E1781 V3 REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN AZERBAIJAN AMELIORATION AND WATER FARM JOİNT STOCK COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT FOR WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER SYSTEM INVESTMENTS FOR 4 RAYONS (AGSU, ISMAYILLI, SIYAZAN AND SHABRAN) WITHIN SECOND NATIONAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT AGSU RAYON EPTISA Servicios de Ingenieria, S.L Hydrometeorology Consulting Company Baku- November 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABREVIATIONS ..............................................................................................................................................4 EXECUTİVE SUMMARY… …………………………………………………………………………………5 1.0 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………....24 1.1 Context of the EIA ………………………………………………………………………….24 1.2 Purpose of the EIA ………………………………………………………………….............26 1.3 Methodology ………………………………………………………………………………..27 2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK……………………………………28 2.1 Policy Framework ………………………………………………………………………….28 2.2 Legal Framework …………………………………………………………………………...32 2.3 Administrative Framework …………………………………………………………………34 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ………………………………………………………………………….37 3.1 Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………………..37 3.2 Project Identification ………………………………………………………………………..43 3.3 Map of project area and the location of project infrastructure to be included………............57 3.4 Legal and Institutional Strengthening………………………………………………………..59 4.0 BASELINE DATA ………………………………………………………………………………….61 4.1 Bio-Physical Description of Project Area ………………………………………………….61 4.2 Socio-Economic Description of the Project Area ………………………………………….68 4.3 Projected Changes In Project Area…………………………………………………………72 4.4 Data Reliability …………………………………………………………………………….72 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ………………………………………………………………….74 5.1 Environmental Issues…………………………………………………………………….…74 5.2 Potential Positive Project Impacts ……………………………………………………….…75 5.3 Potential Negative Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures ……………………………..76 5.4 Data Evaluation …………………………………………………………………………….87 6.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES …………………………………………………………………88 6.1 No Project Scenario ………………………………………………………………………...88 6.2 Water Supply System improvement only ………………………………….…………….....89 6.3 Water Supply and Waste Water Management System improvement………………………………………………………………………...………93 7.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION……………………………………………………………...............95 8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN …………………………………………………...103 8.1 Application of Mitigation Measures ………………………………………………………111 8.2 Monitoring ……………………………………………………………………………..….121 8.3 Capacity assessment for the Environmental Management of the Project ……………..…126 LIST OF REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………126 ANNEXES…………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 127 ANNEX I. Project Area in Agsu region ANNEX II Existing Water supply in Agsu region 2 ANNEX III. Existing Sewer System in Agsu region ANNEX IV Proposed Water supply system options in Agsu region ANNEX V. Pressure zones ANNEX VI. Drinking water quality requirementa and standards ANNEX VII. Water quality analysis results of Agsu ANNEX VIII . Characteristics of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water.. ANNEX IX Treated waste water and sludge requirements ANNEX X. Summary report of consultation meetings with key stakeholders ANNEX XI. Public meeting on discussion of EİA report for Agsu 3 ACRONYMS and ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank AZERSU Azersu Joint Stock Company AZN AZN Azeri New Manats AWFC Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water Farm Joint Stock Company FS Feasibility Study HH Household IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (The World Bank) IT Information Technology IDA International Development Association IDP Institutional Development Plan masl Meters above sea level MENR Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources mm Millimeters MoH Ministry of Health O&M Operation and Maintenance P.A. Per Annum PIU Project Implementation Unit Project Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project - Feasibility Study for 16 Rayons in Azerbaijan SNWSSP Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project SSC State Statistics Committee TOR Terms of References UN United Nations VAT Value Added Tax WB World Bank WHO World Health Organization WSS Water supply and sanitation WW Wastewater WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. GENERAL The Azerbaijan Second National Water Supply and Sanitation (SNWSS2) Project is financed by the Government of Azerbaijan and World Bank. The employer for the project is Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water Farm Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC) . Gauff and Temelsu JV Int. Eng. Ser. Inc. Joint Venture is contracted to prepare Feasibility Studies of Water Supply and Wastewater Investments in 16 Rayons. The first phase of the project includes Agsu, Ismayilli, Shabran and Siyezen rayons. This report has been concentrated on Agsu region water and sanitation investments proposed to be financed under the noted project.. Eptisa (Spain) in association with Hydrometeorology Consulting Company (Azerbaijan) is contracted to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed project to assess the environmental and social impacts of project and to identify the mitigation measures both during construction and operation. This EIA study provides recommendations on mitigation measures and proposes an environmental management plan including mitigation measures and proper monitoring actions to reduce and prevent impacts form the proposed civil works. Agsu is located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Agsu region of Shirvan plain. The population of the Agsu rayon, including the urban and rural areas, has been recorded as 70,882 as by the census made in 2009. The population density is 69 persons per km2. The general land form of Agsu has evolved from salty sediments, and the area is generally known as steppe. The soil structure is generally formed from sediments and the region is characterized by relatively slow infiltration capacity. The natural slope of Agsu area varies from between 1 and 5 meters per km. The land form is generally even, with shallow riverbeds. The landscape of the upland area of the rayon consists of foothills and sloping plains and mountains that rise to a height of 700-1000 meters above sea level. Mountainous areas have been characterized with rivers, valleys and the landscape of the complex fragmented ravines. The low gray mountains form Shirvan mountain range from Goychay to Pirsaatchi. Girdimanchay, Ags chay, Aghdarchay and Nazirchay are the main rivers and creeks laid within the area of Agsu rayon. Other surface waters laid within the Agsu rayon are Kukesh Qobu and Javanshir Lake on the west, Upper Shirvan Canal at the south. Agsuchay has originates in the Lahij Mountains. The Ag chay spreads out widely at the south of Agsu rayon center. In Agsu rayon center 19.882 people live according to the census result of year 2009. The project service area for water supply will include the Agsu town and Pirhasanli Village, for sewerage system and wastewater treatment plant it will include Agsu town and Muradli and Tecile villages (the villages will be connected to the main trunk only that is sewerage collection system will not be designed for the villages). The estimated population figures considering the water supply and sewerage collection is 25,000 (covering almost all population of the project area)for water supply and it will be 24,200 for sewerage and wastewater treatment on year 2030. 5 2. EXISTING SITUATION Water Supply System: Some years ago a well field was constructed 3 km upstream on both riverbanks of Agsu River to feed the 2 main reservoirs which are situated on the upmost level of the town to supply the western network. As the gravel of the mountainous riverbed is in motion all facilities of the well field has been demolished during the annual flooding and cannot be used anymore. Water from the Agsu West reservoirs is distributed by 4 main pipelines (3 x DN219, 1x DN159) supplying different areas from north to south between 170–135 masl. The village Karakashli (~1600 inhabitants) is also supplied by this network. The main pipeline (DN 219, Steel: 0,5 mm) of the eastern distribution network was replaced in 2007/08 within reconstruction of the 2.85 km long Heydar Aliyev Road which is the main street of the eastern riverside. This new road is in a very good condition. Remaining distribution pipes are from 1970-82 have the same problems like in western Agsu. Normally 60 % of Agsu households (incl. Karakashli Village) are supplied by water from Agsu River. Water losses in the network makes up 50%. Wastewater System: In 1985 the Rayon Hospital has constructed a sewer of about 1.5 km length (DN219, ductile iron) to discharge their wastewater to an open drainage ditch (See Photos) in the southern part of the town. This sewer is crossing private land and has been overbuild in some cases by new houses. 50-70 properties discharge their wastewater by illegal connections to this line. As reported by Agsu Rayon another sewer was build for sewerage of some industrial enterprises starting at the wine factory in the North and leading their wastewater to a drainage channel at the western edge of the municipal area. Most of the wastewater is discharged at the properties in simple pits or - if the standard of living is higher – in septic tanks. If they are filled up they were emptied by one of the four private operated tank trucks for sludge disposal. It can be estimated that these trucks discharge the sludge illegally in the surrounding area. If possible the inhabitants have installed direct pipes to drainage channels or Agsu River to dispose their wastewater. The city has nearly no rainwater drainage facilities even at the main roads. Due to the loamy ground significant rainwater values remain on the streets for several days. During the construction process when replacing of existing asbestos cement requirements by WB ( See section 8) will be followed according to the environmental management plan. 6 3. PROBLEMS The situation with water supply in the town has not changed in the last 5-6 years, even worsened The problem of water supply in the town is among the most important matters. There are frequent interruption of water supply. Untreated wastewater discharged to the small canals and wastewater seeping from the septic tanks to ground result in groundwater contamination, odor and hygienic problems in Agsu rayon center. On the other hand, ground water resources which are partly used by the consumers in Agsu Rayon center are contaminated with the wastewater leaking from the septic tanks and reaching to the aquifers. The sewerage system under construction is not designed well to make house connections efficiently. Also unhealthy situation of the existing wastewater treatment plant imposes health and safety conditions of the people living around it. In general existing problems are depletion of existing water supply and sanitation (WSS) assets due to lack of sustainable investments and insufficient capacities for Operation and Maintenance (O&M), little appreciation of public infrastructure sector and its organizations due to bad quality and service – consumers implement their individual solutions without a general concept, limited budgets, low awareness of hygienic interrelations of water supply, wastewater disposal and livestock farming cause high rates of water borne diseases and major WSS supply lines and other facilities often affected by landslides and earthquakes. In particular in the Water Supply system there is lack of mechanism for application of legislation to water withdrawal from sources, no sound legal protection of future investments, limited number and capacity of water supply pumps and reservoirs – no extension according to growth of population and industry, damages caused by great age, low material quality and insufficient installation depth of pipes lead to high losses within the water distribution network. Interrupted water supply and temporarily empty pipes cause bad water quality at house connections (bacteria, sediments, rust etc). There are hygienic problems by private water storage tanks. New water supply lines/areas were implemented on the standards of the old systems i.e. regular steel pipes and manually operated pumps and valves Manual operation of the water distribution system – no automation and control. Preference of gravity flow systems and bad reputation of pumps – as high manual effort and energy cost necessary to operate the existing old pumps. Wastewater Wastewater collection, treatment and discharge is considered to be of minor importance compared to water supply facilities – it is low priority and receives no investment. Damages of existing sewers results in irregular wastewater flows at the surface . There are too few shafts causing very limited access to existing sewer network, no equipment for maintenance and repair – no chance for troubleshooting. Sewerage disposal in unlined pits leads to pollution of ground and surface water – as private wells are also used for water supply this constitutes a serious health risk. Sludge disposal from pits and septic tanks is done illegally outside the municipal area 7 Socio-Economic Situation is characterized by the low connection rate to public water supply network – many people are used to living with little water as they must carry it for a longer distance or buy it from tank trucks, Toilets mostly outdoor using open pits without flushing – future connection to a new sewer system will depend on personal interest and require private investments. Popular cohabitation with livestock within the urban settlement without sufficient disposal of excrements Institutional Situation is characterized by the low level of support for Local Sukanal (water agency) Departments by central organizations and institutions, and very limited provision of know how, equipment, vehicles etc. from central departments, institutional complexity and dependency on central organizations and institutions inhibits solutions and investments on Rayon level, National Water Supply Tariffs are not cost- effective to cover necessary investments – for better water quality and 24hour supply the majority of consumers need to agree to higher rates. The current tariff rates apply to a normative demand which is much higher than actual. Value and qualification of Rayon Sukanal staff are affected by the need of manual handling and trouble shooting. They are not in line with future O&M requirements. Scepticism of villages concerning incorporation by the cities and/or integration by larger WSS organizations – disadvantages due to limited independence and priority of the city. There is an immediate need to address these issues through development and implementation of an efficient and effective WSS system that is affordable to local communities and which meets the needs of the range of stakeholders that it must serve. 4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Government of Azerbaijan planned the implementation of National Water Supply and Sanitation Project with the financial assistance of World Bank since 2007. The second phase of the same project has been approved on date 27 May 2008 as Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project (SNWSSP). The implementing agency of this second phase project is Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water Management Open Stock Company AWMC. The general objective of this Project is to improve the availability, quality, reliability, and sustainability of water supply and sanitation (WSS) services in 16 of Azerbaijan's regional (rayon) centers. Better infrastructure services of the secondary towns and cities shall be implemented to improve living conditions, reduce poverty and support local economic growth. Gauff and Temelsu JV consortium is contracted to prepare Feasibility Studies of Water Supply and Wastewater Investments in 16 Rayons, one of which is Agsu Rayon. The contract for this work entered into force on 16th March 2010 with a mobilization period: 30 days. Official Project Commencement date is the 5th of April 2010 and scheduled completion date is 5th of April 2011. The project is intended to provide 8 better infrastructure services of the secondary towns and cities in order to improve living conditions, reduce poverty and support local economic growth. The Project contains 3 components:  A1: Rayon Investment component, which will finance priority investments in the WSS sector, such as the rehabilitation and extension of WSS systems, including facilities for wastewater and septic sludge treatment in rayon centers across Azerbaijan;  B1: Institutional Modernization component which will support development and implementation of an Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Azersu and its subsidiary companies and State Amelioration and Water Management Agency (SAWMA), to improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of WSS services;  C1: Project Implementation and Management component, which will support project implementation by financing project management activities including Incremental Operating Costs due to the project, training, and annual audits of the project and entity accounts and financial statements. The water quality analysis has been carried out in Agsu at one location of Girdimanchay Gursulu (See Annex VII). The collected sample fits into the WHO, EU and Azeri drinking water standards except biological and some physical parameters. Water supply system of the city shall be reconstructed in order to supply water from Girdimanchay Drains. The length of main transmission line will be approximately 11.8 km. The supplied water shall be treated with simple physical treatment and/or disinfection then will be supplied to the water distribution network. One new water reservoirs with volume of 1500 m 3 have been proposed to be constructed. The total length of main pipes between the water reservoirs will be approximately 3.3 km. All of the existing drinking water distribution network shall be reconstructed and extended with high density polyethylene pipes. The total length of distribution lines will be approximately 84 km. The sewerage system under the construction is proposed to be used as storm water collection system. A new sewerage collection system shall be reconstructed and extended corrugated high density poly ethylene pipes. The length of sewerage network construction will be approximately 79 km. The collected wastewater shall be treated within a wastewater treatment plant having a capacity of 31,000 PE on year 2030 and discharged to the one of the drainage collectors. 9 Expected project benefits in the project area are the prevention of the ground and surface water pollution, protection of the public health, prevention of wasting of water resources and energy and prevention of the soil pollution and supply of free fertilizers (i.e. sludge of proper quality from the WWTP) to farmers 5. INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS In Azerbaijan the following organizations are engaged in questions of water resources management:  The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources;  Amelioration and Water Farm JSC  Azersu JSC  Ministry of Health with the Center on Epidemiology and Hygiene Responsibilities of above agencies are described in the Chapter 2 of the main text. 6. EIA PROCESS Eptisa (Spain) in association with Hydrometeorology Consulting Company (Azerbaijan) is contracted to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed project to: (i) assess the environmental and social impacts of project, (ii) identify the mitigation measures both during construction and post development and (iii) prepare an environmental management and monitoring plan.. The issues covered by the EIA study are focusing on the most important impacts and especially to raise concerns of the impacted households . The EIA also identifies which of the project activities has a potential to interact with the environment in the specific context of the natural, regulatory (i.e. legal) and socio- economic environments in which these activities will occur. Scoping was conducted early in the EIA process so that a focus on the priority issues (i.e. those that have the greatest potential to affect the natural and/or socio-economic environment) could be established for the rest of the EIA process. Scoping also helped identify gaps in the environmental, socio-economic and engineering information that need to be addressed so that an informed impact assessment can be completed. Different categories of issues, as identified below, were considered in the EIA. The potential beneficial and adverse effects in each category were identified based on literature review, onsite data collection and surveying, intensive investigations by individual experts through field surveys and site specific investigations. The following categories of impacts were considered: 1) Natural plants and their habitat impacts were investigated using available technical reports and through field survey. 2) Natural animal, birds and their habitat were investigated using available technical reports and through field survey. 10 3) Surface and groundwater data were obtained from available reports and were used to map surface and groundwater existence. Later these data were used to assess the hydrogeology and surface water catchments. 4) Agricultural impacts were investigated by looking at the agricultural values, gathering crop and soil types, and through field survey. 5) Air quality impacts were based on generalized regional level data combined with growth forecasts. In addition, acoustic impacts (noise and vibration) were investigated. 6) Socio-economic impacts (living and employment conditions) were investigated using available data and the data of the of State Statistical Committee. 7) Municipal services and utilities impacts (water supply, sewerage system, solid waste collection and disposal, electricity, telecommunication, etc.) were investigated using existing information and the Region Master Plan. Site visits enhanced these investigations. 8) Health and safety measures have been investigated and identified as being in accordance with the national requirements and international Safety Guidelines 9) Further impacts and assessments were investigated through field survey and site visits. In this section, identified components and project-related issues associated with those components are integrated to identify the extent to which the project may impact environmental components and the significance of those impacts on national, community and local scales. For assessment of what level of significance to assign to an environmental component and or the potential impact of a project on an environmental component an objective methodology is required to permit assessment of the potential significance of environmental issues. In the evaluation process a semi-quantitative analysis has been undertaken, to summarize “Valued environmental components” (VEC’s) according to whether they are “high”, “medium” or “low”. Valued environmental components that are valued as “high” are those that are broadly important across society. VEC’s that are ranked as “medium” are those that are important at a community level, but are of limited significance at a wider level. VEC’s that are ranked as “low” are significant at a localized level. All these issues have been taken into consideration during development of mitigation measures and Environment Management Plans 7. ALTERNATIVES Following alternatives have been considered during the EIA process:  No Project Scenario  Water Supply System improvement only  Water Supply and Waste Water Management System improvement 11 The situation in the Feasibility Study document is clearly described according to all the above sceneries. For each component of the project some alternatives also have been looked through. For the water supply of Agsu rayon center there are three alternatives. The first to supply from Guzay Springs and Agsuchay Srpings, the second alternative is to supply from the vicinity of Kulullu villages of Agsu rayon drainage facilities and the third from the Gursulu village of Agsu. Since the first alternative has been executed by the Agsu Rayon Executing Power it hasn’t been financially considered within the scope of this project. However the capacity and structures of this alternative have been taken into consideration during the determination of water demand projections for the year 2030. The second and third alternatives have 2 main reservoirs, one pressure release chamber in addition to the water reservoirs of the first alternative. In the second alternative, a pumping stations and 100 m3 balancing reservoir need to be constructed. Alternative 3 is described in the FS document as being preferred from technical, financial and economical points of view. There are no main technical alternatives for reconstruction of water distribution network except the sub- alternatives like the type of pipe material. The sewerage collected at a location near to Muradli village presents one technical alternatives in order to transfer the collected wastewater into the treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant option has been evaluated from the point of economy and operability of process alternatives. The extended aeration process with sludge drying beds is selected. by Gauff and Temelsu JV. 8. PUBLIC CONSULTATION This activity is aimed at informing identified stakeholders and other interested parties concerning the project and gathering perspectives from them. Public consultation presents stakeholders with the opportunity to voice both their positive opinions and their concerns and to enable these issues to be addressed in the EIA and incorporated into the project design. A Scoping Workshop was conducted on 12 June, 2010 and attended by 30 participants representing different institutions. During that session the findings of previous consultations (by Gaugg-Temelsu) were presented and additional comments and suggestions were received. Workshop was organized pn October 22, 2010 iin the meeting venue provided by the Agsu Rayon Executive Powerş The representative of EPTİSA Rafig Verdiyev provided the general information about the Project EIA document to participants and answered asked questions. Main discussions where about proposals of Project Alternatives, Proposal Water sources , Environment Impact Assessment, Scheduled Activities for Environment Management Plan, Proposed Mitigation Measures. The Presented findings were been actively discussed. Discussions topics were related to water supply, location of waste water treatment plant, sewer canals, project schedule and employment of local people in project construction work. The environmental consultant of the PIU informed that provided proposals will be considered in the EIA. Audience was informed that proposals related to above issues has been incorporated into EIA and will be taken into account by the detailed design of the project. 12 9. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Measures for mitigating possible negative environmental impacts are directed at minimizing possible negative environmental and social-economic impacts during the construction and utilization phases of the project. These measures will be carried out by the construction company during the construction phase of the WSS project and by the local Water Canal Company during utilization phase. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) outlines the management mechanisms (i.e. working arrangements) for how the environmental and social elements of the project should be managed from detailed design and construction through operation. The EMP is aimed at reduction to minimum level of any potentially negative environmental impacts during construction and operation. It requires that all aspects of the works comply with the relevant legislation and norms., and that measures to mitigate impacts identified in the EIA are implemented, and that environmental monitoring and emergency measures are carried out during the construction works on the site. Within the EMP required environmental controls and monitoring procedures are considered during construction and after the work is completed. The Contractor is responsible for the implementation of these mitigation measures and emergency measures during construction. There are several mechanisms of ensuring delivery during construction of both general and site specific mitigation developed through in the EIAs. These include that the Contractor will further develop the outline requirements of the in an EMP by designing individual Management Plans, for, project activities that include such as oil and fuel storage, waste management, traffic management and pollution prevention. A tabulated summary of the environmental management is presented below. There is an initial environmental assessment for the Category A typed project in the prepared project Feasibility Study Document, where the “Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist” was filled for both sewerage and water supply systems. This checklist summarizes the existing project area in Agsu and potential environmental impacts, which the project may cause. According to the checklist some issues of impact can take place in the project implementation. These issues then in the EIA process have been compared with the “Valued Environmental Components and Potential Negative Effects” (Chapter 5.1) and then relevant mitigation measures have been identified accordingly. 10 . APPLICATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES The potential main impacts and mitigation measures to reduce these impacts at the construction and operation stages are summarized in the following table. The table includes It is based on recommendations of the Feasibility Study document, together with additional measures that are considered necessary as a result of the EIA process. which was added with necessary additional measures in the EIA process and presented in below table 13 Potential Main Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT Dust, gases/aerosol Dust prevention by watering and other means; Provision of water: associated with Transportation of grainy or dusty materials in the $10,000 Contractor Supervisor/ construction (toxic top-coated trucks; Amelioration gasses discharged Watering of dust sources; No cost for other JSC by construction Transportation of dust producing materials during measures provided they machineries, wind calm days (not in the windy days); are integrated into normal blown construction Avoid making open fires; operating procedures Air quality materials etc.) Avoid setting fire on residue grease, isolation materials, and other substances; Efficient use of machinery and other technologies; Application of adequate construction methodologies and facilities; Careful implementation of works in vulnerable areas. Constructii Waste pollution, Protection of the surroundings of the construction Provision of materials onn stage especially wastes site; and cover to prevent Contractor Supervisor/ caused by Limited works in the vulnerable zones; landslide risks: $10,000 Amelioration construction and Identify adequate areas to store residue materials, JSC domestic activities; and transportation of all construction related Traffic management Material storage, effluent materials into the predetermined site; signage: $5,000 civil works and Control of erosion process; Earth other impacts; Provide earth stabilization/green cover over No cost for other Landfill of wastes vertical points and slopes to minimize land slide measures provided they and other materials; risks; are integrated into normal Impacts of Prevent discharge of excavated material to the operating procedures excavation works; river beds or lakes; Possibility of Avoid unwanted traffic blockage, collect erosion; excavated spoil material and discharge somewhere Wastewater. close to the construction site; 14 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT Discharge wastewater flows to the closest sewage line, installation of toilets and septic tanks. Damage to the Adequate design works and selection of proper Proper storage of toxic topsoil resulting route to minimize impact on the topsoil; materials/effluents: Contractor Supervisor/ from material Usage of excavated soil material for the agriculture $12,500 Amelioration storage, excavation purposes; JSC works, temporary Cut, store and restore topsoil where possible after Measures against roads etc. the completion of the construction works; landslides addressed Loss of topsoil Discharge of materials to the predetermined areas above during excavation; by secondary routs; Topsoil Flushing of topsoil Measures against land slides No cost for other and soil erosion due Storage of toxic materials and effluents in the safe measures provided they to polluted water and predetermined areas, its provision with are integrated into normal streams; drainage waters, and processing where necessary; operating procedures. Standards applied, including soil erosion prevention by good soil practice and drainage control. Good soil conservation measures and effective reins to prevent future erosion and soil loss. Pollution of surface No cost for identified and groundwater Avoid discharge of harmful chemical substances measures provided they Contractor Supervisor/ sources due to into sewage lines or ground surface; are integrated into normal Amelioration domestic and Design and operation of natural drainage and operating procedures JSC construction consideration for alternative directions; Water effluents, including Discharge wastewater flows to the closest sewage resources and harmful residues, line, installation of toilets and septic tanks. waste waters leakage of fuel and Required standards applied, including safe other oil related removal of wastewater during renovation works, products; use of appropriate equipment by workers and Blockage of surface ongoing liaison with residents and fencing off and groundwater contaminated areas. 15 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT filtration and Balanced use of water sources to avoid significant creation of stagnant pressure on them in low flow period and also water eliminate water shortage problems for all users.. accumulations. Connected with project connected with project problems of water scarcity in low flow periods of the year and also those connected with the increase of water supply problem for other users which use the same sources Disturbance due to Use of adequate construction materials and No cost for identified noise generated equipment; measures provided they Contractor Supervisor/ from construction Adherence to predetermined work schedule to are integrated into normal Amelioration works and intensive minimize disturbance and implementation of noise operating procedures JSC traffic generating works during normal work hours; Noise Minimum use of noise generating equipment Constructi (example, stone cutters, compressors); on stage Minimize traffic during dark hours, and use of silencers. Disturbance of the Adequate storage, processing or liquidation of No cost for identified natural habitat due wastes; measures provided they Contractor Supervisor/ Natural habitat to construction Application of relevant construction and seasonal are integrated into normal Amelioration related noise, dust, work methodologies; operating procedures JSC 16 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT non-seasonal works, Protection of vulnerable areas located close to the unprocessed construction site. residues and etc. Loss of natural settlement areas due to construction works. Earthworks, Adequate storage, processing or liquidation of Storage, processing, operation of wastes; liquidation of wastes Contractor Supervisor/ machines, noise and Protection of vulnerable areas located close to the addressed above Amelioration etc.; construction site; JSC Losses or Application of seasonal work methodologies No cost for other Flora and degradations during where necessary. measures provided they fauna and after are integrated into normal construction works, operating procedures. non-seasonal works, change of ecological situation etc. Impact of works on Careful design and location of works; Restoration/planting of landscape and Restoration of damaged trees, protection lines and greenery: $50,000 Contractor Supervisor/ disturbance to etc.; Amelioration natural sights, Planting of greenery in the construction site, No cost for remaining JSC Aesthetics and greenness and trees; careful implementation of works in the work sites, measures provided they landscape Constructi Noise, dust, residue and management of wastes. are integrated into normal on stage and etc. during and operating procedures. after construction. Damage to Liaise effectively with relevant organizations and Agriculture agricultural lands, residents before start of construction, maintain No cost for identified Contractor Supervisor/ including drainage dialogue, develop a grievance procedure, strictly measures provided they Amelioration 17 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT and irrigation control machinery and vehicle access and reinstate are integrated into normal JSC infrastructure. all affected areas operating procedures. Livestock resources Liaise effectively with farmers and residents damaged by before start of construction, maintain dialogue, No cost for identified Contractor Supervisor/ Livestock machinery and develop a grievance procedure, strictly control measures provided they Amelioration vehicles. machinery and vehicle access and reinstate all are integrated into normal JSC affected areas operating procedures. Health risks from Planning of measures dealing with security and Trainings: $25,000 unprocessed wastes; environmental protection issues; Contractor Supervisor/ Use of harmful Adherence to project standards, good signage, No cost for identified Amelioration substances (paints ongoing consultation with residents, including measures provided they JSC with heavy metal, schools. All workers to use appropriate PPE and be are integrated into normal lead compositions), trained at project induction. Safety fencing operating procedures. Health and asbestos- cement provided. safety of slabs, inflammable Organization and implementation of security and residents and and toxic materials safety related trainings; Requirements of y WB Construction of workers etc.). will be followed(Chapter 8) when replacing the warehouse for temporal asbestos-cement pipes. storage of hazardous wastes: $50,000 Management of materials in accordance with the relevant ecological and sanitary-hygiene norms; Identification of dangerous sites, proper storage/liquidation of waste materials. Damage to areas of There are no areas of historic/cultural value to be No cost for identified historical and affected by project. But if it appears relevant measures provided they Contractor Supervisor/ Areas of cultural value measures need to be taken are integrated into normal Amelioration historical and located in the Staff awareness; operating procedures JSC cultural value project area Inform adequate organizations in case of archaeological findings; Temporary termination of works. 18 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT Loss of property, There no need for resettlement. Costs for resettlement (if land and damage to For areas where lands used for agricultural crop any) to be negotiated by Contractor Supervisor/ Resettlement living areas of production relevant plans need to be prepared, project owner in Amelioration Land population which includes provision of replacement lands or accordance with relevant JSC acquisition compensation for lost access to plots of arable land legislation, contractual and lost fruit or nut trees. agreement or other documents. Quality of treated Operation supervision of treatment facilities in due No cost for identified water accordance with the operation guidelines; measures provided they Contractor Supervisor/ Quality control of water flows entering the system; are integrated into normal Amelioration Avoid pollution of treated waters with the operating procedures JSC wastewater flows; Risks to human Avoid over-chlorination of water flows supplied to health and the consumers. Operation environment Breakages and There is need to develop scheduled preventative Training cost identified s stage emergency maintenance below Contractor Supervisor/ (potable situations Training of staff on safety and human security No cost for remaining Amelioration water issues; measures provided they JSC systems) Measures to avoid leakage of chlorine gas. are integrated into normal operating procedures Reduction of treated Prevent illegal connections to the system; No cost for remaining water quantities Proper operation of the system including water measures provided they Contractor Supervisor/ Social- treatment, pipelines, connection lines and etc. are integrated into normal Amelioration economical Ensure an affordable tariff structure and proper operating procedure JSC collection of fees. Quality of Constant monitoring of wastewater flows coming Monitoring of wastewater and its out of the wastewater treatment plant; downstream Contractor Supervisor/ Operation Risks to human impacts on human Discharge of wastewater into the environment only environmental quality: Amelioration s stage health and health and after adequate treatment; $12,500 one time every 2 JSC (sewage environmental environment Training of operation staff for their qualification years for 20 years and impacts raising; 19 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT wastewate Monitoring of downstream habitats to evaluate the No cost for remaining r) extent to which they return to their previously measures provided they unpolluted state. are integrated into normal operating procedures Quality of sediments Adequate processing of sludge; Monitoring of sludge in the treatment Monitoring of nematodes, coliforms and heavy quality: $10,000/year Contractor Supervisor/ structures (sludge), metals in the composition of output sludge; Transportation of sludge Amelioration risks due to Transportation of sludge in the closed containers; $10,000/year JSC agricultural Training of operation staff for their qualification consumption of raising. Training cost identified these wastes. Training In application of sludge, and monitoring below of sludge application Smell generations in Planning and management of smell mitigation; Odour masking agents: the wastewater Tight shutting of smell producing equipment and $US 5,000/year Contractor Supervisor/ treatment structure; containers. Amelioration No cost for remaining JSC measures provided they are integrated into normal operating procedures Risks to human Use of authorised sites for non-hazardous waste Training: $25,000 in first health disposal; support and arrangements for setting year; $5,000/year in each Contractor Supervisor/ Safe storage of facilities for hazardous waste safe storage following year Amelioration hazardous and JSC non-hazardous No cost for identified wastes measures provided they are integrated into normal operating procedures 20 ECOLOGICAL ESTIMATED COST Responci Monitoring SOCIAL OR OF IMPACT bility POTENTIAL STAGES ENVIRONMEN IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES MITIGATION IMPACTS TAL MEASURES COMPONENT Risks to health of Training of staff on safety and human security residents and issues; Contractor Supervisor/ workers and to the Training of staff on sanitary and hygiene rules to Amelioration environment prevent infections from wastewater discharges and JSC sludge residues; Human health Provide staff with adequate protection uniforms and facilities; Measures to prevent emergency situations such as leakage of chlorine gas. Monitoring of drinking water and wastewater quality Note: All mitigation measures identified in this Table should be specified in all contracts for construction and operation of the project, and should also be including in all manuals or operating procedures that are developed. Based on above measures in total around 200000 USD need to be allocated to implement main mitigation measures. . 21 11. MONITORING Conducting monitoring is the major strategic tool in environmental management and the extent of project monitoring will be dependent on the nature, scale and potential impact of the project activities. Monitoring may require the services of environmental specialists or a company with laboratory and analytical facilities (for complex environmental problems) or inspection by the local government environmental officers. The Main elements of the environmental monitoring plan in the construction phase are the dust, noise, solid waste, waste water and soil monitoring. In the operations utilization phase monitoring of water volume in water sources and water storages, microbiological and chemical composition of water distributed to people, comparison to water standards, pollution level of sewage, waste waters after treatment/purification, depositions settled in water cleaning plants, cleaned/treated sewage in the place where it joins to sewage collector and soil where depositions generated in water cleaning plants will be used as fertilizers. Monitoring of all activities during construction period will be under the responsibility of the Contractor, performance of which will be controlled by the Amelioration JSC or supervisor appointed by JSC. The Contractor will prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that addresses all aspects of the EMP identifies above, and will establish a team for the monitoring activities. The Contractor will be responsible for the compliance of the constructions with the national norms and standards. Monitoring of construction activities will have to ensure that mitigation measures of construction impacts are being implemented properly. Contractor’s Environmental Team will be subject to the government inspections from time to time. An individual auditing company may also inspect the Contractor on a long-term basis, such as every 3 months or 6 months. Monitoring responsibility of operation activities will be under the operator for the WWTP and under the local authorities for the network systems. Performance of monitoring activities will be controlled by the Amelioration JSC or supervisor appointed by JSC. Necessary and planned measurements should be realized in WWTP in order to certify of fulfillment to discharge criteria. Again WWTP operator will be subject to the government inspections from time to time. Regular reports on implementation of monitoring plan will be submitted to Contractor . A training and equipment package is included in the project. As key agency responsible for implementation for SNWSSP the Amelioration and Water Farm JSC will need to have adequate capacity for control of realization of EMP. Although the Department on Control of Protection and Use of Water Resources have been trained by ADP Flood mitigation project and other programs, there is still need for required knowledge on Environment Management issues during the construction and operation. 22 In order to increase capacity of Environmental specialist at PIU and also for local SuKanal relevant training is planned to be organized within the project. Staff will be trained in Environmental management during the construction and also in operation phase, in the necessary aspects for effective operation of the water and sanitation service to minimize impact to the environment. The training requirements and training modules are currently being developed in discussions between the World Bank and Amelioration JSC and AZERSU. Amelioration JSC PİU will also need to have relevant trained staff to supervise the construction process and monitor implementation of EMP. 23 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Azerbaijan Second National Water Supply and Sanitation (SNWSS2) Project is financed by the Government of Azerbaijan and World Bank. The employer for the project is Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water Farm Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC) . Gauff and Temelsu JV is contracted to prepare Feasibility Studies of Water Supply and Wastewater Investments in 16 Rayons, of which one is Agsu Rayon. Eptisa (Spain) in association with Hydrometeorology Consulting Company (Azerbaijan) is contracted to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed project to assess the environmental and social impacts of project and to identify the mitigation measures both during construction and post development. This EIA study provides recommendations on mitigation measures and proposes an environmental management and monitoring plan. 1.1 Context of the EIA This report presents an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project in Agsu The EIA identifies potential impacts on the natural environment and the social situation in Agsu rayon during construction and operation of the project. Where potential adverse effects are predicted, mitigation has been developed and its implementation is presented in an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP). This project has been identified as a Category A project in the World Bank classification for EIA (OP/BP4.01). This requires an EIA report and an Environmental Management Plan. Moreover, public consultations are required to discuss the project and the proposed environmental management plan. A detailed description of the project is presented below in section 3 There are following definitions used in this report:  Definition of environmental aspects: The International Standard Organisation’s standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), ISO 14001 defines an environmental aspect as: “An element of a......, product or service that can interact with the environment.”  Definition of impacts: ISO 14001 defines an environmental impact as: “Any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an organisation’s activities, products or services.” This definition will be used in the identification of the proposed project’s environmental impacts. An environmental or socio-economic impact may result from any of the identified project aspects; that is, activity-receptor interaction. The potential for an environmental or socio-economic impact exists where an environmental or socio-economic aspect has been identified; that is, where a project activity has been determined to have the potential to interact with the biophysical environment or with the socio-economic context of the community.. 24 Impacts can be either negative or positive. The primary objectives of the impact assessment are to: establish the significance of identified potential impacts that may occur as a result of a project activity being undertaken, and differentiate between those impacts that are insignificant (i.e. can be sustained by natural systems) and those that are significant (i.e. cannot be sustained by natural systems). Significant potential impacts would require alternative and/or additional mitigation measures above and beyond those already incorporated in the base design for the project/activity. Scoping was conducted early in the EIA process so that a focus on the priority issues (i.e. those that have the greatest potential to affect the natural and/or socio-economic environment) can be established for the rest of the EIA process. Scoping also helped identify gaps in the environmental, socio-economic and engineering information that need to be addressed so that an informed impact assessment can be completed. The potential beneficial and adverse effects were identified based on literature review, onsite data collection and surveying, intensive investigations by individual experts through field surveys and site specific investigations. The following categories of impacts were considered in the EIA: 1. Natural Plant and their habitat impacts were investigated using available technical reports and through field survey. 2. Natural Animal, birds and their habitat were investigated using available technical reports and through field survey. 3. Surface and groundwater data were obtained from available reports and were used to map surface and groundwater existence. Later these data were used to assess the hydrogeology and surface water catchments. 4. 4)Agricultural impacts were investigated by looking at the agricultural values, gathering crop and soil types, and through field survey. 5. Air quality impacts were based on generalized regional level data combined with growth forecasts. In addition, acoustic impacts (noise and vibration) were investigated. 6. Socio-economic impacts (living and employment conditions) were investigated using available data and the data of the of State Statistical Committee. 7. Municipal services and utilities impacts (water supply, sewerage system, solid waste collection and disposal, electricity, telecommunication, etc.) were investigated using existing information and the Region Master Plan. Site visits enhanced these investigations. 8. Health and safety measures have been investigated and identified as being in accordance with the national requirements and international Safety Guidelines 9. Further impacts and assessments were investigated through field survey and site visits. 25 1.2. Purpose of the EIA In accordance with the Environmental Assessment requirements of the World Bank and the Environmental legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic, an EIA process is required in support of the proposed project. The objectives and rationale of the assignment are, in general, clearly stated in the Terms of Reference (ToR). The aim of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to ensure that any adverse environmental or socio-economic impacts arising from proposed project activities in each individual rayon are identified and where possible eliminated or minimized through early recognition of and response to the issues. The purpose of the assignment is to help the Client to:  Ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into the project planning and design activities  Ensure that a high standard of environmental performance is planned and achieved for the project  Ensure that environmental and socio-economic aspects and impacts are identified, quantified where appropriate, and assessed and mitigation measures proposed  Ensure that legal and policy requirements and expectations are addressed  Consult with all of the project stakeholders and address their concerns; and  Demonstrate that the project will be implemented with due regard to environmental and social considerations in mind The purpose of this EIA study is to identify the direct and indirect impacts that the development of WSS will have on the natural resources, ecosystem, and the socioeconomic dimensions of the communities and populations. Accordingly, mitigation measures will be proposed and an environmental management and monitoring plan will be prepared to address the identified impacts and the corresponding mitigation measures. The EIA document is intended to provide the decision makers and international donors with an understanding of the impacts of developing WSS, in order for them to make an informed decision. The assessment includes suggested efforts to avoid or minimize the adverse effects and methods to enhance the positive effects. 26 1.3. Methodology In the course of the assignment potential impacts of all stages of the project from pre-construction, through construction and installation to operation in each rayon are evaluated against applicable environmental standards, regulations and guidelines, the existing environmental conditions, and issues and concerns raised by all project stakeholders. Evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness, of existing and planned environmental controls and monitoring and mitigation are considered. The EIA process constitutes a systematic approach to the evaluation of a project in the specific context of the natural, regulatory and socioeconomic environments of the project area in which development is proposed. The assessment process incorporates the following key stages: Project stakeholder consultation is a vital component of the EIA process. The consultation process is focused on, seeking comment on key issues and concerns, sourcing accurate information, identifying potential impacts and offering the opportunity for alternatives or objections to be raised by the potentially affected parties; non-governmental organizations, members of the public and other stakeholders. Consultation helps to develop a sense of stakeholder ownership of the project and the realization that their concerns are taken seriously, that the issues they raise, if relevant, will be addressed in the EIA process. Consultation with all project stakeholders in 4 rayons started during the Scoping stage and continued throughout the EIA process. All relevant stakeholders have been identified using the most recent and accurate information available and the consultation results including:  a list of stakeholders consulted in each rayon; and  a summary of the issues and concerns raised. From the environmental and social point of view the above definition of the environment and potential project impact is used in the identification of the proposed project’s environmental, legal and socio-economic aspects. 27 2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 2.1 Policy Framework EIA in Azerbaijan During its years of independence, Azerbaijan has steadily improved its system of environmental protection. The policy, legal and institutional framework that it inherited from the former Soviet Union was not designed to operate within a market economy, and insufficient attention had been given to issues of efficiency and environmental protection. Much progress has now been made, particularly in updating the environmental legal framework, although further improvements are still needed, including in environmental impact assessment. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources was established in 2000 and other institutional reform is being undertaken. The ecological strategy of the country is aimed at preservation of natural resources at national, regional and international spheres; application of scientifically substantiated development principles; and sustainable use of economic and human resources of the country that would meet interests of existing and future generations through enhanced coordination of activities in the area of protection of the environment. As a manifestation of environmental polices in the Republic of Azerbaijan, it should be noted that it is oriented to the development of a relevant legislative basis in accordance with European standards, improvement of state environmental management system, and gradual realization of priority projects through broadened ties with international organizations. In Azerbaijan, EIA is applied under the State ecological expertise (SEE) procedure. In the EIA process the main objects are projects of state importance which cover the various spheres of industry and agriculture. In 1996 the Government of Azerbaijan adopted the procedure of EIA process, which compliancy with systems used in most countries. The new rules are described in Regulations on carrying out of Environment Impact Assessment in Azerbaijan Republic (UNDP / State Ecology Committee, 1996). These Regulations state, that “Activities on assessment of impacts of wastes to environment should begin in the stage of planning of the project”. The process of Environmental Impacts Assessment is one of means regulating protection of environment, efficient use if nature and effectiveness of economic development. This existing normative, legal basis of the Azerbaijan Republic broadly uses the notion of EIA The main aim of the EIA process is: Recovery of natural systems violated due to previous economic activity; prevention of degradation of environment; ecological – economical balancing of future economic development; creation of favorable living conditions for peoples; decrease of level of ecological hazard of envisaged activity. This document was made up before decisions on fulfillment of any of projects. 28 The EIA document is a document which determines the character of all potential forms and level of danger of impacts to the environment caused by an economic or other activity that is proposed to be carried out. The EIA is document evaluates results of fulfillment of the project from ecological, social and economical view of point. State Expertise Board of Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is authorized state organ for EIA process. For concrete projects the EIA process begins from planning and feasibility study and its realization. The Applicant (the project proponent, nature user) is responsible for content and final version of EIA document submitted to Ministry of Ecology. The Applicant bear the responsibility for fulfillment of conditions shown in the given permission and also for carrying out of monitoring of the project. There are 2 steps: First: The originator (applicant) of the activity submits application to Ministry of Ecology and informs about major project decisions and possible results of negative Impacts to Environment. Ministry of Ecology after consideration of the Application informs the Applicant about necessity of carrying out of EIA and scale of this activity. In rare cases, after consideration of application, the permission for carrying out of work may be given immediately (Article 2.5). Second: The documents (on EIA) prepared by the Applicant are considered by the Group of Experts and Summary is made. The summary also includes proposals and critics of community. On the basis of the summary, the Ministry of Ecology may give permission for work or refuse to permit to activity, explaining reasons for rejection. The Ministry of Ecology determines 3 months maximal period for consideration of EIA documents. Enforcement and compliance are the responsibility of the general inspection system. EIA process is described in below figure(See figure 2.1). 29 30 The Republic of Azerbaijan pursuing a policy of integration to the World Community and in recent years has signed and ratified scores of International and bilateral conventions, treaties and agreements, including 15 Conventions related to environment. Each law of Republic of Azerbaijan includes a special chapter or article stating that if International Agreements provide rules which differ from existing relevant rules of Azerbaijan Legislation, the rules of international documents should prevail. . The World Bank Safeguards Policy The World Bank requires an environmental assessment (EA) of projects proposed for Bank financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound and sustainable, and thus improve decision making (OP 4.01, January 1999). The EA that is required by the Bank is in effect the same document as the EIA that is required under Azerbaijan legislation. EA evaluates the potential ecological risks of a project and its impact to the territories covered by the project; analyzes alternatives of the project; determines ways for development of choice, location, planning, design and execution of the project, by taking measures on mitigation, compensation and bringing to minimum of harmful ecological impacts and strengthening its positive impacts to the environment. The Bank prefers preventive measures, if any, to mitigation or compensation measures. The EA takes into account the environment (air, water and land); humans health and safety; social aspects (obligatory resettlement, residents and cultural heritage property); and trans - boundary and global environmental aspects. At the same time it takes into account all changes taking place in the project and country; results of ecological studies held in the country, plans of local ecological measures; common political framework of the country, local legislation and institutional possibilities on ecological and social aspects; obligations of the country on international Agreements and Treaties concerning the projects activities. The Bank doesn't fund the project activities which are contrary to such country's obligations as it would be determined during the EA. * Key considerations to be taken into account during the EA process include:  * Generic initial screening to determine appropriate environmental assessment;  * Compliance with existing environmental regulations in Azerbaijan;  * Linkages with socio-economic assessment, or inclusion of socio-economic assessment within the scope of the EA;  * Analysis of alternatives;  * Public participation and consultation with affected people and organizations; and  * Disclosure of information. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 31 The Bank undertakes environmental screening of each proposed project to determine the appropriate extent and type of EIA. The Bank classifies the proposed project into one of four categories, depending on the type, location, sensitivity and scale of the project and the nature and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. The four Categories are A, B, C, and Fl. Whilst the objectives of the project include provision of a safe, reliable, potable water supply and vastly improved treatment of wastewater, the extent and nature of the works required result in it being classified as Category A, for which an EIA and EMP are required. This category of project may 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, can cause serious and irrevocable impact upon the environment or human health. The EIA for a Category A project examines the proje ct’s potential negative and positive environmental impacts, compares them with those of feasible alternatives (including the "without project" scenario), and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance for a Category A project. 2.2 Legal Framework Environmental protection in Azerbaijan is governed by the Law on Environment Protection (1999). The Law establishes the main environmental protection principles, and the rights and obligations of the State, public associations and citizens regarding environmental protection. It establishes the requirements for the preparation of environmental impact assessments, environmental quality standards, and requirements for permitting the activities that affect the environment, prevention and reduction of environmental pollution, environmental monitoring and control, the role of the public and sanctions imposed on law violators. Other laws governing specific issues such as sanitary-epidemiological welfare, land reform, energy, health, water, forests, cadastre and land use, industrial and domestic wastes, ecological safety, water supply and wastewater, atmospheric protection and specially protected areas have been adopted since 1992. The questions related to protection of environment and regulation of use of nature are regulated through the with following Laws of relevant legislation of Azerbaijan Republic: Water Code (1997), Land Code (1999), Forest Code (1997), On Entrails (1998), On Protection of Flora (1996), On Fauna (1999), On Obligatory Insurance (2002), On radioactive Wastes (1994), On Industrial and Household wastes (1998), On Radioactive safety of population (1997), On Sanitary - Epidemiological Safety (1992), On Melioration and Irrigation (1996), On Water Supply and Waste Water(1999), On Safety of Hydrotechnical Plants (2002), On State land cadastre, monitoring of lands and structure of earth (1998), On Pesticides and agrochemical substances (1997), On protection of the Soil fertility (1999), On specially protected nature areas and objects (2000). WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 32 In addition, a large number (some 75+) of Decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers have been issued to help interpret the body of environmental legislation and related Presidential Degrees and Orders. Republican criminal legislation and legislation on administrative faults includes some measures directed to protection of environment and efficient use of nature. The relevant legislation in force includes some laws regulating activity of natural persons and legal entities in the various spheres of use of natural resources (underground resources, water ad land resources, forests, fishes, etc.). The International Agreements and Conventions signed by Azerbaijan are an inseparable part of the legislation system of the country. Principles of rational water use, its state registration, settlement of water disputes and responsibility for violation of water legislation are described in the following below legal documents:  Laws of Azerbaijan Republic on Water Supply and Wastewater (Decree of President of Azerbaijan Republic dated January 26, 2000);  Water Code of Azerbaijan Republic (Decree of President of Azerbaijan Republic dated December 26, 1997);  RESOLUTION No 206 on approval of some rules regarding water legislation of Azerbaijan Republic (Cabinet of Ministers, October 15, 1998);  RESOLUTION No 195 on approval of Rules on implementation of state control over consumption and preservation of water objects (Cabinet of Ministers, September 25, 1998);  RESOLUTION No 197 on approval of Rules on identification of construction sites of enterprises, structures, and other objects to be constructed, agreement of its work drawings, its state expertise and commissioning. (Cabinet of Ministers, September 28, 1998);  Resolution No 7 on approval of state water registration rules, (Cabinet of Ministers, January 17, 2000).; WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 33 2.3 Administrative Framework In Azerbaijan the following organizations are engaged in questions of water resources management:  The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources;  Amelioration and Water Farm JSC  Ministry of Health with the Center on Epidemiology and Hygiene  Azersu JSC The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is responsible for safety and protection from pollution of water resources. The Ministry carries out the state account of water resources and supervises their quality by carrying out of stationary hydrometric, hydro-geological and hydro-chemical supervision, make water balances and forecasts of elements of a water regime, estimates reserves of ground waters, prosecutes with the questions of rational use and reproduction of water resources. Establishes and approves norms of maximum permissible limits of run-off waters and carry out their control by means of regional offices. The Expertise Department of the Ministry conducts State ecological examination of new projects on water distribution, water use, new structures, other works executed in this area and gives its opinion on realization or non realization of projects and works. Department of Environmental Policy and Environmental Protection defines the basic directions of a policy on maintenance of safety and protection of water resources from pollution. Department of Environmental Protection coordinates activity on monitoring and implementing of nature protection statutory acts, on conditions of water resources checks a level of conformity of influence of planned activity to working statutory acts and applies sanctions. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is the responsible authority for state of environment It determines whether a project requires no EIA at all or a full EIA or anything in between. The regional departments of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources receive applications and ensure that adequate information has been provided. Amelioration and Water Farm Joint Stock Company is responsible for complex use of water resources, studies requirements for water resources, develops plans and norms of water use, maintains irrigating systems, together between various branches of economy, establishes a payment for water use and together with other departments and the organizations are busy with the questions on management of water resources of trans-boundary rivers. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 34 Ministry of Health with the Center on Epidemiology and Hygiene is responsible for drawing up of standards and realization of monitoring of drinking water quality. In the areas there are corresponding divisions of the ministry for realization of monitoring, quality assurance of waters, etc. Azersu Joint Stock Company. Till July 11, 2004 with questions of water supply of the cities Baku and Sumgait was engaged Absheron Joint-stock Water Society. In July, 2004 service on water supply and run-off waters of other regions of the country was also transferred to it (earlier the State Committee on Architecture and Construction was engaged in it) and Joint-stock company Azersu was established. The Basic function of Azersu is operation and rehabilitation of systems of water supply and sanitation. Joint-stock company Azersu has established different tariffs for use of water by populations, by budgetary organizations and in the industry. In connection with economic problems, for the population lower tariffs are established. The collecting of means makes 80 %. Water-measuring devices are few. The collected means do not pay expenses. The administrative structure of water supply and sanitation system comprises four levels, with the Cabinet of Ministers at the top; AZERSU joint Stock Company; “Joint SuKanal” Limited Liability Company (LLC) responsible for water supply and sanitation (WSS) in small towns and rural settlements; and finally local SuCanals at the bottom which report directly to Joint SuCanal. AZERSU is a financially independent body which receives no subsidy from senior bodies. Its main revenues are from water fees it receives from consumers. The Non Governmental organizations (NGOs) in Azerbaijan carry out projects on informing the public on existing problems in the water sector, explain legal aspects of questions on protection of water resources by edition of bulletins and booklets, speak to the press/media and carry out of training. Since they lack their own resources, NGO’s carry out their activities within the framework of projects and grants. Frequently these projects are directed on increasing of knowledge of the population. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS In Azerbaijan, engineering survey, design and construction standards and regulations are governed by the State Construction Committee. Rules of conducting supervision and control procedures by the State Construction Committee (in several areas regarding to safety of construction by the recently established Ministry of Emergencies) had been approved by the WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 35 Cabinet of Ministers in 2003. Subject to the State Construction Committee regulations all construction operations are to be carried out with due regard to the environmental requirements. Following the existing construction rules, construction or renovation works are to be carried out on the basis of the approved project (design) documents only. The State Construction Committee issues special licenses to conduct engineering survey and design operations (no license is required for construction operations). The project design documents include descriptions of proposed construction and related activities together with applications for permits from relevant authorities for geological studies of soil characteristics, fire safety, public health, utilities (gas, water, electricity, telecommunication) and environmental assessment. The relevant authorities conduct inspections during construction to monitor compliance with the permits, and may issue significant fines if violations are found. LAND AVAILABILITY Land acquisition and resettlement that might be required under this project will be governed by a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF)that has been developed and approved by Amelioration JSC and is acceptable to the World Bank. A RPF was developed in 2007 to cover the first Water Supply and Sanitation Project as a whole, as part of Bank screening procedures. The RPF concludes that there should be no justification for moving PAPs dwellings or other fixed assets and that the majority of cases will involve land used for arable or livestock grazing. The procedure envisioned by the RPF involves the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) determining the legal status of affected lands and then determining the compensation mechanism, taking into account that users may not actually have legal tenure or permissions to use the affected land. The final step involves agreement and payment of compensation to PAPs at the stage of detailed design and before construction commences. The compensation could take several forms, involving land swap or monetary payment and should be determined and undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the RPF.. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 36 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1 Problem Statement Physical Background of the Rayon Agsu is located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Agsu region of Shirvan plain. The population of the Agsu rayon, including the urban and rural areas, has been recorded as 70,882 as by the census made in 2009. The population density is 69 persons per km2. The general land form of Agsu has evolved from salty sediments, and the area is generally known as steppe. The soil structure is generally formed from sediments and the region is characterized by relatively slow infiltration capacity. The natural slope of Agsu area varies from between 1 and 5 meters per km. The land form is generally even, with shallow riverbeds. Groundwater is found at varying depth with low mineral content. Following rainfall and overland flow the fertility of the soil has been increased. Soils in Agsu area that have been formed from the debris cones of the Great Caucasus rivers are generally in better condition for agricultural production than the lower lying plains of this region. The landscape of the upland area of the rayon consists of foothills and sloping plains and mountains that rise to a height of 700-1000 meters above sea level. Mountainous areas have been characterized with rivers, valleys and the landscape of the complex fragmented ravines. The low gray mountains form Shirvan mountain range from Goychay to Pirsaatchi. Girdiman River, Agsu chay, Aghdarchay and Nazirchay are the main rivers and creeks laid within the area of Agsu rayon. Other surface waters laid within the Agsu rayon are Kukesh Qobu and Javanshir Lake on the west, Upper Shirvan Canal at the south. Agsu chay has originates in the Lahij Mountains. The Agsu chay spreads out widely at the south of Agsu rayon center. The main water sources for Agsu town are the waters from Girdimancay and Agsucay. Agsucay drainage water intake was built in 1957-60 and Girdimancay drainage water intake was built in 1970. These facilities have been almost destroyed by floods. In 2005-2006 vertical water intake facilities were built on Agsu river, but the current water recourses do not meet needs. There are no meters at the water intake and distribution points. Untreated water is being supplied to the network by gravity. In the proposed system, water will be extracted from Girdimanchay Drains. The length of main transmission line will be approximately 11.8 km. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 37 The location of Agsu in the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus has a great impact on its climate. Agsu belongs to semi-desert and dry steppe climate and is peculiar for warm winter and dry warm summer. The climatologic conditions of Agsu have been evaluated on the base of the observations made between the years 1950 and 2006 at the Agsu Meteorological Station. Because the Greater Caucasus mountain range prevents cold north air from streaming to the south, Agsu has as average annual air temperature of 14.1 °C. Annual precipitation is 510 mm. Annual precipitation is not been distributed equally, however. The maximum precipitation values are recorded in spring and autumn. However the minimum precipitation falls during the July –August. Precipitation mainly consists of rains, but in cold winter months snow falls. Snow cover here mainly melts immediately. In some years snow does not fall. Analysis of Agsu population growth rates shows fluctuation from the year 1997 to the year 2007. A steady increase in population has been observed between the years 2001 and 2004. Contrarily a continuous decrease has been recorded between the years 2005 and 2007. The rapid increase in the urban population growth rate between the years 2008 and 2009 indicates the inclusion of a village into urban area of Agsu city. The main economic activities are agriculture, mainly grain, cotton, fruit, vegetable and cattle growing. Employment of more than 70% of the population of the rayon is related to the cultivation of agricultural products and cattle-breeding. Cattle-breeding is intensively developing in Agsu rayon. Livestock is bred both for milk and meat. At present, there are no large public industrial enterprises in Agsu town, only 4 private industrial and 3 agricultural enterprises. Almost 90 % of the employed people work in the public sector. The average salary in public sector is 162 AZN Manats whereas it is less in private sector at 136 AZN Manats. Current Water Supply and Distribution Normally 60 % of Agsu households (incl. Karakashli Village) are supplied by water from Agsu River, which divides the municipal area into a smaller eastern and a larger western part. As a result of spring flooding and wet weather (April/May 2010) during the site visits the water withdrawal on both riverbanks was out of order so that nearly the whole town was temporary supplied by water tank trucks. The obvious problems with the water generation requires urgently the fast exploitation of new and sustainable water sources. In conjunction with this 2nd National Water Supply and Sanitation Project a scheduled project by AZERSU was cancelled to develop a new spring field 25 km upstream near Guzay Village and construct a new transmission main to Agsu. Some years ago a well field was constructed 3 km upstream on both banks of Agsu River to feed the 2 main reservoirs (500 m3) which are situated in the uppermost level of the town to supply the western network. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 38 As the gravel of the mountainous riverbed is in motion all facilities of the well field have been demolished during the annual flooding and cannot be used anymore. Currently the water for the main reservoirs is taken directly from the river, but due to its high solid content during snowmelt and in rainy periods withdrawal must be temporarily stopped when too much sediment has accumulated in the reservoirs (Figure 3.1). Figure 3.1 Agsu water reservoir is full with Sediments Water from the main reservoirs is distributed by 4 main pipelines (3 x DN219, 1x DN159) supplying different areas from north to south between 170–135 masl. The village Karakashli (~1600 inhabitants) is also supplied by this network. The primary and secondary network mostly consists of 25-40 year old steel pipes (~1970-85, DN100 – DN 219). Some sections of the main pipelines date from the 1960’s and are made of cast iron (DN159). As corrosion, sediments and physical damages are the problems of the steel pipes, the cast iron pipe connections have lost their tightness causing high losses that have not been quantified. In general the network is reported to be in bad condition. Agsu East has an independent water distribution network which is regularly fed by an open channel leading the water from the river to the network inlet shaft in the upper end of the town. Without any reservoir or WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 39 filtration the river water enters the network for hydrostatic distribution. This system can be only operated as long as the content of solids in the water is low. Due to a landslide in spring 2010 the channel and inlet shaft were blocked by clay and must be cleaned. The main pipeline (DN 219, Steel:0,5 mm) of the eastern distribution network was replaced in 2007/08 within reconstruction of the 2.85 km long road improvement. This new road is in very good condition. Remaining pipes are from 1960-85 are similar to those in western Agsu and have the same problems. By the information given in FS document approximately 400 private consumers and 32 industrial enterprises are equipped with water meters. Due to the described deficiencies it can be estimated that max. 15 km (<67%) of the network (22.5 km) is operational and only 50% of the provided water reaches consumers. There is no supply by the public network during 2–4 month per year. Private operated tank trucks with high prices (~1.00 AZM/m3) supply 40% of the population (incl. Navahi Village) and are often the only possibility to get water. Pirhansali Village (~1650 inhabitants) at Agsu’s western edge has seen the construction of new houses and farmyards in recent years and growth will continue in future. This village has its own water supply network fed by a big water supply channel passing through its area. The water is distributed directly and by gravity. Clearly, a future water supply concept must consider the demand of the not supplied areas and will require complete replacement of the existing network. Even the new pipeline (2008) should be replaced as regular steel and wall thickness are in acceptable for a long term solution. This should be done at the same time as the construction of a new sewer and rainwater drainage line for the main road. Wastewater Collection and Treatment Currently there are no public sewerage networks in Agsu. In 1985 the Rayon Hospital constructed a sewer of about 1.5 km length (DN219, ductile iron) to discharge their wastewater to an open drainage ditch in the southern part of the town. This sewer crosses private land and has been built over in some cases by new houses; 50-70 properties discharge their wastewater by illegal connections to this line. As reported by Agsu Rayon another sewer was built for sewerage of some industrial enterprises starting at the wine factory in the North and leading their wastewater to a drainage channel at the western edge of the municipal area. Most of the wastewater is discharged at the properties in simple pits or - if the standard of living is higher – in septic tanks. When they are filled up they are emptied by one of the four privately operated tank trucks for sludge disposal. It can be estimated that these trucks discharge the sludge illegally in the surrounding area. If possible the inhabitants have installed direct pipes to drainage channels or Agsu River to dispose their wastewater. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 40 The city has almost no rainwater drainage facilities, even for the main roads. Due to the loamy ground significant quantities off rainwater remains on the streets for several days. The sanitary conditions in most areas of the town are insufficient. Water-borne diseases exceed the permissible level. Due to poverty and the rural character in these quarters the situation is worsened by significant numbers of livestock held on very small properties in the city area. Cattle and sheep spend their day normally outside the town but return for the night. Disposal of their dung and urine must be considered in future concepts. As there is no wastewater treatment most sewerage enters the agricultural drainage system directly or by ground water. In the 1990’s the Rayon Executive selected an area of 5 ha owned by the government and licensed it for use as a future wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) site. It is situated 6 km south-west of the town at 75 m asl elevation, which provides sufficient slope for a free flow of the wastewater from the town (>135 masl) to the site. The main sewer would pass Muratli Village (~1550 inhabitants) that could be also connected to the sewer system. The suitability of the ground in the marshland may be limited and must be proved by a geotechnical report. Treated wastewater can be discharged to one of the main drainage channels in the vicinity of the WWTP area. The design of a wastewater management system in Agsu will need to take account of industrial discharge of water, and in particular the production of fruit juice and wine. There are 3 firms producing fruit juice. The biggest of them “AZ Granata MMC” has recently been built. The main product is pomegranate juice. The start of operation is expected in September 2010. Besides fruit juice (10,000 ton/a) this firm will also produce wine (5,000 ton/a). The envisaged maximum number of employees is 240. The water consumption is estimated as 134 m³/d. General  Depletion of existing WSS assets due to lack of sustainable investments and insufficient capacities for Operation and Maintenance (O&M)  Little appreciation of public infrastructure sector and its organizations due to bad quality and service – consumers implement their individual solutions without a general concept  Provisional solutions become permanent solutions – mostly in consequence of damages and due to the limited budgets  Low awareness of hygienic interrelations of water supply, wastewater disposal.  Major WSS supply lines and other facilities often affected by landslides, floods and other natural occurrences. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 41 Water Supply  Lack of mechanism for application of legislation to water withdrawal from Water Transmission Pipelines,  No sound legal protection of future investments  Limited availability and/or capacity of existing water sources especially during summer  Well fields and water drainage systems which were implemented in the mountainous river gravel beds, were often destroyed by flooding  Low water quality of the wells in Agsu; inefficient well pumps cause high energy costs and therefore operated only in the morning and evening  Limited number and capacity of water supply pumps and reservoirs – no extension according to growth of population and industry  Damages caused by great age, low material quality and insufficient installation depth of pipes lead to high losses within the water distribution network  Interrupted water supply and temporarily empty pipes cause bad water quality at house connections (bacteria, sediments, rust etc.)  Hygienic problems by private water storage tanks  Manual operation of the water distribution system – no automation and control  Preference of gravity flow systems and bad reputation of pumps – as high manual effort and energy cost necessary to operate the existing old pumps. Wastewater  Wastewater collection, treatment and discharge is considered to be of minor importance compared to water supply facilities – low priority and nearly no investments since 1985.  Damages of existing sewers results in wastewater flows at the surface.  Too few shafts causing very limited access to existing sewer network  No equipment for maintenance and repair – no chance for troubleshooting  Sewerage disposal in unlined pits leads to pollution of ground and surface water – as private wells are also used for water supply this constitutes a serious health risk  Sludge disposal from pits and septic tanks is done illegally outside the municipal area Socio-Economic Situation  Low connection rate (approx. 60%) to public water supply network – many people are used to living with little water as they must carry it for a longer distance or buy it from tank trucks.  Low connection (approx. 25%) rate to sewer system. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 42  Bathrooms not common in the Rayon towns – improvement requires modification or extension of the houses and will depend on economic possibilities of the owners  Toilets mostly outdoor using open pits without flushing – future connection to a new sewer system will depend on personal interest and require private investments  Popular cohabitation with livestock within the urban settlement without sufficient disposal of excrements Legal and Institutional Situation  Low level of support for Local Sukanal (water agency) Departments by central organizations and institutions, and very limited provision of know how, equipment, vehicles etc. from central departments.  Institutional complexity and dependency on central organizations and institutions inhibits solutions and investments on Rayon level  National Water Supply Tariffs are not cost-effective to cover necessary investments – for better water quality and 24 hour supply the majority of consumers need to agree to higher rates. The current tariff rates apply to a normative demand which is much higher than actual.  Value and qualification of Rayon Sukanal staff are affected by the need of manual handling and trouble shooting. They are not in line with future O&M requirements.  Skepticism of villages concerning incorporation by the cities and/or integration by larger WSS organizations – disadvantages due to limited independency and priority of the city.  The management structure and skills of Sukanals are poorly aligned for operating as a service industry.  Weak legal framework for wastewater discharge means that industries do not need to comply with wastewater discharge requirements There is an immediate need to address these issues through development and implementation of an efficient and effective WSS system that is affordable to local communities and which meets the needs of the range of stakeholders that it must serve. 3.2. Project description The Government of Azerbaijan planned the implementation of National Water Supply and Sanitation Project with the financial assistance of World Bank since 2007. The second phase of the same project has been approved on date 27 May 2008 as Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project (SNWSSP). The implementing agency of this second phase project is Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water Farm JSC. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 43 The general objective of this Project is to improve the availability, quality, reliability, and sustainability of water supply and sanitation (WSS) services in 16 of Azerbaijan's regional (rayon) centers. Better infrastructure services of the secondary towns and cities shall be implemented to improve living conditions, reduce poverty and support local economic growth. The Feasibility Study was conducted by the Agsu water project in 2010. In the project documentation it is indicated that the primary objective of the project is to improve the health and livelihoods of the urban communities through the provision of safe, potable quality and adequate water supply and sanitation. The Project contains 3 components:  A1: Rayon Investment component, which will finance priority investments in the WSS sector, such as the rehabilitation and extension of WSS systems, including facilities for wastewater and septic sludge treatment in rayon centers across Azerbaijan;  B1: Institutional Modernization component which will support development and implementation of an Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Azersu and its subsidiary companies and State Amelioration and Water Management Agency (SAWMA), to improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of WSS services;  C1: Project Implementation and Management component, which will support project implementation by financing project management activities including Incremental Operating Costs due to the project, training, and annual audits of the project and entity accounts and financial statements. The November 2003 Presidential Decree No: 3 requires the Cabinet of Ministers to undertake measures for elimination of socio economic problems and to apply the norms of the European Social Charter. The proposed WSS project falls squarely within the scope of the Decree. The national WSS norms state that water supply to the population shall be 24 hour coverage of potable quality and delivered to the consumer at the appropriate pressure. These norms accord with the European Social Charter. The Government’s sector policies, strategy and development are based on a National WSS Strategy (2000), which recommended the setting up of ‘Autonomous Commercially-Run Utilities, under the Regulatory Control of Local Government. In secondary towns, these utilities, known as SuKanals (Secondary towns water supply agency, prefixed by town name to designate the local branch – Agsu SuKanal refers to the agency in the town of Agsu), were to be transformed into financially self-sufficient institutions eventually be able to attract the private sector to participate in their operation and management. This was followed by a Presidential Decree No. 893 of March 2002, which further set out the sector development approach. This Decree promotes private section participation, an improved tariff system, metering of water supply and revision of the accounting systems. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 44 As Part of the Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project (WSS) within the A1 project component, consulting services are required to study the existing conditions and to identify feasible water supply and wastewater investments in 16 Rayons, including Agsu. Gauff and Temelsu JV has assessed the technical feasibility of proposed project measures and financial feasibility for each area based on cost estimations of proposed measures. In the project documentation it is indicated that the primary objective of the project is to improve the health and livelihoods of the urban communities through the provision of safe, potable quality and adequate water supply and sanitation. The following indicators will be followed:  Secure supply with potable water meeting World Health Organization (WHO) and/or national quality standards  Continuous water supply for 24 hours per day  Supply of each user with sufficient water for domestic needs  Water distribution system workable under operational pressures with low leakage rates  Safe collection and treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater and reduction of aquifer pollution  Compliance of water supply facilities, sewer system and wastewater treatment plant with international and/or Azeri standards.  Affordable water supply and sanitation prices for consumers and within determined service tariffs  Minimum use of natural resources to keep the impact of WSS measures on the environment at minimum level during implementation and maintenance. The secondary objective is to implement an Action Plan that will upgrade and improve the sustainability in the Rayon centers. The Project aims to achieve its objectives through:  Implementation of a new, efficient and appropriately sized water and sanitation infrastructure by rehabilitation of existing facilities and construction of new ones where this is necessary.  Determine the operational bottlenecks of the water and sanitation system and develop project proposals to improve efficiency  Strengthening of local know how and capacity to deliver and maintain these services  Developing a sense of local ownership through community participation WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 45 For the water supply of Agsu rayon center there are three alternatives. The first to supply from Guzay Springs and Agsuchay Springs, the second alternative is to supply from the vicinity of Kulullu villages of Agsu rayon drainage facilities and the third from the Gursulu village of Agsu. Since the first alternative has been executed by the Agsu Rayon Executing Power it hasn’t been financially considered within the scope of this project. However the capacity and structures of this alternative have been taken into consideration during the determination of water demand projections for the year 2030. The second alternative has been selected at project FS document as a main source of water for the project purposes. Project will go in parallel with first variant and use mentioned source, will supply 50 l/s water needed for sustainable water provision in the region by 2030. The designed water demand for Agsu has been determined by the Feasibility Study as 52.2l/s, which includes 48.1 l/s for domestic purposes of 23100 person(180 l./c/.d), 1.87 l/s for agricultural purposes and 2.23 l/s for industrial / commercial purposes. During water supply by alternative 3 the average and minimum water flow of Agsuchay and Girdimanchay rivers should be taken into account for each month to avoid environmental and water supply problems for other users connected with water shortage in sources because of increased intake by projected facilities. For example for Girdimanchay river observed minimal monthly water discharge makes up 1440 l/sec(Table 3.1). WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 46 Table 3.1. Monthly average , minimum and maximum flow characteristics of Girdimanchay river at Garanour station Months I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII An- Max Date Min Date nual Average 2,30 2,74 5,17 12,1 13.2 10,5 6,70 4,56 5,60 5,86 4,02 2,80 6.83 Maximum 3,62 4.25 10,3 25,2 27,8 29,4 24,1 10,2 25,0 17,0 10,7 4,56 9,67 201 15.07. 3,25 14.15. 88 01.69 Minimum 1,44 1.67 2,77 4,00 3,40 3,58 1,89 1,65 1,36 1,91 1,82 1,68 3,55 19,4 14.04. 0,90 11- 89 30.12. 71 Even during the low flow periods of summer and winter , when main source of water in the river is ground water the minimal daily flow of river will be (390 l/s) which is several times higher than the proposed water intake amount. This option has also lesser negative environmental impact. As in the other option use of ground waters will lead to reduction the ground water level. The other problem is connected with the quality of mentioned ground waters which need to be in accordance with the international standards. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 47 As indicated in FS document the water quality analysis carried out in Agsu at location of source shows collected sample fits into the WHO, EU and Azeri drinking water standards. Figure 3.2. Water source in Agsu Figure 3.3 Proposed place of location of new WSS facility 48 Figure 3. 4. Place of location of new WSS facility Water supply system of the city shall be reconstructed in order to supply water from Girdimanchay Drains. The length of main transmission line will be approximately 11.8 km. The supplied water shall be treated with simple physical treatment and/or disinfection then will be supplied to the water distribution network. One new water reservoirs with volume of 1500 m3 have been proposed to be constructed. The total length of main pipes between the water reservoirs will be approximately 3.3 km. All of the existing drinking water distribution network shall be reconstructed and extended with high density polyethylene pipes. The total length of distribution lines will be approximately 84 km. The sewerage system under the construction is proposed to be used as storm water collection system. A new sewerage collection system shall be reconstructed and extended corrugated high density poly ethylene pipes. The length of sewerage network construction will be approximately 79 km. The collected wastewater shall be treated within a wastewater treatment plant having a capacity of 31,000 PE on year 2030 and discharged to the one of the drainage collectors. Institutional strengthening for an efficient operation and maintenance shall be implemented. 49 Within the scope of the Project, polyethylene corrugated pipes will be laid to create a wastewater network and a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will be constructed . The land belongs to the Municipality. General characteristics of the WTTP are as below:  Population Equivalent: 31,000 person (2030)  Daily Flow: 5,371 m3/d  Dry Weather Peak Flow: 329 m3/h  Rainy Weather Peak Flow: 584 m3/h The extended aeration process with sludge drying beds is selected by the Consultant as project proposal for the treatment of wastewater of Agsu. The WWTP will consist of the following main components:  Inlet pumping station  Faecal sludge acceptance station  Fine screen  Aerated grit and grease removal  Activated sludge tank  Final sedimentation tank  Return and excess sludge pumping station  Pre- thickener  Sludge drying bed In the following the elements of the WWTP are described in detail: - Inlet Pumping Station Due to topographic properties, the study area is relative flat, an inlet pumping station has to be erected to ensure that the water flows through the WWTP by gravity. The inlet sewer ends in the pump sump. The inlet pumps convey the wastewater to the screen channel which has the highest water level of the WWTP. For the inlet pumping station centrifugal pumps have been chosen because of their relative little space demand and robustness. Two duty pumps with capacity of 85 l/s and one standby pump with same capacity will be installed in the screen building (dry installation). Steering of the pumps will be accomplished by means of fixed level set points installed in the pump sump. Here the water level will be measured continuously. In case that the water level is exceeding a first pre-set level the first pump will start operation. In case the water level is still increasing and reaching the second pre-set level, the second pump will additionally start operation. The capacity of both pumps is sufficient to cope with the maximum flow led to the WWTP by the sewerage network during wet weather flow. In case the water led to the WWTP by the 50 sewerage system during wet weather is exceeding the maximum pump capacity, an overflow in the pump sump will discharge the excess water into a bypass pipe leading to the outlet of the WWTP. - Faecal Sludge Acceptance Station Faecal sludge from houses not connected to the new public sewerage system (especially in the first years) will be brought by suction trucks to the WWTP. The pipe of the truck will be connected to a faecal sludge acceptance station which consists of a fine screen with 6 mm bar spacing. The screenings will be pressed and disposed in a container, the sludge flows into a buffer tank. The faecal sludge acceptance station has a capacity of 100 m³/h. That means that a truck with 10 m³ load can be emptied within approx. 6 minutes. After the screen the sludge will flow into a buffer tank which offers sufficient space (40 m³) to empty the tank during 7 h/d at night time by means of submersible feeding pumps (one duty and one standby pump) with a capacity of 2 l/s each. The sludge will be pumped into the screen channel behind the screen. The buffer tank which will be built next to the inlet pump sump will be covered with a concrete slab in order to avoid odor and nuisance. Pipes for ventilation will be led over the roof of the screen building. - Screen One compact screen consisting of an automatic screen with integrated washpress and screenings conveyor is envisaged. For a WWTP of this size two screens are deemed to be uneconomic. For emergency cases a by- pass channel will be built. The fine screen and the screenings container will be installed in a screen building. The wastewater will flow through the fine screen with 6 mm bar spacing to withdraw the coarse and fine materials for saving the following plant components. The clearance of the screen is carried out automatically in case the water level difference before and behind the screen exceeds a pre-installed value. The screenings will be washed, pressed and conveyed to a container. The integrated press will reduce the screenings volume to approximately 50%. The quantity of pressed screenings is approximately 0.8 m³/d. One container of 3 m³ is sufficient for 7.1 days. The containers are located on small lorries by which they can be brought out of the building. Container trucks can now pick them up for disposal at a landfill. In case of failure the water level in front of the screens rises up and the wastewater flows in a by-pass channel where a screen with a bar spacing of 40 mm is installed. The screen is cleaned by hand. For maintenance purposes the screen channel is equipped with stop logs. - Aerated Grit and Grease Chamber For the removal of grit and grease one combined aerated grit and grease chamber will be built. Retention time at wet weather flow is approx. 10 min. To improve the transportation of grease into the foreseen chamber and the separation of sand and organic matter the grit chamber is equipped with a coarse bubble aerating system. This is separated in two sections over the grit chamber length with different air transmission volumes to avoid disturbances in settling processes in the final part of the grit chamber. The design envisages an air demand of 0.5 Nm³/m³/h which is deemed to be suitable in order to avoid unintended reduction of 51 BOD5 which is required for denitrification. One blower and one standby aggregate will be installed in the screen building. Grease and oil is collected on the surface of the grease chamber that is separated from the grit chamber by means of vertically mounted stilling rakes. The rakes are fixed at a concrete diving wall that prevents grease and oil from flowing back into the grit chamber. The floated grease is pushed towards the grease hopper by means of a scraper that is mounted at the scraper bridge. When the bridge has reached the hopper a penstock is opening to lead the grease into the hopper. Simultaneously, the grease pump is starting for transporting the mixture into a grease container located in the screen building. The grit is removed from the collecting channel at the tank bottom by a suction pump mounted on the bridge. The sand/water mixture is pumped via a channel located on one side into a pumping pit. From there a submersible pump transports the sand/water mixture into the grit classifier. The grit classifier which is located in the screen building will separate sand from water. The dewatered sand is transported directly into a 1 m³ container. The separated water is brought back into the screens outlet flow by gravity. The daily quantity of grit amounts to 0.3 m³/d. The grit will be disposed at a landfill. - Flow Measurement Inflow will be measured by a Venturi channel which will be located behind the grit and grease chamber. The measuring device consists of one sensor for the measurement of the water level in combination with a standard Khafagiventuri form. The documentation of the current flow situation as well as the recording of the daily water volume is to be provided from the flow measurement. The current flow will also be used for the control of the proportional return sludge flow. The measurement of inflow reflects the actual hydraulic load of the activated sludge tanks better than the outflow measurement because of delay-effects. - Activated Sludge Tank The activated sludge tanks (AST) are designed for a sludge age of 20.8 days which is necessary for simultaneous aerobic sludge stabilization (extended aeration) and nitrogen removal , according to internationally acknowledged German guideline DWA-A-131. A relative small food to mass ratio of 0.05 kgBOD5/kgDS is necessary to be sufficient to meet the required treatment standard. Two circular tanks with a volume of approx. 4,950 m³ each will be constructed. The total volume amounts to approx. 10,800 m³. The depth of the tanks will be 5.00 m. Nitrogen removal is based on aerated (nitrification) and unaerated (denitrification) zones or phases which change periodically. Circular tanks have been chosen because they offer optimum conditions for intermittent denitrification which requires completely mixed tanks. Intermittent denitrification which means that nitrification and denitrification phases alternate in time in one reactor has been chosen because control and steering of this process is not complicate and also offers big operational flexibility. The duration of the different phases will be determined by measuring the break in the redox potential. The tanks will be equipped with fine bubble panel aerators which allow for a good oxygen transfer capacity and therefore provide an advantageous efficiency. The oxygen concentration will be measured and controlled in each tank. A free oxygen concentration of 2 mg/l will be maintained. Oxygen input into the wastewater 52 will be steered by the flexible capacity of the blowers equipped with frequency converters. The blowers will be accommodated in an adjacent blower station. During unaerated phases the sludge has to be prevented from settling on the tank bottom by stirring devices. Due to the little occupancy rate of the aerators (typical for plants with extended aeration) the stirring devices will also stay in operation during aerated phases. Each tank will be equipped with 2 submersible mixers with diameter 2.50 m. The mixed liquor suspended solids value (MLSS) which can be maintained by the return sludge ratio of 0.75 amounts to 3.44 gDS/l. The daily excess sludge produced amounts to approximately 142 m³/d at the start of operation in 2013 and 200 m³/d at the end of operation in 2030. Equal inflow to each tank is accomplished by a distribution chamber with overflow weirs. In case of emergency shut down inflow can be closed by a gate valve. The water level of each tank is determined by the water level in the final sedimentation tank. Also the outlet pipe has to be closed by a gate valve in emergency case. - Blower Station Three duty blowers with a suction volume (under operational conditions) of approx. 1,500 m³/h each and one standby blower with same capacity have been chosen. All blowers will be connected to one air pipe which branches in the further course to the activated sludge tanks. Two of the blowers will be equipped with frequency converters with a range of 36-100%. This allows for a stepless range of the aeration of 1:8.3. The minimum range acc. DWA-A-131 is 1:7. Total suction air capacity (under operational conditions) amounts to approx. 4,500 m³/h which is approx. 3,760 Nm³/h. All aggregates will be installed in the blower station adjacent to the activated sludge tanks. The peak oxygen demand of wastewater is approx. 225 kgO2/h. - Final Sedimentation Tank (FST) One tank with an internal diameter of 24.00 m and a depth of 4.45 m will be built with a total volume of approx. 2,000 m³. Two tanks are not deemed to be economical for a WWTP of this size. Also the diameters of 2 tanks would be smaller than 20 m which is the limit for horizontal flow. The tanks would have to be to designed for vertical flow which requires much deeper tanks. Also breakdown of a scraper bridge is a rather seldom event. The task of the FST is the proper separation of the purified wastewater from the activated sludge. The sludge, under the influence of gravity, will settle on the bottom of the FST from where it will be pushed into the centre of the tank by a rotating rake in preparation for the sludge removal. This sludge will then, to a large extent, conveyed back into the biological stage, whereby ultimately the desired concentration of biomass in the biological process will be achieved. Inflow of water into FST is provided via a culvert into the feed well. In order to achieve an uniform discharge and loading of the final sedimentation tank, an even distribution of the sludge-water mixture through the central structure will be ensured by Stengel-type inlets installed here. 53 A one sided rake is designed for the purpose of clearing the settled activated sludge on the tank floor. The anticipated floor inclination of the final sedimentation tank is 1:15 which will facilitate the sludge removal by the bottom rake. The clearing bridge is mounted on the middle plate and running on the side wall of the final sedimentation tank. The rake is designed in such a way to provide a sufficient removal volume in the sludge hopper to avoid insufficient oxygen supply to the activated sludge or even sludge bulking. The scum that occurs within the final sedimentation tank is to be withdrawn by a skim channel. A submersible pump, installed within the skim channel in a small pit conveys the scum via a collecting pressure pipe into the return and excess sludge. pump station. Here it will be mixed intensively with the return and surplus sludge. The effluent water withdrawal from the final sedimentation tank will take place via a spillway which can be overflowed from both sides, with a submersed baffle wall in front of it. The runoff from the effluent water channel is led to the outlet of the WWTP. - Return Sludge Pump Station The task of the return sludge pumping station is the back pumping of the biological sludge from the final sedimentation tanks to the activated sludge tanks in order to maintain the mixed liquor suspended solids concentration in the activated as constant as possible. Two duty and one standby submersible centrifugal sludge pumps will be installed. Each of the pumps will have a delivery of maximal 85 l/s. By means of frequency converters a constant return sludge ratio of 0.75 will be ensured. The required flow rate is provided by the inlet flow measuring device in combination with the return sludge measurement by an MID- device installed in the sludge inlet pipe. The return sludge will be pumped into the distribution chamber prior to the activated sludge tanks. There the return sludge and the incoming wastewater will be mixed intensively. - Excess Sludge Pump Station Excess sludge will be sucked from the return sludge pump sump and pumped to the gravity pre-thickener. The amount of sludge which will be withdrawn from the system will be determined by the operation time of the pump. The MLSS value in the aeration tanks will be measured in fixed intervals. The pumps will start operation in case the MLSS concentration in the aeration tanks is higher than the given value or will be shut down in case of a lower MLSS concentration. One duty and one standby submersible excess sludge pumps will be installed with a capacity of 8 l/s each. - Gravity Pre-Thickener One thickener with a volume of 173 m³ is envisaged. The pre-thickener is used to reduce the water content of the withdrawn excess sludge from the activated sludge tanks. This will considerably reduce the hydraulic load of the following sludge drying beds. The thickener consists mainly of a cylindrical part with a bottom inclination of 1:10 and a small hopper. The sludge is settling down and brought into the hopper by means of a sludge scraper. The removal of supernatant from the thickener takes place by means of a one-sided overflow weir. The supernatant flows by gravity to the channel upstream of the distribution chamber of the activated sludge 54 tanks. To avoid clogging the pipes are rinseable. The feeding of surplus sludge to the thickener is carried out by the excess sludge pumps (described above) centrally into the consolidation zone. The retention time in the consolidation zone is approx. 36 h.. The sludge withdrawal from the thickener will be provided by means of a sludge pumping pit attached to the thickener from which the sludge is pumped to the sludge drying beds by one duty and one standby pump with 10 l/s capacity each. - Sludge Drying Bed For dewatering and drying the sludge will be pumped to a sludge drying bed. With a chosen dry solids load of 120 kgDS/m² the dry solids content will reach approx. 40 %. The total area which will be divided in 4 units amounts to 4,880 m². The usable height is 1.80 m. The bottom will be used as a filter. The top layer which serves as a wearing surface will be 20 cm sand which has to be renewed from time to time. The filter below the top layer consists of three layers of sand-gravel mixture with grain size 0-12 mm, gravel 18-25 mm and coarse gravel up to 60 mm grin size in which a drainage pipe is laid. Below the filter a clay layer of 35 cm with permeability of kf < 10^-8 m/s has to be placed for protection of groundwater from contamination. The clay layer is not necessary in case the permeability of the existing soil (minimum 35 cm) is already below 10^-8 m/s. The supernatant which is in the order of less than 1 l/s flows back to the inlet pumping station by gravity. The dried sludge will be removed by a tractor or a wheel loader. For this reason tracks of concrete will be envisaged in the sludge drying beds. - Administration Building incl. Laboratory and Workshop An administration and maintenance building will be built in the site of the WWTP. This building will include all facilities required for properly operating the plant. For this reason it is located in an appropriate and central place, with view and easy access to all treatment units. On the other hand there is enough distance to possible odour sources like sludge treatment The building will include offices, laboratory, control room, workshop, stores, showers and sanitary facilities, dressing rooms, kitchen, and meeting room. The building will be alimented with electricity and potable water. - Power Supply and Emergency Power Supply The required electrical power has been calculated as 187 kW. The detailed calculation is presented in the annex. For case of power failure a diesel generator set will be installed which will cover the emergency power supply of 104 kW. The generator set will be accommodated in a separate small building with dimensions like a garage. FS Consultant proposes to use the numbers for non-sensitive areas which means that the WWTPs will be designed also for elimination of carbonaceous matter. Elimination of phosphorus by chemical precipitation with ferric or aluminium salts isn’t envisioned . The reasons are as follows: 55 • The limited budget, investments on the water sector are deemed to have a greater benefit for the population than establishing a very sophisticated wastewater treatment • The elimination of P requires higher skills from the personnel operating the plant • The possibility to use the effluent in the future for irrigation purposes This process will allow to provide needed quality of treated waters with possibility of further their use for irrigation and also use of sludge in agriculture. Therefore project FS Document proposes the effluent limit values as presented in the table below(Table 3.2): Table 3.2. Effluent Standards proposed for Design  Parameter (Unit) Non-Sensitive Area  BOD5  Mg/l  25  COD  Mg/l  125  TSS  Mg/l  35  N,tot  Mg/l  --  P,tot  Mg/l  -- The requirements for sludge treatment proposed by the Consultant are stabilization of sludge and dry solids content of approx. 20% - 25%. which can be achieved by sludge drying beds. By year 2030 main indicator will be 34,000 PE. Mainly planned in the project the extended aeration system is feasible from economic and exploutation point of view and is characterised with low probability of accidents as in this variant heated septic reservoir and utilization of qas isn’t required The proposed plant site is approximately 6 km south west part of the town, near Muradlı village and Kurdemir Road. The land has an area of 5 ha and belongs to the Government. Treated wastewater will be discharged to the drainage trench near the plant. According to Item 3.7, 3rd Article, Azerbaijan Republic Cabinet of Ministers Decision about Sanitary Rules, Hygiene and Environmental Specifications Based Cities and Other Cities and Other Populated Areas Treatment, Temporary Domestic Waste Storage, Regular Removal and Neutralization Guidelines dated 21 April 2005 No. 74, the disposal of WTTP sludge in landfills is prohibited because it has reuse value. Therefore WTTP sludge will be stored within the Plant and will be used in agricultural activities during the 56 season. The use of the sludge in this way requires that the sludge must meet sludge content environmental control standards presently effective in Azerbaijan. According to health statistics of Agsu Rayon between 2000 and 2009, most seen water source disease is viral hepatitis. Its occurrence is app. 2.7 in a year. Salmonellas, dysentery and acute intestinal infections follow viral hepatitis with 1.7, 1.4 and 1.2 occurrences in a year respectively. Water source diseases are thought to be decreased in time with the upgrade of infrastructure facilities in the rayon. Expected project benefits in the project area:  Prevention of the ground and surface water pollution  Protection of the public health  Prevention of wasting of water resources and energy  Prevention of the soil pollution and supply of free fertilizers (i.e. sludge of proper quality from the WWTP) to farmers 3.3 Map of project area and the location of project infrastructure to be included. Agsu is located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Agsu region of Shirvan plain. It is bordered with Shemakha(North- East) , Kurdamir(South- West), Hajigabul(South-East) and Ismayilli(west) of Azerbaijan. (See Figure 3.5). 57 Figure 3.5. Map of location of Agsu region 58 Below is given division of the rayon territory to different areas depending on land use and type of economical activity(Figure 3.6). Figure 3.6. Land use, and economic areas in Agsu region Map of location of existing and proposed in the FS document infrastructure are given in the ANNEXES I-IV 3.4. Legal and Institutional Strengthening Existing Organization in Agsu: Services related to sewerage system and storm water are under the responsibility of Local Birleshmish Su Kanal Authority. Three management and administration staff including one manager, 4 accounting staff, 8 technical staff responsible for water supply systems and 5 technical staffs responsible for sewerage systems has been employed by Local Birleshmish Su Kanal Authority. 59 The project Feasibility Study underlines the importance of strengthening the Institutional Structure.The main proposal for the organization is to separate Agsu Su Kanal Department from the central organizations like AZERSU and Birleshmish Su Kanal in order to have an efficient and operational management structure. Existing organizational structure of the Agsu Su Kanal Department is proposed to be increased. Besides some small modifications within the organization structure have been proposed to be realized in order to improve the Agsu Su Kanal Department. As a must, the constructed wastewater treatment plant will require a few skilled staff, like plant director, engineer/chemist and a technician, and ordinary workers. The technician and workers for the wastewater treatment plant could be selected and trained from the existing staff of the Agsu Su Kanal Department. Besides that a part time Information Technologies Specialist (IT Specialist) is proposed to assist to the Agsu Su Kanal Department Head. IT specialist will assist to the installation and development of information technologies within the organization(See Figure 3.7 for the extended units of the Organizational Structure of the Agsu Su Kanal Department) FIGURE 3.7. PROPOSED ORGANIZATION DIAGRAM OF AGSU SU KANAL DEPARMENT(FS) Aghsu Su Kanal Dept. Information Head Technologies Specialist Deputy Head Operation Customer Economist Safety & Accounting Personnel Relations Inspector Maintenance Department Department Department Department Drinking Sewerage Pumping Wastewater Water Units kept Network Stations Treatment Plant Network O&M O&M O&M Units Proposed to be O&M Services Services Services Extended Services 60 4. BASIC INFORMATION 4.1. Bio-physical description of project area. Relief and geological structure Agsu region is situated on the south slope of Great Caucasus mountains of the same natural region. The area of the region have complex relief condition. Mountainous relief forms are superior. There are also flat and foothills here. Absolute altitude changes between 150-2000 m. Flat part of the area is on Shirvan flat on the south of the region. The north part (mountanious) of the region is on Great Caucasus tectonic ascend zone, south part is on Kur inter mountain deviation zone. Agsu region is situated on magnitude 8 seismic zone. Geological structure of the area is complex. There are two geological Age of Mammals and Age of Reptiles rocks from three that are mentioned in Azerbaijan. On mountanious zone Age of Reptiles rocks are spreaded more widely. The highest part of the region is covered with Chalk aged rocks, but middle mountainous part is covered with Palaeogene and Neogene rocks. Forth age rocks of Age of Mammals spreaded in Shirvan flat. The whole area of Agsu region is covered with sedimentary rocks. The region is not wealthy with minerals. There are clay and sand resources. Forest resources are of local importance. Climate According to the climate condition the area of Agsu region can be divided into three parts. Semi-desert and dry climate type is superior on the flat side of the region, soft warm climate type is superior on dry field, foothills and low mountainous relief forms and cold warm climate type is superior on the north side where mountain relief forms are widely spreaded (as per Keppens’ classification). Semi-desert and dry field climate type is typical for the flat area. Annual rainfall quantity is 300-350 mm. The most part of them fall in the cold period (October-March). The summer is warm and winter is moderate. The avreage annual temperature of the weather is 14ºC. ]In the region area there are two subtypes of moderate warm climate type: 1) Moderate warm climate in whcih the summer is dry; 2) Moderate warm climate in which the rainfalls distribute equally in all seasons. The first subtype is more widely spreaded and typical to the foothills and low mountainous zone of the rgion. Here the winter is moderate, summer is moderate-warm, dry and autumn is much rainy. The second subtype is observed on the middle mountainous part (on 1000-1500 m). This climate type differs with its soft winter and moderate warm summer. Humidity coefficient is equal to 1. Rainfalls of cold climate type are observed on the areas where they fall equally in all seasons and sub-type is higher than 1500 m. This climate sub-type is extremely humid. Humidity coefficient is 1.2-1.5. Its winter is 61 cold, snowy, long and summer is short and cool. Temperatures above 10 ºC varied only between 400- 1500ºC. Table 4.1 describes average monthly and annual amounts of the main climate elements of Agsu region and on Pic. 4.1 wind flower is given. The climate information is given according to the Agsu meteorological station. As it seems from Pic. 4.1 the north-west winds are superior in the region. 62 Table 4.1. Average monthly and annual amounts of the main climate elements of the Agsu meteorological station № Name of element I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Weather temperature, C0 1.9 3.4 6.3 12.0 18.6 23.2 26.4 26.6 21.6 15.8 9.2 4.7 14.1 a) average 1 b) absolute maximum 19 23 30 34 35 40 42 43 38 31 26 21 43 v) absolute minimum -17 -11 -6 -3 4 6 11 13 5 -1 -8 -12 -17 2 Rainfalls, mm 38 46 57 55 50 45 20 19 40 59 45 36 510 3 Wind speed, m/s 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.1 1.6 1.6 2.3 4 Absolute humidity of weather, mb 6.1 6.4 7.5 10.5 14.1 15.7 17.6 17.2 15.8 13.1 9.5 7.1 11.7 5 Relative humidity of weather, % 81 80 80 72 67 55 52 50 62 74 81 81 70 6 Humidity deficit, mb 1.7 1.8 2.1 4.6 8.2 14.8 19.2 19.5 11.4 5.1 2.5 1.6 7.7 7 Evaporation over water, mm 25 29 35 69 113 188 228 240 148 78 40 30 1223 63 Picture 4.1. Wind flower (Gabala) Soil types In Agsu region grey, light and dark brown, mountain grey-brown, brown mountain forest, alluvial meadow- forest, brown mountain forest widely spreaded. The height zoning is clearly seem in the distribution of these soil types over area. Information on the main soil types distributed in the region area is given in the Table 4.2. Table 4.2. Distributed soil types in Agsu region № Soil types Bonitet marks Area, ha 1 Brown mountain-forest 87 5670 2 Mountain-forest 87 2970 3 Meadow brown 85 3240 4 Grey 71 34020 5 Light chestnut 53 9270 6 Chestnut (simple) 80 13770 7 Chestnut (irrigated) 77 5940 8 Alluvial-meadow 69 45180 9 Gravels of river beds 10 900 Total 69 120960 One part of soils changed into agro-irrigation landscapes. Mainly dry-farming is developed. 64 Ecosystems Natural landscape types In Agsu region three main landscape types are (ecosystem type) distributed: 1) Semi-desert ecosystem; 2) Mountain field ecosystem; 3) Mountain forest ecosystem. These landscape types situated according to vertical zonal rule. Vegetative cover The main part of semi-desert ecosystem plants are consisted of diferent types of wormwood, ethyl alocohol ephemmeroids etc. Depending on the soil-ecological condition of the area in vegetation period wormwood and ethyl alocohol ephemmeroids together cover the soil surface from 25-30% up to 70%. Field plants are on the low mountanious zone of the region. There are oats, thyme and shrubs. One part of these fields arose as the result of destruction of forests. Lone trees are alive witnesses of past forests. Natural grass cover of main fields cover over 70-80% of sand surface. Most of fields replaced with dry sown area and garden. Forest plants are on middle mountainous zone. The upper part of forests arose in cold climate and lower part in moderate hot climate condition. That is why on upper borders of forests beech, hornbeam and on lower border dry firm oak and other trees grow. Forests on 1000-1600 m height create whole zone. .The animal world Semi-desert and dry field animals –in semi-desert and dry fields from preyers wolf, fox, jackal occur especially, close to sheep-pen and villages, also on open semi-deserts. Grey, chestnut and red coloured small fox (Vulpes Alpheraklyi) feeding with insect and rodents occur in all places of these lansdcape types nevertheless they much suffer from hunters. In semi-desert and dry fields from rodents badger, spotted or polecat (Vormela Sarmatica) and weasel occur. 9 types of preyers widely spreaded in this zone. Field mouse (Microtus Socialis), Red tail mouse (Meriones crythrourusi), Bogdanov field mouse, Williams arab rabbit, small arab rabbit, grey mountain mouse (Cricetulus Migratorius), house and forest mouses, sand mouse, rabbit are typical rodents of zone. In semi- deserts and sand fields from insecta feedings lop-eared hedgehog, long-tailed white-toothed, stink badger (Pachyure etrusca) considering as the smallest mammallia are also spreaded. Here from birds stone bird(Ocnanthe isabelino, nest in sand mouse hollows), crested lark (Alanda ciristata), grey lark, field lark, black eagle, red duck, simple dove, etc. can be shown. 65 Typical animals of dry fields are wolf, fox, jackal, rabbit, etc. Because of fox and jackal being mainly rodent feeder, they usually inhabit far away from settlements. Grey, chestnut and red coloured small fox (Vulpes Alpheraklyi) feeding with insect and rodents are widely spreaded. Field mouse (Microtus Socialis), Red tail mouse (Meriones crythrourusi), Bogdanov field mouse, Williams arab rabbit, small arab rabbit, grey mountain mouse (Cricetulus Migratorius), house and forest mouses, sand mouse, rabbit are typical rodents of semi-desert and dry fields. In dry fields from birds stone bird (Ocnanthe isabelino, nest in sand mouse hollows), crested lark (Alanda ciristata), grey lark, field lark, red duck, simple dove, etc. can be shown. The mountain forest zone seriously differs from other landscape-ecological systems. One of the rare animal of this place is forest cat. Here badger and yelow squirrel are rarely mentioned. Here, some types of mouses (forest mousesrı, bush mouse, Caucasus mouse), shrew and other rodents are widely spreaded. Mountain forests are dwelling place for black woodpecker, three types of many-coloured woodpecker, snow bird, colourful nightingale, siskin, red throat. There are also water sparrow, long-tailed tomtit (in winter months), grey eagleowl in this belt. From reptiles snake, rock lizard, grass-snake are mentioned in this belt. Mountain forests are also rich with insects (dark blue proserus insect, blue alpine insect), forest bee and snails. Anthropogenic transformation of natural landscape In Agsu region all of widely spreaded three main landscape types subjected to anthropogenic impact. All of the forests arose on as the result of destruction of old oak tree forests. And now the anthropogenic degree of these fields is 80%. In fields mainly dry plant is developed and grape, potatoe, grain are cultivated. One part of dry zones is under orchards (pomegranate). In XX century 50% of Agsu forests destructed. At present forests are under recovery. But the development of cattle-breeding in forest zone delay this process. As the result of occupation of Garabakh zone main parts of summer pastures of Azerbaijan lost. That is why summer pastures of Big Caucasus and Agsu region subject to strong anthropogenic impact. Sharp increase of cattle number decrease the thickness of natural grass cover of alpine and sub-alpine meadows and accelerate erosion process. Underground and surface waters Surface waters Main rivers of Agsu region are Girdimanchay, Agsuchay and Nazirchay. Analuze of quality of water of rivers shows that iy meets required international standards for drinking water(Annex VII) Main morphometric and flow characteristics of these rivers have been given on Table 4.3 and food sources on Table 4.4. 66 Table 4.3. Average long-term and extremal water use of rivers Annual Maximum Minimum Water flow water water Average height N River post catchment norm, discharge, discharge, of basin, m area, km2 m3/s m3/s m3/s I Agsu 1. Agsu-Agsu 1.48 162 0.048 367 1030 II Girdimanchay Girdimanchay- 2. Gandab 4.21 42.4 0.39 326 1870 3. Girdimanchay-Nohur 6.50 201 0.90 352 1820 Table 4.4. Food sources of the rivers N River station Snow waters, % Rain waters, % Ground waters, % I Agsu 1. Agsu-Agsu 28 32 40 II Girdimanchay Girdimanchay- 2. Gandab 25 35 40 Girdimanchay- 3. Garanohur 23 38 39 Agsuchay begins from Sari-Bulag mountain (2268 m) on 2100 m height. Its length is 89 km, basin area is 572 km2, average height is 666 m. In the basin forest occupies 130 km2 area. Average river inclination is 24.7‰, density of river network is 0.46km/km2. It is tumultuous in spring and high water flood river in autumn. Agsu is connected with Girdimanchay with artificial river-bed and by this way they flow into Kura. In the chemical content of Agsuchay water sulphate anion and calcium cation are superior. Mineralization degree changes between 700-950 mg/l. Water resources of Agsuchay are used in irrigation of Shirvan flat and river area and in water supply of Agsu town. In 1960 in the Agsuchay basin aside of river-bed Javanshir water reservoir constructed. Its full size is 4.5 mln m3, beneficial size is 4.1 mln m3, water glass size is 0.7 km2. Girdimanchay begins from south slope of Babadag on 2900 m height. It is tumultuous in spring and high water flood river in autumn. Very often stream is observed in the river. In water structure of the river the sulphate and hydrocarbonate anions quantity is approximately equal (140-450 mg/l). Its cause the flow of mineral spring into the river. River water is used in irrigation. From Agsu region Upper Shirvan channel passes. 67 Underground waters Therea are little underground waters in Agsu. Only on mountainous side of the region there is suitable condition for formation of underground waters. Based on formation condition of underground waters the are of the region can be divided into three zone:  North zone;  Central zone;  South zone. Fold mountain zone occupy small place of the region (north). Spring flow here is 5-10 l/s, but sometimes 20-30 l/s. These waters are little mineralized, fresh and according to chemical content hydrocarbonated- calcium. Underground waters are very little in the middle zone. These waters are local and form on river valleys. South zone mainly occupy Shirvan flat. In these zone where Kura-Aras lowland is, gorund waters are close to the surface (up to 10 m) and characterized with high mineralization degree. By the information of Ministry of Ecology this area is characterized by development of fresh groundwater confined to loose deposits of river valleys and dislocations. These waters are hydrocarbon waters with mineralization of less than 1 mg/l 4.2. Social-economic character of Project area Economical-geographical position Agsu region is one of the four administrative regions (Agsu, Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Gobustan) of Mountainous Shirvan economical-geographical region. The area of Agsu region is 1015 km2 and population is 70 000. Economical-geographical position of the Agsu region is very suitable. The passing of transport and communication lines from the territories of this region going from Baku to Georgia and west and north-west of Azerbaijan, also, as Absheron economical region the closeness of Azerbaijan to the highly developed industrial centre play an important role in developing of economy and territorial forming of Mountanious Shirvan ecnomic region and Agsu region. The transport network of the region is mainly represented by automobile transport. Population Agsu town is the second big town of Mountanoius Shirvan economic region. Increase dynamics of population number in the region is given on Table 4.5. 68 Table 4.5. Increase dynamics of population number in Agsu region (thousand persons) 1st of January situation Area 1990 1995 2000 2005 2009 Republic of Azerbaijan 7131.9 7643.5 8032.8 8447.3 8896.9 City population 3847.3 4005.6 4116.4 4477.6 4818.3 Village population 3284.6 3637.9 3916.4 3969.7 4078.6 Mountanoius Shirvan 212.6 240.0 252.10 266.7 280.5 economic region – total City population 58.0 66.6 70.1 80.3 88.2 Village population 154.6 173.4 182.0 186.4 192.3 Agsu region 54.6 60.2 63.1 66.8 70.0 City population 14.5 16.0 16.5 17.9 19.5 Village population 40.1 44.2 46.6 48.9 50.5 As it seems from Table 4.5 most of people live in villages and urbanization level is 28%. Average population density is 69 person per km2. In the region in 90th of last century if the natality per 1000 person was 20.5 person, now this indicator is 9.6 person. At the recent years decrease on rate of growth of region population is connected with existed demographic situation in the Republic. In 2008 sharp increase of town population is connected with reference of neighbour villages to the Agsu town. One part of the region immigrated to the CIS countries. Displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh are also inhabited in the region. Displaced persons having limited economic means and facing with unemployment are on the most protection required population level. Economic-social situation The economy of Agsu region is mainly connected with agriculture. Main economy areas are cattle-breeding, grain-growing, fruit-growing (pomegranate) and tobacco-growing. Here also wheat, grape, potatoe, sunflower and maize are cultivated. Approximately 70% of the population work in agriculture. In Agsu region approximately 90% (2802 persons) of employed persons work in governmental sector. At present not any big governmental isntitution work. There are only 4 private industrial and 3 agricultural institutions. Average monthly salary of persons work in private and state sector is AZN 162 and AZN 136. The social-economic indicators of the region are given in Table 4.6. 69 Table 4.6. The social-economic indicators of Agsu region. Number of doctors, person 70 Number of infant schools 8 Number of doctors per 10000 10.0 Number of children there, 380 persons person Number of average medical 332 89 Number of children against 100 workers, person places in infant schools Number of average medical 47.6 Internal general education workers per 10000 persons schools 70 Number of hospitals 6 Number of pupils there, person 10259 Number of hospital beds 310 In territorial division of labour of Azerbaijan in Agsu region together with agriculture, based on local raw material resources historically food industrial spheres, hardware production, etc. spheres have been specialized. At recent times wheat planting is considerable increased (Table 4.7). Throughout Agsu region production of plant-growing crops and productivity on agriclutural spheres are given in Table 4.8 and 4.9. Table 4.7. Sowing areas over Agsu region, ha № Sowing areas 2000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 1 Sowing areas of 686 786 832 861 1288 1970 2593 orchards 2 Sowing areas of grain 21996 21932 25515 25666 25669 27541 30901 and grain beans 3 Wheat sowing area 16820 16265 18145 17835 17420 18900 20650 4 Barley sowing area 5167 5662 7362 7815 8231 8620 10174 5 Maize sowing area for 1 1 14 grain 6 Sowing area of cotton 1520 501 1200 1837 1213 721 539 7 Sowing area of 71 76 66 59 85 125 sunflower for grain 8 Potato sowing area 15 34 54 61 61 66 99 9 Vegetable sowing area 384 258 275 283 291 318 528 10 Sowing area of foodstuff melon 955 380 393 400 403 481 947 plantation 11 Orchard sowing area 686 786 832 861 1288 1970 2593 12 Vineyard sowing area 402 158 183 547 436 645 645 70 Table 4.8. Production of plant-growing crops throughout Agsu region, ton № Production field 2000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 1 Production of grain 45744 61630 72959 73847 74414 80045 89816 and grain beans 2 Wheat production 34900 46078 52663 51985 50867 55116 60260 3 Barley production 10834 15545 20287 21841 23523 24902 29429 4 Maize production for 3 1 40 grain 5 Cotton production 804 1443 2176 2186 1580 1032 641 6 Beet-sugar 1100 7895 110 production 7 Sunflower production 43 46 39 35 50 70 for grain 8 Potato production 69 145 255 281 285 311 478 9 Vegetable production 2322 1420 1567 1610 1661 1819 3175 10 Production of foodstuff melon 5888 3100 3208 3266 3291 3932 5939 plantation 11 Fruit production 4275 4641 4805 4928 4984 5053 5079 12 Grape production 1612 1039 1039 1106 1139 1146 1190 Table 4.9. Productivity on agricultural fields in Agsu region, cent/ha № Productivity 2000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 1 Grain productivity 20.8 28.1 28.6 28.8 29.0 29.1 29.1 2 Wheat productivity 20.7 28.3 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.2 29.2 3 Barley productivity 21 27.5 27.6 27.9 28.6 28.9 28.9 4 Maize productivity 30.0 14.0 28.2 for grain 5 Cotton productivity 5.3 28.8 18.1 11.9 13 14.3 12.1 6 Beet-sugar 314 166 65 productivity 7 Sunflower productivity for 6.1 6.1 5.8 5.9 5.9 5.6 grain 8 Potato productivity 46 43 47 46 47 47 49 9 Vegetable 61 55 57 57 57 57 60 productivity 10 Productivity of foodstuff melon 62 82 82 82 82 82 63 plantation 11 Fruit productivity 65 65.4 65 64.2 48 60.2 60.3 12 Grape productivity 16.5 8.4 5.2 5.2 2.4 5.3 3.3 One of the specialized fields of the region is cattle-breeding farm. In flat areas milk-beef cattle breeding, in footland and mountainous areas sheep-breeding is developed (Table 4.10). 71 Table 4.10. Number of cattle in Agsu region (thousan head) Cattle-breeding 2000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 fields Cow and bufallo 16817 17448 17627 17731 17877 17967 18368 Sheep and goat 123337 132007 137746 140720 144227 146787 149535 Information about cattle products producing in the region is given in the Table 4.11. Table 4.11 Animal produce production throughout Agsu region № Production fields 2000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 1 Meat production, ton 1338 2079 1853 2172 2181 2192 2208 (undercut) 2 Milk production, ton 15115 19467 21948 22724 23261 23302 23347 3 Egg production, 3601 3488 4387 6065 6231 6308 6391 thousand 4 Wool production, ton 237 225 198 267 270 274 276 There is tourism-recreation potentiality in Agsu region. Here mountain tourism and ecotourism can be developed. 4.3. Significant changes in Project area In Agsu region reestablishment of Water Supply and Sewerage systems take into account the following construction works: 1. For Water Supply system;  Construction of reservoirs;  Lay on water supply lines. 2 For Sewerage System  Construction of sewage cleaning structures  Installation of lines (main waterway) removing sewage Main construction work related to water and sewage system is described above. In recent times hydrogeological water investigation works it was confirmed sufficient amount of required water resources in Girdimanchay and Agsuchay river basins This will lead improved water and sanitation in the nregion. There will also be negative impact because of reestablishment of Water Supply and Sewerage systems, the works connected with their installation will impact on people. Thertefore relevant mitigations are to be preparede and implemented during the constraction process and afterwords. 4.4. Information reliability There are three main sources of used information in preparing of report: 1. Existing web-sites, questionnaire, scientific literature; 2. Visual field investigation; 3. Experts’ investigation objects and knowledges on environment and generalization skills. 72 Information on physical-geographical condition, geological structure, soil cover, ecosystems, vegetative and animal worlds of the region have been taken from appropriate monographs and “Atlas of Azerbaijan”. Main sources of nformation on climate, surface and ground waters of the territory have been taken from different questionnaires of National Hydrometeorology and Department of Monitoring of Environment of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and they are the results of monitorings conducted on last years. General information on social-economic situation of the region have been taken from relative monographs and web-site of State Statistics Committee. Information on Water Supply and Sewerage System structures (reservoirs, pump stations, water cleaning structure, water supply lines, etc.) that will be constructed and renewed in the territory have been taken from TES reports implemented by Tamalsu organization, also as the result of Eptisa and Hydrometeorological Consulting organizations experts’ visual field review. Field reviews of potential construction places realized in June, 2010. Experts of the organizations preparing the reports before implemented scientific-investigation works and realized projects in diferent regions of Azerbaijan, also in Agsu region. In preparation of reports, gathering, processing, analyzing and generalization of information they used their knowledge and skills. The quality and exactness of information used in preparation of report can be considered as satisfactory. As it is noted, information have been taken mainly from web-sites of State authorities (National Hidrometeorology Department, State Statistic Committee, etc.) and questionnaires. Regarding lack of information it can be noted that there is not enough information only on animal world of the territory where Water Cleaning Structure will be constructed. 73 5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 5.1 Environmental Issues The boundaries of the EIA study are defined in two ways:  The boundaries of the project service area are defined by the boundaries of Agsu city and nearby villages in Agsu Rayon.  The boundaries of the specific facilities to be established through the project are defined by the facilities themselves and the area of potential impact adjacent to them. The area of potential impact differs for different potential impacts (e.g. the area of potential impact associated with visual impacts is greater than the area of potential impact associated with land use disturbance), and these will be defined in the EIA study in association with the nature of the potential impacts themselves. The EIA study reflects project boundaries according to each of these considerations. As described above the Project documentation has identified the following environment-related problems associated with existing WSS systems in Agsu region:  The untreated waste waters are liable to pollute groundwater and, in wet periods, surface water.  Land and atmosphere air pollution by the effect of untreated waters discharged to open areas, posing a health threat on the local population.  Leakages from old WS facilities (including water losses as a result of accidental breakage of old pipelines) and also inefficiency of water use lead to drinking water shortage by volume and time scales.  Discharge of untreated industrial wastes (including medical) represents an immediate public health risk.  Little effort is made to reduce, reuse or recycle waste waters discharged to the sewage collector..  Absence of water meters lead to inefficient use of drinking water, including its use for irrigation and other purposes The proposed project is intended to address these problems. Therefore, the primary environmental improvements associated with the proposed project will be the creation of an environmentally sound WSS system that eliminates these problems to the extent feasible. The major environmental risks associated with project implementation are as follows:  Proposed facilities are not in fact designed or constructed properly, either because sites are not sufficiently investigated to ensure that appropriate designs are undertaken, or because of inadequate design and/or construction supervision.  Proposed facilities are not operated properly, either because management or operational staff are inadequately trained or because inadequate financial resources are available to maintain the water management system following the investment. The environmental consequence of these risks is the same: the proposed WSS facilities do not prevent negative environmental impacts associated with inadequate WSS to the extent that is intended. 74 5.2. Potential Positive Project Impacts The primary objective of the project is to improve the health and livelihoods of the urban communities through the provision of safe, potable quality and adequate water supply and sanitation. Based on the feasibility study document the following indicators will be followed: Secure supply with potable water meeting World Health Organization (WHO) and/or national quality standards  Continuous water supply for 24 hours per day  Supply of each user with sufficient water for domestic needs  Water distribution system workable under operation pressures with low leakage rates  Safe collection and treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater and reduction of aquifer pollution  Compliance of water supply facilities, sewer system and wastewater treatment plant based on international and/or Azeri standards(Annex 6).  Affordable Water Supply and Sanitation Prices for consumers and within determined service tariffs  Minimum use of natural resources to keep the impact of WSS measures on the environment at minimum level during implementation and maintenance Implementation of an Action Plan that will upgrade and improve the sustainability in the Rayon centers through application of a new, efficient and appropriately sized water and sanitation infrastructure, strengthening of local know how and capacity to deliver and maintain water supply and sanitation services, developing a sense of local ownership through community participation In general expected project benefits in the project area are :  Prevention of the Ground and Surface Water Pollution  Protection of the Public Health  Prevention of Wasting of Water Resources and Energy  Prevention of the Soil Pollution and Supply of Free Fertilizers to Farmers Water supply system of the city shall be reconstructed in order to supply water from Girdimanchay Drains. The length of main transmission line will be approximately 11.8 km. All of the existing drinking water distribution network shall be reconstructed and extended with high density polyethylene pipes. The total length of distribution lines will be approximately 84 km. A new sewerage collection system shall be reconstructed and extended corrugated high density poly ethylene pipes. The length of sewerage network construction will be approximately 79 km. The collected wastewater shall be treated within a wastewater treatment plant having a capacity of 31,000 PE on year 2030 and discharged to the one of the drainage collectors. Institutional strengthening for an efficient operation and maintenance shall be implemented. Within the scope of the Project, polyethylene corrugated pipes will be laid to create a wastewater network and a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will be constructed below the town center. The extended aeration process with sludge drying beds is selected as project proposal for the treatment of wastewater of Agsu. Treated wastewater will be discharged to the Agricay. Daily, 1,500 kg sludge will be produced in the WWTP and dried in drying beds. Water source diseases are thought to be decreased in time with the upgrade of infrastructure facilities in the rayon. 75 5.3 Potential Negative Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures In this section, negative environmental impacts are identified, and the significance of hose impacts is assessed. An objective methodology is therefore required to permit assessment of the potential significance of environmental issues. The Feasibility Study Consultant carried out the initial environmental assessment for the Category A type project. In the following the initial environmental assessment has been carried out in order to evaluate the effects of the proposed solution. In this part first, the “Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist” was filled for both sewerage and water supply systems. This checklist summarizes existing project area in Agsu and potential environmental impacts, which projects may cause. The checklist can be seen in the following table(Table 5.1). Table 5.1. Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist QUESTIONS Yes No Notes A. Project site Project area... Densely populated? X Involved in development projects? X Close to temporary reserves or X including? Cultural heritage X Protection zone X Swamp area X Estuary X Buffer zone of protected area X Special zone to protect biodiversities X Bay X B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will this project cause impacts...? Damage to historical/cultural There are no cultural facilities and monuments /areas? archeological monuments in the direct project zone. If any historical-cultural areas are to be recorded in the project zone in the future, proper measures are to be taken in accordance with X Environmental Management Plan (EMP). These measures should ensure protection of historical archaeological excavations and cultural heritage of national and international value. Constraint to other enterprises and It is expected that project related access to buildings; noise, bad smell X impacts during the construction works related disturbance to neighbouring will be temporary, short-term and 76 areas and flow of rodents, insects etc.? insignificant. The contractor should consider and take adequate measures to build temporary alternative roads, passages and relevant infrastructure to ensure access of people, reduce distribution of noise, bad odour and reach of wastewater to other sites. resettlement or necessary relocation of The project doesn’t include relocation local people of local people. It is also unlikely to result in loss of real estate, income sources and settlement areas. In case of temporary or permanent withdrawal of X land owned by people during construction of water pipes or sewage lines, the losses will be compensated in accordance with relevant legislation of Azerbaijan republic. damage to quality of downstream water Currently there is no adequate source in case of discharge of improperly for discharge of treated wastewater. treated or untreated wastewater? Wastewater flows are usually discharged into open areas without any treatment which cause pollution of surface and ground water sources. It is believed that in the future the treated wastewater will be discharged into dry river bed or reused for irrigation purposes. If reused for irrigation, then in the periods out of irrigation season treated wastewater might cause damage to environment and X health of people. Therefore, level of treatment shall be adjusted depending on the conditions of reuse and discharge. The wastewater flows will be treated to comply with the Surface Water Protection requirements of BOD205- 3mg/l. So, 24 hour aeration process is envisaged with the application of full biological treatment. Wastewater flows treated up to BOD20= 20mg/l will undergo full retreatment in the natural pools. Flooding of private properties with Project includes construction of untreated wastewater wastewater treatment works somewhere outside the urban area. The structures will comply with the modern technological standards and the process of construction will be supervised by X the technical expertise. The operation and maintenance of the structure will be carried out by the qualified operator adhering to relevant technological schemes, design parameters and normative acts. The situations causing flooding the neighbouring settlements 77 and private property, other than natural disasters and technical breakages are unlikely. Environmental pollution due to Sludge produced by wastewater improper sludge operation or discharge treatment will be processed properly. of industrial wastewater into public Sludge processing shall ensure full sewage system? liquidation of its pollutant and harmful compositions. If sludge will be used for agricultural purposes, the proper processing will be included in the wastewater treatment process and respond to relevant sanitary-hygiene norms. X If sludge will not be used in agriculture, it will be processed accordingly, stored in sludge fields and buried in the areas agreed with Rayon Executive Power and sanitary center. The body responsible for the maintenance of the treatment plant and sanitary-hygiene department will control discharge of inadmissible harmful substances, wastes and materials into the sewage collector. Noise and vibration due to explosions Construction works will be carried out and other construction works? in accordance with bidding process. It will be implemented with due compliance with specifications, ecological and sanitary norms and X regulations. The quality and scope of works will be supervised by PIU and selected consultants. The constructor will take necessary measures in due time, with a view not to exceed allowable level of noise and vibration. Discharge of toxic substance into Inadequacy of contractor’s project sewage system which may damage the related activities may cause damage to system and harm workers health? environment, staff health, and health security of local people, including discharge of toxic chemical substances to sewage collectors which may lead to X bad consequences. The organization of works in accordance with the best practices and implementation of trainings for the local staff are the key components to eliminate or mitigate adverse environmental impacts and risk to human health. Buffer zone to mitigate noise or other Presently there are no protection potential damages to surrounding lines/buffer zones around existing locations and supply structures with sewage structures and pumping stations. protection zones? The planned new structures or X rehabilitation of existing ones will require allocation of sanitary protection zone as indicated in the sanitary- hygiene norms. The planting of trees to 78 provide a fence around these zones and implementation of other adequate arrangements will contribute mitigation of noise, vibration and other potential impacts. Conflicts between construction staff Social studies implemented in the from other areas and local workers? project zone show the sufficiency of local labor force with different disciplines. One of the project outcomes is the creation of new temporary and X permanent employments. Thus, local expertise must be favoured in the process of employment. Any conflicts resulted on any grounds will be resolved under procedures of Management of Social Impacts. Traffic closures and temporary It is expected that construction of water flooding of roads due to earth supply and sanitation system implies excavation works and during rainfall enormous earth excavation works. The seasons? contractor will plan the work phases, X provide temporary roads for local population, protect surrounding areas from flooding due to excavation works and take proper actions to handle excavated material. Noise and dust caused by construction Noise and dust caused by construction works? works will be mitigated by the application of best ecological practices. These measures may include implementation of works during ordinary working hours and application of noise silencers. Noise production rate cannot exceed 65 dB in the daytime and X 45 dB in the dark hours in accordance with Azerbaijani standards and norms. The dust distribution must be eliminated by minimum application of machines and mechanisms producing disturbing noise, watering of the construction site, provision of coatings over dusty materials and temporary fences and other methods. Traffic constraints due to Construction works must be organized transportation of construction materials in such a way that they don’t cause and wastes? constraints to normal traffic and extra noise. In order to avoid pollution of central X urban areas excavated materials will be transported through alternative secondary roads rather than main highways. (to be agreed with rayon SRP). Excavation of temporary silt? One of the environmental impacts is the silt and other earth materials generated X due to construction works. Such materials will be handled in 79 accordance with the EMP, surrounded to ensure flow to other areas, covered (if necessary) and discharge to areas as agreed with the Rayon Executive Power. Health risks due to flooding and Treatment structures will be operated in groundwater pollution due to sewage compliance with the relevant guidelines line deterioration? and standard documents. These structures will be provided with emergency outlets in cases of breakages and other damages. Emergency outlets X will be used with the prior awareness of the adequate local bodies. The emergency plan of the operator of the treatment structure will include early warning of unexpected emergency situations. Damage to water quality due to bad The plant should include internal sludge treatment or discharge of laboratory to ensure operation of wastewater without treatment? treatment structures in compliance with the relevant ecological and sanitary norms and adherence to permissible X pollution level of the treated water content. The operation of these structures will also be followed by the local sanitary agencies and MENR regional departments. Pollution of surface and groundwater Negligence of control of sludge sources due to sludge accumulations? accumulation in ecologically vulnerable areas can increase risk of pollution of X surface and groundwater sources. The contractor will apply best practices to mitigate such risks. Risks to health of operation staff Wastewater operation staff should resulting from toxic gases, harmful follow adequate technological substances, including pathogens in the instructions and sanitary norms in daily wastewater and sludge residues? working hours and be provided with X relevant safety uniforms and facilities. The security experts of wastewater treatment plant are responsible for safe working conditions and training of operation staff on security issues. Conflicts of raw water supply with the The supply of water will surely affect consumers of other surface and the capacity of the supply source but groundwater sources? X have no conflicting factor with other water consumers. Supply of unreliable raw water Water sources meeting potable water (including extra pathogens and mineral norms and having required flow rates compositions)? approved by the government, including necessary technical, economical, X financial, and ecological requirements are seen as reliable alternative sources. The project excludes investigation of sources irrelevant to the above 80 indicators. Delivery of irrelevant water flows into The development of operation the distribution system? department must ensure adherence to the wastewater treatment operation X procedures and exclude any delivery of irrelevant and inadequate to water standards water flows into the distribution system. Irrelevant protection of intake A sanitary-protection zone is envisaged structures or wells resulting in for water supply source to be selected pollution of water supply? through comparison of different alternatives meeting technical, ecological, financial and ecological X conditions and adequate structures to be built on this source. This zone will ensure any discharge of wastes or substances and illegal access to the selected water supply facilities. Oversupply of groundwater flows The project studies will prioritize water resulting in soil salinization and ground sources with sufficient flow capacity setting? and adequate quality (rivers, main water X pipelines etc.), including artesian wells. The risk of soil salinization or ground settling will be determined by adequate geological investigations. Overgrowth of water-plants in the Growth of water plants on the walls and X water reservoir? bed of water reservoirs is unlikely. Production of wastewater flows which Improvement of water supply will surpass design capacity of domestic certainly increase production of sewage system? domestic wastewater flows in the project towns. However, project X activities include construction of adequate sanitation system and wastewater treatment structures which will prevent environmental pollution with additional wastewater flows. Risks resulting from inadequate design The chlorine to be applied in the of structures envisaged for purchase, primary production structures and water storage and application of chlorine and reservoirs and transportation, storage other toxic chemicals? and application of reagents to be used for water cleaning purposes and laboratory analyses will be carried out in accordance with the ‘National X Strategy on the Management of Hazardous Substances and Wastes of the Republic of Azerbaijan’, including inventory of these substances. The given provision excludes any adverse impact of these substances on adequate staff and local population. Health risks due to application of Chlorine and other reagents to be used chlorine and other substances to for disinfection of potable water is disinfect water? unlikely to cause any health risks X because the staff working with such substances will have necessary knowledge of behaviour with such 81 substances and follow adequate guidelines and instructions. Risks of inadequate water supply and The project envisages full replacement disproportionate chlorination in the of pipes, structures and other facilities distribution system due to bad of water supply and sanitation system of operation and maintenance (siltation of the project area and their maintenance filters)? in accordance with the best practices and laboratory analyses of potable water supplied to urban population. The X application of new operation model to the water supply facilities will cause operational and service improvement of this sector. In line with above notes it is not likely that the level of chlorine in the water flows supplied to local population will increase permissible levels. Delivery of water to corroded Modern and more reliable construction distribution network due to negligence materials (polymer pipes etc.) will be of proper proportionate application of used in the reconstruction of the water X chemical substances? supply and sanitation system which will ensure proper operation of distribution system and its corrosion resistance. Unexpected leakage of gas chlorine? Transportation, storage and application of any chemical substances to be used for disinfection of potable water will be X carried out in accordance with the adequate guidelines. The adherence to such guidelines will prevent any leakages. Oversupply of water to the downstream According to the current studies consumers? existing water sources used for water supply are irrelevant, with negligence for physical-chemical treatment which X causes health risks. The improvement of water supply and sanitation system will cause no risk for downstream consumers. In addition to the findings in above table for comparison also a semi-quantitative analysis has been undertaken to further evaluate potential environmental impacts., and Accordingly, “Valued environmental components” (VEC’s) are determined and ranked according to whether they are “high”, “medium” or “low” ( Table 5.2). Each of the environmental components identified in the Table has been identified during the consultations or as a result of technical analysis. Valued environmental components that are valued as “high” are those that are broadly important across society. VEC’s that are ranked as “medium” are those that are important at a community level, but are of limited significance at a wider level. VEC’s that are ranked as “low” are significant at a localised level1 1 The identification and priority assigned to a VEC has been informed by the public consultations that took place in June 2010. 82 The table evaluates the significance of potential impacts with respect to each VEC. The “significa nce of potential environmental effects” is ranked based on the intrinsic potential of the identified potential effects to impact the VEC’s. As identified in the Table, the potential significance of possible project effects is ranked as “high” for most of the VEC’s that are highly valued. However, the significance of project impacts on land use is considered to be “medium” since the amount of land in question is limited, some future land uses would be enhanced (and development costs lowered) by facility development and specific alternate land uses have not been proposed. The significance of potential project effects on VEC’s ranked as “medium” varies. In some cases, potential project effects are ranked as “high” and in other cases as “medium”. This recogn ises that the project may have effects ranked as “high” or “medium” even though these effects may be on VEC’s that are not themselves ranked as “high”; these effects will be important to address to ensure that the project does not disadvantage the communities in which facilities are located. The project has only “low” potential with respect to the location of reservoirs and treatment plant facilities to impact property values, however, since Agsu community is located in a distance from the proposed site. VEC’s ranked as “low” are those that are relevant at the scale of individual property owners and users of the land on which proposed facilities are proposed to be located. Notwithstanding that they are considered as “low” from the perspective of society as a whole, they may be of the highest importance to the individuals and their families who depend on the proposed site locations for their livelihood. Potential project impacts on VEC’s at this level are “high”, since the project has potential to serious ly disrupt both the livelihoods of those who use the land as well as the amenity values they associate with the land. Table 5.2 also identifies the availability of mitigation measures. As indicated in the table, mitigation measures are available to address all potential negative effects identified during the period of the preparation of this document. Mitigation measures may be at the level of facility siting, design, construction and operation, and may include physical, financial, institutional or other measures. An environmental monitoring plan will ensure that all measures are appropriately undertaken and that required environmental standards are maintained. This will document the nature and frequency of the monitoring required. For the WWTP site, environmental monitoring will include a schedule for regular monitoring for key indicators of contamination. 83 Table 5.2 :Valued Environmental Components and Potential Negative Effects VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL NEGATIVE EFFECTS AVAILABILITY OF Priority Environmental Component Potential Negative Project Effects Potential Significance of Effect* MITIGATION MEASURES Construction Phase Phase High Ground and surface water Pollution of ground and surface water High Measures available Land Use Long term reduction of choices for land development at Medium Measures available the area Natural habitat Disturbance of the natural habitat due to construction Medium Measures available related noise, dust, non-seasonal works, unprocessed residues and etc. Low Measures not avaiilable Loss of natural areas due to construction works. Flora and fauna Earthworks, operation of machines, noise and etc.; Medium Measures available Losses or degradations during and after construction works, non-seasonal works, change of ecological situation etc. Drinking water quality Pollution of drinking water sources High Measures available Cultural heritage Loss of cultural heritage Medium Measures available Public health Injury from use of harmful substances in construction High Measures available (paints with heavy metal, lead compositions), asbestos- cement slabs, inflammable and toxic materials etc.) Air quality Dust, gases/aerosol associated with construction (toxic Medium Measures available gasses discharged by construction machineries, wind blown construction materials etc.) Soil Contamination of soil from land disposal of construction Low Landfill for disposal of wastes wastes is not available Traffic/construction vehicle Increased level of truck/construction vehicle traffic in Medium Measures available impacts communities Odour, dust and noise impacts Odour, dust and noise impact at staff and off-site receptors Medium Measures available from construction activities Medium Environmental pollution form Environmental pollution due to improper sludge operation Low Measures available WWTP or discharge of industrial wastewater into public sewage system WSS SHABRAN JULY 2010 EIA SCOPING STUDY 84 VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL NEGATIVE EFFECTS AVAILABILITY OF Priority Environmental Component Potential Negative Project Effects Potential Significance of Effect* MITIGATION MEASURES Socio-economic stability Inability of local communities to pay for services High Measures available Public health Health risks from unprocessed wastes; High Measures available Use of harmful substances by users of the WSS system (paints with heavy metal, lead compositions, toxic materials etc.) Soil Contamination of soil from land disposal of sludge; High Measures available Possibility of erosion related to wastewater discharge; Flooding of sewage system Production of wastewater flows which surpass design High Measures available, except that capacity of domestic sewage system as a result of increase landfill for disposal of wastes is of water supply not available Odour impacts from wastewater Odour impacts on nearby properties High Measures available treatment plant site activities Reduction of land in productive Reduced land availability for grazing and crops Medium Measures available agricultural use Limitations on future Reduction of development options (reservoirs, WWTP High Measures available development area) Limitations on future Reduction of development options (reservoirs, WWTP High Measures available development area) Environmental pollution from Soil, air and/or water pollution from improper storage of Medium Measures available WWTP construction construction materials Operational Phase High Socio-economic stability Inability of community to pay for facilities High Measures available Reduction in property values Low Measures available Public health Health risks from sludge disposed as waste High Landfill to protect public health from health risks related to waste not available Soil Contamination of soil from land disposal of sludge High Landfill to protect soil quality from contamination related to waste not available Possibility of soil erosion related to wastewater Medium Measures available discharge; WSS SHABRAN JULY 2010 EIA SCOPING STUDY 85 VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL NEGATIVE EFFECTS AVAILABILITY OF Priority Environmental Component Potential Negative Project Effects Potential Significance of Effect* MITIGATION MEASURES Flooding of sewage system Production of wastewater flows which surpass design High Measures available, except that capacity of domestic sewage system as a result of increase landfill for disposal of wastes is of water supply not available Odour impacts from wastewater Odour impacts on nearby properties High Measures available treatment plant site activities Reduction of land in productive Reduced land availability for grazing and crops Medium Measures available agricultural use Reduction in local property Loss of investment value by residents Low Measures available values. Medium Limitations on future Reduction of development options (reservoirs, WWTP High Measures available development area) Visual impact Unsightliness of treatment facilities Low/medium Measures available Employment/livelihood Loss of traditional employment/livelihood High Measures available Low Amenity value Loss of amenity value adjacent to treatment facilities Low Measures available WSS SHABRAN JULY 2010 EIA SCOPING STUDY 86 Check points, terms of selection of samples of waste water and main indicators of its content are defined in each specific case at designing and they are specified at operation of irrigation systems in agreement with local control bodies. Analysis of content of sludge of waste water is conducted before use of it . Background content of heavy metals in soil isn’t high and sludge meets demands for irrigation use on fields. During the treatment process environmental quality standards should be followed. Treated waste waters can be used for irrigation or discharged to Main Shirvan Collector by local drainage canal. The Main Shirvan collector has capacity is 18 m3 /s in Zardob(Before Agsu) and exceeds 32m3 /s near Agsu.. Increase of water discharges before and after Agsu occurs because of salty waters coming from irrigation fields and also other waters entering from surrounding territory. Its capacity is 18 m3 /s in Zardob(Before Agsu) and exceeds 32m3 /s near Agsu. Sometimes high amount of pesticides enter into collector. Chemical composition of water is heavy salts of sulphate- nitrogen - magnesium. Average salinity of collector waters makes up 6q/l. BOD, ammonium , and other chemicals exceed allowed concentrations. If treated waste water s won’t impact negatively to the flora and fauna of collector. As collector is heavily polluted discharge of treated waters may improve slowly its environmental condition. 5.4 Data Evaluation The information basis for the EIA was differs according to the specific assessments that have been required. In first turn archive materials have been used to get basic information about physical- geographic conditions of Agsu region, environmental situation, water resources , their use and protections and etc. The project feasibility document provided the main information about existing situation and proposed project activities. Documentary information has been supported by a series of field trips. have been organized. During the trips, based on the existing information provided by the relevant organizations, visual monitoring and opinions of stakeholders additional information about the existing water and sanitation situations, project needs and its positive and negative impacts was gathered about the existing water and sanitation situations, project needs and its positive and negative impacts This is based on the existing information provided by the relevant organizations, visual monitoring and opinions of stakeholders. Results of discussions with the stakeholders are described ion the Annex IX During the development of EIA report FS report materials on project activities, its impacts and proposed environment management procedures have been checked with the national and international standards. Main data gaps were connected with the lack of long term water resources and waste water quality and quantity information, water use by different sectors, waste discharges by different economic sectors, and pollution of water resources , ground waters and soil by waste waters etc. In spite of this information used can be considered sufficient for the EIA development. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 87 6. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT Project sites are required for the water reservoirs, pipelines , pumping stations and waste water treatment facilities. Project sites for reservoirs are primarily determined as a function of least cost associated with construction, provision of necessary portion of area with required amount of water by gravity. Analysis has been undertaken to identify the least cost location for each element of construction work. In addition, the locations proposed for reservoirs and WWTP are municipally-owned lands. Discussions have been held with local communities to determine specific locations within the community where pipelines for WS and sewage system can most appropriately be located from the community perspective. The location of the facilities has been pre-determined based on an extensive analysis of some alternative locations. Using this information a number of options were identified and the concepts reviewed and discussed with the PIU and the Team. The options were agreed on and will be submitted to detailed technical and financial analysis as the basis for determining the least cost option. At meetings with Rayon staff, gravity systems for water supply were consistently promoted as the preferred method of supply. The reason given was the simplicity of operation and the additional operating costs from pumped sources. Alternatives such as groundwater, bore fields were not seen to be viable and made data collection for non gravity options more difficult. Within the scope of the project polyethylene based corrugated pipes will be laid in wastewater network and a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will be constructed approximately 2 km away from the town center In formation on reservoirs and other infrastructure is provided below at water supply and waste water system improvement sections and their locations are illustrated in the relevant annexes to this report(Annexes I-V) The following alternatives have been considered during the EIA process: (i) No Project Scenario (ii) Water Supply System improvement only (iii) Water Supply and Waste Water Management System improvement 6.1. No project Scenario No project scenario would see continuation of an inefficient and unreliable, water supply system, which has limited coverage, delivers low pressure supply and has water shortages. With regard to the wastewater system, the situation will be worsened by the discharge of raw wastewater into the soil, groundwater and eventually the river network, due to the lack of a WWTP. The socially and environmentally damaging WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 88 situation in the rayon will be further exacerbated, the risks of flooding of the streets and houses will be raised. Pollution of soils, air quality (bad odor), damage to the flora and fauna will occur, surface and groundwater will be seriously impacted. This situation is very undesirable, especially with the ongoing high growth rate of the population and development of new business enterprises in the region (Table 6.1). Table 6.1. Population Growth Rates Agsu Population Values in Future Year Water Supplied Wastewater Treatment (Pirhasanlı Included) Sewerage Served (Muradlı and Tecile Included) 2009 23.130 20.899 20.899 2015 22,800 22.100 22.100 2020 23,800 23.100 23.100 2025 24,500 23.800 23.800 2030 25,000 24.200 24.200 Source: the Feasibility Study of Agsu WSS Project, 2010 With the population growth rate shown above, water demand, and consequently waste water production will considerably increase over the years. 6.2. Water Supply System Improvement Scenario According to the Feasibility Study, the average daily water consumption is estimated as 52.2 l/s for the design purpose. This estimate includes water use by households, entities, stock feeding, industry etc. The current water losses in the system will be eliminated in the improved water supply system. The following water supply options have been analyzed: Alternative 1: Water supply from Guzay Springs and Agsuchay River Springs: Guzay springs have been considered water supply source for Agsu Rayon center. These springs have been originated at the right river bank of Agsuchay which is located at the intersection of sandstone rocky area with the river at the North of Agsu city center. The distance of this water supply source is approximately 22 km to the town center. The status, efficiency, quality and intake abilities of this water supply source have been investigated in the FS Document. It was discovered that at the location of Guzay springs three different water intake spots have a distance in between 150-200 m to each other and with a safe capacity of 40-50 l/s at dry seasons. Since the water demand of the Agsu town center will be approximately 75 l/s in year 2030, the other water supply alternatives have been elaborated within the vicinity of Agsu town. Consequently in addition to Guzay springs three more springs located at the left river bank of Agsuchay have been decided to be used as water supply source. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 89 However a project supported by the Azerbaijan Government executed by Agsu Rayon Executive Governor intents to supply totally 30 l/s water to the Agsu town. The supplied water will be given to three water reservoirs which will be constructed within the scope of project. In order to supply water requirement of Agsu Town in year 2030 with adequate amount of water it has been intended to supply an additional amount 50 l/s water within the scope SNWSSP. Therefore the Girdimanchay and Kulullu water resource have been elaborated as a water resource. Besides that the water reservoirs that will be proposed within the scope of SNWSSP is considered to be additional water supply reservoirs to the project executed by Agsu Rayon Executive Governor. Alternative 2: Water supply from Kulullu Drainage: Kulullu drainage area is near to the Kulullu village which is located at the water basin of Girdimanchay at an elevation of 176 m. Presently Kurdemir town’s water has been supplied from that water source. As result of the site investigations the FS document shows that 50 l/s of water could be safely supplied from this water source. The water in that area could be conveyed with a pressurized pipe line to the Agsu town. The supplied water will be diverted to a 100 m3 water reservoir of a pumping station. The pump located in that station having capacity of 90 kW will elevate the water to another 100 m3 water reservoir which has a max water elevation of 289 m. The length of this pressurized pipe will be 8.700 with a diameter of 315 mm. After that, water will be transferred by gravity to the Water Reservoir 2 with a pipe having Ø355 mm diameter and 8.600 m length. Water Reservoir 2 will be constructed within the scope of SNWSSP. The Water Reservoir 2 will feed the Water Reservoir 1 and 3 as well as pressure zone 1 of the water distribution network. A separate pipeline outgoing from Water Reservoir 2 will feed the Pirhasanli Village. At the location of Water Reservoir 1 there will be two equal sized water reservoirs with size of 1000 m3. The construction of water reservoir 3 is also out of the scope of SNWSSP Alternative 3: Girdimanchay Water Supply System at Gursulu Village: This water supply area is located at the upstream part of the Girdimanchay according to the Kulullu water source. The height of this site is almost 310 m. The site investigations undertaken in the FS document have shown that 50 l/s of water could be safely supplied from this water source. The water should be accumulated by an intake structure. The collected water can be diverted to Water Reservoir 2. The pipe having diameter of Ø355 mm will transfer the water by gravity at a distance of 11775 m. There will be a pressure release chamber with a volume of 50 m 3 at an elevation of 255 m. The same distribution and feeding system exists for this alternative as in the second alternative. Since third alternative is economically the most appropriate on the water supply source, water quality analysis has been carried out for that source in the FS Document. According to the results the water quality parameters generally complies with Azeri standards and EU and WHO quality criteria. (See Annex VII). WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 90 According to the results this water falls into Category A according to the EU Council Directive 75/440/EEC. However, physical and microbiological parameters are a bit higher than expected. Even in that condition this water source could be used as a drinking water with simple physical treatment and disinfection, e.g. rapid filtration and disinfection. Alternative 3 is described in the FS document as being preferred from technical, financial and economical points of view. This selection is predicated on the assumption that:  By construction of structurally sound main water supply trunk the water can be supplied in a sustainable manner with good operating condition and a regular annual maintenance program.  Water quality from the Girdimanchay Water Supply System at Gursulu Village meets EU, Azeri and WHO water quality standards.  The operating and construction costs of the Kulullu source is not an economical solution for Agsu town compared to water obtained from Girdimanchay Water Supply System at Gursulu Village. During water supply by Alternative 1 and Alternative 3 the average and minimum water flow of Agsuchay and Girdimanchay rivers should be taken into account for each month to avoid environmental and water supply problems for other users connected with water shortage in sources because of increased intake by projected facilities. For example for Agsuchay river observed minimal monthly water discharge makes up 560 l/sec and for Girdimanchay 1440l/sec. But if we look at daily minimal water discharges based on Table 4.1 we can see that these values are more lower, making up 50 l/sec for Agsuchay and 390 l/sec for Girdimanchay river. This shows that there won’t be significant negative impact to flora and fauna of river by the use of water for water supply in the future. For the selected option there also some other requirements. Main environmental impact of the construction and operation work envisioned in the project are described in Chapter 5 and list of potential negative impact is given in the Table 5.1 The widening of the access road through the uplands is relatively straightforward for most of its length, as it is flanked by disturbed ground with sparse vegetation. The work in the wooded habitat and vegetation will create some environmental problems including damage to topsoil and to tree roots; and erosion may result. Full adherence to good site practice should be ensured, as well as storage and handling of fuels and oils to avoid contamination. There will be temporary disturbance during construction of the reservoir and intake infrastructure, as well for the areas along the pipeline routes to the reservoirs but this is not expected to be significant . Within the water supply system improvement also is considered some options for alternative water distribution infrastructure WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 91 Agsu town is divided into three pressure zones. But, different from other towns, pressure zones do not only depend on elevation and topography. Since a 500 m3 reservoir will be constructed to the north side of the town near the left bank of Agsu creek to 202 m elevation, south side of the left bank is established as a pressure zone. Right bank of the Agsu creek is established as a pressure zone up to 185 m elevation. Upper elevations of the town are selected as another pressure zone. 1- Pressure Zone-1 (145 m - 185 m) 2- Pressure Zone-2 (160 m – 210 m) 3- Pressure Zone-3 (150 m – 170 m) These zones are not ordered according to their elevations as discussed above. Also as can be seen above, upper and lower elevations of these zones splice on each other because they are adjusted also in such a way that they supply water to their zones consistently to their volumes. As a result of these facts described above, no other variants are developed for water distribution. Because of this reason, economical analyses for variants are not carried out. Since the existing distribution is in a very bad situation, partial rehabilitation of the network cannot be considered as an alternative to this project. The proposed water distribution system of Agsu is supplied from the reservoirs by only gravity which means that the required pressure in the network will be obtained by difference of elevations without water extraction directly from force mains. Network is divided into pressure zones in order to satisfy pressure constraints. The first pressure zone supply water to elevations between 145 and 185 m; its projected population is 9.542 ca (2030), and area of the zone is 328,9 ha. Second pressure zone supplies water to elevations between 160 and 210 m, has a projected population of 9.832 ca (2030) and area of 320,8 ha. Third zone is in between 150 and 170 m. Area of this zone is 117,0 ha and its population is 3.727 ca. In the distribution system four reservoirs are planned for supplying water to three pressure zones. Two of these reservoirs belongs to the first zone. One of these reservoirs is in use and supplies water to city. Volume of this reservoir is 1000 m3 and maximum water elevation is 212,5 m. This existing reservoir will be rehabilitated by AZERSU. Near this existing reservoir, a new one is planned to be constructed. This reservoir will also have 1000 m3 volume and 212,5 m maximum water elevation. Outlet pipes of both reservoirs are at 208,67 m. Reservoir of the second zone has 1500 m3 volume with 235 m maximum water elevation and 230.67 m outlet pipe elevation. Third reservoir is planned to be constructed by AZERSU left bank of the Agsu creek as discussed before. Volume of this reservoir is 500 m3 with maximum water elevation of 204,50 and 200,72 m outlet pipe elevation. Volumes of these reservoirs are calculated according to the design criteria considering the fire demands. It should be noted that during the construction of reservoirs relevant environmental requirements need to be followed. Though there is no sensitive natural zones at the places to be used for their construction, but process of construction n should be carried according to environmental management plant with due attention on impact to soil, water resources and other spheres. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 92 Solid waste like asphalt cover, rocks, concrete, gravel, metals etc. may be generated during drilling and putting or replacement of pipes. During this process it will be necessary to remove of asphalt surface and importation of suitable materials (sand and others) as well as backfilling using suitable excavated material. During repair of paved roads and walkways and asphalt surfaces relevant rules should be followed.. No sewage system improvement option As in the no project scenario, the situation will continue to worsen from social – economic and environmental point of view if there will be no waste water management system improvement. In addition to the no project scenario as by the information of FS document water demand per person will increase significantly due to limited supply of water by existing system. form the near future (2015) and stay constant until 2030. After the supply of reliable and persistent drinking water to the towns within the scope of the SNWSSP, both the water consumption and wastewater generation are estimated to increase substantially. The domestic wastewater flow rates were determined in FS document by estimating the wastewater generation rate as 90 % of the supplied water excluding losses and the specific wastewater generation per capita as 176 l/ca*day. Without a collection system and a wastewater treatment plant, the wastewater is mostly disposed either in ditches along the roads or in pits within the properties which causes public health problems, pollution of the aquifers by drainage from these pits and discharge of untreated wastewater to creeks. Consequently, the construction of a sewer system and a wastewater treatment plant for Agsu is one of the most important and urgent issues for the Republic of Azerbaijan. 6. 3. Water Supply and Waste Water system improvement Different options for the improvement of the water supply system have been considered above. Project related environmental impact for the construction and operation phases are described in Chapter 5, and list of potential negative impact is given in the Table 5.1 . In Agsu, the population of Muradlı and Tekle Villages are also taken into account for the design of the last 600 meters of the main sewer pipeline and the wastewater treatment plant only as a fixed flow entering the system. Primarily, the situation of the existing sewerage system was evaluated in the FS Document for future use in order to decide weather complete/partial renewal or rehabilitation is necessary. Then, the system is formed either including the existing system or with a completely new system. The design of the wastewater collection system is accomplished according to the design criteria given in FS document. According to the topographical conditions, the primary aim is to establish a gravity system without pumping stations. However, if the depth of the wastewater collection system exceeds the practical and economical maximum level, which is also given in the design criteria, pumping stations has to be used. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 93 Option 1: Rehabilitation and use of the existing waste water pipelines and wastewater treatment lagoon. In Agsu Town there is no sewerage system. The only sewer line is the line of the hospital which was constructed in 1984. This line does not have the properties to convey the whole wastewater of the upper basin. The AZ Granata MMC is also constructing a Ø 400 pipeline passing from the west of the town, outside the residential area. Therefore, these two pipelines cannot be used in the planned sewerage system. Because there is no sewerage system, there is also no wastewater treatment facility. Option 2: Construction of new sewage system and waste water treatment plant. Construction of a new sewage system and waste water treatment plant can be designed in Agsu to take advantage of gravity flow. On this basis, no pumps will be needed which will minimize potential water spills and the use of hazardous materials (e.g. lubricating oil) associated with pump operation.. The selection of the location of the waste water treatment plant takes into consideration distance from the city and Muradli village (more than 0.5 km in South- West) in addition to gravity flow requirements and environmental and socio-economic factors such as environmentally sensitive lands and proximity to residents.. Taking into account the above difficulties for rehabilitation of the existing waste water system, “Option 2: Construction of new sewage system and waste water treatment plant” is preferred from an environmental perspective The new WWTP will be located in South- West from Agsu city and Muradli village (more than 0.5km) The new WWTP will be provided with modern equipment which will ensure treatment of the waste waters in accordance with international standards (EU Directive 91/271/EEC requirements are given in Annex VI, VIII). The extended aeration system does not envisage use of heated septic reservoir and gas and, as such, will contribute to improved safety of operation. Treated waste waters may be suitable for use in irrigation may be discharged to Main Shirvan Collector by local drainage canal. The Collector currently is highly polluted. Chemical composition of water is heavy salts of sulphate- nitrogen - magnesium. Average salinity of collector waters makes up 6q/l. BOD, ammonium , and other chemicals exceed allowed concentrations. The discharge of treated wastewater into the collector would improve water quality in the collector, at least in terms of dilution of pollutants although not in terms of total pollutant loading to the environment from the collector. However, wastewater discharges will have a dramatically reduced pollutant loading to the environment as compared to the current situation where wastewaters are discharged to the environment without treatment. . The sludge generated in the WWTW will be disposed of in accordance with the EU Directive, see Annex VI, VIII for the monitoring standards and requirements. Wastewater treatment plant sludge will be suitable for use in agriculture WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 94 7. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS This activity is aimed at informing of identified stakeholders and other interested parties of proposed project components, presents stakeholders with the opportunity to voice both their positive opinions and their concerns and to enable these issues to be addressed in the EIA and incorporated into the project design. This includes stakeholder consultation and technical analyses. Stakeholder Consultations Stakeholder issues relevant to the EIA have been identified through a consultative process.. Stakeholder consultations have therefore been integral to the design of the EIA, and the issues identified through these consultations have been an important input into the identification of issues to be addressed by the EIA. All stakeholder consultations have been undertaken in Arzeri. Where non-Azeri consultants have participated in consultations, their comments have been translated into Azeri in order to allow all discussions to be undertaken in Azeri. Not all stakeholders have been involved in the consultations associated with project preparation. Accordingly, additional stakeholder consultations have been undertaken during this scoping phase for the specific purpose of identifying and clarifying issues, and particularly issues concerning those:  Who live near sites that are proposed for new WSS facilities  Who have specialist technical or scientific knowledge relevant to the proposed WSS system  Whose work is relevant to the proposed WSS system. Section 4 presents details of the consultation process. Technical Analysis While the issues identified by stakeholders are key to the overall presentation of issues in this document, they are limited to the extent that the knowledge of stakeholders concerning the new WSS system is limited. Thus, during the consultation process it has been clear that the ability of stakeholders to identify issues has, to a degree, been limited by their knowledge of modern WSS systems. Technical analysis has therefore been undertaken to determine whether there might be issues additional to those identified by stakeholders that should be addressed by the EIA, even though they might not have been identified by stakeholders, or may not have been prioritized by stakeholders. Technical analysis complements the stakeholder consultations. Table 1 identifies the stakeholders with whom consultations have been undertaken. As indicated in the Table, stakeholders fall into two categories:  Public stakeholders. These stakeholders are members of the public in general on whom the project may be anticipated to have an impact. At the broadest level, these stakeholders include all members of the public that will be served by the project, and who will benefit from it. However, some public stakeholders may be more greatly impacted by the project because they live in proximity to proposed project facilities. These stakeholders may be expected to identify a range of issues that is different to those that would be identified to other public stakeholders.  Special interest stakeholders. These stakeholders have interests in the project because they have either specialist knowledge relevant to the project or because their work in some way is relevant to, or is impacted by, the project. These stakeholders may identify issues relevant to the EIA as a result of either their work or their knowledge. In this project, stakeholders are those affected by the proposed WSS facilities, and those who have the ability to influence, positively or negatively, the course and outcome of the project. The range of stakeholders relevant to this document is reflected in Table 1. The list of all stakeholders that have been consulted is provided in Annex A. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 95 Table 1 identifies the consultation mechanisms selected to identify issues associated with the various stakeholders, and also identifies the status of the consultations. Technical meetings and interviews with staff from different local government units have been undertaken on an on-going basis. During the meetings, discussions were held on technical and managerial levels and an accurate picture about the current WSS system was developed, together with common understandings of options and issues associated with potential future actions. A clear picture was made about the rating of water management skills and the rate of satisfaction of the public about WSS services. The wishes and concerns of the residents were also raised during the meetings. In most cases and after the meeting a field visit was made to water intake facilities, pipelines locations, pumping stations, reservoirs and sewage facilities and information was obtained about the problems of each site. Consultation and planning workshops were undertaken during the preparation of this document. As identified in Table 7.1, these included consultation with municipal and village councils, and with government agencies. WSS ISMAYILLI JULY 2010 EIA STUDY 96 Table 7.1 Stakeholders and Consultation Mechanism STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION MECHANISM STATUS OF CONSULTATION Public Stakeholders Affected People Interviews with affected people Interviews have been conducted as part of EIA study in communities where new water intake facilities, pipelines, pumping stations, reservoirs and treatment facilities will be located Wider Community Information to be supplied to the Meetings have been media and the general public to conducted with the be invited to submit comments. representatives of local radio and newspapers during which they received needed information, which was later spread by them in their news canals, including newspapers and radios Community Leaders Interviews of directly affected Workshops held; interview communities; meetings with conducted in communities community leaders where new reservoirs and treatment facilities will be located; meetings held with community leaders Special Interest Stakeholders Non-Governmental Round Table meeting Round Table meeting and Organisations Scoping Workshop Scoping Workshop held Municipalities and Technical meetings, Consultation Consultation and planning Village Councils and Planning Workshops workshops held Media Representatives of media Media relations strategy required have been involved into EIA process. They participated in discussions, public meeting and spread obtained materials through their publication in local newspaper and also via local radio Academics and Round Table meeting, Scoping Meeting and Scoping Researchers Workshop Workshop held Government Consultation and Planning Consultation and Planning Ministries/Agencies Workshops Workshops held; Round Round Table Meeting Table Meeting held Private sector Meetings with representatives of Meetings with relevant sectors/companies representatives of relevant sectors/companies held International Consultation and Consultation and Round Organisations/Donors Round Table meeting Table Meeting held 97 / 148 A Scoping Workshop was conducted on 12 June, 2010 and attended by 30 participants representing different institutions. During that session the findings of previous consultations (by Gaugg-Temelsu) were presented and additional comments and suggestions were received. The following areas of Agsu city and nearby communities (Qaraqacli, , Pirhasanli, Navahi, Ulguclu, Dashdamirbayli villages) adjacent to the proposed facilities have been identified to be affected by project. The communities to be directly affected by the project activities are listed in Table 7.2. Table7. 2 Communities Adjacent to the Proposed Project Facilities: Agsu Rayon Community Location Population Qaraqacli village Adjacent to the proposed reservoirs 1000 and Water supply pipes Agsu city Adjacent to a proposed water supply 21400 and sanitation system Pirhasanli village Adjacent to a proposed water supply 1640 pipes Navahi village Adjacent to a proposed water supply 100 pipes Ulgucli Adjacent to a proposed water supply 600 pipes Dashdamirbayli Adjacent to a proposed water supply pipes All interviews were conducted in 14 June 2005 in Agsu city and the nearby communities adjacent to the proposed facilities. During the selection of the population sample for interview purposes, consideration was given to the economic situation of the family, and to the distance to the facilities to be constructed. The objectives of the surveys were to:  Share information about the project and the proposed construction work.  Identify important interests and concerns at the local level.  Identify potentially affected individuals, groups and publics.  Identify community concerns about the construction work.  Understand the values about the environment held by individuals/groups that might be affected by the project. Meetings with municipality members in these communities were also carried out, as possible, to understand concerns and issues that they may have. a. PRINCIPAL ISSUES The principal concerns raised during the consultation process were:  Potential for odor, insects, dust and noise impacts from site activities;  Compensation measures to be taken by the Authorities for temporary loss of land in productive use;  Reduction in local property values;  Impacts on ground and surface water; 98 / 148  Limitations for expansion of villages in the future; and  Aesthetic distortion (e.g. visual impacts). These issues were highlighted by most of the people interviewed. Other issues that were highlighted during the consultations include:  Training and public awareness;  Financial sustainability;  Detection and control of hazardous waste waters;  Waste water collection, treatment, utilization or discharge to the sea;  Health and safety;  Social and economic impacts; and  Compensation of directly affected communities through the project itself by incentives. As indicated above, the project team has considered the issues that have been raised during the consultations and has assessed the identified issues in the context of the overall scope of the proposed project. The purpose of this assessment has been to determine whether there are additional issues that should be considered by the EIA even though they may not have been specifically identified by stakeholders during the consultations. As a result of this assessment, it has been concluded that in addition to the potential impacts identified through the consultations, the EIA study should also address review of the potential positive and negative impacts associated with the proposed project on:  Land use;  Cultural heritage;  Traffic  Public health;  Local employment; and  General issues associated with sitting of treatment plant The stakeholders support the proposed WSS project. The issues raised by the stakeholders are reasonable concerns that should be addressed by the EIA study, and the recommendations of the EIA study should be integrated into the design of project implementation. However, as identified above, stakeholder knowledge of potential positive and negative impacts associated with the project is incomplete and issues additional to those identified by the stakeholders should be considered by the EIA. Stakeholder Meeting in Agsu Rayon The meeting in Agsu took place on June 11 2010 and was chaired by Mr. Igbal Mikayilov, Deputy on socio-economic problems of the head of district execute authority, Head of Rayon Commission on WSS project implementation. The agenda of the meeting included brief welcoming speech by the Head of the Commission (Mr. Igbal Mikayilov) and Representative of PCU (Mr. Panah Abdullayev). They informed attendants about the aim and importance of the realization of the project. In his opening speech, Mr. Mikayilov informed attendants that this project shouldn’t have significant negative environmental impacts, but that it is directed at improvement of the environment in the rayon. 99 / 148 Figure 7.1. Presenting of WSS project during public consultation meeting in Agsu Then Rafig Verdiyev, representative of Eptisa, and Prof. Farda Imanov, Representative of Hydrometeorology Consulting Company, informed participants about the aim of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process and issues to be discussed in this regard during the project implementation. Participants then requested to participate actively in discussions and identify their suggestions to be included into list of issues of environmental and social concern and taken into consideration and included, as appropriate, in the Environment Management Plans to minimize negative project impacts. Participants expressed their full support for this project. The first question was when the project will start and end. It was noted that project will be implemented during 18 months and the tender is expected to start by the end of 2010. Mr. Alihuseyn Mayilov informed that drinking and irrigiaton water in Agsu is provided by waters taken from Agsu and Girdimanchay rivers. He expressed that if the proposed spring waters (which now flow into Agsu river) will be taken for drinking water supply then in summer months when Agsu river is almost dry there will be a water scarcity problem and in low flow periods this will create a problem for water supply in other villages. He recommended the construction of small reservoir to regulate the flow near the Mugan bridge over Agsu river at some distance from river and which would be designed to have enough capacity to supply water for mentioned villages as well. He was informed that this issue will be taken into consideration in the project design Mr. Khanlar Huseynov informed that in 1990’s money was allocated for construction of Agsu sewage system. It was agreed and some 4ha land was allocated for a treatment plant near Muradli village below Shirvan canal. He asked if that idea will be used now. He also proposed to discharge treated waste waters to collector not to Agsu river, because the river is used for drinking purposes. 100 / 148 Figure 7.2. Discussions during public consultation meeting in Agsu The response was yes, sewage water will be treated there and from there discharged to small salty water collector and then into Shirvan collector. It will not be discharged into Agsu river. Jamil Huseynov informed that residential areas of left side of the river also will be connected to central sewage system located at right side. Another issue of discussion was about rehabilitation of treatment of waste waters of the city Hospital. Mr. Javadov Javan informed that the hospital does not have the required amount of money to rehabilitate its sewage system. Sewage waters enter into a city gutter passing through residential area and some families water their garden with that water. It was noted that there is no need for rehabilitation of the hospital sewage system as the hospital and other enterprises, including the winery, will be connected to the new sewage system. Mr. Sardar Bayramov informed participants that streets are narrow for construction of sewage system .This work should be carried out carefully. He also said that first treatment facility should be constructed to allow entering sewage waters to be treated before their discharging. Javan Javadov also told that project should consider expenses for connecting of water and sewage system to individual households as people themselves can’t afford it. Jamaladdin Zeynalov said that if we don’t replace all pipelines then a high pressure will destroy them. Response was that all distribution pipelines will be replaced with new one. Javan Javadov also informed that in Vidiadi and Nizami streets Qaraqacli village’s water pipelines are under constructed buildings. He asked how they will be replaced. The response was that they won’t be replaced; instead new pipelines will be constructed and placed under the streets. 101 / 148 Mr. Sardar Bayramov asked if other residential areas will also be connected to the WSS system. The response was that in addition to Agsu city Qaraqacli (around 1000 residents), Pirhasanli (around 1200 residents), Navahi (around 100 residents), Ulguclu (around 600 residents), and Dashdamirbayli villages will also be connected to WSS system. As result areas of Agsu city and near located communities adjacent to the proposed facilities have been identified to be affected by project. Representatives of the population of these communities have been interviewed. As result areas of Agsu city and near located communities adjacent to the proposed facilities have been identified to be affected by project. Representatives of the population of these communities have been interviewed. The list of participants of public consultation meeting on Agsu rayon WSS project, hold on June 11 2010 is given in ANNEX X. 7.2 Presentation of the Draft EIA Report Information on public discussion of the draft EIA report for Aghsu and WSS projects was held on October 22, 2010.. This meeting was advertised 15 day before this date and most of stakeholders have been contacted by the local executive authorities regarding the participation of the event. Further details of the meeting are provided in Annex XI. The recommendations of the draft EIA were presented to the meeting. There were no negative responses to the draft report, or its recommendations. However, participants did raise issues that were raised in the earlier consultations in June 2010 and which have been addressed in the EIA report. This points to the need for a proper monitoring of the mitigation measures set out in this document in order ensure that mitigation measures are appropriately implemented. 102 / 148 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN From the above description of environmental impacts the list of key aspects associated with the Project activities is identified and described in Table 8-1 below. Table 8-1 Environmental Aspects Project Component Environmental Aspects Construction Temporary removal of habitat for sewer pipeline construction Renovation and construction of existing steel water delivery mains Potential polluted run-off and spillage of untreated wastewater during sewer renovation Pedestrian, vehicle and community safety Procurement and delivery of construction materials Use, maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery Air and noise pollution from preparation of construction Materials such as bitumen, asphalt and concrete. Extraction/purchase of sands and gravels for earthworks Construction yard for equipment and machinery Waste and hazardous materials management Construction of new reservoirs for water supply Service disruption (electricity, telecoms, water) Disruption to irrigation and drainage infrastructure Soil management issues during pipe laying Construction of new WWTP works on a new site Operation Operation of the water and wastewater networks Sludge disposal Community safety Induced development Air and noise quality Use of maintenance machinery and equipment Storm water management Wastewater discharge Accidental (Non- Spills and leaks Routine) Events Inappropriate waste or sludge disposal Sewer flushing due to blockage These aspects and proposed mitigation measures are discussed below. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Construction phase Hazardous material Spills of fuel, oil and other liquids have the potential to cause contamination of soil and groundwater. The Contractor shall implement measures to contain such spills and avoid contamination as much as possible. 103 / 148 However, it is possible that some contamination may occur and the Contractor will be required to implement remediation measures in accordance with project and national requirements. Soil erosion The area is susceptible to surface erosion, especially after heavy rain, therefore efforts will be made to reduce the potential for soil erosion during construction activities. Temporary berms will be constructed where necessary to control any run-off to prevents rills or gulleys forming or soil wash out to surface water features. Correct ground works and compaction will be specified in the contract documentation to prevent soil erosion. Waste management Inert, solid waste (metals, asphalt chunks, rocks, concrete, gravel, sand and etc.) will be generated during drilling well and pipeline installation operations. The replacement and installation of water distribution pipes in the town will include removal of asphalt surface and importation of suitable padding and backfill (eg sand) as well as backfilling using suitable excavated material. Repair of paved roads and walkways and asphalt surfaces will also be required. Solid wastes generated in construction sites and during the construction of pipelines and sewer drains will be transported by the construction contractor. Transportation and disposal of such waste will be agreed with the local executive authority and regional department of MENR, as necessary. The construction works will generate hazardous waste, such as used oils, solvents and other construction waste, which will be required to be disposed of. However, there is no licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in the region (and in fact this is a problem nationally) and therefore it will be necessary to arrange an appropriate containment or disposal place in agreement with MENR and the regional officials. The EMP allows for the cost of this item and it can be managed by the municipality, as per the agreement with Amelioration JSC. Parts of the existing water supply and sanitation network may have been constructed using asbestos containing material (ACM), which will require careful handling during its removal. Measures compliant to good health and safety practice will need to be employed, including appropriate PPE for workers, dampening down of any material that may be abraded or otherwise generate potentially inhalable dust particles and appropriate containment prior to its storage at an approved/agreed secure facility. A construction yard needs to be created, for laydown of plant and material, maintenance of machinery and prefabrication of infrastructure components. All construction sites will be managed as follows: 104 / 148  Boundaries of construction sites will be marked beforehand and signs will be erected warning people not to enter or dump garbage;  Metal wastes will be collected and taken to metal processing companies;  Construction debris (sand, soil, rocks) will be re-used as an additional material for filling deep trenches when needed and where suitable. If not needed, they will be taken to city dumping-grounds, as agreed with local environmental/planning authorities;  Removed asphalt debris will be taken to bitumen factories for recycling, egg at the asphalt plant  Speed limits will be set for all trucks operating within the town; this will be important for those transporting waste. Operational phase No adverse effects are anticipated as a result of normal operations, as the wastewater will be treated to EU standards prior to its discharge, which is a distinct improvement from the current situation, which sees no functioning wastewater treatment. Discussions are ongoing regarding the treatment of the final effluent, as under the Soviet system, chlorination of effluent (for disinfection) was the norm. However, disinfection is not the norm in Europe and in fact the addition of chlorine is a biological hazard to the aquatic ecosystems to which the effluent will be discharged. It would be preferable to use ultraviolet (UV) radiation or rely on natural exposure to UV to reduce bacteria loadings in the final effluent. The recommendation to use UV has been made strongly in this EIA and also in discussions with Amelioration JSC, who are very supportive of this approach and the intention is to implement this. AIR QUALITY Construction phase It will be the responsibility of the construction management to schedule construction activities and to apply best practices for dust control, to minimize occurrences of excessive dust concentrations in sensitive neighboring areas and at the worksite. It will be the responsibility of the construction management to apply best practices for reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, wherever feasible. Aspects such as a reduction of idle driving, selection of new equipment where possible and maintenance of all machinery and engines should be encouraged. Operational phase Adverse air quality effects are not predicted during operation, due to the nature of the project. All machinery will either be new and/or will be maintained according to the manufacturer’s service programme. Furthermore, significant noxious odors are only typically generated from a WWTP in the vicinity of pumping operations, where an aerosol effect is produced or when sewage has gone septic due to operational problems. All the main potential locations where noxious odour could be generated will be housed and 105 / 148 ventilated. In addition, there are no sensitive receptors nearby to the operating facility, which is located at the edge of town well away from residential areas. NOISE Construction phase The nature and extent of the works, particularly those involving replacement of the water distribution system will result in noise and disturbance to local residents. Amelioration JSC will ensure that the contractor minimizes disruption and noise, by inter alia, liaising with residents. It must also be noted that the residents are supportive of the project, as it will result in provision of a reliable, constant water supply and will therefore generally be tolerant of disruption to some extent. According to the Azerbaijan standards allowable noise level should be 65 dBA in daytime; and 45 dBA at night-time, which is close to the international standards. Mitigation There are three ways to reduce noise emissions: mitigation at the source, mitigation along the path and mitigation at the receptor. The following examples of construction noise mitigation methods could be considered during planning of the works and are expected to be a source of guidance to the contractors. In many cases, the magnitude of the dB reduction can first be ascertained when construction work has begun and measurements can be made. Source controls In general, source controls are the most effective method of mitigating noise. The impact of a noise source is reduced before it emits offensive noise levels. Operational phase Negligible operational noise is anticipated, as the pumping stations will be housed within buildings and the new WWTP is situated far away from residential housing in a fenced compound and is designed to emit limited noise. ECOLOGY AND PROTECTED AREAS Construction phase The main potential effects on ecology are associated with water intake; the associated access road upgrade; construction of the new pipeline route water supply to the town; construction of the new reservoirs themselves; and construction of the interceptor and new WWTP The off take and reservoir construction work will have to be carefully designed during the detailed design phase to avoid damage to the riparian habitat. 106 / 148 The widening of the access road may affect habitats associated, however nothing particularly rare or unusual is anticipated due to the disturbed nature of the general location, which was until recent years well populated and farmed by some crops. The work will need to be undertaken carefully, with good planning (in the detailed design stage) to conserve topsoil; reduce encroachment and damage to features such as tree roots; avoid water pollution; avoid erosion and soil or material run-off; and ensure good reinstatement. Full adherence to good site practice should be ensured, as well as storage and handling of fuels and oils to avoid contamination. Protected areas There are no protected areas potentially affected by the project, although to the north- east of Agsu rayon Pirqulu State reserve exists (see Figure 8.1). Figure 8.1. Protected area map Operational phase The receiving watercourses and ground waters currently adversely affected by polluting untreated wastewaters will be expected to improve considerably and can be expected to see improvements as nutrient and bacteria levels significantly reduce. 107 / 148 SURFACE AND GROUND WATER Construction phase Many of the risks to surface and groundwater are similar to those already covered under the soils section above and are therefore not repeated here. Due to the nature of the works there is the potential for spillage of wastewater to ground or watercourse, which is generally poorly treated or untreated and could also lead to the spread of disease to workers or local residents. In addition, the wastewater from existing pipelines and sumps will require to be purged. Likely options are to either empty the wastewater into temporary excavated pits and then remove the material by suction into septic tanks on sewer trucks or continue to use soakaways until connections to the sewer area made. Mitigation Fuel and oil storage Fuel and oil storage tanks will not be located within 50m of any watercourse, well or dry river bed. Certain plant and equipment may be required to be maintained in a position closer than 50m from the water course (and are not able to be relocated just for refuelling) and therefore special measures will be implemented to avoid spillage of fuels and oils, such as deployment of spill-retaining materials, mobile drip trays and the like ad specific training given to operators in this regard. Areas for road tanker parking and delivery shall be hard surfaced (concrete) and drained to an interceptor. Discharge of rainwater and waste from these areas will be via a treatment system designed to meet the water discharge standards. At each site where diesel is delivered and stored, spillage equipment shall be installed to contain any spillage during loading. Specific drainage requirements, which include oil interceptors, will be put in place at facilities where diesel is stored and used. All fuel storage areas will be securely fenced and locked to prevent unauthorized access. Only Refuelling Operators will be allowed to dispense fuel as set out below. All fuel storage areas will be equipped with an adequate supply of spill containment materials. Exceptions to the above are to be made for smaller fuel equipment. Generators will be self-bunded and will have an integral fuel tank. Refuelling will be undertaken as per the procedures below. Refuelling will be carried out by the nominated Refuelling Operators who will be specifically trained in the relevant procedures. Upon arriving at the refuelling areas, the Refuelling Operators will dispense the required fuel. Drip Trays The use of integral drip trays for generators, tanks and other fixed plant will be will be encouraged throughout the project. Individual drip trays will be necessary for temporary secondary containment of materials. 108 / 148 Storage and Use of Chemicals All chemicals will be stored in designated, locked storage areas, taking care to ensure segregation of potentially reactive substance (e.g. flammables should not be stored with toxic substances). These areas will have an enclosed drainage system/bund to avoid contamination. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be provided for all substances and used in project health and safety assessments. Efforts will be made to avoid and minimise the use of hazardous chemicals during construction where possible. Operational phase The average flow rate in Baku 1 and Baku 2 canals is 4000l/s. With water intake to be 64.6 l/s, no adverse impact is envisaged on the operation of the canals, other users and the original water source (Shollar springs). An improved situation in the receiving watercourses and adjacent wetlands currently adversely affected by polluting untreated wastewaters is expected. Groundwater impacts The water resources in the project area include groundwater, which can be expected to benefit from the reduction in discharge of untreated wastewater. SOCIAL – CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT Construction phase The main effects on the local community during construction are associated with the considerable disruption that the works will have within the town through excavation of defunct infrastructure and installation of new water mains and sewer pipes in the roads and connection of water supply pipes and water meters to individual properties. The proximity of the works to residents also raises the issue of health and safety, as well as traffic disruption and interference with access to houses, work places and public buildings such as hospitals and schools. There may be land acquisition issues associated with construction of the service reservoirs and the connecting pipelines, as the infrastructure may cross parcels of privately owned land. Potential land issues may arise due to permanent restrictions on land use above any buried pipeline or due to temporary occupation of land during construction. These aspects will all be considered during the detailed design and the contractor will be made fully aware of the RPF and RAP policies. The RAP will be developed by Amelioration JSC once the details of the resettlement aspects are known. 109 / 148 Mitigation Safety at the work site, both for workers and residents has been discussed at length with Amelioration JSC, who will ensure that contractors develop and implement safe working practices. The construction contractor will train its personnel on safety, environment and quality control, as well as implementation of all the safety rules. Works will be guided by existing laws, sanitary rules and Amelioration JSC work manuals. The following measures will be taken to protect the health of personnel working in polluted areas:  Health and safety training will be conducted as part of project induction for all workers;  All personnel will be supplied with special coveralls and the minimum PPE;  Personnel working in excavation of polluted soils and collection, loading, transportation and disposal of sewage waters will be supplied with protective safety glasses, gloves, long rubber boots and dust masks;  Mobile shower cabins will be set up for personnel;  Personnel will pass regular medical check-ups.  Use of asbestos and other dangerous substances is not planned. As referenced earlier, impacts on people and their economic activity, public transport and agricultural activities during construction phase are possible. Construction sites will be divided into sections, works will be planned according to a schedule prepared beforehand and people and organizations will be notified ahead of time. Borders of construction sites will be marked, safety boards will be placed, signs regulating movement of pedestrians and traffic will be erected. Furthermore, discussions have been held with Amelioration JSC regarding the need to keep residents informed of planned activities, but also to be receptive to their requirements. Thus contractors will be required to develop a traffic management plan in consultation with Amelioration JSC and the municipality and to discuss this at a public meeting prior to start of the works. This should ensure that disruption of residents is minimized and works are co-ordinated to limit impeded access. Work with asbestos The International Labor Organization (ILO) established an Asbestos Convention (C162) in 1986 to promote national laws and regulations for the “prevention and control of, and protection of workers against, health hazards due to occupational exposure to asbestos. The convention outlines aspects of best practice: Scope and Definitions, General Principles, Protective and Preventive Measures, Surveillance of the Working Environment, and Workers’ Health. Some of the ILO asbestos convention requirements: 110 / 148  Work clothing to be provided by employers;  Double changing rooms and wash facilities to prevent dust from going home on street clothes;  Training of workers about the health hazards to themselves and their families;  Periodic medical examinations of workers,  Periodic air monitoring of the work environment, with records retained for 30 years;  Development of a work plan prior to demolition work, to protect workers and provide for proper waste disposal; and  Protection from “retaliatory and disciplinary measures” of workers who remove themselves from work that they are justified in believing presents a serious danger to health. 8.1 Implementation of Mitigation Measures This section of the report further elaborates on the mitigation measures to address the potential negative environmental impacts. The impacts, proposed measures and institutional responsibilities are summarized and tabulated in the environmental management plan (EMP) in Table8.2. It outlines the management mechanisms (i.e. working arrangements) for how the environmental and social elements of the project will be managed from detailed design and construction through operation. The EMP contains environmental requirements which are required for the successful implementation of mitigation measures, environmental monitoring, emergency measures and environmental auditing to be carried out during the construction works on the site. The implementation of mitigation measures and emergency measures shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor will ensure compliance with all environmental legislation, regulations and conventions. The responsibility for environmental monitoring lies with the Amelioration JSC and the World Bank. 111 / 148 Table 8.4 Potential Main Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component Dust, gases/aerosol Dust prevention by watering and other Provision of water: $10,000 associated with means; Contractor Supervisor/ construction (toxic gasses Transportation of grainy or dusty materials No cost for other measures Amelioration JSC discharged by in the top-coated trucks; provided they are integrated construction machineries, Watering of dust sources; into normal operating wind blown construction Transportation of dust producing materials procedures materials etc.) during calm days (not in the windy days); Avoid making open fires; Air quality Avoid setting fire on residue grease, isolation materials, and other substances; Efficient use of machinery and other technologies; Application of adequate construction Constructi methodologies and facilities; on Careful implementation of works in vulnerable areas. Waste pollution, Protection of the surroundings of the Provision of materials and especially wastes caused construction site; cover to prevent landslide Contractor Supervisor/ by construction and Limited works in the vulnerable zones; risks: $10,000 Amelioration JSC domestic activities; Identify adequate areas to store residue Material storage, civil materials, and transportation of all Traffic management works and other impacts; construction related effluent materials into signage: $5,000 Earth Landfill of wastes and the predetermined site; other materials; Control of erosion process; No cost for other measures Impacts of excavation Provide earth stabilization/green cover over provided they are integrated works; vertical points and slopes to minimize land into normal operating Possibility of erosion; slide risks; procedures Wastewater. Prevent discharge of excavated material to 112 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component the river beds or lakes; Avoid unwanted traffic blockage, collect excavated spoil material and discharge somewhere close to the construction site; Discharge wastewater flows to the closest sewage line, installation of toilets and septic tanks. Damage to the topsoil Adequate design works and selection of Proper storage of toxic resulting from material proper route to minimize impact on the materials/effluents: $12,500 Contractor Supervisor/ storage, excavation topsoil; Amelioration JSC works, temporary roads Usage of excavated soil material for the Measures against landslides etc. agriculture purposes; addressed above Loss of topsoil during Cut, store and restore topsoil where possible excavation; after the completion of the construction No cost for other measures Flushing of topsoil and works; provided they are integrated soil erosion due to Discharge of materials to the predetermined into normal operating polluted water streams; areas by secondary routs; procedures. Topsoil Measures against land slides Storage of toxic materials and effluents in the safe and predetermined areas, its provision with drainage waters, and processing where necessary; Standards applied, including soil erosion prevention by good soil practice and drainage control. Good soil conservation measures and effective reins to prevent future erosion and soil loss. 113 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component Pollution of surface and No cost for identified groundwater sources due Avoid discharge of harmful chemical measures provided they are Contractor Supervisor/ to domestic and substances into sewage lines or ground integrated into normal Amelioration JSC construction effluents, surface; operating procedures including harmful Design and operation of natural drainage residues, leakage of fuel and consideration for alternative directions; and other oil related Discharge wastewater flows to the closest products; sewage line, installation of toilets and septic Blockage of surface and tanks. Water groundwater filtration and Required standards applied, including safe resources creation of stagnant water removal of wastewater during renovation and waste accumulations. works, use of appropriate equipment by waters Connected with project workers and ongoing liaison with residents connected with project and fencing off contaminated areas. problems of water scarcity in low flow Balanced use of water sources to avoid periods of the year and significant pressure on them in low flow also those connected with period and also eliminate water shortage the increase of water problems for all users. supply problem for other users which use the same sources Disturbance due to noise Use of adequate construction materials and No cost for identified generated from equipment; measures provided they are Contractor Supervisor/ construction works and Adherence to predetermined work schedule integrated into normal Amelioration JSC intensive traffic to minimize disturbance and operating procedures Constructi implementation of noise generating works Noise on during normal work hours; Minimum use of noise generating equipment (example, stone cutters, compressors); Minimize traffic during dark hours, and use 114 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component of silencers. Disturbance of the natural Adequate storage, processing or liquidation No cost for identified habitat due to of wastes; measures provided they are Contractor Supervisor/ construction related noise, Application of relevant construction and integrated into normal Amelioration JSC dust, non-seasonal works, seasonal work methodologies; operating procedures Natural unprocessed residues and Protection of vulnerable areas located close habitat etc. to the construction site. Loss of natural settlement areas due to construction works. Earthworks, operation of Adequate storage, processing or liquidation Storage, processing, machines, noise and etc.; of wastes; liquidation of wastes Contractor Supervisor/ Losses or degradations Protection of vulnerable areas located close addressed above Amelioration JSC Flora and during and after to the construction site; fauna construction works, non- Application of seasonal work No cost for other measures seasonal works, change of methodologies where necessary. provided they are integrated ecological situation etc. into normal operating procedures. Impact of works on Careful design and location of works; Restoration/planting of landscape and disturbance Restoration of damaged trees, protection greenery: $50,000 Contractor Supervisor/ to natural sights, lines and etc.; Amelioration JSC Aesthetics greenness and trees; Planting of greenery in the construction site, No cost for remaining and Noise, dust, residue and careful implementation of works in the measures provided they are landscape etc. during and after work sites, and management of wastes. integrated into normal Constructi construction. operating procedures. on Damage to agricultural Liaise effectively with relevant lands, including drainage organizations and residents before start of No cost for identified Contractor Supervisor/ Agriculture and irrigation construction, maintain dialogue, develop a measures provided they are Amelioration JSC infrastructure. grievance procedure, strictly control integrated into normal machinery and vehicle access and reinstate operating procedures. 115 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component all affected areas Livestock resources Liaise effectively with farmers and damaged by machinery residents before start of construction, No cost for identified Contractor Supervisor/ and vehicles. maintain dialogue, develop a grievance measures provided they are Amelioration JSC Livestock procedure, strictly control machinery and integrated into normal vehicle access and reinstate all affected operating procedures. areas Health risks from Planning of measures dealing with security Trainings: $25,000 unprocessed wastes; and environmental protection issues; Contractor Supervisor/ Use of harmful substances Adherence to project standards, good No cost for identified Amelioration JSC (paints with heavy metal, signage, ongoing consultation with measures provided they are lead compositions), residents, including schools. All workers to integrated into normal Health and asbestos- cement slabs, use appropriate PPE and be trained at operating procedures. safety of inflammable and toxic project induction. Safety fencing provided. residents materials etc.). Organization and implementation of and workers security and safety related trainings; Construction of warehouse Management of materials in accordance for temporal stirage of with the relevant ecological and sanitary- hazardpus wastes: $50,000 hygiene norms; Identification of dangerous sites, proper storage/liquidation of waste materials. Damage to areas of There are no areas of historic/cultural value No cost for identified Areas of historical and cultural to be affected by project. But if it appears measures provided they are Contractor Supervisor/ historical value located in the relevant measures need to be takenş integrated into normal Amelioration JSC and project area Staff awareness; operating procedures cultural Inform adequate organizations in case of value archeological findings; Temporary termination of works. Resettleme Loss of property, land and There no need for resettlement. Costs for resettlement (if nt damage to living areas of For areas where lands used for agricultural any) to be negotiated by Contractor Supervisor/ Land population crop production relevant plans need to be project owner in Amelioration JSC 116 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component acquisition prepared, which includes provision of accordance with relevant replacement lands or compensation for lost legislation, contractual access to plots of arable land and lost fruit agreement or other or nut trees. documents. Quality of treated water Operation supervision of treatment facilities No cost for identified in due accordance with the operation measures provided they are Contractor Supervisor/ guidelines; integrated into normal Amelioration JSC Quality control of water flows entering the operating procedures system; Risks to Avoid pollution of treated waters with the human wastewater flows; health and Avoid over-chlorination of water flows Operatio environmen supplied to the consumers. ns t Breakages and emergency There is need to develop scheduled Training cost identified (potable situations preventative maintenance below Contractor Supervisor/ water Training of staff on safety and human No cost for remaining Amelioration JSC systems) security issues; measures provided they are Measures to avoid leakage of chlorine gas. integrated into normal operating procedures Reduction of treated Prevent illegal connections to the system; No cost for remaining water quantities Proper operation of the system including measures provided they are Contractor Supervisor/ Social- water treatment, pipelines, connection lines integrated into normal Amelioration JSC economical and etc. operating procedure Ensure an affordable tariff structure and proper collection of fees. Quality of wastewater and Constant monitoring of wastewater flows Monitoring of downstream its impacts on human coming out of the wastewater treatment environmental quality: Contractor Supervisor/ Operatio Risks to health and environment plant; $12,500 one time every 2 Amelioration JSC ns human Discharge of wastewater into the years for 20 years (sewage health and environment only after adequate treatment; and environmen Training of operation staff for their No cost for remaining wastewat tal impacts qualification raising; measures provided they are 117 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component er) Monitoring of downstream habitats to integrated into normal evaluate the extent to which they return to operating procedures their previously unpolluted state. Quality of sediments in Adequate processing of sludge; Monitoring of sludge the treatment structures Monitoring of nematodes, coliforms and quality: $10,000/year Contractor Supervisor/ (sludge), risks due to heavy metals in the composition of output Transportation of sludge Amelioration JSC agricultural consumption sludge; $10,000/year of these wastes. Transportation of sludge in the closed containers; Training cost identified Training of operation staff for their below qualification raising. Training In application of sludge, and monitoring of sludge application Smell generations in the Planning and management of smell Odour masking agents: wastewater treatment mitigation; $US 5,000/year Contractor Supervisor/ structure; Tight shutting of smell producing Amelioration JSC equipment and containers. No cost for remaining measures provided they are integrated into normal operating procedures Risks to human health Use of authorized sites for non-hazardous Training: $25,000 in first Safe storage waste disposal; support and arrangements year; $5,000/year in each Contractor Supervisor/ Operation of for setting facilities for hazardous waste following year Amelioration JSC s hazardous safe storage (potable and non- No cost for identified water, hazardous measures provided they are sewage wastes integrated into normal and operating procedures wastewate Risks to health of Training of staff on safety and human r) Human residents and workers and security issues; Contractor Supervisor/ health to the environment Training of staff on sanitary and hygiene Amelioration JSC rules to prevent infections from wastewater 118 / 148 Environ- Estimated Cost Of Impact Responsibility Monitoring ment Or Mitigation Measures Stage Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation Measures Social Component discharges and sludge residues; Provide staff with adequate protection uniforms and facilities; Measures to prevent emergency situations such as leakage of chlorine gas. Monitoring of drinking water and wastewater quality Note: All mitigation measures identified in this Table should be specified in all bidding documents (Bill of Quantities) and contracts for construction and operation of the project, and should also be including in all manuals or operating procedures that are developed. Based on above measures in total around 200000 USD need to be allocated to implement main mitigation measures. 119 / 148 The Contractor will be contractually required to conform to the requirements specified in the EIA and EMP and will be accountable to Amelioration JSC, as the client, through its Project Implementation Unit (PIU). It is recommended (as agreed with Amelioration JSC) that the project environmental and social safeguard objectives will be achieved if the construction supervision consultant has an environmental expertise and carries out environmental supervision as part of the overall project supervision.. The precise details have not yet been determined, but the consultant will advise and support the PIU in implementation of the EIA standards during construction and into operation. Furthermore, local Bank staff will work with the consultant and the PIU during development of the environmental plans. There are several mechanisms of ensuring delivery during construction of both general and site specific mitigation developed in EIAs. One mechanism favored for the project involves requiring the Contractor to further develop the outline requirements in an EMP by designing individual Management Plans, such as oil and fuel storage, waste management, traffic management and pollution prevention. This approach for each individual scheme will benefit from oversight by the PIU to form a set of environmental requirements applicable to the project as a whole, which will ensure compliance of the work to both national and Bank standards. Such measures will be mandated in the bidding and contract documents, so that an overall good standard of work is achieved. This approach also has benefits of institutional capacity training, as the knowledge and capability of Amelioration JSC will be extended to effective environmental management and as each scheme comes on stream the PIU will benefit from knowledge gained on previous schemes. Main elements of the Specific Management Plans are given in able 8.3 Table 8.3 List of Specific Management Plans Specific Outline of Content Management Plan Waste Management Measures to reduce, handle, separate, store and dispose waste from operations and work sites. Requirements for monitoring, recording, inspection and reporting. Instructions for the storage and handling of various types of hazardous materials. Waste Water Measures to control, collect, treat or reuse wastewater from various sources to Management avoid pollution. Air Quality Control Measures to reduce and control air emission from various sources. Requirements for monitoring, recording, inspection and reporting. Dust Control Measures to reduce and control dust emissions from roads, work sites and construction activities. Requirements for monitoring, recording, inspection and reporting. 120 / 148 Specific Outline of Content Management Plan Noise and Vibration Measures to reduce and control noise and vibrations generated by plant at all Control work sites and from transport activities. Requirements for monitoring, recording, inspection and reporting. Traffic Management Procedures for minimising disruption to traffic and access, especially for public buildings such as hospitals and schools. Emergency Response Procedures for response to a range of incidents and emergencies. Requirements for monitoring, recording, inspection and reporting. Archaeology and Measures to reduce adverse impacts on cultural heritage during construction. If Cultural Heritage any late finds are made measures must be taken to ensure ‘conservation’ in accordance with legislation. Oil and fuel storage Specification for storage of all oils and fuels (secondary containment etc) and and refuelling procedures for refuelling vehicles, plant and equipment so as to ensure environmental protection. Site Inspection Procedures for site inspection and reporting including notification of non- compliance Handling of Procedures for handling of complaints including response to complainer and Complaints and reporting. Grievances Environmental - Project Induction Training - Toolbox talks Training requirements and procedures including target groups, contents of training sessions and verification. Storage and use of Registration, logging of material safety data sheets and risk assessment of hazardous products & materials and chemicals being used in the project. Documentation substances requirements. Reinstatement Plan Plan for topsoil management and removal of all equipment and materials from temporary work sites and reinstatement of areas to a standard at least as good as the pre-construction condition. 8.2. Monitoring Conducting monitoring is the major strategic tool in environmental management and the extent of project monitoring will be dependent on the nature, scale and potential impact of the project activities. Monitoring may require the services of environmental specialists or a company with laboratory and analytical facilities (for complex environmental problems) or inspection by the local government environmental officers. Main elements of the environmental monitoring plan are the following: In construction phase:  Dust monitoring;  Noise monitoring;  Solid wastes monitoring;  Waste waters monitoring;  Soil monitoring. 121 / 148 In utilization phase:  Monitoring of water volume in water sources and water storages;  Monitoring of microbiological and chemical composition of water distributed to people, comparison to water standards;  Monitoring of pollution level of sewage;  Monitoring of waste waters after purification;  Monitoring of depositions settled in water cleaning plants;  Monitoring of cleaned sewage in the place where it joins to sewage collector;  Monitoring of soil where depositions generated in water cleaning plants will be used as fertilizers. Monitoring of all activities during the construction period will be under the responsibility of the Contractor, whose environmental performance will be controlled by the Amelioration JSC (PIU and Environmental Specialist) and supervision consultant appointed by PIU. The Contractor will prepare Specific Management Plans (see Table 8.3 above)_ addressing all aspects of the EMP, and will establish a team for the monitoring activities(Table 8.3). The Contractor will be responsible for the compliance of the constructions with the national norms and standards. Monitoring of construction activities will have to ensure that mitigation measures of construction impacts are being implemented properly. The Contractor’s Environmental Team will be subject to the government inspections(MENR, MoH) from time to time. The PIU may involve an individual auditing company to conduct additional environmental monitoring of the Contractor’s performance. The construction supervision consultant should have an environmental expert who will provide environmental monitoring of construction work and report to PIU. Based on the inputs from supervision consultant and auditing company the PIU should handle raised environmental issues and regularly report to the World Bank as part of overall project progress reporting The Environmental Monitoring Plan (see Table 8.4 below) has been prepared based on the initial monitoring plan developed as part of the Feasibility Study. 122 / 148 Table 8.4. Environmental Monitoring Plan Frequency of Cost Item Element Location Type of monitoring Purpose of monitoring monitoring During periodic site 2500 USD visits to be carried on To ensure adherence to daily basis by In the Visual monitoring environmental protection contractor and by Dust construction requirements monitor appointed in sites the contract Relevance to standards and 2500 USD Project site and surrounding area Each month rules Visual monitoring 2500 USD Wastewater flows In the To ensure adherence to During monthly site generated in the construction environmental protection visits construction sites sites requirements 2500 USD In the To ensure adherence to Construction Collection of solid During periodic site construction Visual monitoring environmental protection repair works wastes visits sites requirements To ensure adherence to 2500 USD Utilization of solid Abandoned During periodic site Visual monitoring environmental protection wastes areas visits requirements Use of dangerous 2500 USD materials h (paints with heavy metals, In the lead compositions, To ensure adherence to construction Visual monitoring and study of asbestos-cement Each month environmental protection sites with right documentation slabs, pipes, requirements documentation inflammable and toxic substances etc.) 123 / 148 In the 2500 USD Protective To ensure adherence to construction measures in the Visual monitoring Each month environmental protection sites with right construction site and safety requirements documentation In the To ensure adherence to 2500 USD Protection of construction Visual monitoring Each month environmental protection nature sites requirements Earth restoration In the To ensure adherence to 2500 USD At completion of after excavation construction Visual monitoring environmental protection construction works works sites requirements 2500 USD Noise & vibrations Project To ensure adherence to During periodic site resulting from area/close to Portative noise metering device environmental protection visits, on daily basis equipment work settlements requirements Traffic operation 2500 USD /movement In the visual monitoring of machinery and To ensure adherence to During periodic site construction b) trucks carrying construction environmental protection visits sites materials requirements In the 1000 USD During periodic site To ensure adherence to Reduced access construction visual monitoring visits on daily basis requirements sites Vehicle and 2500 USD pedestrian safety In the On daily basis during To ensure adherence to when there is no construction visual monitoring by supervisor nonworking hours requirements construction sites activity To ensure adherence to 1000 USD Utilization of solid Abandoned Visual Periodic visits environmental protection wastes areas requirements Operation Inlet to 6000 USD Each Quality of treated Measuring (pH, turbidity, In accordance with the Relevance to standards and treatment year potable water suspended solids, bacteria) schedule norms structure 124 / 148 Measuring (physical-chemical and 6000 USD Adequacy of Outlet to bacteriological, including heavy In accordance with the Relevance to potable water treated potable treatment metals and pesticides on permanent schedule standards water to standards structure basis) Outlet to 6000 USD each Quality of treated Measuring (physical-chemical and In accordance with the Relevance to standards and treatment year wastewater bacteriological analyses) schedule norms structure Water quality 6000 USD (visual, water At up and downstream points of To ensure adherence to smell, water discharge and water discharge Each month environmental protection bacteriological, areas (basins) requirements chemical) Monitoring of nemotodes, Relevance to FAO Quality of sludge coliforms and Physical, chemical and After sludge requirements for 6000 USD (sediments) heavy metals of bacteriological analyses processing neutralization or reuse for sludge agricultural purposes composition 1 125 / 148 8.3. Capacity Assessment for the Envioronmental Management of the Project There is a Department on Control of Protection and Use of Water Resources in the Amelioration JSC, consisting of 5 staff trained under several international initiatives and programs (e.g. ADB Flood Mitigation Project). The main functions of this department include also control of compliance with water quality and quantity requirements during the abstraction and use of water resources for different purposes.. The PIU for this project has a full-time Environmental Specialist who has obtained significant experience under the Irrigation and Drainage Project financed by the World Bank. In order to further strengthen the capacity of the PIU and the Amelioration JSC (including its local departments), the project will provide resources for specifically targeted training sessions to cover aspects of environmental management for both construction and operational phases of water projects. Also, the project will involve international consultancy services to supervise the construction works, which will include environmental supervision expertise. LIST OF REFERENCES 1. Verdiyev R. H. Water resources of the East Caucasus rivers, under the climate changes. Baku 2002, Elm, p. 224. 2. Potable water. Hygienic requirements to quality of water of the centralized systems of potable water supply. Sanitary- drinking norms. M. 1996- p.111. 3. Rustamov S.G., Kashkay R.M. Water resources of the rivers Azerbaijan SSR, Baku, Elm 1989, p. 180. 4. Project of UNDP/SİDA: Reducing trans-boundary degradation of the Kura-Aras river basin. Institutional aspects of water sector of South Caucasus countries, Tbilisi 2005. 5. Project of UNDP/SİDA: Reducing trans-boundary degradation of the Kura-Aras River Basin. An estimation of Legislative needs for reducing of degradation of the Kura-Aras River Basin, Tbilisi 2005. 6. Farda İmanov, Rafig Verdiyev. Protection of the small rivers of flowing into the Caspian Sea with participation of public, Baku 2006, 108 p , Adilogli editorial office. 7. Gauff and Temelsu JV Int. Eng. Ser. Inc. Joint Venture. Feasibility Studies of Water Supply and Wastewater Investments in 16 Rayons. Agsu. August 2010, Baku, Azerbaijan 8. www.eco.gov.az 9. www.worldbank.org 10. www.azersu.az 11. www.ec.europa.eu 126 / 148 ANNEXES: ANNEX I. Project Area in Agsu region 127 / 148 ANNEX II Existing Water supply In Agsu region 128 / 148 ANNEX III. Existing Sewer Syastem inAgsu region 129 / 148 ANNEX IV Proposed Water sypply system options in Agsu region 130 / 148 ANNEX V. Pressure zones 131 / 148 ANNEX VI. DRINKING WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS Drinking water treatment requirements should determined according to the quality of raw water from the different sources. EU Council Directive 75/440/EEC describes the quality required for surface water which is intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the EU Member States: The surface water is divided into 3 categories (A1, A2, A3) according to limiting values: Category A1: Simple physical treatment and disinfection, e. g. rapid filtration and disinfection Category A2: Normal physical treatment, chemical treatment and disinfection, e. g. pre-chlorination, coagulation, flocculation, decantation, filtration, disinfection (final chlorination) Category A3: Intensive physical and chemical treatment, extended treatment and disinfection, e. g. chlorination to break-point, coagulation, flocculation, decantation, filtration, adsorption (activated carbon), disinfection (ozone, final chlorination) In the summary project FS document proposes to consider the values according to EU Directive 75/440/EEC as criterion for this Project. It has to be emphasized that treated water quality must meet the limiting values set in “EU Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption”. Parametric values are divided in A) Microbiological Parameters B) Chemical Parameters C) Indicator Parameters The parameters and the limiting values are listed in Annex I to Council Directive 98/83/EC. Relevant water qualiity standards in Azerbaijan are given in below Table. Table A. Water qiality standards in Azerbaijan INDICATOR Standards pH 6,0-9,0 Turbidity 1.5 mg/l Microorganism (Colonies are formed in 1 ml test water) <100 Coliform bacteria (coliform index), intestinal bacteria formed in 1 litre of test <3 water Nitrates (N03) 45 mg/l Nitrites (N02) 3 mg/l Chlorides 350 mg/l Phosphates 1.0 mg/l Sulfates (S04) 500 mg/l Total hardness 7 mmol/1 Remained chlorine 0.3-0.5 Al 0.5 mg/l 132 / 148 As 0.05 mg/l Fe 0. 3 mg/l Ni 0.1 mg/l Cr (Cr6+) 0.05 mg/l Cu (Cr2+) 1 mg/l Zn 5 mg/l Cd 0.001 mg/l Pb 0.03 mg/l Hg 0.0005 mg/l 133 / 148 ANNEX VII. WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS RESULTS OF AGSU TEST RESULTS ORGANOLEPTIC PARAMETERS Odour Taste Suspended Turbidity qualitative qualitative Sediment Dilution Lab N Sample ID TON NTU mg/l number 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay 1 1 148 98 MDL ND ND 1 1 RSD(%) ND ND 5 5 no no no EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) abnormal abnormal abnormal ND change change change WHO's drinking water standards 1993 ND ND ND ND US EPA 3 3 4 ND ГОСТ 2874-82 2 2 ND 1.5 TON- threshold odor number MDL- Method Detection Limit RSD(%)- Reliative Standard Deviation in % of measured value EU98- Drinking water quality standards- Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intented for human consumption. Adopted on 3 November 1998 WHO- World Helthy Organization USEPA- United States Environmental Pollution Agency GOST- Formet Soviet Union Standardization Agency ND- not determined 134 / 148 SENSORIC & PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS Redox- pH Dissolved Water Conductivity, Total Color Potential, value, Oxygen, Hardness Bromine temperature* 25°C Alkalinity 25°C 25°C O2 Lab N Project ID °C mg/l Pt/Co uS/cm mV mg/l mgCaCO3/l mgCaCO3/l mg/l 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay 20 <5 657 198 7.72 9.26 260 130 <0.02 MDL ND 5 10 10 ND ND 10 10 0.05 RSD(%) ND ND 5.0 5.0 ND ND 5.0 5.0 5.0 no EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) ND abnormal 2500 ND 6.5÷9.5 ND ND ND ND change WHO's drinking water standards 1993 ND ND 2500 ND 6.5÷8.5 ND ND ND ND US EPA ND 15 ND ND 6.5÷8.5 ND ND ND ND ГОСТ 2874-82 ND 20 ND ND 6.0÷9.0 ND 7 mol/m3 ND ND *Measured during sampling; ND- not determined 135 / 148 ANIONS Chloride, Sulphate, Bicarbonate Nitrite, Nitrate, Fluoride, Cyanides, Cl SO4 HCO3 NO2 NO3 F CN- Lab N Project ID mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay 23 180 159 0.0012 2.8 0.3 0.004 MDL 0.5 0.5 10 0.002 0.1 0.02 0.002 RSD (%) 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) 250 250 ND 0.5 50 1.5 0.05 WHO's drinking water standards 1993 250 500 ND ND 50 1.5 0.07 US EPA 250 250 ND 1 10 4.0 0.2 ГОСТ 2874-82 350 500 ND ND 45 0.7 ND 136 / 148 CATIONS Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium. Ammonium, Boron, Na K Ca Mg NH4 B Lab N Project ID mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay 39.4 3.61 61 24 0.03 0.26 MDL 0.001 0.01 0.01 0.001 0.02 0.2 RSD(%) 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.7 5.0 5.0 EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) 200 ND ND ND 0.5 1.0 WHO's drinking water standards 1993 200 ND ND ND ND ND US EPA 200 ND ND ND ND ND GOST ND ND ND ND ND ND 137 / 148 RADIONUCLIDES Total Radium Radium Lead 210 Tritium indicative 226 228 dose Lab N Project ID Bq/l Bq/l Bq/l Bq/l mSv/year 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay <0.41 <0.29 <2.7 <1 0.1 EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) ND ND ND 100 0.1 WHO's drinking water standards 1993 ND ND ND ND ND US EPA 180 ND ND ND ГОСТ 2874-82 ND ND ND ND ND 138 / 148 HEAVY METALS Iron, Aluminium, Arsenic, Chromium Nickel, Selenium, Mercury, Antimony, Manganese, Copper, Cadmium, Lead, Fe Al As Cr Ni Se Hg Sb Mn (total) Cu Cd Pb (total) Lab N Project ID ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l ug/l Agsu, 11679 29.5 0.23 0.077 0.73 1.50 <0.2 0.19 3850 174 0.42 <0.01 <0.01 Girdimanchay MDL 0.3 0.01 0.01 0.04 0.5 0.2 0.01 0.3 0.3 0.03 0.01 0.01 RSD(%) 6.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 <5.0 5.0 1.2 2.5 4.0 <5.0 5.0 EU98 (Council 200 10 50 20 10 1 5 200 50 2000 5 10 Directive 98/83/EC) WHO's drinking water 200 10 50 20 10 1 5 300 500 2000 3 10 standards 1993 US EPA 50 10 100 100 50 2 6 300 50 1300 5 15 ГОСТ 2874-82 500 50 500 100 10 1 ND 300 100 1000 1 30 139 / 148 TOTAL ORGANICS CHARACTERIZATION Total organic Permanganate carbon (TOC) index, O2 Lab N Project ID mg/l mg/l 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay 11 0.9 MDL 0.3 0.4 RSD(%) 5.0 5 EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) ND 5 WHO's drinking water standards 1993 ND ND US EPA ND ND ГОСТ 2874-82 ND ND 140 / 148 MICROBIOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION Colony Colony Escheria Coliform Pseudomonas Clostridium Enterococci count @ count @ coli pathogens aeruginosa perfringens 22° 36°C Lab N Project ID c/100 ml c/100 ml c/100 ml c/100 ml c/100 ml c/1 ml c/1 ml 11679 Agsu, Girdimanchay 14 40 6 0 0 1500 1000 MDL 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 RSD NA NA NA NA NA NA NA EU98 (Council Directive 98/83/EC) 0/250 ml 0/100 ml 0/250 ml 0/250 ml 0/100 100/ml 20/ml WHO's drinking water standards 1993 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ГОСТ 2874-82 0 3 ND ND ND 100 ND Not found- Non detected bacterias during test; NA- Not Applicable 141 / 148 CONCLUSIONS As results of fulfilled study program, following conclusions about water quality could be derived for studied samples: Organoleptic parameters: Whenever concentration of turbidity and suspended solids have been considered the sample doesn’t comply with USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking water quality standards and EPA criteria. Sensoric & Physical-chemical Sample complies with both USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking parameters: water quality standards as well as EU, WHO and EPA criteria. Anions and Cations content: Sample comply of both USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking water quality standards as well as EU, WHO criteria. But only nitrate content in all 3 samples were above US EPA criteria. Radionuclides: Sample comply of both USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking water quality standards as well as EU, WHO and EPA criteria. Heavy metals: Whenever iron and manganese concentrations considered the sample doesn’t comply with both USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking water quality standards as well as EU, WHO and EPA criteria. Total organics: Sample comply of both USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking water quality standards as well as EU, WHO and EPA criteria. Microbiology communities: Whenever high concentrations of microbiological parameters considered the sample doesn’t comply with both USSR ГОСТ 2874-82 drinking water quality standards as well as EU, WHO and EPA criteria. Hazardous organics: These tests were not applied for this sample, because absence of oil hydrocarbons or pesticide pollution and plactic pipes are not using in current system. 142 / 148 ANNEX VIII . Characteristics of Surface Water Intended for the Abstraction of Drinking Water Parameters Unit A1 A2 A3 pH 6.5 – 8.5 5.5 – 9.0 5.5 – 9.0 Coloration (after simple filtration) mg/l Pt scale 20 100 200 Total suspended solids (SS) mg/l 25 (G) Temperature °C 25 25 25 Conductivity at 20 °C μs/cm-1 1000 (G) 1000 (G) 1000 (G) Dilution factor 3 (G) 20 (G) 20 (G) Odour at 25 °C Nitrates (NO3) mg/l 50 50 50 Fluorides (F) mg/l 1.5 Dissiolved Iron (Fe) mg/l 0.3 2 Manganese (Mn) mg/l 0.05 (G) 0.1 (G) 1 (G) Copper (Cu) mg/l 0.05 0.05 (G) Zinc (Zn) mg/l 3 5 5 Boron (B) mg/l 1 (G) 1 (G) 1 (G) Arsenic (As) mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.1 Cadmium (Cd) mg/l 0.005 0.005 0.005 Total Chromium (Cr) mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.05 Lead (Pb) mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.05 Selenium (Se) mg/l 0.01 0.01 0.01 Mercury (Hg) mg/l 0.001 0.001 0.001 Barium (Ba) mg/l 0.1 0.1 0.1 Cyanide mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.05 Sulphates (SO4) mg/l 250 250 250 Chlorides (Cl) mg/l 200 (G) 200 (G) 200 (G) Surfactants (reacting with methyl blue) mg/l 0.2 (G) 0.2 (G) 0.4(G) (laurylsulphate) Phosphates (P2O5) mg/l 0.4 (G) 0.7 (G) 0.7(G) Phenoles (C6 H5OH) mg/l 0.001 0.005 0.1 Dissolved or Emulsified Hydrocarbons mg/l 0.05 0.2 1 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons mg/l 0.0002 0.0002 0.001 Pesticides mg/l 0.001 0.0025 0.005 > 50 (G) > 30 (G) Dissolced Oxiygen Satuaration Rate % O2 > 70 (G) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) mg/l O2 < 3 (G) < 5 (G) < 7 (G) Nitroogen (N) by Kjeldahl Method 1 (G) 2 (G) 3 (G) (Except NO3) mg/l Ammonia (NH4) mg/l 0.05 (G) 1.5 4 Substances Extrahable with Chloroform mg/l SEC 0.1 (G) 0.2 (G) 0.5 (G) Total Coliforms at 37 °C /100 ml 50 (G) 5000 (G) 50000(G) Faecal Coliforms /100 ml 20 (G) 2000 (G) 20000(G) Faecal Streptococci /100 ml 20 (G) 1000 (G) 10000(G) Not present Not present Salmonella in 1000 ml in 1000 ml Note: values marked with “G” shall be respected as guidelines. Depending on the category the following standard methods of treatment for transforming surface water into drinking water are defined: 143 / 148 ANNEX IX TREATED WASTE WATER AND SLUDGE REQUIREMENTS In the proposed FS document it is shown that WWTP should meet the requirements of international standards. As it states the amounts of 50 g BOD5/cap/d, 100 g COD/cap/d , 10.5 g N/cap/d and 70 g/cap/d total suspended substances seems to be consistent with acting standards and those used in other European countries like Germany, Turkey etc. As there is no legislation in Azerbaijan defining the limit effluent values of WWTPs to use international standards for this purposes. The standard for wastewater treatment in the European Union is presented in the Urban Wastewater Directive 91/271/EEC issued on May 21 1991. The EU-Standard differentiates between sensitive and non-sensitive receiving water bodies. Table 6.2 . Effluent Standards acc. EU-Directive 91/271/EEC Parameter (Unit) Sensitive Area Non-Sensitive Area  BOD5  mg/l  25  25  COD  mg/l  125  125  TSS  mg/l  35  35  N,tot  mg/l  15  --  P,tot  mg/l  2  -- The requirements for N and P refer to annual mean values and a minimum wastewater temperature of 12° C. According to the Azerbaijan rules, discharge of wastewaters into water bodies is allowed only after obtaining a permit for "special water-use". The degree to which discharged wastewaters have to be treated (purified) is determined by the Maximum Allowable Discharge (MAD) norms for polluting substances. These norms are normally imposed in order to gradually improve surface water quality and meet the sanitary-hygienic requirements in proximity to water-intake structures. Application of certain methods of use of waste water on irrigated fields depend on preliminary preparation, with consideration of natural conditions and type of cultivated crops. Assessment of waste water quality and its sludge, applied for irrigation and fertilization is conducted in complex way according to agrochemical and sanitary-hygienic and veterinary-sanitary indications. Regulation of indicators of quality of watering water and its sludge is made with consideration of soil- climatic, hydro-geological conditions of territory of specific object, biological specific features of cultivated crops and technology of irrigation. Chemical composition of waste water, used for irrigation is assessed on the basis of activity of hydrogen ion (pH), composition of amount of dissolved salts, availability of main biogenic elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), micro-elements and organic substances. Requirements for quality of wastewater and its sludge Quality of waste water and its sludge, used for irrigation is regulated by chemical, bacteriological and parasitological indications. Admissible concentration of heavy metals in waste water is established depending on irrigation norm, and it is defined in each specific case in accordance with acting requirements to waste water quality and its sludge, used for irrigation and fertilization. Waste water, containing microelements, including heavy metals in quantities not exceeding MAC for economy-potable water use, may be used for irrigation without restrictions. Possibility of use of treated industrial and mixed waste water in at irrigated fields is settled in each specific case by bodies and institutions of state sanitary-epidemiology and veterinary services on base of results of 144 / 148 special researches, directed for learning of degree and character of impact of waste water on soil, cultivated crops, live-stock and cattle breeding production. Requirements concerning sludge from wastewater, applied for fertilization Use of sludge of waste water for fertilization may be admitted after its sterilization by one of methods in accordance with acting Sanitary rules of installation and operation of agricultural fields of irrigation. Before use of sludge at lots for fertilization, agrochemical examination of soil on following parameters is to be conducted: pH, composition of active forms of phosphorus, potassium, heavy metals-lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, mercury, zinc. Examination is made on base of methods, accepted at agrochemical service. As a rule, content of heavy metals in sludge of waste water from enterprises, reprocessing agricultural production is lower, however, nutritive substances are higher, than in sludge from city treatment facilities. With the aim to exclude hazard of pollution of soil, production and environment by heavy metals sludge of waste water purposed for fertilization are to be obligatorily analyzed for checking of heavy metals: lead, cadmium, chrome, copper, nickel, mercury, and zinc. Application of sludge of industrial –domestic waste water, containing heavy metals and composts from them is prohibited, if introduction of these fertilizers will increase level of pollution of soils up to values 0,7-0,8 MACs Quality control of waste water and its sludge, which are applied for irrigation and fertilization Production laboratory control on envisaging of sanitation rules and standards at operation of at irrigated fields includes: • control of effectiveness of operation of plants on preliminary preparation of waste water and its sludge before introduction at agricultural fields; • quality control of underground and surface water, which are in the area of impact at agricultural fields quality control of soil ANNEX X. .The List Of Participants Of Public Consultation Meeting On Agsu Rayon WSS Project Name Work place Connection 1 Igbal Mikayilov 5-35-92 Deputy on socio-economic problems of the head of district execute authority, Head of Rayon Commission on WSS 050 328-04-49 project implementation 2 Xanlar Huseynov Head of the department of architecture and 5-54-23 construction of the head of district execute authority 050 641-65-66 3 Cavan Cavadov Representative on Agsu region of the head 5-22-54 of district authority 050 778-79-44 4 Agil Niftaliyev Chairman of the Agsu municipality 5-50-04 050 518-01-01 5 Alihuseyn Mayilov Head of the office of systems of watering region 5-53-67 050 413-14-15 6 Munis Mammadov Region head of the land department 5-50-68 050 399-82-07 7 Camil Huseynov Region water head of the canal office 5-28-40 050 319-31-41 8 Vahid Hasanov Agsu head of net region 5-51-19 050 250-68-77 145 / 148 Name Work place Connection 9 Ingilab Mirzaliyev Region gas head of the exploitation office 5-50-42 050 404-77-73 10 Agamurad Muradxanov The 12th way head of the exploitation office 5-25-60 050 214-47-46 11 Aydin Calilov Region head of the telecommunication joint 5-50-99 050 223-79-21 12 Sardar Bayramov Head of the housing-operational district 5-23-27 050 325-10-14 13 Mirali Nagiyev Region head of the statistics office 5-51-76 050 235-04-94 14 Rovsan Mutallimov Pirhasanli village fulfilment administrative agent 5-62-88 on territory circle 050 421-91-09 15 Shahlar Xasayev Vice-president of the Pirhasanli municipality 050 344-11-67 16 Seyidaga Gulumov 050 393-49-49 Society of red half-moon Agsu chairman of the District Department 17 Yalcin Panahov Editor of the Agsu newspaper 070 324-15-05 18 Camaladdin Zeynalov Labour veteran 051 833-11-22 19 Murvat Qarayev DIIXIHC Agsu chairman of the District 5-25-64 Committee 050 556-32-57 20 Shahrabanu Malikov Agsu head physician of the Distrist Central 5-51-25 Hospital 050 335-09-70 21 Tahir Xasi Head of the District Education Department 5-50-20 22 Radim Muslumov Region head of the finance office 5-50-22 23 Adil Karimov Head deputy of the District Education Department 5-50-20 24 Arif Karimov City director of the 2th school 5-24-64 25 Cabrayil Badalov Region director of the system of library centralized 5-39-74 26 Fatulla Seyidaliyev Head of the Agsu branch of the Kapital Bank 5-50-50 27 Akif Qadirov 5-51-20 Region head of the department on distribution of electricity 28 Mahir Karimov Head of the office of fire safety 5-30-31 29 Ahsan Abishov KHVTIC Agsu chairman of the District 5-51-46 Committee 30 Ali Huseynov YAP Agsu chairman of the organization of region 5-50-08 146 / 148 Annex XI. Public meeting on discussion of EİA report 22 October 2010 Workshop was organized pn October 22, 2010 iin the meeting venue provided by the Agsu Rayon Executive Powerş The representative of EPTİSA Rafig Verdiyev provided the general information about the Project EIA document to participants and answered asked questions. Main discussions where about proposals of Project Alternatives, Proposal Water sources , Environment Impact Assessment, Scheduled Activities for Environment Management Plan, Proposed Mitigation Measures. The Presentation followed up with interesting discussions. Discussions were mainly about water supply, location of waste water treatment plant, sewer canals, project schedule and employment of local people in project construction work. Some people asked about length of construction works and potential its impacts/ The environmental consultant of the EIA informed that provided proposals will be considered in the EIA. The essential questions and proposals during the presentation: Comment Response 1 Alihuseyn Mayılov Project is aimed at Drinking water supply, but not In order to provide good water management for irrigation. There will be constructed reservoirs to different purposes, and mainly to keep some provide sustainable drinking water to the water in Agsu river during summer I suggest to population. The proposed by the project source of construct reservoir near Agsu river close to the water will be Girdımanchay river and there won’t be Mugan bridge any impact to Agsuchay river water regime 2 Gamaladdin Zeynalov: Project will consruct new water distribution system. Will the project replace all the water supply Problems of high and low preasure will be solved by pipelines? preasure zones If not, then high preasure may destroy them. 3 Xanlar Huseynov: Treated waste waters will be discharged to collector It would be better to discharge treated waste or used for irrigation. It will meet required standards waters into collector , not into Agsu river because river is used as drinking water source 4 Sardar Bayramov When putting or replacing of water and waste water pipes and arrangement of infrastructure, all Will during the construction process the roads environment related considerations will be followed recovered back and how soon it will take place? according to EMP, including covering of roads after installation of pipes. 5 Javan Javadov: Water pipes are under the They won’t be used in project and new pipelines newly constructed bildings in Nizami street of will be construicted in streets instead Qaraqajlı village. 147 / 148 148 / 148