-15 meters altitude. Between basalt rocks are growing tenth of Chinese elm /Ulmus pervifolia/ trees, which on the bottom of the riverbed are replaced with Willow native /Salix alba/. The first floor of these main tree species occupy the bushes of Dog rose /Rosa/, Cherry plum /Prunus cerasifera/, Common hawthorn /Crataegus/. These 15-20 m wide tree layer became the unique biotope for various animals. The major role in the riverbed play the willows growing separately and immediately on the bank of the river, with thickness of their trunks sometimes exceeding 40 cm and height of their foliage exceeding 15 -18 meters. The right bank of the river valley is slightly steep, covered with lush vegetation and uncultivated Apple tree /Malus orientalis/, Plum tree /Prunus divericata/, Mulberry /Morus/, English wallnut /Juglans regia/. There is a river valley vegetation here: Horse mint /Mentha longifolia/, Fireweed /Chamaenerion angustifolia/, Great hairy willow herb /Epilobium hirsutum/, Southern Cattail /Typha domingensis/, Russian mallow /Althaea armeniaca/, Purple loosestrife /Lythrum salicaria/, Dog rose and dewberry bushes, covered by Bindweed /Convolvulus/ and Perennial climber /Cynanchum acutum/. Cereals in assemblages with various forbs dominate in the area away from the river valley.

Picture 3.1 Perennial climber /Cynanchum acutum/ Picture 3.2 Southern cattail /Typha domingensis/

Picture 3.3 Armenian mallow /Althaea armeniaca/ Picture 3.4 Purple loosestrife /Lythrum salicaria/

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Picture 3.5 Great hairy willow herb /Epilobium Picture 3.6 Bindweed /Convolvulus/ hirsutum/

Picture 3.7 Panorama of Shaghvard River Valley

In the interfluve of Shaghvard and Amberd rivers, the highway route runs through ameliorated and cultivated land plots that presently are uncultivated and used as pastures. The vegetation here is severely oppressed, particularly due to overgrazing. The main plant species are cereals and weeds accompanying them, that are gradually replaced by semi-desert plants growing in severe conditions, such as Caper bush /Capparis spinoza/, Liquorice /Glycyrrhiza/, rarely occuring Mullein /Verbascum/. The soil in certain places in this section of highway route is over-wet due to wasting of irrigation water. In such locations the vegetation mainly consists of various species of Couch grass /Elytrigia/.

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Picture 3.8 Caper bush /Capparis spinosa/ Picture 3.9 Mullein /Verbascum/

Picture 3.10 Panorama of Uncultivated Fields in Shaghvard and Amberd Rivers Interfluve

The riverbed of Amberd River has double-bent shores and is relatively extensive. The river valley vegetation here is poor and extends directly along the riverbank. Instead, the aquatic vegetation, the fauna and invertebrates living in the vicinities of water are quite diverse. Along the whole highway passage, the river is full of tiny rapids and its bed is covered by large boulders.

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Picture 3.11 Blackberry bush /Rhubus / Picture 3.12 Aquatic vegetation of Amberd river

Picture 3.13. Panorama of Amberd River Valley

Riverside cliff is on the left իn /40017՛28.9N and 44016՛12.9E/ location there is a pond formed, on the bank of which the coastal swallows are observed. There were sites surveyed in the requested area, for which the mountain-steppe and semi-desert vegetation is typical, moreover, the mountain-steppe elements prevail there. In the arid steppe and steppe zones of the area surveyed, there are various Poaceae /Grasses/. In the lowland areas, of Cereals prevails Medusahead /Taeniatherum crinitum /Schreb./ Nevski/; in the highlands prevails Beardgrass /Botriochloa/. Of cereals everywhere occur Goatgrass /Aegilops/, Fescue /Festuca/, various Couches /Elytrigia/, Brome /Bromus/, Oat /Avena/.

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Picture 3.14 Goatgrass /Aegilops/ Picture 3.15 Medusahead /Taeniatherum crinitum /Schreb./ Nevski/

Picture 3.16 Brome /Bromus/ Picture 3.17 Oat /Avena/

Tomillar forms, the plant assemblages composed of the semi-bushes and perennial herbs (particularly of representatives of Mints /Lamiaceae/ family) are also developed. Of Mints plants, there are particularly Thymus rariflorus K. Koch, Persian horehound /Marrubium persicum C. A. Mey./, Mountain ironwort /Sideritis montana L./, Asian flax /Linum austriacum L./. Often occur the representatives of Daisy family /Astearaceae/ and Umbellifers /Apiaceae/, such as Sea holly plant /Eryngium sp./, Distaff thistles /Carthamus sp./, Black salsify /Scorzonera sp./, Siberian spurge /Euphorbia seguierana Neck./.

Picture 3.18 Thymus rariflorus K. Koch Picture 3.19 Persian horehound /Marrubium persicum C. A. Mey./

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Picture 3.20 Mountain ironwort /Sideritis montana L./ Picture 3.21 Asian flax /Linum austriacum L./

Picture 3.22 Armenian strawflower /Helichrysum Picture 3.23 Distaff thistles /Carthamus sp./ armenum DC. subsp. Armenum/

Many species growing in the area surveyed are herbs, edible or spice plants. These include Armenian strawflower /Helichrysum armenum DC. subsp. Armenum/, Allium pseudoflavum Vved., Yarrow /Achillea biebersteinii Afan./ and other plant species. Of plants typical for the surveyed steppe zone there are Oincushion flower /Scabiosa argentea L./, Xeranthemum longipapposum Fisch. et C. A. Mey., Mullein /Verbascum/, Common chicory /Cichorium intybus/, etc.

Picture 3.24 Sea holly plant /Eryngium sp./ Picture 3.25 Xeranthemum longipapposum Fisch. et C. A. Mey.

The steppe plant assemblages gradually replace the semi-desert areas on the hilltops. On the rocky hilltops, which have slightly been modified by humans, the bushes of Buckthorn /Rhamnus/, Dog rose /Rosa/, Plum /Prunus/, Hawthorn /Crataegus/, Willow-leaved pear /Pyrus salicifolia/ grow.

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Picture 3.26 Rocky desert on the hilltops

In the site of orchards the vegetation is particularly abundant along the irrigation canals. The dominant tree species here is the Poplar, and on the first floor of this tree cover the Plum tree, Hawthorn and Wild apples grow. In the Agarak bypass section of the North-South highway, the last section of the highway route beginning from the orchards and finishing with Ujan village border - makes the unique biotope. The road in this section runs down by the hillside and joins the existing road, remaining on its southern side, then, passes through the gorge, through which the excess irrigation water of the highland fields and orchards is removed. The wet gorge completely remains under the highway route. The main vegetation is comprised of Blackberry bushes, Common reed, Broadleaved lavander, Juncus.

Picture 3.27 Panorama of uncultivated orchards within the highway route

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Picture 3.28 Panorama of highway route towards Ujan village. The Silverberry grove can be seen on the left

There are a few trees of Ash /Fraxsinus/, English wallnut /Juglans regia/, White willow /Salix alba/ and Mulberry /Morus/. Of herbs there are Pepperweed /Lepidium vesicarium/, Bicolour pink /Diantus bicolor/, Yellow fig-leaved hollyhock /Alcea rugosa/ and Globe thistles /Echinops/. From the south of the highway route runs the old Yerevan-Gyumri road, which is no longer functioning. Along the old road, in the stone piles, 6 Smooth hackberries /Celtis glabrata/ are growing, the major part of which are multistemmed trees. Parallel to the stone plies, on the side of the field, are growing the Russian olive /Elaeagnus angistifolia/ grove and about 25 trees acquired by hoopoes as nesting area. This grove will potentially be impacted by the highway construction.

Picture 3.29 Smooth hackberry /Celtis glabrata/ Picture 3.30 Bicolour pink /Dantus bicolor/

3.2 Fauna According to the survey of 2011, the amphibians and reptiles are widespread here, of which frequently occur various species of toddlers, frogs, lizards and snakes. Of widely distributed species, here occur: of mammals – European hare (Lepus europaeus), Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Wolf (Canis lupus), as well as a number of rodents. In 2018, the additional surveys were carried out with its results presented below: The following fauna species presence is likely in the area surveyed: Siberian Winter Damselfly /Sympecma paedisca (Brauer, 1877/, Transcaucasian ratsnake (Zamenis hohenackeri), White-throated robin /Irania gutturalis/ and Mehely's horseshoe bat /Rhinolophus mehelyi/.

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In the area surveyed certain predatory birds can temporary occur, such as Egyptian eagle /Neophron percnopterus Linnaeus/, Bearded vulture /Gypaetus barbatus Linnaeus/, Griffon vulture /Gyps fulvus/, Short- toed snake eagle /Circaetus gallicus/, Steppe eagle /Aquila nipalensis orientalis Hodgson/, Golden eagle /Aquila chrysaetos/ and European roller /Coracias garrulus/ inhabiting the steep slopes in semi-desert and mountain- steppe zones and having extensive natural habitat. However, there is no suitable nesting environment for them in the requested area /except for European roller/. As a rule, the suitable nesting places for the large predatory birds are the high rocks that are absent in the vicinities of the site. The proximity of the rural community also repels these animals. For them the vicinities of the site may be only an area of seeking food and the operation of the site cannot have a significant impact on the number of these birds. In all cases, being mobile, the representatives of fauna, particularly birds, will leave the region without significant losses.

Picture 3.31 Mighty Antlion

3.3 Results of the Survey of the Red Book of Armenia The Red Books of Plants and Animals of Armenia has been surveyed in order to detect the animal and plant species registered in the Red Book of Armenia that are likely to be met in the Agarak bypass section of the North-South highway area and in the region. During the office works phase, the following plant species registered in the Red Book of Plants of Armenia were distinguished in the region: Hohenackeria exscapa (Stev.) Kos.-Pol., Dianthus cyri Fisch. et Mey., Sedum tetramerum Trautv., Elegant iris /Iris elegantissima Sosn/, however, their habitats do not adjacent to the requested area. During the field works in the area requested for the Agarak bypass section of the North-South Highway, it’s been proved, that immediately at the site of the planned activity, there are no plant or animal species that are in need of special protection, endangered, vulnerable, at the brink of extinction and registered in the Red Books of Plants and Animals of Armenia or in the Red List of IUCN. The Hohenackeria exscapa (Stev.) Kos.-Pol. needs to be specifically mentioned, as it has not been detected during the field works, nevertheless, its samples collected in the vicinities of Ujan and Agarak villages are preserved in the herbarium of the Institute of Biology (ERE). We consider another visit to the site to prove or reject the presence of this plant species in the requested area. During the filed works carried out in the requested area, no land migration routes of animals were detected in the area.

3.4 Specially Protected Areas of Nature Along the presented section of the road and it adjacent areas there are no Specially Protected Areas of Nature, such as reserves, national parks, state sanctuaries or registered natural monuments.

Work led by the Candidate of Biological Sciences M. Sargsyan

Work performed by the Environmental Expert H. Mirzoyan

Work implemented on August 28 – 30, 2018

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Annex 3. Report on the Impact of Agarak Bypass Section of the North-South Highway on Tree-Shrub Vegetation An inventory of the trees within the North-South Highway Agarak Bypass Section alignment has been made: the calculations were based on the highway trajectory presented by the developer in Google Earth program. The highway alignment has been studied in the office, the sites with tree-shrub vegetation marked, and the orientation points, visible from one another, assigned on the highway alignment. The sites of road junctions envisaged by the alignment, as well as those highway sections, which expand their impact zone based on the site features, have been considered. The potential impact borderlines in these sections have been marked and verified during the field works. The calculation of the trees to be cut was made with consideration of the type of tree, tree trunk thickness and tree status: whether it is domestic /crop/ or wild? The trunk thickness of the multi trunk trees was estimated roughly, considering the total area of all trunk sections. The height of tree foliage by sight has also been entered in the work records. During the field works, the following types of trees were found to be in the highway alignment impact zone /descending order/: Apricot tree, Apple, Pear, Elm, Ash, Willow, Walnut, Mulberry, Silver maple, Plum, Pyarm salicifolia, Poplar, Bread tree, Midland hawthorn, Vine, Peach, Sour cherry, Hackberry. There are 458 trees in the highway impact zone, including 211 cultivated /horticultural/ trees, of which about 50 cm trunk diameter above the land surface is greater of 5 cm. The highway with N 40017՛25:2՛՛ - E 44010՛11.7՛՛, N 40017՛26.0՛՛ - E 44014՛11.3՛՛ latitude, and N40017՛28.0՛՛ - E 44014՛14.8՛՛ and N 40017՛26.9՛՛ - E 44014՛15.3՛՛longitude area /3500 m2/ has almost 100% impact on the area with tree-shrub vegetation with foliage cover. According to the Article 3 of the RA “Forest Code”, the status of such area can be defined as “forest”. In some sections, the highway alignment passes through shrubs. The main composition species of shrubs are as follows: Buckthorn, Dog rose, Blackberry. In some sites, brushwood formed by certain types of trees, have been considered as shrubs /Common hazel, Silverberry, Elm, Pear, False indigo, etc./. The shrubs were estimated by an average area, as the shrubs are mainly represented in form of brushwood and it is impossible to count individual shrubs. In some cases, when the coverage of shrubs foliage area exceeds 30 % /this number derives from the RA “Forest Code” Article 3, with the similarity to the term “forest”/, the surface borderlines were marked with GPS and calculated with Google Earth program. Overall, it has been calculated that the highway alignment impacts the shrubs of 8685 m2 area. In the highway alignment impact zone, there is no tree-shrub vegetation registered in the Red Book of Armenia.

Work led by the Candidate of Biological Sciences M. Sargsyan

Work performed by the Environmental Expert H. Mirzoyan

Work implemented on 03.09.2018 – 07.09.2018

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Annex 4. Report on the Research Made for the Utilization of Topsoil of the Agarak Bypass Section of the North-South Highway The alignment of the Agarak Bypass Section of the North-South Highway passes through steppe and arid steppe landscape zones. It crosses the Shaghvard and Amberd gorges. Along the full length of the alignment there are agricultural lands: partially arable lands, perennial plantations /including orchards/ mostly with pasture functionality. In many sites, the soil had once been reacclimated resulting in formation of artificial rock hills, and later, the abandoned areas had been subject to ablation. In one section, the highway alignment passes over the abandoned and not recultivated tuff mine. Light brown soils with their varieties is the dominating soil type in the region; light brown residual soils that due to the irrigation acquired a carbonated cement base, prevail in plains /to the south from Agarak village/, and the light brown underdeveloped soil type prevails on mountain slopes. These lands are suitable for establishing orchards, provided there is an irrigation. In Shaghvard and Amberd riverbeds, the soil-forming are the contemporary riverbed proluvial and alluvial-proluvial rocks, while in valleys, it’s the breakstone-gravel, sandy and rocky and sandy loam rocks that are pedogenic. In the fertile layer of soil in the valley there are quite many boulders of up to 10 cm. If at the site of the highway alignment in Shaghvard river gorge the topsoil layer has significant capacity, in Amberd river gorge it almost lacks the topsoil. The topsoil layer capacity is significant in the section of highway alignment, where it passes through the small concavity formed in the highland area. And on the slopes, on the contrary, the topsoil capacity is insufficient to utilize it. In these sites, the soil erosion degree is the 5th /45-70%/, and in the abovementioned tuff mine there are bedrocks exposures. The norms of the topsoil layer utilization is calculated based on the requirements of the RA Government Deree № -N of 20.07.2006 /Point 9/. The highway alignment was surveyed and the topsoil layer average capacity measured in certain points of the profile. The measurements were made through digging and opening the soil profile, that has then been measured; we have also measured the soil profiles opened in a result of various earthworks. Soil profiles have been separated considering the soil type, quality, average capacity of topsoil layer, etc. In the highway alignment 11 profiles have been marked out and their data is presented in form of table. Photos of these profiles in Google Earth program are also attached. Table 1. Soil Layer Capacity by Profiles Volume of Coordinates Coordinates Contour Topsoil layer Contour area, utilized topsoil of contours, of contours, capacity, cm m2 № layer, m3 beginning end 0 0 N 40 17՛41.7՛՛ N 40 17՛40.9՛՛ 1 25 5591 1317 0 0 E 44 18՛12.9՛՛ E 44 18՛09.6՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛40.1՛՛ N 40 17՛39.5՛՛ 2 20 6258 1251 0 0 E 44 18՛09.6՛՛ E 44 18՛04.3՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛39.4՛՛ N 40 17՛35.6՛՛ 3 20 12900 2580 0 0 E 44 18՛04.2՛՛ E 44 ՛49.2՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛35.5՛՛ N 40 17՛48.8՛՛ 4 15 14262 2139 0 0 E 44 17՛31.9՛՛ E 44 17՛31.9՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛27.1՛՛ N 40 17՛23.9՛՛ 5 20 11825 2365 0 0 E 44 17՛16.2՛՛ E 44 17՛03.2՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛23.2՛՛ N 40 17՛22.1՛՛ 6 20 4538 907 0 0 E 44 17՛00.7՛՛ E 44 16՛55.8՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛21.8՛՛ N 40 17՛21.1՛՛ 7 20 9761 1952 0 0 E 44 16՛54.2՛՛ E 44 16՛45.1՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛28.4՛՛ N 40 17՛29.1՛՛ 8 20 17586 3517 0 0 E 44 15՛13.4՛՛ E 44 15՛01.6՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛29.3՛՛ N 40 17՛29.8՛՛ 9 25 7443 1860 0 0 E 44 15՛00.2՛՛ E 44 14՛54.4՛՛ 0 0 N 40 17՛30.0՛՛ N 40 17՛30.5՛՛ 10 25 9992 2498 0 0 E 44 1՛53.0՛՛ E 44 14՛44.7՛՛

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0 0 N 40 17՛30.5՛՛ N 40 17՛30.4՛՛ 11 20 3738 747 0 0 E 44 14՛44.7՛՛ E 44 14՛37.8՛՛ 103894 21133

Thus, 21133 m3 topsoil out of the mentioned highway alignment section, is subject to utilization, and it’s expedient to store it in five warehouses, in accordance with the requirements of the abovementioned Government Decree.

Performer: Environmental Expert H. Mirzoyan

Work performed on 03.09.2018 – 07.09.2018

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Picture 1. North-South, M2 Road, Agarak bypass section. Topsoil Investigation (Part 1)

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Picture 2. North-South, M2 Road, Agarak bypass section. Topsoil Investigation (Part 2)

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Picture 3. North-South, M2 Road, Agarak bypass section. Topsoil Investigation (Part 3)

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Picture 4. North-South, M2 Road, Agarak bypass section. Topsoil Investigation (Part 4)

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Annex 5. Results of Measurements of Soil-Cover, Air Basin and Noise in the Agarak Bypass Section of the North-South Highway

1. Monitoring Report

North-South Road Corridor Investment Project Tranche 2. Change of Agarak Section of Ashtarak-Talin Road 9.08.2018

. Saplig poit № – 439669.91 m E, 4460351.22 m N, located near the Voskevaz Wine Factory. Measurement: soil sampling number 1, air samplermer N3-SO2, N3-NO2 noise 2. Saplig poit № – 436247.00 m E, 4460322.00 m N, located in the section from Ujan to Agarak, in the direction of dilapidated, asphalted road.

Measurements: air samplermer N1-SO2, N1-NO2 noise . Saplig poit № – 437863.00 m E, 4460255.00 m N, located in the section from Ujan to Agarak, near the barns.

Measurements: soil sampling number 2, air samplermer N2-SO2, N2-NO2 noise . Saplig poit № – 441617.46 m E, 4461001.61 m N, located in the beginning, behind the gas station. Measurements: noise twice, air samplermer N4-SO2, N4-NO2 Table 1. Noise Measurements: Digital Sound Level Meter. PH-410

Measurement dBA/average 30 seconds/ Location Measureet № Measureet № Poit № 73 74 Poit № 64 64 Poit № 61 62 Poit № 68 71

Note: Two measurements were made at each point with 1 hour interval.

The results of soil samples and analyzes of sulfur anhydride and nitrogen dioxide are presented in the reports of the “Environmental Monitoring and Information Center” SNCO of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection.

“Consecoard” LLC Specialist: A. Saradjyan /signed/

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2. Ambient Air Quality Survey Results

(North-South Highway 8 km Section Near Agarak)

Name of Client: “Consecoard” LLC I APPROVE Sampling date: 09.08-16.08.2018 Deputy Director of Environmental Monitoring and Information Center SNCO Date of results issuing: 30.08.2018 G. Shahnazaryan /signed/ /Official seal/ 30.08.2018

Average Daily Concentration in the Observation Point Surveyed, mg/m3 For Sampling Observation

Point MPCaverage day = 0,05 MPCaverage day = 0,04 Sulfur dioxide Nitrogen dioxide PS1 0,0291 0,0127 PS2 0,0291 0,0161 PS3 0,0423 0,0110 PS4 0,0470 0,0113 Average concentration in 0,0369 0,0128 the area surveyed, mg/m3 MPC – Maximum Permissible Concentration

Head of Air Monitoring Laboratory /signed/ A. Gabrielyan

3. Soil Samples Chemical Analyzes Results

(North-South Highway 8 km Section Near Agarak)

Client: “Consecoard” LLC I APPROVE Contract number: № /7-1 (10.07.2017) Deputy Director of Environmental Monitoring and Information Center SNCO Date of receiving the samples: 09.08.2018 G. Shahnazaryan /signed/ Date of issuing the results: 17.08.2018 /Official seal/ 30.08.2018 Sampler: Client

Measured Value Standard Analytical № Measured Indicator Unit Sample 1 Sample 2 Method Applied 1 Lithium g/kg 0,0420 0,0151 2 Beryllium g/kg 0,00246 0,00210 3 Boron g/kg 0,0314 0, 0230 4 Sodium g/kg 40,57 35,36 5 Magnesium g/kg 10,49 5,30 6 Aluminum g/kg 40,52 19,97 7 Total Phosphor g/kg 1,30 1,97 8 Potassium g/kg 17,11 24,45 9 Calcium g/kg 16,98 11,52 10 Titan g/kg 8,6038 7,9999

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11 Vanadium g/kg 0,1255 0,1010 12 Chrome g/kg 0,0959 0,0232 13 Iron g/kg 36,95 19,41 14 Manganese g/kg 1,2302 0,5989 15 Cobalt g/kg 0,0233 0,0126 ISO 17294 16 Nickel g/kg 0,0751 0,0265 17 Copper g/kg 0,1074 0,0233 18 Zinc g/kg 0,1182 0,0783 19 Arsenic g/kg 0,00928 0,00369 20 Selenium g/kg 0,00142 0,00190 21 Strontium g/kg 0,1657 0,1333

22 Molybdenum g/kg 0,00088 0,00221 23 Cadmium g/kg 0,000447 0,000368 24 Tin g/kg 0,00250 0,00176 25 Antimony g/kg 0,000471 0,000126 26 Barium g/kg 0,2217 0,2609 27 Lead g/kg 0,0206 0,0135

Head of Water Monitoring Laboratory /signed/ A. Zurnachyan

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4. Dust Measure Results

ATMS Solutions LLC 713 Office, 26/3 V.Sargsyan, 0010, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +374 10 583643 Mobile: +37499 109495 [email protected], www.atms.am

PROTOCOL On Dust Concentration Measurements № 18-177 as of 13.08.2018

Information on the Object Object name: North-South Road Corridor Project Tranche 2: Agarak Section of Ashtarak-Talin Road Client: Consecoard LLC Legal Address: 54b Komitas Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +37410 249698 Measurement point(s): № . E, . N Location Description: Located near the Voskevaz Wine Factory Measurement date: 09.08.2018 Measurement objective: Determination of Dust (PM2.5 and PM10) Concentration. Measurement points identified by: Aram Sarajyan. Measurement methods and verification information: Measurements were made with DT-96 dust particles measurement device that has the following technical specifications: - Measurement routes: 2.5 mkm and 10 mkm; - Measurement domain: 0-2000 mkm/m3, step: 1mkm/m3; - Temperature domain: 0-50oC, step: 1oC, inaccuracy: ±0.1oC; - Humidity domain: 0-100%, inaccuracy ±5%: in case of 0-20% and 80-100%; ±3.5%: in case of 20-80%.

Information on Aspirator Verification Fator № Verification Certifiate № Date Valid until - DT-96 dust particles measurement device is verified by the producer

Normative documents: 1. GOST 17.2.4.05-83 “Environmental Protection: Gravimetric Method of Dust Particulate Matter Determination”; 2. Goeret Deree №-N “Norms of Maximum Permitted Concentrations (MPC) of the Settlements’ Atmospheric Air Polluting Agents”. Measurement duration: 1 minute (1 measurement). Main dust source: Traffic.

C Maximum Permitted o

Concentration (MPC), Actual mg/m3 № Measurements point (data) Concentration, 3

Number mg/m Daily Maximum Humidity, %

Measurement average one-time Temperature,

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1 PM2.5* 0.005 0.035 0.16 34 39

2 PM10** 0.013 0.06 0.3 Measurement 1 Measurement

Saplig poit № 3 PM2.5* 0.005 0.035 0.16

35 38 4 PM10** 0.011 0.06 0.3 Measurement 2 Measurement

*PM2.5: Particulate matter of 2.5 mkm ** PM10: Particulate matter of 10 mkm

Opinion I Measureet poit № the atual oetratios of partiulate atter PM. ad PM do ot eeed the daily average and maximum one-time MPCs.

Position Name, family name Signature Measurements Engineer G. Sahakyan implemented by Director A. Ter-Torosyan

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ATMS Solutions LLC 713 Office, 26/3 V.Sargsyan, 0010, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +374 10 583643 Mobile: +37499 109495 [email protected], www.atms.am

PROTOCOL On Dust Concentration Measurements № 18-178 as of 13.08.2018

Information on the Object Object name: North-South Road Corridor Project Tranche 2: Agarak Section of Ashtarak-Talin Road Client: Consecoard LLC Legal Address: 54b Komitas Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +37410 249698 Measurement point(s): № . E, . N Location Description: Located in the section from Ujan to Agarakavan, in direction of dilapidated asphalted road Measurement date: 09.08.2018 Measurement objective: Determination of Dust (PM2.5 and PM10) Concentration. Measurement points identified by: Aram Sarajyan. Measurement methods and verification information: Measurements were made with DT-96 dust particles measurement device that has the following technical specifications: - Measurement routes: 2.5 mkm and 10 mkm; - Measurement domain: 0-2000 mkm/m3, step: 1mkm/m3; - Temperature domain: 0-50oC, step: 1oC, inaccuracy: ±0.1oC; - Humidity domain: 0-100%, inaccuracy ±5%: in case of 0-20% and 80-100%; ±3.5%: in case of 20-80%. Information on Aspirator Verification Fator № Verification Certifiate № Date Valid until - DT-96 dust particles measurement device is verified by the producer

Normative documents: 1. GOST 17.2.4.05-83 “Environmental Protection: Gravimetric Method of Dust Particulate Matter Determination”; 2. Goeret Deree №-N “Norms of Maximum Permitted Concentrations (MPC) of the Settlements’ Atmospheric Air Polluting Agents”. Measurement duration: 1 minute (1 measurement). Main dust source: Traffic.

Maximum Permitted

C Concentration o (MPC), mg/m3 Actual № Measurements point (data) Concentration, 3 mg/m Daily Maximum Humidity, % average one-time Temperature, Measurement Number

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1 PM2.5* 0.004 0.035 0.16

34 42 2 PM10** 0.011 0.06 0.3

Measurement 1 Measurement

Saplig poit № 3 PM2.5* 0.004 0.035 0.16 35 40

4 PM10** 0.01 0.06 0.3 Measurement 2 Measurement

*PM2.5: Particulate matter of 2.5 mkm ** PM10: Particulate matter of 10 mkm Opinion I Measureet poit № the atual oetratios of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 do not exceed the daily average and maximum one-time MPCs. Position Name, family name Signature Measurements Engineer G. Sahakyan implemented by Director A. Ter-Torosyan

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ATMS Solutions LLC 713 Office, 26/3 V.Sargsyan, 0010, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +374 10 583643 Mobile: +37499 109495 [email protected], www.atms.am

PROTOCOL On Dust Concentration Measurements № 18-179 as of 13.08.2018

Information on the Object Object name: North-South Road Corridor Project Tranche 2: Agarak Section of Ashtarak-Talin Road Client: Consecoard LLC Legal Address: 54b Komitas Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +37410 249698 Measurement point(s): № . E, . N Location Description: Located in the section from Ujan to Agarak, near the barns Measurement date: 09.08.2018 Measurement objective: Determination of Dust (PM2.5 and PM10) Concentration. Measurement points identified by: Aram Sarajyan. Measurement methods and verification information: Measurements were made with DT-96 dust particles measurement device that has the following technical specifications: - Measurement routes: 2.5 mkm and 10 mkm; - Measurement domain: 0-2000 mkm/m3, step: 1mkm/m3; - Temperature domain: 0-50oC, step: 1oC, inaccuracy: ±0.1oC; - Humidity domain: 0-100%, inaccuracy ±5%: in case of 0-20% and 80-100%; ±3.5%: in case of 20-80%. Information on Aspirator Verification Fator № Verification Certifiate № Date Valid until - DT-96 dust particles measurement device is verified by the producer

Normative documents: 1. GOST 17.2.4.05-83 “Environmental Protection: Gravimetric Method of Dust Particulate Matter Determination”; 2. Government Decree №-N “Norms of Maximum Permitted Concentrations (MPC) of the Settlements’ Atmospheric Air Polluting Agents”. Measurement duration: 1 minute (1 measurement). Main dust source: Traffic.

Maximum Permitted Concentration C o (MPC), mg/m3 Actual № Measurements point (data) Concentration, 3 mg/m Daily Maximum Humidity, % average one-time Temperature, Measurement Number

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1 PM2.5* 0.005 0.035 0.16 34 40 2 PM10** 0.011 0.06 0.3 Measurement 1 Measurement

Saplig poit № 3 PM2.5* 0.005 0.035 0.16 36 38

4 PM10** 0.011 0.06 0.3 Measurement 2 Measurement

*PM2.5: Particulate matter of 2.5 mkm ** PM10: Particulate matter of 10 mkm Opinion I Measureet poit № the atual oetratios of partiulate atter PM. ad PM do ot eeed the daily average and maximum one-time MPCs. Position Name, family name Signature Measurements Engineer G. Sahakyan implemented by Director A. Ter-Torosyan

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ATMS Solutions LLC 713 Office, 26/3 V.Sargsyan, 0010, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +374 10 583643 Mobile: +37499 109495 [email protected], www.atms.am

PROTOCOL On Dust Concentration Measurements № 18-180 as of 13.08.2018

Information on the Object Object name: North-South Road Corridor Project Tranche 2: Agarak Section of Ashtarak-Talin Road Client: Consecoard LLC Legal Address: 54b Komitas Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: +37410 249698 Measurement point(s): № . E, . N Location Description: Located in the beginning, behind the gas station Measurement date: 09.08.2018 Measurement objective: Determination of Dust (PM2.5 and PM10) Concentration. Measurement points identified by: Aram Sarajyan. Measurement methods and verification information: Measurements were made with DT-96 dust particles measurement device that has the following technical specifications: - Measurement routes: 2.5 mkm and 10 mkm; - Measurement domain: 0-2000 mkm/m3, step: 1mkm/m3; - Temperature domain: 0-50oC, step: 1oC, inaccuracy: ±0.1oC; - Humidity domain: 0-100%, inaccuracy ±5%: in case of 0-20% and 80-100%; ±3.5%: in case of 20-80%. Information on Aspirator Verification Fator № Verification Certifiate № Date Valid until - DT-96 dust particles measurement device is verified by the producer Normative documents: 3. GOST 17.2.4.05-83 “Environmental Protection: Gravimetric Method of Dust Particulate Matter Determination”; 4. Goeret Deree №-N “Norms of Maximum Permitted Concentrations (MPC) of the Settlements’ Atmospheric Air Polluting Agents”. Measurement duration: 1 minute (1 measurement). Main dust source: Traffic.

Maximum Permitted C o Concentration (MPC), 3 Actual mg/m № Measurements point (data) Concentration, mg/m3

Humidity, % Daily Maximum

Temperature, average one-time Measurement Number

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1 PM2.5* 0.004 0.035 0.16

35 39

2 PM10** 0.001 0.06 0.3 Measurement 1 Measurement Saplig poit №

3 PM2.5* 0.005 0.035 0.16 36 37 4 PM10** 0.012 0.06 0.3 Measurement 2 Measurement

*PM2.5: Particulate matter of 2.5 mkm ** PM10: Particulate matter of 10 mkm Opinion I Measureet poit № the atual oetratios of partiulate atter PM. ad PM do ot eeed the daily average and maximum one-time MPCs. Position Name, family name Signature Measurements Engineer G. Sahakyan implemented by Director A. Ter-Torosyan

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Annex 6. Preliminary Assessment of Archaeological Impact during Construction of the Road Planned Under the Revised Design of “North-South Road Corridor Investment Program” Ashtarak- Talin Section Passing Through the “Agarak” Historical and Cultural Reserve Brief Reference: Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve (Index 2.4.1. in the RA State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments for Aragatsotn Marz. There is an approved design of the Monument’s protection zones, where the phisycal borders of its distribution and its protection borders are presented. According to the latter, the Complex consists of the settlement, wine presses, necropolis and sanctuaries dated to the IV-I millenium BCE: the Kingdom of Van, Hellenistic Period and the middle Ages. The territory of the monument is declared a Historical and Cultural Reserve). The monument is located to the southwest from the Agarak village of the RA Aragatsotn marz, spread along the right and left sides of the existing Ashtarak-Talin Highway, as well as on the southern approaches of Aragats. The Complex located on the west coast of the River Amberd occupies above 200 ha area, a portion of which (118 ha) has been turned into a Historical and Cultural Reserve by the RA Government Decree (Maps 1-1a). The natural boundary of the Monument location formed from the tuff lava sediments extending to the south through the horizontal surface and slight slope is Amberd, on the east, and the mountain ridge extending parallel to the river, on the west. Considering the tuff lava flow-formed relief feature, the location has been reshaped by human becoming a huge complex of rock-hewn construction ensemble. Downstream the River Amberd, the unbroken series of rock face on the tens of hectars, tuff flows, carnations and tuff platforms, as well as freestanding blocks of stone with their entire surface, are craved at the edges. The front parts of rock faces and rock platforms are also craved. There are cave holes, stairs and other natural craves leading to those holes. Due to them, as well as unbroken series of round, horseshoe-shaped structures, linked by channels and trapezoidal “sacrificial altars”, the natural landscape transformed into a massive monument. This ensemble of ritual structures is amplified by the constructions built around the rock plateaus and in the spaces between. Stratigraphic observations show that this ensemble of ritual platforms is formed in the Early Bronze Age. No such monument had been documented neither in Armenian Highland, nor in its adjacent territories. It is unique by its unusual composition solutuions and scopes. Excavations have been carried out on the first rock platform of the Agarak northern Complex before 2012. They show that Agarak was inhabited in the Early Bronze Age. The street opened on the northwestern edge of the first platform, the round-shaped dwellings and rectangular couplings at both sides of the road prove there was a settlement with regular plan in the Early Bronze Age. Apparently, the central elements of planning of the Agarak Early Bronze Age settlement are the carved rock platforms surrounded by the residential districts. Large quantities of excavated artifacts, therracotta statues, the remnants of round and horseshoe-shaped homes and base pedestals suggest that the period of inhabiting of this ancient settlement is attributed to the middle of Shengavit or Kura-Arax ancient culture Age that is presently dated about XXIX-XXVII centuries BCE During the excavations in 2004, the Mousterian obsidian cuspidal and the stone tools accidentally found at the surface of the ancient site, among the cultural remnants of the Early Bronze Age, and rather well preserved, suggest it is possile to find the cultural layers attributed to Palelit in future. The layer following the Early Bronze is disturbed and represented with materials proving the settling of the location in different epochs - from the Middle Bronze to the Early Iron (XIX/XVIII – IX Centuries BCE). The existence of jar burial with Urartian seal and the Urartian pottery suggest that the Agarak ancient settlement was also inhabited in VIII-VI centuries BCE. In 2004, at the southern side of the first rock platform, a unique example of the Urartian Age burial architecture was discovered. It is a columbarium entirely dug in the tufa rock. The entrance of the structure facing the south (Mount Ararat) was covered with the huge tuff plate. The necropolis hall of about 9 square meters has rock cells on both sides and front side, and there are also cells for urns and a sarcophagic pool. This find is unique among the similar structures in Transcaucasus Region, and has parallels with well-known examples from Van. The columbarium had been plundered by the population of Hellenistic period, performing burials at the same site; however, the research of the area suggests detection of similar structures in future. After the decomposition of the Kingdom of Van, Agarak was a large urban-type settlement. The vast number of wine presses on the excavated surfaces suggests viniculture and winemaking had a special place in life of Agarak population. Due to being a key junction of the trade highway from Ayrarat to Shirak and Ani, the economic and commercial life of the settlement flourished especially in the period from IV/III centuries BCE to II/ IV centuries CE. It is proved by the silver drachma of Alexander the Great and silver pence of Augustus Octavianus discovered in the coloured ceramic layers of Hellenistic and the Late Antique

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Ages. The samples of the few glazed and kitchen ceramics discovered in the earthfill covering the platform and Hellenistic layer suggest that the Monument was ihabited also in the developed Middle Ages - in XII-XIV centuries. The last stage of Agarak settlement is represented by the materials characteristic for XVII-XVIII centuries (ceramics, bases of houses and copper coins issued by the Yerevan Khanate). The contemporary use of the Monument is rethought in the light of the entire historical development of this phenomenon. Once being a place of the ancient mentality expression, ritual ceremonies and sacrifices, economic development and busy life, nowadays, several parts of the Monument turned into chapels are worshipped by the locals by the power of centuries-old traditions (Layout 1, Photos 1–73). Considering the complexity of the present urban development and road construction situation of the Complex, which is represented by modern shelters, quarry, water mains and road, as well as in the interests of further research and preservation of the Monument, the Complex was assigned a status of the Historical and Cultural Reserve with total area of 118 hectares under the Government Decree of 2002. In general, the Agarak settlement is one of the best archeological monuments of Armenia represented by open-air temple complexes (religious or ritual landscape) that practically reflects all stages of material culture development from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages (see Hovhannisyan M.P., Agarak Rock Carvings, Journal of Public Sciences, N1 (565), January, 1990, pp. 70-77; Hovhannisyan M.P., Voskehat Sanctuary, Journal of Public Sciences, N2 (604), May-August, 2001, pp. 144-149; Avetisyan P., Gasparyan B., Agarak Monument Excavations of 2001, Ancient Armenia Culture II, Republican Scientific Session, Dedicated to the 90th Birth Anniversary of the Academician Babken Arakelyan, Editors-in-chief A.A. Kalantaryan and S.B. Harutyunyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2002, pp. 9-13; Tumanyan G., Preliminary Results of Excavations of I11 and H11 Squares of the Agarak Archeological Complex, Ancient Armenia Culture XII, Republican Scientific Session, Dedicated to the 90th Birth Anniversary of the Academician Babken Arakelyan, Editors-in-chief A.A. Kalantaryan and S.B. Harutyunyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2002, pp. 13-18; Tumanyan G., Terracotta Statues of the Agarak Ancient Settlement, Ancient Armenia Culture 2, Materials of the Conference Dedicated to the Emma Khangaldyan’s Jubilee, Editors A. Kalantaryan, S. Harutyunyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2002, pp. 36-43; Karapetian I., Yengibaryan N., The Agarak Mausoleum Complexes (Preliminary Report), Ancient Armenia Culture 2, Materials of the Conference Dedicated to the Emma Khangaldyan’s Jubilee, Editors A. Kalantaryan, S. Harutyunyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2002, pp. 58-65; Vardanyan R., The Pence of Augustus Octavianus Discovered during the Agarak’s Archeological Excavations of 2001 (Preliminary Report), Ancient Armenia Culture II, Republican Scientific Session, Dedicated to the 90th Birth Anniversary of the Academician Babken Arakelyan, Editors-in-chief A.A. Kalantaryan and S.B. Harutyunyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2002, pp. 65-70; Stone R., Armenia Uncovers A Bronze Age Treasure Trove, Science Magazine, Vol. 298, 20 December 2002, pp. 2319- 2320; Avetisyan P., New Documents of the “Holy Landscape” in Armenia (Results of Agarak Monument Excavations), Jubilee Conference in Aragatsotn: The Spiritual and Cultural Heritage, Conference is Dedicated to the 1700th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Holy Etcmiadzin Cathedral, Fundamentals of the Conference, Oshakan, 2003, pp. 53-55; Khachatryan N., The Stone Monuments from Harichavank, Ancient Armenia Culture 3, Materials of the Conference dedicated to the 70th Birth Anniversary of the Telemak Khachatryan, Editors A. Kalantaryan, R. Badalyan, “Mughni” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2003, pp. 181-121; Avetisyan P., The Preliminary Results of the Agarak Monument Excavations, Archeology, Ethnography and Study of Folklore of the Caucasus, Materials of the International Conference, Yerevan, November 17-18, 2003, Editor-in-chief A. Kalantaryan, Mother See of Holy Etcmiadzin, 2003, pp. 52-57; Meliksetyan Kh., Pernicka E., Badalyan R., Avetissyan P., Geochemical Characterisation of Armenian Early Bronze Age Metal Artefacts and Their Relation to Copper Ores, International Conference Archaeometallurgy in Europe, 24-25-26 September 2003, Milan, Italy, Proceedings, Vol. 1, pp.597-606; Tumanyan G., Excavations of 2002 of the Lot 1 of the Agarak Settlement, Ancient Armenia Culture XIII, Materials of Republican Scientific Session, Managing Editors A.A. Kalantaryan, R.S. Badalyan and P.S. Avetisyan, “Mughni” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2005, pp. 60-66; Melikyan V., On the Description of the Agarak’s Ceramics of the Middle Bronze Age, Ancient Armenia Culture XIII, Materials of Republican Scientific Session, Managing Editors A.A. Kalantaryan, R.S. Badalyan and P.S. Avetisyan, “Mughni” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2005, pp. 102-108; Kalantaryan I., The Agarak’s Newly Discovered Cave Necropolis; Ancient Armenia Culture XIII, Materials of Republican Scientific Session, Managing Editors A.A. Kalantaryan, R.S. Badalyan and P.S. Avetisyan, “Mughni” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2005, pp. 154-160; Smith A.T., Prometheus Unbound: Southern Caucasia in Prehistory, Journal of World Prehistory, 2005, 19, pp. 229-279; Avetisyan P., Holy Landscape. On the Characteristics of Religious Constructions of the Agarak, in “Mythical Landscapes.Then and

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Now. The Mystification of Landscapes in Search for National Identity”, Yerevan-Antares, 2006, pp. 256-260; Kalantar A., An Ancient Water Supply System in the Soviet Armenia, “Armenia, from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages”, Collection of Writings, Institute of Archeology and Ethnography, Scientific Heritage, Volume 4, Editor A.A. Kalantaryan, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 281-297; Badalyan R.S., Avetisyan P.S., Agarak, in Bronze and iron Age Archaeological Sites of Armenia I, Mt. Aragats and its Surrounding Region, BAR International Series 1697, Archaeopress, Oxford, 2007, pp. 24-35; Meliksetyan Kh., Pernicka E., Badalyan R., Compositions and Some Considerations on the Provenance of Armenian Early Bronze Age Copper Artefacts, 2nd International Conference Archaeometallurgy in Europe, 17-21 June, 2007, Aquileia, Italy, pp. 125-134; Avetisyan P., Protection of Archeological Monuments in the Republic of Armenia: Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve, Preservation of Armenian Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Armenia and Abroad, A Roundtable, Yerevan-Oshakan, December 2-6, 2008, pp. 124-128; Tumanyan G., Excavations of 2004-2005 of the Lot 1 of the Agarak Archeological Monument, Ancient Armenia Culture XIV, Materials of Republican Scientific Session, Managing Editors A.A. Kalantaryan, R.S. Badalyan and P.S. Avetisyan, “Mughni” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2005, pp. 60-66; In the Memory of Academician B.B. Pitrovsky and H.M. Janpoladyan, Managing Editors P.S. Avetisyan, A.A. Kalantaryan and R.S. Badalyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2008, pp. 69-73; Tumanyan G., Avetisyan P., Sanamyan H., Temporary Strengthening of Excavated Constructions in Lot I of the Agarak Archeological Complex, Ancient Armenia Culture XIV, Materials of Republican Scientific Session, In Memory of Academician B.B. Pitrovsky and H.M. Janpoladyan, Managing Editors P.S. Avetisyan, A.A. Kalantaryan and R.S. Badalyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2008, pp. 75-79; Sahakyan H., Peculiarities of Creative and Artistic Thinking in the Early Bronze Age, Ancient Armenia Culture XIV, Materials of Republican Scientific Session, In Memory of Academician B.B. Pitrovsky and H.M. Janpoladyan, Managing Editors P.S. Avetisyan, A.A. Kalantaryan and R.S. Badalyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan, 2008, pp. 303-306; Avetisyan P., Recently Found Archaeological Sites of Armenia (Agarak), Aramazd, Armenian Journal of Near Eastern Studies, Volume III, Issue 2, 2008, pp. 39-50, 194-195, 208-216; Meliksetyan Kh. Pernicka E., Geochemical Characterization of Armenian Early Bronze Age Metal Artefacts and Their Relation to Copper Ores, Von Maikop bis Trialeti, Gewinnung und Werbreitung von Metallen und Obsidian in Kaukasien im 4.-2. Jt. V. Chr., Beitrage Des Internationalen Symposiums in Berlin vom 1.-3. Juni 2006, Kolloquien zur Vor- und Fruhgeschichte, Band 13, Redaktion K. Herllstrom, I. Motzenbacker, E. Schalk, Dr. Rudolf Habelt GmbH, Bonn 2010, pp. 41-58; Sagona A., Past and Present Directions in the Archaeology of the Transcaucasus, Turkish Academy of Sciences Journal of Archaeology (TUBA-AR), Volume 13, 2010, pp.143-157; Tumanyan G.S., Agarak I, The Early Bronze Age Settlement (2001-2008), Archeological Excavations in Armenia N25, Managing Editor P.S. Avetisyan, RA NAS “Science” Publishing House, Yerevan 2012; Simonyan H., Armenia in the Early Bronze Age, 36 th -25th cc. BCE, in Archaeological Heritage of Armenia, Editor H. Simonyan, Yerevan 2012, pp. 16-21; Tumanyan G., Ancient Armenia’s Culture Newly Discovered Monument in Agarak, Historical and Philological Journal, N1, 2013, pp. 159-169).

First Stage of the Rescue Measures Implementation (Excavation Works of 2012-2014) The area of Agarak community correlates with the Ashtarak-Talin Section of the North-South Highway planned under the previous design at the km 31.160 – km 33.580 section (Maps 1-1a), where the portion of the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve in the design is the km 32.750 – km 33.400 section (Maps 2-2a). Here, the northern section of the Reserve is immediately adjacent to the right and left side of the Highway (Maps 2- 2a), creating an archeological obstacle for the future Road Construction Project. During the field survey, carried out for the determination of the size of impact on the Monument in a result of the road construction process, the northern part of the Monument at the altitude of 1000 m above sea level, has been studied. Based on the design of the road to be constructed, as well as the impact zone maximum border marked by the constructor and the general mapping of the Monument location, an area of about 650 m length and 30 m width, located between km 33.750 – 33.400 km, included in the Reserve Protection Zone (Maps 2-2a), turns out to be in the immediate impact zone of the construction. The detailed survey of the mentioned area showed that the northern parts of the latter were promising in archeological terms, as towards the sites adjacent to the presently existing Ashtarak-Talin Highway, there were remnants of masonries and dam-like formations with the fragments of potteris and other archeological items documented in the sections. In the northern site of the impacted area, there was a tuff rock surface visible, on which, as a rule, the sediments are either not strong or are completely absent. There were segments destroyed by using of heavy machinery during the road

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construction works implemented before, large tuff fragments found on site in a result of road construction, as well as sites disturbed in a result of water pipe installation. The western part of the area was completely covered by the construction waste. In a result of the future road construction, a part of the Monument would have remained between the newly built road and the existing Ashtarak-Talin Higway, also being impacted by the construction works and losing its historical and cultural value. The other sections included in the Reserve’s protection zone were practically free from the direct impact of the road construction, however, they were too close to the construction site, for which reason the protective measures were proposed. The summary of the field survey results suggests there are serious archeological obstacles in the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve (km 33.750 – km 33.400) planned for construction; the main part of the right-hand side of the northern section of the Monument would have been directly impacted, and the only option to mitigate the construction impact on it would be initiation of the excavation and documentation works. Moreover, in this case it would be necessary to carry out excavations both at the sites falling under the road itself and at the site remaining between the newly built road and the existing Ashtarak-Talin Highway, as, first, after construction of the road, the site remaining in the form of “islet” will lose its cultural and historical value, and secondly, the opened constructions and archeological situations here would need to be completed, otherwise, their scientific and cognitive value would remain incomplete. It may not be excluded that in a result of excavation works here may be discovered such archeological units (constructions, remnants of various structures, cave necropolis), that will require the post-excavation protective measures, i.e. shifting or changing the alignment (Map 3). The rescue excavations in the northern part of the Reserve commenced in 2012 and continued up to the 2014, as per the preliminary developed Archeological Work Plan, in accordance to which, primarily the total area of the Monument’s section under the direct construction zone impact was determined with the area adjacent to it from the left side, between the future road and existing Ashtarak-Talin Highway, which is about 3 ha or 30 000 square meters (Map 3). According to the previous years’ experience, the Monument was excavated by 10x10 meter quadrates, meaning there were about 300 such quadrates to be excavated. However, the study of the area showed that about 50-60 such quadrates are promising in terms of excavations. 1 Archeologist with the help of 10 workers could have carried out the full excavations of one such quadrate in 0.5 months on average. About 30 months would have been required for the excavations of the mentioned saquares. Based on the abovementioned data, upon signing a contract with the excavation organiztaion, an expedition composed of 4 Archeologists and 40 workers with 7,5-8 months estimated duration of the field works was set as a baseline, considering also the factor, that in the face of the Agarak, we deal with multilayered archeological Monument, where large sized buildings and masonries may be opened. The rescue excavations in the northern section of the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve commenced in September, 2012, and continued up to the November, 2014, due to which were completed the field surveys of the sections endangered by the construction of the the North-South Road (see the Reports for 2012-2014 of the RA NAS Institute of Archeology and Ethnography presented to the Constructor and the Client, Images 74 և 75). However, the situations revealed by the excavations showed that the field works are insufficient to save the cultural and historical value of the Monument, therefore, as already mentioned above, several archeological units would require post-excavation protective measures. This particularly includes the remains of about 8 m wide fence opened in the eastern part of the excavation site and dated to II millennium BCE., as well as remnants of the early medieval structures and fence in the western part (Images 76 and 77). Considering the unique historical and cultural value of these units (the Bronze Age walls of such strength are not known in the Armenia and Armenian Highland, and are unique in the Region) and the impossibility of moving them, the RA NAS Institute of Archeology and RA Ministry of Culture applied to the Project Implementation Organization with the request to shft the road design to the northern part in order to ensure the integrity of these structures. The comprehensive on-site studies showed that from engineering point it was impossible to implement the shift or change of the design to maintain the integrity of the Monument, therefore, it has been proposed to develop a new design passing through the central part of the Historical and Culural Reserve, more to the south from the excavated areas.

Correlation Issues of the Updated or Modified Design and the Monument In order to select such section or site, the new field surveys were carried out with participation of the specialists from the RA NAS Institute of Archeology and Ethnography, RA Ministry of Culture, Project Implementation Organization and Design Company. As a result, it’s been possible to choose a corridor with

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eastwestwern orientation at the location of the Reserve area, where the archeological layers are not of great strength or there are no such, and there are no cave monuments of big importance. The design implemented along the given corridor, that runs about 900 m (km 32.700 – km 33.600, Maps 4-4a) through the Reserve area, has been examined again by the specialists of the RA IAE and RA Ministry of Culture. The RA Ministry of Culture approved the outline of the road alignment, provided the inspection and rescue excavations are carried out along it, considering the most problematic section to be the km 32.700 lot, where the road crossing the Amberd River will enter the Monument area. Particularly, to maintain the existing cave monuments, it has been proposed to carry out the road construction with the overpass or crossing. The designer have justified that in case of this solution, the cave monuments could be subject to more damage; therefore it’s been decided to impelement the construction at this section with embankment, and to save the historical and cultural value of the sections remaining under the embankment through the arrangement of excavation works. This solution was approved by the RA Minsitry of Culture (see the Letter 03/14.2/3781-18 of 25.06.2018). As a result, the renovated design passing through the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve area was approved by the RA Ministry of Culture. In future, at the initial stage of construction works it will be necessary to mark the alignment in field conditions, to explore the extent of the construction works impact on the Monument and create an updated Archeological Work Plan.

BORIS GASPARYAN National Archeological Consultant 17.07.2018

Picture 1. The Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve. General View of the Northern Part, where the Ashtarak- Talin Highway Passing through the Monument can be seen (aerophoto)

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Picture 2. The Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve. General View of the Northern Part, where the Ashtarak- Talin Highway Passing through the Monument can be seen (aerophoto)

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Map 4a

The Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve. The Correlation of the Central Part of the Monument with the Modified Design of the Road to be Constructed in Future (km 32.700 – km 33.600)

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The features reflected on the map are two areas proposed for the safeguard excavations situated on the eastern and western boundaries of the preserve (Excavation areas 1 and 2). Between the 2 areas series of test trenches with size 2x2 and\or 3x3 are required along the whole section of the alignment passing through the boundaries of the preserve. Safeguard excavations will be conducted prior to the commencement of construction works and will take around 1 month period.

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Annex 7. Letters on Historical and Archaeological Issues

REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA INSTITUTE “DORPROJECT” LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Yerevan 375 040, 54B Acharian St. Phone: (00 37 41) 6 88 50, 62 85 60 Fax: (00 37 41) 28 18 23

№ 99 01.06.2018

To: Deputy Minister of Culture Mrs. A. SAMUELYAN

Dear Mrs. Samuelyan,

With our letter № /./-18 dated 13.04.2018, the Ministry gave a positive opinion to the alignment solution of the North-South Road Corridor Investment Project Tranche 2 km 32+800 – km 33+800 section passing through the area of the Agarak Historical and Archeological Reserve. With the same letter, it has been proposed right after the Amberd River to implement the road with overpass in order to prevent the damage to the tuff rocks of archeological value in the location and provide their unhampered protection. At the same time, for the road construction with embankment being implemented as an alternative option, it has been proposed to carry out preservative excavations prior to commencement of construction works, and if archeological structures or high value finds are detected in a result of those excavations, their preservation will become mandatory to prevent the reuse of embankment at that sections in future. We would like to inform you that in a result of design works implementation, the proposed overpass length in the mentioned section is developed to be about 60-70 m, with possibility to be implemented with at least three aisles, requiring construction of intermediate bearing on the existing tuff rocks of archeological value. For the mentioned reason, we ask you to discuss and approve the option of implementation of rescue excavations at the section starting immediately after the Amberd River of the Reserve Area prior to commencement of construction works and carrying out the road construction with embankment that will exclude the disruption of tuff rocks.

Best regards, /signed/ A. BADALYAN

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REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA DEPUTY MINISTER OF CULTURE Government House 2, Vazgen Sargsyan St. 3, Yerevan 0010, Phone: (010, 011) 52 93 49 Fax: (37 11) 52 39 22 e-mail: [email protected]; www.mincult.am

№ 03/14.2/3781-18 25.06.2018

To: Director of Institute “DORPROJECT” LLC, Mr. S. BADALYAN

Dear Mr. Badalyan,

In response to our letter № dated Jue , , e ould like to ifor ou that the speialists of the Ministry of Culture and Institute of Archeology and Ethnography NAS RA had once again surveyed and discussed the option proposed by you - implementing the road construction with embankment at the 60-70 m section overpass right after the Amberd River. Considering that during the construction of the overpass the tuff rocks of archeological value existing in the location may also be damaged, the Ministry does not object to the construction of the road section with soil embankment, provided the mandatory archeological excavations of the monument are implemented.

Best regards /signed/ GALSTYAN

6/24/2018 VERIFIED OCSP 6/24/2018 09:37:55 GMT+4

Signed by: GALSTYAN TIGRAN 3714880062 /Official seal (RA Ministry of Culture, General Division)/

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Annex 8. Map of the Changed Section

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Annex 9. Calculation of the Impact Due to Local Legislation of the Republic of Armenia

Air Basin Earthworks 2 years x 10 months x 22 days/months x 8 hours/day = 3520 hours (440 days). Calculations are made according to the following methodology formula of “TEMPORARY METHODICAL GUIDE FOR CALCULATION OF EMISSIONS FROM UNORGANIZED SOURCES IN THE INDUSTRY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS”, Ministry of Construction Materials Industry of the USSR, 1987:

Q D.E.= (P1 x P2 x P3 x P4 x P5 x G x P6 x B) x 106/3600 year/hour, where P1 – is the share of dust fraction, accepted to be 0.05 P2 – 0-50 m/km size particles share in the distributed dust aerosol, 0.02 P3 - coefficient, considering the wind speed in the construction machinery operation zone, 1.0 P4 – coefficient, considering the moisture content of the substance, 0.41 P5 - coefficient, considering the mass of the substance, 0.5 P6 - coefficient, considering the location conditions, 1.0 G – removed soil mass – 1,230,943 m3 throughout the construction, or considering the average specific weight of the ground masses – 1,969,510 ton. Amount of ground removed and transported in an hour will be: 1,969,510 t. 3,520 hour/construction period = 559.5 t/hour B - Coefficient, considering the substance discharge height, 0.6 6 Q D.E. = 0.05 x 0.02 x 1.0 x 0.4 x 0.5 x 559.5 x 1.0 x 0.6 x 10 /3600 = 18.65 g/sec, or 18.65 x 3600 x 440 : 106 = 29.5 hour/construction period.

Operation of Construction Machinery and Vehicles During the operation of construction machinery and vehicles, the emissions are caused by fuel combustion. Diesel fuel is mainly used. Emissions related to the fuel are calculated based on the RA Ministry of Nature Protection developed methodological instruction2 “Determination of the amount of harmful substances emitted to the air from the vehicles”. This calculation is made according to the amount of fuel consumption, which is mainly diesel in this case. According to the mentioned methodology, the specific emissions of vehicles and construction machinery are presented in the below Table X9.1. Table X9.1. Specific Emissions (g/kg fuel) Name of Substance Type of Fuel 3 NO2 CH VOC CO N2O CO2 SP Diesel Fuel 42.3 0.243 8.16 36.4 0.122 3138 4.3 Excavators, bulldozers, road rollers and trucks will be operated during construction. Passenger cars are not included in this assessment. In the course of the whole construction process which is 2 years, the construction machinery and trucks will be operated for 20 months. As there are no accurate design data on the fuel consumption, reference literature indicators were used for the calculations, according to which, the daily consumption of diesel fuel will be 1,440 l, during construction it will be 633,600 l or 538,6 t.

1 Considering also the watering. 2 The Methodology uses the vehicle classification according to the methodology of “Core Inventory of Emissions in Europe” (hereinafter referred to as CORINAIR) “The Baseline Emission Inventory for Europe”. 3 According to the RA Legislation, the Carbon Dioxide is not a harmful substance and is not subject to regulation, therefore it was not considered in further calculations.

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Calculations of emissions by type of the equipment operated are mentioned in Table X9.2. Nitrogen oxide, as well as border hydrocarbons were combined in the Table. Table X9.2. Results of Emission Calculations Specific Emissions, Harmful Substance Emissions, t g/kg CO (Carbon monoxide) 36.4 19.6 CH (Carboghydrates) 8.403 4.52

NO2 (Nitrogen oxides, with Dioxide calculation) 42.422 22.8 PM (Particulate matter) 4.3 2.3

Sulfuric Anhydride

Sulfuric Anhydride (SO2) emissions are calculated based on the approach that all the sulfur contained in the fuel is entirely converted into SO2. In that case the CORINAIR Inventory System formula is applied.

ESO2 = Σksb, where: ks is the average sulfur content in fuel 0.002 t/t; b is the fuel consumption – 538.6 t/construction hour;

SO2 = 2 x 538.6 x 0.002 = 2.15 t. Asphalting Works The mixture used for the asphalting works contains melted bitumen, which during the mixture pavement is a source of hydrocarbons. Calculations of Carbon Dioxide emissions were made based on “Co-Operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-Range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe” (EMEP) Emission Calculation Manual (Guidebook 2013, SNAP 040611) [Gen-8].

Epollutant = APproduction x EFpollutant, where:

Epollutant is the annual amount of emitted substance (Carbohydrates), t 3 APproduction is the amount of used asphalt mixture, 462 m , or considering the specific weight (1.6 – 2.3 t/m3, average - 2.0). 462 m3 x 2.0 t/m 3= 924 t

EFpollutant the specific coefficient of the given substance (Carbohydrates) emissions, 16 g/t.

Epollutant = 924 t x 16 g/t = 14784 g or 0.015 t The total amount of emissions presented in Table X9.3. Table X9.3. Construction Works Emissions

Quantity of emissions as a N Harmful substance result of constructions, t 1 Inorganic powder 29.5 2 Carbon monoxide 19.6 3 Carbohydrates 4.535 Nitrogen oxides (calculated as Nitrogen 4 22.8 dioxide) 5 Particulate matter (PM) 2.3 6 Sulfur dioxide 2.15

Water use and Drainage a) Watering of Platforms During the road construction, the construction area will be divided into a number of large and small construction sites. Their average area will be 800 m2. Watering amount is 1.5 l/m2. In hot weather, watering is carried out twice a day. Water demand for daily watering will be:

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800 m2 x 2 x 0.0015 m3/m2 = 2.4 m3/day. The average annual number of hot days, without precipitations is accepted to be 144; during the whole construction period - 2 x 144 = 288 days. Water demand for one site is 288 days x 2.4 m3/day = 691.2 m3/construction. Overall it is planned to operate 3 sites simultaneously, the location of which is presented on the layout in the Annex: 691.2 m3 x 3 = 2073.6 m3/construction. b) Soil Mass Wetting The overall excavated and removed soil mass will be 1230943 m3. Wetting norm4 is accepted to be 8 l/m3. 1230943 m3 x 8 l/m3. 1000 l/m3 = 9847.5 m3 c) Drinking and Domestic Needs Estimated water consumption is determined according to the norms of SNiP 2.04.01-25. One worker’s need per day is 25 liters. One administrative personnel need per day is 16 liters. The construction staff will be comprised of 98 persons, including 20 Engineering Technicians (ET). Water required for the drinking and domestic needs of workers is: Wc.t. = (n1 x N1 + n2 x N2) x T, where: n1 – Number of ETs: 20 persons N1– ETs’ Water Consumption Normative: 0.016 m3 day/person n2 – Number of Workers: 78 persons N2 - Workers Water Consumption Normative: 0.025 m3day/person T – Number of working Days: 440 days W.c.t. = (20 x 0.016 + 78 x 0.025) x 440 = 998.8m3.

Drainage No leakage occurs in a result of watering of the sites and wetting of soil masses. Wastewater is generated only as a result of water use for drinking purposes and domestic needs. Estimated amount of economic domestic wastewater will be:

Wsewage = Wdomestic. x (1 – K), where: L: losses, 5 percent /0.05/ generalized, 3 Wsewage = 998.8 x (1 - 0.05) = 948.9 m :

Table X9.4. Total Estimated Values for Water Use and Drainage Water use, Losses, Drainage, Water use Needs m3/years m3/years m3/years Watering of platforms 2,073.6 2,073.6 - Wetting of soil masses 9,847.5 9,847.5 - Drinking and domestic 998.8 49.9 948.9 Total 12,919.9 1,197.1 948.9

Land Resources During the road and construction sites preparation, the 1,230,943 m3 soil will be excavated and removed. The significant part of the excavated soil will be used for backfilling, and the remaining 357,171 m3 is used for the mounting of internal and edge layers of the road, as well as for the site leveling and restoration. In cases when the non-usable material will occur the Contractor is obliged to store the material within the approved existing dump sites. Topsoil

4 Sanitary Rules for Ore, Non-Metallic and Placer Minerals’ Extraction and Enrichment Enterprises (approved by the Chief State Sanitar Dotor of USSR o Jue , , № -85)

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There is practically no topsoil layer in the area envisaged for construction of the planned new road. The site is very rocky with the topsoil layer mostly ranging from 5 to 8 cm. No extraction of topsoil soil is planned at those sites, as it is practically impossible. However, at some sites, mainly cultivated and previously irrigated, there is a topsoil with 12-25 cm capacity. Only 5 sites are circumscribed with the overall soil volume to be extracted being 21,133 m3. Waste generation Construction Wastes Wastes of Auxiliary Processes a) Oil wastes of used engines: 1.5 t Classifier: 5410020102033 Content: Oil, paraffins, synthetic compounds. Specifications: fire-hazardous and highly-explosive, cause pollution of soil and water. Wastes are generated in a result of operation of vehicles and technical means’ engines. Oils are considered for certain period of time, after which, they lose required properties and are replaced with new quantities. Used oils planned to be accumulated in metallic containers and then sold to the licensed used oil-processing companies. b) Used tire casings - 0.6 t. Classifier: 5750020213004 Content: rubber - 95%, metal wires (cored) -5%. Specifications: fire-hazardous. Wastes planned to be generated in a result of operation of vehicles and technical means. Tire casings are periodically replaced with new ones. Wastes planned to be accumulated and stored in the specially designated locations to be sold to the licensed processing companies in future. c) Used lead accumulators and wastage: 0.3 t/years. Classifier: 92110100 13 012 Content: lead-containing nets, lead oxides and sulfuric acid-containing solutions, plastic molds. Specifications: not fire-hazardous, toxic for the environment and human health; sulfuric acid cause skin burns. Wastes are generated in a result of operation of vehicles and technical means. Lead accumulators are periodically replaced with new ones. Used lead accumulators collected in separate motor room and then are sold to the licensed companies engaged in accumulator wastes trading. d) Unsorted steel-containing wastes (including steel powder): 0.5 t/years. Classifier: 3512011101004 Content: iron, carbon The waste is nontoxic. This waste is generated in a result of operation of mining machinery and vehicles. Wastes are accumulated in designated locations under the cover to be sold to the appropriate licensed companies. The following are the industrial wastes processing licensed companies: “Metexim” LLC, “AM SK” LLC, “G. Nazaryan and Co.” LLC, “Ecologia V.K.H.” LLC, etc. e) Domestic Waste Domestic waste is generated in a result of general services for workers and engineering technicians, as well as administrative activity. Wastes are accumulated in bins and, according to the relevant contract, transported to the landfills designated by the nearby communities. Estimated domestic wastes amount is 12.8 t.

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Annex 10. Assessment of Economic Damage Resulting from Environmental Impact Potential economic impact on the environment is assessed according to the environmental components. The economic damage 0calculated according to the RA Goeret Deree №-N of 27.05.2015. Potential economic damage calculated as follows: ED= LIA + WIA +AIA, where: ED is the potential economic damage in monetary terms; LIA is the value assessment of impact of damage to land resources as a result of economic activity (adverse environmental changes resulting in natural environment pollution, natural resources depletion, ecosystems degradation or daage that is alulated aordig to the RA Goeret Deree № -N of January 25, 2005; WIA is the value assessment of impact of damage to water resources caused by the direct and indirect economic impact calculated aordig to the RA Goeret Deree № -N of August 14, 2003; AIA is the value assessment of impact of damage to ambient air caused by the economic activity impact that is alulated aordig to the RA Goeret Deree №- N of January 25, 2005. Ambient Air Economic damage is the cost of the measures required to eliminate the damage caused to the: Costs related to the population health deterioration; Damage caused to agriculture, forest and fish farms; Damage to industry. The economic damage has been calculated according to the “Procedure of Assessment of Impact on Ambient Air Caused Eooi Atiit” approed the RA Goeret Deree № -N of 25.01.2005. The damage caused by each source of emission to the economy is calculated by the 1st formula:

I = Sc Tc ∑ SiQi, where: I – is the impact expressed in Drams of the Republic of Armenia;

Sc – is the coefficient expressing the characteristics of the surrounding of contaminating source (active contaminating zone); according to the mentioned procedures, for forests it is 4, for mobile sources – 5. In this case, the construction machinery is operating on the site platform, and it can be classified as fixed source, and the vehicles can be classified as mobile source. Tc – is the transportation coefficient, which is constant and is selected based on the principle of promotion of environmental process. According to this procedure:

Tc = 1, 000 AMD.

Si – is the value expressing the comparative harmfulness of the substance i (dust type);

Qi – is the coefficient connected with the emissions of the given (i) substance. nd Qi coefficient is determined according to the 2 formula:

Qi = g (3 Sei - 2 MPEi), Sei > MPEi (2), where:

MPEi – is the annual maximum permissible emission of substance i in tones; Sei – is the actual annual emissions of substance i in tones; Considering that the emission quantity of hazardous substances will be along the road and will be small and temporary from mobile sources, Qi = Sei g = 1 – for fixed sources; g = 3 – for mobile sources. The impact is not assessed for those substances, for which the normative concentration is not established by state standards. During the calculation, the mobile and fixed sources were distinguished. The calculation of economic damage as a result of construction of Agarak section of the Ashtarak – Talin road, is presented in Table X10.1 below:

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Economic Indicators Required for D Sc Damage: Calculation Name of Emitted Substance AMD I = Sc Tc ∑ Si g Qi=Տi x g SiQi Inorganic Dust 29.5 1 29.5 10 4 1180000 Carbon Monixide (mobile source) 19.6 3 58.8 1 5 294000 Carbohydrates (mobile source) 4.535 3 13.6 3.16 5 214880 Nitrogen Dioxide (mobile source) 22.8 3 68.4 12.5 5 4275000 PM (mobile source) 2.3 3 6.9 41.5 5 1431750 Sulfur Anhydride (mobile source) 2.15 3 6.45 16.5 5 532125 Total 7,927,755 The assessed economic damage as a result of construction of the 8 km of Agarak section of Ashtarak – Talin highway will be 7,927,755 AMD. Water Resources No contaminated effluent occurred directly as a result of highway construction; the rainwater and meltwater flows are mainly removed from the site due to bypass streams, not being contaminated. Therefore, the economic damage is not assessed. Land Resources As a result of construction of the road section, there is a change in the purpose of use of land which will serve as a highway, but as this cannot be considered pollution, the economic damage is not assessed. Biodiversity During the works, the trees will be cut at several sites. To compensate for these cuttings, it is envisaged to plant new trees with 1 : 10 ratio. The costs of tree planting were mentioned in these Report as a damage to biodiversity. Overall it is envisaged to cut 458 trees, in particularly 211 trees in private land that will be compensated due to LARP and 247 trees located in the community property lands that will be replanted in an above-mentioned ratio. According to the RA adopted practice, on 1 ha area there are 1500 – 2000 seedlings. According to the preliminary estimates, the costs will be as follows: 247 pieces x 10 : 1500 pieces x 3.0 million AMD = 4.94 million AMD.

Total economic damage will be: 7,927,755 + 4,940,000 = 12,867,755 AMD.

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Annex 11. Impact Assessment Methodology 1. Impact Assessment requires two main sets of information – what are the Valued Environment Receptor’s (VERs) and what the project activities that may affect the VERs are. These are then put together using a matrix based approach to establish the project impacts and this can be done with or without mitigation. 2. This Annex sets out the EIA process which has been applied for this project. What is a Valued Environmental Receptor? 3. In its broadest sense that Environmental Receptor is any aspect of the environment (including social systems) which may be affected by the project activities. 4. It is not possible nor necessary to consider every aspect of the receiving environment. Therefore, the emphasis for an IA process is being able to decide what is ‘Valued’. There are a number of factors that can be used to determine ‘value’. 5. The definition of value in this case is a human construct and is based on what humans and society believe to be valuable. 6. Importance or value can be defined in two broad interrelated ways. These are Social norms and values, and scientific values. Sometimes these may be aligned but in other cases may appear to conflict each other. 7. Societal Values and Scientific/Technical Values are merged and used to develop regulations and standards but may also be purely based on societies views of value, such as natural landscape beauty and other aesthetics. Value and Sensitivity of the Receptors 8. Not all the identified receptors within the projects areas of influence will have the same value or sensitivity to change. It is therefore necessary to provide a measure of the receptors relative value or sensitivity to change. This is shown in Table X11-1 along with semantic descriptions of the value. The VER value is presented using a geographical scale and the sensitivity to change is a relative scale which will be based on the impact assessment teams experience and knowledge. 9. Note that if a VER is of International Value but only of low sensitivity to change caused by the project, then it will be ascribed at the highest level, namely International. Table X11-1. Classification of VER Value or Sensitivity to Change

Value / Sensitivity Description of Value International/ Extremely High importance and rarity, international scale and limited potential Sensitive for substitution / Extremely sensitive to change High importance and rarity, national scale, and limited potential for National/ Highly sensitive substitution – very sensitive to change (e.g. residential receptor) Regional/ Moderately Medium importance and rarity, regional scale, limited potential for sensitive substitution and moderately sensitive to change Local/ Low sensitivity Low importance and rarity, local scale and insensitive to change

Defining Project Activity Impacts and Severity 10. The second element of the Impact Assessment process requires knowledge of the impact caused by a project activity. 11. For the assessment it is necessary to define project activities which represent a risk to the identified VER’s and characterise the potential impacts in terms of their likely Severity (See Section 0). Identifying Project Activities and Impacts 12. Identifying project activities which may significantly affect the environment should be carried out in a systematic manner. This can make further use of checklists but considering actual project activities.

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13. The process includes the entire project from initial contractor mobilisation through to decommissioning if applicable. Characterizing and Evaluating the Severity of an Impact 14. It is important to understand the nature of an impact and how it will act on the VER so that appropriate mitigation measures can be taken to ensure the impact is not significant.

Type of Impact Positive or Negative 15. The basic separation of type of impact is Positive or Negative. Impact Assessments tend to focus on negative aspects of a project and impacts to the environment. It is equally important to assess and report positive significant effects on the VER’s. Direct Impacts 16. A direct impact is one which the project causes through direct interaction of a project activity (Impact) with the receiving environment (VER). Such impacts are also sometimes referred to as Primary impacts. Indirect Impacts 17. These are impacts which are caused through a pathway or chain of events following a direct impact. Such impacts are also sometimes referred to as Secondary impacts. Induced Impacts 18. Induced impacts, sometimes referred to as Tertiary Impacts, maybe considered as a special form of indirect impacts. Induced impacts will have no direct links with the project activities being assessed but are a result of changes of land use, population numbers etc which are caused by the presence of the project. Induced impacts are often related to social aspects but not exclusively. Determining Severity 19. Impacts will not have a uniformity of effect or severity. It is therefore important to describe the severity of the impact. A number of factors will affect how severe the impact will be, these are described below. 20. A scoring system has been utilised for determining overall severity of each potential impact. For the following attributes a four-point scale has been used for each with scores of 1-4 for each. With six attributes of severity this gives potential scores between 6 and 24. Each attribute used in determining Severity is set out below with the scores for each presented. Size of Impact 21. This is a fundamental aspect in determining severity of an impact. The size of an impact is the change of state of the environment which is caused by a project activity. In general, this change can be measured or estimated in some manner. 22. Four levels of size of Impact are used, these being Negligible, Low, Moderate and High. In the instance of a negligible impact size then further assessment of this identified impact is not required. The relative scores for each of these are 1,2,3 and 4 respectively. Other aspects of an impact 23. While the size of the change in environmental parameter is an important aspect of an impact, there are other aspects which will determine the severity of the impact when it acts on the receptor. 24. The following aspects shall be taken into consideration, in addition to the Size of Impact as set out above: 1. Extent of impact; 2. Duration of Impact; 3. Frequency of Impact; 4. Probability of Impact Occurring; and 5. Reversibility of Impact. 25. Each of these are described below. Extent of Impact or Area of Influence

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26. This relates to the physical extent over which the impact will happen. A larger extent would tend to lead to increased risk of significant effects occurring than a highly localized area of influence. An example table for classifying extent of impact is provided in Table X11-2. Table X11-2. Classification of Extent of Impact5

Classification Description Score The area of influence is contained within the Local 1 project site or immediate surrounding area. The area of influence extends to a regional Regional scale, affecting areas outside the project site 2 and into the wider environment National The area of influence extends to national scale 3 International The area of influence will be cross boundary 4

Duration of Impact Effect 27. An impact’s severity will be increased as its duration increases. It is important to note that the impact duration is not synonymous with the duration of the event causing the impact. The duration is defined as how long the impact will last. 28. The classification of this variable is shown in Table X11-3. Table X11-3. Classification of Duration of Impact and Assigned Scores

Classification Description Score Transient Less than 1 day 1 Short term 1 day – 12 months 2 Medium 1 – 5 years 3 Long Term or permanent Greater than 5 years 4 Frequency 29. The classification of this variable is shown in Table X11-4. Table X11-4. Classification of Frequency of Impact and Assigned Scores

Classification Description Score The event causing the impact occurs only once in One off 1 the lifetime of the project An event which is expected to occur but not Infrequent 2 commonly as part of the normal project conditions An event is will occur regularly throughout a phase Frequent 3 of the project or the lifetime of the project An event which by the nature of the project is Continuous 4 continuous Probability 30. As noted, the IA process is predictive, some predictions will have a higher level of confidence. The probability of an impact occurring can be ascribed as shown in Table X11-5.

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Table X11-5 - Classification of Probability of Impact and Assigned Scores

Classification Description Score This is an impact which will definitely occur if the project Certain proceeds as planned. An example is site clearance resulting in 4 a loss of vegetation. This is an impact which is very likely to occur as part of normal Probable 3 activities, an example would be minor spills from refueling An impact which has been known to occur in similar Possible 2 circumstances on similar activities but is not intended This is an impact which is not expected to occur under normal circumstances but may represent a risk in the event of an accident of another incident. Examples will include accidental Very Unlikely 1 loss of containment from a chemical or fuel tank, explosion of fire. The consequences of these may be serious but there is a low probability of occurrence during normal circumstances. Reversibility 31. If an impact can be readily reversed, then its overall magnitude would be considered less than if it cannot be reversed. The descriptions and assigned scores for this attribute of severity of impact are shown in Table X11-6. Table X11-6. Classification of Reversibility of Impact and Assigned Scores

Classification Description Score The impact can be fully reversed, an example would be Fully temporary noise from construction activities. Stopping the 1 Reversible activity will return the noise levels to pre-activity levels An impact which can be mostly reversed but with some Mostly residual changes to the original state – an example would be 2 Reversible restoration of a work site following completion of activities Partially An impact that can only be partly reversed – an example 3 Reversible would be replanting of secondary woodland. An impact which cannot be reversed – an example is the loss Not Reversible 4 of habitat or homes due to the direct footprint of a project. Putting it Together 32. The scoring model for the described aspects of severity of impact results in scores across a range of 6 – 24. The description of impact severity level uses a four-point terminology with banding of scores. The descriptors for the levels of severity and the score bands are shown in Table X11-7. Table X11-7. Severity of Impact and Score Bands Severity Score band Major 21 - 24 Moderate 16 - 20 Minor 11 - 15 Negligible 6 - 10 Assessing the Significance of Impacts 33. Having identified the VER’s and their importance, and identified the Impacts and their severity it is then possible to determine the effect of the activity on the VER. This is the point of interaction between these two elements. The interaction between the VER (Receptor) and the Activity (Source) produces an effect on that VER, providing there is a pathway to link the two.

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34. Increasing severity of impact combined with increasing receptor sensitivity leads to higher significance of effect. 35. In general, impacts of low severity acting on low value or insensitive receptors will lead to impacts which are considered to be non-significant. Larger impacts acting on high value or sensitive receptors or a larger number of receptors will tend to give rise to more effects with higher significance. Matrix of Significance of Effect 36. Knowing the Value or Sensitivity of a VER and the Severity of an Impact that will act upon that VER it is possible to ascribe a Significance of Effect. A two-dimension matrix is used to do this, as shown in Figure X11-1 and has as its horizontal axis, the importance or sensitivity of the VER, and its vertical axis as the Impact Severity. Using these two values, a level of significance can be ascribed of High, Medium, Low, with negligible impact severity leading to non-significant effects (NS). Figure X11-1. Matrix for Determining the Significance of Environmental Impacts VER International/ National/ Regional/ Local/Low Severity Extreme High Moderate ֜ Major ֝ HIGH HIGH HIGH LOW Moderate HIGH MEDIUM MEDIUM LOW

Minor MEDIUM MEDIUM LOW NS

Negligible NS NS NS NS

NS = Non-Significant Mitigation What is Mitigation 37. The term mitigation refers to measures which reduce the severity of seriousness of an issue. The Hierarchy of Mitigation 38. The Hierarchy of Mitigation shows that the most preferred option is avoidance. Avoidance relates to the best practice IA approach which allows for the assessment process to influence and inform the design of the project. In this manner potential impacts and risks are designed out of the project. Such mitigation measures become part of the design and are referred to as Design Mitigation and tends to equate to Avoidance of the Impact. 39. The second level of the hierarchy involves reduction of remaining impacts or risks which have not been avoided by the design. 40. The application of this level of the Hierarchy is aimed at reducing the severity or importance of the impact to an acceptable level. Residual Significant Effects Some impacts cannot be avoided or reduced by further mitigation to an acceptable level. Any such impacts or risks are referred to as Residual Significant Effects.

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ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan EIAE Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise MFF Multi-Tranche Financing Facility MNP Ministry of Nature Protection MOC Ministry of Culture MOH Ministry of Health MOTC Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies TPIU Transport Projects Implementation Unit NGO Non-Government Organization

NO2 Nitrogen dioxide NO Nitrogenoxide PM Particulate Matter MPC Maximum Permissible Concentration MPL Maximum Permissible Limit NPE Nature Protection Expertise NSS National Statistical Service TPIOTPIO Project Management Unit PPTA Project Preparatory Technical Assistance RA Republic of Armenia RAMSAR Ramsar Convention on Wetlands SNCO State Non-commercial Organization

SO2 Sulfur Dioxide ToR Terms of Reference UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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