DocUment of . The World Bank Report No: ICROOOO 1945 IMPLEMENTATION COMPLETION AND RESULTS REPORT (TF-55875 TF·90J84) ONA GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF US$6.35 MILLION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA FORA PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPS) STOCKPILES MANAGEMENT AND DESTRUCTION PROJECT June 20,2011 Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Country Unit Sustainable Development Department Europe and Central Asia Region CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (Exchange Rates Effective December 31, 2010) Currency Units = MDL, USD, EURO, CAD MDL 1.00 = USD$ 0.08 USD$ 1.00 =MDL 12.15 EURG 1.00 = USD$ 1.34 CAD 1.00 = USD$ 0.995 FISCAL YEAR J~uary 1 . . ,. December 31 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal; . BAP Best Available PractiCes BAT Best Available Techniques BBL Brown Bag Lunch BEP Best Environmental Practice CAS Country Assistance Strategy DES Department of Emergency Situations DDT Dichloro-diphenyl-trichioroethane EA Environmental Assessment EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FM Financial Management GDP GrosS Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GRM Government of the Republic of Moldova mRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IDA International Development Association IPM . Integrated PestManagement ISR Implementation Status and Results Report MAC Maximum Allowable Concentration MAPI Ministry of Agric\Jlture and Food Industry MDL Moldovan Lei (local currency) . MOE Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (prior to November 2009) MOD Ministry of Defense . MOE Ministry of Environment (since November 2009) MOH Ministry of Health NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization NEF National Ecological Fund NGO Non-governmental Organization NIP National Implementation Plan OHSE Occupational Health, Safety and Environment PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls PMT Project Management Team POPs Persistent Organic PollutantS ppm , partS per million' Rotterdam Convention on the ,Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous .Chemicals and PeSticides in Intemational Trade SDES State Department ,for Emergency Situations SEI State Ecological Inspectorate ·I' ." tons Metric tons ~····',~·TW" '" ".".~ Vice President: Philippe H. Le Houerou .~.-~~=--- ..... -Country Director: Martin Raiser I Sector Manager: John Kellenberg I l Project Team Leader: Anatol Gobjila il _ ICR Team Leader Craig Meisner ~\10LDOVA Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Stockpiles Management and Destruction' .Project CONTENTS Data Sheet . A. Basic Information B. Key Dates C. Ratings Summary D. Sector and Theme Codes E. Bank Staff F. Results Framew?rk Analysis G. Ratings of Project Performance in ISRs H. Restructuring I. DisbursementGraph 1. Project Context, Global Environment Objectives and Design .................................... 1 2. Key Factors Affecting Implementation and Outcomes .................................. ;........ ,... 2 3. Assessment ofOutcqmes ............................................................................................ ·3 4. Assessment of Risk to Development Outcome ............ ,.......................... ~ ................... 4 5. Assessment of Bank and Borrower Performance ....................................................... 4 6. Lessons Learned ...................................................... :............................................ ;....... 5 7. Comments on Issues Raised by Borrower/ImplementingAgencies/Partners ............. 5 Annex' 1. Project Costs and Financing .................... ,........................................................ 6 Annex 2. Outputs by Component..: .............................;.................................................... ·7 Annex 3. Economic and Financ.ia1 Analysis .. ;.................................................................. 8 AnnexA. Bank Lending and ImplementationSupportiSupervision Processes ............... 9 ·.Annex 5. Beneficiary SurveY'Results .. ;................................... :........... ,................... ;........ 10 Annex 6. Stakeholder Workshop Report ~d Results ... ;....................................... ;....... 11 Annex 7. Summary of Borrower's ICR andlor Comments on Draft ICR ..................... 12 .Annex 8. Comments of Co financiers and Other Partners/Stakeholders ....................... 13 Annex 9. List of Supporting Documents ........ ;........ ;.................................................... 14 MAP I I I iCountry: . !Project Nartle: Borrower: iOriginal Total isbursed Amount: :Commitment:~,~,~~""~=,_ '''_+M~.''''''~~'''''''.~''~''.'W''M~ "" :Implementing Agencies: l Ministry o[~4?~!~gy ~_~atural Resources ICofinanciers and Other External Partners: 'NATO' LQ!ltc~ - Milie~!~l1:~ Oost-Europe 05/10/2010 . .....• ','" '-"""""""" 12/2112010 ,-4_~"""":"'~~""'~:"':"'" 11/1S/200S 09/01/200S''''''-+--~~~-.,.'''''.'' , ",,"",.,.' 05/3112010 12/31/2010 Outcomes: Risk to Global Enviro)~nm~~e~nt~.~O~.u~!t~co~m~e~~~l~:~~~"~~~~,,,. Bank Performance: -,.-,-.,-.."", !9uality a! Entrr=.",_ .,~l:i:!i~fB:c:t~ry. "Gove~~!:"" '.+-""",., ~,~!~~fB:c:~ry . iQuality of Supervision: [ S f:ti t· Implementing Satisfactory ~""""""'.. "'_'" . , ' ,,~,,~~,~~,~ry_"_..~~e.!l,c:Y!A~e~£_ie,,",s_.,·,,, , . " " " " , L . . " , - " " " " " , " " " . " " , . " " " , , , , , , ' ' ' ' ' ' ,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,,,,, 1 ~Sector Code (as % oftotaI Bank :rmancing) p",,,,,-~-,-,,,-,,,,,,~---,,,,---~,,,-,,,,-,,.,,,, ",," . -' ''''''-'''''"''"--+-------'m--~_+-·,,---,-''''---'''''-''~~1 I Centralgovemment administration ~"M," _ _"" _ _ " - , , _ " " " - - , , """"'"'''' _~_ 39 39 :.,~~r ind~~!IY~,,,_,,,,,,__,,_,, 9 9 , Petrochemicals and fertilizers 19 19 "~"-''''''''-----,''--,,,, "-"'-""",,.,,'--,,-""""""---,,-""--"'"''--'''-'''------''''-,,--'''''''''---,,+----'''-''''-,,--~-_+----'-'----4 25 25 25 25 and environmental health 50 50 l Sectorr.,~~~~~:,~,,_. . , __._~_~~~~,~~~~!.~!!~~!~~__,,-""-,,____~~~,~~~!,J~,!,~~.!.,-_-__--~ ~~~j~ct Team Leader: ICR Team Leader: Author: 11 F. ResllltsFramework Analysis Global Environment Objectives (GEO) and Key Indicators(as approved) The develoPlllentobjective is to protect the environment and human health by safely managing and disposing of stockpiles of POPs contaminated pesticides and PCBs. The global project objective is sustainable POPs stockpiles management and strengthening of the regulatory and institutional arrangements for long term control of POPs and other toxic substances in line with the requirements of the Stockholm Convention and other related conventions and protocols ratified by Moldova. Revised Global Environment Objectives (as approved by original approving authority) and Key Indicators and reasons/Justifications . There were no revisions to the GEO. Numerical revisions to GEO indicator #1 and intermediate indicators (10) #1 and#2 were made after site excavations revealed smaller numbers than original estimates. (a) GEOIndicatQl"(s) 1,060 tons of PCB :937.5 tons of PCB Value containing containing (quantitative or . capacitors· capacitors Qualitative) destroyed destroyed Date achieved ·12fttS/200S 12/13/2010 .12/13/2010 '12/13/2010 Comments 1OO%achi~~~d:-Thediff~;~nce ~~ct;.iq~;rtiiie~m~d thei);di~aior stems from . !(incl. % the fact that the latter was based on estimates. The exact quantity could only be ,achievement) •• •. ".,,,>.>.• ...... ~.~ ""~ ,~"' ,determined once excavation and clean-up works commenced. ,....."_.~~~,~~.~u,,."" .• v ................"'..."'...... v •.•• ~ ••• " ..••....... ~ ....• _:."" ...:........... _.~ ....." •.'«< .... " ...... "." ," .. v··.~"v •... ·· . .-·___ . m '_~"H· .... v-. .... _ .................... _ ............ .n •• v.~ ..... ~ ............... no ................. '''. ,............,".. '" :Ind. t 2.·· IDestruction of 1,150 tons6fPOPs containing and contaminated obsolete _--- _ I lca or. esticides ~;{OCL~~~-:~~~=-_:~~-~;;~ !Date achieved 1211S12005 ,~_.",".''' __ ~,_ _ ~_~'''_~__ .12/13/2010 12113/2010 ,,'.;."" __ •• ,~,.._''''_~_ _ .-_,,_. __ ~, :12113/2010 ,~v. __ ~'''w .. ,.'" """.____ ~_~v~ .. y,.¥~~v,~ ."'''". ~"""',.'"'.'" .. ~~h~~~~_~'"'""' •. _~". __ ~·,_"'~,,~· _ _w,,_,~"ww,,_~''' •. ., .. < Comments (incl. % 100% achieved :1l:~!!.!~~~!!1:~!1!)..L..... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modem regulatory system established for the management and control of POPs ,Indicator 3 : d other toxic and harmful chemicals and wastes . . 111 v •••••• ~.v ...._ .._ _ .~ •••• •••• . . - , , _..._ _ ....,.. .._ ..... ~ _""_"~ .. _"."_.~~.~_,,_,~_~~_,.,_, .. .,,~~, .. , .. v . . Jperthe project's [draft l~gislation [plan) has been 'completed, 'Enactment of :legislation has been i' : partially completed, I ! ' ; iRe~latory sy~em , ·I·.·-.. . . ·····'····--······.-.~im-----··········-·- ....................... ---........ -,----.. - . . . . . .__......_ . _....... __ .... _.. . . . . . . . ._JP~~~!yJ~~~~~~.al.~. .. ~~~:~t~~-~.-T~-~!!~~~.QQ~~~-.--.---- . iI2/1~!~.~LLU. .LU5 of 17,300 obsolete capacitors containing PCBs, packing in closed !._..______..____._...__ .. f~)~~~C~!.~E'__~~i'f)p~1~;an~~dl.~d!~e:~stru~c~tii.9o'~n___.~-c-~.·__._~-_~_--_________..__......... ; .• Ivalue . 17,300 capacitors . Kquantitative or (0 capacitors dismantled idismantled and icalJacitolrs iQualitative) , .:~:~~~~~~_.. . and destroyed idestroyed D;t~-~~hl~~~d ii2/15/20·05----'·~,------ ,12/13/201 o-'-1i2/ij/ioio'-iiiii3/20io ....-.. . -. }.." .....".,,, ...... ,, ....... _.... ... ......... _ .. _ ......... ~ .... ~'""'"~~.w_ ....:,_._~,_,,~_~_ ............,_.. _._ .."'.,._ .. ~~ __ ~~...,__+_,,_~""'-.._-,,~....-~_ ..- ....... L.-...... _._~... ~ __ .~ __ .... ~... _ _ .. .. iComments 100% achieved, The difference in actual quantities' and the indicator stems from I(incl. % .e fact that the latter was based on estimates, The exact quantity could only be ,achievement) Idetermined once. excavation and Clean-up works commenced, '-·-········-;--·······-····-···..·iE~~;;~ti~~·~f2~OOO-~;p;~it~~~~d ~~;;:t;~~a~d-;;ii~~v~i~~~stip~~;~ IIndicator 2 : 'Stations .. f, ............_. . . . --...........- ......-........- ............- _-_._-.._-_ .......... 1,759- , ,capacitors 1,759 capacitors !value '0' d ' "1 12,000 capacitors lexcavated and lexcavated and I I' lve I capacItors an no SOl i(quant'tat' or I ' d I'excavated and 'd I. estroye,d 'd i estroye, CIean-up'. d '.Q 1'tat , ) I ua lIve lexcavate . I ., 'd ,1e_stroye d iCI i ean-up 0 f ' fth V I ' 10 e u canestl Ithe Vulcanesti isi~ completed, . ite COt.!l.p!~!~~:L_ ........ _. D~i~~~hi~~~d.. -li'i/15/2005 ..- · - · · -....Ti27i3i2·oio- . ··-.. :12/13/2010 :12/13/2010 - -.......... - ........ - .... - ........ -~-~.-.------ ••- -... ~ ... - .....- -.............. _ ..... _ . ._ - - - _ . ---~---.-.----"'~- .... -,-.~-.- .. > iComments ,100% achieved, The difference in actual quantities and the indicator stems from (incl. % ~he fact that the latter was based on estimates, The exact quantity could only be i iachievement) Idetermined once excavation and clean-up works commenced, . lndic;t~-;.-3 . ;·IGuid~iin~;·'i~~~-;;d-o~-POPs~ont~~~t;d-;ii~~agement issues . -~---1 :~~~~---"----'-I · · . . -.. ·---··-·-....--....-·····;Grtid~l;;~ ~d-·····--'·-· . . · ...... -----............ ··-uici~l~~~·;}d· . ·-' ','( . t'ta't' h..r 'd I' 'I bl Ihandbook for andbook for POPs : qu~ I , lve or p:'IO gut e mes aval a e 1.·.POPs :Quahtatlve) I _ I . anagement have '. ~ . . ._.__.__._ _.L.._ _ _~___._. __..__ 1111~~~~IEent, ______. .... ..... een drafted, IV Formal enactment .............................. - ............ ~~~~_v~ •••••••• is.1lE:~~~.~ay. Date achieved 12/15/2005 12/13/2010 1211312010 Comments '(incl. % 100°.1 ach·leved.. Add·· I mventory activItIes are bemg carned out OutSI eof ,1'0 . ltlon~ . . .. . . ·d , h·' t) /the scope of the Project WIth country resources. iac levemen i i..~ _ _ _~~""",,,,,~,,,,,,_,,,"~'~""'"'' " .... ··.. ···.···.w· ..··.··.·····.. ·_~···.· .. ···.·.·.· ............~'" ._.~,_._H_._~m~N~~"""'"'.~~n.".""'''''"'''',.,,~,,.y .....'''"_ ...... _.. ... ,," ....... ,..~ ....... _.A"" G. Ratings of Project Performance in ISRs Actual No•. Dftm 'IIR:' . Archwal. 010 If\ .' DWn.U'Semeots .~_;';~@'h ...J~. fftilli~l 1 03/28/2006 __ . . . ~_a!!~~~tory....... '''''''' . ,.._.~~.... _~~!i~!.~!~ ..........~~~_..~........ _...... 0.00 2' ... -i~/EZ~Q.Q~· ·-~ .. . ...._ ~~t!~i~!~!Y .......~..atisfactory ...~_.~___.............. 3 06/1112007,~~~~!~!t:l!y_~~tis~~~!~rx_.. Satisfac!~'_"i~~ '--~-'1 __~:.........~~ZQ~Z?_O'~~_.... __ .~.§,~!!~!.~ct9ry ~._... . . . . . . .._ .. ~~!~~~!~~ .. 3.1? ... j 01/06/2009 MOderate~~~~~~~~~~~~~_~_!!.~;~;f;~;trx_...__.__.J_.._~. .,.. . _.. .~.~2 .,. __ 1_0/~~~~~~~._ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~.~~~.~.~~~~.~ l.. __ ._!!~~~;f::~ry .. ..._ ... .... . . . . . . . . . . .;. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .._. ~ ~.~ ,_._?. ._~'!t~.~!?g!O'.,~~~~~!~t~l;lti~fl;l~tory .~_~....... ~I;l!i~f.~~!~!Y. ___ ~ ...__ ,_,__ ~_ . _....~} 2 __ L ,~ ..L,_Q!!O'?!f.Q)l,...._,_~~~!~f.~~!~9.'........ . ....., ... ~.. ,.~Il,!~~fl;l~~9.'~_.. _ . . . . . . ,...... ,..",.§:3.4~ . . 1 H. Restructuring (if any) v reallocation was necessary ~o allow for the scaling up of a number of project activities /using existing project savings. !More specifically, the IGovernment of Moldova !requested the reallocation of proceeds for the following iactivities: '- The clean-up of the 400 KW' Vulcanesti transformer station :site; '- Expanding POPs 05/10/2010 . N MS S 6.12 :comniunication and awareness !raising activities under !Component 3; ~ 'Additional training for staff of; ~he State Hydrometeorological . IService chemical lab for !pOPs testing and analysis; i_ Additional IT equipmentfor ithe POPs sites database and . IPCB inventory; :- Incremental operating costs, : lincluding the project's 2010 ..............................................................+..............,-.... t .....~~. . 1-~-~ ~~·_·· . ·_ . I~~~i!:,__. _..._ . . ._ _. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . : : . . The reallocation was necessary ,,, ito carry out a final adjustment iOfthe disbursement categories to :allow for full settlement of :outstanding commitments under !the Project. The need for the . ladjustment arose as a result of lexchange rate fluctuations. The 12/2112010 N MS S 6.33 ~eallocation would allow the . IImplementing Agency to icomplete payments Iror the following activities: i- The clean-up of the 400 kW Vulcanesti transformer station :site; '- Additional training to staff of !the State Hydrometeorological .............................. _".._ _ .. ..... _~_ .. _.... _ .. ,_ .__ ,... ".._. ____ ..._...... .... "'_..._ .... ,.. _ ___ .._ _ _ ,·.._._m. ,,, __ _~ .. ~_ iService chemical __........ for ..."....."........_............_ . ~:..~_~~ ... ."......... lab ~. ~~~~ POPs VI ites1ting and analyses; ;:- Additiomil IT equipment for rthePQPs sites database and CB inventory; Incremental operating costs, . cludingthe project's 2010 udit. . I. DisbursementProfile - Origin ill ---:- formatllRevised - - AQuat 1 i :; ! 4 f V't 3 ! 2 1 o liD o o I'll liD o ,.,. o .... o o ,." ... o o I'll ., • o I'll .. o o I'll ... CD I'll . .. ... • ... I'll N o ... ... CD N Vll · . " 1. P'roject ~ootut, GI9'balEovironmentObJectivesaod,J)eStgn" 1.lContext .lAppraisal Persistent Organic Pollut~ts,(POPs)pos¢aPimmediate threat to t;beenvironment and human health in Moldova. POps .possesstoxicchal'acteristics which 'lU"~perslstent,accumulate in the fatty tissues of most living organisms, are prone to long-range trartsboundarytransport, and are likely' to cause significant adverse human health or environmental effects near to, and distant from; their soUrces. . '.' . . ' Due to POPs' persistence and propensity to cross..,bordet movement, countries have sought multinational cooperation to. address the.challenge. The Stocl$olIIi Convention' on Persistent Organic Pollutants seeks to eliminate a group of 12 POPs. Under the Convention, which entered into force on May 17,2004, andwasratifled by Moldova by Law No. 40-XV on February 19, 2004,par1ies .are required to develop implementation pltms to indicate how they will meet their obligations under the Convention. In 200J, Moldova requested from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial assistance in fulfilling its Stockholm Convention obligations and it received a $410,000 GEF POPs EnablingA~tivity (EA) grant The Moldova POPs National IIIiplementationflan (NIP) was one of the -main outp~ts of the project and was approved on October 20, 2004. The NIP identified the POPs «liemicals of concern in Moldova as being stockpiles of obsolete pesticjdes and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) contained in electrical equipment, primarily capacitors. ' . It is estimated that between the 19SQsand 1990s560;000 tons of pesticides were u$eved by these actions since the risk of, exposure has been significantly , reduced or eliminated. Improvements to trans-boundary (and global) water quality is also ensured through the elImination of these substances and a more sustainable approach to POPs management. 'Prior to the p.roject, legislation on chemicals and' hazardous waste was vague, sparse or minima.l, with a complete absence of POPs in definition or interpretation. A total of 15 draft laws and regulations were completed under the Project, Illthough not fully enacted through Cabinet or, Parliament. I Despite this, this legislation forms the legal foundation for a modern regulatory system for the management and control of POPs and other toxic and harmful, chemicals and wastes. As noted in Section 2.5 above, the Government is committed to completing this task - and aims to prepare for further work as the Stockholm Convention on POPs inGrease~its scope. Finally, ,institutional capacity ;was'Strengthenedthrough training activities in draft legislation, POPs monitoring and surveillance systems and analytical capacity (lab upgrading) ofthe State Hydrometeorological Service for POPs detection in different media (e.g~ soil, water). Prior to the Project no inventory or information system existed and in the case oflaboratories, they did not have the ability to test for the presence of POPs. 3.3 Efficiency An incremental cost analysis (ICA) was conducted at appraisal. At the leR stage, an ex-post leA and cost.;.effectiveness analysis were conducted (Annex 3), . At appraisal, the Baseline Scenario included ongoing efforts by the MOD to repackage obsolete pesticides and consolidation jnt037 warehouses. The cost was US$0.82 million. The GEF- Alternative scenario included 'a more ambitious ,program to repackage 'materials, transport and incinerate them' in an international location. PeB-containing capacitors wOldd becoilected from power substations and from eXcavations at the Vulcanesti substation, transported and incinerated. The Alternative ~lso included a massive overhaul of the regulatory and legislative system for improved chemicals management, including POPs. Institutional strengthening and. capacity building initiatives would form a solid knowledge and analytical base for contiul,ledchemicals management. The cost of the alternative was US$12.6million of which the GEF would :finance US$6.35 million and the remainder (US$5.44 million) from other (parallel) co-financiers. Further details are contained in Annex 3. Ex-post analysis indicates that the GEF-Alternative cost was US$13.41 million, inCluding US$2.36· million in cash from Government and the National E<;ological Fund (plus US$I.36 millidn through. in-kind transfers for PCB inventorying and 20% VAT exemptions on goods and I The Regulation on Polychlorinated Biphenyls Was approved by the Government in February 2009. The National Programme on Sound Chemicals ManagemeIlt was approved in October201O.Three handbooks (Environmental Sound PCB Management in Electrical Equipment, Theinventory and mapping of POPs contaminated sites and Guide on remediation of POPs polluted sites) were developed and published. 16 services), US$1.55 inillion from NATO, US$0.84 million frOin Milieukontakt' (Dutch Environmental NOO), US$0.58 million from the Canadian CIDA POPs Trust Fund, US$0.37 million from other IDA projects (WB Energy II and RISP II), and US$6.35 million from the GEF Grant. Project costs appear to be higher than the baseline, but many of the Projects'outputs were scaled up as a consequence of savings early in the Project. For example, savings were redirected toward further soil excavation at Vulcanesti beyond the revised 350 tons (in conjunction with Moldelectrica). Thus, Project results were achieved, or exceeded, with relatively similar resources - and the Project canbe considered efficient. The cost of reducing ,one ton of POPs, was approxil1i.ately US$4,183. Although this measure is broad and includes all of Component 1 costs (repackaging, inventorying, transport, and ' incineration costs), when compared to average incineration costs (US$ 1,000-1 ,500Iton), it appears to be a cost-effective overall result. 3.4 Justification of Overall Outcome Rating Rating: Satisfactory , . The PD~ and GEO remain highly rblevant for local and global environmental protection and in meeting the requirements of international conventions, including the Stockholm Convention. The PD~ wasacbjeved, and'swpassed in the case of obsolete pesticides, and the GEO was achieved through strengthening the regulatory and institutional arrangements for the long term control of POPs and other' toxic suhstances. Overall project costs were lower than anticipated and results were achieved in a cost-effective manner. In the Project's final ISR, the, Project GEO was rated satisfactory according to th~ last implementation mission, but moderately satisfactory according to the GEO at project closin.g on December 31, 2010 (see C3 in Data Sheet). The Bank submitted this last ISR for management approval on December 21,2010 and it was cleared through management by December 23,2010. Unfortunately, the system takes 10 days to post ratings, which occurred on January 2, 2011, past the ProJect closing date of December 31,2010. Thus ,the rating difference was system-driven and not reflective of the true status of the ProjectGEO. , ' 3.5 Overarching Themes, Other Outcomes and Impacts (a) Poverty Impacts,Gender Aspects, and ~ocial Development Not applicable. (b) Institutiollal Change/Strengthening The Project built and strengthened capacity at several levels. First, capacity was stren~hened at the MOE in developing regulation and legislation that conforms to the reporting requirements of the Stockholm COl;l.vention as well as harmonizing, chemical and waste management law with other 'EU countries. Second" the logistics of hazardous waste disposal has been internalized and the experience Can be drawn upon for futl,lre operations (important for remaining stocks). Third, support to the Hydrometeorological Service for POPs detection (both training and equipment) , better enables authorities to test and monitor toxic, substances in different media (important for ongoing PCB inventorying). Fourth, public awareness rose through the 'continuation of media campaigns on the hazards ofPOPs, especially among those with a high risk of POPs exposure 17 such as farmers, industry employees 'and staff of Moldelectrica (power authority). The Project also set up a website to be used for subsequent projectS (www.moldovapops.md). (c) Other Unintended Outcomes and Impacts During the SthConference ofParties of the Stockholm Cmi'vention (April 25-29, 2011) in Geneva, implementation results over the past ten years were evaluated with the goal to set up objectives for the next period. At this event, Moldova~s implementation'performance was highly commended. The Republic of Moldova was able to achieve significant results in this field and hence won two awards: the POPs Star Award for the implementation of the Convention and the Award for the elimination of PCBs (2011 PCB Elimination Network (PEN) Award). See http://chm. popS.intllmplementationlPCBslPCBsEliminationNetworkPEN/2011 PENAwards/tabidi I 460/Ianguage/en-USlDefault.aspx. 3.6 Summary of Findings 'Of Beneficiary Surveyandlor Stakeholder Workshops Several national and regional workshops w.ere conducted' during the Project - as part of the stakeholder consultation process and raising public awareness (see Annex 2 for details). A fmal project completion conference was held ,.on December 10, 2010, with local and international participation. Results from the Project were presented and stimulated much outside replication interest. National interest remainedhigh in the context of Moldova'S environmental pollution control agenda and that more targeted support is needed to continue clean up and management of remaining stocks. " ' 4. Assess'ment of Risk to Develop,ment Outcome Rating: Moderate ' Project outcomes are likely to be sustainable given the near completio~ of regulatory enactments. The primary risk hindering implementation was mostly internal to the MOE or political (with three' elections over an 18 month period) leading' to slow progress in drafting regulations. With the bulk ·of these activities now cotnplete- the MOE will now focus on staffing the new institutional agency dedicated to chemicals management (anticipated by '2013, after a legal framework is established). Internal support for this was confirmed with the Minister of Environment. As stated in Section 2.5, there is also significant interest (and obligation) to address remaining obsolete pesticide 'stockpiles, and with the PCB' inventory nearing completion disposal operations can target relatively few, sites.' The State Hydrometeorological, Service continues to test oil samples for PCB content with over 33,500 samples completed (or full national coverage for PCB-containing equipment), but State budget resources are required for a continued and uninterrupted supply, of reagents forlabs. 5. Assessment of lJank ~nd Borrower Performance 5.1 Bank (a) Bank Performance in Ensuring Quality at Entry Rating: Satisfactory , The Bank id~ntified an area of support that was and remains relevant to the Moldovan environment, public health, as well as with the global commons (Stockholm Convention on POPs). Project activities targeted highly priority areas identified in the NIP, and complemented 18 ongoingclean..up aotivities by-NATO (obsolete pestioides).Outcomes (supported by a design) . struck an appropriate balance arilong three key areas: (i) clean-up/ remediation, (ii) improving institutional readiness a:fid compliance with EU standards, and (iii) public consultation and awareness building. . The Bank properly identified regulatory reform as a significant risk at the outset of the Project; and emph~ized. an early start (2005) would help mitigate some of the concern about slow implementation. Unforeseen political iostability and poor internal communications in the MOE ultimately resulted in a Project downgrade to moderately unsatisfactory, not only from slow reform, but also due to the inter-linkages betweeo CQmponents 2 and 3. The Bank may have set more modest expectation~ in terms of reform, perhaps stopping short of actual legislative enactment. (b) Quality of Supervision (including offiduciary and safeguards policies) Rating: Satisfactory . The Bank closely supervised Project implementation through semi-annual missions, fiduciary review and maintained a constructive .dialogue between the PMT, the MOE" and other stakeholders: Issues raised were addressed in' a timely manner and wete candidly reported in official documentation. For eXaDlple,during the MTR the Bank specifically identified the substantial problem areas within Component·2 activities, suggestedwaysthe MOE could resolve issues including a greater allocation of staff to tasks and worked with thePMT to revise the implementation schedule. The component was not 100% achieved by Project closing, but still led to the eventual outcome of a modem regulatory framework for chemicals and waste management. The Bank maintained focus on the fulfillment of Project objectives. Since the Project involved the disposal of hazardous materials, constant supervision of safeguard compliance and worker safety was also necessary. No accidents were reported during the entire Project period. The Bank revised targets and developed alternative strategies in light of new information that could only be distilled upon site remediation. For example, site excavations at Vulcanesti revealed much larger contamination than was estimated (more than 3,000 tons of PCB soil instead of 50 tons) and the Bank quiokly worked with the PMT to develop an alternative strategy using the knowledge gained from the coffer.,dam pilots supported by the Canadian POPs Trust Fund (see Section 1.6). (c) Justification of Rating for Overall Bank Performance Rating: Satisfactory World Bank support. to the Government of Moldova in preparing and implementing the Project is rated as satisfactory largely due to its relative responsiveness' to issues and adaptation to unpredictable circumstances. Closer attention to. the arrangement of Component 2 activities within the MOE may have miti~ated some of the delay, but ultimately one can only adjust to the political circumstances one faces. 5.2 Borrower (a) Government Performance Rating: Satisfactory The Government strongly supported the Project and its objectives -.many of which \fere aligned with the Stockholm Convention. For example, the National CoordinatiJig Committee (NCC) which previously oversaw NIP developm~nt was made available for Project implementation. As 19 the pro.ject progr~ssed,POPsjssues were also elevated to. higher prio.rity in the Natio.nal Development Plan 2008';2011. Operational activities also. benefitted fro.m go.o.d inter-agency co.o.rdinatio.n. The.safedisposal o.f o.bso.letepesticides was a co.o.rdinated effo.rt between MOE (State Ecolo.gical· Inspecto.rate), MAFI (State Plant Pro.tection Inspection), Ministry o.f Health, Departmenf.o.fCivilProtection, the Ministry of Defense and Io.cal. rayo.n authorities. Counterpart· funding WaS received in a timely manner (by the MTR), with ato.tal o.fUS$1,14millio.n in cash from the central budget, and the MOE allocating a further US$O.44 millionfro.mthe Natio.nal Eco.Io.gicaIFund(NEF). The Go.vernment als() pro.vided a substantial in~kind contributio.n by scaling up PCB o.il sampling in the rest o.f the co.untry (an additio.naI20,000·samples taken) and significant Project savings thro.ugh VAT exemptio.n (20%o.f go.o.ds and services). (b) Implementing Agency 0 .. Agencies Pe..fo ..mance Rating: Satisfactory The Ministry of Eco.Io.gy and Natural Reso.urces (later Ministry <;>f Enviro.nment), as the main implementing agency, remained Po.mmitted to. the Pro.ject and provided satisfacto.ry SUPPo.rt to. the PMT o.n daily issues and in reso.lving problems~ So.me delays were experienced due to. go.vemmentalchanges resulting in three different Ministers o.f Enviro.nment o.ver the life o.f the project and as a co.nsequenceo.f electio.ns so.me reshuffling in the NQC. Each change required time t() beco.me familiar with the Project, its o.bjectives and counterpart co.mmitments. Mo.st critical· ho.weverwas the initial lack o.f understanding between. the MOE and its co.nsultant in charge of~ompo.iient 2 activities which led to.. delays jeo.pardizingtheProject fro.m meeting its PDO and GEO - resulting ina Pro.ject do.wngrade to. mo.derately unsatisfacto.ry. Ho.wever, clarificatio.ns and a renewed co.mmitment ill the final year o.f implementatio.n led to. draft regulatio.n&, .laws and legislatio.n. Co.unterbalancing this sho.rtfall, the PMT was very effective in its fiduciary and mo.nito.ring role as demo.nStrated by the success in meeting o.bso.letepesticide and PCBdestructio.ntargets (and exceeding them in so.me cases) within budget and witho.ut any majo.r issues. The PMT sho.uldalso. be co.mmended,f6r their ability in attracting new co.-financing through a Canadian Grant for the Remediation of POP Pesticide Polluted Areas andelean-Up of PCB Contaminated Oil in Power Equipment. A sigriificant determinant o.f the PMT's success was their previo.us experience and invo.lvementin the NIP. . (c) Justification of Rating fo .. Ove..all Bo....owe.. Pe..fo ..mance Rating: Satisfacto.ry Overall. bOITo.werperfOrinance is rated as.· satisfactory taking into. acco.unt the Government's co.mmitment to achieving the PDO and GEO, which is aligned with requirements undeftl).e . Sto.ckho.lm Co.nventio.n. Implementatio.n of natio.n-wide PCB inv~nto.rying was reco.gnized by the .secretariat o.f the Sto.ckho.lm Co.nventio.n who. awarded the Project with the 2011 PCB Elimination Network (PEN) ,award. Despite the partial co.mpl~tion o.f so.me activities under Co.mpo.nent 2, actio.ns taken by the MOE and the superio.r perfo.rmance o.f the PMT Justify this rating. 6. Lessons Learned Project experience highlighted the fo.lio.Wlng impo.rtance facto.rs fo.r successful and timely implementatio.n: 20 a) Adaptation .(0 loca/conditions: Complex clean-up operations inherently involve a certain amount of risk or unc~rtainty, especially in situatioas where data are sc~ce. Maintaining a robust set of alternatives/remediation options ~atering to different situations will help minimize the cost of ,surprise. The Project was able to benefit from cofferdam technology being piloted simultaneously at implementation for the temporary remediation of 3,075 tons of PCB-contaminated soil. . b) Promoting a comprehensive approach to POPs: In relatively sJ.l!.all countries like Moldova it is more productive to apply a comprehensive approach to POPs management including: cleanup; inventorying and monitoring; policy, regulatory and institutional issues; capacity building and technical strengthening; and public awareness activities. All of these contributed to Moldova's ability in meeting requirements under the Stockholm Convention. c) Institutionalizing project experience: Significant capacity was built during the development of the l'fationallmplementation Plan. (NIP) for POPs ~ and which the GEF wisely continues to sponsor in countries preparing POPs projects. By maintaining the original composition of . the PMT from the NIP's preparation, and capitalizing on th~ information collected; the Project benefitted from this tremendously. . d) Realistic expectations in new areas oJregult;ztion: Proj~~ts in·countries that lack key pieces of legislation or embark into new areas currently not covered by existing regulation should set realistic objectives in terms of reform. Projects that spaa across electoral dates should take this into consideration. Also, it is important to be cognizant of linkages between pl."oject components and whether the failure of one will jeopardize others. e) Local stakeholder involvement remains a key determinant Jor. success: Local stakeholder involvement was necessary for receiving feedback on local site conditions and safety issues. j) Strong commitment oj national and local stakeholders on POPs agenda as a precondition to project successjul implementation: The GoMand local Councils were strongly committed and provided relevant resources for the consolidation (and ultimate elimination) of obsolete pesticides. Once· the Project identified complementary financial resources it was relatively . easy to go ahead with implementation as counterpart commitment and readiness were already . present. 7. Comments on Issues Raised by;BorrowerlImpiementing Agencies/Partners (a) Borrower/implementing agencies The borrower's contribution to the ICR was shared with the World Bank on March 3, 2011 and is . reproduced in Annex 7. It provides a summary of Project experience with important assessments of the relationships and implementing arrangements that both aided and hindered implementation. Chief among these are the lessons learned that are reflected in the previous section. The Ministry of Environment has examined the draft Implementation Completion Report prepared by the Bank team and considers that it reflects fairly large project results in accordance with the tasks·initially established. The results mentioned and conclusions presented demonstrate that the project has achieved its objectives. More specifically; the Government's position as a beneficiary of the project is reflected in Annex 7. 21 (b) CofiJ)~ciers MilieukontaktOost-Europa - Dutch envirorimental NGO (since 2010, - Milieukontakt International) worked in cooperation With the POPs Project team from the beginning. CommuniCations were ongoing during the implementation period of Milieukontakt's project on planning,coord!nation activities, as well asinfortning stakeholders. Milieukontakt's experience was shared ~nd presented during events conducted by the Project. Milieukontakt's joint agreements with'the Project were fulfilled and support was provided if needed or requested. The Project staff was cooperative, open to dis,cussion and willing to find solutions .in different situations. (c) Other partners and stakeholders (e.g. NGOs/private sector/civil society) Not applicable. 22 Annex"l. Project Costs and Financing (a) Project Cost by Component (in USDMillion equivalent) . '. . Appraisal Estimate Actua1!L Estimate (USD ates t Pereentageo-f (USD milIiOD$) ·Appraisal. .. , .. ,-"",.,'--"--< ~ill~':lll~).*_ Management & Destruction of POPs . 7.92 9.33 118 Strel1gtli~l1ing the' R~~at~ry '.. . Framework & Capacity Building for 2.23 2.59 116 j>O?s M~geD1ellt. . . Institution Strengthening and rroject ' 1.98 1.49 75 Managem~nts.lJPp<:>~ ..... TO'tai Baseline CO'st . 12.13 13.41 Physical Contingencies ...... 0.24 ... ... . . . . .. .~~~~'.~~-~~i~~~~ci~s·~-:· ~-"~'~:.~":~":::'~:'=:":~:~'-"-.:~:~{-.:.':::'-.-"'" . . .-.. --:._:=.:=. . .:.---.. . . ---.... -...-......... -.. . . . . . . . . Total ProJedCosts; 12.61 . 13.41 106 .J>r<:>je.ctj>r~~t!<:>1.1J<:~~ili!Y (P?:F.'L.. L . ............. ..~PQ~.... ..,._ .......... ~_ ... _ _ .... .... . ' ..... "'._'.'''.' . 'Front-end ...._.... m R D o . o o fee , ................ .. ,"-"" ". _ ' ~ . .!~tal..!!llll:ll~~n.J~~'l~i~e.d.. ,_._ 12.61 13.41 106 -,.-.----.-.-... -".--.~ "* ~·InCtudes botllin-kiiid contributions'from the- Government'of Moldova and the canae:fian' ciliA'Trust --- Fund for POPs. . ...........- .....'" " -~ Appraisal '.. Actualltatest .' ' E st amn t e V~t' 4~ _ lma_ Percentage O'f . (l!~{)t!l~lli~Il~t(l!~~fIl~~~~) Apprai~al Borrower (Plus contributions from National 3.42 3.72 108.7 Ecological Fund and in-kind transfers) . Glob~iE~viro~~~~t Faciiity (IF-OS'S 8??)'" '-~'¢~~fi~~c~"'- .' ··················6.35 Parallel co- L60 1.55 96.9 NATO finance ............ -. .... . . . ··- ..Paraii~lto:· ..-· 093 084900 pll:t~_~:~i!i~\1~?~~Q~~_!:~ll!2e~~gQt . . __ -.... -!i:l?:~.~~____.. __... _ _.~_ . . ___.___ +------.-:--.. --.. --.. ---.- . - _~ . _____. . _ ...... . . ~AJ~l!eD~~lI-' Rl~J>!D_ __ ~_~ ____ __ . ___ .. __.. ____ ~a~~~;~~~~_ ...,_... . . 0.30 0.37 123.3 ~C:::lll1:a~ian CIJ)AT~!X.~~_fr!09038~).. Co-finance ······-O~.5-8-1 TOTAL 12.61 13.41 106.4 1'- A total ofCAN$646,250 w~s'received from the Canadian 'CIDA Trust Furid for POPs, of which CAD$616,426 (US$581,577) was disbursed. The remainder was retunded back to the Canadian Trust Fund.' . 23 Annett Outputs by Component Component 1. Management and Destruction of POPS (i) Sub-component 1.1. Destruction of Stockpiles of pOPs Containing and Contaminated Obsolete Pesticides. This sub-component financed the repackaging, transport and incineration of. 1,293 tons of stockpiled obsolete pesticides from 13 warehouses in the II rayons of Telenesti, Briceni, Hincesti, Cimislia, Floresti, Riscani, Straseni, Stefan-Voda, Nisporeni, Soldanesti and Vulcanesti. NA TO and Milieukontakt Oost-Europe (Dutch environmental NGO) were co~financiers. Within the NATO Project 'the Ministry of .Defense trained military's staff consolidated stockpiled obsolete pesticides in 37 centralwarehouses across more than350 sites in the country. In 16 warehouses stockpiled obsolete pesticides were packed irtUN-approved drums and ready for final disposaVincineration stage. The total NATO Project cost for repackaging of OP waste was in amount of 850,000 Euro. This budget was used for purchasing packing materials, cost of services and logistics costs. Under sub- component 1.1 Milieukontakt Oost-Europe was responsible for inventory, collection, repackaging'and storage of obsolete pesticides from Hincesti rayon and transported by 'an international company for final disposal in France within the - GEF financed project. Milieukon~akt Oost-Europe used specialized military staff trained in repackaging under the superVision of an international consultant experienced in the management of hazardous waste.· This experience has been considered further the Ministry of Defense in continuing .works of centralization of OP waste from other' districts. Additional to the budget for inventory and repackaging of OP waste from Hincesti rayon, Milieukontakt Oost-Europe also testedclean~up technologies in one contaminated site in Hincesti rayon which cost 15,000 Euro. . The Project's long-term catdlyticresponse: In the Framework ·of Development Cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Moldova, inF~bruary 20 II the Czech Development Agency initiated a project on the disposal of POPs containing obsolete pesticides. On May 4, 20 II the Memonmdum of Understanding between Czech Development Agency and Ministry of Environment of Moldova concerning' the implementation of the project "Remediation of EnvirOl;imental Burdens Caused by Pesticides in Moldova" was signed. The agreement provides a giant of 500,000 Euro for the removal. of approximately 200 tOll~ of OPs from four districts of Moldova. The works will be Carried out in t~e period of ]une20Il - May 2012. Also,in order to expedite OP destruction, the Ministry of Environment has. expressed the willingness to co-finance with Euro 500,000 from the National Ecological Fund, in 2011,. 2012, the evacuation and destruction of OP stockpiles, within the project finance,dNATO countries and implemented by the Ministry of Defense. However, given the problems occurred in collecting the necessary funds for such works in the NATO project, the Ministry of Environment is considering the· possibility to .initiate in June-July 2011 their own project with Euro 500,000 from National Ecological Fund for the evacuation .and destruct.ion of 200~ 230 tones of pesticides. The works would be carried out in July 2011 - June 2012. As. a result, these two projects would address 400-450 tones of OP from 8~ 1o storages with higher risks. 24 In 2010 the Ministry of Environment has initiated the eollec~ion and disposal of chemical wastes from the' pre-:university institutions, allooating three million Moldovan Lei (approximately U$$ 250,000) from tI1e National Ecological Fund under the project "Collection, ce~tralized storage and.disposalof obsolete .laboratory chemicals from the pre- university institUtions- in Mol,dova". On May 3, 2011 Ministry of Environmentsigned.a cOl1tract witJi a German company for the collection and disposal of approximately 50 tons of obsolete chemicals and package in the next 10 months. (U) Sub-component 1.2." Management of PCBs and Destruction of Obsolete Capacitor Stockpiles _ a. Activity 1. Establishing an Invento,ry o/PCB Containing or Contaminated Equipment The initial taSk of the project was the inventory of 6,400 units of equipment. This task was fully met. During the project implementation this task was extended to about 30,000 units of equipment(in orderto cover all energy sector in the country), based on the additional funds allocated from National Ecological Fund and by the Canadian CIDA Trust Fund for POPs. The country's four energy generating companies (CET-l, CET~2, CET-Nord, HES Costesti) completed inventorying and sampling and presented oils to the laboratory for testing. Sampling and inventory from consumers of electrical equipment was also completed, Three distribution companies and one transportation company (Union Fenosa, RED Nord, RED Nord-Vest and Moldelectrica,) continue the inventory w~th funding from sources mobilized by' the Project (Canadian POPs Trust Fund and" the National Ecological Fund) and are expected to be complete before the end of 20 11. The total number of samples taken will reach n~~ , Within the generation, transportation and distribution sectors, and large consumers the PCB inventory have been undertaken by the companies trained staff based on the provided equipment for sampling ,and screening of electrical oil sampled from the electrical equipment owned by companies from the energy sector (generation, transportation and distribution). In case of small consumers who own electrical equipment the PCB inventory process was organized by the Energy Inspectorate and three mobile units paid from the Canadian CIDA POPs Trust Fund and equipped with vehicles and sampling equipment procured part from National Ecological Fund and part from the CIDA POPs Trust Fund. The PCB approach as well as 6,400 units of sampling equipment and one screening unit was procured from the GEF sources. Additional to this three more pieces of screening equipment and 28,000 sampling kits were procured through CIDA and the National EcologicalFund to ensure a national' PCB invent()ry. One screening center is located within SE Moldelectrica and is the national comp~y responsible for electricity transmission from the generation sector to distribution. The second and third are placed within the distribution sector (one covering RED Nord, RED Nord-Vest, CET-Nord,HES Costesti and one covering Red Union Fenosa) and the fourth are located in, the State Hydrometeorological Service which is responsible for screening of electrical samples tak~rifrbm. consumers and other owners of electrical equipment. . All 'falserpositive' samples (concentration of chlorine more than 50 ppm have been analyzed by a gas chromatograph-mass. spectrometer (GC-MS) method in' order to identify the exact content of PCB) have been processed by the State Hydrometeorological Service which was equipped with proper equipment purchased within the GEF financed project. 25 By December 2010, in total 25,193' pieces of electrical equipment were sampled and screen tested for Chlorine out 0'£32;170 declared units within the Energy and distribution sectors, includirtgconsumers. From the 25,193 screened - 2,280 samples indiCated Chlorine levels of JllOi'e than 50 ppm.. From the' 2,280 false positives, 1,177 were analyzed for content of PCB using tile GC-MS methOd which indicated that in 181 samples the PCB level shown was over the limit of 50 ppm. The difference of 7,577 electrical units are to be sampled and screened during 2011 as long as for sampling purposes these transformers could be disconnected in line with a National Plan which is coordinated with all Moldovan authorities due to their . . usage in the Energy Sector (the majority are from the transmission sector owned by Moldelectrica). ' b. Activity 2. Destruction of a Stockpile of Obsolete Capacitors The Project objective called for the destruction of 1,010 tons of PCB contaminated obsolete capacitors (17,300 from a number of selected sub-stations and some 2,000 from two burial pits at the Vulcanest substation), and; excavation and shipment for destruction of 50 tons of PCB contaminated soil. Activities under the sub-component commenced in October, 2006 and were fuIiy completed by October, 2007. The activity resulted in a full removal of PCB contaminated capacitors from the project sites, although quantitatively below initial estimates, due to smaller de-facto quantities of capacitors at the sites,' All in all, the sub-component effected the destruction of 937.5 tons of PCB contaminated capacitors (18,656 units); including 84.5 tons (1,759 capacitors) unearthed from four burial pits irtVulcanesti. . 'c. Activity 3. Feasibility Study of Site Clean-up at Vulcanesti Substation This activity was to finance a study to assess the technical, financial and environmental feasibility of different remediation approaches and recommend a least cost solution. . The original proposal was to unearth, transport and incinerate 50 tons of highly PCB contaminated soil. The feasibility study provided by the international consultant and upon excavation of capacitors from the 4 pits, the amount of contaminated soil was found'to be higher - 350 tons. Therefore the' .international consultant recommended isolating the contaminated soil in a cofferdam. These works were completed by the international company, after excavating capacitors (two cofferdams). All expenses were covered by the Project In the summer of 2010, based on the project savings and other means allocated by Moldelectrica, further works were initiated and completed ·i?Y December 20 I 0 .at Vulcanesti station, which consisted in the.removal of contaminated soil layer below the capacitors (2;725 tons from O.9ha area), its isolation in two cofferdams, and a land cover with clean soil and planting trees. Together with the 350 tons from 2007, there is now 3,075 tons of PCB- contaminated. soil in foUr cofferdams. Component 2. Strengthening the Regulatory Framework and Capacity Building for POPs Management This component was to modernize current legislation specifically related to the Stockholm Convention and incorporate provisions. for establishing a broader chemical safety approach in the country based on EU directives. Full transposition of all relevant EU legal acts was to be achieved. (;J Sub-component 2.1: Modificadonofthe Regulatory Framework for pOPs Management This sub-component was to provide a legal basis for POPs chemical management under Stockholm Convention ·requirements and set-up an overall chemical safety system in Moldova according to the EU regulation and legislation related to handling' of dangerous 26 chemical$ubstances andchazardous waste. It was to develop ~ .integrated system of POPs managementthrough the following three activides: ., ". .. . a. Activity 1. As.sessmentofE~isting Legislation Regarding 'Compliance with EU Regulations The Legal. (Tap Analysis Report summarized findings· and· recommendations. for amendments . to the existing legislation and/or new legislation,- indicating the scope of such new provisions. Most significant gaps The review of the Moldova chemicals and waste legislation shows that no adequate general framework, for chemicals management exists with many legal gaps regarding basic elements of chemical life-cycle legislation. The most important shortcomings 'are: • No re~lat01'Y. framework for POPs; • Lack of classification and adequate packaging .and labeling requirements for dangerous substances; • Lack of regulatory framework to take decisions, e.g., registration, bans, restrictions; • Gaps in basic asp~cts of waste management, e.g. absence of key definitions and principles and no legislation on specific waste streams or specific waste operations. Furthermore the distribution of competences among different institutions is confusing and in some cases inadequate - nor is there any guarantee that all issues are adequately addressed. Moreover; there is no clear allocation of responsibilities on operators .(importer, producer and holder). Finally no inter-ministerial coordination mechanism has been established to allow cooperation and exchange·· of information between the different institutions .and bodies in charge of chemicals management implementation and enforcement. However, inter- .ministerial coordination experien<:e exists in pesticides and POPs. Proposed changes in legislation Develop a framework Law on Dangerous Chemicals and a Law on Hazardous Waste, with a view to increase consistency and simplification of the legal framework for hazardous chemicals IiUld waste, including POPs management. It was to be supplemented by a limited, number of Regulations (Governmental decisions); Some changes in existing instruments were also recommended. The analysis and recommendations for legislative changes .looked at how amendments to the existing Moldovan legislation and new primary legislation should be developed to: ' • Ensure compliance with the pOPs related . requirements set out itJ. the four international treaties to which Moldova is a Party; and • Transpose those related EO requirements which are relevant and realistic in a Moldovan context in order to ensure implementation in practice. By the end of November, 2007, the MOE and the consultant completed a gap analysis of pertinent national legislation in the run-up to the preparation of a Legal Development Plan. A table of concordance was prepared which· put the analysis of Moldovan legislation in the context of international legal practices in the field of POPs. A participatory consultative prpcess involving key stakeholders was organized to debate 'anq finalize the Legal 27 Development Plan. A final version of the plan was presented and approved at the Project's National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on February 22, 2008. b. Activity 2. Assistance in Drafting of Relevant Regulations and Instructions Outputs are summarized along with Activity 3 below. c. Activity 3. Development ofRegulatory Mechanisms The Regulation on Polychlorinated Biphenyls was developed and approved by Government on February 02, 2009. Three handbooks were developed and published: 1) Environmental Sound PCB Management in Electrical Equipment 2) Inventory and mapping of POPs contaminated sites; and 3) Guide on remediation of POPs polluted sites. All other packages of draft legal and regulatory documents, completed by the four local consultants based on materials developed by the international consultant company, were submitted to the Ministry of Environment. This includes: 1) Draft Law on Chemicals; 2) Draft Law on Waste; 3) Draft Regulation on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures; 4) Draft Regulation of the Agency for Chemicals; 5) Amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection, with regard to POPs and other hazardous chemicals and chemical waste; 6) Concept of Strategy on waste management to reduce andlor eliminate emissions of dioxins and furans; 7) Draft Regulation on waste incinetation; 8) Draft Instruction on issuing the permit for waste management activities; 9) Draft Instruction on management of chemicals warehouses; 10) Draft Instruction on inventory of polychlorinated biphenyls in dielectric oils from electrical equipment; 11) Draft Instruction on management of PCB contaminated electrical equipment and their wastes; 12) Proposals to improve national legal and regulatory framework in the management of pesticides, fertilizers and plant protection products. (ii) Sub-component 2.2. Capacity Building This sub-component was t9 strengthen government and laboratory capacity through the following three activities: a. Activity 1. Strengthening of Inspectorates for Enforcement of pOPs Regulations and Prevention of Further Accumulation of pOPs Stockpiles This activity increased the skills of 280 key inspectors in government agencies who will be dealing with the enforcement of regulations . . b. Activity 2. Upgrading and Strengthening of Existing Laboratories for pOPs Analysis this activity upgraded the laboratories of the Hydrometeorological Service for POPs detection in different media. Other equipment was supported by NATO's "NATO Science for Peace: 28 Development of Modem ~lytical Approaches for POPs: Investigation Project." Over 100 items wel'epurchased tinder the Project and below is a list of some of the major equipment: The main laboratory equipment which have been procured "Within the POPs Project and delivered to SHS: ' 1. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC.MS) and Gases for GC-MS, with electi;on capture detector (ECD), iarge volume injection, positive/negative chemical ionization , option, capable'to carry out comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography, US$21 0;062.56;' 2. Solvents, chemicals, standard analytes, glassware, methods and safety items EURO 28,783; 3. Sample preparation and general laboratory equipment and accessories (20 items) US$106,745; 4. Equipment for analysis of volatile compounds (VOCs) and processing of water, sediment, soil and air US$38,205; 5. Glassware and Miscellaneous Supplies Euro 9,614; 6. Reagents: MDL 271,595; 7. Sample handling equipment, Sample, preparation equipment, Sample mtration and extraction equipment tiS$70,602. , , c. Activity 3. Prevention ofAccumulation of New Stockpiles of Obsolete Pesticides This activity promoted best practices in pest management in crop production, including integrated pest management (!PM). The project trained 110 farmers in !PM. ' Component 3. Institution Strengthening and Project Management Support (i) Sub-component 3.1. Institutional Strengthening This sub';'component was to strengthen the MOE's capacity for POPs management and raise public awareness through the following 4 activities: a. Activity J. POPs Information Management and Reporting System The output is described together with Activity 2 below. b. Activity 2. POPs Monitoring Network A concept design of the POPs Information Management and Reporting System (POPs IM&RS) and monitoring Network was completed. It will capture information about POPs and contains relevant procedures for environmental management. The POPs monitoring network will also help develop an interlinked monitoring network for POPs across national laboratories and create a data management and exchange' platform. The unified POPs . information reporting and; monitoring system, including 'for ,new POPs, will be used by relevant national authorities for further decision making on POPs' management. Taken in this context, the assignment will contribute to a better coordination and implementation of NIP, 29 will improve data management and will help MOE and other responsible national agencies including local authorities in POPs management. c. Activity 3. Identification of POPs. Residuals and Mapping of Polluted Areas This activity was to support a research effort by local institutes to identify, characterize and perform a risk assessment of these sites for decisions on future management options.The main outputofthis activity contains a POPs pesticides polluted sites database containing more than 1,600 objects and it is functional and available on the website: http://pops.mediu.gov.md. This tool is used by the local· authorities in monitoring of all POPs contaminated sites as well as helping them in taking the decisions on future management options. d. Activity 4. POPs Awareness and Educational Activities Activities completed under this task included: • An information, awareness and education campaign in the field of POPs in Moldova and organization of conferences and workshops at the international, national and local level; • Implementation of an educational process for the target groups with higher exposure to POPs impact (women, children, farmers, employees of the energy sector etc); • Assistance to MENRIMOE in strengthening of the Environmental Information Centre (CIM)in the field of POPs information; • Implementation of a nation-wide public opinion survey aimed at evaluating current levels of POPs awareness and knowledge; • Delivery of three regional POPs workshops with participation ·of180 persons from the civil society, local public authorities, environmental and health organizations; • Organization of the ~th International HCH and Pesticides Forum in Chisinau; • Establishment of Initiative Groups in the Rayons where the project conducted repackaging of POPs pesticides: Stefan-Voda, Hincesti, Cimislia, Orhei (Pelivan), Riscani, Floresti, Soldanesti, Briceni, Comrat and Dubasari (Cosnita); • Evaluation of the capacities and needs of the Center for Information Management of the MOE; • Development and publication of 4 posters, 4 leaflets, and 5 calendars; • Development of2 training brochures (for women and farmers); • Publication of articles (monthly) On POPs issues in the "Natura" Magazine (6500 copies); • Development and broadcasting. of 3 video and 3 audio spots on national TV and radio about the POPs agenda in Moldova; • Handbook Environmental. Sound PCB Management in Electrical Equipment, 120 pages including cover pages in the following format A4 format, color covers pages, Romanian version (100 copies); • Handbook on mapping of POPs polluted sites, 120 pages including cover pages in the following format A4 format, color covers pages, Romanian version (200 copies); • Guide on clean-up/remediation of POPs polluted sites, 50 pages including cover pages in the following format A5 format, and color covers pages, Romanian version (350 copies); • POPs Office calendar for 2011 (300 copies, color, with three months layer); • Calendar for 2011 (A3, selected picture, 2000 copies); • POPs Office Agenda for 2011 (Eng, Rom, Rus, 200 ex); • Book signs for children with POPs activities images (Rom, 3000 color copies); • Final National Workshop on the POPs Project results; • Development and upgrade of the Web site ofthe Project: www.moldovapops.md. 30 (ii) Sub-component 3.2. Project Management Support The PM;T was fully operational before Project effectiveness and the staff composition remained unc4anged throughout Project implementation. The PMT demonstrated effective technical leadership and efficient Project administration resulting in near full achievement of Project objectives. 31 Annex 3. Economic and Financial Analysis An incremental cost analysis (lCA) was conducted at appraisal as per GEF requirements. This Annex reviewstheICA against Project implementation results. Incremental Cost Analysis a) ICA at Appraisal The ICA compared the baseline scenario with the GEF-Alternative scenario. The baseline included a single activity of repackaging obsolete pesticides - an initiative that the Government had been pursuing at the time of appraisal through the MOD. Its anticipated cost was U8$0.82 million. The EA confirmed substantial cross contamination of POPs and non-POPs hence the GEF-Alternative includedre~packaging these contents in specialized containers. . T abl e 1 Increment a1cos rnat fiX aso fP roJectA . . 1 ~ppralsa an dC omp:e f IOn (U8$ ffil IOn )* 1 'll" Component At Appraisal At Completion ** Baseline Incremental Cost Total Baseline Incremental Cost Total Cost GEF Other Cost GEF Other grant grant Destruction of Stockpiles of POPs containing and 0.82 1.21 3.34 5.37 Contaminated Obsolete Pesticides Management of PCBs and 0.78 3.56 4,99 9.33 Destruction of Obsolete 0 2.34 0.23 2.57 Capacitor Stockpiles Feasibility Study of Site Clean-up at Vulcanesti 0 0.24 0.05 0.29 Substation Strengthening the. Regulatory Framework 0.83 2.59 0 1.27 1.05 2.32 0 1.76 and Capacity Building for POPs Management Institution· Strengthening 0 0.74 0.68 1.42 0 0.33 0.25 0.58 Project Management 0 0.55 0.09 0.64 0 0.70 0.22 0.91 Total 0.82 6.35 5.44 12.61 0.78 6.35 6.28 13.41 .. Source. PAD, Annex 15. * Including physical and price contingencies. ** The first three activities comprise Component I costs and were summed. The GEF-Alternative scenario, at an incremental cost of U8$I1.8 million of which the GEF would finance US$6.35 million, would support: 1) The repackaging, transport and destruction of 1,150 tons of POPs-containing obsolete pesticides held in 16 storage sites (of which the GEF would finance the destruction of about 500 tons); 2) Dismantle 17,300 obsolete capacitors and excavate 2,000 capacitors (about 1,060 tons) buried in two pits, package, transport and incinerate along with about 50 tons of highly polluted soil from the Vulcanesti substation; 3) Carry out a feasibility study to determine the least-cost method of decontaminating PCB- contaminated soil at the Vulcanesti substation; 32 4) Upgrade the regulatory system for POPs management and control as well as for other toxic substance according to the Stockholm Convention; inventory all PCB-contaminated equipment with the provision of test kits and upgrading laboratories for accurate analysis of PCBs; 5) Strengthen MOE capacity for monitoring and control of POPs with modem MIS capabilities linked to other government agencies, private and public enterprises and institutes and through the internet for public access; provide training in ministries and departments responsible for the monitoring and control of POPs; and 6) Project management through the PMT in the MOE to meet the fiduciary requirements of the GEF/ World Bank. Assumptions on the precise amounts in the first two activities were based on surveillance during the EA and consolidation activities conducted by the MOD. Final targets were later refined after excavation and accurate weighing for transport and incineration. b) ICA at Completion Project results were achieved, and exceeded in some cases; with an incremental cost ofU8$12.63 million including the GEF Grant ofUS$6.35 million. From a cost-efficiency standpoint the Project can be rated highly satisfactory. c) Cost-effectiveness Analysis Although POPs destruction projects have more than a decade of history in implementation, cost comparisons are problematic due to vastly different transport, storage .and· incineration costs - especially across different POP substances. However what is more· alanning is the lack of reporting using some measure of effectiveness such as cost/ton. In this Project, it is also a challenge to derive such a measure due to: 1) cross contamination of POP and non-POP pesticides, and 2) separating the PCB weight from the capacitor weight. Crudely speaking, the cost/ton of POPs eliminated was approximately US$4,183/ton (calculated as: (US$9.33 million for Component 1)/(1,293 tons of obsolete pesticides +,937.5 tons of PCB-containing capacitors). This cost includes repackaging, transport, and incineration (plus inventorying). While it is not possible to benchmark this result with other projects - prices for high temperature incineration of high-ha10gen solids (e.g. pesticides) using commercially available technologies average US$I,OOO-1500/metric ton. 2 If approximately one-quarter of total costs is for incineration - this appears to be cost-effective for a nation-wide program. 2Hartenstein, H-U. Incineration Technologies (Including Costs), World Bank Workshop Series: Issues on Waste Disposal Workshop 1 - Hazardous Wastes Washington D.C., 24 June 2004. Available at: http://siteresources.worldbank.orgllNTPOPS/889500- 1115715500217/20486126IHartenstein_ InciherationTechs.pdf. 33 Annex, 4,. Ba:ilk Lending and Implementation SIlPPQrtlSupervision Processes . (alt!~!.~;I!!lp!.IJI~IJI!J~Fs . . "tNli.es ."...".< ,.. .. <.,:.. ~;'.A ~.:,,:,:<, ~,,; .'M. Title ~.~~c:li~g ....•... "' , ........ " . ~ f:lrn.li~.~ri~~~ ..... . ~ad Pr()cllrement~pecialist ...... . . ECS02 . A~~~~i~.g~n~'?c::.l~~. Sr~l}vironriiental Sp~: • ECSS3 Bogdan Constantin Sr Financial Management Specialist ECS03 Constantinescu .. y ~~1l:C:!~.M·~g()pelaJ:ld .... , ..., .... .....,... ........ ~~()gr~rn!,:~si~t.ant... . ECSSD •..•..• " •. ".H'.•·· •.• R1lX.~c:lt.:~M&ria Floroiu._.S~ ~nY!~()~~Iltlll~llgr:~ ECSS3 Rita Klees Sr Environmental Spec. ENV ~oe,~~.!<:>Y()~:.... _. _.. Leadg()~Il~~I.... .......... LEGOP, ·~~e~~~~~!!.~!t.. . ....................... . ..... '. . . . . :~~!<:>!.Q.9~j.~I~ . . . . . . _.-.-._ ...... J;... ..§~~i~r.~9.P~r.a~i()1l:s. qf:t!c:~r. .............. ~gs.~~ .' . '. ~l1~_~.Il~.i_c:~..... _...................... _ ..,....~i1l:~Ilc:i~!l\.1:aIla:g~rn~1l:t. ~p~cialist ....... '. ~c~g3. . Andrei BU8Uioc Financial Management Specialist ECCAT . Arc:acli~.. gl:lpc:elea. . . Sr E!lyironlll~ntal Spec. . ECSS3 Natalia Cherevatova ... ()per.a~iol1S Analy~t SEGOM Oxana Druta E T Consultant 'ECS03 AhmetGokce Consultant ECS02 YiIlgwei-w u Sellior' Procurement Specialist LCSPT Kashmira Daruwalla Senior Procurement Specialist ECS02 Elena' Corman ~A' • ~ •••, • Procurement Assistant ECCMD . gr.l:ligMt?~~Il91'. Environmental·Economist . ECSS3 "v .~w ·'~0"~N~=.~W~ ~." ~ ,..,~. , .;. ~tIlffTilJle .aIlc:l(1~s! J~all!<~Ild.I~~ Qlltrt........ Stage of Project Cycle USD Thousands (iududing No.ohtaf! weeks trav,el an.cl~~rtS~~~llt~~s) Lending FY05 .- .... "." 1 ... . ......... ~ '.. . 11.28 76.28 FY06 11.01 78.82 FY07 0.00 0.00 FY08 0.00 •• • ••• , • • • • • • • _ " . _ . . . . . . _ •• ~ 0.00 H_ . . . . . . ~ ...... . Total: 22.29 155.10 :~~PI;l!Y~_s.!~!!!!fl!. __ FY05 0.00 FY06 6.12 30.88 FY07 15.96 ........ , . .-.'.,",", 52.89 FY08 17.23 53.62 FY09 27.02 69.46 FYlO 16.59 32.06 FYll 25.53 60.14 34 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..._............ _ J'~!I!!:!_.........._. __ .......!Q~.4S .... _... ..~.......................... __~~~~Q~ ..___ ... Annex 5. Beneficiary Survey Results Not applicable. 35 Annex 6~ Stakeholder Workshop Report and Result$ The Project held several stakeholder workshops to strengthen project implementation and to report on the experience. Participation in other regional ,and international conferences and training events also acted to 'support Project implementation. Below isa summary of these events attended andlor sponsored: ' 1. Second CJe It) the publie, the Borrt1wcr f(lund that thetCR, <:toes not conlain 'any information or data ofa c(lnfi~ntiaJor sellsitive nature thl'll couldnot be made public. Using this opportunity, 1 wouldlikc to eXpress to theWodd Bank, the Global Environment FacililY, 'thc Canadian International DcvdopmentA.genc) and ,vlller donors. the Moldovan (I/ncrrunent sincere gratitu!ie ttl!' meir Sllpport to .this and other, projeds in' reducing and gradt~1! diminution the impact of persistent organic" pollutants and other hazardous "hemicals and wastes on Ihe cm'irOlmlcnt and populatil)ll. The rl!Sults obtained in the last IV.years place Mu!du\1\ at the {"r.:thllll ,unong the .::ountries of the regiOil in th~ prol!}res5 in reducing the impact of POl's. ;md aC!liC\lilg lhe ohligation.s under the Stockholm Convention. . I would a.lso like to express sincere th.lllk:; to tlle World. Bank team whkh by perseverance ilUJ dillly work tog.:ther with the local ICUm made this projcct to be one of SUCCCIlS. \Vc hope to continue a fruitful cl)llaboration with. the World Bank to ensure ~. heabhy en\ironmct)t 1brtoday and fUture generations. Sincerely. ill1LL Minister To: 1v1r. Abdoulaye SECK, Country' Manager tor Moldova Europe alld ('cnlml Asia' \\".orid .Bank 9. C(X$.md 49 Annex S•. ComDlen1sof Cofmaneiersand Other Partllers/Stakeholders i See Section 7 .(b). 50 Annex 9. List of Supporting Documents World Bank documentation: • Project Concept Note, November,2004 • Quality Enhancement Review, October, 2005 • Aide-Memoires (2004-2011) • Back-to-office reports and letters to Government (2004-2011) • ProjectAppraisal Document. (Report No. 33862-MD) • Signed Grant Agreemel1t & Supplemental Letter No.2, February 9, 2006 • Country Assistance Strategy FYOS-08, November 12,2004. (Report No. 28SS6-MD) • Country Assistance Strategy FY09-12, December 23, 2008. (Report No. 46822-MD) • Implementiltion Status Reports (2004-2011) • Pr.oject Procurement Post Reviews, May 28,2010 and November 24,2010 • Project fmancial audits (2006':'20,11) Other project-related documents: • Ministry of Industry and Trade: National Development Plan 2008-2011 Strategy Paper • Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources: Environmetltal Impact Assessment and' Environmental MimagementPlan, Center for Strategic Environmental Studies, June 30, 2005 Background papers and workshops at preparation: • National Implementation Plan (NIP), by the Project Manager, the Chief Technical Advisor and the Project Assistant served as focal point for the development of the NIP, (April 2004) • Inception Workshop, by NCC, PMU and NFP on December 3,2002 • Assessment of the Legal, Framework' on Persistent Organic Pollutants Management Report, by Iurie Tugui, (April 2003) • Assessment of the current country's capacity to the Best Available techniques (BAT) and the Best Environmental Practices (BEP) for POPs source categories Report, by Ala Novae, (April 2003) • Evaluationteport of existing control infi-astructure and its capacity to correspotld to Stockholm Convention in Moldova, by C~nstantin Mogoreanu, (April 2003) . • Report on National Capacities and Institutions for, Administrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs) in the Republic of Moldova, by Victor Bujae, (April 2003) • Assessment of the POP'S Research and Developmetlt Capacity, by Dr. Fliur Maeaev, (April 2003) ' . ' • National Monitoring, Research and Development Capacity Report, by Gavril Gilea, (April 2003) • Report on Assessment 0 fthe POPs Statistics Capacity in the Republic of Moldova, by Dr. Jana Taft, (April2003) • Assessment of the relationship between the Stockholm Convention and other international agreements on chemicals, by Ina Coseru, (May 2003) • Institutional Framework Related to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Report, by Andrei Barannik, (May 2003) • Report - Social and Economic Assessment of POP'S .Reduction and Elimination, by Tatiana Belous, (June 2003) 51 • Assessment of the 'POPs impacts on the Environmental Factors (water, air, soil, animals, vegetation), by VladimirGaraba, (June 20Q3) • Rapid Social and Economic Assessment (RSEA) Related to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), by Andrei Barannik, (June2003) • InitialPO'Ps Inventory Report, by Adrain Tertea, (July 2003) • Inventory of potential Polychlorinated Biphenyl's-Containing electrical equipment in the Republic of Moldova, by Dr. Valentin Arion, (July 2003) • National Inventory of Persistent· Organic Pollutants of the Republic of Moldova, .by Dr. Valentin Ciubotaru, (July 2003) • Assessment of National Inventory of Persistent Organic Pollutants ofthe·Republic of Moldova, by Katarina Magu!ova, (August 2003) • Report on Priority Setting and Determination of Objectives for NIP Development by Arion Valentin, Bivol Elena, Gladci Viorica, Melian Ruslan, Mosanu Valeriu, Opopol Nico/ae, Romanciuc Lidia, Tarita Anatol Viktor Simoncic (October 2003) • National Implementation Plan elaboration, by Valentin Arion, Andrei Barannik, Viktor Somincic, Ion Com endant, Ruslan Melian, Valeriu Mosanu, Nicolae Opopol,Constantin Mogoreanu, (April 2004) • Risk Assessment, Sectoral Environmental Strategy, and National Strategy for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction, by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, (February 2004) • National report on Children's Health and Environment, "The Future for Our Children," by Ministry ofHealth and Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (May 2004) . • Communication Strategy for the Stockholm Convention, by Alecu Renita, Valentin Ciubotaru, Victoria Resetnic, Victor Strcitild, Elena Bivol (April 2004) • Strategy for Elimination of POPS in Moldova, by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (September 2004) • National Workshop "Joint Actions for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Republic of Moldova" October 29,2004 • Workshop on Project Activities Implementation and Coordination, February 14,2005 • Workshop on Public Consultation within preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment, February 18, 2005. 52 D IBR 33448R 27"E 28°E 30"E UKRAINE 48"N 70 -<>znesens ~ 0 10 20 30 40 Kilomelefs I I I I I I I I I 0 10 20 30 Miles ROMANIA 47"N 70 Bitlod This mop """ (J"Odvced by Ihe M:Jp Design Un;' of 7Ioe WOtid Bonk. 7Ioe boundaries, colon, denominofion$ and any oIiw inlormotion shown on /his mop do not imply, on Ihe port cl7Ioe World Bonk Group, any ;vdgment on Ihe legal sJo1vs of ony lerrilory, or any To 8irlod endonemenlor occepIonce cI ""'" boundaries. 27°E UKRAI E MOLDOVA o SELEGED CITIES AND TOWNS @ AUTONOMOUS TERRITORIAL UNIT CAPITALS ® RAIONS OR MUNICIPALITIES CAPITALS' %) NATIONAL CAPITAL ~ RIVERS - - MAIN ROADS - - RAILROADS - - - AUTONOMOUS TERRITORIAL UNIT Black BOUNDARIES Sea - - RAIONS OR MUNICIPALITIES BOUNDARIES - .- INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES "Names of the roions or municipalities are identical to their capitols. 30"E MAY 2007