PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION
INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE Project title LOCAL ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT (LEID) Subproject number and TUR-02, Establishing a Tourist Service Centre near Khor Virap Monastery and Area Landscaping title Municipality, community Lusarat Community, Ararat region
Scope of site-specific The subproject envisages arrangement of the tourism infrastructure at Khor Virap Monastery. The activity goal of the subproject is to create new and rehabilitate the existing infrastructure (parking, lighting, and staircases) compatible with the cultural heritage site for the improvement of the experience of tourists visiting Khor Virap Monastery. Subproject intervention will comprise of civil works as well as institutional capacity building in support to the development of tourism- based economy and cultural heritage circuits on the proposed South Corridor circuit.
The works included in the subproject will be undertaken in two phases and comprise the following:
- Construct premises for the Khor Virap Tourist Service Centre; - Rehabilitate and modernize/optimize the parking facility; - Renovate/optimize public restrooms; - Renovate stairs leading to the Monastery; - Construct pathways to the Monastic complex for disabled and elderly; - Install outdoor photovoltaic illumination; - Construct external drinking water supply system and sewer line, wastewater bio cleaning unit and a drainage dump; - Landscape the area around the Monastery.
The Tourism Service Centre is to be located at the left side of asphalted road leading to the Khor Virap monument - outside the core zone of the Site. The Tourist Service Centre to be constructed will be a one-floor quadratic building, with a flat roof. The building will include an office space, toilets, a tourism service hall, a café with the kitchen, a souvenir shop and a warehouse. The total surface of the building will be of 272 square meters. Water will be supplied from the centralized water supply that exists in the village Capacity of sewage bio cleaning unit will be 2.2 m3 / day, power consumption - 1000-1500 Watt / day, salvo discharge - 2.44 l/sec. Treated wastewater will be used in the irrigation system.
Institutional Task Team Leader: Safeguards Specialists: arrangements (WB) Zaruhi Tokhmakhian Darejan Kapanadze (Environment) Vera Dugandzic (Social) Implementation Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor: arrangements (RoA) ATDF (to be determined*) (to be determined*)
SITE DESCRIPTION Name of institution Khor Virap enlarged community’s administrative unit and the Armenian Apostolic Church whose premises are to be rehabilitated Address and site location of Khor Virap enlarged community’s administrative unit, Lusarat village institution whose premises are to be rehabilitated Khor Virap Monastery, Lusarat village Who owns the land? The communal land for information centre and Khor Virap Monastery land for landscaping. Who uses the land Acquisition of land plot for information centre has been carried out on voluntary basis and does not (formal/informal)? have any essential impact in terms of owner’s livelihood. Private land owner was adequately compensated. All relevant documents are available.
Description of physical and The Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located in the Ararat plain in Armenia, near the closed natural environment around border with Turkey. The monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of the site Armenian Catholicos. Khor Virap is located on a hillock in Pokr Vedi; the village is 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) from the main highway. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is 30 kilometers (19 mi) to the north. It is situated about 100 meters (330 ft.) away from the closed Turkish-Armenian border (sealed by barbed wire fencing) and defended by Russian military establishments that guard the troubled border zone. The monastery is surrounded by green pasture lands and vineyards within the Ararat plain and is in view of Mount Ararat. The Arax River flows close by, and the monastery is opposite of Aralık, Turkey. During the construction works, no tree removal is intended. Endemic species and plants are not growing on the site. Geology of the site is favorable for construction works. No geological activity is recorded. The ground waters are located deeper than the water supply system is proposed to be constructed. The climate is sharply continental; precipitations in the area generally have surface flood, and only the part of the water penetrates through the minerals and soil. The natural relief and landscape will be recovered after construction works. LEGISLATION National & local legislation According to RA national legislation the subproject requires: & permits that apply to positive conclusion of environmental expertise sub-project activity construction permit** construction waste disposal permit PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the public Public consultation on the subproject design in the process of State environmental assessment and consultation process will expert review was carried out in Lusarat village on 08.08.2018. take /took place Public consultation of Environmental and Social Management Plan was carried out in Lusarat village on 11.06.2019 ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Site map/photo Attachment 2: Permission for construction waste disposal (to be provided) Attachment 3: Minutes of public consultation on Khor Virap subproject design in the process of State environmental assessment and expert review Attachment 4: Conclusion of the State environmental expert examination Attachment 5 : Minutes of public consultation of Environmental and Social Management Plan Attachment 6: Construction permit(to be provided) *Information on works supervisor, works provider (contractor), and the attachments will be provided later, prior to mobilization of a selected works provider to a work site. **The construction permit will be obtained before commencement of works. PART B: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION
ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions 1. Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [x] No See Section A below 2. New construction [x] Yes [ ] No See Section A below 3. Individual wastewater treatment system [x] Yes [ ] No See Section B below Will the site 4. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [x] No See Section C below activity include/involve 5. Unexpected need for land take [x] Yes [ ] No See Section D below any of the 1 following? 6. Hazardous or toxic materials [ ] Yes [x] No See Section E below 7. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [x] No See Section F below 8. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [ x] No See Section G below 9. Traffic and pedestrian safety [x] Yes [ ] No See Section H below 10. Social risk management [x] Yes [ ] No See Section I below
1 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. PART C: MITIGATION MEASURES
ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES 0. General Notification and (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities are notified of upcoming activities Conditions Worker Safety (b) The public is notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (c) All legally required permits are acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers’ personal protection equipment complies with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites informs workers of key rules and regulations to follow. A. General Air Quality (a) During earth works, dust is suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site. Rehabilitation and (b) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) is kept free of debris to minimize dust. (c) There is no open burning of construction / waste material at the site. /or construction (d) There is no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites. activities Noise (a) Construction noise is limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit. (b) During operations, the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment are closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible. Water Quality (a) Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures are applied such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites are identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and Management construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes are separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste is being collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors. (d) Whenever feasible, appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) are reused or recycled. B. Individual Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) is approved by wastewater the local authorities. (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems are treated in order to meet the treatment system minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment. (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) is carried out. (d) Construction vehicles and machinery are washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies. C. Historic Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, building(s) notification is made, and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and carried out in line with local and national legislation. (b) Provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible chance finds encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. D. Unexpected Private land (a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access or income of legal or illegal users of land was not need for land take ownership/use expected but may occur, do not enter site and promptly notify the employer (b) Do not commence works requiring land take prior to official notice of employer on the completion of involuntary resettlement and full provision of compensation to the affected people E. Toxic materials Asbestos (a) If asbestos is located on the project site, it is marked clearly as hazardous material. management (b) When possible, the asbestos is appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure. (c) Prior to removal (if removal is necessary), the asbestos is treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust. (d) Asbestos is handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material is stored temporarily, the wastes are securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures are taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos is not reused. Toxic / (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances is in safe containers labeled with details of composition, hazardous waste properties and handling information. (b) The containers of hazardous substances are placed in a leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching. management (c) The wastes are transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints are not used. F. Affected Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity are not damaged or forests, wetlands exploited; all staff is strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. (b) A survey and an inventory are made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees are marked and and/or protected cordoned off with fencing; their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided. areas (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams are protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences. (d) There is no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. G. Disposal of Infrastructure for In compliance with national regulations, the newly constructed and/or rehabilitated health care facilities include sufficient medical waste medical waste infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to: . Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps”, and human tissue or fluids) from management other waste disposal; . Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and . If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational H. Traffic and Direct or indirect In compliance with national regulations, the construction site is properly secured, and construction related traffic regulated. This pedestrian safety hazards to public includes but is not limited to traffic and . Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible, and the public warned of all pedestrians by potential hazards. construction . Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe activities passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes. . Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement. . Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public. . Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public. I. Social risk Public (a) Assign local liaison person in charge of communication with and receiving requests/ complaints from local population. management relationship (b) Consulted local communities to identify and pro-proactively manage potential conflicts between an external workforce and local people. management (c) Rise local community awareness about sexually disease risks associated with the presence of an external workforce and include local communities in awareness activities. (d) Inform population about construction and work schedules, interruption of the services, traffic detour routes and provisional bus routes, blasting and demolition, as appropriate. (e) Limit construction activities at night. When necessary, carefully schedule night-time works and inform affected community so they can take necessary measures. (f) At least five days in advance of any service interruption (including water, electricity, telephone, bus routes), advise affected community through postings at the project site, at bus stops, and in affected homes/businesses. Labor (a) To the extent possible, locate work camps away from local communities. management (b) Undertake sitting and operation of worker camps in consultation with neighboring communities. (c) Recruit unskilled or semi-skilled workers from local communities to the extent possible. Where and when feasible, provide worker skills training to enhance participation of local people. (d) Provide adequate lavatory facilities (toilets and washing areas) in the work site with adequate supplies of hot and cold running water, soap, and hand drying devices. Establish temporary septic tanks for any residential labor camp and without causing pollution of nearby watercourses. (e) Raise awareness of workers on overall relationship management with local population, establish the code of conduct in line with international practice and strictly enforce them, including the dismissal of workers and financial penalties of adequate scale. PART D: MONITORING PLAN
What Where How Why Who When (Is the (Is the (Is the (Is the (Is (Define the Activity parameter to parameter to parameter to parameter responsible frequency / or be be be being for continuous?) monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?)
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Supply of Purchase of In supplier’s office Verifications of In the process of To ensure ATDF construction construction or warehouse the documents signing the technical quality materials materials from contracts for of construction, the licensed material supply human health suppliers and environmental quality
Transportation Technical In the entrances Inspection of Unannounced To control ATDF of construction condition of and exits of pre-defined monthly emissions into Technical materials and construction construction site movement inspection during the environment; Supervisor waste; vehicles and routes, entrances work hours and To control machinery; and exits of beyond Movement of nuisance to local construction sites construction Coverage of communities; vehicles and loads when To minimize machinery carrying dust, traffic disruption, soil, spoil and ensure pedestrian construction safety and waste; prevent accidents Movement of
construction vehicles and machinery according to predefined traffic routes and within working hours: 9AM-6PM.
Generation of Temporary Construction site Inspection of site Unannounced To prevent ATDF construction storage of waste monthly construction Waste disposal Technical waste at the pre- inspection during related waste site Supervisor defined areas of entire accumulation in construction construction phase construction site site; and its neighborhood Timely disposal of waste in the permitted dumpsite
Deploying Provision of Construction site Inspection Unannounced To minimize ATDF manpower for uniforms and monthly visits probability of Technical construction safety gears to during entire accidents Supervisor workers and enforcement of construction phase To protect their use by the workers’ health; constructor; To exclude Provision of nuisance to work-site safety neighborhood instruction to after working contractor’s hours; personnel and To exclude instructions vibration impacts proper to Tatev recording; monastery Installation of fencing;
Provisions of nuisance activities within working hours from 9AM-6PM and in accordance with allowed norms of noise and vibrations
Works near Avoid Works near Monitoring and Entire period of Reduce the ATDF privately-owned trespassing or privately-owned inspection construction probability of Techncial incidentally damages on land plots and land, buildings Supervisor other property damaging of and other assets private property private property Exclude (using small-size temporary or machinery or permanent manual labor violation of near walls and ownership fences, and/or user stockpiling of rights on the construction private property material and waste away from private property; etc.); In case of unintended damage to private property, quickly restore it to the original or better status; In case of expected temporary impact on privately-owned property, inform owners upfront and guarantee restoration, acquire written consent of owners for intervention, and promptly restore the damage to the original or better status;
If an unexpected need for land take emerges in the couse of works, do not enter the affected site prior to development and full implementation of the Resettlemet Action Plan by RD
Site Construction- Construction site Inspection At the post - To ensure ATDF reinstatement related waste construction Phase cleaned site for Technical removal from all operation Supervisor the areas of the site
Operation of Public right to Construction site Inspection Entire period of Consideration ATDF Grievance complaints or construction and resolution of Technical Redress questions about a complaint Supervisor, Mechanism the project within 2 weeks Ministry / Appeal to the In case of failure executive head of local to resolve the organization government issue at the (community ministry / authorities) executive organization The level, the PAP appointment by may apply to the the authorities court for a of the decision in Coordinator for accordance with the the RA consideration of legislation. complaints (receiving complaints, reviewing and explaining, registering complaints in the log book and trying to resolve them on the spot. OPERATION PHASE
Maintenance and Non-authorized Rehabilitated site Inspection During operation Prevent aesthetic Khor Virap protection of site construction phase view of site and community and land use in surrounding area administrative rehabilitated unit area
Solid waste Trash bins Rehabilitated site Inspection During operation To prevent litter Khor Virap management placement and phase in rehabilitated community arrangement on site administrative periodically unit transportation of waste
Operation and Scheduled and Rehabilitated site Inspection During operation Prevent water Khor Virap maintenance of current repairs, phase loss community water supply Technical administrative piping regular To save water unit inspection; Replacement of consumables; Blockage prevention and elimination; Work to reduce water leaks and their elimination, Scheduled maintenance work (sealing, gasket replacement, filter cleaning, etc.); Inspection logs
Operation and Leakages of Rehabilitated site Inspection During operation Prevent from Khor Virap maintenance of water supply and installed phase water loss, community sewage collection scheme facility logging and administrative piping and runoff unit treatment unit Smoothly operation of Prevent sewage water pollution of treatment unit surface and ground water, soils Attachment 1: Site map/photo
Attachment 2: Permission for construction waste disposal (to be provided)
Attachment 3: Minutes of Public Consultation on Khor Virap Project Design in the Process of State Environmental Assessment
According to RA Low on Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise /21.06.2014. N0-110-N/, as well as procedures defined by Governmental decree on Public Notification (19.11.2014, 1325-N) a public consultation meeting (1st meeting) was held on August 8, 2018 at 12:00, in Lusarat Community Municipality pertaining subproject for the Establishing a Tourist Service Centre near Khor Virap Monastery and Area Landscaping to be implemented under Local Economy and Infrastructure Development (LEID) Project.
Information on the meeting day and time was posted on information boards of Lusarat Community Administration Offices and other public visible places of enlarged settlements. The public consultation meeting was announced through “Armenian Republic” daily newspaper and the website of the Armenian Territorial Development Fund (ATDF) (atdf.am) on July 25, 2018.
The public consultation meeting was carried out by ATDF Project Manager Tadevos Shahbazyan and Environmental Specialist Asya Osipova. The meeting was attended by representatives of Lusarat community including 12 participants were present at the meeting, among which 5 women.
Head of Community Mr. Hakobyan welcomed the participants and introduced the purpose of the meeting.
ATDF Project Manager Tadevos Shahbazyan explained purpose of the public consultation process and introduced speakers. He also presented a document describing the design of the project and discussed some of the nuances associated with the local landscape.
ATDF Environmental specialist Asya Osipova mentioned potential environmental negative impacts associated with the subproject implementation, including air pollution, construction waste accumulation, etc. Mrs. Osipova introduced measures used by ATDF to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts, including relocation of construction waste.
Mrs. Osipova also presented the RA legislative framework on environmental expertise, the stages of the expertise, major categories, need for public discussion implementation, documents submitted for expertise, directions and the content of the expertise.
Ms. Osipova spoke about measures to be applied to ensure safety of construction contractor’s personnel and of the community, and to minimize possible disruption of public life due to construction. She mentioned that technical oversight will be provided during works and that monthly reports will be produced to ensure the implementation of all mitigation measures that will be included in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
Mrs. Osipova explained Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to be applied during subproject implementation. Beneficiaries were informed that they can also contact ATDF directly to communicate their grievance if they are unable to, or do not wish to go through local point. Mrs. Osipova explained all the channels of grievance submission involving the e- mail address, hot line telephone number, postal address and web-site link, outlining that ATDF contact information is reflected on the booklets delivered to the participants, as well as on the information desk posted in the public visible places of the Community. Mrs. Osipova noted that information on the subproject details permanently will be available on the information desks to ensure that community representatives can raise their voices in case of anxiety.
The participants were welcomed to raise questions regarding to the presented information. The participants welcomed the project and noted that this program is very important for the community, and the new information center and parking place will increase the number of tourists and improve the service quality.
List of Participants and foto
Attachment 4: Positive conclusion of the State environmental expert examination
Non-official translation of the above attached document CONCLUSION OF STATE EXPERTISE:
BP 79
An application for a preliminary assessment of the Establishing a Tourist Service Centre near Khor Virap Monastery receives a positive opinion.
This final assessment represents a low risk for the subproject, and national legislation does not require additional assessment for it.
Deputy Director A. Drnoyan
Specialist A. Minasyan
Attachment 5: Minutes of public consultation on the draft Environmental and Social Management Plan
А public consultation meeting was held on the 11th of June, at 12:00, in Lusarat Community Municipality within the framework of “Establishing a Tourist Service Centre near Khor Virap Monastery and Area Landscaping” subproject to be implemented under Local Economy and Infrastructure Development (LEID) Project.
Information on the meeting day and time was posted on information boards of Lusarat Community Administrative Office and other public visible places of enlarged settlements. The public consultation meeting’s announcement was posted on the website of the Armenian Territorial Development Fund (ATDF) (atdf.am) on May 31, 2019.
Information on the meeting day and time was posted on information boards of Lusarat Community Administration Offices and other public visible places of enlarged settlements. The public consultation meeting’s announcement was published in “Armenian Republic” daily and posted on the website of the Armenian Territorial Development Fund (ATDF) (atdf.am) on July 25, 2018.
The public consultation meeting was carried out by ATDF Project Manager Tadevos Shahbazyan, Environmental Specialist Asya Osipova, Social Specialist Knarik Grigoryan and ATDF engineer A.Danielyan. The meeting was attended by representatives of Lusarat community, representatives of Khor Virap church and 19 participants also were present at the meeting, among which 11 women.
Head of Community Mr. Hakobyan welcomed the participants and introduced the purpose of the meeting.
ATDF Project Manager Tadevos Shahbazyan introduced the LEID project and “Establishing a Tourist Service Centre near Khor Virap Monastery and Area Landscaping” subproject, including subproject components and the procedure of the subproject implementation.
ATDF environmental specialist Asya Osipova described baseline environmental conditions, biophysical and social environment of the site. She duly introduced likely negative environmental impacts related to the sub-project implementation including construction and operation phases. A. Osipova outlined anticipated negative impacts including the generation of construction related waste, dust emissions and localized atmospheric air pollution, increase of noise and vibration level during the construction machinery movement and temporary distortion of natural landscape due to construction activities. A. Osipova introduced measures used by ATDF to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts, including relocation of construction waste. It was noted that the ESMP covers the issue of removal and disposal of construction waste and unnecessary soil.
A. Osipova introduced key measures to be undertaken to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and outlined that technical supervisions on monthly basis will keep under control the fulfillment of all the environmental mitigation measures included in ESMP. She highlighted that all sub-project related documents, including ESMP is available on ATDF Web-page and explained where participants can find the documents. She emphasized that long-term impacts of the Project are positive as establishing a tourist service center near Khor Virap Monastery and area landscaping will promote flow of tourists and will be beneficial for the community.
ATDF social specialist Knarik Grigoryan introduced the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to be applied during project implementation. A focal point was chosen, who will be responsible for the implementation of GRM at the community level. Mr. Yemishyan was informed about the complaints receiving procedure and focal point’s responsibilities in the framework of GRM. Beneficiaries were informed that they can also contact ATDF directly to communicate their grievances if they are unable to, or do not wish to go through local point. K. Grigoryan explained all the channels of grievance submission involving the e-mail address, hot line telephone number, postal address and web-site link, outlining that ATDF contact information will also be reflected on the information desk posted in the public visible places of the Community. K. Grigoryan introduced that information on the subproject details permanently will be available on the information desks to ensure that community representatives can raise their voices in case of anxiety. K. Grigoryan also explained participants of the meeting the policy of the project and WB on resettlement issues.
The participants were welcomed to raise questions regarding to the presented information. One of the participants suggested to construct first medical help room in info center. The suggestion was accepted and will be discussed with the designer.
The other participant of the meeting suggested building a stage near the monastery complex where dance and song groups will be able to perform. Mr. Danielyan, the engineer of ATDF, responding to the suggestion mentioned that a platform will be constructed near the monastery and can be used for the purpose.
Responding to the question of Father Ghurikyan asking if drinking water will be supplied to the info center, Mr. Danielyan said that according to the design a 1.5 km long water line will be constructed from the village to the info center.
List of Participants and foto
Attachment 6: Construction permits (to be provided)