ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Page 2 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Document Title: Rev.: 01 / at07 Assessment Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 6 1.1 Background 6 1.2 Natura 2000 Relevance 8 1.3 Purpose of the Report 8 1.4 Report Structure 8

2 LEGISLATION 10 2.1 Legislative Framework in Europe 10 2.1.1 Bern Convention 10 2.1.2 Birds and Habitats Directive 11 2.1.3 CORINE Biotopes 12 2.2 Current International Protected Areas Status in Albania 13

3 APPROACH TO THE ASSESSMENT 15 3.1 Introduction 15 3.2 Habitats Directive Assessment Methodology 15 3.2.1 Introduction to HDA 15 3.2.2 Stage 1 - Screening 16 3.2.3 Stage 2 - Appropriate Assessment (AA) 17 3.3 The Assessment Approach for Albania 18 3.3.1 Objectives of the Assessment 18 3.3.2 Desk Study 19 3.3.3 Consultation 20 3.3.4 Field Survey 21 3.3.5 Assessment 22 3.3.5.1 Evaluation of Significance 23 3.3.5.2 Habitats 23 3.3.5.3 Vulnerability / Sensitivity Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems 23 3.3.5.4 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats / Ecosystems 24 3.3.5.5 Habitat Mapping and Classification 24 3.3.5.6 Species 25 3.3.5.7 Species Sensitivity / Vulnerability Criteria 25

4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 27 4.1 Pipeline Construction 27 4.1.1 Top Soil Stripping 27 4.1.2 Grading 27 4.1.3 Trenching 28 4.1.4 Blasting 28 4.1.5 Backfill 28 4.1.6 River and Stream Crossings 29 4.1.7 Clean Up and Restoration 29 4.2 Operation and Maintenance 30 4.3 Decommissioning 30 4.4 Safety and Non-Routine Events 30

5 THE SCREENING PROCESS 32 5.1 Introduction 32

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5.2 Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site 33 5.3 Karavasta Lagoon ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site 34 5.4 Tomori - ASCI candidate Emerald site and CORINE Biotope 36 5.5 Screening Summary 38

6 SITES SUBJECT TO FULL ‘APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT’ 39 6.1 Introduction 39 6.2 Morava ASCI candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope 39 6.2.1 Key Components of the Morava Designated Site 39 6.2.1.1 Habitats 42 6.2.1.2 Species 48 6.2.2 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint and 200 m Corridor 51 6.3 Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope 53 6.3.1 Key Components of the Vithkuq - Ostrovice Designated Site 53 6.3.1.1 Habitats 55 6.3.1.2 Species 60 6.3.2 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint and 200 m corridor 65 6.4 Grykedhja Semanit -Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope 68 6.4.1 Key Components of the Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro Designated Site 68 6.4.1.1 Habitats 71 6.4.1.2 Species 76 6.4.2 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint and 200 m corridor 79

7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS 83 7.1 Potential Sources of Impact 83 7.1.1.1 Habitat Loss/Degradation 84 7.1.1.2 Habitat Fragmentation 84 7.1.1.3 Direct Species Loss 85 7.1.1.4 Disturbance and Displacement of Species 86 7.2 Mitigation 86 7.3 Residual Impacts 86 7.3.1 Morava Candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope 87 7.3.2 Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope 94 7.3.3 Grykederdhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope 113

8 SUMMARY 121

ANNEXES

Annex 11.1 – Environmental Protected and Designated Areas

Annex 11.2 - Environmental Field Survey

Annex 11.3 – Survey Data Sheets

Annex 11.4 – Sensitivity Criteria

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LIST OF TABLES Table 3.3-1 Summary of the Field Survey – April 2012 ...... 21 Table 6.2-1 List of Habitat Types including those of Annex I Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) occurring in Morava...... 43 Table 6.2-2 Mammal species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 48 Table 6.2-3 Nationally threatened Mammal species listed within Morova ASCI ...... 48 Table 6.2-4 Bird species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 49 Table 6.2-5 Nationally threatened Bird species listed within Morova ASCI ...... 49 Table 6.2-6 Reptile species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 49 Table 6.2-7 Nationally threatened Reptile species listed within Morova ASCI ...... 50 Table 6.2-8 Amphibians species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 50 Table 6.2-9 Fish species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 50 Table 6.2-10 Invertebrate species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 50 Table 6.2-11 Nationally threatened invertebrate species listed within Morova ASCI ...... 50 Table 6.2-12 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species in Morava site ...... 51 Table 6.2-13 Habitat and Species within the Project Footprint in Morava site ...... 51 Table 6.3-1 List of Habitat types including those of Annex I Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) occurring in Vithkuq – Ostrovice site (Natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation). . 55 Table 6.3-2 Plant species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 60 Table 6.3-3 Mammal species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 60 Table 6.3-4 Nationally threatened Mammal species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope ...... 61 Table 6.3-5 Bird species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 61 Table 6.3-6 Nationally threatened bird species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope ...... 62 Table 6.3-7 Reptile species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 62 Table 6.3-8 Nationally threatened reptile species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope ...... 62 Table 6.3-9 Amphibian species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 62 Table 6.3-10 Invertebrate species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 62 Table 6.3-11 Nationally threatened invertebrate species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope ...... 62 Table 6.3-12 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species in the Vithkuq Ostrovica site ...... 63 Table 6.3-13 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint in Vithkuq-Ostrovica ...... 65 Table 6.4-1 List of Habitat types of Annex I Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) occurring in Grykëderdhja e Semanit Pishë-Poro site (Proposed Managed Nature Reserve and existing CORINE Biotope) (Natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation)...... 71 Table 6.4-2 Mammal species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 76 Table 6.4-3 Nationally threatened mammal species listed within Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro CORINE biotope ...... 76 Table 6.4-4 Birds species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 76 Table 6.4-5 Nationally threatened bird species listed within Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro CORINE biotope ...... 77 Table 6.4-6 Reptile species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 78 Table 6.4-7 Nationally threatened reptile species listed within Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro CORINE biotope ...... 78 Table 6.4-8 Amphibians species listed under Natura 2000 ...... 78 Table 6.4-9 Fish ...... 78

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Table 6.4-10 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species in the Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro Site ...... 79 Table 6.4-11 Habitat and Species within the Project Footprint ...... 80 Table 7.1-1 Potential Impacts - Terrestrial Ecology ...... 83 Table 7.3-1 Landtake within the current ASCI site boundary ...... 87 Table 7.3-2 Key Interest Features of the Morava Site which will be affected by the Project* .. 89 Table 7.3-3 Landtake within the current CORINE biotope boundary ...... 94 Table 7.3-4 Key Interest Features of the Vithkuq - Ostrovice Site which will be affected by the Project ...... 98 Table 7.3-5 Landtake within the current CORINE biotope boundary ...... 113 Table 7.3-6 Key Interest Features of the Grykedhja Semanit –Pishe Poro Site which will be affected by the Project ...... 115

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1-1 Overview of Emerald and Natura Network creation process ...... 13 Figure 5.1-1 Designated and Protected Areas within the vicinity of the TAP Project ...... 32 Figure 5.2-1 Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate Designated Areas ...... 34 Figure 5.3-1 Karavasta Lagoon Designated Areas ...... 35 Figure 5.4-1 Tomori Protected Areas ...... 37 Figure 6.2-1 Morova candidate Emerald Site ...... 40 Figure 6.2-2 Habitat within Morova site close to Zemblaku ...... 42 Figure 6.2-3 Galio Carpinetum Oak-Hornbeam ...... 45 Figure 6.2-4 Lowland Hay Meadows ...... 47 Figure 6.3-1 Vithkuq - Ostrovice CORINE Biotope ...... 54 Figure 6.3-2 Mountain Hay Meadow Habitat ...... 58 Figure 6.3-3 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests ...... 59 Figure 6.4-1 Grykedhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope...... 70 Figure 6.4-2 Mediterranean Salt Meadow ...... 72 Figure 6.4-3 Wooded Dunes ...... 74 Figure 7.3-1 Charcoal making at Illegal logging camp within Vithkuq forest ...... 96

LIST OF BOXES Box 3.2-1 The Habitats Directive Assessment Process ...... 16 Box 3.3-1 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems ...... 24 Box 3.3-2 Magnitude Criteria ...... 26 Box 7.1-1 Terrestrial Ecology Sources of Impact...... 83

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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background

The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a proposed natural gas pipeline in the so-called Southern Gas Corridor that will bring gas from new reserves in the Caspian region to Southern and Central Europe. The pipeline will connect to existing gas networks, starting in Greece, crossing Albania and the Adriatic Sea, coming ashore in southern Italy. It will allow gas to flow directly from the Caspian basin into European markets.

The TAP will contribute to the security and diversity of Europe’s energy supply by providing the necessary infrastructure to transport gas from the Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan via the most direct route to Southern Europe when production begins in early 2018. As more gas becomes available, the TAP will have the capacity to cater for an additional 10 Billion Standard Cubic Meters (bcm) per annum of new gas, expanding to 20 bcm as required.

The TAP Project is supported by financially stable and strong shareholders. TAP AG’s shareholders are Axpo (42.5%), Norwegian Statoil (42.5%) and German E.ON Ruhrgas (15%). The TAP Project will require no funding from subsidies or from any of the governments of the host countries. The TAP can deliver substantial benefits in terms of significant investment to the countries through which it passes. The European Union recognised the project under the so- called TEN-E (Trans-European Energy Networks) guidelines as a Project of Common Interest for the European Union’s overall energy policy objectives.

The TAP Project is among the major investments in energy infrastructure in the region. At a geostrategic level, the Project is a logical element in the value chain, connecting existing and planned grids for natural gas transport in Southeast Europe with gas systems in Western Europe via Italy, the Adriatic Sea and Albania. The pipeline will therefore give Europe better access to the major reserves of natural gas located in the Caspian region, Russia and the Middle East. At a national level, the Project will strengthen the role of Albania as an energy player in Southeast Europe and the Balkans. At a local level, the proposed route, as well as the specific siting of associated installations, has been the result of thorough balancing amongst a number of viable alternatives which has included some significant route refinement around areas of conservation interest in Albania.

In Albania the pipeline will be 209 km in length and will pass from the Greek border near Bilisht to the Albanian coast at Topoje. The pipeline will be 48 inches (1.2 m) in diameter and will be made of welded steel pipeline sections ranging between 8 and 18 m in length. The design pressure will be 95 bar gauge (barg). The pipeline will be coated both inside and outside. The internal coating will be an epoxy resin which reduces friction, whilst the external coating will be 3-layer polyethylene to protect the pipeline from corrosion. Some of the pipeline sections will be additionally coated with reinforced concrete to protect the pipeline from external damage. The entire pipeline will be protected against corrosion by a cathodic protection system.

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In Albania the pipeline will be buried along the entire length of the Project route. For safety reasons and in order to minimise impacts to existing land uses (e.g. agricultural) the buried pipeline will have a minimum soil cover of 1 m. Greater depths of soil cover will be required when crossing existing infrastructure.

The TAP pipeline will be designed for a technical life time of 50 years. The design life for equipment and piping of the stations is 25 years. The design shall assure that the gas transport system fulfils all safety requirements of the base National and European Codes and Standards. The pipeline will be assembled in a conventional way as a construction spread that moves along the Project corridor (see Section 4 - Project Description of the main ESIA). This comprises that first, the top soil is stripped away and stored separately, and then a trench is excavated. Individual 8 to 18 m long joints of pipe will then be welded to the pipeline string which is subsequently lowered into the trench. The soil is placed back into the trench and the land reinstated while the construction spread progresses forward.

The pipeline transportation capacity will be increased from an initial throughput of 10 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/year) to 20 bcm/year. Compressor stations are required to transport the gas by increasing the pressure in the pipeline. Currently within Albania two compressor stations (CS02 and CS03) are planned and will be located on the Albanian side of the Greek border and also at the landfall location before the Adriatic Sea (see Section 4 - Project Description of the main ESIA).

The compressor stations mainly comprise facilities for gas treatment (filter separators), metering, compression and cooling. The footprint of a compressor station installation is estimated to be a fenced area of approximately 34,5 hectares (ha) including a safety buffer zone. Compressor and cooling facilities will be installed at CS02 for the 20 bcm phase only.

The Project will also include the installation of Block Valve Stations (BVS). With these valves the operator can isolate segments of the pipeline for maintenance work or isolate a rupture or leak. The block valves are unmanned and comprise a small building with a fence around them to avoid any interference, covering a total surface area of approximately 20 m by 30 m. In line with international best practice, these stations will be placed in regular intervals of around 30 km along the pipeline route, with the key equipment being installed underground. 10 BVS are envisaged between the Greek border and the Adriatic Coast landfall.

The pipeline will be monitored and controlled from remote via a central control room in accordance with the operating philosophy developed by TAP. Based on technical factors, the central control for the TAP system is foreseen to be located at the dispatching facility in Italy.

During operation, any leaks will be detected through the continuous monitoring of pressure and flow rates at the pipeline inlet and outlet. If a leak is detected, emergency shutdown procedures will be carried out. To allow internal inspection, ‘pigging’ facilities (by Pipeline Inspection Gauge) will be installed. The pipeline system has been designed to allow use of instrumented ‘pigs’, if necessary.

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1.2 Natura 2000 Relevance

European Union countries are required to protect sites and species of European importance for nature conservation under the Habitats and Birds Directives. Where a plan or project has the potential to affect one of these sites, an assessment must be undertaken to determine whether the plan or project will affect the site’s integrity to inform the decision maker or ‘competent authority’ on whether the plan or project should go ahead. This assessment process is known as the Habitats Directive Assessment (HDA) or Appropriate Assessment (AA).

In relation to the TAP Project, a HDA must be undertaken for the Project in Greece and Italy as these are EU countries with Natura 2000 sites. The assessment for these countries has been undertaken and reported. Because Albania applied for European membership in April 2009 and for consistency between the three countries an assessment equivalent to an HDA (as far as possible) has been undertaken in Albania.

The legislative background for Albania is expanded within Chapter 2 below. 1.3 Purpose of the Report

This document presents the assessment of potential impacts from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the TAP Project on sites of importance for nature conservation in Albania. It sets out the legislative framework and explains the approach which is an equivalent process to be undertaken in Europe under the Habitats Directive. The sites of importance for nature conservation in a European context are described and the potential impacts on them from the Project are reported. 1.4 Report Structure

The remainder of this document is structured as follows:

Chapter 2 – Legislation;

Chapter 3 – Approach to the Assessment;

Chapter 4 – Project Description;

Chapter 5 – The Screening Process;

Chapter 6 – Sites Subject to Full Appropriate Assessment;

Chapter 7 – Assessment of Impacts;

Chapter 8 – Summary.

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The report is supported by four Annexes.

Annex 11.1 – Evironmental Protected and Designated Areas Map ;

Annex 11.2 - Environmental Field Survey Map

Annex 11.3 – Survey Data Sheets;

Annex 11.4 – Sensitivity Criteria.

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2 LEGISLATION 2.1 Legislative Framework in Europe

Albania is a signatory to various conventions which relate to the environment. However, there are two key pieces of legislation that are referred to in this document which are highly relevant to Albania and for which form the requirement by which this document has been produced. The Bern Convention, which entered into force in Albania in 1999 and the Habitats and Birds Directives which are relevant to countries within the EU and those countries trying to gain accession, including Albania.

The other designation that has been expanded within this section is that of the CORINE Biotopes, this is not statutory but the designation of areas with CORINE biotope status has formed the backbone from which the designation of sites under both the Bern Convention and Birds and Habitats Directives has occurred. In addition, the Albanian authorities confirmed the CORINE Biotopes in Albania are being considered as the framework reference for the designation of Emerald Sites. 2.1.1 Bern Convention

The Bern Convention is a binding international legal instrument in the field of nature conservation, which covers most of the natural heritage of the European continent and extends to some States of Africa. Its aims are to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats and to promote European co-operation in that field.

The Convention places a particular importance on the need to protect endangered natural habitats and endangered vulnerable species, including migratory species.

All countries that have signed the Bern Convention must take action to:

• promote national policies for the conservation of wild flora and fauna, and their natural habitats;

• have regard to the conservation of wild flora and fauna in their planning and development policies, and in their measures against pollution;

• promote education and disseminate general information on the need to conserve species of wild flora and fauna and their habitats;

• encourage and co-ordinate research related to the purposes of this Convention. and also co-operate to enhance the effectiveness of these measures through:

• co-ordination of efforts to protect migratory species;

• and the exchange of information and the sharing of experience and expertise.

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Non-EU countries, such as Albania, fulfill some of the requirements of the Bern Convention under the Emerald Protected Areas Network. Each Emerald site is defined as an Area of Special Conservation Interest (ASCI) and is designated on the basis that it fits one or several of the following conditions:

• It contributes substantially to the survival of threatened species, endemic species, or any species listed in Appendices I and II of the convention;

• It supports significant numbers of species in an area of high species diversity or supports important populations of one or more species;

• It contains an important and/or representative sample of endangered habitat types;

• It contains an outstanding example of a particular habitat type or a mosaic of different habitat types;

• It represents an important area for one or more migratory species; and

• It otherwise contributes substantially to the achievement of the objectives of the convention. 2.1.2 Birds and Habitats Directive

In May 1992 European Union governments adopted legislation designed to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. This legislation is called the Habitats Directive and complements the Birds Directive adopted in 1979. At the heart of both these Directives is the creation of a network of sites called Natura 2000. The Birds Directive requires the establishment of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds. The Habitats Directive similarly requires Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to be designated for other species, and for habitats. Together, SPAs and SACs make up the Natura 2000 Network. All EU Member States contribute to the network of sites in a Europe-wide partnership.

Since initially established both directives have been variously updated as legislation has changed and more member states have joined the European Union. As such the most up to date amendments for the directives are Habitats Directive from January 2007 (92/43/EEC)(1) and the Birds Directive from November 2009 (2009/147/EC)(2) respectively.

Each Member State must compile a list of the best wildlife areas containing the habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The lists are then submitted to the European Commission. In the case of sites according to the Habitats Directive, an evaluation and selection process is taking place at European level; under the Birds Directive no such process is foreseen. For both types of sites it is the task of the Member State to put the necessary protection provisions/designations in place. Under the two directives the following types of sites are created.

(1) European Commission Directive 92/43/EEC (as most recently updated on 1st January 2007) on The Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (The Habitats Directive). EC. (2) European Commission Directive 79/409/EEC as now updated to 2009/147/EC (30th November 2009) on The Conservation of Wild Birds (The Birds Directive). EC

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Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are classified under the Birds Directive to help protect and manage areas which are important for rare and vulnerable birds because they use them for breeding, feeding, wintering or migration.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are classified under the Habitats Directive and provide rare and vulnerable animals, plants and habitats with increased protection and management.

Emerald and Natura 2000 Networks are often considered or presented as analogous nets with different geographical coverage areas. The main difference between the Natura 2000 sites (EU states) and the rest of the Emerald sites is the basis on which these have been designated (Natura 2000 sites have a much stronger legal basis than most of the sites designated in non-EU countries such as Albania). In addition, because of the strong legal basis of Natura 2000, the Emerald Network, in the EU Candidate countries, is being used as a contribution to the preparatory work to comply with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. It states on the EU website (1) under the heading ‘What are Acceding Countries required to do by accession under the nature directives?’ is states that:

“In the frame of the negotiations much focus was placed on nature conservation and Accession Countries were encouraged to implement the EU nature directives as early as possible. Nature conservation legislation is a horizontal legislation, which needs early attention and must be taken into account when implementing other EU-policies such as structural, transport or agriculture policy. Therefore Acceding Countries will have to implement the Birds and Habitats Directives from the date of accession (1st May 2004) onwards.” 2.1.3 CORINE Biotopes

In the years 1985-1990 the EU CORINE Programme (CO-oRdination of INformation on the Environment) was started. The Project was concerned with ‘gathering, coordinating and ensuring the consistency of information on the state of the environment and natural resources in the Community’. One of four projects in total was the CORINE Biotopes project. The aim of this subproject was identified as ‘to identify and describe biotopes of major importance for nature conservation in the Community’ (European Communities, 1991a). The CORINE Biotopes project resulted in two major achievements: A European classification system for biotopes and habitats and a database, containing information about habitats and species.

CORINE Biotopes are particular areas that have been identified as “major nature sites” across Europe by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and include sensitive or rare habitats (EC, 1991a), vulnerable ecosystems and species of importance. They are often referred to as Areas of Conservation Interest (ACI) although this is not always used.

In the European context, these sites (and CORINE programmes in general) have been the main criteria for the selection and establishment of protected areas through creation of the Natura Network, while outside the EU this data has data has been used for creation of the Emerald

(1) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm

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Network. CORINE Biotope sites are areas of interest but do not afford any protection status themselves whether national or international.

A summary of the process by which the Emerald and Natura networks have been created is given in Figure 2.1-1 below. This figure also shows the integral role CORINE biotope data has been used to created these networks.

Figure 2.1-1 Overview of Emerald and Natura Network creation process

Overview Emerald & Natura 2000 Networks

Bern Convention, 1979 EMERALD Network Pan-European framework for Based on sites defined as ASCIs (Areas of Special Habitats & Species protection Conservation Interest)

Natura 2000 Network Non EU Countries propose sites based on the terms (EU network of protected areas designed to fulfil the and objectives set in the Bern Bern Convention requirements) Convention (Species& habitats); often using areas already designed under the National Prot. Areas System, Corine Biotopes, etc SPAs (Special SACs (Special Areas Of

Protection Areas) Conservation) Corine Programs gathered environ data in Based on the presence Based on the presence of Europe. Specifically the Corine Biotopes of Birds species only Species & Habitats of interest Program identified and described biotopes of major importance for nature conservation Birds Directive, 1979 Habitats Directive, 1992 in Europe

Source: ERM 2012

2.2 Current International Protected Areas Status in Albania

In Albania, the current network of protected areas has been designated to fulfill the objectives set out in national and international legislation (laws, bylaws, conventions, agreements, etc.) for the protection of the natural environment. Since the national and international framework is dynamic, a continuous process of revision on the protected areas network is required. Therefore, mainly due to the requirements derived from the Bern Convention, it is expected that over the next few years new protected areas will be established in Albania or those that are only currently proposed will become ratified.

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In Albania the first phase of the proposed Emerald network has been identified. This followed the work undertaken to identify CORINE Biotopes in the country as fully published in 2005 from work undertaken in the 2001.

The proposed Emerald Network has been identified during the implementation of three projects: the pilot project (2002 – 2004), the second project in (2003 – 2004) and the third (2007 – 2008). By 2008 a second phase of development was finalised which identified potential sites for inclusion in the Albanian network with the most up to date site information being uploaded onto the Council of Europe website in September of 2011 where it is currently being assessed by Bern Convention Experts.

In addition to the candidate Emerald sites lodged with the Council of Europe, the remaining CORINE Biotope sites are listed under the Albanian National Biodiversity Action Plan (1999) as part of the national ‘Proposed Representative Network of Protected Areas’ for Albania, which also includes the candidate Emerald sites, presumably as these are the key ones from all those identified during the CORINE Biotopes process.

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3 APPROACH TO THE ASSESSMENT 3.1 Introduction As outlined previously the TAP Project is subject to Habitats Directive Assessment for the pipeline route through Greece and Italy as these are EU countries with Natura 2000 sites. As an acceding country, Albania does not fall under the European Habitats Directive legislation as yet. However, acceding countries are expected to implement the EU nature directive as early as possible (1) and give due regard to areas of European importance for nature conservation. In addition, TAP and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which is the standard by which the Project is being completed, consider this as one project and as such should have the same level of assessment undertaken for all countries. The remainder of this chapter describes the Habitats Directive Assessment methodology for EU countries and then sets out how an equivalent methodology was applied for the assessment in Albania. 3.2 Habitats Directive Assessment Methodology 3.2.1 Introduction to HDA

The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as the Habitats Directive was adopted in 1992. The Directive is the means by which the European Union meets its obligations under the Bern Convention. The main aim of the Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species listed on the Annexes to the Directive at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. A network of Natura 2000 sites has been designated across Europe to protect those habitats and species of European importance. This network consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) established under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC (2)) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)(3) respectively.

It is a requirement under European law, for competent authorities to determine whether a plan or project will have a likely significant effect on these European designated sites, either individually or in combination with other projects. This is known as the Habitats Directive Assessment process. There are four main steps in the process, as set out in European Commission Guidance (4), as described in Box 3.2-1.

(1) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm (2) European Commission Directive 92/43/EEC (as most recently updated on 1st January 2007) on The Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (The Habitats Directive). EC. (3) European Commission Directive 79/409/EEC as now updated to 2009/147/EC (30th November 2009) on The Conservation of Wild Birds (The Birds Directive). EC. (4) European Commission (2001). Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

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Box 3.2-1 The Habitats Directive Assessment Process Stage 1: Screening The process to identify the likely impacts of a project upon a European site, either alone or in combination with other plans and projects, and consider whether the impacts are likely to be significant.

Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment The consideration of the impacts on the integrity of the European site, either alone or in combination with other plans and projects, with regard to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of mitigation options is carried out to determine adverse effect on the integrity of the site. If these mitigation options cannot avoid adverse effects then development consent can only be given if stages 3 and 4 are followed.

Stage 3: Assessment of alternative solutions Examining alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project to establish whether there are solutions that would avoid or have a lesser effect on European sites.

Stage 4: Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) This is the assessment where no alternative solution exists and where adverse impacts remain. The process to assess whether the development is necessary for IROPI and, if so, the potential compensatory measures needed to maintain the overall coherence of the site or integrity of the European site network.

3.2.2 Stage 1 - Screening

The screening stage examines the likely effects of a project either alone or in-combination with other projects and plans on a Natura 2000 site, and addresses the question “can it be concluded that no likely significant effect will occur?” To determine if the proposals are likely to have any significant effects on the designated sites the following issues should be considered:

• could the proposals affect the qualifying interest and are they sensitive/vulnerable to the effect;

• the probability of the effect happening;

• the likely consequences for the site’s Conservation Objectives if the effect occurred; and

• the magnitude, duration and reversibility of the effect.

The screening stage has therefore sought to conclude one of the following three outcomes (1):

1. no likely significant effect;

2. a likely significant effect; or

3. it cannot be concluded that there will be no likely significant effect.

Where the assessment concludes outcomes two or three, then the need for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) is triggered.

(1) European Commission (2002) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites. EC

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“Likely significant effect” in this context is any effect that may reasonably be predicted as a consequence of the project that may significantly affect the conservation or management objectives of the features for which a site was designated. The effect must be an effect on a European site and a judgement as to significance must take into account factors relevant to the question of significance as described above. These will include such matters as temporal considerations (ie length of time of effect), physical considerations (ie extent of effect on the European site and the elements of the site including its conservation objectives). It is possible, therefore, for an effect to cause damage to the European site, but because such damage is fleeting, limited in extent or damaging to something outside of any conservation objectives the effect on the European site is insignificant. The judgement should also take into account the likely effects of mitigation. In terms of certainty, EC guidance relating to the habitats directive (EC, 2000)(1) states that: “The safeguards set out in Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the directive are triggered not by a certainty but by a likelihood of significant effects. Thus, in line with the precautionary principle, it is unacceptable to fail to undertake an assessment on the basis that significant effects are not certain”. 3.2.3 Stage 2 - Appropriate Assessment (AA)

An AA is an assessment carried out under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. This stage in the process assesses whether the proposals will have any adverse effects on the integrity of the European site. Site integrity is defined as: “the coherence of its structure and function across its whole area that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the levels of populations of the species for which it was classified”(1) The decision on whether the integrity of the site could be adversely affected by the proposals should be taken in view of the site’s Conservation Objectives. The aim of the Appropriate Assessment is to answer the question “can it be demonstrated that the proposals will not adversely affect the integrity of the site?” In accordance with the Waddenzee judgment (ECJ Case 127/02), the European Court of Justice ruled that a plan or project may be authorised only if a competent authority has made certain that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of the site. “That is the case where no reasonable scientific doubt remains as to the absence of such effects”, (emphasis added).

The assessment takes into account any avoidance, or mitigation measures, which will be implemented to avoid or reduce the level of impact. The Competent Authority may also consider the use of conditions or restrictions to help avoid adverse effects on site integrity.

(1) European Communities (2000) Managing Natura 2000 sites - The provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/CEE. EC

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If the AA concludes that the proposals will not adversely affect the integrity of the European site, then permission may be granted. However if, the AA concludes that there will be an adverse effect on the integrity of the European site, or that there is uncertainty and a precautionary approach is taken, then consent can only be granted if there are no alternative solutions and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) and compensatory measures have been secured (Steps 3 and 4 in the process). 3.3 The Assessment Approach for Albania 3.3.1 Objectives of the Assessment

In Albania, the Habitats Directive does not apply and therefore there are no Natura 2000 sites. Consequently there are no formal ‘Qualifying Interests’ or ‘Conservation Objectives’ for the sites of European nature conservation interest in Albania. This means that directly applying the HDA process is difficult. The objectives of an equivalent assessment applicable for candidate Emerald sites and CORINE biotopes, are as follows.

• Establish the importance of the site in a European context – identify the reasons that the site has been put forward as a candidate Emerald or CORINE Biotope site and identify the habitats and species that are key to this status. These habitats and species will form the equivalent to the ‘Qualifying Interests’ in the HDA process.

• In the absence of Conservation Objectives for the sites, the objectives for the key species and habitats in a European context must be established. These will form equivalent ‘Conservation Objectives’ and can then be the basis upon which to assess the significance of impacts the Project will have on them.

• Determine whether the parts of the sites directly affected by the project support the ‘Qualifying Interests’ identified and how significant these areas are in the context of the site’s interests.

• Determine whether the proposals will have any adverse effects on the integrity of the site.

These objectives were met through undertaking desk study, consultation and field survey to establish the baseline and then conducting the assessment. The approach taken to these stages is described in the following chapters.

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3.3.2 Desk Study

A desk study was undertaken for all the sites identified in the ESIA as being potentially affected by the TAP Project. This included the following sites:

• Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site;

• Karavasta Lagoon ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site;

• Morava ASCI candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope;

• Tomorr-Kulmak ASCI candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope;

• Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope;

• Grykederdhja Semanit-Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope.

The aim of the desk study was to: (i) understand the reason why these sites have been proposed as Emerald Sites or Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCI), or designated as CORINE Biotopes; (ii) identify key ecological components, elements, features that might be directly or indirectly impacted by the TAP Project activities (pipeline alignment, upgrading or construction of new assess road, grid connection, camp sites, pipe yards, abstraction and discharging locations, etc.); (iii) identify key habitats and species of community conservation interest that might be impacted by the TAP Project, and (iv) refine the approach to the AA field survey (planning WPs and tracks).

The main references reviewed during the desk study were the following.

• K. Paparisto, Xh. Qosja, M. Demiri, I. Mitrushi, J. Vangjeli, A. Mullaj , B. Ruci, 1988 - 2000 - Flora of Albania, vol. 1- 4, Tirana.

• Xh. Qosja, 1985 - Flora of Korça.

• Mullaj, 1989- Flora and Vegetation of the Albanian Coastal Region, Tirana, PhD Thesis, pp.208.

• J. Vangjeli, B. Ruci, A. Mullaj, 1995 - Red Book (Threatened and rare plants species of Albania), Tirana.

• D. Habili, J. Vangjeli & alt., 1997 - Ecological Survey of High Forests of Albania, Tirana.

• P. Hoda, 1989 - Geobotanical Study of Pinus nigra Arn. forests in Albania, Tirana.

• F. Llubani, D. Habili, 1988- The forests Map of Albania, Tirana.

• Xh. Qosja, 1979 - Flora and Vegetation of South-Eastern Albania, Tirana.

• Tutin. T. G. & etc. 1964-1980- Flora Europea, 1-5 vol. Cambridge. UK.

• Mullaj A. (1990): Coniferous Mediterranean forests of our country. Works of the Biological Research Center, Tirana.Nr.8, pp.100-114.

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• Mullaj A. et alt., (2003): Monitoring of Adriatic Coastal Flora. Conferenza Internazionale POLITICHE AMBIENTALI: STRUMENTI E METODI, Scutari 5 – 6 Dicembre 2003.

• Habitats Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/index_en.htm

The information gathered included the following.

• Ramsar Site information from Wetlands International.

• Designated Protected Area information from the World Database of Protected Areas and the Albanian Ministry of the Environment.

• CORINE Biotope sites from the CORINE database. 3.3.3 Consultation

Consultation was undertaken with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration (MoEFWA) in it’s various capacities including the Directorate of Pastures and Forest; Directorate of Bio-Diversity Dept. Bonn and Bern Convention Focal Point; Department of Environmental and Protection (EIA Dept); ESPOO (Convention on EIA in a transboundary context focal point) and NGOs (see consultation undertaken on the 8th February 2012 conducted as part of AA scoping phase).

During the main consultation meeting with the MoEFWA (on the 8th Feb 2012) the approach of the HDA was discussed and agreed by MoEFWA. The discussions included the agreed screening out of 3 sites (as later expanded), the agreed 3 sites where focus should be kept and also that both CORINE Biotope and candidate Emerald sites should be included in the assessment. The MoEFWA also confirmed that a CORINE Biotopes were used to identify future protected areas.

The MoEFWA acknowledged their broad support for the approach being used in this assessment and also provided an update on the proposal for enlargement of the existing borders and designation of the new borders of Tomori national park (proposed as ASCI site under Emerald network) and other sites, and with the Natural Monument sites along the Pipeline route or located next to it.

Consultation was also conducted with Genti Kromidha and Zamir Dedej of the Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania (INCA) as well as the Ermelinda Mahmutaj of the EDEN Environment Centre Albania on the 8th February 2012. In addition, consultation during the field survey with District Forest Service of Skrapar (Mr. Hajredin Bakiasi) was also carried out.

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3.3.4 Field Survey

Based on the meetings with the Authorities and stakeholders it was agreed that the focus for the field study would be to specifically target those designated areas being crossed by the corridor (east to west):

• Morava (candidate Emerald site and CORINE Biotope);

• Vithkuq – Ostrovice (CORINE Biotope);

• Tomori (candidate Emerald site and CORINE Biotope);

• Grykedhja Semanit –Pishe Poro (CORINE Biotope).

The surveys were conducted by from April 1st to 7th, 2012. A summary of the surveys is provided below. Table 3.3-1 Summary of the Field Survey – April 2012

Site Name Location (Flora) Location (Fauna) Date Visited Route Section(s) (Kp. (2012) XX) Morava Bot-001, 002, 003, Zoo -001, 002, 003, 02 April Kp. 13.5-17, and 004, 005, 006, 007, 004, 005, 006, 007, Kp.21.7-23.5 008, 009, 010, 008, 009, 010, 011, 011,012, 013 013, 014, 015, 016, 017, 018, 019, 020, 021 Vithkuq – Ostrovice 1 Bot-019, 020, 021, Zoo-027, 028, 029, 03 April Kp. 61-66 (Korca District) 022, 023, 024, 025 030, 031, 032, 033, 034 Vithkuq-Ostrovice 2 Bot-031, 032, 033, Zoo-042, 043, 044, 05 April (Route now amended (Skrapari District) 034 045 to avoid this area) Tomori Bot-039, 040, 041, Zoo-054, 055, 056, 06 April Kp.125.5-129.5 042, 043, 044, 045, 057, 058, 059, 060, 046, 047, 048, 049, 061, 062, 063, 064, 050, 051, 052, 053, 065, 066, 067 054. Grykedhja Semanit – Bot-055, 056, 057, Zoo-068, 069, 070, 07 April Kp.201.5-203.8 Pishe Poro 058, 059, 060, 061. 071, 072, 073, 074, 075

In addition to the dedicated HDA Survey a further route refinement survey was also carried out in July 2012 the results of which (where relevant) have also been included within this report. All survey points are represented in Annex 11.2 which shows survey points from 2009 and 2011 surveys as well as those specifically collected as part of the HDA and those from route refinement in July 2012.

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The focus of the dedicated HDA surveys was on the sections of the sites being crossed by the pipeline and associated works. In addition, the general ecological context of the whole of the site and its key interests (species / habitats) for which it has been designated were recorded. This was to enable a comparison between losses of features recorded within the footprint of works and the wider designated site. The aim of the field survey was to record the following key features of each site:

• high level identification of key features of the designated site (identify key habitats / species);

• habitats (focusing on the EU/Emerald habitats);

• species (Emerald or Bern/Natura 2000 lists, species of interest, Internationally protected or nationally protected); and

• any other environmental feature of interest (e.g. landscape, geomorphology, forest productivity, landuse).

The more detailed habitat and species surveys were undertaken within the footprint of the works plus a buffer zone of 200 m to give some context and to ensure that nearby features of interest that may be indirectly affected were recorded.

Field data sheets were completed for each site to record the key habitats and species, the exact location of these in relation to the proposed works and photographs to record features of interest. The completed field sheets (one set for habitats and one set for species) are contained within Annex 11.2 and a summary of the habitats and species recorded is provided in Chapter 6. 3.3.5 Assessment

The assessment was undertaken to mirror the HDA process as far as practicable. Initially a Screening Assessment was undertaken of all the sites of European importance for nature conservation to determine whether the Project is likely to have any significant effects on them. This assessment was based on:

• a review of the activities associated with the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of the TAP scheme and determination of the effects and the areas over which they would be effective;

• a review of other existing and proposed developments in the area;

• a review of the European sites present in the area surrounding TAP and their qualifying interests; and

• the sensitivities / vulnerabilities of those European sites to the effects resulting from TAP and other developments.

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Of the six sites reviewed at the screening stage; where it was deemed that the Project could have a likely significant effect or it couldn’t be concluded that there will be no likely significant effect; those sites were taken forward to the next stage of assessment, that equivalent to ‘Appropriate Assessment’. The criteria against which the assessment was made were broadly similar to those used in the screening assessment described above. This assessment comprised a more detailed investigation of the effects, and consideration of any mitigation options and their likely success.

The review of project activities likely to result in impacts on the sites of importance for nature conservation is presented in Chapter 4. The description of the sites and their ‘Qualifying Interests’ is set out in Chapters 5 and 6. 3.3.5.1 Evaluation of Significance

Due to the status of Albania outside of the EU and the limited amount of detail available for species and habitats in Albania even for candidate Emerald sites or nationally designated areas, the criteria from which habitats and species were assessed were broader than would normally be applied for a standard Appropriate Assessment within the EU. These criteria have been expanded in the chapter below and for the full criteria used to evaluate habitat and species sensitivity / vulnerability Annex 11.4 should be examined. 3.3.5.2 Habitats

The significance of potential impacts to habitats has been evaluated taking into account the following factors:

• The magnitude of both positive and negative effects, as determined by intensity, frequency and by the effect extent in space and time;

• The vulnerability/sensitivity of the habitat or species (receptor) to the change caused by the development;

• Its ability to recover, considering both fragility and resilience;

• The value, in nature conservation and ecological terms, of affected receptors including species, populations, communities, habitats and ecosystems. 3.3.5.3 Vulnerability / Sensitivity Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems

Criteria used to establish the quality and importance of habitats within Albania included the criterion as set out in Table 1 in Annex 11.4. As it has already been established that each of the sites discussed within this document have been designated the evaluation criteria must now establish which habitats within the designated site are of importance and for what reason. As identified above for designated sites in Albania this identification of key habitats cannot be limited to EU habitats and must include others as listed in the criteria set out below.

These criterion were used together to establish whether habitat was of Low, Medium or High importance / quality. These criteria are set out in full within Annex 11.4.

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3.3.5.4 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats / Ecosystems

Magnitude of impact is a combination of several factors, including:

• the spatial extent over which the impact is experienced;

• the duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;

• the degree to which habitat fragmentation occurs;

• whether it is total loss to Project footprint or temporary occupation that can be remedied;

• for other physical changes (eg to the hydrological cycle), the extent of the change; and

• the size of the footprint in the context of the wider area of habitat that exists.

For accidental events such as an explosion, the likelihood of the event actually happening is part of the magnitude. Box 3.3-1 Magnitude Criteria for Habitats/Ecosystems

Large Magnitude Impact: the Project (either on its own or together with other projects) may adversely affect the integrity of a habitat, by substantially changing in the long term its ecological features, structures and functions, across all or most of its area, that enable it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or population levels of species that makes it important.

Medium Magnitude Impact: the habitat’s integrity will not be adversely affected in the long term, but the effect is likely to be significant in the short or medium term to some, if not all, of its ecological features, structures and functions. The habitat may be able to recover, through natural regeneration and restoration, to its state at the time of the baseline study.

Small Magnitude Impact: neither of the above applies, but some minor impacts of limited extent, or to some elements of the habitat, are predicted but the habitat will readily recover through natural regeneration.

3.3.5.5 Habitat Mapping and Classification

Habitats have continued to be mapped and classified using layers produced as part of the ESIA (Annex 4.1 - Environmental Field Survey Map). This has been to maintain consistency between the ESIA and the HDA and to maintain the scale of habitat classification within the 200 m corridor and the 38 m working strip. Where additional micro-classification of habitats has been possible, these habitats have also been included within the assessment in Table 7.3-2, Table 7.3-4 and Table 7.3-6 in Chapter 7.3 Residual Impacts and their locations have been presented (see Annex 11.2 – Environmental Field Survey Map). No additional mapping of new habitats has been undertaken as part of this HDA.

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3.3.5.6 Species

The significance of potential impacts to fauna has been evaluated taking into account the following factors:

• the magnitude of both positive and negative effects, as determined by intensity, frequency and by the effect extent in space and time;

• the vulnerability/sensitivity of the species (receptor) to the change caused by the development;

• its ability to recover, considering both fragility and resilience;

• the value, in nature conservation and ecological terms, of affected receptors including species, populations, communities, habitats and ecosystems. 3.3.5.7 Species Sensitivity / Vulnerability Criteria

Species sensitivity / vulnerability criteria are set out in Table 2 Annex 11.4 and reflect similar criteria to those used as part of the main assessment.

Magnitude Criteria for Species

The Magnitude of impact is a combination of several factors, including:

• the spatial extent over which the impact is experienced;

• the extent to which habitat relied upon by the species is impacted (as evaluated under ‘Habitats’ above);

• the population or proportion thereof affected;

• the duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;

• the magnitude of the aspect (noise, light, number of vehicle movements);

• the size of the footprint in the context of the wider range over which a species lives;

• the scale of change induced eg to water quality; and

• the extent to which a new physical or chemical feature is introduced to the environment, eg. the size of a structure or the toxicity of a chemical.

Criteria that have been used to assess the magnitude of ecological impacts (based on Duinker and Beanlands, 1986) are presented below.

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Box 3.3-2 Magnitude Criteria

• A Large Magnitude Impact affects an entire population or species in sufficient magnitude to cause a decline in abundance and /or change in distribution beyond which natural recruitment (reproduction, immigration from unaffected areas) will not return that population or species, or any population or species dependent upon it, to its former level within several generations*. A large magnitude impact to a species may also adversely affect the integrity of a site, habitat or ecosystem. A large magnitude secondary impact may also affect a subsistence or commercial resource use (eg fisheries) to the degree that the well-being of the user is affected over a long term. • A Medium Magnitude Impact affects a portion of a population and may bring about a change in abundance and / or distribution over one or more generations*, but does not threaten the integrity of that population or any population dependent on it. A medium magnitude impact may also affect the ecological functioning of a site, habitat or ecosystem but without adversely affecting its overall integrity. The size of the consequence is also important. A medium magnitude impact multiplied over a wide area will be regarded as large. A short term effect upon the well being of resource users may also constitute a secondary medium impact. • A Small Magnitude Impact affects a specific group of localised individuals within a population over a short time period (one generation* or less), but does not affect other trophic levels or the population itself. • *These are generations of the animal/plant species under consideration not human generations.

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4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The general project description has been outlined above within the Chapter 1.1 Background. Further details of specific project elements which are likely to cause impacts to the designated sites and their qualifying interests are listed below (for further details Section 4 - Project Description from the main ESIA). Exact details are not yet available for all elements of the Project such as the finalised routing of the grid connection for CS03, such details will be updated as and when the information is made available. Without this information some assumptions have been made for this assessment, including the working strip for the grid connections also being 38 m wide. 4.1 Pipeline Construction

The following activities could have a potentially damaging effect on the designated sites which are crossed or located adjacent to the project area in Albania.

Marking and clearance of Working Strip: The width of the area required for pipeline construction (also referred to as the working strip/corridor) will vary according to site-specific conditions. In general, the working strip (including the safety strip) will be 38 m wide with a permanent pipeline protection strip (PPS) maintained which is 8 m wide. Where specific areas of high ecological interest exist the working strip may be reduced to 28 m (Reduced Working Strip) and in areas of ridge modification the working strip will be further reduced to 16 m. Preparation of the working strip will consist on clearing and grading. The clearing will include removal of all structures, trees, bushes, crops and boulders within the working strip made available by the owner. Tree stumps and roots in the trench that will interfere with operation of the trenching machine will also be removed. 4.1.1 Top Soil Stripping

The top soil will be removed within the width of the working strip carefully trying not to demolish the structure of the top-soil using excavators with flat and 2 m / 3 m wide buckets to lift off the topsoil and store it on the side of the working strip. The aim is to prevent compaction of the top soil and keep it aside for reapplication after pipeline installation.

If long term storage of topsoil is required then the soil heaps will be seeded with deep-rooted plants for protection. 4.1.2 Grading

Typically the working corridor is graded by equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders to the width needed for construction (max 38 m) in order to furnish efficient working space for all the crews that will follow. The working corridor will be prepared more or less like an unpaved road. However, the grading will be less than the one needed for a road as construction equipment can negotiate steeper and more uneven terrain than passenger vehicles. The cuts in the graded areas will be kept to a minimum to facilitate restoration of the corridor after the completion of the construction period.

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4.1.3 Trenching

The pipeline trench will be dug to a depth so that above the pipeline a minimum depth of 1.0 m will remain for unhindered traffic passage, agricultural and forest field works without damaging third party cable and pipe. Depths above the pipeline of 1.2 - 1.5 m are foreseen for heavy traffic and in intensive used agricultural fields with deep ploughing and irrigation fields, while depth of 1.5 m will be provided above the pipeline for crossings with rivers, rivulets, streets, roads, industrial and inhabited areas. The width of the trench shall be determined as a function of depth, in order to avoid any instability. It shall enable easy installation of the pipe without damaging the external coating.

The trenching will be done by excavators. Extra ditch depth will be excavated if needed to accommodate the transition of the pipeline at the bottoms and tops of hills, river crossings, road crossings, and railroad crossings. Several excavators will be employed at the same time.

Generally rock will be dug out using a jack-hammer; however, blasting could be necessary in the hardest places if no constraints due to noise or dust generation exist.

It is possible that dewatering of the trench is required if the ground is very wet. Water will be directed to streams, rivers or irrigation ditches and this will be undertaken in agreement with the relevant authorities. 4.1.4 Blasting

Blasting is required in hard terrain, where traditional trenching methods are not effective. It comprises the controlled use of explosives (or other methods such as gas pressure pyrotechnics or plasma processes) to excavate, break down or remove rock. Blasting mats are usually placed on top of the explosions to absorb the energy released and reduce dust and noise generated. 4.1.5 Backfill

Backfill will normally be placed over the pipeline immediately after the pipe section has been lowered into the trench and surveyed. The backfilled material will be compacted in layers. Bulldozers will be used to push stockpiled materials removed from the ditch back into the ditch to cover the pipe. In areas that contain large quantities of rock, selected fill material may be added to put the first layer of cover over the pipe, or special padding machines may be brought in to sieve the rock from the backfill before the latter is used for backfill. Extreme care will be taken with the initial fill to avoid damage to the coating during backfill. After the initial layer of screened material is placed on the pipe, the remaining soil and rock mixture will be returned to the open ditch to complete the backfill.

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4.1.6 River and Stream Crossings

The pipeline route crosses a significant number of rivers along its length within Albania. Stream crossings will generally be undertaken via wet open cut method although at a specified number of key locations other methods will be employed. Wet open cut methods require an open trench through the watercourse. The trench is shaped according to the stability of the soil and is as deep as required to provide the minimum cover for the pipeline after the pipe is installed. The surface (river or stream bed) is then reinstated to its original condition after the trench is backfilled. A principal drawback of the open-cut technique is that in aquatic systems, open cut trenching can generate a pulse of suspended sediment which can reach values that are higher than background concentrations. The flumed and the dam and pump dry open-cut methods are usually less intrusive regarding high sediment concentrations and will be employed at key locations along the pipeline route. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is an alternative technology used for inserting pipelines under sensitive areas and/or infrastructure. Typically HDD provides a stable and virtually maintenance-free crossing method with minimal to no disturbance of the stream or river bed. Geological information about the site is important for success as cohesive soils are ideal for the HDD process whereas large granular material (gravel, cobble, boulders) pose a risk to the process as they are not as stable. If any drilling fluids are used during HDD, there is a risk of spillage and therefore subsequent impacts to surface and groundwater. The use of HDD is currently under review by the design team in Albania and 10 sites are currently being considered for this technique all of which are on the Osumi River or at first tributaries of it.

Adequate protection measures will be implemented to all river and stream crossings, including prevention of instability and erosion of river banks, limitation of driving vehicles through watercourses and interception of run-off from the working corridor and use of sediment barriers (as further expanded in the ESIA Section 4 - Project Description and Section 8 - Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures where mitigation measures are listed). 4.1.7 Clean Up and Restoration

After completion of backfill of a given length of the pipeline, the restoration operation will begin. The removed top soil will be placed back on the working strip. The original contours of the land will be restored as closely as possible. As part of the restoration process, all equipment access crossings will be removed as well. The banks of rivers will be stabilized where necessary, and restored, and progressive rehabilitation will take place with the aim to return the area to its pre- disturbed condition.

Any damages including those to drainage or irrigation system will be reinstated in agreement with the owner; same applies to damages on public roads or agricultural tracks. Agricultural activities such as ploughing and grazing can continue after construction within the 8 m safety strip, however, no planting of trees will be allowed over the pipeline. The pipeline will also be marked so that it can be inspected from the ground and air.

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4.2 Operation and Maintenance

As the pipeline is buried to its full length, no interference with the environment and therefore no impacts are anticipated during normal operation.

With regards to maintenance, the TAP system will be monitored and maintained to ensure that the system, as designed, constructed and tested remains "fit for purpose" throughout the design life as well as minimising environmental and human risk. In general, pipeline surveillance, function checks and condition monitoring will be used to anticipate system problems and allow them to be rectified in a timely manner.

It is not anticipated that there will be significant impact on the biological environment within the designated areas through operation and maintenance through direct project activities. However, it is likely that indirect impacts on the environment as a result of improved access for loggers in the Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope could cause impacts that will extend through the operational phase of the project. 4.3 Decommissioning

At the end of its useful life, the pipeline and associated facilities will be decommissioned safely and with due regard to the environment, and the relevant legislation prevailing at the time of decommissioning. All buildings will be taken down and the sites reinstated. Materials will be recycled where possible.

The pipeline will be pigged, purged and filled with suitable material (e.g. sand) to prevent subsidence when the pipeline collapses and will be left in the ground.

It is not anticipate that there will be any significant impacts on species or habitats within designated areas as part of the decommissioning works. 4.4 Safety and Non-Routine Events

The TAP pipeline system will be transporting natural gas which is a highly flammable and will be transported as a pressurized substance. Due to the high levels of European and international safety standards and established state-of-the-art technology, transportation of natural gas can be considered a highly safe operation. Over the past decades, incidents have been reduced to very low levels through continuous improving of standards and norms and practices for pipeline design and operation and maintenance. This is demonstrated by the following statistical data.

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During the development of the pipeline and its associated infrastructure, the Project has sought to avoid, and minimise risks from non-routine events through pipeline routing and compressor station siting and through the technical design of the system and its components. This has considered Albanian national requirements, European Union standards, best international industry practice and the requirements of EBRD’s PR3 (Pollution Prevention) and PR4 (Community Health Safety and Security) and relevant IFC EHS Guidelines. Through these appraisals and assessments, state-ofthe- art measures have been identified and incorporated into the Project (Section 4 - Project Description of the ESIA).

A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) will be done for the Project following the planning stage to identify non-routine events associated with the operation of the TAP Project.

Measures will be implemented as standard for this project including pipeline integrity protection, pipeline leak detection, compressor station safety, implementation of a spill plan and completion of the detailed QRA. Following these measures it was established that the Project would be within the range of TAP AG’s policy criteria (see ESIA for details).

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5 THE SCREENING PROCESS 5.1 Introduction

During the ESIA, six key sites of European importance for nature conservation in Albania were identified as being potentially affected by the TAP Project (see Figure 5.1-1):

• Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site;

• Karavasta Lagoon ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site;

• Morava ASCI candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope;

• Tomori ASCI candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope;

• Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope;

• Grykederdhja Semanit-Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope.

Figure 5.1-1 Designated and Protected Areas within the vicinity of the TAP Project

Note: Light Blue – candidate Emerald ASCIs; Blue Hatch – CORINE biotope; Green – Nature Reserve, Managed Nature Reserve or National Park.*The updated boundary of the Tomori National Park (from July 2012) is not yet available in GIS to include in this figure. Source: ERM 2012

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As part of the assessment process consultation with the statutory authorities was undertaken on the 8th February 2012 (see Chapter 3.3.3). As part of this consultation exercise all six of the sites listed (as well as nationally protected sites at Bogova and Cangonji) were discussed and the Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site, Karavasta Lagoon ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site and the Cangonji and Bogova Nature Reserves were screened out of requiring a full survey and assessment as ‘no likely significant effect’ was concluded due to their location sufficiently distant from the TAP Project to rule out any significant impacts. In addition, from this consultation process it was confirmed that the boundary of the Tomori candidate Emerald Site had been reviewed and a new boundary would be proposed for June 2012. The new border would be located further north and east (consistenly with the National Park and CORINE Biotope areas), which would mean that it could also be ruled out of any significant impacts from the TAP Project.

For the three sites screened out of the full assessment, additional data was gathered and a high level assessment was made to further qualify the screening outcome. This information is presented in Chapters 5.2 to 5.4 below.

The other three sites are directly affected by the pipeline route. Without further information on the site features and potential impacts on them it could not be concluded at the screening stage that there will be no likely significant effect and therefore following the HDA methodology, ‘Appropriate Assessment’ is required for these sites.

A detailed description of the sites is provided in Chapter 6 and the assessment presented in Chapter 7. 5.2 Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site

Prespa Lake-Mali Thate National Park (ASCI) is part of the Transboundary Prespa Park area which is a high profiled protected area sheared between Greece, FYR Macedonia and Albania. The Prespa Park region is considered an ecological entity of global significance, and has been characterised as one of Europe’s 24 major transboundary “ecological bricks”. However, Prespa Lake-Mali i Thate ASCI and National Park is neither directly nor indirectly to be impacted by the TAP Project. Boundaries of the ASCI and Prespa Lake national park fall closest at 3.1 km from the TAP Project at Kp 19. The literature review and the previous surveys on large carnivores (brown bear [Ursus arctos], wolf [Canis lupus] and lynx [Lynx lynx]) suggest, that there is no evidence of an existing bio-corridor between Morava Mountain and Mali i Thate, which might be interrupted by the construction of the pipeline.

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Figure 5.2-1 Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate Designated Areas

Source: ERM and MoEFWA 2012

As most of the pipeline route passes through agriculture land (mosaic agriculture fields cultivated with annual and perennial crops, orchards and vineyards), impacts such as indirect effects on species through barrier effects, fragmentation etc, for species within this site or for those species moving between Mali i Thate and Morava (if this does occur) will be temporary and negligible or minor. It was concluded that there is no likely significant effect. 5.3 Karavasta Lagoon ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site

Karavasta Lagoon-Ramsar Site and ASCI is situated between the estuaries of Semani and Shkumbin Rivers. In 2008 the border of Divjaka-Karavasta National Park area was further extended in the south, including the north part of Semani estuary. This complex is one of the largest and most important lagoon systems in Albania and is also important in a regional context. It contains a number of habitat types and regularly supports high numbers and a wide diversity of waterfowl. It is also the only nesting site of the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) along the coastal area of Albania.

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Figure 5.3-1 Karavasta Lagoon Designated Areas

Source: ERM and MoEFWA 2012

The location of the Karavasta Lagoon candidate Emerald site / Ramsar Site is at its closest 3 km from the TAP Project area at the landfall, the ecological integrity of the Karavasta lagoon and Ramsar site will therefore not be affected directly or indirectly by the TAP, both during construction and operation phase. During the breeding season (February-July) the dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) (one of the qualifying interests of the Ramsar site) remain at Karavasta and do not use any of the local lagoons located north and south of the Pipeline route (lagoon of Gjemise and lagoon of Petriti). In addition, there is no usage outside of the breeding

Page 36 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Document Title: Rev.: 01 / at07 Assessment Report season, during dispersal, as these two small and shallow lagoons, do not provide suitable habitat for pelicans. Other species associated with Karavasta Lagoon may use local lagoons to the pipeline as well as the foreshore (as observed with passage migrant species such as Charadrius alexandrines being located on the foreshore). However, it is unlikely that the works which will be temporary in nature and will have a minimal footprint will cause significant impacts to species even if some do utilise lagoons close to the project area. It was therefore concluded that there is no likely significant effect on the site or its qualifying interests. 5.4 Tomori - ASCI candidate Emerald site and CORINE Biotope

This is the most important area in the south continental part of the country in terms of richness of biodiversity. It is the richest site in the country in terms of endemic and subendemic plant species. It supports a variety of habitats: alpine and subalpine pastures and meadows, and pine (Pinus) and beech (Fagus) forests. An important IBA and biocenter for large mammals such as brown bear (Ursus arctos), grey wolf (Canis lupus), and others. Besides its nature, landscape, and scientific values, the area has cultural, historic, and religious values which together offer great opportunities for sustainable tourism/ecotourism development. A small part of this mountain ecosystem was designated as a protected area, Tomori National Park (NP), category II according IUCN (4,000 ha, by the DCM no. 102, dated 15.01.1996). However, in July 2012 the boundary of the current NP was formally extended with the new boundary measuring some 24,723 ha (Decision of the Council of Ministers [DCM], Nr. 472 18.07.2012).

The Emerald network pilot application in Albania (year 2002-2008) has proposed the existing and now updated Tomori NP as a candidate ASCI to be included in the EMERALD ecological network. But, the boundaries of the current designated ASCI of Tomori do not correspond and fully include the existing and updated boundaries of the Tomori NP or that of the Tomorr-Kulmak CORINE Biotope. Following consultation with the MoEFWA from February 2012 and subsequently in October 2012 it has been established that the current boundary for this candidate Emerald site as submitted to the Council of Europe in 2011 will be revised. It is understood that the updated boundary will not be located within the TAP Project area and will be similar, or follow exactly that of the updated National Park boundary. The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) (NEA, 1999) (1) made the proposal to enlarge the existing borders of the Tomori NP from 4,000 ha to 28,000 ha and as stated above this has now happened (although the eventual extent has been reduced slightly).

Figure 5.4-1 below shows the existing Tomori ASCI boundary as submitted to the council of Europe in 2011 as well as the proposed updated ASCI boundary (as provided by the MoEFWA in February 2012) which is largely the same as the newly updated NP boundary. As no GIS layer is currently available for the updated NP boundary, the original NP boundary has been retained and the Tomorr-Kulmak CORINE Biotope has also been included. It is clear from this figure that once the Tomori ASCI boundary is updated that the TAP Project will not be located within any of the

1) National Environment Agency (1999) Convention on Biological Diversity, Albania National Report, Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP)

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Figure 5.4-1 Tomori Protected Areas

Source: ERM 2012

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5.5 Screening Summary

The screening exercise concluded that the Project will have ‘no likely significant effect’ on Prespa Lake-Mali Thate ASCI, Karavasta Lagoon ASCI/Ramsar site and Tomori candidate Emerald site / CORINE Biotope and therefore no further assessment on these sites is required or has been undertaken.

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6 SITES SUBJECT TO FULL ‘APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT’ 6.1 Introduction

There are three sites of European importance for nature conservation that are crossed by the pipeline route. One of the sites is a candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope (Morava) and two are only CORINE Biotopes (Vithkuq – Ostrovice and Grykederdhja Semanit-Pishe Poro). This chapter describes each of the sites in turn, using information gathered from desk study, consultation and field survey. The descriptions provide the baseline upon which the impact assessment can be undertaken. Because the sites are not Natura 2000 sites, they do not have Conservation Objectives as such upon which to base the assessment; however as described in the Approach Section, we have used as far as possible equivalent objectives for the sites in terms of their habitats and species to enable an assessment on integrity of the sites to be undertaken.

This chapter should be read in conjunction with the datasheets presented in Annex 11.3 which show the data collected from each survey point examined as part of the HDA study. In addition the ESIA baseline as presented in Section 6 - Environmental, Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Baseline as well as Annex 4 - Baseline Maps and Photographic Reports of the ESIA should also be examined.

It should be noted that habitats identified during the ESIA surveys as well as during the HDA surveys are both presented in this chapter as per Chapter 3.3.5.5. 6.2 Morava ASCI candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope 6.2.1 Key Components of the Morava Designated Site

Morava is a mountain of moderate height (c 1800 m) that represents an extension of Gramoz Mountain range (c 2500 m) towards the north, between Korca plain and Devolli plain. On Morava mountain three protected areas are designated: Cangonji Managed Nature Reserve (MNR, category IV according to IUCN management categories, designated by the Regulation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, No.1, dated 27.07.1977, with a size of 250 ha), Drenova’s Fir National Park (NP, category II by IUCN, designated by the DCM no. 96, dated 21.11.1966, with a surface of 1,380 ha), and Nikolica Landscape Protected Area (LPA, category V by IUCN, designated by DCM No.102, dated 15.01.1996, having a size of 510 ha). Few other Nature Monuments (NM) sites are located within the Morava Mountain.

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Figure 6.2-1 Morova candidate Emerald Site

Note: The CORINE site boundary and that of the Nationally Protected Areas can be seen in Figure 5.1 for further details. Source: ERM 2012

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Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan-Albania of 1999 (NEA, 1999) proposed that Cangonji Managed Nature Reserve (MNR) (IUCN Category IV) along with other exiting protected areas such as Drenova’s Fir NP (IUCN Category II), and Nikolica LPA be put together under one enlarged protected area (cc 30,000 ha), named “Cangonj – Drenova’s Fir –Nikolice – Gramoz”, having the status of Landscape Protected Area (category V according to IUCN). This would be a Transboundary Protected Area of particular importance for exchanging floristic and faunistic elements between Albania and Greece, particularly for large carnivores, such as bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus). Studies conducted by ARCTUROS, Greece, by the use of telemetry (radio-tracking) have made evidence of the use of this Transboundary area (Gramoz- Morava-Germenj-Shelegure) by bears which was confirmed by direct consultation conducted by ERM in 2011 and field evidence recorded directly on the border. Mixed high forests (1) of beech (Fagus sylvatica), fir (Abies alba), black pine (Pinus nigra), and oak (Quercus sp.div) provide important habitats for large carnivores, large ungulates (wild boar [Sus scrofa], roe deer, [Capreolus capreolus]) and bird communities linked with old growth forests such as woodpeckers (Order Piciformes), nuthatches (Sitta europaea), tits (Parus spp.), etc. Many subendemic and rare plant taxa occur in this area. The landscape is open and attractive with great potential for tourism and sustainable development projects.

In the context of CORINE Biotope pilot application in Albania (year 1999-2001), the proposed landscape protected area “Cangonj – Drenova’s Fir –Nikolice – Gramoz” or Morava LPA was identified and included as a CORINE Biotope.

Under EMERALD network pilot application in Albania (year 2002-2008), the entire Morava Mountain was proposed as ASCI (Area of Special Conservation Interest), and is currently enlisted as a candidate EMERALD site for Albania.

The existing protected area that is located close to the pipeline route and might be impacted by the TAP Project is the Cangonji MNR (see Figure 5.1-1 and Annex 11.1 Map 1-2). This reserve is situated at the foothill of Morava Mountain, North-East, 17 km away from Korca city and 10 km away from Bilishti town. The size of the Cangonji MNR is about 250 ha. Geomorphologically, it is situated on gentle slopes, and surface waters are drained in the main stream that forms the southern border of the Managed Nature Reserve.

Oak (Quercus) woodland in the MNR of Cangonj is natural by its origin, while other tree species, such as black pine (Pinus nigra), chestnut (Castanea) and poplar (Populus), are planted / introduced here. During the first years of ’90s MNR Cangonji was damaged by human activity, but since then the situation has gradually improved due to Forestry Service of Bilisht, which is in charge of administrating the Reserve.

(1)High Forest is a term that is used to categorize forest grown from seed, natural grown forest. It tends to consist of a multi structured forest with all ages from young saplings all the way to veteran trees. This is an accepted term under the heading of ‘Forest’ in the EU Habitats Interpretation Manual (July 2007) - European Commission DG Environment Nature and biodiversity.

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6.2.1.1 Habitats

The pipeline route through the Morava site (Proposed Emerald site and proposed landscape protected area) starts at agriculture land of Eçmenik village, continuing its way along the Devolli field nearby Piluri, Vranisht and Cangonji villages (see Figure 6.2-1). Nearby Cangonji village it turns to the southwest, continuing its way along the Korça field and ends up at agriculture land of Zemblaku village (Zoo-013). Most of the pipeline goes through agriculture land that is divided by a great number of landowners each owning small pieces of land. Only a small portion of the corridor goes through forest (some Pine forests planted on slopes prone to erosion just to stabilise landslides) and shrublands that have been transferred recently to Communes of the Cangonji and Zemblak villages. In some sections it crosses apple plantations and vineyards, most of them recently planted upon abandoned croplands. Some degraded scrubs, grasslands and plantation of black pine (Pinus nigra) are found in the hilly area between Cangonji and Zemblaku villages (see Figure 6.2-2). These habitats are not representing the key habitats and core area of the Morava ASCI and CORINE Biotope site, and thus the TAP Project will not pose any threat to ecological integrity of the site. The study area ranges in altitude from 837.2 m to 900 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Figure 6.2-2 Habitat within Morova site close to Zemblaku

Source: HDA Field Survey (April 2012)

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The European habitats and species of European importance present within the site form the equivalent to ‘Qualifying Interests’ for the purposes of this assessment. They are described in the following chapters. Table 6.2-1 List of Habitat Types including those of Annex I Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) occurring in Morava.

EU Habitat Code Definition

8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation

6520 Mountain Hay Meadow

6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis)

72A0 Reed beds (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea)

9170 Oak-hornbeam forests (Galio-Carpinetum)

9530 *(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines (Pinus nigra)

N/A- **Agricultural lands

The sign '*' indicates priority habitat types; '**' indicates non European habitat.

Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (EU Habitat Code: 8220).

This habitat is represented by a very fragmented and species-poor habitat. Small patches of sparse plant cover on eroded slopes, rocky outcrops and stony places with a specialised flora is the prevailing land cover for this habitat. Most areas of bare rock within the study area are a result of loss of the original vegetation cover and are indicative of advanced degradation and erosion. Large areas of this habitat type are actively eroding and support a very limited vegetation cover. The most heavily eroded areas are those situated in the segment between Cangonji and Zemblak villages. The most common species of these habitats are Juniperus oxycedrus, Stachelina uniflosculosa, Pyrus pyraster, etc. This habitat is generally species poor with low vegetation cover due to the specific ecological conditions. As a consequence, the botanical value of the vegetation and habitats encountered within the study area is low.

Moutain Hay Meadow (EU Habitat Code: 6520).

Some areas of former agriculture land near the villages of Cangonj, Zemblak, which were abandoned 15 - 20 years ago, now support a semi-natural assemblage of species. These areas support a less varied flora than lowland natural grasslands and are often subject to intensive grazing or mowing for livestock feed. Generally, the grasslands are dominated by Chrysopogon gryllus, accompanied by Alyssum alyssoides, Bromus erectus, Avenula pratensis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Trisetum flavescens, Pimpinella major, Centaurea jacea, Crepis biennis, Knautia arvensis, and Tragopogon pratensis.

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Oak-Hornbeam Forests (Galio Carpinetum) (EU Habitat Code: 9170).

This habitat type, generally dominated by Carpinus orientalis, extends in a small part of this area close to the Cangonji village (WP Bot-009). A strong human impact is associated with this habitat as a result of cutting, intensive grazing, and deforestation. The present state and structure of this habitat is a result of the increased anthropogenic pressures.

The dominant species of this habitat type are: Carpinus orientalis, Corylus avellana, Castanea sativa, Pinus nigra, Ostrya carpinifolia, Quercus cerris, Quercus trojana, Juniperus oxycedrus, J. communis, Rubus ulmifolius, Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Acer campestre, A. platanoides, Aremonia agrimonoides, Athyrium filix-femina, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Carpinus betulus, Convallaria majalis, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Dactylis glomerata, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Luzula luzuloides, Melica uniflora, Mercurialis perennis, Mycelis muralis, Poa nemoralis, Potentilla micrantha, Rubus ulmifolius, Sanicula europaea, etc.

Forests that are generally less than 2 m high and less than 10 years old dominate much of area of this type of habitat. The vegetation is dominated by common plant species typical of disturbed forest, with low plant species diversity and is frequent throughout Albania. The biodiversity value of the vegetation and habitats encountered within the site is generally low, due to the low plant species diversity and the absence of species that are considered rare in a local or national context.

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Figure 6.2-3 Galio Carpinetum Oak-Hornbeam

Source: HDA Field Survey (April 2012)

*(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines (Pinus nigra) (EU Habitat Code: 9530).

In a small part of the study area near Cangonji village, mainly in slopes very exposed to erosion, are evident fragments of Mediterranean pine forest cultivated 30 years ago with dominant species black pine (Pinus nigra) (WP Bot-011). This habitat type represents a priority European natural habitat (habitat types in danger of disappearance and whose natural range mainly falls within the territory of the European Union; Annex I, Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, O.J. L206, 22.07.92].

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Several shrubs and herbs are often associated with this forest. Shrubby store is represented by Juniperus communis, Rubus ulmifolius, Crataegus monogyna, Carpinus orientalis, Corylus avellana, Castanea sativa, Quercus cerris, Quercus trojana Buxus sempervirens, Juniperus oxycedrus, Acer obtusatum, Fraxinus ornus and Ostrya carpinifolia. The herb flora is relatively rich, e.g. Euphorbia amygdaloides, Pteridium aqualinum, Bellis perennis, Agrimonia agrimonoides, Mercurialis perennis, Andropogon ischaemum, Arum italicum, Marrubium vulgare, etc. These very open forests are damaged and in very bad condition as a result of timber harvesting, which results in areas dominated by plants such as: Carpinus orientalis, Stachelina uniflosculosa, Euphorbia spinosa, etc. Coniferous forests dominated by black pine are quite frequent throughout Albanian territory and generally represent forests with low plant species diversity.

Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) (EU Habitat Code: 6510).

The lowland hay meadows cover a small part of the study area on hills close to the Cangonji village (WP Bot-010). They were very widely distributed in the past in Albania. Many of them are already destroyed: turned into arable land, built up or transformed into pastures as a result of heavy grazing, etc. As a result of the political-economic changes in the country, grazing has been almost completely terminated, and many fields have been abandoned. Consequently the meadows have been restored but they do not have the same qualities as the primary meadows. During most of the vegetation period the soils are moderately humid but during the second half of the summer, these localities become very dry. The anthropogenic pressure has significant impact on the composition and structure of the vegetation of the lowland hay meadows. In most cases they are of secondary origin. More often these meadows are also used as pastures throughout most of the vegetation period and this also reflects in the species composition. The dominant grass species are Alopecurus pratensis, Elymus repens, Festuca pratensis, Deschampsia caespitosa, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Briza media, Bromus racemosus, Campanula patula, Centaurea jacea, Crepis biennis, Cynosurus cristatus, Daucus carota, Filipendula vulgaris, Gratiola officinalis, Holcus lanatus, etc.

Most of the species that participate in the lowland hay meadows have good forage qualities. Grazing has direct impact on the plants and indirectly on the species composition through the manure. But a worse impact is trampling and seeds from ruderal plants that deteriorates the quality of the meadow. Among ruderals and weeds the most frequent are Rubus ulmifolius, Apera spica-venti, Bromus hordeaceus, Daucus carota, Carduus nutans, Cichorium intybus, Echium italicum.

These areas support a less varied flora than lowland natural grasslands and are often subject to intensive grazing or mowing for livestock feed. The botanical value of the habitats encountered within the site is low.

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Figure 6.2-4 Lowland Hay Meadows

Source: HDA Field Survey (April 2012)

Reed beds (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea) (EU Habitat Code: 72A0).

The most important centres of this habitat type of the Morava area are: Bot-002, Bot-003, Bot- 005, Bot-008 (02.04.2012). In total they cover a very small area. The formation of reed-beds is more wide spread growing along the Devolli River, as well as in the bottoms of marshes and drainage channel. High trunk helophytes, such as: Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, Scirpus lacustris, Iris pseudacorus participate in its basal composition. These are more frequently accompanied by the species: Sparganium erectum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Eleocharis palustris, Rorippa amphibia, Oenanthe aquatica, Lycopus europaeus, Lythrum salicaria, Galium palustre, Myosotis scorpioides, Apium nodiflorum, Veronica anagallis-aquatica, Mentha aquatica, Nasturtium officinale, etc. The riparian woodlands are largely dominated by Salix alba, Populus canadensis, P. alba, P. nigra.

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These species-rich habitats add much to the botanical diversity of the study area. Although most of the species recorded are relatively frequent in stream/river habitats elsewhere in Albania, the river and stream vegetation and habitats are, by nature, much more limited in extension than most of the vegetation types. Consequently, river and stream habitats are considered high value environments.

Mixed Mosaic Agricultural Areas

Arable lands are widespread within the study area. The most important crops cultivated in these areas are crops, corn, beans, barley and alfalfa. Horticulture in the study area is mostly represented by Fruit trees (apple trees) and Vineyards. The botanical value of the habitats encountered within the site is low. 6.2.1.2 Species

Natura 2000 listed species in Morava ASCI

No plant species of community interest (Annex II, IV, V), whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation were recorded. Table 6.2-2 Mammal species listed under Natura 2000

C hiroptera (Bats) Carnivora (Carnivores) Rhinolophidae Canidae Rhinolophus blasii Blasius's horseshoe bat *Canis lupus Wolf Rhinolophus euryale Mediterranean horseshoe Ursidae bat Rhinolophus Greater horseshoe bat *Ursus arctos Brown bear ferrumequinum Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser horseshoe bat Mustelidae Vespertilionidae Lutra lutra Eurasian otter Myotis blythii Lesser mouse-eared bat Felidae Myotis myotis Greater mouse-eared bat *Lynx lynx (?) Lynx Myotis capaccinii Long-fingered bat Miniopterus schreibersi Schreiber's bat Note: (?) Listed for Lynx (Lynx lynx) as records have been historically taken within the Morova ASCI area. However it is currently unclear as to whether the site still supports this species which has become extinct from much of its range in Albania. Habitat is still capable of supporting the species so there is still some potential for presence, especially as records are still taken in Macedonia 20 km to the north east. The sign '*' indicates European Priority species.

Table 6.2-3 Nationally threatened Mammal species listed within Morova ASCI

Myotis nattereri (DD) Natterer's bat Meles meles (EN) Badger Canis lupus (VU) Wolf Lynx lynx(?) (CR) Lynx Ursus arctos (VU) Brown bear Felis silvestris (EN) Wildcat Lutra lutra (VU) Eurasian otter Sus scrofa (LRnt) Wild boar Note: (?) See above for Lynx under Mammal species listed under Natura 2000.

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Table 6.2-4 Bird species listed under Natura 2000

Falconiformes (Raptors) Coraciiformes (Near Passerines) Accipitridae Alcedinidae Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle Alcedo atthis Kingfisher Circus cyaneus Hen harrier Coraciidae Circaetus gallicus Short-toed eagle Coracias garrulus European roller Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli’s eagle Piciformes (Woodpeckers) Hieraaetus pennatus Booted eagle Picidae Milvus migrans Black kite Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian woodpecker Pernis apivorus Honey buzzard Dendrocopos leucotos White-backed woodpecker Buteo rufinus Long-legged buzzard Dryocopus martius Black woodpecker Neophron percnopterus Eygptian vulture Dendrocopos medius Middle spotted woodpecker Falconidae Passeriformes (Passerines) Falco naumanni Lesser kestrel Alaudidae Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Lullula arborea Wood lark Galliformes (Gamebirds) Motacillidae Tetraonidae Anthus campestris Tawny pipit Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie Laniidae Phasianidae Lanius collurio Red-backed shrike Alectoris graeca Rock partridge Sylvinae Strigiformes (Owls) Hippolais olivetorum Olive tree warbler Strigidae Sylvia nisoria Barred warbler Bubo bubo Eagle owl Muscicapinae Ficedula albicollis Collard flycatcher Emberizidae Emberiza hortulana Ortolan bunting

Table 6.2-5 Nationally threatened Bird species listed within Morova ASCI

Accipiter gentilis (VU) Goshawk Falco peregrinus (VU) Peregrine falcon Accipiter nisus (EN) Sparrowhawk Tetrao urogallus (CR) Capercaillie Aquila chrysaetos (EN) Golden eagle Bonasa bonasia (CR) Hazel grouse Circus cyaneus (EN) Hen harrier Phasianus colchicus (CR) Common Pheasant Circaetus gallicus (VU) Short-toed eagle Bubo bubo (CR) Eagle owl Hieraaetus fasciatu (EN) Bonelli’s eagle Tyto alba (VU) Barn owl Hieraaetus pennatu (EN) Booted eagle Coracias garrulus (CR) European roller Milvus migrans (EN) Black kite Dendrocopos leucotos White-backed woodpecker (LRlc) Pernis apivorus (EN) Honey buzzard Dryocopus martius (LRlc) Black woodpecker Buteo rufinus (CR) Long-legged buzzard Sitta europaea (LRnt) Eurasian nuthatch Buteo buteo (VU) Buzzard Loxia curvirostra (DD) Common crossbil Neophron percnopterus Eygiptian vulture Hippolais olivetorum (DD) Olive tree warbler (VU) Falco naumanni (VU) Lesser kestrel Emberiza hortulana (DD) Ortolan bunting

Table 6.2-6 Reptile species listed under Natura 2000

Chelonia (Turtles/Tortoises) Ophidia (Snakes) Testudinidae Colubridae Testudo hermanni Hermann’s tortoise Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined snake Emydidae Emys orbicularis European pond terrapin

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Table 6.2-7 Nationally threatened Reptile species listed within Morova ASCI

Testudo hermanni (LRnt) Hermann’s tortoise Emys orbicularis (LRnt) European pond turtle Elaphe quatuorlineata (CR) Four-lined snake

Table 6.2-8 Amphibians species listed under Natura 2000

Caudata (Salamandars) Anura (Frogs/Toads) Salamandridae Discoglossidae Triturus cristatus Great crested newt Bombina variegata Yellow-bellied toad

Table 6.2-9 Fish species listed under Natura 2000

Cypriniformes (Ray-finned Fish) Cyprinidae Alburnus albidus Italian bleak

Table 6.2-10 Invertebrate species listed under Natura 2000

Insecta (Insects) Lepidoptera Coleoptera Euphydryas aurinia Marsh Fritillary Cerambyx cerdo Great Capricorn beetle Lycaena dispar Large copper Lucanus cervus Stag beetle *Rosalia alpina Rosalia longhorn beetle The sign '*' indicates European Priority species. Table 6.2-11 Nationally threatened invertebrate species listed within Morova ASCI

Cerambyx cerdo (EN) Great Capricorn beetle Rosalia alpina (CR) Rosalia longhorn beetle Lucanus cervus (LRlc) Stag beetle Euphydryas aurinia (VU) Marsh Fritillary

Bern listed species in Morava ASCI

The same as Natura 2000 species.

Nationally Protected Species

All nationally threatened animal species listed above, except for fish species, are protected by national law. Among all the observed plant taxa, 4 species, or 1.1 %, are included in the group of species of national conservation concern that are protected by National Legislation. These species are presented in the table below. All threatened species present in the Morava site are classified as Endangered (2 species) and Vulnerable (2 species). These groups of species present within the study area are widely and commonly occurring species within Albania which have become threatened by over collecting or by unsustainable levels of collecting for traditional herbal remedies. All of them are associated with belts of forest and shrublands of the study area Z-009.

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Table 6.2-12 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species in Morava site

Nr. Latin name Common Location Family name Distribution Threat name status (National status)

1 Hypericum Perforate St. John’s Bot-009, Bot-010, Guttiferae Paleotemp. EN perforatum Wort Bot-011 2 Juniperus Prickly Juniper Bot-009, Bot-010, Cupressaceae Eurimedit. VU oxycedrus Bot-011 3 Juniperus Common Juniper Bot-009, Bot-010, Cupressaceae Circumbor. VU communis Bot-011 4 Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram Bot-009, Bot-010, Lamiaceae Eurasiat. EN Bot-011

6.2.2 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint and 200 m Corridor

The previous chapter described the habitats and species of European importance that are found within the Morava site as a whole. This chapter describes those features that are present within 200 m of the proposed pipeline corridor as well as within the footprint of other project elements and thus have the potential to be affected by the works. For further details along the pipeline route Annex 11.3 Survey Data Sheets should be looked at. Table 6.2-13 Habitat and Species within the Project Footprint in Morava site

Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Habitat (those identified within the ESIA habitat classification) 8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Pipeline 6520 Moutain Hay Meadow Pipeline Habitats (micro-classification from HDA survey) Pipeline 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) Pipeline 72A0 Reed beds (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea) Pipeline 9170 Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests Pipeline 9530 *(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines (Pinus nigra) Pipeline - Agricultural lands Pipeline Species Plants (Common Name) Hypericum perforatum St. John’s Wort Pipeline Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly juniper Pipeline Juniperus communis Common juniper Pipeline Origanum vulgare Wild majoram Pipeline Mammals (Common Name) Canis lupus Wolf Pipeline Lutra lutra Eurasian otter Pipeline Meles meles Badger Pipeline Mustela nivalis Weasel Pipeline Martes foina Beech marten Pipeline Vulpes vulpes Red fox Pipeline Erinaceus concolor Eastern European hedgehog Pipeline Crocidura suaveolens Lesser white-toothed shrew Pipeline Crocidura leucodon Bicolour shrew Pipeline Sciurus vulgaris Red squirrel Pipeline

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Glis glis Edible dormouse Pipeline Muscardinus avellanarius Dormouse Pipeline Apodemus sylvaticus Wood mouse Pipeline Apodemus flavicollis Yellow-necked mouse Pipeline Mus macedonicus Macedonian mouse Pipeline Rattus rattus Black rat Pipeline Microtus epiroticus Sibling vole Pipeline Birds (Common Name) Accipiter gentilis Goshawk Pipeline Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk Pipeline Circus cyaneus Hen harrier Pipeline Circaetus gallicus Short-toed eagle Pipeline Milvus migrans Black kite Pipeline Buteo buteo Buzzard Pipeline Falco naumanni Lesser kestrel Pipeline Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Pipeline Falco tinnunculus Common kestrel Pipeline Athene noctua Little owl Pipeline Tyto alba Barn owl Pipeline Actitis hypoleucos Common sandpiper Pipeline Alcedo atthis Kingkisher Pipeline Upupa epops Hoopoe Pipeline Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian woodpecker Pipeline Dendrocopos medius Middle spotted woodpecker Pipeline Lullula arborea Wood lark Pipeline Galerida cristata Crested lark Pipeline Anthus campestris Tawny pipit Pipeline Lanius collurio Red-backed shrike Pipeline Hippolais olivetorum Olive tree warbler Pipeline Emberiza hortulana Ortolan bunting Pipeline Emberiza cirlus Cirl bunting Pipeline Emberiza cia Rock bunting Pipeline Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Pipeline Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Pipeline Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Pipeline Serinus serinus Serin Pipeline Erithacus rubecula Robin Pipeline Passer domesticus House sparrow Pipeline Parus major Great tit Pipeline Parus caeruleus Blue tit Pipeline Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed tit Pipeline Miliaria calandra Corn bunting Pipeline Turdus merula Black bird Pipeline Sturnus vulgaris Common starling Pipeline Columba palumbus Wood pigeon Pipeline Motacilla cinerea Grey wagtail Pipeline Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Pipeline Pica pica Magpie Pipeline Corvus corone Carrion crow Pipeline Corvus cornix Hooded crow Pipeline

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Reptiles (Common Name) Emys orbicularis European pond terrapin Pipeline Testudo hermanni Hermann’s tortoise Pipeline Podarcis muralis Wall lizard Pipeline Podarcis tauricus Balkan wall lizard Pipeline Lacerta viridis European green lizard Pipeline Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined snake Pipeline Vipera ammodytes Horned viper Pipeline Amphibians (Common Name) Bufo bufo Common toad Pipeline Bufo viridis European green toad Pipeline Bombina variegata Yellow-bellied toad Pipeline Rana balcanica Balkan frog Pipeline Rana dalmatina Agile frog Pipeline Salamandra salamandra Fire salamander Pipeline

6.3 Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope 6.3.1 Key Components of the Vithkuq - Ostrovice Designated Site

Vithkuq-Ostrovice is a mountainous area of natural, scientific, aesthetic and landscape value. Linkages with other Protected Areas such as Bredhi Hotoves Dangelli National Park are currently insured through the continuation of natural habitats and ecosystems such as alpine and subalpine pastures and meadows, alpine wetlands, old growth forests of beech (Fagus sylvatica), Pine (Pinus sp). and oak (Quercus sp.). An important area for large mammals, particularly for wild boar (Sus scrofa) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) and supports a number of bird species of European importance including five within the Picidae family.

The BSAP of Albania (NEA, 1999) (1) proposed that some 9,000 ha of this mountain ecosystem be designated as Landscape Protected Area (LPA), Category V according to IUCN management category. This area was presented within a map in the 1999 BSAP. Following this, under the CORINE Biotope project application in Albania (1999-2001) the Vithkuq-Ostrovice site was identified as a CORINE Biotope site even larger at 13,693 ha. However, based on consultations with Biodiversity Protection and Protected Areas administration in the MoEFWA (undertaken in February 2012), there are no plans for the site to be formerly designated as a protected area within the next few years and it has been acknowledged by the MoEFWA that areas of high conservation value currently sit outside the CORINE Biotope area as well as within it.

The pipeline in Vithkuq Ostrovice (CORINE Biotope) site starts at the Mountain range south of Vithkuqi village and runs through juniper (Juniperus communis) formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands, Mountain hay meadows, Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation, Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests, *(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black

(1) National Environment Agency (1999) Convention on Biological Diversity, Albania National Report, Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP).

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Source: ERM 2012 Note: No GIS boundary was ever formerly created for the Landscape Designated Area in 1999 although a figure was produced. This area was 9,000 ha in size and while smaller than the CORINE Biotope it included much of the area eventually included within the CORINE Biotope.

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6.3.1.1 Habitats

Due to the high mountain massifs, complex topography, the highly variable rock substrates, soil types and hydrological conditions a wide range of habitats are found inside the study area.

The European habitats and species of European importance present within the site form the equivalent to ‘Qualifying Interests’ for the purposes of this assessment. They are described in the following chapters. Table 6.3-1 List of Habitat types including those of Annex I Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) occurring in Vithkuq – Ostrovice site (Natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation).

EU Habitat Code Definition

9170 Oak-hornbeam forests (Galio-Carpinetum)

5130 Formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (Juniperus communis)

6520 Mountain hay meadows

8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation

9110 Beech forests (Luzulo-Fagetum)

9530 *(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines (Pinus nigra)

The sign '*' indicates priority habitat types.

Oak-hornbeam forests (Galio-Carpinetum) (EU Habitat Code: 9170)

European Habitats include 9170 Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests. This habitat type, generally dominated by Carpinus orientalis, extends throughout the majority of the study area at an altitude of 500 m to 1.300 m.a.s.l. A strong human impact is associated with this habitat as a result of cutting, intensive grazing, and deforestation of other forest habitats. Beside the direct impact of human activity causing deforestation, this habitat also forms as a result of soil erosion which is an indirect result of deforestation. The dominant species of this habitat type are shrubs, such as Carpinus orientalis, Corylus avellana, Fraxinus ornus, Ostrya carpinifolia, Phillyrea angustifolia, Cotynus coggygria, Paliurus spina- christi, Cercis siliquastrum, Juniperus oxycedrus, Cornus sanguinea, Teucrium polium, Cistus villosus, Colutea arborescens, Coronilla emerus, Rubus ulmifolius, Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, and small trees, such as Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus cerris, Acer obtusatum, A. monspessulanum, etc.

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The main herbaceous species present are: Brachypodium pinnatum, Buglossoides purpurocaerulea, Veronica chamaedrys, Silene vulgaris, Anemone apennina, Trifolium medium, Campanula rapunculus, Mercurialis perennis, Cyclamen hederifolium, Aremonia agrimonoides, Fragaria vesca, Lathyrus venetus, Symphytum tuberosum, Helleborus odorus, Dorycnium hirsutum, Hieracium pilosella, etc.

Forests that are generally less than 3 m high and less than 10 years old dominate much of this type of habitat. The vegetation is dominated by common plant species typical of disturbed forest, with low plant species diversity and is frequent throughout Albania. The biotanical value of this habitat within the designated area is generally low, due to the low plant species diversity and the absence of species that are considered rare in a local or national context, although it does provide valuable habitat for faunal species such as breeding birds.

Formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (Juniperus communis) (EU Habitat Code: 5130).

Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands extend in a small part of this area (Bot-023, 03.04.2012, Long. E 20 34.832; Lat. N 40 30.588). A strong human impact is associated with this habitat as a result of cutting, intensive grazing, and deforestation. This habitat represents the advanced stages of degradation of mixed oak forests. In many cases the vegetation of these habitats is characterized by dominance of Juniperus communis where it forms patches of characteristic physiognomy. Other species with high values of their presence are Pyrus amygdaliformis, Paliurus spina-christi, Daphne oleoides, Rubus ulmifolius, Pteridium aqualinum, Cotinus coggygria, Festuca sp., Quercus cerris, Fraxinus ornus and Sideritis roeseri. In Albania, this habitat type has a very large distribution, however as it is often spread around housing areas of it has been subject to heavy exploitation and has been highly modified by past land-use management practices. Most of the constituent plant species are typical of disturbed habitats. Plant species present in this habitat type are for the most part commonly occurring throughout the country. The value of the vegetation and habitats encountered within the study area is generally low, due to the low diversity of plant species and the absence of species that are considered to be rare in a local or national context.

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Mountain hay meadows (EU Habitat Code: 6520).

Mountain hay meadows are wide-spread all over the Vithkuq Ostrovice area between 1400 and 1800 m alt (WP Bot-020, B-007, B-006). These meadows are of secondary origin, long-term derivative plant communities that have originated on the places of destroyed beech or coniferous forests in the mountains of Vithkuq Ostrovica area. As a result of grazing the development of grass tufts has increased and the meadows are converted into mountain pastures. The differences in the relief characteristics and the intensity of use contribute to the specificity and presence of different plant communities. Mountain hay meadows are characterized by a dense growth of grasses and flowers. No single grass species is consistently dominant. Mountain hay meadows in the forest zone, treeless slopes, and middle elevations of the area constitute the main pasturing grounds for shepherd stock farming. They have as main components different cold resistant grasses, such as Calamagrostis varia, Koeleria splendens, Melica ciliata, Poa bulbosa, Stipa joannis, Potentilla erecta, Luzula luzulina, Hieracium sp., Plantago lanceolata, Taraxacum sp., Achillea millefolium, Marrubium vulgare, Prunella laciniata, Mentha longifolia, Clinopodium vulgare. There are also meadows where the grasses: Arrhenatherum elatius, Alopecurus pratensis, Cynodon dactylon, Trisetum flavescens, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus echinatus dominate the area.

In humid places more frequently and abundantly found species are present such as: Angelica sylvestris, Slachys officinalis, Filipendula ulmaria, Oenanthe silaifoli, Cirsium palustre, Cardamine rapanifolia, Veratrum album and Epilobium montanum.

Mountain hay meadows located on the ridge to the south of Ostrovice Mountain, in the forest limits of Fagus sylvatica, forms low (0.5 m) woody vegetation, with the dominant species the dwarf shrub Juniperus communis ssp. nana which is low-growing or prostrate owing to exposure to high winds or prolonged snow cover. They frequently include small areas of species-rich wetland.

This type of vegetation has a broad extent in Albania. The value of the vegetation and habitats encountered within the study area is medium.

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Figure 6.3-2 Mountain Hay Meadow Habitat

Source: HDA Field Survey (April 2012)

Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (EU Habitat Code: 8210)

Chasmophytic vegetation consists of plant communities that colonize the cracks and fissures of rock faces (WP Bot-032). Of particular interest are the Ostrovica Mountain rocky slopes. This habitat offers a variety of microclimates allowing the establishment of complex vegetation consisting of a mosaic of different communities. The fissures provide a cold humid microclimate where shade-tolerant vascular plants such as Geranium macrorhizum, Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium viride, Ceterach officinarum, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Polystichum lonchitis, Juniperus communis occur. In Albania these habitats cover a large surface area. They are widely occurring throughout and not considered to be of any particular significance, due to the low diversity of plant species and the absence of species that are considered to be rare in a local or national context.

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Beech forests (Luzulo-Fagetum) (EU Habitat Code: 9110).

Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests are developed in the upper forest zone between 1200 and 1800 m above sea level in Albania, with main component element being Fagus sylvatica (WP Bot-019, Bot-021, Bot-022, Bot-024). Most of these forests are of pure or almost pure forest dominated by Fagus sylvatica, rarely accompanied by Pinus nigra and Abies alba. The majority of the Fagus sylvatica forest in the pipeline corridor within the designated site is dominated by trees less than 6 m in height and less than 20 years old as a result of regular management of the woodlands for firewood and livestock fodder. However, stands of mature trees still remain within the forest in the wider area, here ‘High Forest’ is still present and in places the diverse age structure reflects a forest that has never been affected by human activities (B-009).

In this habitat the shrub layer is dominated by Juniperus communis, Fraxinus ornus, Carpinus betulus, Coryllus avellana. Most herbaceous plants populating these forests are typical species of beech forests such as: Asperula odoratum, Agrimonia eupatoria, Geranium macrorrhizum, Asplenium trichomanes, Achillea frasii, Calamintha grandiflora, Poa ursina, Brachypodium sylvaticum. Often the mixing of forest formations with pastures gives the area a high diversity of habitats and high values to the landscape and biodiversity. Broadleaved forest dominated by Fagus sylvatica is, by their nature are intensively managed habitats in Albania. Areas of young broadleaved forest dominated by Fagus sylvatica, which are generally less than 6 m in height and less than 20 years old dominate much of surface of this habitat type.

In Albania these forests cover a large surface area. They are widely occurring throughout and from a botanical perspective are not considered to be of any particular significance, due to the low diversity of plant species and the absence of species that are considered to be rare in a local or national context. Figure 6.3-3 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests

Source: HDA Field Survey April 2012

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*(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines (EU Habitat Code: 9530).)

At an altitude of c. 1300 - 1450 m.a.s.l. (Bot-025, E 20 35.496; N 40 30.276, 1466 m) in Vithkuqi region beech forests are replaced by coniferous forests, dominated by black pine (Pinus nigra). Patches of pure Pinus nigra occur locally. Several deciduous trees and shrubs are found there, including: Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Rubus idaeus, Pteridium aquilinum, Juniperus communis, Quercus cerris, Acer obtusatum, Cornus sanguinea, Cotinus coggygria, Fraxinus ornus, Ostrya carpinifolia, Buxus sempervirens, Daphne oleoides. The herb flora is relatively rich, e.g. Euphorbia amygdaloides, Bellis perennis, Agrimonia agrimonoides, Mercurialis perennis, etc. The evergreen hemiparasite Viscum album is common on Pinus nigra.

It should be noted that this habitat type (EU habitat 9530) represenst a priority European natural habitat (habitat types in danger of disappearance and whose natural range mainly falls within the territory of the European Union; Annex I, Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, O.J. L206, 22.07.92). These forests are damaged and in very bad condition as result of heavy deforestation that can be clearly identified due to the dominant presence of Juniperus communis. In many cases, these areas are very open, with seedlings generally less than 15 years old.

Coniferous forests dominated by black pine represent forests with a very large range in Albania (second greatest range in Albania after beech forest). The vegetation is dominated by common plant species typical of disturbed forest, with low plant species diversity which are frequent throughout Albania. It should also be noted that black pine is often planted in Albania by the forestry services as a means for slope stabilisation (WP B-029) and this practice was observed in the Potom area which has been prone to historic landsliding. 6.3.1.2 Species Natura 2000 listed species in Vithkuq-Ostrovica Only one plant species of community interest (Annex V), whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation were recorded.

Table 6.3-2 Plant species listed under Natura 2000

Name Annex of Habitats Directive Gentiana lutea Yellow gentian V

Table 6.3-3 Mammal species listed under Natura 2000

Chiroptera (Bats) Carnivora (Carnivores) Rhinolophidae Canidae Rhinolophus blasii Blasius's horseshoe bat *Canis lupus Wolf Rhinolophus euryale Mediterranean horseshoe Ursidae bat Rhinolophus Greater horseshoe bat *Ursus arctos Brown bear ferrumequinum Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser horseshoe bat Mustelidae Vespertilionidae Lutra lutra Eurasian otter Myotis blythii Lesser mouse-eared bat Felidae

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Chiroptera (Bats) Carnivora (Carnivores) Myotis myotis Greater mouse-eared bat *Lynx lynx? Lynx Myotis capaccinii Long-fingered bat Artiodactyla (Even-toed ungulates) Myotis emarginatus? Geoffroy’s bat Bovidae Miniopterus schreibersi Schreiber's bat Rupicapra rupicapra Balkan chamois balcanica Note: (?) Listed for Lynx (Lynx lynx) as records have been historically taken within the Vithkuq-Ostrovice area. However it is currently unclear as to whether the site still supports this species which has become extinct from much of its range in Albania. The sign '*' indicates European Priority species. Table 6.3-4 Nationally threatened Mammal species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope

Canis lupus (VU) Wolf Felis silvestris (EN) Wildcat Ursus arctos (VU) Brown bear Sus scrofa (LRnt) Wild boar Lutra lutra (VU) Eurasian otter Capreolus capreolus (VU) Roa deer Meles meles (EN) Badger Rupicapra rupicapra (VU) Chamois Lynx lynx? (CR) Lynx Dryomys nitedula (DD) Forest dormouse Note: (?) See above for Lynx under Mammal species listed under Natura 2000. Table 6.3-5 Bird species listed under Natura 2000 Falconiformes (Raptors) Coraciiformes (Near-Passerines) Accipitridae Coraciidae Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle Coracias garrulous European roller Circaetus gallicus Short-toed eagle Piciformes (Woodpeckers) Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli’s eagle Picidae Hieraaetus pennatus Booted eagle Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian woodpecker Milvus migrans Black kite Dendrocopos leucotos White-backed woodpecker Pernis apivorus Honey buzzard Dryocopus martius Black woodpecker Neophron percnopterus Eygptian vulture Dendrocopos medius Middle spotted woodpecker Falconidae Passeriformes (Passerines) Falco naumanni Lesser kestrel Alaudidae Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Lullula arborea Wood lark Falco vespertinus Red-footed falcon Melanocorypha calandra Calandra lark Falco columbarius Merlin Motacillidae Galliformes (Game birds) Anthus campestris Tawny pipit Phasianidae Laniidae Alectoris graeca Rock partridge Lanius collurio Red-backed shrike Strigiformes (Owls) Muscicapidae Strigidae Sylvinae Bubo bubo Eagle owl Hippolais olivetorum Green tree warbler Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars) Sylvia nisoria Barred warbler Caprimulgidae Muscicapinae Caprimulgus europaeus European nightjar Ficedula albicollis Collared flycatcher Emberizidae Emberiza hortulana Ortolan bunting

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Table 6.3-6 Nationally threatened bird species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope

Accipiter gentilis (VU) Goshawk Tetrao urogallus (CR) Capercaillie Accipiter nisus (EN) Sparrowhawk Bonasa bonasia (CR) Hazel grouse Aquila chrysaetos (EN) Golden eagle Bubo bubo (CR) Eagle owl Circus cyaneus (EN) Hen harrier Tyto alba (VU) Barn owl Circaetus gallicus (VU) Short-toed eagle Coracias garrulus (CR) European roller Hieraaetus fasciatus (EN) Bonelli’s eagle Dendrocopos leucotos White-backed woodpecker (LRlc) Hieraaetus pennatus (EN) Booted eagle Dryocopus martius (LRlc) Black woodpecker Milvus migrans (EN) Black kite Sitta europaea (LRnt) European nuthatch Pernis apivorus (EN) Honey buzzard Parus palustris (DD) Marsh tit Buteo buteo (VU) Buzzard Loxia curvirostra (DD) Common crossbill Neophron percnopterus Egyptian vulture Hippolais olivetorum (DD) Green tree warbler (VU) Falco naumanni (VU) Lesser kestrel Emberiza hortulana (DD) Ortolan bunting Falco peregrinus (VU) Peregrine falcon

Table 6.3-7 Reptile species listed under Natura 2000

Chelonia (Turtles/Tortoises) Ophidia (Snakes) Testudinidae Colubridae Testudo hermanni Hermann’s tortoise Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined snake Emydidae Emys orbicularis European pond terrapin

Table 6.3-8 Nationally threatened reptile species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope

Testudo hermanni (LRnt) Hermann’s tortoise Emys orbicularis (LRnt) European pond terrapin Elaphe quatuorlineata (CR) Four-lined snake

Table 6.3-9 Amphibian species listed under Natura 2000

Caudata (Salamandars) Anura (Frogs/Toads) Salamandridae Discoglossidae Triturus cristatus Great crested newt Bombina variegata Yellow-bellied toad

Table 6.3-10 Invertebrate species listed under Natura 2000

Insecta (Insects) Lepidoptera Coleoptera Euphydryas aurinia Marsh fritillary Cerambyx cerdo Great Capricorn beetle Lycaena dispar Large copper Lucanus cervus Stag beetle *Rosalia alpina Rosalia longhorn beetle The sign '*' indicates European Priority species Table 6.3-11 Nationally threatened invertebrate species listed within Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope

Cerambyx cerdo (EN) Great Capricorn beetle Rosalia alpina (CR) Rosalia longhorn beetle Lucanus cervus (LRlc) Stag beetle Euphydryas aurinia (VU) Marsh fritillaryt

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Nationally Protected species All the animal species listed as above are protected by national law. Among the observed plant taxa, 19 species, or 5.2 % of total number, are included in the group of species of national conservation concern that are protected by National Legislation. These species are presented in the Table below.

According to IUCN categories (in a National context), these species are presented as follows: Critically Endangered (CR) 2 species, Endangered (EN) 6 species, Vulnerable (VU) 7 species, and Lower Risk (LR) 4 species. Table 6.3-12 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species in the Vithkuq Ostrovica site

Nr. Latin name Common Location Family name Distribution Threat name status (National Status) 1 Aconitum lamarckii Yellow monks Bot- 019; Bot- Ranunculaceae S-Europ. CR hood 021; Bot- 022; Bot- 024; Bot- 025 (Korça District). Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) 2 Adiantum capillus- Maidenhair Bot- 019; Bot- Adiantaceae Pantropic. VU veneris Fern 021; Bot- 022; Bot- 024; B-025 (Korça District). Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) 3 Agrimonia Common Bot- 019; Bot- Rosaceae Sub-Cosmop. LR eupatoria Agrimony 021; Bot- 022; Bot- 024; Bot- 025 (Korça District). Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) 4 Atropa bella-donna Banewort Bot- 019; Bot- Solanaceae Orof.-Medit. CR 021; Bot- 022; Bot- 024; Bot- 025 (Korça District). Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) 5 Colchicum Meadow Bot- 020 (Korça Liliaceae Europeo-Centr. EN autumnale Saffron District). Bot- 031(Skrapari district) 6 Crataegus Hawthorn Bot- 019; Bot- Rosaceae Balcan. LR heldreichii 021; Bot- 022; Bot- 024; Bot- 025 (Korça District). Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district)

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Nr. Latin name Common Location Family name Distribution Threat name status (National Status) 7 Digitalis lanata Woolly Bot- 019; Bot- Scrophulariaceae Sub-Balcan. LR Foxglove 021; Bot- 022; Bot- 024; Bot- 025 (Korça District). Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) 8 Dryopteris filix-mas Male-Fern Bot- 019 Bot- Aspidiaceae Sub-Cosmop. LR 020 (Skrapari district) 9 Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Bot-020 (Korça Gentianaceae Orof. S.-Europ. EN Gentian District). Bot- 031; Bot- 032; Bot- 033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) (Skrapari district) 10 Hypericum Perforate St. Bot-024; Bot-025 Guttiferae Paleotemp. EN perforatum John’s Wort (Korça District). Bot-033; Bot-034 (Skrapari district) 11 Juglans regia Black Walnut Bot-024; Bot-025 Juglandaceae Eurasiat. EN (Korça District). Bot-033; Bot-034 (Skrapari district) 12 Juniperus Prickly Bot-023 Cupressaceae Eurimedit. VU oxycedrus Juniper 13 Juniperus Common Bot-019; Bot-020: Cupressaceae Circumbor. VU communis Juniper Bot-021; Bot-022; Bot-023, Bot-024; Bot-025 (Korça District). Bot-031; Bot-032; Bot-033; Bot-034 (Skrapari district) 14 Origanum vulgare Wild Bot-023, Bot-024; Lamiaceae Eurasiat. EN Marjoram Bot-025 (Korça District). Bot-033; Bot-034 (Skrapari district) 15 Phyllitis Hart’s tongue Bot-003; Bot-004 Aspleniaceae Circumbor. VU scolopendrium fern (Skrapari district) 16 Salix fragilis Crack Willow Bot-033; Bot-034 Salicaceae Eurosib. VU (Skrapari district) 17 Sambucus nigra Common Bot-019; Bot-020: Caprifoliaceae Europeo-Cauc. VU elder Bot-021; Bot-022; Bot-024; Bot-025 (Korça District). Bot-0033; Bot- 034 (Skrapari district) 18 Sideritis raeseri Mountain tea Bot-020; Bot-022; Lamiaceae Balcan. EN Bot-023 (Korça District). Bot-031; Bot-032; Bot-033; Bot-0034 (Skrapari district) 19 Viscum album Mistletoe Bot-024; Bot-025 Loranthaceae Eurasiat. VU (Korça District).

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The Critically Endangered species present in the study area are yellow monks hood (Aconitum lamarckii) and banewort (Atropa bella-donna), which are distributed mostly in beech forest. Aconitum lamarckii is considered to be very rare within the study area and Atropa bella-donna is threatened by unsustainable levels of collecting for traditional herbal remedies.

The majority of threatened plant species present in the eastern study area are classified either as Endangered (6 species) or Vulnerable (7 species) and are associated with belts of broadleaved beach forest (Fagus sylvatica). The endangered plant species present within the study area are for the most part commonly occurring species within Albania which have become threatened by over collecting. These species include Colchicum autumnale, Gentiana lutea, Hypericum perforatum, Juglans regia, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus communis, Origanum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, Sideritis raeseri. Some of the vulnerable species are not under direct threat but are threatened due to their occurrence in habitats whose biological equilibrium is very sensitive, even to small interventions, such as Salix fragilis. The remaining 4 species are classified as Lower Risk. This category includes mostly sub-endemic or relict species of the Tertiary period. The threats to these species derive mainly from their limited distribution. 6.3.2 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint and 200 m corridor

The previous chapter described the habitats and species of European importance that are found within the Vithkuq Ostrovica site as a whole. This chapter describes those features that are present within 200 m of the proposed pipeline corridor as well as within the footprint of other project elements and thus have the potential to be affected by the works. For further details along the pipeline route Annex 11.3 Survey Data Sheets should be looked at. Table 6.3-13 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint in Vithkuq-Ostrovica

Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Habitat (those identified within the ESIA habitat classification) 8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Pipeline, camp, road 6520 Mountain hay meadows Pipeline, camp, road 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests Pipeline,road 9530 *(Sub-) Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines (Pinus nigra) Pipeline, road 9170 Galio Carpinetum Oak-Hornbeam Forests Pipeline, road Habitats (micro-classification from HDA survey) 5130 Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands Pipeline, road Species Plants (Common Name) Aconitum lamarckii Yellow monks hood Pipeline, road Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Pipeline, road Agrimonia eupatoria Common Agrimony Pipeline, road Atropa bella-donna Banewort Pipeline, road Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron Pipeline, road Crataegus heldreichii Hawthorn Pipeline, road Digitalis lanata Woolly Foxglove Pipeline, road Dryopteris filix-mas Male-Fern Pipeline, road Gentiana lutea Great Yellow Gentian Pipeline, road Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John’s Wort Pipeline, road

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Juglans regia Black Walnut Pipeline, road Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Pipeline, road Juniperus communis Common Juniper Pipeline, road, Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram Pipeline, road Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart’s tongue fern Pipeline, road Salix fragilis Crack Willow Pipeline, road Sambucus nigra Common elder Pipeline, road Sideritis raeseri Mountain tea Pipeline, road Viscum album Mistletoe Pipeline, road Mammals (Common Name) Ursus arctos Brown bear Pipeline, road Canis lupus Wolf Pipeline, road Lutra lutra Eurasian otter Pipeline, road Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica Balkan chamois Pipeline, road Meles meles Badger Pipeline, road Mustela nivalis Weasel Pipeline, road Martes foina Beech marten Pipeline, road Vulpes vulpes Red fox Pipeline, road Felis silvestris Wildcat Pipeline, road Erinaceus concolor Eastern European hedgehog Pipeline, road Crocidura suaveolens Lesser white-toothed shrew Pipeline, road Crocidura leucodon Bicolour shrew Pipeline, road Lepus europaeus European hare Pipeline, road, camp Sciurus vulgaris Red squirrel Pipeline, road Glis glis Edible dormouse Pipeline, road Dryomys nitedula Forest dormouse Pipeline, road Muscardinus avellanarius Dormouse Pipeline, road Apodemus sylvaticus Wood mouse Pipeline, road Apodemus flavicollis Yellow-necked mouse Pipeline, road Apodemus mystacinus Broad-toothed field mouse Pipeline, road Mus macedonicus Macedonian mouse Pipeline, road Microtus epiroticus Sibling vole Pipeline, road Microtus felteni Felten’s pine vole Pipeline, road Capreolus capreolus Roe deer Pipeline, road, camp Sus scrofa Wild boar Pipeline, road Birds (Common Name) Accipiter gentilis Goshawk Pipeline Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk Pipeline Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle Pipeline, road Circaetus gallicus Short-toed eagle Pipeline Milvus migrans Black kite Pipeline Buteo buteo Buzzard Pipeline Falco naumanni Lesser kestrel Pipeline Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Pipeline Falco tinnunculus Red-footed falcon Pipeline Alectoris graeca Rock partridge Pipeline, road Coturnix coturnix Common quail Pipeline Scolopax rusticola Eurasian woodcock Pipeline Athene noctua Little owl Pipeline Bubo bubo Eagle owl Pipeline Upupa epops Hoopoe Pipeline

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Picus viridis Green woodpecker Pipeline Picus canus Grey-headed woodpecker Pipeline Dendrocopus leucotos White-backed woodpecker Pipeline Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian woodpecker Pipeline Dendrocopos medius Middle spotted woodpecker Pipeline Dryocopus martius Black woodpecker Pipeline Lullula arborea Wood lark Pipeline Galerida cristata Crested lark Pipeline Anthus campestris Twany pipit Pipeline Lanius collurio Red-backed shrike Pipeline Hippolais olivetorum Green tree warbler Pipeline Saxicola torquata Stonechat Pipeline Emberiza cirlus Cirl bunting Pipeline Emberiza cia Rock bunting Pipeline Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Pipeline Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Pipeline Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Pipeline Carduelis chloris Greenfinch Pipeline Serinus serinus Serin Pipeline Erithacus rubecula Robin Pipeline Passer domesticus House sparrow Pipeline Parus major Great tit Pipeline Parus caeruleus Blue tit Pipeline Parus palustris Marsh tit Pipeline Parus cristatus Crested tit Pipeline Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed tit Pipeline Miliaria calandra Corn bunting Pipeline Sitta europaea European nuthatch Pipeline Sitta neumayer Western rock-nuthatch Pipeline Turdus merula Blackbird Pipeline Turdus viscivorus Mistle thrush Pipeline Turdus phillomelos Song thrush Pipeline Sturnus vulgaris European starling Pipeline Columba palumbus Wood pigeon Pipeline Cuculus canorus Cuckoo Pipeline Motacilla cinerea Grey wagtail Pipeline Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Pipeline Pica pica Magpie Pipeline Corvus corone Carrion crow Pipeline Corvus cornix Hooded crow Pipeline Corvus corax Raven Pipeline Reptiles (Common Name) Emys orbicularis European pond terrapin Pipeline Testudo hermanni Hermann’s tortoise Pipeline, road Podarcis muralis Wall lizard Pipeline, road Podarcis tauricus Balkan wall lizard Pipeline, road Lacerta viridis European green lizard Pipeline, road Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined snake Pipeline, road Vipera ammodytes Horned viper Pipeline, road, Amphibians (Common Name) Bufo bufo Common toad Pipeline, road

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Bufo viridis Green toad Pipeline, road Bombina variegata Yellow bellied toad Pipeline, road Rana balcanica Balkan frog Pipeline, road Rana dalmatina Agile frog Pipeline, road Rana graeca Stream frog Pipeline, road Rana temporaria Common frog Pipeline, road Salamandra salamandra Fire salamander Pipeline, road Triturus cristatus Great crested newt Pipeline, road Triturus alpestris Alpine newt Pipeline, road Insects (Common Name) Cerambyx cerdo Great Capricorn beetle Pipeline Lucanus cervus Stag beetle Pipeline Rosalia alpina Rosalia longhorn beetle Pipeline, road Euphydryas aurinia Marsh fritillary Pipeline, road Lycaena dispar Large copper Pipeline, road

6.4 Grykedhja Semanit -Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope 6.4.1 Key Components of the Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro Designated Site

The BSAP of Albania (NEA, 1999) (1) proposed that the Grykëderdhja e Semanit Pishë-Poro site be designated as Managed Nature Reserve, Category V according to IUCN management category, as presented within the map within the BSAP. Since production of the BSAP the site has been designated as a CORINE Biotope. The Grykëderdhja e Semanit Pishë-Poro site (existing CORINE Biotope) starts at Bot-055 (Lat. N 40 47.420 and Long. E 19 24.255) represented by * Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus halepensis habitat type which are also present towards the end of the grid connection [B-083]) and runs through abandoned fields. The pipeline then follows the salt marshes, sand dunes towards the landfall area at the seaside. The coastal area represents a relatively narrow transitional zone between sea and land and is characterised by a rich diversity of habitats including: salt marshes, sand dunes, coastal coniferous forest dominated by Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), drainage channels and abandoned agricultural lands. The relationships between these various types of habitats are of great ecological importance. Specific habitat factors in this relatively narrow transitional zone between sea and land include gradients from marine to terrestrial habitats and transition from salt to fresh water.

The dune systems in the study area are considered to be composed of eroding mobile dunes, with a high proportion of bare mobile sand on which only a few species of plant can develop. Much of the coastline within the study area is subject to coastal erosion, with the most important effect being habitat loss. As a result, a number of sand dune plants are now believed to have become extinct in the region due to the destruction of their habitats.

(1) National Environment Agency (1999) Convention on Biological Diversity, Albania National Report, Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP).

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As was done elsewhere in the coastal region of Albania, attempts were made to stabilise the dune system by planting maritime pines (Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea) approximately 30 - 40 years ago, which has had a major impact on much of the dune landscape throughout the area. These forests occupy a small part of the study area, extending parallel to the dune systems. Salt marshes, present in the more sheltered areas of coast, are important for a range of interests. In particular they support a variety of specialist plant communities and associated animals (especially breeding and wintering birds) and often have a high nature conservation interest. The coastal plain behind the coastline consists of reclaimed coastal wetlands which now constitutes poor quality agricultural land and is criss-crossed by drainage channels. These channels are characterised by high species and vegetation richness, which is mainly based on habitat diversity in cross section and periodic disturbances, such as floods. The land between the drainage channels includes cultivated and abandoned fields which contain a large number of opportunistic ruderal species.

The study area ranges in altitude from 0 m to 2 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Most of the land in the construction corridor belongs to the salt marshes and abandoned agricultural lands and plantation pine woodland.

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Figure 6.4-1 Grykedhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope

Source:ERM 2012

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6.4.1.1 Habitats

The European habitats and species of European importance present within the site form the equivalent to ‘Qualifying Interests’ for the purposes of this assessment. They are described in the following chapters. Table 6.4-1 List of Habitat types of Annex I Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) occurring in Grykëderdhja e Semanit Pishë-Poro site (Proposed Managed Nature Reserve and existing CORINE Biotope) (Natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation).

EU Habitat Code Definition 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand

1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi)

1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi)

2110 Embryonic shifting dunes

2270 * Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus halepensis

92D0 Saline tamarisk thickets

72A0 Reed beds (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea)

The sign '*' indicates priority habitat types.

Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand (EU Habitat Code: 1310) Within the study area, Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand is one of the most prevalent habitats mostly in depressions behind sand dunes and low-lying alluvial plains (WP Bot-056, Bot-057). This habitat type is characterised by low plant species diversity, since the flora must be tolerant of salt and anoxic mud substrate. The most common plant in the study area is glasswort (Salicornia europaea), which has worldwide distribution. Glasswort is often the first plant to take hold in a mudflat and begin its ecological succession into a salt marsh. The main other species of this habitat type are: Arthrocnemum fruticosum, Halimione portulacoides, Puccinellia festuciformis, Salicornia europaea, Limonium vulgare, Suaeda maritima, Frankenia pulverulenta, Suaeda splendens, Salsola soda, Parapholis incurva, Hordeum marinum, Sagina maritima, Spergularia marina, Chenopodium spp., Juncus acutus and Juncus maritimus. These plants are tolerant of being covered by salt water for long periods.

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Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) (EU Habitat Code: 1410)

This habitat type also occurs sporadically in low areas behind the dunes (B-079, B-085). These hollows (dune slacks) are often flooded in winter or spring, but the water table remains close to the surface all year long. These conditions are ideal for the development of wet meadows with dominant taxa Juncus acutus, Juncus maritimus and Saccharum ravennae. Regarding salinity, this habitat forms a transitional stage between saltpans with exclusive halophytes and habitats lacking halophytic vegetation. This is because it develops on lighter soils compared to the heavy, loamy-clays of the halophilous scrubs, and as such is less influenced by the underground sea water level and more influenced by the fresh groundwater of winter rains and floods. The vegetation of this habitat is composed of Juncus acutus, Juncus maritimus, Limonium vulgare, Hordeum marinum, Suaeda splendens, Aster tripolium and scattered Tamarix species, but in higher, dryer sites, increased populations of grasses such as Hordeum murinum, Bromus hordeaceus, Lagurus ovatus, Phalaris coerulescens, Polypogon maritimus, prevail and close to the fringes several introduced invasive alien species such as Dittrichia viscosa, can be seen. Figure 6.4-2 Mediterranean Salt Meadow

Source: HDA Field Survey (April 2012)

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Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) (EU Habitat Code: 1420).

The halophilous scrub contains precursor communities of perennial exclusive halophytes (WP Bot-55, Bot-56, Bot-57, B-080). They occur in low sites with very mild or no inclines where the loamy-clay saline soils are influenced by the rise of the water table via capillary action. These communities undergo continuous succession as the plants are able to retain mud with their vegetative parts thus gradually raising the soil level. This process, together with the annual increase of organic matter, alters the water level conditions and allows the colonization of new taxa even in a year-to-year period. Within this habitat type, plant cover alternates with bare ground that, in areas of high salinity, is covered with crystallized salt. The high ecological specialisation of the halophytes results in their presence covering large areas. Characteristic taxa of the halophilous scrub include the cushion-formed (40-50 cm tall) subshrub Sarcocornia fruticosa, and Sarcocornia perennis, Salicornia europaea, Atriplex portulacoides and Puccinellia festuciformis, accompanied by Limonium vulgare, Juncus maritimus, Polypogon maritimus and Hordeum marinum. This habitat type occurs in large area in study area.

Embryonic shifting dunes (Cakiletea maritimae & Ammophiletea) (EU Habitat Code: 2110)

This habitat type includes the low sand dunes of the shoreline (WP Bot-061). These dunes are the first elevations (foredunes) of loose sandy substrate found behind the bare outwash zone of the winter surf and comprise the first evolutionary stage of the sand dune system.

Within this unstable environment pioneer communities develop containing characteristic and diagnostic taxa of the classes: a) Cakiletea, which includes psammo-nitrophilous taxa sporadically grown within the outwash zone and b) Ammophiletea, which includes typical psammophytes (1). Most common are: Cakile maritima, Salsola kali, Xanthium strumarium, Euphorbia peplis, Elymus farctus, Sporobolus pungens, Eryngium maritimum, Cyperus capitatus, Anthemis tomentosa, Ammophila arenaria and Pancratium maritimum.

Habitats of this type are found along the western area of the coast. They extend from the south to the north in a zone of 50-100 m width, and the heights of the sand dunes are ca. 1.5 m. They are often degraded due to the pressure of summer bathers. Indicators of this pressure includes the presence of many invaders from neighbouring disturbed areas or cultivated habitats. Most common are: Anagallis foemina, Trifolium angustifolium, Avena sterilis, Bromus hordeaceus, Hordeum murinum, Juncus conglomeratus, Lagurus ovatus, Silene colorata, Petrorhagia dubia, Cynosurus echinatus, Briza maxima, Erodium cicutarium, Matricaria recutita and Vitex agnus- castus.

(1) Sand growing plants.

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* Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster (EU Habitat Code: 2270)

Wooded dunes with Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) (WP Bot-059, B-083, B-086), occupy part of the study area distributed mainly on sandy dunes and particularly on the southern most extent of the grid connection. In general, they represent relatively young forests, cultivated recently (c. 40 - 50 years ago) in order to stabilize the sandy dunes and protect the agricultural lands. This habitat type represents a priority habitat (2270*) and is dominated by Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea. The shrubby layer is represented by typical Mediterranean species. Main shrub species of this habitat type are: Pistacia lentiscus, Myrtus communis, Phyllirea angustifolia, Periploca graeca, Erica multiflora, Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa, Crataegus monogyna, Cornus mas, Rubus ulmifolius, etc, as well as lianas Periploca graeca, Smilax aspera, Hedera helix etc. The herbaceous vegetation, mainly xerophile, is rare and the most typical representatives are Lagurus ovata, Alkanna tinctoria, Sporobolus pungens, Vulpia fasciculata, etc. These forests constitute the last most evolved phase of the vegetation of sandy dunes. Figure 6.4-3 Wooded Dunes

Source: HDA Field Survey (April 2012)

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Saline tamarisk thickets (EU Habitat Code: 92D0)

This habitat contains the tamarisk species Tamarix dalmatica and Tamarix hampeana thickets (B-080, B-082, B-084). Tamarix species exhibit wide ecological tolerance to their development conditions as they grow on soils of varying humidity and salinity, and form climax communities in wetlands. However, in each case, site parameters define the composition of the stands understory. Within the study area, this habitat has been disrupted in many small thickets due to repeated logging and burning that aimed to extend pasture land. In sites with altitudes lower than sea level, the taxa Juncus maritimus, Polypogon maritimus ssp. maritimus, Limonium vulgare, Hordeum marinum and Phragmites australis are present. In higher areas, Rubus ulmifolius, Pistacia terebinthus and Dittrichia viscosa were observed (WP Bot-060).

Reed beds (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea) (EU Habitat Code: 72A0).

The habitat contains colonies of tall swamp plants growing in still, fresh or semi-brackish water growing along the areas of drainage channel. The banks of drainage channels are covered by water fringe vegetation mostly dominated by thickets of common reed (Phragmites australis), Typha angustifolia, Scirpus maritimus, Schoenus nigricans, Tamarix dalmatica, Juncus acutus, Carex distans, Saccharum ravennae (WP Bot-060).

Abandoned fields. A large area in the in Grykëderdhja e Semanit Pishë-Poro site (Proposed Managed Nature Reserve and existing CORINE Biotope) represents former agriculture land that has been abandoned for many years (sandy salted soils) invaded mostly by alien invasive species Dittrichia viscosa and a large number of opportunistic ruderal species. Other species observed are: Lagurus ovatus, Trifolium nigriscens, Scirpus holoschoenus, Bellis perennis, Rubus ulmifolius, Schoenus nigricans, Teucrium polium, Alkanna tinctoria and Arundo donax (along the irrigation channel).

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6.4.1.2 Species

Natura 2000 listed species

No plant species of community interest (Annex II, IV, V), whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation were recorded. Table 6.4-2 Mammal species listed under Natura 2000

Chiroptera (Bats) Carnivora (Carnivores) Rhinolophidae Mustelidae Rhinolophus euryale Mediterranean horseshoe Lutra lutra Eurasian otter bat Vespertilionidae Myotis blythii Lesser mouse-eared bat

Table 6.4-3 Nationally threatened mammal species listed within Grykederdhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE biotope

Suncus etruscus (DD) Meles meles (EN) Badger Canis aureus (EN) Golden jackle Mustela putorius (EN) European polecat Lutra lutra (VU) Eurasian otter

Table 6.4-4 Birds species listed under Natura 2000

Pelecaniformes (Pelicans) Charadriiformes (Waders/Gulls/Terns) Pelecanidae Charadridae Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian pelican Pluvialis apricaria Golden plover Ciconiiformes (Herons/Storks/Ibises/Spoon Scolopacidae bills) Ardeidae Gallinago media Great snipe Ardea purpurea Purple heron Philomachus pugnax Ruff Ardeola ralloides Squacco heron Tringa glareola? Wood sandpiper Botaurus stellaris Bittern Recurvirostridae Egretta garzetta Little egret Himantopus himantopus Black-winged stilt Ixobrychus minutus Little bittern Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet Egretta alba (Casmerodius Great egret Burhinidae albus) Nycticorax nycticorax Night heron Burhinus oedicnemus Stone curlew Ciconiidae Glareolidae Ciconia ciconia? White stork Glareola pratincola Collared pratincole Threskiornithidae Laridae Plegadis falcinellus Glossy ibis Chlidonias hybridus Wiskered tern Platalea leucorodia Eurasian spoonbill Chlidonias niger Black tern Phoenicopteridae Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed tern Phoenicopterus roseus? Greater flamingo Sterna albifrons Little tern Anseriformes (Wildfowl) Sterna hirundo Common tern Anatidae Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich tern Anser albifrons Greater white-fronted goose Sterna caspia Caspian tern Falconiformes (Raptors) Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean gull Accipitridae Larus audouinii? Audouin’s gull Aquila clanga Spotted eagle Strigiformes (Owls) Circus aeruginosus Marsh harrier Strigidae Circus cyaneus Hen harrier Asio flammeus Short-eared owl Circus macrourus? Pallid harrier Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars) Circus pygargus? Montagu’s harrier Caprimulgidae Milvus migrans Black kite Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar

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Milvus milvus Red kite Coraciiformes (Near Passerines) Pernis apivorus Honey buzzard Alcedinidae Pandionidae Alcedo atthis Kingfisher Pandion haliaetus? Osprey Coraciidae Falconidae Coracias garrulus European roller Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Piciformes (Woodpeckers) Falco naumanni Lesser kestrel Picidae Falco columbarius Merlin Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian woodpecker Gruiformes (Cranes/Crakes/Rails) Dendrocopos leucotos White-backed woodpecker Rallidae Passeriformes (Passerines) Crex crex? Corn crake Alaudidae Porzana parva Little crake Lullula arborea Wood lark Porzana porzana Spotted crake Motacillidae Porzana pusilla Baillon crake Anthus campestris Tawny pipit Gruidae Laniidae Grus grus? Common crane Lanius collurio Red-backed shrike Sylvinae Acrocephalus Moustached warbler melanopogon Hippolais olivetorum Green tree warbler Sylvia nisoria Barred warbler Note: Species with (?) by their name indicate those for which presence is unknown although the site falls within their range and along known migration routes where these species pass.

Table 6.4-5 Nationally threatened bird species listed within Grykederdhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE biotope

Pelecanus crispus (CR) Dalmatian pelican Himantopus himantopus Black-winged stilt (EN) Ardea purpurea (EN) Purple heron Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher (VU) Ardeola ralloides (VU) Squacco heron Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet (EN) Botaurus stellaris (VU) Bittern Burhinus oedicnemus (CR) Stone curlew Egretta garzetta (VU) Little egret Glareola pratincola Collared pratincole Egretta alba (Casmerodius Great heron Lymnocryptes minimus Jack snipe albus) (EN) (LRlc) Ardea cinerea (VU) Grey heron Sterna hirundo (EN) Common tern Nycticorax nycticorax (VU) Night heron Sterna sandvicensis (VU) Sandwich tern Ciconia ciconia? (CR) White stork Larus cachinnans (EN) Caspian gull Plegadis falcinellus (EN) Glossy ibis Tyto alba (VU) Barn owl Platalea leucorodia (EN) Eurasian spoonbill Asio flammeus (VU) Short-eared owl Anser albifrons (VU) Greater white-fronted Asio otus (LRnt) Long-eared owl goose Accipiter gentilis (VU) Goshawk Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar (LRnt) Accipiter nisus (EN) Sparrowhawk Apus apus (LRcd) Common swift Aquila clanga? (CR) Spotted eagle Apus pallidus (LRcd) Pallid swift Circus aeruginosus (VU) Marsh harrier Merops apiaster (EN) European bee-eater Circus cyaneus (EN) Hen harrier Coracias garrulus (CR) European roller Circus macrourus? (CR) Pallid harrier Upupa epops (VU) Hoopoe Circus pygargus? (EN) Monagu’s harrier Jynx torquilla (LRnt) Eurasian wryneck Milvus migrans (EN) Black kite Picus canus (VU) Grey-headed woodpecker Milvus milvus (EN) Red kite Picus viridis (LRlc) Green woodpecker Pernis apivorus (EN) Honey buzzard Dendrocopos leucotos White-backed woodpecker (LRlc)

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Buteo buteo Buzzard Locustella luscinioides Savi’s warbler (DD) Buteo lagopu? (CR) Rugh-legged buzzard Acrocephalus Moustached warbler melanopogon (EN) Pandion haliaetus? (VU) Osprey Acrocephalus Sedge warbler schoenobaenus (EN) Falco peregrinus (VU) Peregrine falcon Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed warbler (LRnt) Falco naumanni (VU) Lesser kestrel Hippolais olivetorum (DD) Green tree warbler Falco tinnunculus (VU) Kestrel Remiz pendulinus (VU) Penduline tit Falco columbarius (VU) Merlin Himantopus himantopus Black-winged stilt (EN) Falco subbuteo (VU) Hobby Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher (VU) Crex crex? (VU) Corncrake Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet (EN) Porzana parva (DD) Little crake Porzana porzana (DD) Spotted crake Porzana pusilla (DD) Baillon’s crake Note: Species with (?) by their name indicate those for which presence is unknown although the site falls within their range and along known migration routes where these species pass.

Table 6.4-6 Reptile species listed under Natura 2000

Chelonia (Turtles/Tortoises) Emydidae Testudinidae Emys orbicularis European pond terrapin Testudo hermanni Hermann’s tortoise Mauremys caspica Caspian turtle Cheloniidae Ophidia (Snakes) Caretta caretta Loggerhead turtle Colubridae Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined snake

Table 6.4-7 Nationally threatened reptile species listed within Grykederdhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE biotope

Testudo hermanni (LRnt) Hermann’s tortoise Mauremys caspica (VU) Caspian turtle Caretta caretta (EN) Loggerhead turtle Elaphe quatuorlineata (CR) Four-lined snake Emys orbicularis (LRnt) European pond terrapin

Table 6.4-8 Amphibians species listed under Natura 2000

Caudata (Salamandars) Anura (Frogs/Toads) Salamandridae Discoglossidae Triturus cristatus Great crested newt Bombina variegata Yellow-bellied toad

Table 6.4-9 Fish

Cypriniformes (Ray-finned fish) Cyprinidae Alburnus albidus Italian bleak Barbus meridionalis Mediterranean barbel

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Nationally Protected Species

All the nationally threatened animal species listed above are protected by the National law. Among all the observed plant taxa, 8 species, or 2.3 % of the Red Data Book plant species of Albania (Vangjeli, et al., 1996), are included in the group of species of national conservation concern that are protected by National Legislation. These species are presented in Table below.

According to IUCN categories (in a National context), these species are presented as follows: Six of these species are categorised as Endangered (EN), and two are categorised as Vulnerable (VU).

Table 6.4-10 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species in the Grykederdhja Semanit – Pishe Poro Site

Nr Latin name Common name Location Family name Distribut. Threat status (National Status) 1 Ammophila arenaria Marram grass Bot-061 Poaceae Medit. EN 2 Elymus farctus Sand Couch Grass Bot-061 Poaceae Medit. EN 3 Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John’s Bot-059 Guttiferae Paleotemp. EN Wort 4 Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper Bot-059 Cupressaceae EuriMedit. VU subsp. macrocarpa 5 Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram Bot-059 Labiatae Euroasiat. EN 6 Pancratium maritimum Sea Daffodil Bot-061 Amaryllidaceae Medit. EN 7 Sambucus nigra Common elder Bot-059 Caprifoliaceae Paleotemp. VU 8 Stachys maritima Sea Woundwort Bot-061 Labiatae Medit. EN

Four of these plant species are found on beaches and sandy dunes: Pancratium maritimum, Stachys maritima, Ammophila arenaria, and Elymus farctus. Others are distributed within the wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus halepensis habitat. 6.4.2 Habitats and Species within the Project Footprint and 200 m corridor

The previous chapter described the habitats and species of European importance that are found within the Pishe-Poro site as a whole. This chapter describes those features that are present within 200 m of the proposed pipeline corridor as well as within the footprint of other project elements and thus have the potential to be affected by the works. For further details along the pipeline route Annex 11.3 Survey Data Sheets should be looked at.

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Table 6.4-11 Habitat and Species within the Project Footprint

Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Habitat (those identified within the ESIA habitat classification) 1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) Pipeline, road Habitats (micro-classification from HDA survey) 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand Pipeline, road 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) Pipeline, road 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes Pipeline 2270 * Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus halepensis Pipeline, road 92D0 Saline tamarisk thickets Pipeline, road 72A0 Reed beds (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea) Pipeline, road Species Plants (Common Name) Ammophila arenaria Mrarram grass Pipeline Elymus farctus Sand Couch Grass Pipeline Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John’s Wort Pipeline, road Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa Prickly Juniper Pipeline, road Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram Pipeline, road Pancratium maritimum Sea Daffodil Pipeline Sambucus nigra Common elder Pipeline, road Stachys maritima Sea Woundwort Pipeline Mammals (Common Name) Lutra lutra Eurasian otter Pipeline, road Meles meles Badger Pipeline, road Mustela nivalis Weasel Pipeline, road Canis aureaus Golden jackle Pipeline, road Vulpes vulpes Red fox Pipeline, road Suncus etruscus Etruscun shrew Pipeline, road Erinaceus concolor Eastern European hedgehog Pipeline, road Crocidura suaveolens Lesser-white toothed shrew Pipeline, road Crocidura leucodon Bicolour shrew Pipeline, road Lepus europaeus European hare Pipeline, road Apodemus sylvaticus Wood mouse Pipeline, road Apodemus flavicollis Yellow-necked mouse Pipeline, road Mus macedonicus Macedonian mouse Pipeline, road Microtus thomasi Thomas’s pine vole Pipeline, road Birds (Common Name) Egretta garzetta Little agret Pipeline, road Ardea cinerea Grey heron Pipeline, road Accipiter nisus Goshawk Pipeline, road Circus cyaneus Hen harrier Pipeline, road Milvus migrans Black kite Pipeline, road Pernis apivorus Honey buzzard Pipeline, road Buteo buteo Buzzard Pipeline, road Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Pipeline, road Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Pipeline, road Falco subbuteo Hobby Pipeline, road Himantopus himantopus Black-winged stilt Pipeline, road Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher Pipeline, road Sterna hirundo Common tern Pipeline, road Sterna albifrons Little tern Pipeline, road

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Larus cachinnans Caspian gull Pipeline, road Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish plover Pipeline, road Tyto alba Barn owl Pipeline, road Asio flammeus Short-eared owl Pipeline, road Asio otus Long-eared owl Pipeline, road Athene noctua Little owl Pipeline, road Gallinula chloropus Moorhen Pipeline, road Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar Pipeline, road Apus apus Swift Pipeline, road Alcedo atthis Kingfisher Pipeline, road Merops apiaster European bee-eater Pipeline, road Coracias garrulus European roller Pipeline, road Upupa epops Hoopoe Pipeline, road Jynx torquilla Eurasian wryneck Pipeline, road Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian woodpecker Pipeline, road Dendrocopos minor Lesser spotted woodpecker Pipeline, road Picus viridis Green woodpecker Pipeline, road Acrocephalus melanopogon Moustached warbler Pipeline, road Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge warbler Pipeline, road Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed warbler Pipeline, road Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great reed warbler Pipeline, road Hippolais olivetorum Olive tree warbler Pipeline, road Cettia cetti Cetti’s warbler Pipeline, road Cisticola juncidis Zitting cisticola Pipeline, road Pica pica Magpie Pipeline, road Corvus cornix Hooded crow Pipeline, road Alauda arvensis Skylark Pipeline, road Galerida cristata Crested lark Pipeline, road Motacilla flava Yellow wagtail Pipeline, road Delichon urbica House martin Pipeline, road Hirundo rustica Barn swallow Pipeline, road Hirundo daurica Red-rumped swallow Pipeline, road Riparia riparia Sand martin Pipeline, road Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Pipeline, road Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Pipeline, road Lanius senator Woodchat shrike Pipeline, road Miliaria calandra Corn bunting Pipeline, road Reptiles (Common Name) Emys orbicularis European pond terrapin Pipeline, road Testudo hermanni Hermann’s tortoise Pipeline, road Podarcis muralis Wall lizard Pipeline, road Podarcis taurica Balkan wall lizard Pipeline, road Lacerta viridis European green lizard Pipeline, road Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined snake Pipeline, road Coluber gemonensis Balkan whip sbake Pipeline, road Natrix natrix Grass snake Pipeline, road Vipera ammodytes Horned viper Pipeline, road Amphibians (Common Name) Bufo bufo Common toad Pipeline, road Bufo viridis Green toad Pipeline, road Bombina variegata Yellow-bellied toad Pipeline, road

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Interest Features recorded within the Project Footprint Project Element (pipeline, road etc.) Rana balcanica Balkan frog Pipeline, road Rana lessonae Pool frog Pipeline, road

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7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS 7.1 Potential Sources of Impact

During the development of the pipeline route, the Project has sought to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts on biodiversity and where this is not possible and significant redisual impacts remain compensate has been applied. This approach is in line with EBRD PR6 and IFC PS6 through the options appraisal, route-refinement and ESIA assessment which has included major re-routing of the pipeline around the Morava candidate Emerald site as well as routing to avoid the Bredhi Hotoves Dangelli National Park.

As part of the ESIA, the key sources of impact from the Project were identified, together with the potentially impacted resources and receptors and any influencing factors. This is set out in Box 7.1-1. Box 7.1-1 Terrestrial Ecology Sources of Impact Sources of Impact • Construction Phase: Preparation of the working strip; River crossings; Construction of roads, CS and BVS; Grid connections; Construction of temporary facilties (camps and yards); Movements of vehicles, equipment and personnel; Use of water and raw materials; Waste management; Operation of constructions’ camps. • Operations and Maintenance Phase: Noise and light generated from operations of Compressor and Block Valve Stations; Movements of vehicles, equipment and personnel; Waste management; Maintenance of 8m Pipeline Protection Strip. • Decommissioning Phase: Construction of termporary facilities; Movements of vehicles, equipment and personnel; Operation of Construction camps; Decommissioning of CS and BVS; Waste management.

Potentially Impacted Resources and Receptors • Habitat, Flora and Fauna, Soils, Designated areas.

Baseline Influencing Factors • Remote areas with no current access where protected species are present. • Lack of detail of qualifying interests of designated areas.

Project Influencing Factors • Constructions’ camp management, waste management, traffic management, timing of works, river crossing techniques, level of physical contamination (ie noise, light etc).

The ESIA also summarised the key impacts of the TAP Project on the terrestrial ecology during the key project phases, as set out in Table 7.1-1. Table 7.1-1 Potential Impacts - Terrestrial Ecology

Activity Construction Phase Operational and Decommisioning Manitenance Phase Phase Habitat loss/degradation X X Habitat fragmentation X Loss of species X X X Disturbance and/or displacement of X X X species Barrier effects on faunal species X X Edge effects on faunal species X X

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While potential impacts were identified for the operational and decommissioning phase of the Project these were generally of minor significance in comparison to those identified during construction. The potential impacts are described in more details below under each of these headings. 7.1.1.1 Habitat Loss/Degradation

Habitat loss can result from clearance, conversion of the original habitat to a new habitat type, modification of an existing habitat (changing its ecological functions) or degradation of a habitat to a point where it is of low quality and can be considered lost. Loss of habitats can also result in habitat changing in such a way that it becomes incapable of supporting species requirements; it may also be a catalyst for other associated impacts namely habitat fragmentation, direct and indirect loss of species and species disturbance and displacement.

Habitat loss will occur during preparation of the working strip and where roads are constructed / upgraded, for grid connections and in areas required for the permanent and temporary facilities such as block valves stations, storage yards and construction camps. The working strip will be 38 m. In many places vegetation will be allowed to be restored following construction works; although an 8 m pipeline Protection Strip will need to remain where only annual crops of low growing vegetation can remain to allow maintenance activities. Where mature vegetation such as forest is removed this is considered a permanent loss for the purposes of the impact assessment due to the time it would take to re-grow if at all. There will also be additional loss of habitat not from the construction itself but from improving access through establishment of new/upgraded roads, enabling people to access new areas of land and clear it for the forest resources or for agricultural purposes. 7.1.1.2 Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation is mainly a product of habitat loss and involves isolation of one fragment of habitat to another, separation of a larger habitat into smaller fragments, increase in the edge to interior habitat size ratio, and decrease in the average size of remaining fragments (Bissonette & Storc, 2002; Ewers & Didham, 2006). The effect of such fragmentation directly impacts the distribution of floral and faunal species. Fauna in particular, while mobile, may be affected through limitations imposed on their movement range which can lead to crowding effects (reduced territory size), increased competition, reduced gene flow and eventual reduced breeding success and possibly survivorship. Displacement and disturbance of species may occur more commonly due to reduced presence of refuge areas in remaining fragments where species are protected from noise and visual stimuli.

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Impact sources are derived from those previously described that result in habitat loss. Associated secondary impacts include edge effects where species originally located in the interior of a habitat parcel are consequently exposed to the edge of the remaining parcel. This environment can have higher light intensity, a harsher climate and be more dynamic which may cause impacts on the habitat or species, wind through being one on forest trees. As with habitat loss, where fragmentation occurs in mature forest which cannot easily be replaced, impacts are likely to be more significant. 7.1.1.3 Direct Species Loss

Direct loss of species occurs where a species is removed from its habitat as a consequence of a particular activity such as hunting, harvesting and translocation. Indirect loss occurs when individuals of a species are lost as a consequence of prey depletion, reduction in habitat viability for feeding or breeding, increased competition and introduction of invasive species (Nelson et al. 2006).

Flora species will be directly affected from working strip preparation, road construction and construction of facilities mainly through vegetation removal. Direct loss of fauna species will generally be associated with macrofauna and will result mostly from equipment movements, earth moving and removal of vegetation. Further limited loss of species (which may include mammals and birds) may also result from accidental strikes with vehicles on access roads to and from construction sites, camps and yards.

Species may also be indirectly affected through increased hunting or harvesting during or after the construction phase due to improved road access to previously inaccessible areas. Indirect loss of internationally and locally protected fauna species such as roe deer (C. capreolus), wild boar (S.scrofa) and which may occur through hunting, while loss of species such as wolf (C. lupus), brown bear (U. arctos), and bird species including eagle (Aquila sp.) may too result from hunting but also from indirect habitat loss and fragmentation from increased logging activities which will also affect a number of woodpecker (Picidae sp.). Habitat loss will have associated impacts such as reduction in habitat viability and quality, prey availability, and increased competition for food and space. Species loss may also be attributed to barrier effects, where indirect impacts from logging, hunting, recreation, or permanent roads result in a long-term physical or behavioural barrier being created which may cause permanent displacement of species in an area, contributing to further reduction in habitat quality and viability.

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7.1.1.4 Disturbance and Displacement of Species

Disturbance mainly relates to fauna species and will result from visual, light, noise and vibration emissions produced from project activities and facilities. Species disturbed by such impacts may lead to behavioural changes such as reduced breeding/ foraging time and duration, selection of breeding/ foraging sites, etc. Visual and noise factors may cause avoidance behaviour where fauna species steer clear of areas with vehicle, infrastructure and personnel presence and level of noise generated. Increased lighting in areas where construction is conducted at night and due to increased vehicle and personnel movements may also contribute to avoidance behaviour especially for nocturnal species or during periods where species are more sensitive to disturbances (e.g. breeding season). Disturbance is considered to be temporary and limited to the construction period although where the factors are permanently established (i.e. visual, light and noise from permanent facilities and roads, barrier effect, edge effect) they may be considered to be permanent. 7.2 Mitigation

Detailed mitigation and an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) have been developed as part of the ESIA (Section 9 - Environmental, Social and Cultural Management and Monitoring) and as part of the ESMP a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been included. For further detailed outline on these measures and plans the ESIA should be referred to.

As part of this HDA it has been assumed that measures outlined as mitigation and within the ESMP have been followed and that the likely impacts that will occur as a result of the Project are only those residual impacts presented within the main ESIA document. 7.3 Residual Impacts

As part of the main impact assessment process, tables were developed examining impacts in line with EBRD PR 6 criteria along the entire length of the pipeline corridor for habitats and species. This was then used to focus the assessment on areas of key importance. These tables in Annex 8.1 of the ESIA should be looked at in conjunction with this document as many of the key areas identified consist of the designated sites being assessed here.

For habitats presented within the impact assessment tables (Table 7.3-2, Table 7.3-4 and Table 7.3-6), the total habitat loss has also been calculated for all project elements (including pipeline corridor, roads, construction camps, pipe yards and block valve stations and the grid connection) for each designated site. However, specific individual habitat loss calculations have only been made for areas along the pipeline corridor where detailed mapping has been carried out or where habitat extents are known.

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Habitats initially presented on the top of the table are from the original ESIA habitat cartographic classification, where additional habitat micro-classification has been possible this has also been presented within the tables with the corresponding waypoint. It should be noted that the habitats presented do not represent all the habitats that are thought to be qualifying interests of these designated sites. These tables only present those habitats recorded within the footprint of works (including the 38 m working strip) that could be affected as identified by the field team of experts.

For species from each of the designated sites, presented within the impact assessment tables (Table 7.3-2, Table 7.3-4 and Table 7.3-6) these also do not represent all the species that are likely to be qualifying interests of the designated sites. Other species may also be present within the footprint of works areas (such as birds) however these have not been included in the tables as it was not thought that there would be a potential ‘likely significant effect’ on these species as a result of TAP activities. 7.3.1 Morava Candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope

Most of the pipeline route passes through the margins of the proposed borders of the Morava ASCI and CORINE Biotope site which represents a mosaic of agriculture land. Some degraded scrub, grasslands and plantations of black pine (Pinus nigra) are found in the hilly area between Cangonj and Zemblak villages. These habitats do not represent the key habitats and core area of the Morava ASCI and CORINE Biotope site, and thus the TAP Project will not pose any threat to ecological integrity of the site and as illustrated in the table below the actual landtake within the current ASCI site boundary is extremely minimal in proportion to the overall site area. Table 7.3-1 Landtake within the current ASCI site boundary

Landtake Area within Morova Mountain (ha) Total Area Morova Mountain ASCI 29,155 Landtake from roads 0 Landtake from the pipeline route 16.71 Landtake from pipe yards, camps, block valve stations 3.50 Total Landtake 20.21 Percentage loss of designated area 0.07%

Source: ERM 2012

Species of conservation interest, such as large carnivores, may only occasionally or accidentally be observed in the marginal parts of the site where the Project is located. Project activities will be likely to cause some minor fragmentation of habitat, and temporary barrier effects during construction are expected for most terrestrial animals. The impacted area (temporary and permanent) from the pipeline route represents a small portion of the hunting range of birds of prey and owls. Most of the species occurring within the Project footprint are species linked with agriculture land and rural settlements. The most abundant terrestrial mammals are voles (Microtus epiroticus), that are considered pest species to crops although they are a valuable food source to many predators.

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The pipeline corridor and its associated infrastructure does not pass through any of the Morava sites core area and it mainly supports species that are common and abundant in the region. Some species of conservation interest, such as Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis), will be disturbed by noise and works activity during the construction phase, but this impact will be temporary. A large number of species were recorded as being potentially present within the footprint of works. However, only a small number are thought to be potentially affected.

Table 7.3-2 summarises the key interest features of the Morava site and presents the predicted impacts. Only key habitats and species for which the site is designated and which could be affected by the Project have been listed and this is based on the expert judgement of the field specialists (Ferdinand Bego and Alfred Mullaj) and ERM.

In summary, the Project will result in the loss of approximately 0.07% of the site area comprising mainly of modified habitat. The area to be affected is at the edge of the site and does not constitute a core area for the ‘Qualifying Interest’ habitat and species. No significant impacts are predicted and it is concluded that there will be no affect on the integrity of the Morava candidate Emerald Site/CORINE Biotope.

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Table 7.3-2 Key Interest Features of the Morava Site which will be affected by the Project*

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority Habitat IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected or Natura Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for listed species etc.) species overall sites each habitat / individually) as species far as possible population Habitat (those identified within the ESIA habitat classification) Siliceous rocky 2.11 ha European Part of a No this is not a No this area Pipeline route Disturbance to N slopes with Habitat 8220 potential wildlife core area for does not only flora; Loss and Habitat area to chasmophytic corridor this habitat constitute an fragmentation of be lost not vegetation within the area greater natural habitats core and designated site than 1> % of represents this habitat type <1% of total. Mountain Hay <0.01 ha European Part of a No this is not a No this area Pipeline route Disturbance to N Meadow Habitat 6520 potential wildlife core area for does not only flora; Loss and Habitat area to corridor this habitat constitute an fragmentation of be lost not within the area greater natural habitats core designated site than 1> % of insignificant in this habitat type size. Habitat (micro classification from HDA survey) Lowland hay WP Bot-010 European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline route Disturbance to N meadows Habitat 6510 core area for does not only flora; Loss and Habitat area to (Alopecurus this habitat constitute an fragmentation of be lost not pratensis, within the area greater natural habitats core Sanguisorba designated site than 1> % of insignificant in officinalis) this habitat type size.

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Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority Habitat IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected or Natura Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for listed species etc.) species overall sites each habitat / individually) as species far as possible population Reed beds WP Bot-005 European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline route Potential N (Phragmito- Habitat 72A0 core area for does not only impacts to Habitat area to Magnocaricetea) this habitat constitute an water courses, be lost within the area greater water quality minimal, can designated site than 1> % of and aquatic be fully this habitat type ecology resotred. (siltation, spills/leaks) during the construction phase Oak-hornbeam WP Bot-009 European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline route Disturbance to N forests(Galio- Habitat 9170 core area for does not only flora; Loss and Habitat area to Carpinetum) this habitat constitute an fragmentation of be lost not within the area greater natural habitats core designated site than 1> % of insignificant in this habitat type size. *(Sub-) WP Bot-011 European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline route Disturbance to N Mediterranean Habitat 9530 core area for does not only flora; Loss and Habitat map pine forest with this habitat constitute an fragmentation of made can be endemic black within the area greater natural habitats restored pines (Pinus designated site than 1> % of largely in nigra) (planted) this habitat type working strip

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Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority Habitat IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected or Natura Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for listed species etc.) species overall sites each habitat / individually) as species far as possible population Species Plants Hypericum Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor species N perforatum Protected loss and Only few fragmentation of individuals to habitat; be lost translocation to be included. Juniperus Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor species N oxycedrus protected loss and Only few fragmentation of individuals to habitat; be lost translocation to be included. Juniperus Numerous - - Nationally No No Pipeline route Species loss N communis individuals protected and Only few fragmentation of individuals to habitat; be lost translocation to be included. Origanum Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor species N vulgare protected loss and Only few fragmentation of individuals to habitat; be lost translocation to be included.

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Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority Habitat IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected or Natura Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for listed species etc.) species overall sites each habitat / individually) as species far as possible population Mammals Canis lupus 1-2 individuals Annex II, IV, V Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor N listed Protected fragmentation of Only minor habitat and temporary temporary effects during barrier effect construction in during non-core area. construction Lutra lutra 1-2 individuals Annex II, IV, Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor N protected disturbance Short-term from the noise impacts only, during pipeline during construction construction Reptiles Emys orbicularis 1-5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor habitat N protected destruction Short-term during the impacts only pipeline construction Testudo 1-5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor N hermanni protected fragmentation of Short-term habitat and impacts only temporary barrier effect during construction

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Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority Habitat IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected or Natura Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for listed species etc.) species overall sites each habitat / individually) as species far as possible population Elaphe 1-5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor N quatuorlineata protected fragmentation of Short-term habitat and impacts only temporary barrier effect during construction *Calculations on habitat coverage are based on a 38 m corridor centered on the pipeline route (clearance area during construction works).

.

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7.3.2 Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope

The pipeline route crosses Vithkuq-Ostrovica CORINE site in one section between Kp 61 and 68. This section (Vithkuq) is mainly composed of young stands of beech forest.The pipeline route also passes within 1.1 km of the Ostrovice Mountain portion of the site, with an access road only 400m in this location.The Vithkuq-Ostrovice site is overall of high conservation value although the areas where the pipeline passes itself are not necessarily of key importance. A key area is situated some 60 m from the central line at Kp 61 in a northly direction, this area represents a good stand of old growth mixed forests (beech, fir and oak), providing a suitable habitat for a number of animal taxa linked with old growth forest. Care should be taken to avoid direct damage of this forest stand during the construction of the TAP.

In addition, completely outside of the designated area, habitat located within a long pipeline section between kp. 69 and Kp. 85 along the pipeline provides valuable habitat of high quality beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest. This Vithkuq-Ostrovice forest is located only 6 km north of the Bredhi Hotoves Dangelli National Park. The Vithkuq-Ostrovice area is of particular importance for large carnivore species such as brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) and the former of these species was confirmed to be breeding in the area and both species are recorded in the area and move widely within and outside of the Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope.

Table 7.3-3 Landtake within the current CORINE biotope boundary

Landtake Area within Vithkuq-Ostrovice (ha) Total Area of Vithkuq-Ostrovice 13,693 Landtake from new/upgraded roads 7.1 Landtake from the pipeline route 25 Landtake from pipe yards, camps, block valve stations 0.06 Total Landtake 32.16 Pencentage loss of designated area 0.23%

For the section of the CORINE Biotope which includes Ostrovice Mountain the closest project component will be an access road which will pass approximately 400 m from the edge of the site with the pipeline located 1.1 km away at it’s closest. Impacts from this road and the pipeline works will not directly affect the Vithkuq-Ostrovice site, although there is the potential for disturbance and displacement of interest species. It is currently understood that works will take place in the Vithkuq – Ostrovice region over a couple of years (1) meaning regular traffic across Marta’s Pass, works noise (while the road and pipeline are built locally) and presence of workers.

Such project activities will cause localised disturbance and potential displacement of species including brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus), ungulates, Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica), wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and bird species (five species of woodpecker [Picidae] and golden eagle [Aquila chrysaetos]) which are all listed under Natura and Bern legislation.

(1) Effective construction time is limited each year in the mountainous regions due to weather conditions.

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Where the CORINE Biotope is directly crossed south of Vithkuq village, loss of habitat will occur mostly to young beech forest (Fagus sylvatica). Here records of wolf (Canis lupus) were taken and it is likely this species as well as brown bear (Ursus arctos) will range widely within this area (records of brown bear have been taken further east at Kp 55 Gjanci Reservoir). In this area protected woodpecker (Picidae) wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are also likely to be present in remaining stands of quality forest (Zoo-032). While habitat loss along the pipeline route may not be significant such species again could be affected by disturbance and displacement.

Habitats and species within the Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE biotope site will be affected by the TAP Project (pipeline alignment, upgrading of existing access roads, opening of new access roads, camp site) during the construction phase. Direct habitat loss will be small although the overall impact from disturbance and displacement may be significant to species locally. Habitat will recover within the temporary working strip although mature forest will be impossible to recreate where lost.

Direct impacts to species will be minimal as few if any (other than possibly reptiles and amphibians) will be directly lost and direct habitat loss within the CORINE Biotope will not constitute a significant impact to species.

However, in the Vithkuq-Ostrovice area the designated site itself does not represent the highest quality habitat through which the pipeline corridor passes and habitat from Kp 68.5 to Kp 85 (outside of the designated area) is in fact largely of better quality. Many of the species which are present within this area will also be of key importance for the designated site itself so impacts in these areas must also be considered.

Outside of the designated site boundary in addition to the pipeline corridor, the upgrade and connection of an access road between Potom and Vithkuq will be of key importance. This road will be in addition to the pipeline corridor so will further increase fragmentation, degradation and direct loss of this largely intact tract of forest. However, of greater long term concern will be the indirect impacts resulting from this improved access. These indirect impacts will include potential increased illegal logging, hunting, recreation and road traffic.

Logging has already been observed in the forest during surveys in 2011 and 2012 (see Figure 7.3-1) and one of the main factors limiting the rate of deforestation is the low quality of the road from which logs can be extracted. With an improvement in the road network there is high potential for logging rates to increase unless monitoring and enforcement are carried out (see Section 9 Environmental, Social and Cultural Heritage Management and Monitoring for details). Without such management long-term impacts will be significant and will cause loss of habitat as well as all species individuals which depend on the forested area including key species associated with the designated area as outlined above.

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Figure 7.3-1 Charcoal making at Illegal logging camp within Vithkuq forest

Source: Route Refinement Survey (July 2012)

Table 7.3-4 summarises the key interest features of the Vithkuq-Ostrovice site and presents the predicted impacts. Only key habitats and species for which the site is designated and which could be affected by the Project have been listed and this is based on the expert judgement of the field specialists (Ferdinand Bego and Alfred Mullaj) and ERM.

In summary, the Project will result in the loss of approximately 0.23% of the site area comprising of small areas of habitats including juniper formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands, beech forests, mountain hay meadows, calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation and sub- Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines. Wolf (Canis lupus) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) are present within the site as well as key bird species such as Natura and Bern listed woodpecker (Picidae) and eagle (Aquila) species.

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Significant residual impacts are predicted relating to the loss of the forest habitat and impacts to key species. Direct and indirect loss from the project construction will be minimised as far as possible through mitigation and the BAP. However, due to the uncertainty of the indirect impacts which may occur during construction and operation, and as many impacts will result from activities outside of the designated site boundary, the precautionary approach has been taken and minor significant impacts on Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (9110) and Mediterranean pine forest with endemic black pines (9530) have been predicted. For faunal species population numbers are not known well enough to predict impacts on populations associated only with the CORINE Biotope. However, it can be predicted that there will be moderate and significant impacts on wolf and brown bear which rely on the habitat present within the Vithkuq-Ostrovice designated area as well as the area outside of it (which will be more greatly affected).

Overall it is concluded that there will be no affect on the integrity of the Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope in its current form. However, it is clear that the project does have likely significant effects on brown bear and wolf affecting their conservation status. Furthermore, the importance of the the forest crossed by the pipeline and upgraded access road between Kp 69 to Kp 85 was confirmed by the MoEFWA during consultation (8th February, 2012) and it was identified that this area may be included within future designation plans.

Due to the above issues compensation in the form of biodiversity offsets will be undertaken in the Vithkuq-Ostrovice area and this will be undertaken along with monitoring and mitigation measures included within the BAP with the aim of providing habitat capable of supporting key species listed and maintaining viable populations as well as the overall integrity of the forested area of Vithkuq-Ostrovice.

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Table 7.3-4 Key Interest Features of the Vithkuq - Ostrovice Site which will be affected by the Project

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Habitat (those identified within the ESIA habitat classification) Oak- 13.82 ha European Habitat No this is not a No this area Pipeline, road Disturbance to flora; N Hornbeam Habitat 9170) includes large core area for does not Loss and Habitat area to Forests (Galio section being this habitat constitute an fragmentation of be lost not Carpinetum) crossed by within the area greater natural habitats core and pipeline designated site than 1> % of represents corridor this habitat <1% of total. type *(Sub-) 0.54 ha (also European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline route only Disturbance to flora; Y Mediterranean WP Bot-025) Priority Habitat core area for does not Loss and Direct loss of pine forest with 9530 this habitat constitute an fragmentation of habitat and endemic black within the area greater natural habitats potential pines (Pinus designated site than 1> % of indirect loss nigra) this habitat that could be type significant. Habitat (micro classification from HDA survey) Formations on WP Bot-023, European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline, road Disturbance to flora; N heaths or Habitat 5130 core area for does not Loss and Habitat area to calcareous this habitat constitute an fragmentation of be lost not grasslands within the area greater natural habitats core and (Juniperus designated site than 1> % of represents communis) this habitat <1% of total. type

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Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Beech forests WP Bot-019, European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline, road Disturbance to flora; Y (Luzulo- Bot-021, Bot- Habitat 9110 core area for does not (mostly outside the Loss and Direct loss of Fagetum) 022, Bot-024 this habitat constitute an designated area) fragmentation of habitat and (high quality) within the area greater natural habitats high potential designated site than 1> % of for indirect loss this habitat that could be type significant. Mountain hay (WP Bot-020) European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline, camp, Disturbance to flora N meadows Habitat 6520 core area for does not road Project area this habitat constitute an away from within the area greater core area for designated site than 1> % of habitat. this habitat type Calcareous (WP Bot-032) European - - No this is not a No this area Pipeline, Disturbance to flora N rocky slopes Habitat 8210 core area for does not Loss of habitat with this habitat constitute an negligable. chasmophytic within the area greater vegetation designated site than 1> % of this habitat type Species Plants Aconitum Rare Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species loss N lamarckii individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be included.

Page 100 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Adiantum Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N capillus- individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few veneris of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be considered. Agrimonia Numerous Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N eupatoria individuals Protected and fragmentation Species of habitat numerous and loss of individuals will be insignificant. Atropa bella- Rare Nationally No No Pipeline, camp, Minor species loss N donna individuals Protected road and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be considered. Colchicum Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N autumnale individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be considered.

Page 101 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Crataegus Numerous Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N heldreichii individuals Protected and fragmentation Species of habitat numerous and loss of individuals will be insignificant. Digitalis lanata Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be considered. Dryopteris filix- Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N mas individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be considered. Gentiana lutea Rare Annex V Nationally No No Pipeline, camp, Minor species loss N individuals Protected road and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost translocation to be considered.

Page 102 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Hypericum Numerous Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species loss N perforatum individuals Protected and fragmentation Species of habitat numerous and loss of individuals will be insignificant. Juglans regia Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost, translocation to be considered. Juniperus Numerous Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N oxycedrus individuals Protected and fragmentation Species of habitat numerous and loss of individuals will be insignificant. Juniperus Numerous Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species loss N communis individuals Protected and fragmentation Species of habitat numerous and loss of individuals will be insignificant.

Page 103 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Origanum Numerous Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species loss N vulgare individuals Protected and fragmentation Species of habitat numerous and loss of individuals will be insignificant. Phyllitis Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N scolopendrium individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost, translocation to be considered.

Salix fragilis Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost. Regeneration likely Sambucus Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N nigra individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost. Regeneration likely

Page 104 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Sideritis Rare Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species loss N raeseri individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat individuals to be lost, translocation to be considered. Viscum album Rare Nationally No No Pipeline route only Minor species loss N individuals Protected and fragmentation Only few of habitat. individuals to be lost, translocation to be considered.

Page 105 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Mammals Ursus arctos 3 inds at least Annex II, IV, V Annex II Nationally Yes No Pipeline, road Fragmentation of Y listed Protected habitat and Indirect temporary barrier impacts will be effect during significant, construction causing loss of habitat reduced habitat (ouside of availability, designated disturbance and site) displacement. Long significant, term indirect loss of impacts could be corridor, significant with disturbance increased access and for hunters and displacement loggers of key forest likely. site outside the current designated area.

Page 106 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Canis lupus 3-8 inds Annex II, IV, V Annex II Nationally Yes No Pipeline, road Fragmentation of Y Protected habitat and Indirect temporary barrier impacts will be effect during significant, construction. loss of habitat causing reduced (ouside of habitat availability, designated disturbance and site) displacement. Long significant, term indirect loss of impacts could be corridor, significant with disturbance increased access and for hunters and displacement loggers of key forest likely. site outside the current designated area. Lutra lutra 1-2 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Disturbance and N Protected displacement and Loss of habitat potential direct loss minimal, from traffic disturbance accidents during only construction and temporary, from traffic on the potential loss permanent road of individuals during operation. minimal in long term.

Page 107 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Rupicapra 1-3 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No, area in Pipeline, road Disturbance and N rupicapra protected vacinity of road displacement during Core area for balcanica and pipeline is construction. species small Possible indirect outside of proportion of impacts such as Project area. mountain area hunting during Disturbance this species operation from temporary. will use at improved access. Indirect Ostrovice. impacts not significant. Birds Aquila At least 1 pair Annex I Annex II Nationally No No this area Pipeline, road Habitat loss as well N chrysaetos protected does not as disturbance and Core area for constitute an displacement during species area greater construction. outside of than 1> % of Fragmentation and Project area. this habitat long term indirect Disturbance type impacts could be temporary, significant with indirect increased access impacts not for loggers of key significant. forest site outside the designated area and improved access for hunters.

Page 108 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Dryocopus >15 pairs Annex I Annex II Nationally Some habitat No this area Pipeline, road Habitat loss as well N martius protected will constitute a does not as disturbance and Few core area but it constitute an displacement during individuals is a small area greater construction. affected which proportion of than 1> % of Fragmentation and utilise forest the wider site. this habitat long term indirect within type impacts could be designated significant with site. increased access Key population for loggers of key located outside forest site outside designated site the outside the - which will be designated area. affected directly and indirectly. Dendrocopos >20 pairs Annex I Annex II Nationally Some habitat No this area Pipeline, road Habitat loss as well N syriacus protected will constitute a does not as disturbance and As above for core area but it constitute an displacement during (Dryocopus is a small area greater construction. martius) proportion of than 1> % of Fragmentation and the wider site. this habitat long term indirect type impacts could be significant with increased access for loggers of key forest site outside the outside the designated area.

Page 109 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Dendrocopos >30 pairs Annex II Nationally Some habitat No this area Pipeline, road Habitat loss as well N minor protected will constitute a does not as disturbance and As above for core area but it constitute an displacement during (Dryocopus is a small area greater construction. martius) proportion of than 1> % of Fragmentation and the wider site. this habitat long term indirect type impacts could be significant with increased access for loggers of key forest site outside the outside the designated area. Dendrocopos >10 pairs Annex I Annex II Nationally Some habitat No this area Pipeline, road, Habitat loss as well N medius protected will constitute a does not as disturbance and As above for core area but it constitute an displacement during (Dryocopus is a small area greater construction. martius) proportion of than 1> % of Fragmentation and the wider site. this habitat long term indirect type impacts could be significant with increased access for loggers of key forest site outside the outside the designated area.

Page 110 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Dendrocopos >10 pairs Annex I Annex II Nationally Some habitat No this area Pipeline, road, Habitat loss as well N leucotos protected will constitute a does not as disturbance and As above for core area but it constitute an displacement during (Dryocopus is a small area greater construction. martius) proportion of than 1> % of Fragmentation and the wider site. this habitat long term indirect type impacts could be significant with increased access for loggers of key forest site outside the outside the designated area.

Reptiles Emys >5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Direct loss of N orbicularis Protected species, habitat loss Short-term and fragmentation impacts only of habitat and temporary barrier effect during construction.

Page 111 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Testudo >10 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Direct loss of N hermanni Protected species, habitat loss Short-term and fragmentation impacts only of habitat and temporary barrier effect during construction. Elaphe At least 10 Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Direct loss of N quatuorlineata inds Protected species, habitat t Short-term loss and impacts only fragmentation of habitat and temporary barrier effect during construction. Amphibians Salamandra >50 inds Nationally Yes No Pipeline, road Direct loss of N salamandra protected species, habitat t Short-term loss and impacts only fragmentation of habitat and temporary barrier effect during construction.

Page 112 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Other Does the area Area to be Project Identification of Significant Features of a species habitat or Emerald important affected lost Components likely likely impacts Impact on within the likely to be European Listed Habitat criteria constitute a constitutes a to cause the feature (Y/N) Footprint of affected Priority or Species (EBRD, IUCN, core area for significant impact (details for works or Habitat or National this habitat / proportion each individually) likely to be Natura listed Protection species (>1%) of the as far as possible affected species etc.) overall sites habitat / species population Bombina >500 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Direct loss of N variegata Protected species, habitat loss Short-term and fragmentation impacts only of habitat and temporary barrier effect during construction.

*Calculations on habitat coverage are based on a 38 m corridor centered on the pipeline route (clearance area during construction works).

Page 113 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Document Title: Rev.: 01 / at07 Assessment Report

7.3.3 Grykederdhja Semanit – Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope

The pipeline route passes through the CORINE biotope of “Grykededhja e Semanit-Pishe Poro”, but not through the core area of this designated site. The pipeline corridor is located some 2 km from the Semani river outlet, Pishe Poro Managed Nature Reserve (category IV by IUCN listing) and Grykederdhja e Semanit Important Bird Area (IBA). The corridor does not cross the sensitive sites of Gjemise lagoon (south of pipeline) and Petriti lagoon (north of pipeline) or the Sand dunes of Semani (Nature Monument Site, category III by IUCN) which are located more than one km away (north of the pipeline). Other project components located within this site including a new access road and a grid connection also do not pass through the core of this site although the grid connection does currently go directly through a large well developed pine forest area which is listed as a European Priority habitat (Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus halepensis).

The area expected to be affected by the Project represents a coastal bio-corridor between Karavasta lagoon complex (National Park, category II by IUCN), and Pishe Poro. Within the CORINE site “Grykededhja e Semanit-Pishe Poro”, the affected section of the coast represents the less vulnerable and sensitive part. The majority of the pipeline route, access road and grid connection inside the site cross habitats represented by salt meadows of Salicornia and others annuals colonising mud and sand (Mediterranean salt meadows [Juncetalia maritimi]), interrupted in one or two places by drainage channels and ditches, confined by a narrow belt of embryonic sand dunes in the west and narrow belt of wooded sand dunes with Pinus halepensis in the east. Some parts of pipeline route represent abandoned agriculture land colonised by alien species such as Dittrichia viscosa, Rubus ulmifolius, and Arundo donax (along the former irrigation channel). The grid connection in addition passes through Tamarisk thickets as well as an established stand of pine (Pinus pinea and Pinus pinaster) woodland.

The coastal zone is a known migration corridor for bird species on passage including a number listed under Natura and Bern legislation (as observed with species such as Charadrius alexandrines being located on the foreshore at the landfall). However, while the coastal zone itself is of importance, habitat directly crossed by the site is of limited value to migrant shorebird, raptor and wildfowl species presently. The temporary nature of works will also mean that there will be minimal long term impacts to species that are disturbed by construction activities. Table 7.3-5 Landtake within the current CORINE biotope boundary

Landtake Area within Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro (ha) Total Area of Grykederdhja Semanit –Pishe Poro 3,944 Landtake from new/upgraded roads 2.31 Landtake from the pipeline route 9.11 Landtake from pipe yards, camps, block valve stations, 12.11 grid connections Total Landtake 23.53 Pencentage loss of designated area 0.59%

Source: ERM 2012

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Table 7.3-6 summarises the key interest features of the Grykededhja e Semanit-Pishe Poro site and presents the predicted impacts Only key habitats and species for which the site is designated and which could be affected by the Project have been listed and this is based on the expert judgement of the field specialists (Ferdinand Bego and Alfred Mullaj) and ERM.

In summary, the Project will result in the loss of approximately 0.59% of the site area. Of this total area, loss from the pipeline and access road will comprise of coastal habitats that are common and widespread along the Adriatic coast of Albania and are habitats types that can quite readily recover. However, for the grid connection loss of established stands of Mediterranean pine forests will occur unless minor re-alignment of the route can be carried out. The key species present are birds which are unlikely to be affected by the works. No significant impacts are predicted and it is concluded that there will be no affect on the integrity of the Grykededhja e Semanit-Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope.

Page 115 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Table 7.3-6 Key Interest Features of the Grykedhja Semanit –Pishe Poro Site which will be affected by the Project

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected Habitat or Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for Natura listed etc.) species overall sites each species habitat / individually) species as far as population possible Habitat (those identified within the ESIA habitat classification) Mediterranean 7.01 ha European - - Yes as the No this area Pipeline route, Disturbance to N and thermo- Habitat 1420 pipeline passes does not Road, grid flora; Loss and Atlantic directly through constitute an connection fragmentation halophilous the centre of area greater of natural scrubs the site than >1 % of habitats this habitat type (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) Salicornia and 1.02 ha WP European - - Yes as the No this area Pipeline route, Disturbance to N other annuals Bot-056, Bot- Habitat 1310 pipeline passes does not Road flora; Loss and Regeneration colonizing mud 057, Bot-060 directly through constitute an fragmentation of habitat and sand the centre of area greater of natural likely. Loss the site than >1 % of habitats insignificant. this habitat type * Wooded dunes 5.17 ha (for grid European - - No the area No this area Pipeline route, Disturbance to N with Pinus pinea connections) Priority Habitat affected is not a does not grid connection flora; Loss and Re-routing will and/or Pinus WP Bot-059, B- 2270 core constitute an fragmentation avoid loss of halepensis 083, B-086 component for area greater of natural this habitat if this habitat than >1 % of habitats carried out. within the this habitat type With current designated alignment loss area. will still not be significnat in terms of the overall habitat in the CORINE Biotope.

Page 116 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected Habitat or Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for Natura listed etc.) species overall sites each species habitat / individually) species as far as population possible Habitat (micro classification from HDA survey) Mediterranean WP Bot-055, European - - Yes as the No this area Pipeline route, Disturbance to N salt meadows Bot-056, Bot- Habitat 1410 pipeline passes does not Road, grid flora; Loss and Regeneration (Juncetalia 057, B-079, B- directly through constitute an connection fragmentation of habitat maritimi) 085 the centre of area greater of natural likely. Loss the site than >1 % of habitats insignificant. this habitat type Embryonic WP Bot-061 European - - Yes as the No this area Pipeline route Disturbance to N shifting dunes Habitat 2110 pipeline passes does not flora; Loss and Regeneration directly through constitute an fragmentation of habitat the centre of area greater of natural likely. Loss the site than >1 % of habitats insignificant. this habitat type Saline tamarisk WP Bot-060, B- European - - No the area No this area Pipeline route, Disturbance to N thickets 080, B-082 Habitat 92D0 affected is not a does not Road, grid flora; Loss and Regeneration core constitute an connection fragmentation of habitat component for area greater of natural likely. Loss this habitat than >1 % of habitats insignificant. within the this habitat type designated area. Reed beds WP Bot-060 European - - No the area No this area Pipeline route, Disturbance to N (Phragmito- Habitat 72A0 affected is not a does not Road flora; Loss and Regeneration Magnocaricetea) core constitute an fragmentation of habitat component for area greater of natural likely. Loss this habitat than >1 % of habitats insignificant. within the this habitat type designated area.

Page 117 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected Habitat or Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for Natura listed etc.) species overall sites each species habitat / individually) species as far as population possible Species Plants Ammophila Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline route Minor species N arenaria Protected loss and Only few fragmentation individuals to of habitat be lost. Regeneration likely. Elymus farctus Numerous - - Nationally No No Pipeline, Minor species N individuals Protected access road, loss and Species fragmentation numerous and of habitat loss of individuals will be insignificant.

Hypericum Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline, Minor species N perforatum Protected access road loss and Only few fragmentation individuals to of habitat be lost, translocation to be considered. Juniperus Numerous - - Nationally No No Pipeline, road, Minor species N oxycedrus subsp. individuals Protected grid connection loss and Species macrocarpa fragmentation numerous and of habitat loss of individuals will be insignificant.

Page 118 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected Habitat or Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for Natura listed etc.) species overall sites each species habitat / individually) species as far as population possible Origanum vulgare Numerous - - Nationally No No Pipeline, road, Minor species N individuals Protected grid connection loss and Species fragmentation numerous and of habitat loss of individuals will be insignificant. Pancratium Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species N maritimum Protected loss and Only few fragmentation individuals to of habitat be lost, translocation to be considered. Sambucus nigra Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Grid connection Minor species N Protected loss and Only few fragmentation individuals to of habitat be lost. Regeneration likely Stachys maritima Rare individuals - - Nationally No No Pipeline, road Minor species N Protected loss and Only few fragmentation individuals to of habitat be lost. Regeneration likely

Page 119 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected Habitat or Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for Natura listed etc.) species overall sites each species habitat / individually) species as far as population possible Mammals Lutra lutra 1-2 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Disturbance N Protected grid connection from noise and Short-term traffic during habitat loss pipeline and construction disturbance and access only. road upgrade Reptiles Emys orbicularis 1-5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Fragmentation N Protected grid connection of habitat and Short-term temporary impacts only. barrier effect during construction.

Testudo hermanni At least 5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Fragmentation N Protected grid connection of habitat and Short-term temporary impacts only. barrier effect during construction.

Elaphe At least 5 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road Fragmentation N quatuorlineata Protected grid connection of habitat and Short-term temporary impacts only. barrier effect during construction.

Page 120 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 Document Title: ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Assessment Report Rev.: 01 / at07

Key Interest Area / number European Bern / Emerald Other Does the area Area to be lost Project Identification Significant Features within of a species habitat or Listed Habitat important affected constitutes a Components of likely Impact on the Footprint of likely to be European or Species criteria (EBRD, constitute a significant likely to cause impacts feature (Y/N) works or likely affected Priority IUCN, National core area for proportion the impact to be affected Habitat or Protection this habitat / (>1%) of the (details for Natura listed etc.) species overall sites each species habitat / individually) species as far as population possible Amphibians Bombina At least 10 inds Annex II, IV Annex II Nationally No No Pipeline, road, Fragmentation N variegata Protected grid connection of habitat and Short-term temporary impacts only. barrier effect during construction. *Calculations on habitat coverage are based on a 38 m corridor centered on the pipeline route (clearance area during construction works).

Page 121 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Document Title: Rev.: 01 / at07 Assessment Report

8 SUMMARY

This assessment has been undertaken for the TAP Project in Albania and has been carried out to establish whether there will be ‘likely significant effect’ on species or habitats and the overall site integrity for six designated areas which were thought could be affected by the Project.

The high level nature of this assessment is largely a result of the paucity of data on any of the designated sites and their interests. In fact there are no defined qualifying interests for any of the sites and no detail on habitat extents or species populations that occur within them. As such it is difficult to accurately identify impacts on interests for any of the sites in this assessment. However, the survey data that has been gathered as part of the HDA as well as from other surveys in 2009, 2011 and July 2012 has made it possible to carry out an assessment.

As part of this process consultation with the Albanian Statutory Authorities (MoEWFA) was undertaken and as a result of this process from the six sites that were identified that could be affected, two sites (Prespa Lake - Mali i Thate ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site; Karavasta Lagoon ASCI candidate Emerald Site/Ramsar Site) could be directly screened out of further assessment being outside the corridor of works and being unlikely to be affected. As part of the consultation it was also established that a third site (Tomori candidate Emerald Site, National Park and CORINE Biotope) was also being changed by the MoEWFA and that the current boundary of the site as submitted to the Council of Europe in 2011 will be updated. A new site boundary for the National Park has formally now been updated as of July 2012 and a new candidate Emerald site boundary will be submitted to the Council of Europe. This site will largely follow (or be the same) as the updated National Park and will therefore be outside the Project footprint (see Figure 5.4-1) and as such this site was also screened out from further assessment.

Of the remaining three sites a ‘Habitat Directive Assessment’ was undertaken for each to establish whether the Project would have any significant impacts on the sites integrity or on its ‘qualifying interests’.

For the Morava candidate Emerald Site and CORINE Biotope it was noted that significant re- alignment of the pipeline corridor was undertaken to move the pipeline route, largely avoiding the designated site. The assessment established that the majority of the habitat crossed by the Project was of low quality non-European habitat and did not represent a core component of the designated site or over 1% of the designated site. This habitat also supported minimal protected species and so overall it was established that the sites integrity would be maintained and there would be no likely significant effect on species or habitats the site supports.

Page 122 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Document Title: Rev.: 01 / at07 Assessment Report

For the Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope the site will be crossed in one location. Habitats that will be lost comprised of minor components of European and European Priority habitats present in large unaffected areas within the designated area. Together they also represented less than 1% of the total area of the site. For these reasons habitat losses are not thought significant and for the currently designated CORINE Biotope, site integrity will be maintained. However, outside of the designated area impacts from the Project both direct and indirect have the potential to affect qualifying interests within the designated site, especially those from indirect sources such as illegal logging, hunting, recreation and road use (resulting from improved access). Habitats such as beech forest and Mediterranean pine as well as species such as brown bear (Ursus arctos), and wolf (Canis lupus) have the potential to be significantly affected in the long term. Furthermore, as confirmed during consultation, this area has been identified as being of high biodiversity importance and may be included for future protection plans by the MoEFWA.

For the Grykederdhja Semanit-Pishe Poro CORINE Biotope the pipeline corridor crosses through a relatively small portion of the site. While some habitat will be lost of European Priority and European listing, impacts are predicted to be largely temporary and with minor re-routing of the grid connection to avoid the wooded dune habitat, the proportion of habitat affected will be minimal and for all habitat loss this does not represent over 1% of the designated site and for the currently designated CORINE Biotope, site integrity will be maintained. Species are unlikely to be affected due to the temporary nature of works, the minimal Project footprint and the transient nature of the qualifying bird interests which are mostly passage migrants. Similarly to the Vithkuq- Ostrovice site, Grykederdhja Semanit-Pishe Poro has also been identified by the MoEFWA as being of high biodiversity value and may also be included within future designation plans.

Overall for the three designated sites included within the full assessment the survey data that has been gathered has made it possible to establish that the current pipeline corridor and project components will have little overall impact to any of the three designated sites in their current form and site integrity will be maintained.

There is however potential for direct and indirect impacts at Vithkuq-Ostrovice particularly to species (see Chapter 7.3.3). Here the main area to be affected is outside of the designated site and species most likely to be affected which are qualifying interests of the Vithkuq-Ostrovice designated site are those which move widely in the area and which utilise habitat within and outside the CORINE Biotope. Such species are brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) and due to the uncertainty over the indirect impacts on these species and that ‘reasonable scientific doubt’ remains as to their future status, ‘likely significant effect’ may be triggered for these species where moderate impacts are predicted.

Page 123 of 123 Area Comp. System Disc. Doc.- Ser. Code Code Code Code Type No. Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP AAL00-ERM-641-Y-TAE-1010 ESIA Albania Annex 11 – Habitats Directive Document Title: Rev.: 01 / at07 Assessment Report

As such in Vithkuq-Ostrovice to avoid triggering Stage 3 and 4 of the ‘Habitats Directive Assessment Process (see Box 3.3-2) careful implementation of the BAP within the ESMP will be required (as will be applied for other designated sites). For the Vithkuq-Ostrovice area as part of the BAP, monitoring, before, during and after construction will be required to establish true population sizes of species and so that adaptive management can be implemented to reduce impacts. In addition, a number of mitigation measures will be implemented during construction/operation (see Section 8 of the ESIA) including a Bear-Human Interaction Plan and due to the habitat loss from both within the Vithkuq-Ostrovice CORINE Biotope site as well as from habitat between Kp 68 – Kp 83, compensation in the form of biodiversity offset will be implemented. For the Vithkuq-Ostrovice site, this will mean that in the long term there will be no net loss in habitat even if habitat quality is reduced and overall the area should therefore remain viable for both brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) populations and favourable conservation status for these species can be maintained.

Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG – Albania (Branch Office) Torre Drin, Rruga Abdi Toptani Tirana, Albania Tel.: + 355 44 306 937 Fax: + 355 42 265 685 [email protected] www.tap-ag.com

Date 01/2013

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