rehabilitation of primary canals of artashat irrigation scheme...irrigation scheme, rehabilitation...

WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

AND INSTITUTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS PIU

Environmental Management Plan

Rehabilitation of Primary Canals of Artashat

Irrigation Scheme:

Mkhchyan Canal D/M 35+20-D/M 73+43 and

Dvin Canal D/M 7+69-D/M 38+08

30 September 2008

Revised – 9 August 2011

WSDII PIU

75/44 Baghramyan Street

Yerevan 033, Armenia

Tel +374 10 277943

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Typewritten Text

E2964 v1

Rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin canals

i

Contents

Glossary ii

Executive Summary 1

1 Introduction 4

2 Project Description 4

3 Description of Existing Conditions 6

4 Environmental and Social Impacts 9

5 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures 10

6 Institutional Responsibilities, Reporting and Budget 11

6.1 Institutional Responsibilities 11

6.2 Reporting Format and Schedule 12

6.3 Budget 12

7 Public Consultation 13

8 Environmentally Sound Clauses for Civil Works Contracts 15

9 Main Findings 15

Annexes 15

Annex A: Environmental Management Plan: Mitigation Measures 17

Annex B: Monitoring Plan 25

Annex C: Incident Report Form 27

Annex D: Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts 28

Annex E: Environmental Clauses for Contracts 36

Annex F: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings 42


ii

Glossary

AMD Armenian Dram

ARD Armenian Road Directorate

DM Distance Marker (or “Picket Number”)

EA Environmental Assessment

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment (equivalent to EA)

ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

Environmental

Expertise

State Environmental Expertise NCO of the MNP

ESAOC Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant

ESIO Environmental and Social Impact Office/Officer, MCA-Armenia

FSU Former Soviet Union

FS/FD Consultant Feasibility Study/Final Design Consultant

GIS Geographic Information System

GoA Government of Armenia

ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage

ICOLD International Commission on Large Dams

Irrigation PIU Water Sector Development and Institutional Improvements PIU

MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation

MCA-Armenia Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia State NCO

MNP Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

RAP Resettlement Action Plan

RA Republic of Armenia

RPF Resettlement Policy Framework

RRRP Rural Road Rehabilitation Project

SCWS State Committee on Water Systems

USD United States of America Dollars

WB World Bank

WSA Water Supply Agency

WUA Water User Association


1

Executive Summary

Rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin canals is envisaged under the Additional Financing of the

Irrigation Rehabilitation Emergency Project (IREP). These two canals belong to the Artashat

Irrigation Scheme, rehabilitation of which was envisaged under the MCA-Armenia program.

For this purposes Environmental Management Plan was prepared under the MCA-Armenia

program, however because of the limited time and resources these rehabilitation works were not

carried out under the MCA-Armenia program.

This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed for the rehabilitation of the

Artashat Irrigation Scheme, as a part of the comprehensive assignment under the Infrastructure

Activity of the Irrigated Agriculture Project of MCA-Armenia. Provided that Mkhchyan and

Dvin canals are part of the Artashat Irrigation Scheme, this EMP fully covers them. An overall

objective of the EMP is to bring the project into compliance with the environmental and social

requirements set by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and environmental and social

policies of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The EMP links the mitigation measures into

a comprehensive implementation scheme, designed to ensure action. It describes institutional

responsibilities, compliance monitoring and reporting requirements, and cost for implementing

the EMP, all in order to answer the “who?”, “how?” and “how much?” questions.

Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals are part of the Artashat Irrigation Scheme. Within the framework of

MCA-Armenia Program the feasibility study and final design for the Talin Main Canal was

prepared by “Hayjrnakhagits” CJSC under the contract IA-06/003 for Design and Construction

Supervision for Rehabilitation of Six Main Canals.

The proposed project is expected to cover the rehabilitation of 2.010 km of degraded structures

of Mkhchyan Canal including monolithic concrete lining 12 cm thick, rehabilitation of existing

and performance of new joints, and rehabilitation of 2.811 km of degraded structures of Dvin

Canal including monolithic concrete lining 12 cm thick, rehabilitation of existing and

performance of new joints. The rehabilitation works are expected to start in fall 2011 and

continue for two years, taking place during the irrigation off-season.

The overall objective of the rehabilitation is to improve the technical state of the main canals in

order to reduce seepage losses, restore the reliability of water command and delivery to irrigated

lands, restore under-utilized or unutilized irrigated lands, and, where feasible, and if water

supplies are available, to expand irrigated lands. It is expected that the results of the canals

rehabilitation program will be an increase in crop yield and in the incomes of the water users.

73 communities are located within the area serviced by Artashat Main Canal. However, only 48

communities whose lands are located within the area proposed for rehabilitation are considered

direct beneficiaries. The total population in these 48 communities is nearly 79,000 (51.4%

women) with more than 21,000 water users registered with the five WUAs managing the

irrigation water supply. The potentially irrigated area within the rehabilitation sections

comprises a total of 18,271 ha of which 14,412 ha is actually irrigated. Main crops grown

include vegetables, wheat and fodder while orchards and vineyards cover large parts of the area

as well.


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Mkhchyan Canal starts from the pressure basin of the pressure pipeline of Mkhchyan pumping

station. The length of the canal is 17.0 km and the design discharge capacity is 7.7 m3/s. The

canal passes entirely through Ararat Marz.

Mkhchyan Canal is located in 20-27km distance from Yerevan city, and is under “Azat” WUAs

command. The total population living in the territory irrigated by Mkhchyan Canal is 3883 in

total. Lands of 3 communities (Aygestan and Byuravan) are located within the area proposed for

rehabilitation:

Dvin Canal is located in 20-27km distance from Yerevan city, and is under “Artashat” WUAs

command. The total population living in the territory irrigated by Dvin Canal is 1833 in total.

V.Dvin community lands are located within the area proposed for rehabilitation (V.Dvin

community is located in 2-5km distance from Dvin canal):

The main crops grown include vegetables, wheat and fodder while orchards and vineyards cover

large parts of the area as well.

The proposed rehabilitation works will have insignificant, short-term and localized

environmental impacts during implementation of rehabilitation works and further operation and

maintenance of the canal systems. The impacts during the construction period are expected to be

mainly caused by the need for removal of degraded concrete slabs lining canals under

rehabilitation; removal of out-take fixtures and piping prior to replacement; extensive dredging

of canals under rehabilitation; upgrading of service roads; and earthworks as required. All

debris, spillage and construction waste, including silt taken from canals must be properly

removed and disposed of at approved landfills/dump sites that do not encroach upon areas

inhabited by local residents. Earth borrowing and mining of local aggregates and spoils disposal

sites will have a temporary negative impact on the environment. Clearing of vegetation and

excavations may also take place for some parts of the access roads. Base camps with storage of

oil, chemicals and other pollutants will be removed. Following rehabilitation, canals

embankments will be planted with ground cover and steep slopes strengthened with vegetation,

grass and plants or gabions. Dust and smoke arising from construction machines can have

negative impact on the ambient air quality. Such effects are expected to be minimal and

transient. During operation negative environmental impacts will be less apparent, but might

result from inadequate attention to removal of silt debris and waste from canal beds during

routine maintenance. Leakage from canals will be monitored to prevent excess soil saturation

and water logging.

Rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals 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. Greater water use efficiency can lead to increased levels of agricultural

productivity, including more water for landholders at the end of the canal delivery system.

Rehabilitation can lead to the adoption of higher value cropping patterns, as well as the

extension of irrigated land holdings thereby increasing food security. As a result of

rehabilitation of the canals the water resource will be more effectively managed. Site

investigations suggest that there are some areas where rural inhabitants have encroached on

lands adjacent to the canals. Where construction or operation of the project result in a loss of

assets or access to assets (temporarily or permanently), the project affected people (PAPs) will

be compensated in accordance with the World Bank’s Operational Policy on Involuntary

Resettlement (OP 4.12). A Resettlement Action Plan will be developed consistent with the


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Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and will be implemented prior to construction in the

affected areas to ensure proper compensation to the affected people.

This EMP provides a list of measures designed to mitigate the likely negative environmental

and social impacts as well as enhancement measures to strengthen the positive impacts. These

measures were designed with due consideration of public concerns that were obtained in the

process of informal and formal consultations with the public to be affected by the project. A set

of environmentally and socially sound clauses for civil works contracts is incorporated in the

Technical Specifications for Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals and included in Annex E.


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1 Introduction

Rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin canals is envisaged under the Additional Financing of the

IREP. These two canals belong to the Artashat Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation of which was

envisaged under the MCA-Armenia program. For this purposes Environmental Management

Plan was prepared under the MCA-Armenia program, however because of the time and funds

limitation these rehabilitation works were not carried out under the MCA-Armenia program.

Currently the WB considers Additional Financing to IREP to address rehabilitation of

Mkhchyan and Dvin canals. Taking into account that EMP prepared under the MCA-Armenia

program for Artashat Irrigation Scheme fully covers the stretches to be rehabilitated on

Mkhchyan and Dvin canals, the EMP is applicable for rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin

canals.

Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals are part of the the Artashat Irrigation Scheme. The feasibility study

and final design for the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals was prepared by “Hayjrnakhagits” CJSC

under the contract IREP/AF/NCB/CW-11/01 for Design and Construction Supervision for

Rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals.

Mkhchyan canal starts from the pressure basin of the pressure pipeline of Mkhchyan pumping

station. The length of the canal is 17.36 km, the design discharge capacity is 7.7 m3/s. The canal

passes entirely through Ararat Marz.

The section DM 35+20 DM 44+27 is deteriorated, 30% of reinforced concrete slabs are

missing. The section DM 63+40 DM 74+43 is deteriorated, 50% of reinforced concrete slabs

are missing and the rest are destroyed.

Dvin canal starts from Azat Reservoir. The length of the canal is 15.268 km, the design

discharge capacity is 1.2 m3/s.

The section D/M 7+69-D/M 11+18 starts from 2nd

syphon up to 5th syphon, reinforced concrete

slabs of the slops are deteriorated, settlements of the slops are observed. Is some stretches canal

doesn’t provide designed discharge capacity.

The proposed project is expected to cover the rehabilitation of about 4.43km of degraded

structures of Mkhcnyan and Dvin canals, including 12cm thick monolithic concrete lining,

rehabilitation of existing and performance of new joints. Rehabilitation of the canals stretches

will start on late 2011 and will continue for two years, again mostly taking place during the

irrigation off-season.

2 Project Description

This chapter was developed by using the baseline environmental and social data collected and

provided by the FS/FD Consultant.

Artashat Main Canal is located in the administrative area of Yerevan City and Ararat Marz of

Armenia (see Figure 1 below). The design area of the irrigation scheme is 30,000 ha, the


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cadastral value1 of which is estimated to be 29,600 ha and the actually irrigated area is 22,400

ha. The system was commissioned in 1938 and comprises the following canals: Artashat,

Mkhchyan, and Dvin.

Artashat Main Canal starts from the head intake structure at the Hrazdan River. The total

length of the canal is 59.95 km, 9.5 km of which goes through Yerevan and the remaining part

through the administrative area of Ararat Marz. The design discharge capacity of the canal at the

first 1.5 km section is 22.0 m3/s and then varies between 12.65.0 m

3/s. The canal covers

irrigated lands of 32 communities.

Figure 1: Map of Artashat Main Canal

Mkhchyan canal starts from the pressure

basin of the pressure pipeline of Mkhchyan

pumping station. The length of the canal is

17.0 km and the design discharge capacity is

7.7 m3/s. The canal passes entirely through

Ararat Marz. The section DM 35+20 DM

44+27 is deteriorated, 30% of reinforced

concrete slabs are missing. The section DM

63+40 DM 74+43 is deteriorated, 50% of

reinforced concrete slabs are missing, and

the rest are destroyed

Dvin canal starts from Azat Reservoir. The

length of the canal is 15.268 km, the design

discharge capacity is 1.2 m3/s.

The section D/M 7+69-D/M 11+18, D/M

12+73-D/M 16+70, D/M21+90-D/M38+08

start from 2nd

syphon up to 5th syphon,

reinforced concrete slabs of the slops are

deteriorated, settlements of the slops are

observed. In some stretches canal doesn’t

provide designed discharge capacity.

A summary of the proposed rehabilitation works of the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals is presented

in Table 1.

1 Cadastral area is the total irrigable area of the given region registered by the State Committee of Real Estate of the Republic of Armenia.


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Table 1

Overview of sections of Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals and hydraulic structures

subject to rehabilitation

Canal name

Length (in m) of

canal sections

proposed for

rehabilitation

Siphon

piece/meter

Aqueduct

piece/meter

Storm water

diverting

structures

Bridges Outlet

Piece

Mkhchyan canal 2330 m - - - - -

Dvin canal 1100 m - - - - -

Total 4430 - - - - -

3 Description of Existing Conditions

Climate

The climate in the Ararat Plain is strongly continental. The average annual air temperature

varies from -270C (Aragats) to +11.9

0C (Ararat). The spring is short and warm. The temperature

in April is +4 to +120C. The autumn is also warm but the number of rainy and cloudy days is

greater. The temperature in October varies between +60 to +14

0C. The annual sunshine period is

2,680 hr or 360 hr per month in summer and 60-100 hr per month in winter. The hot and dry

weather prevails during 5-6 summer months. Precipitation in summer is 220-235 mm, relative

air humidity 30% and sometimes down to 5%. The winter is moderately cold with limited snow

cover. It lasts from the beginning of December until the first week of March. The number of

days with snowmelt is very high in some years (15-16 days per month). The maximum frost

depth is 60-80 cm (Armavir) and the minimum is 50 cm (in Yerevan, but no stable frost soil

layer is developed here).

Air circulation in the Ararat Plain occurs from the mountains to the lowland. The wind direction

is specified mainly by river direction. The wind velocity is maximal in the warm season’s

evening hours (24 m/sec).

Hydrology

Artashat Main Canal starts from the intake structure at Hrazdan River and is about 60 km long.

According to observations carried out during the period of 1997-2007, the minimal monthly

discharge occurred in 2003 and made 8.4 m3/s. Water shortage was compensatedwith additional

uptake from Azat Reservoir (42.2 mln m3)

and Mkhchyan pumping station (90 mln m3)

.

The groundwater level within the area is high, 0.5 m, and a drainage network of 35,000 ha was

constructed in the area to reduce it.

Biological diversity

Flora


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The project area is located mainly in a desert area with specific holophilic plants - Salsola

ericoides Bieb.; S. denderoides Pall.; S. nitraria Pall.; Halocnemum strobilum (Pall.) Bieb with

some participation of gypsophilous plants - Salsola canan C. Koch; S. tomentosa (Moq.) Spach;

S. gemmascens Pall.; Gypsophila aretioides Boiis.; Halanthium rarifolium C. Koch;

Cephalorrhynchus takhtadzhianii (Sosn.) Kirp and psamophilious plants - Calligonum

polygonoides L.; Achillea tenuifoliaLam.; Salsola tamamschjanae lljin; Stipagrostis plumose

(L.) Munro ex T. Anders.; Astragalus paradoxus Bunge.

Plants horse elder (Inula helenium), setwall (Valeriana officinalis), common tansy, red

hawthorn and others: Ononis arvensis; Syrian rue (Peganum harmala); Armenian everlasting

(Helichrusum armenium); madder (Rubia tinctorum), common squirting cucumber (Ecballium

elaterium); narrow leaf oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia); spiny caper bush (Capparis sylvatica).

The endemic plant species of the region are represented by Vedi spurge (Euphorbia vedica),

Linum barsegianii, Takhtajyan dusty miller (Centaurea takhtajanii), Ararat sow-thistle

(Sanchus araratium), Allochrusa takhtajanii, Nina meadow-saffron (Colchicum ninae):

The following plant species of the region are included in the Armenian Red Book: Dactylorhiza

cataonica; unusual milk vetch (Astragalus paradoxus); ammonial plant (Dorema glabrum),

currant-like rhubard (Rheum ribes); Thesium szovitsii; Ararat wheat (Triticum araraticum),

Oshei elecampane (Inula aucherana), Tamamshyan saltwort (Salsola tamamschjanae).

Fauna

The fauna of the project area is typical for the dry, continental semi-desert zone. Meanwhile

some animal species occur almost in all landscape zones due to their ecological elasticity.

The following animals are characteristic for this region: wild boar, reed cat, nutria, jackal, hare,

bobcat, he-sheep, Beozarian goat, brown bear. The most common among birds are the blue

pigeon and partridge. From reptiles and amphibians the Mediterranean turtle, lebetina viper, and

from non-vertebrates the grape snail. Araks River is the wild boar’s habitat. Hunting of this

animal is permitted in this region.

The following species registered in the Armenian Red Book occur in the mountainous zone of

this region: From mammals - Armenian moufflon (Ovis orientalis ssp. Gmelinii Blyth),

Caucasean otter (Lutra lutra L.), manul (Otocolobus manul Pall), small horseshoe-nosed bat

Rhinolophus hipposideros Bechstein, Meheli horseshoe-nosed bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi

Matschie), large horseshoe-nosed bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Schreb.); birds: crisp-

winged pelikan (Pelecanus crispus Brush), white-eye pochard (Aythya nyroca Giild), common

white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla L.); reptiles – Mediterranean turtle (Testudo graeca L.);

insects: similar dragonfly (Onychogomphus assimilis Schneid), Proserpinus proserpina Pall.,

Hyles hippophaes.

Soil properties and salinisation

The area of Ararat Marz is located within semi-desert, arid steppe, steppe, forest and mountain

meadow soil zones. These zones are specified by semi-arid, irrigated meadow-brown,

paleohydromorph, combined saline-alkaline, brown, black, meadow black, river valley and

terrace, forest brown and mountain meadow types of soil.


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Artashat Main Canal passes through semi-desert brown soil with rock debris occasionally with

typical carbonate cement, semi-desert brown residual carbonate soil and semi-desert typical

sedimental brown soil.

Semi-desert brown soils cover the lower hilly plains of pre-mountain area of Ararat Depression

Valley located at an elevation of 850-1,250 m. They are specified by small thickness of humus

layer (25-40 cm) and low humus content (up to 2%), presence of rock debris, skeleton structure

and considerable content of carbonate. Beneath are the gypsiferous layers. Salination of soil is

observed in some locations. This type of soil has average and alkaline reaction (pH 7.7 - 8.2)

and low absorption properties (20 – 30 mg/eq).

Hydromorphic saline-alkaline soils are developed in the areas of Ararat Plain where subsoil

water is mineralized and is located close to the surface (1 – 2 m). They are specified by strong

salination (total soil content 1 – 3%), considerable carbonatization, low humus content (<

1.0%), high alkaline reaction (pH 9-11) and high absorbed sodium content. The considerable

content of sodium in this type of soil makes their amelioration difficult.

About 25-35% of salinated soils of Ararat Plain are located within the north-eastern part of the

command area of Artashat Main Canal.

Erosion and sedimentation

No major soil erosion is observed within the project area.

Artashat Main Canal gets water from the Hrazdan River, Azat Reservoir and Mkhchyan

pumping station. A cascade of concrete barrages is constructed at the head intake structure on

the Hrazdan River, so sedimentation processes are relatively weakly expressed.

Some sediments accumulate during canal operation, however they are cleaned before

commencement of the irrigation season. The quantity of drifts and sediments accumulated in

main and secondary canals is within standard tolerances and they are cleaned mechanically (not

hydraulically) before commencement of the vegetation season.

Social conditions

According to the social surveys conducted by the FS/FD Consultant at the preliminary design

phase, the irrigation water from the canals is managed by five WUA’s, respectively “Yerevan,”

“Azar”, “Artashat”, “Vedi” and “Mkhchyan” WUAs. According to data provided by the

Irrigation PIU, the service area supplied by the above mentioned WUAs comprises a total of

18,271ha of which 14,412 ha is de facto irrigated. Only about 28% of the total population are

water users and all of them are members of the WUAs.

Some characteristics of the communities directly benefiting from Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals’

rehabilitation are shown in the table below2:

2 Socioeconomic data are derived from National Statistic Service “List of Communities Benefiting from Main Canals,” as of 25 July 2008, cross-checked with CJSC, Final Report on Artashat Main Canal, “Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Communities,” Annex 5.2.2.


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WUA

Water

Users

Total

Population

% Water

Users Male Female

Mkhchyan, Mkhchyan

Canal 4,784 15,957 30.0% 7,655 8,302

Artashat, Dvin Canal 2,071 6,642 31.1% 3,207 3,435

Total 6,855 22,599 10,862 11,737

Females as a % of total population = 51.4%

4 Environmental and Social Impacts

Only rehabilitation works on existing canals are to be carried out. Due to its rehabilitation

nature, the proposed project is not likely to cause significant negative environmental and/or

social impacts. Rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals 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. This should promote both increases in food security and

incomes from agriculture, thereby reducing the number of poor population and mitigating out-

migration in the area. These outcomes will be especially remarkable in the communities located

at the tail-end sections of the Main Canal as their lands will become fully irrigable. Overall

positive impacts from the rehabilitation effort are long-term and cumulative in their nature,

ultimately contributing to the increased social benefits of the communities affected.

Short-term social adverse impacts may occur only in cases when cutting plants and/or

demolishment of light structures appearing within the alienation zone of the main canal cannot

be avoided. It is expected that within the proposed project such adverse impact will be avoided

through application of appropriate construction techniques. However, if conduct of construction

works is not possible without cleaning of the alienation zone from cultivated plants and/or

structures Resettlement Action Plan must be developed in accordance with the Word Bank’s

operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). A Resettlement Action Plan will be

developed on a basis of the Resettlement Policy Framework (RFP) prepared under the MCA-

Armenia Program.

The likely negative environmental and social impacts of the construction phase are expected to

be localized and short-term. As a result of timely and proper implementation of this

Environmental Management Plan with practical implementation of mitigation measures

presented in Annex A to this report, all identified potential negative impacts can be prevented

and minimized. In addition to this, regular monitoring over the civil works, in accordance with

the Monitoring Plan, will ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures included in

EMP. A possible negative environmental impact of the operation phase may be an increased use

of agrochemicals in the areas of the project coverage, provided that with improved access to

irrigation, farmers opt to increase volume of high value crops grown in their fields and apply

increased amount of pesticides. This will be mitigated by carrying out a public information

campaign on the optimal use of pesticides and extending some elements of the integrated pest

management (IPM) relevant in the current country context.


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5 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

The mitigation measures are proposed for design, construction and operation phases of the

rehabilitation of the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals that shall be undertaken by executing agencies

to prevent and/or minimize the likely adverse impacts listed above.

Design phase

Environmental mitigation requirements shall be incorporated into final design, technical

specifications and bidding documents, to be implemented by the construction contractor to

avoid, prevent, minimize, or rehabilitate the potential impacts.

The final design documents package shall include a list of approved borrow pits and agreed

spoil disposal sites; permits, agreements obtained from the relevant local/regional authorities for

use of borrow pits and sites for disposal of wastes as appropriate; list of construction preparation

temporary sites such as access roads, construction camps, transport and machinery sites, storage

facilities, etc.

The final design documents shall also provide, to the extent possible, such technical approaches

and solutions to the rehabilitation of separate stretches of the main canals where encroachments

of the alienation zone are observed that do not require demolition of temporary and permanent

private properties (structures, fences, poles, fruit trees, etc). In case the demolition (including

tree cutting) or dislocation of private/state holdings is required for the rehabilitation works, a

resettlement action plan (RAP) shall be prepared based on the existing RPF and in agreement

with the guiding principles of the WB OP 4.12. Compensation will then be provided to the

affected population according to RAP.

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 should be implemented

by the contractor during the 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 should be implemented by the contractor during the construction

phase. This may include, but may 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 should be maintained by the contractor;

all vegetative cover should be restored to its original condition;

sites for storage of oil and chemicals should be properly equipped to minimize the risks of

polluting soils and waters;

dust and noise from the construction site should be minimized, especially in resident areas,

public places, near schools, etc.


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If historical and/or cultural monuments or artefacts are unexpectedly found during earthworks,

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, shall recommend whether the works can be continued or the design must be

revised.

Operational Phase

During operation it is essential that canal beds be periodically maintained to ensure proper

conveyance, to avoid stagnation, to prevent flooding and damages caused by frost.

The detailed mitigation measures to be undertaken by the executing agencies are presented in

Annex A to this document.

The following enhancement measures are proposed to strengthen the positive impacts expected

as a result of rehabilitation of the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals:

Involve the local population in project related activities (e.g. work force during construction

phase, etc.)

Increase local water users’ knowledge on more efficient water management through

providing training and practice, on-farm water management, higher value agricultural

production, etc.

Raise awareness of integrated pest management and sound application of pesticides among

water users;

Build capacity of local water users through provision of credits;

Support the institutional strengthening of the water supply and delivery organizations (Water

Supply Agencies and Water Users Associations).

6 Institutional Responsibilities, Reporting and Budget

6.1 Institutional Responsibilities

Institutional responsibility for implementation of the proposed mitigation measures will be

shared amongst the following agencies:

Executing agencies

Executing Agencies are responsible for executing the measures of the EMP. During the design

phase, the executing agency, FS/FD Consultant (“Hayjrnakhagits Institute” CJSC) shall ensure

that all the necessary permits and agreements (e.g. permits for the disposal of excavated

materials, wastes, and demolition debris, etc.) are obtained from relevant state and local

authorities before the construction works are tendered out. Executing agencies during

construction phase (Construction contractors) shall take the responsibility for physical

implementation of mitigation measures provided under the EMP, as well as for obtaining all

permits and agreements related to construction activities (e.g. agreement with Historic and

Cultural Monuments Protection Agency if any new historical/cultural/archaeological monument

or artifacts are unexpectedly found during civil works) in accordance with the WB


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Environmental Policies and applicable environmental and social legislation of the Republic of

Armenia. WUAs will be responsible for conducting awareness campaign among their members

on integrated pest management and sound application of pesticides, using printed material and

other training aids provided by PIU.

Supervising agencies

Supervising Agencies are responsible for supervising the executing agencies to ensure that they

execute the mitigation measures as planned. The Construction Supervision Company hired by

PIU for daily supervision over the implementation of civil works will be responsible for

supervising the timely, proper and reliable implementation of works and measures as provided

by the EMP (including oversight over the environmental and social aspects of all activities

implemented under the project in order to ensure that mitigation measures are designed and

implemented properly to prevent and minimize likely adverse environmental and social

impacts).

The supervising agencies will also ensure that all necessary agreements and permits are

obtained by the appropriate contractors from relevant state and local authorities before the

construction works are tendered out. The WB may request to check if such permits are issued

and valid (e.g., not expired) as well as if the EMP mitigation and monitoring aspects are

implemented on the ground during the canal rehabilitation phases according to the WB

Environmental Policies and applicable Armenian environmental and social legislation.

Monitoring agencies

Monitoring agencies are in charge of monitoring the extent of implementation and the

effectiveness of the mitigation and enhancement measures and of adjusting the program if

needed. Monitoring agencies will be responsible for covering all measures requiring some sort

of monitoring by PIU/WB.

The government entities, in particular the Ministry of Nature Protection and its affiliated

agencies (State Environmental Inspectorate etc.), the Ministry of Health (State Hygienic Anti-

Epidemiologic Inspectorate) and the Ministry of Culture (Historic and Cultural Monuments

Protection Agency) may also be involved in the monitoring activities, as a part of their mandate.

6.2 Reporting Format and Schedule

The Construction Supervision Company, working in cooperation with the Construction

Contractor, will be responsible for reporting to PIU on the implementation of the mitigation

measures included 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 major environmental and

social occurrences are observed (such as spills, explosions, etc.). The Incident form is presented

in Annex C.

6.3 Budget

The budget for civil works contracts includes costs allocated for implementation of


13

environmental and social mitigation measures. Appropriate mitigation measures to be fulfilled

by the construction contractor are presented in Annex A.

The cost of EMP implementation is estimated at 1.18% of the cost of the total construction

contract.

7 Public Consultations

According to the FS/FD Consultant’s report the area affected by the rehabilitation works of

Mkhchyan Canal covers 18 communities (Mrgavet, Masis, Berkanoush, Mkhcyan,

Baghramyan, Dimitrov, Azatavan, Mrgavan, Burastan, Aygestan, Berdik, Byuravan, Ditak,

Kanachout, Dalar, Vostan, Shahumyan, Artashat), and Dvin Canal covers 4 communinties (N.

Dvin, V. Dvin, Norashen, Getazat).

Two communities may undergo adverse impacts from the rehabilitation works of Mkhchyan

canal - Aygestan and Byuravan. Positive impacts will occur not only in the remaining 20

communities, but also in the aforementioned 2 communities that are possibly exposed to

adverse impacts.

Present EMP was disclosed in-country through the web page of MCC and through the

administrations of WUAs servicing all of the 18 affected communities. Public consultation

meetings were carried out in 40% of communities which may undergo adverse impacts from the

rehabilitation works (e.g. seepage, possible cutting of the trees in the alienation zone, etc) and in

15% of those that will benefit from possible impacts. Due to above mentioned Byuravan village

was selected from 40% of communities as one that may undergo adverse impact. Three villages

were selected from 15% of villages as communities that will undergo positive impact. Four

communities that will undergo positive impacts were selected for public consultation:

Byuravan, Berdik, Mrgavet, and Nerkin Dvin.

On June, 2011, public consultations were held in Byuravan,, Berdik, Mrgavet, N.Dvin, villages

in relation to the Mkhchyan and Dvin canals rehabilitation project. The consultations involved

representatives from WSDII PIU: H.Harutunyan – PIU Irrigation Officer, N. Atayan -

Environmental and Social Impact Officer, V. Movsisyan – Institutional Improvements Officer,

“Azat” and “Artashat” WUAs, community leaders and farmers..

A record was kept of the participants through a signature on an attendance paper. The list of

participants is attached in the Minutes of Meetings of the Public Consultations (see Annex F).

The consultations aimed at discussing environmental and social issues related to Mkhchyan and

Dvin canals rehabilitation project. The meetings were organized with the presentation and the

discussion of the overall description of the activities to be implemented within the scope of the

WSDP PIU Project, the details of the proposed rehabilitation activities, potential negative

impacts, the envisaged mitigation measures, importance of the project activities for the local

people, the expected outcomes and other issues.

Participants in all the communities welcomed the proposed project and for rehabilitation of


14

Mkhchyan and Dvin canals due to importance of its expected benefits. The participants asked to

implement rehabilitation activities within non-vegetative season not to hinder irrigation works.

The participants mentioned the importance of the quality of the activities to be implemented in

general. They asked to perform all the works of a high quality standard. The participants’

questions were about possibility for local population to be involved in the construction works.

The questions presented received exhaustive answers by the PIU representatives, who explained

that this Project is also aimed on reduction of poverty in rural regions and improving the social

conditions by involvement of local population in construction works implemented in the scope of

this Project.

8 Environmentally Sound Clauses for Civil Works Contracts

Most construction phase impacts will be mitigated by including appropriate clauses into the

civil works contracts. These clauses are included in Annex E.

9 Main Findings

The rehabilitation of Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals is aimed at improving the deteriorated sections

of the canals, which will reduce large water losses within the system and allow reliable

irrigation of more lands. This will increase the agricultural production in rural areas of the

Republic of Armenia and contribute to increased food security and reduced poverty.

No new construction will be implemented under the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals. The project

mostly envisages rehabilitation of existing structures, which will have minor, short-term and

localized environmental impacts during the construction phase. This EMP elaborates a list of

measures (see Annex A) to be undertaken to mitigate likely environmental and social impacts

that can occur during the various phases of the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals rehabilitation –

design, construction and further maintenance. The implementation of these measures will be

monitored by the appropriate agencies and in accordance with the monitoring plan included in

Annex B.

The positive socio-economic and environmental effects of the project outweigh the likely

environmental risks associated with its implementation. The rehabilitation of the Mkhchyan

and Dvin Canals will ensure greater water use efficiency, leading to increased levels of

agricultural productivity, including more water for landholders at the end of the canal delivery

system. This can also lead to the adoption of higher value cropping patterns, as well as the

extension of irrigated land holdings thereby increasing food security.


15

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

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

During design

Temporary air pollution

(dust) related to the

transportation of

construction materials and

truck traffic

Develop the traffic management plan on canal service

roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety both for

workers, local traffic and population

FS/FD

Consultant PIU

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

During design

Landscape degradation and

soil erosion

Develop measures to strengthen the steep slopes with

vegetation, grass and plants or gabions. Consider the

use of plant species characteristic for the landscape in

the course of restoration of the vegetation cover.

FS/FD

Consultant PIU

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

During design


16

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT


MONITORING MEASURES

EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

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

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

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

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

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

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

During design

Servitudes must be ensured for the temporary and

permanent use of community and private lands (if

applicable).

FS/FD

Consultant PIU

Part of the

contract with

the FS/FD

Consultant

During design, before

construction works

start

Construction Phase


17

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT


MONITORING MEASURES

EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

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

Part of the contract with

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

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


18

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT


MONITORING MEASURES

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.

Construction

Contractor

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor



During construction

works

Impacts on historic-cultural

monuments or artefacts

Cease the works as soon as historical and cultural

monuments or artefacts 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


19

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT


MONITORING MEASURES

EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

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

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


20

POTENTIAL NEGATIVE

IMPACT


MONITORING MEASURES

EXECUTING

AGENCY

SUPERVISING

AGENCY

COST


possible)

TIMING

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 slit from the canals bed and dispose the

removed slit in the approved waste disposal sites. The

removed slit can be also applied in the farm-fields as a

fertilizer.

WSA, WUA SCWS


Maintenance cost

During operation

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


21

Annex B: Monitoring Plan

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

Phase What parameter is to be

monitored?

Where is the parameter to

be monitored?

How is the parameter to be

monitored?/ type of monitoring equipment

When is the parameter to be

monitored? (frequency of measurement or continuous)

Cost Reporting Agency

Design

Material borrows and dumps At the design consultant Perspective borrows and

dumps identified

During the design Minimal additional

design cost

PIU

Road accessibility to the

structures

At the design consultant Inspection During the design Minimal additional

design cost

PIU

Construction

Soil erosion In new cutting areas and

slopes

Inspections at site and

soils mechanical

information

During and after

construction work, when

deemed necessary

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Water pollution In water bodies Inspection During construction

works

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Air pollution/dust At working site Visual inspection During earth works, when

deemed necessary

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Noise At working site Inspection of

noise levels (dB)

During earth works and

blast, when deemed

necessary and on

complaint

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Conservation of vegetation

resources

At working site Inspection When cutting and

restoring used areas

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor


22

Phase What parameter is to be

monitored?

Where is the parameter to

be monitored?

How is the parameter to be

monitored?/ type of monitoring equipment

When is the parameter to be

monitored? (frequency of measurement or continuous)

Cost Reporting Agency

Staff safety

(protective equipment)

At work site Inspection Unannounced inspections

during work

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Overall workers’ camp site

conditions

On the camp site during

construction activities

Inspection According to the existing

regulations

Minimal additional

construction cost

PIU through

Construction

Supervisor

Conduct of campaign for

rising awareness of IPM and

sound use of pesticides

WUA offices and water

user communities

Inspection

Survey

After formal launch of the

campaign

Minimal additional

cost to operational

budget of PIU

PIU

Operation

Maintenance of irrigation

delivery system

On site Inspection Continuous – full scale

desiltation required yearly

Routine operation

and maintenance

cost

WSA, WUA

Maintenance of irrigation

off-takes and other

structures

On site Inspection When needed Routine operation

and maintenance

cost

WSA, WUA


23

Annex C: Incident Report Form

REHABILITATION OF MKHCHYAN AND DVIN CANALS

1 Date:

2 Canal 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 PIU use only

Date

Received by:

Decision/Action made:


24

Annex D: Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

Project Name/location: Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals Assessment: 1st

Assessor’s name/position: CS Team Date(s) of Assessment: July

2008

For each environmental effect place a cross (X) in one or

two of the columns Po

siti

ve i

mp

act

like

ly

Po

siti

ve i

mp

act

po

ssib

le

No i

mp

act

lik

ely

Neg

ati

ve i

mpa

ct

po

ssib

le

Neg

ati

ve i

mpa

ct

like

ly

No j

udg

emen

t

po

ssib

le a

t

pre

sent

Comments

N/A = Environmental effect is Not Applicable in this case

For detailed explanation refer to the correspondingly numbered sections following this table

A B C D E F

Hyd

rolo

gy 1-1 Low flow regime X

1-2 Flood regime X 1-3 Operation of dams X N/A 1-4 Fall of water table X 1-5 Rise of water table X

Po

llu

tion 2-1 Solute dispersion X

2-2 Toxic substances X 2-3 Organic pollution X 2-4 Anaerobic effects X N/A 2-5 Gas emissions X

Soil

s

3-1 Soil salinity X 3-2 Soil properties X 3-3 Saline groundwater X 3-4 Saline drainage X 3-5 Saline intrusion X

Sed

imen

ts 4-1 Local erosion X

4-2 Hinterland effect X 4-3 River morphology X N/A 4-4 Channel regime X 4-5 Sedimentation X 4-6 Estuary erosion X N/A

Eco

logy

5-1 Project lands X X Positive and negative impacts possible 5-2 Water bodies X 5-3 Surrounding area X Positive and negative impacts possible. 5-4 Valleys & shores X N/A 5-5 Wetlands & plains X N/A 5-6 Rare species X 5-7 Animal migration X 5-8 Natural industry X

Soci

o-e

con

om

ic

6-1 Population change X 6-2 Income & amenity X 6-3 Human migration X 6-4 Resettlement X See below. 6-5 Women’s role X 6-6 Minority groups X 6-7 Sites of value X 6-8 Regional effects X 6-9 User involvement X 6-10 Recreation X

Hea

lth

7-1 Water & sanitation X 7-2 Habitation X 7-3 Health services X 7-4 Nutrition X 7-5 Relocation effect X 7-6 Disease ecology X 7-7 Disease hosts X 7-8 Disease control X 7-9 Other hazards X

Imb

ala

nce

s 8-1 Pests & weeds X 8-2 Animal diseases X 8-3 Aquatic weeds X 8-4 Structural damage X 8-5 Animal imbalances X

Number of crosses 6 4 34 5 3 3 Total possible = 53 (Unless positive & negative impacts)


25

Annotated Questions from the Check List of Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

1. Hydrological changes

1.1 Low flow regime

Is the flow regime of the river substantially changed by the Project and its dams (by more than +/-

20% in low flow periods)? If so, does this change benefit or impair aquatic ecosystems, existing or

potential downstream abstractions, hydropower, navigation or recreational uses?

The rehabilitation activities will have no impact on the low flow regime of Hrazdan River. At the

river section of the joint head water intake of Artashat and Low Hrazdan main canals the river flow

is regulated by the water outlets from Lake Sevan, taking into account the required flow capacities

for the existing intake structures, hydropower, recreational and sanitary environmental uses. The

head water intake of the irrigation system is in a good technical state and precisely regulates the flow

of the required water amount into the canal.

Mkhchyan and Dvin canals rehabilitation activities will have no impact on the low flow regime of

Azat River, since the flow of the given canals is regulated by the water outlets from Azat reservoir

built on Azat River, taking into consideration the required flow capacities for the existing intake

structures, hydropower, recreational and sanitary environmental uses.

1.2 Flood regime

Is the flood regime of the river (peak discharge and stage, speed of flood waves, flood super-position

with joining rivers, duration or extent of floodplain inundations downstream) substantially changed

by the Project as a result of changes in abstractions, retention storage, reservoir releases, flood

protection works, new road/rail routs, river training or surface drainage works? If so, does this

change benefit or impair aquatic and flood-affected ecosystems, lead to an increase or decrease in

flood damage or change land use restrictions outside the Project?

The canals rehabilitation activities will have no impact on the flood regime of the rivers (water

sources, Azat and Hrazdan Rivers). The head water intakes and offtake regulators precisely control

the water flow to the canal and to the inlet basin of the pumping station. Therefore, the canals will

not receive more water than maximum permissible into the canals and the pumping station.

1.3 Operation of dams

Can modifications to the operation of any storage or flood retention reservoir(s) compensate for any

adverse impacts associated with changes in flow regime, whiles minimizing the losses to the Project

and other users? Possible modifications affecting water quality downstream, saline intrusion, the

sediment regime of channels, the ecology of affected areas, amenity values, disease transmission or

aquatic weed growth should be considered (A separate environmental assessment of large

reservoir(s) may be required.)

Not applicable.

1.4 Fall of water table


26

Does the Project cause a fall of the water table (from groundwater abstractions, reduced infiltration

due to river training, drainage or flood protection works)? If so, does this fall lead to increased

potential for groundwater recharge (from seasonal rainfall) and improved conditions for land use;

or lead to depletion of the groundwater system, affecting wells, springs, river flows and wetlands?

The rehabilitation of the canals will reduce water losses from the canals and will cause no changes

to the level of groundwater in the project area.

1.5 Rise of water table

Does the Project cause a rise of the water table (from increased infiltration or seepage from

irrigation, seepage from reservoirs and canals, or increased floodplain inundation)? If so, does this

rise lead to improved yield of wells and springs and improved capillary rise into the root zone; or

lead to water logging of agricultural or other land in the Project area or vicinity?

The last site visit of the irrigation system was made at the beginning of August when irrigation water

demand in the project area is high and therefore, the water level in the canals amounts up to

maximum permissible. No over humidity or water logging processes were observed in the

agricultural lands of the project area during the site visit. The seepage processes from the hydro

technical structures which were due to the water losses from the canals were localized and did not

cause significant impact.

So, project implementation (reduction of water losses from the canals) will not cause rise of

groundwater table in the project area.

2. Organic and inorganic pollution

2.1 Solute dispersion

Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in the concentrations of organic or inorganic

solutes in the surface water due to changes to the pattern of water abstraction and reuse in the basin

or flow regulation? If so, do the changes benefit or impair biological communities or domestic,

agricultural or industrial water users in the basin?

The project will not cause changes to the pattern of water abstraction or flow regulation.2.2

Toxic substances

Are significant levels of toxic substance accumulating or being introduced, mobilized and

transmitted due to the construction and operation of the Project and its dams, or are levels being

reduced? Substances such as pesticides, herbicides, hydrogen sulphide, oil derivatives, boron,

selenium and heavy metals in irrigation supplies or surface, draining and ground waters should be

considered.

Increased or increasingly intensive cultivation of irrigated lands may lead to increased use of

pesticides. Safe use of pesticides is addressed in farmers training..

Measures to control spillage of oil or toxic substances will be included in construction contracts,

including: guidelines for the proper storage and siting of hazardous material such as oil, grease, fuel,


27

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.

2.3 Organic Pollution

Are nutrients, organic compounds and pathogens being reduced or introduced and concentrated,

due to the Project, its dams and its associated domestic settlements? If so, does the change result in

a reduction or increase in environmental and water use problems in the Project area or

downstream (in rivers, canals, reservoirs, and lakes, evaporation wet lands, depressions, deltas,

estuary regions) or in the groundwater?

At several points where livestock pens or dwellings are adjacent to a canal’s alienation zone,

wastewater drains into the canal. Proper maintenance and monitoring of the canals and their alienation

zones should significantly reduce these current sources. While such organic loads are unlikely to be a

problem for agricultural usage, the canals are also used occasionally by local people for bathing,

swimming, or consumption. In addition, this may also cause a spread of animal diseases, having an

indirect negative impact on human health.

Increased or increasingly intensive cultivation of irrigated lands may lead to increased use of

fertilizers. But fertilizer use is currently at very modest levels and, given the rising cost of fossil fuel

inputs, is unlikely to increase significantly.

2.4 Anaerobic effects

Is the Project reducing or creating anaerobic conditions or eutrophication in any impoundments,

natural lakes, pools or wetlands due to changed input or accumulation of fertilizers, other nutrients

and organic matter or due to changed water quality resulting from dams, river abstractions and

drainage flows?

No.

2.5 Gas Emissions

Is the Project, either directly of through associated industrial processing, causing decreased or

increased gas emissions which contribute to air pollution (O3, SO3, H2S, NOx, NH4, etc) or the

greenhouse effect (CO2, CH4, NOx, etc)?

Insofar as increased irrigation increases fodder supplies or through improved income generation

stimulates production of cattle and sheep, emissions of methane would increase accordingly. These

amounts would be very modest in the context of Armenia’s total livestock production.

3. Soil Properties and salinity effects

3.1 Soil salinity


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Is the Project leading to progressive accumulation of salts in the soils of the project area or the

vicinity because of prevailing high salt content in the soil, the groundwater, or the surface water; or

can a progressive leaching effect be expected?

It is not expected that there is any risk of soil salinity in pre-mountain and most part of plain zone of

the project area as a result of project implementation. Groundwater is very deep here and the

irrigation water does not contain salts.

Groundwater table varies between 1-2m below the earth surface in plain areas in the project area and

the groundwater has a fair content of salts. With the improvement of the irrigation conditions it is

expected that the qualitative properties of soils will improve.

3.2 Soil properties

Is the Project leading to changes in soil characteristics within the Project area or the vicinity due to

such activities as irrigation, the application of fertilizers or other chemicals, cultivation practices or

dewatering through drainage? Changes which can improve or impair soil structure, workability,

permeability, fertility association with nutrient changes, humus content, pH, acid sulphate or hard

pan formation or available water capacity should be considered.

Water losses will be reduced and canals discharge will increase as a result of project implementation

and the the farmers will be provided with the required quantity of irrigaiton water in the end. In case

the required water is provided, the correct selection of irrigation method for the area, maintenance of

irrigation norms and agro technical measures will improve the qualitative properties of soils. Project

implementation will ensure improvement of the qualitative properties of soils also in areas where

groundwater table varies between 1-2m. Considerable positive qualitative changes are expected

especially in former non-cultivated and newly cultivated lands.

3.3 Saline groundwater

Are changes to the rates of seepage, percolation or leaching from the Project and its dams

increasing or decreasing the concentrations of chlorides, nitrates or other salts in the groundwater?

Before delivering irrigation water, state authorities (now MNP) examine its quality and chemical

composition, its possible impact on the melorative state of irrigated lands. In this case Artashat canal

water is considered fit for irrigation use. Therefore, seepage losses from the canals and outflows

from hydro technical structures cannot lead to soil salinity or alkalization. Moreover, project

implementation reduces such losses from the canals.

3.4 Saline drainage

Are changes to the concentrations of chlorides, nitrates or other salts in the runoff or drainage

water from the Project area in danger of affecting biological communiities or existing or potential

downstream users (particulalry during low flow conditions)?

It is expected that as a result of project implementaiton water provision of irrigated lands will

increase and that new lands will be irrigated (in pre-mountain zone). In the greater part of the pre-

mountain and plain zones of the project area where the groundwater table is deep, no such changes

are expected as result of project implementaiton.


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In areas of plain zone where there is drainage, water provision will improve as a result of project

implementation. Therefore, it will affect the improvement of drainage exit, but that will not lead to

an increase of salt concentration in the drainage flow, as far as those lands are permanently irrigated.

3.5 Saline Intrusion

Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in saline water (sea water) intrusion into the

estuary or into groundwater due ot changes in low flow, groundwater use, dredging or river

training? If so, are the changes likely to affect biological communities and water users in the

Project vicinity and other areas?

No

4. Erosion and sedimentation

4.1 Local erosion

Is increased or decreased soil loss or gully erosion being caused within or close to the Project area

by changes in land gradient and vegetative cover, by irrigation and cultivation practice, from banks

of canals, roads and dams, from areas of cut and fill or due to storm drainage provision?

Local erosion has not been observed in project area. The rehabilitation of the canals will prevent

seepage from the canals, leakage from the damaged joints of HSs and other losses, the increase in

sizes which might lead to fluid erosion of soils in steep slopes and operational roads. During the

rehabilitation of access roads passing through steep slopes local erosion is likely to occur in steep

slopes.

4.2 Hinterland effect

Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in natural vegetation, land productivity and erosion

through changes in population density, animal husbandry, dryland farming practices, forest cover,

soil conservation measures, in the region?

In case of receiving the required amount of irrigation water the farmers will cultivate high value

crops in previously and newly irrigated lands as a result of which there will be an increase in yield

and in farmers’ incomes. That will also contribute to the development of cattle breeding.

4.3 River morphology

Is the regime of the river(s) changed by the Project and its dams through changes in the quantity or

seasonal distribution of flows and flood peaks in the river(s), the abstraction of clear water, changes

in sediment yield (caused by 4.1 and 4.2), the trapping of sediments in reservoirs or the flushing of

sediment control structures? If so, do these changes benefit or impair aquatic ecosystems or existing

or potential users downstream?

No.

4.4 Channel structures

Is scouring, aggradation, or bank erosion in the river(s),endangering the Project’s river headworks,


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offtake structures, weir or pump inlets, its canal network, draininge or flood protection works, the

free flow of its drainage system or structures and dvelopments downstream? Consider effects

associated with changes noted in 4.3 as well as those causesd by other existing and planned

upstream developments.

The canal network is the target beneficiary of this component.

4.5 Sedimentation

Are the changes noted in 4.1 – 4.4 causing increased or decreased sediment deposition in irrigagtion

or drainage canals, hydraulic structures, storage reservoirs or on cultivated land, either via the

irrigation systgems or the river(s)? If so, do these changes benefit or impair soil fertility, Project

operation, land cultivation or the capacity and operation of reservoirs?

Dvin canal is fed from Azat reservoir. This canal does not face any issue of sedimentation either.

The drifts accumulated in the canal are cleaned by operating companies before the commencement

of the irrigation season.

4.6 Estuary erosion

Are the Project and its dams leading to changes in the hydrological or sedment regimes of the river

which can affect delta formation or estuary and coastal erorsion? If so, do these changes benefit or

impair aquatic ecosystems (estuarine or marine), local habitation, navigaiton or other uses of the

estuary?

No.

5. Biological and ecological changes

Is the Project, its dams or its associated infrastructure causing substantial and permanent changes

(positive or negative) within the habitats listed in 5.1 – 5.5?

natural ecology (habitat, vegetation, terrestrial animals, birds, fish and other aquatic

animals and plants),

areas of special scientific interest

biological diversity

Include the likely ecological benefit of any new or modified habitats created and of any protective or

mitigatory measures adopted (such as nature reserves and compensatory forests).

Observations

As a result of the visit it turned out that the central part of Dvin canal of Artashat irrigation

system is situated at the distance of 10-15km from Khosrov State Reserve area.

A visit was made to the water intake junction at Azat River of Artashat irrigation system for the

purpose of examining life resources. As a result of the visit it turned out that there are no fish


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ladders and/or fish screens in that junction. At the same time it is not purposeful to require their

existence in the given section since the junction receives water from the water outlets of Azat

reservoir (which on his way works also HPP) and from Artashat canal. The canal receives most

of its discharges from two stage pump station of Mkhchyan canal. The aforementioned does not

exclude the possibility of fish resources existence in those waters, since Artashat main canal

starts at Hrazdan River and the water intake is located in Yerevan city where the existence of

fish is obvious. It is necessary to ensure appropriate fish isolating measures in the headwork

water intake of Artashat canal to solve this issue.

The enquiries showed that there have been encountered no fish species in Artashat irrigation

system canals and no hunting is carried out either.

6 Socio-Economic impacts

6.1 Population change

Is the Project causing significant demographic changes in the Project area or vicinity which may

affect social harmony? Changes in population size/density and demographic/ethnic composition

should be considered.

There is no indication that there will be any significant demographic changes in the Project area.

However, like elsewhere in rural areas of Armenia, some of the young people are seeking

opportunities off the farms.

6.2 Income and amenity

Is the Project introducing significant economic/political changes which can increase or decrease

social harmony and individual well-being? Changes in the general levels of employment and

income, in the provisions of local infrastructure and amenities, in the relative distribution of income,

property values and Project benefits (including access to irrigation water) and in the demand for

labour and skills (particularly in relation to family/political hierarchy and different sexes and social

groups) should be considered.

Farmers are aware of the proposed project, and expect to benefit from it. Nevertheless, increased

levels of irrigation water or more reliable delivery is not considered a critical economic variable.

The increased cost of agricultural inputs, including fertilizer, pesticides, land taxes, water charges

and the cost of petrol are causing economic distress to small farmers. In effect, farmers are saying

that in spite of their best efforts, that at the end of the day, “they have no income.” They noted that

each year it becomes “more and more difficult to make money from farming.”

6.3 Human migration

Has adequate provision been made for any temporary or migratory population influx to avoid social

deprivation, hardship or conflicts within these groups or between the permanent and temporary

groups? Human migration arising both from the demand for skills/labour during construction and

from the requirements for seasonal agricultural labour should be considered.

No human migration into or out of the area is anticipated as a consequence of project activities.


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6.4 Resettlement

Has adequate provision been made for the resettlement, livelihood and integration of any people

displaced by the Project and its dams or losing land, grazing or other means of income due to the

Project? Also, has adequate provision been made for the subsistence farming needs of people

settled on or associated with the Project?

No resettlement or resettlement effects are anticipated under the project. Encroachments of the

alienation zone3 that were observed and may require mitigation are included below and reflected in

the Mitigation Measures Table in Annex A.

Mkhchyan canal

There is a lot of domestic waste in the canal, in the

sections of Aygestan village.

Dvin canal

There were seepage phenomena in some sections of the

canal. The report presented by Hayjrnakhagits Institute

provides with the appropriate information. Hence, the

details are not specified.

At DM7+69DM16+70 section the width of the access road in some parts reaches up to 4m

because of the relief.

6.5 Women’s role

Does the Project change the status and role of women (positively or negatively) in relation to social

standing, work load, access to income and heritage and marital rights?

In view of the nature of the proposed works (rehabilitation of sections of an already existing main

irrigation canal), no impact is expected on the status of women and role of women.

6.6 Minority groups

Are the Project and its dams causing changes to the lifestyle, livelihoods or habitation of any social

groups (particularly minority groups) leading to major conflicts with, or changes to their traditional

behaviour, social organization or cultural and religious practices?

In view of the nature of the proposed works (rehabilitation of sections of an existing main irrigation

canals), no impact is expected on minority groups.

6.7 Sites of Value

3Armenian legislation requires the maintenance of a 10m alienation zone for hydro-technical structures (see Government decision N64-N, 2005) without providing any specifics. According to N 422 decision of the Board of Ministers of RA (24 June, 1991) main canals and inter-economic canals in the valley should have an alienation zone/layer of 2m at one side and 10m at the other, but this decision has gone out of force on 11.06.2000. While preparing the given document attempts were made to clarify whether a new decision of the type has been made after losing the force.


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Is access improved or hampered to places of aesthetic and scenic beauty, sites of historical and

religious significance or mineral and palaeontological resources? Also, are any such sites being

destroyed by the Project?

In view of the nature of the proposed works and the existence of designated service areas

(“alienation zones”) along the canals that will be utilised for these works, no impact is expected as

there are no known sites of value within the restricted area of the canal.

6.8 Regional Effects

Are the economic, infrastructural, social and demographic changes associated with the Project

likely to enhance, restrict or lead to unbalanced regional development? Also, has adequate

provision been made for new transport, marketing and processing needs associated with the

Project?

Increased efficiency and utilization of irrigation facilities should lead to higher levels of farm

productivity. Minor positive regional impacts are expected, principally comprising a greater level of

farm production available in local and regional markets. Farmers noted that the source of farm

inputs such as fertilizer is from Georgia, and that prices are becoming prohibitive for small farmers.

As a consequence there may be some shift from crops to livestock to adjust to significant price

fluctuations in the sector.

6.9 User Involvement

Has there been adequate user and public participation in project planning, implementation and

operation to ensure Project success and reduce future conflicts? The potential for incorporating

within the Project existing systems of land tenure, traditional irrigation, and existing organizational

and sociological structures and for the provision for new or extended facilities for credit, marketing,

agricultural extension and training should be considered.

Farm participants almost universally noted that the local administrator for water use and control,

including the WUA heads, were sometimes unaware of their problems. Farmers said this was not so

important, because most of the farmers had been there for 20 years or more and already “know their

land and what to do with it.”

6.10 Recreation

Are the Project and its dams creating new recreational possibilities (fishing, hunting, sailing,

canoeing, swimming, scenic walks, etc) and are existing facilities impaired, preserved or improved?

The proposed project activities will have no impact on recreational activities in the area.

7. Health

Consider each of the items 7.1-7.9 in relation to the local population, the labour force during

construction and their camp followers, the resettled and newly resettled populations and migratory

labour groups.


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The rehabilitation study of theMkhchyan and Dvin Canals proposes to improve sections of the

canals to be rehabilitated to increase the efficiency of the system as a whole. These rehabilitation

works are not assumed to have any negative or positive immediate health effect on the population in

its vicinity, apart perhaps during the period of actual construction work when increased vehicular

movement may be causing some disturbance and additional emissions in the area. These potential

and temporary effects are duly described in the EMP to reduce those temporary effects to the extent

possible and desirable.

In the longer term it is assumed that increased production and income resulting from the project

should contribute to the local population’s health.

8. Ecological Imbalances

8.1 Pests & weeds:

Are crop pests or weeds likely to increase or decrease (particularly those favoured by

irrigation/drainage/flood control) affecting yields, cultivation and requirements for pesticides or

herbicides?

Some growth of pests and weeds may be expected together with the extension of irrigated

agriculture but, in general, the effective operation and the reliability of the system will enable the

farmers to manage their cultivated lands more effectively as a result of which such an impact will be

marginal.

8.2 Animal diseases:

Are domestic animals in the Project or vicinity more or less exposed to hazard diseases and

parasites as a result of the Project and its dams?

No.

8.3 Aquatic weeds

Are reservoirs, rivers or irrigation and drainage canals likely to support aquatic vegetation or

algae? If so, can these plants be harvested or controlled, or will they reduce the storage/conveyance

capacity, interfere with the operation of hydraulic structures or lead to oxygen-oversaturated or

anaerobic water bodies?

Rehabilitation of the canals will reduce further what is already – except in a few currently neglected

spots – a low incidence of aquatic weeds in the Mkhchyan and Dvin Canals system.

8.4 Structural damage:

Is there a danger of significant damage being caused to dams, embankments, canal banks or other

components of the irrigation/drainage/flood control worksthrough the action of plants and animals

(including rodents and termites) favoured by the Project?

The rehabilitation works, if properly constructed and maintained, will eliminate current damages,

and prevent potential structural damage in the future.


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8.5 Animal imbalances

Does the Project cause zoological imbalances (insects, rodents, birds and other wild animals)

through habitat modification, additional food supply and shelter, extermination of predators,

reduced competition or increased diseases?

No. Any negative changes would be marginal, and should be largely prevented or offset by

improved water and agricultural management.


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Annex E: Environmental Clauses for Contracts

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) provides general and specific guidance on protection

and mitigation of potential environmental damage. The EMP is attached to these Technical

Specifications, and shall be considered as binding on the Contractor. All necessary measures on

protection of environment shall be carried out by the Contractor in accordance with the order of

competent authorities, the EMP, and instructions of the Engineer.

1. Obligations of the Contractor

The general environmental and social obligations of the Contractor within this Contract, without

prejudice to other official provisions in force, include the following:

The Contractor shall respect the environmental regulatory provisions in force in the Republic of

Armenia (including those announced during the execution of the works if imposed by the

Engineer), the contractual provisions of this Contract as well as the conditions fixed by the

various required authorizations or approvals;

The Contractor shall fully assume responsibility for the consequences of his choices and actions;

in particular, and without prejudice to the regulatory provisions in force, he guarantees, if

necessary, the repair at his cost and according to the most appropriate technologies and deadlines,

notably with regard to the level of sensitivity of the site concerned, of damage caused to the

environment and residents by failure to respect regulatory and/or administrative provisions and/or

the applicable technical specifications, as well as the payment of fines, damages or other penalties

which may be incumbent upon him;

Contractor shall agree with the Engineer the technical approaches and solutions to the

rehabilitation of stretches of the Main Canal where encroachments of the alienation zone are

observed. Preference should be given to the technical solutions that do not require taking or

demolition of temporary and permanent private properties. In case the taking or demolition of

property cannot be avoided the Contractor shall notify the Engineer and ESIO and cease the

works in that particular section of the Main Canal. Construction activities may only proceed with

approval of the Engineer.

The Contractor shall take all measures to ensure the environmental quality of operations which

are the subject of this contract, and not disrupt the quality of life of the adjacent villages, in

particular by applying the applicable specifications and provisions. The Contractor shall consider

the execution of works or the implementation of environmental and social provisions as an

integral part of the operations relating to the general construction program of the works; and

Appropriate information and training for Contractor personnel, including management staff, with

regard to the security and/or quality of operations;

The Contractor shall inform the local authorities (village mayor, council of elders) and the

affected population on planned construction activities, sites and schedule at least 2 weeks in

advance of any planned construction activities;

The Contractor shall hold information meetings at least 2 weeks before entering any village area

for planned construction activities, to inform the villagers of the nature of the forthcoming works,

their duration, and all effects such as dust, smoke, or noise that will be felt in the village, whether

such effects are to be mitigated or not;


37

The Contractor shall refrain from destroying, removing or clearing trees, timber, scrub, crops and

other flora to any extent greater than is approved by the Engineer as being necessary for the

execution of this Contract and shall take such measures as may be necessary to prevent his

employees from hunting, disturbing, capturing or destroying stock, crops and such flora as may

be protected by relevant statutes;

Borrow pits or other similar excavations as well as waste accumulation and disposal sites shall be

in locations approved by the Engineer;

Controlling pollution, noise and nuisances generated by the works;

The re-use of materials available on the existing site each time the technical and financial

conditions allow for this in a satisfactory manner from the point of view of the Engineer.

Recycling and reuse of wastes (e.g. lubricants, plastic bottles, paper) is encouraged where

appropriate. Strictly banning the use of fire for clearing and grubbing and cleaning sites, except

for the treatment of organic waste as approved by the Engineer;

The maximum preservation of natural resources and the minimization of the use of space, soil and

vegetation, in particular by the minimizing of cleared and stripped surfaces, by the passage of

blades at a high level (5 cm above the natural ground level) each time that a simple clearing or a

provisional storage of material is required, by controlling logging, including any tree alignments,

by the appropriate management of the topsoil, by driving and working the machines perpendicular

to the slope, by the maintenance on the sites of naturally grassed areas, and by the control of site

erosion;

As appropriate the systematic stripping of topsoil of all work sites unless (with prior consent of

the Engineer) the soil structure of the surface, predominantly organic matter ("topsoil" or mud),

does not exist or has a thickness less than the working height adjustment of the blade of the

excavator or machine used, taking into account the state of the terrain (eroded soil, gravel, soil

with rocks that prevent the passage of the machine, etc.);

The Contractor shall respect, for the whole of his site (including borrow sites and disposal areas,

quarries and installations) the zones, areas, elements and periods which are environmentally

sensitive, including, but not limited to locations and areas identified in the EMP. In the project

areas adjacent to specially protected areas, machinery shall not go beyond the alienation zone;

there shall be no waste accumulations and waste disposal sites in the same areas; and there shall

be no use and storage of explosives and toxic and chemical substances;

Any discharge or disposal of used water, mud, grout, bituminous products, pollutants of any kind,

etc. into wells, boreholes, surface water or groundwater, water courses, natural streams, drains,

ditches, etc. is strictly forbidden;

It is forbidden to create a dam or alter a permanent or temporary watercourse for the

requirements of the site (unless otherwise specified in the Design), without authorisation of the

Engineer;

All construction vehicles shall travel at slow speed (as specified in Armenian legislation) within

100 m on either side of any areas around villages where children are present;

The control of health risks relating to the works and personnel of the Contractor, in particular the

adoption of minimum hygiene rules at the work sites and camps and for the benefit of residents,

the control of dust emissions in populated areas and the control of stagnant waters as specified in

the EMP;


38

Contractor shall exercise every reasonable precaution to protect from injury persons or property.

The Contractor shall erect and maintain all necessary temporary fencing, barricades, barriers,

signs and lights and provide fire alarm, fire extinguishing and fire fighting services at strategic

points on the Site. The Contractor shall also be responsible for erecting and maintaining

structures for storage and containment of hazardous materials or liquids. The Contractor shall

adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary, desirable or proper to

safeguard the public, all persons engaged in the work and its supervision. The Contractor shall be

responsible for the flagging and control of traffic and he shall comply with the requirements of

the Engineer and competent authority in these matters. Contractor shall keep clear and in good

working order all temporary access road structures, bridges, culverts, drains and other waterways

necessary for the execution of the works during the term of the Contract;

The Contractor shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at

work of his personnel including those of his subcontractors and of all other persons on the Site or

crossing the site. The Contractor shall provide protective clothing and equipment to workers that

are appropriate to the workers’ tasks. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for ensuring

necessary first aid services to his staff and workmen, including transport for injured personnel to

hospital or other appropriate accommodation as and when required. The organization of the

construction sites and work places, and the Contractor’s approach to the aspects listed below,

shall be included in the ESHSP, details of which are included in Clause 2.21.2, to be prepared by

the Contractor and approved by the Engineer.

The cleaning, restoration and then, if necessary, the appropriate rehabilitation or redevelopment of

work sites, camps, quarries and borrow pits released by the Contractor as the work progresses.

This obligation, which includes possible drainage of stagnant water and the completion of

compensatory tree plantations (if envisaged by the Design), is a condition of the acceptance of the

works;

Taking appropriate sanctions against personnel violating the applicable specifications and

provisions on environmental and social matters;

Checking, by regular inspection, that all stipulated environmental and social provisions are being

adhered to;

Systematically and in timely manner informing PIU and Technical Supervision Consultant of

each incident or accident, damage or degradation caused to the environment, workers or residents

or their assets, in the course of the works. Contractor shall also take appropriate measures, as

approved by the Engineer, to address the incident or accident in timely fashion; and

Environmental and social monitoring of the works by the ESO (as defined in Clause 2.21.2., Sub-

clause 2.21.2.2(ii)), and the writing of corresponding monthly reports.

2. Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Plan

The Contractor shall establish an Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Plan (ESHSP) in order to

meet his obligations concerning this matter; the ESHSP particularly shall include the following:

1. Management Acknowledgements

2. Organization & Staffing

3. Communications and Reporting

4. Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions

The Contractor shall prepare and submit for the Engineer’s approval an ESHSP within 30 days of the

commencement date. The Engineer may require periodic reviews, including updating of the ESHSP

during the Works.


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2.1 Management Acknowledgement

(i) Certification and Commitment

The ESHSP submitted by the Contractor shall provide a signed statement from the Contractor’s

Managing Director(s) attesting to a commitment that all environmental protection, safety, and

occupational health aspects of the Contract will be given highest priority in the discharge of

contractual obligations and certifying a commitment to the provisions in the EMP, and ESHSP as

approved by the Engineer.

(ii) Statutory Understanding and Compliance

The Plan shall provide a statement attesting the firm’s understanding of, and means of ensuring due

compliance with, the statutory regulations relating to construction work in the Republic of Armenia,

specifically in regard to compliance with:

(a) All safety and occupational health legislation including, without limitation, the Rules

and Regulations of the Republic of Armenia and the authorities having jurisdiction.

(b) All current environmental laws and regulations, including both national and local

regulations, related to the following, but not limited to:

- Noise;

- Vibration;

- Air pollution;

- Water contamination;

- Solid and hazardous waste disposal;

- Liquid waste disposal;

- Sanitary conditions (water supply, sewerage, etc.);

- Use of explosives; and

- Protection of public traffic,

- Historical, cultural and archaeological monuments/sites,

- Resettlement, land acquisition, servitude, temporary use of land and

compensation, etc.

(iii) Availability of Documents

The Plan shall state where copies of safety and occupational health regulations and documents will

be available on the construction site and verify that all regulations and documents have been or will

be available.

(iv) Management of Subcontractors

The requirements of this and related sections and obligations therein shall include for execution of

parts of the Works by the approved subcontractors whilst the Contractor shall:

(a) Provide subcontractors with copies of the ESHSP whilst incorporating such provisions into all

sub-contracts and ensure compliance with such plan under the Contract.

(b) Require all subcontractors to appoint a safety representative who shall be available on the site

throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract and ensure as far as is practically

possible that staff and employees of subcontractors are conversant with appropriate parts of the

ESHSP and the statutory regulations.


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2.2 Organization and Staffing

(i) Organization Chart

The Plan shall include an organization chart identifying (by job title and by the name of the

individual) the personnel to be engaged solely for environmental protection, safety and traffic

control. The chart and the supporting text shall identify participants and their areas of responsibility

and contact details.

(ii) Appointment of Environmental Safety Officer (ESO)

The Contractor shall submit for approval the name and details (full CV) of his proposal for an ESO

to the Engineer within 14 days of the commencement date. The ESO shall be responsible for day-to-

day issues of environmental management for the duration of the Contract. The Contractor shall

obtain approval of such person being appointed, who shall be in position to carry out his duties prior

to Works activities commencing on site except as may be agreed in exceptional circumstances in

writing with the Engineer. The ESO will not be removed from the site without the express written

permission of the Engineer. Within fourteen (14) days of any such removal or notice of intent of

removal, a replacement ESO will be nominated for approval by the Engineer.

The ESO shall be empowered to instruct employees of the Contractor and Subcontractors to cease

operations and shall take the appropriate action as is necessary and within his limits of delegation by

informing others as may be appropriate to prevent unsafe working practices or other infringements

of the Plan or the statutory regulations. The ESO shall maintain a daily site diary comprehensively

recording all relevant matters concerning site environmental management, safety and traffic control,

inspections and audits, related incidents and the like. The site diary shall be available at all times for

inspection by the Engineer and his staff.

2.3 Communication and Reporting

The Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Engineer for his approval monthly progress reports

on compliance with implementation of EMP and ESHSP. It is expected that these reports will

include information on:

Environmental, social, health, and safety management actions/measures taken, including

approvals sought from local or national authorities;

Problems encountered in relation to environmental, social, health, and safety aspects (incidents,

including delays, cost consequences, etc. as a result thereof);

Lack of compliance with contract requirements on the part of the Contractor;

Changes of assumptions, conditions, measures, designs and actual works in relation to

environmental, social, health, and safety aspects;

Observations, concerns raised and/or decisions taken with regard to environmental, social, health,

and safety management during site meetings;

Chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds;

Follow-up on the status and efficacy of remedial measures and/or corrective actions identified in

Incident Reporting Forms included in EMPs or otherwise; and


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Follow-up, including remedial measures, status of measures and their efficacy, related to lack of

compliance with contract requirements.

2.4 Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions

ESHSP should include at minimum the methodology and resources to meet the requirements of these

Technical Specifications including but not limited to the following:

Stakeholder communication and information dissemination;

Relevant staff training;

Maintaining farmers’ access to irrigation water if the Works are implemented during the irrigation

season;

Maintaining vehicle access to the communities;

Pollution control (including spill prevention, dust abatement, noise, etc.);

Provision of potable water and washing/toilet facilities to workers;

Provision of lodging and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to workers as appropriate;

Provision of health care to workers and treatment for injuries and infections; and providing

workers with access to condoms;

Assessing importance of, and reporting and investigating, chance historical, cultural and

archaeological finds;

Inspection and monitoring.


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Annex F: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings

Date: 02.06.2011

Community: Mrgavet

Participants:

H.Harutyunyan PIU Irrigation Officer

N.Atayan PIU Environmental and Social Impact Officer,

V.Movsisyan Institutional Improvements Officer

A.Gevorkyan Director of Azat WUA

L .Abrahamyan Governor of Mrgavet community

Water users of Mrgavet community

Agenda

To carry out public discussions of environmental and social impacts and other issues related to

rehabilitation of deteriorated stretches of diversion canal of Mkchyan pump station of Artashat

irrigation scheme.

V. Movsisyan presented in details the proposed project and the nature of anticipated activities.

N.Atayan presented environmental and social aspects of the anticipated works.

The Governor of Mrgavet community L.Abrahamyan raised the issue of the rehabilitation of on-farm

irrigation networks.

V. Movsisyan clarified that the rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation networks included in the project

will be implemented on the condition of 15% co-financing by water users.

A.Gevorkyan reminded that the community first has approach with that issue to the Administrative

Council of WUA. The Council will discuss the request of community and apply to PIU specialists, if

required. In case of positive opinion of PIU, the on-farm irrigation system will be included into the

Project.

Water user H.Karapetyan raised the issue of involvement of local population in construction works.

PIU specialists clarified that one of the Project’s objectives is to involve in civil works as much local

population as possible to increase local employment. Local people will be hired if they posses

required construction skills.

The list of water users having participated in public consultations is attached.

Mrgavet Community Governor [SIGNATURE] L.Abrahamyan

Secretary [SIGNATURE] S.Simonyan

[SEAL]


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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

ARTASHAT IRRIGATION SCHEME

“Azat” WUA

Date 02.06.2011 Community Mrgavet

Participant’s Name Participant’s position and

occupation

Signature Comments

Asatryan Rafik Water User /signature/

Avagyan Avag Water User /signature/

Aslanyan Andranik Water User /signature/

Mouradyan Aram Water User /signature/

Ardakyan Aram Water User /signature/

Mkhitaryan Mher Water User /signature/

Karapetyan Hrach Water User /signature/

Simonyan Simon Water User /signature/

Badalyan Karlen Water User /signature/

Badalyan Smbat Water User /signature/

Davtyan Lyova Water User /signature/

Eghiazaryan Hamlet Water User /signature/

Astaryan Edik Water User /signature/

Esayan David Water User /signature/

Voskanyan Simon Water User /signature/

Petrosyan Temur Water User /signature/

Mirzoyan Vachik Water User /signature/

Vardanyan Mikael Water User /signature/

Sargsyan Sergey Water User /signature/

Sahakyan Hakob Water User /signature/

Andreasyan Razmik Water User /signature/

Asatryan Hrant Water User /signature/

Asatryan Hakob Water User /signature/

Khachartryan grgham Water User /signature/

Margaryan Seda Water User /signature/

Head of Mrgavet Community L.Abrahamyan /signature/


44

Date: 02.06.2011

Community: Byuravan

Participants:





G.Hovakimyan Governor of Byuravan community

Water users of Byuravan community

Agenda



irrigation scheme.

H.Harutyunyan presented in details the proposed project and the nature of anticipated activities.


The Governor of Buravan community G.Hovakimyan raised the issue of the rehabilitation of on-

farm irrigation networks.

H.Harutyunyan clarified that the rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation networks included in the project


A.Gevorkyan reminded that the community first has approach with that issue to the Administrative



Project.

Water user J.Harutyunyan raised the issue of involvement of local population in construction works.





Buravan Community Governor [SIGNATURE] G.Hovakimyan

Secretary [SIGNATURE] V.Harutyunyan

[SEAL]


45



“Azat” WUA

Date 02.06.2011 Community Biuravan


occupation

Signature Comments

Khachatryan Tadevos Water User /signature/

Harutunyan Jirayr Water User /signature/

Nazaryan Vrej Water User /signature/

Hovhannisyan Sos Water User /signature/

Ayvazyan Gagik Water User /signature/

Hakobyan Ando Water User /signature/

Avetisyan Surik Water User /signature/

Shabazyan Hrach Water User /signature/

Sargsyan Gegham Water User /signature/

harutunyan varujan Water User /signature/

Gevorgyan Misha Water User /signature/

Sedrakyan Hakob Water User /signature/

Sahakyan Sirush Water User /signature/

Harutunyan Misha Water User /signature/

Gevorgyan Vardges Water User /signature/

Ghazaryan Jivan Water User /signature/

Arakelyan Razmik Water User /signature/

Avagyan Virab Water User /signature/

Hakobyab Aljir Water User /signature/

Mamikonyan Slavik Water User /signature/

Khachatryan Hamik Water User /signature/

Simonyan Sargis Water User /signature/

Misakyan Sasun Water User /signature/

Hamoyan Ishkhan Water User /signature/

Avetisyan Garnik Water User /signature/

Head of Byuravan Community G.Hovakimyan /signature/


46

Date: 02.06.2011

Community: Berdik

Participants:





A.Bagdasaryan Governor of Berdik community

Water users of Berdik community

Agenda



irrigation scheme.

V.Movsisyan presented in details the proposed project and the nature of anticipated activities.


The Governor of Berdik community A.Bagdasaryan noted that their community is located at the

end-tail section of the system, so rehabilitation will improve irrigation water supply and make it

more reliable.

V.Movsisyan clarified that one of major objectives of the project is reduction of irrigation water

losses and provision of ensured irrigation water to farms.

Water user K.Khachatryan raised the issue of involvement of local population in construction works.





Berdik Community Governor [SIGNATURE] A.Bagasaryan

Secretary [SIGNATURE] H.Gevorkyan

[SEAL]


47



“Azat” WUA

Date 02.06.2011 Community Berdik


occupation

Signature Comments

Tumanyan Gabriel Water User /signature/

Soghomonyan Hrayr Water User /signature/

Sahakyan Grigor Water User /signature/

Babayan Aram Water User /signature/

Avagyan Garush Water User /signature/

Muradyan Samvel Water User /signature/

Khachhatryan Korun Water User /signature/

Karapetyan Jora Water User /signature/

Muradyan gegham Water User /signature/

Davtyan Razmik Water User /signature/

Vardanyan Hrach Water User /signature/

Avagyan Vachik Water User /signature/

Hakobyan Karen Water User /signature/

Asatryan Samvel Water User /signature/

Muradyan Vemir Water User /signature/

Melkonyan Manik Water User /signature/

Karapetyan Samvel Water User /signature/

Smbatyan Hrayr Water User /signature/

Mkrtchyan Mher Water User /signature/

Khachatryan Ashot Water User /signature/

Danielyan Vard Water User /signature/

Boyayan Hrayr Water User /signature/

Gevorgyan Hasmik Water User /signature/

HovhjannisArmen Water User /signature/

Head of Berdik Community A.Baghdasaryan /signature/


48

Date: 01.06.2011

Community: Lower Dvin

Participants:




T.Tadevosyan Director of Artashat WUA

A. Abrahamyan Governor of Lower Dvin community

Water users of Lower Dvin community

Agenda


rehabilitation of deteriorated stretches Dvin canal of Artashat irrigation scheme.

V. Movsisyan presented in details the proposed project and the nature of anticipated activities.


The Governor of Lower Dvin community A.Abrahamyan raised the issue of the rehabilitation of on-

farm irrigation networks.

V. Movsisyan clarified that the rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation networks included in the project


T.Tadevosyan reminded that the community first has approach with that issue to the Administrative



Project.

Water user G.Nazaryan raised the issue of involvement of local population in construction works.





Lower Dvin Community Governor [SIGNATURE] A.Abrahamyan

Secretary [SIGNATURE] G.Sahakyan

[SEAL]


49



“Artashat” WUA

Date 01.2011 Community Lower Dvin


occupation

Signature Comments

AmirkhanArtur Water User /signature/

Azaizyan Movses Water User /signature/

Badalyan Murad Water User /signature/

Gevorgyan Shavarsh Water User /signature/

Khachatryan Spartak Water User /signature/

Khachatryan Frunzeyan Water User /signature/

Rostomyan Kamo Water User /signature/

Vardanyan Serob Water User /signature/

vardanyan Slavik Water User /signature/

Samvelyan Khoren Water User /signature/

Hazaryan Hrach Water User /signature/

Muradyan Eranos Water User /signature/

Melkonyan Ludvig Water User /signature/

Malkhasyan Seyran Water User /signature/

Harutunyan Mariam Water User /signature/

karapetyan Mrtik Water User /signature/

Khudoyan Hripsik Water User /signature/

Baghdasaryan Jura Water User /signature/

Kamalyan Shushik Water User /signature/

Grigoryan Hamlet Water User /signature/

Boyahgchyan Nver Water User /signature/

Head of Lower Dvin Community A. Abrahamyan /signature/


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