WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT Public Disclosure Authorized AND INSTITUTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS PIU

Environmental Management Plan

Public Disclosure Authorized

Rehabilitation of Primary Canals of Spitak (Nalband) Irrigation Scheme:

Nalband Main Canal Public Disclosure Authorized

30 September 2008 Revised – 9 August 2011

Public Disclosure Authorized

WSDII PIU 75/44 Baghramyan Street Yerevan 0033 Armenia Tel +374 10 277943 Contents

Glossary ii

Executive Summary 1

1 Introduction 3

2 Project Description 3

3 Description of Existing Conditions 4

5 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures 10

6 Institutional Responsibilities, Reporting and Budget 11 6.2 Reporting Format and Schedule 12 6.3 Budget 12

7 Public Consultations 12

8 Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works’ Contracts 13

9 Main Findings 13

Annexes 15 Annex A: Environmental Management Plan: Mitigation Measures 15 Annex B: Monitoring Plan 21 Annex C: Incident Report Form 23 Annex D: Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts 24 Annex E: Environmental Clauses for Contracts 34

Annex F: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings Held in Communities and WUAs 40

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Glossary

AMD Armenian Dram ARD Armenian Road Directorate EA Environmental Assessment 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 ESHSP Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Plan FS/FD Consultant Feasibility Study/Final Design Consultant GIS Geographic Information System GoA Government of Armenia ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage ICOLD International Commission on Large Dams Irrigation PIU Water Sector Development and Institutional Improvements PIU MCA-Armenia Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia SNCO MNP Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia NGO Non-Governmental Organization RAP Resettlement Action Plan RA Republic of Armenia RPF Resettlement Policy Framework SCWS State Committee on Water Systems SNCO State Non Commercial Organization USD United States of America Dollars WB World Bank WSA Water Supply Agency WUA Water User Association

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

Executive Summary Rehabilitation of Nalband Canal is envisaged under the Additional Financing of the Irrigation Rehabilitation Emergency Project (IREP). Nalband Main Canal is located in Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia and is continuation of the Spitak Gravity Irrigation Scheme (actually these two names belong to the same canal), rehabilitation of which was planned under the MCA-Armenia program. For this purposes Environmental Management Plan was prepared under the MCA-Armenia program, however because of the time and funds limitation these rehabilitation works were not carried out under the MCA-Armenia program.

This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed for the rehabilitation of the Spitak Gravity Irrigation Scheme, as a part of the comprehensive assignment under the Infrastructure Activity of the Irrigated Agriculture Project of MCA-Armenia. 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 WB. 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.

Nalband Main Canal is located in Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia and is continuation of the Spitak Gravity Irrigation Scheme. Within the framework of MCA-Armenia Program the feasibility study and final design for the Nalband Canal was prepared by “Hayjrnakhagits” CJSC under the contract IA-06/003 for Design and Construction Supervision for Rehabilitation of Six Main Canals.

In accordance with the existing design it is provided to perform rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal from D/M 141+22. Up to pointed D/M the canal is already rehabilitated. Total length of the canal is 43.000 km. Rehabilitation of the Nalband Canal is of the great importance since it is the only canal supplying water to 2300 ha of irrigated lands of the eight villages. Canal starts from Chichkhan River, and at the beginning part – at the D/M 141+22 canal’s discharge is 1.7m3/sec. It is provided to rehabilitate 4.251 km canal stretch with prefabricated reinforced concrete L-blocks and cover 1170ha of irrigated area providing irrigation water to 8 communities of Lori marz: Parni, Tsakhcaber, Hartagiugh, Lusaghbiur, Khnkoyan, Shirakamout and Saralandj.

The overall objective of the rehabilitation is to improve the technical state of Nalband Canal which has an earth bed and demolished reinforced concrete. There are large water losses at this stretch. According to O&M data it is about 60-65% which makes impossible water supply to areas which are situated on the distance from canal, along his length.

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, 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 temporary negative impact on the environment. Base camps with storage of oil, chemicals and other pollutants will be removed. Following rehabilitation, canals embankments will be 1

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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.

Rehabilitation of Nalband 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. As a result of rehabilitation of the canals the water resource will be more effectively managed. Inventory and analysis of technical and social data obtained from the design phase of the Nalband Canal demonstrates that there are no resettlement issues associated with the implementation of the proposed project, such as dislocation and demolition of private and/or community owned properties (temporary and permanent structures, etc.) that will hinder the construction works, as well as temporary and/or permanent use of private and/or community lands for construction works. The designed Nalband Canal project is to be implemented within the alienation zone of already existing infrastructure and Chichkhan riverside, and will not cause any loss of assets or access to the assets (temporary or permanent). If any resettlement issue occurs during the rehabilitation of Nalband Canal, the project affected people will be compensated in accordance with the World Bank’s Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). A Resettlement Action Plan will be developed consistent with the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and will be implemented prior to construction in the affected areas to ensure proper compensation to the affected people.

This EMP provides 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 Nalband Canal and included in Annex E.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 1 Introduction Rehabilitation of Nalband Canal is envisaged under the Additional Financing of the IREP. Nalband Main Canal is located in Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia and is continuation of the Spitak Gravity Irrigation Scheme (actually these two names belong to the same canal), rehabilitation of which was planned under the MCA-Armenia program. For this purposes Environmental Management Plan was prepared under the MCA-Armenia program, however because of the time and funds limitation these rehabilitation works were not carried out under the MCA-Armenia program

Currently the WB considers Additional Financing to IREP to address rehabilitation of Nalband Canal. Taking into account that EMP prepared under the MCA-Armenia program for Spitak Gravity Irrigation Scheme fully covers the stretches to be rehabilitated on Nalband Canal, the EMP is applicable for rehabilitation of Nalband Canal.

In accordance with the existing design it is provided to perform rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal from D/M 141+22. Up to pointed D/M the canal is already rehabilitated. Total length of the canal is 43.000 km. Rehabilitation of the Nalband Canal is of the great importance since it is the only canal supplying water to 2300 ha of irrigated lands in eight villages. Canal starts from Chichkhan River, and its discharge at the beginning part (D/M 141+22) is 1.7m3/sec. It is provided to rehabilitate 4.251 km canal stretch with prefabricated reinforced concrete L-blocks and cover 1170ha of irrigated area providing irrigation water to 7 communities of Lori marz: Parni, Tsakhcaber, Hartavan, Lusaghbiur, Khnkoyan, Shirakamut and Saralandj. The project intervention area is served by “Getik” Water Users Association (WUA).

2 Project Description This chapter was developed by using the baseline environmental and social data collected and provided by the FS/FD Consultant.

Nalband Main Canal is located in Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia.(see Map 1) and is continuation of the Spitak Gravity Irrigation Scheme (actually these two names belong to the same canal), which was rehabilitated by the MCA-Armenia program.

In accordance with the existing design it is provided to perform rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal from D/M 141+22. Up to pointed D/M the canal is already rehabilitated. Total length of the canal is 43.000 km. Rehabilitation of the Nalband Canal is of the great importance since it is the only canal supplying water to 2300 ha of irrigated lands in eight villages. Canal starts from Chichkhan River, and its discharge at the beginning part (D/M 141+22) is 1.7m3/sec. It is provided to rehabilitate 4.251 km canal stretch with prefabricated reinforced concrete L-blocks.

The project area is shown in the map presented below.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

Nalband Main Canal D/M 141+22-D/M 183+73

3 Description of Existing Conditions Climate:

The project affected area includes almost all valley of Chichkhan and Pambak rivers of Lori Marz with mild climate. The main climatic characteristics presented below are calculated and correlated based on historic data of Spitak meteorological station of the Hydro-meteorological Service of the RA. The average annual temperature is 7.60C, the absolute minimal is minus 250C and the highest is plus 350C. The average annual air humidity is 70%. The average annual precipitations comprise 475-600mm and unevenly distributed. The maximum precipitations are observed in May-June and September The wind speed according to Spitak meteorological station averages to 2.4m/sec monthly and 2.7m/sec annually. The snow cover lasts for 60-65 days in average, with 83 mm average water amount. According to the RA climatic map1, the investigated area is situated in the cold zone.

Landscape: The command area of Spitak gravity system is on the mountain steppe zone between the Pambak River valley at 1612-1601m and falling into it the Chichkhan River valley at 1769-1747m. The area is considered to be transitional zone between steppe and meadow-steppe. The investigated lands are actively used for growing potato, orchards, vegetables and crops. Natural grasslands are used for haymaking and as spring and autumn pastures.

1 National Atlas of Armenia. Yerevan, 2007.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Geology: All geological complexes with their diverse stratigraphic ages starting from upper Paleogene to modern formations are clearly distinguished in this area. These are represented by intrusive, effusive, partially metamorphic, lode rock different manifestations which are presented by tuff-sand-stones, tuff-breccias, siltstones, loamy soils that are cracked, ventilated, folded with separate trifle folding and strictly layered. In some parts the folded layer groups are surpassed by intrusive and lode bodies presented by granites, granitoids, and liparite-dacite, etc. Their exits can be seen in many parts either in the Pambak and Chichkhan river gorges or in their watershed sections Main rocks of the most part of the area are covered by alluvial-diluvial and proluvial formations in the river valleys, ravines and concavities. But they are covered by different strength (0.0-20m) layer modern alluvial- diluvial and colluvial formations in the slopes of mountain masses.

Relief and Geomorphology: Spitak gravity system is located in the Akhuryan-Spitak Vedi sub-region of Lori Marz. The relief of the investigated area stands out by its various elevations, hills, depression slides. Bedrocks are represented by Tertiary and Quaternary periods basalts, andesite-basalts, dacites, tuffs, etc. which often outcrop.

From the structural-geomorphologic viewpoint the investigated area is spread in medium altitude southern south-western slopes of Pambak Mountains which are complicated by separate hillock ranges, ravines and flat plains in some parts. There are rather deep gorges and inclined slopes in separate sections of rivers. This area presents a rather complicated high mountain region with hard folding which are cut by numerous ravines, streams, temporary flows, as well as deep and wide Pambak and Chichkhan riverbeds and valleys which form geomorphologic conditions of the area. The relief absolute numbers fluctuate between great intervals of 1500-1850 m. The inclinations of low slopes fluctuate between 0-150 in relatively higher parts vary between 15-300. The routes mainly pass up to 15º and at some extent 15-30 º inclinations.

Arid, worn-out relief territories exist in mountainous parts where the rock complex areas developed at Palaeogene, Terrigene era exist and which are cut by famous upper Palaeogene age Pambak granites and in some parts they are covered by Neogene age prifirits, fourth age volcanic formations. The above mentioned rocks have numerous exits in relief conditions in the form of uncovering of both local and surface nature (that have been partially described during the engineer-geological investigation of the routes, conducted by the FS-FD consultant).

Soils: The command area of Spitak gravity system is mainly characterized by the ordinary mountain black soils with their varieties. These are mostly washed black soils. There are also typical and ordinary black soils, which are distinguished by the humus content and mechanical composition. The soils texture indices analyzed by the FS/FD Consultant show that the soils are of medium texture, where silt fraction content (<0.001 mm) in soil profile makes 14.4-18.4%. Physical clay content ranges from 35.9-55.3.1%, it is especially higher in 61-85cm soil layer. In the to soil (horizon A), humus content makes 4.9%, the amount of which in the soil profile gradually decreases making 1.94% in 70cm soil layer.

The total nitrogen in the soils is rather high and makes 0.10-0.28-%, and the ratio of organic matter and nitrogen content is 6.5-10.2. Ordinary black soils are carbonate. The carbonates content in the soil humus horizon makes 4.2%. Their content gradually increases making 18.9%. In the soil exchange system the proportion of cations shows that there are no alkalization processes in these soils. The exchange Na+ abundance to ESP ranges from 1.6-5.8% which cannot impact the soils physical properties, especially the water absorption rate in the soil. Ca ions makes 75.7-87.3% of the ions exchange system, magnesium ions 5

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 content does not exceed 19.3%, which cannot initiate alkalization and magnesium toxicity. The soil pH indices show that it ranges between 7.3-7.9 and there are no alkalization symptoms.

According to the investigations conducted by the FS/FD consultant, the content of boron ranges from 0.27-0.37mg/kg, which cannot be toxic. The aggregate content of molybdenum and manganese is rather low Negligible content of organic matters, considerable stoniness, hygroscopicity have put their imprint on water-physical properties of the soils.

The soil bulk volume ranges between 1.08-1.29 g/cm3, which is considered to be a good density for arable soils. The soil porosity which ranges between 50.4-58.9% can meet the normal aerogas regime between the earth and atmosphere. The total moist storage in 1m soil layer makes 340 mm. The soils have not very high absorption rate –6.18 mm/h, which gradually decreases and 5 hours later it becomes steady and infiltration/ seepage velocity turns into filtration one -1.96mm/hour or 4.7cm/day, which is considered to be a sufficient filtration velocity.

By a number of field surveys conducted by the FS/FD Consultant it has been proved that in mountain ordinary black soils the content of easily hydrolyzed nitrogen ranges between 5.8-7.1, active phosphor amounts 9.6-13 and potassium – 5.9-26.8mg/100g.

Agrochemical research shows that high doses of fertilizers/N150P120K60/ as well as application of organic fertilizers help maintain the high yield on these lands. Analysis of physical and chemical composition of the soils of the command area, as well as the physical and chemical composition of the water to be used for irrigation purposes that were conducted by the FS/FD Consultant2 during the preliminary design phase demonstrate that there are no such impacts as soil salinization, alkalization, bogging and pollution with toxic elements.

No major soil erosion is observed in the command area of Spitak Irrigation Scheme.

Hydrogeology: In Armenia ground waters are divided and grouped according to the integrated indices which express their dependence on climate, relief and rocks lithological structure. The splits in the young volcano lava layers take great part in groundwater formation. The area under the Spitak Irrigation Scheme is a part of the Pambak artesian basin. Its geological structure consists of Quaternary period lake-river sediments which are saturated with sweetish waters. These layers are 50-100m thick. There are 19 mineral water springs, where mineralization varies between 0.2 and 3.5 g/l. The waters are mainly of hydro carbonate-calcium- magnesium-sodium mineral nature. Hydro-carbonates make 92-98% of anions content, the content of chlorides and sulphate does not exceed 2-8%. Calcium ions content prevails in the cation composition making 41-58%, magnesium ions make 24-29 and sodium - 15-28%. The ground waters are at 150-200 meter depth from the surface in the irrigable lands of the investigated area. Along the Chichkhan river side ground water are observed at 5-10 m.

Geological-engineering conditions: The geological-engineering conditions of the project area are characterized by 3 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 project area of Spitak Irrigation Scheme in Lori Marz.

2 “Spitak Gravity System, Preliminary Design Final Report, Phase I,” Final Design and Construction Supervision for Construction of Six Gravity Irrigation Systems”, Volume 6: Environmental Studies. Yerevan, June 2008

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 The summary of these layers description is the following: Layer -1: Gray humus composed of ravels up to 10% of sand clay composition. It is spread everywhere in land areas, I-II terraces of the river valleys and in the slopes in 0.1-0.6m strength.ZH1§9v-II,r=.1.78t/m3; Layer-2: Pebble-gravel ground, filled with rare rocks, sand, loamy soils up to 25%, of medium thickness. The rock material is of good, medium and irregular shape presented by different rocks. This layer is mainly spread in Chichkhan and Pambak riverbeds and their I-II terraces. The uncovered strength is 4.2 meters. ZH1§6g-IV, r=2.2t/m3, j=360, C=1Kpa, R0=400t/m3; Layer -3: Rock- broken stone ground filled with loamy soil up to 30%, of medium thickness. The rock material is of irregular shape, presented by different rocks. It is spread along the main rock non flat, ventilated surfaces. The uncovered strength is 5.0 and more meters. ZH1§17a,- Vr=2.2t/m3, j=380, C=2Kpa, R0=450t/m3.

Seismicity: According to the Republic of Armenia seismic zoning map3, the investigated area of Lori Marz is in the III zone and with 0.4g acceleration and 9-point seismic stability. The FS/FD consultant carefully analyzed the baseline data on seismic and tectonic conditions present in the investigated area in the design phase4. Hydrology: The water source for the proposed Spitak Irrigation Scheme is the Chichkhan River largest tributary of Pambak River. The Chichkhan River length is 29 km, the catchment area is 192 km2, and it confluences Pambak river at 52km from Pambak River mouth.

Biodiversity: The biodiversity and ecosystems of Armenia are very rich due to the geographical position, complicated geological structure, altitude and the fact that flora and fauna are in different boundaries of the state. Intensive human activity has adversely impacted the rich biodiversity of Armenia’s ecosystems and their components. Being one of the biggest economic activities, agriculture is also considered to be the activity that most upsets the balance of nature components, endangering the biodiversity of Armenia. Thus, this assessment report aims at minimizing the impact of agricultural processes on atmosphere, water, soil as well as flora and fauna in the area affected by implementation of the proposed Spitak Irrigation Scheme project.

Flora The surveyed area is in Lori floristic zone characterized by steppe–gramineous, motley-gramineous steppe type vegetation, with tragacanth elements. The area grasslands are represented by feather fescue, bromegrass-fescue-coeleria, bromegrass-fescue, bluegrass, wheatgrass, shrub motley-bromegrass, tragacanth plants symbioses. In the southern parts they are ablated and on the slopes, where dampness is insufficient, the motley grass prevails: Thymus L., Achylea L., Verascum L., Nepeta L., Betonica grandiflora L., Salvia L., Eringium campestre L. At this background some species of gramine like Stipa stenophilla, Dactylis L. prevail. On the north the slopes are occupied by papileonaceus - Trifolium pratense, T. Trichocephalum, T. Alpestre, Medicago sativa dominating. The steppe grasslands surrounding the Spitak Irrigation Scheme area are never covered with high grass cover. Gramines prevail, and grass cover is mainly of steppe type vegetation. Prevailing species are: Bromus fibrosus, Pyretrum myrophyllium, Festuca sulcata, Xeranthemum squ³rrosum, Koeleria nitidula and Thymus. They are followed by Helichrysum plinthocalyx, Carex stenophylla, Alyssumtortuosum,

3 National Atlas of Armenia, Yerevan, 2007. 4 Composition of the Preliminary Design Final Report, Volume 5:Engineering-geological investigations, Part 1. Yerevan, 2008.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Agropyrum trichophorum, Aegilops cylindrica, Medicago sativa, Onobrychis transcaucasica, Inula cordata species. In the dry stony and overpastured parts the elements of tragacanth steppe are found Astragalus microcephalus, A. Aureus and A.legurus. Here and there Acantholimon glumaceum is also found. Thymus kotchyanus, Scutelaria orientallis, Veronica orientalis, Ziziphora serpyllacea, Agropyrum cristatum, Stipa stenophylla and others are common. Sea buckthorn brakes is widely spread in the Chichkhan river basin. Within the project area the Pambak valley is nothing but a deep gorge covered with riverbed and sub- riverbed thin forest shrubs: brier, barberries, linden, spindle-tree, willow, poplar, pine, service tree, dew- berry and other tree and shrubs plant species followed by thick vegetation of Plantago major, Menta arvensis, Urtica L., Tussilago farfara, Cichorium intibus etc. On the Spitak project areas under the Irrigation Scheme anticipated works, despite the lack of unique ecosystems, some species recorded in the Red Book of Armenia are likely to occur in the Pambak valley: Woad Takhtajyani (Isatis Takhtadjyanii) and Caucasus Snow Rose (Rhododendron caucasicum).

Fauna The investigated area is characterized by relatively poor and monotone invertebrate group. From mollusks Cionella lubrica, Vertigo antivertigo, Deroceras transcaucasicum, Truncatellina calligratis, Phenacolimax annularis etc., from cicadas there is Bradyporus dilatatus, grasscoppers - Montana armeniaca, two-winged flies - Eumerus sogdianus, beetlles- Bruchidius armeniacus, Cryptocephalus moravi, and some other vertebrates.

Around the rivers, reservoirs and open channels Bufo viridis, Rana ridibunda and Rana macrocnemis occur. Herpetofauna is represented by Armenian lizard (Lacerta armeniaca), Daly’s lizard (L. dahli), Valentin’s Rock lizard (Lacerta valentini), Nairian lizard (L.nairensis), Armenian viper (Vipera raddei), steppe viper (V. erivanensis), Blue Racer (Coluber ravergieri) and other species, nearby the reservoirs and rivers there are found water grass-snake (Natrix tnessellata) and common grass-snake (N. Natrix).

From birds (Aves) there occur Emberiza hortulana, Oenanthe deserti, Hirunto rustica, Alauda arvensis, Aunthus campestris, Passar montanus, Circus cianeus, Eremophilia alpestris, Silvia hortesis, Melanocorypha bimaculata, Ptyonoprogne rupestris, Corvus corone, C. Frugilegus, Motacilla alba, Sitta tephronota, Lanius collorio, Anthus spinoletta, Carduelis flavirostris, Ficedula hypoleuca, Thurdus viscivorus, T.torquatus, and other birds. Passerines (Passeriformes) and falconiforms (Falconiformes) are widely spread.

From mammals (Mammalia), besides widely spread species, such as hare (Lepus europaeus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), wolf (Canis lupus), there are some mainly spread species of rodent class. The area is favorable for shrubs compagnol (Msubterraneus), stone marten (Martes foina), marine snow shrew (M.anomalus) and other species.

The ichtyofauna of the Pambak River is represented by Riffle Minnow (Albumoides bipunctatus), Trout (karmrakhayt) (Salmo trutta fario), Kura koghak (Varicorhinus capoeta capoeta), Barbel (beghlou) (Barbus lacerta cyri), Sliz loach (Nemachilus brandti).

From mammals recorded in the Red Book of Armenia: Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna), and from birds: Eurasian Griffon (Aguila chrysaetos fulva), Bearded Vulture (Gyps Fulvus fulvus), Nothern Raven (Corvus corax corax), Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria nisoria), Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarus solitarus), Blue Throat (Luscinia svecica occidentalis)

There are no specially protected areas directly under the command area of Spitak Irrigation Scheme. 8

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 The relatively close areas are described as follows: Mrdavardeni reservation has been founded in 1959, on 1000ha area. It is located in RA Lori Marz, on the northern slopes of the Pambak and Tsaghkunyats mountain ranges at 1900-2200m altitude. The objects of conservation are rare Caucasus Snow Rose (Rhododendron caucasicum) and other rare species. Margahovit reservation has been founded in 1959 on 5000 ha area. It is located in the north of Armenia, within the Pambak River basin which is on the south slopes of the Pambak mountain range at 1900-2200m altitude. The subjects of conservation are seriously degraded mezophile forests and their specific fauna representatives -Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Brown bear (Ursus arctas), Caucasus Black Grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewicsi) etc.

These both specially protected areas are reported by the FS/FD consultant to be at a considerable distance from the designed area for Spitak Irrigation Scheme and will not be impacted by the project.

Social and economic conditions The proposed Spitak Irrigation Scheme project will be implemented in the command area of Spitak (Nalband) Irrigation Scheme in Lori Marz. Eight communities of the Marz: Shirakamout, Katnajour, Parni, Saralanj, Lusaghbiur, Hartavan, Khnkoyan, and Tsakhaber are to benefit from the project. According to the social surveys conducted by the FS/FD Consultant at the preliminary design phase, the irrigation water from the canals is managed by “Getik” WUA.

Rehabilitation of the Nalband Canal is of much importance since it is the only canal supplying water to 2300 ha of irrigated lands of eight communities. Some 1450 water users depend on the water delivered through Nalband Canal, out of which 1392 are men and 58 are women. According to O&M data, water losses at the stretches intended for rehabilitation amount up to 60-65%, which makes impossible water supply to those communities which are situated downstream.

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 Nalbanmd 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. 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. Short-term social adverse impacts may occur only in cases when cutting 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 impact will be avoided through application of appropriate construction techniques. However, if conduct of construction works is not possible without cleaning of the alienation zone from cultivated plants and/or structures Resettlement Action Plan must be developed in accordance with the Word 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 (RFP) 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, 9

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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 will be mitigated by carrying out 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.

5 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Mitigation and enhancement measures are proposed for the design, construction and operation phases of the rehabilitation of Nalband Canal project that shall be undertaken by executing agencies to prevent and/or minimize the likely adverse environmental and social 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, or rehabilitate the potential impacts. The final design documents package shall include a list of approved borrow pits and agreed spoil 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 solutions to the rehabilitation of separate stretches of the main canals where encroachments of the alienation zone are observed that do not require demolition of temporary and permanent private properties (structures, fences, poles, fruit trees, etc). In case the demolition (including tree cutting) or dislocation of private/state holdings is required for the rehabilitation works, a resettlement action plan (RAP) shall be prepared based on the existing RPF and in agreement with the guiding principles of the WB OP 4.12. Compensation will then be provided to the affected population according to RAP. 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 should be implemented by the contractor during the 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 should be implemented by the contractor during the construction phase. This may include, but may not be limited to:  the use of already existing quarries and disposal sites, according to the requirements set in the appropriate permits and agreements obtained at the design phase;  zones of preliminary accumulation of wastes that will cause no damage to the vegetation cover and other components of the environment should be maintained by the contractor;  all vegetative cover should be restored to its original condition;  sites for storage of oil and chemicals should be properly equipped to minimize the risks of polluting soils and waters;  dust and noise from the construction site should be minimized, especially in resident areas, public places, near schools, etc.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 If historical and/or cultural monuments or artifacts 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 due consideration of the findings, shall recommend whether the works can be continued or the design must be revised. Operational 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. 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 Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals:  Involve the local population in project related activities (e.g. work force during construction phase, etc.)  Increase local water users’ knowledge on more efficient water management through providing training and practice, on-farm water management, higher value agricultural production, etc.  Raise awareness of integrated pest management and sound application of pesticides among water users;  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, Reporting and Budget 6.1 Institutional Responsibilities Institutional responsibility for implementation of the proposed mitigation measures will be shared amongst 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 permits and agreements related to construction activities (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. WUAs will be responsible for conducting awareness campaign among their members on integrated pest management and sound application of pesticides, using printed material and other training aids provided by PIU. 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 11

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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). The supervising agencies will also ensure that all necessary agreements and permits are obtained by the 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.), the 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 major environmental and social occurrences are observed (such as spills, explosions, etc.). The Incident 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 rates of EMP measures are estimated mainly on the basis of quantities of dismantling/removing of r/c slabs and cleaning/removing of canal sediments provided in BOQs. The distance of removal is agreed with local authorities. The difference in rates comes from the quantity of r/c slabs and sediments and the removal distance. The volume of sediments in these canals is relatively low, there are no r/c slabs, so the cost of EMP implementation is estimated at 1.18% of the cost of the total construction contract.

7 Public Consultations

According to the FS/FD Consultant’s report the area affected by the rehabilitation works of Nalband Canal covers 8 communities (Shirakamout, Katnajur, Parni, Saralanj, Lusghbiur, Hartavan, Khnkoyan, Tsakhkaber). No community may undergo adverse impacts from the rehabilitation works.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Present EMP was disclosed in-country through the web page of MCC and through the administrations of WUAs servicing all of the 8 affected communities. Public consultations were carried out in 40% of communities which undergo adverse impacts from the rehabilitation works (e.g. seepage, possible cutting of the trees in the alienation zone, etc) and in 15% of those that will benefit from possible impacts. Due to above mentioned no community was recognized as that which may undergo adverse impact. One village was selected from 15% of villages as communities that will undergo positive impact – Shirakamout, and it was selected for public consultation. On June, 2011, public consultations were held in Shirakamout village in relation to Nalband Main canal rehabilitation project. The above-mentioned village is considered to undergo potential direct impacts as a result of the proposed project activities. The consultations involved representatives from WSDII PIU: H. Harutunyan – PIU Irrigation Officer, N. Atayan - Environmental and Social Impact Officer, V. Movsisyan – Institutional Improvements Officer, “Getik” WUAs, community leader and farmers. A record was kept of the participants through a signature on an attendance paper. The list of participants is attached in the Minutes of Meetings of Public Consultations. The consultations aimed at discussing environmental and social issues related to Naklband Main Canal rehabilitation project. The meetings were organized with the presentation and the discussion of the overall description of the activities to be implemented within the scope of the WSDP PIU Project, the details of the proposed rehabilitation activities, potential negative impacts, envisaged mitigation measures, importance of the project activities for the local people, the expected outcomes and other issues. Participants in all the communities noted significance of the proposed project due to its expected positive outcomes. The participants asked to implement rehabilitation activities within non-vegetative season not to hinder irrigation works. The participants mentioned the importance of the quality of the activities to be implemented in general. They asked to perform all the works of a high quality standard. The participants’ questions were about possibility for local population to be involved in the construction works. The questions presented received exhaustive answers by the PIU representatives, who explained that this Project is also aimed on reduction of poverty in rural regions and improving the social conditions by involvement of local population in construction works implemented in the scope of this Project. Received feedback was incorporated into the present EMP.

8 Environmental and Social 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 Nalband Main Canal is aimed at improving the deteriorated sections of the canal which will reduce large water losses 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 Nalband 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 (see Annex A) to be 13

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 undertaken to mitigate likely environmental and social impacts that can occur during the various phases of the Nalband Main Canal rehabilitation – design, construction and further maintenance. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by the appropriate agencies and in accordance with the monitoring plan included in Annex B.

The positive socio-economic and environmental effects of the project outweigh the likely environmental risks associated with its implementation. The rehabilitation of the Nalband 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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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

Annexes

Annex A: Environmental Management Plan: Mitigation Measures

COST POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION OR EXECUTING SUPERVISING (To be quantified where TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY possible)

Design Phase Pollution of water and soil, Obtain appropriate permits and/or agreements for FS/FD PIU Part of the During design degradation of landscapes as disposal of excavated materials and construction Consultant contract with a result of improper disposal wastes, use of water resource and water systems, etc. the FS/FD of excavated materials and Consultant construction wastes Develop a list and specifications for construction FS/FD PIU Part of the During design temporary sites such as access roads, construction Consultant contract with camps, transport and machinery maintenance sites, the FS/FD storage facilities, etc. Consultant

Temporary air pollution Develop the traffic management plan on canal service FS/FD PIU Part of the During design (dust) related to the roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety both for Consultant contract with transportation of workers, local traffic and population the FS/FD construction materials and Consultant truck traffic Landscape degradation and Develop measures to strengthen the steep slopes with FS/FD PIU Part of the During design soil erosion vegetation, grass and plants or gabions. Consider the Consultant contract with use of plant species characteristic for the landscape in the FS/FD the course of restoration of the vegetation cover. Consultant

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

COST POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION OR EXECUTING SUPERVISING (To be quantified where TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY possible)

Develop efficient methods for disposal or backfilling FS/FD PIU Part of the During design of extracted soils. Sites without vegetative cover and Consultant contract with within the alienation zone or specifically designated the FS/FD by local areas shall be used for storing the excavated Consultant soils.

Temporary or permanent Develop such technical approaches and solutions to FS/FD PIU Part of the During design taking of property or the construction of the system, which, to the extent Consultant contract with productive assets, including possible, allow implementation of construction works the FS/FD peoples’ access to such without demolition and dislocation of private and Consultant assets that appear within community properties. Any taking of property, the alienation zone that permanent or temporary, will be in compliance with hinder construction works WB OP4.12, the RPF and a RAP.

If dislocation and/or demolition or temporary or FS/FD PIU Part of the During design permanent use of the assets is required for Consultant contract with implementation of the works, the compensation shall the FS/FD be envisaged for the affected people in compliance Consultant with WB OP4.12, the RPF and a RAP.

FS/FD PIU Part of the During design, before Servitudes must be ensured for the temporary and Consultant contract with construction works permanent use of community and private lands (if the FS/FD start applicable). Consultant

Construction Phase

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

COST POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION OR EXECUTING SUPERVISING (To be quantified where TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY possible)

Pollution of water and soil, Removal of old cement linings and accumulated silt. Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction degradation of landscapes as a Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works result of improper disposal of Supervisor excavated materials and Maintain zones of preliminary accumulation of wastes Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction construction wastes that will cause no damage to the vegetation cover and Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works

other components of the environment. Supervisor

Arrange transport and disposal of wastes according to Construction PIU through Part of the contract with After obtaining of the established traffic management plan, procedure Contractor Construction Construction Contractor permit, during and in the approved dump sites designated for the Supervisor construction works specific purpose.

Maintain appropriate operating rules for the camps in Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction identified suitable sites, including safe handling of Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works control of access, adequate drainage, etc. Supervisor

Spillage of oil or toxic Implement the measures to control spillage of toxic Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction substances substances that will be included in construction contracts, Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works including: guidelines for the proper storage and sitting of Supervisor 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.

Temporary air pollution Use closed/covered trucks for transportation of Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction (dust) related to the construction materials and wastes. Depending on Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works transportation of season, wash truck tires as appropriate at the specially Supervisor construction materials and designed car washing sites to control tracking mud and truck traffic dust onto paved roads.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

COST POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION OR EXECUTING SUPERVISING (To be quantified where TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY possible) noise and. vibration Clean the surrounding area from dust by water sprinkling Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction disturbances (except in Winter), remove excess materials and clean the Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works sites upon completion of activities Supervisor

Provide workers that deal with hazardous materials or Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction exposed to dust with necessary protection gear, and Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works follow applicable regulations and procedures as Supervisor established by GoA authorities.

Terminate the works at the established time (e.g. work Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction in daylight time) and avoid increase of noise and Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works number of peak hours. Consult with local authorities Supervisor

Impacts on safety of Workers during cement pouring and while using Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction personnel heavy equipment shall have and use safety equipment. Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works Supervisor

Impacts on historic-cultural Cease the works as soon as historical and cultural Construction PIU through GoA funding if urgent During construction monuments or artifacts monuments or artifacts are encountered and Contractor Construction excavations are required works immediately provide relevant information to the State Supervisor Agency for Historical and Cultural Monuments Protection Landscape degradation and Arable land shall not be used as earth borrowing. If Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction soil erosion unavoidable the topsoil (about 30 cm) shall be Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works removed, kept at specifically designated sites and Supervisor refilled. Dump excavated soils and substances only within the Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction areas designated for that purpose. Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works Supervisor Restore landscape to quasi-original vegetation cover Construction PIU through Part of the contract with During construction after completion of rehabilitation works. Contractor Construction Construction Contractor works Supervisor 18

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

COST POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION OR EXECUTING SUPERVISING (To be quantified where TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY possible)

Temporary or permanent If it is required to develop and implement the GoA through PIU GoA funding Before construction taking of property or Resettlement Action Plan, and/or obtain servitude, the relevant entity works start in the productive assets, including construction works will start after the compensations are particular section peoples’ access to such assets, paid to the project affected persons (PAPs) and servitudes (including tree cutting) that acquired. These must be guided by the Armenian appear within the alienation legislation and WB guidelines. zone that hinder construction works If demolition and/or dislocation is required, the project GoA through PIU GoA funding Before construction affected persons will be compensated in accordance with relevant entity works start in the WB OP4.12 before the construction starts. particular section

Operation Phase

Hydrological issues of Maintain the water conduit and hydro-technical structures WSA, WUA SCWS Regular Operation and During operation flooding, low flow and water to minimize the risk for water stagnation and accidents. Maintenance cost stagnation

Operate the water intakes in such a way that the water WSA, WUA SCWS Regular Operation and During operation withdrawal is properly controlled to avoid withdrawing Maintenance cost more water than allowed.

Maintain the canal beds and hydraulic structures to avoid WSA, WUA SCWS Regular Operation and During operation water stagnation. Maintenance cost

Regularly clean slit from the canals bed and dispose the WSA, WUA SCWS Regular Operation and During operation removed slit in the approved waste disposal sites. The Maintenance cost removed slit can be also applied in the farm-fields as a fertilizer.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

COST POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION OR EXECUTING SUPERVISING (To be quantified where TIMING IMPACT MONITORING MEASURES AGENCY AGENCY possible)

Negative impact on human Conduct of public awareness campaign and extension of PIU through SCWS Included in the project Although this impact is and environmental health as a applicable IPM technologies to water users pest procurement plan as expected during result of increased use of management procurement of operation, the mitigation pesticides in the areas with consultant, consulting services measure is proactive and improved irrigation WSA, WUA will be applied during operation Siltation in canals Training of WSA staff on proper operation and PIU/WSA SCWS Regular operation and During operation maintenance maintenance

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Annex B: Monitoring Plan This monitoring plan will be used to determine compliance with the Environmental Management Plan (Annex A).

Phase What parameter is to be Where is the parameter to How is the parameter to be When is the parameter to be Cost Reporting Agency monitored? be monitored? monitored?/ type of monitored? (frequency of monitoring equipment measurement or continuous) Material borrows and dumps At the design consultant Perspective borrows and During the design Minimal additional PIU Design dumps identified design cost Road accessibility to the At the design consultant Inspection During the design Minimal additional PIU structures design cost

Soil erosion In new cutting areas and Inspections at site and During and after Minimal additional PIU through Construction slopes soils mechanical construction work, when construction cost Construction information deemed necessary Supervisor

Water pollution In water bodies Inspection During construction Minimal additional PIU through works construction cost Construction Supervisor Air pollution/dust At working site Visual inspection During earth works, when Minimal additional PIU through deemed necessary construction cost Construction Supervisor

Noise At working site Inspection of During earth works and Minimal additional PIU through noise levels (dB) blast, when deemed construction cost Construction necessary and on Supervisor complaint Conservation of vegetation At working site Inspection When cutting and Minimal additional PIU through resources restoring used areas construction cost Construction Supervisor

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

Phase What parameter is to be Where is the parameter to How is the parameter to be When is the parameter to be Cost Reporting Agency monitored? be monitored? monitored?/ type of monitored? (frequency of monitoring equipment measurement or continuous) Staff safety At work site Inspection Unannounced inspections Minimal additional PIU through (protective equipment) during work construction cost Construction Supervisor

Overall workers’ camp site On the camp site during Inspection According to the existing Minimal additional PIU through conditions construction activities regulations construction cost Construction Supervisor

Conduct of campaign for WUA offices and water Inspection After formal launch of the Minimal additional PIU rising awareness of IPM and user communities campaign cost to operational sound use of pesticides Survey budget of PIU

Maintenance of irrigation On site Inspection Continuous – full scale Routine operation WSA, WUA Operation delivery system desiltation required yearly and maintenance cost Maintenance of irrigation On site Inspection When needed Routine operation WSA, WUA off-takes and other and maintenance structures cost

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Annex C: Incident Report Form

REHABILITATION OF NALBAND MAIN CANAL

1 Date: 2 Irrigation Scheme 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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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Annex D: Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts5 Project Name/location: Nalband Main Canal Assessment: 1st Assessor’s name/position: CS Team Date(s) of Assessment: October 2008

Comments

N/A = Environmental effect is Not Applicable in this case

ssible

For detailed explanation refer to the correspondingly

For each environmental effect numbered sections following this table

place a cross (X) in one or

two of the columns

Positive impact likely impact Positive possible impact Positive likely impact No po impact Negative likely impact Negative at possible judgment No present

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 1-4 Fall of water table X Hydrology 1-5 Rise of water table X

2-1 Solute dispersion X

2-2 Toxic substances X 2-3 Organic pollution X

2-4 Anaerobic effects X N/A Pollution 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 N/A

Sediments 4-5 Sedimentation X 4-6 Estuary erosion X 5-1 Project lands X 5-2 Water bodies X

5-3 Surrounding area X 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 Short-term, during construction 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 explanation below

6-5 Women’s role X economic

- 6-6 Minority groups X 6-7 Sites of value X

Socio 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

5 The checklist accepted for the ESAOC reports was developed by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), The ICID Environmental Checklist to Identify Environmental Effects of Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Control Projects (HR Wallingford, UK; August, 1993.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

Comments

N/A = Environmental effect is Not Applicable in this case

ssible

For detailed explanation refer to the correspondingly

For each environmental effect numbered sections following this table

place a cross (X) in one or

two of the columns

Positive impact likely impact Positive possible impact Positive likely impact No po impact Negative likely impact Negative at possible judgment No present

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

s 8-3 Aquatic weeds X 8-4 Structural damage X Imbalance 8-5 Animal imbalances X Number of crosses 0 12 37 4 1 0 Total possible = 53 (Unless positive & negative impacts)

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Annotated Questions from the Checklist of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts 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? No likely impacts are expected on the low flow regime of Chichkhan River as result of implementation of the proposed Nalband Main Canal rehabilitation project. 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? Project implementation will not cause any impact on Chichkhan River’s flood regime. 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. 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 consultant report states that groundwater levels in the Spitak Irrigation Scheme affected area varies between 150-200 m under the soil surface. Therefore, irrigation of the lands under the command of Spitak Irrigation Scheme, as well as reduction of water losses may not causes significant impacts on ground water levels and chemical composition. 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? No flooding or water logging was observed in the irrigable and other lands in the command area of Nalband Main Canal. Based on the relief of the investigated area, as well as the depth of ground waters in this area, it can be concluded that no water logging and flooding can be expected in this area after the implementation of the project, when arable lands are provided with the required amount of irrigation 26

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 water.

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? The project will not cause changes to the pattern of water abstraction or low regulation. 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, herbicides, hydrogen supplied, oil derivatives, boron, selenium and heavy metals in irrigation supplies or surface, draining and ground waters should be considered. According to the research and investigations conducted by the FS/FD consultant, the content of boron, molybdenum, and zinc in the project affected area is less than of Clark, though the content of manganese, copper and cobalt are a little higher than of Clark. However these can not cause toxicity, Measures to control spillage of oil or toxic substances will be included in the EMPs and construction contracts, including: guidelines for the proper storage and sitting of hazardous material such as oil, grease, fuel, 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? 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)?

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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. Temporary air pollution to be caused during the construction of the Spitak Irrigation Scheme is estimated by the FS/FD Consultant to remain within the Maximal Allowed Concentrations established by the Armenian legislation. 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? Soil salinity, bogging and pollution with toxic elements have not been observed in the command area of Spitak Irrigation Scheme. Ground waters are the considerable depth in the project area. Hence, their impact on soil salinity is excluded. The FS/FD Consultant has surveyed the waters of Chichkhan river to check the applicability of these waters for irrigation purposes. The results demonstrate that irrigation with these waters will not cause salinity of fertile soils and deterioration of their meliorative state. 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 soleplate or hard pan formation or available water capacity should be considered. The land users of the project area will receive the required amount of irrigation water as a result of rehabilitation Nalband Main Canal. This will result in the extension of irrigated lands at the expense of formerly not irrigated lands. Other than that respecting appropriate irrigation norms and watering methods during soil cultivation and applying necessary agro- technical measures to the lands will improve qualitative properties of the soils and their meliorative state, which will lead to increased yield. 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 Spitak Irrigation Scheme 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 communities or existing or potential downstream users (particularly 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? No.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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? No erosion was observed on arable lands to be irrigated by the proposed Nalband Main Canal. Small scale erosion processes are mostly encountered on the vegetation free slopes, beyond the command area of the system.

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 case of receiving the required and guaranteed amount of irrigation water, the farmers will grow high value crops in previously irrigated and newly irrigated lands that will result in the increased agricultural output and farmers’ incomes. It will also contribute to good agricultural and animal husbandry practices. 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 change is anticipated in Chichkhan river morphology due to implementation of the proposed rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal. Water amounts to be taken for the Irrigation Scheme will remain unchanged 4.4 Channel structures Is scouring, aggradations, or bank erosion in the river(s),endangering the Project’s river head works, off take structures, weir or pump inlets, its canal network, drainage or flood protection works, the free flow of its drainage system or structures and developments downstream? Consider effects associated with changes noted in 4.3 as well as those causes by other existing and planned upstream developments. No impacts are anticipated. Special measures are envisaged to be designed and used during the rehabilitation phase of Nalband Main Canal to prevent modification of the flow, banks and bed of Chichkhan River. 4.5 Sedimentation Are the changes noted in 4.1 – 4.4 causing increased or decreased sediment deposition in irrigation or drainage canals, hydraulic structures, storage reservoirs or on cultivated land, either via the irrigation systems 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? New water intake structure to be constructed under the proposed projects is designed to be equipped with effective traps, which will prevent stone and sand entrance into the system. It I worth mentioning that precipitations are low in this area during irrigation season and mudflows are very rare.

No major sedimentation is expected in the water conduit. 29

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 4.6 Estuary erosion Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in the hydrological or sediment regimes of the river which can affect delta formation or estuary and coastal erosion? If so, do these changes benefit or impair aquatic ecosystems (estuarine or marine), local habitation, navigation 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 mitigation measures adopted (such as nature reserves and compensatory forests). No significant changes are anticipated in the habitats or wildlife populations of the commanded lands of Nalband Main Canal and its alienation zones. The source-waters, tributaries and isolated, mostly seasonal, ponds are not expected to be affected by the proposed rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal. Special technical approaches must be designed and applied during the construction phase to prevent modification of Chichkhan River flow, banks and bed. 6 Socio-Economic impacts Introduction Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal is to be implemented on the command area of “Getik” WUA in Lori Marz of Armenia, providing water users of 8 communities with reliable irrigation water. Discussions demonstrate that the population of the communities to be affected by the Nalband Main Canal are aware about the project, and believe that rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal will improve the irrigation water supply allowing them to expand the cultivated areas and improve their income and social conditions. 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. There is no indication that there will be any significant demographic changes in the Project area. 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 labor and skills (particularly in relation to family/political hierarchy and different sexes and social groups) should be considered.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Farmers are aware of the proposed project, and expect to benefit from it. 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, farmers 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/labor during construction and from the requirements for seasonal agricultural labor 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? No resettlement or resettlement effects are anticipated under the project. Encroachments of the alienation zone6 that were observed and may require mitigation are included below and reflected in the Mitigation Measures Table in Annex A. 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? 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 of women 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 behavior, 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?

6Armenian legislation requires the maintenance of a 10m alienation zone for hydro-technical structures (see Government decision N64-N, 2005) without providing any specifics. According to N 422 decision of the Board of Ministers of RA (24 June, 1991) main canals and inter-economic canals in the valley should have an alienation zone/layer of 2m at one side and 10m at the other, but this decision has gone out of force on 11.06.2000. While preparing the given document attempts were made to clarify whether a new decision of the type has been made after losing the force.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 In view of the nature of the proposed works and the existence of designated service areas (“alienation zones”) along the canals that will be utilized 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. This may be facilitated by rehabilitation of the one road link in Lori Marz under the AF IREP Project.. 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 of 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 sometimes unaware of their problems 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 labor force during construction and their camp followers, the resettled and newly resettled populations and migratory labor groups. The rehabilitation study of the Nalband Main Canal proposes to improve sections of the canal to be rehabilitated 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 the longer term it is assumed that increased production and income resulting from the project should contribute to the local population’s health. 8 Ecological Imbalances 8.1 Pests & weeds: Are crop pests or weeds likely to increase or decrease (particularly those favored by irrigation/drainage/flood control) affecting yields, cultivation and requirements for pesticides or herbicides? According to inquiries, construction of the Spitak Irrigation Scheme cannot affect the growth or the reduction of crop weeds and pests.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Some growth of pests and weeds may be expected together with the extension of irrigated agriculture but, in general, the effective operation and the reliability of the system will enable the farmers to manage their cultivated lands more effectively as a result of which such an impact will be marginal. 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. 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? Construction and proper maintenance of the Nalband Main Canal will reduce further a low incidence of aquatic weeds in the command area. 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 works through the action of plants and animals (including rodents and termites) favored by the Project? Properly constructed and maintained Nalband Main Canal 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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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Annex E: 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.

1. 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 ESIO 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;

. 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 34

Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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;

. 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,

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 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 organization of the construction sites and work places, and the Contractor’s approach to the aspects listed below, shall be included in the ESHSP, details of which are included in Clause 2.21.2, to be prepared by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer.

. 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 and Technical Supervision Consultant 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; and

. Environmental and social monitoring of the works by the ESO (as defined in Clause 2.21.2., Sub- clause 2.21.2.2(ii)), and the writing of corresponding monthly reports.

2. Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Plan

The Contractor shall establish an Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Plan (ESHSP) in order to meet his obligations concerning this matter; the ESHSP particularly shall include the following:

1. Management Acknowledgements 2. Organization & Staffing 3. Communications and Reporting 4. Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions

The Contractor shall prepare and submit for the Engineer’s approval an ESHSP within 30 days of the commencement date. The Engineer may require periodic reviews, including updating of the ESHSP during the Works.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 2.1 Management Acknowledgement

(i) Certification and Commitment

The ESHSP submitted by the Contractor shall provide a signed statement from the Contractor’s Managing Director(s) attesting to a commitment that all environmental protection, safety, and occupational health aspects of the Contract will be given highest priority in the discharge of contractual obligations and certifying a commitment to the provisions in the EMP, and ESHSP as approved by the Engineer.

(ii) Statutory Understanding and Compliance

The Plan shall provide a statement attesting the firm’s understanding of, and means of ensuring due compliance with, the statutory regulations relating to construction work in the Republic of Armenia, specifically in regard to compliance with:

(a) All safety and occupational health legislation including, without limitation, the Rules and Regulations of the Republic of Armenia and the authorities having jurisdiction. (b) All current environmental laws and regulations, including both national and local regulations, related to the following, but not limited to: - Noise; - Vibration; - Air pollution; - Water contamination; - Solid and hazardous waste disposal; - Liquid waste disposal; - Sanitary conditions (water supply, sewerage, etc.); - Use of explosives; and - Protection of public traffic, - Historical, cultural and archaeological monuments/sites, - Resettlement, land acquisition, servitude, temporary use of land and compensation, etc.

(iii) Availability of Documents

The Plan shall state where copies of safety and occupational health regulations and documents will be available on the construction site and verify that all regulations and documents have been or will be available.

(iv) Management of Subcontractors The requirements of this and related sections and obligations therein shall include for execution of parts of the Works by the approved subcontractors whilst the Contractor shall: (a) Provide subcontractors with copies of the ESHSP whilst incorporating such provisions into all sub- contracts and ensure compliance with such plan under the Contract.

(b) Require all subcontractors to appoint a safety representative who shall be available on the site throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract and ensure as far as is practically possible that staff and employees of subcontractors are conversant with appropriate parts of the ESHSP and the statutory regulations.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 2.2 Organization and Staffing

(i) Organization Chart

The Plan shall include an organization chart identifying (by job title and by the name of the individual) the personnel to be engaged solely for environmental protection, safety and traffic control. The chart and the supporting text shall identify participants and their areas of responsibility and contact details.

(ii) Appointment of Environmental Safety Officer (ESO)

The Contractor shall submit for approval the name and details (full CV) of his proposal for an ESO to the Engineer within 14 days of the commencement date. The ESO shall be responsible for day-to-day issues of environmental management for the duration of the Contract. The Contractor shall obtain approval of such person being appointed, who shall be in position to carry out his duties prior to Works activities commencing on site except as may be agreed in exceptional circumstances in writing with the Engineer. The ESO will not be removed from the site without the express written permission of the Engineer. Within fourteen (14) days of any such removal or notice of intent of removal, a replacement ESO will be nominated for approval by the Engineer.

The ESO shall be empowered to instruct employees of the Contractor and Subcontractors to cease operations and shall take the appropriate action as is necessary and within his limits of delegation by informing others as may be appropriate to prevent unsafe working practices or other infringements of the Plan or the statutory regulations. The ESO shall maintain a daily site diary comprehensively recording all relevant matters concerning site environmental management, safety and traffic control, inspections and audits, related incidents and the like. The site diary shall be available at all times for inspection by the Engineer and his staff.

2.3 Communication and Reporting The Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Engineer for his approval monthly progress reports on compliance with implementation of EMP and ESHSP. It is expected that these reports will include information on:  Environmental, social, health, and safety management actions/measures taken, including approvals sought from local or national authorities;

 Problems encountered in relation to environmental, social, health, and safety aspects (incidents, including delays, cost consequences, etc. as a result thereof);

 Lack of compliance with contract requirements on the part of the Contractor;

 Changes of assumptions, conditions, measures, designs and actual works in relation to environmental, social, health, and safety aspects;

 Observations, concerns raised and/or decisions taken with regard to environmental, social, health, and safety management during site meetings;

 Chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds;

 Follow-up on the status and efficacy of remedial measures and/or corrective actions identified in Incident Reporting Forms included in EMPs or otherwise; and

 Follow-up, including remedial measures, status of measures and their efficacy, related to lack of compliance with contract requirements.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

2.4 Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions

ESHSP should include at minimum the methodology and resources to meet the requirements of these Technical Specifications including but not limited to the following:

 Stakeholder communication and information dissemination;

 Relevant staff training;

 Maintaining farmers’ access to irrigation water if the Works are implemented during the irrigation season;

 Maintaining vehicle access to the communities;

 Pollution control (including spill prevention, dust abatement, noise, etc.);

 Provision of potable water and washing/toilet facilities to workers;

 Provision of lodging and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to workers as appropriate;

 Provision of health care to workers and treatment for injuries and infections; and providing workers with access to condoms;

 Assessing importance of, and reporting and investigating, chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds;

 Inspection and monitoring.

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 Annex F: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings Held in Communities and WUAs

Date: 08.06.2011 Community: Shirakamut Participants: PIU Irrigation Officer H.Harutyunyan N.Atayan PIU Environmental and Social Impact Officer, V.Movsisyan Institutional Improvements Officer A.Yeranosyan Director of Getik WUA M.Mazmanyan Governor of Shirakamut community Water users of Shirakamut community

Agenda

To carry out public discussions of environmental and social impacts and other issues related to rehabilitation of deteriorated stretches of Nalbandmain canal of Spitak irrigation scheme.

H. Harutyunyan presented in details the proposed project and the nature of anticipated activities.

N. Atayan presented environmental and social aspects of the anticipated works.

The Governor of Shirakamut community M.Mazmanyan raised the issue of the rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation networks.

H. Harutyunyan clarified that the rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation networks included in the project will be implemented on the condition of 15% co-financing by water users.

The director of Shirakamut WUA A.Yeranosyan reminded that the community first has approach with that issue to the Administrative Council of WUA. The Council will discuss the request of community and apply to PIU specialists, if required. In case of positive opinion of PIU, the on- farm irrigation system will be included into the Project.

Water user Henrik Igitkhanyan raised the issue of involvement of local population in construction works.

PIU specialists clarified that one of the Project’s objectives is to involve in civil works as much local population as possible to increase local employment. Local people will be hired if they posses required construction skills.

The list of water users having participated in public consultations is attached. Governor of Proshyan Community Samvel Mazmanyan /signature/

Secretary Hasmik Yeranosyan /signature/

/SEAL/

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

NALBAND MAIN CANAL

“Getik” WUA Date 08.06.2011 Community Shirakamut

Participant’s Name Participant’s position and Signature occupation Henrik Igitkhanyan Community Expert /signature/ Artak Papoyan Farmer /signature/ Zakar Santrosyan Community Expert /signature/ Vakhtang Eranosyan Farmer /signature/ Aghasi Kyureghyan “Getik” WUA /signature/ Knarik Zakaryan Water User /signature/ Vardan Charchyan Machine-Operator /signature/ Artem Papoyan Businessman /signature/ Arestakwes Petrosyan Water User /signature/ Tamara Nalbandayn Water User /signature/ Laura Kureghyan Water User /signature/ Razmik Saghatelyan Water User /signature/ Hakob Naslyan Water User /signature/ Henrik Margaryan School teacher /signature/ Rafik Malbandyan Water User /signature/ Seryoja Papoyan Water User /signature/ Janna Zakaryan Water User /signature/ Khachik Harutunyan Water User /signature/ Gagik Naslyan Businessman /signature/ Hayrapet Hayrapetyan “Getik” WUA, chief engineer /signature/ Aram Harutunyan Water User /signature/ Hovhannes Hakobyan “Getik” WUA, site manager /signature/

Head of Shirakamut Community Samvel Mazmanyan /signature/

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011 “Getik” WUA, Nalband Irrigation Scheme, Nalband Main Canal Date: 17.09.2011 Participants:

H.Harutyunyan PIU Irrigation Officer

N.Atayan PIU Environmental and Social Impact Officer

V.Movsisyan Institutional Improvements Officer

A.Yeranosyan Executive Director of Parpi WUA

S.Mazmanyan Governor of Shirakamut community

A.Papoyan Governor of Katnahounj community

H.Yaghudyan Governor of Parni community

A.Saroyan Governor of Saralanj community

M.Khachatryan Governor of Lusagbyur community

A.Harutunyan Governor of Hartagog community

V.Hambadrtsumyan Governor of Khnkoyan community

A.Santrosyan Governor of Tsahkaber community

Agenda To carry out public discussions of environmental and social impacts and other issues related to rehabilitation of deteriorated stretches Nalband canal of Nalband irrigation scheme located within the service area of Getik WUA. H.Harutyunyan presented in details the proposed project and the nature of anticipated activities. N.Atayan presented environmental and social aspects of the anticipated works. The Executive Director of Getik WUA A.Yeranoayan explained participants how water delivery process within the under-command lands of Nalband irrigation scheme, and particularly of Nalband main canal is organized. He confirmed that the rehabilitation of deteriorated stretches of canals will improve water delivery efficiency and significantly reduce water loses. The Governors of communities participating in the consultations first thanked for inclusion of Nalband main canal into the rehabilitation project. Meantime they asked to include as much labor force as possible from local population in anticipated civil works. Institutional Specialists of PIU V. Movsisyan clarified that one of the Project’s objectives is to involve in civil works as much local population as possible to increase local employment. Local people will be hired if they posses required construction skills. The list of participants is attached. Executive Director of “Getik” WUA [Signature] A.Yeranosyan

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Rehabilitation of Nalband Main Canal 9 August, 2011

List of participants of the Public Consultations “Getik” WUA, Nalband Irrigation Scheme, Nalband Main Canal Date: 17.09.2011

No. Name of community Participant’s name Signature Comments 1. Shirakamout S.Mazmanyan [Signature] Head of the community 2. Katnahounj A.Papoyan [Signature] Head of the community 3. Parni H.Yaghudyan [Signature] Head of the community 4. Saralandj A.Saroyan [Signature] Head of the community 5. Lusagbiur M.Khachatryan [Signature] Head of the community 6. Hartagog A.Harutunyan [Signature] Head of the community 7. Khnkoyan V.Hambadrtsumyan [Signature] Head of the community 8. Tsahkaber A.Santrosyan [Signature] Head of the community

Executive Director of “Getik” WUA [Signature] A.Yeranosyan

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