Kyrgyz Republic: Issyk – Kul Wastewater Management Project

Environmental Monitoring Report

Project number: 50176-002 July-December 2020 March 2021

Prepared by the Department of Drinking Water Supply and Sewerage Development (DDWSSD) under the State Agency for Water Resources under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in consortium with Temelsu International Engineering Inc., Design and Supervision Consultant for the Asian Development Bank.

This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

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.

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 Preamble ...... 1 1.2 Headline Information ...... 2

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES ...... 5

2.1 Project Description ...... 5 2.2 Project Contracts and Management ...... 9 2.3 Project Activities During Current Reporting Period ...... 11 2.3.1 Conceptual Design ...... 11 2.3.2 Detailed Designs ...... 17 2.3.3 Bidding Documents ...... 17 2.3.4 Construction ...... 17 2.4 Description of Any Changes to Project Design ...... 17 2.5 Description of Any Changes to Agreed Construction methods ...... 17

3 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD ACTIVITIES ...... 18

3.1 General Description of Environmental Safeguard Activities ...... 18 3.2 Site Audits ...... 33 3.3 Issues Tracking (Based on Non-Conformance Notices) ...... 33 3.4 Trends ...... 33 3.5 Unanticipated Environmental Impacts or Risks...... 33

4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RESULTS ...... 34

4.1 Overview of Monitoring Conducted during Current Period ...... 34 4.2 Trends ...... 37 4.3 Summary of Monitoring Outcomes ...... 37 4.4 Material Resources Utilization ...... 38 4.5 Waste Management ...... 38 4.6 Occupational Health and Safety ...... 38 4.7 Training ...... 39

5 FUNCTIONING OF SEMP ...... 40

5.1 SEMP Review ...... 40

6 GOOD PRACTICES AND OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT ...... 41

6.1 Good Practice ...... 41

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6.2 Opportunities for Improvement ...... 41

7 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 42

7.1 Summary ...... 42 7.2 Recommendations ...... 42

List of Appendices:

Appendix I Newspaper Announcement of Balykchy Public Participation Meeting

Appendix II Minutes of Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension Public Participation Meeting

Appendix III Newspaper Announcement of Karakol Public Participation Meeting

Appendix IV Minutes of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension Public Participation Meeting

Appendix V Report on the Presence of the Central Asian Frog at the Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Karakol, Issyk-Kul Region

Appendix VI Background Surface Water Quality Data for The Issyk-Kul Lake

Appendix VII Water Quality Analysis Conducted at Karakol WWTP

List of Figures

Figure 2-1 Location of Project Towns of Balykchy and Karakol ...... 5 Figure 2-2 Schematic Illustration of Balykchy WWTP processes ...... 7 Figure 2-3 Schematic Illustration of Karakol WWTP processes ...... 8 Figure 2-4 Organogram of Environmental Safeguards of IWMP ...... 10 Figure 3-1 Estimated Draft SPZ of Karakol WWTP ...... 31

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Environmental Safeguards of IWMP...... 9 Table 4-1 Analysis of Wastewater at the outlet of Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant ..... 34 Table 4-2. Average Values of Analysis at Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant Outlet ...... 36 Table 4-3 Proposed Effluent Discharge Standards ...... 36 Table 4-4 Comparison of Average Values of analyzes of wastewater at Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant Outlet ...... 37

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Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development Bank APS Architectural and Planning Specifications APU/ETU Russian acronym for Architectural and Technical Approval

BOD5 Biological Oxygen Demand for 5 days BOQs Bill of Quantities BVK Balykchy Vodokanal COD Chemical Oxygen Demand The Department of Drinking Water Supply and Sewerage DDWSSD Development DSC Design and Supervision Contractor EA Executing Agency EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan ETS Engineering and Technical Specifications GKR Government of Kyrgyz Republic ICB International Competitive Bidding IEE Initial Environmental Examination IFC International Finance Cooperation ISDP Issyk-Kul Sustainable Development Project IWMP Issyk-Kul Wastewater Management Project KVK Karakol Vodokanal KYRM Kyrgyz Republic Resident Mission LARP Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan NTP Notice to Proceed OVOS Russian acronym for “Assessment of Environmental Impacts” PIU Project Implementation Unit PMO Project Management Office PPM Public Participation Meeting SAEMR Semi - Annual Environmental Monitoring Report State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry SAEPF

SAWR State Agency for Water Resources

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State Agency of Architecture, Construction, Housing and SAACHCS Communal Services SEMP Site Specific Environmental Management Plans SIETS State Inspection for Ecological and Technical Safety under GKR SNIP Russian acronym for Construction Codes and Regulations SPZ Sanitary Protection Zone SS Suspended Solids) WSS Water supply and sanitation services WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

Units and Currencies

°C degree Celsius ha hectare km kilometers m³ cubic meter m³/day cubic meter per day mg/l milligram per liter Mg/Ol milligram Oxygen per liter MLD million liter per day USD United States Dollar

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preamble

1. Recognizing the significant ecological value of Lake Issyk-Kul and its region, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic is implementing significant reforms in the water supply and sanitation sector. These strategic directions were defined in the context of national development and tourism in Issyk-Kul as a priority component of the economic development of the region and included in the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040 and the Program for the Development of Drinking Water Supply and Wastewater Systems in Settlements of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026 (Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (GKR) dated June 12, 2020 No. 330).

2. Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping to improve the management of environmental protection and urban services in the region through the implementation of the Issyk-Kul sustainable development projects.

3. In the period between 2009-2017, ADB implemented the Issyk-Kul Sustainable Development Project worth 30 millionUSD. The project was designed for a long-term period with a phased approach to supporting environmental management and improving the provision of urban public services in the Issyk-Kul region. The first phase of the urban development program was to improve access to drinking water and safe sanitation, including the use of proven technologies for the treatment and disposal of solid and liquid wastes and wastewater. Feasibility studies were prepared for Balykchy, Cholpon-Ata and Karakol for the rehabilitation and construction of drinking water supply and sewerage systems under this project.

4. Issyk-Kul Wastewater Management Project (IWMP) thus complements these initiatives by further improving wastewater systems in the two cities, Balykchy and Karakol, significantly improving health, hygiene and sanitation standards.

5. The project was approved by the ADB Board of Directors on 20 November 2018 and Grant and Loan Agreements between the ADB and the GKR were signed on 28 December 2018. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 60 "On Ratification of the Credit Agreement" dated July 16, 2019 was published in the newspaper "Erkin Too" No. 2019 dated July 19, 2019.

6. The ADB issued Notice to Proceed (NTP) on 16 August 2019 which sets the date of the Project’s entry into force and, in accordance with the Grant and Credit Agreements of 28 December 2018, the project is to be implemented from 16 August 2019 to 31 December 2024. Kyrgyz Republic Resident Mission (KYRM) is the body supervising the project.

7. Within the scope of Issyk-Kul Wastewater Management Project an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report has been prepared by Department of Drinking Water Supply and Sewerage Development (DDWSSD) under State Agency for Water Resources under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for the ADB which was also included in the feasibility report. The final version of IEE was disclosed on ADB’s website on September 2018.

8. This report is the Semi - Annual Environmental Monitoring Review (SAEMR) for ISSYK- KUL WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT (IWMP).

9. This report is the 2nd Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report (SAEMR) for the project. It covers the IWMP activities between the period of 01/July/2020 and 31/December/2020.

1.2 Headline Information

10. Tourism activities that are carried out on the lake adjacent area both in summer and in winter make a significant contribution to the economic development of the Issyk-Kul region. Up to 1 million of foreign and local tourists visit Lake Issyk-Kul every year as the political situation in the country gradually stabilizes. (IEE, 2018). Sewage management is an important factor for Issyk-Kul region, aiming at the following:

i) maintaining the sensitive ecosystem balance of the lake;

ii) ensuring public health safety; and

iii) maintaining the tourism potential in the area.

For the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the development of the sewerage sector is a priority, as evidenced by a number of the above significant documents concerning this area adopted at the governmental level in recent years.

11. To secure sustainable and reliable wastewater treatment services in Balykchy and Karakol, sewerage networks will be improved and expanded. IWMP is expected to achieve the following outputs:

a) Balykchy and Karakol wastewater systems improved.

b) Improved capacity of “Vodokanals”

c) Septage management services improved and sanitation and hygiene awareness increased.

12. Today, the coverage of the population with sewage treatment plants is at a low level: 35% in Balykchy and 45% in Karakol.

13. In this regard, the Issyk-Kul Wastewater Management Project focuses on sewage treatment facilities, expansion of sewerage networks, taking into account the connection of an additional 850 households in Balykchy city and 1200 households in Karakol city.

14. The implementation of this activity will increase the coverage rate to an estimated 45% in Balykchy and 60% in Karakol.

15. Issyk-Kul Wastewater Management Project has been classified as environmental assessment category B according to ADB procedures, the impacts of the subproject were assessed by the Initial Environmental Examination, conducted according to ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The project envisages temporary environmental impacts during the construction phase mainly due to dust, noise, vibration, solid waste and movement of construction equipment, as well as obstructed traffic. These impacts can be controlled, minimized and mitigated.

16. During the operation stage, the impacts will be related to the disposal of sludge, odour and noise from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and pump stations, as well as from the chlorinator, however, all of these impacts could be limited by the sanitary protection zone (SPZ).

17. Risk mitigation measures aimed at limiting the impacts of construction and operating activities has been included in the Environmental Management Plan prepared within the scope of IEE.

18. According to the General Technical Regulation on Environmental Safety, Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure (KR Governmental Resolution No. 60 of 13.02.2015), Regulation on State Environmental Expertise procedure (KR Governmental Resolution No. 248 of 07.05.2014), state environmental expertise is conducted by especially authorized in area of environmental expertise state bodies (State Agency for Environment Protection and Forestry (SAEPF), and territorial departments on environment protection). Kyrgyz Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) standard (herein after OVOS Report (Russian acronym for “Assessment of Environmental Impacts”) reports of each subproject will be prepared by DSC which are listed below:

- OVOS Report on Extension of Balykchy Sewerage Network - OVOS Report on Extension of Karakol Sewerage Network - OVOS Report on Pumping Station SPS-4 at Pristan - OVOS Report on Karakol WWTP 19. DSC will also assist the Contractor in developing an EIA/OVOS and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for a specific site for the Balykchy WWTP.

20. After getting an approval for all of the positive decision for OVOS Reports listed above, and completion of sludge sampling works for Balykchy and Karakol wastewater ponds and Seasonal Irrigation Pond in Karakol the IEE and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of the project will be reviewed and if necessary, it will be updated. Based on this review, before the commencement of the construction works Site Specific Environmental Management Plans (SEMP) of each site will be provided for each sub project contractor with the assistance of Design and Supervision Contractor (DSC) in accordance with the EMP.

21. During the reporting period the following activities have been carried out within the scope of the project:

 A conceptual design report has been developed to be guide for detailed designs which covers the cities of Balykchy and Karakol sewerage networks.  DSC started conceptual design studies for extension of sewerage network works for Balykchy and Karakol cities after completion of the topographical and geotechnical surveys.  After approval of the conceptual design for Balykchy and Karakol Networks DSC initiated detailed designs of networks, finalized and submitted the detailed designs to PMO - for Balykchy on 25/November/2020 and for the city of Karakol on 17/December/2020.  In order to conduct sludge sampling and analysis at Balykchy and Karakol wastewater ponds a Sampling and Analysis Plan has been prepared by DSC.  Draft OVOS Report on Extension of Balykchy Sewerage Network has been prepared and a public participation meeting (PPM) has been held at Balykchy city on 30/October/2020.  Draft OVOS Report on Extension of Karakol Sewerage Network has been prepared and a PPM has been held at Karakol city on 29/October/2020.  A biological survey for the existence of Central Asian Frog and a Critical Habitat Assessment in accordance with (International Finance Cooperation (IFC) Performance Standards no. 6 for Karakol WWTP have been conducted.

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES

2.1 Project Description

22. The Issyk-Kul Wastewater Management Project is aimed to maintain the sensitive ecosystem balance of Issyk-Kul Lake, improve and expand access to reliable, sustainable and affordable sewerage services in Balykchy and Karakol, and provides the construction and expansion of existing wastewater treatment systems, strengthening institutional capacity and increasing the sustainability of water supply and sanitation services (WSS) in Balykchy and Karakol (the location of two cities is shown in Figure 2-1.

Source: Esri,

Figure 2-1 Location of Project Towns of Balykchy and Karakol

23. The project outcomes should ensure (i) improved sewerage and wastewater treatment systems in the cities of Balykchy and Karakol, (ii) strengthened institutional capacity of Vodokanal Municipal Enterprises, and (iii) improved septic sludge management and sanitation.

24. The project envisages the construction or rehabilitation of sewerage networks and treatment facilities, including WWTP, pump stations, pipelines and related infrastructure, which will significantly improve health, hygiene and sanitation standards.

25. The Consultant shall act Design and Supervision Contract under the following:

- Preparation of Detailed Engineering Designs - Prepare the bidding documents - Evaluation of Bidders and Preparation of Works Contracts - Supervision of Sewer Network in Balykchy-10.3 km (Contract No. W1) - Supervision of Sewer Network-11.3 km, Pump Station and Rising Main-1.7 km in Karakol (Contract No. W2) - Supervision of Karakol WWTP - 12 MLD and Disposal of Existing Biological Sludge (Contract No. W3) 26. This Project will increase access to potable water and safe sanitation services, including use of proven technologies for treatment and disposal of solid and liquid waste in the cities of Balykchy and Karakol and includes three components;

Component (A): Wastewater Treatment and collection;

Component (B): Enhancing Vodokanals institutional and service-oriented capacity; and

Component (C): Improve awareness for public health implications and wastewater management in Balykchy and Karakol.

This contract covers the services under Component A.

Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension:

27. Currently, 3 325 households and 106 commercial/industrial/institutional/tourism organizations are connected to the sewerage system in Balykchy. The existing sewerage network consists of 64 km of non-pressure sewers built in the 1970s and currently serves about 35% of the population. IWMP will provide 10.3 km of sewer networks on four streets, which will connect about 850 additional households to the sewer network.

Karakol Sewerage Network Extension:

28. About 35% of all households in Karakol are connected to the sewage system, most of which live in multi-story buildings. Currently, about 25 000 people use services of a centralized sewage system. The length of the sewerage network of the city is approximately 110 km. In addition, the municipal enterprise “Karakol Vodokanal” provides sewerage services to 38 budget organizations, 251 commercial enterprises and 1 industrial enterprise.

Construction of a Pump Station (PS-4) at Pristan, Karakol city:

29. In addition to the non-pressure sewerage system in Karakol, the village of Pristan (TSU No. 8) is served by a gravity-pressure combined system. This system includes 4 pump

stations, 3 of which were rehabilitated under the first phase of Issyk-Kul Sustainable Development Project (ISDP). The fourth sewage pump station is located in close proximity to Issyk-Kul Lake and is in a semi-ruined non-operating stating. In this connection, a construction of a new sewage pump station No. 4 at a new location is required.

Balykchy WWTP Reconstruction

30. The existing wastewater treatment plant is located in the 5 km northwest of the centre of Balykchy city. and were constructed in 1980s. The actual quantity of influent wastewater received by WWTP has not been measured.

31. A general scheme of the existing Balykchy WWTP has been given at the Figure 2-2. As it has been indicated in the figure the treatment system designed to use the conventional active sludge process to treat the wastewater, including facultative ponds for tertiary treatment purposes.

Source: Global Works,

Figure 2-2 Schematic Illustration of Balykchy WWTP processes

32. The typical useful service life for most mechanical facilities is 15 to 20 years. Useful service life for most electrical gear and variable frequency drives ranges from 15 to 30 years. After Approximately 40 years of its construction Balykchy WWTP has lost its functionality because of improvements or maintenance practices that could not be implemented. Balykchy WWTP has been operated by Balykchy Vodokanal (BVK). Because of chronic and severe financial shortages BVK faced, the operation of Balykchy WWTP has been kept going by employees working without the benefit of proper written operating procedures, maintenance registers, appropriate tools and equipment, or professional training. Besides this, there is a lack of funding and weak administrative

support for improving existing conditions. The new Balykchy WWTP plant will be designed and constructed with a project delivery method of design and build construct.

Karakol WWTP Reconstruction

33. The existing wastewater treatment plant is located in the northern suburb of the city and were constructed in 1980 of the last centuries. Currently, the actual quantity of influent wastewater received by WWTP has not been measured, however, according to estimates of the Karakol Vodokanal (KVK), the average existing flow is 7,500 m³/day with the influent flow of about 6,000 m³/day in the winter and 12,000 m³/day in the summer.

34. A general scheme of the existing Karakol WWTP has been given at the Figure 2-3. As it has been indicated in the figure the treatment system designed to use the conventional active sludge process to treat the wastewater, including facultative ponds for tertiary treatment purposes.

Source: Global Works,

Figure 2-3 Schematic Illustration of Karakol WWTP processes

35. The typical useful service life for most mechanical facilities is 15 to 20 years. Useful service life for most electrical gear and variable frequency drives ranges from 15 to 30 years. After Approximately 40 years of its construction Karakol WWTP has lost its functionality because of improvements or maintenance practices that could not be implemented. Karakol WWTP has been operated by KVK. Because of chronic and severe financial shortages KVK faced, the operation of Karakol WWTP has been kept going by employees working without the benefit of proper written operating procedures, maintenance registers, appropriate tools and equipment, or professional training. Besides this, there is a lack of funding and weak administrative support for improving

existing conditions. The detailed information about the Karakol WWTP including its SPZ defined during the feasibility stage is given at the 1st SAEMR of IWMP.

Sludge Management

36. The sludge accumulated in Balykchy and Karakol wastewater ponds and seasonal irrigation pond of Karakol decreases the storage capacity of the ponds. The analysis of sludge should be carried out whether to handle the sludge in these ponds or not. Prior to sampling, a Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan shall be prepared and submitted to ADB for approval – the plan will contain, but not limited to: parameters to analyze, proper sampling and transport plan to recognized and certified labs, methodologies, standards to use for comparison, etc.

2.2 Project Contracts and Management

37. A list of main organizations involved in the project and relating to Environmental Safeguards is given Table 2-1 and illustrated at Figure 2-4 Organogram of Environmental Safeguards of IWMP. It includes names of borrower, executing agency and Design and Supervision Consultant of IWMP and names and contact details of environmental staff of Project Management Office (PMO) and DSC.

Table 2-1 Environmental Safeguards of IWMP

Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Borrower Republic Department of Drinking Water Supply and Sewerage Development (DDWSSD) Executing Agency under State Agency for Water Resources under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic Project Management Office (PMO) PMO environmental specialist Mr. Kylychbek Zhundubaev email [email protected] Tel: + 996 554 66 54 55 Design and Supervision Consultant

(DSC) Temelsu International Engineering Organization: Services Inc DSC International Environmental Mr.Shaban Chimen Specialist email [email protected] Tel: +996 706 490 063 DSC National Environmental Specialist: Mrs. Olga Zinina email [email protected] Tel: +996 555 47 55 77

PMO Environmental Specialist

DSC International Environmental Specialist & National Environmental Specialist

Construction Contractor Construction Contractor (Balykchy Network) (Karakol Network) Environmental Manager or Environmental Manager or Environmental and Safety Environmental and Safety Officer Officer

Construction Contractor Construction Contractor (Karakol WWTP) (Balykchy WWTP) Environmental Manager or Environmental Manager or Environmental and Safety Environmental and Safety Officer Officer

Figure 2-4 Organogram of Environmental Safeguards of IWMP

38. The following organizations and/or staff will be responsible for environmental monitoring and/or supervision during the design and construction:

a. PMO Environmental Specialist

b. International and National Environmental Specialists of DSC

c. Contractor’s environmental managers and/or environmental and safety officer responsible for environmental protection issues

39. Contractor managers are responsible for environmental protection, International and National Environmental Specialists of DSC and PMO Environmental Specialists perform all environmental related tasks in accordance with ADB Safeguard Policy and national legislation. PMO Environmental Specialist (Mr. Kylychbek Zhundubaev):

- Implements ADB Safeguard Policy and national legislation and practices - Plans environmental strategies to meet targets and to encourage best practice - Plans the best tools and systems to monitor performance and to implement strategies - Ensures compliance with national environmental legislation, IEE, EMP, SEMP, etc. - Assesses, analyze and collate environmental performance data and reporting information. - Prepares plans and reports, such as SAEMR.

- Contacts and liaises with regulatory bodies such as SAEPF. 40. PMO as responsible Executing Agency (EA) for the project recruited a DSC – «Temelsu International Engineering Services Inc». DSC International Environmental Specialist (Mr. Shaban Chimen) and DSC National Environmental Specialist (Mrs. Olga Zinina) assist the PMO Environmental Protection Specialist in coordinating and overseeing design, construction supervision and monitoring activities under the Project.

41. The part of the work of the Environmental Experts of the DSC is to develop a capacity building training program for Contractor’s Environmental Officers in order to increase the implementation efficiency of environmental monitoring. The timing of this program will be before the commencement of civil works. DSC will develop the content of training. Besides that, Environmental Experts of the Consultant will:

- ensure that the construction methods proposed by the Contractor are satisfactory, with reference to the technical requirements of ADB’s Environmental Guidelines. - undertake periodic review and reporting on the implementation of the EMP. - will inspect the Contractor’s construction equipment; safety of the works, property, personnel, and public; and the recommendations of the EMP. - supervise and monitor the implementation of any environmental mitigation measures required and in the event of occurrence of any unexpected environmental impacts, coordinate with the Contactor to provide mitigation measures.

2.3 Project Activities During Current Reporting Period

2.3.1 Conceptual Design

42. A conceptual design report has been developed to be guide for detailed designs which covers the cities of Balykchy and Karakol located in Issyk-Kul Oblast. It’s outputs under the DSC services are:

 Installing new sewer network in Balykchy (10.7 km) and Karakol (12.7 km);  Designing a 12.0 million liters/day (MLD) capacity wastewater treatment plant in Karakol;  Installing a pump station with submerged pumps to serve a residential area in Pristan, Karakol with 2.9 km pressure main;  Sludge Management for cleaning the ponds in WWTP sites, including the 39-ha pond of Karakol and the lagoons Balykchy, and disposal of un-contaminated sludge. If the sludge is found to be contaminated, the project will not support the cleaning of the ponds. Balykchy Network: 43. Sewerage network in this location is designed as an extension network to the existing one all along T. Moldo, Mambetalieva, Sharipova, Toktosunova, Kaldybaeva, and

Ozernaya streets. Moreover, in the scope of this project the wastewater discharge of development area stays at the north of settlement also included in design calculations as an inflow to the system. However, the lines in the development area are out of the scope of the project. The total length of the pipelines for these streets is 10.7 km. After construction of network, approximately 8,760 people (approximately 2,200 houses) will be connected to the sewerage system. According to the studies, there are 1600 houses in the project area and 600 houses in the development area. Within the scope of the project, only collector lines will be constructed. House connections, parcel manholes and connection lines are out of the scope of the project.

44. DSC started conceptual design studies for extension of sewerage network works for Balykchy city after completion of the topographical and geotechnical surveys. Conceptual design studies were completed and submitted to city architectural department for ETS approval on 16 June and to PMO on 30 June. After repetitive revisions on alignment of pipelines due to intersections with existing infrastructure and due to land acquisition problems APU/ETU (Russian acronym for Architectural and Technical Approval) approval could be taken on 29 September. These revisions were included in revised conceptual design resubmitted to PMO.

Karakol Network: 45. Sewerage network extensions are designed along the streets in five different sections of Karakol city. These streets are Zhamansariev, Lenin, Alybakov, Abdrakh-manov, Gebze, Akhunbaev, Moskovskiy, Duisheev, Asanaliev, Tumanov, Kadyrov, Sovetskiy, Oktyabrskiy, Kuchukov, Lenin, Przhevalsky, Zhusayev, Udilov, Valikhanov. Moreover, in the scope of this project the wastewater discharge of development area stays at the south-east of settlement (Jolgolot) also included in design calculations as an inflow to the system. In the scope of this tender package, total length of 12.7 km sewerage line and approximately 450 manholes will be constructed. When the project is completed, approximately 6.282 people (approximately 1.570 houses) can be connected to the sewerage system. Within the scope of the project, only collector lines will be constructed. House connections, parcel manholes and connection lines are out of the scope of the project.

46. DSC started conceptual design studies for extension of sewerage network works for Karakol city after completion of the topographical and geotechnical surveys. Conceptual design studies were completed and submitted for APU/ETU approval on 26 June and to PMO on 30 June. After repetitive revisions on alignment of pipelines due to intersections with existing infrastructure and due to land acquisition issues APS/ETS (Architectural

and Planning Specifications/ Engineering and Technical Specifications) approval for Balykchy and Karakol networks has been received on September 30, 2020.

47. After the meeting held on the date 28/10/2020 with PMO and Temelsu General Manager Mr. Goktug Sirel and Project Backstopper, Mrs. Burcin Cetin conceptual design for Balykchy and Karakol Networks are verbally approved independent from the Karakol WWTP in order to initiate detailed designs of these tender packages.

PS-4 Pump Station: 48. In order to deliver the wastewater collected in Pristan region of Karakol to Karakol WWTP, there is a need to build a new pump station PS-4 to pump collected waste water and transmit to existing pump station PS-2 which is connected to WWTP. The solution proposed in existing feasibility study is not applicable since, pressure pipeline from proposed PS-4 to existing PS-2 can easily be clogged during operation, especially at the point of minimum elevation of pipeline i.e., Karakol river crossing. Although for the future demand (320 m³/day) it is possible to operate proposed pump station, for the existing conditions wastewater flow rate will be very low (10 m³/day) considering the SNIP (Russian acronym for Construction Codes and Regulations) criteria for minimum pipe diameter and minimum flow velocity which will result in siltation in pipeline and clogging. Therefore, DSC proposed an alternative solution as not to construct PS-4 pump station building and pressure line for the beginning of operating period but in place to construct only waste water storage tank (app. 60 m³) and purchase two vacuum trucks and transport cumulated waste to existing PS-2 (app. 3 km). Construction of pump station and pump line is proposed for the future when wastewater discharge will reach 200 m³/day. This solution is more economical in terms of initial investment and operation costs. Moreover, with proposed solution 100% of the houses in Pristan can be served through vacuum trucks since existing network cannot serve all houses in the settlement.

49. In final Conceptual report submitted on 27/11/2020, DSC proposed above mentioned solution for PS-4 pump station which was rejected at a meeting held on 30/12/2020 with the Project Management Office, taking into account the complexity of the operation of sewage trucks and the fact that all houses in Pristan will be connected to sewerage system with extensions in network in near future and the total discharge will be 70 m³/day. Therefore, PMO preferred to construct PS-4 pump station and pump line to PS- 2. According to final decision of PMO DSC is revising PS-4 design calculations and will submit to PMO soon.

50. PMO submitted PS-4 pump station, wastewater storage tank and pump line in between PS-4 and PS-2 for APU/ETU approval at the end of December 2020.

Karakol WWTP: 51. DSC will prepare a detailed design for the 12 MLD capacity wastewater treatment plant. The IDEAL process recommended in feasibility study was evaluated and found that it has difficulties in operation at cold climates (freezing). DSC has examined different nutrient removal processes that will operate efficiently under the conditions in Karakol, providing ease of operation, with minimum investment and operational costs, and has recommended the selection of 5-Stage Bardenpho process which was detailly discussed in process selection report.

52. Conceptual design for WWTP includes studies as; process calculations, PNI diagrams, hydraulic profiles, architectural plans and sections, plant layout details, capital and operation costs, environmental monitoring studies, sanitary protection zone. Final version of Conceptual report including PMO’s revision were submitted on 27/11/2020.

Process Selection Report:

53. In this report proposed IDEAL process recommended in feasibility study was evaluated in detail and 5-Stage Bardenpho process proposed by DSC depending on the climate conditions of Karakol was presented in detail in terms of existing wastewater analyses and discharge criteria to be satisfied. Both technologies were compared and the superiorities of the 5-step Bardenpho process to IDEAL process were indicated. Process Selection Report was submitted to PMO on 04/07/2020 and discussed by PMO at a meeting held on 07/08/2020 to get an approval from the project beneficiaries - the Implementing Agency, Karakol Mayor’s Office and KVK Municipal Enterprise. Afterwards, these approvals were taken from project beneficiaries within the meeting held on 13/08/2020. As of now, no final decision on the selection of process has been made, consultations with ADB are underway. An additional request has been sent to the DSC on the main conceptual aspects of the proposed treatment process.

Sludge Sampling Plan: 54. The main objective of the Sampling and Analysis Plan is to:

 carry out a systematic sampling program,  carrying out complete chemical analysis of sludge by taking composite sampling  determine whether or not the accumulated sludge is contaminated in accordance with the international standards and regulations,  in case sludge is uncontaminated, formulate the subsequent action plan for disposal of the sludge in an environmentally sound manner.

55. During the reporting period, the draft Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan was reviewed by the PMO and returned for revision several times. After receiving comments from the PMO and ADB, the revised Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan was submitted by the DSC on December 29, 2020 for review and approval. The Consultant is currently finalizing the draft Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan, as per repeated comments from ADB and PMO, and will submit the document for review and approval.

56. Main problems: In draft Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan no international parameters were provided to guide the sampling and analysis of sludge. The structure of the document did not cover the existing institutional and legal aspects. When reviewing the comments of PMO and ADB, DSC environmental specialists were not involved.

57. After approvals, Plan may be implemented, and samples can be analyzed. According to the results of analysis, if sludge is tested as uncontaminated DSC will prepare sludge management program that evaluates sludge disposal strategy, depending on the result of analysis. A transportation plan for defining the most straightforward and cost-effective way of transporting the sludge will also be included in the disposal strategy

Sanitary Protection Zone (SPZ): 58. The Sanitary Protection Zone (SPZ) is an area that separates industrial enterprises and other industrial, public utility and storage facilities which have impact on the environment and human health, from nearby from residential buildings, a landscape and recreational zone, a recreation area, a resort.

59. It has been ensured within the project activities that the Sanitary Protection zone of the existing Balykchy and Karakol WWTPs have not been established and registered.

60. SPZs could be identified around WWTPs in two steps. The first step is the justification through both detailed technical (odor) modelling. The second step is conduction of a field sampling and testing. As indicated in Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) the first step could be completed once the final design of the WWTPs is completed. The second step could be completed only when the WWTPs are operational. It is also indicated in LARP that it is necessary to develop first a draft SPZ with clear boundaries in order to protect the population from air pollution.

61. Based on the results of repeated discussions at the meeting with EA/PMO and the DSC on September 23, 2020, it was decided that the DSC should carry out all the necessary calculations to determine the actual size / boundaries of the SPZ at Karakol WWTP).

62. SPZ modelling studies were completed and submitted to PMO on 25/11/2020 with letter no:0536/ISSIK-001/20-159 and reviewed by PMO. After receiving comments from PMO, revised SPZ modelling study was submitted on 29/12/2020 was sent to ADB for

16 information. After the approval of the treatment process, the calculations presented by the Consultant may be changed.

2.3.2 Detailed Designs

63. After approval of the conceptual design for Balykchy and Karakol Networks at the meeting held on 28/10/2020, DSC initiated detailed designs of networks, finalized and submitted the detailed designs to PMO - for Balykchy on November 25, 2020 and for the city of Karakol on December 17, 2020. Currently, the materials are being prepared for submission to the State Expertise under State Agency of Architecture, Construction, Housing and Communal Services (SAACHCS).

2.3.3 Bidding Documents

64. After submission of detailed designs for Balykchy and Karakol cities some sections of tender documents i.e., Bill of Quantities (BOQs), specifications in parallel with produced design document is being drafted in International Competitive Bidding (ICB) format. All documents and design drawings will be formatted and translated in to English to satisfy the requirements of ICB type tender documents.

2.3.4 Construction

65. There is no construction activity within the current reporting period.

2.4 Description of Any Changes to Project Design

66. The project design activities are under progress during the reporting period.

2.5 Description of Any Changes to Agreed Construction methods

67. There are no construction activities yet.

3 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD ACTIVITIES

3.1 General Description of Environmental Safeguard Activities

Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension: 68. Related to the environmental aspects of Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension the following activities have been realized by PMO, Balykchy Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and DSC.

70. The announcement of PPM on Extension of Extension of Balykchy Sewer Lines, the advertisement has been published at the local newspaper Vesti Issik Kulya (VIK) on 2/November/2020. (Appendix I)

71. On 27/October/2020 Balykchy Sewer Extension area have been visited together with PMO environmental and social specialist, PIU head of Balykchy city. The following issues have been identified during the field visit:

72. Mambetaliyeva Street: There is a primary school under construction which is expected to be completed in three years. And a kindergarten exists in nearby area therefore, traffic management plan should include special measures for this area, such as lower speed limits, observers for kids, etc. Also, this situation has to be mentioned in EMP.

73. Koldybayev Street: The pedestrian road which is already constructed in this street will be demolished including the already planted trees. EMP must include the necessary actions defined for reconstruction of the pedestrian road. The measures defined in EMP on trees are as follows: “Contractor to develop a tree protection plan as part of the SEMP. This will as a minimum set out restrictions on tree removals, stock piling soils over tree root systems, excessive compression of soils around tree root systems.

74. Main entrance of the Makarenko school will be affected during the construction. Therefore, necessary safety measures must be taken and construction period could be set out of the school period. This issue will be reflected into EMP, as well.

75. Two side entrances of clothes market named Yenibazar (Asel Bazar) will be affected from the construction activities. The market is used for every day. The access to the market area needs to be provided in a safe manner. It should be indicated in EMP.

Togolok Moldov Street, three sections, Mahmataliyeva Street, primary school Balykchy under construction, Balykchy

Koldubayev street, trees and the Entrance of Makarenko School, Balykchy pedestrian road, Balykchy

Side Entrance of Yenibazar, Balykchy 76. Local Environmental Specialist prepared brochures of EIA (OVOS) for extension of sewerage lines in Balykchy, revised and published for public consultations, they were also agreed with PMO.

77. The presentations covering the environmental issues and social issues of Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension have been prepared by local environmental specialist Mrs. Olga Zinina and Mr. Iiuri Dolgov, respectively. The presentations have been reviewed by the PMO specialists.

78. On 30/October/2020 the PPM was held in Balykchy city for sewerage extension lines. The precautionary measures in order to minimize the contamination of COVID-19 has been taken such as providing mask, hand gloves and disinfectants. Besides that, the body temperature of the participants has been measured, before accessing them into the meeting hall. Total Number of the participant was 57 including the project staff.

79. Copies of OVOS reports for Balykchy sewerage extension lines have been submitted to the government agencies a few days before the meeting who could not access to the OVOS have been also provided. Besides that, presentations of local environmental specialist (Mrs. Olga Zinina) and social expert (Mr. Iiuri Dolgov) and leaflet, etc. provided in enclosed envelopes to the all participants.

80. PIU Balykchy Manager Mr. K.Z. Karasartov moderated the meeting successfully. PPM has started at 14:30 PM. Opening speeches have been made by Mr. K.Z. Karasartov, Mr. Ismailov Iskenderbek Samibekovich, Mr. Kultashev, Mr. T. Mambetaliev. After the opening speech a technical presentation of the meeting was performed by the Mrs. Komova from DSC. The local environmental expert Mrs. Olga Zinina’s environmental presentation has been followed by the presentation on social issues which is conducted by Mr. Yuri Dolgov.

81. The minutes of meetings is given at the Appendix II. The main issues discussed during the question/answer section were about the compensations; house hold connections; construction of WWTP in parallel to sewer line extension, etc. Significant questions/suggestions received from the participants during Balykchy PPM are:

Question: Red lines set in the some of the streets has been violated by the resident of the Balykchy city. A precise survey needs to be conducted to identify the real situation of the streets considered for sewerage extension works. What kind of disturbances will be the faced during the construction work and how they will be mitigated?

Question: How the transverse streets will be connected to the central sewerage system, they said along the longitudinal streets. Could you provide more information on this?

Question: The laying of pipes affects some sections of asphalt roads.

Question: What type of pipes will be laid?

Question: At whose expense will the connection of subscribers be made?

Question: When the sewer network is built, where will this wastewater go?

General comment: Everyone wants to live well and wants to connect to the centralized sewerage network. Everyone has a right to connect to the centralized sewerage. For

this, it is necessary to obtain the technical specifications from Balykchy Vodokanal. And you have to go to the architectural department to be included in the project.

Registration at PPM of Balykchy OVOS View of PPM of Balykchy OVOS

View of PPM of Balykchy OVOS View of PPM of Balykchy OVOS

Karakol Sewerage Network Extension: 82. Related to the environmental aspects of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension the following activities have been realized by Project Management Office (PMO), Karakol PIU and DSC.

- Preparation of Draft OVOS Report of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension - Field visit to Karakol Sewerage Network Extension area - Realization of PPM at Karakol City - Preparation of Final OVOS Report of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension 83. The Draft EIA (OVOS) Report on Extension of Karakol Sewerage Network has been prepared on September 23, 2020 DSC was revised taking into account the comments of the PMO.

84. The advertisement of the PPM of Extension of Karakol Sewer Lines has been published at the newspaper of Karakolskaya Pravda on 29/October/2020. (Appendix III)

85. On 28/October/2020 a site visit to Karakol Sewer Extension area, Karakol WWTP area, and Pristan Pumping Station PS4 was done together with the PMO environmental specialist, PMO social and resettlement specialist, and the PIU head of Karakol city. The following issues have been identified during the field visit:

86. Pobeda park’s entrance exist in the Abdrahmanov street’s connection with Dusheyev street. Necessary safety measures must be taken and construction period. In Dusheyev street chopping down the trees couldn’t be avoided; therefore, compensation measures need to be considered. This protection measure will be reflected into SSEMP.

87. In Alibakov Street the chopping of three has been avoided by means of selecting the proper lay route for the pipes.

88. In Karakol street some of the trees will be removed, which will be identified by the local environmental expert. As stated, above tree preservation measures will be applied strictly.

89. In Gebze street, which is near the construction area a kindergarten exists. The traffic management plan should include special measures for this area, such as lower speed limits, observers for kids, etc. Also, this situation has to be mentioned in EMP.

90. Kucukova road is considered to be the most problematic area during the construction, especially due to Koyonkozov street passage.

91. Kusaev street is a narrow road which needs special elaboration due to its width and possibility of coincidence of the existing water pipeline. Access of the people to their dwellings should be provided during the construction by means of manhole-to-manhole excavation. This measure will be included into the EMP.

Abdrahmanov Street, Karakol Pobeda park’s entrance, Karakol

Connection point of Extended Lines to Kusaev Street, Karakol the Sewerage main, Karakol

92. Local Environmental Specialist prepared brochures of OVOS for extension of sewerage lines in Karakol, revised and published for public consultations, they were also agreed with PMO.

93. The presentations covering the environmental issues and social issues of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension have been prepared by local environmental specialist Mrs. Olga Zinina and Mr. Iiuri Dolgov, respectively. The presentations have been reviewed by the PMO specialists.

94. On 29/October/2020 the PPM was held in Karakol city for sewerage extension lines. The precautionary measures in order to minimize the contamination of COVID-19 has been taken such as providing mask, hand gloves and disinfectants. Copies of EIA (OVOS) reports for Karakol sewerage extension lines, which have been submitted to the government agencies by mail, presentations of local environmental and social experts and leaflet, etc. provided in an enclosed enveloped to the all participants. The body temperature of the participants has been measured, before accessing them into the meeting hall. Total Number of the participant was 36 including the project staff.

95. Copies of EIA (OVOS) reports for Karakol sewerage extension lines have been submitted to the government agencies by e-mail, and all participants have been provided copies before the meeting. Besides that, presentations of local environmental specialist (Mrs. Olga Zinina) and social expert (Mr. Iiuri Dolgov) and leaflet, etc. provided in an enclosed enveloped to the all participants in similar manner.

96. PIU Karakol Manager Mr. Akylbek Kadirovich moderated the meeting successfully. PPM has started at 15:15 PM. Opening speeches have been made by Mr. Akilbek Kadirovich, Mrs. Ivanova, Mr. Kylychbek Sheraliyevic, Mr. Ismailov Iskenderbek Samibekovich, Mr. Imanaliev Almaz, and Mr. Sabir Asanaliyevich. After the opening speech a technical presentation of the meeting was performed by the Mrs. Komova from DSC. The local

environmental expert Mrs. Olga Zinina’s environmental presentation has been followed by the presentation on social issues which is conducted by Mr. Yuri Dolgov.

97. The minutes of meetings of the meeting is given at the Appendix IV. The main issues discussed during the question/answer period were about the compensations; house hold connections; construction of WWTP in parallel to sewer line extension; deficiency of water supply lines at some locations prospected to construct sewer lines, etc. Significant questions/suggestions received from the participants during Karakol PPM are:

Question: Many objects such as sheds and baths have been built along the streets. In the event of any impact, how compensation will be made. This is the most problematic issue. Second, could you provide information about the time of sewerage network construction – the start and the completion?

Question: On Section-5 a sewer line is foreseen along Przheval'skaya street to Udilova street. How were the streets chosen for the construction of the sewer network? Is it possible to move the network to other streets?

Question: The sewer line runs along Valikhanova street, is it still possible to include Shevchenko and Fadeeva streets?

Question: Since Karakol has a natural slope of 3-4% to the North-East, wouldn’t it happen that this particular section will have a contra slope, the slope wouldn't be adequate?

Question: A sewer line is being laid along the street. As for connecting households to the main collector, will it be paid for by the residents themselves? And if so, what is the cost. We, as representatives of local government, will be asked such questions. If residents connect themselves, they need to be informed in advance. This is the first question.

Question: Why Masalieva street is not included although there are a lot of guest houses there?

Question: When it will be fully functioning? The population tends to connect to a centralized sewer system, even if this requires citizens to pay out of pocket. There are four streets where people would like to connect to the network.

Question: If the network is built first, the capacity of the WWTP will not be sufficient.

Question: Will the WWTP be built on the same territory? Perhaps the experts present here are well aware that the Karakol river is very close.

Question: Sewer lines will be laid to the house, what is being done during construction, and homeowners pay for the connection. Do residents have to pay for connecting the outdoor network?

Question: Was the soil structure taken into account when preparing the design?

General Comment: This is a long-awaited project, and its implementation is very important for all of us. During our meeting, it was said that there will be complaints from the population due to construction. In Karakol the centralized sewer system does not cover the whole city, and if the situation does not change over the next 10 years, all those septic tanks that are in most homes will fill up and start to smell. Fruitful work was carried out within the scope of PPM.

Registration at PPM of Karakol EIA View of PPM of Karakol EIA (OVOS) (OVOS)

View of PPM of Karakol EIA (OVOS) View of PPM of Karakol EIA (OVOS)

Construction of a Pump Station (PS-4) at Pristan, Karakol city: 98. With regard to environmental aspects of constructing a pumping station (PS-4) in Pristan, Karakol, the Project Management Office (PMO), PIU of Karakol, and the DSC took the following measures:

- Preparation of Draft EIA (OVOS) Report of Karakol Pristan Pump Station (PS-4) Construction in Pristan, Karakol city - Field visit to Karakol Pristan Pump Station (PS-4) area in Pristan, Karakol city

99. A draft EIA (OVOS) report of Karakol Pristan Pump Station (PS-4) Construction in Pristan, Karakol city was prepared on October 24, 2020 but returned to DSC by the PMO for revision.

Proposed Pump Station Site at Pristan Karakol River Passage from Pristan Pump Station at Pristan

Balykchy WWTP Reconstruction

100. Related to the environmental aspects of Balykchy WWTP Reconstruction the following activities have been realized by Project Management Office (PMO), Karakol PIU and DSC.

- Field visit to Balykchy WWTP area 101. Field visit to Karakol WWTP area has been realized on 15 September 2020 by international environmental specialist and team leader of DSC and PMO and Karakol PIU staff.

102. Probability of Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) containing transformers have been investigated during the field visits in Balykchy WWTP. Therefore, special handling of PCB might be required during the demolishing of transformer units. This need to be incorporated to the updated EMP and bidding documents.

Transformer in Balykchy WWTP

Karakol WWTP Reconstruction

103. Related to the environmental aspects of Karakol WWTP Reconstruction the following activities have been realized by Project Management Office (PMO), Karakol PIU and DSC.

- Conduction of Biological Survey for investigating the presence of Central Asian Frog - Field visit to Karakol WWTP area - Sanitary Protection Zone estimations 104. IEE of the IWMP which has been prepared and disclosed at ADB’s web site in September 2018, it has been IEE stated that a frog has been observed at the Pond -3 of Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Since the frog could not be caught the specie has been guessed as the Central Asian Frog (Rana asiatica).

105. Central Asian Frog (Rana asiatica) is included in the Red Book of KR as a vulnerable specie, and which is threatened by collection for traditional medicine. Environmental Management Plan given at the IEE defined a design stage task has been defined DSC that it should undertake preconstruction survey together with competent ecologist for Central Asian Frog in all locations where disturbance of suitable habitats will occur.

106. This study was carried out to determine the presence and / or distribution of the species of Central Asian frog (Rana asiatica) in the territory of the Karakol WWTP by Mr. A.T. Davletbakov, who is a candidate of biological sciences, working as the head of the laboratory of vertebrate zoology, Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr. A.T. Davletbakov performed field research from July 28, 2020 to August 01, 2020 and prepared a biological survey report (Appendix V).

107. After the submission of the DSC’s report based on this report the PMO’s and ADB’s comments have been received. Based on these comments on 21/October/2020 teleconference has been conducted with the following participants: K. Sh. Zhundubaev, PMO Environmental Specialist; Mr. A. T. Davletbakov, Head of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Zoology, Institute of Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic; Mrs. O. V Zinina, Environmental Specialist, National; Mr. K. Akyurek DSC Team Leader; Mr. S. Cimen, DSC Environmental Specialist; Miss T. Nadyrbek kyzy, DSC Interpreter; Mrs. Ninette R. Pajarillaga, ADB Manila; Mrs. Ainagul Amanova, ADB Bishkek; Mr. Sultan Bakirov, ADB Bishkek. The following decision have been made after the presentation of international environmental specialist.

- DCS to update the Frog Survey Report - Conducting Critical Habitat Assessment in accordance with (International Finance Cooperation (IFC) Performance Standards no. 6

- Suggest possible alternatives, and include indicators, recommendations - Engage government agencies, and state authorities that deal with wildlife (SAEPF) in preparation of the report (to gain their opinion and include in the report) 108. A stakeholder engagement meeting was hold on 5/November/2020 with the participants of :

- Mr. Tolokov Nursultan; EcotechnInspection - Department of Water Resources - Mr. Izak Uulu Bekbolot – SAEPF- Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Specially Protected Natural Areas - Mr. Zhundubayev Kylychbek – PMO - Mr. Askar T. Davletbakov - Mr. Murat Tunca – DSC Wastewater Expert - Mrs. Olga Zinina – Local Environmental Specialist of DSC - Mr. Saban Cimen – International Environmental Specialist of DSC - Ms. Tolgonai Nadyrbek kyzy – Interpreter of DSC. 109. The following decision have been achieved at the end of meeting, after the presentation of international environmental specialist:

- If the Central Asian Frogs need to be moved from the project site, it is advised that Central Asian Frog species would be transported into the similar natural habitat area rather than artificial ponds. Mr. Askar T. Davletbakov has explained that the defined alternative similar habitat area can be used as it is and there is no need for the construction of ponds. - Participants of the meeting agreed that a similar habitat chosen by Mr. Askar T. Davletbakov is suitable for such a transfer. - During the catch, transportation, introducing and monitoring the Central Asian Frog the State Inspection for Ecological and Technical Safety (SIETS)- Department of Water Resources and State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry (SAEPF)- Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Specially Protected Areas will participate to the activities. - All measures for the resettlement of the Central Asian frog will be carried out within the framework of national legislation (agreement with the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, obtaining a permit from the SAEPF, registration of a permit with the local authorities of the SAEPF and SIETS to ensure control and coordination); - It should be noted that if the protection of Central Asian Frog fails due to the project activities and planned prevention measures, that will be compensated on the base of the existing national legislation. 110. The meeting participants noted the need to improve measures to protect the Central Asian frog through:

- strengthening responsibility for illegal culling and sale of the Central Asian frog, as well as organizing a protected natural area in this territory (SAEPF initiates the adoption of relevant regulatory acts); - ensuring that SIETS together with law enforcement agencies take measures to combat illegal culling and sales of the Central Asian frog.

Evaluation Meeting with relevant government agencies

111. The general report for frog survey has been revised and submitted to PIU on 26/November/2020. The ADB’s comments have been received and revision has been made on the report. The revised report has been submitted to PIU on 29/December/2020.

112. Field visit to Karakol WWTP area has been realized on 16/September/2020 by international environmental specialist and team leader of DSC and PMO and Karakol PIU staff. Afterwards a second site visit to the same area has been realized on 28//October/2020 by national and international environmental specialist of DSC and PMO and Karakol PIU staff.

113. Probability of Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) containing transformers have been investigated during the field visits in Karakol WWTP. Therefore, special handling of PCB might be required during the demolishing of transformer units. This need to be incorporated to the updated EMP and bidding documents.

Transformer in Karakol WWTP

114. A report on SPZ has been submitted with the conceptual report has been evaluated at the meeting which is hold on 2/November/2020 to discuss the comments made with PMO’s environmental and social specialists and DSC design team together with national environmental specialist and national social specialist and international environmental expert. It has been agreed that for the conceptual phase a draft study of SPZ will be modelled by the local environmental expert Mrs. Olga Zinina within two weeks of time which will be incorporated to by the local social expert Mr. Yuri Dolgov. After the design has been finalized the modelling study might need to be revised by an experienced and licensed firm.

115. In order to get a precise technical and administrative implementation of SPZ modelling experience in Kyrgyzstan, through the skilled technical staff on similar works a consultation meeting has been arranged. In the meeting, a presentation was made on the modeling of the SPZ of the existing WWTP in Cholpon-Ata by a representative of a specialized company, Mr. Orozaliev (an environmental expert) on 4/November/2020. The study was realized according to the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, dated 11/April/2016 No. 201, on the approval of acts in the field of public health. After the modelling study the SPZ of the existing Cholpon Ata WWTP have been reduced to 100 m. The SPZ is defined as draft SPZ which will be delineated as final SPZ after the observation of the pollutant parameters at the defined points by a laboratory.

116. Modelling study of SPZ has been realized by local environmental expert Mrs. Olga Zinina. A report of methodology of calculations and determination of SPZ have been prepared by her incorporating the knowledge provided by the local social expert Mr. Yuri Dolgov. The report has been submitted to PMO on 25/November/2020.

SPZ

Source: DSC, SPZ report,

Figure 3-1 Estimated Draft SPZ of Karakol WWTP

According to the calculations made in the report SPZ could be reduced until 175 m- 200 m at Karakol WWTP area which will have no effect on the resettlement area (Figure 3-1). PMO has requested to make revisions on the report on 9/December/2020. The revisions have been made and repot sent to PMO on 29/December/2020. This modelling study will be updated after the approval of treatment technology.

117. Related to sludge management the following environmental activities have been realized by Project Management Office (PMO), Balykchy PIU, Karakol PIU and DSC.

118. Conduction of field surveys for the alternative sludge disposal sites for Balykchy and Karakol project activities

119. International Environmental Specialist, Project Team Leader and PMO Environmental Specialist has realized a site visit on 15/September/2020 to Balykchy area for alternative sludge, debris, solid waste disposal sites which already defined by PMO of Balykchy. Approximately 5.0 ha of sludge disposal area is required for the sludge accumulated in the wastewater ponds, including the sludge that will be produced from the proposed Balykchy WWTP in feature.

120. Balykchy PIU office has proposed two alternatives for sludge disposal one is the area located area adjacent to the east of the existing WWTP, and the other is the municipal solid waste disposal area. The municipal solid waste disposal area will be used for disposal of the solid wastes produced during the project activities, as well as the sludge produced from wastewater ponds.

Alternative Sludge Disposal Area at Balykchy Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Area in Balykchy

121. International Environmental Specialist, Project Team Leader and PMO Environmental Specialist has realized a site visit on 16/September/2020 to Karakol area for alternative sludge, debris, solid waste disposal sites which already defined by PIU of Karakol. Approximately 10.0 ha of sludge disposal area is required for the sludge accumulated in the wastewater ponds and seasonal irrigation pond, including the sludge that will be produced from the proposed Karakol WWTP in feature.

122. Karakol PIU office has proposed two alternatives for sludge disposal one is the area located area adjacent to the northwest of the existing WWTP, and the other is the municipal solid waste disposal area. The municipal solid waste disposal area will be used for disposal of the solid wastes produced during the project activities. The sludge removed from the ponds could be partly used at the municipal solid waste disposal area for rehabilitation purposes. The alternative sludge disposal site needs further elaboration due to its location. Other alternatives for the sludge originated from the wastewater ponds and seasonal irrigation area, to use them at the agricultural areas, if it provides the requirements given at the “GOST R 17.4.3.07-2001 Protection of Nature. Soils. Requirements for the properties of wastewater and their sludge when used for irrigation and as fertilizers. Drinking water. General”.

Alternative Sludge Disposal Area at Karakol Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Area in Karakol

123. There were no routine activities undertaken by environmental safeguard staff during the current reporting period.

3.2 Site Audits

124. Formal audit activity has not been realised during the reporting period..

3.3 Issues Tracking (Based on Non-Conformance Notices)

125. Since the construction activities has not been commenced, non-conformance notices have not been issued during the current period.

3.4 Trends

126. Since the construction activities has not been commenced there were no observation about the trends of non-conformance notices.

3.5 Unanticipated Environmental Impacts or Risks

127. Sludge disposal site, hazardous solid waste disposal site and solid waste disposal sites have been visited but identified yet. After completion of sludge analysis, the identification of these sites will be performed form the alternative sites defined at paragraphs 120 and 122 a quick biological/environmental survey and assessment might need to be carried out. Additional survey issues might be raised by the local branch of SAEPF during the OVOS/EIA process. DSC is required to conduct these surveys prior to the preparation of bidding documents.

128. Asbestos cement pipes might be faced during the construction phase; therefore, a Asbestos Containing Materials management plan will be required for the removal and disposal of these hazardous material. Bidding document must include the requirement for such a plan from the Contractor and a unit rate of removal and disposal.

4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RESULTS

4.1 Overview of Monitoring Conducted during Current Period

129. Background surface water quality data for the Issyk-Kul lake has been obtained during the IEE is given at the previous SAEMR for the sampling locations of Petroleum Station, Balykchy; Shipyard, Balykchy; “Cruise” Yacht Club; Cholpon-Ata; ULAN plant, Karakol which is also attached in Appendix-VI of this report.

130. The wastewater quality at the outlet of Karakol Wastewater Treatment plant has been has been analyzed for Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, BOD5 (Biological Oxygen Demand for 5 days), SS (Suspended Solids), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), Color Index, Phosphorus and Temperature between dates 25/November/2020 and 1/December/2020. The samples of the above listed parameters have been collected at 10:00, 14:00, 18:00 and 22:00 each date for the given period. The results of the analysis have been listed at Table 4-1. Detailed Monitoring results have been given at Appendix VI.

Table 4-1 Analysis of Wastewater at the outlet of Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant

Date Parameter Units 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00 Ammonia mg/l 6.8 11.75 8.2 8.925 Nitrate mg/l 0.0226 0.0226 0.3565 0.0515 Nitrite mg/l 0.0009 0.0009 0.0055 0.0009

BOD5 mgO/l 102.75 185.75 133.25 141 25/11/2020 SS mg/l 55.75 124.25 220.125 120 COD mgO/l 151.5 250 168 189 Color Index °C 25 55 70 35 Phosphorus mg/l 1.6 2.65 1.65 2 Temperature °C 7 7 7.5 6.5 Ammonia mg/l 3.775 9.65 8.925 8.2 Nitrate mg/l 0.216 0,03 0.0515 0.2595 Nitrite mg/l 0.0055 0.0115 0.0055 0.0045 BOD5 mgO/l 90 103.75 149 288 26/11/2020 SS mg/l 78.25 82.625 242.325 545.75 COD mgO/l 165 196.6 200.5 450,5 Color Index °C 0 95 25 55 Phosphorus mg/l 3.45 2.1 4.55 1.6 Temperature °C 7 8 7 7 Ammonia mg/l 6,075 19,55 11.75 9.65 Nitrate mg/l 0.2915 0.1085 0.0245 0.0515 27/11/2020 Nitrite mg/l 0.0055 0.0095 0.0045 0.0095 BOD5 mgO/l 133.2 198 213 155.8

Date Parameter Units 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00 SS mg/l 95.875 212 113.75 138.25 COD mgO/l 270 377.5 445 207 Color Index °C 0 100 25 45 Phosphorus mg/l 2.85 2.05 1.55 2.15 Temperature °C 6 9 7 7 Ammonia mg/l 3.775 9.65 8.925 6,075 Nitrate mg/l 0.054 0.0625 0,119 0.2805 Nitrite mg/l 0.0045 0.0095 0.0055 0.024 BOD5 mgO/l 79.7 114.6 158.5 200.75 138.12 28.11.2020 SS mg/l 26.875 5 210.25 321.5 COD mgO/l 151 196.5 222.5 272.5 Color Index °C 12.5 75 25 65 Phosphorus mg/l 1.75 3,1 2.05 6.55 Temperature °C 5 5 7.5 6.5 Ammonia mg/l 3.98 0.407 0.414 0.449 Nitrate mg/l 0,011 0.1295 0.0945 0.0625 Nitrite mg/l 0.0055 0.0095 0.0045 0,0025 BOD5 mgO/l 76 122.5 123 100.8 117.62 29.11.2020 SS mg/l 25.625 5 129.5 110.625 COD mgO/l 110.5 206.5 185.5 151 Color Index °C 20 225 145 165 Phosphorus mg/l 0.75 2.25 1.75 1.45 Temperature °C 6 7 6 7 Ammonia mg/l 6,075 11.05 6,075 9.65 Nitrate mg/l 0,057 0.2485 0.0226 0.2375 Nitrite mg/l 0.0095 0.0035 0.0055 0.0105 BOD5 mgO/l 128 162.5 100.6 181.5 113.37 218.12 30.11.2020 SS mg/l 5 5 119 308.625 COD mgO/l 161 205.5 134.5 271.5 Color Index °C 25 40 45 55 Phosphorus mg/l 1.35 1.9 1.4 2.25 Temperature °C 7 7.5 7 6 Ammonia mg/l 6,075 13.15 8.2 8.875 Nitrate mg/l 0.0226 0,03 0.109 0.0182 Nitrite mg/l 0.001 0.0095 0.0175 0.0055 BOD5 mgO/l 91 130.75 107.4 140.5 01.12.2020 SS mg/l 38.625 78.25 147 204.125 COD mgO/l 116 272 170.5 193.5 Color Index °C 20 45 115 85 Phosphorus mg/l 1.15 2.85 1.75 1.95 Temperature °C 6.5 7 7 7

131. Based on the analysis results the average values of Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, BOD5, SS, COD, Color Index, Phosphorus and Temperature have been estimated as in the Table 4-2.

Table 4-2. Average Values of Analysis at Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant Outlet

Parameter Units Average Value Ammonia mg/l 7.717 Nitrate mg/l 0.1088 Nitrite mg/l 0,0069

BOD5 mgO/l 139.7 SS mg/l 154,86 COD mgO/l 218 Color Index °C 61 Phosphorus mg/l 2,23 Temperature °C 6.8

132. National Regulation related to minimum quality requirements for treated wastewater reuse in agricultural irrigation and EU Council Directive 91-271-EEC on wastewater treatment plant effluent are shown in Table 4-3 which are taken from in IEE.

Table 4-3 Proposed Effluent Discharge Standards

EU Council National Proposed Parameters Unit Directive 91- Regulations for Design 271-EEC Irrigation Criteria (Max.)

BOD5 mg/l 25 N/A 25 COD mg/l 125 N/A 125 Suspended Solids (SS) mg/l 35 N/A 35 Total Nitrogen (TN) mg/l 15 N/A 15

Ammonia (as NH3-N) mg/l N/A 0,1 0,1

Nitrate (as NO3-N) mg/l N/A 45 10 Total Phosphorus (TP) mg/l 2 10 2 E. coli (CFU/100 mL) (CFU/100 mL) N/A <1,000 <1,000

133. Based on the analysis conducted during the design period Ammonia, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Suspended Solids have exceeded the proposed design values given at in Table 4-3 for the most of the analysis. Whereas Nitrate and Phosphorus analysis values were almost lower than the proposed design values given at in Table 4-3. These exceedances of the standards are due to untreated wastewater. These conditions are expected to be improved after the construction and operation of Karakol WWTP.

134. During the current reporting period the water quality analysis have been conducted for Karakol WWTP. Sludge sampling analysis at Karakol and Balykchy wastewater ponds could not be carried out, since the Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan could not be completed.

4.2 Trends

135. Based on the results obtained during the feasibility stage the results of the analysis of the Karakol WWTP was given in the previous SAEMR at column after biological ponds for April and August 2017 of Table AI.4 (See Appendix VII). The average values of the previous results have been compared with the results of analysis made between the dates 25/11/2020 and 01/12/2020. The comparison of these results is Table 4-4. The average values obtained after the analysis made during design phase are higher than the values obtained at feasibility stage for the parameters of the BOD5, SS, COD, Phosphorus and Color Index. This might be caused due to seasonal variations of the wastewater quality received. The feasibility stage analysis conducted at summer season whereas design stage analysis conducted at winter season.

Table 4-4 Comparison of Average Values of analyzes of wastewater at Karakol Wastewater Treatment Plant Outlet

Average Values Average Values (measured on Parameter Units (measured on April 25/11/2020 - and August 2017) 1/12/2020) Ammonia mg/l 10.2 7.717 Nitrate mg/l 1.855 0.1088 Nitrite mg/l 0.0505 0,0069

BOD5 mgO/l 52.3 139.7 SS mg/l 50 154,86 COD mgO/l 76.6 218 Color Index °C - 61 Phosphorus mg/l 1,85 2,23 Temperature °C 13.5 6.8

4.3 Summary of Monitoring Outcomes

136. The following environmental monitoring program has been envisaged to be conducted during the construction period:

a. Ambient air quality, 6 months per year, at 8 locations for 2,5 years

b. Water quality, 6 months per year, at 4 locations for 2,5 (years)

c. Noise-vibration, 6 months per year, at 8 locations for 2,5 (years)

d. influent and effluent quality, 6 months per year, for 3 years

137. During the current reporting period only, the design required monitoring activities have been performed. I.e., conduction of wastewater quality analysis at Karakol WWTP.

138. Sludge quality analysis are expected to be conducted after the approval of Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan. Based on the sludge analysis results, additional biological surveys might be required depending on the requirement of the disposal sites of the sludges.

139. A Corncrake survey at Balykchy WWTP construction area will be required as soon as the construction starts in that area. For the efficiency of monitoring early May is preferable. The survey will concentrate locating Corncrake’s nest.

4.4 Material Resources Utilization

140. Since the construction activities has not been commenced no values could be provided for resource utilization.

4.5 Waste Management

141. Since the construction activities has not been commenced no information is available for waste management activities.

4.6 Occupational Health and Safety

142. Since the construction activities has not been commenced no information is available for health and safety issues both for community and workers health and safety. To protect the health and safety of workers, as well as surrounding communities, the contractors of each subproject shall conduct a workplace review and risk assessment for exposure to COVID-19. To exposure risks will be assessed by the Contractors through: (i) determination of level of exposure risk; (ii) determination additional exposure risk factors; (iii) consultation with workers; (iv) Development of Health and Safety Management Plans which also takes care COVID-19 exposure risk and protection measures; (v) reviewing international good practices especially issued by WHO on key guidance to manage the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

143. In this respect DSC has prepared a Health and Safety Plan has in order to identify the actions to be taken during operations of TEMELSU International Engineering Services Inc. COVID-19). It has been submitted to PIU and implementation started at the time of the submission. The office, field and meeting activities have been organized according to the given plan.

4.7 Training

144. Since the construction activities has not been commenced no information is provided on all environmental safeguard related training activities.

5 FUNCTIONING OF SEMP

5.1 SEMP Review

146. Since the construction activities have not been commenced any SEMP has not been developed. Therefore, there are no comments on SEMP.

6 GOOD PRACTICES AND OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT

6.1 Good Practice

147. There isn’t any activity that can be recorded as good practice during the reporting period.

6.2 Opportunities for Improvement

148. There isn’t any activity that can be proposed as opportunity for the improvement.

7 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Summary

149. During the current reporting period the following activities have be carried out:

- Preparation of Draft EIA (OVOS) Report of Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension - Field visit to Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension area - Realization of PPM at Balykchy City - Preparation of Final OVOS Report of Balykchy Sewerage Network Extension - Preparation of Draft OVOS Report of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension - Field visit to Karakol Sewerage Network Extension area - Realization of PPM at Karakol City - Preparation of Final OVOS Report of Karakol Sewerage Network Extension - Preparation of Draft EIA (OVOS) Report of Karakol Pristan Pump Station (PS-4) Construction in Pristan, Karakol city - Field visit to Karakol Pristan Pump Station (PS-4) area in Pristan, Karakol city - Field visit to Balykchy WWTP area - Conduction of Biological Survey for investigating the presence of Central Asian Frog - Field visit to Karakol WWTP area - Sanitary Protection Zone estimations - Conduction of field surveys for the alternative sludge disposal sites for Balykchy and Karakol project activities

7.2 Recommendations

150. Already sludge disposal method has not been approved. After the laboratory analysis of the sludge, if the quality of the sludge will be determined as contaminated then no action will be taken. In any other case, sludge disposal sites need to be identified as well as solid and hazardous waste disposal sites during the design study. Solid waste, sludge disposal sites which have been proposed by Balykchy and Karakol PMO’s have been visited on 15 September 2020 and 16 September, respectively. According to the sludge analysis results, if the disposal of sludge is decided to be disposed than additional biological surveys might be conducted.

151. Existence of the Central Asian Frog (Rana asiatica) in the lagoons of the Karakol WWTP has been confirmed. A biological survey has been conducted by DSC and a Critical Habitat Assessment in accordance with IFC Performance Standards no. 6 for Karakol WWTP has been conducted. The solution related to the protection of species depends on the results of sludge survey analysis. The alternative solutions which have been defined at the biological survey needs further elaboration.

152. On the territory adjacent to the site Balykchy WWTP Crex crex (Corncrake) has been identified during the biological survey studies conducted during the preparation of IEE: This species is included in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz Republic. And its presence gives a special status to the project on the rehabilitation of sewage treatment facilities with the development of special protective measures in case of disruption of the Crex crex (Corncrake) habitat. Since Crex crex (Corncrake) is a migratory species their nests change from year to year. According to the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan “It arrives in the beginning of May and starts to display, usually during night time. Prefers running among grass rather than flying. Uses for food insects, rarer in seeds of the crops. Lays 8-10 eggs, fledglings appear in the second half of June.” It is proposed to make Corncrake survey during the construction period starting early in May and try to locate their nest, inform and put signs for protection and monitor them until the end of June. Therefore, DSC proposes to conduct Crex crex (Corncrake ) survey with a competent biologist in May 2021 and prepare a separate report on this issue.

153. Bidding documents must clearly identify the requirement of the SEMP that shall be prepared by the construction contractor. Other plans that will associate to the SEMP or independently required from the construction contractor as indicated in IEE are:

a. Tree Management Plan

b. Asbestos Management Plan

c. Traffic Management Plan

d. Waste Management Plan

e. Treatment and Disposal Plan for the sludge from Irrigation Reservoir

f. Archaeological Chance Finds Protocol/Plan

g. Water Course Protection Management Plan

h. Construction Noise Management Plan

i. Emergency Response Plan

j. Air quality and Dust Suppression Plan

k. Complaints Log Book

l. Health and Safety Management Plan including COVID 19 Protection measures

m. Construction Noise Management Plan

APPENDIXES