environmental impact assessment for the construction of the new animal health...

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of the new Animal Health Laboratories

(Final Draft)

Prepared by

Prof. As.Dr. Ferdinand Bego

Ing. Etleva Bodinaku

July 2009

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Table of content Executive Summary 1.Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

1.1 IDA/IBRD Safeguards Policy 1.2 Albanian Legislation 1.2.1 Construction waste administration 1.2.2 Air protection from pollution 1.2.3 Noise 1.2.4 Hazardous waste administration

2.Description of the Proposed Project

2.1 General layout 2.2 Preconstrucion and construction works 2.3 Adjacent communities/industries 2.4 Roads

3. Description of the Environment (baseline data)

3.1 Physical environment 3.1.1 Regional geology and soils 3.1.2 Seismicity 3.1.3 Surface water 3.1.4 Climate

3.1.5 Air Quality 3.1.6 Noise levels

3.2 Biological environment 3.3 Inhabited settlements nearby the project site and infrastructure 3.4 Cultural and natural inheritage

4. Environmental Impacts 4.1 Short description on the EIA methodology 4.2 Potential Impacts 5. Analysis of Alternatives 6. Environmental Management Plan 7. Public consultations and disclosure

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Executive Summary

The purpose of the assignment outlined by the terms of reference is to carry out an environmental impact assessment for the construction of the new Animal Health Laboratories within the territory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (IFSV), in Tirana. The Government of Albania has received funding from the World Bank and from the Government of Japan for an Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project (AIP), which aims to strengthen the country's capacity to prevent the spread of avian influenza among poultry, to prevent the transmission of avian influenza from birds to other animals and humans, and to prepare for a potential pandemic of Avian Influenza transmissible between humans. In the framework of internal institutional re-arrangements with a view to strengthen laboratory diagnostic capacity in the animal health sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection (MAFCP) of Albania has decided to relocate the Animal Health Laboratory (Virology and Bacteriology) to a new dedicated building which will be constructed within the site of the IFSV. On the basis of the preliminary report prepared by the international consultant hired by the project, the World Bank has agreed, in principle, with the MAFCP and the IFSV to finance a new facility comprising a basement (minimum 200 m2 to maximum 640 m2) for utilities and storage space, a ground floor of 640 m2 for laboratory space and 1st floor of 300 m2 for office space. The Albania Avian Influenza Project (AIP) has been assigned World Bank environmental category B, since it involves moderate environmental impacts that can be managed during implementation of the project. The current Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has foreseen only minor reconstruction works. For that reason an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed for the construction of the new building. The EIA is to ensure that the proposed investments (construction of new building) implemented through the AI Project comply with existing environmental protection laws, regulations and standards in Albania as well as with the World Bank’s Operation Policies and Practices; and will not have a lasting adverse impact on humans and the natural environment. The EIA report aims (i) to determine the environmental baseline condition at construction site to extent possible; (ii) assess the choice of the site and environmental impact of the construction; (iii) identify cost related mitigation measures and monitoring activities and update them in current EMP. The EIA is done in accordance with Albanian and World Bank’s environmental policies. A number of laws, bylaws and regulations have been consulted and described in this EIA report, such as: Law no 8934 dated 5.9.2002 “On environmental protection” and its amendments; Law no 8990 dated 23.01.2003 “For the environmental impact assessment” and its amendments; Guidance no 6 date 27.12. 2006 “On the approval of the methodology for preliminary assessment of the negative environmental impacts”; Guidance no. 2 date 21. 05. 2007 “On the approval of the lists of the activities with environmental impacts, rules and procedures of approving environmental authorization and consent from REAs”.

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The consultant has also consulted the World Bank policies and guidelines, such as World Bank Operational Policy 4.01: Environmental Assessment, World Bank Pollution and Abatement Handbook (1998) and Disclosure Handbook (December, 2002). The environmental impacts during construction phase are expected to be of manageable, temporary and of local low impact as they are related to the general construction activities. These most commonly include: a) Dust and noise due to excavation, demolition and construction; b) Management of demolition and construction/solid wastes and accidental spillage of machine oil, lubricants, drainage etc., and c) Movement/traffic disturbance. However this EIA and updated EMP has considered the laboratory operation phase and its potential impact, keeping in mind possible hazardous or dangerous waste.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) makes an overall project assessment and its effects toward environment, during its preconstruction, construction and operation phases of the new animal health laboratories, while the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) proposes remediation measures in order to reduce the negative impacts on the environment as well as the monitoring of these measures throughout out project implementation.

Environmental impacts during the preconstruction phase are mainly concentrated in the working area and might be a result of preparation works (like demolition of the existing buildings, and waste removal). These activities might cause local air pollution, noise disturbance and small pollution of the soil and water. In this regard certain measures have been proposed in order to reduce these impacts, like the follow up of all procedures foreseen by Regulation no.1 date 15.03.2004 “For the prevention of the environmental negative impacts of the construction activity”. During the construction phase, in addition to the effects /impacts foreseen above, other issues of concern are linked with land degradation, creation of waste leftover from construction materials, local air pollution, leakages of polluted waters, as well as with requirements toward safety at work. To avoid, when possible, and/or mitigate these effects a set of measures has been proposed, like fulfillment of all the normatives foreseen for construction work, waste management, reduction of air pollution and noise. Excavated soil shall be deposited in a certain area, and/or used for any rehabilitation work nearby. The operation phase is expected to generate the most significant impacts on the environment, such as the generation of hazardous and infectious waste, pollution of water discharged, the potential for air pollution and risk of transmission of infections. A number of mitigation measures are proposed to minimize these effects. Hazardous wastes produced during laboratory operation will be managed in accordance with legislation in force and best practices. Hazardous Waste must be collected in appropriate containers, constructed in that manner to enable flow of liquids waste and profusion of solid waste. Solid waste, depending on their type, will be placed separately in bags and dishes of different colors. Provided that in Albania there are no landfills for hazardous waste, their incineration is recommended as best option for their treatment.

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The use of reagents and chemicals for diagnostic research is considered as a potential for pollution of laboratory water. Hence, the waste waters of the laboratory will be collected, treated and monitored before it is discharged in municipality sewerage system.

Air pollution is a critical issue to be mitigated and monitored. In this regard, there is the need for undertaking all measures that ensure compatibility with procedures and instructions related to similar type of works, i.e. Instructions from World Health Organization (WHO). The new laboratory should be equipped with all bio-safety facilities and have a ventilation system that fulfills standards of bio-safety.

1.0 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

1.1 IDA/IBRD Safeguards Policy

The World Bank requires environmental assessment (EA) of projects proposed for Bank financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound and sustainable and thus improve decision making (OP 4.01, January 1999). EA is a process whose breadth, depth, and type of analysis depend on the nature, scale, and potential environmental impact of the proposed project. EA evaluates a project’s potential environmental risks and impacts in its area of influence; examines project alternatives; identifies ways of improving project selection, sitting, planning, design, and implementation by preventing, minimizing, mitigating, or compensating for adverse environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts; and includes the process of mitigating and managing adverse environmental impacts throughout project implementation. The Bank favours preventive measures over mitigatory or compensatory measures, whenever feasible. Although the whole Avian Influenza project of Albania has been considered as “B” category, the construction itself of the new animal laboratories may be considered as “C” category , because the environmental impacts during construction phase are expected to be of manageable, temporary and of local impact as they are related to the general construction activities. But, during the operational phase of the new animal labs, the environmental impacts and concerns deserve more attention as hazardous animal and laboratory waste should be managed properly. Thus, during the operational phase of the new animal laboratories the project may fall again under category “B”. 1.2 Albanian Legislation

Albania has made good efforts during the last years in preparing a quite comprehensive legislative framework. According to the Constitution every citizen in Albania is entitled to “an ecologically healthy environment for present and future generations” as well as “access to information on the state of the environment”. The laws regarding environmental protection take into consideration requirements of international agreements and with special consideration of the EU directives as planed in the SAA agreement of Albanian Government and European

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Commission. However, the challenge is not so much in the legislation, which seems to be in place, but in its implementation and enforcement. This is due to insufficient work in producing by laws (regulations, decisions and other normative acts), inadequate and poorly qualified and equipped local environmental structures and inspections (Regional Environmental Agencies), low performance of public administration, general public and decision makers. Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration (MoEFWA) assisted from 12 Regional Agencies all over the country has the main role in the environmental protection. The preparation of the EIA report for the proposed project of the construction of the new Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) within the territory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (IFSV) complies with respective Albanian legislation as listed and described below. Furthermore, the preparation and implementation of Environmental Management Plan meet with the requirements of several laws in order to tackle the significant negative impacts identified during EIA process. The relevant legislation for the preparation of the EIA report includes:

Law no.8934 dated 5.9.2002 “On environmental protection” and its amendments Law no.8990 dated 23.01.2003 “For the environmental impact assessment” and its

amendments Guidance no.6 dated 27.12. 2006 “On the approval of the methodology for preliminary

assessment of the negative environmental impacts” Guidance no. 2 dated 21. 05. 2007 “On the approval of the lists of the activities with

environmental impacts, rules and procedures of approving environmental authorization and consent from REAs”

The Law on Environmental Protection (1993, amended in 1998, 2002 and 2008) - Forms the basis for environmental protection and management in Albania. The law addresses the protection of the natural values and the improvement of the environmental quality through prevention and reduction of pollution, sustainable use of the natural resources, environmental monitoring and norms, and cooperation between stakeholders and the public as well. The amendments of this law in 2008 have also made a reference with IPPC directive aiming to establish a new standard in the environmental protection in Albania. The Law of the Environmental Impact Assessment (2003) - This law defines the activities or projects, which require environmental assessment; procedures for obtaining environmental permission (including assessment of impact on environment) and procedures regarding review of permits application. The environmental permission issued on the base of the EIA process results determines the conditions to operate the activity in order to guarantee the protection of the environment for negative impacts. Under Albanian law Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are grouped in two environmental categories (Annex 1 and 2), which are approximately equivalent to Bank environmental categories A and B. According the EIA law, Annex 1 projects are obliged to submit a profound EIA process meanwhile Annex 2 projects require a summary EIA process that implies a simplified process and report. Both annexes of the EIA law makes a clear reference with treatment of animal wastes but the construction activity is not stated clearly in these annexes.

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Guidance no. 6 dated 27. 12. 2006 “On the approval of the methodology for preliminary assessment of the negative environmental impacts” - This guidance sets the basis of an initial screening of a project with possible environmental impacts and categorization of the project if its Annex I, annex II (with reference on the EIA law) or is listed in Guidance no 2 dated 21.05.2007, as project with minor impacts. The guidance is based on the requirements of the Directive 85/337/ “On the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment as amended by Directive 97/11/EC and by Directive 2003/35/EC” and aims to start an correct and early evaluation of the project form the environmental point of view. The guidance is compiled as a checklist with several questions to be answered for the project and in the end all the answers serve as guiding points to classify the project category and set up relevant ToR for the EIA process. Based on the outputs of this Guidance the proposed project has to undergo a simplified EIA process and report, is to be approved with environmental authorization issued from REA/Tirana. (Further elaborated in the paragraph below of Guidance no.6 date 21.5.2007) Guidance no 2 dated 21.05.2007 “For the approval of the lists of the activities with environmental impacts, applications, rules and procedures of issuing authorization or consent from the regional environmental agencies’ - The construction activity of the new Animal Health Laboratories within the territory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (IFSV) is related with the requirements of this guidance. This guidance is approved from the Minister of EFWA to delegate environmental competencies in local level to REAs and sets the rules and procedures for approving local activities with minor negative impacts on the environment. The guidance contains two annexes similar to EIA law where are listed the project competence of REAs. The project of constructing of the new Animal Health Laboratories within the territory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (IFSV) is foreseen as activity with minor impacts and listed in point 29 of the Annex I of this guidance. (Construction of the buildings with surface more than 1000 m2) After preparation of the necessary documentation required when applying for environmental permit the proposed project for the construction will have to be presented in Regional Environmental Agency of Tirana for approval with environmental authorization. The documentation and procedures for applying for environmental authorization is described in the Guidance no 2 dated 21.05.2007 “For the approval of the lists of the activities with environmental impacts, applications, rules and procedures of issuing authorization or consent from the regional environmental agencies”. The environmental authorization will set the condition for the protection of the environment from negative impacts in each phase of the project. The preparation of the EMP takes into consideration the requirements of several normative acts for the management of the overall construction operation. The current environmental legislation linked with the proposed project is listed below.

Law No. 9010 date 13. 02. 2003 “On the environmental administration of solid waste” Regulation no.1 date 15.03. 2004 “For the prevention of the environmental negative

impacts of the construction activity” (joint act of the Minister of Environment and Public Works)

Law no. 8897 date 16. 05. 2002 “On the protection of air from pollution” DCM no. 803, dt.4.12.2003 “For the approval of air quality norms”

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Law no. 9108 date 17. 07. 2003 “On chemical substances and preparations” Guidance no.8 date 27.11.2007 “Allowed noise norms in the environment” Guidance no. 65 date 24.12.2004 “Allowed values of noise and gases emission from the

vehicles and the control methods” Law no. 9537, dated 18.05.2006 "On administration of hazardous wastes" Regulation no.6 date 30.11.2007 “For the administration of the hospital waste” DCM no.99 18.02.2005 “Albanian waste catalogue”

1.2.1 Construction waste administration The purpose of Law no. 9010 dated 13. 02. 2003 “On the environmental administration of solid waste” is to ensure the protection of the environment and human health from pollution and damage resulting from solid waste through institution of their environmental treatment at every stage: creation, collection, separation, protection, transportation, recycling, processing and elimination leading to waste reduction and the reduction of their hazardous and dangerous impact. Since the construction of the of the new Animal Health Laboratories within the territory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (IFSV) and operation will generate certain type of wastes the implementation authority have to plan the administration according the legislation requirements. The existing situation of the administrating the construction waste in Tirana region is not clear but until now due to lack of a special landfill the waste is dumped at the Sharra urban wastes landfill and used to cover urban wastes dumped at the site. During the construction phase solid waste will be generated from the digging of the foundations and preparation of the site. This waste is considered as construction wastes and should be administrated according the provisions of the article 12 of the treatment of the construction wastes has to be done with land filling or reusing. For the wastes of the proposed project it seems possible to apply both methods by land filling in Sharra or dumping at the closed stone quarries located to Dajti mountain at about 15 km distance from the project site. Practical and relevant measures are described in Regulation no.1 date 15.03.2004 “For the prevention of the environmental negative impacts of the construction activity” and will be addressed in the EMP. 1.2.2 Air protection from pollution Albanian Law on Protection of Air from Pollution (2002) - The purpose of this Law is to guarantee the right of citizens to clean air; to protect human health, fauna, flora and the natural and cultural values of the Albanian environment from the pollution of the air. This Law regulates quality control norms of the living environment air (see Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 435 dated 12. 09. 2002 “On approval of the norms of discharges in the air in the Republic of Albania”). The norms and standards of air quality to be met are described at DCM no. 803, dt.4.12.2003 “For the approval of air quality norms”. 1.2.3 Noise

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Meanwhile the noise standards are subject of Guidance no.8 date 27.11.2007 “Allowed noise norms in the environment” and Guidance no. 65 date 24.12.2004 “Allowed values of noise and gases emission from the vehicles and the control methods”. Further relevant measures in respect of this act will be detailed in the EMP. 1.2.4 Hazardous waste administration Hazardous waste will be produced during the functioning of the new Animal Health Laboratory. Following the requirements of the law the hazardous wastes require a special treatment and have to be incinerated. After incineration the ash must contain less the 5% total carbon and then can be dumped at the Sharra urban waste landfill. According the above mentioned acts the producer of the wastes is responsible for environmental administration of the hazardous waste. In case that the producer can not treat the wastes properly, a specialized company must be contracted as private incinerator etc. The producer has to register and classify the wastes according the Albanian waste catalogue. Detailed procedures and rules for environmental administration of the hazardous hospital wastes are prescribed in the Regulation no.6 date 30.11.2007 “For the administration of the hospital waste” and further relevant measures will be detailed at the EMP.

2. Description of the Proposed Project The Construction Works include the Building of a new Animal Health Laboratory. Since the Building will be situated inside the IFSV complex (fig. 1) the construction works shall be carried out in two phases: Preconstruction Phase 1: Demolition of existing buidlings, removal of the waste and site preparation for new building construction, and Construction Phase 2: New building construction of the Animal Health Laboratories, including two blocks:

The first block, laboratory testing facilities, a one store 21 by 34 meters building. Total Usable area: 640 sq m. Total Built area: 714 sq m.

Second block a two stores building, offices and doctor’ s rooms: Total Built area: 400 sq m

The site is positioned in North-East of city of Tirana. Study area: 0.6 Ha Construction site area approx. = 2360 sq m (32x74 m) Construction site area has a rectangular shape inclination slope 2.6%

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Fig. 1. Location of the site where new animal laboratory will be constructed

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Fig. 2. Aerial photo over the study area and construction site

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Photos from the site where the new laboratory will be constructed

Buildings to be demolished

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2.1 General layout

Meticulously following the design objectives, standards and the laboratories layout scheme provided by the client the building will be developed in two blocks connected by the main staff entrance, a double height glazed lobby. The Building is positioned following the North-South axe, in the longitudinal direction of the site. Public entrance is located in the eastern limit of the site. In this way, public access becomes this way in the eastern limit of the IFSV Complex property. Doctors and staff entrance is positioned in West side of the building and intermediate road that distributes all the other buildings.

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This solution achieve the independency of staff entrance and public entrance. The car entrance, by ramp, (in the solution with the parking underground) or the supply entrance is situated in the north. This solution utilize the natural inclination of the site slope, permitting less space for the ramp. The building layout fits the site requirements as a integral part of the whole complex leaving space for green recreation area and future development. The first block, laboratory testing facilities, a one store 21 by 34 meters building. Total Usable area: 640 sq m. Total Built area: 714 sq m Second block a two stores building, offices and doctor’ s rooms: Total Built area: 400 sq m. Materials that will be used achieve reduction of contamination. Finishing of walls and floors will be in Rubber Flooring, achieving smooth surfaces, concave joints between the floor, walls.

Lab. Rooms Division will be in aluminum partition panels with fix parts, transparent or opaque, and doors achieving all the standard requirements for this specially purpose. Notopenable doubleglazing windows will be used for natural lightning of internal areas. Ceilings, should have a smooth surface with flush lighting. Insulation will be provided using External Insulating Façade System.

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In BL2 laboratories, scientists work with certain infectious agents or materials that are produced by living organisms and are associated with human disease. These infectious agents or materials are acquired through autoinoculation, ingestion, and/or by mucous membrane exposure. The design of BL2 laboratories is similar to that of regular laboratory rooms. They must respond to functional needs but should also conform to the BL2 containment requirements. They must have, as a primary barrier, class I or II biosafety cabinets or other physical containment devices used for operations that can cause splashes or aerosols of infectious materials. The personnel entering a BL2 laboratory may have to use personnel protective devices such as laboratory coats, gloves, and shields to protect their faces. As a secondary barrier, they must have an open benchtop sink as well as access to an autoclave. The separation of two blocks, as a main feature of the concept, create the condition necessary for a safe work environment and is in compliance with the “no way back” principle. One key feature of the whole design process is creating a low energy consumption and naturally lit space, resulting in low maintenance cost and environmentally friendly building. 2.2 Preconstrucion and construction works The scope of the main physical work include the total manufacturing, transport and delivery to the site, installation, execution, completion, testing and handing over of the works, such as: all civil, architectural and structural works for the project, including clean-up of demolition waste (two concrete structures), site preparation, soil excavation and removal, fire escape, new building construction with electrical installation works and emergency power generator; HVAC and Mechanical installation; water supply, drainage and sewage works, road pavement and parking, green areas and vegetation, for full completion. This facility shall be designed, manufactured, and installed under the latest International rules, instructions, standards, orders, regulations and guidelines, under the technical supervision of the employers’ representative.

2.3 Adjacent communities/industries

The project site is surrounded by new human settlements developed in recent years, most of them as informal urban and suburban settlements that are now under legalization process. There are no industries in its near surrounding.

2.4 Roads

The project site is located near to road Tirana-Dajti and is easily accessed.

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3. Description of the Environment (baseline data) This section presents information related to the environmental impact assessment of Laboratories of the Virology and the Bacteriology in Tirana area. Baseline conditions at the site and its surrounding area are described below. This work is based on existing data and information as well as on data gathered from the site investigation. 3.1 Physical environment The site is a 0.6 hectare area located at the base of Tirana field, a relatively flat area. Nearest surrounding area to the project site is Linza Hills to the East, Tirana City to the South-West and Tirana River to the North. The Tirana field is a low-lying field, approximately 30 km length and 13 km width, ranging from 30 m.a.s.l. to 120 m in elevation. Tirana's average altitude is 110 meters above sea level. Other physiographic features of the surrounding area include low hills.

3.1.1 Regional geology and soils According to available geological studies, the site of project is located within the Kruja Zone and is made up of quaternary deposits. In general, the quaternary deposits consist primarily of clayey silts and sands of marine origin. The results of previous soil investigations show that the maximum thickness of the quaternary deposits is about 40-90m.

The geology map of the region

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There was a soil monitoring process regarding the risk from radon in the Tirana area. According to the results of monitoring, the values of radon concentration vary from 50 Bq/m3 to 3831 Bq/m3 or 10x. In other words Tirana lies over a red active thickness (red clay) that produces radon. This layer is going to develop particularly in parts of the city, characterized of 1-2 floors building, destined to grow up. Consequently, before going on the construction a previous soil investigation is needed. The region is covered by various soils meanwhile the project zone is dominated from brown gray soils type (eutric cambisol). The soils are originated from deluvions and limestone formations.

3.1.2 Seismicity Albania is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the Mediterranean region and is periodically subject to moderate to severe earthquake activity. Most earthquakes result from periodic movement of blocks along the deep-seated Ionian-Adriatic faults. The construction area is mapped as having an expected maximum magnitude of 6.5 to 7.0.

3.1.3 Surface water The project site is quite flat without and superficial water resource. At about 200 m distance of the project site passes a small stream called Gjeroza that discharges at Tirana river. The stream springs from Dajti Mountain but its quality is deteriorated from the waste water discharges during the downstream resulting thus in a much polluted state that cam be easily distinguished.

Superficial water resources nearby project site

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3.1.4 Climate Tirana has a generally Mediterranean climate. This type of climate is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature varies from a low of 2°C in January to a high of 31°C in July and August which are also the driest months, each with around 3 cm of precipitation on average. The wettest months are November, December, and February averaging between 15 to 20 cm. Average monthly temperature and precipitation data collected in the table below. The local topography, direction of the hills and mountains in surrounding area, influence wind patterns and wind speed in the project site.

Table 1 - Meteorological data for Tirana city Month

Average Sunlight (hour)

Temperature

Discomfort from heat and humidity

Relative humidity

Average Precipitation (mm)

Wet Days (+0.25 mm)

Average Record am

pm Min Max Min Max

Jan 4 2 12 -8 19 - 83 58 135 13 Feb 4 2 12 -8 22 - 83 54 152 13 March 5 5 15 -4 26 - 83 53 128 14 April 7 8 18 -1 28 - 83 54 117 13 May 8 12 23 3 33 - 83 56 122 12 June 10 16 28 6 37 Medium 74 49 86 7 July 11 17 31 11 38 Medium 72 42 32 5 Aug 11 17 31 10 40 Medium 75 39 32 4 Sept 9 14 27 5 35 Moderate 82 45 60 6 Oct 7 10 23 1 31 - 85 59 105 9 Nov 3 8 17 -3 25 - 86 63 211 16 Dec 2 5 14 -7 22 - 83 63 173 16 According to the Hydro meteorological Institute of Albania the predominant wind direction is out of the northwest. The most frequent and predominant winds blow from Southeast in winter and from the Northwest during the summer months. The project site is surrounded from trees and shrubs that serve as a green protective belt for the urbanized area resulting thus in an advantage for preventing the noise and dust during the construction phase.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_climate

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3.1.5 Air Quality There are various kind of air pollutant which adversely influence on air quality. In the project area the major source of air emission is the vehicle traffic. In recent years pollution has worsened in Tirana city as the number of cars has increased. The amount of pollutants discharged from cars differs greatly on the type of car, mode of driving and alteration of traffic. Most of motor vehicles in Tirana are diesel cars that pollute much more than other models in circulation elsewhere in Europe. Additionally, the fuel used in Albania contains larger amounts of sulphur and lead than that allowed in other countries. Although the project site represents a new urban area, another pollution source is the construction activity. In the tables below are shown the data collected during monitoring process regarding air pollutants in different parts of the Tirana city. Sampling point Tirana 3 is located next to the project area in the building of Public Health Institute at about 100 m distance.

Table 2 – Contents of air pollutant in the project area during the year 2006

Sampling point Year LNP PM 10 Pb NO2 SO2 O3

μg/m3

Tirana 3 2006 171 84 0.24 23 18 106

Alb standards 140 70 1 60 60 120

EU standards 90 50 0.5 40 50 110

3.1.6 Noise levels Noise levels in project area are typical of any urbanized area and are primarily associated with vehicle traffic. There isn’t any noise monitoring point near of the project area. 3.2 Biological environment The site represents today a totally modified/altered urban/suburban habitat. The only remnant of former natural/semi natural habitats is that small branch of stream that passes through nearby the study area, along which some young trees of Populus sp. and Salix sp. are found here and there. The ruderal vegetation of the open graslands is dominated by herbs (fam. Graminaceae, Leguminoseae, and other mixed herbs), such as Lolium sp.div., Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium sp.div., Aegilops triuncialis, Ranunculus sardous, Plantago coronopus, Asphodelus aestivus, etc. None of them represent any rare or endangered species. Few planted olive, pine and broadleave trees (Pinus sp. Ficus sp. and Linden) are found inside the study area. Fauna of the site is very poor. Mammals are represented by few synanthropic rodent species such as: Mus domesticus, Mus macedonicus, Rattus norvegicus, R. ratus, Apodemus sylvaticus. From insectivores the only species met in here is Crocidura suaveolens. Bats that use the houses as shelters, such as those of genera Pipistrellus, can fly over the site during their hunting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfur

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead

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Avifauna of the site is also poor and dominated by passerine and few other species linked with urban areas such as: Passer domesticus, Pica pica, Corvus corone cornix, Alauda arvensis, Galerida cristata, Hirundo daurica, Hirundo rustica, Delichon urbica, Apus apus, A. melba, Anthus campestris, Sturnus vulgaris, Fringila coelebs, Carduelis carduelis, Lanius senator, Streptolelia decaocto, etc. The only bird of prey of the site is Athene noctua. From the reptiles we can mention Testudo hermani, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, P. taurica, Anguis fragilis, and Coluber sp. Some few amphibians are rarely met inside or close to the site along the small branch of stream, such as: Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Rana balcanica and R. lessone.

In spite of the fact that the site is not hosting any sensitive habitat, during the preconstruction and construction works care should be taken to reduce damage of green areas and planted trees of the site. 3.3 Inhabited settlements nearby the project site and infrastructure Site is situated inside a recently developed urban/suburban area. Houses of one or two flours are surrounded by taller new buildings and all this makes the area quite densely populated. This part of the Tirana city has been developed very rapidly over the last few years, running even out of

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control. Legalisation process is underway and it is expected that future development of this part of the city will be under control. Inhabitants of this new settlement are newcomers from various parts of the country that have migrated to the capital over the last few years. The project area is administrated from the Municipal unit no 4 and is in the extreme boundaries with the Dajti commune. The project site is at about 200 m in distance from the settlements except few houses in the south beside the road Tirane – Linze which are at about 100 m in distance from the project site.

Satellite image of project site and adjacent settlements

The project is quite in distance from the settlements and fenced preventing thus the entrance of non authorised persons. With proper management of the operational phase impact it is not expected to have negative impacts on the inhabitants and surrounding settlements. The area has already built infrastructure regarding the road access named Qemal Stafa which is quite wide and linkage of Tirana city with the Dajti Mountain, the road is closed to the project site at about 50m. Meanwhile in the map below with pink colour is showed the telecommunication net and with red the electrical distribution system

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3.4 Cultural and natural inheritage In the nearby area where the construction works shall take place for building a new laboratory there are no tracks found of cultural heritage or natural heritage. Dajti National Park situated eastwards of the project site is expected to be influenced by the project proposal only if removed soils from the construction site will be deposited at the quarries nearby Dajti, but this will be done only if agreed with REA and Forest Directory of Tirana.

4.0 Environmental Impacts Assessment 4.1 Short description on the EIA methodology The effects of the project have been assessed during three different phases of its implementation. The process of preparing and EIA for construction of the new Animal Health Laboratory within the site of IFSV has initiated site investigation and gathering information, throughout contacts with relevant authorities, site visits and technical design. The assessment on the possible environmental negative impacts is based on:

- Site- visit; - Scientific and technologic evaluations of the project; - Research of different scientific literature; - Previous experience related to similar projects.

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The assessment of the potential impact is based on the project phases and operations in each phase.

PHASE 1: Site preparation - demolition of existing buildings, clearing and site preparation for new building construction. During this phase environmental impacts are mainly concentrated in the working area and might be a result of preparation works (like removal of demolish waste). These activities might cause a limited local air pollution and also small pollution of the soil. In this regard certain measures have been proposed in order to reduce this pollution, like the follow up of all procedures foreseen by The Law for Construction and the Law on Waste.

PHASE 2: Construction of the new building of Animal Health Laboratories. There are

also in this phase certain environmental effects that are strictly concentrated with working area. Construction phase also results with land degradation, creation of waste leftover from construction materials, local air pollution, leakages of polluted waters as a result of certain processes, as well as with requirements toward safety at work, etc. For prevention of all this effects a set of measures has been proposed, like fulfilment of all the normative foreseen in the Law for Construction, waste management done in accordance the Law for waste, while other measures have been proposed for reduction of air pollution and noise. Excavated soil shall be deposited in a certain area, and further more shall be used for fulfilment of some areas and for final reshape and rehabilitation of this zone.

PHASE 3: Operation of the new Animal Health Laboratory. This phase is expected to generate the most significant impacts on the environment and human health, such as the generation of hazardous and infectious waste, pollution of water discharged, the potential for air pollution and risk of transmission of infections. A number of mitigation measures are proposed to prevent and /or minimize these effects. Hazardous wastes produced during laboratory operation will be managed in accordance with legislation in force and best practices. Provided that in Albania there are no landfills for hazardous waste, their incineration is recommended as best option for their treatment. Fulfilment of normatives foreseen in the Law "On administration of hazardous wastes", and in the DCM on “Albanian waste catalogue”, supply and installing a new incinerator and its operation according to the required best environmental standards, supply of a unit of waste water treatment plant (WWTP) and implementation of the International Best Practice in Safety of Research Laboratories are some of the main proposed mitigation measures.

4.2 Potential Impacts Works associated with the construction of the new Animal Health Laboratories are not expected to generate any significant environmental impact. However, impacts on environment coming from the demolition of existing buildings, digging, earthmoving, and construction works, such as dust, fumes, and odour (internal and/or external, including volatile construction materials),

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noise during demolition, digging and construction works and other impacts coming from transportation of construction and waste materials are estimated between low and moderate.

- Impacts during demolition of the existing buildings and preparation of the ground (earthmoving, digging, removal and transportation of soil) are: contamination of surface and groundwater by use of fuels and transport activity; soil contamination; waste storage; dust and air emissions; workers health and safety, noise.

- Impacts during construction phase are: contamination of surface and groundwater by use of fuels, construction materials, and transport activity; soil contamination; waste storage; dust, fume and air emissions; workers health and safety, noise.

- Impacts during the operation phase are mainly linked with hazardous waste management A checklist of potential environmental impacts of construction works related to the new laboratory of animal health to be constructed as planned inside the complex of IFSV is given in the Table 4. Table 4. Potential Environmental Impacts of Construction Work

Site preparation phase

Main operations

Environmental component

Potential Impacts

Mitigation Measures

Demolition of the existing buildings, clean up the site and preparation works on the site

Soil and demolition waste

Demolition waste (concrete) will be produced from the demolition of the existing buildings (volume has to be evaluated from the technical project team) Possible minor contamination from accidental spills of demolition/construction machineries

Protect non-construction areas from parking or machineries circulation. Proper design and management of field works to minimize affected soil around the construction site Regular control of the construction machineries and technical maintenance. Provide necessary prevention and pollution intervention tools (clean up) and knowledge for workers Provide adequate treatment (reusing) transport (covered lorries) and disposal at approved site

Flora (trees cutting) Few trees maybe cut Plan properly to avoid unnecessary tree cutting

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Air Quality

Dust as a result of demolition and concrete breaking works Fumes and odours of vehicle combustions

Stop the demolition and transport during windy weather Sprinkling the site with water Covering the wastes transport lorries Regular control of the construction machineries and technical maintenance. Using qualitative fuels only (D1) Cleaning (washing up) the vehicles when leaving the construction site

Noise emission Noise disturbance from demolition works

Planning the field works to minimize and reduce the noise production time Stop the noisy operations during night time to meet the noise quality standards Regular control of the construction machineries and technical maintenance.

Social environment The project site is at about 200 m in distance from the adjacent houses therefore the only impacts maybe the noise (minor and low noise levels) of demolition and vehicles. Workers health due to missing safety rules

Stop the noisy operations during night time to meet the noise quality standards. Setting safety rules and training the workers

Construction phase

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Opening the basement foundation and construction of the structure, walls of the building

Soil and excavation waste

Excavation of the foundation will impact the soil structure (pedon) and layers of the soil Waste will be produced from the excavations of the foundations and basement (volume will have to be calculated from the technical project team after deciding the final version) Possible minor contamination from accidental spills of demolition/construction machineries

Solid waste must be disposed separately and transported regularly at approved site or closed stone quarries to Dajti mountain (to be agreed with REA and Forest Directory) or reused for green areas rehabilitation around the new building Regular control of the construction machineries and vehicles regarding technical maintenance

Proper design and management of field works to minimize affected soil around the construction site

Provide necessary prevention and pollution intervention tools (clean up) and knowledge for workers Protect non-construction areas from parking or machineries circulation.

Air quality

Dust during construction operations Fumes and odours of vehicle engines combustion

Stop the construction works and transport during windy weather Sprinkling the construction site with water Covering the wastes transport lorries Regular control of the construction machineries and technical maintenance. Using qualitative fuels only (D1) Cleaning (washing up) the vehicles when leaving the construction site Cover the sand and gravel in windy weather

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Noise emission Noise disturbance from construction equipment and their traffic as well

Planning the field works to minimize and reduce the noise production time Stop the noisy operations during night time to meet the noise quality standards Regular control of the construction machineries and technical maintenance.

Social environment The project site is at about 200 m in distance from the adjacent houses therefore the only impacts maybe the noise (minor and low noise levels) of demolition and vehicles. Workers health due to missing safety rules

Stop the noisy operations during night time to meet the noise quality standards. Setting safety rules and training the workers

Operational phase (indicative)

Lab activities Waste generation (hazardous)

Potential contamination of the soils and water in not administrated properly

Administrate the waste according the Regulation no.6 date 30.11.2007 “For the administration of the hospital waste”, DCM no.99 18.02.2005 “Albanian waste catalogue”), that administer this field of waste. Classify, isolate, disposal cans etc Buy and install a new incinerator to replace the existing one, and its operation under the required environmental standards. International Best Practice in Safety of Research Laboratories1 to be considered during operational phase of the new Animal Health laboratories will applied

Waste water Minor water volumes will be produced and thus maybe discharged at the waste water system

A special waste water treatment plant (WWTP) should be installed at the IFSV/AHL, so that is can treat all waste waters produced .

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Human Health Risk for health of the examination team working in the field Risk of health of other people that are in contact with members of the examination team or that might come in contact with their contaminated equipment, clothes or vehicles Spread of disease in other parts where poultry/bird live Spread of disease as a result of inadequate decontamination or even wrong decontamination procedure Risk of performing disinfection procedure

Provide information on mitigating measures. Capacity building to emphasize need for safe working, good supervision, careful planning and scheduling of work and activities, involve communities, fence hazardous areas Careful design of works and accesses

Construction works of the new laboratory will be carried out in accordance with Albanian regulations and practice regarding construction permitting and environmental, health and safety permits. 5.0 Analysis of Alternatives Two possible scenarios maybe analysed, the first is scenario do not build in the proposed site and the second is the proposed one. The alternative analyse will be based only in the selected location and advantages and disadvantages of this option.

Table 5. Analysis of Alternatives

Scenario – Zero (not to built in the proposed site) Scenario - Proposed building site

Advantages

Possibly far from the settlements

Advantages

Land owned from the IFSV

Existing infrastructure

Near with the Public Health Institute and main hospitals and research centres

Easy to monitor

Easy accessible

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Disadvantages

Higher costs for land buying

Far from health research institutes and hospitals

Missing infrastructure like water and energy supply , sewage system, public waste administration, incinerator etc

Difficult to access and monitor

Disadvantages

Relatively close to human settlements

In a simple analyse results that the most relevant option is the proposed one, that’s contruction of the new laboratory at the proposed site, as part of the IFSV complex. This option is more fissible not only from the costs point of view but also from the environmental implications related with.

6. Environmental Management Plan

The EMP includes a Mitigation and Monitoring Plan. The EMP presents the mitigation measures for demolition/preconstruction, construction and operation phase. Mitigation measures aims to prevent or reduce the possible project environmental impacts as well as the approximate costs for these measures. The mitigation measures are recommended based on existing and new regulations and enforcement incentives, installation of control equipment, implementation of new procedures, landscaping of the environment, etc. The mitigation plan include measures for emergency response to natural and accidental events (e.g., entry of raw sewage into stream, etc), and health and safety, as appropriate. The EMP proposes a plan of feasible actions to monitor the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed in the Mitigation Plan and the impacts during the construction and operation. In case the project will foresee a land disposal facility, then environmental monitoring should include a regular schedule of monitoring the quality of surface and ground waters. The EMP will be integrated in the current EMP of the Avian Influenza Project. It is prepared in such way that could be easily integrated in the tender documents for the Contractors who will perform the proposed civil works affiliated with the project investments. This will assure proper implementation of the revised EMP during the course of the project civil works. The EMP is given in the following matrix table (table 6a).

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Table 6a - Environmental Management Plan for the Construction of New Animal Health Laboratories of IFSV

Project activities Potential effects/impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility for remediation

measures

Request for monitoring

Cost

SITE PREPARATION PHASE

Demolition of the existing buildings, clean up the site and preparation works on the site

Noise emissions Plan the working period to meet the noise standards as required from Guidance no.8 date 27.11.2007 “Allowed noise norms in the environment”

Contractor Supervisor/ Employer Operational

Dust emissions Sprinkling the site with water Contractor Supervisor/ Employer Operational

Soil contamination Visual control of cars and vehicles Contractor Supervisor/ Employer Operational

Pollution of the IFSV platform Washing the vehicles tires Contractor Supervisor/ Employer Operational

Generation of waste Dispose or transport of waste regularly

Authorized company Supervisor/ Employer Operational

CONSTRCUCTION PHASE

Opening the basement foundation

Soil degradation Removal of soil with humus and stored until being reused for levelling and rehabilitation of surfaces around the building or transport in an closed quarry in Dajti mountain

Contractor Supervisor/ Employer and REA and directory of forestry as well

Operational

Soil contamination – light soil contaminations as result of leakages of fuel and other liquid materials from the vehicles. Also soil can be contaminated with improper storage of waste created during construction (construction

Visual control of vehicles and other equipment that can potentially leak oils.

Separation of waste from building materials and its proper storage in a temporary adequate place.


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measures


Cost

waste etc.)

Water contamination Construction of ditching channels and decantation pull in the vehicle washing platform


Air emissions Dust emissions during working activities as well as emissions coming from vehicle combustion.

Sprinkling the construction site with water

Covering the wastes transport lorries Stop the demolition and transport during windy weather Using qualitative fuels only (D1) Cleaning (washing up) the vehicles when leaving the construction site Cover the sand and gravel in windy weather


Construction works

Water discharge Construction activities (works with cement and masonry) might cause water discharges in the surrounding environment. Especially, when watering of the basement and floor platforms an increased quantity of water discharged is expected.

Usage of water should be controlled. Contractor Supervisor/ Employer Operational

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measures


Cost

Noise emissions Noise is mainly a result of vehicles engines working and their traffic.

-Plan the working period to meet the noise standards as required from Guidance no.8 date 27.11.2007 “Allowed noise norms in the environment”


Generation of waste Construction activities might result with generation of solid waste, especially inert ones.

-Gathering and transportation of waste done by licensed regional waste company


Health and safety of workers Different accidents

Potential risks present :

- Inadequate lightning during night shifts,

- Operating with equipment without safety belt;

- Using equipment with improper braking systems;

- Loss of attention and low level of seriousness during work

- Supervision of the works should be done regularly in order of ensuring that safety conditions are met and any irregularity is being corrected following the best practices.

- Ensure instructions for drivers of heavy equipment.

- Ensure communication between workers in the site where heavy equipment has access.

- Ensure adequate lightning system for night shift.

- Ensure equipment are properly maintained and that safety equipment is functional.

- Ensure usage of safety belts.

Contractor Supervisor/ Employer /Work Inspectorate

Operational

OPERATION PHASE

Routine surveillance, diagnostic and

Generation of household waste Household waste - to be stored in containers.

Regional Public Company for Waste Management

Supervisor/ Employer Operational

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measures


Cost

research activities

Generation of hazard waste

Treatment of hazard waste in accordance with regulations and administrative instructions in force (Law no. 9537, dated 18.05.2006 "On administration of hazardous wastes", Regulation no.6 date 30.11.2007 “For the administration of the hospital waste”, DCM no.99 18.02.2005 “Albanian waste catalogue”), that administer this field of waste. Treatment options should be selected in cooperation with authorities and in line with local legislation.

IFSV

IFSV and MoEFWA Inspectorate

Operational

Waste water discharges

Install a unit of waste water treatment plant (WWTP) at the IFSV/AHL to treat all waste waters produced, prior to their discharge to drainage system.

IFSV Waste water monitoring from the IFSV and MoEFWA

Operational

and

US$ 15.000-20.0002

Waste incineration

Emission of dioxins or furans, odour, particulate matter, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon

Supply and install a new incinerator, as the existing incinerator is small, very old and not functioning properly.

Operation of the incinerator at the

IFSV IFSV and MoEFWA Inspectorate

Operational

and

US$ 50.000 – 70.0003

2 Costs for supply and installing a unit of WWTP

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measures


Cost

monoxide, volatile organic compounds (from methane to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), noise, etc.

design temperatures and combustion air supply.

Adequate training and working materials to the incinerator operators, and other related personnel, and to ensure that sites are prepared in advance with hard standing and catchments and containment of disinfectants. Carcasses should not be pre-treated with a chlorine-bearing disinfectant or should not be contained in PVC bags

3 Costs for supply/purchase and installing a new incinerator.

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Table 6b. International Best Practice in Safety of Research Laboratories4 to be considered during operational phase of the new Animal Health laboratories

Procurement / Transport

• Minimize acquisition / quantity of hazardous materials, minimize storage time needed • Identify mechanism of waste disposal before acquisition • For chemicals, have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) accessible/confine deliveries to areas that are

equipped to handle them (and train relevant personnel) • Ensure container is intact and appropriately labelled (US regulations detail how hazardous materials have to

be identified, packaged, marked, labelled, documented and placard) • Transport in appropriate (secondary) containers • Use triple packaging system for infectious and potentially infectious substances • Adhere to international air transport regulations

Storage / Management

• Inventory should have name as printed on the container • For chemicals: include molecular formula for further identification and to provide a simple means of

searching chemicals; include CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number for unambiguous identification of chemicals despite the use of different naming conventions

• Source • Size of container • Hazard classification, as a guide to safe storage, handling, and disposal • Date of acquisition, to ensure that unstable chemicals are not stored beyond their useful life, and Storage

location

Procedures

• Dispose of materials anticipated to not be needed within a reasonable time frame • Use approved containers; make sure storage containers remain intact and sealed • Dispose of chemicals prior to expiration date, monitor reactive chemicals • Replace deteriorating labels before information is obscured or lost • Follow regulations for safe storage in stockroom or lab • Avoid storing chemicals on bench tops or lab hoods • Store volatile chemicals in ventilated cabinet (near hood) • If ventilation is not required, store in closable cabinet or on shelf with lip to prevent sliding • Do not expose stored chemicals to heat or direct sunlight • Observe all precautions regarding the storage of incompatible chemicals • Provide vented cabinets beneath hoods for storing hazardous materials • Use chemical storage refrigerators for storing chemicals • Have fire protection system (sprinklers) • Follow storage limits for flammable and combustible liquids • Restrict access to storage facility

Protocols / Facilities for Use in Research

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• Wear and use appropriate personal protection materials to minimize exposure • Wash hands • Reduce the possibility of creating splashes or aerosols • Contain in biological safety cabinets operations that generate aerosols • Use good housekeeping • Use mechanical pipetting devices • Promptly decontaminate work surfaces • Never eat, ring, smoke, handle contact lenses, apply cosmetics, or take medicine in the lab • Take special care when using sharps • Keep lab doors closed when experiments are in progress • Use secondary leak-proof containers to move or transfer cultures • Decontaminate infectious waste before disposal • Post appropriate warning signs • Mark emergency equipment, maintain it, inspect it; list telephone numbers to call in case of accident • Control access

For Radioisotopes

• Use only in designated areas • Allow the presence of essential staff only • Use personal protective equipment • Monitor personal radiation exposures • Use spill trays lined with disposable absorbent materials • Limit radionuclide quantities • Shield radiation sources • Mark radiation containers with the radiation symbol, including radionuclide identity, activity, and assay date • Use radiation meters to monitor working areas, protective clothing, and hands after completion of work • Use appropriately shielded transport containers • Remove radioactive waste frequently from the working area • Maintain accurate records of use and disposal of radioactive materials • Screen dosimetry records for materials exceeding the dose limits • Establish and regularly exercise emergency response plans • In emergencies, assist injured persons first • Clean contaminated areas thoroughly • Write and keep incident reports

For Animal laboratories

• Require good microbiological techniques • Establish policies and protocols for all operations and for access to vivarium • Establish appropriate medical surveillance program and supervision for staff • Prepare and adopt safety or operations manual • Post warning signs • Decontaminate work surfaces after use • Use appropriate biological safety cabinets or isolator cages; handle and decontaminate animal bedding and

waste materials appropriately • Transport material for autoclaving or incineration safely, in closed containers • Treat, report, and record injuries

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Training of Personnel

Employer develops Chemical Hygiene Plan containing (models available from U.S. government and from some professional societies)

• Employee information and training about the hazards of chemicals in the work area: • How to detect their presence or release • Work practices and how to use protective equipment • Emergency response procedures

• Circumstances under which a lab operation requires prior approval from the institution • Standard operating procedures for work with hazardous chemicals • Criteria for use of control measures • Measures to ensure proper operation of fume hoods and other protective equipment • Provisions for additional employee protection for work with select carcinogens and toxins • Provisions for medical consultations and examinations for employees • Labs should establish their own safety groups at the department level (include students and support staff) • Labs should provide training in safety and waste management for all lab workers, including students in

laboratory classes • Labs should incorporate institutionally supported lab and equipment inspection programs into their overall

health and safety programs • Review exit / evacuation routes • Know how to report fire, injury, chemical spill, or summon emergency response • Know first aid • Know location and use of emergency equipment such as safety showers and eyewashes • Know location and use of fire extinguishers and spill control equipment (have appropriate kits readily

available) • Lab personnel should establish ongoing relationships and clear lines of communication with emergency

response teams • Include information on safe methods for highly hazardous procedures commonly encountered by lab

personnel that involve: • Inhalation risks • Ingestion risks • Risks of percutaneous exposures • Bites and scratches when handling animals • Handling of blood and other potentially hazardous pathological materials • Decontamination and disposal of infectious material

Segregation / Triage of Waste

Multi hazardous waste – goal is reduction of waste to a waste that presents a single hazard.

• Consider frequency and amount of waste generated; assess risk • Identify / characterize waste:

• Physical description • Water reactivity • Water solubility • pH and possibly neutralization information • ignitability / flammability • presence of oxidizer • presence of sulphides / cyanides • presence of halogens

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• presence of radioactive materials • presence of bio hazardous materials • presence of toxic constituents

• Minimize waste’s hazards • Determine options for management of hazards • If appropriate, take steps to neutralize waste or render it non-hazardous • When possible, select a single management option • Establish procedures for dealing with unstable waste, or waste that requires special storage or handling • Store safely:

• Designated room or facility modified to contain the waste (with ventilation and effluent trapping) • Protect workers • Minimize risk of fire or spill • Minimize radiation levels outside of area • Consider compatibility of materials being accumulated (e.g., aqueous and non-aqueous waste

should be separated) • Give particular attention to the handling or cleaning of radioactive laboratory ware, and to the

proper disposal of sharps. • Non-contaminated (non-infectious) waste can be reused or recycled or disposed of as general

waste • Contaminated (infectious) sharps – collect in puncture-proof containers fitted with covers and

treated as infectious; autoclave if appropriate • Contaminated material for decontamination by autoclaving and thereafter washing and reuse or

recycling • Contaminated material for direct incineration

Disposal

• No activity should begin unless a plan for the disposal of hazardous waste has been formulated • Use appropriate disposal method for each category of waste • Use appropriate containers • Label and securely close waste containers • Separate wastes as appropriate

For low level radioactive waste, options include

• Storage time for decay and indefinite on site storage, • Burial at a low-level radioactive waste site, • Incineration, or • Sanitary sewer disposal

For biological waste, options include

• Disinfection • Autoclaving • For liquids, disposal in sanitary sewer; putrescible waste disposed of by incineration; needles and sharps

require destruction, typically by incineration or grinding

Collection and storage of waste

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At satellite area near lab: • should be clearly identified, ventilated if necessary • determine whether to recycle, reuse, or dispose • hold here for less than one year; when containment volume limits reached, move to central

accumulation area – package appropriately At central accumulation area:

• separate according to compatibility, commingle solvents when appropriate • label clearly, store in appropriate containers • limit storage time to 90 days • ensure that employees are trained to handle waste materials as well as contingency planning for

emergencies • When transporting, make provisions for spill control in case of accident; have internal tracking

system to follow movement of waste • Ensure that all necessary records have been generated (Quantities and identification of waste

generated and shipped; Documentation and analyses of unknown materials; Manifests for waste shipping as well as verification of waste disposal; Any other information required to ensure compliance and safety from long-term liability)

Disposal options:

• Incineration – is method of choice for most wastes, but is most expensive • Normal trash – only where appropriate, must be clearly identified and appropriately labelled • Sanitary sewer – not commonly used; solutions must be aqueous and biodegradable, or low

toxicity inorganic – make sure sewer doesn’t drain into water supply inappropriate for waste disposal, and make sure waste is highly diluted

• Release to the atmosphere – not acceptable; fume hoods must have trapping devices to prevent discharge to atmosphere

• If hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are mixed, entire waste volume must be treated as hazardous • Preparation for transport to a treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) • Waste generator must obtain assurance (in terms of documentation, permits, records) that provider is reliable

For infectious material

• Decontaminate, autoclave, or incinerate in lab • Package appropriately (for incineration or for transfer to another facility for incineration) • Protect against hazards to others to those who might come in contact with discarded items

7. Public consultations and disclosure

Initially, as part of the work for the preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Albania’s Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project, various meetings and consultation with different stakeholders have been made. On June 15, 2006 a public briefing of the draft EMP was held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection. It was attended by the

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representatives from the Ministries of MoAFCP, MoH, MoEFWA, representatives of environmental NGOs, local representatives of international agencies, and press.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration (MoEFWA) taking in consideration all these meetings, consultation and public discussion and in accordance with Albania’s legislation has issued an Environmental Permit for Albania’s Avian Influenza Control and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project.

Additionally, under this assignment, as prescribed in the ToRs, the consultant has established contacts with the relevant EIA department in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration. The procedures to get environmental permits for such a construction project have been discussed. According to national legislation and the EIA screening process the project for the construction of the new laboratory of animal health should submit the request for an environmental permit from the Regional Environmental Agency of Tirana. Thus, the project for the construction of the new lab at IFSV and the EIA and EMP should be submitted to the REA of Tirana for review and get environmental permit to start being implemented.

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