IRRIGATION SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROJECT€¦ · Emergency Project (IREP). It includes rehabilitation...

Water Sector Projects Implementation Unit

E4177

IRRIGATION SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Meghri Gravity System

Environmental Impact Assessment

February 2013

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Contents

Executive Summary 1

1 Introduction 1

2 General Information 1

3 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework 2

3.1 National Legal and Regulatory Framework 2

3.2 Institutional Framework 9

4 Project Description and Justification 11

4.1 Objective of the Project 11

4.2 Description of Proposed Project Activities 14

4.3 Baseline Information 24

5 Project Alternatives 34

5.1 “No Action” Alternative 34

5.2 Proposed Alternatives 34

5.3 Justification of the Selected Option 35

6 Beneficial and Adverse Impacts 35

7 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures 42

8 Institutional Responsibilities 45

8.1 Agencies 45

8.2 Reporting Responsibilities and Schedule 46

8.3 Budget 46

9 Public Consultation 47

10 Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works’ Contracts 48

11 Main Findings Error! Bookmark not defined.

Annexes 47

Annex A: Environmental Management Plan: Mitigation Measures 47

Annex B: Monitoring Plan 55

Annex C: Incident Report Form 64

Annex D: Monthly Field Monitoring Checklist 65

Annex E: List of references 67

Annex F: Meetings and consultations held and preliminary agreements

obtained by the FS/FD consultant during the preliminary design phase 68

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Glossary

AMD Armenian Dram DM Distance Marker (or “Picket Number”) EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIMC Environmental Impact Monitoring Centre EMP Environmental Management Plan Environmental Expertise State Environmental Expertise SNCO of the MNP ESAOC Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant FS/FD Consultant Feasibility Study/Final Design Consultant hired under MCA-Armenia

Program GDP Gross Domestic Product GoA Government of Armenia HGSN “Haygyughshinnakhagits” LLC Design Consultant IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage ISEP Irrigation System Enhancement Project LLC Limited Liability Company MAC Maximum Allowed Concentration MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation MCA-Armenia Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia SNCO MNP Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia MoAg Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia NGO Non-Governmental Organization NSS National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia O&M Operation & Maintenance RAP Resettlement Action Plan RA Republic of Armenia RPF Resettlement Policy Framework SCWS State Committee on Water Systems SNCO State Non Commercial Organization USD United States of America Dollars WB World Bank WSA Water Supply Agency WS PIU Water Sector Projects Implementation Unit State Institution WTM Water-to-Market Activity of the MCA-Armenia Program WUA Water User Association

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Executive Summary

Introduction

After the independence the economic structure of the Republic of Armenia (RA) has significantly changed. The previously industrial republic became an agrarian country. However, the agrarian economy faces significant challenges related to the lack of modern irrigation systems. The Government of RA is applying major efforts to solve this issue including both its own resources and those of the international organizations. With the World Bank support the Government of RA implemented the Irrigation Development Project, and the Dam Safety Projects I and II. These projects undertook the most critical interventions helping to secure operation of 8 major irrigation systems. The interventions included rehabilitation of 260 km of the most deteriorated sections of main and secondary canals, 126 hydraulic structures (aqueducts and siphons), 310 km of drainage network, 11 pump stations, 238 deep wells, 74 reservoirs in dangerous condition, and tertiary canals servicing 26 000 ha. Another World Bank supported operation is the Irrigation Rehabilitation Emergency Project (IREP). It includes rehabilitation of two primary canals of Talin and Armavir irrigation systems and improvement of water use efficiency in the two selected irrigation schemes. About 90km of canals are already rehabilitated. Activities are ongoing under IREP with the use of additional financing to this project. Those include studies and design for reconstruction of the Meghri Gravity Irrigation Scheme.

The State Committee for Water Management (SCWM) under the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MoTA) is the implementing agency of the World Bank supported irrigation projects, while the Water Sector Projects Implementation Unit State Agency (PIU) is responsible for their day-to-day management, monitoring and evaluation.

Currently a new Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP) is being prepared in cooperation with the World Bank. It is aimed at conversion of reconstruction of several pumping schemes into gravity systems, rehabilitation of canals as well as capacity building of the entities involved in water management. It is expected that ISEP will commence 2013. Reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme will be part of the ISEP investments.

National Environmental Regulations and WB Policies Applicable

In the Republic of Armenia environmental issues are regulated according to several legislative acts, including the law on Environmental Impact Expertise. This law governs the process of environmental screening, impact assessment, and permitting for various types of economic activity. According to the requirements of this law, reconstruction of Meghri irrigation system is subject to environmental expertise and issuance of its positive conclusion (i.e. environmental permit).

ISEP triggers WB OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment. Based on the nature and scope of physical activities required for the implementation of ISEP and construction of a Meghri Gravity System in the allocated site, as well as the general types of impacts expected from such kind of construction, it is classified as environmental Category B and requires Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Because preparation of the Meghri scheme reconstruction had been initiated under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) program in Armenia, the initial EIA report was produced by the Mott MacDonald Inc. with the MCC support. Present final EIA report was derived through re-working of the initial document with consideration of changes in the project design and requirements specific to the World Bank financed activities.

ISEP also triggers WB OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways. Meghri scheme abstracts water from the Meghri and Araks rivers, the former being tributary of the latter. River Araks is an international waterway shared by Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Though because the designed water intake capacity of the Meghri scheme after conversion will be less than of the original designed capacity of the pumping scheme, while actual water abstraction after the project implementation will remain the same as it had been before the project intervention, communication between the riparian states is deemed unnecessary.

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ISEP triggers OP/BP 4.09 Pest Management, because it is anticipated that due to the improved irrigation services agriculture will intensify in the coverage areas of rehabilitated irrigation schemes and higher value crops may be cultivated, which could entail more intensive use of pesticides. While there is no need of developing a Pest Management Plan, promotion of safe handling of pesticides and of the applicable techniques of the Integrated Pest Management is included into the project design.

ISEP will finance heightening of a dam required for upgrading a reservoir feeding the Gegardalich scheme and, therefore, triggers OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams. Meghri irrigation scheme does not include dams and OP/BP 4.37 is not applicable to this particular investment.

OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is triggered, because construction of new irrigation pipelines, as well as rehabilitation of the existing ones - to lesser extent - may cause a need for land take or temporary restriction of land use. A resettlement Policy Framework is prepared for ISEP, but rehabilitation of Meghri scheme does not imply any form of resettlement and no Resettlement Action Plan is needed for it.

Project Description

The overall objective of reconstructing Meghri irrigation scheme is to replace high energy consuming pumping system with a lower cost gravity system to achieve both a reduction in water losses and energy savings. It is expected that more reliable irrigation water supply will increase the areas under irrigated agriculture at the expense of currently not irrigated arable lands. The economic results of the gravity irrigation system will be to increased crop yields and the incomes of water users. These will be facilitated by the adoption of more efficient on-farm water management practices.

The design of the Meghri gravity system envisages irrigating by gravity 686 ha of arable lands of 6 communities of Meghri region of Syunik Marz that are currently irrigated mechanically. This will be done by constructing a new head intake structure at the Vardanidzor community stretch of the Meghri River and about 33 km long pipeline. Amount of water required for operation of the system is estimated at 553 l/sec) fully provided from Meghri River. 8 pumping stations currently serving the area will be eliminated as a result of construction of the Meghri gravity system. The estimated design/project cost is about $8.0 million, with the Economic Rate of Return (ERR) more than 20%.

Environmental and Social Baseline

The area influenced by the project is the southern section of Meghri River. The area is characterized as a semi-desert zone. The climate of the command area of Meghri gravity system is moderate-warm, with soft winters and dry subtropical at the sites adjoining to the river Araks.

The vegetation is also presented by semi-desert and steppe species. In this region there are areas rich in fauna and flora, which are included in the specially protected areas of Arevik National Park. The National Park includes the upper and middle sections of Meghri river. The designed irrigation system is located in the lower section of the river and the planned work can’t have any influence on the preserved flora and fauna. The project intervention site does not represent an important habitat for any animal or plant species.

The area covers 6 residential areas with the total number of population over 10 500, including Meghri and Kajaran towns. The population is mainly occupied in agriculture and mine industry. The region has favorable conditions for the development of agriculture.

Expected Environmental Impacts and Their Mitigation

The expected environmental and social risks associated with the construction of the Meghri Gravity Irrigation System are moderate and can be effectively mitigated.

Impacts of the construction phase:

- Air pollution from the operation of the construction vehicles and machinery;

- Land degradation and erosion as a result of damaging vegetative cover and disruption of topsoil;

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- River pollution with runoff from the construction site;

- Damage to the landscapes and ecosystems from borrowing of construction materials;

- Improper disposal of access material and construction waste;

- Nuisance for local agricultural land owners due to temporary storage of construction materials and construction waste.

Mitigation measures of the construction phase:

Risks of the construction phase could be effectively mitigated by adherence to common good construction practice, implying:

- Keeping construction vehicles and machinery in good technical condition;

- Fueling, washing, and otherwise servicing vehicles and machinery at the service centers or in the designated locations of the construction site which can contain operational and accidental spillage of oils and lubricants and does not allow direct water discharge to the natural water bodies;

- Moving vehicles and machinery along the existing or designated access roads to avoid excessive damage of natural vegetation;

- Operating vehicles and machinery within working hours and shutting engines when idle;

- Keeping subsoil and topsoil separately and using them for backfilling and reinstatement of the construction site;

- Keeping construction materials and waste within the construction site and periodically disposing them into the formally designated locations;

- To the extent possible, purchasing inert construction materials (sand, gravel, rock) from the already registered operating vendors. If mining for them is required, obtaining and observing license terms, and ensuring reinstatement of the used borrow sites.

Impacts of the operation phase:

- Flooding and waterlogging due to malfunction of the hydraulic structures of the scheme; - Salinization, alkalization, and erosion; - Contamination of agricultural lands as a result of poor quality of irrigation water; - Damage to aquatic life from excessive water intake; - Damage to human and environmental health from increase use of agrochemicals.

Mitigation measures of the operational phase:

- Properly maintaining hydraulic structures, pipes and canals throughout operation of the scheme; - Periodic monitoring of soil quality in the Meghri scheme service area for early detection of undesired

trends of its deterioration and for prompt corrective action; - Obtaining river water quality data from hydrologic monitoring posts and screening them for the

detection of excessive increase in the contents of pollutants and making emergency communication to relevant State entities in case of such occurrence;

- Strictly observe water intake thresholds established to maintain minimum ecological water flow necessary for preservation of the aquatic life;

- Raise public awareness, educate, and promote safe use of pesticides and application of relevant methods of the Integrated Pest Management among water users of the Meghri irrigation scheme.

Operation of the Meghri Scheme

After completion of the ISEP-supported works, the reconstructed Meghri gravity system will pass to the balance of the RA State Water Committee. Exploitation of irrigation water supply will be carried out by the Meghri Water User Association (WUA), which operates under the State committee. WUAs are economic organizations and operate according to the principle of self cost-reimbursement. The gravity irrigation system will provide water to the communities as well as to the individual land owners for the established fee. Collections will allow proper operation and maintenance of the scheme.

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Environmental Management Plan

The present EIA report carries an Environmental management Plan (EMP), which is designed to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and implemented in order to mitigate possible negative environmental impacts of the construction and operation phases and to comply with the national environmental legislation. The EMP is included in tender documents and become an integral part of the works contract. The construction contractor will be responsible to carry out all the measures anticipated by EMP during the construction. Supervision of the EMP implementation will be carried out by PIU at the construction phase and will pass on the WUA at the operation phase.

Public Participation

The process of Meghri gravity irrigation system design included conduct of social-economic surveys and discussions with representatives of WUA, Marzpetaran (provincial government), the village administrative heads, and other project affected people. The summary of meetings and consultations is presented in Annex G. The early draft EIA report produced under the MCC program underwent the process of environmental expertise, which included conduct of a public consultation meeting in accordance with the requirements of RA law on “Environmental impact expertise”.

Present final draft EIA report will be disclosed in Armenian and English languages nation-wide through the web, and hard copies of the report will be made available at the Meghri municipality for access by the local affected people. A consultation meetings with local communities will be held in Meghri prior to finalization of the report.

1

1 Introduction

After the independence the economic structure of the Republic of Armenia (RA) has significantly changed. The previously industrial republic became an agrarian country. However, the agrarian economy faces significant challenges related to the lack of modern irrigation systems. The Government of RA is applying major efforts to solve this issue including both its own resources and those of the international organizations. With the World Bank support the Government of RA implemented the Irrigation Development Project, and the Dam Safety Projects I and II. These projects undertook the most critical interventions helping to secure operation of 8 major irrigation systems. The interventions included rehabilitation of 260 km of the most deteriorated sections of main and secondary canals, 126 hydraulic structures (aqueducts and siphons), 310 km of drainage network, 11 pump stations, 238 deep wells, 74 reservoirs in dangerous condition, and tertiary canals servicing 26 000 ha. Another World Bank supported operation is the Irrigation Rehabilitation Emergency Project (IREP). It includes rehabilitation of two primary canals of Talin and Armavir irrigation systems and improvement of water use efficiency in the two selected irrigation schemes. About 90km of canals are already rehabilitated. Activities are ongoing under IREP with the use of additional financing to this project. Those include studies and design for reconstruction of the Meghri Gravity Irrigation Scheme. The State Committee for Water Management (SCWM) under the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MoTA) is the implementing agency of the World Bank supported irrigation projects, while the Water Sector Projects Implementation Unit State Agency (PIU) is responsible for their day-to-day management, monitoring and evaluation. Currently a new Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP) is being prepared in cooperation with the World Bank. It is aimed at conversion of reconstruction of several pumping schemes into gravity systems, rehabilitation of canals as well as capacity building of the entities involved in water management. It is expected that ISEP will commence 2013. Reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme will be part of the ISEP investments.

2 General Information The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked country (29,800 km2) between the Black and Caspian seas, bordered in the north by Georgia, to the east by Azerbaijan, on the south by Iran and to the west by Turkey. The country’s terrain is a high plateau with mountains with little forest land. Climate is highland continental with hot summers and cold winters. Armenia’s natural resources are molybdenum, zinc, gold, silver, lead, marble, granite and mineral spring water. Armenia’s population is officially estimated at 3,213,011 de jure (3,002,011 de facto) according to the final

results of the October 2001 census, announced in 20031. 98% of the population is ethnic Armenian, 1.2 % Yezidi, 0.5% Russian, 0.3% other.

Armenia’s work force is estimated at 1.24 million and the unemployment rate stands at 10.5% .

Employment of the work force in Armenia’s economy is described as follows: industry and construction –

24.5%; agriculture and forestry – 24.6%; trade – 17.3%; education – 13.4% other -22.2%.

As a result sectors such as construction and services currently replace agriculture and industry as the main

contributors to economic growth. Other industrial sectors driving the country’s industrial growth include

energy, metallurgy and food processing. According to preliminary data in 2011 the Gross Domestic Product

(GDP) comprised AMD 3776.4 billion (USD 1= 405.32 AMD as of December 1, 2012), with 4.7%growth

rate. Volume of gross agricultural output was estimated at around 20.2%, an increase compared to an average

17.6% in the last 4-year period.

1 National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia. Official web-site of the NSS of the RA: http://www.armstat.am/en/.

http://www.armstat.am/en/

2

Figure 1: Map of the Republic of Armenia

The structure of Armenia’s economy has

changed substantially since its

independence in 1991. Irrigated

agriculture has declined significantly due

to non-operational mechanical irrigation

(high electricity prices) and deteriorated

infrastructure due to a lack of recurrent

expenditure and maintenance. This,

amongst other contributing factors, has

caused severe unemployment, especially

in rural areas. Reforms supported by

international donors have been and

continue to be undertaken to rehabilitate

the economic situation in the country.

According to the “Social Snapshot and

Poverty in Armenia, 2012”2 (a study

prepared by the NSS), poverty still

remains a problem in Armenia. In 2011

the poverty level accounted for 35.0%,

which is lower as compared to the

previous year (35.8%). In 2011, more

than third of population (35%) was

poor, 19.9% was very poor and 3.7%

was extremely poor.

The Government of RA, with significant support from international institutions, continues strengthening its

macro-economic management. This proposed project is implemented under the 4-year loan agreement

prepared to be signed between the World Bank and Republic of Armenia, aiming at improvement of

irrigation infrastructure and capacity building of WUAs.

3 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

3.1 National Legal and Regulatory Framework3

Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (adopted in 1995) guarantees protection of the

environment by the State as well as the rational use and renewal of natural resources. To fulfill this obligation,

the Republic of Armenia has adopted a number of environmental laws and regulations since its independence

in 1991 and also signed and ratified a list of international conventions and protocols. Table 1 below lists a

number of the RA environmental laws that pertain to implementation of various components of the

Irrigation System Enhancement Project.

2 Social Snapshot and Poverty in Armenia, 2012. National Statistical Service of Armenia. 3 Official web-site of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia: http://www.parliament.am; Depository of the Armenian legal acts: http://www.arlis.am. Accessed in March 2009.

http://www.parliament.am/

http://www.arlis.am/

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Table 1. A number of Environmental Laws of the Republic of Armenia

Name of Law Year of

Adoption

RA Law on Atmospheric Air Protection 1994

RA Law on Environmental Impact Assessment 1995

RA Law on the Protection and Use of Fixed Cultural and Historic Monuments

and Historic Environment

1998

RA Law on Environmental Fees and Nature Use Charges 1998

RA Law on Flora 1999

RA Law on Fauna 2000

RA Land Code 2001

RA Law on Lake Sevan 2001

RA Law on Complex Program for the Lake Sevan Ecosystem Restoration,

Conservation, Reproduction and Use

2001

RA Code on Underground Resources 2002

RA Water Code 2002

RA Law on Water Users’ Associations and Federations of the Water Users

Associations

2002

RA Law on Wastes 2004

RA Law on Environmental Oversight 2005

RA Forest Code 2005

RA Law on Fundamental Provisions of the National Water Policy 2005

RA Law on the National Water Program 2006

RA Law on Specially Protected Areas 2006

RA Law on Inspection of Use and Protection of Land 2008

A brief description of the main provisions of the laws that are most relevant to environmental and social

review of the proposed Meghri gravity system project.

The Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (1995)

The Law on Environmental Impact Assessment contains the standard steps of the EIA process for various

projects and activities in Armenia. In Articles 2-5 it establishes the general legal, economic, and organizational

principles for conducting the mandatory state EIA of various types of projects and “concepts” of sectoral

development (e.g. energy, mining, chemical industry, construction, metallurgy, pulp and paper, agriculture,

food and fishery, water, electronics, infrastructure, services, tourism and recreation). The Law forbids any

economic unit to operate or any concept, program, plan or master plan to be implemented without a positive

conclusion of an EIA. In addition, an EIA may also be initiated for projects that exceed “threshold” value

requirements set by Governmental Decree N:193 issued on March 30, 1999. The “special status” of a

particular territory may also trigger a review of environmental impact. The Ministry of Nature Protection can

initiate a review of environmental impact when it considers it necessary to do so. The EIA Law specifies

notification, documentation, public consultations, and appeal procedures and requirements (Articles 6-11).

Law on the Protection and Use of Fixed Cultural and Historic Monuments and Historic

Environment (1998)

The Law provides the legal and policy basis for the protection and use of such monuments in Armenia and

regulates the relations among protection and use activities. Article 15 of the Law describes procedures for -

amongst other things - the discovery and state registration of monuments, the assessment of protection zones

around them and the creation of historic-cultural reserves. Article 22 requires the approval of the authorized

body (Department of Historic and Cultural Monuments Preservation) before land can be allocated for

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construction, agricultural and other types of activities in areas containing monuments.

Law on Flora (1999) and Law on Fauna (2000)

The Laws on Flora and Fauna outline the Republic’s policies for the conservation, protection, use,

regeneration, and management of natural populations of plants and animals, and for regulating the impact of

human activities on biodiversity. These laws aim for the sustainable protection and use of flora/fauna and the

conservation of biodiversity. There are provisions for assessing and monitoring species, especially rare and

threatened species.

Law on Atmospheric Air Protection (1994 and last amended in 2007)

This Law regulates the emission licenses and provides maximum allowed loads/concentrations for

atmospheric air pollution, etc. There is secondary legislation that establishes sanitary norms for noise in

workplaces, residential and public buildings, residential development areas as well as construction sites.

Land Code (2001)

The Land Code defines the main directives for use of the lands allocated for energy production, water

economy (water supply, water discharge, pumping stations, reservoirs, etc.), and other purposes. The Code

defines the lands under the specially protected areas as well as forested, watered and reserved lands. It also

establishes the measures aimed at protection of the lands as well as the rights of state bodies, local authorities

and citizens towards the land.

Code on Underground Resources (2002)

This Code contains the main directives for use and protection of mineral resources and underground water,

including the sanitary protection zones for the underground water resources.

Water Code (2002)

The main purpose of the Water Code is to provide the legal basis for the protection of the country’s water

resources, the satisfaction of water needs of citizens and economic sectors through effective management of

water resources and safeguarding the protection of water resources for future generations. The Water Code

addresses the following key issues: responsibilities of state/local authorities and public, development of the

national water policy and national water program, water cadastre and monitoring system, public access to the

relevant information, water use and water system use permitting systems, trans-boundary water resources use,

water quality standards, hydraulic structures operation safety issues, protection of water resources and state

supervision.

Adoption of the Water Code in 2002 generated the need for development of a number of Governmental

regulations and procedures, including permitting procedures, environmental flows, drainage water use, water

alternative accounting, access to information on trans-boundary water, water use for fishery purposes,

reservation of underground water sources, registration of documents in state water cadastre, public awareness

and publicity of the documents developed by WRMA and other normative documents which provide

guidelines directly linked with water and environmental issues.

Law on Water Users’ Associations (WUA) and Federations of the WUAs (2002)

The WUAs and federations of WUAs are established to effectively operate and maintain the irrigation

infrastructure and provide for reliable irrigation water supply to members of the WUA, collect water

payments and present and protect the rights of member water users. Within the objectives of the Association

and Federation (Article 4) the following important issues from an environmental perspective could be

mentioned: operation and maintenance of irrigation system; implementation of construction works and

restoration of watercourses and irrigation systems; water supply management and pollution prevention;

implementation of activities necessary to improve the quality of land, supporting the drainage system;

providing ecological safety through preventing land erosion, prevention from salinization, over-watering and

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promoting the protection of irrigation system.

Law on Wastes (2004)

The law provides the legal and economic basis for collection, transportation, disposal, treatment, re-use of

wastes as well as prevention of negative impacts of waste on natural resources, human life and health. The

law defines the roles and responsibilities of the state authorized bodies in the waste sector.

Law on Environmental Oversight (2005)

The Law regulates the issues of organization and enforcement of oversight over the implementation of

environmental legislation of the Republic of Armenia and defines the legal and economic bases underlying

the specifics of oversight over the implementation of environmental legislation, the relevant procedures,

conditions and relations as well as environmental oversight in the Republic of Armenia. The existing legal

framework governing the use of natural resources and environmental protection includes a large variety of

legal documents. Government resolutions are the main legal implementing instruments for environmental

laws. The environmental field is also regulated by presidential orders, Prime-Minister’s resolutions and

ministerial decrees.

Law on Fundamental Provisions of the National Water Policy (2005)

The Law defines a long-term development concept for protection, strategic management and use of water

resources and water systems of Armenia. It spells out the key principles for integrated management and

planning of Armenia’s water sector by defining priorities and approaches to be addressed.

Law on National Water Program (2006)

The overall goal of the Law is to provide short-term (until 2010), medium-term (2010-2015) and long-term

(2015-2021) measures for achieving the goals and objectives defined by the Water Code, National Water

Policy and Program. The National Water Program Law is a “living” document to be updated regularly. The

law defines the following key measures: development of measures aimed at definition of the national water

reserve; strategic water reserve; useable water resources and conservation and enhancement of the national

water reserve; classification of water systems; development of criteria for defining the water systems of state

significance; assessment of water demand and supply; development of a strategy for storage, distribution and

use of water resources; definition of measures aimed at development of water standards; volumes of

ecological/minimum flow volumes and maximum permissible quantities of water withdrawn for

consumption; determination of specially protected basin areas and zones of ecological emergencies and

ecological disasters; prevention of negative impact on water eco-systems; improvement of water resources

monitoring and pollution prevention; determination of financial requirements and proposed funding sources

suggested for implementation of the National Water Program; ensuring public awareness; etc.

Law on Specially Protected Areas (2006)

The Law on Specially Protected Areas outlines the procedures for establishing protected areas and their

management. The Law defines four categories of protected areas in RA: (i) State Reserves; (ii) State

Reservations; (iii) National Parks; and (iv) Nature Monuments.

Law on Inspection of Use and Protection of Land (2008)

This newly adopted law provides objectives and types of effective use and protection of lands of the Republic

of Armenia, inspection related to enforcement of land legislation and institutions, procedures of control,

rights and responsibilities of entities controlling land use and protection. The law applies to all lands of the

Republic of Armenia Land Fund, irrespective of purpose, ownership and/or right to use.

A number of other laws and regulations will be consulted during the conduct of the EIA, primarily those

regulating the construction sector and defining construction norms and standards (SNiPs), and the RA Law

on property alienation for social/public and state needs (2006).

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In addition to the aforementioned legal acts, the Republic of Armenia has signed and ratified a number of

environmental conventions and protocols which are presented below in Table 2. Highlighted items are most

relevant to this EIA study.

Table 2: Overview of Environmental Conventions and Protocols signed and/or ratified by the Republic of

Armenia4

Convention or Protocol, Name and Place In Force Signed Ratified Relevant Comment

1 Convention on Wetlands of International Significance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar, 1971)

1975 1993 Ratified by USSR

X

2 Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio-De-Janeiro, 1992)

1993 1992 1993 x Re-

registered in UN 1993

3 Cartagena Protocol on Biological Safety (Cartagena, 2000)

2000 2004

4 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (New York, 1992)

1994 1992 1993 Re-


5 Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto, 1997) 2002 Re-


6 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Geneva, 1979)

1983 1996 Re-


7

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo, 1991)

1997 1996 x Re-


Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (Kiev, 2003)

2003 x

8

Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Helsinki, 1992)

2000 1996 Re-


Protocol on Civil Liability and Compensation for Damage caused by the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents on Transboundary Waters (Kiev, 2003)

2003

9 UN Convention to Combat Desertification (Paris, 1994)

1996 1994 1997 x Re-


10 Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (Basel, 1989)

1992 1999 Re-


11

Convention for the protection of Ozone Layer (Vienna, 1985)

1988 1999 Re-


4 Official web-site of the Ministry of Nature Protection: http://www.nature-ic.am/ccarmenia/en/?nid=365. Accessed in March 2009.

http://www.nature-ic.am/ccarmenia/en/?nid=365

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Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal, 1987)

1989 1999 Re-


12 Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, 1998)

2001 1998 2001 x

13 Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (Rotterdam, 1998)

1998 2003

14

Convention on Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Helsinki, 1992)

1996 1999 x

Protocol on Water and Health (London, 1999) 1999 x

15 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Stockholm, 2001)

2001 2003

16 Convention on the Prohibition of Military or any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques (Geneva, 1976)

1978 2001 Re-


17 European Convention on Landscape (Florence, 2000) 2004

18 Convention on Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Paris 1972)

1993 x

19

Energy Charter Treaty (Lisbon, 1994) 1997

Energy Charter Protocol on Energy efficiency and Related Environmental Aspects (Lisbon, 1994)

1997

20 European Convention on Protection of Wild Nature and Habitat (Bern, 1979)

1982 2006 x

World Bank Operational Policies WB OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment is considered to be the umbrella policy for the Bank's environmental safeguard policies. These policies are critical for ensuring that potentially adverse environmental and social consequences are identified, minimized, and properly mitigated. These policies receive particular attention during the project preparation and approval process. The World Bank carries out screening of each proposed project to determine the appropriate extent and type of EA to be undertaken and whether or not the project may trigger other safeguard policies. The Borrower is responsible for any assessment required by the Safeguard Policies, with general advice provided by the World Bank staff. The safeguard policies and triggers for each policy are presented in the table below:

Operational Policy Triggers

Environmental

Assessment (OP 4.01)

If a project is likely to have potential (adverse) environmental risks and

impacts in its area of influence.

Forests

(OP 4.36)

Forest sector activities and other Bank sponsored interventions which have

potential to impact significantly upon forested areas.

Involuntary Resettlement

(OP 4.12)

Physical relocation and land loss resulting in: (i) relocation or loss of shelter;

(ii) loss of assets or access to assets; (iii) loss of income sources or means of

livelihood, whether or not the affected people must move to another location.

Indigenous Peoples

(OP 4.10)

If there are indigenous peoples in the project area, and potential adverse

impacts on indigenous peoples are anticipated, and indigenous peoples are

among the intended beneficiaries.

8

Safety of Dams

(OP 4.37)

If a project involves construction of a large dam (15 m or higher) or a high

hazard dam; If a project is dependent upon an existing dam, or dam under

construction.

Pest Management

(OP 4.09)

If procurement of pesticides is envisaged; If the project may affect pest

management in the way that harm could be done, even though the project is

not envisaged to procure pesticides. This includes projects that may (i) lead to

substantially increased pesticide use and subsequent increase in health and

environmental risk, (ii) maintain or expand present pest management practices

that are unsustainable, not based on an IPM approach, and/or pose significant

health or environmental risks.

Physical Cultural

Resources

(OP 4.11)

The policy is triggered by projects which, prima facie, entail the risk of

damaging cultural property (e.g. any project that includes large scale

excavations, movement of earth, surface environmental changes or

demolition).

Natural Habitats

(OP 4.04)

The policy is triggered by any project with the potential to cause significant

conversion (loss) or degradation of natural habitats whether directly (through

construction) or indirectly (through human activities induced by the project).

Projects in Disputed Areas

(OP 7.60)

The policy is triggered if the proposed project will be in a “disputed area”.

Projects on International

Waterways

(OP 7.50)

If the project is on international waterway such as: any river, canal, lake, or

similar body of water that forms a boundary between, or any river or body of

surface water that flows through, two or more states (or any tributary or other

body of surface water that is a component of this waterway); any bay, gulf,

strait, or channel bounded by two or more states or, if within one state, re-

cognized as a necessary channel of communication between the open sea and

other states-and any river flowing into such waters.

ISEP will finance construction and rehabilitation works on the irrigation schemes and will have certain social and environmental impacts. The project, therefore, triggers WB OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment. For some of the ISEP activities, including reconstruction of the Meghri irrigation scheme, the EIAs shall be carried out and a positive conclusion shall be obtained from the Environmental Expertise of the Ministry of Nature Protection, while for the other activities - development of site-specific EMPs should be sufficient. Capacity building and project management activities of the ISEP are not associated with potential environmental and social risks. Some of the ISEP activities may require temporary and/or permanent land acquisition, uprooting of trees and/or standing crops leading to loss of income. Although the design solutions will strive to minimize resettlement needs, they may not be entirely excluded or ruled out. Therefore, the ISEP triggers WB OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement. Site-specific Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) will be prepared, as required, once the detailed designs are available and the resettlement needs are clear. No RAP is needed for the reconstruction of Meghri scheme, as it does not imply any land take. Heightening of the dam required for upgrading a reservoir feeding the Gegardalich scheme triggers WB OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams. Based on the requirements of this policy, the design of the dam will undergo a specialized professional scrutiny to ensure its quality. A system of regular monitoring of the technical condition of the dam will also be worked out to ensure that any faults in its operation are reveled at the early stage and corrective measures are taken on time to exclude tangible damage to the hydraulic structures and risk to the population and the national environment. OP/BP 4.37 does not apply to the rehabilitation of Meghri irrigation scheme. OP 4.09 Pest Management is triggered, because some agricultural areas, which had been out of irrigation due to deteriorated infrastructure, will be brought back to irrigation as a result of reconstruction of the Meghri scheme and that is likely to stimulate use of pesticides. While there is no need of developing a Pest Management Plan, promotion of sound pesticide use practices and of the Integrated Pest Management is

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included into the project design. OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways is triggered, because conversion of Meghri scheme implies construction of a new water intake point from river Meghri - a tributary of an international river Araks. According to the available design documents, the volume of water abstraction from the new intake point on river Meghri will be the same as the total designed capacity of present abstraction points on river Araks. ISEP intervention is not designed to increase volume of water abstraction from river Araks, but will rather substitute several points of abstraction from Araks with one point of abstraction from a tributary of river Araks. Therefore, communication to the riparian states is not deemed necessary.

Comparison of the national legislation of Armenia and the World Bank Operational Policies The requirements of RA environmental legislation, as it pertains to the procedures required for the ISEP implementation, are in general comparable to WB policy approaches. However, there are also several differences between local legislation and WB policy requirements, most tangibles of which are summarized below. Armenian EIA terminology considers “environmental assessment” as the review process carried out by the Environmental Expertise of the Ministry of Nature Protection performed on the application of a project proponent for obtaining of the expert conclusion clearing the proposed activities, while the WB OP/BP 4.01 uses this term to describe the environmental impact study carried out by the project proponent. Armenian EIA legislation does not require classification of activities into environmental categories A, B, and C as it is established in OP/BP 4.01, though it distinguishes between activities that require an EIA and those that do not. Reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme is subject to the environmental assessment and issuance of the conclusion derived through the environmental expertize. The national legislation does not provide definition of the EMP and envisage its development, but it does require that the EIA document carries a list of environmental mitigation measures and describes procedures of their implementation. EMP is developed for reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme in line with the requirements of OP/BP 4.01. The national legislation is mostly similar to WB requirements with respect to public disclosure of the EIA documents, however does not include the requirement of at least 2 public consultations for Category A projects, which is the case with WB OP. Nonetheless, RA is a party to Aarhus convention and ensures availability of environmental information as well as public consultation on the environmental aspects of the proposed projects in line with the principles of this convention. A public consultation meeting on the present EIA report will be held in the town of Meghri to solicit opinion of the affected communities.

3.2 Institutional Framework

The roles of the government agencies that will be involved primarily from an environmental perspective in

the Meghri Gravity Irrigation System project are briefly presented below:

Ministry of Nature Protection The Ministry of Nature Protection (MNP) is responsible for the protection, sustainable use, and regeneration of natural resources as well as the improvement of the environment in the Republic of Armenia. In those areas, the MNP authority includes overseeing national policy development, developing environmental standards and guidelines, and enforcement. The MNP implements those functions through the following structural departments:

Normative-methodological Department (including Division of Legislation and Division of Standards and Technical Regulations);

Department of International Cooperation;

Department of Environmental Protection (including Division of Biodiversity and Water Resources Protection and Division of Land and Atmosphere Protection);

Department of Hazardous Substances and Waste Management;

Department of Nature Protection and Environmental Economics;

10

Department of Underground Resources Protection;

Department of Meteorology and Monitoring of Atmosphere Pollution.

The MNP also undertakes several functions through the following bodies:

Water Resources Management Agency with its five Basin Management Organizations is the key institution responsible for the water resources management including, but not limited to, the development and implementation of the National Water Policy, National Water Program and basin Management Plans; regulation of water use by issuance of permits for use of surface and ground water resources; assessment and classification of water resources by their use; participation in development of water standards and control of application, etc.

State Environmental Expertise SNCO conducts environmental assessments of designs for construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance of water infrastructures according to the requirements of the Armenian legislation and ratified International Agreements and issues experts’ conclusions;

State Environmental Inspectorate with its 11 regional offices oversees the implementation of legislative and regulatory standards in natural resources protection, use and renewal;

Environmental Impact Monitoring Centre monitors water and air quality of Armenia through its network of observation points;

Bio-resources Management Agency participates in the environmental impact assessment of designs for construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance of water infrastructures, as well as the: - Information Analytical Center - Center for Waste Investigation SNCO, and - Center for Hydro-geological Monitoring SNCO, etc.

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is a republican body of executive authority, which elaborates

and implements the policies of the Republic of Armenia Government in the energy sector. The ministry is

also responsible for the protection, sustainable use, and regeneration of natural resources, and implements its

functions through the following bodies:

Agency of Mineral Resources;

Subsoil Concession Agency. Ministry of Emergency Situations

The Ministry of Emergency Situations elaborates and implements the policies of the Republic of Armenia

Government in the area if civil defense and protection of population in emergency situations. Armenian State

Hydro-meteorological and Monitoring Service SNCO is among the structural entities acting within the

Ministry of Emergency Situations and conducts regular monitoring of meteorological and hydrological

conditions of Armenia through its network of meteorological and hydrological stations and posts.

Ministry of Territorial Administration

Marzpetarans (regional administration bodies) are responsible for administration of public infrastructure

falling under the regional jurisdiction. Bodies of local self-government (communities) are responsible for

administration of public infrastructure of local significance registered as ownership of communities.

The State Committee of Water Systems (SCWS) under the Ministry of Territorial Administration has a

mandate of improving the management of companies engaged in water activities. Amongst other objectives,

the SCWS promotes improvement of water services to the consumers and implementation of further reforms

in the water infrastructure and service delivery. SCWS has the following functions: participates in the

development and implementation of the National Water Policy and Water National Program of the RA;

submits to the RA Government annual reports on water utilization by a breakdown of sources and user

companies; executes authorized management of state stocks in companies engaged in commercial activities,

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such as construction of hydro-technical structures, technical operation, water supply and sewerage services in

the areas of irrigation, drinking water, sewerage as well as in state entities which implement investment

projects in natural and artificial water basins in the above mentioned areas with foreign funding. Ministry of Health. Within the structure of the Ministry of Health the State Hygienic and Anti-epidemiological Survey is responsible for coordination of all issues related to health (including those on noise and vibration) and for supervision over implementation of sanitary norms, hygienic and anti-epidemiological measures implementation by organizations and citizens.

Ministry of Agriculture with its Melioration Development Department is responsible for the development,

implementation and coordination of annual projects on construction, operation, rehabilitation and cleaning of

collector-drainage systems.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs among other things is responsible for development and

implementation of the state policy, legislation and programs in the following areas: social security, labor and

employment, social assistance, social assistance to disabled and aged people, social protection of families,

women and children, etc.

National Water Council with its Dispute Resolution Commission is the highest advisory body within the

water sector. It comprises representatives of major stakeholders from several ministries and is chaired by the

Prime Minister. The role of the Council is the development of recommendations on the National Water

Policy and Program and measures for implementation.

Public Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of Armenia is responsible for establishment of tariff

policy in water relations and issuing of permits for the use of water systems.

4 Project Description and Justification

4.1 Objective of the Project

The development objective of ISEP is to improve the sustainability of the irrigation system by lowering its operation and maintenance (O&M) cost, bringing back to irrigation currently abandoned land within the schemes’ command areas and by enabling farmers’ community to implement sustainable O&M of the system. That objective will be achieved through the following activities: (i) conversion from pump-based irrigation to gravity, where feasible and to upgrade the efficiency of pump-based irrigation where conversion is not feasible; and (ii) institutional measures and interventions to improve participation and governance in Water Users Associations (WUAs). The Project comprises three components: Component 1. Irrigation System Enhancement (US$33.0 million). The component will finance the following sub-components:

Sub-component 1.1: Conversion of pump-based irrigation to gravity (US$ 24.5 million). The rationale for this Sub-component would be to lower the cost of water by converting pump-based irrigation to gravity irrigation. The Project would provide for the construction of four gravity systems (Meghri, Gegardalich, Baghramyan-Norakert, and Kaghtsrashen); and

Sub-component 1.2: Upgrading of outlet and other canals conveying pumped water (US$8.5 million). In this sub- component about 52 km of outlet canals of 13 selected pumping schemes will be rehabilitated to minimize losses of high value pumped water.

Component 2. Provision of crucial information for decision making in the irrigation sub-sector (US$ 1.7

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million). The component has two sub-components: 2.1 Technical investigations; and 2.2 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system installation.

Sub-component 2.1: Technical investigations (US$ 0.9 million). The sub-component has two activities: (1) analyses of operation and maintenance (O&M) and extraordinary maintenance (EM) needs (US$ 0.6 million), and (2) technical audit of irrigation institutions (US$ 0.3 million). The first activity has the objective of analyzing and making available information on (i) actual O&M needs; (ii) EM; and (iii) trend of O&M expenses if EMis not fully implemented. The objective of the second activity is to provide operational indication of effectiveness of each of the irrigation institutions, namely the two Water Supply Agencies and 44 Water User Associations.

Sub-component 2.2: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system installation (0.8 million). The sub-component will introduce an up-to-date water measurement and water flow control model in 71 observation points of the main canals and some other intake points. The objectives of this sub-component are: (i) increasing efficiency of water conveyance and distribution, (ii) specifying water losses, (iii) improving water flow control, (iv) carrying out automated calculation of the volume of water passing through canal, (v) registering other parameters, and (vi) preventing disagreements in WUAs and in future improving water supply of water users.

Component 3. Project Management and WUAs’ Support Group and Institutional Activities (US$ 2.8 million). This component would finance two sub-components: (i) project management, and (ii) WUAs’ Support Group.

Sub-component 3.1. Project Management (US$ 1.5 million). This sub-component would provide for overall project management, coordination of the implementation process, preparation of preliminary design documents, coordination and monitoring of technical supervision of civil works, preparation of tender documents and management of the procurement process, monitoring project activities, and reporting on progress in project implementation.

Sub-component 3.2. WUAs’ Support Group (US$ 1.3 million). The main objective of this sub-component is to (i) continue WUAs strengthening activities routinely implemented by WUAs’ Support Group, and (ii) improve them with the addition of specific activities targeting WUAs executive bodies and water users.

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Figure 2. Location of Meghri gravity system Reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme is part of Component1, Sub-component 1.1 and envisions irrigating by gravity 686 ha arable lands of 5 beneficiary communities of Meghri region in Syunik Marz by eliminating 8 pumping stations currently serving the project area and saving annually 3.89 million kW/hour of electricity. Water source for Meghri gravity system is the Meghri River, stretch of Vardanidzor community. The project area is served by “Meghri” WUA. The tables below include data on lands currently irrigated by mechanical method that will be irrigated by gravity as a result of project implementation (Table 3).

Table 3. Lands irrigated by Meghri gravity system per communities

N Community Lands, ha

1 Meghri 34

2 Agarak 172

3 Shvanidzor 112

4 Alvank 170

5 Karchevan 38

6 Nrnadzor 160

Total 686

Currently operated pumping stations are in a poor technical state, which leads to incomplete irrigation of the lands, high costs of operation and maintenance and presents a hazard to a considerable number of irrigated lands to become dry.

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During the design of Meghri gravity system FS/FD Consultant, with the participation of concerned organizations of Meghri region of Syunik Marz, studied the project area, evaluating the present technical state of the irrigation system and hydro-technical structures, composition of agricultural land and crops, hydrological criteria of the water source and the amount of water required for the operation of the system, selection of the proposed route and other hydro-technical structures based on geological, topographic and environmental conditions of the area etc. The consultant also made a topo-geodetic survey of the gravity system area.

Based on the above mentioned conditions and the existence of communication means of the area, the pipeline route was mapped within the width of 50m, according to the normative requirements.

The following points were considered while selecting the water pipeline route and conducting the topo-geodesic survey:

- Feasibility of the water conduit in the developed/urban areas; - Conditions for operation of the pipeline and its structures in future; - Existence of privatized and leased lands along the route and their owners; - Potential problems with the pressure pipeline in cases of emergency; - Possible cases of intersecting with other existing routes; - Organization of construction works in the developed area and with restricted topographic

conditions; - Environmental considerations; - Avoiding the issue of encroachment on farming lands which might require temporary and/or

permanent use of private property; - Keeping the existing irrigation systems in operational mode during the construction phase; - Avoiding the threat of creating new landslide area, minimization of earthworks; and - Flooding risks.

4.2 Description of Proposed Project Activities

According to the Final Design (developed under the MCA-Armenia Program), Meghri gravity system is composed of head intake structure and a pressure pipeline with its right and left branches. The pipelines are connected to the existing pipelines of the pumping stations currently serving the project area. Head Intake Structure

Head intake structure is located in the Meghri River bed, at the river stretch 1.2 km far from the Vardanidzor community. The site for head intake structure on Meghri River was selected based on the elevation of discharge box (1043 m) constructed at the end of pressure pipeline of existing pump stations, geological structure of the area and elevations of existing communication roads. Head intake structure is designed for 604 liters/second water intake for irrigation purposes, including 553 liters/second for the first stage. Based on geological, terrain and hydrological peculiarities, and also taking into consideration that water demand of the designed system is not large, two types of head intake structure were considered in the designing of head structure on Meghri River:

Construction of a daily regulation reservoir with 220,000 m3 storage capacity and H =16 m high earth dam; and

Construction of a mountain (Tyrolean) type head intake structure. Considering that the earth dam construction entails a requirement for bank-protection structures to maintain interstate road and inundates over 7 times greater agricultural lands, the mountain type of head structure was selected in the final design. Taking into account the proximity of the highway, it was decided to make a 1.5m high dam with spillway crest width of 26.0m (of which 22.0m is the design crest value) to enable free, non-backwatered transformation of

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Meghri River flood. It was proposed to make dam with 6.0 m wide foundation based on geological, seismic and dam stability considerations. Given 22.0 m wide designed spillway crest water flow depth over the dam

crest will be Hû= 1.55 m in the case of maximal discharge of 75.0 m3/s corresponding to 1.0% probability

year. A 1.0 m wide and 0.71.3m deep trench will be arranged on the dam crest at 10 m long section to enable the intake of design discharge of 553 l/s. The trench will be covered with a steel grid. The bottom of trench will be connected to washing well with the elevation of 1042.8 m. The upstream slope of the dam will be strengthened by cement mix with river rocks - 1.5x26 m, 1.5 m thick. 7.0x26.0 m large, 0.6 m deep stilling basin will be arranged on the downstream slope, then an apron 8.0x26.0 m that will be fixed by 0.6 m thick cement mix with river rocks.

Furthermore, the following structures are proposed at the head intake structure:

- A fish ladder on the right side with total length of 14.4 m. As the 0.26 m3/s ecologic flow will also pass through the fish pass, a 0.7 m wide inlet of the step is designed instead of 0.4 m.

- A 20m long settler with two twin-chambered inlet will be regulated by two 1.0 x 1.0 m gates with face walls and at the outlet part and a flush valve with face walls sizes 1.0x1.0 m; and

- A box to be arranged at the end of settler from where the irrigation conduit will start.

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Figure 3. Meghri gravity system

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Main pipeline The first 1.99 km section of the main pipeline conduit is made of a 530 mm diameter steel pipeline. From the elevation of 948 m until the branching, the water pipe will go along Meghri River for about 9.8 km, and in some sections - along roadside of Megri-Kapan highway. The maximal discharge of pressure irrigation pipeline is Q=697 l/s. The pipe diameter until branching is 630 mm and wall thickness – 7 and 9 mm. The left branch of the pipeline goes along roadside of the existing highway. Its total length is 23.4 km including 12.7 km long 1st stage, pipeline diameter - from 530x8 mm to 219x5 mm. The right-side branch is 8.08 km long, pipeline diameter - 325x5 mm. The pipeline goes along roadside of Meghri-Agarak road. 17 air valves and 19 outlets with concrete wells are proposed on the irrigation pipeline. Strengthened insulation is proposed in order to protect pressure pipeline from corrosion. Structures proposed for Meghri gravity system are presented in the table below:

Table 5. Structures of Meghri gravity system

Main pipeline Left branch Right branch

Draining well 2 11 6

Air valve well 2 10 5

Distribution well 5 3

Water measurement well 5 2

Inlet well (DM0+80) 1

Angle well 8

Regulating well 2

Pipe crossing under the road 1 1 1

Pipe crossing over the river 6

Pipe crossing (DM118+95) 1

Water measurement station (DM20+00)

1

Crossing under the non operative railway

4

From engineering-geological, hydro-geological point of view the area is favorable for the implementation of the construction works that will be carried out in a way that will not disturb the irrigation of the adjacent areas. It is envisaged to cover the pressure pipeline with polymeric mastic in order to protect it against corrosion. The following construction works are designed to be carried out:

cutting and excavation of soft soil;

cutting of rocky soil;

backfill by local soil;

backfill with compaction;

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preparation of blinding layer from soft soil, sand and gravel soil;

rock paving;

arrangement of asphalt cover;

placement of monolithic concrete and reinforced concrete;

installation of pre-cast reinforced concrete structures;

arrangement of joints;

installation of steel pipes;

installation of steel structures;

insulation works. Construction duration for the water intake head structure is 6.5 months and 12 months for water pipelines. Considering the seismicity factor and the factor for parallel implementation of works, the duration will be: (12+6.5*0.3)*1.1 = 15 months. The estimated number of employees involved during peak periods of construction is 110 persons, including 10 engineering-technical personnel.

Table 6 below shows the general list of temporary construction facilities and structures. Table 7 shows the approximate amount of main machinery and devices used during construction phase.

Table 6. List of temporary construction facilities and structures

N: Name

Number

Size, m Notes TFSN1 TFSN2 TFS N3 TFSN4

1 Foreman’s office + + - - 8.6 x 3.1 container

2 Dormitory for 6 persons + + + + 10.7 x 2.4 movable

3 Warehouse for tools + + + + 6.7 x 3.0 container

4 Mechanical workshop + + + + 7.25 x 2.9 container

5 Concrete mixer + + + + - ÑÁ-92À

6 Compressor + + + + - ÄÊ-9

7 Compressor + + + + - ÏÐ-10

8 Cloakroom with heating + + + + 6.7 x 3.0 movable

9 Camper with heating + + + + 3.9 x 2.4 movable

10 Shower wagon + + + + 10.4 x 3.1 container

11 Toilet for 1 person + + + + D 1.3 -

12 Wagon – dining room For 20 workers

+ + + + 10.3 x 3.1 container

13 First aid station + + + + 10.0 x 2.4 container

14 Sheltered warehouse + + + + 10.0 x 5.0 -

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Table 7. Approximate amount of main machinery and devices

N: Name Type of the machine Amount

1. Dumper truck Carrying capacity 7t 12

2. Truck with side dumper Carrying capacity 10t 3

3. Auto concrete mixer Capacity 4m3 4

4. Auto concrete mixer Capacity 2m3 2

5. Auto concrete pump - 1

6. Sand blaster - 1

7. Asphalt spreading machine - 2

8. Truck for carrying bitumen Capacity 7m3 2

9. Device for bitumen spreading Capacity 3.4t 2

10. Auto hoister Carrying capacity 16t 4

11. Truck for carrying cement Capacity 20t 1

12. ! Bulldozer Power 96KWt 4

13. Spreading Bulldozer Power 96KWt 3

14. Concrete mixing point Efficiency 20m3 /hour 1

15. Roller Weight 10t 4

16. Compressor Efficiency 10m3 /minute 4

17. Jack hammer MՕ-10 6

18. Manual pneumatic compactor 40kg 8

19. Excavator 1m3 capacity of bucket 4

20. Deep vibrator - 4

21. Package of deep vibrators - 1

22. Welding apparatus - 4

23. Þ¾Î – 60 (portable electric station) - 2

24. Þ¾Î – 30 (portable electric station) - 4

25. Water extracting pump Efficiency 40m3 /hour 2

26. Pebble distributor - 2

27. Gamma defect tracking device Gamarid-25 2

28. X-ray device - 2

29. Pipe layer - 4

Construction works will be carried out within the alienation zone of the existing infrastructure (mainly roads)

where temporary construction structures will be installed.

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Construction works will be carried out in accordance with construction and other norms defined by the

Republic of Armenia (RA) legislation. The width of the alienation zone of the system is defined 10m. The

native top soil will be stripped, transported as far as 1-2 km and stored in the specially designated site to be

further used for the site rehabilitation.

The construction works are to take place in four building sites simultaneously: 1. Water intake head structure,

2. Main pipeline, 3. Right branch, 4. Left branch. The table below describes the earthworks and volumes by 4

construction sites.

Table 8. Description of earthworks and volumes

N Description Unit Volume

1. Water intake head structure

1.1 Cutting of soft soil (category II-IV) m3 405

1.2 Excavation of soft soil (category II-IV) m3 3050

1.3 Backfill by soft soil with compaction m3 620

1.4 Backfill by local soil m3 300

1.5 Leveling of excessive soil in-situ m3 2535

1.6 Rock strengthening, protective rock layer, apron, rock transportation

from 1 km

m3 308.3

2. Main pipeline

2.1 Cutting of top soil with its future restoration m3 1700

2.2 Excavation of soft soil (category II-IV) m3 18746.4

2.3 Blinding layer from soft soil, d=0,1 m m3 1048.7

2.4 Backfill by soft soil with compaction m3 7340


2.6 Road fill with compaction m3 200

2.7 In situ leveling of excessive soil m3 5418.7

2.8 Removal of excessive soil to 2 km m3 408

3. Left branch

3.1 Cutting of top soil with its future restoration m3 1940


3.3 Excavation of soft soil (category IV) under railway road

(including removal and reinstallation of rail pack, removal

and re-installation of ballast bed, removal of soil with future

backfilling and compaction, strengthening of trench wall and

removal of strengthening, leveling of trench bottom)

m3 161

3.4 Excavation of soft-rocky soil (category IVp) m3 3430

3.5 Excavation of soft-rocky soil (category IVp) under railway

road (including removal and reinstallation of rail package,

removal and re-installation of ballast bed, removal of soil with

future backfilling and compaction, strengthening of trench

wall and removal of strengthening, leveling of trench bottom

m3 48

3.6 Excavation of rock soil (category V-VII) m3 5459.8

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3.7 Excavation of rock soil (category V) under railway road

(including removal and reinstallation of rail package, removal

and re-installation of ballast bed, removal of soil with future

backfilling and compaction, strengthening of trench wall and

removal of strengthening, leveling of trench bottom).

m3 96


3.9 Blinding layer from soft soil, d=0,1 m. The soil to be

brought from a distance of 1 km.

m3 6.4

3.10 Backfill by soft soil with compaction. m3 9493.3

3.11 Backfill by soft soil with compaction. The soil to be brought

from a distance of 1 km.

m3 46




3.15 Demolition of asphalt-concrete with removal to 2 km m3 10.1

3.16 Gravely blinding layer d=0,15 m m3 5.8

3.17 Coarse-graded asphalt concrete, d=5 cm m2 52.8

3.18 Fine-graded asphalt concrete, d=3 cm m2 52.8

3.19 Rock filling d=20 cm, rocks from quarry m2 5.5

3.20 Dry rock paving d=22 cm, rocks from quarry m2 15

4. Right branch


4.2 Excavation of soft-rocky soil (category IVp) m3 3107.8

4.3 Excavation of rock soil (category V-VII) m3 539


4.5 Backfill by soft soil with compaction m3 4036.4

4.6 Backfill by local native top-soil m3 3016



4.9 Demolition of asphalt-concrete with removal to 2 km m3 5.98

4.10 Sandy blinding layer, d=0,1-0,15 m m3 3.9

4.11 Bitumen impregnated gravel layer, d=18 cm m3 4.8

4.12 Coarse-graded asphalt concrete, d=5 cm m2 24

4.13 Fine-graded asphalt concrete, d=3 cm m2 23

4.14 Rock filling d=20 cm, rocks from quarry m3 3

4.15 Dry rock paving d=22 cm, rocks from quarry m2 6

Land use required for the construction and operation of the proposed Meghri gravity system is described below: Water Intake Head Intake Structure: The head intake structure is designed to be located in the Meghri River bed 1.2 km upstream of the Vardanidzor community.

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0.088 ha out of 0.15 ha of the State owned lands of no agricultural value to be permanently used for construction and operation of the water intake structure are leased to G. Shahnazaryan (inhabitant of Vardanidzor) community.

Main Pipeline:

DM5 Length, m

Land use Description

permanent temporary

0+00÷20+00 2000 2 ha The route passes the area between Kapan-Meghri highway and left bank of Meghri River, through a D=530 mm pipeline. Lands belong to Vardanidzor community and are not privatized. Lands are classified to cadastre 16th zone.

20+00÷50+32 3032 3.03 ha The route passes the area between Kapan-Meghri highway and left bank of Meghri river, through trench. Lands belong to Vardanidzor community and are not privatized. Lands are classified to cadastre 16th zone and belong to state fund.

50+32÷71+20 2088 2.09 ha The route diverges from the highway and crosses river bed in 4 places, goes through the trench on right and left riverbanks. Lands are classified to cadastre 12th zone and belong to Meghri community.

71+20÷88+56 1732 1.73 ha The route passes by trench and parallels the right side of Kapan-Meghri highway. Lands are classified to cadastre 12th zone and belong to Meghri community.

88+56÷99+75 1119

1.12 ha The route was reviewed in two options: by Kapan-Meghri highway side and inter-district roads of Meghri city. Considering that Kapan-Meghri highway is of an interstate significance and renovation of the sideway is more expensive than of inter-district road, the second option with L=1.320m is selected in the final design.

99+75÷118+95 1920 The route parallels the right side of Kapan-Meghri highway before branching into right and left pipelines. Lands are classified to cadastre 12th zone, and belong to Meghri community.

Total: 11895 19.89 ha

5 This is an indicator of a specific point along the water conduit, measured from the start of the canal, which is identified

as DM0+00.

23

Left Branch:

DM Length, m


permanent temporary

0+00÷0+39 39 0.04 ha The route crosses Agarak-Meghri highway, then passes 25 m through 12th zone lands, which belong to Meghri community.

0+39÷1+29 67 0.07 ha Pipeline on supporting piers crosses Meghri river by the pipe D=500 mm. Lands belong to state fund.

1+29÷8+45 716 0.72 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the left side of Meghri-Shvanidzor road. Lands are classified to 12th category and belong to Meghri community.

8+45÷42+00 3355 3.36 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the left side of Meghri-Shvanidzor road, by 12th zone lands, and 880 m by 16th zone. Lands belong to Meghri community.

42+00÷68+43 2643 2.64 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the left side of Meghri-Shvanidzor road, by 16th zone lands, which belong to the state fund.

68+43÷102+20 3377 3.38 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the left side of Meghri- Shvanidzor road, by 16th zone lands, which belong to Alvank community.

102+20÷127+29 2509 2.51 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the left side of Meghri- Shvanidzor railroad, by 16th zone lands, which belong to state fund.

Total: 12729 0.07 ha 12.65 ha

Right Branch:

DM Length, m


premanent temporary

0+00÷8+48 848 0.85 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the right side of Meghri-Agarak highway. Lands classified to cadastre 12th zone and belong to Meghri community.

8+48÷10+42 194 0.19 ha The route crosses Meghri-Agarak railroad. 212m (DM 10+42) stretch parallels the railroad, then passes the Meghri-Agarak highway and parallels by trench the road right side of Meghri-Agarak highway. Lands are classified to cadastre 14th zone and belong to state fund.

10+42÷55+78 4536 4.54 ha The route passes by trench parallel to the right side of Meghri-Agarak highway. Lands are classified to cadastre 16th zone and belong to the state fund.

55+78÷58+18 240 0.24 ha The route passes through non-privatized lands of Agarak community in trench. Lands are classified to cadastre 12th zone.

58+18÷80+80 2262 2.26 ha The route parallels the Meghri-Agarak highway right Agarak N1 pumping station. Lands are classified to cadastre 16th zone and belong to state fund.

Total: 8080 8.08 ha

24

Total land use for construction and operation of the Meghri gravity system is the following: 0.22 ha of permanent use and 32.62 ha of temporary use. The regional development projects currently implemented and planned in the project affected area were carefully studied and considered while designing the Meghri gravity system which allows for harmonization of the proposed project with the regional development trends and the assessment of cumulative impacts.

4.3 Baseline Information

Climate The climate of the command area of Meghri gravity system is moderate-warm, with soft winters and dry subtropical at the sites adjoining to the river Araks. There are no meteorological stations at the investigated sites of the Megri River water basin area. Therefore the description of climatic elements is given according to

the «Climatic Atlas of the Armenia»6 and according to data of the Megri town meteorological station that can be useful for an estimation of climatic elements from the annual viewpoint.

Average annual air temperature is 40С, in January – 70C, in April – 20C, in July – 140C, in October – 40C, annual temperatures amplitude is 230С. The absolute minimum temperature observed in January is -300C and the absolute maximum is 310С observed in July. The dates of the mean annual air temperatures exceeding certain ranges and the number of the days within those ranges are given in Table 9.

Table 9. Data on temperatures exceeding certain ranges

Temperatures higher than the mentioned ones Temperatures lower than the mentioned ones Number of Days

>ToC < ToC >ToC Date < ToC Date

0oC 1/III 0oC 10/XII 280

5oC 1/V 5oC 10/XI 190

10oC 10/V 10oC 5/X 145

15oC 1/VII 15oC 15/IX 75

The mean for the spring last frost is 24 April and the date of autumn first frost is 1 September. The duration of non-frost is 180 days. The duration of the heating season is 170 days. The mean annual temperature of the land surface is 6oC, -8oC in January, 4oC in April, 24oC in July, and 7oC in October. Maximum depth of land frost is 31 cm. Mean annual air pressure is 820 mb.

Winds blowing towards southeast are prevalent during the year and their mean speed during the year fluctuates in the ranges of 4-4.5 m/sec and 5% of provision for the wind is 19m/sec. Annual precipitation makes up 550 mm. Maximum precipitation is observed in May-101 mm and the minimum is in August- 14 mm. The amount of precipitation of 2% provision is 60 mm. The number of the days with the precipitation of 0.1 mm and more is 115 days. Frozen precipitation makes up 275 mm. The stable snow cover sets up from 15 December and removes from 1 April. 100 days in the year have snow cover. The height of the highest ten-day snow cover layer is 50 cm. Annual evaporation is 325 mm and evaporability is 800 mm.

The annual parameters of several main components of the area’s climate are presented in the table below, by using data of Meghri meteorological station.

6 National Atlas of Armenia; Yerevan, 2007.

25

Table 10. Annual distribution of several components

Climate Components I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Year

Air temperature, oC 1.4 3.3 7.9 13.8 18.9 23.0 26.1 25.7 21.2 15.2 9.2 4.0 14.1

Air absolute temperature, oC 23 25 30 33 38 41 40 41 38 33 30 25 41

Air minimum temperature, oC -18 -14 -11 -3 2 4 10 11 2 -4 -7 -14 -18

Land temperature, oC 0 3 10 16 24 30 33 32 25 16 8 3 17

Wind speed, m/sec 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.7 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.6

Air relative humidity, % 63 61 62 61 61 55 49 50 60 67 67 65 60

Precipitation, mm 18 18 32 41 52 30 10 7 13 23 24 15 283

Evaporation from water surface, mm

- - 48 84 122 148 160 153 104 60 30 - -

Evaporation from land, mm - - 17 35 52 56 53 48 40 35 19 - -

Relief Meghri gravity system is located in the Meghri region of Syunik Marz, in medium and low streams of the Meghri River. Geomorphologically the area has very irregular terrain with absolute elevations of 1043-1055 m. Soils and land use According to soil zones the project area in included in forest and steppe soil zone which is specified by forest brown and valley-steppe types of soils. According to cadastral evaluation of the type of agricultural soils the investigated area is included in Syunik evaluation region.

Forest brown typical and carbonate subtypes of soils are characterized by weak differentiation of genetic horizons. According to mechanical texture, these soils have mainly light and moderate sandy-clayey, clayey and clayey-sandy composition with low percentage. According to the degree of stoniness, the lands under the project area are characterized mainly by low surface profile to average stoniness, in distinct small places one may encounter also average and strong stony areas. According to strength, the agricultural lands of the project area are mainly characterized by little strength (about 66%), their strength is 0-39 cm, the rest of the lands have average strength, about 40-60 cm, strong lands, with the strength of more than 60 cm, are rare (about 7%). According to the degree of erosion most irrigated lands are slightly eroded, in the upper layer of arable lands in particular, and in some relatively slanting slopes there are average, sometimes strongly eroded areas. The content of humus in the irrigated lands of the project area is little. The content of humus varies between 1.31-2.92, the soil pH concentration varies between 6.8-8.2, that is to say, the lands have slight saline and saline reactions.

Valley-terrace soils of the project area are spread in the left valley of the Araks River. These irrigated lands are mainly devoid of underground water feeding they have a weakly developed, mostly weak surface and deep average stony profile. These soils have mainly clayey-sandy mechanical composition, about 72% of the area, about 23% have clayey composition and the remaining area is occupied by soils with sandy-clayey mechanical composition.

According to the strength of humus horizons, about 65% of these lands have average strength- 40-60 cm.

26

The rest of the lands of the area have little strength-0-39 cm. These lands are considered to contain little

humus with respect to humus content. The latter varies between 1.31-2.47%, the soil pH concentration varies between 7.8-8.1, the soils have slight saline reaction. Valley-terrace soils are spread in flat areas. Erosion is very weakly reflected in these areas. Such phenomena as soil salinization, alkalization, bogging and pollution with toxic substances, were not observed in the agricultural lands of the project area. Ecological state of the lands depends on the chemical composition and the degree of mineralization of the irrigation water. Water for irrigation for Meghri gravity system is taken from the Meghri River. The waters of Meghri River have been diversely assessed. The River is not polluted with either mineral or organic pollutants and cannot have an adverse impact on the meliorative state of the irrigated lands. Geological structure Geological structure of the Meghri gravity system area is represented by formations of Eocene and Quaternary age. The oldest rocks of the region are gabro-diorites and gabro-syenitic of Middle Eocene age

that have wide occurrence on the left slope of the Meghri River and within river bed. These intrusive rocks of Eocene age are covered by Quaternary sedimentary soils represented by large and small rock debris, pebble and loam of diluvial and alluvial origin with overall thickness of 6.0-10.0 m (sometimes 18-20m terrace-alluvial gravely-pebble soil). Meghri River basin has a trough-like shape in the location of head intake structure. Its slopes are 75-80 m high and 20-23o steep, The width of the bed and flood plain is 10-15 m. The left side area of the dam is made of gabro-syenitic rocks (Layer 5) that are covered by 1.5-1.8 m thick terrace-alluvial gravely-pebble soil (Layer 3). The bed and the floodplain of river also are made of intrusive gabro-syenitic (Layer 5) that are covered by 5.0-6.0m thick alluvial pebbly-gravel soil with up to 25% sand matrix (Layer 2). The right side area of the dam is represented by intrusive gabro- syenitic (Layer 5) to the elevation of 1060-1065 m. This rock is weathered and fissured to the depth of 2.0-2.5 m. The areas of the main pressure pipeline and the areas under its right and left branches consist of gravely-

pebble soil with up to 10% inclusion of river rocks and up to 25% sandy loam matrix. Hydro-geological conditions of the area are specified by presence of water that fills fissures in the bedrocks which have gentle sloping towards the river. Engineering-geological conditions The geological-engineering conditions of the project area are characterized by engineering geological elements (layers) shown below. These have been identified by the FS/FD Consultant as a result of review of available materials and topographic and field geophysical surveys conducted for assessment of engineering-geological peculiarities of the project area of Meghri gravity system in Syunik Marz. Layer 1a, dlQIV Topsoil with inclusion of small rock debris, coarse sand and sandy loam. Thickness

- 0.3-0.4 m. Soil workability category - 9c/8c according to CSR IV-2-82, 1 and 3. Layer 1, aldlQIV Loam soil with up to 10% inclusions of gravel. This soil is distributed mainly within

reservoir bottom. Soil workability category – 33d/33d: Layer 2, alQIV Alluvial sediments represented by pebble with up to 25% sand and sandy loam

matrix This soil is distributed mainly in the Meghri River bed. Thickness – up to 5.0 m. Soil workability category – 6d/9d:

Layer 3, alQI Alluvial-diluvial sediments represented by gravely-pebble soil with up to 25% sand and sandy loam matrix. This soil is distributed in the Meghri River valley and

27

reservoir bottom. Thickness - 3-10 m. Soil workability category – 6d/9d: Layer 4a, dl QIV Large and small rock debris with inclusions of large fragments and up to 25%

sandy loam matrix. Thickness up to 4.5 m. Soil workability category – 13/14. Layer 4, elQIV Alluvium represented by rock fragments and debris with up to 15% sandy loam

matrix. Soil workability category – 12/13.

Layer 5, Q1 Gabro-diorites that are exposed on the right side and the bed of Meghri River. On the right side of the river this layer is covered by volcanic-sedimentary strata (Arevik Strata). Soil workability category – 18c/19c.

Meghri River basin has a trough-like shape in the location of head intake structure. Its slopes are 75-80 m high and 20-23o steep, The width of the bed and flood plain is 10-15 m. The left side area of the dam is made of gabro-syenitic rocks (Layer 5) that are covered by 1.5-1.8 m thick terrace-alluvial gravely-pebble soil (Layer 3). The bed and the floodplain of river also are made of intrusive gabro-syenitic (Layer 5) that are covered by 5.0-6.0m thick alluvial pebbly-gravel soil with up to 25% sand matrix (Layer 2). The right side area of the dam is represented by intrusive gabro-syenitic (Layer 5) to the elevation of 1060-1065 m. This rock is weathered and fissured to the depth of 2.0-2.5 m. The areas of the main pressure pipeline and the areas under its right and left branches consist of gravely-

pebble soil with up to 10% inclusion of river rocks and up to 25% sandy loam matrix. Seismicity

According to the Republic of Armenia seismic zoning map7, the investigated area in Syunik Marz is in 9-point seismic zone, with 0.4g acceleration. Project design is produced with full consideration of the seismic risks of the project area. Hydrology The hydrological network of the territory belongs to the transboundary Araks River basin. The Meghri River originates from the eastern slopes of Zangezur mountain chain, from Kaput lake which is located at height of 3283.4 m. It falls into the Araks River, at the distance of 317 km from the estuary. The river is 36km long, drainage basin surface is 336 km2. Table 11 below present several main morphometric components of Meghri-Vardanidzor section of Meghri River.

Table 11. Morphometric components of the Meghri River in the designed section

The Megri river runoff was studied in two sections, Lichk and Megri hydro-observation points.

7 National Atlas of Armenia, Yerevan, 2007.

River Section River Length,

km Drainage Area Surface km2

River Source Unit, m

Calculated Section Unit,

m

Mean Height, m

Riverbed Inclination,

o/ oo

Meghri-Vardanidzor 22 227 3570 1050 2300 114

28

FS/FD Consultant used the data of the observations for 1945-2005 of Megri-Meghri Town hydro-observation point to make hydrological statistical calculations. The values of the mean monthly and annual natural yields of the recovered Meghri hydro-observation point in Meghri Town are presented by surface module coefficient and the data of Meghri-t. Meghri observation station were extrapolated to river section at Vardanidzor using factor of k=0.93. The mean annual yields values of different provision in Meghri-Meghri Town hydro-observation point and in the designed sections are submitted in Table 13.

Table 13. Mean Annual Yields of Different Provision

River Section Distance from the estuary, km

River basin surface, km2

Mean height, m

Functioning period Hyrdo-observation

point “o”-unit start end

Meghri-Lichk V. 26 21.0 2960 1/I - 1946 1/I - 1989 1737.99 ÁÑ Meghri-Meghri Town 6.2 274.0 2200 1/ - 1945 1/ - 1947 765.6 ÁÑ Meghri-Meghri Town 6.0 274.0 2200 1/I - 1949 functioning 692.22 ÁÑ

The annual distribution of the runoff of different provision was carried out by the FS/FD Consultant according to the data published in “The Resources of Surface Waters in the USSR, V. 9, Issue 2”.

Table 14. Mean Monthly and Annual Yields of Different Provision in the Designed sections

Provision. P%

River Section

Month Mean Annual Yield

m3/sec I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

25 Meghri-Vardanidzor 0.90 0.86 1.87 5.75 8.77 7.09 5.60 2.31 1.23 0.93 1.01 1.01 3.11


75* Meghri-Vardanidzor 0.69 0.58 1.05 2.81 4.20 5.71 2.41 1.06 0.78 1.31 0.94 0.78 1.86


*

Provision. P%

River Section

Month Mean Annual Yield

m3/sec I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII


The maximum yields in the Meghri River are formed from snow melting and rivers. The maximum yield, 87.5 m3/sec, was observed on 12 April 1956 and the largest minimum yield, 4.5 m3/sec, was observed on 6 June 2001.

Table 12. Runoff study

River Section Yields (m3/sec) according to provision, P %

5 10 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 75 80 90 95 97 99

Meghri-Meghri Town

5.08 4.60 3.97 3.75 3.57 3.25 2.97 2.69 2.43 2.29 2.14 1.78 1.53 1.37 1.11

Meghri-Vardanidzor

4.21 3.81 3.29 3.11 2.96 2.69 2.46 2.23 2.01 1.86 1.77 1.47 1.27 1.14 0.92

29

The rated values of maximum yields were determined by the FS/FD Consultant by the method of moments statistically processing the series of observations for 56 years, 1949-2005 of the Meghri-Meghri Town hydro-observation point. The calculations of the mean yield (Qo) and variation coefficient (Cv) were carried out taking into consideration the presence of the extreme yield(87.5m3/sec) in the hydrological observation series. The calculated magnitudes of the maximum yields were transferred from the Meghri-Meghri Town hydro-observation point into the designed sections through the surface reduction coefficient (n=0.6) and are submitted in Table 15.

Table 15. Maximum Yields of Various Provisions


0.01 0.1 0.5 1 3 5 10 25

Meghri-Meghri Town 244 150 101 84 60 50 38 24

Meghri-Vardanidzor 218 134 90 75 54 45 34 21

Only mean daily yields were studied from the Meghri River minimum yield descriptors. The largest mean daily yield is 0.95 m3/sec, was observed on 22 January 1994 and the smallest one, 0.08 m3/sec, was observed on 18 February 2002.

The observation series of minimum mean daily yields for 1949-2002 was statistically processed by the method of moments. Minimum mean daily yields were extrapolated to the designed sections through surface coefficients and are submitted in table 16.

Table 16. Mean Daily Yields of Different Provision


50 60 70 75 85 90 95 97 99

Meghri-Meghri Town 0.41 0.35 0.30 0.27 0.24 0.16 0.11 0.09 0.05

Meghri-Vardanidzor 0.34 0.29 0.25 0.22 0.20 0.13 0.09 0.07 0.04

The FS/FD Consultant has also studied and estimated turbidity in the designed section of the river and mean annual yields of suspended load. The river turbidity in the Meghri River basin is also subject to upwards zoning principle. According to hydrological atlas of Armenia river turbidity makes up 400 g/m3 in the Meghri-Meghri Town hydro-observation station and 250 g/m3 in the section of Vardanidzor. Taking into consideration these turbidity values the mean annual yields of the suspended load was calculated in the designed sections and their within-year distribution was carried out according to the data of “The Resources of Surface Waters in the USSR, V. 9, Issue 2”.

Table 17. Mean Monthly and Daily Yields of Suspended Load, kg/sec

River Section I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Year

Meghri-Vardanidzor 0.007 0.015 0.19 1.26 1.44 3.05 1.09 0.15 0.04 0.16 0.007 0.007 0.62

The calculations show that 90-95% of the suspended load are removed in April-June during the spring floods.

The value of the second component of Sediment Runoff, the bed silt, is suggested to accept 50% of the suspended load yield as seen more reasonable by a number of authors (I. V. Eghiazarov, G. N Khmaladze, H. K Gabrielyan). Taking the volume weight of the suspended weight to be 1.2 t/m3, and that of the bed silt - 2.4 t/m3, the total volume of the mean annual Sediment Runoff can be calculated.

30

Table 18. Sediment Runoff Calculation

River Section Suspended Load

Yield, kg/sec

Volume of suspended load

Wk. m3

Bed Silt Yield kg/sec

Bed Silt Volume Wh.

m3

Total Sediment Runoffs

W=Wk.+Wh.

Meghri-Vardanidzor

0.62 16296 0.31 4074 20370

The granulometric composition of the load in the Meghri River is studied only in the hydrological observation site in Meghri town and these data were used in the process of the project design considering this limitation.

Table 19. Granulometric Composition of Suspended Load

Particles Content (%) according to diameter, mm

1-0.5 0.5-0.2 0.2-0.1 0.1-0.05 0.05-0.01 0.01-0.005 0.005-0.001 <0.001

12.5 57.6 20.6 5.1 3.4 0.4 0.4 0.0

Table 20. Granulometric Composition of Bed Silt

Particles Content (%) according to diameter, mm

>100 100-50 50-20 20-10 10-5 5-2 2-1 1-0.5 0.5-0.2 0.2-0.1 0.1-0.05 <0.05

26.4 21.1 22.2 22.5 - 0.1 0.0 4.5 1.9 0.9 0.2 0.0

Water temperature depending on the air temperature fluctuations reaches its maximum in July-August, and the minimum is observed in January-February.

Table 21. Water Mean Monthly Temperature, oC

River Section I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

Meghri-Meghri Town 1.3 1.7 4.7 8.9 12.0 13.5 19.1 17.0 15.8 11.4 6.4 2.8

The river does not freeze. The glacial phenomena (riverside ice, cut) in the Meghri-Lichk observation site start on 25 November and end on 22 March. The groundwater level at head intake site is at the depth of

1.52.0 m, and the layer adjoining to a water layer is on depth of 7-12m.

Water-economic justifications were made by the FS/FD Consultant at the preliminary design phase8. Considering that crops within project area are located in various zones, water demand is calculated according to irrigation regimes 31, 33, 34 and 37. Crops irrigated by pumping are located within zone 31.

% ha Orchards 62 392 Grape 27 170 Winter wheat 8 51 Vegetables, melon, water melon 3 19 Total 100 632

8 “Meghri Gravity System: Preliminary Final Design Report”, Yerevan, February 2009.

31

The discharge of designed conduit is calculated based on ordinate value of relative water demand q=0.620 l/s, pipeline efficiency - 0.85 and forcing factor Kф=1.2:

5532.185.0

62.0632

Q l/sec

Water demand is calculated for 75% probability year according to standard requirements9. The data is shown in table 22.

Table 22. Water demand of the areas irrigated under Meghri gravity system

N/N Community Irrigated lands, ha Q.

l/sec Qф.

l/sec

1 Meghri 213 155 186

2 Agarak 165 120 144

3 Shvanidzor 82 60 72

4 Alvank 152 120 133

5 Karchevan 20 14 18

Total: 632 469 553

. Biodiversity The biodiversity and ecosystems of Armenia are very rich due to the geographical location, complicated geological structure, altitude and the fact that flora and fauna are diverse in different boundaries of natural climatic zones. Intensive human activity has adversely impacted the rich biodiversity of Armenia’s ecosystems and their components. Being one of the biggest economic activities, agriculture is also considered to be the activity that most upsets the balance of nature components, endangering the biodiversity of Armenia.

The region of Syunik is characterized by rich natural ecosystems. Endemic, rare and disappearing species of wild plants and animals are common mainly in higher elevations of southern slopes of Meghri mountain range and eastern slopes of Zangezur mountain range. At the same time it should be mentioned, that such places exist actually in the whole territory of RA, which is also proved by Specially Protected Natural Areas (SPNA) distribution in the territory of the republic. Flora The flora of the Syunik region is rather various, that is a consequence of natural-historical development, original geographical location and mountain character of territory.

The basic feature of vegetation’s distribution is belts on ascending. The upper and bottom borders of some belts are different, i.e. sometimes the vegetation of one belt type nestles close into another, that is caused by water, soil and microclimatic features.

On the territory of Meghri in foothills at height up to 800-1000m on abrupt stony slopes and round them the xerophilous (friganoide) vegetation of semidesert type it is observed. They are often called the vegetation of skeletal mountains on which the influence of Iranian deserts is appreciable. The most typical kind of semi-

9 Water amounts required to irrigate the existing and designed command areas were calculated by the FS/FD consultant by using the instruction of a technical guidebook on “Irrigation norms and regimes for irrigated agricultural crops in the Republic of Armenia”, approved by the Minister of Territorial Administration of the Republic of Armenia, Decree N 18-A, 02.04.2007 and Minister of Agriculture, decree N 77-A, 02.04.2007, Yerevan.

32

desert vegetation is Fragrant wormseed (Artemisia fragrance). In the Spring these territories become covered by Ceratocephala falcata, Anisantha tectorum. The communities of mountain xerophilous plants are extended on slopes, for which the climbing types of plants, undersized trees, mixed light forest and bushes (Dactylis L, locoweed (Astragalus L.), esparcet (Onobrychlis), buckthorn (Rhamnus L.), almond (Rosacae, etc.) are typical. The Upper Alpine vegetation is characteristic to meadow association: Campanula tridentate Schreb., Carrx tristis Bieb., Taraxacum stevenii DC., Plantago saxatilis Bieb., Colpodium araraticum Tarutv., Poa alpina L., Nardus glabriculmis Sakalo, Sibbaldia parviflora Willd. The platyphyllous types of plants, in particular, beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), oak (Quercus iberica Stev., Q. macranthera Fisch. Et Mey. Ex Hohen), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L., C. Orientalis Mill), ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior L.), lime tree (Tilia begoniifolia Stev) are characteristic to forest community.

Based on the field survey of the corridor proposed for the construction of the water pipeline, the area directly affected during earth works is not populated with forest species. It carries predominantly grass cover with occasional shrubs and bushes. Fauna The specific compound of fauna was influenced by the fauna of Iran, Anatolia, Caucasus Minor, and partially Middle Asia regions. Therefore the fauna of the region is diverse. Here there are such kinds of animals which are characteristic only for Armenian highland. Armenian moufflon, bezoarian goat, the snow leopard.

Invertebrates on this territory are represented basically by the kinds having ancient origin: Mediterranean, Iran-Turanian, Crimea-Caucasian and Caucasian: They are rich with endemics, most representative of them are Phytodrymadusa armeniaca (сricket), Nocarodes armenus (grasshopper), Dictyla subdola, Geotomus punctulatus (wood louse), Amphicoma eichleri, Cantharis araxicola (bugs) Tomomyza araxana, Bombilius schelkovnikovi (dipterans), Shadinia akramowskii, Gabbiella araxena, Pupilla bipapulata (molluscs), Zodarion petrobium (the spiders). From mammals it is possible to note Microtus arvalis (field mouse), Martes martes (marten), Vulpes vulpes (fox), Erinaceus auritus (big-eared hedgehog), Nyctalus noctula (Noctule bat), Vespertilio ognevi, Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus).

The herpetofauna is represented by 26 kinds, 11 of which are lizards, 13 kinds of snakes and 2 kinds of turtles. Darevsky raddei, Ophisops elegans, Eumeces schneideri, Mabuya aurata, Lacerta strigata (lizards), Elaphe hohenackeri, Telescopus fallax, Eryx jaculus, Vipera lebetina, Vipera raddei, Malpolon monspessulanus, Eirenis collaris, Typlops vermicularis, Eirenis punctatolineata, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Pseudocyclophis persicus(snakes), Greece tortoise (Testudo graeca).

On rather limited territories Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Black francolin (Francolinus francolinus), Desert wheatear (Oenanthe xanthoprymna), etc. meet, more than 50 kinds feathery.

The river trout is found in the mountain rivers of the region. Occurrence of the species is registered in mountainous rivers draining into the Meghri River. For many years trout has not been seen in the lower sections of Meghri River, where the project intervention is planned.

Specially Protected Natural Areas Arevik National Park was founded through the decree N1209-N of the Government of RA dated on October 15, 2009. It includes the upper and lower sections of Meghri river. The designed irrigation system is located in the lower section of the river and the planned work can not have any influence on the preserved flora and fauna.

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Socio-economic conditions As a result of Meghri gravity system construction, two urban and three rural communities will become immediate beneficiaries. The project is put into effect on the territory of Meghri WUA of Syunik Marz. The table below presents general data on the beneficiary communities.

Table 23. Beneficiary Communities under the Meghri gravity system

Community Permanent

Population10

Gender composition

Number of water users

Meghri 4801 43 %-male 57 % -female

238

Agarak 4840 51 %- male 49 % - female

925

Shvanidzor 282 49% - male 51% - female

174

Alvank 360 57% - male 43 % - female

153

Karchevan 273 51% - male 49 % - female

149

Total: 10556 1639

There are refugees living in the communities of Meghri and Agarak, as well as in Alvank. Those refugees are considered beneficiaries of this project. To describe the present social conditions and lands in the beneficiary communities, the FS/FD consultant conducted social surveys among the leaders of the beneficiary communities and WUAs at the preliminary design phase. The project affected area is not entirely irrigated in present, due to low precipitation, unstable work of the pumping stations and disrupted irrigation water supply, the distance of the lands from the communities and limited financial means of the landowners. Irrigated lands decrease annually, resulting in adverse impacts on the community people’s incomes and increasing emigration from rural areas. Data on minority groups are shown for a Marz assuming that it is typical also of the affected communities and is described as follows: Russians-0.16% of total population, Ukrainians- 0.03% and other-0.12%. Minority groups along with ethnic Armenians have equal rights and will equally benefit from the Project results.

10 National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia. Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures, 2008. Official

web-site of the NSS of the RA: http://www.armstat.am/en . Accessed in March 2009.

http://www.armstat.am/en

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5 Project Alternatives Project alternatives are considered from two perspectives. First, the “No Action” alternative is considered from the perspective of not developing the Project. Second alternative is examined in the Feasibility study to arrive at a “Final Design” for construction of Meghri gravity system. Both perspectives are described below.

5.1 “No Action” Alternative

The “No Action” alternative refers to a situation in which the Meghri gravity system is not built. As might be expected, a without project scenario has negative economic and environmental consequences. In case of this scenario the equipment of the existing 8 pumping stations that are frequently replaced with expensive foreign equipment due to “abrasive” properties of Araks River will gradually wear out. Termination of currently operating 8 pumping stations in practice will turn 632 ha arable lands dry (these are currently irrigated mechanically ). Socio-economic and environmental consequences will be as follows:

- Communities will become devoid of irrigation water, - Costs for operation and maintenance of the pumping stations will increase, - Irrigated lands will decrease, - Emigration from rural areas will increase, - Physical-chemical properties of the lands will worsen etc.

Considering that “No Action” alternative deprives the communities of project gravity water source, reduces further operation reliability of irrigation water sources of the existing mechanical method that is power driven and does not serve the improvement of agricultural production in the project area and poverty reduction, this alternative was not considered further.

5.2 Proposed Alternatives

The FS/FD consultant, using the following technical, social and environmental standards, examined another option for the Meghri gravity system during the design phase:

Hydrological and water economy investigations and water availability at water sources,

Financial and economic analysis of alternative designs,

Utilization of existing infrastructure/pipelines as a component of the design,

Analysis of socio-economic conditions,

The status and concerns of owners along the whole gravity system route and adjacent areas. Preliminary design for Meghri gravity system was presented in one alternative. It was presented by the same route with a 10.655 m long additional section of the right branch of the pipeline that was designed to irrigate by gravity 103 ha of arable lands of Nyuvadi (Nrnadzor) community and 62 ha of Bughdaduz community that are presently irrigated mechanically. That option was not justified as a result of analysis and discussions since the feasibility studies did not meet the requirements. However, the selected final design considers the possibility of implementing this alternative in future and the designed capacity of the hydrotechnical structures envisaged by the Final Design is 697 liters/second. The limitations of the considered options led the FS/FD consultant to consider various configurations of the existing facilities and pipelines, combined with new pipeline, with different off-takes and alternative routes, calling for alternative quantities of water off-take from the water sources. Based on calculations and analyses of these various configurations the FS/FD consultant recommended the final option.

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5.3 Justification of the Selected Option The final design of the Meghri gravity system envisages providing irrigation water by gravity to 686 ha irrigable lands of the 5 communities of Syunik Marz that are currently under mechanical irrigation. These include: Meghri and Agarak towns, and Shvanidzor, Alvank, Nrnadzor and Karchevan communities. The system starts at Meghri River section in Vardanidzor community with mountain type head water intake structure at 1043 m above sea level. The total length of the gravity system with its right and left branches makes 33 km that will be implemented with iron-concrete elements, steel pipes and various structures. The total water demand for irrigating 686 ha of 6 beneficiary communities is estimated at 553 l/sec which will be abstracted from Meghri River. The technical condition of the pumping stations currently supplying water to the users is getting worse year by year, therefore they need to be re-equipped. This causes extra energy use, high annual expense for maintenance and the risk that considerable arable lands will stay without water. As a result of the proposed project implementation, irrigation water supplied through eight pumping stations will be provided by gravity. The final option of the Meghri gravity system design has been selected based on the following justification: the system is completely gravity; and it has a reliable water source.

Main technical and economic parameters of the final option are provided in the table below.

Table 24: Main technical and economic parameters of Meghri gravity system

N: Title Unit rate Parameter

1 Area subject to gravity irrigation ha 686

2 Water required for the irrigation l/sec 553

3 Annually saved electric power Million kW/

hour 3.89

4 Capital investment Thousand $ 5500

5 Economic rate of return (ERR) % >12.5%

6 Construction period month 15

Social, economic and financial studies conducted by the FS/FD consultant at the preliminary and final design stages of the project show that social and economic gains, which are cumulative, outweigh the potential negative consequences of the “No Action” alternative. The likely negative environmental impacts, which are described in detail in the following sections, are expected to be short-term and localized during the construction phase of the project. These can be mitigated by a timely and proper implementation of the mitigation measures presented in the EMP (Annex A). The expected positive impacts are envisaged to be enhanced by implementation of the measures recommended in this document.

6 Beneficial and Adverse Impacts Replacement of the existing pumping station under the Meghri gravity system will bring positive changes to delivery of irrigation water and water users will more easily obtain the required quantity of irrigation water in a timely manner. In addition, there will be significant cost savings from reduction in energy use, including ecological benefits through prevention of atmospheric pollution associated with energy consumption. The replacement of the undependable pumping stations by gravity system will increase the reliability of irrigation water resources, thereby increasing farmer incentives to cultivate high value crops. The expected overall positive environmental and social impacts from the construction of Meghri gravity system will be long-term and cumulative in nature, ultimately contributing to the increased social and economic benefits of the communities affected.

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The potential adverse environmental and social impacts are described for the construction and operation phases as well as for decommissioning of the Meghri gravity system. Construction phase The likely adverse environmental impacts during the construction phase may include: pollution of surface and ground water resources; degradation of soil, landscape and soil erosion because of improper disposal of excavated materials and construction waste, spillage of oil and other substances during the construction; soil erosion, pollution, and deterioration of landscape due to the use of borrow pits; temporary air pollution related to increased truck traffic during the construction; noise and vibration disturbances during trench excavation; as well as potential impacts on flora and fauna. Social adverse impacts may occur as a result of temporary use of state / community owned lands during construction works. Description of estimated potential impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project as well as social impacts is presented below.

(a) Air quality: Emission of inorganic dust from digging-loading works and emission of harmful substances and dust from combustion of diesel used by transportation means and machinery occur during the construction works. Asphalt and bitumen laying works result in hydrocarbon emissions, petrol use for bitumen thinning causes petrol fume emissions. Welding works cause welding aerosol and manganese monoxide emissions. Concrete mixers work result in concrete dust emissions. The main sources of emissions are below.

dust emissions at digging-loading works

dust emission during the vehicular traffic emission at construction machinery operating

emissions at asphalt laying works

emissions at concrete mixture making works

petrol fumes

emissions at welding works The results of the calculations of emissions are represented in Tables 25 below. Table 25

Polluting substances Emissions, t/year

Head structure

Main Canal

Left Branch

Right Branch

Total

dust

carbon monoxide

hydrocarbons

nitrogen dioxide

sulphuric anhydride

particulate pollutant

petrol fumes

welding aerosol

manganese oxide

concrete dust

12.15 15.12 1.51 7.32 1.04 0.74 0.005 0.027 0.0027 0.66

4.29 9.78 1.046 4.74 0.67 0.48 0.4 0.018 0.0018 5.15

10.73 9.78 0.996 4.74 0.67 0.48 0.002 0.018 0.0018 0.26

6.22 9.78 1.51 4.74 0.67 0.48 0.0008 0.018 0.0018 0.12

33.39 44.46 5.062 21.54 3.05 0.41 2.18 0.081 0.0081 6.19

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Calculation of near-earth concentrations of atmospheric emission The construction works will be carried out at rather far distance from the populated areas and harmful substances brought forth will not practically pollute the urban-industrial environment. However, to define the real condition the assessment of the near-earth concentration emissions has been made. The calculation of the harmful substances emission into the atmosphere has been made according to the

computer based program Raduga (Rainbow) 11. The data brought in the previous section have been used as basic ones. Basing on the calculations made, there has been defined:

the coordinates of the nominal design point, m

concentrations of the harmful substances,

the direction of the torch axe,

wind speed (m/sec) at which the near-earth concentration at the nominal design point reaches its optimal value

Results from the near-earth concentrations calculations are compared with the Maximum Allowed

Concentrations (MAC) defined for populated areas as there are not any other established norms12. The data got are represented in the Table 26.

Table 26.

№ Pollutant Maximal pollution in absolute units, mg/m3

MAC for populated

areas, mg/m3

Maximal pollution by MAC parts

1. dust 0.09 0.5 0.181

2. carbon monoxide 0.05 5.0 0.01

3. hydrocarbons 0.0056 1.0 0.0056

4. nitrogen dioxide 0.026 0.085 0.308

5. sulphuric anhydride 0.0037 0.5 0.0073

6. particulate pollutant 0.013 0.5 0.026

7. petrol fumes 0.0001 5.0 0.00002

8. welding aerosol 0.00015 0.5 0.0003

9. manganese oxide - 0.01 0.001

10. concrete dust 0.007 0.3 0.023

As evident from the Table the anticipated near-earth concentrations do not exceed the MACs for the populated areas.

(b) Water use and wastewater generation During the construction work water is used for drinking purposes and domestic needs of the administrative staff and workers as well as for building site watering and vehicle servicing. Water use and wastewater volumes were calculated by using the methodology and manuals referred to in Annex E.

11 ПКТИ of Lithuania SSR Ministry of Local Industry “Package of uniform program for calculation of air pollution ” (PUPAPC) “Raduga”, 1990. 12 Republic of Armenia Law on Atmospheric Air Protection. http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=2303&lang=eng Accessed in March 2009.

http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=2303&lang=eng

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Calculation of public-domestic water consumption and wastewater volumes The individual norms of public-domestic water consumption and wastewater are determined by the water amount which is consumed for satisfying necessary domestic-economic demands. The annual public-domestic water consumption, which depends on the purpose of its use, is conditionally divided into two groups:

- Drinking water consumption is referred to the first group; it depends on the number of team members.

- Water consumed for open areas and building sites watering is referred to the second group; its amount is calculated proceeding from the building sites area surface.

The amount of the public-domestic water consumption and wastewater is calculated by the following method: a. Calculation of public-domestic water demand The water consumption for drinking and domestic demands is calculated as following: W c.t. = (n x N x + n1 x N1) x T, where n – administrative workers (EP) number is 10 men n1– workers’ (workers, drivers, watchmen) number – 100 men

N– EP’s water consumption norm is 0.016m3

day/man

N1 – workers’ water consumption norm is 0.025m3

day/man T– the number of working days during the construction period is 375 days

W c.t. = (10 x 0.016 + 100 x 0.025) x 375 = 997.5 m3

/const. period

Average per day- 2.66 m3

/day (0.3m3

/hour) b. Calculation of water demand for open areas watering The building sites according to the construction work implementation schedules move in along the water conduit stretch, though the construction is carried out on the areas of the same size, which surface makes

about 1200 m2

W o.a. = 0.0005 x S x k x T S = 1200 m2, k = 1,T = 260 days S – area surface k -amount of watering per day T – watering days number during the construction W o. a. = 0.0005 x 1200 x 1 x 260 = 156 m3/ const. period Average per day 0.6m3/day c. The public-domestic water consumption will make Q total = Wc.t. + Wo.a.

Q total = 997.5 + 156 = 1153.5 m3

/ const. period

The optimal cost per day will make 3.26m3

/day. d. Calculation of public-domestic wastewater Drinking and catering centre water drain calculation is made by the following formula WW.D.c.Cc. = Wc.t. – LP, where LPdrinking – loss in percent – 5%

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LPdrinking= Wc.t. x0.05 =997.5 x0.05= 49.88 m3

/const. period

WW.D.C.CC. = 997.5– 49.88 = 947.62m3

/ const. period Calculation of subsidiary water use and wastewater The number of the employed vehicles will make 56 units. Water consumption of the fleet depends on the vehicle servicing (cooling systems charge). Vehicle washing is carried out at car washing facility. Water consumption is calculated by the following formula: Vt = A x (g1+g2) x k x T1 formula, where A – number of vehicles by conditional units, 56 g1, g2 –washing and charging norms k – load factor T1 – washing and charging numbers A = 56 x 1.25 = 70

g1 =0,15 g2=0.06 m3

/vehicle, k = 0.65, T1 = 0, T2= 35 Thus

Vt = 70 x (0.15 + 0.06 ) x 0.65 x 35 = 344.4 m3

/ const. period

(9.84 m3

/day) Water consumption for the vehicle service is referred to the irrevocable water consumption and is not considered to be a leakage. Calculation of water required for making concrete The whole volume of the concrete mixture is envisaged to be 2218 m3. Average coefficient of the water content makes 0.25, thus the necessary water amount will make 2218 x 0.25 = 554.5 m3/const. period.

Table 27. Volume of the public-domestic, economic and subsidiary water consumption and wastewater

Water consumption demand

Water consumption, m3/cons. period

Wastewater, m3/cons. period

Total Of drinking quality

Of service quality

Leakage Loss Irrevocable water

consumption

Drinking and domestic 997.5 997.5 - 947.62 49.88 -

Open area watering 156 156 - - - 156

Fleet 344.4 344.4 - - - 344.4

Water required for making concrete

554.5 554.5 - - - 554.5

Total 2052.4 2052.4 - 947.62 49.88 1054.9

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Total water consumption will comprise:

2052.4 m3

/const. period,

Average per day - 14.57 m3

/day Total wastewater will comprise:

947.62 m3

/const. period,

Average per day - 6.7 m3

/day The waste water will be collected in septic tanks made of impermeable materials. Based on the volumes of the wastewater to be generated during the construction phase it is anticipated to have a 50 m3

septic tank which will provide 7 day work. The tanks will be emptied every week by special vehicles which will transport the wastewater to a centralized wastewater collector with prior agreement with the local authorities.

(c) works in the waterways

The main conduit and head structure will be built on the river bank, and the main conduit will cross the river. During the works construction equipment may damage the riverbanks, so the river may be polluted with earth volume and construction materials. During the construction of river crossings the water will be muddy causing damage to the biodiversity of the river.

(d) Earth works

Excavation and backfilling volumes envisaged for the 4 sections of the Meghri gravity system during the construction phase of Meghri gravity system is presented below.

Excavation:

- Main conduit- 3455 m3,

- Head structure– 21495.1 m3,

- Left branch- 22312.4 m3,

- Right branch- 9125 m3. Backfilling:

- Main conduit - 920 m3,

- Head structure –14619.7 m3,

- Left branch - 20409.1 m3,

- Right branch - 8293.5 m3. The excavated excess earth will be stored in a specially designated area to be further used for rehabilitation of construction sites. The access soil be used for backfilling within the Meghri area. (e) Extraction of construction material (quarries)

In case construction contractor wishes to extract construction materials rather than purchase them from the existing suppliers, there may be a risk of erosion and pollution. Environmental damage may be caused by improper disposal of spoil, inadequate operation of mining equipment and transportation means, and possible explosions. As a result, the topsoil will be damaged; the out flowing water will create a risk of erosion.

(f) Generation of solid waste

Construction works result in earth volumes, construction waste and household waste.

Earth volumes are used as backfill and also for the improvement and leveling of the area after the construction work.

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Construction waste is composed of deteriorated construction materials and construction structures, metal parts, used oils and grease.

Household waste is generated in construction sites and camps.

Taking into account that the existing pumping stations, other structures will not be demolished and

the pumps will not be dismantled, so in these areas no waste is expected.

(g) Biodiversity

During the construction work territories covered with grass will be damaged. In the areas, where works will be carried out, there are no forests, so deforestation is not expected.

Installation of the pipeline will imply two river crossings above the river surface. The pipe will be attached to the structures of the existing bridges. Therefore, works will not be performed within the waterway, and will have minimal temporary impact on the aquatic ecosystem.

(h) Social and Economic Impacts:

Negative social and economic impacts may occur due to the temporary use of some land in communal use for the needs of construction works on the Meghri irrigation system. Consent of the representatives of the affected community for the temporary restriction of the land use in the course of works for pipeline construction was obtained at the stage of preliminary design. However the process of consultation with the affected people and documentation of their agreement to the temporary restriction in land use will be finalized once the detailed design drawings are available, and prior to commencement of works in the affected area. Short-term disturbances as increased traffic, noise and dust during the construction works will be minimized by proper implementation of mitigation measures envisaged by the EMP as well as environmental and social clauses for civil works’ contracts (Annex A). Agricultural activities of the local population will not be disrupted as the envisaged activities will not interrupt irrigation of currently commanded lands. Operation phase

(a) Risks from malfunction of the hydraulic structures of the scheme. During the operation of the gravity system there is a possibility of malfunctioning-obstruction of pipes, fissures and disconnection of pipes and crossing sections, which will result in water overflow and flooding.

(b) Salinization, alkalization, and erosion In case lands are over irrigated above the standards, there is a possibility of earth damping, which may result in salinization, alkalization and erosion in some sections.

(c) Contamination of agricultural lands as a result of poor quality of irrigation water The quality of the irrigated lands depends on a number of variables, including the quality of irrigation water. In case of water pollution and high mineralization, aggravation of land quality is possible.

(d) Damage to aquatic life from excessive water intake Survival of animal and plant species in rivers depends on the water balance, decrease of which will cause reduction of water flow having negative impact on water ecosystem.

(e) Damage to human and natural environment from increased use of agrochemicals. Rehabilitation of the irrigation infrastructure will result in better yields, may lead to diversification of crops, and eventually increase incomes of rural families from agriculture. Along with highly positive social impacts, activation of agro-production in better irrigated areas and land plots brought back to production as a result of resumed irrigation services may lead to increase in use of agrochemicals. Handling and application of pesticides carries risks to the heath of people exposed to pesticides, consumers of the products farmed with the use of pesticides, and may damage environment with hazardous pollutants.

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Decommissioning phase Useful life of Meghri gravity system is estimated at 50 years. At the decommissioning phase of the Meghri gravity system, waste will be generated from dismantling pipelines and other structures which may have a temporary or permanent impact on adjacent lands. Soils may be disrupted in the process of dismantling the pipelines and other structures, causing further degradation if not restored. Social and economic welfare of water users served by the Meghri gravity system may be adversely affected if no alternative means of water supply are provided. As a result of timely and proper implementation of the Environmental Management Plan with the appropriate mitigation measures, as well as environmental and social clauses of the civil works contracts all these likely negative impacts can be prevented and minimized.

7 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Mitigation and enhancement measures are proposed for the design, construction and operation phases of the Meghri gravity system project that shall be undertaken by executing agencies to prevent and/or minimize the likely adverse environmental and social impacts listed above. Design Phase Environmental and social mitigation requirements are incorporated in the final design, technical specifications and bidding documents to be implemented by the construction contractor and the system operating entity to avoid, prevent, minimize, or rehabilitate the potential impacts. The final design documents include a list of approved borrow pits and agreed spoil disposal sites; agreements obtained from the relevant state and local authorities for use of water resources to feed the gravity system, borrow pits and sites for disposal of excavated spoils as appropriate; list of construction preparation temporary sites such as access roads, construction camps, transport and machinery sites, storage facilities, etc. The design documents provide technical solutions for minimizing impact on the water bodies (banks, bed, water flow and quality) not hindering water provision with relevant quantity and quality of different sections of the river. To address possible impacts on the aquatic life, the design includes arrangement of a fish ladder as well as the settler with two twin-chambered inlets, regulatory gates, and a fish valve. Several alternatives were considered for laying the pipe along the Meghri river where it passes through the residential area in suburban Meghri. The adopted design solution avoids works within the waterway and does not require land acquisition. Only temporary use of state/community owned lands will be required.

Construction Phase Measures to prevent and/or minimize the degradation of landscapes and soil erosion, pollution of surface and groundwater resources and soils by construction run-off shall be implemented by the contractor during the construction phase. This may include, but not be limited to the use of already existing quarries and disposal sites, according to the requirements set in the appropriate permits and agreements obtained at the design phase; zones of preliminary accumulation of wastes that will cause no damage to the vegetation cover and other components of the environment shall be maintained by the contractor; ditches with gradient over 5% shall be reinforced by surface protection, steep slopes shall be strengthened by vegetation, grass and plants, concrete plates or gabions to avoid erosion; all vegetative cover shall be restored to its original condition preceded with appropriate stripping and storage of the top-soils in the preliminary approved sites;

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sites for storage of oil and chemicals shall be properly equipped to minimize the risks of polluting soils and waters; dust and noise from the construction site shall be minimized especially in residential areas, public places, near schools, by using closed/covered trucks for transportation of raw/construction materials and debris. All earth works are expected to be carried out by machinery and equipment supplied with dust collectors. The vehicles and machinery must be regularly checked, tuned up and equipped with effective exhaust mufflers. Water shall be used to wet road-metal, stored and removed soils and eliminate dust as well as watering of the construction site and gravel access roads as required, except during winter and months with high precipitation. Septic tanks to be placed at the construction camp(s) must be made of impermeable material and shall be emptied in accordance with applicable rules. The wastewater shall be transported by a special truck to a centralized wastewater collector, based on the agreement obtained from the local authorities during the design phase. The constructor should take special protective measures to prevent modification and degradation of Meghri River flow, bed and banks (i.e., use of cofferdams, silt traps to minimize turbidity downstream the river, etc.). Temporary fuel station with 1.0-2.0 ton capacity may be placed in the construction site during construction works. It will be placed on a concrete platform equipped with leakage collection system to prevent pollution of top soil and surface waters with fuel. It should be dismantled after construction works. To avoid or mitigate the direct impact on vegetation during trench digging construction works it is necessary to carry those out either prior to or after the termination of the agricultural planting season to avoid cutting of trees and bushes. At the same time, the following re-cultivation works will be undertaken:

the topsoil layer with vegetative cover must be preliminary stripped and stored in the nearest areas without vegetation, either within the alienation zone or at the sites specifically designated by local authorities, anticipating its taking back after troughs backfilling and flattening;

the fertile soil layer of the tramped and vegetation free areas must be excavated by excavators and stored on some other area without vegetation, and after backfilling and flattening the trough lines to be replaced with the excavated earth;

the excavated earth from the pipeline conduit must be stored on vegetation free area, and after pipe laying be used for troughs backfilling;

the top soil layer of the area where the envisaged pipelines are to be installed will be preliminary stripped and stored on vegetation free area (for conservation and rational use of vegetation cover), and used for planting of greenery in the very community or in other sites necessary (in case of luck of necessity in the very community).

Construction camps are to be placed in areas without vegetative cover. It is expected that the temporary structures are to be placed parallel to the stretches on the abutments, and construction waste disposal shall be regularly provided. To avoid or mitigate the negative impact on fauna during the excavation and pipeline erection works as well as the anticipated earthworks for the construction of the head water intake structure, the optimal work schedule is worked out to mitigate negative impacts on fauna, mainly during breeding and seasonal migration periods. During the abovementioned periods, the temporary noise of operating machinery and building works can cause direct adverse impacts on fauna. Fauna – birds and wildlife will naturally search for a safer environment. From this point of view, the best period for construction implementation is late autumn and winter. The pass ways and bridges are to be appropriately provided along the open stretches of the system to ensure the migration routes for animals. Fish screens are envisaged to be in place at the primary in-take structures of the Meghri gravity system.

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If historical and/or cultural monuments and artifacts are unexpectedly found during construction activities the construction contractors must cease the works and provide relevant information to the State Agency for Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments which, after due consideration of the findings, and the Agency experts after determining the significance of the chance finds shall recommend whether the works can be continued or the design must be revised. Construction works (i.e., construction of head water intake structure, laying of pipes) will be carried out in consultation with impacted farmers to minimize the adverse economic impacts. Works will be scheduled and undertaken the way not to coincide or to minimally overlap with the irrigation season, so that crops are not affected by lack of water supply. During construction of pipeline in the vicinity of Meghri town temporary routes for cattle movement will be established to provide alternative access to pastures. The existing infrastructure, including several bridges over the Meghri river within the project affected area, are permissive for ensuring uninterrupted access to pasture fields. Construction works shall be implemented in conformity with relevant requirements and safety procedures defined by the RA legislation, as well as requirements presented in separate sections of this document. Operation Phase

(a) Prevention of flooding from poor maintenance of hydraulic structures

During operation it is essential that the head water intake structure, pipelines, and other structures be regularly inspected and be periodically maintained to ensure proper conveyance, avoid stagnation and prevent flooding and damages.

(b) Preventing alkalization, salinization, and erosion To prevent the erosion of lands in the command area of the Meghri gravity system it is important to undertake anti-erosion measures on arable lands first, during the cultivation. It is recommended to sow the crops by horizontal slopes, apply dense sowing of the crops, furrowing and bedding, to irrigate by short furrows according to the established norms. In order to prevent salinization and alkalization, sound irrigation practices should be applied excluding waterlogging of the service areas. Also, periodic checks of the water supplied for irrigation is recommended (see below).

(c) Maintaining quality of irrigation water

Quality of the water to be supplied through the Meghri gravity scheme will depend on its source, which is Meghri River. Monitoring of Meghri river water quality is carried out by the Environmental Impact Monitoring Centre (EIMC) of RA Ministry of Nature Protection. There are several static sampling points in various sections of the river flow, and the drawn samples are being analyzed in the laboratories of the EIMC. Water quality monitoring data appears on the web-sites of EIMC and RA Ministry of Nature protection and are available for the interested parties. The information is updated on monthly basis. Meghri WUA will follow the information provided in these sites and will inform the community leaders about the water quality fluctuations.

If the established ceilings of the content of toxic compounds in water is exceeded, WUA will approach relevant Government authorities responsible for identifying sources of pollution, addressing causes of pollution to the extent possible, and undertaking relevant corrective measures for land reclamation.

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(d) Managing impact on rivers’ aquatic life from excessive water intake Meghri river flow has severely expressed seasonal prevalence. River flows in section 3.3 are presented according to the months. According to the calculations the minimum flow is 0.43 mln m3 monthly. Lack of water may be noted in the second half of a dry summer. Ensuring maintenance of the ecologic flow is the responsibility of the Meghri WUA.

(e) Managing impacts of improved irrigation service delivery on agro-production

Amelioration LLC, working for the State Committee of Water Economy, supervises the quantity of agrochemical and pesticide use; assures safe land use; and monitors composition, structure and salt content of ameliorated lands

Promotion of good pest and pesticide management practices is included into the project design. A library of brochures, fliers, and posters on the sound and safe handling of pesticides, including information on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), has accumulated as a depository of outputs from a number of rural development projects implemented in Armenia with support of the World Bank and other international/bilateral financiers. This material is readily available for reproduction for the needs of ISEP. WUAs will play pivotal role in promotion of good agricultural practice and of IPM techniques applicable in the context of the project implementation area. Decommissioning Phase Waste generated during the dismantling of the Meghri gravity system shall be stored and disposed in accordance with the requirements of the permits and/or agreements to be obtained from the State authorities. Disrupted soils (excavated soils, trenches, camps. etc.) shall be restored to their original state in order to prevent their degradation and temporary air pollution and disturbance of population and biodiversity of adjacent areas related to the transportation of dismantled gravity system shall be regulated by implementation of the specific measures developed (schedule of the construction works, traffic management plan, etc.). Alternative means of irrigation water supply shall be provided for command areas in order to maintain the social and economic welfare of the affected communities.

8 Institutional Responsibilities 8.1 Agencies Institutional responsibility for implementation of the proposed mitigation measures will be shared amongst the following agencies: Executing agencies The SCWM under the MoTA is the implementing entity for ISEP. It carries overall responsibility for the project implementation in consent with the legal agreement signed with the World Bank, the national legislation, and the World Bank safeguard policies applicable. PIU under SCWM is responsible for day-to-day management of the project implementation, including financial management, procurement, safeguards application, monitoring and evaluation. Civil works for the reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme will be undertaken by works contractor(s) hired by the PIU. Contractor(s) will be responsible for adhering to EMP and disclosing all information related to caused environmental impacts to the PIU.

46

Supervising agencies PIU will hire a licensed Construction Supervision Company for daily supervision of the implementation of civil works, including implementation of EMP. The Construction Supervision Company will oversee the environmental and social aspects of all construction activities in order to ensure that mitigation measures are designed and implemented properly to prevent and minimize likely adverse environmental and social impacts. The Construction Supervisor will also ensure that all relevant agreements and permits are obtained contractor(s) from relevant state and local authorities before commencement of works or during their conduct – as regulated by law.

Project beneficiary WUA and community leaders will also have a supervisory role, including oversight on the quality of works and observance of the EMP requirements by contractor(s), e .g. temporary storage and removal of garbage and waste to the waste areas specified by them. State enforcement agencies State agencies mandated to enforce the national legislation, norms, and standards pertaining the planned works for reconstruction of Meghri irrigation scheme are the following:

- State Environmental Inspectorate tracks water intake from natural water bodies and river pollution, and

- Sanitary service provided by RA Ministry of Health inspects sanitary conditions at the construction sites.

8.2 Reporting Responsibilities and Schedule Construction Supervision Consultant will be responsible for reporting to the PIU on the implementation of the mitigation measures included in EMP provided in Annex A and according to the monitoring plan presented in Annex B. The Incident report form shall be completed and submitted to PIU if any environmental and social major risks are observed (such as spills, explosions, etc.). The Incident report form is presented in Annex C. Simple field monitoring checklists will be filled out by the Supervision Consultant on monthly basis. Incident reports and information on urgent issues must be communicated to PIU immediately. More in-depth, analytical reporting on the status of environmental compliance will be made on the quarterly basis. Such write-up should provide overview of the issues encountered, measures taken for addressing them, and final outcomes of corrective actions. Reports should be supplemented with dated photo material. PIU will be responsible for quality control of the Supervision Consultant’s work and for keeping all environmental monitoring reports at the office. Monthly checklists should be made available to the World Bank upon demand. PIU will submit quarterly reports on the construction supervision to the World Bank and the SCWS, including information on PIU’s own work for ensuring safeguards compliance. This would describe PIU’s efforts for checking quality and reality of reports incoming from the Supervision Consultant performed by desk top analysis of information and field visits.

8.3 Budget The budget for civil works contracts includes costs allocated for implementation of environmental and social mitigation measures. Appropriate mitigation measures to be fulfilled by the construction contractor(s) are presented in Annex A.

47

The cost of implementation of mitigation measures is estimated at 1.25 % of the cost of the total construction contract.

9 Public Consultation Informal public consultations and surveys were undertaken by the FS/FD Consultant in the affected area in the course of obtaining baseline data during the design phase, as well as will be carried out by HGSN LLC during updating and finalizing the EIA for Meghri gravity system. The objectives of the consultations carried out within the framework of MCA-Armenia Program were to assess social issues as well as social impact possibly caused by the Meghri gravity system project implementation. As that stage preliminary agreements were obtained from the appropriate state and local authorities in relation to the proposed project. The final contracts and land allotments were not arranged and will be conducted after the approval of the Final Design option. The Meghri system socio-economic investigations included mutual discussions with WUA and village administrative heads as well as the Marzpetaran and rural community councils covering the following subjects of concern to the local population:

to select the shortest route in order to minimize construction on arable lands;

to avoid resettlement problems as much as possible;

to minimize the use of private lands;

to determine the possibility of the free use of margins on the existing roads;

to assess whether it is possible to place new pipelines in parallel to the existing water conduits and canals which have already got land allotment (alienation zones);

to determine the land ownership within the water conduit area;

to assess environmental problems, and

to coordinate temporary use of land for the construction purposes. The public consultations held as well as preliminary agreements obtained from the state authorities by the FS/FD consultant (hired by MCA-Armenia) at the preliminary design phase of the project are included in Annex F. According to FS/FD Consultant’s Report the area affected by the construction works of Meghri gravity system covers 6 communities. According to the FS/FD Consultant, Vardanidzor community and Meghri town may undergo adverse. Positive impacts will occur in Meghri and Agarak towns, and in Shvanidzor, Alvank and Karchevan communities. Under the MCA-Armenia Program, public consultations for Meghri gravity system project were conducted from October 7 to 10, 2008 in the above mentioned communities, as well as in Kapan Aarhus Environmental Information Center. Prior announcements on the upcoming public consultations were made in each affected community, by placing notifications at the publicly accessible places and verbal announcements made to the WUAs, community heads and councils, Marzpetarans, Aarhus environmental information centers, etc. Information bulletins were prepared and distributed among the participants and other concerned parties. The number of participants from each community was as follows: Karchevan community – 15 participants, Vardanidzor community - 23, Alvank community – 41, and Shvanidzor community - 18. Records from the consultations held and the list of participants are presented in Annex F. The aim of the public consultations was to discuss the environmental and social issues related to the construction of Meghri gravity system. The overall description of the scope and activities to be implemented under the MCA-Armenia Project, details of the proposed construction activities, potential negative impacts,

48

the envisaged mitigation measures, the importance of the project activities for the local people, the expected outcomes and other issues were presented and discussed at each meeting. Public consultations were held also at Kapan Aarhus Environmental Information Centre, with the participation of Deputy Head of Syunik Marz, RA, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Nature Protection of Marzpetaran, representatives from the concerned organizations, mass media and TV. In general, the participants attached high importance to the implemented activities and were interested in all the details: work schedule, envisaged budget, whether the construction works will hinder farmers’ irrigation activities, etc. Present draft EIA report will be disclosed nation-wide through the web and hard copies will be made available at the Meghri municipality. An additional public consultation meeting on the present EIA report will be held in Meghri and minutes of this meeting will also be attached. The EIA report will then be finalized and re-disclosed.

10 Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works’ Contracts EMP will be included in the tender documents for civil works and will be made an integral part of works contracts. EMP monitoring requirement will be included in the TOR of a construction supervision company. In case of damage to the environment due to failure to observe requirements of EMP and the national legislation of the RA, penalties will be applied according to the Code of Administrative Violations.

47

Annexes

Annex A: Environmental Management Plan: Mitigation Measures

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

MITIGATION OR MONITORING MEASURES

EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST

(To be quantified where

possible)

TIMING

Design Phase

Pollution of water and soil,

degradation of landscapes as

a result of improper disposal

of excavated materials and

construction wastes

Obtain appropriate permits and/or agreements

for disposal of excavated materials and

construction wastes, use of water resource and

water systems, etc.

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU

Part of the contract with

the FS/FD Consultant

During design

Develop a list and specifications for construction

temporary sites such as access roads,

construction camps, transport and machinery

maintenance sites, storage facilities, etc.

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design

Excessive damage to soil,

disruption of traffic, and

safety hazards related to the

transportation of

construction materials and

truck traffic

Limit movement of construction vehicles and

machinery along the canal service roads to limit

damage to soil, and to ensure smooth traffic flow

and safety both for workers, local traffic and

population

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design

48

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

Landscape degradation and

soil erosion

Develop measures to strengthen the steep slopes

with vegetation, grass and plants or gabions. Use

of plant species characteristic for the landscape

in the course of restoration of the vegetation

cover.

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design

Develop efficient methods for disposal or

backfilling of extracted soils. Sites without

vegetative cover and within the alienation zone

or specifically designated by local areas shall be

used for storing the excavated soils.

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design

Temporary or permanent

taking of property or

productive assets, including

peoples’ access to such

assets that appear within the

alienation zone that hinder

construction works

Develop such technical approaches and solutions

to the construction of the system, which, to the

extent possible, allow implementation of

construction works without demolition and

dislocation of private and community properties.

Any taking of property, permanent or temporary,

will be in compliance with WB OP4.12, the RPF

and a RAP.

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design

If dislocation and/or demolition or temporary or

permanent use of the assets is required for

implementation of the works, the compensation

shall be envisaged for the affected people in

compliance with WB OP4.12, the RPF and a

RAP.

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design

49

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

Servitudes must be ensured for the temporary

and permanent use of community and private

lands (if applicable).

FS/FD

Consultant

PIU



During design, before

construction works

start

Construction Phase

Pollution of water and soil,

degradation of landscapes as a

result of improper disposal of

excavated materials and

construction wastes

Removal of old cement linings and accumulated

silt.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor


Construction Contractor

During construction

works

Maintain zones of preliminary accumulation of

wastes that will cause no damage to the

vegetation cover and other components of the

environment.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Arrange transport and disposal of wastes

according to the established traffic management

plan, procedure and in the approved dump sites

designated for the specific purpose.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



After obtaining of

permit, during

construction works

Maintain appropriate operating rules for the

camps in identified suitable sites, including safe

handling of control of access, adequate drainage,

etc.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

50

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

Water and soil pollution

with wastewater from the

construction site

The waste water will be collected in septic tanks

made of impermeable materials. Based on the

volumes of the wastewater to be generated during

the construction phase it is anticipated to have a 50

m3 septic tank which will provide 7 day work.

The tanks will be emptied every week by special

vehicles which will transport the wastewater to a

centralized wastewater collector with prior

agreement with the local authorities.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Tbd, subject to

negotiation between

construction contractor

and water discharge

service provider.

During construction

works

Spillage of oil or toxic

substances

Implement the measures to control spillage of toxic

substances that will be included in construction

contracts, including: guidelines for the proper

storage and sitting of hazardous material such as

oil, grease, fuel, asphalt, or ignitable and corrosive

materials; lubricants will be collected in clearly

marked containers and reused if possible, or

disposed of at properly regulated offsite locations;

water samples will be taken and tested for oil when

there is a risk of spills or leakages to canal waters,

surface waters, or groundwater.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

51

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

Temporary air pollution

(dust) related to the

transportation of

construction materials and

truck traffic

noise and. vibration

disturbances

Use closed/covered trucks for transportation of

construction materials and wastes. Depending on

season, wash truck tires as appropriate at the

specially designed car washing sites to control

tracking mud and dust onto paved roads.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Clean the surrounding area from dust by water

sprinkling (except in Winter), remove excess

materials and clean the sites upon completion of

activities

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Provide workers that deal with hazardous materials

or exposed to dust with necessary protection gear,

and follow applicable regulations and procedures

as established by GoA authorities.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Terminate the works at the established time (e.g.

work in daylight time) and avoid increase of noise

and number of peak hours. Consult with local

authorities

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Impacts on safety of

personnel

Workers during cement pouring and while using

heavy equipment shall have and use safety

equipment, be trained, licensed for operating such

machinery, and insured.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

52

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

Impacts on historic-cultural

monuments or artifacts

Cease the works as soon as historical and cultural

monuments or artifacts are encountered and

immediately provide relevant information to the

State Agency for Historical and Cultural

Monuments Protection

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

GoA funding if urgent

excavations are required

During construction

works

Landscape degradation and

soil erosion

Arable land shall not be used as earth borrowing. If

unavoidable the topsoil (about 30 cm) shall be

removed, kept at specifically designated sites and

refilled.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Dump excavated soils and substances only within

the areas designated for that purpose.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Restore landscape to quasi-original vegetation

cover after completion of rehabilitation works.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Temporary or permanent

taking of property or

productive assets, including

peoples’ access to such assets,

(including tree cutting) that

appear within the alienation

zone that hinder construction

works

If it is required to develop and implement the

Resettlement Action Plan, and/or obtain servitude,

the construction works will start after the

compensations are paid to the project affected

persons (PAPs) and servitudes acquired. These

must be guided by the Armenian legislation and

WB guidelines.

GoA through

relevant entity

PIU GoA funding Before construction

works start in the

particular section

53

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

If demolition and/or dislocation is required, the

project affected persons will be compensated in

accordance with WB OP4.12 before the

construction starts.

GoA through

relevant entity

PIU GoA funding Before construction

works start in the

particular section

Operation Phase

Hydrological issues of

flooding, low flow and water

stagnation

Maintain the water conduit and hydro-technical

structures to minimize the risk for water stagnation

and accidents.

WSA, WUA SCWS

Regular Operation and

Maintenance cost

During operation

Operate the water intakes in such a way that the

water withdrawal is properly controlled to avoid

withdrawing more water than allowed.

WSA, WUA SCWS


Maintenance cost

During operation

Maintain the canal beds and hydraulic structures to

avoid water stagnation.

WSA, WUA SCWS


Maintenance cost

During operation

Regularly clean silt from the canals bed and

dispose the removed slit in the approved waste

disposal sites. The removed silt can be also applied

in the farm-fields as a fertilizer.

WSA, WUA SCWS


Maintenance cost

During operation

54

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT



EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

Negative impact on human

and environmental health as a

result of increased use of

pesticides in the areas with

improved irrigation

Conduct of public awareness campaign and

extension of applicable IPM technologies to water

users

PIU through

pest

management

consultant,

WSA, WUA

SCWS Included in the project

procurement plan as

procurement of

consulting services

Although this impact

is expected during

operation, the

mitigation measure is

proactive and will be

applied during

operation

Siltation in canals Training of WSA staff on proper operation and

maintenance

PIU/WSA SCWS Regular operation and

maintenance

During operation

55

Annex B: Monitoring Plan

This monitoring plan will be used to determine compliance with the Environmental Management Plan (Annex A).

Activity What

(is the parameter to be monitored?)

Where


How


When

(define the frequency or continuous?)

Why


Cost

(of monitoring

the parameter)

Who

(is responsible for monitoring?)

DESIGN PHASE

Assessing availability of adequate sources of material

Material borrows and dumps recommended to the construction contractor

Design documents Review During the design Facilitate selection of adequate sources by construction contractor

Part of design contract

PIU

Ensuring accessibility of construction sites

Access roads present or planned for connectivity to the construction sites

Design documents Review During the design Avoid ad hoc and potentially damaging access by construction contractor


PIU

Providing temporary routes for cattle movement during construction

Temporary access routes planned for moving cattle during construction works near Meghri town

Design documents Review During the design Avoid hindering movement of cattle or ad hoc and potentially damaging solutions by local community


PIU

56

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Clearing of vegetation

No removal of vegetation outside the pipeline corridor

Along the pipeline route and access roads

Inspection Preparation for earth works

Avoid unnecessary damage to vegetation and erosion activation

Included in supervision contract cost

PIU through supervision consultant

Transporting construction materials and solid waste

Vehicles in use in adequate technical condition Materials and waste transported with covered top trucks Vehicles move along designated access roads; no unregulated trafiic

Between construction site and material sources Between construction site and disposal sites

Inspection Entire duration of works

Minimize pollution and littering on and long the transportation roads Avoid excessive damage of vegetation due to unregulated movement of vehicles



Traffic police

57

Earth works and slope cutting

Topsoil remove and stored aside for later use in site reinstatement Cut slopes compacted and stabilized without delay Earth works taken on hold immediately in case of chance finds and cultural heritage preservation authority contacted for further instructions. Works resumed only upon receipt of written consent from the authority.

Areas of earth works along the pipeline

Inspection Conduct of earth works

Minimize erosion Ensure landscape reinstatement upon completion of works Prevent damage or loss of cultural heritage in case of chance finds



58

Generation of solid waste and excess material

Waste and material stored in the designated on-site storage locations Timely arrangements made with municipal authority for out-transportation and disposal of the solid waste Permission obtained from the local authority for the disposal of excess material and confine disposal strictly to the designated sites

Entire work site Inspection Entire duration of works

Prevent pollution and landscape degradation


PIU through supervision consultant Meghri municipality

Generation of liquid waste

Tanks for liquid waste collection provided at work sites and used for waste storage Tanks timely removed for the disposal of waste water

Contractor’s camp/base


Prevent pollution of water and soil



59

Generation of hazardous waste

Servicing and fuelling of vehicles and machinery performed at service centres outside the construction area to the extent possible In case of vehicle servicing performed on-site, a designated location with impermeable floor and confining walls capable of containing handled volumes of fuel Used tires, filters, lubricants, sand or gravel saturated with oil products collected and stored in a designated location of the works site. This waste handed over to licensed companies for recycling or deactivation to the extent of availability of such services.

Contractor’s camp/base


Prevent pollution of water and soil


PIU through supervision consultant Ministry of Nature Protection

60

Operation of construction equipment and machinery

All equipment and machinery in adequate technical condition Idling of engines avoided when machinery not in use

Entire works site Inspection Check of construction contractor’s documents

Entire duration of

works

Minimize emissions and noise Control nuisance to local residents



Works in and near the waterways

No entry of vehicles and machinery into the water flow construction materials, excavated soil and waste kept away from the water stream and river banks Pipeline construction works performed on the existing bridges without causing damage to the bridge structures and littering of the river bed

Meghri river and its banks


Minimize disturbance of the aquatic life prevent degradation of water quality Minimize erosion of river banks


PIU through supervision consultant Ministry of Nature Protection

61

Temporary take of community land

Written consent of affected community obtained on the temporary land take in the course of construction works Temporary roads for cattle access to pastures arranged prior to commencement of works requiring temporary land take

Meghri town area Inspection Interviews with community representatives Tracking information incoming through GRM

In the course of works near Meghri town

Prevent disruption of cattle movement to pastures



Work site reinstatement and landscape harmonization

Work site cleared from any residual waste and excess material upon completion of works Topsoil backfilled, compacted, and topsoil spread over the closed trenches of pipeline

Entire work site Inspection Final phase of works

Prevent landscape degradation and loss of its aesthetic appearance



62

Labour organization and work force safety

Work site equipped with first medical aid and fire confinement took kits Personnel trained in the use of complex machinery, handling of waste, and observing safety rules Personnel provided with uniforms and relevant set of protective gear and instructed to use them Personnel ensured and operators of vehicles and machinery licensed for the job.

Entire work site Work site inspection Contractor’s camp/base inspection Check of contractor’s documents

Entire duration of works

Protect workers’ health and safety Minimize risks of work-site accidents


PIU through supervision consultant Ministry of Health

Information and knowledge on the pest and pesticide management and IPM disseminated to the beneficiary communities

WUA offices Beneficiary communities

Check of information campaign programs and their implementation Communication with beneficiary communities

ISEP lifetime Prevent negative impacts from increased pesticide use in the areas serviced by Meghri irrigation scheme

Included into the TA budget under the ISEP


63

OPERATION PHASE

Operation and maintenance of Meghri irrigation scheme

Hydraulic structures and pipeline kept in good working condition: no congestion and leaking

Meghri irrigation scheme

Inspection Entire period of scheme operation

Ensure smooth operation of the scheme

To be included in the scheme annual operation budget

WSA,

WUA

Water intake metered to ensure maintenance of the established ecologic water flow in the river bed

Water intake structures

Control of water intake data

During irrigation seasons

Avoid damage to the river ecosystem

To be included in the scheme annual operation budget

WSA

WUA

Irrigation water quality and the quality of irrigated soil tracked

National database for the state of environment

Checks of the publicly available information on the water and soil quality

Entire period of scheme operation

Prevent pollution of agricultural fields, damage to the food quality and human health

No extra cost WSA

WUA

Information campaign on pest and pesticide management

Information and knowledge on the pest and pesticide management and IPM disseminated to the water users

WUA office Water user communities

Check of information campaign programs and their implementation Communication with beneficiary communities

Entire period of scheme operation

Prevent negative impacts from increased pesticide use in the areas serviced by Meghri irrigation scheme

To be included in the WUA annual operation budget

WSA

.

64

Annex C: Incident Report Form

CONSTRUCTION OF MEGHRI GRAVITY SYSTEM

1 Date:

2 Gravity System Section:

3 Location:

4 Construction Contractor:

5 Marz (Region):

6 Water Supply Agency/WUA

7 Incident Type:

8 Severity: � High

� Medium

� Low

10 Reported By:

11 Description of Incident Root Cause:

12 Corrective Action Taken:

13 Corrective Action to be Taken:

14 Action Taken to Prevent Recurrence:

15 Corrective Action Carried Out By:

16 Close Out By:

17 Close Out Date:

18 Person Involved:

19 Machine Involved:

20 Contractor/Sub Contractor Involved:

21 Third Party Involvement:

22 Photo Reference – Attached: The photos with appropriate descriptions should be presented

as an Attachment to the Incident Report

For WS PIU use only

Date

Received by:

Decision/Action made:

65

Annex D: Monthly Field Monitoring Checklist

Site location

Name of contractor

Name of supervisor

Date of site visit

Status of civil works

Documents and activities to be examined Status Comments

Contractor holds license for extraction of natural resources Yes Partially No N/A

Contractor holds permit for operating concrete/asphalt plant

Contractor holds agreement for final disposal of waste

Contractor holds agreement with service provider for removal of

household waste from site

Work site is fenced and warning signs installed

Works do not impede pedestrian access and motor traffic, or

temporary alternative access is provided

Working hours are observed

Construction machinery and equipment is in standard technical

condition (no excessive exhaust and noise, no leakage of fuels

and lubricants)

Construction materials and waste are transported under the

covered hood

Construction materials and waste in limited amounts are stored

at work site in especially allocated spots in an orderly manner

Construction site is watered in case of excessively dusty works

Contractor’s camp or work base is fenced; sites for temporary

storage of waste and for vehicle/equipment servicing are

designated

66

Contractor’s camp is supplied with water and sanitation is

provided

Contractor’s camp or work base is equipped with first medical

aid and fire fighting kits

Workers wear uniforms and protective gear adequate for

technological processes (gloves, helmets, respirators, eye-

glasses, etc.)

Servicing and fuelling of vehicles and machinery is undertaken

on an impermeable surface in a confined space which can

contain operational and emergency spills

Vehicles and machinery are washed away from natural water

bodies in the way preventing direct discharge of runoff into the

water bodies

Construction waste is being disposed exclusively in the

designated locations

Extraction of natural construction material takes place strictly

under conditions specified in the license

Excess material and topsoil generated from soil excavation are

stored separately and used for backfilling / site reinstatement as

required

Works taken on hold if chance find encountered and

communication made to the State agencies responsible for

cultural heritage preservation

Upon completion of physical activity on site, the site and

contractor’s camp/base cleared of any remaining left-over from

works and harmonized with surrounding landscape

67

Annex E: List of references

1. Republic of Armenia Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, 1995: http://www.parliament.am

2. Official web-site of MCA-Armenia: http://www.mca.am/new/enversion/environment.php

3. Resettlement Policy Framework: Source Document. ESAOC, Yerevan, Armenia, 2008.

4. MCC Guidelines for Environment and Social Assessment, 2006: http://www.mcc.gov/countries/tool's/2006/eligible/english/03e-english-environmental_guidelines.pdf

5. “Meghri Gravity System, Technical Report, Book 1” and “Meghri Gravity System, Final Design Documentation”, “Hayjrnaghagits Institute” CJCS, March, 2009.

6. National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia. Official web-site of the NSS of the RA: http://www.armstat.am/en/

7. US Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. Background Note: Armenia. Official web-site of the US Department of State: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5275.htm

8. Social Snapshot and Poverty in Armenia, 2008. National Statistical Service of Armenia. Official web-site: http://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=80&id=781

9. Official web-site of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia: http://www.parliament.am; Depository of the Armenian legal acts: http://www.arlis.am

10. Official web-site of the Ministry of Nature Protection: http://www.nature-ic.am/ccarmenia/en/?nid=365

11. MCC, Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as Revised January 20, 2006.

12. Official web-site of the Republic of Armenia Government: http://www.gov.am/enversion/ministry_5/ministry.htm

13. Government Decision N: 1026-N, defining technical guidance, procedure, and technical norms for stripping, storage and use of a native top-soil. July 20, 2006, Yerevan.

14. National Atlas of Armenia, Yerevan, 2007.

15. RA Marzes in figures, 2008, Official web-site of the NSS of the RA: http://www.armstat.am/en/

16. SN 245 – 71. Sanitary norms for design of industrial enterprises.

17. “SniP” (Construction Norms and Rules) 1.02.01-85, Guidelines on composition, development co-ordination and approval procedure of the design cost- estimates on for construction of buildings and other structures.

18. Guidelines on inspection order, coordination and expertise of air protection measures and issuance of permits for approved air pollution in conformity with the design. ОНД – 84 – Н.

19. Temporary manual on methodology for calculation of emissions from the uncontrolled sources of pollution from the buildings materials industry”, (Ministry of Industrial Construction of the USSR, Moscow, 1984).

20. Manual for calculation of emissions of pollutants into atmosphere from various processes: State Committee on Hydrometeorology, Leningrad, 1986.

21. “SniP” (Construction Norms and Rules) 2.04.02-84. Water supply. External net works and constructions. 22. Aggregated norms of water use and wastewater removal for various industrial sectors. Construction

publication company (StroyIzdat), Moscow, 1982.

23. “Specially Protected Natural Areas in Armenia”, N. Khanjyan, RA Ministry of Nature Protection, Yerevan, Armenia, 2004.

24. Republic of Armenia Law on Atmospheric Air Protection. http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=2303&lang=eng

25. Public Consultation Plan. ESAOC, Yerevan, Armenia, 2008.

26. The ICID Environmental Checklist to Identify Environmental Effects of Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Control Projects (HR Wallingford, UK; August, 1993).


http://www.mca.am/new/enversion/environment.php

http://www.mcc.gov/countries/tool's/2006/eligible/english/03e-english-environmental_guidelines.pdf

http://www.mcc.gov/countries/tool's/2006/eligible/english/03e-english-environmental_guidelines.pdf


http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5275.htm


http://www.arlis.am/

http://www.gov.am/enversion/ministry_5/ministry.htm


http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=2303&lang=eng

68

Annex F: Meetings and consultations held and preliminary agreements obtained by the

FS/FD consultant during the preliminary design phase

(information and minuted presented in the Annex F were developed for the MCA-Armenia Program)

During the design of the Meghri gravity irrigation system, the FS/FD consultant conducted social-economic

surveys, and held discussions with representatives of water user associations, Marzpetaran, the village

administrative heads, project affected people, etc.

The main subjects of discussions were the selection of optimal gravity system routes taking into account the

following socio-economic criteria considered most important to beneficiaries:

choosing the shortest conduit routes

avoiding resettlement problems within the possible limits

minimization of private lands use

possibility of the use of the existing roads

using the availability of pipelines parallel to the existed water conduits and canals which have already

got land allotment

consideration of land ownership within the water conduit area

consideration of environmental problems

excess earth placement and storage problems

agreements on temporary land use during construction, etc.

Preliminary Agreements and Approvals

The following is a summarized list of preliminary agreements and approvals received by the FS/FD

consultant from the appropriate regional and other authorities at the preliminary design phase of the

proposed Meghri gravity system:

1. Act on selection of gravity water conduit replacing irrigation pump stations in Meghri region

(04.04.2008)

2. Letter of the RA Ministry of Transport and Communications, (30.07.2008, №03-13/3273)

3. Certificate of “Meghri WUA” on agreement upon intersection of communication roads with water

conduit

4. Certificate of “Vardanidzor” community in Syunik Marz on lands subject to water logging at the

head structure

5. Certificate of “Vardanidzor” community in Syunik Marz on privatized lands along the water conduit

6. Letter of Meghri Municipality on construction waste disposal site.

The full list of agreements obtained during the preliminary design phase is presented in the “Meghri Gravity

System, Book 5, General Annexes” documentation prepared by the FS/FD Consultant.

Technical meetings and consultations

A number of technical meetings and consultations were conducted with the FS/FD Consultant during the

design phase and with the participation of the ESAOC, MCA-Armenia and Irrigation PIU representatives.

The list of meetings and consultations is presented below:

69

September, 2008. Discussions of environmental and social baseline data of the Meghri gravity system

preliminary design. ESAOC technical team, FS/FD Consultant technical team and MCA-Armenia

representative.

October 14, 2008. Presentation and discussion of the results and findings from the formal public

consultations conducted in the affected communities of the proposed Meghri gravity system.

Specialists of the ESAOC and FS/FD Consultant, a representative of the MCA-Armenia.

February 10, 2009. Technical discussion of the final design and associated environmental, social and

economic data as input into finalization of environmental and social studies. Technical specialists of

the ESAOC and FS/FD Consultant, representatives of the MCA-Armenia.

February-March, 2009. A number of working discussions and consultations for clarification of input

data and information for environmental and social studies. Technical teams of the MCA-Armenia,

ESAOC and FS/FD Consultant.

Public consultations

Public consultations with the affected communities were conducted by the ESAOC at the preliminary final

design phase as described in Chapter 10 of this document.

English translation of the Minutes of the consultations held in the selected affected communities with the list

of participants (signing sheets) is presented below:

70

Minutes of Public Consultations

08.10.2008 Karchevan Community

Participants;

Millennium Challenge Account-Armenia (MCA-Armenia)

Armen Bodoyan-Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Specialist

Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant (ESAOC)

Sos Amirkhanyan-Public Consultation Specialist

Ararat Gharagiozyan-Soil Specialist

“Hayjrnakhagits Institute” CJSC

Vachik Sahakyan- Design Chief Engineer

Davit Aleksanyan- Head of “Meghri” Water Users’ Association (WUA)

Armen Avetisyan- Leader of Karchevan Community

16 members of the community, including 11 women.

Agenda

Conduct public consultations in relation to the environmental and social issues connected with the

construction of Meghri gravity system and other.

The talk was given by Sos Amirkhanyan.

The consultation opened with the presentation of the works implemented within the framework of MCA-

Armenia Program, Meghri gravity system construction in particular. The consultation also addressed the

issues related to the positive and negative impacts resulting from those works and the measures to mitigate

the negative impacts and other.

Meline Gevorgyan- school headmaster raised a question about Karchevan community having another 40 ha

of incompletely-irrigated land. She wanted to know whether the aforementioned lands are likely to become

irrigable with the scopes of the implemented activities. V. Sahakyan responded to the question: “The

following lands are unlikely to become irrigable with the scopes of the given program”.

A. Avetisyan- Community Leader mentioned: “We greet the program. 22 ha under our community is not

irrigated the community people were not confident that there would be constant water delivery. According to

him the pump water delivery sometimes failed and the fact led to the loss of the whole income. In case there

is constant gravity irrigation, the landowners will no doubt grow high value crops; pomegranate, grapes,

pineapple, kiwi, olives et cetera.

List of Participants of Public Consultations

Date 08.10.2008 Community: Karchevan

Name/Surname Workplace/Occupation Signature Other Notes

Armen Avetisyan Village Mayor

Radik Mkrtchyan Farmer

Mayis Harutyunyan House of Culture

Director

Gohar Aghayan Kinder-garden nurse

Nubar Ohanyan Kinder-garden manager

Naira Grigoryan Kinder-garden

Headmaster

Silva Kristaporyan Farmer

Marieta Gevorgyan School teacher

71

Ruzanna Sargsyan School librarian

Arpine Gevorgyan Teacher

Sveta Papyan Teacher

Meline Gevorgyan Teacher

Varditer Hovakimyan Municipality Accountant

Liana Sargsyan Municipality Secretary

Lilit Gasparyan Kinder-garden cook

Levon Ghalabyan Farmer

Note: The signatures of the participants are provided with a list in the Armenian memo.

Community Leader __________________________ A. Avetisyan

72


08.10.2008 Vardanidzor Community

Participants;








Albert Beklaryan- Leader of Karchevan Community

23 members of the community, including 11 women.

Agenda








A. Beklaryan- Community Leader mentioned that: “Our lands are not irrigated under the program, but the

rehabilitation of the community irrigation network is very significant for us. The water delivery of lands of

Tkhkut and Vardanidzor is not carried out properly. The reason for it is the poor state of the main ditch. The

community is ready to pay the required sum (15%) of co-financing in order to rehabilitate it”.

The participants described in details the order of application and the list of the required documents for the

rehabilitation of the irrigation network.

Hovhannes Martirosyan raised a question about the order of the credits allocated within the framework of

MCA-Armenia Program and about the credit percentage. Armen Bodoyan gave a detailed description of the

order and the percentage.

Leader of Vardanidzor Community___________________ A. Beklaryan

List of participants of public Consultations

Date 08.10.2008 Vardanidzor Community


1. Albert Beklaryan Leader of Vardanidzor

Community

2. Hovhan Martirosyan Farmer

3. Grenik Sargsyan Farmer

4. Vanya Avagyan Farmer

5. Grigori Muradyan Farmer

6. Roza Hakobyan Cleaner in Vardanidzor

secondary school

73

7. Laris Arzumanyan Headmaster of

Vardanidzor secondary

school

8. Karine Gyozalyan Teacher in Vardanidzor

secondary school

9. Alvard Hovakimyan Farmer

10. Javanshir Beklaryan Farmer

11. Nelik Jerbetova Farmer

12. Zarine Melqumyan Vardanidzor Municipality

Accountant

13. Valeri Avetisyan Sipan-1

14. Karen Avetisyan Farmer

15. Veronika Nikoghosyan Farmer

16. Razmik Hakobyan Farmer

17. Garik Karapetyan -

18. Viktor Abrahamyan Farmer

19. Eduard Beklaryan Teacher in Vardanidzor

secondary school

20. Lyudmila Qaramyan Farmer

21. Lyudmila Melqumyan Cook at Vardanidzor

kinder-garden

22. Svetlana Badalyan Secretary at Vardanidzor

Municipality

23. Ruben Arushanyan Farmer

24. Yuri Melqumyan Farmer

25. Tereza Badalova Farmer


Leader of Vardanidzor Community______________________________ A. Beklaryan

74


09.10.2008 Alvank Community

Participants;


Armine Simonyan- Environmental and Social Impact Officer (ESIO)

Armen Bodoyan- Environmental and Social Impact Specialist

Anna Sargsyan- Irrigation Specialist

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Oversight Consultant (ESAOC)

Sos Amirkhanyan- Public Consultation Specialist

Ararat Gharagiozyan- Soil Specialist

Lilit Harutyunyan- Environmental Economist

“Hayjrnakhagits Institute”



Varuzhan Tumanyan- Leader of Alvank Community

40 members of the community , including 19 women.

Agenda








Garnik Galstyan- community resident mentioned that the gravity system irrigation will be as essential and

vital for them as oxygen for a man. He expressed his thankfulness on behalf of the whole community and

asked to tell when construction activities will start.

Volodya Hovhannisyan raised a question about the existence of a gold mine cultivation factory upstream of

Vardanidzor village. He asked whether the water used by the production and let into the River will impact the

River water quality. The community is going to take water for irrigation from that River.

Alvank Community Leader________________________ V. Tumanyan

List of the participants of Public Consultations

Date 09.10.2008 Alvank Community


Garnik Galstyan Water User

Volodya Hovhannisyan Water User

Valida Verdiyan Cleaner at Alvank School

Lusik Papakhchyan Water User

Manya Babayan Water User

Manush Mkrtchyan Water User

75

Marusya Matevosyan Cleaner at Alvank

Municipality

Nonna Matevosyan Water User

Hasmik Gyurjyan Water User

Marine Dallakyan Water User

Anush Gyurjyan Water User

Magda Gevorgyan Water User

Haykush Melikyan Water User

Grigor Ohanyan Water User

Aleksan Soghomonyan Water User

Ashot Harutyunyan “Meghri” WUA

Roza Harutyunyan Water User

Rima Gevorgyan Water User

Valida Beglaryan Water User

Aleksan Gevorgyan Water User

Yuri Mirzoyan Water User

Sergey Mkrtchyan Water User

Anushavan Ohanyan Water User

Samson Gevorgyan Water User

Grisha Matevosyan Water User

Vladimir Margaryan Water User

Gohar Khachatryan Water User

Gohar Sevumyan Water User

Gohar Shahumyan Water User

Sergey Harutyunov Alvank School

Watchman

Arsen Matevosyan Water User

Armenak Vanyan Water User

Arsen Ishkhanyan Water User

Herakl Matevosyan Water User

Mamikon Badalyan Alvank School Teacher

Artyom Nazyan Water User

Armo Mirzoyan Water User

Naira Margaryan Water User

Haykush Hovsepyan Alvank Municipality

Accountant

Zvart Gevorgyan Alvank Village Mayor

Assistant


Leader of Alvank Community________________________ V. Tumanyan

76


09.10.2008 Shvanidzor Community

Participants;









Hovhannes Ohanyan- Leader of Shvanidzor Community

18 members of the Community, including 4 women.

Agenda








Donara Torosyan:” When will the activities start and when will they finish? When will we have water? It is

important for us to get water even a day earlier”.

Armen Bodoyan responded to the question.

Seyran Hovhannisyan: “Wastewater of Agarak combine flow into Araks River where we get water and irrigate

our fields, which is impermissible. Apart from that the productive water do harm to the flora and fauna of

Araks River. Similarly there is now a gold mine re-cultivation, enrichment factory and the wastewaters out-

flowing from it are likely to flow into Meghri River”.

Sos Amirkhanyan and Armen Bodoyan answered the question.

Yura Stepanyan:” The question has been discussed long before. We have waited for the solution to the matter

for quite a long time. The solution to the problem will attach the villagers to their land and human out-

migration will be reduced. We are thankful to the initiators.

Hovhannes Ohanyan:” We attach importance to the fact that such a great surprise is made to this outlying

community. This has been our cherish dream. We express our gratitude to the initiators on behalf of our

community”.

Leader of Shvanidzor Community___________________________ H. Ohanyan

77


Date 09.10.2008 Shvanidzor Community


Hovhannes Ohanyan Village Mayor

Hayk Grigoryan WUA employee

Seryozha Ohanyan Water User

Fenik Aristakesyan Municipality Accountant

Anahit Zakaryan School Headmaster

Donara Torosyan Head of the school

teaching department

Hrach Stepanyan Chief of Communication

Department

Yura Stepanyan Water User

Misha Sargsyan Head of Culture

Kamo Mirzoyan Water User

Hmayak Vardanyan Power network inspector

Alik Tumanyan Individual enterprising

Gayane Hovhannisyan Deputy Village Mayor

Hrandik Galstyan Courier in “Armentel”

Artur Voskanyan Machinist

Tigran Harutyunyan School teacher

Seyran Hovhannisyan Water User

Azat Water User


Leader of Shvanidzor Community____________________ H.H. Ohanyan

78

Minutes of the Public Consultations

Aarhus Environmental Public Centre of Kapan

10.10.2008

Participants;


Armen Bodoyan- Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Specialist


Sos Amirkhanyan- Public Consultation Specialist

Ararat Gharagiozyan- Soil Specialist

“Hayjrnakhagits Institute”


9 representatives from different concerned organizations, including 3 women (the list of the participants is

attached).

Agenda

Conduct public consultations in relation to the likely environmental and social impacts associated with the

implementation of the proposed Meghri gravity system.


The public consultation was organized with the presentation of the activities implemented with the scopes of

MCA-Armenia Program, the activities related to Meghri gravity system construction in particular, the adverse

and the beneficial impacts related to those activities and the mitigation measures to those adverse impacts and

other.

Vache Grigoryan- Deputy Head of Syunik Marz

Deputy Head of Marz greeted the implemented activities and attached significance to those activities.

A. Grigoryan- The execution of the long-expected project is worth greetings. But whether Q=679l/sec water

with the discharge probability of 75% suffices;

If taken into consideration the water demand of the water users in the lower part of the water intake,

the water delivery of the three 3 gravity ditches of Meghri community et cetera,

Whether the water delivering ditch of Vardanidzor community makes use of the canal or not.

He also mentioned that water usage permission to construct 6 HPPs on Meghri River was already given, of

which 3 are designed to be constructed downstream of the water intake. Apart from the above-mentioned

one more HPP operates downstream of the water intake. A question was raised as to whether water-

economic calculation considered the water delivery of HPPs undergone the design phase and confirmed and

the water demand of the existing operated HPPs.

The next question that was raised referred as to whether the gravity system operation is compatible with the

water demands of the operating and non-operating water users downstream of Vardanidzor area water inlet

that has already got a permission of water usage.

The answers to the question were given by V. Sahakyan and A. Bodoyan. V. Sahakyan mentioned in

particular that the question of HPPs had not been discussed, but that according to him the joint operation of

the HPPs and the designed water-pipe is incompatible. However, the question will be additionally discussed.

79

Armine Avagyan raised a question about;

The dates of the construction,

Whether the implemented construction will result in the failure of the water delivery of water users,

What other projects are envisaged to be implemented in the Marz of Syunik other than Meghri

gravity system construction.

S. Amirkhanyan and A. Bodoyan responded to the question.

Avo Tsaryan pointed out that there exists no electricity crisis in Armenia as well as in the regions of Syunik

and Meghri. Therefore, from the point of view of social issue solution the irrigation problem solution is more

primary than the construction of separate HPPs. But I do also understand that consideration shall be given to

the rights of HPP owners.

Kapan Aarhus Centre Coordinator _______________A. Avagyan


10.10.2008 Kapan town

RA Name/Surname Organization Signature

1. Avo Tsatryan Deputy of the Head of Agriculture and

Nature Protection Department of

Marzpetaran Personnel

2. Armine Avagyan “ Syunyats Yerkir” Newspaper

3. Aram Grigoryan WRM Agency under RA MNP

4. Gohar Isakhanyan Armenpress

5. Vache Grigoryan Deputy Head of Syunik Marz of RA

6. Sos Amirkhanyan ESAOC

7. Ararat Gharagiozyan ESAOC

8. Armen Bodoyan MCA-Armenia, ESAS

9. Nelly Mirzakhanyan “Sosi” TV

10. Galya Karapetyan Regional Manager of Syunik

Marzpetaran

11. Ashot Avagyan Aarhus Centre Coordinator

12. Ara Hovhannisyan “Sosi” TV

Note: The signatures of the participants are provided with the list of the participants in the Armenian memo.

80

Minutes

Technical discussions in “Hayjrnakhagits Institute” CJSC

Participants;


Director Yu. Javadyan

A. Tarverdyan-Deputy Chief Engineer

V. Sahakyan-Design Chief Engineer

“MCA-Armenia” SNCO

T. Kalantaryan-Irrigation Program Manager

A. Bodoyan- Environmental and Social Impact Specialist

ESAOC

S. Amirkhanyan- Public Consultation Specialist

A. Gharagiozyan- Soil Specialist

A discussion was held over the following questions arisen during public consultations; 1. There are lands of two owners downstream the designed water intake. What will be the extent of

land use of the mentioned lands (canal location, alienation zone and access roads).

2. Whether Q=679 l/sec water with the discharge probability of 75%;

Will suffice if taken into account the water demand of the water users downstream the water intake,

the water delivery of the three gravity ditches of Meghri community and other,

Whether the water demand of the HPPs undegone the design phase and the water demand of the

existing operated HPPs has been considered (downstream of the water intake designed on Meghri

River, water usage permission to construct the three HPPs has been given, apart from the

aforementioned there exists also another operating HPP downstream the designed water intake).

As to the first question Mr. Yu. Javadyan mentioned that changes have been made in the design and that it

has been decided to install the 2 km long stretch- constructed with semi pipelines, alongside the road. Design

engineer mentioned that the use of the lands mentioned in the work design will finally be clarified and that it

will be justified in the cadastral maps.

As to the second question Mr. A. Tarverdyan pointed out that according to RA established order, Small

HPPs water usage permission and their productivity is considered in view of the irrigation water demand in

the very water source. In other words, the following HPPs water usage permission is given taking into

consideration the irrigation water demand from Meghri River.


Director _________________ Yu. Javadyan

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