SFG3426 V9 Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Village Ruispiri Environmental and Social Screening Report February 2017 Project Description Village Ruispiri is located in Telavi Municipality, eight km from the city of Telavi. Following the rehabilitation of the city of Telavi, the number of tourists to the city and its adjacent villages, including Ruispiri, has increased. There are ancient historical-cultural monuments in the village: the Savior Church (VII - VIII cc.), the Virgin Mary Church (XV - XVI cc.), Ruispiri Fortress (XVII - XVIII cc.), the Deity Church (XVII – XVIII cc.) and St. Nicholas Church (XVII – XVII cc.). The sub-project (SP) envisages the rehabilitation and improvement of the public park in the central part of village Ruispiri. Village church, fortress, memorial alley dedicated to those who died in the World War II, House of Culture and administration building of the territorial self- governing body are located in the village. The area of the public park is 225 m2, and the length of road from the park to the historical fortress is 245 m. The SP comprises the following works aimed at rehabilitation of the public park: 1. Cleaning of debris and bushes a 500 m2 area; 2. Installing curbs along 35 m; 3. Installing tables and benches; 4. Installing trash bins; and 5. Installing 10 light posts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING AND CLASSIFICATION (A) Impact Identification Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The SP construction phase covers 6 months’ environment? period. Consequently, the SP will have a small- scale and short impact on the environment only in the construction phase, while its long-term impact on the natural and social environment will be positive. What are the significant beneficial and SP is expected to have positive long-term adverse environmental effects of the sub- environmental and social impact through project? arrangement of tourist infrastructure and will improve touristic attraction. The increased tourist flows will have positive social impact through improvement of employment opportunities. Rehabilitation of the public park will improve infrastructure services and institutional capacity to support the development of tourism-based economy and cultural heritage circuits in the Kakheti region. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short term: as a result of initialization of new tables and benches, 10 light posts and refusal bins dust and emissions from the operation of construction machinery will be increased, background noise and vibration levels will rise, generation of different types of construction waste is expected, the flow of traffic not expected to be obstructed. It should by mentioned that there are no residential areas near the SP area. In the operation phase, increased tourist flows may have indirect negative environmental impacts: waste generation etc. May the sub-project have any significant The long-term social impact of the SP will be impact on the local communities? beneficial (improvement of local population living conditions and growth of tourist flow), which will cause significant improvement of conditions for local population and tourists. What impact has the sub-project on the Significant social impact of rehabilitation activities, human health? like change of local demographic structure, influx of new settlers, and secondary development is not expected. The dust, vibration and noise originated during the small-scale rehabilitation/construction works will not have impact on the human health or safety. (B) MITIGATION MEASURES Were there any alternatives to the sub- At the designing stage, a no-project alternative project design considered? was considered, which was discarded, as the implementation of the SP will help attract both, the local and foreign visitors what will have a positive impact on the social standing of the local population. Have concerned communities been During community mobilization, several priorities involved and have their interests and were identified, including rehabilitation of the knowledge been adequately taken into public park, local government building and consideration in sub-project preparation? drinking water system. Rehabilitation of the public park was selected. (C) CATEGORIZATION AND CONCLUSION Conclusion of the environmental screening:  Sub-project is declined □  Sub-project is accepted ■  Sub-project is classified as environmental Category B and needs EMP ■  Sub-project is classified as environmental Category C and does not need EMP □ SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SCREENING Social safeguards screening information Yes No Is the information related to the affiliation and ownership status of land 1 and/or building aimed for sub-project intervention available and verifiable? √ (The screening cannot be completed until this is available) Will the sub-project reduce other people’s access to their economic 2 resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services or other resources that √ they depend on? Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require 3 the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or permanently) for its √ development? Will the sub-project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit 4 trees and household infra-structure (such as granaries, outside toilets and √ kitchens, etc.)? If answer to any above question (except question 1) is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is applicable and mitigation measures should follow this OP/BP 4.12 and the Resettlement Policy Framework. Cultural resources safeguard screening information Yes No 5 Will the sub-project be implemented in the vicinity of a cultural heritage site? √ Will the sub-project require excavation near any historical, archaeological or 6 √ cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 is “yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable. In this case, sub-project proponent must provide evidence that consultation was held with and an agreement on this sub-project was obtained from an authorized representative of culture and heritage protection authority. If answer to question 6 is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.11Physical Cultural Resources is applicable and possible chance finds must be handled in accordance with OP/BP and relevant procedures provided in this EMF. Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Village Ruispiri Environmental Management Plan March 2017 PART 1: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE Project title Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector Sub-project title Improvement of touristic infrastructure in village Ruispiri Scope of sub-project 1. Cleaning lf debris and shrubs of a 500 m2 area of the public park; and activity 2. Placement of curbs long 35 m; 3. Installation of tables and benches; 4. Installation of trash bins; 5. Installation of 10 light posts. Institutional Task Team Leader: Safeguard Specialists: arrangements Gloria La Cava Darejan Kapanadze, Environment (Name and contacts) Rebecca Lacroix and David Jijelava, Social Implementation Implementing entity: Work Supervisor: Contactor arrangements Biological Farming Biological Farming Association TBD (Name and contacts) Association “Elkana� “Elkana� SITE DESCRIPTION Who owns the building Telavi Municipality to be constructed/extended/ reconstructed? Who owns the land Telavi Municipality allocated for sub- project? Who uses the land (formal/informal)? Description of Telavi is the city in East Georgia. It is located in the bottom of the north-east side of geographic, physical, Gombori Mountain, on Alazani valley. It is the administrative center of Kakheti region biological, geological, and Telavi rayon. Telavi is the final destination of Tbilisi-Telavi railroad. It is located hydrographic and 550-800 m. above the sea level and distance from Tbilisi is 158 km. Telavi was socio-economic context established and received its status as a city in 1801. The population of Telavi is 21.8 thousand people (according to 2014 census). According to the tectonics, Kakheti region includes three large geotectonic blocks: The eastern zone of subsidence of loess schistous slates stratum of anticlinorium of the Caucsus main ridge. Eastern subsidence zone of Georgian lump (intermountain depression), which is presented by Outer Kakheti sub-zone within the limits of Kakheti. The landscape of Telavi is scenic. The city is wrapped in picturesque landscapes from all sides. Telavi faces the Tsiv-Gombori Range to the south and south-west and borders on the Alazani Valley to the north and east. The Greater Caucasus mountain range, which runs to the north of the Alazani Valley, can be seen from most of Telavi. Southern part of Kakheti region is located within earthquake intensity of 7 grade, the central part comprising Dedoplistskaro and Sagarejo falls within 8 grade, Signangi and Gurjaani is located at the boarder of 8 and 9 grade zones and the Northern part of Kakheti, including Telavi, Ikalto, Akhmeta, Kvareli, as well as Tusheti falls within the highest risk zone of 9 grade earthquake intensity. There are no geo hazard areas and hazardous geological processes at the sub-project area. Telavi municipality belongs to the moderately humid subtropical climate district. Alazani valley formed hot humid summers and moderately cold winters. Mein annual air temperature is 12oC, the absolute maximum of 39oC, 700-800 mm precipitation per year. City Telavi is located in the catch basin of river Alazani which is the second largest river in Georgia, heads on the southern slopes of the Caucasioni at 825 m altitude above sea level, at the point where two rivers, the Tsiplovaniskhevi and Samkuristskali merge at village Kadori. The river flows into Mingechauri water reservoir at the eastern ending of outer Kakheti plateau. The length of the river Alazani is 351 km, its total fall is 745 m, its mean slope is 2.1‰ and the area of its catch basin is 11,800 km2. On the left sate of the Alazani valley is developed meadow-forest noncarbonated alluvial soil and on the right side the alluvial carbonate soil. In the foothill zone is developed the brown soil. In the Caucasus range and in the lover of slopes under broad-leaved forest is developed gray forest soil. Which of the project Regional Development Project finances urban regeneration of Telavi. intervention sites does sub-project related to and how? LEGISLATION Identify national & According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental Impact (2008), the SP local legislation & does not require Environmental Impact Assessment and an Environmental Permit. permits that apply to project activity The SP triggers to the OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment of the World Bank. According to this safeguard policy, and the Environmental Management Framework of the Project for Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector, the SP is classified as environmental Category B and requires preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). PUBLIC CONSULTATION Identify when / where SP-specific draft EMP was made available for village Ruispiri population and was the public consultation discussed in a consultation meeting on March 7, 2017. process took place Attachments Attachment 1: Site plan and photos; Attachment 2: Cadastral information on SP site; Attachment 3: Minutes of public consultation PART 2: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [X] Yes [ ] No See Section A below B. Minor new construction [ ] Yes [X] No See Section A below Will the site C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [X] No See Section B below activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [X] No See Section C below include/involve 1 E. Acquisition of land [ ] Yes [X] No See Section D below any of the 2 following?? F. Hazardous or toxic materials [ ] Yes [X] No See Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [X] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [X] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [X] Yes [ ] No See Section H below 1 Land acquisitions includes displacement of people, change of livelihood encroachment on private property this is to land that is purchased/transferred and affects people who are living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 2 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. PART 3: MITIGATION MEASURES ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Conditions Notification and Worker (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming activities Safety (b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works); (c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation; (d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. A. General Rehabilitation Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor and /or Construction (b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust Activities (c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site (d) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust (e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) B. Individual wastewater Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) treatment system must be approved by the local authorities (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out (d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies. C. Historic building(s) Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and carried out in line with local and national legislation. (b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds� encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST D. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition (a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access to income of legal or illegal users Plan/Framework of land was not expected but may occur, that the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted. (b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the sub-project) will be implemented E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the sub-project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material (b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material will be stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused Toxic / hazardous waste (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled with details management of composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in a leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (c) The wastes shall be transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used F. Affected forests, Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not wetlands and/or be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging protected areas activities. (b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences (d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. G. Disposal of medical Infrastructure for (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or rehabilitated waste medical waste health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and management not limited to:  Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps�, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and  Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and  If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational H Traffic and Pedestrian Direct or indirect hazards (b) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly secured Safety to public traffic and and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to pedestrians by  Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the public warned of all potential hazards construction  Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. activities Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes.  Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement  Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public.  Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public. PART 4: MONITORING PLAN Where How When Why What Who Phase (Is the parameter (Is the parameter (Define the (Is the parameter (Is the parameter to be (Is responsible to be to be frequency / or being monitored?) for monitoring?) monitored?) monitored?) continuous?) monitored?) Transportation of Technical condition of vehicles and Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit pollution of Elkana construction materials machinery inspections during soil and air from and waste. Movement Confinement and protection of truck work hours and emissions; of construction loads with lining beyond Limit nuisance to machinery Respect of the established hours and local communities routes of transportation from noise and vibration; Minimize traffic disruption. Earth works (small Temporary storage of excavated Construction site Inspection In the course of Prevent pollution Elkana scale) material in the pre-defined and earth works of the construction agreed upon locations; site and its Backfilling of the excavated material surroundings with and/or its disposal to the formally construction designated locations; waste; In case of chance finds immediate Prevent damage suspension of works, notification of and loss of physical the Ministry of Culture and cultural resources Monument Protection, and resumption of works exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry. Traffic disruption and Installation of traffic At and around the Inspection In the course of Prevent traffic Elkana limitation of pedestrian limitation/diversion signage; construction site construction works accidents; access Storage of construction materials Limit nuisance to and temporary placement of local residents construction waste in a way preventing congestion of access roads Workers’ health and Provision of uniforms and safety gear Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit occurrence of Elkana safety to workers; inspections in the on-the-job Informing of workers and personnel course of work accidents and on the personal safety rules and emergencies instructions for operating machinery/equipment, and strict compliance with these rules/instructions operation of Waste management and sanitation Rehabilitated Inspection During operation Prevent pollution Telavi municipality rehabilitated facilities Maintenance of historical features of facilities of facilities and improper cite approved design waste disposal Prevent new construction or installation or activities changing cultural appearance of the cite Attachment 1: Site map and photos Attachment 2: Cadastral information of the SP Site Attachment 3: Ruispiri Community Meeting Minutes Date: March 7, 2017 Venue: Telavi municipality, village Ruispiri Donor: Biological Farming Association “Elkana�, through funding from the Japanese Social Development Fund and the World Bank Aim: Consult with the local community on the Draft Environment and Social Management Plan for the project “ Improvement of Touristic Infrastructure in Village Ruispiri� Elkana Project Manager, representatives of NGO “Sakobiano XXI�, local government and community attended the meeting. In total 16 people participated in the gathering, including 6 women. Elkana Project Manager presented planned project and activities, as well as the draft Environment Management Plan prepared to mitigate their possible negative impacts on the natural and social environment. After the presentation, meeting participants were given the floor for questions and comments. During the meeting participants asked the following questions: Question: Who will be responsible for cleaning the park after completion of works? Answer: The contractor will dispose of the construction waste and respective costs are budgeted. Question: Will works restrict access to the local library office, which is located next to the project site? Answer: Works will not restrict the access to the library, since the entrance of the building will not be blocked with construction materials, or waste. Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project. Signatures of attendees: Photo illustrations