Environmental Monitoring Report

Project No.: 42189-012 Bi-annual report (July – December 2015) January, 2016

TAJ: Nurek 500 kV Switchyard Reconstruction Project Prepared by: State Establishment “Project Management Unit for Electroenergy Sector” This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

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Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION 2

1.1. Project Description 2

1.2. Objective and Methodology of Bi-Annual Report 4

1.3. Changes in Project Organization and Environmental Management Team 4

1.4. Relationships with Contractors, Owner and Lender 6

1.5. Construction Activities and Project Progress during the Previous 6 Months 6

1.5.1. Construction facilities 8

1.5.2. Construction activities 12

II. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 15

2.1. Noise and Vibration 15

Table 3. Noise Level Monitoring Data 15

2.2. Water Quality 16

2.3. Air Quality 16

2.4. Flora and Fauna Monitoring 16

2.5. Monitoring of Occupational Health and Safety, and HIV-AIDS Issues 17

III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 18

3.1. EMP, SSEMP and Work Plans 18

3.2. Site Inspections and Audits 18

3.3. Non- Compliance Notices 18

3.4. Consultation and Complaints 18

3.5. Non-compliance notices fulfillment 18

3.6. Corrective Action Plan 19

Abbreviations ADB - Asian Development Bank EA - Executive Agency EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environmental Management Plan ES - Environmental Safeguards ESMS - Environmental and Social Management System IA - Implementation Agency IEE - Initial Environmental Examination LLC - Limited Liability Company MES - Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist MEWR - Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan OJSC - Open Joint Stock Company PAM - Project Administration Manual PIU - Project Implementation Unit PMC - Project Management Consultant PPTA - Project Preparation Technical Assistance TA - Technical Assistance

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I. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Project Description

1. Nurek HPP, incorporating 220 kV and 500 kV switchyards, produces over 70% of Tajikistan's

electricity.

2. The existing switchyards were built more than 30 years ago with Soviet technology and

replacement parts are no longer available. Therefore, they are need in complete replacement. The

works comprise mainly: earth excavation (ca. 5,000 m³); construction of a new GIS building covering a total area of about 700 m²; construction of 500 kV cable ducts; demolition of the old

switchyard; mainly busbars, electrical equipment and air-insulated circuit breakers; and demolition

of pylons with conductors.

3. Around the switchyards, severe soil subsidence has been occurring over many years,

requiring major continuous remedial measures. This is due to an extensive salt dome in the

vicinity of the switchyards that destabilizes the ground conditions during snow melt and rain.

There are risks for both switchyards that a catastrophic event may occur at any time, thereby

destroying major parts of the switchgear. Ground stabilization measures are considered

impractical.

4. The Government of Tajikistan (the Government) considers reconstruction of these

switchyards to be an emergency project due to the deteriorating equipment and unstable

geological site conditions with the potential for a major loss of output from the Nurek HPP for

lengthy periods. A 2006 feasibility study recommended that the equipment in both switchyards be

retired, with new switchyards built on stable ground. The study recommended that the least-cost

option was to utilize a portion of the land where the existing 220 kV switchyard is currently located

for both new switchyards. The ground conditions of the proposed new site have been verified as

satisfactory by geological investigation. Gas-insulated switchgear technology, which uses

approximately 10% of the area required by conventional air-insulated switchgear technology, is

required due to the restricted area of the proposed new site.

5. The Government signed a loan agreement with the German Development Cooperation

through KreditanstaltfürWiederaufbau (Credit Institute for Reconstruction) in August 2008 for financing of the new 220 kV gas-insulated switchgear switchyard, with a projected completion

date of April 2011. The Project under Asian Development Bank (ADB) financing will complete the

required rehabilitation of the switchyards. The outcome will be a sustainable and reliable electricity

supply to support economic development. It will mitigate the risk of natural disasters disabling the

switchyard, and will stabilize the flow of electricity coming from the strategically important Nurek

HPP.

6. The project for reconstruction of the 500 kV switchyard at Nurek HPP comprises construction

of a new transformer substation with SF6 insulation and dismantling of the existing 500 kV

switchyard. Figure 1 below shows the project area.

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Figure 1: Project Area

7. However, for many years, soil subsidence has been occurring around the substation site

which could result at any time in a collapse, with destruction of major parts of the substation and

power supply disruption, so relocation of the 500 kV transformer substation at Nurek HPP is of

critical.

8. A contract was signed on 06.10.2009 with the consultancy company FICHTNER (Germany).

A contract for project implementation was signed with ALSTOM (Germany) (Contractor) on

15.10.2011. Subcontracts for performance of Lot 1A and Lot 1B 2 were concluded with Integral,

for implementation of Lot 1B 1 with Tajikgidroenergostroy, for Lot 2 and Lot 3 with “Bozdemir”, and

for Lot 5 with “Zumrat”.

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1.2. Objective and Methodology of Bi-Annual Report

9. In May 2011, an updated Initial Environmental Examination regarding the Nurek

Rehabilitation Project was prepared. This also contains an Environmental Management Plan (in

the following called EMP) stipulating mitigation and monitoring measures for the design,

construction, commissioning and operation phases. One of the requirements within this EMP is

that the construction contractor shall set up a safety plan to the construction activities. 2012

Alstom Grid GmbH, the contractor, has prepared a report called Health, Work and Environmental

Protection Planning ‘applied to the Nurek 500 kV GIS Project for the avoidance of risks to the health of the workforce on the job site as well as for the protection of the environment’ (in the

following called HSE Plan). The purpose of semi-annual environmental monitoring is to monitor

compliance of project activities with the EMP and the HSE Plan. The report covers July-December

2015.

10. Additionally, the purpose of this fourth bi-annual environmental monitoring report is to satisfy

the environmental safeguarding requirements of the Government of Tajikistan and the Asian

Development Bank (ADB) as well as to fulfill the requirements written into the loan document for

the Government (Open Stock Holding Company “BarqiTojik”, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources) of the Republic of Tajikistan.

11. The findings are based on a review of monthly engineering progress reports and quarterly

monitoring progress reports submitted by the Contractor (ALSTOM Grid GmbH, Germany), and

findings obtained during the supervision and monthly inspections by PMU environmental experts

for monitoring environmental impacts prepared fromJulytoDecember 2015. Further, the PMU

environmental specialists regularly supervised environmental monitoring of relevant parameters

administered by the Contractor (ALSTOM Grid GmbH) as well as additionally reviewed project

design, social and associated documents. The Contractor's environmental reports include

chapters for health, environment and labor safety.

1.3. Changes in Project Organization and Environmental Management Team

12. The Executing Agency (EA) is the Open Stock Holding Company “BarqiTojik” (BT). The EA has set up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to manage day-to-day coordination,

implementation, monitoring and administration activities of the project. The schematic below

shows the structure of the environmental management team.

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Figure 2. Institutional Chart of the Environmental Safeguards Arrangement

13. As per TOR the Consultant has one international and one national expert foreseen for the

environmental matters of this project. The international expert of the Consultant has prepared of

the Consulting Services Contract an update of the IEE in May 2011. Within OSHC ‘Barki

Tojik/PMU’ an Environmental Monitoring Department exists that is in full operation. This department is responsible for the implementation of the mitigation and regular monitoring

measures as outlined in the IEE Report. In addition to his duties (as outlined in the TOR), the

international environmental expert of Fichtner is supporting PMU experts with annual inspections

and additional training on all environmental issues related to this project within the frame of the

available person-months.

14. In October 2012, the Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring Department within the

(PMU) consisted of 8 persons. Currently it consists of 5 specialists including Head of Department.

This department is responsible for all foreign financed projects except for one World Bank Energy

Loss Reduction Project that set up its own PMU. The Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring

Department shall: to ensure all statutory environmental submissions under CEP requirements and

other environmentally related legislation are fully implemented; to ensure all environmental

requirements and mitigation measures resulting from the environmental assessment of the project

are included in the contract prequalification and bidding documents for suppliers and contractors;

support the development of any additionally needed IEE and IEE requirements that become

apparent following fine tuning; provide training and project awareness for BarkiTojik PMU and

PIU staff and project stakeholders; communicate with the CEP and people affected by the Project;

initially supervise and monitor Contractor’s first construction measures; investigate complaints.

15. Current PMUES staff for EM and SS is as follows:

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Table 1: PMU organizational arrangements for Environmental Monitoring

No Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring Department1 of PMUES

Name

1 Head of Department Mr. Sirojiddin Karimov

2 Main specialist on social and environmental issues Mr. Hisrav Sharipov

3 Main specialist on social and environmental issues Mr. Aziz Holov

4 Leading specialist on environmental issues Mr. Firuza Dusmatova 5 Leading specialist on environmental issues Ms. Shahlo Khokiroeva

16. One environmental specialist was appointed by the PMU to ensure project activities are in

compliance with the EMP, Mr. Aziz Kholov(tel. 985487378), responsible for EMP implementation.

17. For other positions, no changes to the project organization structure were made during this

reporting period. There were no changes to the CSC project organization team.

1.4. Relationships with Contractors, Owner and e.t.c.

18. During this reporting period, the PMU of Open Stock Holding Company “BarqiTojik” closely collaborated with ADB, Consultant (FICHTNER (Germany)) and the Contractor (Alstom Grid

(Germany)) to review the Environmental Reports for the Project. The Contractor submitted 6

progress reports and the Consultant submitted 2 quarterly reports over 6 months.

Communications with the PMU pass directly to and via Team Leader Mr. Urgenc and by e-mail

exchange.

1.5. Construction Activities and Project Progress during the Previous 6 Months

19. The construction activities in the previous six months are summarized below (Table 2).

Table 2: Construction activities implemented during reporting period No Month Construction activities

1 July 2015

ECA equipment are supplied and installed in the Regar substation. The cable connection of this equipment will be soon.

ECA equipment is supplied at the site and cable connection is under progress.

Outdoor cable terminal coupling for G3 and G4 on behind of HPP’s building are completed and energized via new GIS 500kV.

The cabling between the ECA and protection room in the control building is under the progress

The handing over of ventilation and air conditioning system is completed

Investigation and handing over of construction works are completed, nearly

The cabling of HV G5 and G6 is under the progress.

2 August

2015

ECA equipment already supplied and installed at the Regar substation. The wire and cable connection of this equipment are under the progress.

Testing of new installed ETN L-505 at the 500kV Switchyard of Nurek HPP

Dismantling of old disconnection switch on the L-505 at the 500kV

1 It is also commonly referred to as “Monitoring Department”

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Switchyard.

Installation, cabling and cable laying to new installed arresters and ETH on the L-505 at the 500kV Switchyard.

The inspection and training on the fire-warning system

Training on the low current lighting in the hall/basement of GIS and south tunnels

clearing and painting of gate

The spare parts handing over are under the progress.

3 September

2015

ECA equipment already supplied and installed at the Regar substation. The wire and cable connection of this equipment are under the progress

ECA equipment is supplied at the site and wire and cable connection are under the progress.

The connection of outdoor lighting at the AT-1 territory is completed

The installation of DC and AC equipment in the HPP’s building – works were continued after signing of Amendment No.09, Battery system 2

The cabling of between ECA and protection room and control building

Installation of line trap, ETH for section A, L-505 is completed

Dismantling of existing equipment in the Section A, L-505 at the Regar substation and installation of new equipment with relevant tests is completed

Investigation and handing over of construction works are completed, nearly

4 October

2015

Installation of new equipment and main connection at the Switchyard of Nurek HPP is completed and L-505 is energized.

Cable terminal coupling and testing of partial discharge for HV cables G5 and G6 are completed

Cabling and wiring in the ECA panels at the Nurek HPP and Regar substation are completed

Investigation of soil at the old 500kV substation at the Nurek HPP is completed

Dismantling of old circuit breaker at the old 500kV Switchyard of Nurek HPP

Contractor continues to eliminate a notes on the outstanding items

Commissioning of ECA at the Nurek HPP and Regar substation is completed, almost.

Re-energizing of L-505 via GIS, including G5-G6 and AT-1 is completed.

5 November

2015

Contractor continues to eliminate the notes on the outstanding items.For example:

Fill up holes in fire separation walls.

Cleaning of cable channels

Installation of protection device on disconnectors.

Final cleaning of tunnel from rubbish and lumbers

6 December

2015

Gravel alignment and cleaning of the remaining construction waste.

Painting of ground floor in the building of 500 kVGIS.

Repairing the battery room and repair the system 1.

Final cleaning of tunnel from rubbish and lumbers.

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20. The works for installation of the lighting and air systems are now completed and works for

installation of gas-insulated switchgear equipment in the SF6 GISbuilding are continued. At the

present time, the company "Integral" has completed the civil works under Lot 1 A and Lot 1B2.

21. Under Lot 1B1, «Tajikhydroenergostroi» has executed the civil works at the cable tunnel to a distance of 120 m, which is 100% of the total work.

22. The civil works under Lot 2 for the cable tunnel and basement construction and steel GIS

building under Lot 3 were completedto 100% by «Bozdemir».

23. Construction works on Lot 5 comprising construction of the foundations for the single

installation of outdoor equipment were completed to 100% by "Zumrat."

24. Work on complex recultivation at the Nurek substation – the works for planting trees are

completed-100%. The subcontract company “Suman” was involved for carrying out of this works.

1.5.1. Construction facilities

a. Construction camp

25. The project is being implemented on HPP property. This is well laid out and has own quite

sound infrastructure. Hence, no additional construction camp has been set up under the project,

and engineering personnel as well as construction workers use the existing facilities. The HPP

compound is fenced and only authorized persons are permitted to enter.

26. 150 persons are involved to this construction project of which 120 are local residents who live

in their own houses. Others rent apartments in the Nurek. No separate construction camp has

been set up.

27. Canteen and kitchen facilities are located in the HPP compound, as well as sanitary

installations, showers and a medical unit. The photographs below show the condition of these

facilities in reporting period.

Figure 3. Canteen and kitchen

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Figure 4. Bathroom and medical unit

b. Warehouse facility

28. Under the Project warehouse facilities for materials of the switchyard are needed. For this

purpose, the construction contractor uses the warehouse in the HPP compound, in which mainly

construction supplies are stored, together with rented warehouse space 2 km from the HPP for

storing spare parts. This warehouse facility is located on open as well as enclosed plots (Figure 5)

Figure 5: Temporary warehouse for switchyard facilities

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c. Construction site

29. As noted above, the HPP compound is well fenced, it has security guards and only authorized

persons have access. Construction sites within the HPP compound are separated by temporary

lattice and wooden fencing (Figure 6 below).

Figure 6.Fencing at construction sites

30. Construction and demolition wastes are generated in the course of ongoing works, which are

managed collected, transported and disposed of in compliance with IEE requirements.

31. An agreement has been concluded and still is acting with a local company for the removal of

municipal waste and this company disposes of the wastes in the Nurek municipal waste landfill,

which is located at the distance of 3.5 km from the construction site.

32. The construction works involve disposal of spoil (inert waste). The spoil bank is located just

outside the Nurek HPP compound in an area that was once the borrow area for excavating

materials for construction of the dam body (Figure 7).

33. Figure 7 below shows the Google image of the spoil material location near the HPP, which is

in compliance with EMP requirements.

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Figure 7. Spoil and inert materials location – in compliance with EMP requirements

34. Equipment after dismantling of distributing system can be used as spare parts in other

Switchyard in Tajikistan. As for the ferrous and small amounts of non-ferrous scrap – steel,

copper, and aluminum – these thingswill be sold to local recycling companies.

35. The sewerage system of the hydro power station is linked to the Nurek municipal sewerage

system. Sanitary facilities – toilets, bath, washing sinks – are installed and are in compliance with

EMP/HSE Plan requirements (see Figure 9 below).

36. No any oil leakages/spillagewere observedat the project site.

Figure 8. Sanitary

facilities for project

workers with fire

extinguisher

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37. There are various types and classes of waste arising during construction, and these are

disposed of temporarily on construction sites. The territory should be located on the secondary

protective covering, for allocation of toxic wastes. The area should be roofed. All storage areas

should be fenced according to the requirements.

38. Contractor was advised to undertake the appropriate measures for proper storage of specific

wastes.

1.5.2. Construction activities

a. Civil works for 500 kV cable tunnels

39. The figures below show the status of the works during the reporting period. No accidents

were reported. Necessary arrangements like setting up warning signs and fencing, and issuing

protective clothing and equipment to the workers in accordance with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

were observed.

Figure 9. Civil works status – mainly in compliance with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

Figure 10 .Switchingonofnewequipmentbehind of HPP’s building on the G5/6-in compliance with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

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b. Erection of gas-insulated facility in the 500 kV insulated switchgear/control gear building (SF6 Switchgear)

40. All environmental requirements for the mentioned works were followed, like setting up

warning signs, issuing safety instructions, providing protective closing and equipment, daily

induction training for the workers, and fire prevention measures. The figures below show the

progress and status of project construction works.

Figure 11. Erection of gas-insulated facility in the 500 kV insulated switchgear/control gear building – in

compliance with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

41. The installation works on cable laying for ECA system at “Regar” substation are carrying out (see. Fig. 12 below)

Рису к 12. CablelayingforECAsystemattheRegarsubstation– in compliancewithEMP/HSE Plan

requirements

42. Protection measures can be seen in more detail in the figures below.

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Figure 13. Protective and fire prevention measures are currently in compliance with EMP/HSE Plan

requirements

c. Construction of 500 kV GIS building

43. Construction of the GIS building is proceeding in compliance with the principal EMP/HSE Plan

requirements: fencing of construction plots, setting up warning signs, and safety training for

the workforce.

Figure 14. Protection measures for construction of the 500 kV GIS building

44. The Contractor showed evidence of attendance at training sessions by books containing the

workers’ signatures (see Figure 15 below).

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Figure 15. Attendance book for safety instruction sessions for the workers

II. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

2.1. Noise and Vibration

45. Construction equipment used for excavation and foundation works was equipped with

silencers or mufflers.

46. According to EMP requirements, noise level measuring shall be carried out at the main

construction work locations.

47. During the reporting period noise level measurements were conducted by relevant

equipment. Data on noise level are shown in Table 3 below:

Table 3. Noise Level Monitoring Data

Month: October Year: 2015

No. Location Noise National Standards in dBA (max)

Monitoring data

07.00-23.00 23.00-7.00 Time measurement diapason

11.00-12.00

1 500kV GIS building 80 80 70-72

2 Near Autotransformer

80 80 75-78

500kV cable tunnels 80 80 65-70

Standards: 55-45 dBA (max) - Residential area 75-75 dBA (max) - Commercial area 80-80 dBA (max) - Industrial area 50-40 dBA (max) - Hospitals 55-55 dBA (max) - Schools, Library

48. It should be noted that all construction works take place on the Nurek HPP property at an

appropriate distance from human settlements. Installation works do not give rise to high levels of

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noise. However, the Consultant did recommend conducting routine noise level measurements at

selected construction site locations by procurement of noise meters or by contracting an analytical

laboratory, so as to record monitoring data for period under report.

49. Regarding vibration, no cracks or other damage to buildings and facilities were observed

during the site visits conducted during the reporting period.

2.2. Water Quality

50. According to EMP/HSE Plan,no water quality monitoring is needed as all construction is

proceeding within the boundaries of the Nurek HPP property, and the project works do not

additionally contaminate the water sources.

2.3. Air Quality

51. In the dry season, the approach roads and sites should be watered in order to avoid dusting.

2.4. Flora and Fauna Monitoring

52. No disturbance to fauna was observed during the reporting period as, within the area of the

project site, there are no protected areas or environmentally sensitive habitats.

53. As it was described in previous bi-annual report duringthe constructing of GIS building and

cable channels, about 25 shrubs of Euonymus gen. were removed. This vegetation type is shown

below. These shrubs have no high environmental value and can be easily replanted. Early,

Contractor was advised to undertake replanting after the completion of cable tunnels works –in

November-December 2014 or in February-March 2015. Howeverduetodelay the measures to

restore landscaping were decided to postpone to the autumn season 2015. The complex

restoration of area was performed in reporting period.

Figure 16.Type of shrubs removed during

civil works for the cable tunnels

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Picture17. Lawn planting

Picture 18. Watering of grass on re-storated sutes

2.5. Monitoring of Occupational Health and Safety, and HIV-AIDS Issues

54. No accidents were registered during the reporting period. Relevant measures were

undertaken by contractors during implementation of project works to comply with all the

requirements and measures for the protection of occupational health and safety:

The Contractor developed and had approved a safety training program, consisting of an initial course on health and safety. All workers attended the safety training courses starting from the first week of occupancy of the construction camps. Technical safety instructions courses wereheldon a monthly basis.

Workers and engineers were issued with protective equipment and clothing, e.g. helmets, special work wear, safety belts, gloves, protective glasses etc. in good time. A first aidcenter has been equipped. Air conditioning and heating is provided within the building, when it is needed.

In the March 2014, Contractor has conduct first training on HIV / AIDS. Trainings are conducted with three months intervals, regularly.

Briefingson technicalsafety, labor and environmental protection (including electro-magnetic fields) are held for the workforce on a daily basis.

Arrangements have been made for proper sanitary facilities.

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III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

3.1. EMP, SSEMP and Work Plans

55. Assessment of compliance with the Environment Management Plan (EMP) and the

Constructor’s Health, Work and Environmental Protection Planning (HSE Plan) commenced with a review of the environmental management requirementsfor compliance during the construction

stage of the project.

56. The Contractor submitted 6 progress reports with HSE sections for July-December 2015.

3.2. Site Inspections and Audits

57. Six site inspections and audits were conducted to verify the effectiveness of environmental

protection measures in achieving the results specified in the EMP and HSE Plan during the

reporting period and starting from July 2015 (22.07.2015, 19.08.2015, 16.09.2015, 21.10.2015,

25.11.2015, 16.12.2015). During the inspections, visual surveys on site as well as meetings with

workers, the Contractor, engineers and specialists were conducted.

3.3. Non- Compliance Notices

58. Non-compliance notices were issued as follows:

The Contractor’s progress reports should contain more details on health, safety and

environmental issues;

59. More detailed recommendations to correct the notes with indication of authorized persons

are submitted in the Correction Action Plan (para 3.6.).

3.4 Consultation and Complaints

59 Any complaints were received from the workers and beneficiaries during the reporting

period.

3.5 Non-compliance notices fulfillment

60 The action to resolve the non-objection, referred in the last bi-annual report is showed in Schedule 4above.

Table 4: Status of fulfillment of non-compliance notices

No Environmental issues identified

Corrective actions to be taken Deadlines to resolve the

issues

Status of fulfillment

1 Insufficient details of

HSE issues in the

Contractor’s progress

reports

The Contractor’s progress reports should contain more details of health, safety and environmental issues: - waste management - flora monitoring - warning signs, other protective measures

With progress report for July 2015

Fulfilled

2 Some shrubs

wereremoved during

the cable tunnel works

Shrubs should be replanted-preferably in October-November 2015

October-November 2015

Partially performed

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3.6 Corrective Action Plan

61. Detailed corrective action plan, coordinated with the PMU and the Contractor, is set out in

Table 5 below.

Table 5: Corrective Action Plan – December 2015

No Environmental

issues identified Corrective actions to be taken

Deadlines to resolve issues

Responsibilities for implementation/sup

ervision

1 Special number of

scrubs were removed

during cable laying of

cable tunnels

Shrubs should be planted again - preferably before April 2016

March 2016

Contractor

2 Final audit of

completed

construction sites

Final environmental audit will be conducted for completed construction sites and filled check-lists amended to the Final environmental monitoring report for January-June 2016

March-June 2016 PMUES ES, representatives (HSE specialist) of Contractor