Environmental Monitoring Report

Bi-Annual Report January to June 2015 Loans 2561/2729-ARM

Armenia: North–South Road Corridor Investment Program–Tranches 1 and 2

Prepared by the “Organization for Implementation of North–South Road Corridor Investment Program” State Non-Commercial Organization (PIU) based on the monthly Environmental Monitoring Reports of the Project Management Consultant (PMC).

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.

Table of Contents Part I Introduction ...... 6 1. Construction Activities and Project Progress During Reporting Period ...... 7 1.1 Section 1 Ashtarak-Talin M1 road from Km29+600 to Km 71+500 (41.9 km): ...... 7 1.2 Section 2 -Ararat M2 Road from Km9+312 to Km47+400: ...... 8 1.3 Section 3 Yerevan-Ashtarak M1 Road from Km18+370 to Km29+773: ...... 8 2. Environmental Safeguards Staffing...... 8 2.1 PIU External Impact and Resettlement Component ...... 9 2.2 The PMC Environmental Safeguards Unit ...... 9 2.3 The Contractor’s Environmental Unit ...... 10 Part II Environmental Management ...... 11 3. Environmental Safeguards Program ...... 11 3.1 Compliance with National Safeguards ...... 11 3.2 Compliance with ADB Safeguards ...... 11 3.3 Contractor’s Compliance with the EMP ...... 11 3.4 Evaluation and Approvals of the Sites for Quarries, Borrow Pits, Excavated Material Dumping, Topsoil Stockpiling and Concrete Batching Plants ...... 12 3.5 ADB Audit Mission ...... 12 3.6 Trainings and awareness raising orientation ...... 14 3.7 Archaeological Works Program ...... 14 3.8 Grievance redress mechanism and Consultations ...... 15 3.9 Communication ...... 17 Part III Environmental Monitoring ...... 18 4. Monitoring ...... 18 4.1 Monitoring of the Compliance with EMP in Section 1...... 18 4.2 Monitoring of the Compliance with EMPs in Section 2 and Section 3...... 18 4.3 Instrumented Measurements and Monitoring of Environmental Parameters of Air Quality, Noise and Vibration, Water Quality...... 19 4.4 PPMS Indicators ...... 19 4.5 Non-compliance Notices ...... 19 5. Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 20 6. Action plan for the reporting period from July to December 2015: ...... 21

A N N E X E S

ANNEX A. The Status of Topsoil Stockpiling and Excavated Material Dump Sites in Section 1

ANNEX B Summary Table on Status of Archaeological Excavations

ANNEX C Non-Conformances Detected During Monitoring Visits in Reporting Period

List of Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development Bank

CEMP Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IES International Environmental Specialist

NES National Environmental Specialist

PMC Project Management Consultant organization

PIU Project Implementation Unit

MNP Ministry of Nature Protection

MoTC Ministry of Transport and Communications

MoC Ministry of Culture

SMP Site Management Plan

TMP Traffic Management Plan

EMR Environmental Monitoring Report

Part I Introduction

This Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report covers the time period between January and June of 2015.

The Report was prepared with close cooperation with Project Management and Supervision Consultant (PMC), which is the joint venture of French “Safege” and Spanish “Eptisa” companies for T1 and T2.

1. The RA has selected the Bavra-Yerevan-Agarak route as the north-south road corridor to be rehabilitated, reconstructed and expanded and has appointed the “North-South road Corridor Investment Program PIU” SNCO (“NSRP” PIU SNCO) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) to co-ordinate the work. The Program is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under a multi-tranche funding facility (MFF).

2. The MFF is designed to rehabilitate and upgrade national north-south roads to form a new, upgraded and expanded North-South highway. The main objective is to widen the existing 2-lane roads (often in poor condition) to become 4-lane divided roads along existing alignments wherever possible or to construct new alternate 2-lane roads where a single 4-lane road would not be feasible.

3. Tranche 1 Project is to improve two road sections of the North-South Corridor, namely, the M-1 section of road north from Yerevan to Ashtarak from km 18+370 to km 29+773 (Section 3 in the contract with Contractor) and the M-2 section of road south from Yerevan to Ararat from km 9+312 to km 47+400 (Section 2 in the contract with Contractor).

4. The Tranche 2 Project starts at km 29+600 in Ashtarak and end at km 71+500 close to Talin (Section 1 in the contract with Contractor). Two bypasses will be constructed in Agarak starting at km 29+934 to km 32+600, and in from km 36+600 to km 40+300. The Project will also have a new road alignment (8.95 kilometres) at Katnagbyur starting from km 59+950 to km 68+900 that will be located on the left side of the existing highway to join the existing alignment in Talin.

Figure 1. Tranche1 and Tranche2 of North-South Road Corridor

1. Construction Activities and Project Progress During Reporting Period

The construction works in Section 2 and Section 3 were temporarily stopped from January 01 to March 31, 2015, and in Section1 from January 01 to April 301, 2015. Only some works were carried out on bridge time to time during January 2015 in Section 3.

1.1 Section 1 Ashtarak-Talin M1 road from Km29+600 to Km 71+500 (41.9 km): Construction works were implemented by “Corsan Corviam Construction” S.A. Armenian Branch and its subcontractors “Dental Import” LLC, “Mirada” LLC, and “Nivecotrans” LLC.

The following construction activities were implemented in section PK 55+275 – PK65+157 in the reporting period: construction of access ramps, construction on agricultural passes and underpasses, excavation works. All excavated materials were used for construction purposes. During the reporting period no any excavated material was removed to the dumping sites.

Safety/ security measures: the construction works through this period include installation of concrete blocks and installation/shifting traffic regulating sings and signals. 1.2 Section 2 Yerevan-Ararat M2 Road from Km9+312 to Km47+400: Construction works were implemented by “Corsan Corviam Construction” S.A. Armenian Branch. The following construction activities were implemented in section PK 9+312 to PK 28+900 in the reporting period: embankment of median of the road, base preparation work, filling of joints, construction of shoulders, underground drainage, outflows and precast drainage, installation of guardrails.

Material for base was transported from “AAB Project” LLC approved quarry, material for base was transported from Aramus approved quarry and material for shoulder was transported from “Shen Concern” LLC approved quarry. Safety/ security measures: the construction works through this period include installation of concrete blocks, and traffic regulating signs and signals.

1.3 Section 3 Yerevan-Ashtarak M1 Road from Km18+370 to Km29+773: Construction works were implemented by “Corsan Corviam Construction” S.A. Armenian Branch. The following construction activities were implemented in section (PK 18+370-PK 29+773) in the reporting period: Embankment of median of road, construction of shoulder, outflows, precast ditches, installation of guardrails, base preparation works and Construction of Mughni bridge. Material for base was transported from “AAB Project” LLC and “Ararat Chanshin” LLC approved quarries and material for median was transported from “Shen Concern” LLC approved quarry.

Safety/ security measures: the construction works through this period include installation of concrete blocks and traffic regulating signs and signals. 2. Environmental Safeguards Staffing

The Project Management Unit is implementing day-to-day management of project execution. The PIU includes a Social and Environmental Unit whose responsibilities include the management of all environmental aspects of the project.

The Project Management Consultant is providing Technical Assistance to the PIU in the management and reporting of the project. Environmental Safeguards Unit of the PMC is responsible for supervising the construction works in relation to environmental and archaeological impact and, in particular, for supervising and reporting on the Contractor’s performance in the implementation of the EMP.

Contractor is implementing construction works. Contractor’s Environmental Unit is responsible for implementation of the EMP, as well as preparation and implementation CEMP and SEMPs, monitoring of the construction activities and reporting.

Monitoring Reporting Project Management Unit

Project Management Consultant

Contractor

2.1 PIU External Impact and Resettlement Component

External Impact and Resettlement activities are undertaken by External Impact and Resettlement Coordinator; Social Safeguards Specialist and Environmental Specialist:

Mr. Gevorg Afyan- External Impact and Resettlement Coordinator is responsible for Environmental, Resettlement and social management of the project.

Mss. Sona Poghosyan- Social Safeguards Specialist is responsible for the compliance of the project to ADB’s Safeguard Policy and RA Legislation.

Ms. Mariam Badeyan– Environmental Specialist is responsible for the compliance of the project to ADB’s Environmental Policy and RA Legislation.

2.2 The PMC Environmental Safeguards Unit Presently the PMC Environmental Safeguard Unit consists of:

Ms. Edita Vardgesyan, the National Environmental Specialist (NES) is responsible for the overall management of the unit. According to Service Agreement VO3, the planned input of NES during reporting period is 10 days in March and 10 days in May, however the NES agreed with PMC to redistribute her input and accomplish necessary tasks from February to May, totally spending 20 days as it is planned in Service Agreement VO3.

Mr. Boris Gasparyan, the National Archaeology Expert (NAE), is responsible for the consultancy on archaeological issues and implementation of archaeological excavations in Tranche 2, compliance of the construction activities to the related Armenian archaeological legislation and evaluation visits to the borrow pit, dumping and concrete plant sites with archaeological evaluation purposes. He has agreement with PMC to fulfill the remaining archaeological excavations and tasks related to archaeology.

Mr. Charles Adamson the International Environmental Specialist (IES) is responsible for the provision of consultation on international best practices on environmental safeguards. During the reporting period he didn’t have input. 2.3 The Contractor’s Environmental Unit

The Contractor’s Environmental Unit is staffed by four people:

Mr. Javier Gomez Moreno, the Quality and Environmental Manager, is responsible for the overall management of the Environmental Unit;

Mr. Viktor Bakhtamyan, the Environmental Specialist, is responsible for the environmental management plan implementation;

Mr. Sos Amirkhanyan, the Social Relation Specialist, is responsible for the compliance of the Contractor’s activities to social part of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement;

Mrs. Patricia Ortega Gonzalez, Health and Safety Manager is responsible for the compliance of the Contractor’s activities to health and safety part of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement.

Part II Environmental Management

3. Environmental Safeguards Program

3.1 Compliance with National Safeguards 3.1.1 In the reporting period it was managed that construction complies with all national pertinent environmental laws and regulations.

3.1.2 Contractor has been registered in MNP as an environmentally active economic agent and regularly provides the quarterly environmental reports in accordance with Armenian legislation. The annual report for 2014 and quarterly reports for 1st and 2nd quarters of 2015 were submitted by Contractor to MNP during the reporting period.

3.1.3 Contractor ensures all necessary communication with local (communities) and territorial administrative authorities (marzes) to comply with Armenian legislation during construction and obtains permits and approvals for any use of territory and roads for transportation, waste dumping, material borrowing or plant installation purposes.

3.2 Compliance with ADB Safeguards 3.2.1 In order to ensure the environmental performance, it was supervised that the implementation of construction activities meets EMP requirements which is prepared in accordance with ADB Environmental Policy and RA legislation.

3.2.2 Prior operating any site for topsoil stockpiling and excavated material disposal in Ashtarak- Talin M1 Road Section 1 the Site-specific Environmental Management Plan containing the identification of site-specific environmental impacts, risk assessment and mitigation measures is being prepared by Contractor guided with the Environmental Safeguards Information kit prepared by ADB Central & West Asia Department Safeguards Unit. The following procedures are adopted: (i) Contractor selects the site for topsoil stockpiling or dumping of excavated material; (ii) PMC NES and AE visit the site and provide Contractor with site evaluation report with identified sensitive receptors and recommendations on the site use; (iii) Contractor secures the site and prepares SSEMP based on the findings of evaluation report and submits for PMC approval; (iv) PMC NES reviews the SSEMP and issues an approval; (v) Then Contractor is permitted to start the site operation.

3.2.3 Following the ADB request SEMPs were prepared for Shahverd wetland, and for Marmarashen and Burastan overpasses. The SEMP that developed for construction of overpasses in Yerevan-Ararat section at km 15+439 in section Marmarashen-field road and at km 24+147.5 in section Burastan-field road were reviewed and approved by ADB on 17.06.15, and disclosed in ADB and PIU websites.

3.3 Contractor’s Compliance with the EMP 3.3.1 Contractor is guided by the IEE and EMP for Tranche 1 and EIA and EMP for Tranche 2 as a part of the Bid and Contract documents, Site-specific Environmental Management plans, as well as by the Contractor’s Environmental Management Plans for three road sections prepared by the contractor that detail on site environmental management requirements implementation and management, particularly construction impacts mitigation, monitoring and reporting requirements in order to ensure the environmental performance. Compliance with EMP is being regularly monitored and reported (see Part III Environmental Monitoring).

3.4 Evaluation and Approvals of the Sites for Quarries, Borrow Pits, Excavated Material Dumping, Topsoil Stockpiling and Concrete Batching Plants 3.4.1 Series of evaluation visits to road section 1 were implemented to evaluate the sites selected by Contractor for topsoil stockpiling and excavated material disposal from environmental and archaeological point of view. The following sites proposed by Contractor have been visited: Aghtsk- 1 DS, Kosh-4 and Kosh-5 TSSs and -1 TSSs. Also the previously postponed site visit to Kosh- 3 topsoil site has been implemented.

3.4.2 The corresponding evaluation reports containing findings of the visits and recommendations on preparation of SEMPs have been provided to Contractor. Preliminary evaluation of all visited sites stated that there are no environmental objections that could preclude the use of the sites for the proposed purposes.

3.4.3 The Site- specific environmental management plans for dumping of the excavated material were reviewed and approval issued for DS SEMPs for Kosh-1 and Kosh-2 on 25 February 2015, for TSS SEMP for Kosh-3 on 3 March 2015.

3.4.4 Site- specific environmental management plans for Aghtsk-1 site proposed for disposal of excavated material and Kosh-4 sites for temporary stockpiling of topsoil stripped in Section 1 evaluated by Engineer’s NES are still awaited from Contractor.

3.4.5 The site- specific environmental management plan for Shahverd wetland area was forwarded to ADB for their consideration in pursuance of ADB mission request and after it was revised based on the comments. Engineer reviewed and approved the SSEMP on 29 June, 2015.

3.4.6 Detailed information on the process of preparation and review of SEMPs for topsoil stockpiling and excavated material disposal in Section 1 is provided in monthly progress reports. Status of topsoil stockpiling sites and excavated material dump sites, and the SSEMPs for their operation as of 31 May 2015 remains the same as per 30 November 2014, and the SSEMPs are presented in Annex A.

3.5 ADB Audit Mission 3.5.1 An ADB audit mission took place on 13 May 2015 to check compliance of the Program activities to the ADB SPS (2009) requirements. The ADB National Environmental Consultant with PIU, PMC and Contractor representatives, has visited the sites in Section 1. The construction sites with on-going civil works, the Kosh1, Kosh 2, Shamiram 1, 1 excavated material dumping sites and top soil stockpiling area were visited. ADB mission visited also the Kaqavadzor site where Contractor has established and operated a concrete plant. Contractor was requested to provide all environmental documents on the site use and concrete plant operation.

3.5.2 Mission findings are:

 All recommendations made in the previous audit have been implemented or on-going. The SEMP for Shahverd wetland has been developed and submitted for PMC approval.  SEMPs for 3 disposal sites and top soil stockpile of T2, have been developed by Contractor and approved by PMC on behalf of PIU. The PIU included the information on approval of SEMPs in bi-annual reports, and mission asked to send the approved SEMPs to NES regularly.  Just in the several places ongoing construction works has been noted: blasting works preparation in km 57+000 and overpass construction works in km 60+200. Mission noted that First aid and fire protection supplies are missing in construction sites and mission requested to keep them in each place. Mission noticed that SEMP for blasting works is mandatory and should be developed by Contractor and approved by PMC on behalf of PIU. Also noted that construction wastes should be removed from preliminary accumulation sites regularly.  The Mission requested that necessary signboards with safety warning signs be placed along all disposal sites and topsoil stockpiles.  It was noted that Contractor and PMC's environmental specialist should provide a training for the new foremen and PMC/Engineers involved in the project, as there were overall lack of information on environmental requirements of the project.  The Archeological excavation works have been finished in Aghdzq archeological site on December 31 and In Agarak site on November 31. The results will be presented to RA Ministry of Culture during the session on 22-23 May. As in the Agarak has opened up a significant habitation site with big potential for tourism development and historic conservation during the session will be discussed possibilities of realignment in this section.  Nerkin Sasnashen, Aruch and Nerqin Naver archeological sites excavations will be started from June 2015 after MOC permission.

 PMC: The PMC's national Environmental and Archeological specialists’ contracts were prolonged till the end of 2015. PMC's international environmental consultant has not visited in this period. NES noted again that PIU should ensure that PMC's international environmental consultant provides good quality capacity building trainings to PIU, PMC and Contractor staff at each his field visit.  PIU’s environmental specialist has not participate in Mission visit, as she was in vacation. The NES emphasized that the new training will be provided for all new involved environmental specialists of projects and her participation will be very important.  Tranche 3. The PIU has not initiated the contractor bidding procedure and commencement of construction works expected not soon than Q4 2015.  EMR (Jul - December 2014) was submitted on-time. The next EMR (Jan - Jun 2015) is due in July 2015.

3.6 Trainings and awareness raising orientation 3.6.1 Regular awareness raising discussions with PMC staff on ADB environmental safeguard requirements took place during the site visits in Ashtarak and Talin offices.

3.6.2 The training course was organized on Environmental, HIV/Health, Emergency medical aid provision in case of Snake and Scorpion bites, Prevention of Sun exposure hazards and Archaeological chance find for the workers of “Dental Import” LLC, “Mirada” LLC, “Nivecotrans” LLC, “Ferroinsa” LLC and “Fortis” LLC subcontractors, “Safege Eptisa” organization and “Corsan Corviam Construction” S.A on June 3 by “Corsan Corviam Construction” S.A. Armenian Branch.

3.6.23.6.3 The capacity building workshop was conducted on Environmental and Resettlement Safeguards for Engineers in ADB financed projects by ADB on 31 March 2015

3.6.33.6.4 During the courses, the workers were informed about possible negative environmental impacts and their mitigation and prevention measures.

3.6.43.6.5 Archaeological chance find trainings will be conducted by Contractor before the civil works shall be implemented next to archaeologically sensitive area.

3.7 Archaeological Works Program 3.7.1 The permissions to start the excavations in Nerkin Naver, as well as in Aruch archaeological complex and the Nerkin Sasnashen Chalcolithic settlement are issued by the State Archaeological Commission.

3.7.2 During the reporting period the implementation of the Archaeological works program was temporarily stopped until June 2015. The test excavation works re-started in Nerkin Naver archaeological site on 18 June 2015. Summary report on current status of excavations implemented by the end of June 2015 is presented in Annex B.

3.7.3 The contract for excavations in Aruch community was submitted for PIU approval.

3.7.4 Final reports for excavations implemented in 2014 in Agarak, Nerkin Naver and Aghtsk are accepted by the State Archaeological Commission of the Republic of Armenia on the sessions held on 21 and 26 May 2015.

3.7.5 Technical task on the use of seismometer and on the evaluating the impact of vibratory roller on Aruch Caravanatun in the Working Group have been distributed among the members of the Working group for their information.

3.7.6 In March 2015 Contractor has applied for the approval of sub-contractor “Georisk” for the implementation of evaluation of the impact of vibratory roller on Aruch Caravanatun.

3.7.7 A joint site visit of the Working group to Aruch Caravanatun located on the left side of Ashtarak-Talin road, Section 1 (KM 50+00) was organized by Engineer’s AE on 12 May 2015. The working group is comprised of representatives from the Board of the Conservation and Preservation of the Historical-Architectuaral Monuments of the Ministry of Culture of the RA, PIU, PMC, Contractor and Georisk Scientific Research Company” CJSC.The “Georisk” presented the Technical task on installation of sensors for measurements of vibration, determination of the location for installation of sensors and other issues on the proper protection of the Aruch Caravanatun monument. The exact locations for installation of sensors are determined.

3.7.8 No construction works have been implemented in next proximity to archaeologically sensitive area during the reporting period.

3.8 Grievance redress mechanism and Consultations 3.8.1 Grievance redress mechanism to address the complaints/suggestions of communities on excessive dust, noise, improper waste dumping and on other environmental issues i s established which is described in Tranche 2 Environmental Impact Assessment. The grievance redress mechanism is additional to the existing channels of petitions in the form of letters and personal pleas established by local governments.

The Grievance Procedure and Redress Mechanism steps are shown graphically in figure 2.

Figure 2. Grievance Procedure and Redress Mechanism

Contractor provided the Complaints Register book to every impacted community which is kept at the office of head of the community and is open accessed to community members. Also the posters posted in every community containing the contact information where to apply should any disturbances occur. Mr. Sos Amirkhanyan, the Contractor’s Social Relation Specialist, is responsible for collecting concerns about project activity. His telephone number, email address, and name is posted on the posters. No complains and/or suggestions on environmental issues are registered as of today. No public hearing was held during reporting period because construction works were implemented only in those affected communities where public hearings were conducted already.

No complains and/or suggestions on environmental issues are registered as of 30 June 2014.

3.9 Communication Communication with PIU, PMC and Contractor’s environmental team during the reporting period took place via official correspondence and emails, phone calls and personal contacts. Particularly the following issues are being raised and processed:

- on the update of the environmental and health& safety situation in Sections 1, 2 and 3; - on the SSEMP for Shahverd wetland area; - on the update the archaeological Program and Technical task for evaluating the impact of vibratory roller on Aruch Caravanatun; - on evaluation of the sites proposed by Contractor for topsoil stockpiling and excavated material disposal; -on the pending SEMPs for topsoil stockpiling and excavated material disposal; - other routine issues

Part III Environmental Monitoring

4. Monitoring

During the reporting period monitoring activities were carried out according to the Monitoring program developed based on the ADB safeguards and EMP requirements. The Monitoring program includes:

(1) Regular monitoring site visits on monthly basis to check compliance of construction activities in the road Sections 1, 2 and 3 to the EMP, CEMP and SSEMP requirements, as well as monitoring of topsoil stockpiling and excavated material disposal in Section 1; (2) Unscheduled inspection visits when needed; (3) Instrumented measurements and monitoring of environmental parameters of air quality, noise and vibration, water quality in road Section 1; (4) Completion of the monitoring checklist and summary of compliances and non-compliances; (5) Issue the non-compliances notices to the Contractor; (6) Collection of monitoring data and providing to the PPMS (7) Review of the Contractor’s weekly monitoring reports.

4.1 Monitoring of the Compliance with EMP in Section 1. Regular monitoring visits to Section 1 have been implemented since May 2015 due to the stopped civil works from January to April. The detected non-conformances in Section 1 were:

 An additional orientation on the SEMPs is needed;  An emergency responsible appointed person was not on site. Workers were poorly aware on emergency procedures;  Boards and posters with project information were not established along all disposal sites and topsoil stockpiles;  Trucks were not provided with covers.

4.2 Monitoring of the Compliance with EMPs in Section 2 and Section 3. Regular monitoring visits to Sections 2 &3 have been implemented since April 2015 due to the stopped civil works from January to March. Monitoring showed no violation of CEMP/SSEMP requirements. The monitoring showed that the most frequent non-conformances are:

Section 2:

 Garbage collection is not properly organized. Contractor is requested to ensure availability of bins (or bags) for garbage collection;  Workers are not briefed on ERP at time of starting employment;  The first aid kit was not available on-site;  In the Masis concrete plant area the drainage was very poor. Runoff and rainwater water flow were stagnated;  Workers are working without PPE particularly the masks were missing;

Section 3:  Garbage collection measures are not undertaken. Contractor is requested to ensure availability of garbage collection containers;  The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were not available;  The safety training before starting work have not been implemented since January 2015;  Workers are not briefed on ERP at time of starting employment.

4.3 Instrumented Measurements and Monitoring of Environmental Parameters of Air Quality, Noise and Vibration, Water Quality. This part is relevant for Ashtarak- Talin road Section 1.

4.3.1 Baseline data collection.

The baseline data collection for all the points set in the monitoring plan was completed during July- December, 2014 reporting period.

4.3.2 Routine measurements and monitoring.

Measurements of the dust, noise, water and vibration monitoring parameters have not been carried out during the reporting period due to the fact that construction works have not been implemented in the areas where instrumental monitoring was envisaged according to the approved plan on instrumental monitoring.

4.4 PPMS Indicators During the reporting period the following environmental performance indicators were reported to be included into PPMS:

4.4.1 Quarterly numbers of environmental non-compliance notices from PMC to Contractor were regularly measured based on standards for storm water, noise, dust and vibration and on any breaches of the EIA and EMP by PMC or by Contractor under PMC’s control: 0 non-compliance notices. No unsolved notices are registered by the end of reporting period.

4.4.2 Quarterly numbers of environmental complaints from communities along the Ashtarak-Talin road section, from 2013 to 2016 based on Contractor’s records of complaints were verified by PMC: 0- no environmentally related complains are received and registered during reporting period.

4.5 Non-compliance Notices 4.5.1 During the reporting period non-compliance notices were not issued to the Contractor.

4.5.2 All minor non-conformances detected by PMC NES during the regular monthly monitoring site visits and daily by site- supervisors were treated in accordance with adopted procedures: Contractor has been notified via monitoring reports and demanded to correct within the deadlines set. Contractor reported on improvement via emails, in the next weekly monitoring report or in the next monthly environmental report. Improvement has been checked by PMC site supervisors and NES during her next monitoring visit. Contractor was warned that the unimproved non-conformances will be qualified as non-compliances and notices issued in the upcoming month. Summary Table for all non-conformances detected during the reporting period is presented in ANNEX C.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1.1 During the reporting period the program has ensured the compliance of Project activities to the national legislation such as Contractor’s regular environmental reports submitted to RA MNP in accordance with Armenian legislation: two quarterly reports for 2015 and the annual report for 2014; all necessary communication with local (communities) and territorial administrative authorities (marzes) and permits and approvals for any use of territory and roads (3.1.1- 3.1.4).

5.1.2 Also the compliance to ADB environmental safeguards was ensured such as Contractor’s environmental management plans, approval of Site-specific Environmental Management Plans containing the identification of site-specific environmental impacts, risk assessment and mitigation measures by the Project in pursuance of ADB SPS (2009) requirements on information disclosure and public participation, (for the details see 3.2.1-3.2.3, 3.3)

5.1.3 Series of evaluation visits to Kosh, Parpi and Aghdzk communities have been carried for environmental and archaeological evaluation of the sites. Totally 4 sites were visited for evaluation purposes. The corresponding evaluation reports containing findings of the visits and recommendations on preparation of SSEMPs have been prepared and provided to Contractor. 3 SSEMPs approved for excavated material and topsoil disposal in Section 1 and 1 SSEMP for Shaverd wetland. (3.4.1-3.4.6).

5.1.4 Environmental safeguard review was conducted within the framework of country safeguard mission by ADB National Environmental Consultant 0n 13 May 2015 (3.5.1).

5.1.5 During the reporting period an awareness raising program went on. Regular awareness raising discussions with the PMC’s staff and trainings for Contractor’s workers and staff members on Environmental, HIV/Health, Emergency medical aid provision in case of Snake and Scorpion bites, Prevention of Sun exposure hazards and Archaeological chance find. (3.6.1 – 3.6.4).

5.1.6 The permissions to start the excavations in Nerkin Naver, as well as in Aruch archaeological complex and the Nerkin Sasnashen Chalcolithic settlement are issued by the State Archaeological Commission. Archaeological works program was temporarily stopped until June 2015. re-started in Nerkin Naver archaeological site. Final reports for excavations implemented in 2014 in Agarak, Nerkin Naver and Aghtsk are accepted by the State Archaeological Commission of the Republic of Armenia. The exact locations for installation of sensors for measurements of vibration in close vicinity of the Aruch Caravanatun monument are determined. (3.7.1- 3.7.8).

5.1.7 Grievance redress mechanism has been established in all communities. No complains and/or suggestions on environmental related issues such as excessive dust, noise, improper waste dumping, etc. are registered by the end of reporting period (3.8.1).

5.1.8 Communication among environmental specialists of PIU, PMC and Contractor took place during the reporting period (3.9.1). 5.1.9 Monitoring activities implemented during the reporting period included monitoring site visits on monthly basis to check compliance of civil works to the Contractor’s EMPs in Sections 1, 2 & 3. Due to limited civil works and the fact that construction works have not been implemented in the areas where instrumental monitoring was envisaged the instrumented monitoring have not been carried out. No environmental non-compliances were issued during the reporting period.

The non-conformances detected during the monitoring visits were reflected in the monitoring checklists. Some of them were improved immediately or during the time period set for improvement. Some non- conformances were improved partially. Those non-conformances which will not be improved during the time set for correction action will result in non-compliance notices to the Contractor in the up-coming quarter (4.1-4.5.2).

6. Action plan for the reporting period from July to December 2015:

N Action Time frame Responsible 1. Consultancy provided to Contractor’s Every month during PMC environmental team on ADB Safeguard July-Dec 2015 Policy Statement 2. Consultancy provided to Contractor’s Every month during PMC environmental team on the Armenian July-Dec 2015 Environmental legislation requirements 3. Evaluation site visits and assistance to the Upon Contractor’s PIU/PMC Contractor in the development of Site- request specific Environmental Management Plans for topsoil stockpiling and excavated material dump sites in Section 1 and other routine working documents. 4. Development of Site-specific Environmental July-September 2015 PMC/ Management Plan for blasting works Contractor 5. Placement of signboards with project July-September 2015 PMC/ information and safety warning signs along Contractor all disposal sites and topsoil stockpiles. 6. Regular awareness orientation sessions for Upon the need PMC/ new foremen and engineers involved in the Contractor projects 7. Justification proposal preparation for July-September 2015 PMC/ PIU redesign of the road realignment close to Agarak archeological site 8. Organization of trainings to PIU, PMC and September 2015 PIU/PMC Contractor staff that will be held by PMC's international environmental consultant 9. Review the outputs of the construction Every month during PMC monitoring program with regard to July- Dec 2015 measurement of dust, noise, water quality and vibration. 10. Monitor the Contractor’s construction works By the end of every PIU/PMC to ensure the compliance with EMP month requirements in Sections 1, 2 and 3; 11. Collect and provide the relevant information By the end of Sep and PIU/PMC on environmental indicators to PPMS end of Dec 2015 12. Assistance and monitoring of the Every month during PIU/PMC archaeological excavations in accordance the excavations with archaeological Works Plan for Tranche 2 in Nerkin Sasnashen and Aruch archeological sites 13. Review and addressing the GRM End of every month PIU/PMC 14. Other routine issues like unscheduled site Upon the need PIU/PMC visits, follow up of the detected defects, environmental assessment of re-designs, management of tree cutting, review and approval of Contractor’s documents, etc. 15. Reporting on environmental safeguards Monthly PIU/PMC Bi-annual

ANNEX A. The Status of Topsoil Stockpiling and Excavated Material Dump Sites in Section 1

No Name of site purpose SSEMP Status of approved operation (Y/N) 1 Katnaghbyur- 1 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 2 Katnaghbyur-2 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 3 Katnaghbyur-3 Excavated material Yes Operated 4 Katnaghbyur-4 Excavated material Yes Operated 6 Katnaghbyur-5 Excavated material Yes Operated 7.1 1 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 7.2 Yeghnik 2 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Non operated 8 Talin-1 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 9 Talin-2 Excavated material No Non operated 10 Nerkin Bazmaberd-1 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 11 Nerkin Bazmaberd-2 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 12 Nerkin Bazmaberd 3 Excavated material Yes Operated 13 Nerkin Bazmaberd 4 Excavated material Yes Operated 14 -1 Excavated material Yes Operated 15 Davtashen- 2 Excavated material Yes Operated 16 Davtashen- 3 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 17 Aruch- 1 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Operated 18 Aruch- 2 Excavated material Yes Non operated 19 Verin Sasnashen-1 Excavated material Yes Operated 20 Verin Sasnashen- 2 Excavated material Yes Operated 21 Kosh- 1 Excavated material Yes Non operated 22 Kosh-2 Excavated material Yes Non operated 23 Kosh-3 Topsoil stockpiling Yes Non operated 24 Shamiram- 1 Topsoil stockpiling No Non operated 25 Shamiram- 2 Excavated material Yes Operated

ANNEX B Summary Table on Status of Archaeological Excavations Community Name of site Excavating Contract Status of works entity signed 1 Parpi Nerkin Naver CHPC at No on-going MOC 2 Agarak Agarak Historical-Cultural IAE of NAS Yes finished Preserve 3 Aghtsk Aghtsk-1 tomb field CHPC at Yes finished MOC 4 Aruch Aruch archaeological - No not started complex 5 Agarak Hellenistic city remains - No There is no need (Talin) of archaeological excavation due to road interchange redesign 6 Kakavadzor Kakavadzor tomb field CHPC at Yes finished MOC 7 Nerkin N. Bazmaberd tomb field CHPC at Yes finished Bazmaberd MOC 8 Verin & Sasnashen archaeological CHPC at Yes Verin Sasnashen complex Nerkin MOC finished, Nerkin Sasnashen Sasnashen will be started next reporting period 9 Davtashen Davtashen archaeological IAE of NAS Yes finished complex 10 Katnaghbyur Katnaghbyur IAE of NAS Yes finished archaeological complex 11 Talin Talin tomb field IAE of NAS Yes finished

ANNEX C Non-Conformances Detected During Monitoring Visits in Reporting Period

Reference Requirement Action to Action date required/comment Non-conformances detected in Section 1 1 An additional orientation on the Regular discussion Not improved Contractor requested to SEMPs is needed; with workers about inform workers about SEMPs SEMPs 2 An emergency responsible Ensure the Improved Contractor will continue to appointed person was not on emergency organize trainings site. Workers were poorly responsible person whenever new workers aware on emergency availability during will be recruited. procedures construction works. Organize trainings on ERP and ensure the continuance, 3 Boards and posters with project Boards and posters Not improved Contractor instructed to information were not with project establish the signboards established along all disposal information should be in a month sites and topsoil stockpiles establish along all disposal sites and topsoil stockpiles 4 Trucks were not provided with Use trucks that are Improved Contractor’s covers provided with covers partly Environmental Specialist instructed to make arrangements Non-conformances detected in Section 2 Garbage collection is not Ensure availability of Improved garbage collection properly organized bins or bags for partly should be organized garbage collection properly and construction site kept clean Workers are not briefed on Organize trainings on Improved Organize training on ERP ERP at time of starting ERP and ensure the whenever new workers employment continuance are recruited. The first aid kit was not Ensure on-site Improved Constantly check the available on-site availability of first aid availability and kits accessibility of the first aid kit In the Masis concrete plant The drainage needs Improved No further actions are area the drainage was very to be restored; required poor. Runoff and rainwater water flow were stagnated

Workers are working without Provide workers with Improved Provide new workers PPE particularly the masks PPE and ensure its Provide workers with PPE were missing use and ensure its use

Non-conformances detected in Section 3 Garbage collection measures Ensure availability of Improved garbage collection are not undertaken garbage collection partly should be organized containers properly and construction site kept clean The first aid kit and fire Ensure on-site Improved Constantly check the extinguisher were not available availability of first aid availability and kits and fire accessibility of the first extinguishers aid kit and fire extinguisher The safety training before Organize trainings on Improved Organize training starting work have not been safety issues and whenever new workers implemented since January ensure the are recruited. 2015 continuance Workers are not briefed on Organize trainings on Improved Organize training on ERP ERP at time of starting ERP and ensure the whenever new workers employment continuance are recruited.