Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia

Roads Department of Georgia

KAKHETI REGIONAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

“UPGRADING OF VAZIANI – GOMBORI – TELAVI ROAD”

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Volume II. ANNEXES

September 2009

E2245V2

CONTENTS

Annex 1. Environmental and Resettlement Related Legislation of Georgia and WB Regulations

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Annex 2. Baseline Environmental Conditions 39

Annex 3. Social Baseline Information 88

Annex 4. Analysis of Alternative Routes 106

Annex 5. Air Quality: Baseline, Project Impacts and Mitigation 144

Annex 6. Noise Factor: Baseline, Project Impacts and Mitigation 149

Annex 7. List of References 154

Annex 8. List of Contributors to EIA 158

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ABBREVIATIONS

BP Bank ProceduresCAS Center of Archaeological Search of the Ministry of Culture and SportsEBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and DevelopmentEIA Environmental Impact AssessmentEMP Environmental Management PlanEMS Environmental Management SystemGIS Geographical Information SystemsGP Good PracticesGPS Global Positioning SystemHSE Health, Safety and EnvironmentIFI International Financial InstitutionMAC Maximum Admissible ConcentrationsMCC Millennium Challenge CorporationMDF Municipal Development Fund of GeorgiaMoA Ministry of AgricultureMoE Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural ResourcesMLHSP Ministry of Labor, Health and Social ProtectionMoI Ministry of InteriorMoCMPS Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection and SportsMUFSRA Management Unit for Food Safety and Risk Analyze of the Ministry of the

AgricultureOP Operational PolicyPIU Project Implementation UnitPPE Personal protective equipmentRDMRDI Road Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and

InfrastructureRoW Right of WayWB World Bank

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ANNEX 1.

ANNEX 1.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESETTLEMENT RELATED LEGISLATION OF GEORGIA AND WB REGULATIONS

Introduction

This Annex presents the review and analysis of the environmental and resettlement legislation of Georgia and the procedures for ensuring full consideration of WB environmental safeguards and the WB environmental assessment and resettlement guidelines in the implementation of projects financed under the WB loans. It describes existing in Georgia environmental regulations relevant to the project, provides guidance on the measures required for ensuring consistency with environmental assessment and makes reference to institutions at the local and national levels responsible for issuing permits, licenses, and enforcing compliance of environmental standards.

1. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

1.1. LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE IN GEORGIA

1.1.1 Administrative Structure

Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources (MoE). MoE has the overall responsibility for protection of environment in Georgia. The Service of Licenses and Permits of MoE is responsible for reviewing EIAs and for issuance of the Environmental Permits. The MoE Inspectorate is responsible for compliance monitoring, including monitoring of construction activities and auditing of all kind of entities. Regional services of MoE are involved during agreement on Terms of Reference on architectural design of a project and in commissioning of completed facilities. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia (MoE) is the main state body pursuing state policy in the sphere of environment. Their functions for regulating economic or development activities with regard to environmental protection include:

Issuing permits for project development (Environmental Impact Permit) Setting emission limits and issuing surface water intake and discharge consents Inspection of operating plants Responding to incidents and complaint MoE is responsible for monitoring air pollution and noise levels (especially near residential areas) Regional services of MoE will agree upon the sites for disposal of the spoil and construction wastes.

The Ministry defines and evaluates real and possible risk of impact on natural environment during implementation of different types of activities. Accordingly the Ministry has been assigned as responsible body for making decision on granting permission to the proponent on implementation of projects, which require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Granting procedures slightly differ for different type of projects.

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For the projects, which do not require Construction Permit, the Environmental permit is being issued by the MoE on the ground of State Ecological Examination. State Ecological Examination is carried out by MoE upon official submission of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by project developers.

For projects requiring Construction Permit, no special permit is issued by MoE (according to “One window principle”, only one permit shall be issued for each activity). The Construction Permit is issued by the Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia, but the issuance of the Permit is subject to the consent of the MoE in a form of Conclusion of Ecological Expertise, as well as the Ministry of Culture (Center of Archaeological Studies, Department of Monuments protection). Consent of the MoE in such cases should be issued according to the same procedures (EIA, public consultations; SEE etc.) as for issuing Environmental Permit. The Ministry of Economic Development as an administrative body issuing a permit ensures the involvement of the MoE as a different administrative body in the administrative proceedings initiated for the purpose of permit issuance, in accordance with Georgia’s Law on Licenses and Permits.

Project screening (definition of the project category and necessity for preparation of EIA) and scoping (definition of set of environmental issues and Terms of Reference) is carried out by the project implementing agency and its consultants (in this case Municipal Development Fund (MDF) and its consultants). Scoping and screening do not represent mandatory procedures according to Georgian legislature although review of scoping/screening outcomes and agreement of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources is considered a desired practice.

As a rule, EIA permitting conditions contains requirement for informing MEPNR regarding fulfillment of the EIA permit conditions. This basically means giving information regarding implementation of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans.

The Ministry of Economic Development (MoED). MoED is responsible for carrying out the review of technical documentation (including conclusion of an independent experts) and issuing Permits on Construction for projects classified as the projects of Special Importance, as well as for supervision over constructing activities and for arranging Acceptance Commission after completion of construction.

State supervision of construction and compliance monitoring is provided by the Main Architecture and Construction Inspection (MACI), which is operating under the Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia

The Roads Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia (RDMRDI). RDMRDI is responsible for elaboration of policy and strategic plans related to developing motor roads, management of road and traffic related issues and construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of the roads of public use of international and national significance, utilizing funds from the state budget, lawns, grants and other financial sources.

RDMRDI Responsibilities and Capacity Analysis

Within the frames of the programs and projects, where the RDMRDI is appointed by the Government as implementing agency, the RDMRDI is responsible for the procurement of design and EIA studies, as well as works on construction and rehabilitation of roads of international and national significance, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Georgian legislation and

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environmental and social requirements of the relevant donor organizations. Control of implementation of the EMP is direct responsibility of the RDMRDI.

The RDMRDI should have adequate capacity to ensure due consideration of environmental and social concerns at the stages of strategic planning, project development, design and environmental studies and construction or reconstruction activities.

The RDMRDI is supposed to review the EIAs and EMPs related to the RDMRDI projects and perform monitoring of compliance of the contractor’s performance with the approved EMPs, EIAs, environmental standards and other environmental commitments of the contractor.

Internal resource of the RDMRDI is estimated to be sufficient for execution of project administration and overall environmental management. For the environmental monitoring of concrete projects, including the Vaziani – Gombori Motor Road project, RDMRDI shall procure technical and environmental supervision services.

Constructing Contractor

Constructing Contractor should provide Constructing Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan developed on the basis of the present EIA. The necessity to develop Contractor/s management plan should be fixed in the Construction Contract. The Constructing Contractor has following obligations:

to employ Environmental consultants (persons or company) responsible for developing and implementation of construction phase EMP and for provision of corresponding information to the MDF

to develop, if required, Spoil and Rock Disposal Plan and Construction Waste Disposal Plan agreed with the MoE and its regional services.

Reforestation and/or Biorestoration Plan or Compensation Plan agreed with the MoE (Forestry department; Biodiversity department) to be developed after final determination of the road alignment and pre-entry survey in the RoW

Schedule The EMP implementation costs should be included into the construction budget.

The Contract should also indicate that the Spoil and Rock Disposal Plan, as well as Reforestation Plan, should be agreed with the Regional Services of the MoE, while the rest chapters of the Constructing Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan should be reviewed and accepted by the MDF.

Other Responsible Governmental Institutions:

The Ministry of Culture and Sports. The ministry is responsible on supervision of the construction activities in order to protect archaeological heritage. In case if construction is to be carried out in a historic sites or zones of cultural heritage, consent of the Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection and Sport is also required for issuing construction permit.

Management Unit for Food Safety and Risk Analyze of the Ministry of the Agriculture (MUFSRA). MUFSRA is responsible for implementation of complex sanitary protection measures in case of identification of burial sites during earthworks. Information about suspicious burial sites

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should be delivered to the “MUFSRA” of the Ministry of the Agriculture by the Constructing Contactor (field environmental officer) and RDMRDI field officer.

[Note: Governmental institutions responsible for technical supervision and compliance with the design documentation and construction standards are described in Design Documentation and are not subject for EIA or EMPs]

1.1.2 Framework Legislation The basic legal document is “The Constitution of Georgia”, which was adopted in 1995. While the Constitution of Georgia does not directly address environmental matters, it does lay down the legal framework that guarantees environmental protection and public access to information with regard to environmental conditions.

Article 37, Part 3 states that “any person has the right to live in a healthy environment, use the natural and cultural environment. Any person is obliged to take care of the natural and cultural environment.” Article 37, Part 5 states that “an individual has the right to obtain full, unbiased and timely information regarding his working and living environment.”

Article 41, Part 1 states that “a citizen of Georgia is entitled to access information on such citizen as well as official documents available in State Institutions provided it does not contain confidential information of state, professional or commercial importance, in accordance with the applicable legal rules.

Legislative execution of constitutional requirements in the sphere of environmental protection is implemented through framework Georgian “Law on Environmental Protection” (1996, as amended) and the set of specific laws developed on its basis. The framework law regulates the legal relationship between the bodies of the state authority and the physical persons or legal entities (without distinction-legal form) in the scope of environmental protection and in the use of nature on all Georgia’s territory including its territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and special economic zone. The law deals with education and scientific research in the scope of environment, environmental management aspects, economic levers, licensing, standards, EIA and related issues. Considers different aspects on protection of ecosystems, protected areas, issues of global and regional management, protection of ozone layer, biodiversity, protection of Black Sea and international cooperation aspects. In particular, the law addresses broad spectrum of issues, like environmental management, environmental education and awareness building, licenses and permits, fines and enforcement, environmental impact assessment, which should be further regulated by specific laws. According to the requirements set forth in the framework law, numerous laws and normative–legal documents were adopted to regulate specific environmental issues in Georgia. Further below the environmental regulations most relevant to the project – and first of all, to the permitting process - are described.

1.1.3 Legislation Related to Environmental Permitting

At present, the environmental permitting procedure in Georgia is set out in three laws:

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The project proponent, in implementing projects, will comply with (i) The Law on Licenses and Permits (2005); (ii) The Law on Environmental Impact Permits (EIP), and (iii) The Law on Ecological Examination (EE) 2008.

The Law on Licenses and Permits was adopted by Parliament of Georgia, on June 24, 2005. The new Law regulates legally organized activities posing certain threats to human life and health, and addresses specific state or public interests, including usage of state resources. It also regulates activities requiring licenses or permits, determines types of licenses and permits, and defines the procedures for issuing, revising and canceling of licenses and permits (Article 1, Paragraph 1).

The Laws on Environmental Impact Permit and on Ecological Examination have been published on 14.12.2007 and entered in force on 01.01.2008. These new laws integrate all the amendments introduced in legislation of Georgia during recent years. The Law of Georgia on Environmental Impact Permit determines the complete list of the activities and projects subject to the ecological examination (clause 4 p.1) and the legal basis for public participation in the process of environmental assessment, ecological examination and decision making on issuance of an environmental impact permit.

Under the “activities” subject to the ecological examination the law considers construction of new or upgrading of existing facilities imposing change of technology and operational conditions for the projects and activities included into the list. The routine maintenance works in relation with the same facilities do not require ecological examination and permit.

In case if the activity included into the list given in clause 4 p.1 at the same time requires Construction Permit, the administrative body responsible for issuance of the Construction Permit ensures involvement of MoE, as a separate administrative body, in the administrative procedures initiated for the purpose of issuing Construction Permit, as it is envisaged by the Law on Licenses and Permits. In such cases the MoE is issuing the Conclusion on the Ecological Examination of the project based on the documentation provided to MoE by the administrative body issuing the Permit. The Conclusion on the Ecological Examination is adopted by the administrative (executive) legal act of the MoE and compliance with the conditions of the Conclusion is obligatory for the project proponent. The conditions of the Conclusion on Ecological Examination is a part of conditions of the Construction Permit.

In case if the activity included into the list given in clause 4 p.1 does not require Construction Permit, based on the Conclusion on the Ecological Examination the MoE will issue the Environmental Impact Permit, supported by the administrative (executive) legal act issued by the minister. The ecological examination is carried out in accordance with the law of Georgia on Ecological Examination and the conditions set forth by the Conclusion present the Conditions of the Permit.

The aforementioned laws do not provide details of screening procedure and do not define responsibilities of parties. According to the practice, the screening of project proposals and the preliminary assessment of their environmental impact and proposed mitigation measures (scoping) are being carried out by the project proponent in consultation with the MOE.

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Public Consultation Procedures.

The 6th clause of the law of Georgia on the Environmental Impact Permit provides detailed requirements and procedures for conducting public consultations and established timeframes for information disclosure and discussion, namely:According to article 6, developer is obliged to carry out public discussion of the EIA before its submission to an administrative body responsible for issuing a permit (in case of activity requiring construction permit before initiating stage 2 procedure for construction permit issuance).

Official Submission of EIA to MoE

Article 8 of the Law specifies the documents to submit to receive a permit: (1) An operator, in order to receive a permit, shall submit a written statement to the Ministry. A statement to receive a permit is submitted, considered and processed under the rule established by the ‘Law of Georgia on Licenses and Permits’. (2) An operator is obliged, in addition to the information specified by the ‘Law of Georgia on Licenses and Permits’, to submit the following documents:

(a) An EIA report drawn up under the standards specified by the legislation of Georgia (in 5 hard copies and 1 soft copy)(b) A situation plan of the planned activity (with the indication of distances)(c) Volume and types of the expected emissions (a technical report of inventory of the stationery sources of pollution and emitted/discharged harmful substances and project of maximum permissible concentrations of emitted/discharged harmful substances (in 4 copies))(d) A brief description of the activity (as a non-technical summary)(e) A statement about the confidential part of the submitted statement.

(3) An operator is obliged to submit a full diagram of the technological cycle to the permit issuing body even if the given activity contains a commercial and/or state secret. This part of the statement, according to sub-clause ‘e’ of clause 2 of the given Article should be submitted separately by the operator.

Issuance of the Permit on Environmental Impact The article 9 of the law describes the procedures of issuing the Environmental Impact Permit. The same issue is addressed in the laws of Georgia on “Licenses and Permits” (2005) and “on Ecological Examination’ (2008).

1. According to the law on “Licenses and Permits,” the MoE takes decision on issuing Permit within the 20 days after submission of request on permit by the project proponent.2. MoE, in accordance with the law on Ecological Examination, ensures expertise of the submitted documentation and issuance of Conclusion on Ecological Examination.The Permit (Environmental Permit, or Construction Permit when the latest is required) is issued only in case of the positive conclusion of the Ecological Examination.

1.1.4 Other Environmental Laws

The Law on the environmental Protection Service (Agency). In accordance with the ‘Law on the environmental Protection Service of 2008, an environmental protection control system has been established to ensure the following: (a) state control in the field of environmental protection and

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ecological systems safety, (2) observance of the proper laws by the subjects of regulation, (3) population’s trust in the mentioned system and in state organs, generally in respect of performance of state obligations and transparency in the field of environmental protection. Under the same Law, there has been an environmental protection agency established (on the base of a former environmental protection inspection) and the functions of its employees specified. In particular, they are authorized to accomplish an environmental inspection of the objects of regulation (physical and legal entities, state authority and local self-governing bodies) and monitoring of their activities. Besides, the prerogative of the environmental protection agency is to calculate the damage to the environment to compensate it to the state, put forward the requirement to the objects of regulation to compensate the damage, and in case of non-meeting such a requirement, file a proper appeal before the court.

For the road project, a subject of inspection and monitoring may be the process of building (legal use of resources; environmental pollution, noise and vibration, etc.) and exploitation-related activity (waste management, emissions; safety etc.).

Waste Management. The following acts of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia define the waste management rules to be met during the road rehabilitation projects:

The act on “Approval of the rules of collection, storage and neutralization of the wastes of preventive treatment establishments” 16 August of 2001, 300 (“Georgian Legislative Messenger” N90 24/08/2001);

The act on “Approval of arrangement of polygon/grounds for disposal of solid household wastes and adoption of sanitary rules and norms” 24 February, #36 (Georgian Legislative Messenger #17, 07.03.03);

The “Georgian Law on Ambient Air Protection” was put into effect from 1 January 2000. The scope of the “Georgian law on Ambient Air Protection” is to protect ambient air on the whole territory of Georgia from harmful human impact. This law does not govern the field of air protection in work places. Main competences of governmental authorities in the field of ambient air protection (a) Development of environmental monitoring (observation) system; (b) Development and implementation of common policies and strategies; and (c) Development of integrated ambient air pollution control.

Types of harmful human impact include: introduction of pollutants into the ambient air; radioactive impact on ambient air; ambient air pollution with micro-organisms and microbial toxins; physical impact of noise, vibration, electromagnetic field etc on ambient air.

Types of ambient air pollution are specified: emission of pollutants into the ambient air from stationary pollution source; emission of pollutants into the ambient air from mobile sources of pollution; emission of pollutants into the ambient air from non-point sources of pollution; emission of pollutants into the ambient air from small-scale sources of pollution.

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According to the Article 291, the inventory on emissions of air pollutants from stationary pollution sources is obligatory for physical and legal entities. The special inventory report is to be prepared for 5 years for each source of the atmospheric air pollution and each type of a harmful substance.

At preparing the EIA project, a full inventory on emissions (in case of existence) is to be carried out and maximum permissible concentrations or temporarily agreed permissible concentrations of the emitted harmful substances for stationary pollution sites are to be set. Maximum permissible concentration is an amount of permitted emissions of air pollutants from stationary pollution sources. Temporarily agreed permission concentrations can be approved for five years (maximum) without prolongation. The Maximum permissible concentration of the emitted harmful substances for stationary pollution sites is approved for 5 years for each source of the atmospheric air pollution and each type of a harmful substance.

Registration of emissions from stationary pollution sources comprises: self-monitoring of emissions; state emission registration system.

Self-monitoring of emission of pollutants from stationary pollution sources means that economical actor (operator) shall conduct adequate self-monitoring of pollutant emissions from stationary pollution sources. It includes:

emission measurements (assessment) registration of emissions reporting of emissions

State emission registration system is a system of compilation, processing and analysis of emission reporting documentation. The Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia conducts state registration of emissions.

The Law on Minerals of 1996 provides provisions for the mineral resource exploration and management and establishes the requirement to obtain a license according to the procedures established under this law. The Law on Licensing and Permits (June 25, 2005) establishes the most recent regulations for licensing. According to the current legislation all quarries and borrow pits require to obtain a license.

The Wildlife Law of 1996 mandates the MoE to regulate wildlife use and protection on the whole territory of the country. The law empowers the MoE to issue hunting permits and licenses, declare hunting areas, control poaching, etc. Potential poaching by the workers should be controlled also during construction works, especially in sensitive ecological areas.

Forestry Code of Georgia (1999, including effective amendments) The Forestry Code of Georgia regulates the legal relations connected to looking after, protection, restoration and application of the forest fund and its resources. The aims of the Forestry Code of Georgia are as follows: Looking after, protection and rehabilitation of forests aiming at conserving and improving their climatic, water-regulating, protective, cultural, health, medicinal and other mineral wealth, conservation and protection of original natural and cultural environment and its individual components, including the vegetation cover and fauna, bio-diversity, landscape, cultural and natural

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monuments in the forests, rare and endangered plant species and others and regulation of their interaction in the benefit of the future generation.Article 38 of the Forestry Code establishes the modes of protection of the state forest fund:

(1) Aiming at protecting the present state of the state economic forest fund and its biodiversity, originality of intact forests and relict, endemic and other valuable plant species, the general or special mode of protection of the state economic forest fund has been introduced by considering the priority functionality, historical, cultural and other values of the forest(2) The mode of protection of the protected territories of Georgia is defined under the Georgian Law ‘On the system of protected territories’.

Article 41 defines the modes of protection to be used for different categories of the state economic forest funds:

(1) The mode of special protection applies to the resort and green zones of the state economic forest fund, as well as flood-plain forests and forest sub-alpine zone. (2) The mode of general protection applies to the soil conservation and water-regulation forests under the rule provided by Article 42 of the present Code.

Article 39 specifies the special limitations to certain types of activity defined by the special mode of protection:

(1) The following activities are prohibited in the state economic forests and lands where a special mode of protection is applied:

(a) Cutting of a principal use; (b) Activities of the first and second categories as defined by the Law of Georgia ‘On environmental permits’, except the programs for rehabilitation of the protected areas and founding the hunting firms (02.03.2001 749).

Law of Georgia ‘On the system of the protected areas’ (1996)The Law defines the categories of ‘protected areas’ and specifies the frames of activities admissible in the given areas. The permitted actions are defined by considering the designation of the areas and in accordance with the management plans and provisions of the international conventions and agreements to which Georgia is a party. As a general requirement, the following activities are prohibited in the protected areas:

(a) Disturbance or any other changes of the natural ecosystems(b) Demolition (destroy), arrest, disturbance, damage (invalidation) of any natural resource with the purpose of its exploitation or any other purpose(c) Damage of the natural ecosystems or species by reason of the environmental pollution(d) Bringing and breeding foreign or exotic species of living organisms(e) Bringing explosives or toxic materials to the area.

According to the above-mentioned Management Plan, all kinds of economic and entrepreneurship activities are admissible in the support zone provided they do not hamper the functioning of the protected areas.

Law of Georgia ‘On the Red List and Red Book’ (2003)The Law regulates the legal relations in the field of developing the Red List and Red Book, protecting and using the endangered species, except the legal issues of the international trade with endangered wild animals and wild plants, which within the limits of the jurisdiction of Georgia are

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regulated by virtue of the Convention ‘On the international trade with the endangered species of wild fauna and flora’ concluded on March 3 of 1973 in the city of Washington.

According to Article 10 of the Law, any activity, including hunting, fishing, extraction, cutting down and hay-mowing, except particular cases envisaged by the present Law, Law of Georgia ‘On animal life’ and legislation of Georgia, which may result in the reduction in number of the endangered species, deterioration of the breeding area or living conditions, is prohibited. Possible harmful effect of anthropogenization on the endangered species should be taken into account when issuing the permit on environmental impact during the ecological expertise.

The Red List of Georgia was approved by the Presidential Decree No. 303 ‘On approving the Red List of Georgia’ (May 2, 2006)

In case when the road rehabilitation project is to be accomplished within the resort zone accordingly, the Law of Georgia ‘On Tourism and resort’ and Law of Georgia ‘On the zones of sanitary protection of resorts and resort areas’ should be considered.

Decree No. 538; There is a chance that the project activity may cause harm to the environment, which will be impossible to mitigate even through planning and realizing the preventive measures. The rules to estimate and compensate for the environmental damage have been developed for such cases under the Decree No. 538 ‘On approving the methods to estimate the environmental damage’ of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia adopted on July 5, 2006. Below we site the clauses, which may be useful to estimate the damage within the limits of the project. Article 2. The rule to estimate the damage caused by the harmful anthropogenic action on the atmospheric air Article 3. The rule to estimate the environmental damage caused by the soil pollutionArticle 4. The rule to estimate the environmental damage caused by the soil degradationArticle 5. The rule to estimate the environmental damage caused by illegal action with forest resources Article 6. The rule to estimate the environmental damage caused by damaging the green plantations in the capital of Georgia, other cities and towns, regional centers and settlementsArticle 7. The rule to estimate the damage caused by damaging the fish reserve and other biological forms Article 8. The rule to estimate the damage caused by illegal acquisition of the animal life objects Article 9. The rule to estimate the environmental damage during the fossil exploitationArticle 10. The rule to estimate the environmental damage caused by the pollution of water resources.

International Commitments

International cooperation is a dominant feature and driving force for environmental reforms in Georgia. Setting the goal to preserve its biological diversity and realising the importance of international cooperation, Georgia signed the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1994, thus accepting responsibility to safeguard the nation’s rich diversity and of plant, animal, and microbial life to begin using biological resources in sustainable way, and to ensure equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity

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The Convention on Biological Diversity is the first global agreement, which, along with biodiversity conservation, necessitates the sustainable use of biological resources Georgia has been recognised as holding an important reservoir of biodiversity and is very important in the global context – according to the surveys and assessments conducted at an international level Georgia, as a part of the Caucasus, is recognized as:

.1. One out of 25 biologically richest and endangered land ecosystems (Conservation International);

2. One out of 200 vulnerable ecoregions (WWF); 3. One out of 221 endemic bird habitats (Bird Life International);4. One of the World Agrobiodiversity Centres.

Georgia has implemented a number of measures on fulfillment of the guidelines defined by the International environmental treaties which is party to, in particular:

The country acceded the most important international treaties on biodiversity, such as Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (the Bonn Convention) and its Agreements;

A number of national legislative acts has been adopted in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity since 1996;

Georgia conducted biodiversity assessment studies (National Biodiversity Assessment Program, UNEP, 1996);

Strategy and Action Plan on conservation of Georgia’s biological diversity was elaborated and approved (2005);

With the financial support of the German Government and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Protected Areas - the Borjomi-Kharagauli and the Kolkheti National Parks were established; with the support of the German Government, new protected areas

are planned to be established on the Javakheti Plateau in southern Georgia; With the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Project on Development

of Protected Areas in Georgia is being implemented. The aim of the project is to elaborate management plans for three protected areas in eastern Georgia (Lagodekhi, Vashlovani and Tusheti), to develop infrastructure necessary for their effective management and to strengthen the State Department for Protected Areas in terms of improving skills for protected areas management;

With the financial support of the World Bank, the forestry development project is under implementation in Georgia to promote conservation and sustainable use of Georgian forests.

Though the development of protected areas is the major strategy for protection of biodiversity in Georgia, some other priority directions in this field have emerged:

conservation – preservation of rare and endangered species in bio-reserves; creation of genetic fund of wild nature; sustainable use of renewable natural resources;

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reproduction – breeding of rare and endangered species and their introduction in the nature.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It has been signed in 1979 in Bonn (Germany.) Georgia ratified the treaty in 2000 together with its three agreements:

Agreement on “Protection of Populations of European Bats” (EUROBATS); Agreement on “Conservation of Cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Contiguou s Atlantic Area “ (ACCOBAMS ); Agreement on “Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds” (AEWA).

Taking into account, that the Agreements have been initially designed as an instrument for facilitating the implementation of the CMS, the compliance with and enforcement of CMS in Georgia is mostly reflected in implementation of the Agreements.

1.1.5 Environmental Standards and Norms

Environmental Quality Regulations and Standards

Within the context of the road project, the environmental quality standards and norms are of primary importance. They define the quality of ambient air, admissible levels of surface waters pollution and measures of their protection including the zones of sanitary protection. The mentioned standards are considered under a separate clause (Clause 2.1.4). The maximum admissible levels of atmospheric air pollution and noise are also of a certain importance to the stage of building. Noise and atmospheric air pollution pose be a certain problem during the building operations (mainly, as the building techniques emissions and welding emissions) and exploitation of the rehabilitated objects (e.g. in case of operation of diesel-generators). In accordance with the ‘Law on public health’, the environmental qualitative norms are approved by Decrees of the Minister of Labor, Health and Social Security of Georgia (Decrees Nos. 297/N of 16.08.2001, including the changes made to it by further decrees of the Ministry Nos. 38/N of 02.24.2003, 251/N of 09.15.1006, 351/N of 12.17.2007).

Ambient Air Quality Norms. The provisions for the protection of ambient air against contamination and the values of Maximum Admissible Concentrations of the harmful substances in the ambient air in the vicinity of the settlements is provided in the Environmental Quality Norms approved by the Order #297N (16.08.2001) of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection (as amended by the Order No 38/n of the same Ministry of 24.02.2003). The quality of atmospheric air (pollution with hazardous matter) is also defined by the order of the Minister of Environment Protection and Natural Resources (#89, 23 October 2001) on approval of the rule for calculation of index of pollution of atmospheric air with hazardous pollution.

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Maximum Admissible Concentration of Pollutants (MAC) in Ambient Air mg/m3

N Substance N

according to CAS

Formula MAC (mg/m3) Class of harmfulness

Maximum fugitive

Average Daily

1 2 3 4 5 6 86 Nitrogen (IV)

Dioxide10102-44-0

NO2 0.085 0.04 2

111 Sulfur Dioxide

9/5/7446 SO2 0.5 0.05 3

359 Carbone Oxide 630-08-0 CO 5 3 4360 Soot (Carbone

black)1333-86-4 C 0.15 0.05 3

Noise Standards. The Georgian standards for noise control are approved by the Decree of the Minister for Health, Labour and Social Affairs (297n of August 16, 2001) on the ‘Approval of Environmental Quality Standards’, which specify the tolerable and maximum admissible levels of noise for different zones.

Table 2.5.1 Georgian Noise Quality Standards in Residential Areas

Time Indicative Level La dBA Maximum Admissible Level La max dBA7am – 11 pm 55 7011pm – 7am 45 60

1.1.6 Construction Permits

Terms and procedures for obtaining Construction Permit, as well as issues related to the State supervision are mostly covered by the following legal acts of Georgia:

The Law of Georgia on Construction Permit 25.06.2004 Decree No 140 of the Government of Georgia on the Rules and Conditions for Issuing Construction Permit (11.08.2005) with amendments introduced by Government Decrees of 09/01/2005 N 151; 12/01/2005 N 214; 01/23/2006 N 16; 06/20/2006 N 115; 08/23/2006 N 160 and No 101 of 16.05.2007 The Law of Georgia on State Supervision over the Architecture and Construction Related Activities (14.11.1997) with amendments introduced by Government Decrees of 06/22/2001 N 992; 12/29/2004 N 857; 12/22/2005 N 2405

We will briefly review Construction Permit related procedures to address the environmental aspects of these procedures.

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In case if the construction is carried out by a Ministry of the Government of Georgia or its structural unit, the preparation and agreement with the authorities of the project documentation should comply with the requirements stipulated in the Decree No 101 of 16.05.2007. In particular, the project documentation and its review procedures should comply with the requirements set forth for phase I, II and III of permitting cycle by the Decree No 140 of the Government of Georgia on the Rules and Conditions for Issuing Construction Permit. This provision is applicable

Phase I. Pre-Design Stage Confirmation of the land plot ownership and preparation of related documents Agreement on SoW and ToR for the Architectural Design with the Architectural Department of local administration Preparation of the Design in accordance with the aforementioned SoW and ToR.

Phase II. Consent of the Architectural Department of local administration Phase III. Application for acquiring Construction Permit and permitting procedures

I. Pre-Design Phase

To obtain Construction Permit the project proponent should provide documents confirming land plot ownership or right for land use – extracts from the State Register or agreement with the land owner. This is relevant also for the construction activities to be carried out by the central or local governmental bodies.

Terms of Reference for Architectural Design is a complex of requirements determined by normative acts and defines:

destination (residential building; industrial etc.) parameters (number of floors, dimensions etc.) layout List of Technical Requirements - environmental, technical and organizational conditions for design and construction. Each of these conditions should be agreed with the appropriate service agencies and should be supplemented to the technical documentation.

Terms of Reference for Architectural Design should comprise requirements related to urban development planning; environmental protection and hygiene and sanitary safe conditions; protection of cultural heritage and historical sites etc. TOR for the architectural design should be issued by the Architectural Department of local administration and Project Design documentation should be prepared by the project proponent in accordance with this TOR..

II. Design Phase

Design should be prepared in accordance with all requirements set forth within the Terms of Reference for Architectural Design and in compliance with the relevant design and construction standards.

Design should be cleared by the Architectural Department of a local administration. In case if construction is to be carried out in a zone of cultural heritage protection, consent of the Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection and Sport is also required.

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Phase III. Construction Permit

In case if the project is to be implemented in territories with special regime, appropriate consent of the relevant governmental body is required. This requirement is relevant for:

protected areas State border zone sanitary protection zones of resorts coastal zone Right of Ways of highways, railways, pipelines and electro-transmission lines Sanitation-protection zones of water supply headworks, water reservoirs, hazardous waste disposal facilities etc. Zone of historical or cultural heritage protected in accordance with the law of Georgia on Cultural Heritage Protection

The ‘Law of Georgia on Cultural Heritage’ was approved in May of 2007. Article 14 of the Law specifies the requirements for ‘large-scale’ construction works. According to this Article, a decision on career treatment and ore extraction on the whole territory of Georgia, as well as on construction of an object of a special importance as it may be defined under the legislation of Georgia, is made by a body designated by the legislation of Georgia based on the positive decision of the Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection and Sport of Georgia. The basis for the conclusion is the archeological research of the proper territory to be carried out by the entity wishing to accomplish the ground works. The entity wishing to do the ground works is obliged submit the Ministry the documentation about the archeological research of the territory in question. The preliminary research should include field-research and laboratory works. In case of identifying an archeological object on the territory to study, the conclusion of the archeological research should contain the following information: (a) a thorough field study of the archeological layers and objects identified on the study territory by using modern methodologies, (b) recommendations about the problem of conservation of the identified objects and planning of the building activity on the design territory, on the basis of the archeological research.

Georgian Law on Regulation and Engineering Protection of Coasts of Sea, Water Reservoirs and Rivers of Georgia (27.12.2006, No. 4131)

Article 9. Rules regulating the economic activity within the coast protection zone

(1) The body issuing a building permit within the zone of coast engineering protection is obliged to engage the Ministry in the permit issuing process as a concerned administrative body and send it proper documentation for the obligatory conclusion. (2) The construction project of buildings and premises within the zone of coast engineering protection should envisage the compensation amounts for the expected coastal damage. (3) Extraction of inert material within the zones of strict supervision of sea, water reservoir or river is prohibited, unless this is done for the purposes of coast-formation or control of streams.

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE WB

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1.2.1 The World Bank Policy, Safeguards and Environmental Guidelines

WB Environmental Guidelines

All projects funded by WB must comply with the WB Safeguards and Environmental Guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines is to establish an environmental review process to ensure that the projects undertaken as part of programs funded under WB loans are environmentally sound, are designed to operate in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and are not likely to cause a significant environmental, health, or safety hazard.

WB is committed to program design that reflects the results of public participation in host countries during all phases of the program, integrating governmental interests with those of private business and civil society.

Finally, WB is committed to the principles of host-country responsibility for measures to mitigate adverse environmental and social impacts. WB funded projects shall therefore comply with host-country laws, regulations and standards, as well as requirements by which the host country is bound under international agreements.

The WB Bank Procedures, Operational Manuals and Good Practices having regard to the Road infrastructure rehabilitation projects are listed below:

BP/OP/GP 4.01 Environmental Assessment WB BP/OP/GP 4.04 Natural Habitats WB OP 4.11 Cultural Heritage WB BP/OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement WB BP/OP 4.36 Forestry WB BP 17.50 Disclosure of Operational Information

EIA and Environmental Screening under WB Guidelines

The Bank undertakes environmental screening of each proposed project to determine the appropriate extent and type of EA. Screening principles and procedures, as well as other conceptual and procedural details of EIA process, are described in BP/OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment. The Bank classifies the proposed project into one of three categories, depending on the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project and the nature and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. The Bank establishes following three categories:

Category A is assigned to a proposed project if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. Full scale EIA and relatively longer period for public discussions (e.g. 120 days for projects implemented by WB in USA) is required in this case. EA for a Category A project examines the project’s potential negative and positive environmental impacts, compares them with those of feasible alternatives (including the “without project” situation), and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse

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impacts and improve environmental performance. For a Category A project, the Borrower is responsible for preparing a EIA report.

Category B is assigned to a proposed project if its potential adverse environmental impacts on human environment are less adverse than those of Category A projects (e.g. insignificant impact on sensitive area or medium grade impact on less sensitive area). Like Category A EA, category B EA examines the project’s potential negative and positive environmental impacts and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts. The findings and results of Category B EA are described in the project documentation (Project Appraisal Document and Project Information Document). The EA for B category projects could be provided in a form of Environmental Management Plans (EMP) or Environmental Review (ER), which includes EMP.

Category C is assigned to a proposed project if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Beyond screening, no further EA action is required for a Category C project.

As additional criteria in support for screening procedures the GP-4.01 Annex B provides – “Types of Projects and Their Typical Classifications” with following comment: “Bank and international experience shows that projects in certain sectors or of certain types are normally best classified as illustrated below. These examples are only illustrative; it is the extent of the impacts, not the sector, that determines the extent of the environmental assessment and, hence, the category”.

EIAEIA evaluates the potential environmental risks and impacts of a specific project in its area of influence, examines alternatives to the project, identifies ways of improving project selection, siting, planning, design, and implementation by preventing, minimizing, mitigating, or compensating for adverse environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts. EIA includes the process of mitigating and managing adverse environmental impacts during the implementation of a project.

EIA should:

- be initiated as early as possible in project development and be integrated closely with the economic, financial, institutional, social, and technical analyses of a proposed project- examine a need for resettlement, mplications for indigenous peoples and cultural property, and trans-boundary global environmental aspects.- take into account specific host-country conditions – the findings of environmental studies, National Environmental Action Plans, national legislation, the capabilities of the entity implementing the project, as they relate to managing environmental and social impacts, and obligations of the country under relevant international environmental treaties and agreements.

EIA report should include:- Executive summary – significant findings and recommended actions- Policy, legal and administrative framework within which the EIA is carried out- Project description- Baseline data- Environmental impacts- Analysis of alternatives (including mitigation measures)- EMP including associated costs

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Consultation - lists and describes consultation meetings, including consultations for obtaining the informed views of the affected people, local NGOs and regulatory agencies.

Public consultation

Consistent with WB principles of host-country ownership of the projects implemented under its loans, the porject proponent will ensure meaningful public consultation in the development of WB loan-related EIAs and make public the results of EIAs. Public disclosure and consultation procedures are defined in WB BP 17.50 – “Disclosure of Operational Information” and described in details in WB Environmental Sourcebook Vol. I chapter 7 and Updates #5 - “Public Involvement inEnvironmental Assessment: Requirements, Opportunities and Issues”. The Bank requests consultations for A and B Category projects. For the category A projects WB requires two consultation meetings (one at scoping, and one on draft EA) and disclosure of draft and final documents in country and through WB website.

1.2.2 Comparison of the National legislation and WB requirements

Environmental assessment established under the Bank’s Operational Policies (OP 4.01) and Guidelines (BP 4.01) is analogous to the EIA provided under the legislation of Georgia.

The Bank’s guidelines provide detailed description of procedures for screening, scoping and conducting EIA and explain a complete list of stages, which are not envisaged under the national legislation.

Considering an ecological risk, cultural heritage, resettlement and other factors, the Bank classifies projects supported by them under categories A, B and C. As mentioned in the Georgian national legislation review section, EIA is carried out only if a developer seeks to implement projects listed in the Law on Environmental Impact Permit. This list is compatible with the category A projects of the Bank classification. According to the Georgian legislation EIA is not required in other instances, while World Bank guidelines may require limited EA or Environmental Reviews for the B category projects, as well.

Georgian legislation does not specify format of environmental management plans (EMPs) and stage of their provision for the projects requiring EIA and do not request EMPs for the projects not requiring EIAs. The World Bank guidelines request EMPs for all categories of the projects and provide detailed instructions on the content.

According to the Georgian legislation, MoE is responsible for monitoring of project implementation on compliance with the standards and commitments, provided in the EIA, and less clearly is defined role of EMPs. The PIU or “Project Proponent” is responsible for implementing “self-monitoring” programs for the projects requiring EIA. The WB guidelines stress the role of EMPs, which are important for all categories of projects and Project Proponent (in our case – MDF) is requested to ensure inclusion of monitoring scheme and plans into EMPs. Monitoring of performance compliance against EMPs is important element of WB requirements.

The above considerations reveal major differences between the Bank guidelines and the national legislation.

Some of the specific issues are considered below:

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The most significant difference between the Bank’s approaches on one hand and the national legislation on the other is that the latter does not take into account the issue of involuntary resettlement at any stage of environmental permit issuance. The Georgian legislation considers social factor only in regard with life and health safety (e.g. if a project contains a risk of triggering landslide, or emission/discharge of harmful substances or any other anthropogenic impact). Thus, the national legislation does not consider resettlement as an issue in the process of issuing environmental permits, unlike the Bank which takes a comprehensive approach to this issue.

While the Bank’s document establishes the responsibility of a Borrower for conducting an environmental assessment, the national legislation provides for the responsibility of a project implementing unit to prepare EIA and ensure its consultation.

The role of the Ministry is restricted to the participation in EIA consultation and carrying out state ecological examination required for the adoption of a decision on issuing an EIA permit as established under the legislation of Georgia. WB provides oversight on the entire EIA process from initial screening/scoping till the review of drafts and approval and public disclosure of the final EIA.

In regard with consultation: The Bank requires consultations for A and B Category projects (at least two consultations for Category A projects) from the Borrower. The national legislation until recently contained only a brief reference to this issue without providing real tools of its fulfillment. The amendments to the Governmental Decree On the Procedure and Conditions of Environmental Impact Assessment established the requirement of public consultation of the EIA, which obligates a developer (i) to ensure public consultation of EIA, (ii) publication of information, (iii) receive comments within 45 days, (iv) arrange consultation not later than 60 days from the date of publication, invite stakeholders and determine the place of consultation).

Table of Activities

# Action Georgian Legislation WB Requirements1 Screening Project Proponent in

consultation with MoEBank and Consultant hired by Project Proponent

2 Scoping Not required. Could be conducted voluntarily by Project Proponent.

Obligatory. Bank and Consultant hired by Project Proponent

3 Draft EIA To be prepared by Environmental Consultant.

To be prepared by Environmental Consultant.

4 Public Consultations The EIA should be available for public review during 45 days. Publication of information in central and regional mass-media. Arrange consultation not later than 60 days from the date of publication.

At least two consultations for Category A projects – one at the scoping stage and one for the draft EIA.

5 Final EIA Consider all comments received during public

Consider all comments from Bank and public. Agree with

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consultations, incorporate accepted remarks and explain rational when the comments are disregarded.

the Bank on each raised point.Incorporate accepted public comments and explain rational when the comments are disregarded.

6 Management Plans No clear guidelines on format, content and timing

Incorporate Monitoring and Management Plans in the EIA.

7 Review and Approval MoE Bank and separately - MoE (if the EIA is required by Georgian legislation)

8 Disclosure of final EIA

Not requested Publication (mainly electronic) of the final EIA.

Harmonization of the WB and Georgian Legislation requirements

In order to comply with the both regulations – the WB and Georgian legislation – the content of the EIA should comprise issues requested in both regulations, - thus complementing each other. I.e. the EMPs should be elaborated in details as requested by the WB regulations. The assessment of the stationary sources of emission (e.g. diesel generators) should be executed according to Georgian regulations: “Inventory of the Stationary Sources of Emission” and “Approval of the Emission Limits”. The first public consultation (requested by WB guidelines but not by Georgian regulations) will be held at the Scoping stage. The second one will be executed according to Georgian requirements as described in p.2.1.2.

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2. LEGISLATION OF GEORGIA AND WB GUIDELINES RELATED TO LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT ISSUES

2.1. LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE IN GEORGIA

2.1.1 Institutional Responsibilities

The list of institutions having regard to the land acquisition issues and procedures applicable for the E-60 Highway modernization projects under the legislation of Georgia is provided below:

Table 1. State Institutions that may be involved in land acquisition process

The Government of Georgia

Ministries and Departments Responsibilities1. Ministry of Economic Development Matters pertaining to the project site approval, for the projects of

Specific Importance (approval within the Construction Permit).2. National Agency of Public Registry

(NAPR)Identifies the land plots and ownership rights and their registration into the Public Registry.

3. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources

Resolves the issues related to the changes of the designation of land. Site approval through the Ecological Expertise within the procedural frame of issuing Construction Permit.

4. Tourism Department Site approval within the Construction Permit. Certain restrictions on construction in a sanitary protection zones of resorts .

5. Ministry of Culture, Monuments Protection and Sports

Site approval within the Construction Permit. Certain restrictions on construction in a archaeologically valuable sites.

6. Ministry of Agriculture Information regarding the yield capacity of given agricultural lands

Regional/local Authorities

Regional/local Authorities Responsibilities

7. Adjara Government Establishes the Stirring Committee and assigns PIU for the Project. Delegates authority for implementing all RAP related activities and function of intersectoral coordination to the PIU.

8. PIU assigned by the Government of Adjara According to present RPF the PIU has the lead responsibility for the implementation of this RPF and RAP.

9. Property Recognition Commission (Land Acquisition Committee)

Identifies the ownership rights on land plots occupied by private owners without permission and legalizes legalizable property. Prepares documentation for registration of the legalized land plots into the Public Registry.

10. Local Offices of NAPR Identifies the land plots and ownership rights and their registration into the Public Registry.

11. Local Rayon Sakrebulo / Gamgeoba Has issued documents confirming right on land during the privatization process. Keeps information about legal land owners

12. Local governing Units and their architectural and Construction service units

Implement the decisions on the land parcellation

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The Ministry of Economic Development (MoED). The projects related to construction or reconstruction of the Highways of international and national value are classified as the projects of Special Importance. MoED is responsible for carrying out the review of technical documentation (including conclusion of an independent experts) and issuing Permits on Construction for such projects. Construction permitting procedure comprises approval of technical design and considers consent of the other ministries and responsible bodies upon the route and RoW. Therefore, Construction Permit issued by the MoED represents integrated decision of the government on granting the permit to use the RoW for construction of the road, and this is precondition for completion of land acquisition process.

The Roads Department of the Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia (RDMRDI).Within the Georgian Government, the Road Department of the Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia (RDMRDI) has the lead responsibility for the management of road construction projects and for land acquisition as the significant component of the project. In more general scope, the RDMRDI is responsible for elaboration of policy and strategic plans related to developing motor roads, management of road and traffic related issues and construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of the roads of public use of international and national significance, utilizing funds from the state budget, lawns, grants and other financial sources.

Within the frames of the programs and projects, where the RDMRDI is appointed by the Government as implementing agency, the RDMRDI is responsible for the procurement of design and EIA studies, as well as works on construction and rehabilitation of roads of international and national significance, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Georgian legislation and environmental and social requirements of the relevant donor organizations. Land acquisition and accordingly development and implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is direct responsibility of the RDMRDI. The RAPs are usually prepared by the independent specialized consultants, but the consultant’s services are procured by the RDMRDI. The approved RAPs are implemented by the RDMRDI staff. Therefore the RDMRDI should have sufficient experience for procurement of the consultant services and RAP preparation, as well as adequate capacity to ensure review and approval of the RAP and its follow up implementation in compliance with Georgian legislation and IFI’s requirements.

Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. Pursuant to the active legislation of Georgia the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources is responsible for environmental protection, resource (including soil) management and land designation changing issues. On the given phase the issues related to usage of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes is resolved on the level of said Ministry. The Ministry participates in the RoW approval through issuance of the Permit on Environmental Impact.

Land Management Department and Department of Geology, Geodesy and Cartography are under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. The Competence of Geodesy and Cartography Units is practical implementation of State Management Policy of geodesy and cartography. To the competence of Land Management Unit belongs rational use of land and implementation of measures against soil erosion and state control on land purposeful use.

The Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice shall lead the most significant role in registration and declaration of ownership rights to land and real property. Declaration and registration of

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ownership rights to land and real property is undertaken solely by the National Agency of Public Registry at the Ministry of Justice.

Table provides a list of government departments involved in the land acquisition process for the East – West Highway construction in Georgia.

The Land /real property acquisition during Highway construction process is regulated by the supreme laws being in the highest position within the hierarch of legislation. These are as follows: Constitution of Georgia and the Law of Georgia on Expropriation of Private Ownership for Public Necessary Needs. The President of Georgia, the Court and Expropriator that is granted the right of expropriator through the Court are involved in this process. However, also other State Institutions such as Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Ministry of Economic Developments and the Ministry of Agriculture shall also get involved.

Table 2. The responsibilities of the entities involved in the process of expropriation as defined under the Legislation of Georgia

Measures/activities Responsible Body

Presidential Decree on Assigning the Right of an Expropriator

The President of Georgia

Right on Undertaking Expropriation Through the Court Decision

Conducting appraisal (evaluation) of land and real property

Independent expert invited by the Expropriator

Information regarding the yield capacity of given agricultural lands

Ministry of Agriculture

1.1.2 Resettlement Related Legislation of Georgia

The table below provides a list of legal acts directly regulating or having regard with the land acquisition issues.

The Frame Legislation Issues addressed

1 The Constitution of Georgia, August 24, 1995; Frame legislation covering private ownership, privatization, compensation, expropriation and publicity issue.

2 The Civil Code of Georgia, June 26, 1997; Frame legislation covering Ownership Rights, Construction Right, Servitude Right and Necessary Right of Way issues.

The Laws Regulating Land and Property Ownership and Land Acquisition Issues

3 The Law of Georgia on Ownership Rights to Agricultural Land, March 22, 1996; as amended

The sphere of regulation of the Law on ownership right to agricultural land mainly extends over the agricultural land parcels.

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4 The Law of Georgia on Privatization of State-owned Agricultural Land, July 8, 2005;

regulates the privatization of State-owned agricultural land

5 The Law of Georgia on Compensation of Compensatory Land Cultivation Costs and Sustained Damage in Case of Allocation of Agricultural Land for Non-Agricultural Purposes, October 2, 1997, and the last amendment to this Law made on July 11, 2007;

The law establishes the rules and compensation levels (according to municipalities and recreational zones) for allocation of agricultural lands for non-agricultural landuse purpose.

6 The Law of Georgia on Registration Ownership Rights to Immovable Property, December 28, 2005;

defines the rules, terms, and conditions for registration of rights to immovable property

7 The Law of Georgia on the Property of Local Self-governing Units.

identifies property categories, its creation rules and property rights of local self-governing

8 The Law of Georgia on Recognition of the Property Ownership Rights Regarding the Land Plots Owned (Used) by Physical Persons or Legal entities; 2007

governs legalization of land ownership rights on the land plots owned or used by the physical persons and legal entities without permission.

Legislation Regulating Land and Property Expropriation

9 The Law of Georgia on the Rules for Expropriation of Ownership for Necessary Public Need, July 23, 1999

Eminent Domain Law – regulates expropriation of land or property for Necessary Public Need

10 Procedural Civil Code of Georgia, November 14, 1997 The general courts of Georgia consider the cases (including land ownership expropriation cases) according to the rules identified under the Procedural Civil Code of Georgia.

Other Laws Having Regards to Land Acquisition

11 The Law of Georgia Licenses and Permits, 2005 Permits and procedures for the RoW approval within the Construction Permit

12 The Law of Georgia on Construction Permit Permits and procedures for the RoW approval within the Construction Permit

The Law of Georgia on Environmental Impact Permit, 2008

Permits and procedures for the RoW approval through EIA process

The Law of Georgia on Protection of Cultural Heritage, 2007

Permits and procedures for the RoW approval through Archaeological clearance (within the Construction Permit)

Precedents of Expropriation

Presidential Decree No 588, October 1, 2007 about Granting of Ownership Expropriation Rights for Necessary Public Need

Related to expropriation of the private land plot needed for the project of public importance – “Modernization of the Natakhtari - Agaiani Section of the Tbilisi – Senaki – Leselidze Highway”

Below we provide listing and very brief characterization of the laws relevant to land acquisition and resettlement issues and short summary of outcomes. More expended review of the Georgian legislation pertinent to the resettlement issues is provided in the Annex 1 of this manual.

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Framework Legislation

The Constitution of Georgia, August 24, 1995; The Constitution determines the essence of private ownership and defines presumption of inviolability however also determines the issues related to legislative frames of compensation issues and expropriation of land and immovable property for necessary public need. The Constitution of Georgia ensures the publicity of information. Pursuant to the Article 21 of the Constitution of Georgia "the right of ownership and inheritance is declared and secured". Nobody is eligible to cancel the universal right of ownership and legacy. Throughout of the necessary public need or in case of emergency necessity the Article 21.3 of the Constitution the expropriation of the private ownership is allowed however, only according to the Court Decision or under the rules identified in the organic law5 on basis of the appropriate (fair) reimbursement. The present law regulates privatization issues of the existing lands at state ownership and out of subject its topicality less presumable (Existing private owned land parcels assignation to the State). Herewith is to be noticed that in present some draft law is submitted to the Parliament and after they are adopted they may make influence of the discussion of the existing document. Organic law is among Constitution and other laws in the hierarchy of the legislation, which underlines its particular importance. Other articles of the Constitution also create legislative basis related to resettlement measures of the motor road construction. This includes State expropriation of land for urgent public necessity by power of eminent domain, information disclosure and public consultation, protection of cultural property, and grievance resulting from land acquisition and displacement of the population. The stated regulations create the set of procedures that allow obtaining the land ownership rights for road construction from private owners.

The Article 42 of the Constitution makes the citizens eligible to claim, in particular protects them and encourages appealing to the court for protection of their rights and freedom.

The Civil Code of Georgia, June 26, 1997; The Civil Code of Georgia regulates private civil relationships, and it evolves property rights, the law of obligations, family law and the law of inheritance. Those regulations of the Civil Code particularly relevant in the property law section where the ownership, construction and servitude rights are discussed, and other type rights directly spreads on the existing project.Ownership Rights. The ownership right entitles its beneficiary to freely possess and use property. Mentioned right can be limited within legislative or other agreement. Ownership on the land parcel gives implicit right to land owner to implement construction activities if it is not restricted by any agreement or law. Construction Right. The owner is allowed to transfer a land plot to another person in temporary usage (not to exceed 59 years) for charge or free of charge. The transferee obtains the right to build a building/construction on or under the land plot, as well as to assign and transfer this right under inheritance or tenancy, borrowing or renting. The construction right may cover such part of a land plot that is not necessary for the actual construction but allows a better use of the facility constructed on the basis of the construction permit. Termination of the construction right requires consent from the landowner. However, as the terms of construction right refer to motor road construction aside to this approach also possible to be utilized the right to request necessary right of way. On the basis of the Article 180 of this Code, if a land parcel lacks the access to public roads that are necessary for its adequate use, the other owner may claim from a neighbour to tolerate the use of his land parcel by the owner for the purpose of providing the necessary access. The mentioned article may be used for road construction, though the determination of necessary right of way is rather complicated procedure and in case of road construction evolves the obligations to prove the existence of the

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elements of such rights. In case of necessary right of way, the implementer of road project shall have the right to undertake road construction notwithstanding the owner’s will. It should be noted also Servitude Right on the property, that due to Georgian Civil Code presents establishment the limits on land parcel or on other property in favor to other land parcel or owner of the property (beneficiary). The Beneficiary is granted the right to use land parcel under restriction with some conditions and /or restrict concrete activities or prohibits land owner from using significant rights against this land parcel. Necessary Right of Way. The Georgian Civil Code gives utilities and state agencies the ability to obtain rights of way under the Necessary Right of Way provision

However, in regard with this project, any rights (among them ownership, construction, inevitable road or servitude) the terms and conditions for transfer the right for constriction shall be defined against each land parcel in accordance to the identified rules and on the basis of entered and registered agreement entered by a landowner and the party holding the corresponding right of construction.

Land and Property Ownership Related Legislation

In Georgia, land acquisition for public use is governed by the following laws, reviewed below:

The Law of Georgia on Ownership to Agricultural Land, March 22 1996, as amended; The current law is completely different from the initial version adopted in 1996. The changes made to this law in different times (among them the amendments on the basis of the Law # 389 as of July 14, 2000) have significantly changed its initial format and simplified to maximum extent the procedures considered under the Law. The sphere of regulation of the Law on ownership right to agricultural land mainly extends over the agricultural land parcels. Article 3.1. Defines that "a land parcel with or without household structure that is registered at the public register and used for cattle-breeding and plant cultivation produces is considered as an agricultural land parcel" with existing household and additional structures or without them. Also the share of a member of household community within the shared hay fields, grazing lands or forestry areas and the part of the agricultural land that may be the object "of separate ownership right" (Article 3.2). The Law determines that the ownership right to agricultural land is granted to the State, physical person, household community (Komli) and legal entity registered in accordance to the legislation of Georgia, which carries out his activities in agricultural sphere. Besides, the Law declares the form of village and household community (Komli) ownership to state-owned grazing lands, private and form of community ownership in high mountain regions (Article 4.3). According to the Articles 6 and 8, acquisition of agricultural land is allowed on the basis of ordinary rules and general restrictions. Ordinary rule considers land alienation without any permits and other limitations, and general restrictions consider land alienation only on the basis of the consent of co-owner of shared property. In case of agricultural land acquisition the lessee has the priority right to purchase the land. (Article 10). Alienation is restricted if the area after this action will be less then 5 hectare. The Law defines Tax sanctions if land has not been cultivated for 2 years and for non-payment of land tax and non transmission to the other person in lease condition. In such cases the law does not directly state any type of penalty and only refers that in described cases shall be exercised the sanctions under the Tax legislation (Article 20).

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The Law of Georgia on Privatization of State-owned Agricultural Land, July 8 2005, as amended;The Law regulates the privatization of State-owned agricultural land. On the basis of this law the leased or non leased State-owned agricultural land subject to privatization. However, the categories of agricultural lands listed below do not subject to privatization: - grazing lands except the grazing lands which before law enactment were leased; grazing lands attached to existing structures being under ownership of legal and/or physical persons or state ownership in accordance to the rule refined by the Law; that - Cattle-driving routs; - water fund land, except fish breeding artificial ponds and the lands of common water use category utilized as agricultural lands in accordance to the Law of Georgia on Water. - Forest fund land used under agricultural designation; - Recreation lands; - Lands allocated to Historical monuments, nature and religious monuments; - Land of protected areas; - Agricultural reform lands in Adjara Autonomous republic; - Agricultural lands being used by Budgetary Institutions and legal entities of public law in the form of usufruct. Privatization of the two categories (forest fund and recreation land) of agricultural land is still allowed, although only for development of resort-recreation infrastructure what the Government of Georgia makes a decision on.

The Law of Georgia on Compensation of Compensatory Land Cultivation Costs and Sustained Damage in Case of Allocation of Agricultural Land for Non-Agricultural Purposes, October 2, 1997, as amended July 11, 2007;The objective of the law is to establish regulation for allocation, use or dispose of the agricultural land plot for non-agricultural purpose and related compensation values corresponding to municipalities and recreational territories in Georgia, as well as terms of payment. Aside that, the law defines compensations to the private landowners or land leasers for limiting their ownership rights or for worsening the land plot quality and productivity.

According to clause 3 of the law, the land plots beyond the recreational zones owned by the citizens of Georgia (families, komlis) are not subject for the change of the land category from agricultural into non-agricultural in case of need for constructing on the mentioned land plot the leaving house for the owner or any barns and utility rooms. This protects the private landowner from additional compensation payments related with the changes of the land category. At the same time, the outcome of this clause pertinent to resettlement is that certain houses and buildings could be situated on the agricultural land plots and this may have additional impact on replacement cost calculations.

Law of Georgia on Registration of Rights to Immovable propert,y December 28 2005, as amendedThe Law defines the rules, terms, and conditions for registration of rights to immovable property (things), rights and obligations of the subjects participating in registration procedures. The goal of this is Law is to declare and verify ownership rights on to immovable property (things) within the territory of Georgia thought registration of these rights into the Public Register. The Law describes the rules set forth for organization and functioning of Public Register. Some rights subject to mandatory registration others may voluntarily be registered. Among them, mandatory registration extends to:

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a) Obtaining ownership rights to immovable property based on sales transaction, exchange, giving as a gift (bequeath), inheritance, through verification of ownership rights, privatization and also abandonment of ownership rights being registered at the Public Register; and b) The rights to build, usufruct, mortgage and guarantee rights, rights to lease and rent (if such is based on the notarized agreement). This law ensures successful process of expropriation and obtaining of necessary right of way since in case of purchasing immovable property from an owner, it is required that land and real property is registered into the public register to provide legal validity to the sales agreement. Pursuant to the active legislation of Georgia, acquisition (purchase) of private property is legally valid and ownership rights are declared only after its registration into the Public Registry.

The Law on the Property of Self-governing Units, March 25 2005, as amended The said law identifies property categories, its creation rules and property rights of local selfgoverning unit (hereinafter Selfgoverning Unit”) except land and natural recourses the usage, possession and alienation of which is regulated by the special legislation of Georgia. According to the Article 2, the property of self-governing unit is divided into two categories: basic and additional properties. Alienation of the property of self-governing unit is limited, alienation of additional property is possible on the basis of the rule defined by the law. On the basis of the mentioned law the local state-owned property, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, streets, underground crossings, pavements, traffic lights, constructions of outdoor lighting, squares, public gardens, boulevards, fountains, parks, green plants and bank protection constructions may be transferred to the self-governing unit.

The Law of Georgia on Recognition of the Property Ownership Rights Regarding the Land Plots Owned (Used) by Physical Persons or Legal entities; 2007The law governs legalization of land ownership rights on the land plots owned or used by the physical persons and legal entities.

Legislation and Procedures Related to Expropriation of Ownership

In Georgia the legislative acts given below regulate the issues related to legal ownership rights to land and real property and the expropriation of land for public needs: The Law of Georgia on the Rules for Expropriation of Ownership for Necessary Public Need July 23, 1999 and Procedural Civil Code of Georgia

In general terms, the above-listed laws and regulations give the possibility of applying the following three mechanisms for legal application of the property rights:

Obtaining the right on way without expropriation though the payment of due compensation (on the basis of negotiations or a court decision) prior to commencement of the activities;

Expropriation which gives the possibility of obtaining permanent right to land and/or necessary road on the basis of Eminent Domain Law or a court decision through the payment of due compensation;

Expropriation of ownership for urgent public necessity, which gives the possibility of obtaining permanent rights on land and/or necessary road for the purpose of national security or accident prevention. Expropriation is to be made on the basis of the

In more details the legal requirements and procedures are described below:

The Law of Georgia on the Rules for Expropriation of Ownership for Necessary Public Need July 23, 1999

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The Law requires the implementation of several steps for obtaining ownership rights. a. Issuance of Presidential decree; b. Inventory of all the property that subject to expropriation; c. Informing the landowners on expropriation through publication; d. Submission of the Application to the Court and Court Decision; e. Providing the information to the landowners on the date of submission of application to the Court and the date of court hearing; f. Considering the Application and making a decision by the Court; g. Expropriation; g. Court proceedings in case any disputes being raised in regard with the property market value and compensation amount.

A. as a result of issuance of Presidential Decree the right to expropriate is assigned to the State or local self-government body, or public or legal person of private law. The Presidential Decree is issued under the Article 21 of the Constitution of Georgia. The Presidential Decree defines the inevitability of expropriation of a land parcel for immediate public needs and the subject (State or local self-government body, or public or legal person of private law) that is granted the right to expropriate.

B. After issuance of Presidential Decree shall be conducted inventory and evaluation of all the property that subject to expropriation After the issuance of Presidential Decree the person interested in expropriation ensures that an independent auditor undertakes the inventory and valuation of the property to be expropriated. Besides, in case of replacement expropriation property by other property, the value of such compensation property is also appraised by an independent auditor. While valuation of the property that subject to expropriation and determination of compensation, the property that is insignificant by size, form and condition but is linked to the property that subject to expropriation and therefore is useless without it shall also be considered. During evaluation of agricultural land the value of the standing crops is also considered and calculated based on the income the owner might receive durin

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the current economic year. Although, if sowing has been undertaken after property appraisal such value shall not be taken into account.

C. In order to inform the landowners the information on the expropriation is published in central and local newspapers. The information shall contain the scopes of the project implementation, also brief description of the territory and property that may be expropriated.

D. Submission of the Application to the Court is undertaken after the above described activities are implemented. The Law of Georgia on the Rule of Property Expropriation for Necessary Public Needs, article 5 defines that the District (City) Court is eligible to finally assign the right to expropriate on the basis of the Application interested in expropriation. The Application on expropriation shall be submitted to the District (City) Court. The application submitted to the Court shall state the following: 1. Name of the District (City) Court; 2. Name and legal address of the of applicant; 3. Name, address of the Applicant’s representative if the application is submitted by a representative; 4. The request of the applicant; 5. The description of the circumstances the applicant refers to; 6. The proofs verifying these circumstances; 7. The list of the documents attached to the Application. The application shall be attached with (1) the detailed description of the project that requires right of expropriation for its implementation; (2) Presidential Decree on issuance of expropriation; (3) , detailed description of the property that subject to expropriation; and (4) the document verifying the publication of information on expropriation.

E. The owners will be supplied with the information on submission of Application to the Court and acceptance the case. A person interested in expropriation shall ensure that every owner whose property subjects to expropriation is informed regarding the submission of the application to the court and the date of court case.

F. Court considers the application and makes a decision on expropriation The Court – after considering the application - makes a decision on granting the right to expropriate. The decision states the person granted the right to expropriate and the detailed description of the property to be expropriated, also corresponding instruction on ensuring due compensation to landowners. The court decision is immediately executed according to the rule of execution of the decision to be executed. This means that even if such decision is appealed the execution of the court decision continues notwithstanding the fact of appeal.

G. Expropriation After the court makes a decision an expropriator gives the offer on the purchase of the property to the landowners and the rules of compensation for this property and conducts negotiations with thelandowners on the rules of compensation for the property to be expropriated in order to make an agreement. Besides, the expropriator provides the landowner with the written document issued by an independent expert verifying the assessment of the value of property to be expropriated and compensated (compensation to be undertaken by transferring the other property is allowed only if the landowner agrees) Amount of compensation or the value of the property to be compensated shall not be less than the value of the value of the property to be expropriated.

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H. Court Proceeding on property market value and compensation. In case the expropriator and the property owner fail to come into agreement regarding the property market value and amount of compensation, in accordance to the Civil Procedural Code of Georgia, any party has the right to apply to the same rayon Court where the land parcel is located for dispute resolution. The claim of the expropriator shall be attached with: (1) detail description of the property to be expropriated, (2) documents verifying the presence of public needs for property expropriation; (3) documents related to the project to be implemented for public needs; and (4) the Decision of the District (City) Court on grating the right for expropriation The Court is eligible to assign an independent expert that shall conduct property appraisal and within the defined time terms submits the court with the report on market value of the property to be expropriated and other property offered to the owner as compensation (if compensation shall be undertaken through transferring replacement property). On basis of the independent expert report and the proofs provided by both parties, the court makes final decision regarding the amount of compensation for property to be expropriated. The expropriator is responsible to reimburse costs incurred by both parties including the costs for court proceedings, such as court costs in case of disputes and costs for property appraisal services and property transfer costs.

Procedural Civil Code of Georgia, November 14 1997, as amended; The general courts of Georgia consider the cases according to the rules identified under the Procedural Civil Code of Georgia. The requirements of the procedural law are exercised during the lawsuit, during implementation of separate procedural actions or execution of the court decision. The Procedural Civil Code of Georgia also regulates those cases when determination of the defendant is impossible. This may be important for the Project in the cases when the landowner is not found and correspondingly ownership to his/her land parcel cannot be obtained in legally valid manner, i.e. it is impossible to enter corresponding agreement with the landowner or him/her cannot sign other type of document. According to article 18 of the Procedural Civil Code of Georgia if the claim refers to real property the claimant has the right to submit a claim to the court against the owner according to the land parcel location. According to Article 78, of the Procedural Civil Code, when the location of the defendant is unknown, there are two alternative ways to provide him/her the information on lawsuit: (1) notice of lawsuit appointment is delivered to local self-government or government bodies; or (2) makes a decision on public notification through publication. Public notification is in written format and contains major data of the documents that the defendant shall be introduced to. Public notification is placed on the Board for Applications in the Court. However, the claimant is eligible to ensure the distribution of public notification on its own expenses. In both cases, the Civil Code defines one-month term for considering the notification on appointment of a lawsuit as delivered. However, the legislation allows the Court to extend this term not more than for a month. The consideration of notification on application of a lawsuit as delivered allows the judge to conduct the sitting of the court and make a default judgment in regard with real property.

SummaryOverall the above laws/regulations provide that the principle of replacement cost compensating at market value is reasonable and legally acceptable. The laws also identify the types of damages eligible to compensation and indicate that compensation is to be given both for loss of physical assets and for the loss of incomes. Finally, these laws place strong emphasis on consultation and notification to ensure that the AP participate in the process. As in practice, public opposition to expropriation is very strong this instrument to acquire land is used only in extreme cases when negotiations between the agency acquiring the land and the owners fail. Usually once public

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interest is established, the investor (PIU, in this case) negotiates compensation for the sale or use of land with landowners and land users.

Other Laws having regard to the land acquisition process.

The Law of Georgia on Motor Roads, November 11, 1994.Clause 27 only briefly addresses the issue of land allocation for the needs of the motor road construction through referring to the active legislation.

The Law of Georgia Licenses and Permits, 2005The law specifies permits and license required in Georgia. Amongst the others the law mentions Construction Permit and Environmental Impact Permit, which have regard to the highway modernization projects and related activities (construction, upgrading etc.) and RoW or route approval.

The Laws of Georgia on Construction Permit (2004 ), on Environmental Impact Permit (2008) and on Cultural Heritage (2007) describe permits, related studies and clearance procedures applicable to the road construction projects and required to approve the route, RoW and construction corridor for the motor road. Approval of the RoW and construction corridor is necessary preliminary step before starting land acquisition.

2.2 The World Bank Policy, Safeguards and Georgian Legislation

2.2.1 The World Bank Safeguards and Involuntary Resettlement Policy

All projects funded by WB must comply with the WB Safeguards and Environmental Guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines is to establish an environmental/social review process to ensure that the projects undertaken as part of programs funded under WB loans are environmentally sound, are designed to operate in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and are not likely to cause a significant environmental, health, or safety hazard and negative social impact.

WB is committed to program design that reflects the results of public participation in host countries during all phases of the program, integrating governmental interests with those of private business and civil society.

Finally, WB is committed to the principles of host-country responsibility for measures to mitigate adverse environmental and social impacts. WB funded projects shall therefore comply with host-country laws, regulations and standards, as well as requirements by which the host country is bound under international agreements.

The WB Bank Procedures, Operational Manuals and Good Practices having regard to the road rehabilitation projects are listed below:

BP/OP/GP 4.01 Environmental Assessment WB BP/OP/GP 4.04 Natural Habitats WB OP 4.09 Pest Management WB OP 4.11 Cultural Heritage WB BP/OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement WB BP 17.50 Disclosure of Operational Information

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In case of projects implemented by private businesses or funded by the budget of Georgia, the land acquisition and resettlement process is regulated by the Georgian legislation, as described in the p. 1.1. The WB financed projects, in their turn, require compliance with the WB safeguards and guidelines. WB BP/OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is one of the most important safeguards guiding land acquisition and related resettlement/compensation issues during the project implementation. According to the principles of host-country responsibility, Georgia is committed to implement the WB financed projects in compliance with the requirements of the World Bank policy documents and WB BP/OP 4.12 , in particular.

Generally, the Georgian legislation is compatible with the major provisions of the WB Resettlement Policy but a few important differences are to be noted. First of all we would like to stress the difference in philosophy: the Georgian resettlement legislation and practice is focused on the economic dimension of the social impact and the project implementing agencies usually consider resettlement needs as external impediment imposed on the project, - requiring resolution (mainly through simple compensation schemes). The WB approach is broader and stresses social impacts of development projects, which are not limited to direct economic effects of particular project. Consequently different perception of impact and different concept of resettlement strategies is proposed:

In relation with adverse impacts the WB Policy stresses that the resettlement impacts are not limited to the economic aspects of loosing the privately owned assets. “Resettlement can have serious repercussions that cannot be exclusively measured in economic terms. Breakdown of established community relationships, social disarticulation among people who find themselves in a different sociocultural environment after resettlement, and the psychological trauma of moving into an alien environment can be severe if efforts to design and implement resettlement programs are not sensitive to the needs and preferences of communities”. Consideration of broader context of the impacts requires adequate evaluation and planning to implement the set of measures, which could be accepted as “fair compensation”.

The resettlement concept is viewed by the WB in following way: “Well-designed and well-implemented resettlement can, however, turn involuntary resettlement into a development opportunity. The challenge is to not treat resettlement as an imposed externality but to see it as an integral component of the development process and to devote the same level of effort and resources to resettlement preparation and implementation as to the rest of the project. Treating resettlers as project beneficiaries can transform their lives in ways that are hard to conceive of if they are viewed as “project-affected people” who somehow have to be assisted so that the main project can proceed. Implementing resettlement as a development program not only helps the people who are adversely affected but also promotes easier, less-troubled implementation of development projects avoiding opposition from displaced persons (DPs).”

Considering the abovementioned understanding of resettlement impacts and challenges the WB resettlement policy is directed at improving (or at least restoring) incomes and living standards, rather than merely compensating people for their expropriated assets. This improvement of incomes and living standards broadens the objective of the policy to include the restoration of income streams and retraining of people unable to continue their old income-generating activities after displacement. The emphasis on incomes and living standards, in contrast to the conventional emphasis on expropriated property, expands the range and number of people recognized as adversely affected. Recognition of this broader range of adverse impacts leads to a greater appreciation of the issues to be considered in resettlement and consequently requires careful delineation of responsibilities, elaborate risk management and explicit and distinct resettlement planning.

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This new view of the process poses practical and legal challenges to borrowers. The WB policy complements the Georgian legislation/regulation with certain additional requirements, which are mandatory for the WB financed projects. In particular, the WB Resettlement Policy (OP/BP 4.12) requests development of the appropriate planning/management instruments, like Policy Framework (PR) and Resettlement Action Pan (RAP).

Policy Framework (PR). A policy framework needs to be prepared if the extent and location of resettlement cannot be known at appraisal because the project has multiple components, as typically happens in sectoral investments, projects with financial intermediaries, and other projects with multiple subprojects. The policy framework establishes resettlement objectives and principles, organizational arrangements, and funding mechanisms for any resettlement operation that may be necessary during project implementation. The framework also assesses the institutional capability to design, implement, and oversee resettlement operations.

Resettlement Action Pan (RAP). All projects that entail resettlement require RAP. “The scope and level of detail of the resettlement plan vary with the magnitude and complexity of resettlement” (OP 4.12, Annex A, para. 2). RAP is location-specific and comprehensive action plan including preliminary studies (socio-economic assessment, sociological survey, census, valuation of impacts, and consultation with affected persons), a set of compensation/mitigation measures for each affected person/household, and detailed implementation plan with indication of responsible parties and schedule.

Below we provide short description of outcomes of the WB BP/OP 4.12, while full text of the document could be found in the Annex 2 of this manual.The WB Policy on Involuntary Resettlement, as defined in the OP/BP 4.12, is based on the following principles:

Involuntary resettlement is to be avoided or at least minimized. Compensation/Rehabilitation provisions will ensure the maintenance of the Affected

persons’ pre-project standards of living. Affected Persons should be fully informed and consulted on Land Acquisition and

Resettlement compensation options. Affected Persons’ socio-cultural institutions should be supported/used as much as

possible. Compensation will be carried out with equal consideration of women and men. Lack of legal title should not be a bar to compensation and/or rehabilitation. Particular attention should be paid to households headed by women and other

vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous Peoples, and appropriate assistance should be provided to help them improve their status.

Land Acquisition and Resettlement should be conceived and executed as a part of the project, and the full costs of compensation should be included in project costs and benefits.

Compensation and resettlement subsidies will be fully provided prior to clearance of right of way/ ground leveling and demolition.

2.2.2 Comparison of Georgian Legislation on LAR and WB Resettlement Policy

Generally, as we have mentioned, the Georgian legislation (see p. 1.1 and annex 1) is compatible with the major provisions of the WB Resettlement Policy but a few differences are to be noted. The most significant of these differences is that under Georgian legislation/regulation, emphasis is put on the definition of formal property rights and on how the acquisition of properties for public purposes is to be implemented and compensated while in the case of WB policy emphasis is put both on the compensation of rightfully owned affected assets and on the general

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rehabilitation of the livelihood of Affected People (AP) and Households (AH). Also, in addition, the legislation of Georgia does not require any specific planning/implementation instrument like RPF or RAP based on extensive public consultations. The differences between the legislation of Georgia and WB policy are outlined in Table below

Table 2: Comparison of Georgia Laws/Regulations on LAR and WB Resettlement Policy

Georgia Laws and Regulations WB Involuntary Resettlement PolicyLand compensation only for titled landowners Lack of title should not be a bar to compensation and/or

rehabilitation. Non-titled landowners receive rehabilitation.Only registered houses/buildings are compensated for damages/demolition caused by a project

All affected houses/buildings are compensated for buildings damages/demolition caused by a project

Crop losses compensation provided only to registered landowners.

Crop losses compensation provided to landowners and sharecrop/lease tenants whether registered or not

Land valuation based on replacement cost: (i) current market value where active land markets exist; (ii) Reproduction cost of an identical plot where no active land markets exist.

Land valuation based on replacement cost.

Land Acquisition Committee is the only pre-litigation final authority to decide disputes and address complaints regarding quantification and assessment of compensation for the affected assets.

Complaints & grievances are resolved informally through community participation in the Grievance Redress Committees (GRC), Local governments, and NGO and/or local-level community based organizations (CBOs).

Decisions regarding LAR are discussed only between the landowners and the Land Acquisition Authorities.

Information on quantification, affected items value assets, entitlements, and compensation/financial assistance amounts is to be disclosed to the APs prior to appraisal.

No provision for income/livelihood rehabilitation, allowances for severely affected or vulnerable APs, or resettlement expenses.

WB policy requires rehabilitation for income/livelihood, severe losses, and for expenses incurred by the APs during the relocation process.

Considering the abovementioned differences, WB policy complements the Georgian legislation/regulation with additional requirements related to (i) the economic rehabilitation of all AP/AF (including those who do not have legal/formal rights on assets acquired by a project); (ii) the provision of indemnities for loss of business and income, (iii) and the provision of special allowances covering AP/AH expenses during the resettlement process or covering the special needs of severely affected or vulnerable AP/AHs. Therefore, during implementation of the WB financed project the RDMRDI is committed to ensure that:

for each WB financed project appropriate resettlement instrument (RPF, RAP etc.) is developed in compliance with the WB requirements and Georgian legislation

all AP will receive compensation or support of various kinds, without regard to the status of land registration and ownership in compliance with the active legislation of Georgia and the World Bank safeguard policy.

AP will be informed about their rights and existing alternatives; AP will be consulted on, offered choices among, and provided with technically and

economically feasible resettlement alternatives; AP will be offered effective compensation at full replacement cost for losses of assets; AP will be provided with assistance during relocation if resettlement is not avoidable; AP will be provided with residential housing, or housing sites, or, as required,

agricultural sites for which a combination of productive potential, advantageous location, and other factors, is at least equivalent to the advantages of the old site;

AP will be offered support after displacement, for a transition period, based on a reasonable estimate of the time likely to be needed to restore their livelihood and standards of living;

AP will be provided with development assistance in addition to compensation measures described, such as land preparation, credit facilities, training, or job opportunities;

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Special attention will be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable groups of the population – children, women, the elderly, those below the poverty line, disabled, refugees, etc.

Develop a fair and accessible grievance redress mechanism. Compensation measures are completed prior to start up of the construction activities

considered by the project.

To reconcile the gaps between the Georgia laws and regulations and WB Policy provisions, RDMRDI has to develop new and comprehensive RPF and project-specific RAPs ensuring compensation at replacement cost of all items, the rehabilitation of informal settlers, and the provision of subsidies or allowances for AFs that may be relocated, suffer business losses, or may be severely affected.

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ANNEX 2.

Baseline Environmental Data

1. Air Quality, Noise and Climate

Air Quality

Before the breakdown of the Soviet Union, the State Hydro meteorological Services were responsible for regularly measuring the concentrations (3 times daily) of the basic air pollutants: particulate matter, SO2, NO2 and CO, as well as some specific pollutants from local stationary sources. These measurements were carried out in Georgia until 1991 in 11 large cities at 33 measuring sites. Over time, however, their scope has slowly been reduced. Reliable measurements of air quality after 1994 are not currently available. In most cities the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) are exceeded. Table below gives the ratio of the measured concentrations at the municipal measurement stations to the maximum allowable values for four cities: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Rustavi.

Air Emissions

Road traffic is the major source of air pollution in Georgia, followed by the energy sector and industry. Traffic intensity is high in larger cities and, in extreme cases, it amounts to 60,000 vehicles per day (e.g. in Tbilisi).

Georgia has about 3000 stationary sources of air pollution in its main industrial sectors such as energy, iron and steel, chemical and petrochemical, timber and paper, and food. At present, however, few are working at full capacity. The total emission of selected air pollutants is presented in table below. These data are obtained with the use of the CORINAIR methodology, on the basis of emission indicators and activity indicators (mainly in the form of energy consumption or production rate) for different sectors. They include the following stationary sources: power stations, fuel combustion in both industrial and non-industrial enterprises, and industrial processes. Mobile sources include road transport, railway transport, air transport, marine transport and “other” mobile sources.

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40

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Emission of harmful substances into the atmospheric air, their treatment and utilization ton/yearKakheti Region

Number of enterprises - 23Name of harmful

substanceQuantity of the

harmful substance

emitted from stationery

sources

including % of catching the

harmful substance

Increase in emission

(+)/decrease in emission (-) as compared

with the previous year

the quantity caught up in the premise

including emitted into the

atmospheric air

caught the utilized out of the

caught quantity

Total 1344,803 1271,089 1265,250 546,970 79,553 94,1 -30,757including:  solid 1303,329 1271,089 1265,250 546,970 38,079 97,1 -17,506gaseous and liquid 41,474 _ _ _ 41,474 _ -13,251including:  sulphur dioxide 14,125 _ _ _ 14,125 _ -14,590nitrogen oxides 6,883 _ _ _ 6,883 _ 1,869carbon monoxide 9,796 _ _ _ 9,796 _ -7,401hydrocarbons 9,175 _ _ _ 9,175 _ 7,413other substances 1,495 _ _ _ 1,495 _ -0,542carbonic acid 2130,460 _ _ _ 2130,460 _ _

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Dynamics of changes in the emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere in different regions in 2001-2007

RegionQuantity of emitted harmful substances, t/year

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Shida Kartli 374 1825 2871 3451 3063 3748 6485

Kvemo Kartli 7522 5339 5193 5786 5502 7479 200

Tbilisi 697 255 188 317 342 304 4676Samegrelo-Zemo

Svaneti 74 113 40 29 754 658 11089

Samtskhe-Javakheti 40 62 149 227 152 192 1836

Kakheti 108 6 430 79 42 110 128

Racha 47 17 3 164 45 44 972

Adjara 4425 5452 3680 2934 4529 4429 80Kvemo Svaneti-

Lechkhumi 10 17 8 43 135 67 120

Imereti 482 464 3629 6979 8985 9880 27

Mtskheta-Mtianeti 381 541 566 554 515 523 1645

Guria 26 28 22 20 224 150 42

Total 14186 14119 16779 20583 24289 27584 27300

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Noise

The Scientific Research Institute of Environmental Protection until its dissolution was responsible for the monitoring and management of noise, but there is no systematic nationwide monitoring of noise, because of limited resources. Noise is measured as a response to complaints by the public.

From 1999 to 2002, noise was measured in five sites in Tbilisi. The noise level at 7.5 m above the curb ranged from 71dB to 80 dB. Railroad noise 25 m from the track was 65 dB during the day and 63dB at night. Noise was also measured in 1999-2001 in Rustavi (73-75 dB), Poti (72-74 dB), Telavi (70dB) and Gori (72 dB). According to European standards, the maximum noise level for urban areas is 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. These sporadic measurements indicate that traffic noise has reached disturbing levels in the major cities, and the levels are expected to increase due to a rising trend in traffic density.

Therefore, there is no sufficient information to be sure that along the road section Vaziani – Gombori noise level is within the standards, although the expectations are that no real problems should arise in that regard. However, at the detailed design and EIA stage there is a need to monitor noise levels near the settlements and consider preventive measures against noise in planning.

The current Georgian standards for the noise level are based on former soviet sanitary norms No. 3077-84 and specify different noise levels for different zones. The most relevant standards are the noise limits inside the residential building and outside it (at the wall) which are as follows:Inside the residential buildings: For Leq (7a.m. - 11p.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 40dB(A), maximum level = 55dB(A)For Leq (11p.m. - 7a.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 30dB(A), maximum level = 45dB(A)

Outside the residential buildings (measured at the wall): For Leq (7a.m. - 11p.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 55dB(A), maximum level = 70dB(A)For Leq (11p.m. - 7a.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 45dB(A), maximum level = 60dB(A)

Climate

The orography and direction of the average- and high-relief of Tsiv-Gombori plays the role of a peculiar barrier to form different climatic zones reflected in its landscape-and-climatic peculiarity. The relief is represented by forest and forest-steppe vegetation, partly transformed into secondary meadows, with moderately humid climate with quite different meteorological elements. Following the mentioned, we give the full characterization of the Ridge climate based on the analysis of the data provided by three weather stations (Gombori, Telavi and Sagarejo).

Depending on the zone of the section of the Ridge, the characteristics of the main meteorological elements determining the climate are significantly different. For example, the average monthly and annual air temperature, according to Gombori weather station is 11,20. Accordingly, the temperatures of the coldest months are: 0,1-2,7º for Gombori (XII-II) and the absolute minimum of the positive air temperature of the whole year for Sagarejo is: -270 for Gombori and -230 for Telavi, with the average minimum of: +3,8 for Gombori, +80 for Telavi, +6,60 for Sagarejo. The absolute and average maximums of air temperatures are: +35/13,60 for Gombori, +390/16,30 for Telavi, +38/16,30 for Sagarejo. The direct (S) and aggregate (Q) solar radiations on the horizontal surface of the southern exposition, according to the weather station are: for Gombori: S-29, Q-58

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(in January); S-66, Q-138 (in April), S-111; Q-199 (in July); S-56, Q-100 (in October); the same indicators according to the data of Sagarejo weather station are as follows: S-33, Q -76 (in January); S-76, Q-144 (in April), S-136; Q-200 (in July); S-52; Q-104 (in October); On the northern exposition slope of the Ridge the characteristics of the solar radiation, according to Telavi weather station, are as follows: S-28, Q-57 (in January); S-65, Q-130 (in April), S-119; Q-199 (in July); S-52, Q-92 (in October); As the data suggest, the solar radiation significantly increases on the southern exposition in the summer and autumn periods. Accordingly, the average monthly air temperature changes from 8,5-8,6 (December, January) to 10,6-10,80 (May-June) (in Gombori); from 7,9-8,1 (January, December) to 10,8-11,4 (May, July) (in Sagarejo) and from -7,4-7,6 (December, January) to 10,4-10,50 (June, July) (in Telavi).

Relative air humidity is: in Sagarejo: average annual value is 69%, in the coldest month it is 61%, in the hottest month it is 52%; in Gombori the average annual value is 75%, in the coldest month it is 63%, and in the hottest month it is 62%; in Telavi the average annual value is 69%, in the coldest month it is 69%, and in the hottest month it is 46%.

The value of the annual atmospheric precipitations in Telavi is 795 mm and that of the daily maximum precipitations is 147 mm. In Gombori the annual atmospheric precipitations are 807 mm and the daily maximum precipitations are 111 mm; in Sagarejo the annual atmospheric precipitations are 760 mm and the daily maximum precipitations are 102. The greatest average of the decades of snow cover among them is 12 cm. The number of days with snow cover is 47; for Gombori, the greatest average of the decades of snow cover and number of days with snow cover are 28 cm and 74, respectively, and for Sagarejo the same values are 14 cm and 41, respectively.

The numbers of clear and cloudy days in Telavi are 136 and 48, respectively; the same values for Gombori are 88 and 78, respectively. The average numbers of foggy days in Telavi, Gombori and Sagarejo are 42, 49 and 61, respectively

2. Geology and Geomorphology

Natural Conditions and Geography of Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi road section km 1-km66 and alternative ways

Introduction

Based on the Roads Department order, in 2008-2009 the Institute ‘Transproject” has proceeded with engineering-geology study concerning the Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi road and its probable alternatives ways.

At present, the section of the mentioned road Gombori-Kobidzeebi (nearly 12 km long) is under high risk of geo-hazard processes. This section exposed to frequent deterioration due to land sliding processes, resulted in road closure for some months. Therefore, finding the fundamental landslides mitigating measures or alternative alignments avoiding the landslide area is in question.

Should be mentioned that past time, the road alignment crossing over the Gombori Pass was considered as the most optimal alignment, due to relief conditions, geological structure and low hypsometric location of the Pass.

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Physical-geological properties of the study area

Geomorphologic peculiarity

Orographically Tsiv-Gombori ridge demonstrates the watershed of the rivers Iori and Alazani. Geo-tectonic structure, morphostructural nature and morphological peculiarity significantly differ within the various sections of the ridge. Its NW part, directly merging with the South-East branch of Caucasus – Kaheti ridge, tectonically belongs to Southern folded system of Caucasus and is mainly structured with Pre-Miocene age flysh carbonate deposits. The sub-meridian structure of the ridge represents the contemporary tectonic uplift of Mtatusheti depression, built with Pliocene molasses. The ridge extends for almost 90 km with maximum width 20-22 km. Its NW section starts within the area of mountain Shavkhvetia, links with Khaheti ridge, elongates to the SW and ends in the vicinity of city Signagi, fully built with Pliocene molasses.

So, the structure of ridge clearly demonstrates two Elevations: the lower which is intensively folded and tectonically disrupted by the Mid-Miocene age sedimentary deposits and the upper elevation, which is occupies the east part of the ridge (to the East of Gombori Pass) and is structured by Upper-Pliocene loosen conglomerates being extremely sensitive to erosion-denudation processes. Due to their sensitivity, the sediments are washed out and continuously stretch only from the East of Tsivi Mountain.

The Tsiv-Gombori ridge, together with its geo-tectonic structure, modern tectonic nature, young relief and development of geodynamic processes represents the unique model of young mountain system in total Caucasus.

Morphologically the Tsiv-Gombori ridge is an internal uplift of Mtkvari depression cavity. The ridge within the short period of its development, experienced the uplift by 1500-2500 m amplitude and at present experiences the raise in height by 6-8 mm annually. Though, together with the general phone of such rate of elevation, simultaneously, intense erosion –denudation processes were going on, resulted in washing out and 500 m descending during the Quaternary age period. Despite the ridge morphology maintains the direct accord with the neo-tectonic structures; in relief details the considerable deviations from the structural lines are noted.

The axial direction of the ridge crest – from Gombori Mountain up to the crossing of the rivers Chailuri and Kisiskhevi, with high hypsometric elevation (1681-1991 m) and molasses structure, moved to the North-East by 200 m –in the area of Alazani anticline wing, placing the watershed basins of the rivers Kisiskhevi, Chermoskhevi and Turdo under gravitational processes. This is the reason why the ridge has monoclinic structure shape in this section, whereas, the extremely intense gravitational processes going on the South-West slope of the ridge, give the ridge the cuesta-like morphology.

On the phone of active neo-tectonic movements and associated intensive erosion –denudation processes the Gombori ridge demonstrates mid mountainous and hilly relief, having the highest hypsometric elevation in its central part – on Gombori mountain (1864m) – mountain Tsivi (1991m), mountain Manavistsveri, though the ridge to the NW from Gombori mountain keeps the hilly relief.From the M. Manaviststveri hypsometrical characteristics of the ridge gradually descend and in the vicinity of the village Chermi reach 1200-1300 height, next within the area of Chalaubani

46

pass to 750 m and in the vicinity of Signagi city by the hillock relief merges, on the one hand with the Iori thrust and on the other hand by the cliffy slope leads to Alazani valley.

The obvious asymmetry of Tsiv-Gombori ridge is caused by the young tectonic structure. The North-East slope is rather long and less inclined than the South-West slope, which with the steep inclination leads to the river Iori terrace, while the surface of both slopes is fully occupied with cliffy terrain, permanently producing the gravity formations.

So, the micro and mesorelief formation of Tsiv-Gombori initial morphostructure is fully conditioned by the extremely intensive erosive, torrential and land sliding processes.

The predominant relief of Tsiv-Gombori erosion-denudated micro and mesorelief is represented by Paleotype and Cyanotype formations. Paleotype relief formation has the peneplain surface, which is buried under molasses being extremely sensitive to erosion-denudation processes. Such type surfaces are fixed in the vicinity of watershed of the rivers Didrikhe and Shavkaba, on Bakana territory and floodplain of the river Chermiskhevi and on other territories having 100-1500 m elevation. Cyanotype erosive formations demonstrate the rivers Alazani and Iori contemporary gorges, elaborated by tributaries of rivers. (Kistaura, Khodasheniskhevi, Turdo, Kisiskhevi, Chermiskhevi, Papriskhevi, Gomborula, Jatiskhevi, Sagarejoskhevi, Chailuriskhevi and etc). The total length of erosive network of rivers exceeds 1500 km, though, due to sensitivity of geological structure the extension of erosion territory varies within the margins 0.5-3.5 km/km2. Maximum value of erosion extension coefficient comes on upper line of river basins structured with molasses, forming a typical badland relief. Such types of relief are demonstrated to the South-West of Gombori Pass, classical types of badland relief are gorges produced by the rivers Sagarejoskhevi, Lapainiskhevi, Turdo and other rivers basins, particularly the river gorges developed on the south slope of the ridge. Down cutting depth of the rivers gorges is 300-1000 m, mainly they have the box shape, bottom of which are filled with torrential layers, the lower line of gorges produce the loop shape wide detrital cone.

Should be mentioned that all rivers and gorges occupying both slopes of the ridge are vulnerable to erosion-denudation processes and have mudflow-transformative nature.

The both slopes of the ridge have dry gullies and channels forming a typical badland relief with numerous mudflow and gravity formations, mostly structured with molasses, particularly in the vicinity of Gombori Pass and Chailuri river basin. Extension coefficient of erosive gullies and channels is 5-10 km/km2. Due to geological structure of river basins, significant difference is noted in the morphology of badland relief. Badlands, which are elaborated in sensitively homogenous clay-sand facies, together with intense gravitational processes form as well the land sliding formations. Typical model of badland relief is the river Lapiani basin upper line. Badland relief is developed in such formations of molasses, where mostly loosen conglomerates and clayey facies are spread. Under the conglomerate gravity steep edge, in the clay-sandy formations, there are badland relief and mudflow-transformative dry gullies formed.

Landslide relief is widely developed in Tertiary formations, mostly in Oligocene-Miocene formations and slope sediments. Area of landslide distribution exceeds 4-10 km2 and covers the basins of the following rivers: Gomborula, Lapiani, Turdo, Chermiskhevi, Didrikhi, and Papriskhevi. Telavi-Motsantsara. Small size lowered spots of the trench-like of suffusion origination is also spread in the area of both slopes of Gombori with small lakes originating in some of them.

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Geological structure of the Tsviv-Gombori ridge and rocks specifications

Tsiv-Gombori ridge morphostructure demonstrates depression significantly complex with inner local structures and overthrust disjunctive disturbances. The Tsiv-Gombori morphostructure was created within the Jinvali-Gombori allochtonous sub-zone of Mestia-Tianeti folded zone. The north wing of the formation is represented by chalk carbonate flysch. Orkhevi overthrust is the south branching of Cretaceous flysch , where chalk flysch is crept over the Paleogene-Neogene deposits.The lower structure of the ridge represents the anticline fold, which is buried under Mio-Pliocene molasses. The latter, creates the asymmetry shape anticline arch, with severely steep north wing and high inclination south wing, the crest zone of which is washed out.

Mio-Pliocene folds have like coulisses disposition , from where can be outlined some anticline and syncline folds, in most cases complicated with secondary small size folds, tectonic faults and exotectonic processes due to land sliding and gravity events. Should be paid attention to Ivliani syncline, Chapuari anticline, Khandsikhevi syncline, Vashlovani anticline and syncline, Verona anticline which arch part is disrupted with Simonianiskhevi-Gombori overthrust. The North wing of the structure totally covers its South wing and from the morphology point of view is well outlined in relief. To the South of Verona anticline the Ertso syncline fold is located, which is built with Middle and Upper Sarmatic and Mio-Pliocene deposits. The North wing of the fold sinks under the Simonianiskhevi-Gombori overthrust. To the South of Ertso syncline the Jati-Khinchebi anticline is located, the arch part of the fold is structured with Middle Sarmatic deposits and complicated with disjunctive thrust. To the South of these anticline structures Palda syncline is located.

In general the leading role in formation of Tsiv-Gombori morphostructure, tectonic folding and geodynamic complications takes on the Orkhevi overthrust. As a result the NW wing of the anticline on several sections is crept on younger geological formations. Orkhevi overthrust zone is well outlined tectonically and morphologically within the area of the village Rusiani and Gombori pass, where the chalk flysch is crept on deposits of Maikop formation, and the latter on Middle Sarmatic sediments. To the East of Gombori pass the Orkhevi is covered by Pliocene conglomerates. Maikop formation has the shelled structure and the deposits are severely fractured and mixed. Maikop formations of gorges of the rivers Chailuriskhevi, Navtiskhevi and Lapianiskhevi are characterized with complex tectonic nature, both from the North and the South they are bounded with tectonic dislocations and reversed folds. On the territory of the village Vashlovani due to the contact of Orkhevi thrust with another tectonic thrust, running to the North, the Maikop formations are jammed, therefore the chalk flysch directly contacts with Upper Sarmatic deposits. To the West direction, the South of the village Omarula, the thrust is outlined by Omarula river gorge runs on the south slope of the Satibe Mountain. Within this place the Cretaceous slopes are in direct contact with Upper Sarmatic deposits.

The spot of Tsviv-Gombori ridge, where the road Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi passes and are considered the probable alternative ways, is structured with Cretaceous and Tertiary age deposits. Should be mentioned, that in the ridge structure the dominant deposits are the deposits being very sensitive to land sliding, gravitational and erosion torrential processes. Therefore the ridge is under high risk of their reactivation.

Stratigraphically, the North slope of the structure is built with the oldest deposits, represented by cretaceous - terrigenous and carbonate deposits.

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The lower Cretaceous flysch deposits are represented by the name “Tetrakhevi formation”, which continuously run through the upper zone of the ridge North slope, from Orvili to the river Kisiskhevi. The deposits of “Tetrakhevi formation” are exposed on the upper parts of gorges of rivers Tetrakhevi, Kisikhevi, Vashlovaniskhevi, Rusianiskhevi, Khodasheniskhevi, Shavkabaskhevi and anticline structure of Shroshani.

Lithologically, they are represented by clay facies of different consistence. They are represented by the alternating layers of aleurolitic turbidities clayey sandstones, marls and marly lime stones. Clay facies ( 60%) with various contents of sandstones (25-30%), Marls (15%) is dominant everywhere in the profile. These deposits are severely dislocated and fractured thus reducing already low strength and stability of the rocks.

Characteristics of comprehensive physical mechanical and geotechnical properties of deposits and other engineering-geological elements are referred to study area include the engineering-geology mapping materials, developed by the “Sakgeology”.

The predominant clay deposits are characterized with low litification. It decomposes as extremely thin and narrow isomorphic plates in the weathering zone. The thickness of deposits varies within 5-2 cm up to 60-80 cm, sometimes 1.5-2 cm. the clayey deposits are represented by marls and argillites, clay sand. Consequently the consistence and strength varies from low to high density.

Photo 2. Seismic-gravitational block structured with Upper Sarmatic deposits (Verona Maunation)

Clay deposits are carbonate deposits, they have no resistance to weathering, clayey deposits consist of 90.6% of clay fraction, quartz -5%, and calcium carbonates – up to 10%. The ground density of clayey deposits is 1.82 gr/cm3, specific gravity 2.73 gr/cm3, content of clay fraction 92%, sand -7%, dusty particles – 1%, plasticity number varies between 17-26,78, rolling limit is 37-54.66, design resistance is 2.4 kg-force/cm2.

The flysch formation sandstone layers are represented by fine and coarse grained fraction, Sandstones are cemented by carbonate and clay facies, in some sections the coarse grain fraction sandstones change into the micro conglomerate structure, with maximum thickness 1.0 m. The strength of unweathered sandstones in natural conditions is 53-60 MPa, in water saturated

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conditions the strength drops up to 30-47 MPa and mostly is characterized with swelling property. The strength and stability of weathered sandstones significantly falls.

The density of flysch formation marl rocks is 2.54 gr/cm3, porosity is 1.40%, water absorption – 1.57%. The strength of marls in natural conditions is 95 MPa, in water saturated conditions – 74.6 MPa.

From the point of view of hydrogeology the predominant clayey deposits actually represent the water-free complex. Existing Sandstone interlayer more or less create weak water-bearing environment. Water-bearing ratio increase is mentioned in weathered strata, developing the torrential and land sliding processes.

Stratigraphically, the Upper Cretaceous carbonate flysch covers the Cenoman-Santon and Campan-Mastritic formations. These types of deposits disjunctively forms the Tsiv-Gombori North Slope and are exposed in the gorges of the rivers Orvili, Khodasheniskhevi, Kisiskhevi, Shavkaba, Turdo, Mgvrie, Kobidzeebis Khevi, on the territory of Gombori and Dardavi Mountains and village Tetritskhali.

Lithologically, these deposits are represented by clastic-loams and sandstone aleurite turbidities, marls, argillites, boulder-breccias, conglomerates with gravelite interlayer. They are characterized with intensive folding, differently inclined layers, within 20 -80 . The folds are reversed, rocks are disrupted and dissectioned by tectonic overthrust and faults.

Most of gorges are developed along the tectonic faults. The Upper Cretaceous flysch deposits belong to deposits, having various strength. Below is given the table indicating the physical and mechanical properties.

Table 1.Physical and mechanical properties of Upper Cretaceous carbonate flysch

Deposits and its stratigraphical range

dens

ity m

/cm

3

wat

er a

bsor

bion

poro

sity

%

hard

ness

in n

atur

al

cond

ition

s

hard

ness

in w

ater

sa

tura

ted

cond

ition

s

softe

ning

coe

ffic

ient

1 2 3 4 5 6 7Senoman Santonic sandstones on clay-carbonate cement

Tuffigenous sandstones

Llimestones

Masstritic marls

limestons with sand

Tuffigenous sandstones

2,50-2,60

2,17-2,50

2,50-2,55

2,2-2,6

2,58

2,4-2,7

0,80-4,35

0,90-3,40

0,70-0,81

_

2,94

_

1,52-1,94

_

1,05-4,98

_

0,50

4-7

54,2-123

48-60

44,2-152

36-85

154

48-60

39,5-76,6

45-56

40-137

29-96

45-56

0,62-0,72

0,75-0,85

0,75-0,82

0,75-0,82

0,75-0,85

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The tectonic disruption and fissuring greatly impacts on the stability of the listed deposits. The weathering bed thickness varies within 3-15 m margins, where according to the inclination of relief surface two-three zones are outlined. The complex of carbonate flysch has water-bearing nature. Mostly underground water comes out of cracks. Underground water inflow is unloaded in upper water-bearing horizons. Springs flow out and the flow rate of the springs varies between 2.5- 12-15 l/sec. The most sensitive deposits of Tsiv-Gombori morphostructure are represented by the Oligocene-Lower Miocene marine clayey facies and Upper Pleistocene molasses.

The deposits of Oligocene-Lower Miocene age (so called “ Maikop Formation) are exposed On Gombori Pass area, from the North of village Gombori to the village Kobidzeebi. The deposits of Maikop formation are exposed as well on the territory of the village Patardzeuli, in the gorges of rivers Lapianiskhevi, Orvila, Kodasheni and in the basin of the river Turdo.

The predominant deposits of Maikop formation are sandy loam and clayey facies. The lower section of the formation is represented by dark grey clays, marls, gray and greenish-grey fine grained sandstones, the thickness of each layer varies between 0.3-1.0 m. Sometimes interbeds of white sand and loosen carbonate sandstones are met among the clayey facies. Carbonate sandstones have aleuritic structure and mostly consist of quartz and feldspar.

Clay deposits are non carbonate, moderately lithified, slightly sandy. In non weathered zone they have black and dark grey color. In the weathering zone the structure of deposits becomes thin and turns into the chocolate brown color. The thickness of Maikop formation varies between the margins 550-1200 m. Clay layer thickness is 1.5 m, sometimes they create 30-50 m thick slates, sandstones – 5-10m; In total the clay content in Maikop formation is 80%, sandstones – 20%.

Generally, the Maikop formation has the shelled structure, due to tectonic movements, overthrust and faults. The deposits are dislocated and mixed. On several sections they are covered with Cretaceous flysch deposits (in the vicinity of Gombori pass). Sometimes these deposits cover much younger Miocene deposits (in the vicinity of the villages Verona, Jati, Patardzeuli and etc). The physical and mechanical properties of these deposits are considerably decreased.

The natural humidity of clayey deposits is counted up to 29.8-55%. The overthrust and fault zones are characterized with the highest moisture content and water-saturation. The ground density varies within 1-85-1.96 gr/cm3; plasticity number – from 11.5-13 to 22.81%, rolling limit from 30-37 to 52-58.76%, consequently clay grounds according to their humidity and water receptive characteristics change from plastic to hard consistency. The softening ratio is 15-28.9%. The internal angle of friction under natural conditions is 15-17.

Mechanical properties of sand due to its mineralogical and cementation content varies from dense and hard consistency to loosen structure. Mostly their consistency is greatly changed in weathering zone. The ground density 2.05-2.12 gr/cm3, porosity -10.77 -11.29%, water absorption 14.58-16.14 %. The hardness in natural conditions –12.6-18.0 Mpa, in water saturated conditions the hardness falls up to 4.9-5.1 Mpa.

In total, the deposits of Maikop formation create the watertight horizon. Water comes out only in the zones of tectonically fractured deposits and significantly reduces the stability factor of deposits. In such area, slopes are intensively penetrated by water with outcrop of springs. The discharge rate is 0.01-0.008 l/sec. The non pressed water circulation is mentioned in Upper weathering horizon, and the pressed water circulation is connected with tectonic faults. Chemical composition of underground waters is of hydrocarbonate-sulfate, calcium and sulfate-natrium types.

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The South slope of Tsiv-Gombori ridge is built with sedimentary and continental facies. Among them the Lower Sarmatic marine deposits are met (within the vicinity of the villages Patardzeuli and Khashmi), which are represented by fine grained grey sandstones with clayey intelayers. The total bed thickness is 280 m.

The profiles of Middle Sarmatic marine molasses are exposed in gorges of rivers Gomborula, Lapianiskhevi, Patardzeuliskhevi and Tvaltakhevi, in the vicinity of villages Patardzeuli, Manavi, Gombori and city Sagarajo. The Middle Sarmatic deposits are represented by two facies:

a) Sand-clay, hard clays interbeded with thin hard sandstones;b) Oolites, interbeded with clays and sandstones.

The bed thickness of Middle Sarmatic deposits reaches to 1100-1300 m.

Mostly are wide spread the Miocene age, Upper Sarmatic conglomerate-freshwater facies, which are represented by conglomerates and clays, their bed thickness vary from 900 m (Gombori) up to 1400 m (Lapianiskhevi river basin).. The Miocene age deposits are intensively spread in narrow folds, layers have different inclination, from 15-500 nearly the vertical, in addition these deposits are severely disrupted by the fresh tectonic faults. The lithological variety and tectonic disturbance greatly impacts on the engineering-geological properties of deposits, which are respresented by soft, semi rocky and loosen rocks.

The predomonant deposits of the profile are clay deposits. They are characterised witg compact and high density consistence, with laminated and non laminated texture. The thickness of some layers is 5-10 m. Their physical and mechanical properties are as following: natural moisture content – 16-25%, density under natural humidity – 2.02-2.18 gr/cm3, plasticity number varies between 12.51-25.13, yield limit 31.41-44.51, porosity 31.60-41 %> The deposits are characterised with low collodial activity, the softening factor varies within the limits 10-21.4%, they are waterproff.

The specific weight of limestones is 2.54 gr/cm3, porosity is 2.10%, water absorption – 1.93%. The shear resistance under natural conditions is 83 MPa, in water saturated conditions – 59 MPa.

Conglomerates are well developed on the Upper limit of Miocene section. The are represented by well refined and graded fine and medium shingle and magma sediments, weakly cemented with carbonate sandy clays, with interbeds of carbonate mineral materials. The bed thicknesses of individual layers of conglomerates vary from 0.5-1.5 to 5-15 m. The shear resistance under natural conditions is 15-20 MPa, in water saturated conditions –9-12 MPa. Conglomerates are easily getting soft in water, the structure easily disrupted and active gravitational processes take place.

Miocene formation sedimentary rocks, sandstones, limestones and conglomerates are water saturated. Draining of water is greatly interrupted by the clay interbeds, ground water discharge happens on the boards of erosive gorges and gullies. The water flow rate varies within the margins 0.01-0.5 l/sec. The mentioned ground waters according to their chemical composition, are mainly hydrocarbonate-sulfate-calcic-natrium type, hydrocarbonate-chloride-natrium-magnesium, with mineralization 0.367-0.87 gr/l.

Upper Pliocene continental deposits are most widely spread in morphostructure of Tsiv-Gombori ridge. Continental-molasses are predominant deposits to the South-East of Tsiv-Gpombori ridge including the ridge crest part.

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According to litological-facial sign, there are represented by weakly cemented, of almost loose structure of conglomerates, sandy clays, soft sandstones and volcanic ash interbeds. The bed thickness of this formation is 2000 m and is represented by uniform facies, where in the Upper and lower sections are exposed 80% of conglomerates with loams and hard sand interbeds. In the middle of the section the clayey facie with sand is dominant. The bed thicknesses of individual layers of conglomerates vary from 0.5-1.5 to 2.0-3.0 m.

The bed thickness of individual pack of conglomerates in the Lower and Upper part of the profile varies within the frames of 2.5-10-20 m. Conglomerates are well laminated and represented by various diameter fraction, without any regularity. The shingle exceeds 10-15%. Litological-petrographic composition of stratum evidences that the Caucasian and Ajara-Trialeti sedimentary deposits are dominant, though there are outlined the existence of volcanogenic rocks. For example, within the vicinity of Gombori Pass big size (1.5-2 m diameter) granite boulders are met, as we suppose these deposits could be from Dzirula and Locki massif. From the total volume of conglomerates the content of material above the diameter of 10-22 mm is 57-81%, with diameter 10-2 mm – 4-18%, sand fraction as a filler – 15-22%, dust particles -7-8%. Specific weight of conglomerates -1.20-1.99 gr/cm3; The shear resistance of cemented conglomerates is 8-9 Mpa. Conglomerates are easily getting soft in water, the cemented structure easily disrupted and active gravitational processes take place. In respect of geological structure of Molasse formation, the clayey facies are represented by clays itself and by loam. Mostly clays have pelitic texture (98%) and montomorillonite content of hard and semi-hard consistency. Their physical-mechanical properties are as following: the specific weight -1.92-2.2 gr/cm3; upper yield limit is 35.25-52.6, number of plasticity -17.6-27.61; Their natural moisture is 19.47-23.4%, porosity is 33-44%, shear resistance indicator under the water saturated condition is 16%, internal friction angle - 10°15´-22°20´ adherence is 0.650-0.850 kg/cm2.

Loams are of hard and semi-hard consistency. Their specific weight -1.89-2.28 gr/cm3; yield limit is 25.40-36.13, number of plasticity -7-15; Their natural moisture is 19.47-23.4%, shear resistance indicator under the natural condition of humidity - 23°17´-27°15´, shear resistance under water saturated conditions - 18°17´-23°15´, consequently adherence decreases from 0.100-1.500 to 0.50-0.200 kg/cm2.

Molasses are characterized with good transmissibility of precipitations and belongs to the water-bearing complex. In the zone of ridge water streams down the slope, where the slopes are sunk under the prolluvial sediments and becomes pressed. Underground water discharges in the ersoive gorges, on the surfaces of loams and greatly promotes to development and activation of landslides and gravitational processes. At places where the surface of the relief is represented by conglomerates, during the each heavy rainfall the areas are strongly washed out. In total, the erosion is the main cause for triggering of landslides and torrents. The territory being structured with molasses is heavily damaged by landslides and permanently stays under by high risk of geo-hazard.

Geodynamic Hazards at Tsiv-Gombori ridge and risk of the road passing on Gombori pass.

Introduction

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By the point of view of development of hazardous geological processes in Georgia, the Tsiv-Gombori ridge region belongs to the extremely tensed region of Georgia. Here, the intensive development of natural disaster processes cover 80-90 % of the total territory. The natural disaster processes are more active within the area where molasses are spread. Particularly on the south exposition of the ridge, where the crest section of the ridge is removed by 200 m to the north, thus enveloping the upper section of the water gathering basins of rivers Kisiskhevi, Chermiskhevi and Turdo.

It is worth to mention that from 700 landslide area which were explored in 2000 by The Department of Geology of Georgia, 300 landslides mass was fixed on Kaheti teriitory. Only in Telavi region by the natural disaster processes was damaged the 8300 ha area, needing urgent recovery measures. There were fixed the lands of 5700 ha area being under high risk of disasters.

The landslides and debris flow highly impact on the inhabited areas, rural lands and roads located along the foothills, which is vulnerable to high risk zone by its geological structure sensitivity, high energetic potential of relief, tectonic stresses, intensive erosion and natural disasters wide scale development. Geological and climate conditions are greatly supported by the intensive human interference.

The Land sliding and gravity events are induced in all kinds of engineering-geology formation. These processes damage not only the population and engineering objects, but they take as well the active part in developing of great scale mud torrential processes. All landslides and gravity events are differ from each other with various times of origination, voluminosity and activity. Here are some landslides which deformation depth does not exceed the aeration zone. The depth of some landslides is determined in dozen meters and is characterized several with overthrust surfaces.

Reasoning from the landslides trigger factors relating to landslide genesis, dynamics and movement here are outlined two main groups of landslides:

1. Consistent (Hydrogenic) type landslides, triggering of which is totally connected with the liquefied slope due to intense infiltration of precipitation and impact of underground waters. The physical properties of the deformed deposits declines to critical level of shear. Such type of landslides mostly are formed within the margins of aeration zone and are mostly connected with slope sediments;

2. Landslides of seismically-triggered nature – are mainly connected to the disruption of rocks and weathering of its crust. The stress slopes dislocated in tectonically fault zones are instantly affected by earthquakes, what leads out the slopes from marginally stable conditions and form vast landslides and rock avalanches. Seismic-gravitational landslides are characterized with sharply outlined margins in relief. Each of them is enclosed by landslide paths including the disrupted rocks and unconsolidated materials of highly disaggregated and fast-moving falls.

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Photos 3 and 4. The activated landslide on Gombori pass, the Upper Cretaceous carbonate deposits are crept on Oligocene deposits.

The landslides developed on both slopes of the Gombori Pass, in the gorge systems of the Kisiskhevi, Lapiani, Mgvrie, Kodasheni, Bakana and etc. are the typical representative of seismically triggered landslides. In concern the mentioned, the most difficult situation is identified on Gombori Pass territory, where the road is passing, on the both side of slope, in the vicinity of the village Gombori and Kobidzeebi and covers nearly 40 km2 area. The landslides which are debeloped in the mentioned territory have the heterogenic nature. The slope deformation is mainly developed in the main complex Oligocene clay rocks and surface clayey

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sediments. The slope deformation developed in the main structure of deposits is greatly connected with Jinvali-Orkhevi tectonic overthrust zone, which passes on the boundary of the Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments, runs to the east of Tsiv-Gombori ridge and ends in Iori plain area.

The main factor giving rise for triggering such type of landslides is the seismic shaking; For the last five centuries the earthquakes of 6-9 magnitude induced in Kaheti at leat 22 times, among them in Zemo Alazani zone – in 1530, 1742, 1756, 1811, 1902, 1928, 1932 and 1952 years.In Zaqatala-Lagodekhi in 1890, 1907, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1991, 2006 and in 2008 years; In Alacerdi zone – in 1510, 1530, 1668 and 1742.

If we take into account the fact that Tsiv-Gombori morphostructure is very sensitive to tectonic movements, than it is easy to understand that other translational earthquakes generated in other morphostructural zones highly impact to inducing of the landslides and gravitational processes.

The specific example is 1991 Racha-Imereti earthquake with repercussion in Lagodekhi seismic shakings in 2006-2008, resulted in the intense activation of landslides in Kaheti. Processes intensively developed on both direction, progressive and regressive, to the beginning of Gombori pass overtopping even the south slope of the ridge crest, which is structures by chalk carbonate flysch.

The landslide steps, hilly- waved relief morphology is the evidence of recurrent activation of natural disaster processes in Gombori landscape. Properly, even the highest hill of Gombory pass (so called “Verona Mountain), which is structured with Upper-Pliocene conglomerates, is a moved block connected with earthquake effect.

This type of landslide spread as well in other sections of the ridge (Kisiskhevi, Jati, Khodasheniskhevi, Lapianiskhevi) is characterized with deep blocking and creeping mechanism. The deformation depth varies within the margins 5 tenth meters. Several creep surface and deformation zone is characteristic for such type of landslides. In the upper zone of sesimically-triggered landslides are widespread the landslides of climatic nature. The degree of activation and dynamics is depended on the amount of precipitations and distinguished with periodic activity. This type of landslides has the fluidity nature, thus defining the degree of road deformation.

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Photo 5. Hilly-waved surface of Gombori landslide reliefTo take preventive measures against such landslides is much easier than to prevent the natural disaster processes connected with seismically triggered landslides. At present the most dangerous zone by the point of view of landslides activity is the south section of Turdo.The landslides occupy relatively isolated area along the road in the north slope of the slope, covering the landslide relief up to the village Kobidzeebi and another section from the village Tetriskhlebi up to the crossing of the river Turdo. The most sections of the road are passing in the area of carbonate texture, so to carry out the preventive measures against the landslides activity is not difficult.

In 2006, on the territory of the village Kobidzeebi the new landslide area was induced, put in danger the 400 m long road section. Landslide activity area includes the 1/3 of roadway. On the north –west slope is developed 120 m long and 60 m wide landslide, the bed thickness is about 6-8 m. The basis of origination of this landslide is the river Turdo floodplain. The cause of inducing of the landslide is the wash out of the river bank. The landslide is developed in clayey facies of slope sediments. The upper section of the landslide is of block type and the lower section of plastic.

One more landslide was induced in 2005, on km 12 of Telavi –Gombori road, resulted in damage of the road over 60 m distance. Landslide was developed on the west exposition slope, with 25-30 inclination. The parameters of landslide is as following: length – 70-120 m, app. thickness – 15 m. The depth of landslide steps varies within the range 4-30m. The main causes for triggering of the landslide are: the high inclination of the slope, tectonic disruption of rocks, deep weathering and intense saturation of slope by precipitations. The landslide mass closed the part of the road and its tongue mass overlapped not only the road, but effected the building of water supply existing in river Turdo floodplain. The landslide tongue mass moved down up to the terrace and due to the natural buttress the further movement was stopped. The landslide slope has the hilly and waved surface, indicating that the landslide movement recurrently took place. The distance between landslide blocks is 40-60 m. The surface inclination is 5-8 and has reversed topography.

Landslides are developed in rocks of Tertiary age, tectonically disrupted, lithified clays and in slope sediments. The relative difference between elevation of the top of landslide relief and

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block tongue varies within 240m. The volume of landslide mass is 1 million m3. At present the landslide is in stable condition. Due to its complex morphology nature in case of probable activation of landslides, the measures for improvement the situation is excluded.

It is worth to mention that landslides are spread not only in carbonate flysch composed slopes but in all river basins structured with molasses. By the point of view of geodynamic-hazard, the most severe situation is created in the section of the ridge which is structured with molasses. The slopes of molasses texture are vulnerable to intensive erosion – torrential and natural disasters wide scale development. Within the area of molasses structure all erosive water courses are characterized with high activity of debris torrent development. The 80-90% of fed courses is under permanent influence of landslide-gravitational and wash out impact.

Due to geological sensitivity the torrential development is supported by intensive rainfalls, which can be repeatable process during a year. Therefore this section of Tsiv-Gombori ridge due to its high degree of torrential development and hazard results included in the map of high risk zone of Georgia.

Photo 6. The right terrace of the river Iori, intensively developing the gravitational processes (V. Mukhrovani)

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Photo 7. The left terrace of the river Iori (V. Mukhrovani) Conclusions and recommendations

1. Hypsometrically, Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi road passes on the lowest point (Gombori pass).

2. Orographically, the Tsiv-Gombori ridge is the highest meridianly oriented morphostructure of the rivers Iori and Alazani. The ridge begins in the vicinity of Shavkvetila Mountain and ends to the east of Signagi. The ridge is young structure formed in Quaternary period, sttill enduring the uplift, in average 6-8 mm annualy.

3. The Tsiv-Gombori ridge is structured with Cretaceous and Tertiary age flysch-terrigenous deposits and Mio-Pliocene molasses. The lower section of the ridge is structured with flysch deposits and its south-east slope with molasses.

4. The geological structure of a ridge, high energetic potential of the relief, seismic activity and difficult meteorological conditions cause the intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion- debris torrential processes, resulted in creation of high risk hazard to 80-90% of the territory. Flysch and terrigenous deposit texture mainly develops the land sliding and gravitational processes, the slopes structured with molasses are vulnerable to intense development of gravitational and erosive –debris torrential processes. Especially the crest section of the south slope of a ridge is vulnerable to mudflow development. Due to landslides and gravitational activities the axial zone of the ridge is removed by 200 m to the north, to the meridian crossing of Gombori pass and the rivers Chailuri and Kisiskhevi.

5. Landslides and gravity events are represented by two groups: landslides of sesmically triggered nature which are developed in main rocks and landslides of climatic nature, developed in slope sediments. Seismic landslides are dominants in the area where flysch and terrigenous deposits are spread. The typical examples of climate induced landslides are the following: Gombori, Lapiani, Chermiskhevi, Kisiskhevi, Bakana and Shavkaba landslides.

6. At present the existing road Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi passes on the Gombori pass. Notwithstanding its morphological conditions (low hypsometry and surface inclination) and high geodynamic stress, the existing road alignment is considered as the most optimal one. Though, it should be mentioned that the total stabilization of seismic-gravitational landslides widely spread in this and in other zones of the ridge is impossible. Concerning the landslides of climatic nature the preventive and recovery measures easy to take.

7. Geodynamically, the most hazardous situation is created within the area where molasses are spread. The south slope of Tsiv-Gombori ridge is strcutured with molasses. Therefore the wide scale development of natural disaster processes are not seldom phenomena; Land sliding, gravitational and erosive-torrential processes cover 80-90 % of the local rivers basins.

8. The first alternative of the road starts from the 7 th km of the existing road, crosses the Iori gorge and up to the vicinity of the village Jati, nearly 15 km, passes in farouble conditions for road construction. No hazardous geo-dynamic processes are mentioned.From km 18 up to km 32 the alternative runs on the territory where the complex geological structure, high energetic potential of the relief, seismic activity and difficult meteorological conditions cause the intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes. The geological structure of the alternative 1 area km 18-km32 consists of molasses, resulted in intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes.Lithologically, conglomerates are represented by weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. The bed thickness of individual pack of conglomerates in the Lower and Upper part of the profile varies

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within the frames of 2.5-10-20 m. Conglomerates are well laminated and represented by various diameter fraction, without any regularity. Shingle content exceeds 10-15%. In respect of geological structure of Molasses formation, the clayey facies are represented by clays itself and by loam.Molasses are characterized with good transmissibility of precipitations and belongs to the water-bearing complex. Underground water discharges in the erosive gorges, on the surfaces of loams and greatly promotes to development and activation of landslides and gravitational processes. At places where the surface of the relief is represented by conglomerates, during the each heavy rainfall the areas are strongly washed out. In total, the erosion is the main cause for triggering of landslides and torrents. The territory being structured with molasses is heavily damaged by landslides and permanently stays under by high risk of geo-hazard. Nearly all gorges existing in this zone are characterized with mud and debris torrents.Following the mentioned above, construction of the alternative N 1 is impossible, It is anticipated that besides the existing landslides other landslides would be induced due to construction. Within the section of alternative I the 4.8 km long tunnel is considered, which passes in extremely difficult geological conditions. It is worth to mention that the relief is structured with weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. They are characterized with good transmissibility of precipitations and the deep geodynamic processes can be developed. In addition, the inlet and outlet areas of the tunnel are exposed to landslides-gravitational processes, consequently the construction process would be complicated and would be required the complex engineering solutions.

9. Alternative II (so called Patardzeuli option) km 0- km 9+500 generally passes through the molasses formation. Molasses are represented by weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. The bed thickness of conglomerates is 2.5-10-20 m. Due to high inclination, this option passes in deep cut, what will, by all means, induce the new landslides on the slopes structured with conglomerates and transform torrential processes in gorges.The road option following the alternative II km 9+500 – km 16+100 passes in the relief which is structured by molasses formation, where the land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes are intensively developed.This is very zone where passes alternative I. Engineering-geological characteristics of 9+500-16+100 are given in the description of alternative I km 18-km 32.Following the mentioned above, construction of the alternative N II is impossible, the same can be mentioned in concern of the construction of tunnel.

10. The III road option starts from the territory of Sameba Monastery and joins with the exiting road on the territory of the village Gombori. The road option passes on the relief which is structured by molasses formation, where the land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes are intensively developed. In this concern the Lapanosdkhevi gorge is worth to mention, the debris transformed by the torrent is hundred thousand cubic meters and belongs to the typical gorges transforming the debris torrents. According to the engineering-geology conditions this section belongs to difficult region for road constrcution.Road section lm 5- km 8.4 passes the territory structured with deposits of Oligocene-Lower Miocene age (so called “ Maikop Formation) The predominant deposits of Maikop formation upper section are sandy loam and clayey facies. The lower section of the formation is represented by dark grey clays, marls, gray and greenish-grey fine grained sandstones. Sometimes interbeds of white sand and loosen carbonate sandstones are met

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among the clayey facies. In case of deep cut for road purposes the new landslides can be initiated, resulted in creation of difficulties for construction.

11. On the basis of analysis and summarization of the available fund materials and literary sources and the reconnaissance studies in the field, the present engineering-geological report with proper conclusions and recommendations has been elaborated.

12. Despite, the existing road in concern the landslides is characterized with complex geodynamic conditions, the existing road is preferred as the most optimal alignment among the other probable alignment options passing on Tsiv-Gombori pass (three options) . The selected three alignment options pass through the section of south slope of Tsiv-Gombori ridge. which is structured with molasses and characterized by complex development of hazardous geo-dynamic processes. At the same time the relief of this zone is characterized with high energetic potential (surface high gradients and badland relief). During the excavation works (slope cut, fill and cut) there is a risk of wide scale development of landslides and gravitational processes, and it would be practically impossible to maintain the slope stability.

13. Following to mentioned above we recommend the existing road Gombori-Tetristklebi section, as the most optimal alignment, despite its complex geodynamic conditions.

3. Hydro geological conditions of the construction corridor of the motorway

According to the hydrogeological zoning of Georgia (Buachidze I. (1970)), the study territory is included in the region of porous, fissure and fissure-karst waters of Kartli porous, fissure and fissure-karst and Alazani artesian basin of the block artesian basin of Georgia. The following water-bearing complexes and horizons are distinguished on the study territory:

(1) The water-resistant horizon of carbonatic Flysch of the Lower Cretaceous Period.(2) The water-bearing complex of the deposits of the Upper Cretaceous Period. (3) The water-resistant horizon of the Oligocen-Lower Miocene Age (so called ‘Maykop

strata’) deposits.(4) The water-bearing horizon of the deposits of the Sarmatic Age. (5) The water-bearing horizon of the deposits of the Miopliocene Age. (6) The water-bearing horizon of the alluvial and alluvial-proluvial deposits of the

Quaternary Period. (7) The water-bearing horizon of the slope deposits of the Quaternary Period.

Below, we give the individual descriptions of the water-bearing horizons and complexes of the underground waters:- The rocks of the water-resistant horizon of carbonatic Flysch of the Lower Cretaceous

Period, in a hydro-geological respect, are in fact a water-free and water-resistant formation; however, the presence of sandstones, and conglomerates and marl limestones in rare cases, makes for the weak water-bearing capacity of the horizon. The flow of the springs varies between 0,01 and 0,25 l/sec, rarely reaching 0,5 l/sec. The waters circulate in fissures, at minor depths and are mainly associated with the sandstones and limestones outcrops. The waters are fresh, with the general mineralization of 0,391-0,471 to 0,742-0,874 g/l. According to their chemical composition, the waters are hydrocarbon-calcium-sodium-potassium, hydrocarbon-calcium-sulphate-magnesium, hydrocarbon-calcium and sodium-potassium-sulphate-hydrocarbon. The horizon is mainly fed with atmospheric precipitations and waters in the Upper Cretaceous deposits. The practical importance of the waters is not significant because of their minor flows.

- The underground waters of the water-bearing complex of the deposits of the Upper Cretaceous Period are fissure waters of a deep circulation. The flow of the waters is from 0,01-0,3 to 3-5 l/sec. The presence of the underground waters is mainly associated with the outcrops of sandstones and limestones. The waters are discharged as springs, which mostly flow on the surface within the zones of the local erosive basis. The waters are fresh, with the

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general mineralization of 0,324-0,443 to 0,554-0,611 g/l. According to their chemical composition, the waters are mostly hydrocarbon-calcium-magnesium ones (mostly in marl limestones, silicium limestones and slates), and carbonate-calcium waters dominate in the waters in Cenomanian and Teron limestones.

- The deposits of the water-resistant horizon of the Oligocen-Lower Miocene Age (so called ‘Maykop strata’) deposits are in fact water-resistant, but the springs with minor flows are anyway spread here. The underground waters mostly circulate in fissures and more rarely in sandstone pores. The waters are mostly circulated in the upper zones of weathering. The flow of the springs is 0,01-0,08 l/sec. The waters are fresh, with the general mineralization of 0,473-0,729 g/l. According to their chemical composition, the waters are hydrocarbon-sulphate-sodium or hydrocarbon-calcium. The horizon is mainly fed with atmospheric precipitations.

- The waters of the water-bearing horizon of the deposits of the Sarmatic Age mostly flow through conglomerates and less in sandstones. The flows of the springs are 0,01-0,05 l/sec. The waters are fresh, with the general mineralization of 0,367-0,489 to 0,799-0,87 g/l. According to their chemical composition, the waters are hydrocarbon-calcium (mostly in conglomerates) and hydrocarbon-magnesium-sodium and hydrocarbon-magnesium-sodium (mostly in sandstones). The horizon is mainly fed with atmospheric precipitations.

- The waters of the water-bearing horizon of the deposits of the Miopliocene Age are mostly spread at the depth of 5-50 m and are mainly discharged in erosive gullies as springs. The waters are fresh, with the general mineralization of 0,220-0,72 g/l. According to their chemical composition, the waters are hydrocarbon-calcium-sodium, hydrocarbon-calcium-magnesium, hydrocarbon-sodium-calcium and hydrocarbon- sulphate-calcium-magnesium.

- The water-bearing horizon of the alluvial and alluvial-proluvial deposits of the Quaternary Period is almost wholly water-encroached except clays. The waters are mostly located at 0,5-2,0 m to 5-10 m depths and at 20 m depth in rare cases. The flows in the wells are 1,8 to 6,0 m3/hr, with the drawdown up to 0,4-1,0 m. The flows of the springs are from 0,36 to 36,0 m3/hr. The waters are mostly fresh, with the general mineralization of 0,469-0,663 g/l and are weakly mineralized in rare cases. The waters of the river Iori basin are of relatively greater mineralization. They are mostly discharged in the zones of erosive downcutting of the river Iori tributaries. According to their chemical composition, the waters are hydrocarbon-sulphate-calcium-sodium, hydrocarbon-sulphate-calcium, hydrocarbon-calcium-sodium, hydrocarbon-calcium-magnsium and hydrocarbon-sulphate-calcium-magnesium. The horizon is mainly fed with atmospheric precipitations.

The waters of the water-bearing horizon of the slope deposits of the Quaternary Period are of sporadic distribution and no-deep circulation. They are mainly located at the depths of 1,5 to 16-17 m. The water-bearing capacity of the horizon is little and the flow of the springs is up to 0,03-0,5 l/sec. The mineralization of the waters varies within a great range of 0,36-0,99 to 2,53-3,17 g/l. According to their chemical composition, the waters are mainly hydrocarbon-calcium-sodium, hydrocarbon-calcium, hydrocarbon-chloride, hydrocarbon-sulphate-calcium-sodium, hydrocarbon-sulphate-magnesium-calcium as well as sulphate-hycrocarbon-chloride-hydrocarbon-sodium and sulphate-hydrocarbon-magnesium-calcium. The horizon is mainly fed with atmospheric precipitations.

4. Hydrological conditions of the route options and brief description of the crossed water courses.

The study route starts from Tbilisi-Bakurstikhe-Telavi road and ends at the east surroundings of the village Vardisubani (km 64+800).

There are considered 4 options of the route. The appropriate hydrological evaluation for the alternative routes is done on the basis of topographical maps and other data sources.

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The existing road starts on km 0+00 and ends to the north-east direction for 10 km distance up to the right bank of the river Iori (Tributary N1) , next the road changes the alignment and runs to the south-north up to the village Sasadilo (The mouth of the river Gombori 25+800). On the start section the route outlines few watercourses and channels, three 11 km long right side water courses (among them are tributaries N 1 and N4, Ambriaskhevi, Zagliantkgevi) and other water courses having small width basins 2.5 km are outlined in the south-north direction.

Should be mentioned that the right side tributaries take start from the east slope of Ialno ridge. The downstream is strong and is distinguished with frequent development of torrential processes. On km 25 the route crosses the river Iori and passes over the left side, here only small tributaries are crossed by the route.

From the mouth of the river Gombori 1 km the route crosses over the right bank (bridge N8) and goes along the right side up to the village Gombori, where the water courses streaming down the slopes are outlined, with length 2-6.4 km. Mostly the downstream water courses have the debris torrential character. Following the cross over the river Gombori and to the next the river Turdo cross over, the route alignment is of West- East. From the village Gombori up to Gombori pass the route crosses over only one tributary (river Gombori tributary) with length 6.4 km. (Teknianiskhevi, bridge N 11, km.p. 31+430) and within the river start zone the route crosses two tributaries with length 4 km (bridges N 12 and N13)- the length of rest basins not exceeds 2-3 km.

Following the crossing of the river Turdo (bridge N14) the route runs to the end of its right bank (village Vardisubani) and crosses the watercourses with small basins out of which the length of four (Psitianiskhevi, Mgvrie, Susanskhevi and one unnamed tributary) is 4-5 km. In addition these tributaries are characterized with torrential development.

Should be mentioned that four options of the route (nearly from the crossing of the river Turdo (bridge N14) till the end (the village Vardisubani) maintain the existing road alignment without changes.

Option N1. By this option, up to km 7 till the bank of the river Iori, the existing road alignment is maintained. Next to it, due to the winding relief the route alignment goes to the north-west. After the crossing of the river Iori, till the watershed of the river Turdo basin, the route goes into the river Lapiani basin and till the crossing of the river Jati crosses the left minor tributaries. Next to it the route on 1.5 km distance crosses 4 times the left tributary of the river Lapianiskhevi (Shralhevi crossings NN 1.3-1.5) and reaches the sources from its left side by passing the serpentines, next it passes over the source of the river Lapianiskhevi and crosses the watershed. Besides the basins of the rivers Jati and Shrakhevi, with length 4.5m km, some other minor basins are outlined.

Following the passing over the watershed the route goes along the left slope of the river Turdo, crosses its right tributaries with length 3-4.5 km, the hydro net developed by these tributaries and the large basin of the river Psitianiskhevi and joins with the existing road at km 53. Total length of this option is 33 km.

Option N1 including tunnel. This option has the same alignment but within km 18 and 27 the 4.8 km long tunnel is included, which considerably shortens the difficult serpentine section of the route.

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Option N3. By this option the route turns to the north direction from the 10 km, from the beginning it crosses the river Lapianiskhevi, its right tributary and the upper branch of tributary, next it crosses the Gomboriskhevi and on its end section joins with the existing road in the vicinity of the village Gombori. Besides the mentioned crossings (bridge N3.1 and N 3.2) the other basins are outlined, with length less than 2.5 km.

Option N2. By this option the route goes along the Tbilisi-Bakurtsikhe-Lagodekhi road up to the village Patardzeuli, next it turns to the north and goes along the Kalotkhevi gorge almost to the watershed of Lapianiskhevi, passes in the basin of Lapianiskhevi, goes along the direction of watershed line and joins with the option N 1 at 27 km. Together with Kalptkhevi crossing some other tributaries with basins of minor length and width are outlined.

The main hydrological characteristics of the rivers crossed by the routes of alternatives are given in tables 1-4.Following the hydrological values we consider that the options N 1 and N2 can be implemented by the tunnel construction, because the rivers are mainly outlined in the vicinity of the head of rivers, basins of rivers are not big and downstream is not powerful. Though, these alternatives contain the other serious difficulties due to relief and geological structure. Should be considered the fact that in case the implementation of alternatives N1 and N3 there would be no normal road for the inhabited areas located along the existing road.

Calculation of Water maximal discharge

Water maximal discharge had been determined by G. Rostomov semi-empiric formula: Q P%=(RPF0.667 K 1.35 I 0.125 0.38)KF/(L+10)

Where,

Q P% and Q F -P% is a supply or (year) recurrence calculation and same supply discharge with basin area <5k m2, R-region parameter; F, F1 is a basin and forest area, km2; L- is a length in meters from the beginning of the river to the crossing. I and I L 0.75 – average and balanced inclination on the given length;B, B max – the mean and the maximum width of the basin; K-climatic coefficient; - recurrence, year, P- ground parameter; KF- coefficient < than 5km2 area;

=0.258max/B+0.75; =/(1+0.2 F1/F);

In the Tables below is given the initial data and hydrological hydraulic parameters for main river crossings for the existing road and three alternative alignments.

Mud torrents maximal discharge is calculated by the means of modified formula, recommended by Construction Norms 03-76 (Hydrometeoizdat 1976). The maximal water discharge value of torrential watercourses is a value established by the analogue method. Qcp%=QBp%/(1+(0.00555/(X

1(l/1000)X2),

Where Qcp% is established only for the rivers which torrential character is established by the corresponding survey or registration, after defining the torrential activity, z and parameter for the rest watercourses the calculating discharge value is QBp%

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The content of solid components in torrent peak is calculated by means of the following formula:

SOP=SP/(1+(0.00555/(X1(l/1000)X

2)

SPT =0.705 is the limited concentration of the solid fillers in torrential mass

SP – is a transitional coefficient from S01% to supply P% concentrations. The difference between 1 and 2% concentrations practically insignificant and the value can be established as 1.

=0.063l 0.4- is basin coefficient for the various sections when the degree of damage due to erosion is not established.

In the exiting condition when we have not the corresponding data, we suppose to divide the watercourses into four sections: a) watercourse known as torrential; b) watercourse located in analogue zones; c) water courses potentially hazardous in concern of torrential development and d) Water courses not hazardous in concern of torrential development.

In the tables 3 and 4 the mud torrent discharge is determined for all water courses by using the parameter. For the rivers that are not distinguished with mud torrent development parameter is KS=1; and discharge value is QBp%.

In the tables 3 and 4 for the rivers Iori and Turdo crossings was established the local inclination lA=0.06 on the basis 1:50 maps and the handbook « the USSR surface water resources, vol. IX, edition I». and for the other rivers - the minimal and maximal opening of the bridges crossing the stable riverbeds Minimal is 1.5BU and maximal Bmax=2.5 BU

In the tables 3 and 4 dm – is the mean diameter of the bottom sediments, used in roughness design and wash out. 5. Landscapes, Soils, vegetation cover

Landscapes in Environmental Impact Assessment

Though landscapes consist of smaller natural-territorial complexes, they are unified into larger typological units. The largest classification unit of natural landscapes is “class” (Beruchashvili, 1979). Geomorphologic factor can be used for its determination. According to the mentioned factor there are 2 classes of landscapes: mountain and plain landscapes.

The next classification unit is a “type”. The type of natural landscapes – the landscapes with the common features of the relief morpho-structure, connected with various levels of mountains (low, medium, high mountains), with the common character of climate, with the predominance of one type or group of vegetation and with the common character of hydrological conditions.

For their part natural landscape types are divided into landscape subtypes, kinds (sorts, genus) and species. On the basis of minor sector and zonal symptoms, subtypes of landscape are singled out within the type of landscape. On the entire territory of Georgia 21 subtypes have been selected. The next classification unit is the kind of landscapes that is identified on the basis of morphostructural peculiarities and the prevailing type of relief (erosive, karst, erosive-accumulative, etc.) It is also based on prevalence of one or several geological formations or groups of vegetation formation, concrete hydrological conditions and finally because of complex and diverse morphological structures. In all there are 72 kinds (sorts, genus) of landscapes in Georgia. The maps with the scale of 1: 500000 also show species of landscapes – the lowest

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typological classification unit in the landscape system of Georgia. On the whole there are 260 species of landscapes in Georgia.

During the landscape impact assessment, the following variety of landscapes should be distinguished within the territory:

Unchanged natural landscapes - natural territories having been changed at a relatively lesser degree, which are interesting in respect of their biological diversity, ecological or esthetic value. After these natural-territorial complexes are studied, their environment should be protected and conserved.

Partially transformed natural landscapes - natural-anthropogenic territories. The biodiversity supporting role of such landscapes is decreased, although ecological, recreational and visual aspects, as well as economical significance (e.g. agricultural) could be valuable. Their ecological and esthetic conditions should be considered during impact assessment and planning mitigation measures.

Severely transformed natural landscapes. - Natural-territorial complexes having been strongly and violently changed. Urban or rural landscapes, which do not have ecological, biodiversity and recreational significance, although, may have historical, architectural or economical value (arable lands, pastures etc.)

Value of natural landscapes could be estimated applying multi-criteria analysis:

from the point of view of biodiversity from the point of view of ecology from the aesthetic and visual point of view from the point of view of cultural heritage from the recreational point of view

Stability/fragility of the landscapes is determined by several factors:

Susceptibility to natural degradation (erosion, landslides and debris flows, deforestation and degradation of phyto-landscapes, desertification, degradation of watershed etc.)

vulnerability/resistance to anthropogenic factors self-regeneration capabilities

Landscape and Soils

A single-layered landscape of average- and low-mountainous relief of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge is characterized by moderately humid and moderate climate, forest and forest-steppe vegetation and partly transformed secondary meadows. The peculiarity of the landscape in the given region is the result of climatic-and-relief conditions. Depending on the nature of soils and vegetation, the region of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge is divided into two different sections. Its major part is located north-west of the line connecting Gurjaani and Kachreti, which is an average-mountainous territory covered with black soils and hardwood forest. Tsiv-Gombori territory is dominated by black and brown soils; however, according to the map of soils of Georgia of 1999, there is an association of a group of 9 types of soils distinguished. These types are as follows:

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Black Acid (#87 on the map), Brown Forest weakly unsaturated (#8), Rab Humus-calcareous degraded (#13), Brown Alkaline (#30), brown (#31) and Meadow brown (#34) soils (head editor Urushadze T.). In the hardwood forest of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge, oak and hornbeam dominate up to 1000-1200 true altitude, which at higher altitudes are dominated by beech and pine forest massifs with their majority located in the heads of the left tributaries of the Iori river. The lower zone is dominated by oriental hornbeam and oak forests, with the highest hypsometric massifs of the Ridge (Tsivi and Gombori) being woodless. However, this is secondary in nature and is the result of the secondary activity, in particular, human’s economic activity. The artificially created upper limit of the forest even reaches down 1500-1700 true altitude at some places.The territories of the extreme south-eastern villages of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge Ziari, Jimiti, Machkhaani and that of the city of Signagi are almost woodless and are covered with the bushes of a secondary origin.

6. Ecology: Flora

IntroductionThe Report includes a literary review and results of the scientific study aiming at considering flora and vegetation in the corridor of three alternatives of the planned motorway, specifically, identifying sensitive habitats and communities. The botanic description within the zone of interest was made based on the wide range of literary sources, unpublished materials and one’s own knowledge and experience. In addition, it should be noted that the future studies to obtain even more thorough information may eliminate the existing deficiencies and give detailed data about planning and construction activities necessary for environmental assessment in a botanical point of view.

It should be noted that thorough botanical studies along the section Ujarma- a dining hall -Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi of the existing motorway are necessary to identify the negative and residual impact of the existing infrastructure on the flora and vegetation of the adjacent territory. The zone of the project impact includes a great number of vegetation communities and species of different conservative values (those included in the Red List and Red Data Book, as well as endemic and rare species), as well as economic plants (medicinal, aromatic, wild fruit, fiber, root crops, decorative, drinking, material and fuel timber, forage, hayfields and pastures, wild ancestors of agricultural crops, etc.).

Besides the critically endangered species and sensitive habitats of different conservative values, the sites grown with forests are paid particular attention to. In case of identifying the residual impact on them, eco-compensating measures will become necessary. Those measures envisage the restoration of equivalent forest habitats.

About some methodological and conceptual approaches to describe flora and vegetation and determine the project impact on the ecosystems and habitats

The types of plants and habitats of the ecosystems within the limits of the project impact zone are characterized according to Ketskhoveli (1960), Kvachakidze (1996), Nakhutsrishvili (1999) and the generic composition is given based on the literary sources.

According to our valuations, there are many species of vascular plants within the corridor of interest; however, according to Morris (1995), the assessment of flora should essentially cover all vascular plants, including mosses, lychnes, aquatic plants and mushrooms. Despite this, the vascular plants are considered a principal indicator of the land ecosystems, which include all the living forms of the given landscape.

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As mentioned above, in addition to the species and sensitive habitats of different conservative values, particular attention is paid to the territories covered with forests and artificial forest massifs. It is corroborated that forests are considered particular environmental sites, unique and the most important ecosystems in ecological, esthetic, cultural, historical and geological respects (Harcharik, 1997; Isik et al., 1997). In other words, ‘The forest as a forest is much more important than any other form of the land use (Harcharik, 1997), ‘The population’s to the forests in respect of recreational, beauty-delighting and conservation (protection) of biodiversity are particular.’ (Lanly, 1997).

The fact that unlike the different areas of impact, in case of the construction under the project on the sites covered with forests the restoration of the former natural plantations and their preservation in the pre-construction form is in fact impossible. Therefore, in such cases offset measures, which mean the restoration of equivalent forest habitats are recommended.

Brief description of the flora and vegetation along the section Ujarma- a dining hall -Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi of the existing motorway

The section of Ujarma- a dining hall -Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi of the existing motorway has been subject to the negative and residual impact of the existing infrastructure in respect of the flora and vegetation of the existing highway and adjacent territories. Besides, the fact of the existing motorway crossing the river Iori along a relatively shorter section than it was indicated for the three offered alternatives and accordingly, the residual impact on the fragments of the floodplain forest along the Iori river-bank is less is worth mentioning. It should be noted that in the flood plains of the Iori, out of the floodplain forest formations growing in minor areas and in fragments, the following species have been survived: aspen forests (abele - Populus canescens), black poplar - Populus nigra, with small quantities of willow – Salix excelsa, common elm – Ulmus minor, floodplain oak- Quercus pedunculiflora, mulberry - Morus alba, oleaster - Eleagnus angustifolia. Out of bushes, the following species are worth mentioning: sea-buckthorn - Hippopae rhamnoides, tamarisk - Tamarix ramosissima, Georgian barberry - Berberis iberica, blackberry - Rubus sanguineu, etc. Sub-forests grow at some places, mainly dominated by tamarisk – Tamarix ramosissima and barberry - Hippopae rhamnoides. The grass cover is not uniform and is dominated by Calamagrostis glauca, Cynodon dactylon, Gglycyrriza glabra, Imperata cylindrica and others.

In the lower section of the forest belt, up to 1000-1100 m above sea level, the positions of the oak and hornbeam-and-oak forests composed of Georgian oak trees (Quercus iberica) are significantly limited. The western and central parts of Kakheti Caucasioni and Gombori Ridge are covered by oak forests (Quercus iberica), hornbeam-and-oak forests (Carpinus caucasica, Quercus iberica) and mixed forests with the majority of Georgian oaks (Georgian oak, hornbeam, chestnut - Castanea sativa, Norway maple -Acer platanoides, box elder - Fraxinus excelsior, lime - Tilia caucasica, wild service tree - Sorbus torminalis, etc.), which grow on the slopes of southern, south-eastern and south-western expositions. Furthermore, the vegetation of different stages of anthropogenic digression frequently grow in the oak forests - oriental hornbeam forest (Carpinus orientalis), bushes of Jerusalem Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), hemoxerophilous bushes (Jerusalem Thorn – Paliurus spina-christi, buckthorn -Rhamnus pallasii, oriental hornbeam - Carpinus orientalis, hawthorn - Crataegus kyrtostyla, fustic - Cotinus coggygria, European privet - Ligustrum vulgare, cornel - Cornus mas, etc.), fragments of gramineous herb steppes. The mentioned post-forest vegetation occupies quite great area at some places on the slopes of the southern exposition on the piedmonts and lower slopes of the mountain.

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The hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica) forest grows on the river cones and proluvial terraces, with the mixed broad-leaved forest (hornbeam - Carpinus caucasica, velvet maple-Acer velutinum, Norway maple-Acer platanoides, lime – Tilia caucasica, chestnut - Castanea sativa, beech - Fagus orientalis, etc.) also occupying great areas.The area from 1000-1100 m above sea level up to the subalpine zone (1800-1850 m above sea level is dominated by beech (Fagus orientalis) forests (sub-zone of the beech forest). Pure beech forests occupy vast areas. Hornbeam-and-beech forest (Carpinus caucasica, Fagus orientalis), hornbeam forest (Carpinus caucasica) and mixed broad-leaved forests (hornbeam - Carpinus caucasica, lime - Tilia caucasica, chestnut - Castanea sativa, Caucasian Maple - Acer laetum, box elder Fraxinus excelsior, Georgian nut - Corylus iberica, beech - Fagus orientali, etc.) occupy quite great areas (particularly, on the slopes of the southern exposition and slopes of other expositions with significant gradients). It should be mentioned that the habitats of high conservative value are in minor quantities along Ujarma- a dining hall -Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi section of the existing motorway. Besides, the existing infrastructure has already had a negative and residual impact on the flora and vegetation of the existing highway and its adjacent territories. Thorough botanical studies along Ujarma- a dining hall -Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi section is necessary to identify the negative and residual impact of the existing infrastructure on the flora and vegetation of the adjacent territories.

In case of widening the existing highway, thorough botanical studies are necessary to identify the plant communities and species of different conservative values (those included in the Red List and Red Data Book, endemic and rare species), as well as economic plants (medicinal, aromatic, wild fruit, fiber, root crops, decorative, drinking, material and fuel timber, forage, hayfields and pastures, wild ancestors of agricultural crops, etc.).

Besides the critically endangered species and sensitive habitats of different conservative values, the sites grown with forests are paid particular attention to. In case of identifying the residual impact on them, eco-compensating measures shall become necessary. The measures envisage the restoration of equivalent forest habitats.

In case the construction of the planned motorway needs the cutting down the trees, it should be noted that such an action is not a part of the EIA document, but is the subject of further relationship between the Client and Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, which should envisage all necessary procedures under the effective legislation. After the approval of the EIA document, the list of necessary works should be made, with the indication of the volume of the trees and timber to be cut down, and proper thorough inventory of the forest along the section included in the State forest fund is necessary.

Evaluation of the environmental damage should be undertaken according to the following document: Decree N538 of July 5, 2006 (Tbilisi) on ‘Approving the methods to estimate the environmental damage’ of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

Estimation of the damage to the forest ecosystems is possible by calculating the precise proportional ratio by using modern methodologies and best international practice, in accordance with the ‘net profit principle’ and ‘Habitat-hectare’ approach.

The Habitat-hectare evaluation method is an ordinary approach to determine the value of the vegetation in non-monetary units. Environmental proxy (i.e. ‘money’ used to express the vegetation value) is ‘Habitat-hectare’. The habitat is evaluated in reference to the proper pre-determined benchmark to evaluate the habitat areas and landscape components. The benchmarks are fixed for different ecological classes of plants.

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Habitat area (ha) x Habitat point = Habitat-hectare

As the Habitat-hectare approach is not regularly used in Georgia, the plant ecological classes and benchmarks are necessary to determine based on the information about the representative model areas to be presented under the natural and social environmental impact assessment.

Consideration of Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi motorway alternatives

According to the present requirements specification and in line with the map submitted by the Client, the present Report should deal with the three variants of Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi motorway. All of them are located left of the river Iori, south of the section Ujarma- a dining hall -Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi of the motorway. The Report includes the results of the literary review and field works with the aim to consider the flora and vegetation in the corridor of three alternatives of the planned motorway, in particular to identify the sensitive habitats and communities.

The first alternative of the motorway starts at the village Mughanlo, crosses the river Iori and follows the bank of the Iori at about 2 km; then turns right towards the Trinity Monastery and runs across the existing forest massif first to mount Zati and then to the Pass (at about 1500 m above sea level), between the mountains of Tsivi-Gombori (1712 m above sea level) and Mukhiani (1790 m above sea level) and along the slopes of Mukhiani and Tsivi (1991 m above sea level) and finally joins the existing motorway.

The second alternative of the motorway starts at Tbilisi-Sagarejo section of the existing motorway, at the village of Patardzeuli and coincides with the first variant up to the pass between the mountains of Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani, afterwards joining the first alternative of the planned motorway.

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Ecollogically Ecollogically S.S. No 2 S.S. No 3

Ecologically S.S. No 1

Fig. Alternative Routes and Sensitive Ecological Sites

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The third alternative of the motorway coincides with the first planned alternative until reaching the Trinity Monastery, then runs across the existing forest massif up to the village Gombori and joins the existing motorway.

Thus, the second and third variants of the planned motorway are the combinations of different sections of the first alternative and additional sites.

Flora and vegetation

The general type of the vegetation cover of Iori Plateau is hemi-xerophilous and xerophilous vegetation – arid sparse light forests, steppes and semideserts. The majority of the territory of the given area is covered with this kind of vegetation. Other vegetation types and formations, such as oak forests, floodplain forests, some interesting representatives of xerophilous bushes are of a relatively limited distribution.

The forest vegetation is diversified in ecological and phytocenologic respects. Unique relict forests known as arid sparse (‘light’, ‘savanna’) forests grow here. On the elevated sites of the territory, on the slopes of hillocks and mountains, there are oak and oak-and-hornbeam forest plantations survived, and small groupings and fragments of floodplain forests in the flood plains of the rivers Iori and Alazani. There are floodplain forests survived as small sections and fragments in the flood plains of the rivers Iori and Alazani. Forest vegetation and floodplain forest in particular, grows along the bank of the river Iori (the nearest terrace). At present, the floodplain forest no more forms a continuous and wide strip as it was the case in the distant past. The groupings of floodplain forests grow in individual small areas and in fragments. Out of the floodplain formations, aspen forests (abele - Populus canescens) and black poplar- Populus nigra grow here, with minor proportions of willow – Salix excelsa, common elm - Ulmus minor, floodplain oak – Quercus pedunculiflora, mulberry - Morus alba, oleaster - Eleagnus angustifolia. Out of bushes, sea-buckthorn - Hippopae rhamnoides, tamarisk - Tamarix ramosissima, Georgian barberry - Berberis iberica, blackberry - Rubus sanguineus, etc. are worth mentioning. The subforest dominated by tamarisk – Tamarix ramosissima and sea-buckthorn - Hippopae rhamnoides grows at some places. The grass cover is developed not uniformly and is dominated by Calamagrostis glauca, Cynodon dactylon, Gglycyrriza glabra, Imperata cylindrica , etc.

The geo-botanic zone of mountainous Kakheti includes Gombori Ridge as well, which is the continuation of Kakheti Ridge and is closely associated with the Caucasioni in respect of geology and landscape. The territory of the region is of a complex relief. The dominating form of the relief is erosive. Landslide and badland relief is of a vast distribution on Gombori Ridge (with the true altitude of 2000 m above sea level). The common feature of the relief is weakly developed piedmont area. In fact, at some places the piedmont area is not developed at all. Mudflow events are quite frequent in the region (Duruji gorge and dry gullies of Gombori Ridge). The crest of Gombori Ridge and the areas of mountain Tsivi in particular (with the maximum elevation of 2000 m above sea level), is distinguished for a peculiar temperature regime (air overcooling) and is therefore a center of hail posing great hazard to the orchards and vegetable gardens of Kakheti.

The geo-botanic zone of mountainous Kakheti has rich and diversified vegetation. The forest zone includes the territory at 400-500 m up to 1800-1850 m above sea level. In the lower section of the forest belt, up to 1000-1100 m above sea level, the positions of the oak and hornbeam-and-oak forests composed of Georgian oak trees (Quercus iberica) are significantly limited. This is particularly true for the eastern part of the region, in Lagodekhi administrative district where relatively abundant atmospheric precipitations create conditions for the oriental beech (Fagus

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orientalis), a strong edificator of Caucasian forests to widen its natural habitat even at such low elevations. Despite this fact, a sub-zone of the oak forests is reasonable to distinguish in the forest zone of mountainous Kakheti, moreover as it is expressed with a strong relief on most of the territory, in particular in the central and western parts of Kakheti Caucasioni and on Gombori Ridge. The oak forests (Quercus iberica), hornbeam-and-oak forests (Carpinus caucasica, Quercus iberica) and mixed forests dominated by Georgian oak (Georgian oak, hornbeam, chestnut - Castanea sativa, Norway maple-Acer platanoides, box elder - Fraxinus excelsior, lime - Tilia caucasica, wild service tree - Sorbus torminali, etc.) are developed on the slopes of southern, south-eastern and south-western expositions. The oak forests are quite diversified in a typological respect. Dominant is the oak forest with the oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) sub-forest represented by many sub-associations. In addition to them, the following vegetation is spread here: oak forest with the cover of mountain fescue (Festuca montana), oak forest with cornel (Cornus mas) sub-forest, etc. the vegetation of different stages of anthropogenic digression frequently grow in the oak forests - oriental hornbeam forest (Carpinus orientalis), bushes of Jerusalem Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), hemoxerophilous bushes (Jerusalem Thorn – Paliurus spina-christi, buckthorn -Rhamnus pallasii, oriental hornbeam - Carpinus orientalis, hawthorn - Crataegus kyrtostyla, fustic - Cotinus coggygria, European privet - Ligustrum vulgare, cornel - Cornus mas, etc.), fragments of gramineous herb steppes. The mentioned post-forest vegetation occupies quite great area at some places on the slopes of the southern exposition on the piedmonts and lower slopes of the mountain.

The hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica) forest grows on the river cones and proluvial terraces, with the mixed broad-leaved forest (hornbeam - Carpinus caucasica, velvet maple-Acer velutinum, Norway maple-Acer platanoides, lime – Tilia caucasica, chestnut - Castanea sativa, beech - Fagus orientalis, etc.) also occupying great areas.On the nearest river terrace (in the floodplain), there are floodplain forests developed with dominating aspen forest (black poplar - Populus nigra, abele - Polulus canescens) ash forest (Alnus barbata). There are fragments of wing nut forests (Pterocaruya pterocarpa) survived here and there. Most of the floodplain forests have been destroyed by now, with only small of their sections survived, presented as fragments and single trees at many places. The area from 1000-1100 m above sea level up to the subalpine zone (1800-1850 m above sea level is dominated by beech (Fagus orientalis) forests (sub-zone of the beech forest). Pure beech forests occupy vast areas. Hornbeam-and-beech forest (Carpinus caucasica, Fagus orientalis), hornbeam forest (Carpinus caucasica) and mixed broad-leaved forests (hornbeam - Carpinus caucasica, lime - Tilia caucasica, chestnut - Castanea sativa, Caucasian Maple - Acer laetum, box elder Fraxinus excelsior, Georgian nut - Corylus iberica, beech - Fagus orientali, etc.) occupy quite great areas (particularly, on the slopes of the southern exposition and slopes of other expositions with significant gradients). The beech forest and mixed broad-leaved forests of Kakheti are rich and diversified in a typological respect. Dark coniferous forests do not grow in Kakheti region. Unique pine-tree forest - Pinus sosnowskyi (with interesting forms of pine-trees) grows on the mudflow stream of Mariamjvari (Gombori Ridge, near Sagarejo).

Sensitive areasThus, based on the literary review, the following sensitive areas have been identified in the corridor of the I, II and III alternative routes of planned Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi motorway.

I alternativeThe first alternative of the offered motorway route covers three sensitive areas. The first of them is the crossing of the river Iori in the vicinity of the village Khashmi. The offered alternative of the motorway follows the bank of the river Iori at about 2 km (See the map, KP 5). It is the habitat of high conservative value of the floodplain forest along the left bank of the river. It

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should be noted that there are floodplain forest preserved as small sections and fragments in the floodplains of the river Iori. In particular, there is a floodplain forest growing in the coastline of the river Iori (the nearest terrace), which at present does not form a continuous and wide strip as it was the case in the distant past. The groupings of floodplain forests grow in individual small areas and in fragments. Out of the floodplain formations, aspen forests (abele - Populus canescens) and black poplar- Populus nigra grow here, with minor proportions of willow – Salix excelsa, common elm - Ulmus minor, floodplain oak – Quercus pedunculiflora, mulberry - Morus alba, oleaster - Eleagnus angustifolia. Out of bushes, sea-buckthorn - Hippopae rhamnoides, tamarisk - Tamarix ramosissima, Georgian barberry - Berberis iberica, blackberry - Rubus sanguineus, etc. are worth mentioning. The subforest dominated by tamarisk – Tamarix ramosissima and sea-buckthorn - Hippopae rhamnoides grows at some places. The grass cover is developed not uniformly and is dominated by Calamagrostis glauca, Cynodon dactylon, Gglycyrriza glabra, Imperata cylindrica , etc.

The second sensitive site is located between the Trinity Monastery and Zati mountain (KP 10 – KP 15), where there grow oak forests (Quercus iberica), hornbeam-and-oak forests (Carpinus caucasica, Quercus iberica) and the mixed forests with dominating Georgian oak (Georgian oak, hornbeam, chestnut - Castanea sativa, Norway maple-Acer platanoides, box elder - Fraxinus excelsior, lime - Tilia caucasica, wild service tree - Sorbus torminalis, etc.) are developed on the slopes of southern, south-eastern and south-western expositions. The oak forests are quite diversified in a typological respect. Dominant is the oak forest with the oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) sub-forest represented by many sub-associations. In addition to them, the following vegetation is spread here: oak forest with the cover of mountain fescue (Festuca montana), oak forest with cornel (Cornus mas) sub-forest, etc. The vegetation of different stages of anthropogenic digression frequently grow in the oak forests - oriental hornbeam forest (Carpinus orientalis), bushes of Jerusalem Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), hemoxerophilous bushes (Jerusalem Thorn – Paliurus spina-christi, buckthorn -Rhamnus pallasii, oriental hornbeam - Carpinus orientalis, hawthorn - Crataegus kyrtostyla, fustic - Cotinus coggygria, European privet - Ligustrum vulgare, cornel - Cornus mas, etc.), fragments of gramineous herb steppes.

The next and the third sensitive area is the section from the Pass (at about 1500 m above sea level) between the mountains Tsivi-Gombori (1712 m above sea level) and Mukhiani (1790 m above sea level) and up to the slopes of mountains of Mukhiani and Tsivi (1991 m above sea level) (in particular, the Pass from one side of Tsivi-Gombori Ridge to another side, between Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani mountains, western slopes of Mukhiani mountain and southern and western slopes of Zati and Tsivi mountains; (See the map at about KP 17-32), where the area from 1000-1100 m above sea level up to the subalpine zone (1800-1850 m above sea level is dominated by beech (Fagus orientalis) forests (sub-zone of the beech forest). Pure beech forests occupy vast areas. Hornbeam-and-beech forest (Carpinus caucasica, Fagus orientalis), hornbeam forest (Carpinus caucasica) and mixed broad-leaved forests (hornbeam - Carpinus caucasica, lime - Tilia caucasica, chestnut - Castanea sativa, Caucasian Maple - Acer laetum, box elder Fraxinus excelsior, Georgian nut - Corylus iberica, beech - Fagus orientali, etc.) occupy quite great areas (particularly, on the slopes of the southern exposition and slopes of other expositions with significant gradients).

II alternativeThe second variant of the offered motorway route covers two sensitive areas. The first one is the second sensitive site of the I variant of the route. In particular, it is situated between the Trinity Monastery and Zati mountain (KP 10 – KP 15). As for another sensitive area, it is the section from the Pass (at about 1500 m above sea level) between the mountains Tsivi-Gombori (1712 m above sea level) and Mukhiani (1790 m above sea level) and up to the slopes of mountains of

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Mukhiani and Tsivi (1991 m above sea level) (in particular, the Pass from one side of Tsivi-Gombori Ridge to another side, between Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani mountains, western slopes of Mukhiani mountain and southern and western slopes of Zati and Tsivi mountains; (See the map at about KP 17-32).

III alternativeThe third variant of the offered motorway route covers two sensitive sites. The first one is situated between the Trinity Monastery and Gombori village (See the map, KP 0-35) and another sensitive section is the crossing of the river Iori in the vicinity of the village Khashmi. The offered motorway alternative follows the bank of the river Iori at about 2 km (See the map, KP 5), which is the habitat of high conservative value of the floodplain forest along the left bank of the river. Thus, when considering Ujarma – Sasadilo – Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi section of the existing motorway and the I, II and III alternative routes of planned Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi motorway, the route of priority, in a botanical respect, is Ujarma – a dining hall – Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi section of the existing motorway, as the environmental damage and general damage to the sensitive ecosystems will be by far less than in case of the I, II and III alternative routes of planned Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi motorway.Besides, it should be noted that the habitats of high conservative value are less in numbers along Ujarma – a dining hall – Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi section of the existing motorway. The existing infrastructure has already had a negative and residual impact on the flora and vegetation of the existing highway as well as its adjacent territories.

Species on the Red List of Georgia growing within the corridor of the I, II and III alternatives of the planned motorway

It should be noted that the Red List of Georgia, which includes 56 plant species is not thorough and is at present being further modified. In particular, the grass plants are being identified according to the IUNC categories (the categories denoting their state and safety status are determined). Extrapolation of the mentioned data will help a significant increase in the factual number of the species included on the Red List of Georgia. The list of the species under the Red List of Georgia growing in the corridor of the I, II and III alternatives of the planned motorway is referred to below:

Latin name English name Category denoting their state and safety status

1Castanea sativa Mill.

Common chestnut VU2 Pterocarya pterocarpa (Michx.) Kunth. Liber VU3 Quercus macranthera Fisch. et Mey. Mountain oak VU4 Quercus pedunculiflora C. Koch. Floodplain oak VU5 Ulmus minor Mill. Plot’s elm VU

The list gained as a result of thorough botanical field survey will probably be significantly expanded.

Evaluation of the negative impact of the phase of construction and operation and relative mitigation measures

Prior to project implementation, a thorough botanical study to identify the populations of the species of high conservation value and establish the negative impact of the project construction on the flora and vegetation of the mentioned territories is necessary. Based on the study, any kinds of conservative/restoration and compensation arrangements will be identified.

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Furthermore, fixing the background state will help monitor the complex rehabilitation of the project sites after the construction is over.

After the endemic, rare and endangered species and other populations of species influenced by the project are identified, the mitigation measures are to be developed to ensure due protection, conservation and stability of the endangered species, which will be subject the direct impact of the project.

The following measures are recommended for the plant conservation purposes: taking the live plants to the conservation centers and propagate the plants with seeds collected from the plants growing in the natural environment. As re-plating the live plants is always highly risky, the target plants are necessary to propagate with seeds what will increase the probability of success of the conservation measure and will guarantee the breeding of the right number of plants for their further reintroduction.

The plants re-planted from their natural environment will form live collections of plants at respective conservation centers. After the project construction is over, the re-planted and bred plants will be reintroduced to their original natural habitats to restore the populations growing on the given sites before the project.

It should be underlined that re-planting of the given plants in their natural habitats should be undertaken after the complex rehabilitation of the project site and development of the vegetation cover are over, which shall be undertaken according to the preliminary developed plan of complex rehabilitation what should be considered as one of the mitigation measures.

In case the construction of the planned motorway needs the cutting down the trees, it should be noted that such an action is not a part of the EIA document, but is the subject of further relationship between the Client and Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, which should envisage all necessary procedures under the effective legislation. After the approval of the EIA document, the list of necessary works should be made, with the indication of the volume of the trees and timber to be cut down, and proper thorough inventory of the forest along the section included in the State forest fund is necessary.

7. Ecology: Fauna

Introduction: Approaches and MethodologyAim of this report is to describe the potential impact zone of the renovation works on the motor road Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi and roughly estimate an amount of the needed mitigation measures (to mitigate impact of construction and exploitation for each of three options of the rout of the road presented by designers) from the animal biodiversity conservation point of view. For this it is required:

1. to provide overall scope (general ecological description) of the project area 2. to list protected species in the area3. to pick up important sites for the conservation of an animal biodiversity, in particular,

key-sites for threatened, endemic and rare species along each alternative route that could be affected by the construction works and operation of the motor road

4. to map such sensitive ecosystems and habitats (on hard copy)5. to describe possible impact of construction phase and impact during operation for

each route: Expected Impacts Proposed mitigation strategies

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Costs of mitigation measures and costs of offset programs (degree; approximate costs of additional studies, replanting programs, etc.)

Generally, the review is based on the bibliographical data, known collections and author’s experience. Some details of the technical design are still unknown for us. Such data as are:

number of access roads and their location, length and width of each access road number of locations and width of areas for the materials storage (stockpiles, ancillary

facilities, etc.) number of the employed workers crews that will work simultaneously exact type of watercourse crossings time schedule for work

Without this technical data we had not a whole comprehensive picture of the project, thus the possibility to evaluating its impact on animal biodiversity was restricted. Therefore, estimations of the impacts in this report are qualitative of nature.

Approaches and methods.General principle is that we need to protect animal biodiversity as our national property and heritage. In our examination we have to consider as the species that are already protected by law (e.g. listed in the national Red Data List, 2006), as well as species of any special interest of local community (e.g. a game species, or the species - attractive for tourists, etc.). Re-construction, operation and maintenance of the motor road (repair works and operation) should not lead to the harm to animals that occur in Georgia, especially, to the endangered species.

Legal frameworkExisting nature conservation legislation in Georgia corresponds to internationally accepted principles and criteria in the sphere of nature conservation and biodiversity and consequently provides a good framework for EIA. The Georgian legislation and international obligations of Georgian Republic, resultants from the signed International Conventions in the field of the Nature Protection, form a legal side of a framework of our examination.

The main laws on nature conservation relevant to this report are: the Environmental Protection Law of Georgia (the Frame Law on Nature conservation) the Law of Georgia on the System of Protected Areas the Wildlife Law of Georgia the Law on Red Data List of Georgia Decree #303 of May 2, 2006 of the President of Georgia, “On Approval of the Red List

of Georgia” (Endangered Species List)

International ConventionsThe following list gives an overview on Multilateral International Conventions related to nature conservation and biodiversity enforced in Georgia, which are relevant to this review:

Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural Heritage - accepted at 04/11/1992

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992, - accepted at 02/06/1994 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Bonn,

1979, date of entry into force 01/06/2000 Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EUROBATS) – ratified at

21/12/2001; This Agreement protects 28 species of bats occurring in GeorgiaPursuant to the Georgian legislation, 135 species and 4 sub-species of animals are protected (Red data list of Georgia, 2006). Taking into consideration the species, which are protected by the

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International Agreements, the whole number of protected species can reach up to 200. Most of these species are listed in the Red Data List of Georgia, Red Data List of IUCN, and in Attachments to different Conventions. Besides that, the new motor road will be built in the close environs of Mariamjvari Strict Nature Reserve. The features of the Project as it is shown in the materials obtained from client.According to the map, we have under consideration three options of route for new sites of the motor road Vasiani-Gombori-Telavi. All these sites are situated on the left-hand side of the river Iori, south from existing old motor-road Udzharma-Sasadilo-Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi. The option I - it runs from the existing road near the Miganlo village, crosses the Iori river (new bridge should be built), about 2 km, runs along the river-bank of the river Iori, then turns right to the Sameba monastery and further through the forest to the mountain Zhati, to the pass (approximately on the elevation of 1500 m a.s.l.) between mountains Tsivi-Gombori (1712 m a.s.l.) and Mukhiani (1790 m a.s.l.) and along the slopes of mountains Mukhiani and Tsivi (1991 m a.s.l.) runs to the junction with the existing motor road. The option II – it starts from the existing motor road Tbilisi–Sagaredzho at the Patardzeuli Village and has junction with the first option before this one will reach the pass between mountains Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani. Further it is the same with the first one. The option III – it starts from the line of the first option at the Sameba monastery and runs through the forest to the Village Gombori on the existing motor road.As one can see both Option II and Option III are a combination of parts of Option I and of additional sites.

Brief Zoological description of the region of work - Habitats and occurring speciesEcosystems (Habitats) crossed by the motor road Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi (significant from the animal biodiversity conservation stand-point).Number of scientific zoological issues dedicated to considered place is very low. Long time presence of human activity and dense population along old motor road Udzharma-Sasadilo-Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi obviously has had impact on fauna composition in vicinities of the road. The zoological walkover survey in the field is needed to collect the accurate data on animal populations within the new sites of the proposed three options of the route.The data presented in this report are taken from published works, earlier field excursions and kindly provided by colleagues. But, all these issues are at least about 20 year old. Recently, changes in fauna happen quickly and some information in the lists of species, presented within this report, can be not valid.The work area of all three options of motor-road route lies within quite sensitive area. Most part of the area lies within the landscapes named ‘the South-East Caucasian middle-mountain landscapes with beech forest alternating with hornbeam-oak forest and secondary shrubs and grasslands’ and ‘the South East Caucasian (transitional to semi-humid) low-mountain landscapes witch hornbeam-oak, oak forests and secondary dry scrublands’, according to the landscape map of prof. N.Beruchashvili. Small parts of routes are situated within several other landscapes. Mountain forest is rich ecosystem with high biological diversity, large number of endemics, game and endangered species. At the same time, animal communities of these ecosystems are very sensitive for human impact. 25 species, listed in the Red Data List of Georgia (2006), can be found within the work area (See Table 1).Table 1. Animals, included in the Red Data List of Georgia (2006), which can be found within the work area

#laTinuri

dasaxeleba/ Latin name

qarTuli dasaxeleba/ Georgian name

inglisuri dasaxeleba/ English name

erovnuli statusi/ National

status

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Mammals

1 Barbastella barbastellus

evropuli maCqaTela

Western Barbastelle VU

2 Sciurus anomalus kavkasiuri ciyvi Caucasian squirrel VU3 Lynx lynx focxveri Lynx CR4 Lutra lutra wavi Common Otter VU5 Ursus arctos mura daTvi Brown Bear EN

Birds6 Ciconia nigra yaryati Black Stork VU7 Accipiter brevipes qorcqvita Levant Sparrowhawk VU8 Buteo rufinus velis kakaCa Long-legged Buzzard VU9 Aquila heliaca beqobis arwivi Imperial Eagle VU10 Aquila chrysaetos mTis arwivi Golden Eagle VU

11 Neophron percnopterus

faskunji Egyptian Vulture VU

12 Gyps fulvus orbi Griffon Vulture VU13 Falco cherrug gavazi Saker Falcon CR14 Aegolius funereus Woti Boreal Owl VU

a.Reptiles

15Testudo graeca xmelTaSuazRvis

kuSpur-thighed Tortoise, Mediterranean tortoise.

VU

b.Fish

16 Salmo fario mdinaris / tbis kalmaxi

Brook Trout VU

17 Sabanejewia aurata winaaziuri gvelana Golden Spined Loach VUc.Insecta

18 Eudia pavonia Ramis mcire farSevangTvala

Small Emperor Moth VU

19Pterogon

gorgoniades (Sphingonaepiopsis gorgoniades)

juja sfinqsi Gorgon Hawkmoth

VU

20 Callimorpha dominula

daTunela hera Scarlet Tiger VU

21 Parnassius apollo apoloni Appolo VU

22 Erebia iranica iranuli xaverdula Iranian Brassy Ringlet

23 Bombus eriophorus bazi erioforusi Stone Humble-bee VU24 Xylocopa violacea iisferi qsilokopa Violet Carpenter bee VU

25 Onychogomphus assimilis

msgavsi nemsiylapia

Dark pincertail VU

Among them 5 species mammals that could be suspected that use the forested part of the work area as a home range and feeding ground. For Brown bear and Lynx the work area could service

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as a route for seasonal movements as well. Without the field survey, it cannot be excluded that the Otter can occur in the site of the proposed building of a new bridge between the villages Khashmi and Udzharma.The work area is of importance for 9 redlisted bird species as feeding area, stop-over site during passage, partly as wintering area and breeding range. Especially sensitive are nests of Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vulture on the slopes of the mountain Tsivi, and probably still presented here nest of one pair of Golden Eagle.Only the Mediterranean tortoise is redlisted reptile in the area of the work. It can be found on clearings within the forest and in open habitats along the Iori river.Two, protected by law, fish species - Brook Trout and Golden Spined Loach occur in the Iori river and its tributaries.8 species of insects included in the Red Data List of Georgia are found within the considered area.Moreover, within the work area are known presence of 12 bat species (See Table 2). All bats in Georgia are falling under protection according to EUROBATS Agreement.

Table 2. Bat species occurring within the work area

N’ Species - Latin name Common English name Georgian name1. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Greater Horseshoe Bat didi cxvirnala2. Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser Horseshoe Bat mcire cxvirnala3. Barbastella barbastellus Western Barbastelle evropuli

maCqaTela4. Eptesicus serotinus Serotine Bat megviane

Ramura5. Myotis blythii Lesser Mouse-eared Bat yurwveta

mRamiobi6. Myotis mystacinus Whiskered Bat ulvaSa

mRamiobi7. Myotis nattereri Natterer's Bat natereris

mRamiobi8. Myotis daubentonii Daubenton's Bat wylis mRamiobi9. Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle juja

Ramori10. Pipistrellus pygmaeus Soprano Pipistrelle pawia Ramori11. Pipistrellus nathusii Nathusius's Pipistrelle tyis Ramori12. Plecotus auritus Brown Big-eared Bat ruxi yura

In additional it should be noted that the work area lies within the ranges of distribution of some species, which are of community interest. There are game species and species attractive for tourists and birdwatchers. Among them are seven mammals listed in the Table 3.

Table 3. Game species occurring within the work area

laTinuri dasaxeleba/ Latin name

inglisuri dasaxeleba/ English name

qarTuli dasaxeleba/ Georgian name

1 Canis lupus Wolf mgeli

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2 Vulpes vulpes Fox mela3 Meles meles Badger maCvi4 Martes martes Stone Martin tyis kverna5 Felis silvestris Wild Cat tyis kata6 Capreolus capreolus Roe-deer evropuli Sveli7 Sus scrofa Wild Boar gareuli Rori

Sensitive habitats and ecosystems along alternative routes.Important sites for the conservation of an animal biodiversity, in particular, key-sites for threatened species, endemic and rare species along each alternative route that could be affected by the construction works and operation of the motor road are mapped. First Option (Option I) of the proposed route of the motor road contains three sensitive sites. The first one (#1 on the map) – Iori river crossing and riparian habitat along the left-hand river bank in vicinities of the village Khashmi (around of the sign 5 on the map). There will be constructed a new bridge and after the bridge the road will run in the floodplain along the river approximately two kilometres. This site should be considered as a part of home range of one Otter and habitat of protected by law fish species (Brook Trout and Golden Spined Loach) and dragonflies (Dark pincer tail). Second one lies between Sameba monastery and mountain Zhati (sign 10 – 15). There, in relative dense forest, are situated a route of the movements of large mammals, listed above in the tables #1 and #3, as well as home ranges of some arboreal bat species, that are listed in the table #2. Among them - the Western Barbastelle. This species is included in the national Red Data List.Third – is the pass from one side of the Tsivi-Gombori mountain ridge to another side between the mountains Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani, western slopes of mountain Mukhiani and south and west slopes of mountains Zhatis-Mta and Tsivi (from proposed entrance into further tunnel at the sign #20 on the map up to the sign #25. There are situated the route of the movements of large mammals, listed above in the tables #1 and #3, as well as the nests of some large bird-of-prey (Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vulture) and important stop-over site for all listed in the tables threatened bird species. These movements of mammals have no character of mass migration, but they happened annually and were of seasonal nature. The ungulates are moving, following the ripening of fodder, and the predators are going behind them. These movements of a part of populations of these species support an exchange of genetic materials between sub-populations of large mammals, which are isolated during a part of year. This last site is a most sensitive one while construction works and motor road operation in this place will completely destroy natural significance of this area for many species.The second Option (Option II) of the proposed route of the motor road contains two sensitive sites of the same nature. The first one, analog of second sensitive site on the Option I, is situated between signs #5 and #10 on the map (#1 on the map). The route of the movements of large mammals, listed above in the tables #1 and #3 continues there, as well as home ranges of some arboreal bat species, that are listed in the table #2, are probably in this place. Among bats - the Western Barbastelle. This species is included in the national Red Data List. The second sensitive site on the Option II is the same like sensitive third site on the Option I - the pass from one side of the Tsivi-Gombori mountain ridge to another side between the mountains Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani, western slopes of mountain Mukhiani and south and west slopes of mountains Zhatis-Mta and Tsivi (See above).The Option III also have two sensitive sites - analog of those on the option I. One of them lies between Sameba monastery and village Gombori (between signs #0 and #5 on the map). It is part of above mentioned movements’ route of large mammals. Another one is the same as the first sensitive site on the first option of the proposed motor road routes - Iori river crossing and riparian habitat along the left-hand river bank in vicinities of the village Khashmi (around of the sign 5 on the map).

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As one can see we have there three kind of sensitive sites along all options of new motor road. On the first sensitive site (Option I and Option III) expected impacts are destruction of valuable riparian and freshwater habitats and possible loss of some individuals of redlisted species (Otter and fish). The proposed mitigation measures should include:

• re-routing – to relocate the motor road from the floodplain to the first terrace of the river

• additional field studies to confirm presence or absence of home range of otter in this place and spawning grounds of fish species, and to develop such a schedule of construction works which will be acceptable from biodiversity conservation standpoint

• usage of best world practices during the construction of the new bridge to minimize impact of this

Residual impacts during operation of bridge will be not much harmful. The residual impacts of presence of the road within the floodplain will be hard and hardly can be mitigated for reasonable cost. E.g. high trestle, more than 2 km long, from the bridge to the right-hand turn to Sameba monastery could help to resolve problem in combination with habitat restoration measures. On the sensitive site 2 (both three options) expected impacts are:

• habitat fragmentation and destruction of home ranges of many individuals of protected species

• obstacles for seasonal movements and gene exchange of large mammals occurring in the work area

• destroying of some bats roosts in the trees with hollows during the clearing works (tree cutting before road construction)

• easy access for possible poachers to the relative untouched forest area. The proposed mitigation measures should include:

• additional field studies to confirm presence or absence of home ranges of threatened species (including bats and birds) exactly within the RoW, and to find out the accurate routes of seasonal movements of mammals, as well as to develop such a schedule of construction works which will be acceptable from biodiversity conservation standpoint

• possible minor re-routings• construction of so named “green bridges” (at least one per each option of the proposed

motor road route) to preserve animal movements in future• usage of best world practices during the construction to minimize impact of this

Residual impacts during operation of the road will be permanent and can be partly mitigated with implementing of “green bridge”, under ground passages for small animals and bat boxes (to compensate felled tree with roosts) and many other measures. On the sensitive site 3 (both - Option I and Option II) expected impacts are:

• habitat fragmentation and destruction of home ranges of some individuals of protected species

• destroying of seasonal movements across pass between the mountains Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani and thus prevention of the gene exchange of large mammals occurring in the area

• destroying of some bats roosts in the trees with hollows during the clearing works (tree cutting before road construction)

• disturbance of protected species of birds-of-prey on the nests• easy access for possible poachers to the relative untouched forest area and mountain

meadowsThe proposed mitigation measures should include:

• additional field studies to confirm regular seasonal movements of mammals through the pass between the mountains Tsivi-Gombori and Mukhiani

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• additional field studies to confirm presence of breeding sites - nests of Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture and other protected by law and attractive birds

• additional field studies to confirm presence or absence of home ranges of threatened species (including bats and birds) exactly within the RoW, and to find out the accurate routes of, as well as to develop such a schedule of construction works which will be acceptable from biodiversity conservation standpoint

• possible minor re-routings to avoid disturbance of breeding sites• construction of the proposed tunnel can be considered as a mitigation measure, but only

in case if site of new motor road (between signs 20 and 25 on the map), which runs above ground across the pass will be not constructed

• usage of best world practices during the construction to minimize impact of thisResidual impacts during operation of the road will be permanent and can be partly mitigated with construction of the proposed tunnel, implementing of under ground passages for small animals and bat boxes (to compensate felled tree with roosts).

An approximate cost of additional studies can be calculated if into the account will be taken that on the each sensitive site the work of three persons (two experts - theriologist, ornithologist and/or ichthyologist and car driver) is needed during one week – ten days. Day-rate for such work is from 50 to 100 USD, depending on expert’s qualification. Maximal total salary is about: 3 sites * 3 persons * 10 days * 100 USD (day-rate) = 9000 USD. Total = salary plus fuel and logistic expenses (about 1000 USD) = 10,000 USD.Construction engineers should be asked on a cost of other mitigation measures (the building the trestle on Option I, sensitive site #1; construction of the “green bridges” and underground passages on all three proposed routes, and construction of tunnel on sensitive site #3 on Option #1). Offset program for bat populations could be suggested as a bat boxes installation instead of the trees with hollows, which will felled during the road construction. For such program about 5,000 -7,000 USD will be needed.

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8. Archaeological, Historic and Cultural Sites

Kakheti is an extreme eastern part of the territory of Georgia. Kakheti is bordered by the Caucasioni Main Ridge from north-east, by Kartli Ridge from west and by Azerbaijan from south-east. Since the ancient times, the history of Kakheti has been closely linked to the development of the state of Georgia. In the III-IV cc. B.C., during the reign of King Parnavaz, Kakheti was formed as a vicariate. In the 30-50s of the VIII century, there was Kakheti Principality formed on the territory of Kakheti vicariate. The natural conditions and geographic location of Kakheti promoted the societal life on the territory of Kakheti since the ancient times. According to the archaeological monuments identified and studied in Kakheti, a continuous cycle of a human life has been fixed in Kakheti starting from the Early Bronze Age (IV-III cc. B.C.) through the Late Middle centuries. The archaeological expedition in Kakheti has studied numerous archaeological monuments, burial moulds, churchyards, sites of ancient dwellings, sites of ancient cities, etc. for 40 years. The archaeological items found in these monuments are of a great significance in the study of the ancient history of Georgia, as well as history of the whole of the Caucasus and Southwest Asia. It has been found that they buried the dead in the burial moulds and particularly at churchyards on wooden carriages and with precious things, including numerous high-quality ceramic makes, bronze martial arms and household tools, diversified and artistic beads and ornamentation. A great number of golden things made with the complex goldsmith techniques is worth mentioning: fibulas, saddle girths, pipes, twisted chains, buttons and many others. We would like to specially accent a well-known golden lion statue found in the burial mould dated by the III-II cc. B.C., which is expressed on a modern 5-tetri-worth Georgian coin. As we know, the rehabilitation works of Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi motorway will cross the Iori gorge and adjacent territories. Besides the existing road (Vaziani, Dining hall, Gombori, Tetri Tsklebi and Telavi), there are three alternatives proposed: variant 1 – Vaziani, Mughanlo, Trinity Monastery, Zhati, Sorodani, Telavi; variant 2 – Vaziani, Sartichala, Patardzeuli and Telavi; variant 3 – Vaziani, Trinity gorge and Monastery, Gombori, Telavi. We will try to describe the monuments of cultural heritage in the vicinity of these roads known from special literary sources.First of all, we will consider the specimens of the cultural heritage along the currently effective Vaziani- a dining hall -Gombori-Telavi motorway. The most important archaeological-architectural monument along the mentioned section of the road up to Telavi is a fortified town Ujarma. The monument is located on the right bank of the river Iori, 45 km from Tbilisi, directly at Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi motor road. The first data in the chronicles about Ujarma were fixed in the III century. Ujarma was located on a strategically important site connecting Kartli to Kakheti and Near East. This road crossed Ujarma along the river Alazani ran through Hereti and farther, through Albania and Armenia. This was why Ujarma acquired a leading position and became a political center of Kakheti in the future. Since the IV century, there have been additional data appearing about Ujarma associated with the spreading of Christianity in Kartli. According to the chronicles, the deeds of St. Nino in Mtskheta were first of all oriented on inner and outer Kakheti (Ujarma, Bodbe, Katsareti). ‘And ordered Blessed Nino; ‘Take two crosses and erect one of them in Tkhoti where the God showed His power and give another to Salome, Christ’s slave to erect it in the city of Ujarma.’ When St. Nino fell ill, Salome of Ujarma was taking care of her whilst in Ujarma and described St. Nino’s life in detail. Since the death of St. Nino, Ujarma has been named together with Mtskheta, as one more important center of Kartli Kingdom. A particular contribution to the building of Ujarma was made by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who shifted his residence from Mtskheta to Ujarma. Though for a short time, but Ujarma became a capital of Kartli Kingdom, followed by large-scale constructions. A palace, St. Razhden Church and various buildings were constructed and most importantly, the town was fenced with a strong

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enclosure. According to the historical sources, Ujarma became a densely populated town where there lived craftsmen and tradesmen, elite representatives and even the King. It was here that Vakhtang Gorgasali called ‘The lion of lions and the giant of giants’ deceased in 502. During the reign of Vakhtang’s successor Dachi of Ujarma, Ujarma had been a royal residence for some time. In the 50’s of the past century, archaeological excavations were carried out in Ujarma to find numerous architectural buildings of different building periods, including remains of Vakhtang Gorgasali’s palace, upper fortress – a citadel, enclosures of the lower fortress, towers and many others. The territory of the fortified town reaches down the river bank. The archaeological excavations revealed many different clay wares, glass ornamentation and metal money, pitches, clay stoves, reserves of catapult stones, etc. Based on some materials found here, the local production of glazed ceramics is assumed to be common in Ujarma in the X-XIII centuries. The surveys in the vicinity of the fortified town revealed monuments of different periods of the Middle Ages, in particular, the Kobtavi basilica (IX c.), the Ninikelaant church (XVIII c.) built in the gorge of the palace, so called the Durgliaant church (XVII-XVIII cc.), the Datunaant church located 1 km south-west of Ujarma. There is a small, but a well-built and well-preserved one-nave church of the Avalishvilis of the XVIII century constructed by Zaal Avalishvili standing at the road running from Ujarma to Gombori, at 1.5 km. Otaraani. This is the village along Tbilisi-Gombori motorway. There is a three-nave basilica of the mature Middle Ages survived in Otaraani.Shuamta. The geographical environment of Shuamta is significant, as it is the most comfortable passage from the Iori gorge and accordingly, central regions of Kartli to Alazani Valley in inner Kakheti, Telavi region. There is an old monastery called Dzveli Shuamta standing in Shuamta forest, about 7 km from Telavi. Fdzveli Shuamta is an architectural complex of the buildings of the V-VII centuries and is one of the most ancient monasteries in Georgia. The Monastery is made up of three churches: 1) the V-century basilica, one of the most ancient specimens of Georgian domeless architecture;2) The VII-century church of the Mtskheta Cross type; 3) The VII-century small-cupola church. Akhali Shuamta. The Monastery is located 2 or 3 km from the Dzveli Shuamta Monastery, on the cozy site surrounded by the forests. The Monastery was founded by Tinatin, the wife of Leon, King of the Kakhetians (1520-1574) and a daughter of Gurieli. According to the historical sources, the Monastery was founded as follows: at her young age, Tinatin had a vision of some noble man marrying her and she saw a white cornel-tree on the site they had a rest on their way. An ecclesiastic advised her to build a church named after Virgin Mary. Indeed, when the King Leon married Tinatin and took her to Kakheti, they stopped in Shuamta. It was here Tinatin came to see the white cornel-tree and soon she started to build the monastery here. The church was blessed in the name of Khakhuli Virgin Mary. In 1550, Tinatin became a nun at the same monastery. The queen of Kakheti was buried here as per her last will.

Variants 1 and 3Vaziani-Trinity gorge and Monastery, Gombori, Telavi.According to Vakhushti, ‘The Trinity gorge merges with the Iori above Ninotsminda, and in Khashmi, on the confluence they built a monastery and fortress of the Baptist’s nuns. Above the gorge, there is a big domed church of the Trinity with the episcope acting at it, who is the shepherd of the country up to Ertso. This gorge is the border of Hereti and Kakheti.’On the left bank of the river Iori, on the flat place just opposite the fortified town Ujarma, there is a monument of Georgian architecture called Khashmi or Katsareti Trinity. The church is a three-nave basilica built at the turn of the V cc. It is one of the largest monasteries on the territory of Georgia. Today, Katsareti Trinity is an effective monastery. The Trinity gorge is a small gorge between the Gombori Ridge and village Khashmi, north of the latter. In the ancient era, there was an old road from outer Kakheti to inner Kakheti running

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through the gorge. The proposed variant of the road almost coincides with the trajectory of the old road. The destination of all three variants of the road considered is the city of Telavi.

Variant 2 – Vaziani, Sartichala, Patardzeuli, Telavi1. Village Sartichala. The surveys in south-west of the village Sartichala in the 50s of the

previous century revealed a place of ancient settlement of the Bronze Age. This settlement is known by the local population as ‘Natakhtari’.

2. At Patardzeuli, on the eastern edge of the village, a site of ancient settlement of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (XII-VII cc. B.C.) was revealed as a result of surveys in the 50’s of the previous century, known to the local population as “Bezhitaant Gora’.

3. There are two round towers of the middle XVIII century standing in the northern-western part of the village.

4. There are fortress ruins on the hill, north-west of the village. According to the historical sources, there was an ancient fortress standing on this site, which was restored by King Erekle in the middle XVIII century.

5. There is also a hall church of the late Middle Ages built of cobblestone in the village.

Variant 3 – Vaziani-Trinity gorge and Monastery, Gombori, Telavi. According to Vakhushti, ‘The Trinity gorge merges with the Iori above Ninotsminda, and in Khashmi, on the confluence they built a monastery and fortress of the Baptist’s nuns. Above the gorge, there is a big domed church of the Trinity with the episcope acting at it, who is the shepherd of the country up to Ertso. This gorge is the border of Hereti and Kakheti.’On the left bank of the river Iori, on the flat place just opposite the fortified town Ujarma, there is a monument of Georgian architecture called Khashmi or Katsareti Trinity. The church is a three-nave basilica built at the turn of the V cc. It is one of the largest monasteries on the territory of Georgia. Today, Katsareti Trinity is an effective monastery. The Trinity gorge is a small gorge between the Gombori Ridge and village Khashmi, north of the latter. In the ancient era, there was an old road from outer Kakheti to inner Kakheti running through the gorge. The proposed variant of the road almost coincides with the trajectory of the old road. The destination of all three variants of the road considered is the city of Telavi. Telavi. Telavi is one of the most ancient cities of Georgia. It is situated at the foothill of the north-east slope of the Gombori Ridge. The city is built directly on the hill of mount Tsivi. The geographical location of Telavi is profitable. Telavi is linked to Tbilisi by means of two roads. A shorter one runs across the Gombori Pass (97 km) and another way runs through Gurjaani (159 km). The principal historical districts in Telavi are “Zuzumbo Gora’, ‘Dzveli Galavani’, ‘Gvtaeba Bortsvi’, ‘Pikris Gora’, ‘Nadikvari’. The archaeological excavations in the historical districts and environs of Telavi have made it clear that the first sites of ancient settlement here first appeared in the Late Bronze Age (XVI-XIV cc. B.C.). The trace of the site of ancient settlement of a later period belongs to the Hellenistic and Late Antique periods (IV c. B.C. – III c. A.D.). The found archaeological material had revealed that in the Early Feudal Age, in the IV-VI cc., the city was situated on the hills ‘of Kadori’ and the ‘Deity Church’. The fragments of that–time enclosure, remains of craftsmen’s and tradesmen’s residential districts and tombs with the things of the Early Feudal Age were found. Telavi politically advanced in the X-XI cc. In the XI-XIII cc., it was the capital of Kakheti-Hereti united principality and was distinguished for developed city life. The city was the center of craftsmanship and trade what is evidenced by the overhead architectural monuments found as a result of archaeological excavations and survived to our days. There are the remains of a castle fenced with the enclosure survived in ‘Dzveli Galavani’. The archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of different buildings built with cobblestone and brick. There were also

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found different archaeological materials, including glazed ware distinguished for their diversified ornaments and high quality. There is also unglazed clay ware of different designations, used in the kitchen, for parties, for wine, at farms, etc. There were also building ceramics – brick, tiles and other things found. Most importantly, they found the ceramic burning stoves in the craftsmen’s districts what evidences the local ceramic production. There were glass items and numismatic material found, too: the VI-VII-century-old Sasanian silver drachmas and Byzantine coins. The numismatic material is a clear evidence of Telavi having the economic relations with foreign countries in the Early Middle Ages. The coins found in Telavi and its environs are the evidence of lively trade in the city. The coins produced in the names of kings and foreign coins were found here. The coins of the times of the King Tamar and David Soslan (1200), Rusudan (1230), Demetre II (1271-1298), Byzantine golden coins, the ones produced in the name of Sultan of Rum, etc. were also found here. The archaeological excavations evidence that in the Late Feudal Age, when many cities were destroyed by foreign invaders Telavi managed to retain its economic wealth at a certain degree. The complex of the buildings found as a result of excavations includes residential, economic and public premises and most importantly, churches, which were built in the different periods of the Late Feudal Age. In the XVII century, King Archil II, taking advantage of the short peace established in the country, built a royal palace ‘Batonis Tsikhe’ (‘Lord’s Fortress’) and in 1672, shifted his residence from Gremi to Telavi. Two stages may be distinguished in the construction of “Batonis Tsikhe’. The first stage covered the building activity by King Archil (second half of the XVII c.) and the second stage belongs to the times of Erekle II (second half of the XVIII c.). The architectural ensemble with the king’s residence in it was called ‘Batonis Tsikhe’. The ‘Batonis Tsikhe’ complex of the XVII-XVIII cc. is composed of enclosure, palace, two chapels royal, bathhouse and a tunnel. Erekle II was born and died (1744-1789) in ‘Batonis Tsikhe’ palace. During the reign of Erekle II, Kakheti was a powerful kingdom and Telavi also expanded significantly. Since the II half of the XVIII century, Telavi had become a political and economic center of Kakheti Kingdom. It was a typical feudal city with four strong fortresses, palaces and churches. We have described only the part of the monuments of the cultural heritage near the three variants of Tbilisi-Telavi motor road, described in special literature. No planned archaeological-architectural surveys have been organized in these surroundings excepting the city of Telavi and Ujarma fortified town. To consider the least of the special significance of the two sites in the study of the history of Kakheti and Georgia generally, and rich and informative artifacts found at these monuments and in their vicinity as a result of archaeological excavations, many archaeological monuments are expected to be found during the earthworks on the given territory. Therefore, we think it absolutely necessary to allow the field specialists to conduct a preliminary exploration of specific sections and obtain due information prior to construction or reconstruction works.

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ANNEX 3

Information About the Baseline Social Environment

1. Administrative regions of Georgia, crossed by the alternative routes of Tbilisi-Telavi motorway and settlements in the vicinity of these routes

Region/Village Alternative route Crosses/runs in the vicinity

Gardabani Region All CrossesSartichala II CrossesMuganlo Main, I and III Crosses

Telavi Region The city of Telavi All Crosses

Tetri Tsklebi Main and IIIVariant I

Crossesruns in the vicinity

Kobadze Main and IIIVariant I

CrossesRuns in the vicinity

Pantiani Main, I and III Runs in the vicinitySalebeli Main, I and III Runs in the vicinitySerodani Main, I and III Runs in the vicinity

Sagarejo RegionThe city of Sagarejo

Patardzeuli Variant II Crosses

Ninotsminda Variant II Runs in the vicinityUjarma Main CrossesPaldo Main Crosses

Khashmi Variant I and IIIMain and II

CrossesRuns in the vicinity

Askilauri Main Crosses

Gombori Main and III Crosses

Verona Main and III Crosses

Sasadilo Main Crosses

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2. Scheme of the population’s income and expenditure in different regions of Georgia

Scheme of average monthly incomes per household in different regions                     GEL

2007

  Kakheti TbilisiShida Kartli

Kvemo Kartli

Samtskhe-Javakheti Ajara Guria Samgerelo Imereti

Mtsketa-Mtianeti

Monetary incomes and transfers 220.8 439.2 217.9 260.9 264.5 226.9 162.2 242.4 275.1 225.4

from hired labour 56.9 266.0 54.7 121.3 64.3 102.2 37.5 72.6 89.0 108.4from self-employment 38.2 49.6 40.6 42.0 20.2 56.3 12.3 32.3 48.0 19.6from selling the agricultural

goods 55.7 0.1 40.9 33.7 79.9 9.3 23.1 40.4 35.0 11.6from property (renting,

deposit interest) 0.5 8.1 4.7 0.2 7.2 3.3 0.0 0.6 3.3 2.2

pensions, scholarship, relief39.7 37.6 40.6 33.6 41.9 33.7 47.2 49.3 49.4 44.7

remittances for abroad6.5 26.9 9.3 8.1 26.5 6.0 7.7 15.7 21.7 14.6

funds received from close people and relatives 23.2 50.8 27.2 21.9 24.6 15.9 34.4 31.6 28.8 24.3

Non-monetary incomes 81.0 13.4 102.3 66.6 101.5 42.0 143.0 131.1 123.6 54.9Total of incomes 301.8 452.6 320.2 327.5 366.0 268.9 305.2 373.5 398.7 280.3Other monetary funds 57.1 47.4 65.8 33.4 83.0 62.0 39.6 40.6 50.5 38.5

Selling of property 9.5 8.1 10.1 2.9 3.0 5.4 0.0 1.1 4.6 4.2Lending money and using

the savings 47.6 39.3 55.7 30.6 80.0 56.6 39.6 39.5 45.9 34.4Total of monetary funds 277.9 486.5 283.7 294.3 347.6 288.9 201.8 283.1 325.7 263.9Total of monetary and non-monetary funds 358.9 499.9 386.0 360.9 449.1 330.9 344.8 414.2 449.2 318.8

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Scheme of average monthly expenditure per household in different regions                    GEL

  Kakheti TbilisiShida Kartli Kvemo Kartli

Samtskhe-Javakheti Ajara Guria Samgerelo Imereti

Mtsketa-Mtianeti

Consumers monetary expenditure for: 224.0 467.9 222.7 289.3 334.2 278.6 202.8 248.7 296.6 249.0

foodstuff, drinks, tobacco products 116.9 206.8 111.9 149.8 179.2 139.1 108.6 133.5 145.7 116.3

clothes and footwear10.3 17.7 11.1 19.3 13.3 15.7 6.0 12.2 17.8 10.1

household goods 7.0 19.2 9.1 8.6 16.9 8.2 6.6 9.4 11.9 6.1

health 21.1 38.0 19.6 17.2 25.9 21.5 25.2 22.3 29.2 35.8

fuel and electrical energy22.4 55.7 22.0 35.1 47.2 37.3 18.3 23.9 28.6 24.8

transport 21.6 45.0 17.9 29.7 22.0 23.8 18.3 20.3 28.2 30.7

education, culture and recreation 7.5 24.0 8.0 6.5 9.2 11.3 7.0 7.8 9.8 7.7

Other consumers expenditure 17.1 61.6 23.1 23.1 20.6 21.9 12.9 19.4 25.5 17.6

Non-monetary expenditure 81.0 13.4 102.3 66.6 101.5 42.0 143.0 131.1 123.6 54.9

Total of consumers expenditure305.0 481.3 325.0 356.0 435.7 320.7 345.9 379.8 420.2 303.9

Non-concumers monetary expenditure 49.4 38.5 77.7 34.1 74.2 33.1 39.9 53.0 51.0 32.8

agricultural expenses14.4 0.2 14.2 8.9 12.3 4.0 10.5 16.3 12.5 5.7

for transfers 6.6 11.5 14.2 13.5 16.2 4.0 15.3 14.8 17.1 7.9

for savings or lending 25.6 23.0 45.5 8.7 41.2 22.2 11.8 17.6 13.8 11.2

for purchasing property 2.8 3.8 3.8 3.0 4.6 2.9 2.2 4.4 7.6 8.0Total of monetary expenditure 273.5 506.4 300.5 323.5 408.4 311.7 242.7 301.8 347.6 281.8Total of expenditure 354.4 519.8 402.7 390.1 509.9 353.8 385.7 432.9 471.2 336.7

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3. Description of socio-economic environment of the villages Sartichala and Muganlo of Gardabani Region

1. Demographic structure The number of population, according to the population is 14000, including 9000 in

village Sartichala and 5000 in village Muganlo. 1526 refugees from Abkhazia of 1992-1993 and 337 refugees from Tskhinvali of 2008

live in the municipality. 3 refugees live in the houses of private people in Sartichala and 112 refugees are compactly populated.

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches2.1. Agriculture

Wine-making and viticulture are common. The locals grow agricultural crops – corn, wheat, barley. The locals are engaged in cattle-breeding, too. There is an enterprise processing the agricultural products (crops seed).

2.2. Tourism There are 48 historical monuments on the territory of the Municipality: 12 in Martkopi,

10 in Norio, 5 in Akhalsopeli, 5 in Teleti, 5 in Kumisi, 2 in Sartichala (The Virgin Mary and St. Lazarus Churches).

There is a Museum of local lore ‘Kukheti’ functioning in the Municipality; there are also museums functioning in Norio, Martkopi and Sartichala and the Stalin House in Akhalsopeli.

On July 15 of 2008, a project ‘Tourist route ‘A Golden Circle’ Tbilisi-Norio-Deity Monastery-Martkopi-Vaziani-Sartichala-Tbilisi’ was developed.

The route will include such types of tourism as motoring, rock climbing, horsing, agro-tourism, etc.

2.3. Large- and small-scale businesses There are large-scale industrial enterprises functioning in the Region. Small-scale business is mainly represented by trade. Roadside trade is mainly accomplished by means of small booths, catering objects,

trading points of a common use.

2.4. Employment, unemployment, level of poverty The number of unemployed constitutes about 80% of the total population. The level of poverty is about 80%.

4. Availability of medical service 4.1. There is 1 hospital and 1 children’s polyclinic, 20 village outpatients clinics and emergency medical service 03 in the Municipality center. There is a village outpatients clinic with 5 emergency teams functioning in Sartichala. There is also an emergency medical service 03 with 12 staff in Sartichala. 4.2. The medical service is available for the above-listed village population.

Outpatient medical treatment and emergency medical service 03 are available locally. Hospital medical treatment and emergency medical service 03 are available in the nearest

regional center.

5. EducationThere are 4 schools functioning in Sartichala and Muganlo.

There are 3 Georgian schools and 1 Azeri school available locally.

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Higher education can be gained in the nearest large cities only. The ethnic minorities have the option to gain the education in their native language

locally (in the village), at Azeri school.

6. Infrastructure and municipal services Water-supply and sewerage – 40-50%. Electrical power – permanent. Natural gas – 40-50%. Other energy resources.

7. Large-scale infrastructural elements within the construction zone of the motorway alternatives

Oil and gas pipelines – there is an oil pipeline running here. Power transmission lines cross the territory. Means of communication – mobile and non-cable means of communication.

8. Market value of private land in different regions and villages 1 sq. m. of agricultural land plot costs 5 GEL. 1 sq. m. of non-agricultural land plot costs 10 GEL.

9. Average price of the houses in different regions and villages The average price of a one-storey house is 25 000 GEL. The average price of a two-storey house is 35 000 GEL.

10. Market value of fruit-trees The price of transplants (young trees) is 5-10 GEL. The price of mature fruit-bearing trees is 10-15 GEL.

4. Description of socio-economic environment of the villages of Sagarejo Region and of the villages along alternative routes of the motorway

Sagarejo Region1. Demographic dataPopulation – 62000including 24800 women,37200 men, and23000 ethnic minority.

Refugees and other vulnerable social groups (elderly, large families, single mothers, disabled, etc.)

1. RefugeesBy 2009, there are 20 families of 66 refugees from Shida Kartli settled at Sagarejo Municipality in an organized manner, and there are 4 families consisting of 24 refugees settled in the private sector. There are 24 families of 60 refugees from Abkhazia settled in an organized manner and 20 families of 68 refugees from Abkhazia settled in the private sector making total of 64 families of 216 refugees.

2. Elderly (over 95-100) – 34. 3. Large families – 27. 4. Single mothers – 65.

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5. Disabled – 29 (5 with epilepsy, 24 with cerebral palsy). 6. Orphans - 4.

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different sectorsAgriculture70% of the Municipality population is engaged in agriculture, including viticulture, grain-growing (corn, wheat, barley), cattle-breeding (cow-raising, sheep-breeding). There are no enterprises processing agricultural products on the territory of the Municipality.

There is neither tourist center on the territory of the Municipality, nor perspective plan thereof; however, different types of tourism can be developed (eco-tourism, agro-tourism, wine tourism, horsing). There are a number of cultural monuments here:

Ujarma citadel, the IV century monument. Khashmi Trinity Church, the V century monument. Khashmi St. John the Baptist Church, the XVII century monument. Davit Gareji, the VI century monument. Manavi Virgin Mary Church of the XVIII century. Ninotsminda Monastic Complex, the XVI century monument.

There are no large-scale industrial objects here. Small-scale business: poultry keeping, greenhouse business, cigarette enterprise, wine cellars. There are roadside catering objects in the city of Sagarejo, village Ninotsminda, village Tokhliauri, village Badiauri and village Giorgitsminda.

3. Employment70% of the population are employed in agriculture.10% of the population are employed at the state sector.11% of the population are employed at private and small-scale businesses. 6% of the population are employed in health sector, and3% of the population are employed in the field of education.

4. Availability of medical service Sagarejo Municipality has the following medical institutions: JSC Sagarejo Regional Hospital, Sagarejo Children’s Hospital Ltd., Sagarejo polyclinic-outpatient association Ltd., Sagarejo Children’s Polyclinic Ltd., Emergency Medical Aid 03 Ltd., Non-medical legal (non-commercial) entity ‘Sagarejo Municipality Public Health Center’.

Emergency Medical Aid 03 Ltd. renders emergency medical service by telephone calls and offers hospitalization of the patients in case of necessity.

Sagarejo Children’s Polyclinic Ltd. renders the following types of service: consultations, outpatient treatment, first aid, planned immunization, etc. The mentioned institution is available to the absolute majority of the Municipality population. The patients are sent to the capital of the country when high-technology medical service is required.

Sagarejo Children’s Hospital Ltd. renders the medical service to the population of Sagarejo Municipality. The population of Sartichala and Kachreti also often apply to this institution requiring medical treatment. It should be noted that such requests by the population of Ujarma-Gombori are few in number, unlike other villages. The number of patients registered per annum is over 1000 evidencing that the hospital is available to everyone. Sagarejo Children’s Hospital Ltd. renders the medical service in the following fields: pediatrics (hospital and outpatient),

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neonatology, children’s infectious diseases, neurology, throat-ear-nose diseases, children’s toxicology, physiotherapy, clinical diagnostic and biochemical laboratory studies, X-ray diagnostics, functional diagnostics, echoscopy. The patients are taken to Tbilisi hospitals when their state of health is critical and when a tuberculosis specialist, endocrinologist or hematologist is needed. According to the information of Sagarejo polyclinic-outpatient association Ltd., the number of the primary health institutions in Sagarejo Municipality is 15, including:

(1) Sagarejo adults’ polyclinic, Sagarejo family medicine center serving the city and village population.

(2) Medical outpatient clinic of Giorgitsminda to render the medical service to the population of Giorgitsminda, Mariamjvari, Antoki, Kvemo Samgori settlement.

(3) Medical outpatient clinic of Ninotsminda to render the medical service to the population of Ninotsminda and Tskarostavi.

(4) Family medicine center of Patardzeuli for the population of Patardzeuli. (5) Medical outpatient clinic of Khashmi for the population of village Khashmi. (6) Medical outpatient clinic of Ujarma for the population of Ujarma, Paldo, Mukhrovani.(7) Family medicine center of Gombori for the population of Gombori, Kochbaani, Verona,

Rusiani, Askilauri, Vashliani, Sasadilo, Gorana, Ikvlivgorana. (8) Medical outpatient clinic of Tokhliauri for the population of village Tokhliauri.

5. EducationThere are 2 public schools, 25 secondary and 1 basic schools with 7773 pupils and 772 teachers functioning in Sagarejo Municipality. In addition, there are 2 private schools with 109 students and 35 teachers functioning here. There is also 1 state professional training school with 97 students and 21 teachers and 2 private professional training schools with 57 students and 30 teachers functioning in the Municipality. Out of 26 public schools, 4 public schools and 2 professional training schools function in the city of Sagarejo and are available to every village resident in Sagarejo Municipality. As for the option of gaining the higher education, the population of Sagarejo gains it at Tbilisi, Telavi or Rustavi higher institutions. As for the ethnic minority, no problems are observed in this direction. There are 4 Azebiajani schools functioning in Azerbaijani villages of Sagarejo Municipality.

6. Infrastructure and Communal servicesIn recent years, one of the priorities of Sagarejo Municipality was to support the development of infrastructure. Almost fully amortized water-supply and sewage systems have been put into order; however, there is still much to do. The population has continuous electrical power-supply, but the electric transmission network needs thorough rehabilitation. Natural gas is supplied to the city of Sagarejo, villages Khashmi, Giorgitsminda, Ninotsminda and Patardzeuli.

The city of Sagarejo

1. Demographic dataTotal population – 12658women – 6358men – 6300ethnic minority– 304socially unprotected families - 807

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches Agriculture

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67% of the city population is engaged in agriculture, including viticulture, grain-growing (corn, wheat, barley), cattle-breeding (cow-breeding, sheep-breeding).

Small-scale business: Poultry-keeping, greenhouse business, tobacco production, wine celars. Roadside catering objects: There is a restaurant ‘Khaklkhuri Sakhli’ in the city of Sagarejo.

3. EmploymentAgriculture – 67%state sector– 4%private sector and Small-scale business – 14%health – 6%education – 8%

4. Availability of medical serviceThere are health institutions, a polyclinic and 2 hospitals on the city territory.

5. Education.There are 4 public schools and 2 professional training schools in the city of Sagarejo.

6. Infrastructure and communal services50% of local roads in Sagarejo have been put in order. The city sewerage needs rehabilitation. The whole territory of the city is supplied with gas.

7. Large infrastructural elements within the construction zone of the motorway alternatives

Gas pipeline in Sagarejo.

Village Khashmi

1. Demographic dataTotal population – 1549women – 801men – 748ethnic minority– 14socially unprotected families - 101

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches Agriculture

92% of the village population is engaged in agriculture, including viticulture, grain-growing (corn, wheat, barley), cattle-breeding (cow-breeding, sheep-breeding).

3. EmploymentAgriculture – 88%state sector– 1%private sector and small-scale business – 3%health – 1%education – 5%level of poverty

4. Availability of medical service

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There is a first aid station on the village territory.

5. Education.There is a public school in the village.

6. Infrastructure and communal servicesThe village local roads need rehabilitation.

Village Ninotsminda

1. Demographic dataTotal population – 3050women – 1648men – 1402ethnic minority– 0refugees 0,23%socially unprotected families - 175

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches Agriculture

81% of the village population is engaged in agriculture, including viticulture, grain-growing (corn, wheat, barley), cattle-breeding (cow-breeding, sheep-breeding).

3. EmploymentAgriculture – 45%state sector– 0,6%private sector and small-scale business – 7%health – 0,3%education – 4%

4. Availability of medical serviceThere is a first aid station on the village territory.

5. Education.There is a public school in the village.

6. Infrastructure and communal servicesThe village local roads need rehabilitation.

Vilage Patardzeuli

1. Demographic dataTotal population – 3229women – 1688men – 1541ethnic minority– 5socially unprotected families - 207

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches Agriculture

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50% of the village population is engaged in agriculture, including viticulture, grain-growing (corn, wheat, barley), cattle-breeding (cow-breeding, sheep-breeding).

3. EmploymentAgriculture – 45%state sector– 5%private sector and Small-scale business – 3%health – 3%education – 20%level of poverty

4. Availability of medical serviceThere is a first aid station on the village territory.

5. Education.There is a public school in the village.

6. Infrastructure and communal servicesThe village local roads need rehabilitation.

Village Gombori

1. Demographic dataTotal population – 1150women – 560men – 590ethnic minority– 420refugees - 8socially unprotected families - 83

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches Agriculture

95% of the village population is engaged in agriculture, including fruit-growing, vegetable and potato growing, cattle-breeding (cow-breeding, sheep-breeding).

3. EmploymentAgriculture – 95%state sector– 0,3%private sector and small-scale business – 2%health – 0,3%education – 2,3%unemploymentlevel of poverty

4. Availability of medical serviceThere is a first aid station on the village territory.

5. Education.There is a public school in the village. 6. Infrastructure and communal services

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The village local roads need rehabilitation.

Village Ujarma

1. Demographic dataTotal population – 458women – 250men – 208ethnic minority– 11socially unprotected families - 60

2. Economic structure and trends, development of different branches Agriculture

95% of the village population is engaged in agriculture, including fruit-growing, vegetable and potato growing, cattle-breeding (cow-breeding, sheep-breeding).

3. EmploymentAgriculture – 90%state sector– 1%private sector and Small-scale business – 2%health – 0,2%education – 8%level of poverty

4. Availability of medical serviceThere is a first aid station on the village territory.

5. education.There is a public school in the village.

6. Infrastructure and communal servicesThe village local roads need rehabilitation.

5. Description of socio-economic environment of the villages of Telavi Region and of the villages along the alternative routes of the motorway

Telavi Municipality

Social-economic data

1. Demographic structure

Telavi – 19 736 residentsAkura - 2 457 residentsVanta – 1 231 residentsGulgula - 1 250 residentsVardisubani – 3 190 residentsIkalto – 2 890 residentsKisiskhevi - 2 400 residents

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Nasamkhrali – 450 residentsKondoli – 2 645 residentsKurdgelauri- 4 425 residentsNapareuli – 2 700 residentsLapankuri – 1050 residentsRuispiri- 3 100 residentsSaniore – 1000 residentsArtana- 1660 residentsJugaani- 200 residentsPshaveli – 2083 residentsLaliskuri – 773 residentsLechuri-155 residentsKveda Khodasheni – 1584 residentsBusheti -1375 residentsKarajala- 8005 residentsShalauri- 2 630 residentsTsinandali - 3738 residentsTetrtsklebi – 197 residentsKobadze (68 residents)Pantiani (7 residents)Serodani (8 residents)Nadikvari (70 residents)Total 71 078 residents,

including Moslem Azerbaijanis living in Nadikvari and Orthodox ethnic Ossetians living in the village Jugaani. There are 393 refugees and 90 forcedly displaced people living in the Region.There are 54 large families,1901 disabled, and 195 single mothers.

2. Economic structureViticulture, wine-making, fruit-growing, cattle-breeding. The principal crops are: grape, apple, peach, potato, haricot, onion, garlic. 3. Tourism Telavi organizations in the field of tourism:Telavi complex sports school, address: Tsabadze Street #57, Tel: (8250) 7-45-17 893 37 98 95Telavi sporting games school, address: Leonidze Street, Tel: (8250) 7-28-06 899 47 77 58Football school, address: Leonidze Street #13, Tel: 899 92 95 65The Givi Chokheli state stadium, address: Leonidze Street# 13, Tel: (8250) 7-35-33 899 23 94 73Chess House, address: 26 May Street, Tel: (8250) 7-31-01

Entertainment sites:Recreational part ‘Nadikvari’, address: Nadikvari Street, Tel: 899 91 16 28

Wine factories in Telavi Region:1. GWS - Telavi, Achinebuli, Tel: 877222016, Dima Gagunashvili. Functioning.

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2. ‘Vinotera’, village Kisiskhevi, Telavi Tel: 877508079 8(32)454500, Giorgi Dakishvili. Functioning. 3. ‘Telavi Wine Cellar’, Telavi, Kurdgelauri, Tel: 877410020 8(250)73707 Zura Ramazashvili. Functioning. 4. "Teliani Valley",Telavi, Tbilisi Highway #3, Tel: 8(32)313245/46/47/48 877712194 Shota Kobelia, Levan Chkhaidze; functioning. 5. ‘Kakhuri’, Telavi, Tbilisi Highway #1, Tel: (+9953350)70200Zura Goletiani; functioning. 6. ‘Kakheti Wine House’, Tel: 899737419, Gia; functioning. 7. ‘Shumi’, village Tsinanadali, Tel: 899565522, Akaki Tsopurashvili; functioning.

Banks:

VTB bank, address: Chokheli Street #3, Tel:(8250)7-22-82working hours: 10º-16³ºBank Republic, address: Alazani Avenue, Tel: (8250) 7-56-08working hours: 9 - 17³ºTBC Bank, address: Rustaveli Street # 27, Tel: (8250) 7-31-57working hours: 10 - 17ººBasis Bank, address: Erekle II Street #1, Tel: (8250) 7- 60 -56working hours: 9-17ººBank of Georgia, address: Chavchavadze #6, Tel: 7-49-62/61Pro-Credit Bank, address: Ketevan Tsamebuli Street #11, Tel: (8250) 7- 01-65working hours: 10ºº - 17ººStandard Bank, address: Vardoshvili Street #7, Tel: (8250) 7- 31 - 00working hours: 10º- 17³ºPeople’s Bank, address: Cholokashvili Street #6, Tel: (8250) 7- 60 - 88 (8250) 7 - 27 - 04working hours: 9ºº- 18ºº

Insurance companies:Imedi L, address: Erekle II Avenue # 25, Tel: (8250) 7- 07-88 working hours: 10ºº - 17ººGPI Holding, address: Erekle II Avenue.

Catering objects:Cafe ‘Mary’, Zaza Chachkhiani (owner)Address: Erekle II Avenue, Tel: 893 21 72 54 working hours: 10-21ººCafé ‘Sachaiae’, Gogi Andronikashvili (owner)Address: Erekle II #6, Tel: 855 57 05 25working hours: 9º- 23ººCafé ’Samepo’, Gia Mestvirishvili (owner)Address: Erekle Street #2 Tel: (8250) 7 – 55 – 27working hours: 11º-21ººCafe ‘Old Telavi’, address: Erekle IICafé ‘Hollywood’, Rusudan Imerlishvili (owner)Address: Erekle II Street #1, Tel: (8250) 7-33-81working hours: 11º-23ººRestaurants:‘Lord’, Individual entrepreneur Lusia Grogoryan (owner)

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Address: Alazani Avenue, Tel: 899 60 27 76working hours: 9-23ºº‘Khergili’‘Rcheuli Marani’, Rcheulishvili Maia (owner)Address: Chavchavadze Avenue #154, Tel: 7 30 30‘Alazani Valley’, address: Alazani Avenue #75, Kote Makhatelashvili (owner)Tel: 7-41-44‘Tsiskari’, Zaza Tsiskarishvili (owner)Brewery ‘Alazani Valley’, Kote Makhatelashvili (owner)Address: Davitashvili Street #17, Tel: 74668‘Zuzumbo’, address: Zuzumbo‘Dzveli Shuamta’, village Vardisubani, Tel: 899 19 88 34‘Akhali Shuamta’, village Vardisubani.

Bus station:BUS STATION LTD. Address: Alazani Avenue #6, Tel: (8250) 7-16-19working hours: 9ºº-18ººJSC ALAZANI, address: Besiki Street #2 Tel: (8250) 7–20–83, (8250) 7 – 16 – 68working hours: 9ºº-18ººBus station ROKI, address: Alazani Avanue #3, Tel:(8250) 7- 43 -90working hours: 6ºº-18ºº

TheatreTelavi is rich not only in its antiquities, but it is one of the modern cultural centres of Georgia nourished with century-old traditions. It was here the foundations to the Georgian theatre were laid down 225 years ago. The first Georgian academician Teimuraz Bagrationi, a great Georgian figure Solomon Dodashvili, a great Georgian poet Vazha-Pshavela, a wordly famous scientist Ivane Beritashvili, a brilliant stage director Sandro Akhmeteli and many others were educated in Telavi. Telavi brought up many famous scientists, state and political figures, men of art and sportsmen. K. Iashvili Arts Gallery at Telavi State Historical-Ethnographic Museum K. Iashvili Arts Gallery at Telavi State Historical-Ethnographic Museum is one of the interesting galleries all over Georgia. The Gallery houses the XVIII-XX cc. works of Western European, Georgian and Russian painting schools, one of the exhibits being of world significance. The foundations to the Arts Gallery were laid down by a Georgian patriot Ketevan Iashvili, who used to collect a unique collection all her life to hand itdown to her native city as a gift. This is a rich collection, which is diversified thematically and in genre and with its content. It features works of the XIX-century Georgian and modern artists, Russian painters of the XIX-XX cc. and prominent representatives of the West European school. There are total 167 exhibits preserved at the Gallery.

Tourist centresThere is a tourism information centre in Telavi: Tourist agencies: ‘LG Tour’ and ‘Melgi’.

Tourist routes:The tourist routes in Telavi are as follows: Telavi-Shuamta-IkaltoTelavi-Tsinandali.

Museums: 1. G. Chubinishvili State Historical-Ethnographic Museum of Telavi, Telavi Region.

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2. A. Chavchavadze House in Tsinandali, Telavi Region.

Types of tourism:Agro-tourism: wine tourism, cultural tourism.

Historical monuments in Telavi RegionThe Ikalto Monastery was founded in the second half of the VI century by St. Zenon and was an important cultural-educational centre not only in Kakheti, but all over Georgia. According to the story, a famous philosopher Arsen of Ikalto established a higher school – an academy in the XII century here, where the students studied theolody, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry, singing. There were numerous works, a cellar and a smithy around the main building where the students studied metal-working, ceramics production, viticulture and wine-making, pharmacology, etc. The Academy existed until 1616 when Shah-Abass put the Academy on fire at one of his invasions. There are three churches on the territory of the Ikalto Monastery: the Deity, All-Holy and Trinity Churches. According to the legend, it was at Ikalto Academy where Shota Rustaveli studied. Since 1962, Ikalto Academy hosts an annual event ‘Shotaoba’.

Telavi Region, 8 km from TelaviOne of the most ancient historical monuments of Kakheti is the IV-century Shio Monastery.The ensemble of the Dzveli Shuamta includes a V-century basilica and a VII-century two-cupola church. All three churches are built with cobblestone. There was a monastery in Shuamta, which was devastated in the XVI century. Tinatin, wife of Levan II, the King of the Kakhetians (1520-74) founded a new monastery near the Dzveli Shuamta. The complex of Akhali Shuamta, which was restored by King Erekle II, includes a brick church, belfry and other premises.

Telavi Region, 7 km from TelaviAlexander Chavchavadze’s House in the village Tsinandali is surrounded by a decorative garden. There are unique flora species of all countries of the world growing over 12 ha in the garden in Tsinandali. In the first half of the XIX century, the leading Georgian intellectuals and guests from Russia and Europe (A. Pushkin, A. Diuma) gathered in Tsinandali. Since 1975, Tsinandali hosts a poetry festival dedicated to one of the founders of the Georgian romanticism, Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846).

Telavi Region, 10 km from TelaviA XVII-XVIII cc. Residence of the kings of the Kakhetians is preserved as a complex of ‘Batonis Tsikhe’ in the centre of Telavi. The complex includes a palace, two court churches, bath and a tunnel (plus ‘Batonis Tskali’). At present, the former royal Palace houses a historical-ethnographic museum and a picture gallery with the works by Georgian, Dutch, Italian and Russian artists.

4. EmploymentSmall-scale business: Milk processing factories, family tourism, trade objects, farms, catering and service objects, different servicing centres. Unemployment reaches 90%. Level of poverty is below the poverty line.

5. Medical serviceTelaviTelavi regional public health centreTelavi regional hospital Children’s health centre

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Maternity hospital ‘Sikharuli’ Ltd. Maternity hospital ‘Health House’ Ltd. Endocrinological dispensaryOncologic dispensaryRegional narcological dispensaryEmergency medical service 03Regional polyclinic ‘Mkurnali’ Ltd. Regional Dermatology and Venereology dispensary Psycho-neurological dispensaryMedical Centre ‘Novomed’ Ltd. ‘Oftalmij’, Telavi branch of Javrishvili eye micro-surgical clinic Medical company ‘Kakheti’Polyclinic ‘Pulse’ Ltd.

Medical service in the villagesAkura- is available Outpatient medical service Vanta – Not availableBusheti – Not availableKvemo Khodasheni – Outpatient clinicTsinandali – Outpatient clinicKondoli - Outpatient clinicKisiskhevi– Outpatient clinicNasamkhrali – Not availableShalauri – Not availableKurdgelauri – Outpatient clinicVardisubani – Not availableGulgula- Outpatient clinicKarajala – Outpatient clinicRuispiri – Outpatient clinicIkalto – Outpatient clinicNapareuli – Not availableSaniore – Outpatient clinicJugaani – Not availablePshaveli – Outpatient clinicLaliskuri – Not availableLechuri – Not availableLapankuri – Outpatient clinic

6. EducationEducational Institutions

TelaviI. Gogebashvili State University Independent bio-medical collegeFolk trade professional schoolN. Sulkhanishvili music college 9 public schoolsESM school-lyceum Arts schoolN. Sulkhanishvili music school #1#2 music school Sporting hallBoxing hall

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Ankadze sporting games hallG. Chokheli stadium VillagesAkura – public school, school-lyceum, music school, kindergartenVanta – public school, kindergartenBusheti - public school, kindergartenKvemo Khodasheni - public school, kindergartenTsinandali - public school, music school, kindergarten, libraryKondoli - public school, kindergartenKisiskhevi - public school, kindergartenNasamkhrali - public school (4 forms)Shalauri - public schoolKurdgelauri - public schoolVardisubani - public school, sports hallGulgula - public school, kindergartenKarajala - public school (Georgian and Azerbaijani education), kindergartenRuispiri - public school, music school, kindergartenIkalto - public schoolNapareuli - public school, kindergarten, librarySaniore - public school, kindergartenJugaani – (Saniore public school)Pshaveli- public schoolLaliskuri-public school (6 forms)Lecuri – public school (2 forms)Artana- public schoolTetritsklebi- public school, kindergarten, library

7. Infrastructure and communal serviceThe city is supplied with drinking water according to schedule.90% of the city of Telavi lacks sewerage.The city of Telavi is gasified.Telavi Region is continuously supplied with electrical power.Gas-supply to villages:Akura - central mains (approximately 25 families)Vanta - central mains (approximately 12 families)Busheti - central mains (approximately 3 families)Kveda Khodasheni - central mains (approximately 3 families)Tsinandali – gasified Kondoli - central mains (approximately 15 families)Kisiskhevi - central mains (approximately 400 families)Nasamkhrali –gasifiedShalauri –gasifiedKurdgelauri - gasifiedVardisubani - central mains (approximately 20 families)gulgula – not gasifiedKarajala - not gasifiedRuispiri – central pipeline (not functioning)Ikalto - central pipeline (not functioning)Napareuli – not gasifiedSaniore - not gasifiedJugaani - not gasified

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Artana - not gasifiedPshaveli - not gasifiedLechuri - not gasifiedLaliskuri - not gasifiedTetritsklebi- not gasified.

8. Large-scale infrastructural elements within the construction zone No oil or gas pipelines exist.The construction zone is crossed with electrical power lines.Fibre communication is common in Telavi, Vardisubani, Shalauri.

9. Market value of private land in different regions and villages:The market value of 1 ha of agricultural land is from 1000 to 2000 GELPrices of non-agricultural lands are as follows:300-400 GEL (1 sq. m.) in the city (depending on the location)50 GEL (1 sq. m.) in villages

10. Average house prices in different regions and villagesThe average prices of the houses in the city are as follows:60-70 thousand GEL is the price of one-storey house120-150 thousand GEL is the price of two-storey house.The average prices of the houses in the villages are as follows:10-15 thousand GEL is the price of one-storey house20-25 thousand GEL is the price of two-storey house 11. Market value of fruit-trees:Average price of one transplant (young tree) is 2-4 GEL, and that of mature fruit-bearing tree is 80-100 GEL.

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ANNEX 4.

Analysis of Alternative Routes

1. Pre-selection Process

Alternative Variant I

Alternative Variant I. – Route starts from the 7th km of Gombori-Telavi road, (up to km 7 the existing road alignment is maintained). crosses the river Iori and due to the winding relief route goes to the north-east direction, via passing the “Samba monastery” and the village Jati crosses the south extension of “Tsivi ridge” on the altitude 1635 m. Next to it, the route goes down the river Turdo basin, passes along its right slope and crosses the several right tributaries, among them the large basin of the river Psitianiskhevi and joins with the existing road at km 53. Next to it the route is fully coincides with the exiting road. Total length of the alternative route, including the beginning and last sections of the existing road is 52.3 km, which is shorter by 13.7 km than the exiting road.

Alternative Variant I. This option has the same alignment but within km 18 and 27 the 4.8 km long tunnel is included, which considerably by 18.1 km shortens the difficult serpentine section of the route. The elevation of tunnel entrance and exit portals is 1332m and 1382 m respectively. The width of carriageway is adopted as 8.0 m, the width of sidewalks on each side is 0.75. The tunnel vertical clearance is 5 m. The tunnel option has an advantage over the option of open course route. Tunnel option provides the uninterrupted traffic during the whole year and together with it this option avoids the landslide sections. However, it is worth to mention that the main complexity for construction of tunnel is the probability of triggering of landslides at the entrance and exit of the tunnel. In addition, this alignment has adverse side resultes in improvidence of interests of populated areas along the exiting road, practically they will remain without road.

Alternative Variant II.

Alternative Variant II. The route starts on km 39+400 of Tbilisi-Bakurtsikhe-Lagodekhi road, in the vicinity of the village Patardzeuli, bypasses the village from the west and goes forward with high inclination, next to it, impossible to use the open course way, therefore the tunnel option is considered, which joins with I option route on km 26+800, next to it the route follows the alignment of option I till the end of the road. Total construction length including the I option route section (km 26+800-33+000) is 22.3 km. Out of which the length of the tunnel is 6.6 km. On some sections the mentioned route goes along the complex geological and topographical conditions, where landslide events, erosive and torrential processes are expected.

Total length of the alternative route, including the new (22.3m) and last sections is 34.6 km, which gives possibility to shorten the road by 19 km in comparison with the existing road, including the Vaziani-Patardzeuli section.

Alternative Variant III

Alternative Variant III. the route starts from the 10 km of Sameba, crosses the river Lapianiskhevi and joins with the existing road in the vicinity of the village Gombori. The length of this route is 8.6 km. Total construction length of the alternative route, including the length of the route of option I is 18.6 km.

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Ecollogically Ecollogically S.S. No 2 S.S. No 3

Ecologically S.S. No 1

Fig. Map of Alternative Routes

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The basin of the river Lapianiskhevi is structured with clays, conglomerates and sandstones. These deposits due to severe weathering are vulnerable to intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes.

In accordance with this option the total length of the route from Vaziani to Telavi is 57.6 km. The existing alignment is shortened by 8.4 km. In case of construction of the option 3, the villages located along the section and the adjacent territory from km 7 to km 34, will actually stay without road, will be removed the houses in the vicinity of the village Gombori. In addition the problems in concern the landslides will not be solved.

Major Criteria and Pre-Selection Considerations

The geohazard constraints (landslides, debrisflow) represented the major factor determining the route selection at the pre-selection stage. Impact on forest ecosystems also was important criteria, however the rejection of certain options from the further considerations was determined by the geohazrd constraints.

The selected three alignment options pass through the section of south slope of Tsiv-Gombori ridge, which is structured with molasses1 and characterized by complex development of hazardous geo-dynamic processes. At the same time the relief of this zone is characterized with high energetic potential (surface high gradients and badland relief). During the excavation works (slope cut, fill and cut) there is a risk of wide scale development of landslides and gravitational processes, and it would be practically impossible to maintain the slope stability

Hypsometrically, Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi road passes on the lowest point (Gombori pass).Orographically, the Tsiv-Gombori ridge is the highest meridianly oriented morphostructure of the rivers Iori and Alazani. The ridge begins in the vicinity of Shavkvetila Mountain and ends to the east of Signagi. The ridge is young structure formed in Quaternary period, still enduring the uplift, in average 6-8 mm annually. The Tsiv-Gombori ridge is structured with Cretaceous and Tertiary age flysch-terrigenous deposits and Mio-Pliocene molasses. The lower section of the ridge is structured with flysch deposits and its south-east slope with molasses. Geodynamically, the most hazardous situation is created within the area where molasses are spread. The south slope of Tsiv-Gombori ridge is structured with molasses. Therefore the wide scale development of natural disaster processes are not seldom phenomena; Land sliding, gravitational and erosive-torrential processes cover 80-90 % of the local rivers basins.

The geological structure of a ridge, high energetic potential of the relief, seismic activity and difficult meteorological conditions cause the intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion- debris torrential processes, resulted in creation of high risk hazard to 80-90% of the territory. Flysch and terrigenous deposit texture mainly develops the land sliding and gravitational processes, the slopes structured with molasses are vulnerable to intense development of gravitational and erosive –debris torrential processes. Especially the crest section of the south slope of a ridge is vulnerable to mudflow development. Due to landslides and gravitational activities the axial zone of the ridge is removed by 200 m to the north, to the meridian crossing of Gombori pass and the rivers Chailuri and Kisiskhevi.

Landslides and gravity processes are represented by two groups: landslides of seismically triggered nature which are developed in main rocks and landslides of climatic nature, developed in slope sediments. Seismic landslides are dominants in the area where flysch and terrigenous deposits are spread. The typical examples of climate induced landslides are the following: Gombori, Lapiani, Chermiskhevi, Kisiskhevi, Bakana and Shavkaba landslides.1 molasses – thick, several km deep layers of conglomerates, sandstones, clay and marl.

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At present the existing road Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi passes on the Gombori pass. Notwithstanding its morphological conditions (low hypsometry and surface inclination) and high geodynamic stress, the existing road alignment is considered as the most optimal one. Though, it should be mentioned that the total stabilization of seismic-gravitational landslides widely spread in this and in other zones of the ridge is impossible. Concerning the landslides of climatic nature the preventive and recovery measures easy to take.

The route of Alternative Variant I passes in complex topographical and geological conditions, especially km 18 and km 32 are outlined. These sections run along the slopes vulnerable to landslides activation. So, there is a great risk of triggering of landslides during construction works. Besides, the gorge system of the option 1 is characterized with torrents development and there is great chance the erosive processes will be developed. Practically, to construct the open course road is impossible. The construction length of the alternative route is 33 km.From km 18 up to km 32 the alternative runs on the territory where the complex geological structure, high energetic potential of the relief, seismic activity and difficult meteorological conditions cause the intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes. The geological structure of the alternative 1 area km 18-km32 consists of molasses, resulted in intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes. Lithologically, conglomerates are represented by weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. The bed thickness of individual pack of conglomerates in the Lower and Upper part of the profile varies within the frames of 2.5-10-20 m. Conglomerates are well laminated and represented by various diameter fraction, without any regularity. Shingle content exceeds 10-15%.

In respect of geological structure of Molasses formation, the clayey facies is represented by clays itself and by loam. Molasses are characterized with good transmissibility of precipitations and belongs to the water-bearing complex. Ground water discharges in the erosive gorges, on the surfaces of loams and greatly promotes to development and activation of landslides and gravitational processes. At places where the surface of the relief is represented by conglomerates, during the each heavy rainfall the areas are strongly washed out. In total, the erosion is the main cause for triggering of landslides and torrents. The territory being structured with molasses is heavily damaged by landslides and permanently stays under by high risk of geo-hazard. Nearly all gorges existing in this zone are characterized with mud and debris torrents.

Following the mentioned above, construction of the open course road for the Alternative Variant I is impossible, It is anticipated that besides the existing landslides other landslides would be induced due to construction. Maintaining the stability of open cuts or undertaking the measures to prevent the mentioned processes when laying the road will be virtually impossible. In the lower zone, where the gorge of the river Iori is crossed, flooding, bed deformation and bank washout are the risk of high geo-hazards. Therefore, the option of open course road for the Alternative Variant I has been rejected at the pre-selection stage. However, the Alternative Variant II with tunnel has not been discarded.

Within the section of alternative I the 4.8 km long tunnel is considered, which passes in extremely difficult geological conditions. It is worth to mention that the relief is structured with weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. They are characterized with good transmissibility of precipitations and the deep geodynamic processes can be developed. In addition, the inlet and outlet areas of the tunnel are exposed to landslides-gravitational processes, consequently the construction process would be complicated and would be required the complex engineering solutions. However, the Alternative Variant I with tunnel has been pre-selected for the further consideration.

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The Alternative Variant II, which has to run along the south-eastern slope of Tsiv-Gombori, is characterized by a complex, highly dissectioned relief with a great gradient. The section km 0- km 9+500 generally passes through the molasses formation. Molasses are represented by weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. The bed thickness of conglomerates is 2.5-10-20 m. The relief is structured with molassa deposits of low stability and is characterized by intense erosive-mudflow and landslide processes. All erosive gullies are the mudflow-transformable ones and are characterized by frequent landslide processes. During the road-laying works, significant ecological complications of the geology are expected. Due to high inclination, this option passes in deep cut, what will, by all means, induce the new landslides on the slopes structured with conglomerates and transform torrential processes in gorges.

The road alternative II from km 9+500 to km 16+100 passes in the relief which is structured by molasses formation, where the land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes are intensively developed. This is very zone where passes alternative I. Engineering-geological characteristics of 9+500-16+100 are given in the description of alternative I km 18-km 32.

Following the mentioned above, the open course construction of the alternative N II is impossible and this option is rejected at the pre-selection stage. Construction of tunnel is also very complex engineering task due to high geohazard risks and high costs. However, this option (Alternative Variant II with tunnel) was not discarded at the pre-selection stage. The Alternative Variant III of the road starts from the territory of Sameba Monastery and joins with the exiting road on the territory of the village Gombori. The road option passes on the relief which is structured by molasses formation, where the land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes are intensively developed. In this concern the Lapanosdkhevi gorge is worth to mention, the debris transformed by the torrent is hundred thousand cubic meters and belongs to the typical gorges transforming the debris torrents. According to the engineering-geology conditions this section belongs to difficult region for road constrcution.

Road section lm 5- km 8.4 passes the territory structured with deposits of Oligocene-Lower Miocene age (so called “ Maikop Formation) The predominant deposits of Maikop formation upper section are sandy loam and clayey facies. The lower section of the formation is represented by dark grey clays, marls, gray and greenish-grey fine grained sandstones. Sometimes interbeds of white sand and loosen carbonate sandstones are met among the clayey facies. In case of deep cut for road purposes the new landslides can be initiated, resulted in creation of difficulties for construction.

Pre-selection Conclusions

Despite, the existing road in concern the landslides is characterized with complex geodynamic conditions, the existing road is preferred as the most optimal alignment among the other probable alignment options passing on Tsiv-Gombori pass (three options) .Following to mentioned above we recommend the existing road Gombori-Tetristklebi section, as the most optimal alignment, despite its complex geodynamic conditions.

Due to mentioned above, construction of open course road in for Alternative Variants I and II and realization of the Alternative III is practically impossible. These alternatives are discarded at the pre-selection stage. The Alternatives to be considered at the detailed analysis stage are:

Existng Road Alternative I with tunnel

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Alternative II with tunnel

2. Anticipated environment impacts and main criteria for route selection

According to the baseline information, we can assume that those typical impacts related to road construction or exploitation (emission, dust, machinery noise, soil or water polluted with fuel, oil or lubricants used for construction machinery, etc.) will not importantly influence while selection of the best option out of alternative ones. E.g. with regard to the noise generated and spread from the road traffic, we can assume that the highway operations may not require construction of costly noise-reduction barriers and the difference of noise impacts for the alternatives is not a decisive argument. Therefore, the mentioned factors will not be discussed and reviewed in this chapter in detail. However, these factors are given in brief resume format in the chart for comparison of alternative options. At current stage of the project implementation, while assessment of environment impact, it is reasonable to concentrate on the major factors which may constitute the ‘environmental cost’ of each alternative option.

Based on the review of the environmental baseline conditions, it is clear that the sensitive receptor of the natural environment for the ‘existing road’ option, which may be most affected, is the natural landscape, especially the forest landscape covering the important area of the existing road. The appropriate measures and the compensatory actions are described for each alternative.

The other critical item influencing the “environmental cost” of the project is the amount of spoil and construction wastes generated during implementation of alternative routes. This is particularly important, so far as alternatives with tunnels may require disposal of substantial volumes of spoil.

The most important social issues affecting route selection are involuntary resettlement and integration of settlements within the entire socio-economic system of the country, which is strongly dependent on the transport infrastructure development.

The mentioned critical issues will be assessed in more details. However, the integrated table for comparing the alternative options will include other factors as well.

3. Preliminary assessment of Environmental and Social Impacts for theReconstruction and Upgrading of the Existing Road

3.1 Sensitive Environmental Receptors

Protected areas; Landscape (ecosystems; habitats), floraIt should be noted that the habitats of high conservation value are less in number along Ujarma-Sasadilo-Gombori-Tetritsklebi-Telavi section of the existing motorway. Besides, the existing infrastructure has already had the negative and residual impact on the flora and fauna of the existing mains and its adjacent territories. However, the endangered species and sensitive habitats with different conservative values, the woody areas should be paid particular attention to. In case of identifying any residual impact on them, there should be eco-compensation measures taken implying the rehabilitation of equivalent forest habitats.

Fauna

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There are 25 species of the Red List of Georgia found in the action area, with 5 mammal species expected among them, which feed and dwell in the woody part of the action area. For brown bear and lynx, the action area is the route of seasonal migration. The nests of Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vulture on the slopes of mountain Tsivi are particularly sensitive and a nest of a pair of golden eagles is still expected to survive here. A Mediterranean tortoise is the only reptile of the Red List found in the cut-down forest areas and open habitats along the Iori river. Trout, lake trout and Aral loach dwell in the river Iori and its tributaries. There are also 8 insect species and 12 bat species of the Red List found in the area under consideration.

Surface watersThe existing road crosses the river Iori at Paldo, the river Gomborula (left tributary of the river Iori) at villages Sasadilo and Gombori and the river Turdo (right tributary of the river Alazani). The river Iori is periodically polluted naturally during the formation of transformable mudflow streams in lateral tributaries. The probability of pollution of the mentioned rivers is minimal during the construction period.

Ground watersThe existing road crosses the molassa of the Tertiary terrigenous deposits Cretaceous carbonate rocks and Miopliocene molassa, and alluvial and prolluvial sediments within the zones of river-crossings. The Cretaceous carbonate and Miopliocene molassa conglomerates are characterized by high water-content of deep circulation. A certain proportion of them are discharged on the edges of the river gorges. Up to 10-meter-deep porous ground waters are mostly typical to alluvial-proluvial slope (deluvial) sediments. Pollution of ground waters during the building and rehabilitation works is virtually excluded.

Sites of geo-hazardsThe present Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi motorway, which runs across the Gombori Pass, following its morphology (the lowest hypsometric elevation of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge and low surface gradient) and despite the generally high geodynamic stress of the Ridge, is the most optimal variant. The major geological hazards are the existing landslides in the vicinity of village Gombori and Gombori Pass. However, it should be mentioned that no ultimate stabilization of tectonic-seismic-gravitational landslides developed within the given zone, like in any other zone of Tsiv-Gombori zone, is possible. As for climatic landslides, taking the proper improvement measures is not a great problem. Rehabilitation of the roads under the given geology will not cause major negative ecological changes.

Sites of archeological interestThe most important archeological-architectural monument along the given section of the road up to Telavi is a fortress Ujarma. The monument is located on the side of Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi road, on the right bank of the river Iori, 45 km from Tbilisi. The Datunaant Church is located 1 km south-west of Ujarma. A small one-nave soundly-built and well-preserved Avalishvilebis church of the XVIII century stands 1,5 km from the road running from Ujarma to Gombori. There is a three-nave basilica of the mature middle centuries survived in village Otaraani. There stands the Dzveli Shuamta in Shuamta forest, about 7 km from Telavi, which is the architectural complex of the V-VII cc. buildings. The Akhali Shuamta Monastery is located 2-3 km from the Dzveli Shuamta. Many archeological monuments are expected to be found on the given territory during certain types of earthworks in the future.

3.2 Impact on forest and necessary compensation

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While assessing the impact on forest, it must be said, that most part of the forest along the road is already partially degraded and rare, though the forests located on the Gombori-Telavi segment of the highway use still to be of high sensitiveness and value. The density of the forests here 2 or 2.5 times exceeds the Ujarma-Gombori indicators. Losses will be assessed in accordance with the methodology given in Paragraph 1.4.

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Kilometer-posts (KP)

Length of the crossed forest section (km)

Total roadbed width

The width cut down during the road widening, m

Area of the cut down forest, sq. m.

Approximate density of the trees

Number of cut down trees

Average tree diametercm

11-13 1.2 40m 28 33600 0..1 tree per sq. m. 5280 24 – 28cm15-20 1.95 24 12 23400 0..1 tree per sq. m. 3770 24 – 28cm20-25 1.85 24,5 12,5 23100 0..1 tree per sq. m. 3190 24 – 28cm30-35 2.2 28 16 35200 0..1 tree per sq. m. 5280 24 – 28 cm34-35 1.0 35 23 23000 0..1 tree per sq. m. 2900 24 – 28 cm35-36 0.8 35 23 11500 0..1 tree per sq. m. 2720 24 – 28 cm44.5-45 0.5 40 28 14000 0..1 tree per sq. m. 1700 24 – 28 cm45-46 0.8 40 28 22400 0..1 tree per sq. m. 2720 24 – 28 cmKobadze- Tetritsklebi

0.2 25 13 2600 0.2 tree per sq. m. 760 44,1 cm

48-50 2 22 10 20000 0.2 tree per sq. m. 7600 44,1 cm50-55 5 22 10 50000 0.2 tree per sq. m. 19000 44, cm55-59.5 4.5 22 10 45000 0.2 tree per sq. m. 17100 44,1 cm

Total area, sq. m.303800 sq.,mTotal area, ha Average cost of 1 ha rehabilitation Total cost of

rehabilitation30.38ha 17000 GEL 516460 GEL

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3.3 Issues related to land acquisition and resettlement

The documents and materials related to land acquisition and resettlement issues are included in the Appendix 5 of the FS. In particular, these are the old and present cadastre data and information obtained based on verification of the documents locally. While roughly determining the compensatory land area we were guided by the approach and tentative prices as described in Paragraph 1.4.

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1. Existing Road Option - Fragment 2 1 (km 0 – 9);Corridor of Impact 20m

Type of object Unit of meas. Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 2874.82including agricultural land sq. m. 5 Gel 1332.49 6670. GELincluding non-agricultural land sq. m. 10 Gel 1542.33 15420 GEL1-storey 1 house 02-storey 1 house 0other buildings and premisesOrchard pcs.Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

37510 GEL

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Fragment 2 (km 9,5 – 25)

Corridor of Impact 20m

Type of object Unit of meas. Average unit price of in the region, Gel

Amount to be compensated Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 39394.63 kv. mincluding agricultural land sq. m. 6 including non-agricultural land sq. m. 20 100% 39394.63 7878921-storey 1 house 10000 1 100002-storey 1 house 30000 3 90000other buildings and premises 4000 5 10 auxiliary buildings and 10

fences60000

Orchard pcs. 240 60 14400Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

962292 Gel

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Fragment 3 ( 25 – 38 km )

Corridor of Impact 20m

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 96542 sq. m. 289626 GELincluding agricultural land sq. m. 3 GEL 25% 24135.5including non-agricultural land sq. m. 3 GEL 75% 72406.51-storey 1 house 10000 GEL 7 70000 GEL2-storey 1 house 30000 GEL 10 300000 GELother buildings and premises, fences 4000 GEL 23 92000 GELOrchard pcs. 240 GEL 240 57600 GELOther

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

809226 GEL

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Fragment 4 (km 35 – 55)

Corridor of Impact 20m

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 15990.58including agricultural land sq. m. 3 GELincluding non-agricultural land sq. m. 8 GEL 100% 15990.58 127925 GEL1-storey 1 house2-storey 1 house 25000 GEL 4 100000 GELother buildings and premises, Fenecs

4000 GEL 45 180000 GEL

Orchard pcs. 240 GEL 150 36000 GELOther

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

443925 GEL

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Fragment 5 (km 55 – 65)

Corridor of Impact 15m (10m buffer on the orthophotos + 5m within the existing road )

Type of object Unit of meas. Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 1212.67including agricultural land sq. m. 10 GElincluding non-agricultural land sq. m. 50 GEl 1212.67 60633.51-storey 1 house 16000 GEl2-storey 1 house 32000 GEl 0other buildings and premisesOrchard, walnut, roadside trees pcs. 240 GEl 80 19200Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

79833. GEl

Total Cost of Compensations for Land Acquisition and Resettlement

2333670 GEL

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3.4 Other socio-economic effects

Below is the list of villages crossed or adjacent to the existing or alternative routes. The socio-economic background of these villages is given in Appendix 3.

Region/Village Alternative route Crosses/runs in the vicinity

Gardabani Region All CrossesSartichala II CrossesMuganlo Main, I and III Crosses

Telavi Region The city of Telavi All Crosses

Tetri Tsklebi Main and IIIVariant I

Crossesruns in the vicinity

Kobadze Main and IIIVariant I

CrossesRuns in the vicinity

Pantiani Main, I and III Runs in the vicinitySalebeli Main, I and III Runs in the vicinitySerodani Main, I and III Runs in the vicinity

Sagarejo RegionThe city of Sagarejo

Patardzeuli Variant II Crosses

Ninotsminda Variant II Runs in the vicinityUjarma Main CrossesPaldo Main Crosses

Khashmi Variant I and IIIMain and II

CrossesRuns in the vicinity

Askilauri Main Crosses

Gombori Main and III Crosses

Verona Main and III Crosses

Sasadilo Main Crosses

Based on the analysis of the mentioned statistical data and inquiry of the village population the following conclusions can be made:

At a local level the village population has access only to ambulance health care service. At a local level a school education is not available for every village. The villagers use to

take their children to faraway schools in the faraway villages, or have to move their children to district or regional centers and leave them with their relatives to ensure their education. Higher education or vocational schools are available only in regional centers.

The unemployment level reaches 80-90% of the population. Agricultural activities and land cultivation use to be main source of income. Nearly for half of the population agricultural products are the major products of family consumption. The rest part of the population however tries to take the products to near markets for sale. The markets for such products are located in regional centers or big cities. Transportation constraints hinder the access to markets due to the damaged state of the roads.

For the very small, but still for a certain segment of the population, the roadside market (kiosks, cafés) for agricultural products is an income source. There is few number of such food units due to insufficient traffic and nonintensive functioning of road.

Here are some touristic and resort centers in the district (i.e. Sioni, Telavi, etc. see Appendix 4), which are not using best of their potential. However, the tourism

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infrastructure development will lead to increased number of tourists, which will create additional opportunities for the population living nearby the arterial highways linking to the aforementioned centers.

It can be concluded, that for the villages situated along the highway or in adjacent area, preserving and rehabilitation of the existing route of the highway is of vital importance. This road is the only mean for these villages to get integrated into the entire socio-economic environment of the country. Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road will enhance both the economic status of the village population (roadside trade and services; products access to markets; inclusion in the tourism infrastructure, etc.) and access to socio-cultural services (health care and cultural centers). Implementation of other optional road projects may result in a long-term delay of the existing road rehabilitation project, functional idleness of the road and substantial reduction of the socio-economic development prospect for the aforementioned villages.

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4. Alternative Variant I with Tunnel – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

4.1 Sensitive Environmental Receptors

Protected areasLandscape (ecosystems, habitats), floraIt includes three sensitive sites. The first sensitive site is the crossing of the river Iori in the vicinity of village Khashmi. It follows the bank of the Iori river at about 2 km and is the floodplain forest habitat of a high conservation value along the left bank of the river. The second sensitive site is located between the Trinity Monastery and Zati mountain (KP 10 – KP 15), where there grow oak (Quercus iberica) and hornbeam-and-oak (Carpinus caucasica, Quercus iberica) forests and forests with the mixed forests dominated by Georgian oaks.The third sensitive site is the section from the Pass (at about 1500 m above sea level) and between the mountains of Tsiv-Gombori (1712 m above sea level) and Mukhiani (1790 m above sea level) and up to the slopes of Mukhiani and Tsivi (1991 m above sea level) mountains where there grow beech forests (Fagus orientalis) (sub-zone of beech forests).

Fauna It covers three sensitive sites. The first sensitive site is the crossing of the river Iori and habitats on the bank. A new bridge will be built along the left bank of the river near village Khashmi. After the bridge, the road will cross about 2-km-long section of floodplain terraces along the river. This site should be considered a home range for otter and a habitat of legally protected fish species (trout, lake trout and Aral Loach) and dragonfly (Dark pincertail). The second site is located between the Trinity Monastery and mount Zhati (PK 10-15). Here, across a relatively denser forest, there is a migration route of large mammals and it is the home range of tree bat species, including Western Barbastelle. These species are included in the National Red List. The third site spreads from one side of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge to another, between Tsiv-Gombori and Mukhiani mountains, western slopes of Mukhiani mountain and mount Zhati and southern and western slopes of mountain Tsivi. Nests of some large birds of prey (Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vulture) are found here. The site is a stopover for all endangered birds. The migration of mammals has no mass character, but it happens annually and has a seasonal nature. The ungulates move as the forage ripens and preying animals follow them. Such movements of the population of the given species promote the exchange of genetic material among the sub-populations of large mammals, which are isolated for a certain period of the year. This site is the most sensitive one and the building activities and a motorway operation on it will ultimately abolish the natural significance of the given area for many species.

Surface watersThe road crosses the river Iori and numerous small mudflow gullies across the north-eastern slope of Tsiv-Gombori and after crossing the river Turdo merges with the existing road. The river Iori, with its large riverbed with its strong disposition for deformation and intense bank washout is a very complex section. As for numerous small gorges and river Turdo, the gullies are characterized by highly intense mudflows.

Ground watersThe road runs through the hydrogeological complex of terrigenous and molassa deposits of the Tertiary Period. It also crosses the river Iori alluvial sediments and approximately 10-meter-deep deluvial sediments.

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Sites of geological hazardFrom km 18 up to km 32 the alternative runs on the territory where the complex geological structure, high energetic potential of the relief, seismic activity and difficult meteorological conditions cause the intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes. The geological structure of the alternative 1 area km 18-km32 consists of molasses, resulted in intense development of land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes. At places where the surface of the relief is represented by conglomerates, during the each heavy rainfall the areas are strongly washed out. In total, the erosion is the main cause for triggering of landslides and debrisflows. The territory being structured with molasses is heavily damaged by landslides and permanently stays under by high risk of geo-hazard. Nearly all gorges existing in this zone are characterized with mud and debris torrents.

The proposed 4.8 km long tunnel passes in extremely difficult geological conditions. It is worth to mention that the relief is structured with weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. They are characterized with good transmissibility of precipitations and the deep geodynamic processes can be developed. In addition, the inlet and outlet areas of the tunnel are exposed to landslides-gravitational processes, consequently the construction process would be complicated and would be required the complex engineering solutions.

Sites of archeological interestOn the flat area on the left bank of the river Iori, opposite the fortified city Ujarma, there stands a monument of Georgian architecture, the Khasmi or Katsreti Sameba (Trinity) church. The church is a three-nave basilica built at the turn of the V century. It is one of the most ancient monasteries on the territory of Georgia. At present, the Katsreti Sameba is an effective monastery. Sameba gorge is a small gorge between Gombori Ridge and village Khashmi, north of the latter. There ran a road from outer Kakheti to inner Kakheti in the ancient times. The proposed alternative of the road almost coincides with the old road trajectory. The last point of all three variants of the road under consideration is the city of Telavi.

4.2 Spoil and Construction Waste

A new important environment factor, to be necessarily foreseen while implementation of the Alternative1, and which is not too actual while reconstruction of the existing road, is an issue of disposal of the waste generated with 4,8km tunnel digging works. The tunnel construction works generate the huge amount of waste (350000m3). Meanwhile on the both ends of the tunnel we are having a unique forest landscape. Disposal of waste in the forest landscape is forbidden and unacceptable. Accordingly there rises a need of transporting the waste 10-15 kilometers far, which will incur quite huge expenses.

4.3 Impact on forest and the necessary compensation

While assessment of the forest impact it should be stressed that along the new routes the forests are virgin and not degraded distinguished for the diversity of species including the Red Book species (see in Appendix 2 ) and is of high sensitiveness and value. The forest density here 3 or 4 times exceeds the density of Ujarma-Gombori rare forests. Assessment of minimum loss is based on the method described in the Paragraph 1.4.1. Below is the relevant chart. We will also stress that damage caused to the forests is not limited to the area of cut trees. The follow up processes should be necessarily foreseen (such as: changes in the drainage of surface waters; facilitated erosion processes; facilitated landslide risks; worsened sanitation in the adjasent area and increased risk of the forest pests). All the aforementioned will facilitate the forest degradation

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process and may cause creation of more damaged areas, rather than the cut area. All these follow up impacts, as a rule, are important in case where the cutting is carried out in the new massive areas. Besides, a significant follow-up impact of the construction of new roads in the forest area is increased illegal and uncontrolled cuts of the forest due to improved access. Accordingly, the actual anticipated losses may increase 2 or 3 times.

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Alternative Variant I with tunnel

Kilometer-posts (KP)

Length of the crossed forest section (km)

Total roadbed length

The length cut down during the road widening, m

Area of the cut down forest, sq. m.

Approximate density of the trees,per sq. m

Number of cut down trees

Average tree diameter, cm

6 - 10 4km 20 80000 0.4 32000 52,1 10 - 17 7km 30 210000 0.4 84000 52,1

5km 35m 175000 0.4 70000 52,1 50-55 Exist 5 25 19 95000 0.2 19000 44,1 55-59.5 Exist 4.5 25 19 85500 0.2 17100 44,1

Total area, sq. m645500 instatement, GELTotal area, ha Average cost of 1 ha rehabilitation, GEL Total cost of reinstatement,

GEL64.55 ha 20000 1291000Scale of Anticipated Impact 1291000 x 3 = 3873000GEL

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4.4 Issues related to land purchase and resettlement

The documents and materials related to land purchase and resettlement issues are included in the Appendix 5 of the Feasibility Study. In particular, these are the old and present cadastre data and information obtained based on verification of the documents locally. While roughly determining the compensatory land area we were guided by the approach and tentative prices as described in Paragraph 1.4.1.

Alternative 1. Through the tunnel

Fragment 1. (km 0 – 9,5) – coincides with Variant 1 of the road

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated

Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 2874.82including agricultural land

sq. m. 5l1332.49 6670. GEL

including non-agricultural land

sq. m. 10l1542.33 15420 GEL

1-storey 1 house 02-storey 1 house 0other buildings and premisesOrchard pcs.Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

37510 GEL

Fragment 2. (9,5/2 – 11,5)

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated

Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land

sq. m. 37003.56 sq. m.

including agricultural land

sq. m. 5 GEL100%

37003.56 sq. m.

185017.8 GEL

including non-agricultural land

sq. m.0%

1-storey 1 house 02-storey 1 house 0other buildings and premises

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Orchard pcs. 32 GEL per vine-tree

Vineyards in village Khashmi, include 25 000 vine-trees roughly

Officially 800000 GELHowever, cutting down Khashmi Saperavi vines is unacceptable and it may be evaluated at a higher price if calculated with more optimal methods.

Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

Fragments 3 and 4, which include the connecting road from 11,5 to village Tetrtsklebi (including the tunnel), do not cross private land plots.

Fragment 5.

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated

Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 1212.67including agricultural land

sq. m. 10 GEl

including non-agricultural land

sq. m. 50 GEl 1212.67 60633.5

1-storey 1 house 16000 GEl

2-storey 1 house 32000 GEl

0

other buildings and premisesOrchard, walnut, roadside trees

pcs. 240 GEl 80 19200

Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

79833. GEl

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4.5 Socio-economic effects

In Paragraph 3.4 above there is a list of villages crossed or adjacent to the existing or alternative routes. The socio-economic background of these villages is given in Appendix 3.

In case of implementation of the alternative route 1, the following can be highlighted among the important social effects:

Implementation of this route will degrade the importance of the existing road, as of a transportation highway and hinder the socio-economic development prospects of the adjacent population.

Option 1 of the highway crosses private land plots of the village Khashmi, presenting mainly the Saperavi wineyards. The village Khashmi is known for its high quality Saperavi grape variety. Winemaking and grape-growing constitute important part of the village economic structure. It is difficult to give a monetary reflection of the loss of these lands and wineyards. Clearly, the loss will be greater, than the calculation may say in Appendix 5. The offered assessment method (offered in the feasibility study) is incapable to fully reflect the uniqueness of the situation.

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5. Alternative Variant II with Tunnel – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

5.1 Sensitive Environmental Receptors

Protected areasLandscape (ecosystems; habitats), floraIt covers two sensitive sites. The first one is the second sensitive site of the first Variant of the route. In particular, it is located between the Trinity Monastery and Zati mountain (KP 10 – KP 15). The second sensitive site is the third sensitive site of the first variant of the route, which is the section from the Pass (at about 1500 m above sea level) and between the mountains of Tsiv-Gombori (1712 m above sea level) and Mukhiani (1790 m above sea level) and up to the slopes of Mukhiani and Tsivi (1991 m above sea level) mountains.

FaunaThe second sensitive site of the II Variant is similar to the third sensitive site of the I Variant. Namely, it is the pass from one side of Tsiv-Gombori Ridge to another side, between Tsiv-Gombori and Mukhiani mountains, western slopes of mountain Mukhiani and mountain Zhati and southern and western slopes of mountain Tsivi.

Surface watersIt crosses the river Patardzeuli flowing along the south-eastern slope of Gombori Ridge and numerous small mudflow gorges.

Ground watersThe road runs through the deep-circulation hydrogeological complex of terrigenous and molassa deposits of the Tertiary Period and approximately 10-meter-deep proluvial-deluvial ground waters.

Sites of geological hazardAlternative II (so called Patardzeuli option) km 0- km 9+500 generally passes through the molasses formation. Molasses are represented by weakly cemented, almost loosen conglomerates, loams, soft sand-stones and volcanic ash interbeds. The bed thickness of conglomerates is 2.5-10-20 m.

The road option following the alternative II km 9+500 – km 16+100 passes in the relief which is structured by molasses formation, where the land and rock sliding and erosion-debris torrential processes are intensively developed.

Following the mentioned above, open course construction of the alternative N II is impossible, and the construction of tunnel is also very complex engineering task.

Sites of archeological interest1. There is a site of ancient settlement of the Bronze Age identified in village Sartichala,

south-east of it. 2. There is a site of ancient settlement of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages (XII-VII cc.

B.C.) identified at the eastern end of village Patardzeuli. 3. There are two round towers of the middle XVIII century standing in the north-eastern

part of the village.

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4. There are ruins of a castle on the hill, north-west of the village. According to the historical sources, there was an ancient castle standing on this site, which was restored by Erekle II in the middle XVIII century.

5. There is also a hall church of the late middle centuries built with cobblestone in the village.

Many archeological monuments are expected to be found during certain types of earthworks on the given territory in the future.

5.2 Spoil and Construction Wastes

An important environment factor, to be necessarily foreseen while implementation of the Alternative 2, and which is not actual while reconstruction of the existing road, is an issue of disposal of the waste generated with 6,6 km length tunnel digging works. The tunnel construction works generate the huge amount of waste (460000m3). Meanwhile on the both ends of the tunnel we are having a unique forest landscape. Disposal of waste in the forest landscape is forbidden and unacceptable. Accordingly there rises a need of transporting the waste 10-15 kilometers far, which will incur quite huge expenses.

5.3 Impact on forest and the necessary compensation

While assessment of the forest impact it should be stressed that along the new routes the forests are virgin and not degraded, distinguished for the diversity of species including the Red Book species (see in Appendix 2 ) and is of high sensitiveness and value. The forest density here 3 or 4 times exceeds the density of Ujarma-Gombori rare forests. The chart reflecting minimum loss is provided below. We also stress that damage caused to the forests is not limited to the area of cut trees. The follow up processes should be necessarily foreseen (such as: changes in the drainage of surface waters; facilitated erosion processes; facilitated landslide risks; worsened sanitation in the adjacent area and increased risk of the forest pests). All the aforementioned will facilitate the forest degradation process and may cause creation of more damaged areas, rather than the cut area. All these follow up impacts, as a rule, are important in case where the cutting is carried out in the new massive areas. Besides, a significant follow-up impact of the construction of new roads in the forest area is increased illegal and uncontrolled cuts of the forest due to improved access. Accordingly, the actual anticipated losses may increase 2 or 3 times.

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Alternative II with tunnel

Kilometer-posts (KP)

Length of the crossed forest section (km)

Total roadbed length

The length cut down during the road widening, m

Area of the cut down forest, sq. m.

Approximate density of the trees,tree per sq. m.

Number of cut down trees

Average tree diameter, cm

12-13 1.2 50m 44 52800 0..1 m. 5280 24 – 2815-20 1.3 35 29 37700 0..1 3770 24 – 2820-25 1.1 35 29 31900 0..1 3190 24 – 2830-35 2.2 30 24 52800 0..1 5280 24 – 2834-35 1 35 29 29000 0..1 2900 24 – 2835-36 0.8 35 29 27200 0..1 2720 24 – 2844.5-45 0.5 40 34 17000 0..1 1700 24 – 2845-46 0.8 40 34 27200 0..1 2720 24 – 28After Kobadze

0.2 25 19 3800 0.2 760 44,1

48-50 2 25 19 38000 0.2 7600 44,1 50-55 5 25 19 95000 0.2 19000 44,1 55-59.5 4.5 25 19 85500 0.2 17100 44,1

Total area, sq. m

497900 , sq. mTotal area, ha Average cost of 1 ha rehabilitation, GEL Total cost of reinstatement, GEL49.79ha 20000 995800 GELScale of Anticipated Impact 995800 x 3 = 2987400 GELGEL

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5.4 Issues related to land acquisition and resettlement

The documents and materials related to land purchase and resettlement issues are included in the Appendix 5 of the Feasibility Study. In particular, these are the old and present cadastre data and information obtained based on verification of the documents locally. While roughly determining the compensatory land area we were guided by the approach and tentative prices as described in Paragraph 1.4.

Fragment 1. ( 0 – 12 km Vaziani – Patardzeuli)

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated

Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 56768.5including agricultural land

sq. m. 5 GEL

including non-agricultural land

sq. m. 10 GEL100% 56768.5 567685 GEL

1-storey 1 house 25000 GEL2-storey 1 house 40000 GEL 11 440000 GELother buildings and premises

4000 GEL 4 16000 GEL

Orchard, walnut, roadside trees

pcs. 240 GEL 160 38400 GEL

Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

1062085 GEL

Fragment 2 (vicinities of Patardzeuli – Pantiani) and 3 (vicinities of Pantiani – the confluence point with the main road) do not cross private land plots.

Fragment 4 the same as fragment 5 for the Existing Road Option

Type of object Unit of meas.

Average unit price of in the region

Amount to be compensated

Compensation amount, Gel

Compensating land sq. m. 1212.67including agricultural land

sq. m. 10 GEl

including non-agricultural land

sq. m. 50 GEl 1212.67 60633.5

1-storey 1 house 16000 GEl

2-storey 1 house 32000 0

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GElother buildings and premisesOrchard, walnut, roadside trees

pcs. 240 GEl 80 19200

Other

Total of compensation necessary to purchase the land for the motorway

79833. GEl

5.5 Socio-economic effects

In Paragraph 3.4 above there is a list of villages crossed or adjasent to the existing or alternative routes. The socio-economic background of these villages is given in Appendix 3.

In case of implementation of the alternative route 1, the following can be highlighted among other important social effects:

Implementation of this route will degrade the importance of the existing road, as of a transportation highway and hinder the socio-economic development prospects of the local population

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6. Comparison of the Alternative Route Options

The multifactoral comparison of the pre-selected alternatives is provided below in the Comparison Matrix of Alternative Options. The analysis of alternatives according to the criteria most important in this particular case is provided before the overall matrix. The most important project –specific factors are: geohazards; impact on forest ecosystems; generation of large amount of spoil and rocks, subject for disposal and social issues.

Impact on forests

While implementation of the existing Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi highway rehabilitation project only the roadside narrow strips of forest will be cut. For the purposes of improving the geometric specifications of the road, at some places, the route will turn from the old road and in such cases, construction of some segments of the road will require cutting the forest trees. Though these segments are short in length (mostly 100 - 200m) and the intrusion into forest depth is unimportant (50-100 m) too. A new segment of the road, as a rule goes along the existing road. The table below shows the total figures of the possibly damaged areas to be rehabilitated and anticipated expenditures.

Total area - sq.m303800 sq.mTotal area - ha Average cost for

rehabilitation of 1 ha Total rehabilitation cost

30.38 ha GEL 17000 GEL 516460 GEL While assessment of the forest impact it should be stressed that along the new routes the forests are virgin and not degraded, distinguished for the diversity of species including the Red Book species (see in Appendix 3 ) and is of high sensitiveness and value. The forest density here 3 or 4 times exceeds the density of Ujarma-Gombori rare forests. Assessment of minimum loss is based on the method described in the Paragraph 1.4.1. Below is the relevant chart. We also stress that damage caused to the forests is not limited to the area of cut trees. The follow up processes should be necessarily foreseen (such as: changes in the drainage of surface waters; facilitated erosion processes; facilitated landslide risks; worsened sanitation in the adjacent area and increased risk of the forest pests). All the aforementioned will facilitate the forest degradation process and may cause creation of more damaged areas, rather than the cut area. All these follow up impacts, as a rule, are important in case where the cutting is carried out in the new massive areas. Besides, a significant follow-up impact of the construction of new roads in the forest area is increased illegal and uncontrolled cuts of the forest due to improved access. Accordingly, the actual anticipated losses may increase 2 or 3 times more than it is shown below:

Alternative Variant I with tunnel

Total area - sq.m645500Total area - ha Average cost for

rehabilitation of 1 ha Total rehabilitation cost

64.55 ha GEL 20000 GEL 1291000Actual anticipated loss 3873000GEL

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Alternative Variant II with tunnel

Total area - sq.m497900 sq.mTotal area - ha Average cost for

rehabilitation of 1 haTotal rehabilitation cost

49.79 ha GEL 20000 GEL 995800 Actual anticipated loss 2987400 GELGEL

Hazardous geological processes

Analysis of the existing fund and scientific materials and the recognition researches undertaken on site revealed the following:

Though the existing road is characterized with complex geodynamic features, it is still accepted as the best option among the 4 options identified on the south part of Tsiv-Gombori mountain range, constructed of molasic rocks and is a high risk zone for the aforementioned nature calamities. This zone is also known for its extremely high energy potential (rapid slopes of the surface and badland fragmentation), where the ground works will be required (cut off the downhills; arrangement of holes/trenches). This will cause facilitation of the current risks of landslide-gravitation processes and practically exclude the chances of preserving the sustainable downhills.

Based on all the aforementioned terms, we conclude that despite its geo-dynamic complexity, the best option is the Gombori-Tetritsklebi section of the existing road.

Waste disposal

A new important environment factor, to be necessarily foreseen while implementation of the Alternatives 1 and 2, and which is not too actual while reconstruction of the existing road, is an issue of disposal of the waste generated during tunnel digging works. The tunnel construction works generate the huge amount of waste (350000 - 470000m3). Meanwhile on the both ends of the tunnel we are having a unique forest landscape. Disposal of waste in the forest landscape is forbidden and unacceptable as it will cause degradation of the forest, as of ecosystem and devaluation of the high value landscape. Accordingly, there rises a need of transporting the waste 10-15 kilometers far, which will incur quite huge expenses.

Conclusion

Based on the multifactoral analysis and, particularly the most important criteria considered above, the decision has been made that despite complex geodynamic conditions occurring on Gombori section of the Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi road, still the only feasible option is rehabilitation of the existing road.

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Comparison Matrix of Alternative Options

Aspects/Factors Existing Road Alternative Variant I Alternative Variant II

Physical environmentTotal highway length Length of the existing road - 66 km Total length of the highway including the

beginning and end sections of the existing road is 52.3 km, which allows cutting the distance by 13.7 km in compare with the existing road.

A total length of an entire construction including Option 1 section (pk268+00-pk330+00) constitutes 22.3 km. of which length of the tunnel is 6.6km, The said highway passes through the complex geological/topological environment at some segments, where the landslides, erosions, debrisflow are expected.Total length of the highway including new construction segment (22.3 m) and the final segment constitutes 34.6 km. This enables us to cut the highway by 19.0 km in compare to the existing road, including Vaziani-Patardzeuli segment.

Topographical Constraints The existing road mainly rests on mountainous and hilly places and at the 45 km crosses the Gombori pass on 1620 m of altitude.

The first option highway passes through the complex geological/topological environment. 18th and the 32nd kilometers of the highway are marked with landslide slopes, which can be activated during the construction process. There is also number of debrisflow gorges and erosion processes are expected to start. Practically, construction of the road in open way is impossible.

Certain segments are distinguished with the most complex geological/topological environment. Starting from the 9th km up to 500 km. After this level construction of the road in open way is impossible.

Necessity of specific technical way outs based on topographic specifications of the environment.

No specific requirements In the direction of Option 1 a tunnel option is reviewed, which starts at pk174+00-and ends at pk268+00. Length of the tunnel is 4.8km, width 8m, which cuts the road in total by 18.1 km. Entrance and exit portals of the tunnel are accordingly marked as 1332m and 1382m. Advantage of the tunnel option in compare to the open works, is that the tunnel ensures uninterrupted traffic all year round and lets us avoid the landslide

Starting from the 9th km up to 500 km. After this level construction of the road in open way is impossible, therefore, 6,6km tunnel is to be constructed here which joins the alternative 1 on km26+800. After which it follows the Option 1 direction until the end of the highway.

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risks at certain segments. But the most problematic issue is the entrance and exit hooes of the tunnel, which are under high risk of landslides.

Crossing of the rivers and gorges and respective risks.

The existing road crosses the river Iori at a place Paldo, also it crosses the river Gomborula near the village Sasadilo and Gombori (left branch of the river Iori) and the river Turdo (right branch of the river Alazani).

The road cuts the river Iori and then number of small debrisflow gorges on the north-east slope of Tsiv-Gombori and finally joins the road after crossing the river Turdo. The river Iori with its wide easily deformable basin, and washing the sides intensively, presents quite a complex segment. As for the small gorges and the river Turdo, the gorges present the high risk of intense debrisflow.

Crosses the river Patardzeuli flowing on the south-east slope of Tsiv-Gombori and the number of small debrisflow gorges.

Complexity and reliability of protective measures

Protective measures are limited to classic engineering (local embankment strengthening works, proper calculation of the bridge foot dislocation etc.) and rehabilitation measures, which are reliable and cost-efficient.

High complexity option. Requires technically complex and costly protective buildings. Protective buildings are not reliable in the presence of number of debrisflow gorges and the river Iori complex segment.

Average complexity option. The protective installations are not highly secure in the presence of number of debrisflow gorges.

Hazardous geological processes Currently existing Tbilisi-Gombori-Telavi road, crossing the Gombori pass, due to its morphological environment (Tsiv-Gombori mountain range has the lowest hypsometric location, and low sloping degree of the surface) and despite the total geodynamic tensity of the mountain range, is the most efficient option (see the Paragraph 1.2.1 and Appendix 3) From the offered options the most dangerous from geological viewpoint are the landslides in the village Gombori and the Gombori pass. It should be mentioned that it is impossible to fully stabilize the tecto- seismo-gravitational landslides, as well as it is impossible in other segments of the Tsiv-Gombori zone (alternative routes) developed in case of such type of landslides. As for

The first alternative option should cross the highest hyphsometric top with high degree slopes of Tsiv-Gombori mountain range, which geologically are constructed of the molasic rocks highly sensitive to erosion-debrisflow and landslide-gravitation processes. In the road construction process it will be imposible to ensure sustainability of the open cuts or conduct the erosion and landslide preventive works. In the lower zone of the river Iori at the crossing point, the high geological risk is flooding, deformation of the basin and washing the banks.

The second alternative option of the highway should pass the south-east slope of the Tsiv-Gombori mountain range and it is characterized with complex, high degree slope and frequent fragmentation relief. It is constructed with low sustainability molasic rocks and is of high risk of landslides, debrisflow and erosion processes. The most erosive gorge is debrisflow transforming and is known as a frequent landside process development. In the road construction process a geologic environment will be under pressure of serious changes.

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the climatogenic landslides, it is not difficult to carry out the strengthening works. Road rehabilitation may not cause negative ecological changes to geological environment.

Complexity of the measures preventing from hazardous geological processes.

ModerateStabilization of the climatogenic landslides. Mainly, construction of surface water collection and drainage systems, berms. Where needed, - reinforcement walls.

Complex and not efficientExtremely high risks

Complex and not efficientExtremely high risks

Environment protective restrictionsProtected area No No NoLandscape impact Moderate

Forest ecosystems adjacent to the existing road are partly degraded due to the anthropogenic impact and in general they are of less conservative value than the pristine forests affected by the other alternatives. Losses:30.38ha of the forest should be cleared.

Strong. Forest landscape of high value and high sensitiveness towards the impact.

Losses of forest should be estimated as 193,65ha

Strong. Forest landscape of high value and high sensitiveness towards the impact.

Losses of forest should be estimated as 150 ha

Recovery potential, efficiency of protective measures

ModerateCosts of offset mitigation measures 516460 GEL

Weak. Recovery of the adequate ecosystem is more complicated and costly than on the main road. Control over the illegal cuts will be more complicated due to improved access.Costs of offset mitigation measures 3873000GEL

Weak. Recovery of the adequate ecosystem is more complicated and costly than on the main road. Control over the illegal cuts will be more complicated due to improved access.Costs of offset mitigation measures 2987400 GELGEL

Impact on flora Moderate30.38ha of the forest should be cleared.

Strong. Forest landscape of high value and high sensitiveness towards the impact. Losses should be estimated as 193,65ha

Strong. Forest landscape of high value and high sensitiveness towards the impact.Losses should be estimated as 150 ha

Abatement measures ModerateCosts of offset mitigation measures 516460 GEL

Weak. Recovery of the adequate ecosystem is more complicated and costly than on the main road. Control over the illegal cuts will be more complicated due to improved access. Costs of offset mitigation measures

Weak. Recovery of the adequate ecosystem is more complicated and costly than on the main road. Control over the illegal cuts will be more complicated due to improved access. Costs of offset mitigation measures 2987400

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3873000GEL GELGEL Fauna, impact on terrestrial fauna

From Low to moderate sensitivity in some limited areas. Mainly – anthropogenically affected or disturbed landscapes. Ecosystems adapted to the existing road. No risks of further defragmentation of habitats.

Moderate to high. Three higly sensitive habitats are affected. Risk of forest habitat defragmentation.

Moderate to high. Two extremely sensitive habitats are affected. Risk of forest habitat defragmentation.

Abatement measures Establishment of artificial corridors. Rehabilitation of forest habitats.

Establishment of artificial corridors. Adequate rehabilitation of forest habitats is extremely difficult and costly.

Establishment of artificial corridors. Adequate rehabilitation of forest habitats is extremely difficult and costly.

Fauna, impact on fauna living in aquatic habitat

Minimum Minimum Minimum

Abatement measures Pollution control while construction and exploitation process. Control of increased sedimentation of the rivers due to erosion.

Pollution control while construction and exploitation process. Control of increased sedimentation of the rivers due to erosion.

Pollution control while construction and exploitation process. Control of increased sedimentation of the rivers due to erosion.

Ground water pollution risk Low Low LowGround water protective measures No No NoSpoil and construction wastes 450000 m3 About 450000 m3 of cut + additional

350000 m3 from tunnelsAbout 450000 m3 of cut + additional 470000m3 from tunnels

Mitigation /disposal of spoil and construction wastes

Most part of the cut will be used for fills and only small amount will remain to be disposed.

350000 m3 from tunnels is not usable for filling, so far as it constitutes rock boulders mainly and besides, it is difficult to transport materials from tunnel ends to the filling sites. These rock materials are generated in very sensitive forested area and should be transported about 15km from the generation site to disposal sites. It is not easy to find disposal sites for such amount of rocky spoil.

470000m3 from tunnels is not usable for filling, so far as it constitutes rock boulders mainly and besides, it is difficult to transport materials from tunnel ends to the filling sites. These rock materials are generated in very sensitive forested area and should be transported about 15km from the generation site to disposal sites. It is not easy to find disposal sites for such amount of rocky spoil.

Social aspectLand acquisition and resettlement

Substantially more than in case of 2nd and 3rd options.

Substantially less than in case of existing road, as the most part of the highway passes the unpopulated area.

Substantially less than in case of existing road, as the most part of the highway passes the unpopulated area.

Compensatory value It is precised in the process of optimization of the road flatness parameters in the populated segments of the road. Rough estimation - 2333670 GEL

GEL 1537900 GEL 1062085

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Impact on socio-economic development

Important. Positive. Integration of the villages Ujarma, Sasadilo, Gombori, Kobadze, Tetritsklebi into the common socio-economic environment.

Negative component in line with the positive one: Integration of the villages Ujarma, Sasadilo, Gombori, Kobadze, Tetritsklebi into the common socio-economic environment substantially limited.

Negative component in line with the positive one: Integration of the villages Ujarma, Sasadilo, Gombori, Kobadze, Tetritsklebi into the common socio-economic environment substantially limited.

Abatement measures Rehabilitation of Gombori existing road Rehabilitation of Gombori existing road Impact on cultural heritage The famous Monument impacts not

expected. Low risk of damaging unknown archaelogical monuments, as the existing road is being rehabilitated.

The famous Monument impacts not expected. Average risk of damaging unknown archaelogical monuments, as the new highway is constructed and the land works are carried out in places where such activities have not been ever conducted.

The famous Monument impacts not expected. Average risk of damaging unknown archaelogical monuments, as the new highway is constructed and the land works are carried out in places where such activities have not been ever conducted.

Abatement measures Preliminary research in accordance with the procedures defined in Article 14 of the Law on Cultural Heritage of Georgia.

Preliminary research in accordance with the procedures defined in Article 14 of the Law on Cultural Heritage of Georgia.

Preliminary research in accordance with the procedures defined in Article 14 of the Law on Cultural Heritage of Georgia.

Noise impact Low Low LowNecessity of specific measures to abate the noise impact

N/A N/A N/A

Emission impact Low Low LowNecessity of specific measures to abate the emission impact

N/A N/A N/A

Traffic safety risks Increases in the villages Increases in the villages Increases in the villagesEnsuring security Proper planning of cross-passings,

regulation of traffic. Proper planning of cross-passings Regulation of traffic

Infrastructure impact Average. Mainly the channels Average. Mainly the channels Average. Mainly the channels Abatement measures At the stage of detailed design

mitigation of infrastructure should be envisaged. The nontrivial or costly technical measures are not necessary.

At the stage of detailed projection infrastructural elements crossing spots should be properly designed. The nontrivial or costly technical measures are not necessary.

At the stage of detailed projection infrastructural elements crossing spots should be properly designed. The nontrivial or costly technical measures are not necessary.

Conclusion Acceptable, despite of existing geological risks and the expenditures related to private land acquisition and environmental offset measures.

Not acceptable, for becoming more costly and technically complicated due to required tunnel construction, extremely high risk of hazardous geological processes, and negative social impact on Sagarejo district villages. Costs of compensation of environmental losses and disposal of construction waste (spoil) is also unacceptably high.

Not acceptable, for becoming more costly and technically complicated due to required tunnel construction, extremely high risk of hazardous geological processes and negative social impact on Sagarejo district villages. Costs of compensation of environmental losses and disposal of construction waste (spoil) is also unacceptably high.

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ANNEX 5.

Air Quality: Emissions, Project Impacts and Mitigation

Original Data Sheets of Modeling Traffic Related Air Emissions (Licensed Russian Softare Ecolog – Magistral)The calculation is made through the program “Highway-City” 2.3.3.41 Version. A method of determination of transport means exhaust emission was applied while calculation used for further consolidated calculations of pollution of city atmosphere as approved by the Order # 66 dated 16.02.1999 of the State Committee of Ecology of Russia.

City/village: Gombori1 Main road: Gombori1.25 Section of the main road: Gombori1.25.1 Data on driving

Position data X Y Z (relative width)(Beginning) 0 0 7,0(End) 500 0Length of the road portion, м 500

Data on motor transport streamType of motor cars, unit/hour (Gk) Right

direction.Left direction. Speed, кмhour Speed impact ratio (rv)

Passenger cars 19 19 50 0,5Passenger cars - diesel 4,0 4,0 50 0,5Cargo transport - carburetor up to 3 t. 0 0 0 0Cargo transport - carburetor over 3 t. 0 0 0 0Bus transport - carburetor 0 0 0 0Cargo transport - diesel 1,0 1,0 50 0,5Bus transport - diesel 2,0 2,0 50 0,5Cargo transport - gas balloons 0 0 0 0

Data on exhaust emission on the road portionTitle of a substance Code Emission , г/с Emission, t/hour

Carbon monoxide: 0337 0,054875 1,730538Total emission of nitric oxide: 0,01752778 0,552756Nitrogen monoxide: 0304 0,00227861 0,07185828Nitrogen dioxide: 0301 0,01402222 0,4422048Carbohydrates, benzine: 2704 0,00554167 0,174762Carbohydrates, kerosene: 2732 0,00277778 0,0876Carbohydrates, gas: 0410 0 0Soot: 0328 0,00018056 0,005694Sulfur dioxide: 0330 0,00086458 0,0272655formaldehyde: 0184 0,00005014 0,00158118Benzpyrene: 1325 0,00013278 0,00418728Carbon monoxide: 0703 0,00000001 0,00000023

Calculation formulaPollution substance emission on the driving:

Ml = (L-L0)/3600 * Sum(Mк*Gk*rv),where L0 – length of the line on the crossroad, considered for each direction equals to 0, if not

calculated per crossroads;Mк – run along emission of the pollution substance;Note: rv=1 while calculation of nitric oxide where the speed does not exceed 80 km/hour

Pollution substance emission on the crossroad:Mп = T*P/40 * Sum(Mпк/60 * Gk),

Mпк – emission of pollution substance in the crossroad area, g/min;division by 60 needed for transforming g/min into g/secNote: Sum – summing operation

Note: emission t/g given for approximate estimate and is calculated through direct transformation of g/sec into t/g multiplied by 31.536.

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The calculation is made through the program “Highway-City” 2.3.3.41 Version. A method of determination of transport means exhaust emission was applied while calculation used for further consolidated calculations of pollution of city atmosphere as approved by the Order # 66 dated 16.02.1999 of theState Committee of Ecology of Russia.

City/village: gombori1 Motor Road: gombori1.26 Section: gombori 20281.26.1 Data on driving

Position data X Y Z (relative width)(Beginning) 0 0 7,0(End) 500 0Length of the road portion, м 500

Data on motor transport streamType of motor cars, unit/hour (Gk) Right

direction.Left direction. Speed, кмhour Speed impact ratio (rv)

Passenger cars 51 50 50 0,5Passenger cars - diesel 10 10 50 0,5Cargo transport - carburetor up to 3 t. 0 0 0 0Cargo transport - carburetor over 3 t. 0 0 0 0Bus transport - carburetor 0 0 0 0Cargo transport - diesel 2,0 1,0 50 0,5Bus transport - diesel 5,0 6,0 50 0,5Cargo transport - gas balloons 0 0 0 0

Data on exhaust emission on the road portionTitle of a substance Code Emission , г/с Emission, t/hour

Carbon monoxide: 0337 0,14453472 4,558047Total emission of nitric oxide: 0,04429167 1,396782Nitrogen monoxide: 0304 0,00575792 0,18158166Nitrogen dioxide: 0301 0,03543333 1,1174256Carbohydrates, benzine: 2704 0,01472917 0,464499Carbohydrates, kerosene: 2732 0,0065625 0,206955Carbohydrates, gas: 0410 0 0Soot: 0328 0,00043056 0,013578Sulfur dioxide: 0330 0,00211562 0,06671835formaldehyde: 0184 0,00013326 0,00420261Benz(a)pyrene: 1325 0,00032681 0,01030614Carbon monoxide: 0703 0,00000002 0,00000058

Calculation formulaPollution substance emission on the driving:

Ml = (L-L0)/3600 * Sum(Mк*Gk*rv),where L0 – length of the line on the crossroad, considered for each direction equals to 0, if not

calculated per crossroads;Mк – run along emission of the pollution substance;Note: rv=1 while calculation of nitric oxide where the speed does not exceed 80 km/hour

Pollution substance emission on the crossroad:Mп = T*P/40 * Sum(Mпк/60 * Gk),

Mпк – emission of pollution substance in the crossroad area, g/min;division by 60 needed for transforming g/min into g/secNote: Sum – summing operation

Note: emission t/g given for approximate estimate and is calculated through direct transformation of g/sec into t/g multiplied by 31.536

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Ambient Air Quality Modeling for the Year 2009

Ambient Air Quality Modeling for the Year 2028

Nitrogen dioxide (301) Nitrogen dioxide (301)

Nitrogen oxide (304)

Nitrogen oxide (304)

Soot: (328)

Soot: (328)

Sulfur dioxide (330)

Sulfur dioxide (330)

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Carbon monoxide (337)

Carbon monoxide (337)

Benz(a)pyrene (703)

Benz(a)pyrene (703)

formaldehyde (1325)

formaldehyde (1325)

Carbohydrates, benzine: (2704)

Carbohydrates, benzine: (2704)

Carbohydrates, kerosene (2732)

Carbohydrates, kerosene (2732)

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Supperposition 6009 groupe (301+330)

Supperposition 6009 groupe (301+330)

Note: points on the diagramme marke concentrations in the checkpoints (№ 1, № 2)

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ANNEX 6.

Noise Factor: Baseline, Project Impacts and Mitigation

Introduction. Regulatory Requirements

The Scientific Research Institute of Environmental Protection until its dissolution was responsible for the monitoring and management of noise, but there is no systematic nationwide monitoring of noise, because of limited resources. Noise is measured as a response to complaints by the public.

From 1999 to 2002, noise was measured in five sites in Tbilisi. The noise level at 7.5 m above the curb ranged from 71dB to 80 dB. Railroad noise 25 m from the track was 65 dB during the day and 63dB at night. Noise was also measured in 1999-2001 in Rustavi (73-75 dB), Poti (72-74 dB), Telavi (70dB) and Gori (72 dB). According to European standards, the maximum noise level for urban areas is 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. These sporadic measurements indicate that traffic noise has reached disturbing levels in the major cities, and the levels are expected to increase due to a rising trend in traffic density.

Therefore, there is no sufficient information to be sure that along the road section Vaziani - Gombori noise level is within the standards, although the expectations are that no real problems should arise in that regard. However, at the detailed design and EIA stage there is a need to monitor noise levels near the settlements and consider preventive measures against noise in planning.

The current Georgian standards for the noise level are based on former soviet sanitary norms No. 3077-84 and specify different noise levels for different zones. The most relevant standards are the noise limits inside the residential building and outside it (at the wall) which are as follows:Inside the residential buildings: For Leq (7a.m. - 11p.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 40dB(A), maximum level = 55dB(A)For Leq (11p.m. - 7a.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 30dB(A), maximum level = 45dB(A)

Outside the residential buildings (measured at the wall): For Leq (7a.m. - 11p.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 55dB(A), maximum level = 70dB(A)For Leq (11p.m. - 7a.m.) the indicative(equivalent) sound = 45dB(A), maximum level = 60dB(A)

International Regulations

Federal Highway Administration: Exterior Noise Abatement Criteria

Activity Category Maximum 1 hour Leq

Land where serenity and quiet are of extraordinary importance

57 dBA

Schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, residences, playgrounds, recriation areas

67 dBA

(52dBA indoors)

Developed lands 72 dBa

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1. Baseline Noise Measurement Data

Traffic noise impact should be more tangible in the vicinity of the dense settlements, where the residential houses are located close to the motor road. Such settlements within the current project are villages Udjarma and Gombori. The noise impact is considerable for the villages Sasadilo, Kobadze, Tetrtsklebi, but the settlements here are not so dense and the road is not passing as close to the residential houses as in case of v. Udjarma.

Test points were selected near villages Udjarma and Gombori. The baseline noise measurements have been carried out 20.01.2009 at 12:00 – 13:00 and 18:00 – 19:00 (Udjarma) and 15:00 – 16:00 (Gombori). The noise level has been measured by device -.”Шум – 1”. . One device has been located at 5m distance from the edge of the existing road and the second at the distance of 20m. Each minute one measurement has been carried out. The average of 30 measurements during 30 min is provided in the table below. Results are provided in the table A.6.1

Table A. 6/1 Measured Levels of Baseline Noise

# Time of Noise Measurement Average Noise Level dBA village Gombori

5 m from the road 20 m from the road1 15.00 – 15.30 422 15.30 – 16.00 47

village Udjarma5 m from the road 20 m from the road

3 12.0 0 – 12. 30 484 12.30 – 13.00 525 18.00 – 18.30 506 18.30 – 19.00 48

The above table shows that: The noise indicators are within the limit. Background noise indicators do not differ much from each other in 5 m or in 20 m distance

from the road. The latter is conditioned by the fact that the intensity of the road traffic is not so significant and the transport noise is not dominating in the background structures of the integrated noise.

The predicted values of the mototransport traffic intensity (in the beginning – 1217 cars and in perspective – 3242 cars from both directions per 24 hour) and other data on noise indicators on the Georgia arterial highways enable us to very roughly predict the level of noise on Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi highway roadside. The indicators of noise on the E-60 highway of Agaiani- Igoeti are given below.

Years Agaiani-Igoeti segment

Moto-car Minivan Large buses2006 6,183 2,578 222

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# Time of noise measurement Average level of noise, dBA

Near the village Agaiani 5 m from the road 40 m from the road

1 14.10 – 14.40 52 502 14.50 – 15. 20 68 573 15.30 – 16.00 71 60

Based on the presented indicators we can weigh up the noise level on the Ujarma and Gombori segments of the Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi highway in a 5 m distance from the road as within the 50-60 dBA.

Spread of noise from a linear source is possible only in case of existence of uninterrupted noise source. In case of both linear and spotlight noise sources, spread area takes a cylinder or semicylinder shape. Model of noise spread from the linear source is as follows: level of noise1 – level of noise 2=10 log r2/r1; Decrease of noise level in each case of doubling the distance from the noise source is 3 dBA. In case of noise from the heavy traffic highway, we can count the highway as a linear source of noise and take into account the 3 dBA doubling of the distance.

For the semiquantitative assessmemt of the impact of existing and anticipated traffic noise, we used measured and predicted levels of the noise as reviewed above.

Measured and calculated levels of the fluctuation noise related to traffic

Distance from the roadside, m

Average indicator of the noise measurement level

for existing traffic intensity - dBa

Average indicator of the noise measurement level

for predicted traffic intensity - dBa

5 50 6010 47 5720 44 5440 41 51

2. Modeling of Noise Related to Construction Activities

Evaluation of construction related noise relies upon known information on the noise produced by various equipment and activities at individual stages of construction. For example noise levels produced at 50 ft (15.24m) as provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, FHWA, CADOT, and SBAG 1993; and Country Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County 1994 are about:

Table A.3.3a

Source of Noise Equivalent noise level, dBA1. Construction machinery and mechanisms

backhoes 84 - 85bulldozers 84 - 85graders 91 - 92compressors 80 - 88jackhammers 85 - 98pile drivers 96 - 107

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According to other sources (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1972,):

Table A.3.3b

Source of Noise Equivalent noise level, dBAConstruction machinery and mechanisms

Compacters (rollers) 72 - 75Front loaders 72 - 83Backhoes 72 - 92Tractors 78 - 95Scrapers, graders 80 - 95Pavers 85 - 88Trucks 83 - 93Compressors 75 - 88crane, movable 75 - 85Jackhammers and rock drills 82 - 98Vibrator 70 - 82Saws 72 - 82

Noise generated by mobile sources naturally attenuates at a certain distance. Attenuation follows logarithmic pattern. In case of construction related noise, point source propagation model should be applied. Point-source propagation can be defined as follows: Sound level1 – Sound level2 = 20 log r2/r1. This means that for every doubling of distance, the sound level decreases by 6dBA (“inverse square law”).

Table A.3.3c

Distance from the Edge of the Road m

Predicted Noise LevelAverage Value - dBa

Predicted Noise LevelMaximum Value - dBa

5 80 9010 74 8420 68 7840 62 7280 56 66160 50 60320 44 54

Project Impact and Mitigation (Construction Phase).

As a result of rough estimation of construction related noise, we can assume that the noise impact will not exceed radius of 320m. This means that settlements will not be affected. Neither ecologically sensitive areas will be disturbed by the noise nuisance. Temporary and slight increase of the noise level near the construction ground within the 300m radius is acceptable impact. However, mitigation of this impact is possible by engine maintenance practice and avoidance of engine work in non-operational mode. The only limitation that could be recommended is to minimize the night-time works in v. Ujarma and v.Gombori. The night-works at other sites could be carried out without limitation.

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Operation Phase

Despite the approximation of the presented assessment, we can assume that the highway construction may not require construction of costly noise-reduction barriers. High solid fences (wooden or stone) along the nearby houses and linear plantings will be quite sufficient. It can be said that this component of the project will not require substantially increased construction-related expenditures. The other required measures will be establishment of strict traffic speed control in within the settlements, particularly in villages Udjarma and Gombori.

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ANNEX 7.

List of References

Ecology

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Ivaniashvili M. 2000. International environmental Law on Biological Diversities. MERIDIANI, Tbilisi.

Ketskhoveli N.N. 1957. Zones of cultural plants of Georgia, METSNIEREBA, Tbilisi.

Ketskhoveli N.N. 1959. Map of the vegetation cover of Georgia. Annex to book: “Vegetation cover of Georgia’, Tbilisi.

Ketskhoveli N.N. 1960. Vegetation cover of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Ketskhoveli N.N. (edit.), 1977. ‘To protect wild and cultural plants of Georgian SSR’, Edition of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Makashvili A. 1995, Trees and bushes of Georgia (edited by Nakhutsrishvili G. and Zazanashvili N.). WWF, Tbilisi.

Georgian Law on the system of the preserved territories, adopted by the Parliament of Georgia (March 7, 1996). Normative Acts of the Parliament of Georgia, Tbilisi, 2000, 10-17.

Manual of plants of Georgia. 1969. 2. Edition of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Flora of Georgia. 1941-1952. 1-8. Edition of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Flora of Georgia. 1970-2000. 1-13. SOVIET GEORGIA, Tbilisi.

Decree N303 of May 2, 2003 of the President of Georgia on Approving the Red List of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Kvachakidze R. 1996. Geo-botanic zoning of Georgia. METSNIEREBA, Tbilisi.

Kvachakidze R. 2001, Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi.

Kikava G., Chkhetiani I., Jugeli N., Todua G. 1997. Wild fruit of Georgia. Tbilisi.

Shanshiashvili P. 1998. Development of the system of protected areas of Georgia. Bulletin of Strategic Research and Development Center (Tbilisi), N16, 2-23.

Grebenshikov O.S. 1965. Geo-botanic dictionary. Russian-English-German-French. NAUKA, Moscow.

Gulisashvili V.Z. 1964. Environmental zones and environmental-historical zones of Caucasus. NAUKA, Moscow.

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Dolukhanov A.G. 1989. Vegetation of Georgia. 1. Forest vegetation of Georgia. METSNIEREBA, Tbilisi.

Mardaleishvili T.K. 1970. New and rare species of Eastern Georgia. Systematicae ac Geographicae Instit. Botan. Thbilissiensis. 28, 105-109.

Cherepanov S.K. 1981. Vascular plants of the USSR. NAUKA, Leningrad.

Canter L.W. 1996. Environmental impact assessment. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill. New York, London, Tokyo, Toronto.

Convention on Biological Diversity. 1995. UNEP. Switzerland.

Council of Europe. Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Bern, 19.09.1979.

Forest Code of Georgia. 2000. Tbilisi.

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ANNEX 8.

List of Contributors to EIA

Medgar Chelidze Project ManagerEnvironmental and Resettlement Expert

Andrei Kandaurov Ecology

Maka Kimeridze Ecology

Lali Akhalaia Cultural Heritage

Pr. Emil Tsereteli and Merab Gaprindashvili Geology; Report provided to the engineering team

Giorgi Kherkheulidze Hydrology; Report provided to the engineering team

Avto Budagashvili Emission Modeling

Paata Chankotadze Noise Measurement; EMPs

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