SFG3426 V10 Rehabilitation of Vardisubani Park Environmental and Social Screening Report February 2017 Project Description The sub-project (SP) venue is the territory with the area of 300 m2 adjacent to the community club in village Vardisubani of Telavi Community Municipality, which at present needs cleaning off the debris and weeds. There is a school, kindergarten and 4 commercial stores adjacent to the park. In recent years, Kakheti region has been very popular among the tourists arriving in Georgia. Village Vardisubani and project venue itself are located adjacent to the road used by the tourist flows. Our goal is to create an attractive park where a tourist can have a rest and snack. As a result of the project implementation, the area adjacent to the community club in village Vardisubani will be clean from debris and weeds, and a park will be built on the clean site. Sites for a picnic for tourists will be arranged in the park where the visitors will be able to stop, have a rest and snack and continue their way to see the historical monuments in Telavi and Akhmeta. An improved park will also be a gathering place for the young people of village Vardisubani and disabled people, where they will be able to plan certain sports or cultural measures or just have a rest. On the improved site, the village residents will be able to offer the visitors self-farmed natural fruit and various products, as well as hand-made items and souvenirs. As a result of the SP implementation, the local population will have a place to develop commerce to improve their social-economic situation. The following works will be accomplished within the scope of the SP: 1. Clearing area of 300 m2 from debris and shrubs. 2. Placing curbs around the park area; 3. Installing 4 tables and 10 benches in the park; 4. Placing 2 trash binds in the park; 5. Installing of 10 lamp posts for outdoor illumination; 6. Arranging a pavilion; 7. Planting of 10 linden trees in the park. Environmental Screening and Classification (A) IMPACT IDENTIFICATION Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The construction phase covers 2 months’ period. As a environment? result, the SP will have a small-scale and short-term 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 center of Vardisubani district in Telavi Municipality and will improve touristic attraction. The increased tourist flows will have positive social impact through improvement of employment opportunities. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short-term: as a result of installation of benches, tables, build of pavilion, install of posts, dust and emissions from the operation of construction machinery will be increased, background noise and vibration levels will rise insignificantly, generation of different types of construction waste is expected. The flow of traffic not expected to be obstructed. Reduction of adverse environmental impact during the initialization works will be possible through protecting the following key conditions: fencing the construction site and fixing the relevant signs throughout its perimeter, proper management of waste and constant monitoring, ensuring the technical functionality of machinery used during construction works, selecting less sensitive period (daytime) for construction works, If necessary, the population will be notified. Initialization works will not cause tree-cutting. In operation phase, increased tourist flows may have indirect negative environmental impacts: waste generation, etc. Does the sub-project have any significant The long-term social impact of the SP will be potential 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. Significant social impact of rehabilitation activities, such as change of local demographic structure, influx of new settlers, secondary development is not envisaged. Negative environmental impacts described above will be short term and limited to the construction site. What impact has the sub-project on the The dust, vibration and noise originated during the human health? small-scale rehabilitation/construction works will not have impact on the human health or safety. (B) MITIGATION MEASURES What alternatives to the sub-project design At the designing stage, a no-project alternative was have been considered and what mitigation considered, which was discarded, as the measures are proposed? 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 public knowledge been adequately taken into park, stadium and local roads. Rehabilitation of the consideration in sub-project preparation? 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 Screening Social safeguards screening information Yes No 1 Is the information related to the affiliation, ownership and land use status of the sub-project site available and verifiable? (The screening cannot be  completed until this is available) 2 Will the sub-project reduce people’s access to their economic resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services, sites of common public use or  other resources that they depend on? 3 Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or  permanently) for its development? 4 Will the sub-project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit trees and household infrastructure (such as ancillary facilities, fence, canal,  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 require excavation near any historical, archaeological  or cultural heritage site? 6 Will the sub-project require excavation near any historical, archaeological  or cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 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 the Environmental Management Framework Environmental Management Plan Rehabilitation of Vardisubani Park March 2017 PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE Project title Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector Sub-Project title Rehabilitation of Vardisubani Park Scope of site-specific activity (i) An area of 300 m2 will be cleared off debris and prickly hedges. (ii) The area of the park will be bordered with curbs. (ii) Tables (4 pcs.) and benches (10 pcs.) will be installed in the park. (iii) Trash bins (2 pcs.) will be placed in the park; (iv) 10 posts will be installed for the park lighting; (v) A pavilion will be built; (vi) 10 linden trees will be planted in the park. Institutional arrangements Task Team Leader: Safeguards Specialist: (WB) Gloria La Cava Darejan Kapanadze, Environment Rebecca Lacroix and David Jijelava, Social Implementation arrangements Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor: (Borrower) Biological Farming Biological Farming (tbd) Association “Elkana� Association “Elkana� SITE DESCRIPTION Who owns the building to be Telavi Municipality constructed/extended/ reconstructed? Who owns the land allocated Telavi Municipality for sub-project? Who uses the land (formal/informal)? Description of physical and Telavi is the city in East Georgia. It is located in the bottom of the natural environment, and of north-east side of Gombori Mountain, on Alazani valley. It is the the socio-economic context administrative center of Kakheti region and Telavi rayon. Telavi is around the site the final destination of Tbilisi-Telavi railroad. It is located 550-800 m. above the sea level and distance from Tbilisi is 158 km. Telavi was 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 Caucasioni 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 SP 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 12 c0, the absolute maximum of 39 c0, 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 financed urban regeneration of intervention sites does sub- Telavi. project related to and how? LEGISLATION National & local legislation According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental & permits that apply to sub- Impact (2008), the SP does not require preparation of EIA and project activity obtaining of Permit on Environmental Impact. 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 Environmental Management Plan (EMP). PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the public SP-specific draft EMP was made available for Telavi population and consultation process took / was discussed in a consultation meeting on March 7, 2017. will take place ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Cadastral information of SP site; Attachment 2: Support letter from Telavi Municipality; Attachment 3: SP site plan; Attachment 4: Minutes of public consultation meeting PART B: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [√] No See Section A below B. New construction [√] Yes [ ] No See Section A below Will the site C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [√] No See Section B below activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [√] No See Section C below include/involve any of the E. Acquisition of land1 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section D below following? F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [√] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [√] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [√] 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 C: 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 Safety upcoming activities (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 treatment system reconstruction) 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 Plan/Framework illegal users 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 is being 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 management with details of composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in an 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 wetlands and/or protected will not be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging areas or other damaging 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 medical (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or waste waste management rehabilitated health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and 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 (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly Safety to public traffic and secured 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 construction public warned of all potential hazards activities  Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. 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 D: MONITORING PLAN Where How Why Who When What (Is the (Is the (Is the (Is Activity (Define the (Is the parameter to parameter to parameter to parameter responsible frequency / or be monitored?) be be being for continuous?) monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?) Transportation Technical condition Construction Inspection Unannounced Limit pollution Elkana of construction of vehicles and site inspections of soil and air materials and machinery during work from waste hours and emissions; Confinement and beyond Movement of protection of truck Limit nuisance construction loads with lining to local machinery communities Respect of the from noise and established hours vibration; and routes of transportation Minimize traffic disruption. Earthworks Temporary storage Construction Inspection In the course Prevent Elkana (small scale) of excavated site of earth works pollution of material in the pre- the defined and agreed construction upon locations; site and its surroundings Backfilling of the with excavated material construction and/or its disposal to waste; the formally designated locations; Prevent damage and In case of chance loss of finds immediate physical suspension of works, cultural notification of the resources Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection, and resumption of works exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry. Trafic Installation of traffic At and Inspection In the course Prevent traffic Elkana disruption and limitation/diversion around the of construction accidents; limitation of signage; construction works pedestrian site Limit nuisance access Storage of to local construction residents materials and temporary placement of construction waste in a way preventing congestion of access roads Workers’ health Provision of Construction Inspection Unannounced Limit Elkana and safety uniforms and safety site inspections in occurrence of gear to workers; the course of on-the-job work accidents and Informing of emergencies workers and personnel on the personal safety rules and instructions for operating machinery/equipmen t, and strict compliance with these rules/instructions Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the SP site Attachment 2: Support letter from Telavi Municipality Attachment 3: SP site plan Attachment 4: Vardisubani 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 “ Rehabilitation of Vardisubani Park � Elkana Project Manager, representatives of NGO “Sakobiano XXI�, local government and community attended the meeting. In total 17 people participated in the gathering, including 4 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: 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. Question: Will rehabilitation of the public park require cutting of any trees? Answer: Rehabilitation will not require tree-cutting. Question: Since the project site is located in the community, how will the noise be minimized to avoid nuisance to neighbors? Answer: Construction will be limited to daytime. Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project. Signatures of attendees: Photo illustrations: