Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
Water Sector Development and Institutional Improvements PIU SI Public Disclosure Authorized
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Public Disclosure Authorized REHABILITATION OF ARMAVIR MAIN CANAL
Final – 30 September 2008 Revised – 6 October 2009
Public Disclosure Authorized
WSDII PIU Public Disclosure Authorized 13 Vardanants Street Yerevan, Armenia Armenia Tel +374 10 540642
Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
Contents
Glossary ii
1 Introduction 3
2 Project Description 4 2.1 Description of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works 4
3 Description of Existing Conditions 6
4 Environmental and Social Impacts 10
5 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures 11
6 Institutional Responsibilities 12 6.1 Institutional Responsibilities 12 6.2 Reporting Format and Schedule 13 6.3 Budget 13
7 Public Consultation 14
8 Environmentally Sound Clauses for Civil Works Contracts 15
9 Main Findings 15
Annexes 16 Annex A: Mitigation Measures 16 Annex B: Monitoring Plan 21 Annex B: Monitoring Plan 21 Annex C: Incident Report Form 23 Annex D: Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts 24 Annex E: Outline of Activities for Conducting Information Campaign on Pest and Pesticide Management 39 Annex F: Environmental Clauses for Contracts 40 Annex G: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings 43
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Glossary
DM Distance Marker (or “Picket Number”) EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan Environmental Expertise State Environmental Expertise SNCO of the MNP ESAOC Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant FS/FD Consultant Feasibility Study/Final Design Consultant FSU Former Soviet Union GoA Government of Armenia IDP Irrigation Development Project of the World Bank IA Infrastructure Activity IAP Irrigated Agriculture Project ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage IE Implementing Entity Irrigation PIU Water Sector Development and Institutional Improvements PIU MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation MCA Armenia Millennium Challenge Account Armenia SNCO MNP Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia NGO Non Governmental Organization PAP Project Affected Party PIU Project Implementation Unit RAP Resettlement Action Plan RA Republic of Armenia SCWS State Committee on Water Systems SNCO State Non Commercial Organisation USD United States of America Dollars WB World Bank WSA Water Supply Agency WUA Water User Association
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Executive Summary This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed for the rehabilitation of the Armavir Main Canal, as a part of the comprehensive assignment under the Infrastructure Activity of the Irrigated Agriculture Project of MCA Armenia. EMP has been developed by Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant of MCA Armenia – UK Company Mott MacDonald in September 2008. Initial EMP was based on the EIA of the MCA Armenia Proposal and baseline data obtained during feasibility study. In May 2009 the EMP was reviewed and adapted to the arrangements under the World Bank financing. An overall objective of the EMP is to bring the project into compliance with the environmental and social requirements set by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and environmental and social policies of the World Bank. The EMP links the mitigation measures into a comprehensive implementation scheme, designed to ensure action. It describes institutional responsibilities, compliance monitoring and reporting requirements, and cost for implementing the EMP, all in order to answer the “who?”, “how?” and “how much?” questions. The Armavir Main Canal is one of the major irrigation systems of Armenia. Within the framework of MCA Armenia Program the feasibility study and final design for the Armavir Main Canal was prepared by “Hayjrnakhagits” CJSC under the contract IA 06/003 for Design and Construction Supervision for Rehabilitation of Six Main Canals. The proposed project is expected to cover the rehabilitation of about 31.4 km of degraded canal structures, including monolithic concrete lining 12 cm thick, and geo membrane with concrete bed, pipes, off takes, other minor components of rehabilitation, including the construction of three monitoring sites
The overall objective of the rehabilitation is to improve the technical state of the main canal in order to reduce seepage losses, restore the reliability of water command and delivery to irrigated lands, and restore under utilized or unutilized irrigated lands thorugh improved water supply . It is expected that the results of the canal rehabilitation program will be an increase in crop yield and in the incomes of the water users.
Approximately 50 communities of Armavir Marz get water from Armavir Main Canal in total. There are 31 beneficiary communities whose irrigation lands are located within the rehabilitation area. According to the data provided by the Irrigation PIU, the area is supplied by Araks, Armavir, Merdzapnya and Sevjur Akhtamar WUAs and comprises a total of 16,194 ha of which 14,575.4 ha is actually irrigated. About 28,887 people within the impact area of the Main Canal are considered direct beneficiaries (51.5% women) or about 7,200 households that grow mainly grapes, fruits and vegetables, wheat, potatoes and perennial fodder crops. Insignificant numbers of minority peoples live within the impacted area and considered as project beneficiaries.
The proposed rehabilitation works will have insignificant, short term and localized environmental impacts during implementation of rehabilitation works and further operation and maintenance of the canal systems. The impacts during the construction period are expected to be mainly caused by the need for removal of degraded concrete slabs lining canals under rehabilitation; removal of out take fixtures and piping prior to replacement; extensive dredging of canals under rehabilitation; upgrading of service roads; and earthworks as required. All debris, spillage and construction waste, 1
Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
including silt taken from canals must be properly removed and disposed of at approved landfills/dump sites that do not encroach upon areas inhabited by local residents. Earth borrowing and mining of local aggregates and spoils disposal sites will have a negative impact on the environment during operation, which will be minimized in a loger term through landscape reinstatement as feasible. Clearing of vegetation and excavations may also take place for some parts of the access roads. Base camps with storage of oil, chemicals and other pollutants will be removed. Following rehabilitation, canal embankments will be planted with ground cover and steep slopes strengthened with vegetation, grass and plants or gabions. Dust and smoke arising from construction machines can have negative impact on the ambient air quality. Such effects are expected to be minimal and transient. During operation negative environmental impacts will be less apparent, but might result from inadequate attention to removal of silt debris and waste from canal beds during routine maintenance. Leakage from canals will be monitored to prevent excess soil saturation and water logging. MCA Armenia Program includes rehabilitation of the sand trap on the Armavir Main Canal intake to improve washing conditions of the structure, which will contribute to better maintenance of the canal. In addition, as a result of canal lining, velocity of water flow will increase, thus again leading to the reduction of silt accumulation.
Rehabilitation of Armavir Main Canal will bring positive changes to delivery of irrigation water, and water users will more easily obtain the required quantity of irrigation water in a timely manner. Greater water use efficiency can lead to increased levels of agricultural productivity, including more water for landholders at the end of the canal delivery system. Rehabilitation can lead to the adoption of higher value cropping patterns, as well as the extension of irrigated land holdings thereby increasing food security.
In areas where rural inhabitants have encroached on alienation zone of the canal the Contractor shall avoid causing any damage or entering such areas. However, if conduct of construction works is not possible without clearing of the alienation zone from cultivated plants and/or structures Resettlement Action Plan must be developed in accordance with the World Bank’s Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). A Resettlement Action Plan will be developed on a basis of the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) prepared under the MCA Armenia Program.
This EMP provides for a list of measures designed to mitigate the likely negative environmental and social impacts, as well as enhancement measures to strengthen the positive impacts. These measures were designed with due consideration of public concerns that were obtained in the process of informal and formal consultations with the public to be affected by the project. A set of environmentally and socially sound clauses for civil works contracts is incorporated in the Technical Specifications for Armavir Main Canal and included in Annex E.
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1 Introduction The Government of Armenia has received a grant from the Government of the United States of America through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to support a five year Program approximating USD $236 million and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to fund the Irrigated Agriculture Project, aimed at increasing the land area under irrigated production and improve the overall efficiency of sourcing and water delivery to member farmers. This will be done by: Construction of gravity irrigation schemes to convert from pump systems to gravity ones; Rehabilitation of structures and stretches of main canals; Renovation and resizing of pumping stations; and Rehabilitation of tertiary canals utilising a 15 percent beneficiary co investment; Renovating the drainage system serving the Ararat Valley agricultural production systems, while maintaining an optimally balanced ecosystem in the wetlands.
Afterwards rehabilitation of Armavir Main Canal has been included in the Irrigation Rehabilitation Emergency Project aimed at enhancing the sustainability of irrigated agriculture while fostering immediate rural employment. The Armavir Main Canal is one of the major irrigation systems selected for rehabilitation. The feasibility study and final design for the Armavir Main Canal was prepared by “Hayjrnakhagits” CJSC under the contract IA 06/003, Design and Construction Supervision for Rehabilitation of Six Main Canals implemented within the framework of MCA Armenia Program. It is envisaged to rehabilitate about 31.4 km of degraded canal structures, including monolithic concrete lining 12 cm thick, and geo membrane with concrete bed, pipes, off takes, other minor components of rehabilitation, including the construction of three monitoring sites. The rehabilitation works for the canal structures are expected to start in early 2009 and continue for two years, mostly taking place during the irrigation off season. The rehabilitation of the canal stretches will start on late 2009 and will continue for two years, again mostly taking place during the irrigation off season.
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2 Project Description
This chapter was developed by using the baseline environmental and social data collected and provided by the FS/FD Consultant.
2.1 Description of the Proposed Rehabilitation Works
Figure 1: Map of Armavir Main Canal The Armavir Main Canal is located in Armavir Marz in the south western part of Ararat Valley of the Republic of Armenia and spreads over altitudes of 850 900 m above sea level (see Figure 1).The system includes the following main canals: Armavir, Merdzapnya, Mrgashat, Margara and the off take of Metsamor pumping station. The project envisages rehabilitating sections of Armavir Main Canal, Mrgashat Main Canal and the off take canal of Metsamor pumping station. Armavir Main Canal starts at the headwork intake structure on the Araks River that was built jointly with the Turkish Republic. The canal is 44.4 km long. The total length of the sections to be rehabilitated by the project is 20.6 km, of which 15.5 km passes through an earth channel. In 2003 2004 the initial section of the canal (passing through a soil bed) was reconstructed with the assistance of World Bank. The surface was covered with concrete from DM0+00 DM48+131
1 This is an indicator of a specific point along the canal, measured from the start of the canal, which is identified as DM0+00. DM 48+13 means a point 4,813 meters from the start.
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which increased the maximum water release up to 47.45 m3/s. The water release from the canal at DM0+00 is 17.0 m3/s. Sections DM48+13 to DM189+82 with a length of 14 km are subject to rehabilitation of which 5.1 km passes through concrete and iron concrete bed. The floor and the walls of these sections have deteriorated to an emergency state and 8.9 km passes through an irregular profile earth channel. DM 189+82 to DM 374+25 is in a satisfactory state. At DM 174+25/DM 444+00 the canal passes through a soil bed and is subject to rehabilitation. The rated discharge at this section is 3 m3/sec whereas the measured rate is 1.0 m3/sec. Mrgashat Main Canal originates at the end of the Merdzapnya Main Canal and is 8.49 km long. At the head, Q=6.6 m3/sec. The canal is constructed with L form blocks and iron concrete lining tiles. 4,231 m of the canal is in a bad state and is subject to rehabilitation since it does not provide the discharge required. In some sections leakage takes place over the walls of the canal. The off-take canal of Metsamor pumping station originates at the pumping station’s pressure basin and its intake is located on the Metsamor River2. The length of the canal is 17 km and discharge at the head is 3.6 m3/sec. Over a length of 6,220 m the concrete at the canal’s bottom and walls is decomposed in 3 separate sections. Sediments do appear in these sections and the canal has huge undetermined losses. Another section of 345 m consists of soil bed. The total length proposed for rehabilitation is 6,565 m. A summary of the proposed rehabilitation works is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. Overview of sections and hydraulic structures of Armavir Main Canal subject to rehabilitation
Length of canal Siphon Aqueduct Storm water sections Outlet Water head Canal name piece/ piece/ diverting Bridges proposed for piece structures meter meter structures rehabilitation 20,636 m Armavir Main (including 15,536 2 / 39 31 7 3 Canal m in earth bed) Mrgashat 4,231 m 33 Main Canal Diversion 6,565 m (including Canal of 345 m in earth 1 12 1 Metsamor PS bed) 31,432 m
(including 15,881 2 / 39 1 74 - 8 3 Total m in earth bed)
2 The Sevjur River has been officially renamed to Metsamor River.
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3 Description of Existing Conditions Climate Armavir, at the north tip of the Ararat Valley is severely continental, a semi arid to arid (semi desert) zone. Annual precipitation is reported at only 220 235 mm. Summers, lasting 5 6 months, are warm and hot with temperatures reaching 30 320C (maximum 400C) with humidity seldom above 30%. Winters are cold and rather long, with a thin snow cover lasting from early December until early March. Minimum temperatures typically drop to 300C and even 350C: The frost depth is 0.6 0.8 m. Annual precipitation is only 260 480 mm. Winds are predominantly from the South or Southwest. Geological-engineering conditions The area is semi desert. Grey and brown soils of ancient volcanic origin and alluvial sediments and sands predominate. In some areas andesine effusive (lava flows), intensively weathered and fissured show on the surface. The terrain is flat to gently sloped, draining back to the Araks River. The groundwater is located at the depth of 5 12 m and is connected directly with the top layer of watertight lava. The geological engineering conditions of the project area are characterized by 8 engineering geological elements (layers). These have been identified by the FS/FD Consultant as a result of review of available materials and topographic and field geophysical surveys conducted for assessment of engineering geological peculiarities of the area of Armavir Main Canal.
The summary of these layers description is the following: №1 (dlQIV) sandy loam topsoil with up to 15% inclusion of rock debris; soil workability category – 9v/8v; №2 (alQIV) pebbly gravel soil of alluvial origin with up to 25% sand matrix, soil workability category – 6g/9g; №3 (dlQIV) loam soil of diluvial origin with up to 20 25% inclusion of small rock debris, soil workability category 33g/33g; №3a (dlQIV) sandy loam soil with up to 15% small rock debris, soil workability category – 34v/34v; №4 (dlQIV) rock debris – coarse sand soil of diluvial origin with up to 30 40% loam matrix, soil workability category – 13/14.
Seismicity According to the Republic of Armenia map on seismic zoning3, the project affected area is located in the seismic zone III, with 0.4g acceleration and 9 point seismic stability.
Hydrology The water sources for the Armavir Main Canal system are the Araks and the Metsamor rivers. The Araks river is a boundary river flowing 285 km in the territory of Turkey with its upper streams, forming the western boundary for Armenia’s Ararat Valley, before flowing southward along the borders with Azerbaijan, Iran, and back into Azerbaijan, eventually emptying into the Caspian Sea. Its total length is 1,072 km. Its largest tributary is the Akhuryan River which flows in from the north after defining 150 km of border with Turkey. The drainage area of the Araks basin is 102,000 km². In the section of the Armavir canal’s water intake point, the length of the river is 380 km and the drainage area of the basin in Armenia is 22,100 km². The Metsamor river originates from the bogs/marshlands of Ayghr (Metsamor) Lake and has two major tributaries: Selav Mastara and
3 National Atlas of Armenia, Yerevan, 2007.
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Kasakh Rivers. It is a 38 km long river, with 480 km2 catchment area (without tributaries). The catchment area with the tributaries is 2240 km2. The average annual flow is 711 mln. m3. The Metsamor River is remarkable for being greatly fed by underground waters. The river provides water for irrigation mostly in Ararat valley.
Biological diversity Flora Armavir region is included in the semi desert zone, where wormwood and ephemeral vegetation cover, and in salty lands salt loving bushes are typical. The prevailing part of the landscape in this zone has been transformed into an agricultural landscape with warmth loving plants. Mountain arid vegetation is typical for the area. Where the impact of Iranian deserts is quite vivid, these zones are often called vegetation of skeletal mountains. Among the most typical plant species are sweet scented wormwood (Artemisia fragrans, in some parts similar species, such as Artemisia araxina). In spring the area is covered by ephemerals (Ceratocephala falcata, Anisantha tectorum and other species). Among the typical species of the semi desert zone are also thorny capers (Capparis spinosa) and Syrian bean caper (Zygophyllum fabago).
Fauna As in any vertical vegetation zone, the semi desert zone of Armavir also has its unique fauna. Due to their ecological flexibility some animal species can be found almost in all landscape zones.
Among the representatives of amphibians and reptiles the following animals are widespread: toads, Syrian frogs (Pelobates syriacus), tree frogs, green frogs, water turtles, land turtles, geckos, agamas, spindle shaped snakes, ordinary lizards, blind snakes, tail lined snakes, grass snakes. Among birds, hens, crane likes, pigeons, perching birds are widespread. Among mammals, hedgehogs, shrews, horseshoe nosed bat, rattlemice, porcupine, pigs, nutrias, squirrels, rabbits, mice, blind moles, martens, hyenas, dog family, cat family are widespread.
Baseline data, literature review and field observations (e.g., ICID Checklist) indicates that rare species of fauna exist in the area as noted in the Red Book of Armenia. However, as this entire area has been under intensive irrigated agricultural cultivation for many decades, thus no adverse impacts are expected and no deliberate mitigating measures are required to address the environmental issue of identified rare species.
Specially protected areas
“Vordan Karmir/Cochineal” reserve was founded in 1987 on 200ha area in Armavir region in Ararat concavity. Endemic Ararat Cochineal lives in salty lands of Ararat lowland and salt resistant cochineal plant and southern rush (which are the main forage for this insect) are preserved in the reserve.
From the former 1100 ha habitat of the insect now only 200 ha are preserved. A small area of halophyte vegetation is preserved in the reserve where a few rare plant species can be found. Among them are: nitrebush (Nitraria), Caspian water arum (Calla), Onobrychis cornuta, tamarisk (Tamarix). The reserve is in disastrous state [“National Atlas of Armenia” Yerevan 2007], [“Territorial planning project of Yerevan agglomeration” Yerevan 2006]. 7
Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
The areas that have to be rehabilitated under Armavir Main Canal project are reported by the FS/FD consultant to be located at least at 1 km from the specially protected area4.
Soils
As to fertile land zones and soil types, Armavir region is included in the semi desert zone, typified by semi desert brown loam brick, in some parts carbonized, semi desert brown gravel, and semi desert brown soils with sediments.
Semi desert brown soils are distinguished by small capacity of humus horizons (25 – 40 cm), low concentrations of humus (up to 2 %), stoniness, hardness and a significant concentration of carbons. Under the carbonate horizon, gypsum layers occur. In some parts salinization is observed of weak and average alkaline reaction (pH 7.7 – 8.2), small absorbance (20 30mg/eqv, non sufficient water physical properties and have high alkalinity. An alluvial–carbonate concrete horizon with a capacity of 15 – 30 cm has been formed on sloppy plains and some mountain slopes. Low land marshlands are specific for semi desert zone in Armavir Marz, which are cultivated after the reclamation. One of the properties of the semi desert zone under the command area of Armavir Main Canal is accumulation of gypsum. In this zone farming is possible only with irrigation5.
Salinization is observed in about 13,000 ha, among it 9,000 ha are alkaline in the Ararat valley area. Land reclamation works were carried out on an area of 4,000 ha by the Government in 1988 – 1990. Afterwards, the works have stopped, possibly due to a lack funds6. No salinized and alkalinized soils were observed in the project affected area.
Erosion and sedimentation No large scale erosion processes have been observed in the affected area of Armavir Main Canal. Erosion processes are observed along the canals with earth bed during the operation. They appear in the form of erosion and dilapidation of the slopes of earth bed floor. Suffosion processes are observed in some sections of the canals (tail end of the Armavir Main Canal, starting point of Metsamor tail race). The above mentioned processes give rise to centralized seepage sink holes (Haramies) where great water losses take place. The envisaged measures, i.e. the lining of the canals with earth bed will prevent such processes. Araks River is the water source for Armavir Main Canal and Mrgashat canals starting from Armavir canal. Araks is considered a turbid river. The head water intake structure is furnished with sand trapping structures which trap floor sediments and the suspended sediment flow into the canal together with water flow. Most of the sediments stay on the canal floor (in the sections where water flow velocity is low especially in sections with earth bed). Some of the drifts reach up to the fields. Sediments accumulated in the main and secondary canals do not reach to high quantities, which
4 National Atlas of Armenia, Yerevan 2007; and Territorial planning project of Yerevan agglomeration” Yerevan 2006 5 National Atlas of Armenia; Yerevan, 2007; National action plan on combating desertification in Armenia; Yerevan, 2002 6 Data obtained from the Institute of Soil Science
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may impede the hydraulic regime of the canals (backwater operation, overtopping over the slopes because of backwater, hindrance of regulatory and water outlet structures). Sediments are cleaned by mechanical method, before irrigation season. Water logged lands were observed in a few stretches of the main canals which are the result of leakages from the canals. After the proposed rehabilitation the water logging will be minimized.
Social conditions
Approximately 50 communities of Armavir Marz get water from Armavir Main Canal in total. There are 31 beneficiary communities whose irrigation lands are located within the rehabilitation area. According to the data provided by the Irrigation PIU, the area supplied by Araks, Armavir, Merdzapnya and Sevjur Akhtamar WUAs and comprises a total of 16,194 ha of which 14,575 ha are actually irrigated.
Characteristics of the communities benefiting from Armavir Main Canal rehabilitation are shown in the Table below: Communities Benefiting from Armavir Main Canal Rehabilitation Water Total % Water WUA Users Population Users Male Female Araks WUA 10294 22550 45.64% 11025 11525 Armavir WUA 10936 22975 47.59% 11021 11954 Merdzapnya WUA 7217 15685 46.01% 7613 8072 Sevjur Aktamar WUA 440 1759 25.01% 868 891 Total 28887 62969 30527 32442 Females as a % of total population 51.5% According to the social surveys conducted by the FS/FD Consultant at the preliminary design phase, about 23.5% of population within the project area is less than 16 years old and 60.7% between 16 and 65 years old. About 10% of population is involved in active migration processes and is permanently or temporary absent from the area, based on comparison of population data for a few recent years. Some section of population of project impact area lives in poor social conditions. About 1,200 households still live in shelters or caravans, and 1,351 households receive social family allowance. About 28,887 people within the impact area of the Main Canal are considered direct beneficiaries (51.5% women) or about 7,200 households that grow mainly grapes, fruits and vegetables, wheat, potatoes and perennial fodder crops. Insignificant numbers of ethnical minority peoples live within the impacted area and considered as project beneficiaries (data on the minority groups is presented at level of Marz affected by the project with an assumption that this picture is typical for the affected communities and described as follows: Assyrians – 0.7%, Yezidis – 2.2%, Russians – 0.2%, Ukrainians – 0.03% and others – 0.1 % of total population).
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4 Environmental and Social Impacts
Only rehabilitation works on existing canals are to be carried out. Due to its rehabilitation nature, the proposed project is not likely to cause significant negative environmental and/or social impacts. Rehabilitation of Armavir Main Canal will bring positive changes to delivery of irrigation water, and water users will more easily obtain the required quantity of irrigation water in a timely manner. This should promote both increases in food security and incomes from agriculture, thereby reducing the number of poor population and mitigating out migration in the area. These outcomes will be especially remarkable in the communities located at the tail end sections of the Main Canal as their lands will become fully irrigable. The cumulative impacts expected in the result of rehabilitation of the canals and ongoing activities of the Water to Market Activity of MCA Armenia Program will be more effective management of irrigation water resources by reducing water losses and controlling the more effective water distribution between the users, as well as adoption of a more efficient on farm water management practices. Overall positive impacts from the rehabilitation effort are long term and cumulative in their nature, ultimately contributing to the increased social benefits of the communities affected. The likely adverse impacts are likely to occur during construction and operation phases of the Armavir Main Canal. These may be: pollution of water resources (surface and groundwater) and soil, degradation of landscape and soil erosion because of improper disposal of excavated materials and construction waste, spillage of oil and toxic substances during the construction, use of temporary construction sites (camps, machinery sites, storage facilities, etc), use of borrow pits; temporary air pollution (dust) related to increased truck traffic during the construction; noise and vibration disturbances during trench excavation; impacts on historic cultural monuments or artefacts; hydrological issues because of improper operation maintenance of the Armavir Main Canal. Short term social adverse impacts may occur only in cases when cutting of plants and/or demolishment of light structures appearing within the alienation zone of the main canal cannot be avoided. It is expected that within the proposed project such adverse impacts will be avoided through application of appropriate construction techniques. However, if conduct of construction works is not possible without clearing of the alienation zone from cultivated plants and/or structures Resettlement Action Plan must be developed in accordance with the World Bank’s Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). A Resettlement Action Plan will be developed on a basis of the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) prepared under the MCA Armenia Program. The likely negative environmental and social impacts of the construction phase are expected to be localized and short term. As a result of timely and proper implementation of this Environmental Management Plan with practical implementation of mitigation measures presented in Annex A to this report, all identified potential negative impacts can be prevented and minimized. In addition to this, regular monitoring over the civil works, in accordance with the Monitoring Plan, will ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures included in EMP. A possible negative environmental impact of the operation phase may be an increased use of agrochemicals in the areas of the project coverage, provided that with improved access to irrigation, farmers opt to increase volume of high value crops grown in their fields and apply increased amount of pesticides. This can be mitigated by carrying out of a public information campaign on the optimal use of pesticides and extending some elements of the integrated pest management (IPM) relevant in the current country context. 10
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5 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures The mitigation measures are proposed for design, construction and operation phases of the rehabilitation of the Armavir Main Canal that shall be undertaken by executing agencies to prevent and/or minimize the likely adverse impacts listed above.
Design phase Environmental mitigation requirements shall be incorporated into final design, technical specifications and bidding documents, to be implemented by the construction contractor to avoid, prevent, minimize the potential impacts. The final design documents package shall include a list of approved borrow pits and agreed waste disposal sites; permits, agreements obtained from the relevant local/regional authorities for use of borrow pits and sites for disposal of wastes as appropriate; list of construction preparation temporary sites such as access roads, construction camps, transport and machinery sites, storage facilities, etc. The final design documents shall also provide, to the extent possible, such technical approaches and solution to the rehabilitation of separate stretches of the main canals, where the encroachments of the alienation zone observed which do not require demolition of temporary and permanent private properties.
Construction Phase Measures to prevent and/or minimize the degradation of landscapes and soil erosion, pollution of surface and groundwater resources and soils by construction run off shall be implemented by the contractor during the construction phase. This shall include, but not limited to: use of already existing quarries and disposal sites (according to the requirements set in the appropriate permits and agreements obtained at the design phase); clear delineation of the zones for storage of materials and accumulation of wastes that will cause no damage to the vegetation cover and other components of the environment; sites for storage of oil and chemicals shall be properly equipped to minimize the risks of polluting soils and waters; dust and noise from the construction site shall be minimized especially in resident areas, public places, near schools, etc. If historical and/or cultural monuments or artefacts are unexpectedly found during earthworks, the construction contractors must cease the works and provide relevant information to the State Agency for Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, which, after duly consideration of the findings, shall recommend whether the works can be continued or the design must be revised. In the project areas adjacent to specially protected areas, the machinery shall not go beyond the alienation zone. There shall be no waste accumulations and waste disposal sites in the same areas. There shall be no use and storage of explosives and toxic and chemical substances.
Operation Phase During operation it is essential that canal beds be periodically maintained to ensure proper conveyance, to avoid stagnation, to prevent flooding and damages caused by frost.
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The detailed mitigation measures to be undertaken by the executing agencies are presented in Annex A to this document. The following enhancement measures are proposed to strengthen the positive impacts expected as a result of rehabilitation of the Armavir Main Canal: • Involve the local population in the project related activities (e.g. work power for construction phase etc.); • Increase local water users’ knowledge on more efficient water management, through providing the training and practice, on farm water management and higher value agricultural production, etc.;
• Increase local users’ awareness of the good practice of pesticide use and extend applicable elements of IPM;
• Build capacity of local water users through provision of credits; • Support the institutional strengthening of the water supply and delivery organizations (Water Supply Agencies and Water Users Associations).
6 Institutional Responsibilities
6.1 Institutional Responsibilities Institutional responsibility for implementation of the proposed mitigation measures will be shared among the following agencies:
Executing agencies Executing Agencies are responsible for executing the measures of the EMP. During the design phase, the executing agency, FS/FD Consultant, “Hayjrnakhagits Institute” CJSC) shall ensure that all the necessary permits and agreements (e.g. permits for the disposal of excavated materials, wastes, and demolition debris, etc.) are obtained from relevant state and local authorities before the construction works are tendered out. Executing agencies during construction phase (Construction contractors) shall take the responsibility for physical implementation of mitigation measures provided under the EMP, as well as for obtaining all construction activities related permits and agreements (e.g. agreement with Historic and Cultural Monuments Protection Agency if any new historical/ cultural/ archaeological monument or artifacts are unexpectedly found during civil works) in accordance with the WB Environmental Policies and applicable environmental and social legislation of the Republic of Armenia. Supervising agencies Supervising Agencies are responsible for supervising the executing agencies to ensure that they execute the mitigation measures as planned. The Construction Supervision Company hired by PIU for daily supervision over the implementation of civil works will be responsible for supervising the timely, proper and reliable implementation of works and measures, as provided by the EMP (including oversight over the environmental and social aspects of all activities implemented under the project in order to ensure that mitigation measures are designed and implemented properly to prevent and minimize likely adverse environmental and social impacts). 12
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The supervising agencies will also ensure that all necessary agreements and permits are obtained by appropriate contractors from relevant state and local authorities before the construction works are tendered out. The WB may request to check if such permits are issued and valid (e.g., not expired) as well as if the EMP mitigation and monitoring aspects are implemented on the ground during the canal rehabilitation phases according to the WB Environmental Policies and applicable Armenian environmental and social legislation.
Monitoring agencies Monitoring agencies are in charge of monitoring the extent of implementation and the effectiveness of the mitigation and enhancement measures and of adjusting the program if needed. Monitoring agencies will be responsible for covering all measures requiring some sort of monitoring by PIU/WB. The government entities, in particular the Ministry of Nature Protection and its affiliated agencies (State Environmental Inspectorate etc.), Ministry of Health (State Hygienic Anti Epidemiologic Inspectorate), and, the Ministry of Culture (Historic and Cultural Monuments Protection Agency) may also be involved in the monitoring activities, as a part of their mandate.
6.2 Reporting Format and Schedule
The Construction Supervision Company, working in cooperation with the Construction Contractor, will be responsible for reporting to PIU on the implementation of the mitigation measures included in Annex A and according to the monitoring plan presented in annex B. The Incident report form shall be completed and submitted to PIU if any environmental and social major occurrences are observed (such as spills, explosions, etc.). The Incident report form is presented in Annex C.
6.3 Budget The budget for civil works contracts includes costs allocated for implementation of environmental and social mitigation measures. Appropriate mitigation measures to be fulfilled by the construction contractor are presented in Annex A. The cost of EMP implementation is estimated at 1.24% of the cost of the total construction contract.
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7 Public Consultation According to FS/FD Consultant’s report the affected area of Armavir main canal rehabilitation works cover 31 communities. During preliminary visits and according to the report presented by the FS/FD Consultant the following communities may undergo adverse impacts; Nor Kesaria, Hushakert, Araks, Haykavan, Armavir (village). Positive impacts will occur not only in the remaining 26 communities but also the aforementioned communities that have suffered negative impacts. According to the “Public Consultation Plan” presented by ESAOC and approved by MCA Armenia and MCC (point 1.3), public consultations will be conducted in 40% of the communities that will likely undergo adverse impacts (similar impacts: seepages, possible cutting of the trees observed in the alienation zone, etc.) and in 15% of those expected to have positive impacts. Due to the above mentioned, the ESAOC team considered it purposeful to select the following villages (that will likely be negatively impacted) for public consultations: Nor Kesaria, Haykavan, Armavir. 6 communities that will benefit from the positive impacts were selected for public consultation: Noravan, Khanjyan, Mayisyan (it is considered though that the communities having adverse impacts concurrently will benefit from positive impacts). Public consultations for Armavir Main Canal rehabilitation project were conducted on 12 and 13 August 2008 in Mayisyan, Noravan, Khanjyan, Nor Kesaria, Haykavan and Armavir communities, which are likely to be directly affected by the proposed project activities. The representatives from ESAOC, MCA Armenia, Irrigation PIU, Hayjrnaghagits Institute, Akhuryan Araks branch of Water Supply Agency, Armavir WUA, the heads of the communities and farmers were present at the consultations. The scanned minutes of public consultation meetings held are presented in Annex G (in Armenian).
The number of participants in each community is the following: Mayisyan community 16 participants; Noravan community 16 participants; Khanjyan community 16 participants; Nor Kesaria community 25 participants; Haykavan community 20 participants; Armavir community – 11participants.
The aim of the consultations was discussion of the environmental and social issues associated with the Armavir Main Canal rehabilitation project. During the meetings, the general introduction to MCA Armenia Program activities, details of the proposed rehabilitation works, potential negative impacts, proposed mitigation measures, significance of the project works for local population and expected results were presented and discussed.
In all the communities the participants mentioned that they appreciated the proposed project for rehabilitation of Armavir Main Canal. Participants asked to implement the rehabilitation works during the irrigation off season in order to prevent interruption of irrigation activities. In almost all communities the participants mentioned the poor condition of the inter and intra community irrigation network and complained about the high water supply fees, by asking to carry out appropriate measures to address this issue.
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Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
In general, the participants were interested in whether the canal will be enlarged, whether the canal bed will be changed, whether the old bridge will be rehabilitated or not, whether the new water inlet structure will be constructed, what would be the solutions to reduce seepages and water losses, what would be measures and activities undertaken in case of encroachment on alienation zone.
During the Public Consultations a meeting was held with “Eko 99” NGO that deals with the environmental issues and mainly with soil salinization. “Eko 99” NGO has carried out several projects related to soil salinization. The NGO director appreciated the works to be implemented and mentioned that he doesn’t expect any major negative impact from the project. A meeting was also held with V. Mirzakhanyan, chief specialist of the Department of Nature Protection and Agriculture of Marzpetaran. He also appreciated the works to be implemented and suggested his assistance, including the dissemination of project activities related information. To him, there will be no large scale environmental impacts expected as a result of project implementation and operation.
8 Environmentally Sound Clauses for Civil Works Contracts
Most construction phase impacts will be mitigated by including appropriate clauses into the civil works contracts. These clauses are included in Annex E.
9 Main Findings
The rehabilitation of the Armavir Main Canal is aimed at improving the deteriorated stretches of the main canals of the system, which will reduce large water loses within the system and allow reliable irrigation of more lands. This will increase the agricultural production in rural areas of the Republic of Armenia and contribute to increased food security and reduced poverty.
No new construction will be implemented under the Armavir Main Canal. The project mostly envisages rehabilitation of existing structures, which will have minor, short term and localized environmental impacts during the construction phase. This EMP elaborates a list of measures to be undertaken to mitigate likely environmental and social impacts that can occur during the various phases of the Armavir Main Canal rehabilitation – design, construction and further maintenance. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by the appropriate agencies, accordingly to the monitoring plan provided.
The positive socio economic and environmental effects of the project overweight the likely environmental risks associated with its implementation. Accompanied by the training and capacity building program, provided by the Water to Market activity of the MCA Armenia program, the rehabilitation of the Armavir Main Canal will ensure greater water use efficiency, leading to increased levels of agricultural productivity, including more water for landholders at the end of the canal delivery system. This can also lead to the adoption of higher value cropping patterns, as well as the extension of irrigated land holdings thereby increasing food security.
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Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
Annexes
Annex A: Mitigation Measures
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXECU- SUPER- NEGATIVE SOCIAL MITIGATION OR TING VISING COST TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY Design Phase Pollution of water Obtain appropriate permits FS/FD PIU Part of the During and soil, degradation and/or agreements for disposal of Consultant contract with design of landscapes as a excavated materials and the FS/FD result of improper construction wastes. Consultant disposal of excavated Develop a list and specifications FS/FD PIU Part of the During materials and for construction preparation Consultant contract with design construction wastes temporary sites such as access the FS/FD roads, construction camps, Consultant transport and machinery sites, storage facilities Temporary air Develop the traffic management FS/FD PIU Part of the During pollution with dust plan on canal service roads to Consultant contract with design and deterioration of ensure safety both for workers, the FS/FD works traffic safetydue to local traffic and population. Consultant the transportation of Ensure that construction construction materials loaded on trucks are materials and truck properly covered while traffic transported. Landscape Develop measures to strengthen FS/FD PIU Part of the During degradation and soil the steep slopes with vegetation, Consultant contract with design erosion grass and plants or gabions. the FS/FD works Consider and use plant species Consultant characteristic for the landscape in the course of restoration of the vegetation cover Develop efficient methods for FS/FD PIU Part of the During disposal or backfilling of Consultant contract with design extracted soils the FS/FD works Consultant Temporary or Develop such technical FS/FD PIU Part of the During permanent taking of approaches and solution to these Consultant contract with design property or cases which, to the extent the FS/FD works productive assets, possible, allow implementation of Consultant including peoples’ rehabilitation works within the access to such assets, canal limits, without demolition (including tree and dislocation of these cutting) that appear properties. within the alienation zone that hinder construction works
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POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXECU- SUPER- NEGATIVE SOCIAL MITIGATION OR TING VISING COST TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY
Construction Phase
Pollution of water Removal of old cement linings Construction PIU through Part of the During and soil, degradation and accumulated silt. Contractor Construction contract with construction of landscapes as a Supervisor Construction works result of improper Contractor disposal of excavated materials and construction wastes Maintain zones of preliminary Construction PIU through Part of the During accumulation of wastes that will Contractor Construction contract with construction cause no damage to the Supervisor Construction works vegetation cover and other Contractor components of the environment. Arrange transport and disposal of Construction PIU through Part of the After wastes according to the Contractor Construction contract with obtaining of established traffic management Supervisor Construction permit, plan, procedure and in the Contractor during approved dump sites designated construction for the specific purpose. works Maintain appropriate operating Construction PIU through Part of the During rules for the camps in identified Contractor Construction contract with construction suitable sites, including safe Supervisor Construction works handling of silt material, control Contractor of access, adequate drainage, and rehabilitation after construction.
Spillage of oil or Implement the measures to Construction PIU through Part of the During toxic substances control spillage of toxic Contractor Construction contract with construction substances that will be included in Supervisor Construction works construction contracts, including: Contractor guidelines for the proper storage and sitting of hazardous material such as oil, grease, fuel, asphalt, or ignitable and corrosive materials; lubricants will be collected in clearly marked containers and reused if possible, or disposed of at properly regulated offsite locations; water samples will be taken and tested for oil when there is a risk of spills or leakages to canal waters, surface waters, or groundwater. Use closed/covered trucks for Construction PIU through Part of the During transportation of construction Contractor Construction contract with construction materials and wastes. Depending Supervisor Construction works on season, wash truck tires as Contractor appropriate to control tracking mud and dust onto paved roads. 17
Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXECU- SUPER- NEGATIVE SOCIAL MITIGATION OR TING VISING COST TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY Temporary air Clean the surrounding area from Construction PIU through Part of the During pollution (dust) dust by water sprinkling (except in Contractor Construction contract with construction related to the Winter), remove excess materials Supervisor Construction works transportation of and clean the sites upon Contractor construction completion of activities materials and truck traffic Provide workers that deal with Construction PIU through Part of the During Noise and vibration hazardous materials or exposed to Contractor Construction contract with construction disturbances dust with necessary protection Supervisor Construction works gear, and follow applicable Contractor regulations and procedures as established by GoA authorities. Terminate the works at the Construction PIU through Part of the During established time (e.g. work in Contractor Construction contract with construction daylight time), and avoid increase Supervisor Construction works of noise and number of peak Contractor hours. Consult with local authorities Impacts on safety of Workers during cement pouring Construction PIU through Part of the During personnel and while using heavy equipment Contractor Construction contract with construction will have and use safety Supervisor Construction works equipment. Contractor Impacts on historic Cease the works as soon as Construction PIU through Part of the During cultural monuments historical and cultural monuments Contractor Construction contract with construction or artefacts or artefacts are encountered and Supervisor Construction works immediately provide relevant Contractor information to the State Agency for Historical and Cultural Monuments Protection Landscape Arable land will not be used as Construction PIU through Part of the During degradation and soil earth borrowing. If unavoidable Contractor Construction contract with construction erosion the topsoil (ca 30 cm) will be Supervisor Construction works removed, kept and refilled after Contractor construction is over Dump excavated soils and Construction PIU through Part of the During substances only within the areas Contractor Construction contract with construction designated for that purpose. Supervisor Construction works Contractor Restore landscape to quasi Construction PIU through Part of the During original vegetation cover after Contractor Construction contract with construction completion of rehabilitation Supervisor Construction works works Contractor
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Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXECU- SUPER- NEGATIVE SOCIAL MITIGATION OR TING VISING COST TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY Biodiversity In the project areas adjacent to Construction PIU through Part of the During conservation specially protected areas and Contractor Construction contract with construction characterized as the habitat for Supervisor Construction works endemic species, no machinery Contractor will go beyond the alienation zone. There will be no waste accumulations and waste disposal sites in the same areas. There will be no use and storage of explosives and toxic and chemical substances beyond the specified sites. Temporary or If it is required to develop and GoA PIU GoA funds Before permanent taking of implement the Resettlement through construction property or Action Plan, and/or obtain relevant works start productive assets, servitude, the construction works entity in the including peoples’ will start after the compensations particular access to such assets, are paid to the project affected section (including tree persons (PAPs) and servitudes cutting) that appear acquired. These must be guided within the alienation by the Armenian legislation and zone that hinder WB guidelines. construction works If demolition and/or dislocation GoA PIU GoA funds Before is required, the project affected through construction persons will be compensated in relevant works start accordance with WB OP4.12 entity in the before the construction starts. particular section Operation Phase
Maintain the hydro technical WSA, WUA SCWS Regular During structures to minimize the risk for Operation and operation Hydrological issues over topping and potential water Maintenance of flooding, low saturation in adjacent fields. flow, water Operate the water intakes in such WSA, WUA SCWS Regular During stagnation and water a way that the water withdrawal is Operation and operation logging properly controlled to avoid Maintenance withdrawing more water than allowed. Maintain the canal beds and WSA, WUA SCWS Regular During hydraulic structures to avoid Operation and operation water stagnation. Maintenance Regularly clean slit from the WSA, WUA SCWS Regular During canals bed and dispose the Operation and operation removed slit in the approved Maintenance waste disposal sites. The removed slit can be also applied in the farm fields as a fertilizer.
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POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXECU- SUPER- NEGATIVE SOCIAL MITIGATION OR TING VISING COST TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY Pollution of soil and Conduct of public awareness PIU through SCWC Included in the Although water as a result of campaign and extension of pest project this impact increased use of applicable IPM technologies to management procurement is expected pesticides in the water users consultant, plan as during areas with improved WSA, WUA procurement operation, irrigation of consulting the services mitigation measure is proactive and will be applied during operation Siltation in canals Training of WSA staff on propoer PIU/ WSA SCWS Regular During operation and maintenance Operation and operation Maintenance
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Annex B: Monitoring Plan This monitoring plan will be used to determine compliance with the Mitigation Plan (Annex A).
Phase What Where is the How is the When is the Cost Reporting parameter is parameter to be parameter to be parameter to Agency to be monitored? monitored?/ be monitored? monitored? type of (frequency of monitoring measurement equipment or continuous) Material At the design Permits/ During the Minimal PIU Design borrows and consultant approvals from design additional dumps responsible design cost authorities
Road At the design Inspection During the Minimal PIU accessibility to consultant design additional canal design cost structures
Soil erosion In new cutting Inspections at During and Minimal Supervisor Construction areas and slopes site and soils after additional mechanical construction construction information works cost
Water At working site Inspection During Minimal Supervisor pollution construction additional construction cost
Air At working site Visual inspection During earth Minimal Supervisor pollution/dust and other additional works. construction cost
Noise At working site Inspection of During earth, Minimal Supervisor noise levels (dB) blast and other additional works. On construction complaint cost Conservation At working site Inspection When cutting Minimal Supervisor of vegetation and restoring additional resources used areas. construction cost Staff safety At work site Inspection Unannounced Minimal Supervisor (protective inspections additional equipment) during work construction cost
Overall On the camp Inspection According to Minimal Supervisor workers’ camp site during the existing additional site conditions construction regulations construction activities cost
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Phase What Where is the How is the When is the Cost Reporting parameter is parameter to be parameter to be parameter to Agency to be monitored? monitored?/ be monitored? monitored? type of (frequency of monitoring measurement equipment or continuous) Maintenance On site Inspection Continuous – Routine WSA, WUA Operation of irrigation full scale operation and delivery desiltation system required yearly maintenance cost Maintenance On site Inspection When needed Routine WSA, WUA of irrigation operation and off takes and maintenance pumps cost
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Annex C: Incident Report Form
REHABILITATION OF ARMAVIR MAIN CANAL 1 Date: 2 Canal Section: 3 Location: 4 Construction Contractor: 5 Marz (Region): 6 Water Supply Agency/WUA 7 Incident Type: 8 Severity: " High " Medium " Low 10 Reported By: 11 Description of Incident Root Cause: 12 Corrective Action Taken: 13 Corrective Action to be Taken: 14 Action Taken to Prevent Recurrence: 15 Corrective Action Carried Out By: 16 Close Out By: 17 Close Out Date: 18 Person Involved: 19 Machine Involved: 20 Contractor/Sub Contractor Involved: 21 Third Party Involvement:
22 Photo Reference – Attached: The photos with appropriate descriptions should be presented as an Attachment to the Incident Report For PIU use only Date Received by: Decision/Action made:
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Annex D: Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts
Project Name/location: Armavir Main Canal Assessment: 1st Assessor’s name/position: ESAOC Team Date(s) of Assessment: 14 July 2008
Comments
N/A = Environmental effect is Not Applicable in this case
For detailed explanation refer to the correspondingly numbered sections following this table For each environmental effect place a cross (X) in one or two of the
columns Positive impact likely Positive possible impact Positive No impact likely likely No impact impact possible Negative impactlikely Negative atpresent possible judgement No
A B C D E F
1-1 Low flow regime X
1-2 Flood regime X 1-3 Operation of dams X N/A
Hydrology 1-4 Fall of water table X 1-5 Rise of water table X 2-1 Solute dispersion X 2-2 Toxic substances X 2-3 Organic pollution X
Pollution 2-4 Anaerobic effects X N/A 2-5 Gas emissions X 3-1 Soil salinity X
3-2 Soil properties X 3-3 Saline groundwater X Soils 3-4 Saline drainage X 3-5 Saline intrusion X 4-1 Local erosion X
4-2 Hinterland effect X 4-3 River morphology X N/A 4-4 Channel regime X Sediments 4-5 Sedimentation X 4-6 Estuary erosion X N/A 5-1 Project lands X X Positive and negative impacts possible 5-2 Water bodies X 5-3 Surrounding area X Positive and negative impacts possible.
5-4 Valleys & shores X N/A 5-5 Wetlands & plains X N/A Ecology 5-6 Rare species X 5-7 Animal migration X 5-8 Natural industry X 6-1 Population change X 6-2 Income & amenity X 6-3 Human migration X
6-4 Resettlement X See below. 6-5 Women’s role X 6-6 Minority groups X 6-7 Sites of value X Socio-economic 6-8 Regional effects X 6-9 User involvement X 6-10 Recreation X 7-1 Water & sanitation X
7-2 Habitation X 7-3 Health services X
Health 7-4 Nutrition X 24
Environmental Management Plan Armavir Main Canal
Comments
N/A = Environmental effect is Not Applicable in this case
For detailed explanation refer to the correspondingly numbered sections following this table For each environmental effect place a cross (X) in one or two of the
columns Positive impact likely Positive possible impact Positive No impact likely likely No impact impact possible Negative impactlikely Negative atpresent possible judgement No
A B C D E F
7-5 Relocation effect X 7-6 Disease ecology X 7-7 Disease hosts X 7-8 Disease control X 7-9 Other hazards X 8-1 Pests & weeds X
8-2 Animal diseases X 8-3 Aquatic weeds X 8-4 Structural damage X Imbalances 8-5 Animal imbalances X Number of crosses 6 4 34 5 3 3 Total possible = 53 (Unless positive & negative impacts)
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Annotated Questions from ICID Checklist, with Comments from the Checklist
1. Hydrological changes
1.1 Low flow regime
Is the flow regime of the river substantially changed by the Project and its dams (by more than +/- 20% in low flow periods)? If so, does this change benefit or impair aquatic ecosystems, existing or potential downstream abstractions, hydropower, navigation or recreational uses? The intake and headworks structures are in good technical shape and make possible precise control of the water regime while the reconstruction work of the main canals will significantly improve the overall efficiency of the Armavir Main Canal by reducing the water losses. Water for the three canals of the system are drawn from two rivers, Araks and Metsamor. Armavir Main Canal and Mrgashat Margara canals are both served from a single off take from the Araks River. The Metsamor Canal is served by a pumping station drawing water from the Metsamor River. During drought years, releases from the Akhuryan Reservoir (on the Akhuryan River, a major tributary to the Araks) will be used to augment the Araks’ waters, thus mitigating potential negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem, water withdrawals, hydropower generation and recreation downstream of the water intake. Based on the Agreement between the Armenian and Turkish Governments the water resources of the Araks Akhuryan water system are divided in parity during the vegetation period. It means that Joint Armenian Turkish Commission estimates the stored water volume in the Akhuryan Reservoir at the beginning of the irrigation season and this volume will be shared on equal base between the partners. The amount of water required for downstream flows is included in the water balance computations made in the FS/FD report. The discharge volumes provided will be matched to irrigation needs and other purposes. 1.2 Flood regime
Is the flood regime of the river (peak discharge and stage, speed of flood waves, flood super-position with joining rivers, duration or extent of floodplain inundations downstream) substantially changed by the Project as a result of changes in abstractions, retention storage, reservoir releases, flood protection works, new road/rail routs, river training or surface drainage works? If so, does this change benefit or impair aquatic and flood-affected ecosystems, lead to an increase or decrease in flood damage or change land use restrictions outside the Project? There will be no impact on the flood regime of the source waters, i.e. the Araks River. The headworks structures effectively control the water regime in the canals. Therefore there is no risk of exceeding the allowed water level in the canals. The only danger is that of potential failure of a flow control structure at any point in the system, which can lead to flooding of the nearby area. Regular maintenance and monitoring by WUA’s should prevent this problem.
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1.3 Operation of dams
Can modifications to the operation of any storage or flood retention reservoir(s) compensate for any adverse impacts associated with changes in flow regime, whiles minimizing the losses to the Project and other users? Possible modifications affecting water quality downstream, saline intrusion, the sediment regime of channels, the ecology of affected areas, amenity values, disease transmission or aquatic weed growth should be considered (A separate environmental assessment of large reservoir(s) may be required.) Not applicable – except as noted in 1.1 regarding low flow operation of Akhuryan Reservoir. 1.4 Fall of water table
Does the Project cause a fall of the water table (from groundwater abstractions, reduced infiltration due to river training, drainage or flood protection works)? If so, does this fall lead to increased potential for groundwater recharge (from seasonal rainfall) and improved conditions for land use; or lead to depletion of the groundwater system, affecting wells, springs, river flows and wetlands? The FS/FD Report states that groundwater levels are between 5 12 m under the soil surface, which is below the bottom line of the canals. Thus the canals will not drain groundwater. 1.5 Rise of water table
Does the Project cause a rise of the water table (from increased infiltration or seepage from irrigation, seepage from reservoirs and canals, or increased floodplain inundation)? If so, does this rise lead to improved yield of wells and springs and improved capillary rise into the root zone; or lead to water logging of agricultural or other land in the Project area or vicinity? Judging from a site visit along the canals during the high water season (July), the project is very unlikely to result in flooding or water logging of agricultural land. The objective of the current project is to improve the physical condition of the canals, reducing leakage and ex filtration.
2. Organic and inorganic pollution 2.1 Solute dispersion
Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in the concentrations of organic or inorganic solutes in the surface water due to changes to the pattern of water abstraction and reuse in the basin or flow regulation? If so, do the changes benefit or impair biological communities or domestic, agricultural or industrial water users in the basin? No significant solutes have been reported in the source waters. 2.2 Toxic substances
Are significant levels of toxic substance accumulating or being introduced, mobilized and transmitted due to the construction and operation of the Project and its dams, or are levels being reduced? Substances such as pesticides,
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herbicides, hydrogen sulphide, oil derivatives, boron, selenium and heavy metals in irrigation supplies or surface, draining and ground waters should be considered. Increased or increasingly intensive cultivation of irrigated lands may lead to increased use of pesticides. Safe use of pesticides is addressed in farmer training under the WTM program. Measures to control spillage of oil or toxic substances will be included in construction contracts, including: guidelines for the proper storage and siting of hazardous material such as oil, grease, fuel, asphalt, or ignitable and corrosive materials; lubricants will be collected in clearly marked containers and reused if possible, or disposed of at properly regulated offsite locations; water samples will be taken and tested for oil when there is a risk of spills or leakages to canal waters, surface waters, or groundwater. 2.3 Organic Pollution
Are nutrients, organic compounds and pathogens being reduced or introduced and concentrated, due to the Project, its dams and its associated domestic settlements? If so, does the change result in a reduction or increase in environmental and water use problems in the Project area or downstream (in rivers, canals, reservoirs, and lakes, evaporation wet lands, depressions, deltas, estuary regions) or in the groundwater? At several points where livestock pens or dwellings are adjacent to a canal’s alienation zone, wastewaters drain into the canal. Proper maintenance and monitoring of the canals and their alienation zones should significantly reduce these current sources. While such organic loads are unlikely to be a problem for agricultural usage, the canals are also used occasionally by local people for bathing, swimming, or consumption. In addition, this may also cause a spread of animal diseases, having an indirect negative impact on human health. Increased or increasingly intensive cultivation of irrigated lands may lead to increased use of fertilizers. But fertilizer use is currently at very modest levels and, given the rising cost of fossil fuel inputs, is unlikely to increase significantly. 2.4 Anaerobic effects
Is the Project reducing or creating anaerobic conditions or eutrophication in any impoundments, natural lakes, pools or wetlands due to changed input or accumulation of fertilizers, other nutrients and organic matter or due to changed water quality resulting from dams, river abstractions and drainage flows? No. 2.5 Gas Emissions
Is the Project, either directly of through associated industrial processing, causing decreased or increased gas emissions which contribute to air pollution (O3, SO3, H2S, NOx, NH4, etc) or the greenhouse effect (CO2, CH4, NOx, etc)? Insofar as increased irrigation increases fodder supplies or through improved income generation stimulates production of cattle and sheep, emissions of methane would increase accordingly. These amounts would be very modest in the context of Armenia’s total livestock production.
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3. Soil Properties and salinity effects
3.1 Soil salinity
Is the Project leading to progressive accumulation of salts in the soils of the project area or the vicinity because of prevailing high salt content in the soil, the groundwater, or the surface water; or can a progressive leaching effect be expected? The FS/FD Report states that 585 ha of salinized soils have been observed in the project area, mainly in areas of high water table. There is no indication that salinization has been induced by existing irrigation practices. But the situation should be surveyed, monitored, and ameliorated should any problems arise during project implementation. 3.2 Soil properties
Is the Project leading to changes in soil characteristics within the Project area or the vicinity due to such activities as irrigation, the application of fertilizers or other chemicals, cultivation practices or dewatering through drainage? Changes which can improve or impair soil structure, workability, permeability, fertility association with nutrient changes, humus content, pH, acid sulphate or hard pan formation or available water capacity should be considered. The canals will supply water for irrigated cultivation of high value crops. Maintenance of irrigation norms, use of proper watering methods and appropriate coordination of agro technical measures should improve soil quality and structure. The fine sediments extracted from the canal during annual maintenance could be used to benefit soils in nearby fields. 3.3 Saline groundwater
Are changes to the rates of seepage, percolation or leaching from the Project and its dams increasing or decreasing the concentrations of chlorides, nitrates or other salts in the groundwater? There is no report or evidence of saline groundwater in the Armavir project area. 3.4 Saline drainage
Are changes to the concentrations of chlorides, nitrates or other salts in the runoff or drainage water from the Project area in danger of affecting biological communiities or existing or potential downstream users (particulalry during low flow conditions)? There are no drainage systems in the project area, and no reports of saline runoff. 3.5 Saline Intrusion
Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in saline water (sea water) intrusion into the estuary or into groundwater due ot changes in low flow, groundwater use, dredging or river training? If so, are the changes likely to affect biological communities and water users in the Project vicinity and other areas?
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No.
4. Erosion and sedimentation 4.1 Local erosion
Is increased or decreased soil loss or gully erosion being caused within or close to the Project area by changes in land gradient and vegetative cover, by irrigation and cultivation practice, from banks of canals, roads and dams, from areas of cut and fill or due to storm drainage provision? Local erosion has not been observed in the project area.
Good construction practices during the rehabilitation should be practiced for both the canals and access roads. Maintenance of the canals should include regular clearing of sediments, which should either be applied to cultivated fields or removed to a landfill. 4.2 Hinterland effect
Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in natural vegetation, land productivity and erosion through changes in population density, animal husbandry, dryland farming practices, forest cover, soil conservation measures, in the region? In previously irrigated and in newly irrigated areas, higher value crops will be cultivated. As farmers prosper because of successful cultivation of irrigated crops, they may expand their cultivation of currently un irrigated areas, e.g. by raising more livestock. Good agricultural and husbandry practices should be applied. 4.3 River morphology
Is the regime of the river(s) changed by the Project and its dams through changes in the quantity or seasonal distribution of flows and flood peaks in the river(s), the abstraction of clear water, changes in sediment yield (caused by 4.1 and 4.2), the trapping of sediments in reservoirs or the flushing of sediment control structures? If so, do these changes benefit or impair aquatic ecosystems or existing or potential users downstream? No. 4.4 Channel structures
Is scouring, aggradation, or bank erosion in the river(s),endangering the Project’s river headworks, offtake structures, weir or pump inlets, its canal network, draininge or flood protection works, the free flow of its drainage system or structures and dvelopments downstream? Consider effects associated with changes noted in 4.3 as well as those causesd by other existing and planned upstream developments. The canal network is the target beneficiary of this component. 30
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4.5 Sedimentation
Are the changes noted in 4.1 – 4.4 causing increased or decreased sediment deposition in irrigagtion or drainage canals, hydraulic structures, storage reservoirs or on cultivated land, either via the irrigation systgems or the river(s)? If so, do these changes benefit or impair soil fertility, Project operation, land cultivation or the capacity and operation of reservoirs? See 4.1; there are sediment traps at the water intake. These function well, so severe sedimentation problems in the canals are not expected. However, regular cleaning of the canal beds is necessary and the sediments can be spread over agricultural land as fertilizer. 4.6 Estuary erosion
Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in the hydrological or sedment regimes of the river which can affect delta formation or estuary and coastal erorsion? If so, do these changes benefit or impair aquatic ecosystems (estuarine or marine), local habitation, navigaiton or other uses of the estuary? No. 5. Biological and ecological changes Is the Project, its dams or its associated infrastructure causing substantial and permanent changes (positive or negative) within the habitats listed in 5.1 – 5.5? • natural ecology (habitat, vegetation, terrestrial animals, birds, fish and other aquatic animals and plants), • areas of special scientific interest • biological diversity Include the likely ecological benefit of any new or modified habitats created and of any protective or mitigatory measures adopted (such as nature reserves and compensatory forests). 5.1 Project lands No significant changes are anticipated in the habitats or wildlife populations of the canals and their alienation zones. 5.2 Water bodies Aside from the canals themselves, the source rivers, tributaries and isolated, mostly seasonal, ponds, there are no other significant water bodies within the Armavir project area. 5.3 Surrounding area The FS/FD Report estimates that the increased water availability through the rehabilitated canals will allow an additional 5,442 ha to come under irrigation. Neither the FS/FD nor our own field investigations have examined the targeted expansion area sites. It is assumed that these will be similar in nature to those already under irrigated cultivation.
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5.4 Valleys & shores
River and canal banks, lake, reservoir and sea shores and the offshore marine environment. Not applicable. 5.5 Wetlands & plains
Floodplains or permanent wetlands including deltas and coastal swamps. Not applicable. 5.6 Rare species
Is the existence of any rare, endangered or protected species in the region enhanced or threatened by the changes noted in 5.1-5.5? The Armavir Main Canal is more than 40 years old. Although there are several species of rare plants and animals in the general area (Ararat Valley), there is no indication that current and anticipated irrigation activities would affect them. There is one potential exception to this conclusion: the vordan karmir “red worm beetle” (Armenian cochineal Porphyrophora hameli.) This insect is the source of a unique carmine red dye – a world renowned cultural heritage that goes back more than a thousand years. The only known remaining population of these insects is preserved in the Vordan Karmir Reserve. This national protected area is reportedly within at least at 1 km from the project site. While the Armavir Main Canal project is not anticipated to create any additional disturbance to the Vordan Karmir Reserve, the Final Design, construction, and operation of the rehabilitated canal system needs to recognize the presence of the reserve, and respect any conditions imposed by the Ministry of Nature Protection, which is responsible for it. Armenian scientists reportedly have recently rediscovered the technique for producing the traditional dye from the Armenian cochineal, so the insect again has potential economic as well as cultural and historical significance. 5.7 Animal migration
Does the Project, its dams or new road/rail routes affect the migration patters of wild animals, birds or fish? Make allowance for the compensatory effect of any additional provision within the Project (canal crossings, fish passes, spawning locations, resting or watering places, shade, considerate operation). Fishermen (illegally) catch a number of species of fish in the canals during different periods of the year, mainly: Barbus mursa mursoides, Salmo fario and Silurus glanis. At the starting junction of the Mrgashat and Margara canals there is a water regulating junction with the small Hydropower Plant that is situated 100 m towards the river Araks from the riverside canal. No works under the project are planned at this site. However, this junction provides access for fish species from the Araks River to the Armavir Main Canal. Hence, special attention should be paid to the planned rehabilitation of the water intake structure at DM 48+13. (Note: It is likely that (illegal) fish netting
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is conducted at this point in season.) The FS/FD Report does not mention fish or fish management, but during final design and maintenance, it should be ensured that effective fish screens are in place at the off take points on the Araks and Metsamor rivers. 5.8 Natural industry
Are commercial or subsistence activities depending on the natural terrestrial and aquatic environment benefited or adversely affected by the Project through ecological changes or changes in human access? Changes affecting such activities as fisheries, harvesting from natural vegetation, timber, game hunting or viewing and honey production should be considered. Expanded cultivation of fruit trees would increase bee habitat and potential honey production. Increased horticulture will also yield wood for fuel.
6 Socio-Economic impacts
Introduction Compared to other rural areas of Armenia, the overall agricultural environment around Armavir town, serviced by the Armavir Main Canal, appears to be more productive with considerably more extensive irrigation coverage. Road access to most villages is available, although maintenance and rehabilitation would be helpful. The area at the time of occupation by the former Soviet Union (FSU) had easy access to Yerevan and to Georgia and other points of access to the north. Consequently, there are numerous abandoned factories, with associated housing complexes, and large abandoned agricultural facilities for abattoirs, greenhouses, food processing, etc., giving the area a depressed outlook. 6.1 Population change
Is the Project causing significant demographic changes in the Project area or vicinity which may affect social harmony? Changes in population size/density and demographic/ethnic composition should be considered. Compared with farmer discussions in other areas of Armenia, there was no indication that there will be any significant demographic changes in the Project affected area. In fact most farmers noted the number of years that they had been in the area, and their intention to stay. The socio economic situation now appears more stable than three to four years ago, with less outflow of population. However, like elsewhere in rural areas of Armenia, some of the young people are seeking opportunities off the farms. 6.2 Income and amenity
Is the Project introducing significant economic/political changes which can increase or decrease social harmony and individual well-being? Changes in the general levels of employment and income, in the provisions of local infrastructure and amenities, in the relative distribution of income, property values and Project benefits (including access to irrigation water) and in the demand for labour and skills (particularly in relation to family/political
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hierarchy and different sexes and social groups) should be considered. Farmers are aware of the proposed project, and expect to benefit from it. Many are indirect beneficiaries from the rehabilitation work on irrigation canals provided by the World Bank. Nevertheless, increased levels of irrigation water or more reliable delivery is not considered a critical economic variable. The increased cost of agricultural inputs, including fertilizer, pesticides, land taxes, water charges and the cost of petrol are causing economic distress to small farmers. In effect, they are saying that in spite of their best efforts, that at the end of the day, “they have no income.” They noted that each year it becomes “more and more difficult to make money from farming.” 6.3 Human migration
Has adequate provision been made for any temporary or migratory population influx to avoid social deprivation, hardship or conflicts within these groups or between the permanent and temporary groups? Human migration arising both from the demand for skills/labour during construction and from the requirements for seasonal agricultural labour should be considered. No human migration into or out of the area is anticipated as a consequence of project activities. 6.4 Resettlement Has adequate provision been made for the resettlement, livelihood and integration of any people displaced by the Project and its dams or losing land, grazing or other means of income due to the Project? Also, has adequate provision been made for the subsistence farming needs of people settled on or associated with the Project?
Observations made during a fieldtrip to those sections of the canal system that are proposed for rehabilitation revealed the following: Armavir Main Canal The Armavir Main Canal section is served by the Akhuryan Araks Water Supply Agency and used by two Water User Associations. The following points require some degree of mitigation that is described in Section 6.2 above and included in the Mitigation Measures Table in Annex B: * At the DM48+10.7 point, a fence of approximately 50 meters long has been erected within the alienation zone7 of the canal, at a distance of about 7 meters from the side of the canal. This will not impact implementation of rehabilitation works as 7m distance is enough to operate machinery. Construction Contractor shall pay special attention to this area and apply appropriate construction technique to avoid causing any damage to the existing structure. * At section DM74÷DM82, encroachment of the 2 meter zone was observed while 10m wide zone in the same section of the canal is clear; the section is located in the territory of Nor Kesaria village. Construction Contractor shall pay special attention to this area, apply
7 Armenian legislation requires maintenance of a 10 meter alienation zone for hydrotechnical structures (see Government decision N:64 N, 2005), without providing further specifics. At the site we were informed by Water Design Representative, that according to the Armenia’s legislation (source was not specified), 10 meter zone must be maintained at the operational side of the main canal, while 2 to 3 meter zone must be maintained on the other side. At the time of preparing this document, this issue was under discussion for further clarifications.
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appropriate construction technique and lay concrete from the one side of the canal in order to avoid causing any damage to the existing structure.
Photograph: Village houses, sheds and fences close to the canal * In section DM120÷DM189+20 (after Araks village) a number of trees appear within the 10 meter alienation zone over a stretch of about 50 meters. Construction Contractor shall pay special attention to this area and apply appropriate construction technique to avoid causing any damage to the trees. Mrgashat Main Canal This canal is served by Akhuryan Araks Water Supply Agency, and Merdzapnya WUA uses water from this canal. The following points require some degree of mitigation that is described in Section 6.2 above and included in the Mitigation Measures Table in Annex B: * In the middle part of the section DM57+68÷DM84+91, the 2 meter zone is not respected (fruit trees have been planted right on the bank of the canal), while 10 m zone is clear. Although these may not be a hindrance to the proposed rehabilitation works, Construction Contractor shall pay special attention to this area and apply appropriate construction technique to avoid entering this zone and causing any damage to the trees. * Approximately at DM51 the 2 meter zone is not respected: trees were planted right in this zone,), while 10 m zone is clear. Although these may not be a hindrance to the proposed rehabilitation works, Construction Contractor shall pay special attention to this area and apply appropriate construction technique to avoid entering this zone and causing any damage to the trees. * At DM 70+82 point (between Haykavan and Armavir), an abandoned and non operational petrol station is located right in the alienation zone, built on the side of the canal using the concrete canal side structure as part of the foundation. Construction Contractor shall pay special attention to this area, apply appropriate construction technique and lay concrete from the bridge adjacent to this section of the canal in order to avoid causing any damage to the existing structure. Photograph: Petrol station built on the side of the Main Canal 6.5 Women’s role
Does the Project change the status and role of women (positively or negatively) in relation to social standing, work load, access to income and heritage and marital rights?
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In view of the nature of the proposed works (rehabilitation of sections of an already existing main irrigation canal), no impact is expected on the status and role of women.
6.6 Minority groups
Are the Project and its dams causing changes to the lifestyle, livelihoods or habitation of any social groups (particularly minority groups) leading to major conflicts with, or changes to their traditional behaviour, social organization or cultural and religious practices?
In view of the nature of the proposed works (rehabilitation of sections of an existing main irrigation canal), no impact is expected on minority groups.
6.7 Sites of Value
Is access improved or hampered to places of aesthetic and scenic beauty, sites of historical and religious significance or mineral and palaeontological resources? Also, are any such sites being destroyed by the Project?
In view of the nature of the proposed works and the existence of designated service areas (“alienation zones”) along the canals that will be utilised for these works, no impact is expected as there are no known sites of value within the restricted area of the canal.
6.8 Regional Effects
Are the economic, infrastructural, social and demographic changes associated with the Project likely to enhance, restrict or lead to unbalanced regional development? Also, has adequate provision been made for new transport, marketing and processing needs associated with the Project?
Increased efficiency and utilization of irrigation facilities should lead to higher levels of farm productivity. Minor positive regional impacts are expected, principally comprising a greater level of farm production available in local and regional markets. Farmers noted that the source of farm inputs such as fertilizer is from Georgia, and that prices are becoming prohibitive for small farmers. As a consequence there may be some shift from crops to livestock to adjust to significant price fluctuations in the sector.
6.9 User Involvement
Has there been adequate user and public participation in project planning, implementation and operation to ensure Project success and reduce future conflicts? The potential for incorporating within the Project existing systems of land tenure, traditional irrigation, and existing organizational and sociological structures and for the provision fo new or extended facilities for credit, marketing, agricultural extension and training should be considered.
Farm participants almost universally noted that the local administrator for water use and control, including the WUA heads, were either non responsive or unaware of their problems. Farmers said this was not so important, because most of the farmers had been there for 20 years or more and already “knows their land and what to do with it.”
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6.10 Recreation
Are the Project and its dams creating new recreational possibilities (fishing, hunting, sailing, canoeing, swimming, scenic walks, etc) and are existing facilities impaired, preserved or improved?
The proposed project activities will have no impact on recreational activities in the area.
7 Health
Consider each of the items 7.1-7.9 in relation to the local population, the labour force during construction and their camp followers, the resettled and newly resettled populations and migratory labour groups.
The rehabilitation study of the Armavir Main Canal proposes to improve several sections of the main canals to increase the efficiency of the system as a whole. These rehabilitation works are not assumed to have any negative or positive immediate health effect on the population in its vicinity, apart perhaps during the period of actual construction work when increased vehicular movement may be causing some disturbance and additional emissions in the area. These potential and temporary effects are duly described in the EMP to reduce those temporary effects to the extent possible and desirable.
In some areas water logging is observed that may be due to a lack of maintenance of the canals and that may well disappear after the rehabilitation of the canals. As elsewhere in the Ararat Valley and its vicinity, malaria is under control and the reduction of areas with standing water may contribute to further improving the situation. In the longer term it is assumed that, through increased production and income, the population’s health may improve but this is deemed beyond the scope of the purpose of the ICID Checklist and EIA.
8 Ecological Imbalances
8.1 Pests & weeds:
Are crop pests or weeds likely to increase or decrease (particularly those favoured by irrigation/drainage/flood control) affecting yields, cultivation and requirements for pesticides or herbicides?
According to inquiries the canals cannot affect the growth or the reduction of crop weeds and pests. Some increase in weeds and pests may be expected as irrigated agriculture expands, but overall, the improved efficiency and reliability of the system should enable farmers to manage their cropped fields more effectively. Fertilizer and pesticide use, even in currently irrigated areas, is at a low level. Rising costs of these imported inputs will inhibit any significant increase in their used, and there appears to be a trend toward increased shift from crops to livestock.
8.2 Animal diseases:
Are domestic animals in the Project or vicinity more or less exposed to hazard diseases and parasites as a result of the Project and its dams?
No.
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8.3 Aquatic weeds
Are reservoirs, rivers or irrigation and drainage canals likely to support aquatic vegetation or algae? If so, can these plants be harvested or controlled, or will they reduce the storage/conveyance capacity, interfere with the operation of hydraulic structures or lead to oxygen-oversaturated or anaerobic water bodies?
Rehabilitation of the canal system will reduce further what is already – except in a few currently neglected spots a low incidence of aquatic weeds in the Armavir Main Canal.
8.4 Structural damage:
Is there a danger of significant damage being caused to dams, embankments, canal banks or other components of the irrigation/drainage/flood control worksthrough the action of plants and animals (including rodents and termites) favoured by the Project?
The rehabilitation works, properly constructed and maintained, will eliminate current damages, and prevent potential structural damage in the future.
8.5 Animal imbalances
Does the Project cause zoological imbalances (insects, rodents, birds and other wild animals) through habitat modification, additional food supply and shelter, extermination of predators, reduced competition or increased diseases?
No. Any negative changes would be marginal, and should be largely prevented or offset by improved water and agricultural management.
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Annex E: Outline of Activities for Conducting Information Campaign on Pest and Pesticide Management
(a) Compile up to date information on:
the national legislation regulating pest and pesticide management,
the crops cultivated in the project area and current predominant patterns of pest management,
anticipated change in crops cultivation resulting from the improved access to irrigation water and least toxic pesticides suitable for farming such crops;
applicability of IPM in the local context of the project area with current and perspective composition of crops.
(b) Based on the above information and drawing from international good practice, work out instructions and recommendations for the improved pest and pesticide management, including elements of IPM applicable in the country context.
(c) Design and print posters and leaflets on pest and pesticide management for posting on the information boards of WUA offices and for disseminating to water users through WUAs.
(d) Carry out any additional awareness and training events as recommended by the pest and pesticide management consultant and affordable under the budget earmarked for the information campaign.
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Annex F: Environmental Clauses for Contracts The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) provides general and specific guidance on protection and mitigation of potential environmental damage. The EMP is attached to these Technical Specifications, and shall be considered as binding on the Contractor. All necessary measures on protection of environment shall be carried out by the Contractor in accordance with the order of competent authorities, the EMP, and instructions of the Engineer. Obligations of the Contractor
The general environmental and social obligations of the Contractor within this Contract, without prejudice to other official provisions in force, include the following:
The Contractor shall respect the environmental regulatory provisions in force in the Republic of Armenia (including those announced during the execution of the works if imposed by the Engineer), the contractual provisions of this Contract as well as the conditions fixed by the various required authorizations or approvals;
The Contractor shall fully assume responsibility for the consequences of his choices and actions; in particular, and without prejudice to the regulatory provisions in force, he guarantees, if necessary, the repair at his cost and according to the most appropriate technologies and deadlines, notably with regard to the level of sensitivity of the site concerned, of damage caused to the environment and residents by failure to respect regulatory and/or administrative provisions and/or the applicable technical specifications, as well as the payment of fines, damages or other penalties which may be incumbent upon him;
Contractor shall agree with the Engineer the technical approaches and solutions to the rehabilitation of stretches of the Main Canal where encroachments of the alienation zone are observed. Preference should be given to the technical solutions that do not require taking or demolition of temporary and permanent private properties. In case the taking or demolition of property cannot be avoided the Contractor shall notify the Engineer and PIU Environmental Specialist and cease the works in that particular section of the Main Canal. Construction activities may only proceed with approval of the Engineer.
The Contractor shall take all measures to ensure the environmental quality of operations which are the subject of this contract, and not disrupt the quality of life of the adjacent villages, in particular by applying the applicable specifications and provisions. The Contractor shall consider the execution of works or the implementation of environmental and social provisions as an integral part of the operations relating to the general construction program of the works; and
Appropriate information and training for Contractor personnel, including management staff, with regard to the security and/or quality of operations;
The Contractor shall inform the local authorities (village mayor, council of elders) and the affected population on planned construction activities, sites and schedule at least 2 weeks in advance of any planned construction activities; 40
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The Contractor shall hold information meetings at least 2 weeks before entering any village area for planned construction activities, to inform the villagers of the nature of the forthcoming works, their duration, and all effects such as dust, smoke, or noise that will be felt in the village, whether such effects are to be mitigated or not;
The Contractor shall refrain from destroying, removing or clearing trees, timber, scrub, crops and other flora to any extent greater than is approved by the Engineer as being necessary for the execution of this Contract and shall take such measures as may be necessary to prevent his employees from hunting, disturbing, capturing or destroying stock, crops and such flora as may be protected by relevant statutes;
Borrow pits or other similar excavations as well as waste accumulation and disposal sites shall be in locations approved by the Engineer;
Controlling pollution, noise and nuisances generated by the works;
The re use of materials available on the existing site each time the technical and financial conditions allow for this in a satisfactory manner from the point of view of the Engineer. Recycling and reuse of wastes (e.g. lubricants, plastic bottles, paper) is encouraged where appropriate. Strictly banning the use of fire for clearing and grubbing and cleaning sites, except for the treatment of organic waste as approved by the Engineer;
The maximum preservation of natural resources and the minimization of the use of space, soil and vegetation, in particular by the minimizing of cleared and stripped surfaces, by the passage of blades at a high level (5 cm above the natural ground level) each time that a simple clearing or a provisional storage of material is required, by controlling logging, including any tree alignments, by the appropriate management of the topsoil, by driving and working the machines perpendicular to the slope, by the maintenance on the sites of naturally grassed areas, and by the control of site erosion;
As appropriate the systematic stripping of topsoil of all work sites unless (with prior consent of the Engineer) the soil structure of the surface, predominantly organic matter ("topsoil" or mud), does not exist or has a thickness less than the working height adjustment of the blade of the excavator or machine used, taking into account the state of the terrain (eroded soil, gravel, soil with rocks that prevent the passage of the machine, etc.);
The Contractor shall respect, for the whole of his site (including borrow sites and disposal areas, quarries and installations) the zones, areas, elements and periods which are environmentally sensitive, including, but not limited to locations and areas identified in the EMP. In the project areas adjacent to specially protected areas, machinery shall not go beyond the alienation zone; there shall be no waste accumulations and waste disposal sites in the same areas; and there shall be no use and storage of explosives and toxic and chemical substances.
Any discharge or disposal of used water, mud, grout, bituminous products, pollutants of any kind, etc. into wells, boreholes, surface water or groundwater, water courses, natural streams, drains, ditches, etc. is strictly forbidden;
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It is forbidden to create a dam or alter a permanent or temporary watercourse for the requirements of the site (unless otherwise specified in the Design), without authorisation of the Engineer;
All construction vehicles shall travel at slow speed (as specified in Armenian legislation) within 100 m on either side of any areas around villages where children are present;
The control of health risks relating to the works and personnel of the Contractor, in particular the adoption of minimum hygiene rules at the work sites and camps and for the benefit of residents, the control of dust emissions in populated areas and the control of stagnant waters as specified in the EMP;
Contractor shall exercise every reasonable precaution to protect from injury persons or property. The Contractor shall erect and maintain all necessary temporary fencing, barricades, barriers, signs and lights and provide fire alarm, fire extinguishing and fire fighting services at strategic points on the Site. The Contractor shall also be responsible for erecting and maintaining structures for storage and containment of hazardous materials or liquids. The Contractor shall adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary, desirable or proper to safeguard the public, all persons engaged in the work and its supervision. The Contractor shall be responsible for the flagging and control of traffic and he shall comply with the requirements of the Engineer and competent authority in these matters. Contractor shall keep clear and in good working order all temporary access road structures, bridges, culverts, drains and other waterways necessary for the execution of the works during the term of the Contract;
The Contractor shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of his personnel including those of his subcontractors and of all other persons on the Site or crossing the site. The Contractor shall provide protective clothing and equipment to workers that are appropriate to the workers’ tasks. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for ensuring necessary first aid services to his staff and workmen, including transport for injured personnel to hospital or other appropriate accommodation as and when required.
The cleaning, restoration and then, if necessary, the appropriate rehabilitation or redevelopment of work sites, camps, quarries and borrow pits released by the Contractor as the work progresses. This obligation, which includes possible drainage of stagnant water and the completion of compensatory tree plantations (if envisaged by the Design), is a condition of the acceptance of the works;
Taking appropriate sanctions against personnel violating the applicable specifications and provisions on environmental and social matters;
Checking, by regular inspection, that all stipulated environmental and social provisions are being adhered to;
Systematically and in timely manner informing PIU (Engineer and Environmental Specialist) of each incident or accident, damage or degradation caused to the environment, workers or residents or their assets, in the course of the works. Contractor shall also take appropriate measures, as approved by the Engineer, to address the incident or accident in timely fashion. 42
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Annex G: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings
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