DRAFT NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) OF THE RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT

Prepared for:

Prepared by:

OCTOBER, 2009

1. Project Rationale The Georgian state-owned company LLC (GR) intends to improve the safety and efficiency of their railway operations by constructing a new section of railway track bypassing Tbilisi’s town centre. The current railway section running through the capital is the main route for freight on the east-west transport corridor through Georgia. The cargo mostly comprises of crude and refined oil derivates in transit from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to the Black Sea ports. Urban development surrounds a number of the rail terminals, sidings and yards, many of which are now either obsolete or derelict. The existing railway has few crossing points, and also acts as a barrier to city development on the northern bank of the Mtkvari River and depresses land value in its vicinity.

The Tbilisi Railway Bypass Project will not only improve the efficiency and safety of rail operations through the relocation of the existing rail facilities outside the urban area, but also result in urban redevelopment in the freed-up territories, in line with the city’s new General Plan for Prospective Development. The implementation of these activities in freed up territories is not part of the Tbilisi Railway Bypass Project and it is presented here for the sake of completeness. The areas cleared by GR will be redeveloped for the following two purposes: • Planning for redevelopment of the section between Central and Stations (some 73.2ha); • The section between Central Station and Navtlughi (circa 6km long) will be used for a new urban traffic corridor, where the following projects are envisioned: – Creation of a new double-track tram coming from Mtskheta, passing Tbilisi Central Station, the Airport, Rustavi and terminating in Gardabani to the southeast. Thus, in the city centre this new tram, having the same route, will replace the current GR passenger railway. – Construction of a new urban road in the corridor between Central and Navtlughi Stations.

The Project requires a permit from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MoE) based on an Environmental Impact Assessment. GR is also seeking funding from International Financial Institutions (IFI), amongst which are the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). A full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) has therefore been prepared to meet the requirements of both Georgian legislation and IFI policies.

A consortium consisting of GDC Solutions (Gutidze Damenia Chantladze Solutions), CENN ( Environmental NGO Network) and APLR (Association for Protection of Landowners Rights) has been contracted to carry out this ESIA.

The document reports potential environmental and social impacts associated with the construction and operation phases, and includes an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) describing measures to avoid, mitigate, or compensate identified impacts and to monitor compliance. APLR has also prepared a Resettlement and Compensation Framework. This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) presents the key findings of the ESIA, ESMP and Resettlement and Compensation Framework. Consultations with stakeholders and the public are also being undertaken, and project information disclosed in line with the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). The Draft Final ESIA Report is subject to public disclosure and GR will organise public hearings for interested parties in the relevant municipalities.

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

2. The Project Project alternatives At the initial stage of project development, GR discussed different route alternatives for the bypass. The left bank of the Mtkvari River was designated early on for the site of the railway route, since the right bank would have incurred heavy expenses due to the topographic setting. The main factors considered in the selection of the early alternatives were the following: • Terrain and the design and construction constraints related to it, including geotechnical aspects: this was the main restricting factor when designing the alternative routes as it affects the length of the route, as well as the location, number and length of tunnels and bridges required. • Cost: the proposed alternatives underwent significant changes during the development process as engineering structures (bridges, tunnels) lead to increased cost. • Environmental restrictions: consideration of an alternative route initially developed in the immediate vicinity of the Tbilisi Sea was ruled out at an early stage. • Social impacts: routes were identified trying to avoid settlements to minimise physical displacement as much as possible.

The alternative routes analysis included several successive iterations, in which some alternatives were eliminated early in the review and comparison process. Specifically, the option that would have run very close to the Northern bank of the Tbilisi Sea was eliminated as it entailed considerable environmental impacts and risks to the Tbilisi Sea.

At the end of the comparison process, four main alternatives were compared:

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Table 1. Alternatives for the Tbilisi Bypass Railway

Tunnel in Design Sub- Destination the water No Alternative Departure Point gradient alternative Point reservoir (slope) section Alternative I 1 _ Station Didube Station Navtlugi NA (The City Tunnel) Alternative II Karsani Station 15 0/ , 2 (North with 18 0/ _ Lilo I Station 00 NA 00 (designed) 18 0/ gradient) 00 Karsani Station III-1 Lilo I Station 15 0/ NO (proposed) 00

Karsani Station 0 Alternative III III-2 Lilo I Station 15 /00 YES 0 (proposed) 3 (Central with 15-18 /00 gradient) Karsani Station 0 III-3 Lilo I Station 15 / NO (proposed) 00 Karsani Station III-4 Lilo I Station 15 0/ YES (proposed) 00

0 IV-1 Zahesi Lilo I Station 18 /00 NO 4 Alternative IV (Central) 0 IV- 2 Zahesi Lilo I Station 18 /00 YES

Table 2. Comparison of Main Alternatives for the Tbilisi Bypass Railway

Alternative I Alternative II Alternative III Alternative IV 0 0 The City Tunnel North 18 /00 Central 18 /00 Central

TECHNICAL FEATURES

TOTAL LENGTH (km) 9.5 49.2 46.4 29

TUNNELS 1 (9,540 m) 3 (8,175 m) 4 (3,900 m) 3 (2,550 m)

APPROX. COST Not assessed 686 312 264 (million EUR)

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Poor mechanical characteristics of Moderate landslide GEOLOGY High landslide risk. High landslide risk. subsoil. Subsiding risk. subsoil. Proximity to “Tbilisi Proximity to “Tbilisi Possibility of Sea”; Sea”; affecting HYDROLOGY AND Low depth of 2-10m Low depth of 2-10m hydrological regime HYDROGEOLOGY to groundwater, to groundwater, of the ground leading to possible leading to possible water. negative impacts negative impacts on its quality. on its quality. Crosses the Crosses the Crosses the Traditional Use Traditional Use Traditional Use PROTECTED AREAS No impacts. Zone of the Tbilisi Zone of the Tbilisi Zone of the Tbilisi National Park. National Park. National Park. Moderate negative Moderate negative Moderate negative Very limited impacts – no impacts – no impacts – no LANDSCAPE (Visual) negative impacts. sensitive areas in sensitive areas in sensitive areas in the vicinity. the vicinity. the vicinity.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Alternative I Alternative II Alternative III Alternative IV 0 0 The City Tunnel North 18 /00 Central 18 /00 Central Part of the city Moderate impacts – Moderate impacts – Moderate impacts – remains affected by some settlements some settlements some settlements NOISE the intensive in the area of noise in the area of noise in the area of noise railway traffic. impact. impact. impact. Destruction of Destruction of Destruction of green cover green cover green cover FLORA & FAUNA No impact. (shrubbery). (shrubbery). (shrubbery). Negative influence Endangered Endangered on fauna. species may exist. species may exist.

SOCIAL ISSUES

Approx. 312.6ha of Approx. 207.55ha Approx. 125ha of land must be of land must be land must be LAND ACQUISITION acquired for the acquired for the acquired for the project. project. project. 4 residential 5 residential 5 residential settlements are settlements are settlements are crossed in 7 areas; crossed in 6 areas; crossed in 8 areas; Resettlement Resettlement Resettlement encompasses encompasses encompasses No physical RESETTLEMENT residential private residential private residential private displacement building, land plots, building, land plots, building, land plots, gas stations; gas stations; gas stations; Around 300 private Around 170 private Around 50-75 houses will be houses will be private houses will affected. affected. be affected.

Chosen alternative GR selected routing option IV-1 (central – 18 ‰ gradient) as being the most cost effective and technically adequate, and, as shown in the table above, its environmental and social impacts do not appear significantly worse than those of the other options.

Main Features and Design Elements of the Project The Project comprises two main parts:

1) The Bypass: • Construction of a new 27.1 km double track “Zahesi” – “Lilo 1”; • Construction of 3 tunnels with a total length of 2.55 km; • Construction of 3 bridges at the new double track section; • Construction of a new freight station “Lilo 1” • Upgrading of “Zahesi” station; • Upgrading an existing 10 km section of “Lilo I – Tbilisi Marshalling Station”, which includes: rehabilitation of the existing single track; and construction of an additional new single track;

2) Restructuring of railway structures in the Tbilisi urban area: • Tracks: cutting and complete dismantling of the present main railway line (including shunting areas, rail yards, rail sidings, depots and other infrastructure) in the urban area between Didube in the north and Navtlughi in the south (circa 10km). A total of approximately 83.4 ha of land should become free for new development. In addition to this 83.4 ha, the areas currently occupied by rail sidings will be released. Out of the existing 64 rail sidings, 55 are privately owned and 9 are the property of “Georgian 5

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Railway” LLC. The siding owner companies and organizations depend on freight received directly from the railway; therefore, after the railway relocation they will presumably either move to territories adjacent to the new railway, or change their profile of freight transportation. • Stations: (i) abandonment of Tbilisi Central Station and (ii) conversion of the present through-passage stations Didube and Navtlughi to terminal stations and their rehabilitation. Navtlughi station will serve passengers travelling to the east and Didube those going to the west of Tbilisi.

Time frame and estimated cost of the project

Construction of the new railway line is estimated to take about 3 years according to the feasibility study. This initial estimate needs to be refined once a final design and project plan is available. It is estimated that the existing railway structures will be dismantled within 6 months of the completion of construction works and launch of new rail bypass operations.

Georgian Railway LLC is presently estimating the total budget of the Project at about 290 million Euros, not including VAT.

3. Main Environmental and Social Issues and Outline of Proposed Mitigation Measures “Tbilisi Sea” This lake is used for Tbilisi’s drinking water supply and for recreational purposes. Water intakes are located towards the Northern end of the lake. The proposed route intersects the lake catchment area. Potential impacts would be associated with hydrocarbon spills from derailed carriages (surface or groundwater pathways). The closest distance between the proposed track and the lake shore is about 900m. The altitude of the track at this section is about 150 meters above Tbilisi Sea’s surface level.

The mitigation measures for avoiding pollution of “Tbilisi Sea” include: a) Emergency Response Plans, qualified emergency team, relevant equipment and their immediate accessibility; and b) Relevant engineering solutions to prevent derailment of freight carriages along this section.

Protected Areas The selected route crosses the Traditional Use Zone of Tbilisi National Park in two places. It must be noted that there are some species and habitats of conservation value on this territory. This refers especially to the Kvirikoba gorge area.

The territory of Tbilisi National Park is considered as a forest fund of the protected area. GR will address the MoE (before applying for the environmental permit) to designate this part of the park as an area of special category use.

GR will agree and work out the mitigation measures necessary for compliance with the “no net loss” approach of PR6, EBRD Environmental Social Policy (2008), in cooperation with the MoE. Noise A predictive analysis of noise impacts outlined the sensitive receptors of noise and areas where noise reduction measures are to be carried out. The possible mitigation measures include acoustic screens, special coating of tunnel portals, installation of soundproof windows, etc.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Central Station The project foresees the removal of Tbilisi Central Station and its associated rail tracks. This entails the following social impacts: • Impacts to connecting passengers: this is a relatively minor issue since a direct metro connection is readily available between the future passenger stations of Navtlughi (east) and Didube (west). Direct trains such as the summer time – service will use the bypass. • Impacts to commercial companies using the rail sidings: a total of 20 companies are using sidings in the framework of a valid contract with GR. Consultation meetings have been held between these companies and GR with support from the ESIA team. One of the potential solutions currently being discussed is the relocation of those companies willing to move near the new “Lilo I” station on the bypass. Land acquisition would be facilitated by GR. The relocated companies would be able to keep their existing properties or sell them. Consultation with affected companies on this matter is on-going. The issue will be further refined and a clear action plan will be presented in the Resettlement Action Plan. • Small businesses: while it seems that most small businesses located around the station would not be significantly impacted, this will need to be confirmed when socio- economic studies for the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) are undertaken. The ToR for the development of the RAP needs to take consideration of this particular impact.

Resettlement The selected route minimizes the need for resettlement; it has the lowest impacts of all routes considered. The total surface area of land to be acquired for the construction of the new by-pass is about 125 hectares, of which 50 is private land and 75 is municipal or state land. 42 hectares of the 50 hectares of private land are agricultural. Most land appears not to be registered. Subject to minor adjustments in the route to avoid dwellings, it is currently estimated that 50 to 75 residential houses would be affected. About 20 businesses would also be affected.

A visit of maintenance depots to be freed up in central Tbilisi also showed that about 30 families of IDPs (Internally Displaced People) from were living there. These families are potentially physically displaced and will need to be taken into consideration in the RAP to be developed for the Project.

Any compensation and resettlement activities will be carried out in conformance with Georgian law and EBRD’s requirements (Performance Requirement 5). Amongst others, this involves the following: • A detailed census of affected assets and affected people will be carried out; • Compensation will be at replacement value, and will include options between cash compensation and in-kind packages based on provision of alternative housing; • Vulnerable people will be identified and specifically assisted; • Responsibilities for implementation will be clearly assigned; • Consultation and grievance mechanisms will be devised.

A Resettlement Framework has already been prepared and states all principles applicable to future compensation and resettlement activities. It is included in the ESIA as an appendix. The Resettlement Action Plan, to be prepared as soon as a final design is available (from end November 2009), will include a detailed identification of all affected properties and people. Specific consultation will be held with representatives of affected communities and with affected people to determine the best compensation options. 7

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Health and Safety The Project raises a number of potential health and safety issues, both occupational and related to communities, including the following: • Like any large scale construction activity it will entail impacts and risks from an occupational health and safety (OHS) perspective; an OHS safety management system will be put in place both at GR and at its contractors to address OHS risks and correct observed deficiencies in conformance with Georgian law, IFI requirements (including EBRD PR2) and good practice. • The construction of the railway also entails risks for third parties that will be addressed through construction traffic planning and management (to avoid sensitive areas) and community awareness (particularly targeting schools); requirements to this effect will be rolled over into construction contracts. • Operation of the railway entails risks of collision with trains related to third party intrusion in the track area: o The track will be fenced in densely inhabited areas to the West of the route o Awareness campaigns will be carried out in neighbouring communities with a focus on schoolchildren o The project does not include any level crossings, which are recognised as a major source of third party accidents; all road crossings will be either underpasses or bridges • Anthrax: in the area intersected by the route there are reportedly some sites where cattle affected by anthrax outbreaks might have been buried; the exact location of such burial sites is not known. Measures are to be taken to avoid activation of the infections during earthworks. • Wooden sleepers: wooden sleepers with “traditional” anti-fungal treatment are a potential hazard as both traditional treatment methods (creosote, a mix of heavy hydrocarbons with carcinogenic potential, and CCA a mix of Chromium, Copper and Arsenic salts) are recognised as health hazards and are either prohibited or in the process of being banned in many countries; hence the following measures will be taken: 1. The new line will be built with concrete sleepers. However, it is anticipated that for technical reasons wooden sleepers may be needed on limited sections not exceeding a few percent of the total length; where wooden sleepers are required, contractual documents will specify that their treatment method and products used have to comply with EU requirements, namely requirements of the 2001/90/EC directive. 2. Wooden sleepers to be removed from the existing line in central Tbilisi (and which are creosote treated for a large part) will need to be disposed of in an adequate manner; the use of a hazardous waste landfill will be investigated. • Dust, noise and vibration resulting from the construction and demolition of existing structures will be addressed through the usual measures for projects of this nature. • An initial assessment of soil and material contamination sites to be freed-up indicates that there are some areas within the GR maintenance depots and workshops with some potential for hydrocarbon contamination; a detailed assessment of contamination will be carried out prior to demolition. If the presence of hazardous waste is confirmed, procedures for handling it and disposing of it will be identified in conformance with Georgian law and good practice.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

4. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) Measures to avoid and mitigate impacts are presented in detail in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and will be incorporated into the requirements for design, construction, operation and maintenance of the railway bypass. The ESMP also includes an Environmental and Social Monitoring Program. The ESMP sets concrete criteria for assessing the effectiveness of measures that are to be taken in order to comply with Georgian legislation and the requirements of the environmental and social policies of international financial institutions - EBRD and EIB.

A summary of the ESMP is presented in the appendix to this Non Technical Summary.

5. Public Information and Engagement Process A stakeholder consultation and engagement process is being conducted based on the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) that was developed based on the requirements of EBRD, EIB and Georgian legislation pertaining to disclosure of project related information and public consultation.

A scoping meeting with identified project stakeholders was conducted on July 21, 2009 and, before that, preliminary consultation meetings were held with the Government and other stakeholders. Information on the project was broadly distributed in the form of a project presentation brochure to enable the general public to provide feedback through Comments & Suggestions Boxes accessible in municipalities and the GR offices. In addition, media channels were used to make this information widely available including TV and radio programs, press conferences and the internet. GR also launched a hotline through which stakeholders could raise their concerns.

In addition to the issues that had already been taken into consideration by GR and the ESIA consulting team, some specific issues were raised by stakeholders during public consultation meetings, as follows: • Existence of a former atomic reactor still undergoing decommissioning located in Mtskheta, as the construction of a station was initially planned at some distance from this facility; this issue has been addressed by GR, and the freight station which was initially included in the project, has been removed from the plan to eliminate any risks to GR staff and the public • Existence of Gldani and Norio dumpsites – these are not intersected by the Project.

This ESIA will be presented to the public in the framework of the Georgian environmental permitting process. Public meetings will be announced to stakeholders and the general public in accordance with Georgian legislation. They are tentatively scheduled to take place in the end of November – early December 2009.

During construction and after the bypass goes into operation, GR will continue constructive cooperation with the project stakeholders. The stakeholders will have opportunity to submit any grievances / comments they have to GR, who shall respond according to the General Administrative Code of Georgia.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Annex: Summary of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

Action Potential Impact / Responsibility for Mitigation / Management Item # Issue Implementation (C) Construction (a new Tbilisi Railway Bypass track, freight stations, tunnels, bridges )

• Construction Supervision Plan; • Construction Site Management Plan, including: • Spill Prevention and Contingency sub-plan; Set up by GR prior to • Materials Handling and Storage sub-plan - construction; Instructions - Hazardous Material Handling Implementation by GR and Environmental & sub-plan. its Contractors throughout Social • Construction Waste Management sub-Plan; construction; C1 Performance of Monthly reporting of • Construction Site Closure Plan; construction environmental, health & activities. • Construction Traffic Management Plan; safety and social Designate: Construction Site Manager, performance issues by HSE Officer and Liaison Officer of Designate: HSE Officer, Liaison Officer for GR. supervision and site inspection; Regular review of the reports of HSE Officer and Liaison Officer.

Setup by GR before construction; Construction Health and Safety Plan, inter alia including provisions for: workplace risk-assessments Implementation throughout and personal protective equipment requirements; construction; construction workers training and awareness; During the first year of Construction working at great heights (bridges ) and confined construction - quarterly C2 Health and Safety. spaces; construction traffic safety issues; reporting of environmental, dismantling the Central Railway Station health & safety and social infrastructure; performance issues by HSE Emergency Preparedness Plan for accidents Officer and Liaison Officer; response. during the second and the third years – biannual reports.

• Social Facilities and Services Plan for provision of: sanitation, social medical facilities & services; workers accommodation & transport; • GR must contract only reputable and legitimate enterprises and oblige contractors and Construction subcontractors to comply with national labour, Setup by GR in coordination workforce social social security and occupational health and safety before construction starts; welfare issues / laws and the principles and standards embodied Potential conflicts in ILO related to the abolition of children labour, GR’s Liaison Officer has to C3 and friction / the elimination of forced labour, the elimination of maintain communication workers discrimination related to employment and the with local communities and grievances / unfair freedom of association and collective bargaining; administrations contractual and representatives. labour conditions. • Establish Workers Grievance Mechanism; • Establish Work Site Regulation; • Establish Workers Code of Conduct; • Workers information on specific socio-cultural aspects.

Community Liaison Plan inter alia including: Setup by GR prior to Community • Appointment of Liaison Officer; construction; relationships; • Public Information and Awareness campaign; GR’s Liaison Officer have to C4 Community keep communication with grievances related • Measures for maintaining good relationships; local communities and to the construction. • Public grievance mechanism incl. conflict administrations resolution procedure. representatives

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Action Potential Impact / Responsibility for Mitigation / Management Item # Issue Implementation (C) Construction (a new Tbilisi Railway Bypass track, freight stations, tunnels, bridges )

• Consultations with affected persons; • Establishment of grievance mechanism; • Development of detailed Resettlement Action Prior to construction; Loss of housing – Plan (RAP). Physical resettlement should be C5 physical Regular reporting on planned and implemented based on RAP that will displacement. performance issues by GR comply with the requirements of the EBRD Liaison Officer. Environmental and Social Policy PR 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement.

• Consultations with affected persons; • Consultation with owners of rail sidings in Tbilisi; • Develop a Relocation Program for the staff of Prior to construction; Loss of land and Tbilisi Railway Station; loss of livelihood - Regular reporting on C6 • Development of detailed Livelihood Restoration economic performance issues by GR Framework (LRF) and Plan that meets the displacement. Liaison Officer. objectives of the PR 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement of the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy.

Training of workers on environmental awareness: Prevention of • avoiding nests or breeding places of Red Listed avoidable impacts species, colonies of protected bats in the trees Developed by GR before on habitats, flora and old buildings; immediate reporting in case construction; and fauna of of disturbing the protected species; C7 conservation value Implemented by HSE Officer • avoiding felling the old trees near the RoW; in Tbilisi National or Environmental Park and its • avoiding excessive soil compaction and Consultant. vicinity. vegetation deterioration; • Safe storage of hazardous waste and materials.

To be prepared by the GR’s Construction Contractor before works; To prepare quarterly reports Public Health & Safety Plan Addressing public road on environment, health and safety and social standards Public Health and safety (construction transport and traffic); vibration, during the first year of the Safety issues noise and dust; health risks related to presence of construction, and biannual (Road safety; large number of construction workforce (e.g. C8 reports for the second and construction sexually transmittable diseases, and public safety the third years of the noise/vibration and issues; construction; dust). Grievance Mechanism (in coordination with Community Liaison Plan). GR’s HSE officer and Liaison Officer have to maintain communication with local communities’ and administrations’ representatives.

Setup by GR before start of Local Workforce Recruitment Plan as a framework Local employment works, implementation by C9 for recruitment procedure; aiming at providing opportunities. GR and its contractors employment opportunities for the local workforce. during construction.

Local Procurement Plan Aiming at providing GR and its Contractors Local economic opportunities for procurement contracts with before start of works; C10 opportunities. Georgian companies in the context of all areas of implementation during service requirement during construction. construction.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Action Potential Impact / Responsibility for Mitigation / Management Item # Issue Implementation (C) Construction (a new Tbilisi Railway Bypass track, freight stations, tunnels, bridges )

• Chance Finds Procedure, awareness training of Setup: by GR before Impact on Cultural workforce. construction works; C11 Heritage and • Monitoring of the earthworks in the relevant Implementation by GR and archaeology. locations by the archaeologist; contractors, under See Map 9. supervision of Archaeologist.

Clean up site- Site Remediation Plan (sampling, if clean up GR’s contractor. GR HSE C12 localized historic required, removal and disposal). Officer supervision. contaminations

Risk of activation GR in cooperation with of epizootological • Detailed Epizootological research and Ministry of Agriculture of C13 diseases - monitoring in cooperation with the Ministry of Georgia and relevant outbreak of Agriculture of Georgia. institutions. infection.

Implement engineering measure to prevent Developed prior to geohazards, including erosion and landslide control construction by GR. C14 Geohazards. plans for prevention of track deformation and Construction contractor and proving general safety. supervised by GR HSE See, Map 5. Officer.

Providing ecological safety for “Tbilisi Sea” with engineering solutions and emergency preparedness Developed Prior to Risk of pollution of (plan, team, equipment and its immediate construction by GR. C15 surface and accessibility); Construction contractor and ground waters. Implement proposed measures to protect surface supervised by GR HSE waters and ground waters from pollution during Officer. construction.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS): DRAFT FINAL - TBILISI RAILWAY BYPASS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Action Potential Impact / Responsibility for Mitigation / Management Item # Issue Implementation

Operation of Tbilisi Railway Bypass

O1 Air emissions. Air Emissions Control. GR Set up / implementation.

Waste from Solid Waste Separation, Collection/Disposal Plan; O2 GR Set up / implementation. operation. Waste Water Monitoring Plan.

Carrying out Noise mitigation measures (See Maps Noise GR and its relevant O3 13 and 14); emissions/impact. Contractor. Noise Monitoring.

Correct construction site management to prevent Loss/deterioration soil compaction; GR’s Environmental of productive soil, O4 Consultant; HSE Officer and soil compaction / Soil Restoration Plan. Productive Soil Preservation consultant reports. erosion. Plan (removal and storage in right conditions). Erosion Control Plan.

Potential adverse Prior to construction carry out: impact to Tbilisi National Park’s • Pre Construction Surveys to avoid impact on habitat, flora and Red List species of fauna (birds, bats, small Developed prior to fauna; mammals, reptiles) and provide them with construction by an Environmental Consultant; Alteration of a alternative habitat; O5 habitat: loss, • Translocation Plan for flora – a Pre Construction To be agreed with MoE; fragmentation, Survey for Identification of transplant areas for To be Regularly monitored introduction of Red-listed species of flora; and reported by HSE Office invasive species • To agree with the MoE on compensation of GR. due to operation measures for the adverse impact on Tbilisi and maintenance National Park. activities.

Demolition Waste Management Plan (DWMP) including: Prior to demolition, after completion of construction Waste from • Removal of all potentially hazardous wastes D works of the new bypass; demolition. prior to demolition; Environmental Consultant; • Creosote Soaked Old Wooden Sleepers Safe GR Demolition Contractor. Removal and Disposal Plan.

Inquiries:

Dimitri Kemoklidze Giorgi Zazashvili Head of Strategic Projects & Head of Construction and Development Department Rehabilitation Service Georgian Railway LLC Georgian Railway LLC

15, Tamar Mephe Avenue, 15, Tamar Mephe Avenue, 0112 Tbilisi, 0112 Tbilisi, Georgia Georgia

Tel.: +995 32 56 31 59 / 56 53 59 / 56 54 97 Tel.: +995 32 56 31 48 Cell: +995 91 19 02 03 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] URL: www.railway.ge URL: www.railway.ge

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