E1776

v14 THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works

Public Disclosure Authorized

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

ON THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR Public Disclosure Authorized NEYKOVTSI DAM

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized

Sofia, November 2008

Neykovtsi Dam EIAS

CONTENTS

І. AUTHORS’ SUMMARY ...... 1 ІІ. LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL DIAGRAM ...... 3 ІІІ. OVERVIEW OF NEYKOVTSI DAM PROJECT ...... 4 ІV. OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS AND FACTORS ...... 7 4.1. ATMOSPHERIC AIR ...... 7 4.1.1 Climate ...... 7 4.1.2 Quality of atmospheric air ...... 11 4.2. WATER...... 11 SURFACE WATER...... 11 GROUNDWATER ...... 12 4.3 GEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 12 4.4. SOIL 15 4.5. WASTE ...... 15 4.6. HARMFUL PHYSICAL FACTORS: NOISE ...... 15 4.7. FLORA ...... 15 4.8. FAUNA ...... 16 4.8.1 Ichthyofauna ...... 16 4.8.2 Herpetofauna (Amphibians and reptiles) ...... 17 4.8.3 Mammals ...... 19 4.8.4 Ornitofauna ...... 20 4.9. LANDSCAPE ...... 22 4.10. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT. HEALTH FACTOR ...... 22 4.11. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE...... 23 V. EVALUATION OF THE EXPECTED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEYKOTSI DAM ...... 24 5.1. ATMOSPHERIC AIR ...... 24 5.1.1 Climate ...... 24 5.1.2 Quality of atmospheric air ...... 24 5.2. WATER ...... 27 Surface water ...... 27 Groundwater ...... 32 5.3. GEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 32 5.4. SOILS ...... 34 5.5. WASTE ...... 34 5.6. HARMFUL PHYSICAL FACTORS ...... 41

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5.7. PLANTS ...... 42 5.8. ANIMALS ...... 42 5.8.1. Ichthyofauna ...... 42 5.8.2. Herpetofauna (Amphibians and reptiles) ...... 43 5.8.3. Mammal Fauna ...... 44 5.8.4. Ornithofauna ...... 44 5.9. LANDSCAPE ...... 45 5.10. HEALTH FACTOR AND SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE ...... 45 5.11. SAFETY OF NEYKOVTSI DAM; ...... 47 5.12. TRANSPORDER EFFECT ...... 51 5.13. PROTECTED NATURE AREAS AND PROJECT COMPATIBILITY WITH THE OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSES FOR CONSERVATION OF PROTECTED ZONES ...... 51 5.14. SOCIAL IMPACT ...... 51 VІ. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 52 VІІ. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REMEDIATION PLAN ...... 54 VІІІ. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 56 ІХ. PUBLIC HEARINGS ...... 58

APPENDICES

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І. AUTHORS’ SUMMARY

The Environmental Impact Assessment Statement (EIAS) on the completion of construction works for Neykovtsi Dam has been developed following the submission of the comprehensive Environmental Assessment (ЕА) of 2007 to the World Bank by the Ministry of regional development and public works (MRDPW). It is a part of the documentation for approval of the World Bank assistance requested by the Government of Bulgaria (GoB) for financing of activities meant for municipal infrastructure development through completion of the water supply dam Neykovtsi. The EIAS has been developed to meet the Bank requirements as stated in the ToR and in compliance with the effective environmental legislation in the Republic of Bulgaria (RB). It comprises the following major elaborations and findings.

Overview of the legislative and political system and organizational diagram referring to the environmental management Environmental protection is a country policy priority. Depending on the classification of infrastructure projects they can be either subject to a mandatory EIA or subject to an assessment of the need to have an EIA. Having a total volume of 4,80.106 m3 Neykovtsi dam does not fall under the requirement for a mandatory EIAS (Appendix 1 of the Environmental Protection Act – EPA), but is subject to an assessment for the need to perform an EIA. The EIAS for Neykovtsi dam has been developed in compliance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Bank in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria. The EIAS presents the normative documents of the RB that have to be complied with in the course of work, as well as those required by the Bank. The organizational diagram referring to the environmental management is also presented.

Neykovtsi Dam Project Construction of Neykovtsi dam was launched in 1978 but it was put on hold several times and finally terminated in 2001. The dam wall and the adjoining facilities, as well as the Drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) were implemented following the developed technical detailed designs (according to the design phases effective in those years). The designs have been developed in line with the effective regulations with regard to the security and safety of the dam wall and the facilities thereto. The designs of the dam wall and of the DWTP are to be updated, following a preliminary evaluation of the quality of the performed construction seven years after its termination.

Environmental Status The status of the environment has been evaluated based on inspection of the territory, field research, review of the available data at bodies with competencies in environmental management – the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in the town of Veliko Tarnovo, literature, survey data etc. The status of the environment in the area of Neykovtsi Dam is impacted by the construction works and is defined as affected by human activities. The dam wall has been constructed 30%, the adjoining facilities have been constructed partially (water intake tower, asphalt-concrete diaphragm, control and measuring equipment). The receiving derivations are fully implemented, the rock quarry and the dam construction site have been uncovered. The DWTP has been constructed up to 40%, the water supply trunk - 90% and the roads - 100%. A humus depot and the spillway with a chute and ejector have not been uncovered.. The river ecosystem has been impacted adversely due to the insulation of the future lake zone from the lower river sections. During summer low water in the zone above the dam wall the river nearly dries and there is no ichthyofauna. The recovery of the ichthyofauna occurs only on the territory of the town of

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Plachkovtsi. Herpetofauna is represented only by one species of high conservation status. (Species include in national and international nature conservation documents are assigned high nature conservation status. As a rule, species of high nature conservation status have been assigned conservation priority in Directive 92/43/ЕЕС). Mammal and birds have been less affected due to the fact that the area surrounding the dam is inhabited by species distributed over the whole territory of the northern slopes of Central Stara Planina mountain. The forest vegetation was felled at the construction startup in the 1980-ies and then in late 1990-ies. At the startup of completion construction works the coppice vegetation that have recovered in the years after project suspension will have to be felled. Humus, which is restricted in quantity, has not been removed. The suspended construction of Neykovtsi dam leaves unresolved a major social issue – continuous water supply of the towns of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi and settlements in the municipalities with potable water of good quality. This issue became again critical for the population in the summer of 2008. The water supply rationing and the adverse impact of the already completed part of construction works on the Neykovska river determine the status of the environment.

Environmental Impacts A substantial part of the adverse environmental impacts resulting from the construction of Neykovtsi dam have come to an end due to: uncovering of the rock quarry Suhodole, shaping of the construction site, implementation of the construction roads network, implementation of 16 m of the dam wall and partial implementation of the adjoining facilities. Settling of construction waters for the phase of completion works for Neykovtsi dam has been secured eliminating any danger of pollution for the Neykovska river. Due to the degree of construction completeness, the environmental impacts of the finalization works for Neykovtsi dam will be limited and will allow for undertaking of measures to reduce, prevent or compensate them. The major impacts related to Neykovtsi dam will be due to the operation of the water supply facility. The river eco system will be transformed into a water reservoir eco system. 32,5 ha of forest vegetation will be flooded permanently. The dam wall, classified as ‗big‘, and requiring securing of operation safety, will be situated directly above Neykovtsi residential area (town of Plachkovtsi). Furthermore, that will be conducive for the formation of stable ichthyocenosis in the dam reservoir and will stabilize the conditions in the downstream sections of the Neykovska river below the dam (down to the town of Plachkovtsi) as a result of reduction of the negative impact of summer low water. The available data (item 4.8) and the projected estimation (item 5.8) show that the impact on the herpetofauna, the mammals and the birds will be insignificant. Steady water supply of potable water of good quality will be secured for the population. That is of paramount importance for the region of Tryavna municipality, which features prospering development of summer and winter recreation tourism, landmarks of architecture and woodcarving school. Various alternatives have been considered in the course of the design phase and at present. The normative documents, methodologies and sources used for development of the EIAS have been applied. An environmental mitigation plan, environmental management plan and a monitoring plan aimed at reducing the adverse consequences due to the construction works and the operation of Neykovtsi dam have been enclosed. The outcome from the public hearing of the project in the town of Tryavna, the national discussion at MRDPW and the consultations with the administrative and competent authorities has been presented. The analysis of the project studies performed by Vodocanal engineering EOOD (former Vodokanalproekt), of the EIAS for the DWTP and the meetings held at the municipalities of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi underline how important it is to construct Neykovtsi dam in order to overcome the adverse consequences on the environment resulting from the suspension of construction works and the social benefit to be brought by the dam water supply system. The analyses of the implemented construction works, the evaluations and estimates of the potential impacts of construction and operation of the water supply facility on the environment prove the capacity to reduce the negative impacts on the environment

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ІІ. LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL DIAGRAM

Design and construction of Neykovtsi Dam was implemented following a decision of the Council of Ministers. In 2000 a decision was taken to suspend dam financing due to economic difficulties of the country. EIAS has been implemented in compliance with the provisions of the Bulgarian regulations and the Bank safeguard policies relevant to Neykovtsi dam, as follows 1. ОР/ВР 4.01 Environmental Assessment 2. ОР/ВР 4.37 Dam Safety 3. ОР/ВР 4.04 Natural habitats 4. ОР/ВР 4.36 Forestry 5. Environmental Protection Act (SG No.91/2002 ...... No 94/2008 ) 6. Water Act (SG No.67/1999 amended and supplemented No 70/2008 ) 7. Bio Diversity Act (SG No.91/2002 ...... No.94/2007) 8. Waste Management Act (SG No 86/2003 ...... No 34/2006 ) 9. Fisheries and Aquacultures Act (SG No.4/2001 ...... No 108/2006 ) 10. Ordinance on the terms and conditions for performance of EIA (CoM Decree 59/2003 .... SG No.3/2006 ) A full list of the laws, regulations and other legislative documents referring to the EIAS is enclosed in an Appendix. Control on the implementation of the measures for protection of the environment in the course of construction works is exercised by the RIEW in the town of Veliko Tarnovo, and by the Regional Inspectorate on Health Safety and Control (RIHSC) in case of signals related to human health risks. The environmental expert at Tryavna municipality performs regular supervision of the implementation of measures and the status of the environment and submits reports to RIEW Veliko Tarnovo. In case of failure to perform the measures, RIEW Veliko Tarnovo imposes sanctions, defines deadlines for implementation of the recommendations and, as a last resort, terminates the activity in violation of the recommendations. The plan for own monitoring during the construction and operation phase is developed at the startup of construction and operation and is approved by the Basin Directorate (BD), RIEW and MOEW (Environmental Executive Agency – EEA). They are updated and approved annually by the three institutions mentioned above. At the end of each year, annual statements are submitted, based on which either additional requirements may be included to the monitoring or some requirements may be withdrawn. The monitoring period is determined in the EIAS. Standing obligations are those of the Ministry of Health (MH) to control water quality through its regional unit - the Regional Inspectorate on Health Safety and Control (RIHSC), Water and Sewerage Gabrovo and, if needed, or in case the dam is included in the National Monitoring Network– of the MOEW (EEA). Securing of the minimum acceptable runoff (environmental water) in the Neykovska river is determined in the design during the water intake system design phase, and that water shall be provided continuously in the course of operation. In case of an undertaking for construction of a Micro hydro power plant (MHPP) for treatment of environmental waters, the latter shall be supplied to the plant.

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The operation unit shall be responsible for all waters supplied from the dam during the operation phase. Control on the quantity of environmental waters shall be exercised by RIEW Veliko Tarnovo and by the Basin Directorate Dunavski Region – town of Pleven.

ІІІ. OVERVIEW OF NEYKOVTSI DAM PROJECT

Neykovtsi dam is being constructed in the valley of the Neykovska river. It is located above Neykovtsi residential estate of the town of Plachkovtsi and at about 7,5 km south of the town of Tryavna. The dam is a multiannual compensator. It has been designed by Vodocanal engineering EOOD (former Vodokanalproekt) for drinking water supply of the town of Tryavna, town of Plachkovtsi and the settlements in the region. At present the water supply is secured by the group Tryavna-Plachkovtsi and some local water sources. Most of them have unsteady flow, especially in summer, which causes problems in the regular supply of drinking water to the population. According to data of VIK Gabrovo, in 2007 they had to transfer water through pumping from southern Bulgaria, to save from failure the tourist season. Possibilities are studied to use water from boreholes in order to secure supplies for villages, however their flow is also unsteady. In summer 2008 the situation was much the same. Preliminary investigations made by Vodocanal engineering EOOD (former Vodokanalproekt) in 1972 , justify the need to construct Neykovtsi dam based on processed hydrological and hydrogeological data and water economy research work for determining of the representative volumes (deposit, dead, effective /net/ and total) and elevations of the dam wall with economic rationale for proving the site efficiency. The technical design of the two receiving derivations wit the four water intakes was completed as of 1978, and the dam wall technical design was developed in 1982-83. Several additional developments were made and as of the startup of construction works in 1986 the detailed designs were partially elaborated. A new update of the hydrological studies and of the water balance examinations were of Neykovtsi water supply system was made in 1990. Based on these examinations the required volumes for water supply of the municipalities of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi were determined, which served to clarify all technical solutions and launch the detailed designs development. The DWTP design is from the early 1980-ies (as of 1980 the Bulgarian designer‘s practice featured three design stages: feasibility study, technical design and detailed design). Due to delays in construction, the DWTP design was updated several times, and the last update was made in 1994. The construction of the water supply system started in 1978 and after several interruptions was suspended in 2001. It was implemented by Hydrostroy AD that are using at present partially the construction site under the dam and above Neykovtsi housing estate, located on the left bank of the Neykovska river. Neykovtsi water supply system comprises: Neykovtsi dam wall, diversion gallery, cylindrical water intake tower, main water outlet, injection gallery, front spillway on the left slope, two receiving derivations with 4 water intakes on the Somarinenska and Plachkovska river and a Drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) that is immediately above the town of Tryavna. Neykovtsi dam is state public property under the Ministry of regional development and public works (MRDPW). The future dam operator will be the Water supply and sewerage company of Gabrovo (VIK Gabrovo).

Dam wall The dam wall is rock fill with an asphalt-concrete diaphragm (ACD). The major parameters of the dam wall and the water reservoir are as follows: Maximum height 42,00 m Crown length 201,00 m Total flooded volume: 4,80.106 m3

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Lake length 1300,00 m Usable volume 4,30.106 m3 Dead volume 1,00.106 m3 Water intake area: 13,55 km2 Average height of the watershed above sea level 648 m Average annual inflow 9,19.106 m Flooded area 32,5 ha Wall summit (crown) elevation 581,00 Elevation of the highest water level (HWL) 580,95 Elevation of the lowest operational water level (LOWL) 554,60 Maximum water quantity for water supply 240 l/s Total volume for water supply 5,60.106 m3 Watering volume (environmental water) 0,316.106 m3 Water intake tower. Water intake tower is located close to the right bank of the river before the diversion barrage. It features a reinforced concrete construction with 4,5 m shaft diameter. A front spillway has been envisaged with an arching outline, transitory section, chute and ejector for diversion of high water. The front spillway has been sized for high water with occurrence 0,1% (once in 1000 years). The main water outlet is located in the diversion gallery for diversion of river water during construction Drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) The DWTP is located 2 km from the town of Tryavna and 1,3 km from the road junction Gabrovo- Tryavna. Water is taken via steel pipes 530 from the dam to the treatment plant, and then to the town of Tryavna. As result of the laboratory testing of water quantities supplying Neykovtsi dam, the treatment plant secures treatment in terms of turbidity, color, oxidizability, nitrogen and nitrates, sestan, coli titres and microbe number. The DWTP has been sized for treatment of QNo. = 240 l/s. Due to delayed construction works, the design has been updated several times to include modern equipment and automation. The latest updating is from 1994.

Current situation at Neykovtsi Dam The inspection of the dam wall and the facilities revealed the following: The dam wall has been constructed to about 16 m height, which represents 30% of construction works needed. The upstream batter to the dam is covered with a rock plate, and the downstream batter with rubble. The diversion barrage and diversion gallery on the right bank of the river have been implemented. The water intake tower has been partially constructed (up to 1/3 of the required height). The injection gallery has been constructed to the height of the embankment with a formed core cluster of ACD, a part of the control and instrumentation equipment has been installed (SCADA), but there are signs that there may be some failures, the receiving derivations of the four water intakes from which water to Tryavna is supplied have been made. The main water outlet and the internal process network are fully constructed (to the dam wall and the water intake tower, and to the front spillway on the left bank of the Neykovska river). Auxiliary units: The rock quarry Suhodole has been uncovered at 5 km from the town of Plachkovtsi, a temporary construction site has been established where some of the wagons are still preserved, the concrete unit etc. The DWTP has been constructed up to 40%, the water supply trunk - 90% and the roads - 100%.

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The following components have not been implemented: spillway, chute and ejector, gate valve chamber, open canal, no installation of machinery and electrical equipment has taken place, the humus depot has not been uncovered. The following construction activities need to be finalized for completion of the dam: on the wall – rock embankment, asphalt-concrete diaphragm, installation of the control and instrumentation equipment (SCADA), front spillway with chute and ejector; finalization of construction works on the DWTP; concrete and installation works on the water intake tower, installation works on the main water outlet; assessment of the current status of the bridge at the town of Plachkovtsi and undertaking of measures for recovery of the damages caused on ІІІ and ІV-class national and municipal road network resulting from construction works. Construction of the wall and the facilities thereto, and the construction of the DWTP will be performed in parallel. The phases of construction works will follow those approved for the construction implemented so far. Design update will define waste quantities, construction works time schedule, wastewater discharge from the DWTP, humus depot. In view of the dam wall, volume for settling of construction waters without danger of pollution (increased turbidity) the Neykovska river water has been secured by the diversion barrage and the implemented height of the wall. The Contractor will be responsible for the implementation of construction works, and a small operational unit will be established by VIK Gabrovo to perform measurements with the installed SCADA system. For the purposes of monitoring during the construction stage annual reports will be submitted to the Basin directorate (BD) Dunavski region - Pleven and RIEW Veliko Tarnovo. It is necessary to make a comprehensive review of the as-built drawings of the already performed construction and installation works, including hidden works; estimation of the size of high waters based on hydrological data for the last 30 years and updating of the wall crown elevation depending on the reserve needed, checking the class of the dam wall and updating of the spillway design; performance of micro seismic studies to determine the seismic hazards of the site and the dam wall; sampling of the embankment in the filters and the rock prisms and assessment of the geo-technical parameters of the material; checking of deposits for embankment materials in the rock quarry Suhodole; updating of the cross-sectional profile of the wall in view of the results from the geotechnical examinations, hydrological and seismic studies; checking of the condition of installed SCADA equipment and updating of the SCADA design, if needed; evaluation of the condition of the concrete facilities; evaluation of the condition of the receiving derivations; updating of dam wall and DWTP designs. The requirements stated in the ЕА of 2007 on the need of performing research work and developing designs are to be implemented. The maximum water consumption per day has been estimated at 240 l/s. The existing construction site from the initial startup of construction works for Neykovtsi dam, located at some 0,5 km under the dam wall will be used for completion of the construction. Temporary constructions built on it have been preserved (concrete unit), shuttering and fitting yard, parking lots (for mechanical equipment and vehicles). The available base is currently used (concrete unit). The time frame for site completion is estimated at 3 years. The workforce required for the implementation of construction is estimated at about 150 construction workers and mechanical operators. The site operation is to be managed by a maximum staff of 20 (including operation of the DWTP). The operational lifetime of the dam as per the regulatory documents shall be 100 years. The required foreign investment has been estimated at € 20 000 000.

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ІV. OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS AND FACTORS

4.1. ATMOSPHERIC AIR

4.1.1 Climate

Neykovtsi dam pertains to the Predbalkanski climatic region covering the rolling pre-mountain areas right before Stara Planina mountain, whose height to the north is 300-350 m, and to the south about 1000 m, with 581 m above sea level height of the dam level in case of normal flooding. As a whole the region features temperate continental climate, at the same time climatic characteristics exhibit great spatial fluctuations in values due to the big diversity of morphometric indicators. WINTER. Winter in the discussed region is cold and relevant to the height above sea level the average January temperature is about 1,5ºС below zero. The average minimum temperature in January is about - 5-6ºС, and the absolute minimum temperature may fall below -15-16ºС. Average maximum January temperatures are about 2-3ºС. In certain conditions foehn winds appear causing higher values in maximum temperatures and they may exceed 14ºС. Snow cover is relatively stable in the northern parts and on average cavers a range of 30-60 days. The region features relatively good aeration conditions. The average monthly wind speeds are about 2 m/s. The prevailing winds in wintertime in the region, as well as throughout the year are west winds. In wintertime, under certain synoptic situations foehn wind appears, which causes increase in temperatures and melting of the snow cover. Average monthly relative air humidity in wintertime is about 80%. Winter is the season of the highest cloudiness, with a mean monthly value in winter months below 4 units. The number of bright days in wintertime totals some 10% of the season. SUMMER. Average monthly temperatures are in the range 18-22С in the lower and open parts of the discussed region. In the area of the dam these temperatures could be by some 0,5-1,0С lower. Mean maximum temperatures in summer months are in the range 25-28,5С, but in case of continuous anticyclone conditions the maximum air temperatures exceed 34С. In case of cold intrusions temperatures may drop even below 9С. In terms of relative humidity, July and August feature the lowest values, with average monthly relative humidity in the range 60-66%. Summer is also the season with the highest number of bright days, with about and over 30% of them in July and August. The mean monthly cloudiness in August is 3 units, which is the lowest value throughout the year. SPRING AND AUTUMN. Spring is cool, with mean monthly temperature of about 10С for the central spring month. Fall is warmer than spring by some 6С, in mid-March the mean daily temperature of air exceeds 5С and in late December falls below this limit. In springtime the mean monthly wind speed is in the range 1-2 m/s. The typical springtime fluctuations in the atmosphere are manifested in the reduced percentage of calm weather, and autumn is the season with the gentlest winds. Precipitation and evaporation are two major climatic elements, impacting water storage of closed water reservoirs. The region is characterized by the typical continental distribution of rainfall with a clearly exhibited peak in the warm semester and minimum in the cold one. The annual amount of rainfall in the region in the range 780-890 mm. Seasonal precipitation in wintertime is about 160-170 mm, in springtime about 230-240 mm, in summertime about 280-290 and about 170-180 in fall. About 60-70% of precipitation in winter is due to snowfall. The maximum per day precipitation in the region depends on the location and may exceed 100 mm. The overview of the climatic background is illustrated and supplemented by the enclosed diagrams, based on data published in the Climate Reference Books of Bulgaria.

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21.8 21.7 22 19.5 17.6 18 16.1 14 15.8 15.3 14 10.7 11.8 12.1 11.5 8.6 10 7.6 7.2 6.1 6.8 5.2 6 6.2 3.1 2.7 3.1 0.6

0 1.1 1.5 С 2 0

-2 -1.4 1 -2.92 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10-1.2 11 12 -2.8 -2 -6 -5.1 -6.2 -10 -10.1 месец -14 -14.1 -16.1 -18 Tср мин. абс.мин.

Fig.1 Average monthly, minimum and absolute minimum temperature- Dryanovo station

34.1 32.7 32 31.1 31.1 28 28.3 28.3 27.8 28 25.2 25.1 24.4 21.8 24 21.9 21.6 21.8 21.7 19.5 18.2 20 17.3 17 0 17.6

16.5 16.1 С 16 14.8 12.1 11.6 10.4 11.5 12

8 5.9 6.8 5.6 5.2 4 3 1.1 1.5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 месец Tср макс. абс.макс.

Fig.2 Average monthly, maximum and absolute maximum temperature- Dryanovo station

14 13.7 11.8 12 10.3 10

8.2 8

бройдни ясни 6 5.3 4.8 4.1 4 3.6 3.6 3.4 3 3.2

2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

месец

Fig.3 Mean monthly number of bright days by general cloudiness - Dryanovo station

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110 108.8 108.7 100

90 82.2 80 75.5 70 68.9 мм

60 57.9 55.2 56.4 56.1 52.6 50 47.4 47.8

40

30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 месец

Fig.4 Mean monthly precipitation quantity — Tryavna station

7

6

5 бал 4

3

2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

обл 6.8 6.5 6.3 5.6 5.4 4.8 3.7 3 3.5 4.9 6.5 6.9 месец

Fig.5 Mean monthly cloudiness — Dryanovo station

85 84 83 81 80 79

75 75 72 % 71 70 70 68 67 66 65 63

60 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 месец

Fig.6 Mean monthly relative air humidity — Dryanovo station

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N N 25 30

NW 25 NE 20 NW NE 20 15 15 10 10

5 5

W 0 E W 0 E

SW SE SW SE

S S

January /calm/-31.0% April /calm/-21.4% N N 30 25

25 NW NE 20 NW NE 20 15 15 10 10

5 5

W 0 E W 0 E

SW SE SW SE

S S

July /calm/-25.5% October /calm/ – 30.5 %

N 30

25 NW NE 20 15 10

5

W 0 E

SW SE

S

Annual /calm/-25.7% Fig.7 Wind Rose- Dryanovo station

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4.1.2 Quality of atmospheric air

After the suspension of construction works air quality complies with the natural conditions of the environment. The town of Tryavna and the town of Plachkovtsi are not sources of air pollution. There is no transmission of pollutants from other regions. The only source of air pollution is the motor traffic. Traffic increases in at weekends and in summer and winter season but without any notable impact on air purity.

4.2. WATER

SURFACE WATER

Hydrological data Hydrological, hydrogeological and water studies were carried out for Neykovtsi dam by ―Vodocanalengineering‖ EOOD. The last ones are from 1990. The information available from four hydrometric stations (HMS) was used. After the data were processed, they were reduced to the four water catchments and the wall range. High waters were defined with occurrence of 0.1%, 1% and 5%. To 2008, no hydrological information has been reported for almost 20 years. During these years, there have been dynamic processes of dry periods, followed by wet ones. It is especially important to update the hydrological information for high waters as well, and it will be necessary to determine the water quality with occurrence of Q0.01%. Taking into account the new normative framework, it will be necessary to classify the wall in a higher class (from 2nd to 1st). Deposit runoff There is a HMS in the river network where floating deposits are measured (to 1990, for 10 to 19 years). On the basis of these, the deposit runoff to the range has been determined. A high degree of afforestation of the reservoir on Neykovska river has been established. There are no studies of the quality of the deposits, but there are no pollutants in the watershed of Neykovtsi dam and the lakebed. Water quality Detailed analyses have been carried out of the water quality in the rivers in the watershed by Neykovtsi dam, both on organoleptic and physical-chemical indicators, and microbiological analysis and radioactivity test of the water samples from 1990 to 1994. The analyses were carried out by ―Vodocanalengineering‖). Although there was no additional anthropogenic impact in the Neykovska river watershed from 1994 to 2008, the period from 1994 to 2008 is quite long and imposes that the necessary number of samples be taken for the updated design to prove the water quality in the river to the range and fill in the data from sample analyses from the water catchments, taken during these years. The results from water tests up to 1994 prove the necessity for it to be purified before it is supplied to consumers, update the DWTP design and complete its construction. The construction of the dam wall to a height of 16m separated the section above the dam from the lower sections of the river. The connection is through the main outlet. The river runoff decreases drastically during the summer and autumn low waters. Both above the dam wall and under it, by the town of Plachkovtsi, it almost dries up and single small pools remain. At the height it is built, the dam wall creates a potential threat to the population of Neykovtsi residential area and the town of Plachkovtsi in the event of high waters. Overspill above the embankment (since 2001, there has been one case when the main outlet was completely full) threatens to destroy the embankment and have heavy consequences from the destruction wave. In the watershed of Neykovska river there is no discharge of sewage systems and sewage water treatment systems and collectors to them.

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GROUNDWATER

The groundwaters in the region are determined by their host rocks and are fissure and karst, respectively. Fissure waters are accumulated in the sand-argelite deposits in the mid-Triassic. These waters are fresh, non-head and drain in the rivers passing through the region. The underground runoff module is Мur < 1 dm3/s.km2. The springs have a flow rate of up to 1 l/s. Karst waters are concentrated in the Gabrovo-Trevnya basin. It covers a large area, starting west of Gabrovo and reaching the east of Tryavna and south of Plachkovtsi. Maastichtian limestones are severely fractured and karstic in their openings. They are part of the construction of the Gabrovo syncline and in its central part they are uncovered as narrow strips in its limbs. Karst water is recharged mainly by precipitation in the limestone openings with a small amount of water. In the peripheral parts of the basin, groundwater is non-head with a well-expressed karstic character, whereas in the covered area, it is fissure-karst and has a head character. The aquifer is drained by the rivers that flow through the syncline – Yantra, Dryanovksa, Belitsa. A more well known spring in the region is near the village of Voyneja ~ 10 l/s. The underground runoff module of karst-fissure waters is Мur < 5 dm3/s.km2. Fresh thermal waters with deep circulation form dynamic water pressure systems. In origin, they are infiltration waters, in some cases buried earlier (mainly in the hollows). Their chemical composition is formed by their host rocks. In gas composition, most are nitrogen therms.

4.3 GEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

In geological terms, Neykovtsi dam is part of the Paleogenic system of the Pre-Balkan. Paleogenic sediments are widespread and fill the large syncline structures. The region where Neykovtsi dam is situated falls within the Lukovit and Staropatishka suites (The thick- layered flysch formation). Lukovit suite The Lukovit suite is built of alternating sandstone, alevrolites and clay mergels of flysch-like nature. The sediments comprising the suite correspond to the flyschoid sediments from the formation of alternating mergels and thin-layer sandstone. The formation is situated visibly concordantly above the sediments of the Belene suite. In the lower part of the cross-section is a flysch-alternation of dark-grey to black argelites and thin-layer sandstone. Gradually upwards is a thick-layer alternation also of sandstone and argelites. Sandstone layers are usually thick (up to 1.0 and more metres). In composition, they are polymict – made of quartz, feldspar, daze, and their joint is clay-limestone. The upper border of the Lukovit suite in Gabrovo is marked by the quick but distinct lithological transition to psammitic-psephite rocks of the Staropatishka suite. The openings of the Lukovit suite continue far to the east of the Trevna river.

Staropatishka suite The suite is built of badly sorted polygenous sandstones, gravelites and conglomerates, and slightly clayey schists, alevrolites and argelites. Less in quantity are sandy and loamy rocks. The different lithological varieties are represented mainly by irregular and vertically alternating spatially uneven layers and lenses. In places, the sandstones turn into conglomerates. The argelites are dark grey to black. The thickness of the reviewed litho-stratigraphic unit changes too quickly from tens to 450-500 m and probably up to 1000 m. The upper border of the Staropatishka suite has an emphasized erosion character and the suite section is in principle deeply eroded.

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In the furthest southeastern part of the Paleogenic openings, the Lukovit-Staropatishka suite overlaps with the low levels of the Lukovit suite, which belong to the early Eocene subseries. Quaternary Quaternary formations are limited. In the dam region there are Pleistocenic alluvial formations filling the non-flood terraces (in rock composition, they are made up of uneven and different in form contacting in different spatial relations bodies from rubble, sands and clay with slantwise bedding). Their thickness reaches the first few metres. In the dam region the sand-argelite formation is severely fractured. On the very range where the wall is, there is a fault zone about 20 m wide.

Tectonics A small part of the openings of the Troyan unit are in the reviewed region. The most distinct regionally traceable structure from the early Illyric structure plan in the rock volume of the Troyan unit is the Gabrovo syncline, which can be followed well in the west-east direction and formed in the sediments of the Boynovska, Lukovit and Staropatishka suites. Its west centricline is clearly visible in the Lyulyatsi area, west of Gabrovo. Its northern limb passes through Gabrovo and is followed by the Trevnya river. Although it is complicated by faults, it is relatively monolith. Its southern limb is followed well through Yantra River to the territory of Enchovtsi village. The syncline is relatively shallow, linear brachio-form, inclined to the east. It is superimposed with obvious angle disagreement on the traces of the Austrian structure plan. Neykovtsi dam falls in 7th degree of seismic intensity and seismic Кs = 0.10. The dam wall is built of limestone material and the quarry is situated not far from the town of Plachkovtsi. The limestone is grey-white to white or slightly cream-coloured with massive texture. They are mostly organogenic, karstic and fractured.

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GEOLOGICAL MAP М 1:100 000

LITHOLOGY Staropatishka suite Lukovit suite Conglomerates and sandstone Rhythmic alternation of sandstone, mergels, alevrolites, rarely argilites

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4.4. SOIL

In the region of Neykovtsi dam, soils are Luvisols, grey forest type. In height, on the slopes outside the dam bowl they turn into brown forest ones. Grey forest soils are typical for the lower vegetation belt of North Bulgaria and the low mountain sub-belt of the Middle mountain belt. They are formed on various soil-formation rocks, due to which their mechanical composition varies from loamy sand to sandy clay, and they are often stony. Affected by the dam construction up to 2001 are the soils under the dam wall construction and the facilities to it, as well as during the creation of the technological road. The soils in the dam bed are moderately deep and slightly stony in the shaded openings and shallow, moderately stony on the sunny slopes. There are no river terraces in the gullies, their bottom is stony. The soils in the region are not contaminated with harmful substances or waste. There is no erosion of the soils in the dam bowl and the whole watershed basin.

4.5. WASTE

The inspection of the water supply system did not establish abandoned construction waste or unregulated depots.

4.6. HARMFUL PHYSICAL FACTORS: NOISE

Currently there are no sources of noise on the territory of the future Neykovtsi dam due to the fact that construction was suspended in 2001. The noise background is the natural background of the environment.

4.7. FLORA

In compliance with the forestry division of the country, the region of Neykovtsi dam falls into the Moesian forestry district, North Bulgaria sub-district, medium alpine belt of beech and coniferous forests, sub-belt of low-mountain forests of durmast oak, beech and fir. The indigenous forest vegetation in the region comprises mesophytic phytocenoses of the common beech (Fagus silvatica). Their composition includes individual specimen of European hornbeam (Carpitus betulus), Durmast oak (Quercus dalechampii), silver lindene (Tilia argentea), and of willows near water flows (Salix alba and Salix caprea). As a result of the regeneration of low-productivity hornbeam-beech stands and afforestation in barren areas, the region enjoys considerable area of forest cultures mainly of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris). Sprouting of indigenous vegetation often participate in their composition – beech, hornbeam, Durmast oak. Prior to launching of the dam construction works, the forest vegetation in the bowl was felled partially (about 6,0-7,0 ha). Since the broad-leaf vegetation at a proper age regenerates through sprouting (an abundance of sprouting trees appear after a felling), at present this area is a 25-year beech-hornbeam coppice of very good density, of average height 7-8 m and average diameter 5-6 cm, average timber stock about 110 m3/ha. In recent years felling of indigenous plantations continued, covering the remaining area of the future water reservoir. The mean age of those new coppice stands is in the range 10 - 15 years, average height 2- 4 m, average diameter 2-3 cm, and average timber stock (exceptionally fine timber) about 30-40 m3/ha (Appendix: Forest map). The indigenous forest vegetation in the lakebed after the fellings comprises beech-hornbeam coppice woods. A small part of the lake tail of the future dam falls within a Protected

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 15/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS area (PA) under Natura 2000‖, within whose purposes it is said “...conservation, regeneration and maintenance of beech ecosystems...”. The objectives stated on designation of the Protected Zone refer to seed beech ecosystems representing a valuable genetic fund. The areas falling within the water reservoir have no conservation value because of their coppice nature and human impacts due to unregulated logging and grazing. The available forest stands are only of local significance – for production of firewood.

Protected Nature Areas Neykovtsi dam falls partially, near the tail of the lake, in the boundaries of PA Balgarka BG 0000399 and is located above PA Dryanovska reka BG 0000282 of the Environmental network Natura 2000. PA Balgarka comprises also a part of Nature Park Balgarka. The Nature Park is located on the ridge parts of the northern slopes of Central Stara Planina above the towns of Gabrovo and Tryavna. This is the youngest Nature Park in Bulgaria, designated by Order No RD-775 of 09.08.2002 of the Ministry of Environment and Water in view of conservation, regeneration and maintenance of beech ecosystems and landscapes characteristic of Stara Planina, the flora, fauna and the cultural and historical landmarks in the region. The park is a part of PA NATURA 2000. The park territory covers the springs and the watershed of the Yantra river and of its main tributaries in their upstream part, with an area of 21772 ha comprising territories of the municipalities of Gabrovo and Tryavna. The average height above sea level is 940 m, and the highest point is 1120 m. The area of the Nature Park covers the ridge part of Shipchenska and Trevnenska mountain, bordering to the west Uzana and Osenikova polyana localities, to the east – protected locality Studen kladenets, the adjoining northern slopes and a part of the corresponding Predbalkan. The area of PA Balgarka is 17970,27 ha and covers territories of the municipalities Gabrovo, Sevlievo and Tryavna. PA Dryanovska reka totals an area of 187,62 ha and covers territories of the municipalities Veliko Tarnovo, Dryanovo and Tryavna. The zone starts below the town of Plachkovtsi, from the Plachkovska river (tributary of the Dryanovska river).

4.8. FAUNA

4.8.1 Ichthyofauna

The investigation for the EIA purposes was performed in 2007. The section of the Neykovska river was visited in the area of the future dam, and from the dam wall to the town of Plachkovtsi, which included visual inspections and fishing by means of net devices. The analysis made use of data collected for evaluation of bio diversity under projects Special Protected Areas (SPA) BG 0000282 Dryanovska reka and BG 0000399 Balgarka in the Environmental Network Natura 2000, as well as survey information on the presence of certain fish species in the region.

Current condition of the ichthyofauna According to the results of the study, the following fish species are represented in the mid-stream of the Plachkoska (Dryanovska) river: River trout Salmo trutta fario Black barbel Barbus petenyi Chub - Squalius cephalus (= Leuciscus cephalus) Rifle minnow - Alburnoides bipunctatus Gudgeon - Gobio gobio Romanogobio kessleri (= Gobio kessleri)

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Bitterling Rhodeus amarus Spined loach Cobitis elongatoides (= Cobitis taenia elongatoides) Colden spiny loach Sabanejewia balcanica (= Sabanejewia aurata balcanica) River trout is not a typical species for this river section, and its population is maintained mainly through artificial fish stocking. A typical species here is the black barbel, which serves as an indicator of the environmental status of the river. The ichthyofauna in the river section between the dam wall and the town of Plachkovtsi is quite poor in terms of quantity and quality, which is most likely due to the unsteady flow with sever low water in summertime when the some river sections dry up. A relatively steady fish community is registered only in the river section that crosses the town of Plachkovtsi and further down the stream. According to the collected survey data, during spring high water the river chub, black barbel and Gobio bulgaricus reach the dam wall however they do not pass through the bottom water outlet in the section above. Salmo trutta fario appears in this river section during high water, most likely via Trevnenska river, which is subject to fish stocking. During low water it is practically impossible for the fish to travel against the flow due to the peculiarities of the riverbed and the natural river fragmentation that is reduced to only some pools alternating with dry sections. The performed field study established that in the ichthyofauna is missing pools that remain. The composition of the ichthyofauna down the flow in the potentially affected area of the Plachkovska (Dryanovska) river features six species of conservation significance: Barbus petenyi (Biological Diversity Act (BDA), Appendices 2 and 4; Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendix II (=Barbus meridionalis);BERN*, Annex III) Rhodeus amarus (Biological Diversity Act (BDA), Appendix 2; Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendix II; BERN*, Annex III) Romanogobio kessleri (Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendix II; BERN, Annex III) Sabanejewia balcanica (Biological Diversity Act (BDA), Appendix 2; Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendix II; Cobitis elongatoides (Biological Diversity Act (BDA), Appendix 2; Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendix II (= Cobitis taenia)) Alburnoides bipunctatus (BERN, Annex III) The subject of conservation and the objectives of SPA BG 0000282 Dryanovska reka and BG 0000399 Balgarka that are to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction works of Neykovtsi dam comprise 5 of the established species: Barbus petenyi, Sabanejewia balcanica, Rhodeus amarus, Romanogobio kessleri (in PA BG 0000282 Dryanovska reka) and Cobitis elongatoides (in PA BG0000399 Balgarka).

4.8.2 Herpetofauna (Amphibians and reptiles)

These data have been obtained as a result of the inspection performed on site and study of various sources on the herpetofauna within the scope of the territory of Neykovtsi Dam.

Species composition, conservation status and location of established and likely species Table 1 includes the established species in the area (designated in the last column with VB 31807, date of the inspection and of the species likely to be found in locations close to the site (designated with VK). Table 1 Nature conservation status Bern Dir. Species BDA/ Habitat Data source: IUCN Convent Annex No ion 92/43 Tryavna, Plachkovtsi, Salamandra salamandra ІІІ ІІІ VK Koychevtsi Warty newt ІІ, ІІІ LR ІІ ІV Gabrovo, Tryavna VK

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Nature conservation status Bern Dir. Species BDA/ Habitat Data source: IUCN Convent Annex No ion 92/43 Triturus karelinii Yellow-bellied toad VK ІІ ІІ ІІ, ІІІ Tryavna; the dam Bombina variegata VB, 31807 Great toad ІІІ ІІІ Tryavna VK Bufo bufo Big water frog ІV ІІІ V in the dam VB, 31807 Rana ridibunda Rana dalmatina ІІ ІІ ІV the dam VB, 31807 Rana temporaria ІІ, ІV ІІІ V around Tryavna VK Green lizard ІІ ІV the dam VB, 31807 Lacerta viridis Wall lizard ІІ ІV the dam VB, 31807 Podareis muralis Natrix tessellata ІІ ІV Tryavna VK Smooth snake ІІІ ІІ ІV Tryavna VK Coronella austriaca

Notes to Table: BDA – Biodiversity Law (SG, No.77/2002);IUCN – Red List of Threatened Species; LR – Low Risk; Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) Appendices II and III; Dir 92/43 Directive 92/43 of the EU on the Protection of Natural Habitats of Wild Flora and Fauna, Appendices ІІ, ІV and V.

Data analysis From the species listed in the table, except for the established in 2007 five species, undoubtedly the Great toad and the salamander are broadly distributed in all places of similar type, relief and vegetation. It is almost certain to come across the smooth snake and Natrix tessellata. The remaining two species – the warty newt and the Rana temporaria – most likely are not to be found in the region of the dam wall and the areas to be flooded. The nature of the vegetation and the complete lack of permanent stagnant water bodies exclude the presence of the warty newt in the flooding area. Rana temporaria is to be found in the higher regions of Trevnenska mountain. The dam height above the sea level and the nature of the vegetation almost exclude the likelihood for that species to dwell at this elevation. There are no species of high nature conservation status in the list (except for the warty newt). There are no species to be found in the Bulgarian Red Book (vol.ІІ, Animals – 1985) or any of those protected under the Convention CITES.

Number and density of the populations of the species established in the area under consideration The exceptionally low density of the populations of all represented species was established during a visit paid to the area in 2007. It was found that only the big water frog is represented by about twenty specimens in water bodies around the main water outlet in the base of the unfinished wall. 100 m down and about 600 m upstream of the river, which is practically dry in this period, the species was not established. The only forest frog was found in the wet but dry bed of the river at some 500 m above the wall; Some yellow-bellied toads were established in drying pool at about 150 m above the wall; wall lizards (3 specimens) were observed under stones below the road on the right bank of the river; two green lizards were found on the road on the right bank, at some 400 m and some 300 m above the wall. The established density of the populations of all 5 species is very low. The reasons for that are the drying up of the river, lack of other water bodies suitable for reproduction of amphibians, excavation and filling works on the wall and the nature of the vegetation – high, dense grass and shrubs – environment that is unfavorable for most amphibians and reptiles.

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As for the species whose presence in the vicinity Neykovtsi residential estate of is suggested based on literary data: the conditions to come across the salamander and the great toad are most pessimistic since their density here is very low; the smooth snake, which is not to be found in abundance anywhere, could be present at very low density, but may also be absent; Most likely Natrix tessellate is also very rare.

4.8.3 Mammal Fauna

The methods used for evaluation of the current status are the route and survey method. Literature sources have been used. Due to the fact that fauna in that region is more or less connected to the rivers in the Danube plain, data are missing and only on separate cases they are based on literary sources or oral information. Data have been collected based on own observations, papers of different specialists and through personal sources.

Analysis of the current status The relatively small area, the variegated relief and soil and climate conditions determine the great diversity of animal species. According to the zoogeographic division, the territory falls within the zone of the European fauna – Staroplaninski region. The endangered and rare mammals included in Appendix I and III of the Bern Convention have been well preserved in the region in general and mainly in the area of NP Balgarka. These are the European wolf (Canis lupus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos), as well as those listed in the Red List for 2000 of IUCN – the otter (Lutra lutra) and some bat species. Comparatively abundant are the hare (Lepus capensis), the fox (Vulpes vulpes), the badger (Meles meles), the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the European polecat (Putorius putorius), the squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), the roe-deer (Capreolus capreolus). Other present species include the jackal (Canis aureus), the red deer (Cervus elaphus), the beech marten (Martes foina) etc. The petty mammals are very common in that region: rodents (Rodentia) – various mice species (Apodemus spp. and Mus spp.), voles (Microtus spp.) and insectivorous (Insectivora) – the hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), the common mole (Talpa europaea) and shrews (Sorex spp., Crocidura spp.,). It should be noted that the zoological investigations of the region are extremely scarce. The mammal species to be found in the basin of the Yantra river and its roundabouts, as well as on the Territory of Nature Park «Balgarka» and their nature conservation status are shown in Table 2. .

Table 2. The Bonn IUCN BDA/ The Red The Bern CITES Directive Conventio WW Species Annex Book of Convention Annex. 92/43/ЕЕС LH n protected No. Bulgaria Annex No. No. Annex No. Annex No. species Hedgehog No3 + Erinaceus eurоpaeus East European No2 hedgehog Erinaceus concolor (Martin)) Common mole Talpa europaea Common shrew No3 + No2,4 + Sorex araneus Bicolored white- + + No2 toothed shrew Crocidura leucodon Lesser white-toothed + + No2 shrew Crocidura suaveolens Souslik Spermophilus No2 + +Rez. 6

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The Bonn IUCN BDA/ The Red The Bern CITES Directive Conventio WW Species Annex Book of Convention Annex. 92/43/ЕЕС LH n protected No. Bulgaria Annex No. No. Annex No. Annex No. species citellus Red squirrel (Sciurus No3 + + vulgaris) Forest mouse Sylvaemus sylvaticus House mouse Mus domesticus Water vole Arvicola terrestris Norway rat Rattus norvegicus House rat Rattus rattus European hare No3 + + Lepus capensis Common vole Microtus arvalis Fox + Vulpes vulpes Badger No3 + + Meles meles Beech marten No3 + Martes foina Weasel No3 + No3 + Mustela nivalis Wild cat No3 + No2 + No2 + No4 + + Felis sylvestris Wild boar + Sus scrofa Wolf No 2;4+ + No 2 + No 2+ + No 4 + Canis lupus Rez.6 Bear No 2;3+ + No 2 + No 2 + No 2;4 + Ursus arctos Rez.6 Jackal No 2 + No 2 + No 4+ + Canis aureus Roe deer No 3 + + Capreolus capreolus Red deer No 3 + + Cervus elaphus

The species listed in the table inhabit and area that is much wider than area to be impacted as a result of the construction works for completion of Neykovtsi dam. PA ―Balgarka BG 0000399 and Nature Park Balgarka will be impacted almost insignificantly by the tail of the future dam.

4.8.4 Ornitofauna

The ornitofauna (Class Aves), which is the best studied type of fauna, whose nature conservation status in Bulgaria is also best regulated, in the site area comprises species pertaining to the so-called mountain- forest fauna complex, characteristic of broad-leaf forests and forest stands in the low and middle parts of the high mountains in Bulgaria. From zoogeographic perspective, the ornitofauna is of Palaearctic type, consisting of species dominating in the moderate geographic latitudes.

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Status of the ornitofauna in the project area The following bird species (Aves) have been registered in the scope of the site and the adjacent territories: (List 1):

List 1.

1. Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis (L.)) 2. Sparrow hawk (Accipiter nisus (L.)) 3. Common buzzard (Buteo buteo (L.)) – migrating and hovering individuals 4. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos (L.)) – migrating and hovering individuals 5. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus (Tunstall)) – migrating specimen 6. Hobby (Falco subbuteo L.) – migrating and hovering individuals 7. Hazel hen (Tetrastes bonasia (L.)) 8. Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus L.) 9. Tawny owl (Strix aluco L.) 10. Swift (Apus apus (L.)) 11. Green woodpecker (Picus viridis L.) 12. Greater spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major (L.) in forests round and under the site 13. Swallow (Hirundo rustica L.) 14. Red-rumped swallow (Hirundo dahurica L.) 15. House martin (Delichon urbica (L.)) 16. White wagtail (Motacilla alba alba L.) 17. Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea Tunstall) 18. Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes (L.)) 19. Coal tit (Parus ater L.) - rare 20. Blue tit (Parus caeruleus L.) 21. Great tit (Parus major L.) 22. Nuthatch (Sitta europaea L.) 23. Black redstart (Phornicurus ochruros (Gmelin)) – incl. In the village 24. Robin (Erithacus rubecula (L.)) 25. Blackbird (Turdus merula L.) 26. Song thrush (Turdus philomelos C. L. Brehm) 27. Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus L.) 28. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla (L.)) 29. Lesser whitethroat (Sylvia curruca L.) 30. Chifchaff (Phylloscopus collybita (Vieillot)) 31. Wood warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrux (Bechstein)) 32. Spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata (Pallas)) – more abundant during seasonal migrations 33. Raven (Corvus corax L.) – single migrating specimen 34. Hooded crow (Corvus corax L.) – single migrating specimen 35. Jay (Garrulus glandarius (L.)) 36. Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio L.) 37. Green-finch (Carduelis chloris (L.)) – in the low parts of the region 38. Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis (L.)) – in the low parts of the region 39. Siskin (Carduelis carduelis (L.)) – in fall and winter 40. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs L.) 41. Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula (L.))

41 bird species have been specified as characteristic of the region where Neykovtsi water reservoir is located and included in List 1. That composition of species for the said territory can be evaluated as poor, or relatively poor, the reason for that being the fact that the area is relatively monotonous as a habitat – slopes are mainly occupied by broad-leaf forests and coniferous forest cultures characterized by good canopyand dense shrub communities.

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The most numerous out of the forest nesting species in the region are the chaffinch and the robin, significant are also the number, respectively the pairs of the dipper, the chifchaff, the blackcap and the great tit. The most numerous of the swallows is the red-rumped swallow. The species in List 1, specified in Annex 2 (of plant and animal species threatened by extinction, whose conservation is a priority) in the Biological Diversity Act (SG No 77, Section II – Protected Areas, Art. 6, т. 4 (2) and (3)) are presented in List 2:

List 2.

1. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos (L.)) – migrating and hovering individuals 2. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus (Tunstall)) – migrating specimen 3. Hazel hen (Tetrastes bonasia (L.)) 4. Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio L.)

8 of the species in List 1 fall within the Annex 2 of the BDA. None of them is related to river itself. Of the first two 2 species – the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon – only migrating and hovering specimen have been observed. The site and the adjacent territories are not among their reproduction habitats. The hazel hen propagates in the forests in the region, but not in the areas in the bowl of the future dam that have already been impacted by construction activities. In addition that species has already regained its number in the forests in the country and is not rare, let alone endangered by extinction. The last species – the Red-backed shrike - dwells and nests in the low forest vegetation in open expanses or in the edges or thinned forest sections, including urban areas. Three pairs have been registered in the site area – along the banks in the region below the wall and high up the slopes over the right riverbank. Some specimens dwell in the rarefied areas by the road after the dam wall, and also near Neykovtsi housing estate. The flooding will not affect the habitats of the above mentioned 3 pairs, since the areas by the road along the right bank dwelt by 2 of the pairs will remain above the dam water, while the territory of the pair below the wall remains beyond the dam bowl, so that all 3 pairs will continue to dwell in their nesting areas. It is likely that construction works may have impacted either species specimen or pairs dwelling in rarefied sections by and close to the river banks, but that is quite unlikely since those parts of the area feature quite dense vegetation that is avoided by pair of that species. Moreover, this species is quite numerous in the country.

4.9. LANDSCAPE

To a great extent changes have already occurred in the landscape and environment in the area under consideration. The wall of Neykovtsi dam has been constructed to a height of 16 m. The forest vegetation that was felled in the past has regenerated as a coppice forest, the rock quarry has been developed and the construction sites at the dam wall and the DWTP have been formed. Suspension of construction works has a negative effect on the landscape because of the unfinished activities for remediation of areas disrupted by construction and the incomplete implementation of facilities. There are slidings on the waterside of the wall. The look of the implemented construction 10 years after the suspension is in contrast with the surrounding area.

4.10. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT. HEALTH FACTOR

The Neykovtsi dam wall is located above the Neykovtsi residential quarter of the town of Plachkovtsi, Tryavna municipality. Tryavna municipality, including the town of Plachkovtsi totals 13 051 population,

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 22/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS of which 94% live in the two towns and the rest in the villages and the house clusters. The demography of the population in comparison with the mean values for the country is presented in Table 3.

Table 3 Population Births Deaths Growth Urban location (number) (per 1000) (per 1000) (per 1000) 1. For the country 7 679 290 9,6 14,7 -5,1 2. Towns 5 425 332 10,1 12,2 -2,1 3. Villages 2 225 985 8,3 20,7 -12,4 4. Tryavna Municipality; 13 051 6,2 17,0 -10,8

Note: 2006 data.

Data show that population growth in the municipality is two times lower than the country average, which is due to the strong migrations processes and the age composition of the population. The region enjoys a favorable environmental status – the only air pollutants are the fugitive exhaust emissions from vehicles and burning of firewood for household purposes. The town of Tryavna is famous for its architecture from the period of the National Revival and for one of the oldest woodcarving schools in Europe. The town has a restored quarter of crafts from the period of the National Revival and a woodcarving school, which hosts annual contests on woodcarving. These attract a number of tourists that resulted in fast development of hotel and restaurant businesses in recent years. There are excellent opportunities for summer recreation and tourism (eco-tourism, rural tourism, family tourism, organized, stationary, routes, high-mountain tourism with all conditions for common tourism and rock-climbing). The municipality is ambitious to develop winter recreation and sport. Municipality of Tryavna provides one of the best natural conditions for a healthy life-style in the country. The population encounters some difficulties due to the single road connection to the inland area, featuring the peculiarities of mountain roads. The Neykovska river above the town of Plachkovtsi does not offer conditions for fishing. Amateur fishing is practiced in the Plachkovska river (below the town of Plachkovtsi) and the Dryanovska river (below the town of Dryanovo)1. The health status of the population is characterized by the following data: Leading among death causes are blood circulation diseases – myocardial infarction, brain-vascular diseases, hypertension. Second come malignant diseases and diseases of the respiratory system. Data on contagious diseases, which can be transferred not only through food products but also the water route, do not differ from the mean values for country. Thus in the district Gabrovo the incidents of dysentheria (shigelosis) in 2006 were 11,1, while the country average is 11,4 per 100 000, the incidents of A-type hepatitis are 73,3, while the average for the country is 108. There are no data on the link between these diseases and water quality in the district. Hazardous infections such as cholera and abdominal typhoid, have not been established in the country for over 40 years..

4.11. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE

There are no data of any historical, archaeological or architectural finds on the territory of the dam. None of the above has been registered during the construction of the Neykovtsi dam. Should any finds be uncovered on site in the course of dam completion and lake remediation, the procedures envisaged in the

1 Names of one and the same river along its course.

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Law on Monuments of Culture shall be undertaken by the Institute of Archaeology and the Archaeological museum.

V. EVALUATION OF THE EXPECTED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEYKOTSI DAM

5.1. ATMOSPHERIC AIR

5.1.1 Climate

Dam construction will inevitably result in changes in the thermo-physical properties of the base surface, and hence of the microclimate in the area surrounding the dam. The impact of artificial water reservoirs on the environment has been a subject of long-standing examinations in Bulgaria. A methodology has been developed for evaluation of microclimate features in areas surrounding dams . According to the preliminary studies the change will affect only the area of the dam since the gradient of the meteorological elements is great and that may have only a favorable impact on the unaffected flora and fauna. The availability of a huge water volume will cause a reduction in daily temperature differences, as well as to improved conditions for humidification. The recent decades feature significant climate fluctuations exhibited in alteration of dry and wet years, as well greater frequency of extreme phenomena such as long periods of high temperatures, lengthy draughts and heavy rains. Numerous examinations of climatic changes in Bulgaria exhibit significant statistic trends toward decrease of rainfalls and increase of temperatures, which results in reduced humidity. In the course of dam operation it shall be considered that the recent decades feature significant climate fluctuations exhibited in alteration of dry and wet years, as well greater frequency of extreme phenomena such as long periods of high temperatures, lengthy draughts and heavy rains. In order to realize an environmentally sustainable management of the dam and the water stocks by avoiding the critical and hazardous consequences it will be necessary to build up a meteorological monitoring system, comprising a point for monitoring of the main meteorological components – temperature and air humidity, wind direction and speed, quantity and intensity of rainfall and the overall solar radiation. It is recommendable that the system should be based on automated meteorological station supporting remote data transmission. Dam construction and operation do not result in harmful environmental consequences for the local climate. Its proper management including reporting of data from the monitoring system will result in the optimal management of water reserves and will have favorable impact on the environment in the region.

5.1.2 Quality of atmospheric air

The use of construction equipment and transportation vehicles for construction purposes will generate emissions of harmful substances in the ambient air of the construction site at the dam wall and in Neykovtsi residential quarter during transportation of materials and facilities for the site, and in Neykovtsi estate, village of Stoevtsi, and village of Kyosevtsi during transportation from the rock quarry. The rock quarry is at a distance from the urban areas (village of Stoevtsi, and village of Kyosevtsi) and detonation works do not impact the population. No excavation works have been performed on the spillway, the chute thereto and the ejector. The humus layer has not been removed (it is limited in quantity). The sensitive areas of impact on air would be the concrete unit and the asphalt base, which to a great extent are shielded by the forest vegetation.

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Determining the type and quantity of air pollution emissions related to completion of Neykovtsi Dam

During construction works

Places and factors that are relevant to air pollution in the course of completion of Neykovtsi dam are: - Completion of the dam wall; - Completion of the water intake tower; - Construction of a spillway, chute and ejector thereto; - Rehabilitation of technological roads on site; - Cleaning of the wall from vegetation and wastes; - Remediation of the dam lake. Construction machinery with diesel traction will be used to that end. That will determine the amount of harmful substances to be emitted in air. Air pollution will be determined by the transportation means to be used for supply of materials and equipment on site, rock fill from the quarry, transportation of wastes from the site to the depots.

Type and quantity of harmful substances, emitted by construction and installation equipment

The machine park will comprise: Bulldozer, excavator, vybro roller, compressor for compressed air, installation valve and other machinery mainly with diesel traction. That factor defines the type of emitted harmful substances, prevailing among which will be: - sulphur oxides (mainly sulphur dioxide); - nitrogen oxides (mainly nitrogen dioxide); - volatile organic substances (VOS); - carbon oxides - incl. monoxide of high toxicity. Amount have been estimated for the following conditions: - The actual capacity of machinery used; - There intermittent utilization within the framework of the planned time schedule for site completion; - Ratio for intense utilization of working time per shift (about 0,5). The data obtained as a result of the above conditions are specified in Table 4.

Emissions from construction machinery Table 4

Transportation regime Harmful substances

SO2 NO2 VOS CH4 СО soot Per hour g/h 140 1700 250 6 600 0,02 Per shift Kg/shift 1,4 20 35 0,05 7 0,006

The estimations are tentative and depend on the condition and type of machinery and the work organization on site.

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The estimated emissions due to the transportation trucks to be used was made at the following restrictive conditions: - Number of heavy duty trucks - 2 No - Diesel traction – consumption of 38 l of fuel per 100 km. - Length routes for supply of materials - about 10 km. The emissions due to site transportation (Table 5) have been computed for one vehicle with diesel traction and maximum 10-km mileage for transportation of materials.

Emissions due to motor transport Table 5

Emissions SO2 NO2 VOS CH4 СО СО2 10 km kg/race 10 109 21 0,6 90 7900 Linear emission g/km 1 11 2,08 0,06 8,7 800 For transp. fleet g/km 2 22 4,2 0,12 17,4 1600

The availability of a temporary storage area for inert materials and a concrete unit at the existing construction site above Neykovtsi residential estate, in the immediate vicinity of the evaluated site, will have a favorable effect on air due to shortening of the routes for supply. Special measures will have to be taken against pollution and gassing of eastern parts of the village.

During the operation phase

There will be no emissions of harmful substances in the atmospheric air during the operation phase of Neykovtsi Dam.

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Defining the strength of impact on atmospheric air

During construction works

The site is located in the immediate vicinity of a residential area – Neykovtsi housing estate. Trucks carrying material from the rock quarry would pass through the village of Stoevtsi, village of Kyosevtsi and Neykovtsi estate. Another adverse factor is the relief of the terrain surrounding the site, which prevents strongly natural ventilation. Therefore there is real danger that during intensive work coinciding with a long dry period the admissible limits of the acceptable environmental risk for people and plants in the region should be exceeded. In that case the significance of the impact may be classified as considerable; short-term and within the framework of the planned period and the working shift; the cumulative effect is present in case the oxides have simultaneous impact (Sox, NOx); there will be synergy in case of simultaneous presence of sulphur oxides and fine particulate matter in air. Adverse effects may become stronger if the proposed measures and techniques for prevention of air pollution are not implemented systematically, namely: In the course of construction of the dam wall and transportation of wall material and equipment from the rock quarry through the villages and the town of Plachkovtsi, the used roads shall be sprinkled with water and the trucks transporting rubble shall be covered. In that case there will be no danger of impairing the air quality in Neykovtsi estate, the rest of the settlements and the town of Plachkovtsi. Only the house below the wall, which is cracked and hard to live in even is summer time, will remain under direct impact.

DWTP The DWTP is at a good distance from Tryavna, and its construction and the nature and scope of construction works will contain no threat in terms of air pollution neither for the working environment, nor for pollution in town. It is said in the design of the DWTP that during the operation phase the DWTP may cause pollution of the atmospheric air in case of occurrence of emergency on site, but that would be below the ALV, and with no impact to the population. It will be necessary to take into account these conditions when updating the DWTP design and selecting the equipment.

During the operation phase

During the operation phase of Neykovtsi dam there will be no danger of impairing the air quality and impact unfavorably the population.

5.2. WATER

SURFACE WATER

During construction works

The water required during the construction of the water supply system for Neykovtsi dam has been determined and the water sources have been secured. They supplied the site during the already implemented construction and can supply it until its completion. The service base used on the site until 2001 (offices, storage premises, bathrooms, etc.) can be renewed and used during the completion of the water supply system. At present, it is being used and the concrete knot is working. Due to the construction of the dam wall to a height of 16 m, there is no threat of contamination of the waters of Neykovska river with undissolved particles (increased turbidity). During the construction of the

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 27/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS front spillway, chute and ejector, construction water should go through a mechanical settling tank (at the end of the ejector) and then be discharged in Neykovska river. The design of Neykovtsi dam from the 1970s determines high waters and the deposits to the dam wall range. On the basis of the obtained results, the dimensions of the front spillway, chute and ejector have been determined. The dead volume (for 100 years of dam operation) has been determined. Hydrological information needs to be updated, including the high waters. In view of the obtained size of high waters, and taking into account the increase in the class of the dam wall, it is necessary that a new design be developed for the spillway, chute and ejector. Chemical toilets will be used on each construction site for the domestic wastewater, and a contract needs to be signed with a company to service them. There is no need to construct a temporary settlement. The organization of construction is preserved from the time of the constructed part of the wall, when the construction workers were recruited from nearby settlements and spent the night at their homes. The movement of construction machinery and transportation vehicles should be strictly limited on the territory of the construction site. Transport routes should be marked. The technical condition of the machines must be inspected before each shift and those in faulty technical condition should not be operated. In case of potential emergency oil leakage, it is necessary to carry out an immediate deactivation of the soil through mechanical removal against contamination of surface and groundwater and soils. The use of the equipped and operated construction site provides the possibility for servicing the machinery park of the site. During construction, it is obligatory to ensure the emergency-free operation of the four water catchments and the water supply network in the lakebed for the water supply of Tryavna municipality. The DWTP construction began in 1985, which imposes the continuous update of the design in view of the geological conditions, need for strengthening measures and established cracks in the completed concrete. Due to the fact that over 15 years have passed since the last update of the design for the DWTP equipment, it will be necessary to revise it in some parts in view of contemporary requirements and possibilities. The engineering and geological report of 1992 includes solutions for discharge of all waters outside the DWTP site during construction, without posing a threat for the water intake (discharge of the construction waters in compliance with it categorization).

During operation

For the period of operation of the dam wall and the DWTP, the respective water sources and water consumption for the operational staff of the two sub-suites have been determined.

Changes in the riverbed condition The completion of Neykovtsi dam will form an artificial lake with a volume of 4.80.106 m3. The water level will increase to an elevation of 580.95 (highest water level – HWL). A reservoir with a slowed water exchange is created, despite the continuous supply of water quantities for water supply. At the same time, the dam will stop the drying up of the river section after the dam in the summer periods.

Water contamination The data from the analysis of the water quality of Neykovska river indicate the need for construction of a DWTP. It has been designed and constructed up to about 40%. An update is necessary of the design, including the equipment and control on the quality of water released in the water intake at the specified discharge. Neykovtsi dam in the period of operation does not represent a source of contamination for the water in Neykovska river. The discharge of water through the main ejector will take place under an adopted Program in the operational instructions both in periods of low waters and of high waters. In order to ensure the purity of the dam waters, the following is envisaged: cleaning the lake bowl and design of sanitary-security zones (SSZ) І, ІІ and ІІІ. The design and allocation of the zones is under

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Ordinance No. 3 on the conditions for analysis, design, approval and operation of SSZ around water sources and facilities for domestic drinking water supply. The initial designation of the zones was carried out in the preliminary developments from 2007. The precise planning of the cleaning of the lake bowl and the zones will be carried out in the technical working design following the geodesic survey. On the left bank of the lake, up to 1952, there were several residential buildings (Kolyo Ganev borough). The buildings have been destroyed, but there is an old cemetery, which falls within the future lake and needs to be removed and cleaned. The last funeral took place in 1980. A procedure needs to be implemented under the requirements of the Ministry of Healthcare for removal of about 8 to 10 graves. In zones І, ІІ and ІІІ, there is strict regulation of the prohibitive and restrictive activities, whose observation is controlled by the Ministry of Healthcare through its units – the Regional Inspectorates for Health Safety and Control (RIHSC). Treatment modules need to be planned for domestic wastewater from the two administrative buildings (the one for dam operation and that to the DWTP).

Deposit runoff In the feasibility studies carried out by ―Vodocanalengineering‖ EOOD (the former IPP ―Vodproekt‖) of 1972, the dead volume is determined on the basis of an estimate of the deposit runoff amounting to 1.00.106 m3. Additional studies have not been carried out. The inspection of the territory and the riverbed of Neykovska river do not show data about increase of the runoff. The barraging of the river with the constructed part of the dam wall has not led to visible accumulation of deposits. Nevertheless, for the updated design of Neykovtsi dam, it is necessary to carry out an additional study regarding the size of the deposit runoff. The size of the deposit runoff of Neykovtsi dam is determined to a large degree by the afforestation of the dam.

Determining the Ecological flow regime The operation of Neykovtsi dam disturbs the regime of natural river runoff of Neykovska river. The size of runoff remaining in the river is of importance. The runoff norm of Neykovska river is 0.073 m3/s. The dam is a mutli-year compensator and it is planned that the runoff of the 4 constructed water catchments be included in it and their waters to be transferred and regulated in it. The catchment rate in the water catchments from which the town of Tryavna is currently supplied with water is almost 100%. An ecological runoff of 1 to 5 l/s is discharged. In order to preserve the river ecosystem of Neykovska river after Neykovtsi dam, the design envisaged discharge of an ecological runoff amounting to 0.010 m3/s. An additional model analysis was carried out to specify the ecological runoff under a methodology developed in the Republic of Bulgaria. A mathematical model is used, based on the dependency of the total number of the zoobenthos on the runoff. The change of the total number is viewed as a probability process. In order to determine the model parameters, data are necessary on corresponding values of the total number and the average monthly water quantity, covering an overall vegetation period. To this end, summarized data were used from long- term nature monitoring for the whole territory of Bulgaria. The Fisher criterion and the change of the zoobenthos cenosis in different regimes of the ecological runoff are used. A program has been developed, with the help of which the calculations were made. The regime of the ecological runoff is determined under the following scheme:  Modeling the development of the zoobenthos in natural runoff regime.  Modeling the disturbed runoff regime after the dam, under a balanced method in different ecological runoff regimes.

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 Modeling the development of the zoobenthos in the obtained different regimes of disturbed runoff.  Comparison of the obtained rows of average monthly values of the total number of zoobenthos in a disturbed regime with that obtained in a natural one, in order to select a suitable ecological runoff regime. The runoff norm for the dam range is 0.073 m3/s. To obtain the monthly values, HMS No. 23350 on Dryanovska river at the village of Tsareva Livada was used as analogue. A hydrological row of monthly values for the period 1961-1998 was calculated. Figure 8 shows the hydrograph of the average annual runoff for the period in question. Figure 9 shows the average annual hydrograph. Due to the small size of the natural inflow of Neykovska river, the dam will overflow extremely rarely. After the dam, the regime of disturbed runoff is formed by the discharged ecological runoff. Figure 10 shows the modeled development of the zoobenthos in an undisturbed and a disturbed runoff regime. The proposed ecological runoff of 0.010 m3/s maintains a stable ecosystem in Neykovska river. It is recommended that in March, April and May during spring high waters, discharge of larger water quantities be carried out, to the amount of 0.100 m3/s for the duration of 10 days each month. The same quantities should also be discharged in October in order to ensure fish migration along the river next to the wall. The thus defined ecological runoff is in compliance with § 125 of the Transitory and Final Provisions of the Law for Amendment and Supplement of the Water Act: ―Until the methodology under article 135, item 1 is issued, the minimum admissible runoff in rivers is defined as 10% of the average multi-year water quantity, but not less than the minimum average monthly water quantity with availability 95% to the point of each facility for runoff regulation or water intake.‖ The problems of minimum admissible runoff in river flows after hydro technical facilities in the country have been worked on since 1987. In the last 10 years, different possibilities have been studied for discharge of these waters from the dams. In Neykovtsi dam, this will take place from the water intake tower from a height suitable for the ecosystem (depth of 10m from the lake). In the established drying up of the river in natural conditions of low water level, these will be provided by the planned ecological runoff amounting to 0.010 m3/s, and in spring high waters, water will be discharged in the amount of 0.100 m3/s in March, April and May, and in October, for the duration of 10 days each month.

0.160 Q, m3/s 0.140 0.120 0.100 0.080

0.060 год 0.040 0.020 0.000 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

година

Figure 8

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0.18 Q, m3 /s 0.16 0.14 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 month

Figure 9

400 total benthos 350 abundance 300

250 observed data 200

150 simulated data under undisturbed conditions 100 simulated data under 50 disturbed conditions 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Month

Figure 10

Transmission of high waters The transmission of high waters is carried out through the spillway to the wall. The updated hydrological information and the re-assessment of the dam wall class will determine the need for a new design of the spillway, chute and ejector to it.

Transformation of the river ecosystem The construction of Neykovtsi dam and the formation of a water reservoir will have both a negative and a positive impact on the river inhabitants and the transformation of the river ecosystem into the system of a water reservoir (still waters). Gradually, the formation of a habitat typical of still water reservoirs will take place. The negative impact comprises:

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 Significant reduction of the reobionte (river species), and respectively, the species, biocenotic and functional diversity due to the decrease of the flow speed.  Changes of the nature of the ground under the dam.  Possibility of appearance of eutrophication. Positive impact comprises:  Settling of the suspended undissolved matter.  Large-scale development of limnophila species, which will to a large extent compensate the reduction in reophil species and, consequently, the species, cenotic and functional diversity.  Increase in the trophic resources and, respectively, productivity of the ecosystem. No studies have been carried out in Neykovska River in terms of the macro-zoobenthos. The studies in Austria and Bulgaria of Zhrebchevo dam show that under the dam walls, the river condition is at least one saprobe degree better than that of the respective dam lake (Prof. B. Russev, Institute of Zoology to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences). If the management program of Neykovtsi dam is observed and taking into account the ecological factors (eutrophication, ecological runoff, deposits, etc.), there will be no deterioration of the water quality and biological value of the river ecosystem under the dam, and if the measures prescribed in the EIA report are applied, an improvement of the overall ecological condition of Neykovska river can be achieved.

Cumulative effect In the vicinity of the Neykovtsi water supply system there are no constructed or planned for construction other hydro-technical facilities to contribute to a cumulative effect from its completion. The construction of Neykovtsi dam ensures adequate water supply for the population in the towns of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi and settlement in the region. It creates the possibility for achieving a ―good‖ ecological condition of Neykovska river, development of certain recreation activities, and as a whole contributes to the economic development of the towns of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi, including as a tourist destination with rich possibilities for summer and winter recreation.

GROUNDWATER

Due to the high water permeability of the rock base and the risk of infiltration, it is necessary to pay special attention to the consolidation works during wall construction and the precise implementation of cement-injection works on construction of the anti-filtration curtain. In order to control water infiltration through, under and along the wall, the design includes a monitoring system of piezometres through which monitoring will be carried out on the qualities of infiltrating water and presence of suffusion. It is necessary to carry out regular regime monitoring of water inflow in the dam bowl and runoff from it in order to prevent emergency situations during heavy precipitation and intensive snow thaw. Due to the presence of severely cracked and fissured slopes, anti-filtration curtains should be constructed on both sides of the wall in order to avoid infiltration along it. The lakebed should be clayed in the part in front of the wall in order to reduce infiltration to a minimum.

5.3. GEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

During construction

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The dam wall constructed to present date is severely damaged in integrity due to ambient precipitation and weathering from the waterside, whereas the air part of the wall is in good condition. This imposes that at the beginning of wall completion, the whole surface layer be removed and replaced with fresh material. The left and right slopes are heavily cracked and fissures can be observed, due to which the implementation of anti-filtration fans is especially important in order to avoid infiltration along them. It is necessary to study the fissure on the right slope (it is possible that one appears on the left slope as well), which will require the respective measures for neutralizing infiltration through it. Additional studies of the Suhodole quarry are necessary to establish the quality and quantity of the material.

During operation

The inbuilt in the wall Control and measurement equipment should monitor the behavior of the wall. This comprises deformations in the wall and base, state of the diaphragms, sinking and shift of the crown, berms and geological base. The dam is situated in seismicity zone of 7th degree, which defines the requirements for design and operation.

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5.4. SOILS

During construction

Prior to construction, the change in land use for the dam and DWTP was carried out under the respective procedure. Expropriation of the terrains was completed in compliance with the active normative framework – former owner State Forestry (SF) ―Plachkovtsi‖. The load on soils with dust, spent gases and detonation works during construction will be insignificant. A new construction site is not planned – the base (former base of Hydrostroy) will be used at about 500m below the wall, which is relatively well preserved (buildings for workers, garages and operational concrete knot). The site terrain is municipal property. The cleaning of the dam bed requires scraping of the humus and its deposit for use in the reclamation of all terrains affected by the construction of the water supply system. No site has been defined as a depot for humus storage.

During operation

The total flooded territory amounts to 32.5 ha, which under the forest development plan of SF ―Plachkovtsi‖ of 2003 are forest land, but they have been excluded for the construction of the dam.

5.5. WASTE

Type, character and quantity of generated waste

The forecast assessment of the type and character of generated waste in Neykovtsi dam completion is related to the construction completed to present date and the need for activities to be carried out during implementation of construction works for completion of the dam and DWTP. Generated waste resulting from implementation of the construction and mounting works in the completion of the water supply system can be viewed in two stages: 1. During the construction of the remaining part of the site. 2. During site operation. The waste generated during the implementation of the remaining part of construction and mounting works will result from the construction of the dam wall and DWTP. During the operation of the water supply system, mainly domestic waste and waste from repair works will be generated. During DWTP operation, production waste of specific character will be generated. Their collection, storage and transportation should be carried out under the requirements of the Waste Management Act. During the completion of Neykovtsi water supply system, waste will be generated which can be divided into:  Domestic waste, generated by the construction workers and staff necessary for operation of the water supply system (mainly domestic).  Construction waste. This will be generated during the excavation, embankment, formwork, fitting, concrete and formwork works on site. These comprise mainly:  Soil and rock masses during excavation works for restoration of the construction site.

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 Soil and rock masses during excavation works for forming the excavations for the spillway and chute  Waste from rock material in the removal of the upper layer from the completed construction until a material with design qualities is reached.  Waste from rock materials necessary for the construction of the stone embankment on the wall and plate on the upstream batter of the dam wall.  Unfit for construction rock masses  Waste from asphalt concrete for implementation of the asphalt concrete diaphragm of the dam wall.  Waste from asphalt concrete necessary for the restoration of damaged roads from the national and municipal road network.  Waste from rock and land masses possibly obtained during works for re-commissioning of the stone quarry and opening of the humus depot.  Waste from the settling of construction waters obtained in a mechanical settling tank at the end of the chute.  Waste from concrete used for the completion of the water intake tower.  Waste from concrete used for construction of the spillway and chute.  Waste from concrete used for potential cleaning of the completed concrete construction works.  Metal waste from equipment.  Waste (mainly steel) from metals used for formwork and fittings and other metal constructions and details planned in site implementation.  Residue wood from wooden packaging and pellets for transportation of packaged materials delivered on site.  Waste from wood material used in construction, mainly in formwork.  Waste from bricks, tiles, faience and ceramic ware obtained as waste during the completion works on the administrative building of the dam and DWTP.  Plaster-based waste, obtained during the completion works on the administrative building of the dam and DWTP.  Waste from packaging of polymeric materials used in the delivery of materials for the site.  Waste from paper packaging used in the delivery of materials for the site.  Waste from hydro insulation materials used in the process of completion of the administrative building of the dam and DWTP.  Waste from insulation materials used in the heat insulation works planned in the construction of the administrative building of the dam and DWTP.  Waste from cables and other connecting equipment in the mounting of the control measurement devices (CMD) and control measurement equipment (CME) in DWTP.  Waste from forestry. These results from the required cleaning of the dam bowl (rooting out of the forest tree vegetation) and felling of forest vegetation and the anthropogenic vegetation species on the territory of the site allocated for DWTP.  Hazardous waste This type of waste is generated both in the implementation of the investment proposal and during its operation. It comprises as follows:  Laminated boxes from paint and polish.

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 Packaging containing remains of hazardous substances or contaminated with such.  Glue packaging.  Spent engine oil from construction machinery.  Waste from oil and liquid fuel.  Mixed packaging from raw materials and materials.  Luminescent lamps.  Production waste These types of waste are generated mainly in the process of operation of DWTP and represent all types of solid waste accompanying the process of drinking water treatment – initial filtration, coagulation of substances with a colloid degree of dispersivity found in treated waters, purification, filter cleansing, etc. These are mainly:  Solidified waste from the filter presses of the treatment plant.  Solid waste from the mechanical step of the treatment plant.  Sediments from purification of treated water.  Sediments from the flushing of the sand filters. This type of waste is generated in DWTP in the facilities for dehydration of sediments from the coagulation chambers, and as a result of the treatment of wastewater from the treatment plant. They contain both organic and non-organic components, which depend on the nature of the impurities in the treated water and the introduced reagents in the technological treatment cycle. The estimation of their qualitative composition and quantities depends on the qualities of the water supplied for treatment and the technological scheme of the treatment plant, whose design is subject to update. The individual types of waste with their codes, under Ordinance No. 3 of MEW and MH of 2004 on waste classification (SG, v. 44/25.05.2004), generated during the implementation of the investment proposal and operation of Neykovtsi water supply system are shown in table 6.

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Waste classification Table 6 Code under No Type of waste Ordinance No. 3 of 2004 1. 2. 3. І. During construction 1. Waste from mining of non-metal ores and minerals 01.01.02 Waste from forestry – felling of tree vegetation (Scots pine culture) on a small 2. 02.01.07 area and from completion of cleaning of the lake Waste fine rubble/ ballast and rubble rock materials, different from those listed in 3. 01.04.08 01.04.07 4. Waste sand and clay 01.04.09 5. Waste from liquid fuel – other fuels (including mixtures) 13.05.08* 6. Spent engine oil from construction machinery 13.08.99* 7. Paper and cardboard packaging 15.01.01 8. Plastic packaging 15.01.02 9. Packaging from wood materials 15.01.03 10. Metal packaging 15.01.04 11. Composite/ multi-layer packaging 15.01.05 12. Mixed packaging 15.01.06 13. Glass packaging 15.01.07 Packaging containing residues from hazardous substances or contaminated with 14. 15.01.10* such 15. Concrete waste 17.01.01 16. Waste from tiles, plates, faience and ceramic materials 17.01.03 17. Wood material used in construction 17.02.01 18. Plastic used in construction 17.02.03 19. Asphalt mixtures containing coal tar 17.03.01* Asphalt mixtures containing other substances different from those listed in 20. 17.03.02 17.03.01* 21. Mixed metal waste 17.04.07 22. Cables different from those listed in code 17.04.10 17.04.11 23. Soil and stones different from those listed in code 17.05.03 17.05.04 24. Excavated land masses different from those listed in code 17.05.05 17.05.06 25. Insulation materials different from those listed in codes 17.06.01 and 17.06.03 17.06.04 26. Construction plaster-based materials different from those listed in code 17.08.01* 17.08.02 Mixed waste from construction and demolition different from those mentioned in 27. 17.09.04 17.09.01, 17.09.02 and 17.09.03* 28. Paint, ink, glue/ adhesives and resins containing hazardous substances 20.01.27* 29. Paint, ink, glue/ adhesives and resins different from those listed in code 20.01.27 20.01.28 30. Mixed domestic waste 20.03.01 31. Domestic waste not mentioned elsewhere 20.03.99 ІІ. During operation 32. Mixed metal waste – from repair works 17.04.07 33. Cables different from those listed in code 17.04.10 – from repair works 17.04.11 34. Insulation materials different from those listed in codes 17.06.01 and 17.06.03 – 17.06.04

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Code under No Type of waste Ordinance No. 3 of 2004 1. 2. 3. from repair works 35. Solidified waste different from those mentioned in 19.03.06 19.03.07 36. Solid waste from initial filtration and from screens and racks 19.09.01 37. Sediments from water purification 19.09.02 38. Waste not mentioned elsewhere 19.09.09 39. Paper and cardboard 20.01.01 40. Fluorescent pipes and other waste containing mercury 20.01.21* Paint, inks, glue/ adhesives and resins containing hazardous substances from 41. 20.01.27* repair works and maintenance Paint, ink, glue/ adhesives and resins different from those listed in code 20.01.27* 42. 20.01.28 from repair works and maintenance 43. Plastic 20.01.39 44. Metals 20.01.40 45. Mixed domestic waste 20.03.01 46. Domestic waste not mentioned elsewhere 20.03.99

Collection, transportation, storage, detoxification, treatment and recycling methods

During construction

Under the Waste Management Act, waste generated during construction should be collected and stored temporarily on the territory of the construction site up to their transportation in suitable containers, depending on their type. It is necessary to ensure their separate collection and submittal for recycling or re-use. The organization of the collection, storage and transportation is at the expense of the owner of the generated waste.  Domestic waste The amount of generated domestic waste during construction depends on the number of workers and the time of site implementation. It is necessary to provide suitable containers for storage of this waste and to coordinate a schedule for their transportation to the regulated depot for domestic waste in the town of Tryavna.  Redundant soil and rock masses The excavated rock masses unfit for construction will remain on the vacated quarry site from where they will be used, depending on the forestries‘ capabilities, for road improvement.  Construction The construction waste, which is not categorized as ―hazardous‖, should be collected in containers for construction waste. Some of these containers should be used for separate collection of waste, which can be recycled or re-used. It is necessary to provide for the submittal of the separately collected waste to a company for follow-up treatment. The construction waste, which is not fit for re-use, should be deposited in the depot in the town of Tryavna.  Hazardous waste A suitable site with security should be designated for the storage of liquid fuel and oils in order to avoid leakages and, consequently, contamination of soil, surface and groundwater. It is recommended that the change of spent engine oils in construction machinery take place outside the territory of the site, at the designated places – gas stations.

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Sites with security should be allocated for temporary storage of waste classified as ―hazardous‖, or reliable containers (according to their type) for their storage up to their submittal to licensed companies for hazardous waste detoxification, following a contract signed to this end. Packaging containing residues from hazardous substances or contaminated with hazardous substances should be collected in plastic containers and their treatment should be carried out in compliance with the Ordinance on packaging and packaging waste (SG, v. 19 of 2004, amended v. 56 of 2004, amended and supplemented v. 104 of 2004, amended and supplemented v. 58 of 2005).

During operation

During operation domestic waste, waste resulting from repair works and production waste from DWTP will be generated. The amount of the three types of waste will be insignificant and their collection, storage and transportation for follow-up detoxification will not differ from that applied during construction. The collection of domestic waste and that close in composition to domestic waste and not classified as ―hazardous‖ shall be implemented in compliance with the system for waste collection and transportation approved in the municipality of Tryavna. Due to the insignificant amount of generated domestic waste, it is necessary to coordinate a schedule for their transportation with a company, with which a contract will be signed for the implementation of this activity. In the event of needed repair works, the respective waste will be collected and transported in containers of suitable volume, under advance request by the owner. The production waste generated by DWTP is not classified as hazardous, due to which it will be treated like the domestic waste generated on the territory of the water supply system.

Registered previous contaminations with waste and unregulated landfills situated on the territory covering the region of the investment proposal implementation On the territory of the water supply system and its vicinity there are no registered previous contaminations with waste and unregulated landfills.

Description, analysis and assessment of the supposed significant impact on the population and environment, resulting from waste generation and creation of discomfort During the completion of Neykovtsi dam, there is a risk that the waste generated during site construction and operation will have an impact on the individual components of the environment (ambient air, landscape, surface and groundwater, soils, wildlife) and human health, if the measures for their reliable management under the normative framework are not implemented.

Possible impact during construction During construction, generated construction waste has a priority in quantity compared to the domestic waste and that close in composition to domestic waste. This waste should be treated in compliance with the normative waste management framework adopted in the country. Possible impact can be summarized as follows: Ambient air Harmful impact on the air could be generated by potential unregulated incineration of some types of construction waste instead of their separate collection and storage, transportation and detoxification in an environmental way. Their incineration could result in harmful emissions, which will contaminate in an uncontrolled way the air in the site region for a certain period of time. This type of waste includes packaging from polyethylene and PVC, packaging from wood materials, composite multi-layer packaging, mixed packaging from raw materials and materials, residue from paint, inks, glues, adhesives and resins containing hazardous substances, wood material from construction, paper and cardboard

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 39/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS packaging, packaging containing residues from hazardous substances or contaminated with hazardous substances. Landscape In the event of uncontrolled disposal of construction waste, the surrounding landscape will be disturbed on adjacent terrains as a result of the anthropogenic impact of this waste on it. As a result of dissemination by the wind of small fractions of this waste at large distances and their detention in shrubs and trees, a negative visual effect will be observed. The predominant part of this scattered waste is hardly degradable in the course of many years and will result in sustainable damage of the landscape. Water There is a risk of water contamination in the event that during construction generated waste is not collected, stored, transported and deposited in the depot in the town of Tryavna. First, the ambient water running along the slopes of the waste stored on site and not transported will be contaminated. It, in turn, can contaminate the surface water, in this case – the water in Neykovska river – or some of it can infiltrate down to the subsurface aquifers and cause significant and sustainable contamination in some aquifers. Soil Some of the waste generated during construction is classified as hazardous. If irresponsible and uncontrolled disposal (storage) of this waste is allowed on site territory, as a result of the flow of ambient water down the slopes or their infiltration through the waste, the underlying soil will be contaminated. Wildlife The uncontrolled disposal (storage) of waste allows free access of animals and especially birds to it. This free access to illegally deposited waste, the use of the surrounding vegetation and the waste itself for food can lead to the spread of diseases at undetermined distances, as well as the death of some animals and birds. In this way, the biodiversity in the region will be disturbed. Human health Harmful impact on the individual components of the environment will inevitably have an impact on the health of the construction workers, local population and, possibly, tourists visiting the region.

Possible impact during operation During operation, mainly waste from DWTP operation and from required repair works will be generated. Production waste will be in insignificant amounts due to the fact that the DWTP will operate with relatively clean waters, such as the water in Neykovtsi dam. Taking into account the fact that repair works will be required rarely, waste formation in this activity will be one-time, their amount will be small, and the collection, storage and transportation for detoxification will not present a problem. Domestic waste during operation will be in insignificant amounts. It is necessary to place suitable containers for their collection and transportation to the waste depot in the town of Tryavna.

Cumulative impact If the prescriptions and conditions in the normative framework for waste management are observed, the impact of the waste generated on site territory on the individual components of the environment will be insignificant and without cumulative impact. Waste has a direct or indirect impact on each of the components of the environment and human health if measures are not taken in advance to restrict this impact. During the construction and operation period, it is not necessary to plan a separate group of measures due to the fact that the type of waste during the two stages of completion of the Neykovtsi water supply system (the dam and the DWTP) is not significantly different

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5.6. HARMFUL PHYSICAL FACTORS

Noise

During construction

The sources of noise in the environment are most types of works related to the completion of the water supply system (excavation, embankment, concrete, formwork, mounting, drill and detonation, transport). The levels of noise emitted by the main used machines and equipment are: excavator – 8091 dBA; bulldozer – 97105 dBA; autocrane – 9298 dBA; asphalt mixer – 84 dBA; concrete mixer – 8893 dBA; roller – 87 dBA; vibromass – 98106 dBA; stone grinding installation – 8896 dBA; drill hammers – 105120 dBA; heavy automobiles heavy-weight automobiles – 8590 dBA; compressors – 8699 dBA. During detonation works, impulse noise is emitted with levels depending on the detonation system. Construction equipment is concentrated on specially designated territories and sites: terrain for construction of the main site – dam wall, the DWTP, auxiliary and production facilities – stone quarry, Road Information installation, concrete facility, technological road network for connection between the sub-sites. The expected equivalent levels of noise on the individual construction sites in the immediate vicinity of the groups of operating machinery and facilities are around, and sometimes above, 90 dВА. The construction of the wall, its facilities and DWTP will be implemented at the same time. The technological network for the vehicles servicing construction has been completed. The heavyweight automobiles, at an average of 5 courses an hour, will create noise with an equivalent level of about 60- 61 dВА at a distance of 7.5 m from the movement axis. The limit values of the noise level for the different territories and zones regulated in Ordinance No. 6 on the indicators for noise in the environment (MH, MEW, 2006) are: for residential territories: day – 55 dВА, evening – 50 dВА, night – 45 dВА; for production and storage zones: day, evening and night – 70 dВА. The residential territory closest to the site – Neykovtsi residential area in the town of Plachkovtsi – is about 300 m from the dam wall site. Due to the sufficient distance, the construction activities on the site will not be a source of noise above the norm for residential terrains during the day (7:00 ч19:00 hours) and evening (19:00 23:00) periods. At a closer distance (about 100 m), there is only one house for temporary accommodation, heavily cracked, for which exceeding of the hygiene noise norms can be expected, reaching about 6 dВА in the day period and about 11 dВА in the evening, during the operation of the nearest construction equipment. The sites of the stone quarry and grinding installation are 700-800 m away from the outlying houses of the village of Stoevtsi and will not be a source of noise for the residential terrains due to the sufficient distance and the screening role of the relief. The planned small number of detonations (up to two per month) will not have a significant disturbing effect on the settled area in terms of noise. The embankment and concrete works on completion of the dam wall will be alternating. The freight vehicles transporting ground stone from the quarry will pass through the village of Stoevtsi, the village of Kyosevtsi and Neykovtsi residential area. The route of the concrete trucks from the concrete base will go through Neykovtsi residential area. Equipment for the site will come from the town of Tryavna through the town of Plachkovtsi. The roads in the region are low in traffic and there are no other significant sources of noise. The transport servicing construction will deteriorate the existing acoustic environment of the adjacent residential terrains by the transport routes and in certain intervals exceeding of the hygiene norms for noise can be expected amounting to about 6 dВА for the day period and about 11 dВА in the evening. The noise impact will be limited in time, until the completion of the construction works on site.

During operation

During site operation, a source of noise will be the DWTP equipment (pumps, mixers, blowfans, hydrophore, etc.). According to their technical characteristics, the levels of emitted noise are within the

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 41/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS range of 70-75 dВА. The equipment will be placed in a massive building with concrete construction, with suspended sound insulation of the façade walls not less than 35 dВА. Noise levels higher than 45 dВА are not expected, which is far below the hygiene norm of 70 dВА. The DWTP is at a sufficient distance from the town of Tryavna (about 2 km) and will not be a source of noise for its territory.

5.7. PLANTS

During the construction period

Sanitation of 32.5 ha (felling and uprooting of forest tree vegetation) will be carried out during the construction works. The future lake is designated white on the future map, which means that it has been excluded from the forests managed by the Plachkovtsi State Forestry Board. The construction of the Neykovtsi reservoir will affect directly only the flora within the bowl of the lake. No impacts on the forest tree, grass and brush vegetation (outside the floodplain) are expected during the construction period. The water treatment plant site will require the destruction of 2.5 ha, which include forests of the Tryavna State Forestry Board (1.0) ha a and farmlands (with anthropogenic species) of 1.5 ha. The alteration of the land purpose and the expropriation procedures have been completed in accordance with the requirements of the law.

During the operation

According to the project, a total of 32.5 ha will be flooded within the bowl. The plant species affected by the construction of the water reservoir do not include any species considered rare and endangered species in accordance with the legal provisions. This information is the result of a complete walking over the future lake in 2007. Certain restrictions must be adhered to in order to reduce the impact by the site on Balgarka protected area to an insignificant level, despite this area's small area. The affected part of Balgarka protected area is far less than 0.1% of its total area.

5.8. ANIMALS

The estimated impact of the Neykovtsi water reservoir on the animals was based on the condition in item 4.8 and in consideration of the anthropogenic activities in the area and in the Neykovska River. The drastic reduction of the flow and the drying-up of the river in the low-water section has caused disturbance of the riparian biota.

5.8.1. Ichthyofauna

Assessment of the impact on the ichthyofauna The construction of the future Neykovtsi dam located inline of the Neykovska river is at an advanced phase. The dam has been constructed to a large extent, and the integrity of the river continuum is maintained partially, only via the constructed main outlet.

Expected impact on the river ichthyofauna

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 The no-action scenario (with the current situation remaining unchanged) means that it cannot be expected that the river continuum will be restored and the fish life stabilized in the section of the Neykovska river upstream of the town of Plachkovtsi.  No direct impacts on the ichthyofauna along the middle stretch of the Dryanovska River are expected during the construction works for completion of the dam.  The commissioning of the Neykovtsi dam will be conducive to the stabilizing of the flow regime along the middle stretch of the Dryanovska River by means of controlled releasing of the ecological flow and will, therefore, have a positive effect on the entire complex of ichthyofauna in this area. The expected improvement of the Balkan barbell population is particularly important because this species is indicative of the ecological status of the water body.  Once the lake is flooded, it and the upper stretch of the river will provide the conditions required for a stable and diverse fish community.

Potential threats Two potential negative impacts on the river biota in the Neykovska (and, respectively, Dryanovska) Rivers can be identified in relation to the management of the future water reservoir:  Insufficient water within the Neykovska River bed and, therefore, reduced flow regime in the Dryanovska River.  Releasing of water from the lower layers of the dam with constantly lower temperature and increased concentrations of nutrients. The achieving of a good ecological status of the surface water bodies and the compliance with the Natura 2000 requirements to protect habitats and species, require:  Ensuring of sufficient water-flow in the riverbed downstream of the reservoir at 10 l/s during the low-water periods.  Location of the water extraction facilities at a depth of no less than 10 m in order to ensure the ecological minimum.  Development of a management plan for the water within Balgarka Protected Area, especially in the Dryanovska River watershed, which included Bulgarka and the Dryanovska Reka, protected areas, with measures for restoration, protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Dryanovska River basin.

The Neykovtsi dam lies within Balgarka Protected Area, BG 0000399, and will affect the Dryanovska Reka Protected Area, BG 0000282. The above potential impacts on the riparian ichthyofauna will affect also species included in the protection objectives of both protected areas. The specifics of the spatial distribution of the populations mean that only indirect impacts on the riparian ichthyofauna may be expected due to environmental changes. Positive effects are expected with the stabilization of the river flow and discontinuation of seasonal drying up. The potential impacts on the ichthyofauna as listed in the EIA Statement may be prevented completely by the implementation of the proposed measures.

5.8.2. Herpetofauna (Amphibians and reptiles)

Assessment of the impact on the amphibians and reptiles All amphibians (the first 7 species from Table 4) are certain inhabitants of the dam site. They will have better living conditions because the Neykovska river dries up almost completely during summer. In 2007 individual insignificant puddles formed in its bed upstream of the dam. The same applies to the grass snake and, perhaps, to the dice snake which is likely to occur here. It is certain that the marsh frog will become most abundant in a few years from the creation of the dam. The populations of the three reptilian species – the two lizard species and the smooth snake, will, most likely, withdraw upward along the

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 43/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS slopes. The flooding will destroy only a negligibly small part of the areas inhabited by those species in the area. The protection of the reservoir (for the purpose of using it as a drinking water supply) will also be favourable to the environment around the water body, including the amphibian reptile fauna. There is a very small probability that singular true tortoises, which are of a very high nature conservation status, may exist in the area envisaged for flooding. During the flooding process individuals swimming on the surface should be sought for. These will have to be relocated to suitable locations above the maximum water level and released there. Other animals such as hedgehogs may also be rescued during this activity. No special monitoring of amphibians and reptiles is required within the dam area. The construction and the operation of the Neykovtsi dam will not have any negative effects on the amphibians and reptiles in the region and will even be favorable to the water-demanding species. The only species of high conservation value (warty newt) does not seem to occur in the water reservoir area but even if it does, it will be favorably affected by the future water impoundment. Despite the fact that part of the dam is within a protected area, it should be completed because a dam with rehabilitated and self-restored surroundings and serious protection is preferred to the current situation.

5.8.3. Mammal Fauna

Assessment of the impact on the mammal fauna The study has shown that there will be no negative effects on the mammal fauna, which is relatively mobile and would move up to higher altitudes as early as the construction phase. No substantial loss of habitats is expected due to the small flooded area. No overpopulation or excessive numbers of species in the unaffected areas is expected due to their extremely small density within the flooded area. The indicated mammal species are widespread: Stara Planina, Sredna Gora, the Rhodopes and elsewhere in Bulgaria. The finished dam will not affect the existing mammal fauna. The comparatively limited period left for the construction works (the dam construction is at an advanced stage), means that the works will have no effect on the trophic base and on the habitats of individual mammal species‘ populations and will not affect their numbers. This conclusion is made as a result of many years of research by the expert from the Institute of Zoology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The mammal fauna inhabiting the region and presented in the EIA Report is typical of much larger areas than the dam area.

5.8.4. Ornithofauna

Assessment of the impact on the ornithofauna The construction of the dam has already affected the land surface and the vegetation over it, as well as habitats of certain individuals (pairs) of the bird species inhabiting the site. However, there is a positive circumstance in this case – a rather small area will be covered by the dam and its dam. Year-round releasing of the minimum admissible water quantity of 0.010 m3 required for the normal functioning of the river ecosystem is envisaged. Therefore, the construction of the site will not affect any animal species inhabiting this part of the river and those who use the river as drinking water source and for bathing, as well as certain bird species searching for food along the banks and in the shallow parts of the river (mainly the gray wagtail and to the mountain wagtail in this part of the river). There is a small likelihood that the implementation of the site has affected the habitats of individuals (pairs) listed under Annex 2 of the Biodiversity Act – the red-backed shrike. The registered 3 pairs inhabit areas outside the site and will continue to inhabit their nests after the completion of the site. There are no areas within the dam area with regular concentration of large numbers of certain bird species. The flooding of the reservoir may be followed by the occurrence and subsequent increase in the number of fishes typical of standing and slowly flowing water (through artificial fish stocking or entry of caviar into the reservoir, naturally transferred by water fowl). This will increase the trophic base of certain diving bird species such as Grebes (Podicipedidae), cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), smew (Mergus albellus L.), diving ducks (Netta rufina (Pallas), Aythya sp. etc. and also the potential occurrence of individuals of these species during certain periods. The artificial lake may attract during the year

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 44/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS individuals of other waterfowl species – river ducks (Anas sp.), storks (Ciconia sp.), herons (Ardeidae) etc., despite its mountainous location. This would increase the composition of bird species in general in the river and in the area, and can be considered a positive effect. The facility is not capable of affecting bird migration in this part of the country. It lies within the Balgarka Protected Area and Balgarka Nature Park, but its small area does not have any negative effect on the bird fauna there. The part of the dam, which lies within the protected area, is far less than 0.1%. Some, perhaps significant, increase in the diversity of bird species in this part of the mountain should be expected and would be a positive result. In conclusion, no negative changes of the state of the species of significance for conservation and of their habitats can be expected as a result of the implementation of the project. The area covered by the water reservoir is of insignificant size and will not cause any significant reduction in the trophic base of the bird species inhabiting the area, and will even increase the trophic base of a certain numbers of water fowl species.

5.9. LANDSCAPE

The appropriate architectural design of the DWTP, color selection and greenbelt setting, site reclamation and dam flooding will create the new landscape. The evaluation of the self-cleaning potential and recovery of landscape in the region in question underlines the substantial capacity for inclusion and harmonization of the water supply system of Neykovtsi dam with the nature environment. Lakes are no foreign element to mountains and the newly created artificial lake will match the nature landscape. Being an element of the landscape, the minimum size of the DWTP will contribute to its good fitting and visual acceptance. Biodiversity in Balgarka Protected area will be preserved cue to the small area of impact (less than 0,1%) and no influence on areas beyond the scope of the facility. Better conditions are created for the fish populations in Dryanoska reka Protected area due to the envisaged regime for supply of environmental water.

5.10. HEALTH FACTOR AND SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE

In the course of construction works Concerning the population The dam wall is situated at 300 m above the last houses of Neykovtsi estate. There is a single house for seasonal use (summer house) at about 100 m below the wall. The entire house is in cracks and is not safe for dwelling. The quarry and the TMSI are located at 6 km from the wall, near the village of Stoevtsi, and the nearest houses are located at 700-800 m. The relief of the locality provides noise shielding. The rock fill for the wall will be transported along the route via the village of Stoevtsi - village of Kyosevtsi - Neykovtsi estate - the dam wall. The concrete will be transported to the dam wall from the base at the construction site of Hydrostroy. In the course of construction works there will be an increase of:  Fugitive emissions of fine particulate matter due to the increased traffic of heavy-freight trucks;  Fugitive emissions of exhaust fuel motor gasses and emissions due to detonation works in the quarry - nitrogen and sulphur oxides, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons etc.;  Noise from motor vehicles, from works in the quarry and the rock crushers /RC/. The increased road traffic for transportation of construction materials will be limited - not more than 5 races per day at the peak of construction works. Therefore noise, fugitive fine particulate matter emissions and emissions of fuel gases will be insignificant, temporary and if properly addressed will not

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 45/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS have a negative impact on the health of the population. Detonation works will be incidental and far from habitable housing, so detonation gases and noise will not have and adverse impact. Concerning the construction workers During the works negative health impacts could be produced by a number of factors, occurring in the working environment during the construction process, namely: Non-favorable microclimate. Work will be going on in all four seasons in the open, in both excessive heat and cold. Excessive heat could be a risk factor for incidents such as heat and/or sunstroke. If prolonged, such conditions could lead to dehydration, loss of salts and microelements and heat exhaustion. Excessive cold contributes to increased incidence of colds, muscular and bone complaints and disturbances of the peripheral nervous system. Noise. Drivers of heavy machinery and excavator operators will be exposed to excessive noise level in the range of 80 - 90 to 100 dB/A. Noise. The excessive noise impact has a negative impact on the hearing system and may cause the development of professional hearing disturbances. Noise could have negative consequences for the central nervous system, sleep disturbances, neurosis-type complaints and is a risk factor for arterial hypertension as well. Vibrations. The drivers of the heavy trucks will be exposed to general and local vibrations. Given the new technology to be used, those vibrations maybe will not exceed the admissible levels. The use of some, mostly outdated machinery may cause excessive levels of vibration, and hence damages to the vestibular system, the locomotory system and the parenchyma; also the s. c. ―vibration disease‖ may occur, which is a common occupational disease in this field of work. Air pollution. Drivers of heavy machinery and excavator operators will be exposed to exhaust gasses emissions. No harmful health effects are expected in this case, as they work in the open air. Furthermore, excavation works will be limited in volume. Dust. Construction workers are exposed to fugitive dust emissions. Large dust particles can only have an irritation effect on the upper respiratory system Exposure to metal aerosols and noxious gasses. During welding operations various quantities of carbon oxide, carbon dioxide, nitric gases and metal aerosols (manganese, lead, iron or others, depending on the type of welding material) are emitted. If welding is performed in closed premises or inside large pipes those emissions can cause chronic occupational disturbances of the lungs (chronic bronchitis, pneumoconiosis of the siderosis type). Traumas. Construction workers suffer from the highest incidence of occupational traumas during excavation and assembly works. Heavy labor. Notwithstanding the fact that a large part of the construction operations are performed by machinery, still heavy physical labor is required in a number of operations, including the lifting and carrying of excessive weights. Another unfavorable aspect of construction work is that a lot of the operations are performed in a difficult position, requiring considerably tension of muscles and limbs. This leads to micro-traumas, diseases of the locomotory system, the nervous system and the muscles. In conclusion, no unfavorable health effects on the population and the adjacent settlements can be expected during the construction phase. It may have some disturbing effect but it will be insignificant and temporary. The working environment will exert certain impact on the health of the construction workers during construction works. However it will be of temporary nature and can be minimized by taking adequate health and safety protection measures.

During operation

No changes in air humidity or the climate or expected during the operation of the dam. It is expected to have a favorable impact for the population as new jobs will be created and new recreational spots will be set up in its vicinity. Improved water supply will guarantee the elimination of epidemic via water contamination. Consumption of drinking water, which meets Bulgarian and European standards of quality, will have an indirect positive health impact for the population. Conditions will be secured for

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 46/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS development of tourism, which is a priority under the regional plan for development of Gabrovo District and the towns of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi.

5.11. SAFETY OF NEYKOVTSI DAM;

Safety of dam walls is of considerable economic, social and environmental significance. Safety of large dams, such as Neykovtsi is a consideration embedded back in the very investment proposal for the dam. In designing dam walls in Bulgaria the design norms for embankment walls, published in 1986, in the Architecture and Construction Bulletin, vol. 1 and 6; the fundaments of design norms for hydro- engineering facilities, guidelines by the Ministry of Construction and Public Works and the Ministry of Power Generation, (Architecture and Construction Bulletin, vol. 11/1985.), norms for load and impact of waves, ice and navigation for hydro-engineering facilities (1988), design norms for buildings and facilities in earthquake zones (Architecture and Construction Bulletin, vol. 1/1989). As the above-listed regulations are not recent, and given the lack of an EC code on hydro-engineering facilities design, internationally recognized standards are also used, such as those of the Department of the Army US Army Corps of Engineers, German standards and others, as well as Bulgarian regulatory documents and standards for construction design, which are described in the design Contract. Various risks are being considered in the process of design, such as the hydrological risk of high waters with certain occurrence and seismic risk from an earthquake of a given intensity. Designs comprise a section on control and measurement system (SCADA). Upon commissioning the site, the designs feature also a Program of Surveillance and Measurements by means of SCADA, Operations Guidelines and Emergency Action Plan (Crises Management Plan) for the duration of construction works and subsequent operation of the site. The Neykovtsi dam wall was designated category ІІ, but in the course of project update, and because of being close to a residential area, most likely the dam will be upgraded to category І with all the ensuing safety requirements. When the State Acceptance Committee checks the site to be approved for operation, it also checks whether all normative requirements have been met (Ordinance No 2/2003 on commissioning construction sites in Bulgaria and minimum warranty terms on acceptance of construction and assembly works (State Gazette 72/2003). The operational staff is employed at the beginning of construction and the specific teams are defined as the site is being commissioned. The duration of the operational lifetime of a dam is deemed to be 100 years (the time for the established volume to be filled by deposits). To ensure dam safety during operation, Ordinance No 13/29.01.2004 on the conditions and procedures for technical operation of dam walls and related facilities is to be followed. At each stage of the operation the Surveillance and Measurement Program is implemented and regularly updated. On the basis of the measurements the security of construction and engineering works is being assessed, as well as the impact of the dam wall on the environment (degree of danger to the natural and material goods and human health and life). Safety is assessed for normal operational mode, for work under extreme conditions and for emergencies. Two times per year the operational teams perform a visual check on the wall, the water area and the related facilities and issue a protocol with respective recommendations. The engineering analysis of the wall status is performed by a person responsible for the technical operation of the site and is based on the results of the engineering checks and measurement and control for a period of three years at most, and is approved at an expert engineering board, appointed by the owner. Inspections to evaluate the safety of the dam walls and related facilities are carried out by experts, which are not on the payroll of the person, responsible for the site‘s technical operation. The first inspection is to be carried out before flooding, then at the end of the first operational period, not later than the 5th year of regular operation, and later on – by decision of an expert engineering board, appointed by the owner. In case of high waters of a level close or equal to the highest water level (hydrological risk), and if an earthquake of a magnitude above VI by the МSK-64 scale (seismic risk), inspections are to be carried out and full measurements taken by all measurement and Control System tools for all facilities, in accordance with the Program on Status Analysis and Registration.

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In extreme and emergency conditions the Crises Management Plan is to be implemented, which formulates all tasks, relationships and responsibilities of the institutions, whose responsibility it is to react in times of crises under the Crises Management Act. Responsible for the safety of the dam wall are the technical operation team, the managers of the operational unit and the company, which ensures the dam‘s operation (ViK – OOD, Gabrovo), as well as the respective state authority (the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works).

Risk The risk is a possibility of certain damages occurring during an event of a probable nature. In view of the operation of Neykovtsi dam, the following need to be considered:

 Hydrological risk;  Seismic risk;  Environmental risk.

Hydrological risk The hydrological risk is the probability of certain damages caused by high water of certain occurrence. The following is needed to prevent it as much as possible:  The expected high water should be reliably defined and taken into account in calculating the type and category of the facility to be constructed (calculations provided in the updated hydrological data).  Reasonable sizing of the facilities needed to carry out safely the high water described above (eventually new design of the spillway, the chute and the ejector).  Formulation of operational rules and Action Plan in operational conditions (Operational Guidelines and Crises Management Plan);

Seismic risk The seismic risk is defined as the probability of certain damages occurring if earthquakes of a given magnitude take place. The following should be done to prevent damages from occurring to the maximum extent possible:  Mandatory performance of a mirco-seismic study of the river area where the Neykovtsi dam is planned to be built;  The geological survey for the sites, including the updated geological report should include an assessment of possible consequences for the geological bed in the event of a heavy earthquake;  Facilities should be designed and built in such a way as to provide for a safe outcome in the event of a rated seismic impact;  Rules and action plan in case of heavy earthquake during operation need to be formulated (Operational Guidelines and Crises Management Plan); The assessment of the possible negative impacts that the existing environment can have on the investment proposal should feature both in the micro-seismic study and when the hydrologic parameters are being determined, taking into account meteorological factors and climate characteristics (provided in the updated hydrology study).

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Environmental risk The ecological risk for dam walls and related facilities is linked to the risk of changes in the quality of the environmental components, as discussed in the EIAS. The environmental risk for the Neykovtsi dam has been assessed in the Risk Assessment Table on the basis of the made projections.

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Table on the environmental risk ensuing from the construction and operation of Neykovtsi Dam

Components Impact sources Atmospheric Geological Notes Water Soils Wastes Noise Flora Fauna Health air environment In the course of construction works Dam wall and Neykovtsi water + + + + + + + + + reservoir‖ On passing from the rock quarry to + + the site through residential areas Transport routes + + + + + + + to ++ to ++ the villages of Stoevtsi and Kyosevtsi, and Neykovtsi estate) During the operation phase Dam wall and Neykovtsi water + + + + + + + + + reservoir‖ ++ In operational environment DWTP (++) + + + + + + + + + after emergency

+ low level expected ++ medium level expected

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5.12. TRANSPORDER EFFECT

Neykovtsi dam is located immediately over the Neykovtsi housing estate and the town of Plachkovtsi. In the course of construction no transborder effect will occur, as the site is located in the interior of the country. During operation a transborder effect will be the water volume to be retained in the country from the Yantra river, which flows into the Danube. The runoff of the Yantra river at its mouth has been calculated at 1573,8.106 m3/per annum in Master Plans for utilization of waters in the basin management regions of Bulgaria (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences -Institute of Soils and Waters 2000). About 80 small and big dams have been constructed in the watershed of the Yantra river (the biggest water reservoirs are Al. Stamboliiski dam – 220,0.106 m3 and Yovkovtsi dam – 92,0.106 m3). Neykovtsi dam is proposed to cover water supply needs, and the volume of the dam to be used to this purposes has been calculated by the designer to be 5,60.106 m3/per annum. 80% of the water quantity supplied through the system are recoverable and get back to the rivers through the sewerage systems. The water quantity retained on the territory of Bulgaria amounts to 1,12.106 m3/per year, or 0,071% of the Yantra river runoff.

5.13. PROTECTED NATURE AREAS AND PROJECT COMPATIBILITY WITH THE OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSES FOR CONSERVATION OF PROTECTED ZONES

A part of Neykovtsi dam is located on the territory of Balgarka Protected aone, code BG 0000399 of the National Environmental Network – Natura 2000 and in Nature Park Balgarka, included in Natura 2000 Protected Area. It is not forbidden to perform construction works in PA and Nature Parks, moreover, water supply sites are a priority and permits could be issued for their construction even in National parks (Water Act, Environmental Protection Act, Protected Areas Act). The Project compatibility with the objective and purposes for protection of protected zones (by general indicators, due to the fact that the Management Plans of each of the designated zones have not been finalized) has been determined based, first of all, on the percentage of the territory that is subject to anthropogenic impact compared to the total area of the zone. In the case of Neykovtsi dam this percentage, based on 32,5 ha dam area compared to 21772 ha park area, is 0,15%, assuming that the entire dam area falls within the park area, since the exact size of the dam section coinciding with the park is not known (actually much less than 0,1%). Dam construction was launched in 1980, i.e. 22 years before the designation of the park and 27 years before the designation of the PA. The major part of the impact on the affected area (construction of the dam wall and the facilities thereto, felling of the indigenous forest vegetation and the implementation of technological roads and auxiliary construction platforms) has been consumed. The consultations made with Directorate National service for Nature Protection to MOEW clarified that sites, for which an EIAS has been developed and accepted, or which have been granted a construction permit and are in a construction phase, will be taken out of the territory of the Protected Zone. Considering these conditions Neykovtsi dam meets two priority requirements: it is a drinking water supply site whose construction has been implemented to over 30% and no legal provisions prevent the continuation of construction works.

5.14. SOCIAL IMPACT

The construction of the Neykovtsi dam will solve a major social problem in the municipality of Tryavna by providing regular water supply for the population. Opportunities will be created for economic development, reduction of unemployment, and increased incomes for the population with a chance to further develop Tryavna municipality into a more attractive area for recreation and tourism. The project has the following advantages: no migration of the population is needed, no loss of agricultural lands or pastures (those have already been expropriated when construction had begun). Forests in the area

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 51/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS have also been expropriated and felled. The greater part of the anthropogenic impact in the scope of the dam wall and the water reservoir has been realized. No infrastructure sites will be affected. Mandatory restrictions will be accepted in the course of construction works to secure the normal operation of the water supply network from the four water intakes to the town of Tryavna. No road infrastructure is affected, and the bridge near the town of Plachkovtsi will be strengthened. No waste depots, drainage or irrigation systems exist on the site territory. The insignificant impact on the flora and fauna has been considered in the EIAS. Neykovtsi dam has a certain positive impact on the river eco-system under the wall by providing environmental water. Favorable conditions are created for the fish population both in the reservoir and below it. The minimum flow ensured under the wall creates gradually opportunities for habitats to be created, enriching the fauna of amphibians and reptiles, mammals and birds along the river. The sanitary status of the Neykovska river within the town of Plachkovtsi will be considerably improved.

VІ. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

The study on the alternatives for Neykovtsi dam dates back to 1972 year. The following alternatives have been considered: In terms of location: Several ranges have been studied, including pumping water from Dryanovo and use of mine water from Lev Mine. In conclusion, the proposal for the range on the wall was made based on the inference that Neykovtsi dam has no actual alternative for some other water source. This was the preferred alternative due to: availability of proper technical and geological conditions, sufficient area permitting lake formation and securing multi-annual control, availability of an asphalt road to the site. In terms of quantity of water to be fed to the water supply system. The long period of design and construction, accompanied by interruptions in both processes resulted in the need for several updates of water demand in view of the demographic and economic development of the region. The latest update is of 1990, which was restated in 1999 in the EIAS for the DWTP. In recent years the town of Tryavna, the town of Plachkovtsi and the settlements in the municipalities have proven the demand for the designed water quantity to be supplied due to the steady trend for development of summer and winter recreation, rural tourism, ecotourism and other concomitant activities. In terms of type of dam wall and adjoining facilities. The type of dam wall has been selected following an analysis of the economic and operational safety indicators of a several wall types for a seismic magnitude VIII and a category II facility. The selection of the adjoining facilities (water intake tower and front spillway with chute and ejector) was determined by the terrain and the parameters of the spillway. The updating of the design may result in upgrading the wall to category І and redesign of the spillway, chute and ejector. A zero alternative has also been considered but has been rejected, as it has been proven that Neykovtsi dam is the only possible water supply source for the towns of Tryavna, Plachkovtsi and the settlements in the municipalities. The proposed site for DWTP was accepted due to its advantages concerning land expropriation and proximity to the road network. Currently the dam wall has been built to a height of 16 m and construction works have been halted for 7 years. Possible new alternatives: preserving the status quo, partial finishing, demolishing the dam wall The need to have Neykovtsi dam built All data, collected by the team and the public hearing in Tryavna, as well as the projections made by VIK OOD Gabrovo indicate that there is still need for water to be supplied to the above-mentioned towns. Regardless of the negative demographic growth until 2006, the towns of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi, and the settlements in the region due to the favorable climatic conditions, the rich cultural and historical heritage and the exceptional initiative of the population, became in a really short term an attractive and sought for

NEYKOVTSI_EIAS ENG FF.doc 52/63 Neykovtsi Dam EIAS location for development of tourism and recreation activities. Very indicative is the interest in purchasing residential real property, maintenance and rehabilitation of urban and rural environment, arrangement of traditional crafts complexes in the style of the Bulgarian Revival – woodcarving etc. Environmental Impacts Preserving the status quo –suspension of construction works at the height of the erected dam wall as of 2008. –16 m. In this case an update needs to be made of the wall status and it should be conserved incurring the costs for the proper safety measures. A spillway needs to be constructed, and a possibility should be provided for high water to be fed to the lower sections of the river, by building a power extinguisher and correction. That would require the selection of a new site for the spillway and construction of a road to it. Operational staff shall to be available to control the wall status via an updated SCADA. Reclamation of the quarry and the depots shall be performed. A plan should be drawn up to mitigate the visual impact from the stone embankment. Other issues to be addressed are the dewatering of the section of the Neykovska river below the dam wall to the town of Plachkovtsi and insulation of the ichthyofauna above the wall from the downstream river sections. Partial completion –full completion of the dam wall to the height reached. A partial completion would mean to find an additional water source, which has been proven to be lacking, and thus leaving unresolved the main social issue – water supply. And as with the option described above, the additional engineering works will need to be done, at respective costs; the wall design will need to be updated in conformity with existing regulations. This option cannot be evaluated as less investment-intensive, as new mitigation facilities will need to be built (construction of a new spillway at a new elevation, and a new solution for the water intake tower). Operational costs will be almost the same without the benefit of providing water for the two towns and the settlements in the municipalities. It is not possible to compare the environmental impacts with the proposed alternative for completion of Neykovtsi dam, as it is not clear what the wall height will be if it is decided to be partially completed and the eventual new range (proved to be missing) of uncertain negative impact. Demolishing the dam wall. Demolishing the dam wall will have environmental consequences which are hard to predict, because a natural passage way will have to be provided for the high waters, and the rock embankment will have to be taken away and disposed of. Concrete structures will have to be demolished and the territory will have to be reclaimed. New operational guidelines and a Crisis Management Plan will have to be formulated for the duration of the demolition works. The water supply rationing in Tryavna, Plachkovtsi and the settlements in the region will remain in place. The three options considered here are not justified and are not acceptable for Bulgaria in economic, social and environmental terms. The first alternative implies investments without any solution of the water supply issues. The result would be the adverse impact on the Neykovska river down to the town of Plachkovtsi. In case of partial completion - up to the implemented height of the wall and flooding - the water supply issues will not be resolved and it will be necessary to look for an additional water source (no such one has been discovered in all that years since 1972) accompanied by new issues related to the environmental impact. Demolishing of the constructed part of Neykovtsi dam will mean to continue the water supply rationing for the settlements in the municipalities (in low water seasons) and result in the specified negative impacts for the environment. The towns of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi, and the settlements in the municipalities need the construction of Neykovtsi dam because there is no other alternative for provision of water without rationing, and at good quality. No changes had occurred in the period 2007 - 2008 that would require the review of the presented alternatives. Summer low water (for over 2 month, when water rationing was introduced) in 2008 came to reinforce the only feasible alternative to provide potable water for the population of Tryavna, Plachkovtsi and the settlements in the region by constructing Neykovtsi dam. Given all that there is no need to change the technology, the estimated investments (including borrowed capital), operational costs, changes in the control and measuring equipment (monitoring devices) in general, costs and benefits. All those are elements of the project for construction of Neykovtsi dam under the option proposed by the Bulgarian counterpart.

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VІІ. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REMEDIATION PLAN

A substantial part of the impacts on the environment as a result of the construction of the dam wall of Neykovtsi Dam to a height of 16 m have already occurred. 30% of the construction works for the dam wall were completed by 2001: excavation works, 16 m embankment, asphalt-concrete diaphragm at the elevation of the embankment; the majority of concrete works on the water intake tower; fully implemented major water outlet; roads to the water intake tower and the front spillway to the wall; uncovering of the rock quarry Suhodole and of the construction site to the dam wall; two consistent fellings of forest vegetation in two different periods. The road network has been implemented 100%, however the bridge at Plachkovtsi will have to be reinforced. There will be no need to move population. The works to be implemented comprise implementation of the dam wall to the crown elevation (26,0 m), asphalt concrete diaphragm, installation of SCADA equipment, construction of a spillway, chute and ejector, installation works on the mechanical and electric equipment and implementation of the DWTP. The erection of the dam wall up to the height of 16 m and the diversion barrage in the wall serve to prevent Neykovska river from pollution during the phase of dam wall completion. It will be necessary to secure mechanical settling of construction waters prior to their discharge in the Neykovska river while constructing the spillway, the chute and the ejector. The remaining construction works require compliance with the technology for consequential implementation of the embankment and the asphalt-concrete diaphragm, of injections and quality control. These are dam activities in which the construction companies in the country have the required experience (in the country there are 16 big rockfill walls – Belmeken Dam – 98 m, and and 98 big earthfill walls – Ogosta Dam – 59 m). This is the background for proposal of the Environmental impact remediation plan. It includes the required measures both during the construction phase and during the operation phase of Neykovtsi water supply system. ATMOSPHERIC AIR 7.1. Restriction of the impacted area within the construction period, sprinkling. 7.2. Use of mobile sprinklers to suppress dust emission along temporary construction roads and routes through residential areas, construction sites and quarries for extraction of rock fill. 7.3. Regular adjustment of diesel and petrol aggregates during the time of use of construction machinery and vehicles; compliance with the daily construction schedules in view of maximum compaction of the operational regime; limiting to a minimum the so-called „idle motion‖ of machines. 7.4. Checking of the technical condition of the construction equipment and vehicles for eventual failures, or leakages at each shift. Deactivation of pollutants in case of emergency. WATER 7.5. Construction of water measuring point in the tail of the dam pond for measuring of received water quantities. 7.6. Construction of measuring profile in a suitable place below the dam, after discharge of environmental waters to control the size of environmental water quantity. 7.7. Marking of zone І in the design of sanitary protection zones І, ІІ and ІІІ around the dam. 7.8. Remediation of the dam bed. 7.9. Securing the supply of environmental water quantity amounting to 0,010 m3/s from the level of the water intake tower 10 m below the HOWL and additional supply of 0,100 m3/s in March, April, May and October – 10 days per month. 7.10. Provision of chemical toilets during the construction phase, and construction of treatment module in the buildings for the operation phase.

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7.11. Reevaluate the size of the minimum admissible water quantity (environmental water) after the water intakes at the two receiving derivations, prior to their connection to the water reservoir. 7.12. Construct a mechanical settling tank for settling of construction waters prior to their discharge in the Neykovska river during the construction of the ejector. 7.13. Removal and remediation of the graveyard toward Kolyo Ganev neighborhood. Geology 7.14. Investigation of the failure on the right slope (possibly also in the left one) and implement the relevant measures to prevent any eventual seepage through it. 7.15. Perform sampling of the diaphragm and the embankment to get deformation-strength properties in view of computing the dam wall robustness Soils 7.16. Perform deactivation of pollutants in case of emergency spillages and leakages from mechanical equipment and vehicles to prevent soil pollution. 7.17. Compliance with the requirements for waste management in order to avoid soil pollution in adjoining areas. 7.18. Perform regular supervision of the water area of the lake for establishing of any land erosion or collapse during operation. 7.19. Remove the humus layer and select a site for humus disposal. 7.20. Observe the restrictions in view of PA Balgarka and avoid penetration in the area beyond the site boundaries. Harmful physical factors – noise 7.21. Heavy transportation vehicles used for dam construction shall comply with the admissible speed limit on passing through residential areas while their speed on the roads shall be coordinated with the affected municipalities and the town halls. 7.22. In general construction activities shall take place during the day. 7.23. Construction equipment and the activities shall be focused on the main construction sites. 7.24. Investigate the condition of the house next to the wall prior to launching of construction works in order to prevent it from collapsing. Wastes 7.25. The provisions of the Waste Management Act shall be complied with during construction and operation. 7.26. Construction works shall not be launched on the site prior to the Employer‘s submission of a contract with a licensed company for transportation and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes that will be generated during the construction and operation. 7.27. Exercise control on the Investor‘s activities for collection and transportation of wastes to the relevant site for their treatment to be performed by a licensed company contracted In advance. 7.28. Establish and observe a system for separate collection of wastes, having the Investor responsible for the smooth functioning of the system. 7.29. Collection and proper storage of any generated wastes in the course of construction works. 7.30. Foresee sufficient number of containers for collection of domestic, or similar wastes. 7.31. Transport to the depot in Tryavna the generated domestic and similar in terms of composition wastes. 7.32. Construction wastes, as well as industrial wastes from the DWTP, shall be removed after a preliminary agreement (contract) with the depot in Tryavna.

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7.33. The generated ―hazardous‖ wastes shall be collected, stored in environmentally friendly manner and submitted for disposal by licensed companies. 7.34. Unregulated burning of flammable construction wastes shall not be allowed. 7.35. Envisage a proper mode of operation and machine fleet for wastes transportation in order to prevent from pollution roadside areas. 7.36. Ban replacement of oils and idle stay of construction machinery on site, in order to reduce to a minimum pollution with used motor oils. 7.37. Watch for leakages of fuels and oils during operation of the construction equipment to be able to take measures to prevent pollution of soils and waters (surface and ground). Flora 7.38. Detonation works at the stone quarry Suhodole shall be performed following a ‗ no debris‘ technology. 7.39. Species appropriate for the climatic conditions in the region and with the relevant landscaping qualities shall be used for the biological remediation envisaged for the areas impacted by construction works. Fauna 7.40. Detonation works shall not coincide with the reproduction period of fauna (end of April and May). 7.41. Secure environmental water quantity from a suitable height of the water tower (not higher than10 m) to guarantee the water needed for migration of fish and watering of the fauna. 7.42. Removal of individual species of land turtles above the water level prior to flooding of the area.

Landscape 7.43. Inspect and reinforce the bridge in Plachkovtsi 7.44. Design and implement a landscaping spatial plan for the territory. 7.45. Perform remediation of the impacted areas beyond the facilities at the end of the construction works. 7.46. The building of the DWTP and the administrative building at the crest of the wall shall have a proper architectural solution and shall be painted in a proper color. 7.47. At the end of construction works the impacted section of the national road network shall be repaired. Health 7.48. Proper bath, toilet and kitchen facilities, working outfit, personal protection kits and work and rest balance shall be secured for the workers and drivers at the dam wall. The operational personnel at the DWTP shall be equipped with the necessary protection means, including in case of emergency. 7.49. Implementation of Ordinance No 13/2004, Operational Manual and Emergency Action Plan The Emergency Action Plan shall be developed at the beginning of the construction works – for the construction period, and as of the commissioning in operation – for the operation period. It comprises all actions and situation related to industrial emergencies and natural disasters – high water, earthquakes etc.

VІІІ. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

Prior to construction and operation the Contractor, the Implementation Unit and the Owner shall develop their own monitoring plan that shall comply with the requirements in the regulatory base specified in chapter II. The Monitoring plan is presented in Annex 3.

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The Monitoring Plan shall be developed, implemented, reported and controlled in compliance with chapter II. The Project control unit established with the MRDPW shall receive all the documentation related to environmental management. The regular reports will be forwarded to the World Bank every six months.

Institutional responsibilities for application of the impact mitigation measures and environmental monitoring for Neykovtsi Dam

In the course of construction works

Responsibilities for impact Taking of decisions on monitoring Reporting mitigation and implementation measures (accountable person – accounting implementation of Accountable institutions person – frequency) Operations monitoring and persons MRDPW (Employer) The construction supervision and Implementation of The Contractor, RIEW V.Tarnovo RIEW, RIHSC (as per the measures for Construction REGIONAL Monitoring Plan) impact mitigation supervision, Employer INSPECTORATE ON Construction supervision of and implementation (MRDPW) RIEW, HEALTH SAFETY AND MRDPW of monitoring RIHSC BD Dunavski CONTROL (RIHSC) PIU with MRDPW to the Bank region – Pleven MOEW (EEA) (every six months) If needed – from the accredited laboratory

Institutional responsibilities for application of the impact mitigation measures and environmental monitoring for Neykovtsi Dam

During the operation phase

Responsibilities for impact Taking of decisions on monitoring Reporting mitigation and implementation measures (accountable person to implementation of Accountable institutions accounting person – frequency) Operations monitoring and persons VIK OOD Gabrovo VIK OOD Gabrovo to Implementation of VIK OOD Gabrovo RIEW V.Tarnovo RIEW V.Tarnovo and measures for RIEW V.Tarnovo BD Dunavski Region - BD Dunavski region - Sofia impact mitigation RIHSC Pleven and implementation BD Dunavski Region - of monitoring Pleven

Environmental management is performed by the competent institutions, i.e. MOEW, BD, EEA to MOEW, RIEW, and RIHSC. The procedure for development, evaluation and acceptance of EIA, as well as control on the implementation of adopted decisions in Bulgaria are regulated by law and are observed strictly. They are harmonized with the European directives. The MOEW comprises a Directorate on ―Prevention Activities‖ and a line deputy minister, while RIEW comprise departments on ―Prevention Activities‖. The authority of the above-mentioned bodies, and their actual activities show their professional competence. There have been many cases in which they have rejected EIAS or have returned them for a rework, they have imposed sanctions, suspended construction works and operation of sites because of failure to implement their decisions, and they have withdrawn rights under EIAS in case of failed deadlines. Competent authorities cooperate actively with the municipalities, and through them with the population and the NGOs. The mayors of municipalities affected by the investment proposal and representatives of NGOs are members of the Expert environmental councils for consideration of EIA.

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Control on use of water and water facilities, as per the decision for water intake and use of a water facility, is under the competences of the BD. Competent bodies have difficulties in securing personnel due to their difficulties to provide relevant payment. At local level recruitment of personnel for implementation of the Environmental Management Plans and Monitoring Plans is competitive. All employees within the system are subject to annual training at national or local level. Once per year the knowledge and skills of the operational personnel is checked and they get ‗no objection‘ to proceed with the implementation of their tasks at work. At local level there are also certain problems with payments to direct contractors. Staff that are responsible for environmental operation of dams and other facilities gradually make their way into the management of water supply systems. Thanks to state financing and support under EU programs, EEA and RIEW have been equipped with modern devices for laboratory control on the status of environmental components and factors. EEA with MOEW has been accredited for performance of environmental monitoring at national level. An annual Bulletin is issued on the condition of all components.

ІХ. PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public hearings were carried out at the time of EA development. A public hearing on the Municipal Infrastructure Development Project was carried out on 2007 in Tryavna, including the Environmental Assessment for implementation of the requirements for this procedure (public notification was posted at the town hall and in the local medial). The attendants raised the following issues: eventual climate changes, safety during operation of the water supply system, capacity for power generation, options to look for water sources in the southern slopes of Stara Planina. The team provided answers to all questions asked. The public supports the project for construction of Neykovtsi dam since the demand for regular water supply, especially in Tryavna municipality, is extremely pressing. During summer low water period the municipalities are on water supply rationing, and during spring and autumn high water the water is of poor quality. The town has been developing rapidly, mainly in the sphere of recreational and traditional tourism, however that would not be possible without a steady quantity of drinking and sanitation water.

Consultations have been made with the following administrative and competent authorities: 1. RIEW V.Tarnovo. RIEW V.Tarnovo has not carried an EIA procedure for Neykovtsi dam and the DWTP because construction works were launched before 1991 when the Environmental Protection Act introduced the provision for development of EIA (Annex: Protocol and letter). 2. Tryavna Municipality; A meeting was held with the mayor Stefan Blazhev and the head of TSU eng. Kovachev. The municipality supports the construction of Neykovtsi dam that will secure permanent water supply for Tryavna and the municipality. There have been no objections from the community on the construction of the dam. (Annex: Opinion). 3. National service Nature Protection with the MOEW. The Environmental Assessment of 2007 was submitted to Tryavna and Plachkovtsi municipalities for a detailed presentation to the communities. Board notifications and announcements in the local media secured access to the document. VIK EOOD - Gabrovo, in their capacity of a future operator, have published the notification on their web site. A national public hearing on the project, including the Environmental Assessment, attended by media and NGOs took place on December 12, 2007 at the MRDPW. There have been no comments and recommendations to the Environmental Assessment that has been published on the web site of MRDPW within the deadline stipulated by law. The recommendations made during the consultations and hearings have been reflected in the EIAS.

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As a result of the status evaluation and the envisaged insignificant environmental impact during the construction completion phase and future operation of Neykovtsi Dam, in view of the social significance and improvement of the health and sanitary conditions in the municipality of Tryavna, the completion of Neykovtsi Dam is considered to be imperative.

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Abbreviations used

1. AIM Archaeological Institute and Museum 2. BAN Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 3. BD Basin Directorate 4. VIK Water supply and sewerage company 5. EU European Union 6. EEC Expert Environmental Council 7. EPA Environmental Protection Act 8. EEA Environmental Executive Agency 9. IWI Institute on Water Issues 10. IPP Institute for research and design 11. MRDPW Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works 12. MOEW Ministry of Environment and Water 13. EIA Environmental Impact Assessment 14. NGO Non Government Organizations 15. ALV Admissible limit values 16. DWTP Drinking water treatment plant 17. RIEW Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water 18. RIHSC Regional Inspectorate on Health Safety and Control 19. WSS Water supply system 20. CMS Central measuring station 21. KOPS Committee for Environmental Protection 22. BCA Bulletin for Construction and Architecture 23. UF University of Forestry 24. UASG University of Construction, Architecture and Geodesy 25. RC Rock crusher

Methodologies and Sources Used in the Environment Impact Assessment Statement

National Strategy for Utilization of Water Resources and Protection of Waters in the Republic of 1. Bulgaria, 1995 – MOEW, leader R.Nikolaeva Master plans of water use in the basin management regions in Bulgaria, Sofia, July 2000. –MOEW 2. – Institute on Water Issues – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Volume I. ―General background, methodological baseline and principles, general assessments and major outcomes‖ Part VIII. Evaluation of water volumes for conservation of river ecosystems, team leader R. Nikolaeva 7.4. Methodology for water evaluation for conservation of river systems Volume IV. Dunavski region

3. General diagram for use of water in the Maritsa river basin 3. Methodology for balance computation of pollutants released in the atmosphere, 2000 –MOEW Zarbova K. and team, Evaluation of certain environmental changes in case of disruptions in the 4. regime of the river runoff in the riverbeds of the Yantra and the Osum rivers, NVIC of KOPS, С., 1989. Zaharieva V., Mathematical models for establishing of flooding water quantity, Yearbook of the 5. University of Architecture, Construction and Geodesy, volume ХLI, section Hydroengineering 2003/04 С., 2004. 6. Euro-3 EU standards for emissions of harmful substances emitted by motor transports Study of the geodynamic processes in the region of the G.Dimitrov dam evaluation of the 7. anthropogenic impact, 1984-1990. Concept Note and Investigation Plan for Big Dams in Bulgaria, National conference 8. ―Environmental Status of Bulgaria and future projections, Sofia, 1990, NACID No18, page 7 – G.Gergov, А.Tsenkova, М.Tsenev Investigation of the components of the mass-energy exchange within the surface air layer around the ―Koprinka lake‖, A.S.Tzenkova-Bratoeva, J.N.Ivancheva, and B.Veleva; W.L.Smith and 9. Yu.M.Timofeev (Eds.), IRS 2000: Current Problems in Atmospheric Radiation. A.Deepak Publishing, Hampton, Virginia, 2001, 1360-1366 pp. Anna Tzenkova, Meteorogical investigation around the mountain reservoir. 24th International 10. Conference on Alpine Meteorology (ICAM 1996), Bled, Slovenia, 9-13 September 1996 Pehlivanov L., Vassilev, M. 2003. Feeding of Age-1 Perch (Perca fluviatilis) with a View to the 11. Diurnal Dynamics of its Distribution in the Alexander Stamboliiski Resevoir, Bulgaria. – Acta Zoologica Bulgarica, 55 (2): 81-90 Vassilev, M., L. Pehlivanov. 2005. Checklist of the Bulgarian Freshwater Fishes. – Acta zool. 12. Bulgarica, 57 (2): 161-190 Beshkov V. 1961 Contribution to the zoogeographic study of herpetofauna in Bulgaria – Institute 13. and museum of zoology Х 373-380 14. Beshkov V. 1972 Item III Examinations on ecology and distribution ХХХVІ 125-136 15. Beshkov V. 1985 Amphibian. Reptiles – В: Red Book of Bulgaria para.ІІ Animals 32-41 Casc J-P et all 1997 Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe Paris Soc Europe Herpetol and 16. Mus.Nat.Hist Natur 95th authors of the various chapters, paragraphs, species reviews and distribution maps in the Atlas for Bulgaria – Beshkov V. 17. Beshkov В., K.Nanev 2002 Amphibians and reptiles in Bulgaria, Pensoft сс 1-120 Petrov B., P.Stoev, V.Beshkov 2001 Review of composition and distribution of Amphibia and 18. Reptilia in the eastern Rhodopes Beltcheva, M., R. Metcheva. 1996. Methods for estimation the food eaten, the place and functional 19. role of small mammals in ecosystems. ―National Parks and their role in biodiversity protection on

Balcan Peninsula.‖, Ohrid, 143-146 Metcheva, R., A. Artinian, E. Nikolova, M. Belcheva, R. Laleva. 1997. Estimation of environmental quality using monitor species small mammals from two regions with different antropogenic influence in Bulgaria. A. Bioaccumulation of toxic elements and their influence on 20. some hystological and hematological indices. Ecomonitoring in Rozhen Srednogorie - Bulgaria. Theory and Practice-Ministry of Environment, SDC - Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Sofia,113 - 119 Mecheva, R., М. Topashka-Ancheva, M. Belcheva, Tsv. Yordanova 2004. Bioindicating capacity 21. of petty mammals in zoological monitoring - Lesovudska misal.1, v.10 (29):135 – 143 Chassovnikarova T., R. Metcheva, K.Dimitrov. 2005. Microtus guentheri (Danford & Alston) 22. (Rodentia, Mammalia): A Bioindicator Species for Eestimation of Polymetal Dust Emissions Influence. Belgian Journal of Zoology 135 (2): 135-137 Environmental analysis Small HPP Apriltsi (catchment area of the Yantra River) – bird fauna 23. 1999 . – team leader R.Nikolaeva 24. National plan for protection of bio diversity, 2000, MOEW. WMO (1997)Technical Reports in Hydrology and Water Resource, No 56, Estimation of areal 25. evapotranspiration 26. Popov V., Sedevchev А. 2003. Mammals in Bulgaria. сс. 291 Popov V., Spasov N., Ivanova T., Mihova B., Georgiev К. 2007. Mammals important for 27. conservation in Bulgaria. Dutch Mammal Society Vzz. 328 с.

Regulations

1. Environmental Protection Act (SG No.91/25.09.2002 – amended and supplemented as of 94/2008) 2. Water Act (SG No.67/01.09.1999 – amended and supplemented as of 70/20087) 3. Biological Diversity Act (SG No.77/09.08.2002 amended and supplemented as of No.94/2007) 4. Fisheries and Aquacultures Act (SG No.41/24.04.2001 amended and supplemented as of 108/2006) 5. Waste Management Act (SG No 86/2003 amended and supplemented as of 34/2006) 6. Ordinance on the terms and conditions for performance of EIA (SG3/10.01.2006 ) 7. Forests Act (SG No.125/1997 – amended and supplemented as of 2006) 8. Environmental Noise Protection Act (SG No.74/2005, amended and supplemented No 30/2006) 9. Act on the Cleanliness of Ambient Air (SG No 45/1996…..No 105/2006); 10. Red Book of Bulgaria volume 2 – 1985 UN Convention on bio diversity conservation (in force in Bulgaria as of 16.07.1996 – SG No 11. 19/1999 Order No RD-272/03.05.2001 for classification of surface waters in water sites or parts thereof – 12. MOEW. 13. Ordinance No 3, 01.04.2004 for wastes classification (SG No 44/25.05.2004). Ordinance No 3, 01.04.2004 on the minimum requirements for healthy and safe labor conditions for 14. performance of construction and installation works (SG No 37/04.05.2004). CoM Decision 122 of 02.03.2007 for acceptance of a list of protected areas for wild bird 15. conservation and list of protected areas for conservation of nature habitats of wild flora and fauna. 16. Law for regulation of water supply and sewerage services 2005. Ordinance No 13/2004 on the terms and conditions for technical operation of dam walls and 17. accompanying facilities thereto – MOEW, MH, MRDPW. Ordinance No 9/16.03.2001 of MH, MRDPW and MOEW on the quality of water for drinking and 18. household purposes. Ordinance No 3/16.10.2000 of MOEW, MH and MRDPW on the terms and conditions for investigation, design, approval and operation of sanitary protection zones around water reservoirs 19. and facilities for drinking water supply and around mineral water sources used for medicinal, prophylactic, drinking and sanitation purposes. Ordinance No 5/08.11.2000 of MOEW on the terms and conditions for creation and functioning of 20. the National system for water monitoring Ordinance No 10/03.07.2001 of MOEW for issuance of permits for discharge of wastewater in 21. water bodies and determination of individual emission limits at point sources of pollution. 22. Ordinance No 6 on indicators of noise in the environment – MH, MOEW (SG No 58/2006). 23. Ordinance №7 on the hygienic requirements for health protection of residential environment; Ordinance No 14/1995, amended and supplemented as of 2007 of MH and MOEW on ALV in air of 24. urban areas. Ordinance No 26/01.10.1996 (amended and supplemented as of 2007) for remediation of impaired 25. areas, upgrading of low productivity lands and utilization of the humus layer. 26. Technical manual on hazardous substances – MOEW, 2003. 27. Standards for sizing of embankment dam walls 1986, BSA books 1 and 6 28. Design standards for hydrotechnical facilities. General principles 1985, BSA book.11/85 29. Standards for loading and impacts of hydrotechnical facilities due to waves, ice and vessels (1988) 30. Standards for design and construction of facilities in seismic regions (BSA No.1/1989) Ordinance on the terms and conditions for evaluation of compatibility of plans and programs, 31. projects and investment proposals with the conservation objectives of protected areas (SG No.73/2007) 32. Directive 92/43 of ЕЕС of the Council for conservation of nature habitats and wildlife 33. Directive 79/409 of ЕЕС of the Council for wild bird conservation 34. Protected Areas Act (SG No 133 of 1998, amendment and supplement as of 2007).

APPENDICES

1. WATER SUPPLY PLAN OF TRYAVNA 2. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP INCLUDING NEYKOVTSI DAM 1:25 000 3. FOREST MAP INCLUDING NEYKOVTSI DAM 1:10 000 4. PHOTOS 5. NEYKOVTSI DAM DESIGNS - LIST 6. ANNEX 1 – TOR FOR EIAS 7. ANNEX 2 – ACTION PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF NEYKOVTSI DAM 8. ANNEX 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 9. OPINIONS RIEW VELIKO TARNOVO, TRYAVNA MUNICIPALITY

Topographic map with plotted Neikovtsi Dam 1:25 000

Photos

A general bird‘s eye view of the dam and the overflow, with visible boundary of the new forest in place of the forest cut in the process of clearing the lake basin bed

View of the upstream dam batter

View of the downstream dam batter

View of the intake tower

View of the diversion tunnel inlet

Monitoring measurement system

View of the grouting gallery

River of Neikovtsi in the low-water season

View of the construction site

View of the stone quarry

View of the town of Tryavna

View of the village of Plachkovtsi

List of Designs for Neikovtsi Dam

1. Update of hydro-engineering explorations and water balance studies for Neikovtsi Water Supply System performed by Vodocanalengineering SPLLC- 1990

2. Preliminary EIAR on PWPP – Tryavna – 1999 – not reviewed

3. Design data provided by Vodocanalproekt – Pure Water – Dipl.Eng. P. Surnev, 2007

5. Water Quality Reports /Excerpt/

Annex 1

BULGARIA MINISTRY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR DAMS’ CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION

I. BACKGROUND

1. The Government of Bulgaria (GOB) has requested the assistance of the World Bank (the Bank) in financing activities under the Municipal Infrastructure Development Project (MIDP) that will help the country meeting the EU directives on water and wastewater environmental protection, which are eligible for EU Structural Funds and not covered by other EU grants. The overall Project objective aims to improve the provision of water supply through sub-projects that will: (i) complete three water supply dams (Neikovtsi dam, Plovdivsti dam, and Luda Yana dam) where construction has ceased in the last decade, and rehabilitate a dam wall of an existing functioning dam (Studena dam); (ii) rehabilitate the water supply network in six water companies (Dobrich; Razgrad; Sliven; Smolyan; Stara Zagora; and Targovishte); and (iii) prepare projects that would be eligible to receive EU Structural Funds for water and wastewater investments needs. The above objective is fully in line with Bulgaria‘s National Strategy on Environment (2005-2014) which intends to ―provide good quality and sufficient quantity of water for various purposes‖.

2. The overall proposed Project is considered Environmental Assessment (EA) category A as per Bank policies. The Bank's safeguard policies and procedures triggered for the proposed project include: OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment; OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement; OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams; and OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways. Furthermore, adequate protection and maintenance of ecosystems downstream of the dams should be assessed during project preparation to determine the relevance of the OP/BP 4.04 Natural Habitats and OP/BP 4.36 Forestry safeguard policies. Also, given the possibility that proposed water companies might implement projects in cities with historic districts, the OPN 11.03 Cultural Property safeguard policy might be triggered. During the project preparation the GOB prepared the following documents (i) project Environmental Framework (EF) for all proposed sub-projects; (ii) Environmental Due-Diligence Report (EDR) which assess the environmental status of the sites and the potential environmental impacts associated with the completion and operations of the proposed three water supply dam sites‘ investments; (iii) Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for the rehabilitation investments proposed at the Studena dam site as well as those related to water distribution networks, that specify civil works contract clauses related to application of technical standards and other environmental requirements related to the construction phase; (iv) project Land Acquisition Policy Framework (PF); and (v) Notification of riparian countries under OP 7.50 through Basin Commissions.

3. The designated project EA category A requires the preparation by the GOB of a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the sub-projects related to investments for the completion of three dams‘ construction and EMP for the wall rehabilitation works of Studena dam.

The draft Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) will be discussed and disclosed by GOB in a Public Consultation meeting that will take place before the start of the dam construction completion works and will address the environmental and social impacts related to the proposed works and dam operation as well as related mitigation and monitoring measures.

II. TOR OBJECTIVES

4. This TOR describes the assignment that the Consultant is expected to carry out in order to facilitate proper project implementation. Specifically, the assignment relates to the completion works of three water supply dams (Neikovtsi dam, Plovdivsti dam, and Luda Yana dam) and respective water treatment plants (WTPs). The Consultant will prepare full Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) related to these three dam sites and respective WTPs in accordance with Bulgarian environmental laws and regulations and the requirements of the Bank safeguard policies.

5. The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) in collaboration with the respective water companies will be the main counterparts of the Consultant during this assignment. The MRDPW will ensure efficient coordination with relevant agencies, and particularly with the Regional Water Companies (RWC), dam operators and local authorities. Detailed description for each ToR phase is provided under section Scope of Consultant Work. The final ToR will include any comments and reviews provided on this draft ToR by the public, stakeholders, affected communities, and appropriate regulatory authorities.

III. SCOPE OF CONSULTANT WORK

The main task of the Consultant is to assist the GoB team (MRDPW) in conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and preparing and disseminating the full EIA reports for the above three water supply dams‘ construction completion works based on the final agreed ToR. For the tasks detailed below, the Consultant will visit the project locations (the three dam sites) and will be in constant coordination with appropriate local government authorities (Municipalities, Water, Environment, Agriculture, Public Works institutions, dam operators), NGOs and/or research institutes for collecting necessary environmental information relevant during dam construction phase as well as operation (e.g., noise; air, water, and soil quality; traffic flow; land use and cultural heritage aspects, land ownership, etc.). During the site visits particular attention should be paid to the local public (affected people) views on environmental and social effects imposed during the future construction works. The Consultant shall review all existing technical documents on environment, health and social benefits related to the proposed dam construction investments.

The scope of work for this ToR includes the following main actions:

Task 1: Description of the Proposed Project. The Consultant shall provide a brief description of the project purpose, background and scope, using maps or diagrams (at appropriate scale), and including the following information: location; general layout; size and capacity (status of the existing dam construction, dam and reservoir specifications, location of outlets, the area surrounding the reservoir, and downstream areas, related WTP, etc.); pre-construction activities; construction activities; schedule staffing and support; facilities and services; operation and maintenance activities; appropriate regulatory standards and specifications which the Project will meet; required offsite investments and associated infrastructure (e.g., traffic patterns and access/road infrastructure); and life span of the dam and reservoir.

Task 2: Description of the Existing Environment. The Consultant shall assemble, evaluate and present complete baseline data on the relevant environmental characteristics of the study area. The description will reflect the dynamics of the current environmental components and will identify trends in the context of predicted changes over time, where applicable. The information shall include:

a) Physical environment: geology; topography; watershed hydrology at the site of the dam and reservoir and downstream areas, especially floodplain; soils; sediment quality, climate and meteorology, ambient air quality and noise levels (near affected habitation); surface and ground water resources including receiving water quality and hydrodynamics; existing sources of water pollution discharges and air emissions; (e.g., current emission and effluent volumes and

characteristics, including any points of discharge from storm water and sewer treatment and collection systems), and seismic activity.

b) Biological environment: flora and fauna; rare and/or endangered species (including species migratory patterns); fish habitats, species at risks and sensitive habitats, including parks or preserves, significant natural sites or protected areas (e.g. NATURA2000); species of commercial importance; and species with potential to become nuisances, vectors or dangerous; characterization of wetlands if applicable.

c) Socio-cultural environment: population, land use; planned development activities; community structure; employment; distribution of income, goods and services; recreational activities (e.g., fishing operations); zoning restrictions; transportation and associated infrastructure, public health and safety concerns; cultural heritage;, A similar description of pre-dam construction conditions will be included where such information is available.

Task 3: Applicable Legislative and Regulatory Framework. The Consultant shall describe briefly the pertinent regulations and standards governing the environmental assessment process including environmental quality, health and safety, protection of sensitive areas and endangered species, sitting, land use control at international, national, regional and local levels. Also, the consultant shall describe the overall methodological approach to the EIA process including the technical approach (e.g., water or sediment core sampling, fish survey, any modeling exercise), establishment of boundaries, and integration of cumulative environmental effects as well as the effects of environment on the project into the EIA report.

 Task 4: Impact Analysis. The Consultant shall predict and assess potential significant environmental and social impacts and related risks. Based on the above review and site visits and taking in consideration the preliminary findings of the Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) Reports developed during project preparation (September 2007), the Consultant will develop a list of potential impacts and risks during construction phase (temporary) as well as operation (permanent) related to the proposed dam investments. Assessment of potential significant impacts and risks shall include: (i) Positive and negative impacts at the local, regional and national levels; (ii) Impacts on flora and fauna; (iii) Air pollution and noise impacts (particularly on sensitive recipients such as hospitals, schools, residences located next to the investments); (iv) Impacts related to drainage, soil erosion, pollution of watercourses if any, and safety; (v) Off-site impacts (camp-sites for construction workers); (vi) Impacts on sensitive areas (natural habitats; sites of historic, cultural and conservation importance), urban/rural settlements, agricultural areas; (vii) Impacts on environmental flows to be maintained downstream. Predictions of positive and negative environmental effects will consider all aspects of the proposed dam constructions, as well as cumulative environmental effects, and those that may result from accidents or malfunctions; (viii) irreversible or unavoidable impacts and impacts which can be mitigated; .

The Consultant shall focus on the assessment of the following impacts: a) Social and ecological effects of reservoir inundation (e.g., loss of agricultural, forestry and grazing land, population resettlement, effects on wildlife and wild lands). b) Effects on the hydrology and water and sediment quality of the river; c) Effects on river fisheries and potential for creating a reservoir fisheries resource; d) Effects on species at risk (fauna and flora) and migratory birds; e) Impacts of altering river flow regimes downstream on the ecology of the floodplain, and the economic activities/land use on the floodplain (agriculture, livestock production, etc.); f) Impact of altering water supply and seasonality on urban, industrial, and rural users (e.g., effects on groundwater and surface water resources); g) Impacts on existing infrastructure (e.g., changes in quality of or access to infrastructure such as water supply conduits, drainage works, landfills, bridges/roads, or other public infrastructure that may be affected by dam construction); h) Potential for increased incidence of water-borne and water-related diseases;

i) Impact on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, by creation of the reservoir, disruption of migration routes, alteration of floodplain ecology, and population impacts; j) Effect of dam construction on tourism and recreation activities as well as on labor and local economy; k) Effect of existing and predicted land use in the watershed on the functioning and longevity of the dam and reservoir.

The assessment should also take into account how the existing environment could adversely affect the proposed investments (e.g., seismic events, meteorological conditions and climate variability).

Task 5: Analysis of Alternatives to the Proposed Project. The Consultant shall:  Describe the alternatives that were examined in the course of developing the proposed project and identify other alternatives which would achieve the same objectives. The concept of alternatives extends to sitting, design, technology selection, construction techniques and phasing, operation and maintenance procedures, and other associated dam works (e.g., river diversion during construction);  Compare the alternatives in terms of potential environmental impacts; capital and operating costs (including monitoring instrumentation); suitability under local conditions; overall dam safety issues and emergency preparedness, plans for construction supervision and quality assurance (if available), and institutional training and monitoring requirements;  To the extent possible, quantify the costs and benefits of each alternative, incorporating the estimated costs of any associated mitigating and monitoring measures, operation and maintenance procedures, instrumentation and emergency preparedness plans, including the alternative of not completing the projects..

Task 6: Development of Environmental Mitigation Plan. The Consultant shall:  Recommend technically feasible and cost-effective measures to prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels;  Estimate the impacts and costs of those measures, and of the institutional and training requirements to implement them;  Include a brief description of contingency measures (including emergency response plans) that have been proposed to address potential accidents and malfunctions that could result in spills or unplanned releases of contaminants to the environment (such as oil or lubricants spills etc.); Consider compensation mechanisms to affected parties for impacts which can not be mitigated and can be used in the event of an unforeseen accidental event;  Prepare an Environmental Mitigation Plan including proposed work programs, budget estimates, and schedules, institutional responsibilities to implement the plan, emergency preparedness plan, staffing and training requirements, and other necessary support services to implement the mitigations measures.

Task 7: Development of Environmental Monitoring Plan The Consultant shall: (i) prepare a realistic plan to monitor implementation of proposed mitigating measures and the impacts of the project during construction and operation; (ii) estimate operating and maintenance costs and provide brief description of other inputs (such as training and institutional strengthening) needed to be carried out.

Task 8: Assessment of Environmental Institutional Capacity to manage the EA process The Consultant shall (i) Describe the national institutional responsibilities related to environmental management; (ii) Review the authority and demonstrated capability of institutions at local, regional and national levels and recommend steps to strengthen or expand their capacity; (iii) Recommend management procedures and training, staffing, operation and maintenance training, budgeting and financial support that will allow a proper implementation of the monitoring plan.

Task 9: Public Consultation Meetings. The Consultant will assist the MRDPW in carrying-out public meetings with communities that are likely to be affected, other Governmental Agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders to obtain their views on the Draft EIAR. Public meetings will be held at the 3 dam sites where the draft ToR and the EIAR findings will be presented and feedback sought. The Public Meetings should be announced locally in mass-media timely and active NGOs as well as local authorities should be

invited. Minutes including questions and answers from the public meetings will be included in the Final EIAR, as well as the names of participating people.

IV. REPORTS

The Consultant shall prepare separate EIAR for each of the three dams: Luda Yana, Neikovtsi and Plovdivtsi. Annexes including updated maps of zone of the study, pictures taken during the site visit and/or public consultation meeting information as well as any relevant information should be attached to the final EIAR. Final and draft reports will be issued in English and Bulgarian.

The EIAR should include the following chapters:  Executive Summary;  Brief description of the legal and policy framework and institutional arrangements for environmental management;  Description of the proposed project (including map of project location);  Baseline information (including socio-economic data);  Significant Environmental Impacts (including cumulative effects);  Analysis of alternatives;  Environmental Mitigation Plan;  Environmental Monitoring Plan (including monitoring evaluation and reporting system);  Public Consultation procedures and Minutes of public meetings;  Associated annexes (including information on any modeling and analysis performed).

V. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The Consultant will have the following qualifications and experience:

 Knowledge and experience in conducting EIA related to dam sites, review of infrastructure projects, including economic and financial analyses;  Specific experience in hydrology (including modeling); terrestrial ecology (plant ecology, forestry and wildlife); acquatic ecology and fisheries; watershed management; soil science and geology (where relevant); public health, in particular water borne and water-related diseases;  Knowledge of current Bulgarian environmental legislation and procedures as well as Bank‘s guidelines, EA procedures and operational policies;  Significant knowledge on public consultations for major infrastructure projects, in particular for water and sanitation infrastructure;  Experience in participatory design and monitoring in at least one WB funded project is a plus;  Proficiency in English and in the use of computers, word processing, spreadsheets and other basic software.

It is anticipated that the Consultant would establish a strong coordination with the Project Implementation Team and the Project counterparts.

Appendix 1. The World Bank Operational Manual – the EMP format

ANNEX 2 – ACTION PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF NEYKOVTSI DAM

Time and place of Responsible Environmental Management Activities Impact on Financing needed Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 During construction and operation Restriction of the impacted areas within the Atmospheric air, At the construction site Construction scope of construction sites. soils, harmful of the dam wall and the supervision, No additional financing physical factors, rock quarry, DWTP; Contractor administration of needed noise, human continuous Tryavna municipality, health. RIEW. Use of mobile sprinkling systems for suppression of Atmospheric air, Construction rock quarry, DWTP, dust emissions, development of proper mode of surface and supervision, technological roads; at Included in the costs of operation and machine fleet for wastes groundwater, Contractor administration of all times, in dry and hot site completion. transportation. soils, wastes. Tryavna municipality, weather. RIEW. Regular adjustment of diesel and petrol aggregates of construction machinery and Atmospheric air, Dam wall, rock quarry, Included in the vehicles compliance with the daily construction surface and DWTP, technological Construction maintenance costs of Contractor schedules in view of maximum compaction of groundwater, roads, national road supervision, RIEW the vehicle fleet. the operational regime; limiting to a minimum soils, wastes. network; continuous the so-called „idle motion‖ of machines. Monthly checking of the technical condition of Included in the Dam wall, rock quarry, the construction equipment and vehicles for maintenance costs of Construction Atmospheric air, DWTP, technological eventual spillages, or leakages. Deactivation of the mechanical supervision, surface and roads, national road pollutants in case of emergency. equipment fleet. Contractor administration of groundwater, network; in case of Deactivation in case of Tryavna municipality, soils, wastes. incidents and at all accident is determined RIEW. times by the actual volume Construction of water measuring point in the Included in the cost for tail of the dam pond for measuring of received In the tail of the lake completion of the dam Construction water quantities. and the river section; wall in vies of the supervision, RIEW, BD Water Contractor during the construction control on the intake Dunavski region - of the dam wall. and protection against Pleven flooding.

Time and place of Responsible Environmental Management Activities Impact on Financing needed Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 Construction of measuring profile in a suitable To be included in the Below the dam wall; RIEW, BD Dunavski place below the dam, after discharge of cost during project Water During construction Contractor region - Pleven, environmental waters to control the size of updating; minimum works RIHSC. environmental water quantity. cost1 Marking of zone І under the design of the In compliance with sanitary protection zones round the water the requirements for To be included in the RIEW, BD Dunavski sources, including zones І, ІІ and ІІІ. Water zone І, prior to cost during project Contractor region - Pleven construction updating; completion. Remediation of the water reservoir bed and Included in the project removal of the humus layer for discharge to the cost. Additional humus depot activities needed for Water, soils, The entire bed of the felling of coppice RIHSC, BD Dunavski plants and lake, prior to Contractor vegetation and region - Pleven, RIEW. animals. commissioning. extraction humus shall be included in the project update. Maintaining water supply from the lake bed Construction In the bed of the No additional financing during the construction phase. Water Contractor supervision, RIEW, lake continuous needed RIHSC Securing the supply of environmental water Horizon of water RIEW, BD Dunavski quantity amounting to 0,100 m3/s from the intake tower; during Included in the project region – Pleven, level of the water intake tower and additional Water installation works on Contractor cost. administration of 0,100 m3/s in the months of March, April, the water intake Tryavna municipality. May and October – 10 days per month. tower;

1 Inspection rack and measurement profile are installed

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 Implementation under the ejector of Below the ejector mechanical settling tank for setting of during construction Construction Water, wastes Minimum funds Contractor construction waters prior to their discharge in of the spillway, supervision, RIEW the Luda Yana river. chute and ejector. Revaluation of the size of the minimum At the four water admissible runoff (environmental water) after intakes of receiving Financing shall be Construction the water intakes of the two receiving Water, Fauna derivations; prior to included in the project Contractor supervision, RIEW derivations. commissioning of update the dam. Removal and remediation of the graveyard to Kolyo Ganev Kolyo Ganev neighborhood. neighborhood in the Financing shall be Construction Water process of included in the project Contractor supervision, RIEW construction of the update water supply system Provision of chemical toilets for the period of At construction sites construction. of the rock quarry, The costs are in RIEW, administration the dam wall and the compliance with the Water, wastes Contractor of Tryavna DWTP; prior to contract of the municipality. start-up of maintenance company. construction works Investigation of the failure on the right slope Engineer – Right and left slope; Financing shall be (possibly also in the left one) and planning of geologist, Construction Geology prior to start-up of included in the project proper measures to prevent any eventual Designer, supervision construction works update seepage through it. Contractor Perform sampling of the diaphragm and the The diaphragm and the embankment to get deformation-strength properties embankment prior to Engineer – Financing shall be in view of computing the dam wall robustness startup of geologist, Construction Geology included in the project construction works. Designer, supervision update Contractor

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 Removal of humus layer and disposal to the From the bed of the Included in the project Construction humus depot. Soils water reservoir prior Contractor cost. supervision, RIEW to commissioning. Construction works shall be launched on the Atmospheric air, Construction site after the Employer‘s submission of a At construction sites surface and supervision, contract with a licensed company for of the rock quarry, No additional financing The Proponent, groundwater, administration of transportation and disposal of hazardous and the dam wall and the needed the Contractor soils, wastes, Tryavna municipality, non-hazardous wastes that will be generated DWTP; continuous health. RIEW. during the construction and operation. Creation of a system for separate collection of wastes, securing of sufficient number of vessels Atmospheric air, Allocate funds for Construction for collection of domestic wastes or wastes At construction sites surface and procurement and supervision, similar to domestic wastes in terms of contents of the rock quarry, The Proponent, groundwater, placement on site of administration of and exercising of strict control on the activities the dam wall and the the Contractor soils, wastes, containers for separate Tryavna municipality, for collection and transportation of wastes to DWTP; continuous health. collection of wastes. RIEW. the place of disposal performed by the contracted licensed company. Collection and proper storage of any generated Atmospheric air, At construction sites The Contractor wastes in the course of construction works. surface and of the rock quarry, No additional financing The Proponent, administration of groundwater, the dam wall and the needed the Contractor Tryavna municipality, soils, wastes, DWTP; continuous RIEW. health. Transportation of domestic wastes, and after Atmospheric air, At construction sites The Contractor special agreement of the construction wastes surface and Allocate funds for of the rock quarry, The Proponent, administration of and production wastes from the DWTP to the groundwater, transportation of wastes the dam wall and the the Contractor Tryavna municipality, landfill of Tryavna. soils, wastes, to the depot in Tryavna. DWTP; continuous RIEW. health.

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 Collection of generated ―hazardous‖ wastes, Atmospheric air, At construction sites The Contractor environmentally friendly storage and surface and Allocate funds for of the rock quarry, The Proponent, administration of submission for disposal by licensed groundwater, transportation of wastes the dam wall and the the Contractor Tryavna municipality, companies. soils, wastes, to the depot in Tryavna. DWTP; continuous RIEW. health. Unregulated burning of flammable construction At construction sites The Contractor Atmospheric air, wastes shall not be allowed. of the rock quarry, No additional financing administration of soils, wastes, Contractor the dam wall and the needed Tryavna municipality, health. DWTP; continuous RIEW. Coordination with municipalities of the admissible Administration Tryavna Harmful physical On roads passing speed limit for passing through residential areas and No additional financing municipality– factors – noise through urban areas Contractor the speed on the roads used for construction of the needed environmental specialist, Health. continuous dam wall. Observance of agreements. the mayor. Detonation works at the rock quarry shall be Included in the project performed following a technology preventing debris cost. scattering and in a period different from the fauna Plants and At the site of the rock reproduction period (late April– May). To be reported in the animals, quarry in the course of Contractor Construction supervision construction atmospheric air. detonation works implementation schedule ; for the period late April – May. Species appropriate for the climatic conditions in At construction sites the region and with the relevant landscaping Plants and and the areas where Additional financing shall Construction supervision, qualities shall be used for the biological remediation animals, reclamation has been be envisaged in the project Contractor RIEW envisaged for the areas impacted by construction landscape. envisaged; at the end update works. of construction works Removal of individual species of land turtles above Construction supervision, In the bed of the lake No additional financing Fauna Contractor RIEW, administration of the water level prior to flooding of the area. upon flooding. needed Tryavna municipality. Strengthening of the bridge in the town of The bridge ; prior to Additional financing shall Construction supervision Plachkovtsi. Safety start-up of be envisaged in the project Contractor National road construction works update infrastructure fund;

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 Elaboration of landscape-spatial plan of the territory On all areas affected Additional financing shall Construction supervision, and remediation of the impacted areas beyond the by construction works Landscape, soils be envisaged in the project Contractor RIEW, administration of constructed facilities. at the end of update Tryavna municipality. construction works The building of the DWTP and the administrative Dam wall, DWTP; Additional financing shall building at the crest of the wall shall have a proper Landscape During construction be envisaged in the project Contractor Construction supervision architectural solution and shall be painted in proper works update colors. Repair of the impacted section of the national road National road network; Minimum financing shall Construction supervision network. Landscape, soils at the end of be included in the project Contractor National road network; construction works update of the dam wall Securing of proper bath, toilet and kitchen facilities, At the construction working outfit, personal protection kits and work- site of the dam wall, Included in the project Construction supervision, Health factor Contractor and-rest balance for the workers and drivers DWTP, and the rock cost. RIHSC involved in the construction of the dam wall. quarry; continuous During the operation phase Construction of treatment units to the administrative For the permanent Financing in compliance buildings. Water, wastes operational staff of Operation unit. The Owner, RIEW. with the project dam wall; continuous Compliance with the design for discharge of Included in the project Water WWTP continuous Operation unit. Owner, RIEW. wastewater from the WWTP after treatment. cost. Perform regular supervision of the water area of the Water area of the lake; Included in the project Owner, RIEW, BD lake for establishing of any land erosion or collapse in compliance with the Soils costs and the plan for Operation unit. Dunavski region – processes. plan for inspection and inspection and monitoring. Pleven. monitoring Transportation to the landfill of Tryavna of Atmospheric air, domestic wastes generated during operation of the surface and At the dam wall site Allocate funds for Owner, administration of water supply system, and production wastes from groundwater, and DWTP, transportation of wastes to Operation unit. Tryavna municipality, the DWTP. soils, wastes, continuous. the landfill in Tryavna. RIEW. health.

Time and place of Responsible Environmental Management Activities Impact on Financing needed Controlling body implementation body 1 2 3 4 5 6 Equipping the operational personnel at the DWTP For the permanent Included in the operation with the necessary protection means, including in Health factor operational staff of Operation unit. Owner, RIHSC. costs. emergency kits. dam wall; continuous Implementation of Ordinance No 13/2004, Owner, RIEW, BD Operational Manual and Emergency Action Plan Dunavski region -Pleven, For the dam wall Included in the operation "National service Dam wall safety; Operation unit. continuous costs. "Civil Defense" with the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

ANNEX 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

When shall the indicator How shall the indicator Which indicator is to be Where shall the be monitored Financing needed Body responsible for the Impact on be monitored (type, monitored indicator be monitored (frequency/regularity of (cost) monitoring monitoring equipment) measurements) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 During construction works The Contractor, At the prices of Dust, gas emission pollutions Regular checking, or Construction Inspection Measurements the accredited due to construction and At construction sites emergency control supervision, RIEW, implemented by an laboratory for transportation mechanical and construction roads following receipt of RIHSC, environmental accredited laboratory emergency equipment signal expert of Tryavna control municipality Atmospheric air The Contractor, At the prices of Dust, gas emission pollutions Town of Plachkovtsi, Regular checking, or Construction Measurements the accredited due to construction and Neykovtsi estate, emergency control supervision, RIEW, implemented by an laboratory for transportation mechanical village of Kyosevtsi, following receipt of RIHSC, environmental accredited laboratory emergency equipment village of Stoevtsi signal expert of Tryavna control municipality The Contractor, Construction Pollution of water in case of At the prices of supervision, RIEW, Below the dam wall Inspection and sample Standing In case of Water non-compliance with the the accredited RIHSC, environmental and at the DWTP taking incidents envisaged measures laboratory expert of Tryavna municipality, BD Dunavski region Means for The Contractor, Occasional leakages and At the place of Soils Inspection Standing deactivation acc. Construction emergency spills occurrence to actual volumes supervision

When shall the indicator How shall the indicator Which indicator is to be Where shall the be monitored Financing needed Body responsible for the Impact on be monitored (type, monitored indicator be monitored (frequency/regularity of (cost) monitoring monitoring equipment) measurements) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 At the prices of The Contractor, Control measurement the accredited Construction Noise At construction sites implemented by an Regular checking laboratory for supervision, RIEW, accredited laboratory emergency environmental expert of control Tryavna municipality Noise The Contractor, At the prices of Town of Plachkovtsi, Regular checking, or Construction Control measurement the accredited Neykovtsi estate, emergency control supervision, RIEW, Noise implemented by an laboratory for village of Kyosevtsi, following receipt of RIHSC, environmental accredited laboratory emergency village of Stoevtsi signal expert of Tryavna control municipality The Contractor, Collection, temporary storage, At the sites specified in Construction No financing Wastes transportation and discharge of the Waste Management Inspection Standing supervision, RIEW, needed wastes Plan environmental expert of Tryavna municipality The Contractor, Final remediation of the lake Standing during No financing Bed of the lake Inspection Construction bed operation needed supervision, RIEW The Contractor, Flora The estimated areas Construction Standing during No financing Reclamation affected by Inspection supervision, RIEW, BD operation needed construction Dunavski region – Pleven The Contractor, In the period late April - No financing Fauna Detonation works Rock quarry Inspection Construction May needed supervision, RIEW Securing the required personal The Contractor, No financing Health factor protection kits to constriction At construction sites Inspection Standing Construction needed workers and machine operators supervision, RIHSC During the operation phase Automated By means of the installed meteorological station automated equipment for Standing, following a Included under Atmospheric air Climate Climatic factors; Operation unit close to the dam wall measuring of developed plan the project above the elevation of temperature, humidity,

When shall the indicator How shall the indicator Which indicator is to be Where shall the be monitored Financing needed Body responsible for the Impact on be monitored (type, monitored indicator be monitored (frequency/regularity of (cost) monitoring monitoring equipment) measurements) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 dam water level wind direction and speed, solar radiation, quantity and intensity of precipitation Included in the In compliance with the Continuous - three project cost. Inflow to the dam Water inspection point plan for inspection and Operation unit times per day monitoring

Water The minimum Release of minimum admissible In compliance with the cost shall be runoff from the water intake Measurement profile measurement At regular intervals included in the Operation unit tower (environmental water) requirements project update

Quality of water in the Operation unit, RIHSC, In compliance with the At the prices of dam lake and control on Major chemical, bacteriological Water intake tower, at ViK Gabrovo, MOEW Sample taking sample taking plan – at the accredited occurrence of and hydro-biological indicators the lake tail (EEA) if covered by 10 days interval laboratory eutrofication National monitoring In compliance with the Dam wall safety and At Central measuring In compliance with the Implementation of the recommendations of the Included in the inspection of the water station along the bank plan for inspection and Operation unit inspection and monitoring plan Monitoring and project cost. area line monitoring measurement station Quality of intake and In compliance with the supply water to the At input and output In compliance with the Included in the Operation unit, RIHSC, monitoring plan for of the Standing water supply system of points of DWTP Measurements Plan project cost. VIK Gabrovo indicators DWTP Quality of sludge from At regular intervals As per the indicators under the In compliance with the Included in the Operation unit, RIEW, the mud fields of the At the mud fields until their usability has Monitoring Plans Monitoring Plan project cost. RIHSC, VIK Gabrovo DWTP been established

Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2

ANNEX 2 – ACTION PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF NEYKOVTSI DAM

Time and place of Environmental Management Activities Impact on Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 During construction and operation Restriction of the impacted areas within the scope Atmospheric air, At the construction site Construction supervision, of construction sites. soils, harmful of the dam wall and the No additional financing administration of physical factors, rock quarry, DWTP; Contractor needed Tryavna municipality, noise, human continuous RIEW. health. Use of mobile sprinkling systems for suppression of Atmospheric air, rock quarry, DWTP, Construction supervision, dust emissions, development of proper mode of surface and technological roads; at all Included in the costs of administration of Contractor operation and machine fleet for wastes transportation. groundwater, times, in dry and hot site completion. Tryavna municipality, soils, wastes. weather. RIEW. Regular adjustment of diesel and petrol aggregates of construction machinery and vehicles compliance Atmospheric air, Dam wall, rock quarry, Included in the with the daily construction schedules in view of surface and DWTP, technological Construction supervision, maintenance costs of the Contractor maximum compaction of the operational regime; groundwater, roads, national road RIEW vehicle fleet. limiting to a minimum the so-called „idle motion” soils, wastes. network; continuous of machines. Monthly checking of the technical condition of the Included in the Dam wall, rock quarry, construction equipment and vehicles for eventual Atmospheric air, maintenance costs of the Construction supervision, DWTP, technological spillages, or leakages. Deactivation of pollutants in surface and mechanical equipment administration of roads, national road Contractor case of emergency. groundwater, fleet. Deactivation in case Tryavna municipality, network; in case of soils, wastes. of accident is determined RIEW. incidents and at all times by the actual volume Construction of water measuring point in the tail of Included in the cost for the dam pond for measuring of received water In the tail of the lake and completion of the dam Construction supervision, quantities. the river section; during wall in vies of the control Water Contractor RIEW, BD Dunavski the construction of the on the intake and region - Pleven dam wall. protection against flooding.

Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 1 Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2

Time and place of Environmental Management Activities Impact on Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Construction of measuring profile in a suitable Below the dam wall; To be included in the cost place below the dam, after discharge of RIEW, BD Dunavski Water During construction during project updating; Contractor environmental waters to control the size of region - Pleven, RIHSC. works minimum cost* environmental water quantity. Marking of zone І under the design of the sanitary In compliance with protection zones round the water sources, the requirements for To be included in the cost RIEW, BD Dunavski including zones І, ІІ and ІІІ. Water zone І, prior to Contractor during project updating; region - Pleven construction completion. Remediation of the water reservoir bed and Included in the project removal of the humus layer for discharge to the cost. Additional activities humus depot Water, soils, The entire bed of the needed for felling of RIHSC, BD Dunavski plants and lake, prior to coppice vegetation and Contractor region - Pleven, RIEW. animals. commissioning. extraction humus shall be included in the project update. Maintaining water supply from the lake bed during In the bed of the lake No additional financing Construction supervision, Water Contractor the construction phase. continuous needed RIEW, RIHSC Securing the supply of environmental water Horizon of water RIEW, BD Dunavski quantity amounting to 0,100 m3/s from the level of intake tower; during Included in the project region – Pleven, the water intake tower and additional 0,100 m3/s Water installation works on Contractor cost. administration of in the months of March, April, May and October – the water intake Tryavna municipality. 10 days per month. tower;

* Inspection rack and measurement profile are installed Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 2 Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Implementation under the ejector of mechanical Below the ejector settling tank for setting of construction waters prior during construction of Construction supervision, Water, wastes Minimum funds Contractor to their discharge in the Luda Yana river. the spillway, chute RIEW and ejector. Revaluation of the size of the minimum admissible At the four water runoff (environmental water) after the water intakes of receiving Financing shall be Construction supervision, intakes of the two receiving derivations. Water, Fauna derivations; prior to included in the project Contractor RIEW commissioning of the update dam. Removal and remediation of the graveyard to Kolyo Ganev Kolyo Ganev neighborhood. neighborhood in the Financing shall be Construction supervision, Water process of included in the project Contractor RIEW construction of the update water supply system Provision of chemical toilets for the period of At construction sites construction. of the rock quarry, The costs are in the dam wall and the compliance with the RIEW, administration of Water, wastes Contractor DWTP; prior to start- contract of the Tryavna municipality. up of construction maintenance company. works Investigation of the failure on the right slope Engineer – Right and left slope; Financing shall be (possibly also in the left one) and planning of geologist, Geology prior to start-up of included in the project Construction supervision proper measures to prevent any eventual seepage Designer, construction works update through it. Contractor Perform sampling of the diaphragm and the The diaphragm and the embankment to get deformation-strength properties in embankment prior to Engineer – Financing shall be view of computing the dam wall robustness startup of construction geologist, Geology included in the project Construction supervision works. Designer, update Contractor

Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 3 Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Removal of humus layer and disposal to the humus From the bed of the Included in the project Construction supervision, depot. Soils water reservoir prior Contractor cost. RIEW to commissioning. Construction works shall be launched on the site Atmospheric air, At construction sites Construction supervision, after the Employer’s submission of a contract with surface and of the rock quarry, the No additional financing The Proponent, the administration of a licensed company for transportation and disposal groundwater, dam wall and the needed Contractor Tryavna municipality, of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes that will soils, wastes, DWTP; continuous RIEW. be generated during the construction and operation. health. Creation of a system for separate collection of wastes, securing of sufficient number of vessels for Atmospheric air, Allocate funds for collection of domestic wastes or wastes similar to At construction sites Construction supervision, surface and procurement and domestic wastes in terms of contents and of the rock quarry, the The Proponent, the administration of groundwater, placement on site of exercising of strict control on the activities for dam wall and the Contractor Tryavna municipality, soils, wastes, containers for separate collection and transportation of wastes to the place DWTP; continuous RIEW. health. collection of wastes. of disposal performed by the contracted licensed company. Collection and proper storage of any generated Atmospheric air, At construction sites The Contractor wastes in the course of construction works. surface and of the rock quarry, the No additional financing The Proponent, the administration of groundwater, dam wall and the needed Contractor Tryavna municipality, soils, wastes, DWTP; continuous RIEW. health. Transportation of domestic wastes, and after Atmospheric air, At construction sites The Contractor special agreement of the construction wastes and surface and Allocate funds for of the rock quarry, the The Proponent, the administration of production wastes from the DWTP to the landfill groundwater, transportation of wastes to dam wall and the Contractor Tryavna municipality, of Tryavna. soils, wastes, the depot in Tryavna. DWTP; continuous RIEW. health.

Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 4 Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Collection of generated “hazardous” wastes, Atmospheric air, At construction sites The Contractor environmentally friendly storage and submission surface and Allocate funds for of the rock quarry, the The Proponent, the administration of for disposal by licensed companies. groundwater, transportation of wastes to dam wall and the Contractor Tryavna municipality, soils, wastes, the depot in Tryavna. DWTP; continuous RIEW. health. Unregulated burning of flammable construction At construction sites The Contractor Atmospheric air, wastes shall not be allowed. of the rock quarry, the No additional financing administration of soils, wastes, Contractor dam wall and the needed Tryavna municipality, health. DWTP; continuous RIEW. Coordination with municipalities of the admissible Administration Tryavna Harmful physical On roads passing speed limit for passing through residential areas and the No additional financing municipality– factors – noise through urban areas Contractor speed on the roads used for construction of the dam needed environmental specialist, Health. continuous wall. Observance of agreements. the mayor. Detonation works at the rock quarry shall be performed Included in the project cost. following a technology preventing debris scattering and At the site of the rock in a period different from the fauna reproduction period Plants and animals, To be reported in the quarry in the course of Contractor Construction supervision (late April– May). atmospheric air. construction implementation detonation works schedule ; for the period late April – May. Species appropriate for the climatic conditions in the At construction sites and region and with the relevant landscaping qualities shall the areas where Additional financing shall be Plants and animals, Construction supervision, be used for the biological remediation envisaged for the reclamation has been envisaged in the project Contractor landscape. RIEW areas impacted by construction works. envisaged; at the end of update construction works Removal of individual species of land turtles above the Construction supervision, In the bed of the lake No additional financing Fauna Contractor RIEW, administration of water level prior to flooding of the area. upon flooding. needed Tryavna municipality. Strengthening of the bridge in the town of Plachkovtsi. The bridge ; prior to Additional financing shall be Construction supervision Safety start-up of construction envisaged in the project Contractor National road infrastructure works update fund;

Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 5 Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2

Environmental Management Activities Impact on Time and place of Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Elaboration of landscape-spatial plan of the territory and On all areas affected by Additional financing shall be Construction supervision, remediation of the impacted areas beyond the construction works at Landscape, soils envisaged in the project Contractor RIEW, administration of constructed facilities. the end of construction update Tryavna municipality. works The building of the DWTP and the administrative Dam wall, DWTP; Additional financing shall be building at the crest of the wall shall have a proper Landscape During construction envisaged in the project Contractor Construction supervision architectural solution and shall be painted in proper works update colors. Repair of the impacted section of the national road National road network; Minimum financing shall be Construction supervision network. Landscape, soils at the end of included in the project Contractor National road network; construction works update of the dam wall Securing of proper bath, toilet and kitchen facilities, At the construction site working outfit, personal protection kits and work-and- of the dam wall, DWTP, Construction supervision, Health factor Included in the project cost. Contractor rest balance for the workers and drivers involved in the and the rock quarry; RIHSC construction of the dam wall. continuous During the operation phase Construction of treatment units to the administrative For the permanent Financing in compliance buildings. Water, wastes operational staff of dam Operation unit. The Owner, RIEW. with the project wall; continuous Compliance with the design for discharge of wastewater Water WWTP continuous Included in the project cost. Operation unit. Owner, RIEW. from the WWTP after treatment. Perform regular supervision of the water area of the lake Water area of the lake; Included in the project costs for establishing of any land erosion or collapse in compliance with the Owner, RIEW, BD Soils and the plan for inspection Operation unit. processes. plan for inspection and Dunavski region – Pleven. and monitoring. monitoring Transportation to the landfill of Tryavna of domestic Atmospheric air, wastes generated during operation of the water supply surface and Allocate funds for Owner, administration of At the dam wall site and system, and production wastes from the DWTP. groundwater, transportation of wastes to Operation unit. Tryavna municipality, DWTP, continuous. soils, wastes, the landfill in Tryavna. RIEW. health.

Time and place of Environmental Management Activities Impact on Financing needed Responsible body Controlling body implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Equipping the operational personnel at the DWTP with Health factor For the permanent Included in the operation Operation unit. Owner, RIHSC. Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 6 Neykovtsi Dam – EIAS Анекс 2 the necessary protection means, including in emergency operational staff of dam costs. kits. wall; continuous Implementation of Ordinance No 13/2004, Operational Owner, RIEW, BD Manual and Emergency Action Plan Dunavski region -Pleven, For the dam wall Included in the operation Dam wall safety; Operation unit. "National service "Civil continuous costs. Defense" with the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Neyk-ANNEX 2 ENG.doc 7