47296-001: Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project

Initial Environmental Examination

VOLUME 1

Document: Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)

Date: November 2020

Loan 3285-UZB: Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project: Guzar-Regar 500 kV Power Transmission Line

Rehabilitation Project

Prepared by the Joint-Stock Company National Electrical Networks of Uzbekistan (NENU) for Asian

Development Bank (ADB), Uzbekistan.

The Initial Environmental Examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not

necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in

nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or

reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does

not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

0 ‘ZBEKIST0N RESPUBLIKASI

“О ‘ZBEKIS TON

MILLIY ELEKTR TARMOQLARI”

T el: (9 9 8 -7 1 ) 2 0 8 -5 6 -0 1 , F aks: (9 9 8 -7 1 ) 2 0 8 -5 6 -6 0

e -m a il:in fo @ u z b ek is to n m e t.u z

V eb -sah ifa :w w w .u zb e k is to n m e t.u z

100084, T o sh k en t sh ., Y u n u so b o d t., O siy o k ., 42.

AKSIY ADORLIK JAMIYATI

THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Ph: (9 9 8 -7 1 ) 2 0 8 -5 6 -0 1 , F ax : (9 9 8 -7 1 ) 2 0 8 -5 6 -6 0

e -m a il: in fo @ u z b e k is to n m e t. u z

W e b -s ite :w w w .u zb e k is to n m e t.u z

42 , O siy o str., Y u n u so b o d d is t.; 100084 , T ash k e n t

JOINT STOCK COMPANY

ELECTRIC GRID OF UZBEKISTAN”

“NATIONAL

« / / » /У _____ 2 0 ^ 5 'i l

Директору

Отдела энергетики

Департамента Центральной и Западной Азии

Азиатского банка развития

Г-ну Жунхо Хванг

Касательно Первоначальной экологической экспертизы (IEE), Отчет об

оценке критических местообитаний (CHSR), Рамочный план действий по

сохранению биоразнообразия (F-BAP) по проекту «Строительство BJJ 500 кВ

Гузар-Регар»(Л-507) (Заем №3285-UZB).

А О « Н а ц и о н а л ь н ы е э л е к т р и ч е с к и е сети У з б е к и с т а н а » б л а г о д а р и т В а с за

а к ти в н у ю д е я т е л ь н о с т ь и п о д д е р ж к у в р е а л и з а ц и и п р о е к т о в п о р а зв и т и ю

э н е р ге т и ч е с к о го с е к т о р а Р е с п у б л и к и У зб е к и с т а н .

В с в я зи с в ы ш е и зл о ж е н н ы м , А О « Н а ц и о н а л ь н ы е э л е к т р и ч е с к и е сети

У зб е к и с т а н а » н а п р а в л я е т В а м о т ч е т ы П е р в о н а ч а л ь н о й э к о л о г и ч е с к о й эк с п е р т и зы

(IEE), О т ч е т об о ц е н к е к р и т и ч е с к и х м е с т о о б и т а н и й (CHSR), Р а м о ч н ы й п л а н

д е й с т в и й п о с о х р а н е н и ю б и о р а зн о о б р а зи я (F-BAP) п о в ы ш е у к а за н н о м у п р о е к ту

д л я р а с с м о т р е н и я и д а л ь н е й ш е г о о п у б л и к о в а н и я н а о ф и ц и а л ь н о м с а й те А Б Р .

Приложения: отчеты Первоначальной экологической экспертизы (IEE),

Отчет об оценке критических местообитаний (CHSR), Рамочный план действий

по сохранению биоразнообразия (F-BAP) - электронном виде.

Заместитель

Председателя правления

С уважением,

Ф. Курбонов

Unofficial translation Letterhead of JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan Date: 19 November 2020 Ref. No. 01-04-14/4238 Mr. Joonho Hwang Director Energy Division Central and West Asia Department Asian Development Bank Subject: Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Critical Habitat Scoping Report (CHSR), Framework Biodiversity Action Plan (F-BAP) for the Guzar-Regar 500 kV Power Transmission Line Rehabilitation Project (L-507) (Loan 3285-UZB).

JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan would like to thank you for your active work and support in implementation of the projects on development of Uzbekistan energy sector. In relation to above captioned, JSC NEGU is submitting the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report, the Critical Habitat Scoping Report (CHSR), and the Framework Biodiversity Action Plan (F-BAP) for the project for your review and further disclosure on ADB website. Attachments: Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Critical Habitat Scoping Report (CHSR), and Framework Biodiversity Action Plan (F-BAP) – in electronic form. Sincerely, F. Kurbanov Deputy Chairman

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 7

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 7 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................. 7 ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................................................................... 8 EXISTING CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................................... 8 KEY IMPACTS ...................................................................................................................................... 10 KEY MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION ACTIONS ...................................................................................... 13 MONITORING ACTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 17 CONSULTATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 17 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................................... 18 IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................................ 18

1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 20

1.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................... 20 1.2. ENERGY SECTOR BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 20 1.3. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................... 20

1.3.1. Technical Assistance Overview....................................................................................... 20 1.3.2. Project Overview ............................................................................................................. 21 1.3.3. Implementation ................................................................................................................ 21 1.3.4. Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 21

1.4. PURPOSE OF THE IEE REPORT ............................................................................................... 22 1.5. CATEGORY OF THE PROJECT .................................................................................................. 22 1.6. IEE BOUNDARIES ................................................................................................................... 22 1.7. METHODOLOGY APPLIED ........................................................................................................ 22 1.8. REPORT STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................. 23

2. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ........................................................ 25

2.1. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION ................................................................................ 25 2.2. ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................ 28 2.3. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) LEGISLATION ..................................... 29 2.4. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS ................................................................... 31

2.4.1. Air Quality and Emissions ............................................................................................... 31 2.4.2. Water quality .................................................................................................................... 32 2.4.3. Noise ............................................................................................................................... 33 2.4.4. Vibration .......................................................................................................................... 34 2.4.5. Waste .............................................................................................................................. 35 2.4.6. Hazardous material ......................................................................................................... 35

2.5. SANITARY PROTECTION ZONES AND ELECTRO MAGNETIC FIELD .............................................. 35 2.5.1. Sanitary Protection Zone ................................................................................................. 35 2.5.2. International Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Standards .................................................... 36

2.6. PERMIT AND LICENSES ........................................................................................................... 37 2.7. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS ................................................................... 39 2.8. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SAFEGUARD POLICIES 2009 ......................................................... 39 2.9. GAP ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................... 43

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................. 45

3.1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 45 3.2. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND LOCATION ....................................................................................... 45 3.3. PROJECT FOOTPRINT ............................................................................................................. 46 3.4. DESIGN ................................................................................................................................. 47 3.5. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................... 49

3.5.1. Land Acquisition .............................................................................................................. 49 3.5.2. Surveying the Transmission Centerline, Other Project Features and Work Areas ......... 49 3.5.3. Upgrading or Construction of Temporary and Permanent Access Roads ...................... 50 3.5.4. Clearing and Grading Activities for the Right-of-Way, Tower Sites and Camps ............. 50 3.5.5. Excavating and Installing Foundations ............................................................................ 50

Guzar-Regar 500 kV Power Transmission Line Project Initial Environmental Examination

3

3.5.6. Assembling and Erecting Towers with Temporary and Permanent Pad Sites ............... 51 3.5.7. String Conductors, Ground Wires, and Fiber Optic Cable .............................................. 53 3.5.8. Installing Counterpoise (Tower Grounds) Where Needed .............................................. 55 3.5.9. Clean-up and Reclamation of Affected Areas ................................................................. 55

3.6. CONSTRUCTION CAMPS AND LAYDOWN AREAS ........................................................................ 55 3.7. EQUIPMENT REFUELLING ........................................................................................................ 55 3.8. MANPOWER AND EQUIPMENT .................................................................................................. 55 3.9. ASSOCIATED FACILITIES ......................................................................................................... 56

4. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................. 57

4.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................... 57 4.2. ‘NO PROJECT’ ALTERNATIVE ................................................................................................... 57 4.3. ALTERNATIVE LOCATION ......................................................................................................... 57 4.4. ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION CAMPS. ................................................................................... 57 4.5. ALTERNATIVE TOWER DESIGNS AND CONDUCTOR ARRANGEMENTS ......................................... 57

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................... 60

5.1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 60 5.2. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................ 60

5.2.1. Topography ..................................................................................................................... 60 5.2.2. Geology and Soils ........................................................................................................... 63 5.2.3. Geohazards ..................................................................................................................... 64 5.2.4. Hydrology and Water Use ............................................................................................... 67 5.2.5. Climate and Air Quality .................................................................................................... 69

5.3. BIODIVERSITY ........................................................................................................................ 71 5.3.1. Internationally and Nationally Designated Sites .............................................................. 71 5.3.2. Fauna .............................................................................................................................. 77 5.3.3. Flora ................................................................................................................................ 83

5.4. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................... 84 5.4.1. Country Overview ............................................................................................................ 84 5.4.2. Administrative Issues ...................................................................................................... 86 5.4.3. Demographics ................................................................................................................. 87 5.4.4. Employment and Poverty ................................................................................................ 88 5.4.5. Infrastructure, Transportation and Utilities ...................................................................... 89 5.4.6. Community Health, Safety and Education ...................................................................... 90 5.4.7. Physical Cultural Resources ........................................................................................... 91 5.4.8. Noise ............................................................................................................................... 91

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................ 94

6.1. IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY..................................................................................... 94 6.1.1. Project Aspects................................................................................................................ 94 6.1.2. Identification of Sensitive Receptors ............................................................................... 94 6.1.3. Identification of Significant Environmental Aspects ......................................................... 94 6.1.4. Impact Significance Rating .............................................................................................. 97 6.1.5. Mitigation, Management and Good Practice Measures ................................................ 100 6.1.6. Residual Impacts ........................................................................................................... 100

6.2. PHYSICAL RESOURCES......................................................................................................... 100 6.2.1. Air Quality ...................................................................................................................... 100 6.2.2. Hydrology ...................................................................................................................... 102 6.2.3. Soils and Geology ......................................................................................................... 104 6.2.4. Landscape and Visual Amenity ..................................................................................... 107 6.2.5. Geohazards ................................................................................................................... 111

6.3. BIODIVERSITY ...................................................................................................................... 112 6.3.1. Flora, Fauna and Habitat ............................................................................................... 112

6.4. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................... 128 6.4.1. Economy, Employment and Livelihoods ....................................................................... 128 6.4.2. Land Acquisition and Compensation ............................................................................. 131 6.4.3. Waste Management ...................................................................................................... 133 6.4.4. Noise and Vibration ....................................................................................................... 136 6.4.5. Physical Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................. 140


4

6.4.6. Utilities and Infrastructure .............................................................................................. 142 6.4.7. Workers’ Rights and Occupational Health and Safety .................................................. 144 6.4.8. Community Health and Safety ....................................................................................... 150

6.5. CUMULATIVE, TRANSBOUNDARY AND INDUCED IMPACTS ........................................................ 155 6.5.1. Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................... 155 6.5.2. Transboundary Impacts ................................................................................................. 156 6.5.3. Induced Impacts ............................................................................................................ 156

7. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ...................................................................................................................................... 157

7.1. PUBLIC CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 157 7.2. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES .............................................................................. 157

7.2.1. General Principles ......................................................................................................... 157 7.2.2. Stakeholder Engagement Undertaken to Date ............................................................. 157

7.3. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ................................................................................................... 162 7.4. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ....................................................................................... 162

7.4.1. General .......................................................................................................................... 162 7.4.2. Existing complaint handling mechanism in Uzbekistan ................................................ 163 7.4.3. Proposed project level GRM ......................................................................................... 164 7.4.4. Communication.............................................................................................................. 165

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................................. 166

8.1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 166 8.2. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS ................................................................................. 166 8.3. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................... 194 8.4. SPECIFIC EMP (SEMP) ....................................................................................................... 194 8.5. BID DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................. 195 8.6. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................... 195 8.7. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ........................................................................................ 195

8.7.1. NEGU ............................................................................................................................ 195 8.7.2. NEGU PMU ................................................................................................................... 196 8.7.3. EPC Contractor ............................................................................................................. 196 8.7.4. PIC ................................................................................................................................. 199

8.8. REPORTING AND REVIEW OF THE EMP.................................................................................. 202 8.9. EMP COSTS ........................................................................................................................ 203

9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................... 208

9.1. CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................... 208 9.2. RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................ 209

Appendices

Appendix A – Guidelines for Preparation of SEMP Appendix B - Corridor Maps Appendix C – Consultation Attendees and Photos Appendix D – Chance Find Procedures Appendix E – Noise Monitoring Results Appendix F – Air Quality Monitoring Results Appendix G – Report Preparers

Supplemental Reports

Critical Habitat Scoping Report Framework Biodiversity Action Plan


5

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADB – Asian Development Bank AH – Affected Household BOD – Biochemical oxygen demand CIS – Commonwealth of Independent States COD – Chemical oxygen demand dB – Decibel DSEI / POVOS – Draft Statement of Environmental Impacts EA – Executing Agency EHS – Environmental, Health, and Safety EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment EM – Environmental Manager EMP – Environmental Management Plan EMS – Environmental Management System EN – Endangered ESO – Environmental and Social Officer EPC – Engineering, Procurement and Construction ERP – Emergency Response Plan FGD – Focused Group Discussion GDP – Gross Domestic Product GHG – Greenhouse Gases GoU – Government of Uzbekistan GRC – Grievance Redressal Committee GRM – Grievance redress mechanism HH – Household HSO – Health and safety officer IES – International Environmental Specialist IFC – International Finance Corporation IFI – International Financial Institutions IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature JSC – Joint-stock company KBA – Key Biodiversity Area kV - Kilovolt LARP – Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan LC – Least concern Masl – Meters above sea level MAC – Maximum Admissible Concentrations MOE – Ministry of Energy MOH – Ministry of Health MPC – Maximum Permissible Concentration MPD – Maximum Permissible Discharge MPE – Maximum permissible emissions MSK – Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik MW – Megawatt NDA – None degraded Airshed NES – National Environmental Specialist NGO – Non-governmental Organization NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide NT – Near Threatened O&M – Operation and Maintenance PCR – Physical Cultural Resources PGA – Peak ground acceleration


6

PIC – Project Implementation Consultant PM – Particulate Matter PMU – Project Management Unit PZVOS – Draft of Concept Statement on Environmental Impact SanPiN – Sanitary Regulations and Standards SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SCNP – State Committee of the Nature Protection SEE – State Environmental Expertise SEI – Statement of the Environmental Impact SEMPs – Specific Environmental Management Plans SES – Sanitary and epidemiological service SniP – Construction Standards SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide SPS – Safeguard Policy Statement SPZ – Sanitary Protection Zones SZ – Safety Zone UNEP – United Nations Environment Program UZS – Uzbekistani soʻm VOC – volatile organic compounds VU – Vulnerable WHO – World Health Organization ZEP – Statement on Environmental Consequences ZVOS – Concept Statement on Environmental Impact (Uzbekistan

EIA)

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of November 2020)

Currency unit – UZS (Uzbekistan so’m) $1.00 = 10.3 so’m


7

Executive Summary

Introduction 1. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is part of the process of compliance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) guidelines in relation to the Guzar-Regar 500 kV Power Transmission Line Project, or the “Project”. 2. The IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the project. More specifically, the IEE: Describes the existing socio-environmental conditions within the Project area;

Describes the project design, construction activities and operational parameters;

Describes the extent, duration and severity of potential impacts;

Analyzes all significant impacts; and

Formulates the mitigation actions and presents it all in the form of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

3. Based on the existing ADB Environmental Safeguards Policy (2009), this Project falls under ADB’s project Category B as the proposed project’s potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects.

Description of the Project 4. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan (GoU) has applied for financing from the ADB in the form of a loan towards the following components: Rehabilitation of high voltage (HV) line L507 (500kV) Guzar-Regar Regional Power

Transmission Line Project (Component 1) Construction of 220kV substation in Zafarabad, and two HV Power Transmission Line

Project (220kV) Syrdarya Thermal Power Plant (TPP) – Substation Zafarabad in Jizzak Regions (Component 2).

5. This IEE focuses specifically on the 500 kV Guzar-Regar project, which will be referred to forthwith as ‘the Project’. This project aims to improve export-import and development of the electricity industry between the government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. It will restore the 63.36 km 500kV “Guzar-Regar” overhead line in the Surkhandarya region. The project is proposed to be funded from the savings from ADB Loan No. 3285-UZB Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project. 6. The 500 kV Guzar – Regar line (L507) was operated for more than 40 years and was built to provide power to Tajikistan during the winter periods and receive electricity from Tajikistan during the summer months when Tajikistan has a surplus of electricity from hydropower generation. 7. However, in 2011, due to physical wear and tear a part of the overhead power line (OHL) route and its associated towers has been dismantled (with the exception of a few towers and sections of line that remain crossing valleys) and rehabilitation works are required to reinstate the line. The length of Guzar - Regar Project to be rehabilitated is 63.36 km. National Energy Grids of Uzbekistan (NEGU) will be the executing agency.


8

Alternatives 8. ‘No Project’ Option - In case the proposed project is not undertaken, Uzbekistan will not be able to cope with the increasing demand and the electricity existing system will remain over-loaded, line losses will also remain high, and the system reliability will progressively decrease, with increasing pressure on the system. NEGU, the national Transmission Utility, will also forego the opportunity of increasing its consumers’ base as well as revenue associated with the system expansion. In view of the above, the ‘no project’ option is not a preferred alternative. 9. Alternative Locations - The Project intends to rehabilitate the OHL and its associated towers than have fallen into disrepair. The Project will follow the existing route of the old OHL as far as practical except where micro-alignment changes are required by the EPC Contractor based in engineering requirements and other technical aspects such as Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF) which is discussed later in this report. As such, no alternative locations have been proposed. 10. Alternative Tower and Conductor Arrangements – NEGU have used, and continue to use, the same tower design for their HV line projects across Uzbekistan. No other alternative tower designs have been proposed by NEGU that can be evaluated in this IEE. The three tower types proposed for the Project were analyzed. In general, no significant issues with the tower designs were identified that would increase the risk of electrocution or collisions with the exception of the use of guys which are used to stabilize frame towers. Accordingly, it has been recommended that where national standards and design specifications allow, the use of guyed towers should be avoided. The conductor arrangements were also examined. The fact that the Project is single-phase with the lines arranged horizontally means that there is a reduced risk of bird collisions with the conductors over projects with two or three phases with vertically arranged conductors. 11. Other Alternatives - The locations of construction camps are not currently known. The EPC Contractor will choose the sites which will need to follow the guidelines for siting and permitting as outlined in this IEE, including consultations with local residents. Employment of local labor force will reduce the need for a large construction camp size.

Existing Conditions 12. The baseline data collection (including the social baseline) was undertaken by a national consulting company (NCC) engaged by the EA to prepare environmental assessment documentation to meet national requirements. Background data and information collected by the NCC was obtained from published and unpublished sources, e.g., on: climate, topography, geology and soils, natural resources, flora and fauna, agriculture, and socio-economic data. Several site inspections were conducted jointly by the NCC and the International Environmental Specialist and National Counterpart during December 2019 and January 2020. The proposed route was inspected (where access was possible) and areas of potential environmental significance assessed carefully. Discussions were held with a number of stakeholders in order to determine their perceptions of the level of impact from the Project works. Data and information obtained have been incorporated where appropriate in the IEE Report. The following provides a summary of the baseline conditions within the Project area. 13. Administrative – Uzbekistan is divided into twelve regions (also known as Oblasts), one autonomous republic (Karakalpakstan) and one independent city (Tashkent). The regions in turn are divided into 160 districts (also known as Rayons). The Project is located in


9

Surkhandarya region. Surkhandarya is divided into 14 districts. The Project is located in Altinsay, Sariasiy and Denau districts. 14. Topography - The elevation at the start of the line itself is around 700m above mean sea level (masl) rising to around 950 masl at the end point of the alignment. The alignment is situated in the foothills of the Gissar range (Adyrs) and therefore the elevation of the alignment is variable along its entire extent. 15. Soils and Geohazards - Nearly all of the tower sites will be located on or adjacent to the tower sites of the old alignment. These tower sites have been graded to ensure they are flat thus limiting the potential for soil erosion from these areas. The tower sites are generally located in Adyrs which are used predominantly as grazing land. The Project is located in a seismically active area. Landslides are not thought to be a specific issue for the Project work sites however, the Surkhandarya region is prone to mudflow events. 16. Hydrology - The hydrographic network of the Project area can be represented by four groups of watercourses: Large rivers. Tupolang river and Sangardak river. These are rivers with a constant flow

and are the main source of water for the Surkhandarya River. The Project alignment crosses both of these rivers.

Mountain Streams (sais). Temporary watercourses, their runoff is formed only during the period of heavy rainfall

or during active snow melting. Slope runoff, which does not have a pronounced channel, but in sum can form a

concentrated runoff. 17. In general, most of the watercourses to be crossed are small, the width of their channels does not exceed 10-15 m, and the depth of the channel cut does not exceed 1.5 m. The Sangardak and Tupolang rivers are the largest watercourses to be crossed by the OHL. Water from surface watercourses in the Project area is used for irrigated agriculture, practiced on gentle slopes of the Adyrs. 18. Climate and Air Quality - Surkhandarya is characterized by sharply continental, arid climate, expressed by wide fluctuation amplitudes of annual, seasonal and daily temperature, as well as large dryness with moisture contrasts within the seasons. The alignment traverses the foothills of the Gissar range, most of which is sparsely populated comprising pastureland. There are no significant point sources of air or noise emissions in the Project area. Accordingly, ambient air quality is good and this was confirmed by ambient air quality monitoring undertaken along the alignment in June 2020. 19. Designated Sites and Biodiversity - Several nationally designated sites are located in the region, the nearest of which is the Gissar State Nature Reserve, more than 40km north west of the Project alignment. A short section (approximately 800m) of the alignment runs close to the border of the Gissar State Nature Reserve Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and Important Bird Area (IBA), but never within it. The KBA/IBA supports a number of globally threatened/biome-restricted species including the Saker Falcon and the Himalayan Griffon. 20. In general, the ornithological fauna of the region has been significantly influenced by humans in recent years. Plowing up of land, grazing of livestock has led to a decrease in the number of birds and the extinction of some species. To further confirm the status of bird species in the Project area extensive literature research (undertaken as part of the CHA Screening exercise) and site surveys were undertaken. The research identified ten qualifying species for critical habitat in the Project area including the Saker Falcon, Egyptian Vulture and Asian Houbara.


10

21. A number of mammals have been identified as being present in the Project area, or potentially present. The Marbled Polecat and Goitered Gazelle (both IUCN - Vulnerable) could have habitat within the Project area. Two species of reptiles identified are also listed in the Uzbek Red-book. 22. The Project corridor mainly traverses rainfed adyrs in the foothills of the Gissar range. Ephemerae (herbaceous annual plants with a very short vegetation period which develop intensely during spring or autumn before dying out in the summer drought) are common in the adyrs, as well as Wormwood, Cousinia, Astragalus, Barley and Creeping Wheatgrass. Shrubs (almonds, barberry, rosehip, etc.) also grow on adyrs. However, owing to their accessibility, adyrs and the adjacent mid-mountain belt are subject to the highest pasture load in Uzbekistan. Unsustainable rotation of alpine pastures leads to their degradation. Overgrazing decreases the projective covering of slopes that contribute to the destruction of ecosystems and drop in population of characteristic species. This is generally the situation in the Project area which is heavily grazed. It is also important to note that the areas where the new towers are planned to be constructed have also been modified by human activity previously during the construction of the original project. Nonetheless, portions of the adyrs through which the alignment crosses can still be considered as natural habitat. A single species of threatened fungi was identified during CHA screening, the Picipes rhizophilus (VU). 23. Income and Livelihoods - There is little significant economic activity within the Project corridor which is dominated by pastureland in the adyrs with some patches of irrigated agriculture in the valleys of rivers and sais crossing the alignment. 24. Physical Cultural Resources - Many ancient monuments of Uzbekistan are concentrated in Surkhandarya region. Among the most significant ancient monuments are Khalchayan, Dalvarzintepa, Ayrtam, Kyzyltepa, Bandyhan and Kampyrtepa. One of the earliest human settlements, the famous Teshiktash cave, is located in the Zautoloshsay mountain gorge and dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period (100-40 thousand BC). However, no physical cultural resources have been identified in the Project corridor to date. 25. Noise - Ambient noise levels in the Project area are very low due to the remote nature of the alignment in the foothills. No point sources of significant noise are present within the Project corridor, and traffic volume on the roads crossing the alignment is very low. This was confirmed by ambient noise monitoring undertaken in June 2020.

Key Impacts 26. This EIA follows a set format during the impact assessment process. Firstly, the environmental aspects of the Project are noted, e.g. an aspect of the Project that may impact upon air quality will be the movement of vehicles on unpaved roads through rural settlements. Secondly, any sensitive receptors are noted, they could be local villagers, NEGU staff, water resources, etc. Thirdly, potential impacts of the identified aspects are outlined and how they could impact upon the identified receptors, in the case above, this could be the movement of a construction vehicle creating dust on an unpaved road which impacts upon local villagers. The significance of each impact is then assessed in matrix form using a range of criteria in a matrix format, including magnitude, special scale, timeframe, consequence and probability. The impact significance could be both positive and negative and ranges from low to high. The following provides an overview of the key impacts identified during the preparation of the EIA. 27. Air Quality – No sensitive receptors have been located in the Adyrs. Towers sites in the valley areas are located more than 30m from any residential receptors for safety reasons, as such exhaust emissions are unlikely to have any significant impact to these receptors. Dust


11

impacts will generally be of low significance due to the distances involved between worksites and receptors and will be limited to the dry summer months. Some minor, short term dust impacts may occur to agricultural areas and in areas adjacent to access roads. 28. Hydrology – Given the location of tower sites away from major surface water courses it is considered unlikely that significant contamination of water courses from these materials is likely. However, there remains the possibility of very minor groundwater contamination. 29. Soils – Soil compaction, soil erosion and soil contamination are all possible to certain degrees during the construction phase of the Project. Borrow material may also be required, but not in significant amounts. 30. Geohazards – The Project is located in a seismically active area. Seismic events could lead to the failure of towers and lines which could result in safety impacts upon the local community residential areas, or in areas where lines cross public land., e.g. roads. Failure of Project infrastructure would also lead to power outages in the network until the facilities could be fixed. No areas specifically prone to landslides or mudslides have been identified at this stage of the Project. It is assumed that detailed engineering surveys of the alignment will be undertaken by the EPC Contractor during the design stage and that these areas would be identified and avoided. It is however, anticipated that such issues would have been avoided during the design and construction of the existing tower sites which will generally be the location of the new towers. 31. Habitat – At the tower sites and at construction camps and equipment lay-down areas, clearing vegetation and soil will cause temporary loss of land, although pre-clearance surveys will be used to avoid impact upon sensitive habitat as far as practical. There will also be a small loss of habitat if any new temporary access roads are created. The camps, laydown areas and access roads will be selected by the EPC Contractor following such surveys. A small area of natural habitat maybe impacted by the Project, but this represents a very minor fraction of the total area of natural habitat in the region as a whole. 32. Gissar KBA / IBA – The Gissar KBA / IBA is located almost adjacent to a portion of the alignment for around 800m, although never in it. It is important to note, that at this point the alignment runs through a small settlement which occupies land to the north (within the KBA / IBA) and the south of the alignment. Accordingly, the habitat in the alignment itself in this area is heavily modified by human activity. Project works will not be undertaken in the KBA / IBA and as such no impacts to terrestrial habitats within the KBA / IBA are anticipated, as long as the measures proposed in this IEE relating to siting of facilities and training of staff are implemented during the construction phase. IBAs and KBAs are not Critical Habitat triggers under the guidelines in the ADB SPS. However, there are multiple threatened bird species within the IBA, which will move outside of the area and could qualify the project area as Critical Habitat (CH). These have been individually assessed against the relevant CH requirements in the CH screening activity discussed below. 33. Critical Habitat - Critical Habitat Screening assessed 480 species and protected areas recorded within 50 km of the proposed Project. The screening process concluded that ten species that could trigger Critical Habitat are present or potentially present in the Project area. 34. None of the ten species assessed during this Scoping process are considered to trigger CH on the basis of the data available and the ADB SPS and IFC GN6 assessment criteria. All are however internationally vulnerable or endangered species and their presence in the area has been considered in the Project to avoid, reduce, minimize and potentially offset any potential adverse impacts.


12

35. Bird Electrocutions and Collisions – Birds can be electrocuted on transmission lines; however, it is rare and there is a lack of data on the scale of this problem. Collisions with transmission towers are more likely, although studies undertaken by national NGOs have stated that the risk to special status species such as the Egyptian Vulture and the Saker Falcon is low. 36. Economy, Employment and Livelihoods – Some negative impacts may occur such a frustration and resentment if local workers perceive that foreign workers are receiving better pay or conditions for exactly the same job. 37. Waste – Disposal of waste materials from worksites can be difficult to manage due to the de-centralized nature of the works. Without suitable waste containers and without adequate training, workers could dump waste materials haphazardly around the work sites which could create pollution events. 38. Noise and Vibration – The Corridor generally passes through adyrs with very few noise-sensitive receptors, where the ambient noise levels are low. The line will pass through several settlements. Most of the properties in these settlements are located more than 500 m from the tower sites. 25 to 30 properties are located within 200m of the alignment and are also situated close to potential access routes. Residential properties in these areas could be impacted by short term construction noise (2-3 weeks) during the daytime period, e.g. through excavation works. Recent studies showed that lines above 400kV produce corona noise effects under certain conditions (especially at night under humid or wet conditions). There is potential for noise impacts from such corona effects on properties located very close to such infrastructure in quiet rural locations. 39. Physical Cultural Resources - At this stage of the Project no impacts to PCR are anticipated. However, it is possible that chance finds could occur during tower footing excavation works. 40. Utilities and Infrastructure – The main potential impacts during construction include; temporary loss or reduction in utility supply to consumers; wear/degradation of road surfaces, and road closures, particularly during movement of long or heavy loads. 41. Workers’ Rights and Occupational Health and Safety - The expected impacts on worker rights and H&S as a result of construction, activities and Project operation at all sites include risk to workers H&S due to hazardous construction activities; and violation of workers’ rights. In addition, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has illustrated that the workforce could be impacted significantly by infectious disease. 42. Community Health and Safety – The Project has the potential to involve both health and safety impacts to the community during the construction phase including, for example; electrocution from direct contact with high-voltage electricity or from contact with tools, vehicles, ladders, or other devices that are in contact with high-voltage electricity, increased risk of enhanced incidences of communicable diseases arising from interaction between workers living in the construction camps with local people. EMF from powerlines is unlikely to generate adverse health impact to those living close to the line, especially when national safety codes are followed. 43. Cumulative Impacts - No other infrastructure projects have been identified within the vicinity of the Project that may result in significant cumulative impacts, e.g. the rehabilitation of the road network in the Project area.


13

44. Transboundary Impacts - The Project ends close to the border with Tajikistan. No works will be undertaken that cross the border. Accordingly, no direct or indirect transboundary impacts are anticipated. 45. Induced Impacts - The aim of the Project is to rehabilitate an existing transmission line which links an existing portion of transmission line in Tajikistan with the transmission network in Uzbekistan. The Project is not anticipated to lead to any induced impacts in the Project area as the alignment will simply pass through it.

Key Management and Mitigation Actions 46. Prior to the start of Construction, the EPC Contractor and the PMU / PIC will be responsible for setting up a range of pre-construction plans. The following table provides a summary of those requirements.

Table 1: Pre-construction Key Management Measures # Issue Proposed Management Measures

1 Development and implementation of the mechanism to resolve environmental complaints due to the project implementation

The EPC Contractor and the PMU will establish the GRM.

2 Development of SEMP and sub-plans

Prior to start of site works, the EPC Contractor will prepare his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) which will include the following topic specific and site-specific plans:

Topic Specific

Pollution Prevention Plan

Occupational Health and Safety Plan

Community Health and Safety Plan

Reinstatement Implementation Plan

Waste Management Plan

Traffic Management Plan

Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Site Specific

Construction Camp Management Plan

4 Obtaining licenses, permits and agreement

NEGU is responsible for obtaining permits and licenses for: a) Construction permit, b) Environment decision, c) Cultural Heritage Clearance, d) Visual geological-engineering conclusion, e) Waste passport, f) Hazardous materials permission, g) SPZ permits before construction. The EPC Contractor is responsible for obtaining a) Forest Use Agreement, b) Mineral extraction license, c) Approval of construction or upgrade activities, d) Transportation permit.

47. In addition to the above a range of impacts and mitigation and management measures have been prepared as part of this IEE to be implemented by the EPC Contractor during the Construction phase and NEGU during the operational phase. The following tables provides a summary of the key potential mitigation and management measures for the Project during these phases.


14

Table 2: Summary of Construction Phase Key Mitigation and Management Measures # Aspect Impact

Significance Impact Mitigation Residual

Impact

1 Air quality Low The EPC Contractor will strictly implement approved Pollution Prevention Plan. In addition, he will follow all of the mitigation and management measures included the IEE for Air Quality, Section 5.2.1 including for example, correcting siting of equipment, routine watering of access roads and using construction equipment and vehicles that meet national emission standards.

Not significant

2 Hydrology Low The EPC Contractor will strictly implement approved Pollution Prevention Plan. He will also follow all of the mitigation and management measures included the IEE for Hydrology 5.2.2, including measures for the management and discharge of water and the correct siting of facilities.

Not significant

3 Soils Low During construction, the EPC Contractor will be responsible for ensuring re-vegetation of the construction areas. To reduce impacts to topsoil a range of measures will be implemented as stated in Section 5.3.2 – Soils and Geology. In addition, the EPC Contractor will strictly implement his Pollution Prevention Plan and Reinstatement Implementation Plan which will include measures for the mitigation and management of soil erosion, soil contamination and impacts to top soils. Only state licensed borrow pits will be allowed for use.

Not significant

4 Geohazards Low Designing towers using landslide prevention design standards and considering earthquake loading as well as locating the facilities in stable areas, as far as possible would avoid landslides and impacts from seismic events.

Not significant

5 Natural Habitats

Medium The EPC Contractor will be responsible for implementing a range of generic biodiversity mitigation measures as specified in Section 5.3.1 of this IEE. These items relate to issues such as reinstatement of sites and minimization of impacts to sensitive species. Measures have also been included within the EMP to prevent workers and construction activities entering Gissar KBA/IBA.

Not significant

6 Impacts to Egyptian Vulture, Saker Falcon, Steppe Eagle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle and Asian Houbara

Medium The ESO will be required to include training and awareness raising of the Project’s sensitive ecological receptors, and the Project’s required management and mitigation commitments. Training will include the clarify of roles and responsibilities, the use of photographs, behavior training including bans on hunting, foraging, and trapping, national regulatory requirements, activities that should be observed in specific sections or periods/months (e.g. breeding) to avoid or minimize the risk of disturbance, injury, or death of the Project’s sensitive species, in particular the Egyptian

Low


15

# Aspect Impact Significance

Impact Mitigation Residual Impact

vulture and saker falcon. EPC Contractors must also enforce a total ban on guard dogs and firearms.

7 Impacts on Goitered Gazelle and Marbled Polecat

Medium Neither species is abundant in the area and both are shy and that will actively avoid human actives and disturbance, e.g. construction sites. However, without management they could be at risk of poaching. Construction worker training and management of activities, including the citing of any compounds away from their preferred habitat will further reduce risks.

Low

8 Land Use Medium The key mitigation for land use is implementation of the LARP which has been prepared in draft and summarized in this IEE.

Not significant

9 Waste Management

Low The EPC Contractor will strictly implement the approved Waste Management Plan. He will also follow all of the mitigation and management measures included the IEE for Waste Management, Section 6.5.3 including general measures such as providing garbage bins and facilities within the project site for temporary storage of domestic solid waste and construction waste and training staff in best practice.

Not significant

10 Noise and Vibration

Medium The EPC Contractor will strictly follow all of the mitigation and management measures included the IEE for Noise and Vibration, Section 6.5.4 including for example; no noisy activities (e.g., transport of materials along residential areas and other sensitive receptors, piling, etc.) during the night, etc. Temporary noise barriers will be erected around work sites close to residential properties.

Low

11 PCR Low The EPC Contractor shall implement his chance find procedure, if required.

Not significant

12 Community Health and Safety

Low The EPC Contractor will implement a Community Health and Safety Plan. The EPC Contractor will be required to implement the Grievance Procedure to provide opportunity for local residents to raise concerns. The Project will review measures to mitigate community health and safety impacts regularly and will consult with local communities every six months, informing them on the status of implementation and results, and discussing any changes needed to the Pollution Prevention Plan or the Community Health and Safety Plan in advance of proposed changes

Not significant

13 Occupational Health and Safety

Medium Inclusion of specific mitigation measures recommended by the WBG for transmission line projects as well as the requirements for preparation and implementation of an Occupational Health and Safety Plan (including a specific section for emergency response procedures), training of staff and

Not significant


16

# Aspect Impact Significance

Impact Mitigation Residual Impact

provision of health and safety specialist on the EPC Contractors team should ensure that no significant residual OHS impacts remain during the construction phase. In addition, the EPC Contractor will be responsible for following all of the relevant national health and safety standards.

48. Regarding COVID-19, the situation regarding the disease changes on a daily basis globally. In addition, the practices to ensure the safety of the population vary from country to country. At this stage of the pandemic, and until ADB provide specific guidance on COVID-19 in the workplace this IEE can only indicate that the EPC Contractor will be responsible for following the Presidential Order on this matter.

Table 3: Summary of Operational Phase Key Mitigation and Management Measures # Aspect Impact

Significance Impact Mitigation Residual

Impact 1 Occupational

Health and Safety

Medium During the operational phase NEGU staff will follow the national OHS regulations as well as specific NEGU protocols and procedures for health and safety. An Electromagnetic Field (EMF) safety program shall also be established based on international best practice guidelines. A long-term health and safety training program has also been proposed.

Low

2 Community Health and Safety

Low The Project will be designed to ensure that all relevant safety codes are used. Regarding EMF, any impacts, however small, will be negated by ensuring that all sanitary protection zone distances are respected in the design phase, which may require expropriation as a last resort.

Not Significant

3 Corona Noise Medium Conductors shall be designed to operate below the inception level for corona discharge. To further limit the potential impacts of corona noise, where practical seek a separation distance of 200m between any property and a 500-kV tower, and 100m between any property and the overhead line.

Not Significant

4 Impacts on Asian Houbara, European Turtledove and Yellow-eyed pigeon

Medium The loss of 0.5 hectares is not considered to be significant and the requirement to manage habitat outside the nesting season will avoid direct harm. Further, ball markers and bird reflectors on each tower will reduce the risk of collision for the Asian Houbara. The other species are small and agile and the risk of collision is negligible. The adaptive nature of the Framework BAP prepared for the Project will ensure that any issues arising during the operational phase of the Project can be managed accordingly.

Low

5 Impacts on migratory species

Medium Birds are known to migrate through the Gissar Range but no known sites for bottlenecks or stop overs are present in or around the AoA, Further, the species that are at a greater risk

Low


17

of collision or electrocution are present in very low numbers. Further, ball markers and bird reflectors on each tower will further reduce risks. The adaptive nature of the Framework BAP prepared for the Project will ensure that any issues arising during the operational phase of the Project can be managed accordingly.

6 Impacts on Egyptian Vulture and Saker Falcon

Medium Without mitigation measures impacts, bird collisions could occur with consequences for these species, although as noted above the risk to these species is generally considered to be low by local NGOs. Electrocution is considered less likely than collisions with towers. It is noted that this is essentially a rehabilitation project and implementation of the proposed best practice mitigation measures for birds will result in a lower likelihood of collisions and electrocution than on the old line. Notwithstanding the above, it is possible that some collisions (and even electrocutions) may still occur despite the proposed mitigation. A Framework BAP has been prepared which will includes a program for surveying the bird population and mortality rates during the operational phase. The adaptive nature of the Framework BAP will ensure that any issues arising during the operational phase of the Project can be managed accordingly.

Low

Monitoring Actions 49. To ensure that all of the above mitigation actions are completed according to the requirements of this IEE, monitoring shall be undertaken of Project works by the EPC Contractor and the Project Implementation Consultant (PIC), on behalf of the Project Management Unit (PMU). The EPC Contractor will employ a team of environmental and health and safety specialists to continually monitor the works on site. 50. The EPC Contractors actions shall be continually monitored and managed by the PIC throughout the Projects Construction phase. This will be achieved through weekly inspections of the EPC Contractors environmental and social performance and his SEMP by national and international environmental and social specialists engaged by the PIC throughout the construction period. Instrumental monitoring of air quality and noise will also be undertaken in the event of complaints from the public. The PIC shall have the right to suspend works or payments if the EPC Contractor is in violation of any of his obligations under the EMP and this IEE. 51. Monitoring of birds during the operational phase of the Project will also be undertaken according to the requirements of the Framework Biodiversity Action Plan prepared for the Project.

Consultations 52. Stakeholder engagement has been undertaken throughout the development of the Project, with the view to determining and responding to the views of interested and parties


18

potentially affected by the Project throughout the life of the Project, and ensure open and transparent, two-way communication between NEGU and stakeholders. 53. To date more than 6 formal stakeholder consultation sessions (all documented in this IEE) have been undertaken to discuss the IEE, LARP and gender issues. All of the findings and comments from the consultation events, both positive and negative, have been recorded in this IEE and where relevant, mitigation measures have been prepared to manage the issues identified.

Conclusions 54. This IEE has established that, with the exception of the residual impacts mentioned below, there are no significant environmental issues that cannot be either totally prevented or adequately mitigated to levels acceptable to the GoU and international standards for Project activities. 55. The identified key residual impacts during the Construction Phase include:

Impacts on Goitered Gazelle and Marbled Polecat Noise and Vibration 56. The following key residual impacts have been identified in the operational phase of the Project: Occupational Health and Safety Impacts on migratory species Impacts on Egyptian Vulture, Saker Falcon, Asian Houbara, Steppe Eagle and Pallas’s

Fish Eagle. 57. Measures have been proposed to ensure that the residual impact significance is low for all these aspects and a Framework Biodiversity Action Plan has been prepared specifically to monitor and manage impacts to sensitive bird species, more of which is described below. 58. In addition to the above, beneficial impacts include Indirect job generation and procurement opportunities related to Project construction which will have a beneficial impact on employment in the Project Area.

Implementation 59. Construction Phase - The EMP, its mitigation and monitoring programs, contained herewith will be included within the Project Bidding documents for project works. This ensures that all potential bidders are aware of the environmental requirements of the Project and its associated environmental costs. 60. The Bid documents state that the EPC Contractor will be responsible for the implementation of the requirements of the EMP through his own Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) which will adopt all of the conditions of the EMP and add site specific elements that are not currently known, such as the EPC Contractors construction camp locations. 61. The EMP and all its requirements will also be added to the EPC Contractors Contract, thereby making implementation of the EMP a legal requirement according to the Contract. He will then prepare his SEMP which will be approved and monitored by the PIC. Should the PIC,


19

through routine monitoring by his national and international environmental and social specialists, note any non-conformance with the SEMP the EPC Contractor can be held liable for breach of the contractual obligations of the EMP. To ensure compliance with the SEMP the EPC Contractor will employ an Environmental and Social Officer (ESO) and a team of specialists to monitor and report Project activities throughout the Project Construction phase. 62. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) has also been prepared as part of the Project. The GRM provides a structure for stakeholders to make complaints and a mechanism for the complaints to be resolved both locally and centrally. 63. Operational Phase – During the operational phase NEGU will be responsible for ensuring that the mitigation measures specified in this IEE are implemented, including implementation of the requirements of the project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan (F-BAP). 64. Framework Biodiversity Action Plan - a F-BAP has been prepared to help manage and monitor the possible impacts on special status species during implementation of the Project. The recommendations of the F-BAP have been included in this IEE and the report itself is disclosed on the ADB website along with this IEE. 65. NEGU will retain overall responsible for the implementation of the requirements of the F-BAP. During the construction phase the EPC Contractor (through his ESO) will update the F-BAP, converting to a full BAP and undertake the stakeholder engagement activities currently outlined in the F-BAP. Additional field surveys will be completed by national independent experts or groups (e.g. baseline surveys of Egyptian Vultures). If monitoring during construction indicates that populations are declining and / or nesting success falls and / or dead birds are observed, the Project will adopt an adaptive management approach which includes detailed species action plans or specific adaptive management, including; bird perch preventers on certain towers where bird electrocutions are identified and feeding stations for vultures located at a safe distance from the Project alignment. Conservation awareness and support may also form part of any adaptive management. Monitoring will continue through the first three years of operation with support from NEGU and national independent experts or groups, and adaptive management measures applied if needed. 66. A budget for implementation of the F-BAP / BAP has been added to the Project EMP costs to ensure monitoring is undertaken effectively and to provide for any required adaptive management measures.


20

1. Introduction

1.1. General 67. This section of the report; a) provides the background to the energy sector in Uzbekistan, b) summarizes the Project need and objectives, c) outlines the purpose of the IEE, d) describes the Project Category and c) describes the scope of the IEE and the structure of the report.

1.2. Energy Sector Background 68. Uzbekistan’s aging and dilapidated infrastructure in the whole energy supply chain increasingly results in system inefficiencies, unreliable gas and electricity supply that dampens the economic development and business confidence, and uneven access to energy across provinces contributing towards widening regional income disparities. The obsolete energy transmission and distribution system has developed serious problems overtime, such as increasingly frequent electricity blackouts and insufficient gas especially during peak demand times in the winter, putting social service systems, such as education and health care, at risk. 69. The energy supply is increasingly becoming unreliable because of degraded infrastructure along the electricity supply chain and insufficient investments for rehabilitation. Compounded by the regional disparities in indigenous energy resources such as natural gas, hydropower and electricity demand centers, the poor conditions of transmission network result in higher risks of system outages, poor services and transmission losses estimated at 20% of net power generation. Investment in transmission networks is required to reduce overloading, improve supply reliability and significantly reduce electricity losses. 70. With poor electricity transmission infrastructure, Uzbekistan is unable to capitalize its export and transit potential. The power grid of Uzbekistan is a major component of the Central Asian power transmission network, and the Coordinating Dispatch Center in Tashkent manages network operation and planning. As increased interconnection and power trades are expected between Uzbekistan and neighboring countries, the supervisory monitoring and control of energy flows among countries and enhanced transmission network will be prerequisite to increased regional energy trade. At present, Uzbekistan is the only country in the Central Asian power system that does not have supervisory control and data acquisition in the national dispatch center. This results in the inefficient operation of energy assets and constrains Uzbekistan’s capacity for regional power trade.

1.3. Project Overview and Objectives

1.3.1. Technical Assistance Overview 71. The Project forms part of the transaction technical assistance facility (F-TRTA) which will provide project preparation support to a series of ensuing projects, comprising the: Regional Gas Transmission Efficiency Enhancement Project ($300 million); Distribution Network Modernization Program ($300 million); and Regional Energy Transmission and Dispatch Enhancement Project ($400 million). 72. All ensuing projects are among the Government of Uzbekistan’s priorities for energy sector development under Uzbekistan’s 2030 strategy.


21

73. The three ensuing energy projects to be prepared under the F-TRTA are of similar nature. These projects are aligned with the government’s objectives to strengthen reliability of the energy sector to increase its sustainability and efficiency and mobilize private sector investments. The projects aim to improve the quality of energy supply, reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses, and improve the financial performance of energy utilities.

1.3.2. Project Overview 74. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan (GoU) has applied for financing from the ADB in the form of a load towards the following components: Rehabilitation of high voltage (HV) line L507 (500kV) Guzar-Regar Regional Power

Transmission Line Project (Component 1) Construction of 220kV substation in Zafarabad, and two HV Power Transmission Line

Project (220kV) Syrdarya Thermal Power Plant (TPP) – Substation Zafarabad in Jizzak Regions (Component 2).

75. This IEE focuses specifically on the 500 kV Guzar-Regar project, which will be referred to forthwith as ‘the Project’. This project aims to improve export-import and development of the electricity industry between the government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. It will restore the 63.36 km 500kV “Guzar-Regar” overhead line in the Surkhandarya region. The project is proposed to be funded from the savings from ADB Loan No. 3285-UZB Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project. 76. The 500 kV Guzar – Regar line (L507) was operated for more than 40 years and was built to provide power to Tajikistan during the winter periods and receive electricity from Tajikistan during the summer months when Tajikistan has a surplus of electivity from hydropower generation. 77. However, in 2011, due to physical wear and tear a part of the overhead power line (OHL) route and its associated towers has been dismantled (with the exception of a few towers and sections of line that remain crossing valleys) and rehabilitation works are required to reinstate the line. The length of Guzar - Regar Project to be rehabilitated is 63.36 km. National Energy Grids of Uzbekistan (NEGU) will be the executing agency.

1.3.3. Implementation 78. The Executing agency is the JSC National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan (NEGU).

1.3.4. Objectives 79. The objectives of the Project are: a) Improve energy security through versatility and expansion of electricity transmission lines; b) Improve reliability of electricity supply in the country and region; c) Reduce transmission losses; and d) Improve operational efficiency of the energy sector. 80. The Project is also an important infrastructure facility for Tajikistan, and the implementation of the project is of priority importance for the sustainable development of the neighboring country, its integration into international economic relations, and also meets the interests of the Uzbekistan to strengthen friendship and comprehensive cooperation both in the energy and other economic spheres. However, it is important to note that the Project does not involve any construction works in Tajikistan and there are no direct transboundary impacts.


22

81. The project also follows the ADB strategy for Uzbekistan, which includes a focus on energy efficiency and reliable electricity supply.

1.4. Purpose of the IEE Report 82. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is part of the process of compliance with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) in relation to the Project. 83. The IEE provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental effects associated with the Project. The IEE provides a detailed description of the direct and indirect environmental effects associated with the proposed Project during key periods of work. 84. More specifically, the IEE: a) Describes the existing socio-environmental conditions within the Project area; b) Describes the project design, construction activities and operational parameters; c) Describes the extent, duration and severity of potential impacts; d) Analyzes all significant impacts; and e) Formulates the mitigation actions and monitoring program and presents it all in the form

of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

1.5. Category of the Project 85. Based on the existing ADB Environmental Safeguards Policy (2009), this Project IEE falls under ADB’s project Category B as the proposed project’s potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. 86. The Project has also been subject to State Ecological Expertise, as described in Section 2.3 below. All approvals under the SEE process were given in 2019.

1.6. IEE Boundaries 87. For purposes of establishing the environmental conditions, the overview of regional data is followed by the description at the project level if data is available. This IEE covers the entire length of the Project funded by the ADB. For purposes of this impact assessment, an envelope of 200 meters wide on each side of the transmission line over its entire length is identified as the primary impact area (“Project Area” or “Project Corridor”). This distance takes into account the common impacts associated with construction works such as noise, dust and other air emissions. However, the project impact area maybe widened depending on conditions on the ground and with regard to specific construction sites outside of the corridor, e.g. for access roads. The sections where sensitive receptors are present, such as schools, hospitals or other places where people congregate are given particular attention so that ample mitigation is formulated. For sections that cross rivers, the impact assessment is expanded to cover the identified continuous extent of any ecologically important habitats / features.

1.7. Methodology Applied 88. The methodology is based on the ADB, Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and the joint experience of the International and National environmental consultants involved in the IEE. In addition, much of the baseline data collection (including the social baseline) was undertaken by a national consulting company (NCC) engaged by the EA to prepare environmental assessment documentation to meet national requirements.


23

89. Background data and information collected by the NCC was obtained from published and unpublished sources, e.g., on climate, topography, geology and soils, natural resources, flora and fauna, agriculture, and socio-economic data. 90. Several site inspections were conducted jointly by the NCC and the International Environmental Specialist and National Counterpart during December 2019 and January 2020. The proposed route was inspected (where access was possible) and areas of potential environmental significance assessed carefully. 91. Discussions were held with a number of stakeholders in order to determine their perceptions of the level of impact from the Project works (see Section H). Data and information obtained have been incorporated where appropriate in the IEE Report. 92. In addition, Critical Habitat Screening was also undertaken to identify triggers for critical habitat. The screening exercise was undertaken by international biodiversity specialists using a range of data sources, including IBAT.

1.8. Report Structure 93. Based on the findings of the scoping report, the following report structure was recommended. 94. Introduction – The section in hand provides the introductory information. 95. Legal, Policy and Administrative Framework – This section presents an overview of the policy/legislative framework as well as the environmental assessment guidelines of Uzbekistan that apply to the proposed project. 96. Description of the Project – Section 4 describes the Project need and its environmental setting. A scope of works is also provided indicating the type of construction works required. The analysis of alternatives including the ‘no project’ option in also part of this chapter. 97. Description of the Environment – This section of the report discusses the country, regional and local environmental baseline conditions. This section is divided into subsections relating to: (i) Physical: geology and soils; topography; climate and air quality; hydrology and

geohazards. (ii) Biological: flora and fauna (including Red List species) and nationally and internationally

designated sites. (iii) Social: population; communities; demographics; employment and socio-economics; land

use; infrastructure (including local access roads); public health and safety; physical cultural heritage; waste management and noise.

98. Surveys have been conducted to address important gaps in the existing data and to collect up-to-date information on topics and areas where potentially significant negative impacts may occur, specifically biodiversity. 99. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures – Section 6 outlines the potential environmental impacts and proposes mitigation measures to manage the impacts. The residual impacts of the Project are also presented.


24

100. Public Consultation, Information Disclosure – Section 7 provides a summary of all of the stakeholder consultation activities undertaken and includes the Projects grievance mechanism. 101. Environmental Management Plan – This section of the IEE comprises an Environmental Mitigation Plan and an Environmental Monitoring Plan. 102. The Environmental Mitigation Plan: (i) Clearly identifies what specific potential impacts various types of works may have on the

sensitive receptors; (ii) Provides concrete actions prescribed for managing these impacts, including location and

timing of these actions; (iii) Provides cost estimates for the main discrete mitigation measures (those that are unlikely

to be part of a construction company’ corporate policy and will not necessarily be included into general pricing of the contract); and

(iv) Specifies responsibility for the implementation of each mitigation activity. 103. The Environmental Monitoring Plan: (i) Lists all prescribed mitigation measures by types of construction activities; (ii) Provides selected criteria of monitoring implementation of mitigation measures; (iii) Specifies methods for measuring outcomes of applied mitigation measures (visual,

instrumental, survey, etc.); (iv) Identifies location and timing/frequency of monitoring mitigation measures by the

prescribed criteria; (v) Gives cost estimates of monitoring mitigation measures by the prescribed criteria; and (vi) Specifies responsibility for tracking each monitoring criterion. 104. Conclusions and Recommendations – The final section of the report provides the report conclusions and recommendations, including a description of any residual impacts.


25

2. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

2.1. National Environmental Legislation 105. Uzbekistan has created a legal framework in the field of environmental protection and environmental management, which is designed to ensure the rights and obligations of citizens enshrined in Articles 50 and 55 of the Constitution of Uzbekistan. These are more than 100 laws, about 50 Decrees of the President and Decrees of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other by-laws and regulatory documents. A list of Uzbekistan’s environmental legislation as it pertains to the proposed project is given in Table 4.

Table 4: List of environmental laws relevant to the project Year Law / Regulation Last revision

08.12.1992 Constitution of Uzbekistan 16.04.2014 09.12.1992 Law “On nature protection” 18.04.2018 06.05.1993 Law “On water and water use” 23.07.2018 25.05.2000 Law “On Environmental Expertise”; 14.09.2017 03.12.2004 Law “On Specially Protected Areas” 14.09.2017 26.12.1997 Law “On protection and use of flora” 21.09.2016 26.12.1997 Law “On protection and use of fauna” 19.09.2016 27.12.1996 Law “On air safety” 14.09.2017 05.04.2002 Law “On wastes” 10.10.2018

106. Brief summaries of the listed documents are given below: 107. Constitution of Uzbekistan. In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, land, subsoil, water, flora and fauna and other natural resources are national wealth, subject to rational use and protected by the state. 108. Law on Environmental Expertise. Environmental Impact Assessment in Uzbekistan is called State Environmental Expertise (SEE). SEE is regulated by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 491 dated December 31, 2001. 109. Law on Nature Protection regulates the legal relationship between the bodies of the state authority and the physical persons or legal entities (without distinction-legal form) in the field of environmental protection and in the use of nature on all Uzbekistan’s territory including its territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and special economic zone. The law defines the principles and norms of legal relations, rights and obligations and responsibilities, awareness raising, education and scientific research in the field of environment, key players and principles of environmental management; describes economical mechanisms and levers; ecological insurance; basics of environmental audit; environmental requirements during privatization; justifies needs of environmental standards and limits (air, water, soil, noise, vibration, fields, radiation) and ecological requirements for production, transportation and storage of goods and food products; ecological requirements applicable to waste; states necessity of environmental impact assessment and related issues (strategic environmental protection and transboundary environment assessment) referring to Environmental Assessment Code; defines general principles of environmental protection; considers different aspects on protection of ecosystems, protected areas, issues of global and regional management, protection of ozone layer, biodiversity and international cooperation aspects. As stated in the law, in order to protect the climate against the global changes, the subject of the business activity is obliged to observe the limits to green-house gas emissions as well as to take measures for mitigating this emission.


26

110. Law on Water and Water Use regulates water use, defines rights and obligations of water users, sets out the types of licenses for the use of water, the rules and conditions of their issuance, considers conditions of suspension, withdrawal and deprivation of license, regulates water flows. The law states liability of all natural and legal persons to prevent pollution of catchment basins, water reservoirs, snow and ice covers, glaciers, permanent snow cover with industrial, household and other wastes and emissions which may cause deterioration of the underground water quality; prohibits piling of industrial and household wastes near the public water headwork's and in their sanitation protection zones, bans construction of facilities and implementation of any other activity which may cause water pollution; sets requirements for forest use within water protection zones. The state management of water protection and use is exercised through accounting, monitoring, licensing, control and supervision. 111. Law on Air Safety. The law regulates protection of atmospheric air from man-caused impact. Pollution of atmospheric air is emission of hazardous substances originating from activities which are able to have negative impact on human health and environment. Maximum permitted limits for concentration of hazardous substances into the atmospheric air are defined for each contaminant and represent maximum concentration of hazardous pollutants, in averaged time span, recurring action of which has not have negative impact on human health and environment. 112. Law “On State Sanitary Supervision” - №657-XII of 07/03/1992 (as amended on 03.09.2010). It regulates social relations in the field of sanitary-epidemiological well-being and radiation safety, the right of people to a healthy environment and other related rights, guarantees and guarantees for their realization. 113. Law on Waste provides the legal conditions for implementation of measures aiming at prevention of generation of waste and increased re-use, environmentally sound treatment of waste (including recycling and extraction of secondary raw materials, as well as safe disposal). 114. The Law on Waste No.362-II of April 5, 2002 (modified January 4, 2011) states that citizens have the right to a safe and healthy environment, to participate in the discussion of projects, and compensation for damage to their life, health or property. 115. Law on Specially Protected Areas. Forms a legal basis for planning, establishment and maintenance and assignment of categories of protected areas, described funding issues for each category. It specifies ownership forms of land and other natural resources in protected areas, allowed and prohibited activities. 116. Law on Protection and Use of Flora regulates protection and usage of flora growing in natural condition, as well as in cultivation and its reproduction and conservation of gene pool of wild plants. The Cabinet of Ministries, local government bodies and special authorized agencies implement the law. State Committee of Nature Protection (SCNP) and Head Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agricultural and Water Resources are the special authorized agencies in flora protection and its usage. The Cabinet of Ministries, SCNP, local government bodies and Head Department of Forestry are responsible for implementing on the national level the administration of the law. 117. Law on Protection and Use of Fauna. This Law regulates relations in the field of protection and use of wild animals living in a state of natural freedom on land, water, atmosphere and soil, constantly or temporarily inhabiting the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as contained in semi-free conditions or artificially created habitat for scientific or nature protection goals.


27

118. A list of Uzbekistan’s social legislation as it pertains to the proposed project is given in Table 5.

Table 5: List of social and land ownership related laws relevant to the project Year Law / Regulation Last

revision

29.08.1996 Civil code of Uzbekistan 18.04.2018 21.12.1995 Labor code 16.10.2018 30.04.1998 Land Code 24.07.2018 13.01.1992 Law on employment 03.01.2018 30.08.2001 Law on cultural heritage 18.04.2018 29.08.1996 Law on Public Health 13.06.2017 01.08.2018 Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan №5495 on

measures on cardinal improvement of investment climate in the republic of Uzbekistan.

01.08.2018

29.05.2006 Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers № 97 on compensation for losses to individuals and legal entities due to seizure of land plots for state and public needs

29.05.2006

25.05.2011 Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers № 146 on improve the procedure of granting land plots, protect the rights of legal entities and individuals on land and improve the architecture of settlements and the efficient use of their settlements land for construction.

25.05.2011

16.06.2018 Resolution of Cabinet Ministers №3857 on measures to improve the effectiveness of training and realizing projects with participation of international financial institutions and foreign government financial organizations.

16.06.2018

119. Brief summaries of the listed documents are given below. 120. Civil Code defines the legal status of participants of civil relations, the grounds and procedure of implementation of property rights and other proprietary rights, rights on intellectual property, regulates the contractual and other obligations, as well as other property and related personal non-property relations. The Civil Code defines general rules of property seizure, determination of property cost and rights for compensation, terms of rights termination. 121. Labor code and Law on employment. These two documents are main legislations regulating labor relations of individuals employed with labor contract by enterprises, institutions, organizations of all type ownership forms, including contracted by individuals. These legislations are considering interests of employees and employers provide efficient function of labor market, just and secure labor conditions, protection of labor rights and employees health, promote to growth of labor productivity, increase of work quality, raising on this matter welfare and social livelihood level of the population. 122. Land Code. The Land Code is the main regulatory framework for land related matters in Uzbekistan. The land code regulates allocation, transfer and sale of land plots, defines ownership and rights on land. It describes responsibilities of different state authorities (Cabinet of Ministers, region, district and city hokimiyats) in land management; rights and obligations of land possessor, user, tenant and owner; land category types, land acquisition and compensation issues, resolution of land disputes and land protection. The land code also defines the terms of rights termination on land plot, seizure and land acquisition of land plot for state and public needs, and terms of seizure of land plot in violation of land legislation. 123. Law on Public Health. The main objectives of legislation on the protection of public health are: guaranteeing the rights of citizens to health care from the state; the formation of a


28

healthy lifestyle of citizens; legal regulation of the activities of state bodies, enterprises, institutions, organizations, public associations in the field of public health. 124. Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers № 97. This resolution regulates compensation for losses to individuals and legal entities due to seizure of land plots for state and public needs. This regulation is mainly dealing with land plots, houses, building and structures of individuals and legal entities. The resolution determines the procedure for seizure of land or part thereof, as well as the procedure for calculating the amount of compensation to individuals and legal entities for the demolished residential, industrial and other buildings, structures and plantings in due to seizure of land for state and public needs.

125. Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers № 146. This Resolution is aimed to improve the procedure of granting land plots, protect the rights of legal entities and individuals on land and improve the architecture of settlements and the efficient use of their (settlements) land for construction in accordance with the Land Code and the Town Planning Code. This resolution has approved two Regulations: (i) Regulation on the procedure for granting land for urban development and other non-agricultural purposes, (ii) Regulation on the procedure of compensation for land possessors, users, tenants and owners, as well as losses of agriculture and forestry. 126. Resolution of Cabinet Ministers № 3857. The resolution “On measures to improve the effectiveness of training and realizing projects with participation of international financial institutions and foreign government financial organizations” partly provides that payment of compensation for the land acquisition, demolition of houses, other structures, plantings within the framework of projects with the participation of International Financial Institutions (IFIs), if it is agreed and stated in agreements, then will be carried out by authorized bodies in accordance with the requirements of IFIs or Foreign Governmental Finance Organizations. 127. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan № 5495. Decree “On measures on cardinal improvement of investment climate in the republic of Uzbekistan" partly provides that the adoption of decisions on the seizure of land for state and public needs is allowed only after an open discussion with interested parties whose land plots are planned to be seized, as well as assessing the benefits and costs; demolition of residential, industrial premises, other structures and structures belonging to individuals and legal entities, with the withdrawal of land plots is allowed after the full compensation of the market value of immovable property and losses caused to owners in connection with such withdrawal. 128. Law on cultural heritage sets out procedures for protection of cultural heritage and permitting arrangements for archaeological investigations. The purpose of this Law is to regulate relations in the field of protection and use of cultural heritage objects, which are the national property of the people of Uzbekistan.

2.2. Administrative Framework 129. The State Committee on Nature Protection (SCNP): SCNP is responsible for environmental protection. The main tasks of the SCNP are ensuring the implementation of a unified state policy in the field of environmental safety, environmental protection, use and reproduction of natural resources; the implementation of state control over the observance by ministries, state committees, departments, enterprises, institutions and organizations, as well as individuals, in the area of the use and protection of land, mineral resources, water, forests, flora and fauna, atmospheric air; interdisciplinary integrated environmental management; and organization and coordination of work to ensure a favorable state of the environment and improve the environmental situation.


29

130. Center for State Ecological Expertise: The activities of the Center for State Ecological Expertise are directly related to the consideration of materials for EIA and the issuance document on determination of compliance of the planned or carried out business and other activities with environmental requirements and determination of the admissibility of the implementation of the object of environmental expertise.

2.3. National Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Legislation 131. The national EIA procedure is regulated by the Law "On the Environmental Examination" and the Regulations "On the State Environmental Expertise" (SEE), approved by DCM # 949 On approval of the Regulation of the State Ecological Expertise (22.11.2018). The Resolution specifies the legal requirements for EIA in Uzbekistan. According to the Resolution, SEE is a type of environmental examination carried out by specialized expert divisions to set up the compliance of the planned activities with the environmental requirements and determination of the permissibility of the environmental examination object implementation. 132. The special authorized state body in the field of SEE is the SCNP. SEE is carried out by the three specialized expert divisions of the SCNP: The state unitary enterprise "The Center of the State Environmental Examination" of the

SCNP, hereinafter referred to as "The Center of the State Environmental Examination SUE" - carries out the state environmental examination of EIA of the objects of economic activity classified as the I and II categories of environmental impact (high and medium risk);

The state unitary enterprise "The Center of the State Environmental Examination" of the Republic of Karakalpakstan - carry out environmental examination of EIA of the objects of economic activity classified as the III and IV categories of environmental impact (low risk and local impact);

The state unitary enterprises "The Center of the State Environmental Examination" of regions and Tashkent city - carry out environmental examination of EIA of the objects of economic activity classified as the III and IV categories of environmental impact (low risk and local impact).

133. The three stages of the EIA and their required results are summarized as follows: 134. Stage I: "A Draft Statement of the Environmental Impact ("DSEI") shall be carry out at the planning stage of the proposed project prior to the allocation of funds for development. The DSEI is prepared at the planning stage of the Project. A DSEI shall include: The state of the environment prior to the implementation of the planned activities, the

population of the territory, land development, analysis of environmental features; Situational plan with an indication of the geographical coordinates of the object in question,

available recreational areas, settlements, irrigation, land-improvement facilities, farmland, power lines, transport, water, gas pipelines and other information about the area;

The envisaged (planned) main and auxiliary objects, used equipment, technologies, natural resources, materials, raw materials, fuel, analysis of their impact on the environment;

Expected emissions, discharges, wastes, their negative impact on the environment and ways to minimize them;

Storage, storage and disposal of waste; Analysis of alternatives to the planned or ongoing activities and technological solutions

from the standpoint of nature conservation, taking into account the achievements of science, technology and best practices;


30

Organizational, technical, technological solutions and measures that exclude negative environmental consequences and reduce the impact of the object of examination on the environment;

Analysis of emergency situations (with an assessment of the likelihood and scenario of preventing their negative consequences);

Forecast of environmental changes and environmental consequences as a result of the implementation of the object of examination.

Figure 1: State Environmental Expertise Procedure

135. The DSEI shall be reviewed and approved at the national level (for projects relating to category I and II) or at the regional level (for projects relating to category III and IV) under the SCNP. The SEE confirms the category of the project and identifies the main issues that the project beneficiary shall focus on in the next stages of the environmental assessment process and during the project implementation (construction or rehabilitation works). 136. Stage II: "A Statement of the Environmental Impact" ("SEI") shall be prepared based on the conclusions of the SEE on the DSEI. The SEI shall include: assessment of environmental problems of the selected site based on the results of

engineering and geological surveys, model and other necessary studies; environmental analysis of technology in relation to identified problems of the site; results of public hearings; and

Project stage JSC Uzbekgidroenergo Village People

Enough info.

More info. Required

No

Yes

No

Yes

Department of State Environmental

Expertise (Glavgosekoexpertiza)

Draft statement of

environmental

impact (PZVOS)

Review

15days

Review

15days

Statement of

environmental

consequences

(ZEP)

Review

15days

Approval

Pre-Feasibility

Study before

development

funds are

allocated

Construction

before operation

Operation

Public

Consultation

(If required)

Approval

Approval

Reject

Reject

Feasibility Study

before Feasibility

Study approved

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Concept Statement

on Environmental

Impact (ZVOS)

Public

Consultation

(If required)

Executing Agency


31

reasoned studies of environmental measures to prevent the negative effects of the implementation of the object of examination.

137. Stage III: "State Environmental Consequences" ("ZEP") is the final stage of the SEE process and shall be carried out prior to the start of the project. The report describes in detail the changes in the project made as a result of the analysis of the SEE during the first two stages of the EIA process, the comments received during public consultations, the environmental standards applicable to the project, and the environmental monitoring requirements related to the project, as well as the main conclusions. 138. The Conclusion of SEE shall be valid for three years from the date of its issuance. If the object is not implemented within three years from the date of issue of the Conclusion of the SEE needs to be revised and re-submitted to the SCNP for revision and approval.

139. The Conclusion of the SEE shall be sent to the relevant regional (city) control inspections in the field of ecology and environmental protection for control. Such inspections under the SCNP supervise the compliance with the requirements and conditions specified in the Conclusion of the SEE. 140. SEE has been concluded for the Project and a positive determination was given in December 2019

2.4. Environmental Regulations and Standards 141. Uzbekistan has a large set of specific standards that refer to emissions, effluent discharge, and noise standards, as well as standard to handle and dispose specific wastes ranging from sewage to hazardous wastes. The following summarizes these laws and standards along with other international best practice standards. 2.4.1. Air Quality and Emissions

142. National Standards – Air quality in Uzbekistan in measured against Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPC) and Maximum Permissible Emissions (MPE). 143. Ambient Air Quality Standards, or MPCs, are established by SanPiN 0293-11 (May 16, 2011). According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Uzbek national ambient air quality standards meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.1 The MPCs relevant to the Project are show in Table 6.

Table 6: National Air Quality MPCs Parameter Uzbekistan MPC (mg/m3)

30 min 24 Hour Monthly Annually

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 0.085 0.06 0.05 0.05 Nitrogen Oxide (NO) 0.6 0.25 0.12 0.06

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 Dust 0.15 0.1 0.08 0.05

Carbon Monoxide (CO) 5.0 4.0 3.5 3.0

144. Emission standards are stipulated by The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 14 of January 21, 2014 “On Approval of the Regulation on the Procedure for Developing and Coordinating Environmental Draft Projects”. It states that the main criterion for establishing MPE are quotas for pollutants.

1 https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/17141/Uzbekistan.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y


32

145. IFC Standards – The IFC, part of the World Bank Group (WBG), have established ambient air quality standards based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. WBG guideline limits will be followed during the construction and operational phase of the Project. The following table illustrates the guidelines.

Table 7: WBG Ambient Air Quality Guidelines 2 Parameter Averaging Period Guideline Value (mg/m3)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 10 minute 20 24 Hour 500

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 1 Hour 40 1 Year 200

Particulate Matter PM10 24 Hour 20 1 Year 50

Particulate Matter PM2.5 24 Hour 10 1 Year 25

Project Air Quality Standards

146. Any air quality monitoring during the construction phase will be undertaken against national standards. This is based on the criteria adopted by the WBG which state that: ’Emissions do not result in pollutant concentrations that reach or exceed relevant ambient quality guidelines and standards by applying national legislated standards, or in their absence, the current WHO Air Quality Guidelines.’3 147. As noted above, Uzbekistan have their own national legislated standards and as such they will be applied to the Project. 2.4.2. Water quality

148. National Standards - Ambient river water quality standard is given as Maximum permissible concentration (MPCs) established by “SanPiN №0172-06. MPC has two categories. First category is for centralized or non-centralized drinking water supply. The second category is for cultural and everyday purposes of the population, recreation, and sports. 149. In addition to the above, the WBG provides guidelines values for treated sanitary sewage discharges. The following table provides these values with which the Project shall also comply, for example relating to any waste water discharge from construction camps.

Table 8: WBG Indicative Values for Treated Sanitary Sewage Discharges

Pollutant Unit Guideline Value

pH pH 6-9 Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Mg/l 30 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Mg/l 125 Total Nitrogen Mg/l 10 Total Phosphorus Mg/l 2 Oil and Grease Mg/l 10 Total Suspended Solids Mg/l 50 Total Coliform Bacteria MPNA / 100 ml 400

2 Not including interim targets. 3 Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality. WBG. 2007


33

Water Quality Project Standards

150. Baseline water quality monitoring will be assessed against national MPCs. Water Discharge Project Standards 151. Waste water discharge from construction sites and camps shall be assessed against WBG values (for any treated sanitary sewage discharge) and against national MPDs which will be set by SCNP. 2.4.3. Noise

152. National Standards - SanPiN No. 0267-09 is used to ensure the rules of acceptable noise levels for residential areas in Uzbekistan. These rules and regulations establish permissible noise parameters in residential, public buildings and residential buildings of populated areas created by external and internal sources, as well as general requirements for measurements, measurement methods and hygienic noise assessment at research sites. Evaluation of the sound level at the calculation point is performed for the day and night period of the day (from 7 to 23 hours and from 23 to 7 hours) and takes into account the maximum intensity of the sound source level during the half-hour period. Table 9 presents the permissible noise levels in the territories that are most significant for the project. The levels are almost identical to IFC standards shown below, with the exception of the periods where IFC are slightly more stringent. As such IFC guideline limits will be used for the Project.

Table 9: Noise limits from SanPiN No. 0267-09

153. WBG Standards – To meet WBG guideline requirements noise impacts should not exceed the levels presented in Table 10 or result in a maximum increase in background levels of 3 dB at the nearest receptor location off site.

Table 10: WBG Noise Level Guidelines

Receptor One-hour Laeq (dBA)

Daytime 07.00-22.00

Night-time 22.00 – 07.00

Residential; institutional; educational

55 45

Industrial; commercial 70 70

154. Workplace Noise - In order to protect the health of staff in the workplace Uzbekistan, utilizes the law (SanPiN) No. 0120-01 - “Sanitary norms and rules to ensure acceptable noise levels in the workplace”. This document provides acceptable noise levels for various types of work, the most significant of which are listed below in Table 11. In addition, the IFC provides noise limits for various working environments, which are also illustrated in Table 11.

Purpose of premises or territories Time SanPiN No. 0267-09

Territories adjacent to homes, clinics, dispensaries, rest homes, boarding houses, nursing homes, childcare facilities, schools and other educational institutions, libraries.

From 7 am to 11 pm 55 dB(D) From 11 pm to 7 am 45 dB(А)


34

Table 11: Working environment Noise Limits

Type of work, workplace SanPiN No.

0120-01 General EHS Guidelines of IFC

Performance of all types of work at permanent workplaces in industrial premises and at enterprises operated since March 12, 1985

80 dB (A)

Heavy industry 85 Equivalent Level Laeq, 8h Light industry 50-65 Equivalent Level Laeq, 8h * Laeq- equivalent average sound pressure level

Project Noise Standards

155. For construction phase monitoring, WBG guideline limits will be followed as the nighttime period is slightly longer than Uzbek standards. For workplace noise, national guidelines shall be followed. 2.4.4. Vibration

156. International Standards – The German Standard DIN 4150-3 – Vibration in Buildings – Part 3: Effects on structures provides short term and long-term limits 4 for vibration at the foundation for various structures. This standard is considered international best practice and will be followed as part of the Project.

Table 12: Guideline Values for Vibration Velocity to be Used When Evaluating the

Effects of Short-term and Long-term Vibration on Structures Group Type of structure Guideline Values for Velocity (mm/s)

Short-term Long-term At foundation Uppermost

Floor Uppermost Floor

Less than 10 Hz

10 Hz to 50 Hz

50 to 100 Hz

All frequencies

All frequencies

1

Buildings used for commercial purposes, industrial buildings and buildings of similar design

20 20 to 40 40 to 50 40 10

2 Residential dwellings and buildings of similar design and/or use

5 (105 dB)

5 to 15 15 to 20 15 5 (105 dB)

3

Structures that because of their particular sensitivity to vibration, do not correspond to those listed in Lines 1 or 2 and have intrinsic value (e.g. buildings that are under a preservation order)

3 (100.5 dB)

2 to 8 8 to 10 8 2.5 (99.0 dB)

Source: DIN 4150-3, Structural Vibration, Part 3: Effect of vibration on structures

157. DIN 4150-3 notes that “experience has shown that if these values are complied with, damage that reduces the serviceability of the building will not occur. If damage nevertheless occurs, it is to be assumed that other causes are responsible. Exceeding the value in the table does not necessarily lead to damage”.

Project Vibration Standards

158. German Standard DIN 4150-3 will be followed during the construction phase.

4 short-term vibrations are defined as those that do not occur often enough to cause structural fatigue and do not produce resonance in the structure being evaluated and long-term vibrations are all the other types of vibration.


35

2.4.5. Waste

159. National Standards - The Law on Waste No.362-II of April 5, 2002 (modified January 4, 2011) regulates solid waste treatment procedures and defines the authority of various institutions involved in solid waste management. The law also provides rules for the transport of solid waste. Hazardous wastes that are transported must undergo environmental certification and be transported by special vehicles. 2.4.6. Hazardous material

160. National Standards - The order to place hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials in special landfills, their protection and disposal, approved by the State Committee for Nature Protection, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health No. 2438 of March 20, 2013. The provision identifies hazardous chemicals, toxic materials, special landfills and special vehicles. The state organization “Kishlokkime” (Agricultural Chemicals) is responsible for the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials. 161. Transportation of such materials should be carried out in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 35 dated February 16, 2011 “On rules of transportation of hazardous materials in the territory of Uzbekistan”. The Ministry of Health and the State Committee for Nature Protection approve proper performance of work.

2.5. Sanitary Protection Zones and Electro Magnetic Field

2.5.1. Sanitary Protection Zone 162. According to sanitary and epidemiological rules and regulations (SanPiN 2.2.1 / 2.1.1.984-00), in order to protect the population from the effects of the electric field created by overhead high voltage power lines, sanitary protection zones (SPZ) are established. The SPZ of the overhead line is the territory along the high-voltage line, in which the electric field exceeds 1 kV / m. 163. For newly designed overhead lines, as well as buildings and structures, it is allowed to take the boundaries of sanitary protection zones along the overhead line with a horizontal arrangement of wires and without means of reducing the electric field strength on both sides of it at the following distances from the projection onto the ground of the outer phase wires in a direction perpendicular to the overhead line: 20 m - for overhead lines with a voltage of 330 kV; 30 m - for overhead lines with a voltage of 500 kV; 40 m - for overhead lines with a voltage of 750 kV; 55 m - for overhead lines with a voltage of 1150 kV.


36

Figure 2: Sanitary Protection Zone for 500 kV Transmission Lines

2.5.2. International Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Standards 164. WBG EHS guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution refer to International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which establish reference levels for general public exposure to electric field as 5 kV/m and for magnetic fields 200 µT. In the UK, the exposure limit is 360 µT 5 (reference level 100 µT). 6 The typical level of magnetic field and electric fields under a power line are shown in the tables and figure below. The tables and figure show that at voltages below 500 kV at a distance of 30m EMF values are well below exposure limits.

Table 13: Typical Ground-level Electric Field Levels from Overhead Power Lines (500kV)

Description Electric Field (kV/m)

Maximum, measured (under lines) 1.525 Maximum, measured (50m) 1.078 Maximum, measured (100m) 0.521 Maximum, measured (200m) 0.152

Source: https://www.emf-portal.org/en/emf-source/500#ref-1

Table 14: Typical Ground-level Magnetic Field Levels from Overhead Power Lines

(500kV) Description Magnetic Field (microtesla)

Measured (91m for average usage) 0.14 Measured (91m for peak usage) 0.3 Measured (61m for average usage) 0.32 Measured (61m for peak usage) 0.67

Source: https://www.emf-portal.org/en/emf-source/500#ref-1

Figure 3: Typical EMF From 500 kV Power Lines

Note: These are typical EMFs 1m above ground. 1.0 mG = 0.1 microtesla Source: Bonville Power Administration, 1994

5 Only where the time of exposure is significant 6 https://www.energynetworks.org/assets/files/electricity/she/emfs/ENA%20training%20distribution%20EMFs%20v5.pdf


37

165. Corresponding ICNIRP limits for general occupational exposure to electric and magnetic fields are significantly higher at 10 kV/m and 1,000 µT, respectively. In the UK, the occupational exposure limits (high action level) are 6000 µT and 20 kV/m and 1000 µT and 10 kV/m (low action level). 166. The EU have also provided guidance via a Directive on occupational exposure to EMF (2013/35/EU) on EMF exposure which is closely based in ICNIRP guidelines. The Directive requires different actions at successive action levels and exposure limit values. They are summarised as follows: You have to do an exposure assessment as soon as you exceed the public exposure

limits. You can exceed the action levels provided you have put in place various provisions. You can exceed the sensory exposure limit values provided you control any sensory

effects that might arise. You cannot exceed the health exposure limit value.

2.6. Permit and Licenses

167. Required permits and licenses are listed in Table 15.

Table 15: Required permits and licenses

Permit Required Activity

Permit Title Issuing Authority Implementing Law

Responsible Party for

Obtaining License

Pre-construction

Construction activities

Construction Permit

Hokimiyats of each Project component region

- Resolution of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the list of activities for which a license is required” No. 222-II of 12.05.2001. - Resolution of the Cabinet of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 54 of 02/25/2013. Appendix 1 “Regulations on the procedure for granting land plots in populated areas for the implementation of urban planning activities of design and registration of construction objects, as well as the acceptance into operation of objects”

NEGU


Environment Decision

Goskomekologiya - Law «On Nature Protection» (1992) - PKM RUz No. 491 of December 31, 2001. “On Approval of the Regulation on State Ecological Expertise”

NEGU


38




Obtaining License


Cultural Heritage Clearance

Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan

- Law on the Protection and Use of Cultural Heritage Objects (2001) - The Law “On Specially Protected Territories” with amendments and additions (08/30/93)

NEGU


Visual geological-engineering conclusion

O’zGASHKLITI

- PCM Ruz No. 222 “On Improving the System of Permitting Procedures and State Supervision in the Sphere of Urban Planning” - Urban Development Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan

NEGU

Waste discharge

Waste passport

Oz RH 84.3.18: 2005. Regulation Document on Production and consumption waste.

NEGU

Hazardous materials transport and storage

Hazardous materials permission

“Kishlokkime” (Agricultural Chemicals)

The Order No. 2438 of March 20, 2013

NEGU


SPZ permits Relevant Regional Hokimiyats, and relevant Regional Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection

NEGU

Construction Phase Underground water abstraction

Mineral extraction license

State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources

PKM number 443 of 12.06.2018. Regulations on the procedure for issuing licenses for the right to use subsoil areas containing non-metallic minerals

Contractor

Construction or upgrade of access roads

Approval of construction or upgrade activities

State Inspectorate for quality control of roads and construction works under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Automobile Roads”

Contractor

Transportation of oversized and overweight cargo

Transportation permit

State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on highways

PKM RUz No 11 of January 11, 1995 On the procedure for the entry, stay, transit and departure of foreign

Contractor


39




Obtaining License

road carriers from the territory of Uzbekistan ”

Spoil disposal Spoil disposal approval

Goskomekologiya Waste department

Law "On Subsoil", dated May 8, 2012

Contractor

2.7. International Agreements and Conventions

168. The global agreements in which Uzbekistan is a Party are as follows: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (06/20/1993). Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental

Modification Techniques (05/26/1993). Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and

their Disposal (12/22/1995). Paris Convention on Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (12.22.1995). UN (Rio) Convention on Biological Diversity (05.05.1995). United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (08/31/1995). Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna

(07/01/1997). Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (05/01/1998); Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Wildlife Habitat

(30.08.2001), etc. UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and

International Lakes (UNECE Water Convention) (9.08.2007). Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses

(August 9, 2007). 169. As a member of the CIS countries, Uzbekistan is a member of the Interstate Environmental Council on the harmonization of environmental legislation, the development of the EA and the development of economic instruments for environmental protection, as well as a member of the Interstate Environmental Fund for financing environmental protection in interstate and regional programs. 2.8. Asian Development Bank Safeguard Policies 2009

170. The ADB has three safeguard policies that seek to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse environmental impacts and social costs to third parties, or vulnerable groups as a result of development projects. The Project requires the application of both environmental safeguard and social safeguard. Safeguard Requirements 1: Environment 171. The objectives are to ensure the environmental soundness and sustainability of projects, and to support the integration of environmental considerations into the project decision-making process. Environmental safeguards are triggered if a project is likely to have potential environmental risks and impacts. Eleven ‘Policy Principles’ have been adopted as part of the ADBs Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS 2009), including: 172. Use a screening process for each proposed project, as early as possible, to determine the appropriate extent and type of environmental assessment so that appropriate studies are


40

undertaken commensurate with the significance of potential impacts and risks. (The Project was screened by the ADB and classified as a Category B project). 173. Conduct an environmental assessment for the proposed project to identify potential direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts and risks to physical, biological, socioeconomic (including impacts on livelihood through environmental media, health and safety, vulnerable groups, and gender issues), and physical cultural resources in the context of the project’s area of influence. Assess potential transboundary and global impacts, including climate change. Use strategic environmental assessment where appropriate. (The IEE herewith provides the environmental assessment for the Project, including an assessment of climate change. Transboundary impacts are not applicable). 174. Examine alternatives to the project’s location, design, technology, and components and their potential environmental and social impacts and document the rationale for selecting the particular alternative proposed. Also consider the no project alternative. (Alternatives have been considered, including the ‘no project’ alternative in Section 4.10


41

175. Analysis of Alternatives). 176. Avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, minimize, mitigate, and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts by means of environmental planning and management. Prepare an environmental management plan (EMP) that includes the proposed mitigation measures, environmental monitoring and reporting requirements, related institutional or organizational arrangements, capacity development and training measures, implementation schedule, cost estimates, and performance indicators. Key considerations for EMP preparation include mitigation of potential adverse impacts to the level of no significant harm to third parties, and the polluter pays principle. (An EMP has been prepared for the Project and is outlined in detail in Section 8.2 Environmental Management Plans). 177. Carry out meaningful consultation with affected people and facilitate their informed participation. Ensure women’s participation in consultation. Involve stakeholders, including affected people and concerned nongovernment organizations, early in the project preparation process and ensure that their views and concerns are made known to and understood by decision makers and taken into account. Continue consultations with stakeholders throughout project implementation as necessary to address issues related to environmental assessment. Establish a grievance redress mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of the affected people’s concerns and grievances regarding the project’s environmental performance. (Consultations were held to discuss environmental issues, the findings of the consultations (and a description of the Project grievance redress mechanism) are presented in Section 7.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism). 178. Disclose a draft environmental assessment (including the EMP) in a timely manner, before project appraisal, in an accessible place and in a form and language(s) understandable to affected people and other stakeholders. Disclose the final environmental assessment, and its updates if any, to affected people and other stakeholders. (This IEE and its EMP will be disclosed on the ADB web-site). 179. Implement the EMP and monitor its effectiveness. Document monitoring results, including the development and implementation of corrective actions, and disclose monitoring reports. (The IEE and its EMP outline a plan to monitor the implementation of the EMP and the institutional responsibilities for monitoring and reporting throughout the Project lifecycle: Section 8.2 Environmental Management Plans).

180. Do not implement project activities in areas of critical habitats, unless (i) there are no measurable adverse impacts on the critical habitat that could impair its ability to function, (ii) there is no reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species, and (iii) any lesser impacts are mitigated. If a project is located within a legally protected area, implement additional programs to promote and enhance the conservation aims of the protected area. In an area of natural habitats, there must be no significant conversion or degradation, unless (i) alternatives are not available, (ii) the overall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the environmental costs, and (iii) any conversion or degradation is appropriately mitigated. Use a precautionary approach to the use, development, and management of renewable natural resources. (Critical habitats have not been identified that maybe significantly impacted by the Project). 181. Apply pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international good practices as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. Adopt cleaner production processes and good energy efficiency practices. Avoid pollution, or, when avoidance is not possible, minimize or control the intensity or load of pollutant emissions and discharges, including direct and indirect greenhouse gases emissions, waste generation, and release of


42

hazardous materials from their production, transportation, handling, and storage. Avoid the use of hazardous materials subject to international bans or phase-outs. Purchase, use, and manage pesticides based on integrated pest management approaches and reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. (The IEE outline the mitigation plan of the EMP: Section 8.2 Environmental Management Plans). 182. Provide workers with safe and healthy working conditions and prevent accidents, injuries, and disease. Establish preventive and emergency preparedness and response measures to avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, to minimize, adverse impacts and risks to the health and safety of local communities. (The IEE and its EMP outline the requirement for specific community health and safety plans: Section 8.2 Environmental Management Plans). 183. Conserve physical cultural resources and avoid destroying or damaging them by using field-based surveys that employ qualified and experienced experts during environmental assessment. Provide for the use of “chance find” procedures that include a pre-approved management and conservation approach for materials that may be discovered during project implementation. (A chance find procedure is provided in this IEE). Safeguard Requirements 2: Involuntary Resettlement. 184. The objectives are to avoid involuntary resettlement wherever possible; to minimize involuntary resettlement by exploring project and design alternatives; to enhance, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons in real terms relative to pre-project levels; and to improve the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups. The safeguard requirements underscore the requirements for undertaking the social impact assessment and resettlement planning process, preparing social impact assessment reports and resettlement planning documents, exploring negotiated land acquisition, disclosing information and engaging in consultations, establishing a grievance mechanism, and resettlement monitoring and reporting. 185. The involuntary resettlement requirements apply to full or partial, permanent or temporary physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential land, or loss of shelter) and economic displacement (loss of land, assets, access to assets, income sources, or means of livelihoods) resulting from (i) involuntary acquisition of land, or (ii) involuntary restrictions on land use or on access to legally designated parks and protected areas. Resettlement is considered involuntary when displaced individuals or communities do not have the right to refuse land acquisition that results in displacement. (A Draft Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) has been prepared for the Project according to the requirements of ADB and is summarized in this IEE). Safeguard Requirements 3: Indigenous Peoples. 186. The objective is to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for Indigenous Peoples’ identity, dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, and cultural uniqueness as defined by the Indigenous Peoples themselves so that they (i) receive culturally appropriate social and economic benefits, (ii) do not suffer adverse impacts as a result of projects, and (iii) can participate actively in projects that affect them. (According to the Draft LARP The Project does not involve impacts to Indigenous Peoples and therefore no further actions relating to this safeguard are required).


43

2.9. Gap analysis

187. The environmental assessment of the Project will need to satisfy both, the national requirements of Uzbekistan and ADB. A harmonized safeguard framework is developed for conducting the IEE. The framework is given below.

Table 16: Comparison of ADB and Uzbekistan Legislation Requirements Aspect ADB Uzbekistan Harmonized Framework

Environmental Policy and Regulations

ADB’s SPS (2009) sets out the policy objectives, scope and triggers, and principles for three key safeguard areas: -Environmental safeguards, -Involuntary resettlement safeguards, and -Indigenous peoples safeguards

EIA is called State Environmental Expertise (SEE) in Uzbekistan. SEE is stipulated in the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 491 dated December 31, 2001.

The Project follows both ADB’s SPS (2009) and Resolution No.491, December 2001.

Screening This Project is Category B.

This Project falls into Category II of the environmental impact with medium risk.

All the requirement of ADB will cover the requirement of Uzbekistan requirement. Then the project will follow the Category B of ADB.

Alternatives Examination of financially and technically feasible alternatives to the project location, design, technology and components, their potential environmental and social impacts.

Alternative assessments are to be carried as per request of the Center for State Ecological Expertise.

Assessment of alternatives will be included.

Reporting Guidelines and Table of Contents are provided for IEE report in SPS (2009). EMP will include proposed mitigation measures, monitoring and reporting requirements, institutional arrangements, schedules and cost estimates. The report should be in English.

Draft of Concept Statement on Environmental Impact (national acronym PZVOS) requires, Baseline, analysis of alternatives, Pollution prevention plan, Waste storage, and other mitigation. The report should be in Russian.

The Project prepared IEE report in English following the form of ADB. After that IEE report is translated in Russian or Uzbek and change the format in Uzbekistan style. The contents of two reports are same but layout and language is different.

Public Consultations

“Meaningful” consultation with affected people are required for the project.

Public consultation is not required in the process of Draft of Concept Statement (PZVOS).

A wide range of public consultations have been undertaken to ensure they are ‘meaningful’.

Public Disclosure

Draft IEE will be published in ADB website before Project approval by the Board.

If the report has secrets of official or private organization, it should not be disclosed.

Draft IEE report (English and Russian or Uzbek) will be published in ADB Website. The copies of the Russian version of Draft of Concept Statement on


44

Aspect ADB Uzbekistan Harmonized Framework

Environmental Impact will be made available at the affected villages.


45

3. Description of the Project

3.1. Introduction 188. This section of the report presents the Project description for all Project components, including the design, construction and operation and maintenance aspects of the Project. 189. Aspects of the Project design that have been developed specifically to mitigate potential environmental or social impacts associated with this Project are termed commitments and are identified in this chapter by a reference number in parentheses following the commitment. The reference number is prefixed by the letter D to denote that it is a design related commitment. This is followed by is environmental characteristic, e.g. AQ for air quality, CHS for community health and safety and then by a list number, e.g. 01, 02, 03, etc. An example is given in the box below, where D-CHS-01 is the reference number. Commitments with a prefix C relate to construction phase and commitments with a prefix O refer to the operational phase.

Example commitment The overhead lines will be constructed with a 30m sanitary protection zone (D-CHS-01).

190. All the commitments have been included in the Project EMP (Section 10).

3.2. Project Overview and Location 191. The Project comprises the rehabilitation of 63.36km of 500 kV high voltage transmission line. The line was originally constructed more than 40 years ago but fell into disrepair and over time portions of the line, including the transmission towers and lines, were dismantled. Some of the towers and lines still remain, mainly spanning the wider valleys (it is assumed that any existing towers and lines will be replaced as part of the Project). However, the Project will remain within the existing corridor and it is assumed that the towers will be constructed either on, or adjacent to the sites of the old towers where the foundations remain (although they will not be used). 192. The Project itself is located in the north-eastern part of Surkhandarya region (see Figure 4). The line route runs along the south-western foothills of the Gissar Ridge. Administratively, the project is being implemented in the Altinsay, Sariasiy and Denau districts of Surkhandarya region of the Republic of Uzbekistan (see Figure 5).


46

Figure 4: Location of the Project within Uzbekistan

Figure 5: Location of the Project within Surkhandarya

3.3. Project Footprint

Denau

Tajik Border

Project Alignment

Project Area

N

N


47

193. The "Project footprint’ is the total estimated physical area of land required by the Project. According to the Draft Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) the Project will have a total estimated physical temporary footprint of approximately 377.7 hectares and a permanent footprint of less than 5.41 hectares. The temporary footprint represents a corridor of 60 meters along the entire alignment which is made up of 206 hectares of government owned land and 171 hectares of privately-owned land.

Table 17: Temporary Project Footprint Areas Supports Temporary land acquisition (hectares)

Altinsay 56 122.4

Denau 45 102.3

Sariasia 74 153.0

TOTAL 175 377.7

Source: Draft LARP, March 2020

194. This temporary footprint represents the work area that needs to be free of people and livestock during the construction phase for safety reasons. It does not represent the whole area which will necessarily be impacted by construction activities. 195. In reality, the area between the towers, which is between 250m and 500m will not be impacted significantly by Project works. The areas between the towers will be only be affected by the following activities: Laying out of the wires between the towers prior to the stringing. Pulling/tensioning sites. Staging areas. 196. These locations will be kept out of production and only for short periods of times, e.g. one month. Based on other projects 7 it can be assumed that a 0.8 hectare staging area and a 0.4 hectare pulling / tensioning site would be needed every 4km. That equates to around 19 hectares of temporary use. 197. Table 18 shows the permanent Project footprint, i.e. land occupied by the tower sites.

Table 18: Permanent Project Footprint Areas Supports Permanent land acquisition (ha)

Altinsay 56 1.77

Denau 45 1.47

Sariosyo 74 2.17

Total 175 5.41

Source: Draft LARP, March 2020

198. Of this 5.41 hectares, approximately 2.9 hectares are government owned land and 2.5 hectares privately owned. 199. Regarding access roads, this Project involves reconstruction of the transmission network at sites adjacent to or close to the previous tower locations. Existing tracks are present to all of these sites and there will be limited requirements for construction of new access roads. However, some of the access roads may require limited upgrading to allow vehicle access.

3.4. Design

7 Grand Coulee Bell 500 kV Transmission Line Project, Environmental Impact Statement. US Department of Energy, 2002


48

200. The technical design of power transmission lines in Uzbekistan is regulated by the State Technical Design Standard (GOST) and the Electrical Installation Code (EIC) Rules, which are mandatory in all projects of power transmission facilities. The characteristics of supports, foundations of supports, wires, cables, earthing, insulators and even connection fittings are standardized by GOST. These standards have been inherited from the Soviet times and have remained practically unchanged since then. All power transmission facilities existing in Uzbekistan have been designed and constructed in accordance with these technical standards. 201. These standards are not the same as those used in Europe. In most cases, they provide greater reliability and durability. For example, according to GOST in metal designs of supports it is used on 25-30 % more steel, than for similar designs in Europe. For precast concrete foundations manufactured in accordance with GOST, 40-50% more concrete is used than in Europe. From an economic point of view, the use of the European Technical Design Standards would probably achieve considerable savings, but they cannot be considered in Uzbekistan. 202. The transmission wires are determined by the conditions of transmitted power. 400 mm, AC400/51 wire is planned for use. Lightning protection of the line is performed by two lightning protection cables, one of which is a steel rope TK70, the second is an OCT (optical cable built into the lightning protection cable - OPGW) - which simultaneously serves as a lightning protection cable and fiber-optic communication line (FOCL-HV). 203. Due to the prevailing climatic conditions and topography the transmission towers will be metal structures. The structures will include intermediate gantry supports with bolted (PB4 and PB4G) and welded (PB3SA and PB4SA) metal constructions. 204. The towers will be constructed from steel of class C 245 according to GOST 380-94. Heavy loaded elements of anchor-angle supports are made of low-alloy steel of class C 345 according to GOST 19281-73. Wire rope for intermediate supports is accepted according to GOST 3064-80, diameters 18,5 mm (for PB3SA, PB4SA, PB4 of normal height and with stands) and 22 mm (for PB4G and PB4G+6 supports). Tower heights range between 25 and 32m as illustrated by Error! Reference source not found.. 205. Towers will be installed on precast concrete foundations, as well as on specially designed foundations F5-USU, if necessary, loaded with slabs PK-1A. Concrete for reinforced concrete structures is made from sulfate resistant cement. Protection of structures against corrosion is accepted by two-layer reinforcement with a cloth on oil bitumen. Nefras "C4-130/210" is accepted as a bitumen solvent. 206. The Project crosses 2 major watercourses: the Sangardak River and the Tupolang River, as well as many canals and collectors. All watercourses are crossed by one span. The maximum width of the floodplain and channel part of the rivers in the HV line crossing is about 150 and 40 meters respectively. 207. The main technical characteristics of the Project are described in Table 19.

Table 19: Main Project Characteristics # Item Technical characteristics

1 Line length 63,36 km

2 Wire brand and cross section

Wire - Steel-aluminum 400 (AC400/51) Overhead ground-wire cable:

Steel rope TK70, Optical cable integrated in ground-wire cable - OPGW 24

U9/125 3 Intermediate support Self-standing galvanized steel lattice construction, of

single-member type P 220-2t (double chain), P 220-3t (single chain)


49

# Item Technical characteristics

4 Right / angle support Metal supports Intermediate - gantries on the backstrap with bolted metal

structures PB4 and PB4G, Supports with stands 6 m high (PB4SA+6 and PB4G+6), Anchor angles - three-point bolt free-standing type U2k

with stands 5 and 12 m, On UBMk17 and UBMk22 stayed cipher.

U220-3t (single chain) with supports +5;+9;+14m, U220-2t (double chain) with supports +5;+9;+14m

5 Foundations for metal supports

Prefabricated reinforced concrete foundation and specially designed foundations F5-USU, if necessary, loaded with

slabs PK-1A 7 Total number of supports,

units. 175

8 Total number of foundations, units

700

208. This design has been proposed by the Consultant on the basis of information available at the time of preparation of the report. The precise determination of the type of supports, the location, the line elements used, and the line route will be carried out during the detailed design phase. The detailed is currently being developed by "Sredazenergosetproekt" (Design and Survey Institute), in accordance with current standards and regulations (GOSTs) mentioned above. 3.5. Construction Activities

209. The following is a sequential description of the potential activities associated with the construction of the Project.

3.5.1. Land Acquisition 210. A Draft Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) has been prepared according to Uzbek Laws, the ADB SPS (2009). JSC NEN will be responsible for the timely implementation of the LARP prior to the start of construction (C-LU-01).

3.5.2. Surveying the Transmission Centerline, Other Project Features and Work Areas

211. Ground survey and staking will be performed to locate tower centers, right-of-way boundaries, new access roads, spur roads to tower sites, overland access and temporary work areas. Flagging will be maintained until final cleanup and/or reclamation is completed, after which they will be removed. 212. The right of way of the alignment and any additional temporary workspaces will be surveyed and set out (i.e. marked out and, where necessary, fenced off). The EPC Contractor will be required to keep within the designated footprint (C-BIO-01). 213. Sensitive receptors that need to be avoided during construction will be marked (C-BIO-02). 214. A record will be made of the condition of access roads, construction camps, laydown areas and rail offloading areas and any special features in the Project alignment before construction to inform the reinstatement works (C-IU-01).


50

3.5.3. Upgrading or Construction of Temporary and Permanent Access Roads 215. Existing paved and unpaved roads will be used for the initial transportation of materials and equipment from the staging and storage areas to locations where they will be needed along the transmission line right-of-way (C-IU-02). 216. If any new access roads are required the EPC Contractor shall do what is necessary to make the access suitable for his use and shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid damage, including, if required the erection of temporary fences or gates where permanent fences, hedges or gates have been removed (C-IU-03). 217. Access roads shall not be cut into a hillside immediately below a tower (C-SO-01). Plans for access roads in steep terrain will be submitted to the PMU and PIC for approval (C-SO-02). Stability of slopes over 30% shall be checked and approved by the PMU/PIC prior to selection of foundation to be used (C-SO-03). Access roads will be graded and sloped to prevent unnecessary flow of water across the tower sites and to minimize soil erosion (C-SO-04). 218. New earth access tracks shall be suitably compacted (C-SO-05). The final surface level shall be at least 0.5 m above the existing ground level and shall be constructed in such a way as to be adequately drained to prevent washouts and flooding impacts to adjacent properties (C-HY-01). Junctions between new tracks and existing roads shall not impede or damage the latter nor any associated drainage channels, irrigation infrastructure, etc. (C-HY-02). 219. During construction, dust control measures will be implemented on all roads within 250m of residential / sensitive receptors (C-AQ-01).

3.5.4. Clearing and Grading Activities for the Right-of-Way, Tower Sites and Camps 220. Clearing of vegetation may be required for construction purposes. Little mature vegetation is present within the corridor, however, if any are present vegetation will be selectively removed under or near the towers to provide adequate electrical clearance as required by National Standards (C-BIO-03). Camp sites shall be selected to avoid the cutting of mature vegetation (C-BIO-04). There is restriction for agriculture activities near the towers, trees and other types of plants can be planted, the maximum height of which should not exceed 4 meters in a radius of 1.5 meters around the towers.

3.5.5. Excavating and Installing Foundations 221. Tower sites will be sloped as necessary to prevent erosion (C-SO-06). Natural flows will be diverted around the site and the site protected by grading, placing rip-rap, or other erosion control measures (C-SO-07). 222. Vertical excavations for foundations will be made with power drilling equipment. Where soils permit, a vehicle-mounted power auger or backhoe will be used. In rocky areas, the foundation holes will be excavated by drilling or installing special rock anchors. Pre-cast footings will be installed.


51

Figure 6: Typical Transmission Tower Corner Footing

Source: NEGU

3.5.6. Assembling and Erecting Towers with Temporary and Permanent Pad Sites 223. Bundles of steel members and associated hardware (and often times insulators, hardware and stringing sheaves) will be transported to each tower site by truck. Wood blocking


52

is hauled to each location and laid out, then the tower steel bundles are opened and laid out for assembly by sections and assembled into subsections of convenient size and weight. 224. Typically, the leg extensions for the structures are assembled and erected by separate crews with smaller cranes to make ready for setting of the main structure assembly. The assembled subsections are then hoisted into place by means of a large crane and fastened together to form a complete tower. A follow-up crew then tightens all the bolts in the required joints.

Figure 7: Foundation Installation, Tower Assembly, and Tower Erection

Figure 8: Typical Construction Zone for Installation of New Towers Adjacent to Existing

(to be replaced) Towers

Source: Consultants own photo. Stockholm, March 2020.


53

225. A range of towers are proposed for the Project, final selection to be made by the EPC Contractor during design.

Figure 9: Types of Tower Proposed for the Project

Source: NEGU

3.5.7. String Conductors, Ground Wires, and Fiber Optic Cable 226. Insulators, hardware, and stringing sheaves will be delivered to each tower site. The towers will be rigged with insulator strings and stringing sheaves at each ground wire and


54

conductor position. For protection of the public during wire installation, guard structures will be erected over highways, railroads, power lines, structures, and other barriers (C-CHS-01). 227. Guard structures will consist of H-frame wood poles placed on either side of the barriers or by using boom trucks raising a guard cross beam. These structures will prevent ground wires, conductors, or equipment from falling across obstacles. Equipment for erecting guard structures will include augers, backhoes, line trucks, boom trucks, pole trailers, and cranes. Guard structures may not be required for small roads. In such cases other safety measures such as barriers, flagmen, or other traffic control will be used (C-CHS-02). 228. Following stringing and tensioning of all conductors, the guard structures will be removed, and the area restored (C-BIO-05). 229. Pilot lines will be pulled (strung) from tower to tower by land operated equipment and threaded through the stringing sheaves at each tower. Following pilot lines, a stronger, larger diameter line will be attached to conductors to pull them onto towers. This process will be repeated until the ground wire or conductor is pulled through all sheaves.

Figure 10: Wire Hanging

230. Ground wires, fiber optic cable and conductors will be strung using powered pulling equipment at one end and powered braking or tensioning equipment at the other end of a conductor segment. 231. Sites for tensioning equipment and pulling equipment will be approximately two to three kilometers apart as determined by the EPC Contractor. Tensioners, pullers, line trucks, wire trailers, dozers, pickups and tractors needed for stringing and anchoring the ground wire or conductor will be located at these sites. The tensioner, in concert with the puller, will maintain tension on the ground wire or conductor while they are fastened to the towers. Tension will be maintained on all insulator assemblies to assure positive contact between insulators, thereby avoiding sparking. Caution also will be exercised during construction to avoid scratching or nicking the conductor surface, which may provide points for corona to occur.


55

3.5.8. Installing Counterpoise (Tower Grounds) Where Needed 232. Part of standard construction practices prior to conductor installation will involve measuring the resistance of the ground to electrical current near the tower structures. If the measurements indicate a high resistance, counterpoise will be installed, which will consist of trenching in- ground wire to a depth of 12 inches in non-cultivated land and 18 inches in cultivated land, with a ground rod driven at the end. The counterpoise will be contained within the limits of the rights- of-way and may be altered or doubled back-and-forth to meet the requirements of the projects. Typical equipment used for installing ground rods includes line trucks, backhoes and trenchers, etc.

3.5.9. Clean-up and Reclamation of Affected Areas 233. Construction sites, material storage yards, and access roads will be kept in an orderly condition throughout the construction period (C-WM-01). Refuse and trash will be removed from the sites and disposed of in an approved manner (e.g., in an approved landfill) (C-WM-02). In remote areas, trash and refuse could be removed to a construction staging area and contained temporarily until such time as it could be hauled to an approved site (C-WM-03). No open burning of construction trash will be permitted (C-WM-04). Contaminants such as oils, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and fuels will not be dumped on the ground, and all spills will be cleaned up (C-WM-05).

3.6. Construction Camps and Laydown Areas 234. A construction camp will be established for the Project. The location of the camp will be determined by the EPC Contractor and no specific location for any camp site has been provided to date by NEGU. Siting of the camp will take into account the sensitive site restrictions provided in this IEE (C-AQ-01, C-HY-03, C-HY-07). The camp will be approximately 2 hectares in size.

3.7. Equipment Refuelling 235. The EPC Contractor will implement standard refueling procedures for heavy equipment that is left on the rights-of-way for long periods of time, such as cranes, blades, dozers, drill rigs, etc. This equipment will be refueled in place.

3.8. Manpower and Equipment 236. Construction and installation works will be undertaken by dedicated teams consisting of specialized units recommended by the technological cards/scheme operating in power engineering. A number of crews of up to approximately 10 workers each will be required at each construction area, each crew responsible for a specific construction assignment including laying the foundations for the towers, assembling the towers on the ground, raising the towers, installing the wires, etc. These crews will be engaged sequentially at each construction area as the construction of each length of transmission line proceeds. The following table provides the estimate manpower and equipment requirements for the various stages of the Project.

Table 20: Estimated Manpower and Equipment

# Activity Equipment Manpower Timescale

1 Surveying the transmission centerline 2 Pick-up trucks 4 people 4 weeks

2 Upgrading or development of temporary and permanent access roads

Grader Bulldozer (20t) Pick-up truck

4-8 people 2 days per tower

3 Clearing and grading activities Grader Bulldozer (20t)



56

# Activity Equipment Manpower Timescale

Pick-up truck 4 Transporting materials to the tower site 2 Pick-up truck

4 Lorry (4 axle)

8-10 people 2 days

5 Excavating and installing foundations Excavator (22t) Bulldozer (20t) 2 Backhoe (8t) 2 pick-up trucks 2 lorries (4 axle) Pneumatic Tools

6-8 people 4 day per tower

6 Assembling tower 2 pick -up trucks 1 mobile crane 2 lorries (4 axle)

10 people 10 days per tower

7 Erecting Tower by crane 1 crane 2 pick -up trucks 2 lorries (4 axle)


8 Stringing conductors (including layout of equipment, unfolding of wires and raising and stringing)

1 crane 2 pick -up trucks 2 lorries (4 axle) Mobile Bullwheel

tensioners Mobile Winch

10 people 2 to 3 days per tower

9 Earthing Tower 1 pick -up trucks 1 Backhoe (8t) Auger drill


10 Cleanup and reclamation of affected areas

Bulldozer (20t) Backhoe (8t)


3.9. Associated Facilities 237. According to ADB SPS (2009) associated facilities are “Facilities that are not funded as part of the Project but whose viability and existence depend exclusively on the project, or whose goods or services are essential for successful operation of the Project.” 238. The Transmission line will connect to two existing transmission lines which form part of the grids of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. These existing lines are operational and are not dependent on the Project and are therefore not considered to be associated facilities. 239. As noted in this report, some existing towers and lines remain along the old alignment. If any of this equipment is to be removed in the future it will not be as part of the ADB funded project.


57

4. Analysis of Alternatives

4.1. General 240. One of the objectives of an IEE is to investigate alternatives to the Project. In relation to a proposed activity “alternative” mean different ways of meeting the general purposes and requirements of the proposed activity. 241. In general, it is noted that the Project intends to reconstruct the old transmission line that has fallen into disrepair, as such there are few realistic alternatives. Accordingly, the following section provides an assessment of the ‘no action’ alternative and alternative locations with a short summary of alternative camps sites, etc.

4.2. ‘No Project’ Alternative 242. The “No Action” Alternative in this instance is defined as a decision not to undertake the proposed construction of the Project. The electricity demand in Uzbekistan has been increasing for the past several years, and the government estimates its power demand will be doubled by 2030. The key factors fueling the increasing power demand include increasing population, rapid urbanization, industrialization, improvement in per capita income and village electrification programs of Uzbekistan’s central and provincial governments. In order to match the increasing trend in the power demand, regular investments in various segments of the power network – generation, transmission, and distribution are vitally important. Otherwise, the gap between the supply and demand will keep on increasing. 243. In case the proposed project is not undertaken, Uzbekistan will not be able to cope with the increasing demand and the existing system will remain over-loaded, line losses will also remain high, and the system reliability will progressively decrease, with increasing pressure on the system. The utility will also forego the opportunity of increasing its consumers’ base as well as revenue associated with the system expansion. In view of the above, the ‘no project’ option is not a preferred alternative.

4.3. Alternative Location 244. As noted above, the Project intends to rehabilitate the line than has fallen into disrepair. The Project will follow the existing route of the line as far as practical except where micro-alignment changes are required by the EPC Contractor based in engineering requirements and other technical aspects such as Electromagnetic Field (EMF) which is discussed later in this report. As such, no alternative locations have been proposed.

4.4. Alternative Construction Camps. 245. The locations of construction camps are not currently known. The EPC Contractor will choose the sites which will need to follow the guidelines for siting and permitting as outlined in this IEE, including consultations with local residents. Employment of local labor force will reduce the need for a large construction camp size.

4.5. Alternative Tower Designs and Conductor Arrangements 246. As part of this IEE, discussions were held with NEGU and ADBs technical consultants regarding alternative tower designs and conductor arrangements. NEGU have used, and continue to use, the same tower design for their HV line projects as depicted in Figure 9. No other alternative tower designs have been proposed by NEGU that can be evaluated in this IEE.


58

247. The three types of towers depicted in Figure 9 are discussed below.

248. Angle Towers (usually used where the angle of deviation is more than 5 degrees) – Angle towers in Uzbekistan are usually arranged as three separate towers, shown in the figure below. In other countries angle towers can be single tower with wires arranged vertically.

Figure 11: Remaining Part of the Guzar – Regar Line – Angle Towers

Source: Consultants own photo, January 2020.

249. This design used and proposed by NEGU takes up more land than a single angle tower, but importantly it allows the conductors to be strung horizontally in one line (with the exception of the earth wire. As noted further below, arranging conductors horizontally in one line decreases the likelihood of collisions with the conductors. However, the increased number of towers increases the possibility of collisions with the towers. No conclusive research or evidence has been found during the development of this IEE that suggests a single angle tower with vertical conductor arrangement is more beneficial than the proposed angle tower arrangement in terms of bird collisions. Accordingly, no specific recommendations are made in this IEE regarding the types of angle towers used. 250. Suspension Towers –The figure below illustrates the types of towers that are used for HV lines in Europe. The figure shows that in most instances the towers are cantilever structures with the conductors arranged in two or three phases. The Project requires a single-phase arrangement, meaning that the live wires will be arranged in a single horizontal row. Accordingly, two types of suspension towers are proposed by NEGU which cater for the single phase in a horizontal arrangement.


59

Figure 12: Types of Towers Used in Europe

251. With regards to the two types of suspension tower proposed by NEGU, one study undertaken un the US in 2004 / 2005 did indicate that a higher mortality rate was observed on guyed towers versus unguyed towers 8 however, this is (to date) the only study found highlighting this issue. Nonetheless, it is recommended that NEGU considers where practical to use unguyed towers. Note that this shall only apply where technical considerations and national standards allow. Towers are constructed to meet a number of technical (and economic) parameters, including climatic conditions (wind, ice), length of spans, etc, and these aspects have to be considered carefully in order to prevent line failure. 252. Conductor Arrangement – According to the German Society for Nature Protection, 9 the highest risks posed by HV lines are where the conductor cables are arranged at different heights (multi-level arrangements) and with neutral cables high above the conductor cables. On the other hand, less dangerous constructions are in use, which have the conductor cables arranged at one height (single-level arrangement) and with the neutral cable only slightly higher. All of the towers proposed by NEGU will utilize the horizontal, one height arrangement. In addition, the neutral cable is also lower that on the other tower designs illustrated in Figure 12. Accordingly, no specific alternative conductor arrangements are proposed for the Project.

8 The Role of Tower Height and Guy Wires on Avian Collisions with Communication Towers. Journal of Wildlife Management 75(4):848 - 855 · May 2011 9 http://birdsandpowerlines.org/cm/media/Protecting_birds_on_powerlines.pdf


60

5. Description of the Environment

5.1. Introduction

253. This section presents a description of the environmental baseline conditions in the Project area and covers the following topics: Physical Characteristics

1. Topography 2. Geology and Soils 3. Geohazards 4. Hydrology and Water Use 5. Climate and Air Quality

Biological Characteristics 1. Protected and Notable Areas 2. Fauna 3. Flora

Socio-Economic Characteristics 1. Country Overview 2. Administrative Issues 3. Demographics 4. Economy, Employment and Poverty 5. Infrastructure, Transportation and Utilities 6. Community Health, Safety and Education 7. PCR 8. Noise

5.2. Physical Environment

5.2.1. Topography

Country Context

254. The physical environment of Uzbekistan is diverse, ranging from the flat, desert topography that comprises almost 80% of the country's territory to mountain peaks in the east reaching about 4,500 meters above sea level. The southeastern portion of Uzbekistan is characterized by the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains, which rise higher in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and form a natural border between Central Asia and China. The vast Qizilqum Desert, shared with southern Kazakhstan, dominates the northern lowland portion of Uzbekistan. The most fertile part of Uzbekistan, the Fergana Valley, is an area of about 21,440 square kilometers directly east of the Qizilqum and surrounded by mountain ranges to the north, south, and east. The western end of the valley is defined by the course of the Syrdarya, which runs across the northeastern sector of Uzbekistan from southern Kazakhstan into the Qizilqum. Local Topography

255. Surkhandarya is located in a vast intermountain plain called the Sherabad-Surkhandarya Depression, elongated from north to south for 200 kilometers and surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges with some peaks up to 4,500 m. Figure 13 illustrates the topography of Surkhandarya region. The elevation at the start of the line itself is around 700m above mean sea level (masl) rising to around 950 masl at the end point of the alignment. The alignment is situated in the foothills of the Gissar range and therefore the elevation of the alignment is variable as shown in Figure 15. Figure 14 provides an illustration of the topography of the alignment.


61

Figure 13: Topography of Surkhandarya Region

Source: Overview of Existing River Basins in Uzbekistan and the Selection of Pilot Basins. Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Rural Areas in Uzbekistan. IWMI, 2018

Figure 14: Existing Tower Located on a Ridgeline, Approximately KM45

Source: Consultants own photo, January 2020

Project Area

Gissar Range

G

uza

r-R

eg

ar

500 k

V P

ow

er

Tra

nsm

issio

n L

ine P

roje

ct

Initia

l E

nvir

on

me

nta

l E

xam

inatio

n

62

Fig

ure

15:

Ele

vati

on

Pro

file

Sourc

e: G

oogle

Eart

h


63

5.2.2. Geology and Soils

Country Context

256. Geology - Uzbekistan's Variscan Paleozoic basement rock is divided into eight main zones. The Karakum-Tajik microcontinent has four tectonic zones in the metamorphic basement rock. The lower units of the southern Baysoon Unit are mainly late Proterozoic high-pressure metamorphic rocks—mainly meta-ultramafic or meta-acidic, gray and coarse. The exact origin of these rocks is uncertain, although they are inferred to have originated from island arc volcanism. They are overlain by unmetamorphosed carbonates from the late Silurian through the middle Devonian, with an angular unconformity at the base. Another angular unconformity above separates these rocks from volcanic and continental sedimentary rocks, with 300 meters (980 ft) thick conglomerate at the base, ascending to pebbly limestone and metamorphic rocks. The upper unit is a 1.5 kilometers (4,900 ft) thick cooled lava and tuff overlain by sandstone, conglomerate and Carboniferous plant remnants. 257. Soils - The genesis of the soil forming rocks in Uzbekistan is very varied. This combined with the complexity of the lithological structure of the soils, the different hydro-geological conditions, an arid continental climate and the vegetation has led to the formation of many different soils. In Uzbekistan, the soils are of high-altitude belts and desert zones. 10 Figure 16 illustrates the dominant soil types in Uzbekistan.

Figure 16: Dominant Soil Types of Uzbekistan

Source: FAO, http://www.fao.org/3/Y4711E/y4711e04.htm#TopOfPage

Local Geology and Soils

258. Geological profile is composed of a thick (50-300 m) layer of quaternary deposits of loess loam, sandy loam, gravel and sand. Four floodplain terraces with a continuous gradient of 0.0015-0.0025 can be traced on both banks of the Surkhandarya River.

10 http://www.fao.org/3/Y4711E/y4711e04.htm#TopOfPage

Project Area


64

259. Several types of soils can be found in Surkhandarya region. On plains with height marks up to 500 meters, light sierozems are widespread, above - from 500 to 1200 meters - typical and dark sierozems (gray soils) are developed. Saline, takyr, alluvial-meadow, meadow and boggy soils are developed in places where light sierozems with shallow groundwater are spread. Alluvial-meadow and meadow soils are found in floodplains of rivers and sais (mountain streams). In the south-west, saline and takyr gray soils are common. Sands and sandy soils are found in the southern part. In the project area, soils have been developed and turned into cultivated sierozems in many places. Sabulous, loamy, clayey and sandy soils were most widespread. 260. Nearly all of the tower sites will be located on or adjacent to the tower sites of the old alignment. These tower sites have been graded to ensure they are flat thus limiting the potential for soil erosion from these areas. The tower sites are generally located in the foothills of the mountains (Adyrs) which are used predominantly as grazing land. The figure below illustrates the typical landscape of the alignment at its starting point.

Figure 17: Foundations of a Dismantled Tower at Alignment Starting Point

Source: Consultants own photo, 20th January 2020.

5.2.3. Geohazards Country Context

261. Uzbekistan is exposed to earthquakes, drought, flooding, mudslides, and landslides. Over 9% percent of its total land area is at risk from natural and man-made disaster, with nearly 66% of the population living in these areas and 65.5% of the national GDP earned in them. Among all-natural hazards, earthquakes cause the largest economic


65

losses. In the last century, five notable seismic events caused widespread damage and casualties. Due to Uzbekistan’s mountainous landscape and abundance of rivers, the population living in mountainous areas are also exposed to a high risk of landslides and mud flows, often triggered by earthquakes. 11 Local Geohazards 262. Seismicity - The Project area is located in a zone with seismicity of 8 points (According to KMK 2.01.03-96 and its Amendments).12 This is considered a relatively high-risk environment for earthquakes.

Figure 18: Seismic Risk, Uzbekistan

263. Mudslides – Mudflows are among the most damaging and deadly natural hazards in Uzbekistan. In the river basins of Uzbekistan, mudflows generally occur during the periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. The consistency of the mudflow is mainly water and mud with loose rock and other fragments, which flows down the hills and through the mountain streams. The destructive power of a mudflow can be greatly increased moving downhill by accumulating water and rocky mud. It can destroy riverbeds and banks of rivers, floodplains

11 https://www.gfdrr.org/en/uzbekistan 12 MSK-64, is a macroseismic intensity scale used to evaluate the severity of ground shaking on the basis of observed effects in

an area of the earthquake occurrence. The MSK scale has 12 intensity degrees. Magnitude VII can be compared to 6 on the Richter scale, magnitude VIII can be compared to 6-7 on the Richter scale.

Project Area


66

and even low terraces above the floodplain and other objects in its path.13 Figure 19 indicates that Surkhandarya basin is prone to mudslides notably in the areas around the proposed alignment. According to data provided by national consultants low-power mudflows can be observed in the Project area. The Tupolang-Sangardak interfluve is the most mudflow-prone and mudflow-prone area, confined to the middle-mountain area.

Figure 19: Mudflow Zones in Uzbekistan

Mudflow occurrences for the years 2005-2014 in areas with a high probability of mudflow passage in Uzbekistan include the following: Zaravshan basin (blue dots) in the central part of the country; Fergana Valley (red dots) in the east; Chirchik-Akhangaran basin (orange) in the north-east; Surkhandarya (green) and Kashkadarya (violet) river basins in the south of Uzbekistan. The map also represents political administrative divisions and administrative centres/cities of the country. Source: The role of synoptic processes in mudflow formation in the piedmont areas of Uzbekistan. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences. November 2018

264. Landslides – The Project area runs at altitudes from around 700 masl to 950 masl, below the Sangardak-Khandizin landslide zone. It should also be noted that the Project line will run along the old route, which was previously dismantled. During visual inspection of the old route it was noted that the foundations under the supports were not affected by landslide events. This indicates that at one time all the studies on hazardous phenomena in this area were conducted and the project area is not landslide dangerous. 265. Note that the detailed design of the Project has yet to be undertaken and therefore the specifics regarding precise mudflow and landslide locations in the Project corridor are not known.

13 Source: Statistical Characteristics of Mudflows in the Piedmont Areas of Uzbekistan and the Role of Synoptic Processes for their Formation. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences Discussions. 2018

Project Area


67

5.2.4. Hydrology and Water Use

Regional Context

266. The Project area is located within the Amu Darya river basin. The Amu Darya is the largest river in Central Asia, with a catchment area of 309,000 km2 and length 2,540 km. It is a transboundary river shared by Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Most of the Amu Darya flow is formed on the territory of Tajikistan (72.8%), 14.6% in Afghanistan and 8.5% in Uzbekistan. Three major tributaries contribute to the river: Kafarnigan, Sherabad, and Surkhandarya. The annual flow of the Amu Darya is 73.6 km3, with a storage capacity of 24 billion m3. Almost eighty percent of the Amu Darya is regulated by over 35 reservoirs with a capacity of over 10 million m3. Two main reservoirs, Nurek and Tuyamuyun, and several on-system reservoirs on the Karakum, Karshi and Amu-Bukhara canals operate on the main and small rivers.

Figure 20: Amu Darya River Basin

Local Surface Water

267. The hydrographic network of the Project area can be represented by four groups of watercourses: Large rivers. Tupolang river and Sangardak river. These are rivers with a constant flow

and are the main source of water for the Surkhandarya River. The Project alignment crosses both of these rivers.

Mountain Streams (sais).

Project Area


68

Temporary watercourses, their runoff is formed only during the period of heavy rainfall or during active snow melting.

Slope runoff, which does not have a pronounced channel, but in sum can form a concentrated runoff.

268. In general, most of the watercourses to be crossed are small, the width of their channels does not exceed 10-15 m, and the depth of the channel cut does not exceed 1.5 m. 269. The Sangardak and Tupolang rivers are the largest watercourses to be crossed by the line. The Tupolang River, together with the other largest river in the basin, the Karatag, at their confluence, forms the Surkhandarya River. Their annual runoff is 20% and 46% of the total runoff of the Surkhandarya River, respectively. 270. The Sangardak River is a right-bank tributary of the Surkhandarya River with constant flow. Water catchment area is 889 km2. The river is fed by snow and glacier, the flood is from March to July, the maximum flow is in May. Mineralization of water by its composition - hydrogen carbonate-calcium, increases downstream and in the lowlands reaches 1 g / l. After leaving the mountains, the river is divided for irrigation and only during the flood period brings flow to the Surkhandarya River.

Figure 21: Main Surface Water Courses in the Project Area

Source: Google Earth

Tupolang River

Sangardak River

Guzar – Regar Transmission Line

Surkhandarya River


69

Figure 22: Sangardak River

Source: Consultants own photo. 20th January 2020

271. Water from surface watercourses in the Project area is used for irrigated agriculture, practiced on gentle slopes at the foot of the mountains. Groundwater

272. In the foothills and low mountain belts, groundwater is found at a depth of 5.0-10.0 meters or more. These waters are mainly fresh and slightly mineralized. Their mineralization is about 0.5-1.5 g/l. Closer to the surface (from 0.5 to 4 m) groundwater can be found on the lower terraces of the Surkhandarya and on the periphery of the Tupolang and Sangardak rivers. In some places, groundwater inundates soils.

5.2.5. Climate and Air Quality 273. In general, the climate in Uzbekistan is continental and semi-arid with hot and dry summers and cold, sometimes severe winters with snowfall. Due to its geographic location Uzbekistan has three main climate zones: a zone of deserts and dry steppes occupying about 79% of the territory, the foothills or piedmont zone (Adyrs), and the area of high mountains extending over the rest of 21% respectively. The Project area is located in the foothills / piedmont zone. Local Climate

274. Surkhandarya is characterized by sharply continental, arid climate, expressed by wide fluctuation amplitudes of annual, seasonal and daily temperature, as well as large dryness with moisture contrasts within the seasons. 275. The majority of annual precipitation volume falls in spring and winter, while autumn and summer are distinguished by an almost complete lack of precipitation, very low humidity and high evaporation. By soil and climatic conditions, the irrigated areas of the Surkhandarya Province can be divided into two distinct zones: Foothills and piedmont plain zone. Situated at an altitude of 450-1,000 m above sea

level. The average long-term air temperature is 15.6 -15.8°C; temperature during the growing season varies between 23.2-23.6°C. Maximum temperature reaches 46°C; minimum is 23°C. The total effective temperature is 2,506- 2,387 °C, frost-free period is 239-240 days. Rainfall during the growing period is 60-75 mm; annual rainfall is 178-233


70

mm. Relative humidity in the growing season varies between 46 and 58% and evaporation reaches 1,070-1,100 mm. The Project alignment is located in this zone.

Desert lowland plains. One of the hottest zones of the province and the country. The average annual temperature ranges from + 16.2°C in Termez to + 18.1°C in Sherabad, and in some years reaches 19.1°C. Growing season temperature in this zone varies between 25.5 and 26.7°C. The average temperature of summer months is 29-32°C; the average daytime temperature is 36-38 °C; the absolute maximum is 46.5-50 °C and the minimum is 20°C. The period with air drought is 45-50 days per year on average. The sum of effective temperatures is 2,703-3,056°C. The frost-free period is 246-272 days. Precipitation is 127-169 mm, and during the growing season it is 30-40 mm.

276. In some months, relative humidity reaches 18-20%; and during the growing season 30-40%. The average period favorable for fieldworks is 305 days. Dry air and intense solar radiation cause strong evaporation. Evaporation from water surface (according to Ivanov) is 20 times the amount of precipitation. There are 35-37 days with strong, hot and dry winds per year. Southwest wind manifests itself in the form of dust mist formed by uplift loess-like dust. Such phenomena are sometimes continued for a long time, increasing air dryness and causing a need for high water application to increase soil moisture.

Table 21: Climate Characteristics, Surkhandarya Weather Station

Average Annual Air Temperature

(C)

Months April to September Months October to March

Air

Tem

pera

ture

( C

)

Pre

cip

itati

on

(mm

)

Re

lati

ve

Hu

mid

ity

(%

)

Evap

ora

tio

n

(mm

)

Pre

cip

itati

on

(mm

)

Evap

ora

tio

n

(mm

)

Fro

st

Fre

e

Da

ys

Denau 15.6 25.2 75 48 1,070 233 354 239 Shurchi 15.8 23.6 60 48 1,100 178 325 240

Source: Uzbek Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1992

277. The annual distribution of wind speed is dominated by the winds of the north, south and east directions. In the period from December to March is often blow strong southern winds at speeds of 16-24m/s. Air Quality

278. The alignment traverses the foothills of the Gissar range, most of which is sparsely populated comprising pastureland. There are no significant point sources of air or noise emissions in the Project area. Air quality monitoring has been undertaken in line with national standards during June 2020. Five locations were selected within the valleys where residential properties can be found.


71

Figure 23: Location of Air Quality Monitoring

279. The following present a summary of the results which can be found in full in Appendix F.

Table 22: Air Quality Monitoring Results (mg/m3) Parameter Location National

Limit AQ Noise 1 AQ Noise 2 AQ Noise 3 AQ Noise 4 AQ Noise 5

NO2 0.001 0.055 0.0173 - - 0.085 CO 3.47 1.596 0.832 4.357 3.871 5.0 SO2 0.076 0.047 0.027 - 0.01 0.5 Dust 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.011 0.01 0.15

280. The results show that air quality in the selected locations is below the limits set by the national standards.

5.3. Biodiversity 5.3.1. Internationally and Nationally Designated Sites

Nationally Designated Sites

281. Several nationally designated sites are located in the region, the nearest of which is the Gissar State Nature Reserve, more than 40km north west of the Project alignment.


72

Figure 24: Location of Gissar State Nature Reserve

Source: Protected Planet. https://www.protectedplanet.net

282. The reserve, located on the western slopes of the Gissar range at an altitude range of 1,750 to 4,349 m above sea level, and was created in 1983 through the union of two independent mountain reserves - Kyzylsuy and Mirakin. It is the largest reserve in Uzbekistan with an area of some 80,986 ha14 and supports four separate sites as follows: a. Tashkurgan area: located in the basin of the river Kyzildarya at 1800 to 4000 meters above

sea level. It covers an area of 30,094 hectares and is characterized by outcrops of variegated gypsum-bearing rocks — red sandstones, clays, shales. There is a tectonic fault along the left bank of the Kyzildarya, which runs from the source to the border of the reserve in the vicinity of Tashkurgan.

b. Mirakinsky area: located in the northwestern part of the reserve at an altitude of 1,800 to 4,300 meters above sea level. The total area is 11,821 ha. Its relief is mountainous, heavily dissected with numerous impassable river valleys and rocky scree, high-mountain meadows and snowfields.

c. The Gilon and Tankhyz areas are the most mountainous of all the sites and are located in the basin of one of the largest rivers in the reserve Aksu and Tanhyzdarya in the altitude limits from 2,500 to 4,300 meters. above sea level. The total land area is 30,094 ha. The predominant landscapes are alpine, mostly alpine meadows, coarse debris and cliffs. In the highland part of the site is the largest glacier of Uzbekistan - Severtsov Glacier.

283. The reserve was created to protect the diversity of flora and fauna, as well as significant geological outcrops in the Gissar Range. It supports some 32 mammal species including snow leopards, lynx, brown bear (which are relatively common, with 4-5 per 100km2), Siberian ibex and Bukhara urial. It also supports over 215 bird species; various fish species;

14 It is 87,649 ha measured on the map.

Gissar State Nature Reserve

Project Alignment


73

and 19 reptile and amphibian species. Ungulates are particularly protected with only some 300-400 Bukhara Urial and markhor goat remaining, and around 1000 Siberian ibex present (1999 data 25 per 100 km2). The first ever photographs of snow leopard in Uzbekistan were taken here in 2013. 284. The reserve also supports some 2,000-2,500 species of plants and is quite representative of the western Pamir-Alai as a whole, where over 80 endemic species are recorded. These include a range of tulips (e.g. Tulip Chimgan, Astragal of Bobrov, Astragal of Kudryavtsev, Tulip of Tubergen, Olga Tulip) onions (Alexey Onion, Fedchenko Onion, Rosenbach Onion, Narrow-leaved Onion) and Junos small and Juno Magnificent. Ecotypes present in the Reserve include: forests (especially juniper forest, and areas of poplars, walnut trees and shrubs (area

22,800 ha). Some of these trees are over 1000 years old. Pastures (Adyrs) cover 24,000 ha, rivers and lakes cover 107ha, swamps cover 460ha, glaciers 3155ha and rocks/scree 30,240 ha. 285. The mountain forests of Gissaro-Alai play a crucial role in protecting the soil from wind and water erosion that has resulted from forest clearing and overgrazing by domestic cattle. However, the area remains under threat from agriculture, grazing, forestry, extractive industries, building construction and recreation. Many adyrs have shown a marked decline in biodiversity and face threats from loss of habitat and grazing land due to competition from flocks of domestic livestock (much of the land is used for sheep pastures, in some areas year-round). Ungulates, wild sheep and goats are also threatened by traditional and trophy hunting. Internationally Designated Sites

286. The project is located within the MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA, Biodiversity hotspot.15 This covers an area of some 860,000 km2 across the Pamir and the Tien Shan mountains and includes parts of southern Kazakhstan, most of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, eastern Uzbekistan, western China, northeastern Afghanistan, and a small part of Turkmenistan. It incorporates many mountains above 6,500 meters in height, as well as major desert basins, and supports a large number of endemic plant species. Water stress and civil conflict have placed much of its unique biodiversity under serious threat. 287. A short section (approximately 800m) of the alignment runs almost adjacent to the border of the Gissar State Nature Reserve Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and Important Bird Area (IBA) 16 but not within it as shown in the figures below.

15 see Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund-CEPF and Russell A. Mittermeier, Norman Myers and Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier,

Hotspots: Earth's Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions, Conservation International, 2000 ISBN 978-968-6397-58-1

16 110,105ha is given on the web of Bird Life International (http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/gissar-state-nature-reserve-iba-uzbekistan). But measured area on the map at the same website is 544,105ha.

G

uzar-

Re

ga

r 50

0 k

V P

ow

er

Tra

nsm

issio

n L

ine

Pro

ject

Initia

l E

nvironm

en

tal E

xam

ination

74

Fig

ure

25:

Gis

sar

Sta

te N

atu

re R

eserv

e K

BA

/ IB

A

S

ourc

e: http://w

ww

.keybio

div

ers

ityare

as.o

rg/h

om

e

Gis

sar

Sta

te N

atu

re

Reserv

e K

BA

/IB

A

Pro

ject

Alig

nm

en

t

Mid

dle

Reach

es o

f th

e S

hera

bad

Riv

er

KB

A/I

BA

Dara

say G

org

e

KB

A/I

BA

Uzb

ek B

ab

ata

g K

BA

Ku

git

an

g a

nd

B

aysu

nta

y

Mo

un

tain

s K

BA

G

uzar-

Re

ga

r 50

0 k

V P

ow

er

Tra

nsm

issio

n L

ine

Pro

ject

Initia

l E

nvironm

en

tal E

xam

ination

75

F

igu

re 2

6:

Gis

sar

Sta

te N

atu

re R

eserv

e K

BA

/ IB

A

N

ote

: T

his

fig

ure

repre

sents

the p

ort

ion o

f F

igure

23 h

ighlig

hte

d in

blu

e r

ecta

ngle

.

Pro

ject

Alig

nm

en

t

Bo

un

dary

of

Gis

sar

Sta

te N

atu

re R

eserv

e

KB

A/I

BA


76

288. The KBA/IBA supports a number of globally threatened/biome-restricted species including:

2 species (Cinereous Vulture and Saker Falcon) which trigger the criterion for category A1 as the site is thought to regularly hold significant numbers of these globally threatened species.

A further 12 species which are listed under category A3 as the site is thought to hold a significant component of these species whose distributions are largely or wholly confined to one biome.

289. Full details of these listings are shown in the table below.

Table 23: KBA/IBA Trigger Species17

Source: Sustainable Hydropower Project. Environmental Impact Assessment, ADB, 2019

290. The IBA site citation records that aquatic birds (primarily waterfowl and waders) are generally uncommon within the KBA. Birds that are more commonly encountered include large birds of prey such as Gypaetus barbatus, Gyps fulvus, Aegypius monachus, Gyps himalayensis, Neophron percnopterus, Haliaeetus leucoryphus and Buteo rufinus; Owls including Otus scops, Asio otus and Athene noctua and Galliformes include Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) and Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis). 291. Nine of the bird species recorded from the KBA are included in the Red Data Book of Uzbekistan. These include Black stork (Ciconia nigra) VU, Booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) VU, Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) NT, Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) VU, Bearded vulture or Lammergier (Gypaёtus barbatus) VU, Cinnerous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) NT, Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) (status unknown),, Himalayan Griffin (Gyps himalayensis) VU and Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) EN. One of these species (Falco cherrug) is considered globally threatened. The KBA also supports two key large mammals: brown bear (Ursus arctos) (status unknown) and snow leopard Uncia uncia EN.

17 Endangered (EN) – very high risk of extinction in the wild, meets any of criteria A to E for Endangered. Vulnerable (VU) – meets one of the 5 red list criteria and thus considered to be at high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction

without further human intervention. Near threatened (NT) – close to being at high risk of extinction in the near future. Least concern (LC) – unlikely to become extinct in the near future.


77

292. Some typical bird species found within the different habitats of the KBA/IBA include the following:

Table 24: Distribution of typical bird species within the different habitats of the KBA/IBA

Habitat Typical Species

Upper reaches of the Aksu

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Indian Paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradise) and Blue whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus).

Low mountain areas.

Upupa epops, Merops apiaster, Coracias garrulus, Caprimulgus europaeus and Riparia rupestris

Alpine Zone Corvus corax, Pica pica, Corvus corone, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, Pyrrhocorax graculus, Columba livia, Columba rupestris and Streptopelia turtur

Rock-loving species

Sitta tephronota, Tichodroma muraria, Oenanthe hispanica and Oenanthe picata.

low mountain areas,

Lanius minor, Lanius schaсh, Motacilla cinerea, Motacilla personata and Passer hispaniolensis

Valleys Cinclus cinclus, Cinclus pallasi, Remiz pendulinus, Luscinia megarhynchos, Acridotheres tristis, Emberiza bruniceps and Oriolus oriolus

Juniper Forests Dendrocopos leucopterus, Columba palumbus, Mycerobas carnipes, Carpodaсus erythrinus, Parus bokharensis, Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus, Phoenicurus ochruros, Phoenicurus erythrograstrus, Anthus spinoletta, Emberiza stewarti, Phylloscopus trochiloides

Source: Sustainable Hydropower Project. Environmental Impact Assessment, ADB, 2019

293. The rich flora of the Western Gissar is typical of the mountains of Central Asia with over 1,500 species of vascular plant recorded including at least 40 endemics, although only this only includes about 60 species of trees and shrubs. 5.3.2. Fauna

Country Context

294. According to modern data sources, the basis of fauna of Uzbekistan consists of 14,900 invertebrate species (850 protozoa species, 61 species of annelids, 1179 species of roundworms, 533 species of flatworms, 223 mollusks species, and 12,000 arthropod species) and 714 species of vertebrate animals (84 -species of fish, 3 species of amphibians, 60 species of reptilians, 460 avian species and 107 mammals species). Such a diversity of species is the reflection of different historical ways of formation of the fauna of the country and of diversity of its geographical conditions.18

Local Context

295. The following tables, based on literature review by the NCC engaged under the Project, indicate which mammals and reptiles may be observed in the Project area. None of these species are special status.

Table 25: Mammals Potentially Present in the Project Area # Name Latin Name IUCN Status Uzbek Red

Book Status

Foothills

1 Grey Wolf Canis lupus LC Not included 2 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes LC Not included 3 Eurasian Badger Meles meles LC Not included 4 Gerbil Meriones Tamariscinus LC Not included

18 Fifth National Report of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Conservation of Biodiversity. UNDP, GEF, SCNP. 2015


78

# Name Latin Name IUCN Status Uzbek Red Book Status

5 Blanfords Jerboa Jaculus blanfordi LC Not included Riparian Environment

1 Jungle cat Felis chaus LC Not included 2 Wild boar Sus scrofa LC Not included 3 Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica LC Not included 4 Golden jackal Canis aureus LC Not included

Table 26: Reptiles Potentially Present in the Project Area

# Name Latin Name IUCN Status Uzbek Red Book Status

1 Steppe ribbon racer Psammophis lineolatus Not evaluated Not included 2 Central Asian cobra Naja oxiana Data Deficient Near Threatened 3

(NT) 3 Caspian Bent-toed Gekko Tenuidactylus caspius LC Not included 4 Desert Monitor Varanus griseus Not evaluated Vulnerable, declining

2 (VU:D)

296. In addition to the above species, IBAT indicates that the following special status species could potentially be found within a 50km radius of the alignment: Goitered Gazelle (IUCN – VU). Marbled Polecat (IUCN – VU). 297. Fish Fauna - The transmission line towers will be constructed away from water courses and at the locations of the two main surface water features in the Project area the span of the line will be more than 500 meters with the towers located at least 150m from the riverbed themselves. Line stringing will not impact upon the rivers and as such no impacts to fish species in these rivers is anticipated and no detailed studies of the fish have been undertaken. However, the following summarizes the composition of fish of the Surkhandarya River Basin. 298. The modern composition of fish of the basin is represented by 55 species belonging to 12 families, of which the Cyprinidae family is the most widely represented (28 species). Seven fish species of the Cobitidae family, five species of the Gobiidae family, four species of the Acipenseridae family, three species of the Percidae family, two species of the Salmonidae family and one species of the Esocidae, Siluridae, Ameiuridae, Gasterosteidae, Poeciliidae, Channidae family were found. Ichthyofauna is represented mainly by native commercial species (22 species). 299. Birds - The ornithological fauna of the region has been significantly influenced by humans in recent years. Plowing up of land, grazing of livestock has led to a decrease in the number of birds and the extinction of some species. 300. An initial list and description of rare bird species potentially in the Project area (Table 27) was made by the NCC (hired by NEGU) according to the Red Data Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Table 27: Table of rare bird species potentially in the Project Area (according to the Red Data Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Volume 2. Animals. Tashkent - 2009)

Species IBA Criterion

Status Uzbek Red Data Book Status

IUCN Status

Ciconia nigra - Black Stork migratory VU LC

Heliaeetus leucoryphus - Ring-tailed Fish (Pallas’) Eagle

А1 migratory EN EN


79

Species IBA Criterion

Status Uzbek Red Data Book Status

IUCN Status

Aquila nipalensis- Steppe Eagle migratory NT EN

Falсo cherrug - Saker Falcon A1 migratory NT EN

Falсo naumanni - Lesser Kestrel A1 migratory NT LC

Falсo peregrnus - Peregrine Falcon

A1 migratory VU LC

Ciconia ciconia – White Stork А4 migratory NT LC

Platalea leucorodia - White Spoonbill

А4I migratory VU LC

Anser erythropus - Lesser White-fronted Goose

А1, А4I migratory VU VU

Marmaronetta angustirostris - Marbled Teal

А1, А4I bird of passage

EN VU

Haliaeetus albicilla - White-tailed (Gray Sea) Eagle

migratory, wintering

VU LC

Gyps fulvus - Griffon Vulture migratory NT LC

Circaetus gallicus - Short-toed (Snake) Eagle

migratory VU LC

Circus macrourus - Pallid Harrier А1, А3 migratory NT NT

Tetrax tetrax - Little Bustard А1, А3 migratory, wintering

VU NT

Otis tarda Linnaeus - Great Bustard

А1, А3 migratory CE VU

Columba eversmanni Bonaparte - Pale-backed Pigeon

А1, А3 migratory VU VU

Cygnus Cygnus - Whooper Swan А3, А4I migratory VU LC

Aythya nyroca - Ferruginous Duck (White-eyed Pochard

А1, A4I migratory NT NT

301. To further understand which species are present within the Project area a site survey was undertaken on November 23-24, 2019. During the observation period the conditions were not very favorable for observation (winter period, cloudy weather, fog). The habitats of the project area are not very diverse, they include: Adyrs – rainfed plains in mountain foothills with grassy and bushy vegetation. The Adyrs

are utilized as pastureland and within the Project area are generally described as a mix of natural and modified habitat. The modified portions of the habitat are the areas which are crossed by access roads and tracks as well as existing NEGU infrastructure and the tower sites of the old transmission line.

Rivers and Sais (mountain streams) - Wetland vegetation along river channels. These areas are classified as modified habitat.

Populated areas (gardens, arable land, fields). Modified habitat. 302. As a result of observations and discussions with the local population, several bird species inhabiting the area were observed.


80

Table 28: Birds Observed in the Project Area

# Species Russian name

English name

IUCN Status

Uzbek Red Data Book Status

Habitat

1 Neophron percnopterus

Стервятник Egyptian vulture

EN Not included

Adyrs

2 Columba livia

Сизый голубь Rock Dove LC Not included

Populated areas

3 Streptopelia decaocto

Кольчатая горлица

Eurasian Collared Dove

LC Not included

Adyrs

4 Streptopelia senegalensis

Малая горлица

Laughing Dove

LC Not included

Populated areas

5 Alauda arvensis

Жаворонок Eurasian skylark

LC Not included

River / Sais

6 Acridotheres tristis

Индийский скворец

Сommon myna

LC Not included

Populated areas

7 Hirundo rustica

Ласточки Barn swallow

LC Not included

River / Sais

8 Sturnus vulgaris

Обыкновенный скворец

Common Starling

LC Not included

Adyrs

9 Acridotheres tristis

Майна Indian Myna LC Not included

Adyrs / Populated areas

10 Pica pica Сорока Eurasian Magpie

LC Not included

Populated areas

11 Corvus monedula

Галка Eurasian Jackdaw

LC Not included

Populated areas

12 Corvus corone

Черная ворона Carrion crow LC Not included

Populated areas

13 Corvus corax Ворон Common Raven

LC Not included

Populated areas

14 Merops Щурок European Bee-eater

LC Not included

Adyrs

15 Alectoris Кеклик Chukar, partridge

LC Not included

Adyrs

16 Coracias garrulus

Сизоворонки European roller

LC Not included

Populated areas

17 Anthus campestris

Полевой конек Tawny Pipit LC Not included

Adyrs

303. None of the species listed in Table 27 were observed during the site survey. However, an Egyptian Vulture was observed during the site visit and this species is classified as endangered by the IUCN. A general site survey undertaken by the IEE Team in January 2020 also observed a Griffon Vulture perching on an adjacent transmission line tower at the start point of the Project alignment (Figure 27).


81

Figure 27: Griffon Vulture

Source: Consultants own photo, January 2020

304. To further understand the composition of bird species in the region an IBAT was prepared for the Project alignment. IBAT identifies species that are potentially present within 50km radius of the alignment. The following special status species were identified by IBAT: Saker Falcon (IUCN – EN) Egyptian Vulture (IUCN – EN) Steppe Eagle (IUCN – EN) Pallas’s Fish Eagle (IUCN – EN) European Turtle Dove (IUCN – VU) Yellow-eyed Pidgeon (IUCN – VU) Asian Houbara (IUCN – VU) 305. Bird Migration - Uzbekistan, including the Surkhandarya region, forms part of the Central Asian flyway for migratory bird species. In general, birds breeding in Russia and Kazakhstan migrate to overwintering sites further south. These species may either migrate south west, towards sites in the Middle East and Africa, or south east to sites in Pakistan and India. Birds on the western flyway tend to migrate over central and western Uzbekistan, for example the Ustyurt plateau, then turning south as they meet the Caspian sea. Birds following the eastern flyway tend to migrate through eastern Uzbekistan, including through the Surkhandarya region. The Gissar range forms a barrier to migrating species in some, but not all cases. Although birds are known to fly over this range, the highest density of birds migrate several hundred kilometers to the West of the Surkhandarya valley, as they prefer flatter terrain and avoid the Gissar range. 306. A typical example of most soaring species is shown by Figure 28. It illustrates the routes taken by 14 migrating Steppe Eagles between breeding sites in Kazakhstan and Russia and overwintering sites in Uzbekistan, Pakistan and the Middle East. A single bird migrates over the Gissar range but the main migration corridor, comprising the highest density of birds pass hundreds of kilometers to the west. Overall, the migratory corridor for this species is broad spanning hundreds of kilometers, and there are no obvious bottlenecks.


82

Figure 28: Migratory routes of Steppe Eagle through Uzbekistan

Source: Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network. http://rrrcn.ru/en/migration/se2018

307. With regards the Gissar range the proposed alignment passes along its foothills, including several valleys that are known to be used by migrating birds as flyways. However, across the wider landscape there are a numerous valleys entering and exiting the Gissar range, and only a few are crossed by the project (Figure 29). None of these valleys are known to be important flyways or bottlenecks. 308. As well as migratory flyways and bottlenecks the other key sites for migrating species are stopover sites. Birds may stopover for hours, days or even months at these sites to feed and rest before continuing their journeys. Stopover sites are normally rich in food and for comprise water, particularly for migratory waterbird species. The project area does not contain any large waterbodies and no seasonal congregations of birds have been recorded.

Project Area


83

Figure 29 – Altitude chart showing the topography of the region.

Note: The project alignment is shown in white

5.3.3. Flora

309. Uzbekistan has rich diversity of flora with a large number of endemic, endangered and globally important species. The diversity of species composition is predetermined by many factors: a significant spread of the territory in latitudinal direction and diversity of physiographic conditions connected with this spread, a complex geological history, the effect of different biogeographic zones, etc. 310. The Project corridor mainly traverses adyrs in the foothills of the Gissar range. Ephemerae (herbaceous annual plants with a very short vegetation period which develop intensely during spring or autumn before dying out in the summer drought) are common in the adyrs, as well as Wormwood, Cousinia, Astragalus, Barley and Creeping Wheatgrass. Shrubs (almonds, barberry, rosehip, etc.) also grow on adyrs. However, owing to their accessibility, adyrs and the adjacent mid-mountain belt are subject to the highest pasture load in Uzbekistan. Unsustainable rotation of alpine pastures leads to their degradation. Overgrazing decreases the projective covering of slopes that contribute to the destruction of ecosystems and drop in population of characteristic species. 19 IBAT identified the potential for Picipes rhizophilus (IUCN – VU) a type of fungi, to be potentially present within a 50km radius of the alignment. The distribution of this species is known to be very large and it is able to grow in a variety of steppe habitats. 311. This is generally the situation in the Project area which is heavily grazed. It is also important to note that the areas where the new towers are planned to be constructed have also been modified by human activity previously during the construction of the original project.

19 Fifth National Report of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Conservation of Biodiversity. UNDP, GEF, SCNP. 2015


84

Nonetheless, portions of the adyrs through which the alignment crosses can still be considered as natural habitat. 312. Riparian vegetation is found in floodplains of rivers and sais in the Project area. In the area of irrigated agriculture, a rich diversity of woody and shrub vegetation has been formed along the canals. Of the plants listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan, in the basins of the rivers Tupolang and Sangardak grow common pomegranate (Punica Granatum), Lythráceae, and dicotyledonous plants (Dicotylédones) - a very rare, endangered plant in Uzbekistan. However, none of these species was observed in the Project corridor during site visits and none of these riparian environments of the main rivers will be impacted by Project works. 313. The dominant vegetation type in the vicinity of residential buildings is weed, dominated by arpahans and hairy crab grass (palchatka) with barbed cousinias and cornflowers. Within the village streets, near residential buildings, there are artificial wood plantings with mulberries, poplars and fruit trees. Along irrigation ditches, fields and roads a dense cover of Aeluropus (ajrek), sow thistle, melilot (donnik), camelthorn (yantak) develops. 314. Appendix B provides land use mapping of the Project corridor indicating where these flora types can be observed.

5.4. Socio-Economic Environment

5.4.1. Country Overview

315. Uzbekistan ranks 105th out of 185 countries in the Human Development Index and categorized as a high human development country20. About half of the total of 32.66 million population lives in urban areas (Basic Statistics ADB 2019). The country is resource-rich and the revenues from the fossil fuel and industry make a substantial part of the national economy. The national gross domestic product (GDP) for 2018 amounted to 407 514.5 billion UZS that is 5.1 % increase compared to 2017 (Table 29). The index - deflator of GDP on prices in 2017 amounted to 128.1 %. The GDP per capita was 12365.6 thousand UZS that is 3.3 % increase to 2017.

Table 29: GDP Production by Type of Economic Activity Bln. UZS Volume Index (%) Impact on GDP growth (%)

2017 2018 GDP – total 302,536.8 407,514.5 105.1 5.1 including: Gross value added 267,744.8 361,951.1 105.1 4.5 agriculture, forestry and fisheries 90,983.9 117,315.8 100.3 0.1

industry 59,570.4 95,083.9 110.6 2.1 construction 15,228.6 20,734.4 109.9 0.5 trade, accommodation and food services 21,540.6 26,493.0 104.4 0.3

transportation and storage, information and communication

25,305.5 29,868.3 106.3 0.5

other service industries 55,115.8 72,455.7 105.4 1.0 Net taxes on products 34,792.0 45,563.4 105.5 0.6

Source: Website of the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, 2019

316. The share of industry is the largest in GDP growth and grew by 10.6 % compared to 2017. The positive dynamics in this industry was achieved due to the growth of the added

20 UNDP Human Development Indices and Indicators 2018. Key socio-economic indicators of Uzbekistan. Macroeconomic

indicators (January-December 2018).


85

value of the mining industry and the development of quarries by 28.2 %, manufacturing industry - by 6.4 %, and other industries - by 4.7 % (Table 30).

Table 30: The Structure of the Gross Value-Added Industry Billion UZS Volume Index (%)

2017 2018

Industry 59,570.4 95,083.9 110.6 including: mining and quarrying 12,052.0 24,634.0 128.2 manufacturing industry 42,243.5 63,532.8 106.4 other industries 5,274.9 6,917.1 104.7

Source: Website of the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, 2019

317. Table 31 provides basic statistics on the social indicators.

Table 31: Basic Statistics on Social Indicators in Uzbekistan

Item No. Indicator Year Value

1. population (million) 2016 31.85

2. population below the poverty line (%) a 2015 12.8b

3. average annual population growth c (%) 2011–2016 1.9

4. Maternal mortality rate (’000) 2016 17.4

5. Infant mortality rate (’000) 2016 10.7

6. population with access to safe drinking water (%, urban) 2016 93.2

7. population with access to safe drinking water (%, rural) 2016 75.3

8. population with access to sanitation (%, urban) 2016 78.7

9. population with access to sanitation (%, rural) 2016 42.1

10. primary school gross enrollment (%), for both girls and boys 2016 99.9 Source: Website of the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, August 2019

318. Cotton production is a prevailing economic activity in the country, the effectiveness of which has decreased significantly in recent years, mainly because of irrational use. With the continuous increase of costs for labor and resources, yields have been decreasing in many farms of the province. 319. Currently, the grain crops grown in Surkhandarya Province are wheat, barley, rice, millet, corn, white durra and legumes. Most of them are located on in the valleys stretching from the border with Tajikistan to Termez and the border with Afghanistan. Due to adverse climatic conditions (low rainfall, frequent droughts) grain yield is relatively low. Inefficient agro-technologies also do not provide for high yields. Until now, the agricultural production system on non-irrigated areas has not been well developed. In this regard, the total grain production in food and fodder balance of the province is minor. 320. There is little economic activity within the Project corridor which is dominated by pastureland in the Adyrs with some patches of irrigated agriculture in the valleys of rivers and sais crossing the alignment.


86

Figure 30: Agricultural Plots in River valley (Sangardak River)

Source: Consultants own photo, January, 2020

5.4.2. Administrative Issues

321. Uzbekistan is divided into twelve regions (also known as Oblasts), one autonomous republic (Karakalpakstan) and one independent city (Tashkent). The regions in turn are divided into 160 districts (also known as Rayons). The Project is located in Surkhandarya region.

Figure 31: Project Regions

322. The regional capital is Termez with population of 122,900 and the second largest city is Denau with 69,500 inhabitants (data for 2005). Surkhandarya is divided into 14 districts. The Project is located in Altinsay, Sariasiy and Denau districts


87

5.4.3. Demographics

Country Context

323. As of January 1, 2018, the resident population of the Republic of Uzbekistan was 32,653,900 people and, in the course of 2017, increased by 533,400 people or by 1.7%. In particular, the urban population was 16,533,900 people (50.6% of the total population), the rural population – 16,120,000 thousand people (49.4%). 21 All regions showed an annual decrease in population size from 1.6% to 0.1% in the year 2018 – 2019, the balance moving to Tashkent City (5.8%). Local Context

324. The population growth in Surkhandarya is projected to increase by 593,8 thousand for the period between 2015 and 2030. Around 64% of the population live in rural areas and agricultural activities are considered the main source of livelihoods of the local population.

Figure 32: Forecast Population Growth, Surkhandarya

Source: Overview of Existing River Basins in Uzbekistan and the Selection of Pilot Basins. Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Rural Areas in Uzbekistan. IWMI, 2018

325. According to the Project LARP social survey the average number of persons per household (affected households) is a 5 to 6 people. Traditions and customs of people in this region usually imply the presence of large families consisting of several generations. The age range of those surveyed is illustrated in the following table.

Table 32: Composition of APs by age in Surkhandarya Oblast

Age Men AP Women AP Total AP

No. Percentage No. Percentage No. Percentage 1-6 years old 25 eleven% thirteen 9% 38 10% 7-15 35 16% 17 12% 52 14% 16-25 34 21% 31 23% 65 22% 26-40 19 27% 34 25% 53 26% 41-65 8 23% 40 29% 4 8 26% 66 years and above 5 2% 3 2% 8 2%

Total 126 100% 138 100% 264 100% Source: Project Draft LARP, 2020.

21 Uzstat, 2017


88

326. From the point of view of ethnic composition, according to socio-economic research the population comprises 80 % - Uzbeks, 20 % - Tajiks. Not a single ethnic group has been identified by the Projects social surveys that adheres to a cultural and social identity that separates from the main society of Uzbekistan, while falling within the definition of the ADB Indigenous Population. Therefore, the ADB policy described in the 2009 ADB SPS regarding indigenous people will not be activated. 5.4.4. Employment and Poverty

Country Context

327. The official unemployment rate was reported at 9.3% in 2018 (Table 33). No gender-disaggregated data exist for this updated data. In 2017, it was reported a total of 5.2%, with 5.2% for women and 5.4% for men (ADB Basic Statistics 2019).

Table 33: Unemployment rate (%) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Republic of Uzbekistan 5,0 5,4 5,0 4,9 4,9 5,1 5,2 5,2 5,8 9,3

Republic of Karakalpakstan 6,9 7,4 6,6 6,4 6,2 5,4 5,3 5,4 6,0 9,5

Oblast Level:

Andijan 5,4 5,8 5,3 5,3 5,4 5,6 5,6 5,6 6,0 9,6

Bukhara 4,9 5,2 4,9 4,7 4,8 5,2 5,5 5,4 5,5 9,0

Jizzak 4,5 5,7 5,2 5,0 5,1 5,4 5,2 5,4 5,0 9,4

Kashkadarya 5,1 5,8 5,3 5,3 5,2 5,5 5,5 5,3 6,1 9,7

Navoi 5,1 4,9 4,7 4,9 5,2 5,2 5,0 5,0 5,2 8,7

Namangan 5,4 5,9 5,4 5,3 5,2 5,3 5,2 5,3 5,8 9,5

Samarkand 5,4 6,0 5,5 5,4 5,3 5,6 5,7 5,7 6,5 9,7

Surkhandarya 5,0 5,8 5,4 5,2 5,2 5,5 5,5 5,6 6,7 9,5

Syrdarya 4,4 4,5 4,3 4,0 4,3 4,6 4,9 4,4 5,1 9,6

Tashkent 4,5 4,1 3,8 3,6 3,6 3,9 4,1 4,1 5,2 9,0

Fergana 5,5 5,7 5,0 5,0 4,8 5,4 5,4 5,5 6,4 9,7

Khorezm 5,2 5,5 5,2 5,3 5,3 5,5 5,4 5,5 5,7 9,5

Tashkent city 3,4 3,3 3,4 3,3 3,4 3,6 3,8 3,6 4,5 7,9 Source: Website of the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, 2019.

328. In January 2019, the Government adopted the Strategy of Actions on Further Development of Uzbekistan in 2017–2021 and prioritizes reforms to (i) improve public sector development; (ii) ensure the rule of law and reform the judicial–legal system; (iii) develop and liberalize the economy; (iv) advance society and ensure security and interethnic harmony; (v) promote religious tolerance; and (vi) implement a balanced, mutually beneficial, and constructive foreign policy. The legal framework has been changing for enhancing women social and political participation. Project Area

329. The social survey undertaken as part of the Project LARP identified 39% of people were involved in activities related to agriculture, 31% study or are younger members of the family. 12.5% are involved in housekeeping and / or are seasonal workers. 10.5% are involved in public service.


89

Poverty and Vulnerability

330. The poverty line in Uzbekistan is estimated at 11.4% (ADB. Basic Statistics 2019). It is based on households surveys and estimates of the World Bank, which sets the absolute poverty line according to calorie consumption per person per day (2,100). Only 12.8% of Uzbekistan’s population in 2015 was below the poverty line. Also, the government classifies the vulnerable and low-income population as poor and sets the low-income threshold at 1.5 times the minimum wage. Although rural poverty declined in 2015 to 15.9%, it remains high compared to urban poverty at 9.5% (Uzbekistan Country Gender Assessment Update 2018). 331. Incidence of poverty is higher in rural areas as people are isolated from major economic mainstreams and resources. Improving the energy efficiency, accessibility and affordability will improve the employment and economic opportunities for rural residents, increase and diversify their income sources. The rural residents, including those in the project area, are mainly engaged in agriculture, producing agriculture products and animal husbandry on own house-plots and/or farms for own consumption and selling. Improved and sustainable gas supply will enable them to develop energy-based enterprises, agriculture-value added chains, improve education, healthcare services, access to clean energy for domestic heating and cooking that are mainly women work, will allow women and young girls to save time for self-development and children welfare. 332. As part of LARP social survey five people in affected households were identified with disabilities. In addition, it was found that in two households there are children with cerebral cranial pressure problems and attend a psycho-neurological clinic.

5.4.5. Infrastructure, Transportation and Utilities

333. Population with access to electricity is rated at 100 % (ADB Basic Statistics) in Uzbekistan. Renewable energy share estimated at 3.2% in the total final energy consumption (ADB. Basic Statistics, 2019). Though the country has reached 100% electrification of households, reportedly about 81% of rural households experience daily power interruptions that last from 1 hour to more than 5 hours (Uzbekistan Country Gender Assessment Update 2018, ADB). The interrupted gas and electricity supply have more affect to vulnerable groups (old and sick people, disable and handicaps), poor households and women. 334. The road network in Uzbekistan is gradually being rehabilitated and expanded, mainly led by donor funded projects. Accordingly, portions of the newly rehabilitated network are good, however large parts of the network are still neglected although this should not significantly impact the movement of construction equipment and supplies on the main road arteries. Local roads are a different story, they are, more often than not in poor condition and travel along these roads, which will be required by construction traffic, is often time consuming and can lead to damage of vehicles in the longer term. 335. The Project LARP social survey identified that almost 65% of affected households are connected to the water supply, while the remaining 45% use groundwater from the wells for washing dishes, clothes and for potable use. All affected households have access to electricity. Electricity is mainly used for lighting, freezing, cooling and watching television. Only 25% of affected households has access to natural gas through a central gas pipeline.


90

5.4.6. Community Health, Safety and Education

Country Context

336. The healthcare is mainly public-funded. As of 1 January 2017, there are 6542 out-patient medical institutions that had grown more than twofold since 1991 (3027). However, the hospitals decreased with reforms for optimization to increase accessibility of health-care services; from 1388 hospitals in 1991 to 1106 units by 2016. In many regions of the country, the most morbidity per 100,000 persons falls on the share of women. 337. In the last 20 years, maternal mortality decreased from 20.7 to 17.4 per thousand, and infant mortality decreased from 24.2 to 10.7 per thousand, and the country has achieved the United Nations Millennium Development Goal in this area. The number of pregnant women with anemia decreased from 45.1% in 2014 to 38.2% in 2016 (Uzbekistan Country Gender Assessment Update 2018). Free immunization for children under the age of 1 year old against contagious diseases are as follows: diphtheria- 99.9%, polio- 100%, whooping cough immunization – 99.9%, measles immunization – 99.9%, and tuberculosis 99.8, and against viral hepatitis B - 99,9% reported (Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, 2019). Despite significant progress access to rapid, affordable and high-quality health care needs improvement especially in rural areas. The main health indicators for the recent years are given in Table 34.

Table 34: Main health indicators

Description 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of hospitals 1058 1071 1106 1135 1165

Number of hospital beds: total, thousand 131 129,7 132 135,7 153,6

per 10 000 population 42,2 41,1 41,1 41,6 46,6

Number of treated patients in hospitals total, thousand 5294 5294 5582 5985 6236

Population per hospital bed 237 243 243 241 215

Number of beds for pregnant women/parturient women: total, thousand 18,1 17,6 17,4 17,7 17,4

for 10,000 women (15-49 years) 20,9 20,2 19,9 20,9 19,6

Number of ambulatory polyclinics 6054 6220 6542 5296 5627

The capacity of outpatient clinics, visits per shift: total, thousand 407 407 411,9 405,3 440,8

per 10 000 population 131 128,9 128,2 124,1 133,7

Number of obstetrics and gynecology offices 2823 2752 2640 2157 2186

Number of children's polyclinics (departments) 2104 1997 1783 1102 1128

Number of doctors of all specialties: total, thousand 82 83,4 84,1 85,4 89,8

per 10 000 population 26,4 26,4 26,2 26,1 27,2

Population per doctor 378 379 382 383 367

Number of female doctors-all specialties: total, thousand 42,7 41 43,2 43,1 44,8

in % to the total number of doctors 52,1 51,6 51,4 50,5 49,9

Number of nurses: total, thousand 332 336,4 341,3 348,2 356,7

per 10 000 population 107 106,5 106,3 106,6 108,2

Population per average medical worker 93 94 94 94 92 Source: Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, 2019.

338. The proportion of Population Using Safely Managed Drinking Water Services is 51.2 %, that is 86.5 urban and 31.1 rural (ADB Basic Statistics 2019). Access to sanitation varied significantly between urban and rural areas in 2016 (around 78.7% vs. 42.1%, respectively). Though the lack of clean water supply affects both men and women, women and young girls mostly collect water for domestic needs. In rural areas, women and children transport drinking water several times a day. On average, water delivery accounts for 22 person-hours per month. Women must boil water to make it safe for drinking. They must heat water for laundry,


91

bathing, and cattle watering in cold seasons (Uzbekistan Country Gender Assessment Update 2018). 339. The Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees primary and secondary education to all. Schools are mainly public-funded but there are private schools too. The country for the indicator of the population with at least some secondary education is rated 1, placing the country in the group of countries with High Human Development. The pupils' teacher ratio for primary schools are ranked at 21, and for this indicator also Uzbekistan is in the group of countries with High Human Development22. 340. The education system in the Surkhandarya region is represented by 232 kindergartens, 613 comprehensive schools, 28 professional colleges and 8 academic lyceums. All 8 higher education institutions located in the city of Al-Tirmidhi and near Dena have an enrollment of over 9,450 students.

341. The system of healthcare institutions in the Surkhandarya region consists of 28 hospitals with 5,850 beds. Outpatient medical facilities include clinics and rural medical clinics. In the Surkhandarya region there are 261 clinics that can serve 19,000 people a day. The system of rural medical clinics was created to provide basic medical services to the rural population of the country.

5.4.7. Physical Cultural Resources

342. Many ancient monuments of Uzbekistan are concentrated in Surkhandarya region. Among the most significant ancient monuments are Khalchayan, Dalvarzintepa, Ayrtam, Kyzyltepa, Bandyhan and Kampyrtepa. One of the earliest human settlements, the famous Teshiktash cave, is located in the Zautoloshsay mountain gorge and dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period (100-40 thousand BC). However, no physical cultural resources have been identified in the Project corridor to date as confirmed by site surveys undertaken by the NCC for the preparation of the national EIA documentation.

5.4.8. Noise

343. Ambient noise levels in the Project area are very low due to the remote nature of the alignment in the foothills. No point sources of significant noise are present within the Project corridor, and traffic volume on the roads crossing the alignment is very low. 344. Noise monitoring was undertaken at three locations along the alignment during June 2020 to confirm this is the case. The results are presented in full in Appendix E and summarized in Table 35: Noise Monitoring Results. The results confirm the initial findings.

22 Human Development Indices and Indicators: 2018 Statistical Update, UNDP.


92

Figure 33: Noise Monitoring Locations

Table 35: Noise Monitoring Results Hour Location

AQ Noise 1 AQ Noise 3 AQ Noise 5 National Standard

12.00 - 13.00 35 25 30 55 13.00 – 14.00 35 25 30 55 14.00 – 15.00 35 25 30 55 15.00 – 16.00 35 25 30 55 16.00 – 17.00 30 25 30 55 18.00 – 19.00 30 25 30 55 19.00 – 20.00 30 25 30 55 20.00 – 21.00 30 25 30 55 21.00 – 22.00 30 25 30 55 22.00 – 23.00 30 25 30 45 23.00 – 12.00 30 25 30 45 12.00 – 01.00 30 25 30 45 01.00 – 02.00 30 25 30 45 02.00 – 03.00 30 25 30 45 03.00 – 04.00 30 25 30 45 04.00 – 05.00 30 25 30 45 05.00 – 06.00 30 25 30 45 06.00 – 07.00 30 25 30 45 07.00 – 08.00 30 25 30 55


93

Hour Location

AQ Noise 1 AQ Noise 3 AQ Noise 5 National Standard

08.00 – 09.00 30 25 30 55 09.00 – 10.00 30 25 30 55 10.00 – 11.00 30 25 30 55 11.00 – 12.00 30 25 30 55


94

6. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

6.1. Impact Assessment Methodology

345. This IEE follows a set format during the impact assessment process. As shown in the following flow chart and described further below.

6.1.1. Project Aspects 346. Firstly, the main environmental aspects of the Project are noted. An environmental aspect is any activity of the Project that interacts with the environment. E.g., an aspect of the Project that may impact upon air quality will be the movement of vehicles on unpaved roads through rural settlements.

6.1.2. Identification of Sensitive Receptors 347. Once the main aspects of the Project have been identified any sensitive receptors within the Project area of influence are noted. Examples of sensitive receptors include; local residents, NEGU staff, rivers, groundwater, birds, etc. Identification of receptors is a key part of the impact assessment process as without a receptor there will be no impact. For example, if a road generates significant noise but there are no sensitive receptors who can hear the noise, then there will be no noise impact.

6.1.3. Identification of Significant Environmental Aspects

348. Thirdly, the potential impacts of the identified aspects are outlined and how they could impact upon the identified receptors, in the case above, this could be the movement of a construction vehicle creating dust on an unpaved road which impacts upon local villagers. 349. The significance of an impact is determined based on the product of the consequence of the impact and the probability of its occurrence. The consequence of an impact, in turn, is a function primarily of three impact characteristics: magnitude

Identification of Remaining Residual Impacts

Proposal of Mitigation, Management and Good Practice Measures

Impact Significance Rating

Identification of Potential Impacts that may Result from Project Aspects

Identification of Sensitive Receptors

Identification of Project Aspects


95

spatial scale timeframe 350. Magnitude is determined from quantitative or qualitative evaluation of a number of criteria including: (i) Sensitivity of existing or reasonably foreseeable future receptors. (ii) Importance value of existing or reasonably foreseeable future receptors, described using

the following: (a) inclusion in government policy. (b) level of public concern. (c) number of receptors affected. (d) intrinsic or perceived value placed on the receiving environment by stakeholders. (e) economic value to stakeholders.

(iii) Severity or degree of change to the receptor due to impact, measured qualitatively or quantitatively, and through comparison with relevant thresholds: (a) legal thresholds—established by law or regulation (b) functional thresholds if exceeded, the impacts will disrupt the functioning of an

ecosystem sufficiently to destroy resources important to the nation or biosphere irreversibly and/or irretrievably

(c) normative thresholds – established by social norms, usually at the local or regional level and often tied to social or economic concerns

(d) preference thresholds—preferences for individuals, groups or organizations only, as distinct from society at large

(e) reputational thresholds—the level of risk a company is willing to take when approaching or exceeding the above thresholds

351. Spatial scale is another impact characteristic affecting impact consequence. The spatial scale of impacts can range from localized (confined to the proposed Project Site) to extensive (national or international extent). They also may vary depending on the component being considered. 352. The impact timeframe is the third principal impact characteristic defining impact consequence and relates to either its duration or its frequency (when the impact is intermittent). Impact duration can range from relatively short (less than four years) to long (beyond the life of the Project). Frequency ranges from high (more than 10 times a year) to low (less than once a year). These timeframes will need to be established for each Project based on its specific characteristics and those of the surrounding environment. 353. Once the impact consequence is described on the basis of the above impact characteristics, the probability of impact occurrence is factored in to derive the overall impact significance. The probability relates to the likelihood of the impact occurring, not the probability that the source of the impact occurs. For example, a continuous Project activity may have an unlikely probability of impact if there are no receptors within the area influenced by that activity. The characteristics are outlined in the table below.

Table 36: Characteristics Used to Describe Impact

Characteristic Sub-components Terms Used to Describe the

Impact

Type Positive (a benefit), negative (a cost) or neutral

Nature Biophysical, social, cultural, health or economic

Direct, indirect or cumulative or induced


96


Impact

Phase of the Project Construction and operation.

Magnitude Sensitivity of Receptor High, medium or low capacity to accommodate change

High, medium or low conservation importance

Vulnerable or threatenedRare, common, unique, endemic

Importance or value of receptor High, medium or low concern to some or all stakeholders

High, medium or low value to some or all stakeholders (for example, for cultural beliefs)

Locally, nationally or internationally important

Protected by legislation or policy

Severity or degree of change to the receptor

Gravity or seriousness of the change to the environment

Intensity, influence, power or strength of the change

Never, occasionally or always exceeds relevant thresholds

Spatial Scale Area affected by impact – boundaries at local and regional extents will be different for biophysical and social impacts

Area or Volume coveredDistributionLocal, regional, transboundary or global

Timeframe Length of time over which an environmental impact occurs or frequency of impact when intermittent

Short term or long termIntermittent (what frequency) or continuous Temporary or permanent

Immediate effect (impact experienced immediately after causative project aspect) or delayed effect (effect of the impact is delayed for a period following the causative project aspect)

Probability – likelihood or chance an impact will occur Definite (impact will occur with high likelihood of probability)

Possible (impact may occur but could be influenced by either natural or project related factors)

Unlikely (impact unlikely unless specific natural or Project related


97


Impact

circumstances occur)

6.1.4. Impact Significance Rating

354. The impact significance rating process serves two purposes: firstly, it helps to highlight the critical impacts requiring consideration in the approval process; secondly, it serves to show the primary impact characteristics, as defined above, used to evaluate impact significance. The impact significance rating system is presented in Table 37 and described as follows:

(i) Part A: Define impact consequence using the three primary impact characteristics of magnitude, spatial scale and duration.

(ii) Part B: Use the matrix to determine a rating for impact consequence based on the definitions identified in Part A; and

(iii) Part C: Use the matrix to determine the impact significance rating, which is a function of the impact consequence rating (from Part B) and the probability of occurrence.

355. Using the matrix, the significance of each described impact is rated.

G

uzar-

Re

ga

r 5

00 k

V P

ow

er

Tra

nsm

issio

n L

ine P

roje

ct

Initia

l E

nvir

on

me

nta

l E

xam

ina

tion

98

T

ab

le 3

7:

Meth

od

fo

r R

ati

ng

Sig

nif

ican

ce

PA

RT

A:

DE

FIN

ING

CO

NS

EQ

UE

NC

E I

N T

ER

MS

OF

MA

GN

ITU

DE

, D

UR

AT

ION

AN

D S

PA

TIA

L S

CA

LE

D

efinitio

n

Crite

ria

M

AG

NIT

UD

E

N

ega

tive

P

ositiv

e

Majo

r

Larg

e n

um

ber

of re

cepto

rs a

ffe

cte

d

Recepto

rs

hig

hly

se

nsitiv

e

and

/or

are

o

f con

serv

atio

n im

port

an

ce

Su

bsta

ntial de

teri

ora

tio

n,

nu

isa

nce

or

harm

to

re

cepto

rs e

xpecte

d

Rele

va

nt th

resho

lds o

ften e

xce

ede

d

Sig

nific

an

t p

ublic

concern

e

xp

resse

d d

urin

g

sta

ke

hold

er

consu

lta

tion

Receiv

ing e

nviron

me

nt

ha

s a

n i

nh

ere

nt

va

lue

to

sta

keh

old

ers

La

rge

num

ber

of re

ce

pto

rs a

ffecte

d

Re

ce

pto

rs h

igh

ly a

me

na

ble

to

positiv

e c

ha

ng

e

Re

ce

pto

rs

like

ly

to

expe

rie

nce

a

big

im

pro

ve

me

nt

in th

eir s

ituation

Re

leva

nt p

ositiv

e th

resh

old

s o

fte

n e

xcee

de

d

Mode

rate

So

me

recepto

rs a

ffe

cte

d

Recepto

rs

slig

htly

sensiti

ve

an

d/o

r of

mo

dera

te c

on

se

rva

tion im

port

an

ce

Me

asura

ble

dete

riora

tio

n, n

uis

ance o

r h

arm

to

re

cepto

rs

Rele

va

nt th

resho

lds o

ccasio

na

lly e

xcee

ded

Lim

ited

p

ublic

co

nce

rn

expre

ssed

d

uri

ng

sta

ke

hold

er

consu

lta

tion

Lim

ited

valu

e a

ttach

ed

to t

he e

nviro

nm

en

t

Som

e r

ece

pto

rs a

ffecte

d

Re

ce

pto

rs

likely

to

e

xperi

ence

so

me

im

pro

ve

me

nt

in th

eir s

ituation

Re

leva

nt

positiv

e

thre

sh

old

s

occasio

na

lly

exce

ede

d

Min

or

No

or

limite

d

rece

pto

rs

with

in

the

zon

e

of

imp

act

Recepto

rs n

ot se

nsiti

ve t

o c

han

ge

Min

or

dete

rio

ration,

nu

isa

nce

or

ha

rm

to

recepto

rs

Cha

nge n

ot m

easura

ble

or

rele

va

nt t

hre

sh

old

s

never

exce

ed

ed

Sta

keh

old

ers

h

ave n

ot

expre

ssed co

nce

rns

rega

rdin

g t

he r

ece

ivin

g e

nviron

ment

No

or

limite

d r

ecep

tors

affe

cte

d

Re

ce

pto

rs n

ot sen

sitiv

e t

o c

hang

e

Min

or

or

no im

pro

ve

ment

in c

urr

en

t situ

atio

n

Ch

an

ge n

ot

me

asura

ble

Re

leva

nt

po

sitiv

e t

hre

sho

lds n

ever

exce

ede

d

No

sta

keh

old

er

com

ment

exp

ecte

d

TIM

EF

RA

ME

Dura

tio

n o

f C

ontinuo

us A

sp

ects

F

req

uen

cy o

f In

term

itte

nt

Aspects

S

hort

te

rm

/ lo

w

frequ

ency

Less th

an

4 y

ears

fro

m o

nset o

f im

pact

Occu

rs le

ss than

once a

ye

ar

G

uzar-

Re

ga

r 5

00 k

V P

ow

er

Tra

nsm

issio

n L

ine P

roje

ct

Initia

l E

nvir

on

me

nta

l E

xam

ina

tion

99

Med

ium

te

rm /

mediu

m

frequ

ency

Mo

re t

ha

n 4

yea

rs f

rom

on

set

of

impact

up

to

e

nd o

f lif

e o

f pro

ject

(ap

pro

xim

ate

ly 3

0 y

ears

)

Occu

rs l

ess t

ha

n 1

0 t

imes a

yea

r bu

t m

ore

th

an

on

ce

a y

ear

Lon

g

term

/

hig

h

frequ

ency

Impa

ct

is e

xp

erie

nced

du

ring

an

d b

eyo

nd t

he

lif

e o

f th

e p

roje

ct (g

reate

r th

an

30 y

ea

rs)

Occu

rs m

ore

th

an 1

0 t

imes a

year

SP

AT

IAL S

CA

LE

Bio

ph

ysic

al

Socio

-econo

mic

S

ma

ll

With

in th

e d

efin

ed

‘P

roje

ct

are

a’

Within

th

e d

efin

ed ‘P

roje

ct

are

a

Inte

rmed

iate

With

in t

he

dis

tric

t in

wh

ich i

s t

he

facili

ties a

re

loca

ted

Within

th

e m

unic

ipa

lity in

w

hic

h th

e activ

ity

occu

rs

Exte

nsiv

e

Be

yon

d t

he d

istr

ict

in w

hic

h t

he f

acili

ties a

re

loca

ted

Beyon

d t

he m

unic

ipa

lity i

n w

hic

h t

he

activ

ity

occu

rs

P

AR

T B

: D

ET

ER

MIN

ING

CO

NS

EQ

UE

NC

E R

AT

ING

MA

GN

ITU

DE

T

IME

FR

AM

E

SP

AT

IAL S

CA

LE

S

ma

ll In

term

ed

iate

E

xte

nsiv

e

Min

or

Short

te

rm / lo

w fre

que

ncy

Low

Low

M

ed

ium

M

ed

ium

term

/ m

ediu

m fre

qu

ency

Low

Low

M

ed

ium

Lon

g te

rm /

hig

h f

requ

en

cy

Me

diu

m

Med

ium

M

ed

ium

M

odera

te

Short

te

rm / lo

w fre

que

ncy

Low

M

ed

ium

M

ed

ium

M

ed

ium

term

/ m

ediu

m fre

qu

ency

Me

diu

m

Med

ium

H

igh

Lon

g te

rm /

hig

h f

requ

en

cy

Me

diu

m

Hig

h

Hig

h

Ma

jor

Short

te

rm / lo

w fre

que

ncy

Me

diu

m

Med

ium

H

igh

M

ed

ium

term

/ m

ediu

m fre

qu

ency

Me

diu

m

Med

ium

H

igh

Lon

g te

rm /

hig

h f

requ

en

cy

Hig

h

Hig

h

Hig

h

PA

RT

C:

DE

TE

RM

ININ

G S

IGN

IFIC

AN

CE

RA

TIN

G

C

ON

SE

QU

EN

CE

Ne

glig

ible

L

ow

M

ed

ium

H

igh

P

RO

BA

BIL

ITY

(o

f e

xpo

su

re t

o im

pacts

) D

efin

ite

N

ot

Sig

nif

ican

t L

ow

M

ed

ium

H

igh

Possib

le

No

t S

ign

ific

an

t L

ow

M

ed

ium

H

igh

Un

likely

N

ot

Sig

nif

ican

t L

ow

L

ow

M

ed

ium

Ne

glig

ible

N

ot

Sig

nif

ican

t N

ot

Sig

nif

ica

nt

No

t S

ign

ific

an

t N

ot

Sig

nif

ica

nt


100

6.1.5. Mitigation, Management and Good Practice Measures

356. Wherever the Project is likely to result in unacceptable impact on the environment, mitigation measures are proposed (over and above the inherent design measures included in the Project description). In addition, good practice measures may be proposed however these are unlikely to change the impact significance. In the case of positive impacts, management measures are suggested to optimize the benefits to be gained. 357. The following mitigation hierarchy will be utilized in selecting practical mitigation measures for unacceptable impacts as follows (in order of preference): Avoid the impact wherever possible by removing the cause(s). Reduce the impact as far as possible by limiting the cause(s). Ameliorate the impact by protecting the receptor from the cause(s) of the impact.

358. Providing compensatory measures to offset the impact, particularly where an impact is of high significance and none of the above are appropriate. 6.1.6. Residual Impacts

359. Once mitigation measures are declared and committed to, the next step in the impact assessment process is to assign residual impact significance. This is essentially a repeat of the impact assessment steps discussed above, considering the assumed implementation of the additional declared mitigation measures.

6.2. Physical Resources

6.2.1. Air Quality

360. This section discusses emissions of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to Emit Atmospheric Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases

Construction of the towers requires excavation of soils to insert pre-cast footings. During dry periods the excavation works will generate dust.

Construction sites may require the use of mobile generators which generate combustion emissions.

Construction plant and traffic will also generate combustion emissions from engines. Topsoil will need to be stored in piles in areas where towers are to be erected. Construction traffic moving along access roads may generate dust during dry periods. Sensitive Receptors

361. No sensitive receptors have been identified in the adyrs that could be affected by dust or vehicle emissions. Tower sites in the valley areas where residential properties exist are generally located away from properties due to the restrictions associated with safety protection zones. However, access routes to some towers may run close to a few residential properties in these areas and these are considered to be sensitive receptors.


101

Potential Impacts

Construction Phase

362. Release of Exhaust Gases - During construction, the release of combustion gases will mostly be from vehicles and potentially from mobile sources such as mobile generators. These may locally increase concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (NOX and SO2) to a limited extent and over a short time period. No sensitive receptors have been located in the adyrs and towers sites in the valley areas are located more than 30m from any residential receptors for safety reasons, as such exhaust emissions are unlikely to have any significant impact. 363. Dust - Dust impacts on sensitive receptors will generally be of low significance due to the distances involved between the worksites and the receptors. Some minor, short term dust impacts may occur to agricultural areas and in areas adjacent to access roads. Operational Phase

364. No air quality impacts are anticipated during this phase of the Project. Impact summary and assessment of significance

365. Table 38 provides an assessment of the significance of potential air quality impacts

before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 38: Potential Impacts to Air Quality Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Release of exhaust gases

Nearby communities

L L L L MIN ST SMA LOW POSS L

C Dust Nearby communities

L M L M MOD ST SMA LOW POSS L

Key: H: High / M: Medium / L: Low / MAJ: Major / MOD: Moderate / MIN: Minimum / H/F: High Frequency / M/F: Low Frequency / L/F: Low Frequency / LT: Long term / MT: Medium Term / ST: Short term / MED: Medium / DEF: Definitely / POSS: Possible: / UNLIKE: Unlikely. Cells shaded in blue are positive impacts.

Mitigation and Management Measures

Pre-construction / Construction Phase

366. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Pollution Prevention Plan (C-SEMP-02). The Plan will include measures to limit air pollution during the construction phase of the Project.


102

367. Siting of Facilities and Equipment - Stationary emission sources (e.g., portable diesel generators, compressors, etc.) shall be positioned as far as is practical from sensitive receptors (C-AQ-01). 368. Release of Exhaust Gases and Fugitive Emissions - Equipment and vehicles will be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to maximize fuel efficiency and help minimize emissions (C-AQ-03). Preferentially the Project will use fuel that has low sulfur content of 0.1%, where practical and available within Uzbekistan (C-AQ-04). Controlled or uncontrolled burning of waste will not be allowed (C-AQ-05). 369. Dust - Measures that will be adopted to help prevent dust problems from occurring include: Dust control measures will be implemented on all roads within 250m of residential /

sensitive receptors (C-AQ-02). The EPC Contractor will be required to have an adequate supply of bowsers and carry out

watering for dust control at least once a day near residential areas: in dry weather with temperatures of over 25, or in windy weather. Avoid overwatering as this may make the surrounding muddy (C-AQ-06).

Vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency) (C-AQ-07).

A strict Project speed limit of 30km/hr will be enforced for Project vehicles using unmade tracks and within Project construction zones(C-AQ-08).

Vehicles carrying fine aggregate materials will be sheeted to help prevent dust blow and spillages (C-AQ-09).

Earthwork operation will be suspended when the wind speed exceeds 20 km/h in areas within 500 m of any community (C-AQ-10).

Residual Impacts

Table 39: Air Quality Residual Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Potential Impact Significance

Residual Impact Residual Impact Significance

C Release of exhaust gases

Low Potential impacts are anticipated to be low. Generic mitigation measures will ensure residual impacts will not be significant.

Not Significant

C Dust Low Potential impacts are anticipated to be low. Generic mitigation measures will ensure residual impacts are kept low.

Not Significant

6.2.2. Hydrology 370. This section discusses potential impacts on hydrology (both surface and groundwater) during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to Affect Surface Water Resources

371. The following Project activities in the construction phase of the Project could affect surface water resources in the Project area: Discharge of domestic wastewater from camps into watercourses. Accidental release of potential contaminants (e.g. fuel, hazardous waste, chemicals).


103

Disruption of flow during crossing of irrigation ditches and sais from the construction of access roads.

Increased sediment run-off from the tower pad sites, construction camp and storage areas after vegetation and soil stripping, until the area has re-vegetated after reinstatement.

Key Sensitivities and Receptors

372. The key sensitivities in the Project area are the main surface water courses Tupolang river and Sangardak river as well as sais that the alignment crosses. However, tower sites are located more than 150m from both of the rivers and no towers will be located within streams. Groundwater may be affected, but potentially only to a small degree in the areas close to where excavations are required for footings. No groundwater wells were identified close to the tower sites. Potential Impacts

373. The Project will involve the use or generation of some or all of the following materials that have the potential to contaminate surface waters: Fuels and lubricating oils. Paints and solvents. Leachate from hazardous waste storage areas at camp sites. Raw sewage from camp sites. 374. Given the location of tower sites away from major surface water courses it is considered unlikely that significant contamination of water courses from these materials is likely. However, there remains the possibility of minor groundwater contamination.

Impact summary and assessment of significance 375. Table 40 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts to hydrology before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 40: Potential Impacts to Hydrology Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xceed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Contamination of surface water

Local community, wildlife

L M L L LOW ST INTER MIN LOW L

C Contamination of groundwater

L M L L LOW ST INTER MIN LOW L





104

376. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Pollution Prevention Plan (C-SEMP-02). The Plan will include measures to limit surface and groundwater pollution during the construction phase of the Project. 377. Water Quality – The EPC Contractor will be responsible for implementing his Pollution Prevention Plan which will include the following measures to reduce the risk of surface water contamination: Concrete batching (if required) will be sited at least 50m away from sensitive receptors

such as watercourses; wash pits to be lined with an impermeable liner (C-HY-03). Treated wastewater will be used for damping down road surfaces to mitigate dust

generation (C-HY-04). Domestic sewage from camps will be stored and transported to water treatment works or

treated through a dedicated site sewage water treatment plant (C-HY-05) before discharge to ground or surface water.

All wastewater discharges will be in compliance with the national standards (MPDs) (C-HY-06).

Construction camps will be located at least 200m from water courses (C-HY-07). Residual Impacts

Table 41: Surface Water Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Contamination of surface water

Low None identified Not significant

C Contamination of groundwater

Low None identified Not significant

6.2.3. Soils and Geology 378. This section discusses potential impacts on soils and geology during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to impact soils and geology

379. The following planned Project activities could affect soils and geology and in the Project area: Use of vehicles, heavy plant and equipment in worksite areas. Topsoil clearance in worksite areas and camps. Topsoil and subsoil storage (for re-use in backfilling and reinstatement). Construction of access roads. Accidental release of potential contaminants (e.g. fuel, hazardous waste, chemicals) at all

work sites. Key Sensitivities

380. Generally, the soils in the Project area are agriculturally unproductive and much of the land is utilized as pastureland. Some areas of agricultural land are located in valleys, but these areas will not be affected permanently by construction works.


105

Potential Impacts

381. Soil Properties and Compaction – Soil compaction may occur around access roads and tower pad sites. This will not impact upon agricultural land but could have some impacts relating to increased runoff and erosion. 382. Soil Erosion and Soil Loss - Erosion is a natural process by which wind and rain wear away soils that have poor cohesion or are steeply sloping. Where the land surface is disturbed and when vegetation and topsoil are removed, erosion rates increase. After reinstatement of topsoil temporarily removed from the worksites during construction or at the temporary areas, the soil is less cohesive and is much more easily erodible in wet weather. 383. Soil Contamination During Construction - The principal potential contaminants associated with the construction activities are the same as those listed above for hydrology. The soil can also be contaminated if substances from hazardous waste storage leach into the ground or if large quantities of raw sewage are discharged onto the ground. 384. Aggregate Requirements – Any aggregate required for construction of tower foundations (e.g. fill material beneath tower pads) will be obtained from state licensed quarries and/or borrow pits. Extraction and use of aggregates constitute depletion of non-renewable natural resources. If borrow pits or quarries are poorly sited, extraction can have adverse impacts on ecology, water resources, cultural heritage and communities. 385. Spoil Disposal - Excavated material from footings will be backfilled into the excavated area and compacted. Any excess spoil material will be spread around the base of the tower on GoU land.

Impact summary and assessment of significance

386. Table 42 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts to soil and

geology before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 42: Potential Impacts to Soils and Geology Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Soil Compaction

Soils and agricultural land

L L L - MIN ST SMALL LOW UNLIKE L

C Soil Erosion Soils and local vegetation

L L L - MIN ST SMALL LOW POSS L

C Soil contamination

Agricultural soil and local community

L M L L MIN ST SMALL LOW POSS L

C Aggregate requirements

Ecology, water resources, cultural heritage and communities

L L L - MIN ST SMALL LOW POSS L


106



Pre-construction / Construction Phase 387. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Pollution Prevention Plan (C-SEMP-02) and a Reinstatement Implementation Plan (C-SEMP-04). The Plans will include measures to limit soil pollution during the construction phase of the Project and measures to reinstate land affected by construction works. 388. Soil Compaction and Erosion - To avoid compaction impacts outside the cleared areas, i.e. pad sites, vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency) (C-SO-08). 389. Temporary erosion control measures will be developed and implemented after initial land disturbance and if construction activity on the working areas is suspended over the winter before reinstatement has been completed (C-SO-09). 390. Topsoil - If topsoil is stored for more than six months, the stacks will be monitored for anaerobic conditions and manual aeration will be undertaken if they develop (C-SO-10). This aims to provide sufficient fertility for reinstatement at the end of the construction period. Stored subsoil and topsoil will be segregated in a manner that avoids mixing (C-SO-11). Topsoil stacks along the within the Project area will be free draining. Topsoil will be stored outside the running track used by construction plant, equipment and vehicles (C-SO-12). Soil storage areas will be protected from vehicle movements to avoid soil compaction (C-SO-13). Keeping the topsoil mounds free from disturbance in this manner will reduce risk of physical damage and compaction. 391. Soil Contamination - The following mitigation measures will be implemented with the aim of reducing the risk of soil contamination: The storage of hazardous materials will be restricted to designated impermeable

hazardous materials storage areas located at least 50m from any surface water course or seasonal water channel (C-SO-14).

A refueling procedure will be developed by the EPC Contractor, which will include a restriction on refueling within 50m of any watercourse (C-SO-15).

The EPC Contractor's will ensure all material safety data sheets (MSDS) are kept on site with the relevant materials (C-SO-16).

Materials that can potentially react with each other will be segregated during storage (C-SO-17).

Procedures will be established to determine acceptability of material storage and to promote the minimization of storage volumes (C-SO-18).

Hazardous chemicals will be securely stored on site in a designated storage area (C-SO-19).

Relevant personnel will be trained in safe use and handling of hazardous materials (C-SO-20).

Diesel storage tanks at construction camps will be located in suitably sized and constructed bunded areas that are designed to be impervious to water and fuel. The bund volume will be designed to no less than 110% of the tank volume. Loading and off-loading connections will be located over secondary containment (C-SO-21).

Regular inspections and maintenance will be carried out of secondary containment areas at camps to confirm that they are functioning effectively (C-SO-22).


107

Information will be incorporated into the Site induction process and will outline the role of personnel in the management of waste and emissions from site and spill response procedures (C-SO-23).

Site induction training will be supplemented by regular ‘toolbox’ talks with relevant personnel if inspections or audits highlight failings in waste management (C-SO-24).If a spill does occur, the following measures will reduce the associated potential impacts: o Spill response equipment (absorbents etc.) will be available in hazardous materials

storage areas (C-SO-25). o Relevant construction personnel will be trained in use of spill kits and disposal

practices (C-SO-26). o Vehicles delivering fuel or hazardous liquids will carry appropriate spill kits to allow

an initial response to any spill to be deployed (C-SO-27). o All mobile plant (excluding vehicles) will be integrally bunded or will be equipped

with a bund or drip tray which will be regularly inspected and emptied to prevent rainwater accumulating (C-SO-28).

392. Restoration - To facilitate natural re-vegetation of the pad sites, the separately stockpiled topsoil and vegetation debris will be spread over the surface of the work sites following completion of works (C-SO-29). Once the topsoil has been replaced it will be stone picked to remove any large stones which are not in keeping with the surrounding soil texture (C-SO-30). 393. Upon completion of subsoil and topsoil reinstatement, the EPC Contractor and PIC will inspect disturbed areas jointly for signs of erosion, slope stability, relief, topographic diversity, acceptable surface water drainage capacity and function, and compaction and implement remedial measures, if necessary (C-SO-31). 394. Borrow Pits – Only state licensed borrow pits will be allowed for use (C-SO-32). The EPC Contractor will provide copies of the borrow pit operator’s license and permit prior to the PIC before any materials from the borrow pit are delivered to site (C-SO-33). Residual Impacts

Table 43: Soils and Geology Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Soil Compaction

Low Soil compaction and soil erosion is not likely to result in highly significant impacts during the construction phase. Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures will further limit the potential for impacts to occur.

Not significant

C Soil Erosion Low Not significant

C Soil contamination

Low Soil contamination would only be of low significance even without mitigation as in general any leaks or spills will be minor and localized. Additional mitigation will ensure that there are no significant residual impacts.

Not significant

C Aggregate requirements

Low No residual impacts are anticipated if licensed borrow pits are used.

Not significant

6.2.4. Landscape and Visual Amenity


108

395. Landscape effects can be defined as the result of physical changes to the landscape arising as a result of new a development, or from indirect effects such as poor environmental management, resulting in the deterioration of a landscape. Such physical changes may include the addition of structures, such as overhead transmission towers, extent of access tracks/roads etc. 396. Visual effects relate closely to landscape effects but concern changes to views. Visual assessment relates to people’s perception of and response to changes in visual amenity, i.e. the value of a particular area or view in terms of what is seen. Effects may result from new elements located in the landscape that cause visual intrusion (i.e. interference with or interruption of the view) or new features that physically obstruct views across the landscape. 397. In a general context, the visibility of objects in the landscape relates to a range of factors, as follows: The distance from the viewer to the object; The extent to which landform, vegetation cover or structures such as buildings may

interrupt, or screen all or part of the view; The degree of solidity of the object, The extent to which the object differs in color from its background; The extent to which the object ‘breaks’ the horizon. 398. A typical methodology was used 23 to assess the landscape effects from the proposed project with landscape effects assessed using a combination of factors, comprising evaluation of the following elements: The sensitivity of the landscape. The degree to which change from a particular development can be accommodated, The pattern / diversity and scale of the landscape, its openness, The value of the landscape resource including areas designated for such value. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to impact Landscape and Visual Amenity

Construction activities, such as storage areas, foundations, presence of machinery and equipment etc.

Presence of towers and transmission lines, and access tracks. Key Sensitivities and Receptors

399. The landscape value along the entire transmission corridor is considered of low value, as within the visual envelop there are no: Areas of significant amenity value. Significant heritage or tourism sites. 400. Due to the low landscape value of the project area, the sensitivity to visual impacts is limited to the small portions of the alignment which cross river valleys, as this is the only area where people are living within the visual envelope of the Project alignment. Note however, that the OHL was previously present within the Project corridor and in the areas occupied by settlements many of the old towers still remain in place and as such they are used to the presence of towers within the existing landscape.

23 This methodology was based upon a similar methodology used by NEGU as part of the Navoi - Besopan Transmission Line Upgrade, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), prepared for EBRD in July 2019


109

Potential Impacts

Construction Phase 401. The construction of the Project will present visual intrusion, i.e. through the temporary storage of construction material, machinery and temporary access roads, construction of tower foundations and erection of towers. 402. This temporary change in the landscape due to construction will have short-term effect in the area. There are no areas of landscape value, tourist attractions or amenity areas present within the Project corridor. There will be some short-term visual impact to persons living or working in the immediate area of the transmission corridor. Operational Phase 403. Following construction of the Project and throughout its operational life, the landscape will return to its previous state when occupied by the old OHL. However, it has been some years since the line was decommissioned and for some people changes to the landscape will occur due to the new presence of the physical structures of the pylons, and to a lesser extent the new maintenance access tracks along the route. However, this is less likely in the inhabited areas as many of the old towers still remain in these locations. 404. For OHL towers, the open lattice structure allows the background to be seen through the structure and the structure itself reduces in importance as the distance from the viewer increases. Therefore, the OHL towers are less visible than more solid structures of the same size. In normal weather conditions, high voltage towers are not normally observed by an average viewer at a distance greater than 10 km, even when viewed against the skyline; visual effects are most likely in areas closest to the line. 405. The proposed transmission line does not pass through or sit within the vicinity of, any important scenic areas or areas of landscape that is highly valued, rare or distinctive, nor does it host any major tourism destination of national importance, or areas of significant amenity value. Overall, the landscape along the proposed OHL route is not sensitive and is tolerant to changes.

Impact summary and assessment of significance 406. Table 44 provides an assessment of the significance of potential visual and landscape impacts before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 44: Potential Landscape and Visual Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C General construction works

Local community,

L L L - LOW ST SMALL LOW DEF L


110

Phase Potential Impact

Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

project infrastructure

O Presence of towers, lines and access tracks

Local community, project infrastructure

L L L - LOW MT INTER LOW DEF L



Design Phase 407. The area crossed by the transmission line route is open rolling hills, with limited and low vegetation coverage. As such, there is little opportunity for using vegetation to limit the visibility of the tower structures. The possibility of using local topography to limit visual impacts would require alteration of the Project alignment which may induce further significant impacts, such as impacts to habitat (towers would need to be constructed on new, undisturbed land and new access routes to these sites would be required) and land acquisition and compensation for new plots of land for towers. Accordingly, major changes in the alignment to limit the visual impacts of the Project are not recommended. 408. The Project design will, however, follow a number of principles with the aim of reducing visual impacts: The route has been designed with the maximum approximation to a straight line, this

greatly reduces the number of angle-tension towers. The route has been selected to avoid, as far as possible, inhabited areas. The route broadly follows the alignment of the old OHL, meaning that some existing towers

are still in place which will limit the significance of visual and landscape impacts due to the fact the towers will be replaced on a like for like basis.

409. The following general mitigation measures will also be implemented to mitigate the effects of the proposed project on the landscape: During detailed design for the micro-siting of pylons, pylon structures should be located as

far away as practical from residential dwellings (D-VIS-01). Include visibility of the towers among the factors considered during final tower positioning,

including determining the proper balance between heights of towers and the number of towers (D-VIS-02) (In general, larger scale landscapes would be better able to accommodate taller towers and the reduced disturbance to the landscape with fewer construction sites would also be of benefit.).

Construction Phase 410. General good construction management and housekeeping should be implemented to control activities and maintain clean working areas; this will be achieved through the


111

implementation of the general construction measures outlined in the Project EMP and the EPC Contractors SEMP. The project should also ensure that continued consultation with local communities is maintained throughout the construction period (O-VIS-01).

411. Width of all access roads and tracks should be kept to the minimum necessary for their use during construction and operational (O-VIS-02). Residual Impacts

Table 45: Landscape and Visual Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C General construction works

Low None anticipated. Not significant

O Presence of towers, lines and access tracks

Low None anticipated. Not significant

6.2.5. Geohazards 412. This section discusses potential impacts geohazards may have on the Project during construction and operation phases and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Key Sensitivities and Receptors

413. Project infrastructure, e.g. towers, could be impacted by geohazards during both the construction and operational phases of the Project. Potential Impacts

414. The Project is located in a seismically active area. Seismic events could lead to the failure of towers and lines which could result in safety impacts upon the local community residential areas, or in areas where lines cross public land., e.g. roads. Failure of Project infrastructure would also lead to power outages in the network until the facilities could be fixed. 415. No areas specifically prone to landslides or mudslides have been identified at this stage of the Project. It is assumed that detailed engineering surveys of the alignment will be undertaken by the EPC Contractor during the design stage and that these areas would be identified and avoided. It is however, anticipated that such issues would have been avoided during the design and construction of the existing tower sites which will generally be the location of the new towers.

Impact summary and assessment of significance 416. Table 46 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts from geohazards before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.


112

Table 46: Potential Impacts from Geohazards Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xceed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al S

cale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C / O Seismic events


L H L - MED LT SMALL MOD LOW L

C / O Mudslides and landslides


L H L - MED LT SMALL MOD LOW L



Pre-construction / Construction Phase 417. Designing towers using landslide prevention design standards and considering earthquake loading as well as locating the facilities in stable areas, as far as possible would avoid landslides and impacts from seismic events (C-GEO-01). Residual Impacts

Table 47: Geohazards Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C / O Seismic events Low None identified as long as earthquake loading, and national design standards are considered.

Not significant

C / O Mudslides and landslides

Low None identified at this stage of the Project.

Not significant

6.3. Biodiversity

6.3.1. Flora, Fauna and Habitat

418. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on habitat and flora during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. The Section should be read alongside the sections addressing surface water resources and geology and soils which include additional information on mitigation for potential impacts to aquatic species and habitat restoration respectively. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to Impact to Flora, Fauna and Habitat

419. Construction Phase:

Land clearing and vegetation removal for the construction of towers, camps and laydown areas.


113

Development of access roads. 420. Operational Phase:

Siting of towers and overhead lines in, or close to sensitive sites. Sensitive Receptors

The alignment crosses portions of natural habitat in the Adyrs. 24 The Gissar KBA / IBA. Several species of special status species, including for example the Egyptian Vulture

(IUCN - EN) and the Desert Monitor (Uzbek Red Book – VU). Potential Impacts

Construction Phase

421. During the construction phase, the key potential impacts to flora, fauna and habitat relate to vegetation clearance and topsoil removal activities within the working corridor, vehicle movements and the siting of construction camps and the presence of workers. The following discusses these generic impacts in more detail:

Table 48: Generic Construction Phase Impacts Activity Impact Mitigation

Habitat loss, degradation and simplification

Impacts arise as a result of vegetation clearance for the preparation of the tower sites; construction of camp facilities / laydown areas etc. Impacts associated with vehicle use include soil compaction and erosion, dust emissions from vehicles affecting plants and habitats and laying of temporary roads.

In general, the majority of habitats will be restored naturally following construction resulting in effects of short-term degradation and disturbance only. Only minor long-term habitat loss is expected to occur in the immediate areas beneath the towers.

Habitat Fragmentation

Fragmentation arises from loss of continuous areas of habitat and disruption to routes through which fauna move through the landscape.

Habitat fragmentation is largely temporary or will be small scale and unlikely to result in a significant effect on habitats or populations. Pre-clearance site surveys will map any particularly sensitive areas and apply additional mitigation where required. Given the arid nature of many habitats, restoration of semi-desert areas is less likely to be successful than in other areas and the primary mitigation in such areas will be based around clear demarcation of working areas and reduced working widths where required.

Impacts on water resources

Pollution of soil and groundwater by discharging wastewater and waste can cause mortality of vegetation.

Mitigation is described in the hydrology section

Impacts from dust deposition

Dust generated during construction can affect vegetation through reducing levels of photosynthesis and can also led to soil pollution via deposition from the air or water run-off

Impacts from dust, will typically have an effect up to 50m from the source. With mitigation, this can be reduced to 25m and is unlikely to be significant, especially given the existing arid nature of much of the receiving environment.

24 The Fifth National Report of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Conservation of Biodiversity classifies floodplains and Adyrs one of the ecosystems and habitats that are priorities of biodiversity conservation in Uzbekistan.


114

Activity Impact Mitigation

and create a surface film on still water bodies.

Direct mortality of fauna

Vegetation clearance can lead to direct fatalities of fauna. Indirect fatalities can also occur when excavations (for foundations) are left open.

Locating construction camps away from sensitive areas and enforcing a hunting ban on construction workers will help ensure that there are no significant adverse effects. Speed limits on vehicles and restriction to existing and/or dedicated haul routes will prevent direct mortality and disturbance from vehicles. Pre-clearance site surveys and the movement of animals out of the working corridor will prevent direct mortality. There may be some low level unavoidable direct mortality, but this would not be significant in the short or long term.

Disturbance to sensitive species

Construction noise and visual disturbance can result in short term, localised effects, although many animals will become habituated to the noise. Noise levels in excess of 65dB over the long term or spikes over 70dBs are likely to elicit an adverse response.

Construction noise and visual disturbance will result in short term, localised effects, although many animals will become habituated to the noise. The nosiest activities associated with the development are those from static plant used to excavate trenches and clear vegetation. This may result in a short-term adverse effect. Monitoring by EPC Contractor will ensure that should notable species be breeding in an area, additional mitigation measures (e.g. regarding timing of works) will be implemented as required ((e.g. for birds so that the young have successfully fledged)

Spread of non-native or invasive species

Spread of non-native invasive species will reduce the ecological value of an area.

Pre-clearance surveys of invasive species combined with the demarcation and treatment of non-native species will prevent their spread. Monitoring post-construction will ensure that newly restored areas are not inundated with non-native species from adjacent areas. Use of Good Industry Practice (GIP) such as cleaning of machinery before import to site, wheel washes on site, etc. will avoid import of invasive species.

Poaching As the majority of mammals and reptiles identified in the baseline studies are subject to poaching, with the desert monitor also often killed by temporary workers and locals through fear, the introduction of temporary workforce to the area may increase risk of poaching / deliberate killing of animals at or near temporary construction camps.

This risk can be reduced by appropriate worker training sessions and implementation of a strict code of conduct with regards to treatment of local fauna.


115

422. With specific regards to habitat loss, clearing vegetation and soil, and spreading or piling of soil over vegetated areas, will cause both temporary and permanent habitat loss. Poor soil handling, soil erosion, soil compaction and disposal of surplus sub-soil could all, to a lesser degree given the scope of works, reduce soil fertility, soil depth and soil structure. This in turn, could impact on the ability of the vegetation to recover naturally after the topsoil has been replaced. 423. At the tower sites and at construction camps and equipment lay-down areas, clearing vegetation and soil will cause temporary loss of land, although pre-clearance surveys will be used to avoid impact upon sensitive habitat as far as practical. There will also be a small loss of habitat if any new temporary access roads are created. The camps, laydown areas and access roads will be selected by the EPC Contractor following such surveys. 424. The total area of different habitats to be potentially affected on a permanent basis during the construction phase are included in the table below. This estimate assumes 308 m2 for each tower site based on figures provided in the draft Project LARP.

Table 49: Potential Habitat Permanently Affected by Construction Type Number of Towers Affected Area

Adyrs 175 5.4 Rivers and Sais 0 0 Populated Areas 0 0 Total 175 5.4

425. It can be assumed that at least 90% of the new towers will be sited on the sites of the old tower locations, or adjacent to them. These areas of the adyrs are considered to be modified habitat due to the fact that their natural state has been modified to accommodate the towers. Given the above, potentially 10%, or 0.54 hectares of natural habitat could be affected during construction of the new towers. Mitigation for impacts to habitats is presented below and includes reduction in the corridor working width where needed and restricting traffic to the working strip as well as avoiding impacts to habitats through habitat restoration and post construction remediation. 426. Gissar KBA / IBA – The Gissar KBA / IBA is located almost adjacent to a portion of the alignment for around 800m, although never in it. It is important to note, that at this point the alignment runs through a small settlement which occupies land to the north (within the KBA) and the south of the alignment. Accordingly, the habitat in the alignment itself in this area is heavily modified by human activity. Project works will not be undertaken in the KBA / IBA and as such no impacts to terrestrial habitats within the KBA / IBA are anticipated, as long as the measures below relating to siting of facilities and training of staff are implemented during the construction phase. IBAs and KBAs are not Critical Habitat triggers under the guidelines in the ADB SPS. However, there are multiple threatened bird species within the IBA, which will move outside of the area and could qualify the project area as Critical Habitat (CH). These will be individually assessed against the relevant CH requirements in the Critical Habitat Assessment. Operational Phase

427. The key impacts of the Project to consider during the operational phase relate to: The potential for bird electrocutions; Potential bird collisions with towers and lines; and Impacts to Critical Habitat.


116

428. Electrocutions – Electrocutions occur when a bird completes a circuit by simultaneously touching two energized parts or an energized part and a grounded part of electrical equipment on a power pole, specifically with the span of its wings. According to the America Eagle Foundation the majority of electrocutions occur on medium-voltage distribution lines (4kV to 34.5kV),25 the reason being that the spacing between conductors are oftentimes narrow enough to be bridged by a bird’s wingspan. Also, poles that contain closely spaced energized parts (such as transformers) can be especially hazardous to birds off all sizes. This finding corresponds with that of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) which state that most bird electrocutions occur on distribution lines and poles compared with transmission lines. Birds can be electrocuted on transmission lines; however, it is rare and there is a lack of data on the scale of this problem. 26 27 Further, according to reports by International Wildlife Consultants 28 ‘high voltage lines pose no danger to Sakers (Saker Falcon)’. 429. Power line collisions – Collisions occur when birds fly into wires. Bird size, agility, experience, flocking, territorial or courtship activities, weather, time of day, human activities, configuration and location of the line, line placement, and line size can all contribute to these collisions. Many species of birds are especially vulnerable to collisions with high voltage transmission lines because of the height of these structures with respect to flight altitude, and because of their low visibility, whereas many species are potentially less vulnerable to collisions with distribution lines. 29 430. The Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds along with several other NGOs including Birdlife International and the SCNP prepared action plans for the conservation of the globally endangered bird species in Uzbekistan in 2011. Issue 1 focuses of the Saker Falcon and the Egyptian Vulture. The report considers these species within the context of several regions of the country where their populations can be found, one of which is the Gissar Range. 431. The report indicates that in general, data relating to the deaths of these species on power lines in Uzbekistan is absent. However, in open landscaped the towers are used for perches and may pose a threat to these birds. For both species the report classifies the severity of risks associated with electrocution and collisions with structures as low in the Gissar region. 432. The report describes several measures to manage the potential issue of electrocutions and collisions, including: Evaluation of the most dangerous power-line segments and the monitoring of bird mortality

level; the search for ways of risk reduction. The installation of dangerous power line towers with deterrent devices. Control of disposal of carrion and organic waste in vast territories near dangerous power-

line segments.

25 American Eagle Foundation. Promote Avian Friendly Power Lines. https://www.eagles.org/take-action/avian-friendly-power-lines/ 26 https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/threats-to-birds/electrocutions.php 27 Guidance on appropriate means of impact assessment of electricity power grids on migratory soaring birds in the Rift Valley / Red Sea Flyway. GEF, UNDP, Birdlife International. 2015 28 Fatal attraction: electrocution of Saker Falcons at electricity power lines in Mongolia / Andrew Dixon - International Wildlife Consultants Ltd 29 Avian mortalities due to transmission line collisions: a review of current estimates and field methods with an emphasis on applications to the Canadian electric network. Avian Conservation and Ecology, 2013


117

433. Critical Habitat – Site surveys identified only one special status species in the Project corridor, the Egyptian Vulture. Literature review and IBAT did however indicate that a number of other special status birds and mammals could be present in the region. 434. As part of the Project, a critical habitat scoping report has been undertaken to determine if the Project area is Critical Habitat as defined by ADB SPS (2009). 30 The report based on International Finance Corporation (IFC) Guidance Note (GN) 6 is summarized below. 435. Initially Critical Habitat Screening assessed 480 species and protected areas recorded within 50 km of the proposed Project. The screening process concluded that ten species that could trigger Critical Habitat are present or potentially present in the Project area. The results of the screening assessment are provided in Table 50 below.

Table 50: ADB Critical Habitat requirements, IFC thresholds and the conclusions of the Screening Assessment

ADB Critical Habitat

Requirements

IFC GN6 thresholds Potential CH Trigger Species

(Screening Results)

(i) Habitat required

for the survival of

critically endangered

or endangered

species

(ia) Areas that support globally

important concentrations of an

IUCN Red-listed EN or CR

species (≥ 0.5% of the global

population AND ≥ 5 reproductive

units of a CR or EN species);

1 Egyptian Vulture Neophron

percnopterus (EN)

2 Saker Falcon Falco cherrug

(EN)

(ib) Areas that support globally

important concentrations of an

IUCN Red-listed Vulnerable (VU)

species, the loss of which would

result in the change of the IUCN

Red List status to EN or CR and

meet the thresholds in (ia);

3 Asian Houbara Chlamydotis

macqueenii

4 European Turtledove

Streptopelia turtur

5 Yellow-eyed Pigeon Columba

eversmanni

6 Goitered Gazelle Gazella

subgutturosa

7 Marbled Polecat Vormela

peregusna

8 Picipes rhizophilus (fungi)

(ic) As appropriate, areas

containing important N/A – None identified as National Red

Book not completed to IUCN

30 Critical Habitat (CH) is defined in the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) (2009) as a subset of both natural and modified habitat that deserves particular attention and includes areas with high biodiversity value. Critical Habitat is fundamentally based on the following criteria

i) habitat required for the survival of critically endangered or endangered species ii) areas having special significance for endemic or restricted-range species iii) sites that are critical for the survival of migratory species iv) areas supporting globally significant concentrations or numbers of individuals of congregatory species v) areas with unique assemblages of species or that are associated with key evolutionary processes or

provide key ecosystem services vi) areas having biodiversity of significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities

The SPS also states that CH includes those areas: vii) either legally protected or officially proposed for protection, such as areas that meet the criteria of the

World Conservation Union classification, the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s world natural heritage sites.


118

ADB Critical Habitat

Requirements

IFC GN6 thresholds Potential CH Trigger Species

(Screening Results)

concentrations of a nationally or

regionally listed EN or CR

species

standards so EN and CR designations

not considered robust.

(ii) Areas having

special significance

for endemic or

restricted-range

species

(iia) Areas that regularly hold

≥10% of the global population

size AND ≥10 reproductive units

of a restricted-range species,

where a restricted-range species

has an EOO of less than 50,000

square kilometres.

N/A – No restricted range species

identified as present by the IBAT tool

or literature review.

(iii)Sites that are

critical for the survival

of migratory species

(iv) Areas supporting

globally significant

concentrations or

numbers of individuals

of congregatory species

(a) Areas known to sustain, on a

cyclical or otherwise regular

basis, ≥ 1 percent of the global

population of a migratory or

congregatory species at any point

of the species’ lifecycle. And /or

(b) Areas that predictably support

≥10 percent of the global

population of a species during

periods of environmental stress.

Bird species including Pallas’s Fish-

eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus (EN)

and Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis

(EN) are known to migrate through

this area. Further analysis is

necessary.

(v) Areas with unique

assemblages of

species or that are

associated with key

evolutionary

processes

Areas with landscape features

that might be associated with

particular evolutionary processes

or populations of species that are

especially distinct and may be of

special conservation concern

given their distinct evolutionary

history.

N/A – No rare or threatened habitat

types have been identified in the AoI.

(vi) Areas having

biodiversity /

ecosystem services

of significant social,

economic, or cultural

importance to local

communities.

No guidance provided N/A – no features of potential high

biodiversity value or of significance to

Ecosystem Services have been

identified in the AoI.

(vii) Areas either

legally protected or

officially proposed for

protection

No guidance provided N/A – The legally protected Gissar

State Nature Reserve is around 30km

from the Project AoI, and thus does

not qualify as Critical Habitat for this

project.

436. Further assessment of these potential CH triggers was undertaken against the IFC GN6 Critical Habitat threshold criteria . For the potential trigger species under criterion (i) an


119

assessment of their typical range sizes, habitat requirements, breeding sites, and local population sizes was undertaken. Together these ecological characteristics have also been used to determine the species’ Ecologically Appropriate Area of Analysis (AoA). An assessment has then been made to confirm whether the AoA could support enough of each species to trigger CH i.e. by constituting ≥ 0.5% of the global population AND ≥ 5 reproductive units. 437. For criterion (iii) the local topography, habitats present and details of known migration corridors were assessed to determine whether the site was an important bottleneck or stopover site for migratory species. As well as this general assessment, the migratory routes of all globally threatened species known to pass through the area in passage were individually assessed, as their smaller population sizes mean they are more likely to meet the IFC threshold for criteria (iii). It should be noted that this assessment does not assess potential impacts on triggers of CH, nor has it involved any species-specific fieldwork. The following tables summarize the results.

Table 51: Areas that support globally important concentrations of an IUCN Red-listed EN or CR species (≥ 0.5% of the global population AND ≥ 5 reproductive units of a CR

or EN species);

Species Population Sizes Assessment

Results CH

Conclusion

Comment

Saker

Falcon

There were estimated

to be 70 breeding

pairs in Uzbekistan,

including 16 breeding

(resident) pairs in the

Gissar State Reserve

IBA in 2010. No more

recent accurate data

are available but it

was noted that most

records are from

much further north

than the Project

alignment.

If still present, 16

breeding pairs

represents

around 0.25% of

the global

population

(estimated as

12,200+). At a

national level this

number is

however

important.

Not

Triggered

Breeding sites in the

Gissar range are typically

in the gorges of the lower

and middle section of the

mountain range, which

could include sites in and

around the project area.

The species is also

known to nest on power

transmission line towers.

Further data collection

and development as part

of the project F-BAP is

recommended as part of

an adaptive management

programme for this

species.

Egyptian

Vulture

In 2010 there were

estimated to be 134 –

140 breeding pairs in

Uzbekistan with 25

breeding pairs

recorded in the

Gissar range (2nd

most important site in

the country). The

global population is

estimated at 12,000

birds (IUCN).

If still present, 25

breeding pairs

would represent

about 0.4% of the

global population.

Not

Triggered

The Gissar range is

important for this species

and the Surkhandarya

region may contains the

largest local population in

Uzbekistan. Part of the

species decline has been

as a result of poorly

designed transmission

networks. Further data

collection as part of

therequired by the


120

project F-BAP is

recommended as part of

an adaptive management

programme for this

species.

Table 52: Areas that support globally important concentrations of an IUCN Red-listed Vulnerable (VU) species, the loss of which would result in the change of the IUCN Red

List status to EN or CR and meet the thresholds in (ia); Species Population Sizes Assessment

Results

CH Conclusion Comments

European Turtledove

Global population is

12,800,000. Local

population size is

unknown but the AoA

comprises just 0.01% of its

global range and is not

known to support any

significant concentration

of this species.

This species is

classified as

Vulnerable by the

IUCN, and therefore

for it to meet critical

habitat thresholds the

species’ red list

status would have to

change to

Endangered

Not Triggered N/A

Yellow-eyed Pigeon


estimated > 10,000. Local

population is unknown.

The AoA comprises just

0.03% of its global range

and is not known to

support any significant

concentration of this

species.

This species is

classified as

Vulnerable by the

IUCN, and therefore



species’ red list


change to

Endangered

Not Triggered N/A

Asian Houbara

Global population is @

33,000. The local

population is unknown –

The AoA comprises just

0.01% of its global range

does not comprise its

preferred habitat.

This species is

classified as

Vulnerable by the

IUCN, and therefore



species’ red list


change to

Endangered.

Not Triggered Whilst not expected to be present in large numbers the species has been particularly adversely affected by power lines in the past and appropriate mitigation is needed.

Goitered Gazelle


estimated to be 42,000.

National population is @

4000. Local population is

unknown but the AoA

comprises just 0.03% of its

global range.

This species is

classified as

Vulnerable by the

IUCN, and therefore



species’ red list

Not Triggered N/A


121

Species Population Sizes Assessment

Results

CH Conclusion Comments


change to

Endangered.

Marbled Polecat


unknown. The species is

mosaically distributed in

Uzbekistan and the AoA is

unlikely to constitute a

large extent of its range.

This species is

classified as

Vulnerable by the

IUCN, and therefore



species’ red list


change to

Endangered.

Not Triggered N/A

Picipes rhizophilus

The distribution of this

species is known to be

very large and it is able to

grow in a variety of steppe

habitats. AoA is unlikely to

constitute a large extent of

its range, assumed to be

>0.1%.

This species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and therefore for it to meet critical habitat thresholds the species’ red list status would have to change to Endangered.

Not Triggered N/A

Figure 34: Sites that are critical for the survival of migratory species (iii)

Assessment Results CH Conclusion Comment

The Area of Assessment for migratory

species does not contain any sites known to

be important stopover points and is not a

bottleneck for birds migrating through the

area. No single migratory species is present

in >1% of their global population within the

project AoA. While some species do migrate

through the region, they have broad

migration corridors, with the densest

concentration of birds avoiding the Gissar

range and passing to the west.

Not Triggered Steppe Eagle and Pallas’s Fish

Eagle, both globally threatened

soaring species are known to

migrate through Uzbekistan,

although in low numbers.

Further, it is acknowledged that

bird species and populations in

this area are well understood but

not thoroughly surveyed so

other species, e.g. sociable

lapwing, may also migrate

through it. Many bird species are

vulnerable to collision with

transmission lines, and so

correct mitigation will be

important to prevent net loss of

globally threatened species.

438. None of the ten species assessed during this Scoping process are considered to trigger CH on the basis of the data available and the ADB SPS and IFC GN6 assessment criteria. All are however internationally vulnerable or endangered species and their presence in the area shall be considered in the Project to avoid, reduce, minimize and potentially offset any potential adverse impacts.


122


439. Table 53 provides an assessment of the significance of potential ecology impacts

before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures (discussed further in the rest of this section).

Table 53: Potential Impacts to Habitat, Flora and Fauna

Ph

as

e

Po

ten

tial

Imp

act

Rece

pto

rs

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k

of

Excee

din

g

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Degradation/ fragmentation of habitat caused during site clearing (for camps, access roads, etc.)

Terrestrial wildlife

L M L L MOD ST SMALL MED DEF L

C Loss of Habitat / Biodiversity

Terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

L M L L MOD MT SMALL MED DEF M

C Intrusion to the IBA / KBA

IBA / KBA L H L L MAJ ST SMALL MED UN L

C Physical damage (road kills, accident, loss of roosts/nesting sites, etc.)

Terrestrial wildlife – birds, bats, etc.

L L L L MIN ST SMALL MED POSS

L

C Poaching Terrestrial wildlife

L L L L MIN ST SMALL MED POSS

L

C Vehicle Movements Terrestrial wildlife

M L L L MIN ST SMALL MED POSS

L

C Construction noise / light

Terrestrial wildlife

M L L L MIN ST SMALL MED DEF L

C Spread of non-native / invasive species

Terrestrial Habitats

M M L L MIN ST SMALL MED POSS

L

O Impacts to Critical Habitat

Trigger Species

L H M L MAJ LT INTER HIGH UN M

O Bird Electrocution Birds L H L L MAJ LT SMALL HIGH POSS

M

O Bird Collisions Special Status Birds

L H L L MAJ LT SMALL HIGH POSS

M

Key: H: High / M: Medium / L: Low / MAJ: Major / MOD: Moderate / MIN: Minimum / H/F: High Frequency / M/F: Low Frequency / L/F: Low Frequency / LT: Long term / MT: Medium Term / ST: Short term / MED: Medium / DEF: Definitely / POSS: Possible: / UNLIKE: Unlikely


Design Phase 440. Bird Electrocution - The FWS have indicated that electrocutions from transmission lines are rare and according to recent technical papers electrocution mitigation can be far more controlled than collision mitigation since the problem is a physical one, whereby a bird


123

bridges certain clearances on a pole structure, the solution is relatively straightforward, and involves ensuring that a bird cannot touch the relevant components.31 441. The WBG EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution specifically reference the recommendations of the FWS. Accordingly, the following measures are recommended as international best practice which will further reduce the risk of bird electrocutions: To reduce the risk of bird electrocution, minimum conductor separation distance is

proposed as per international standards and practices which will be as follows: o 500kV Tower: 3.3 m horizontal and 6.8 m vertical directions: insulator in horizontal

placing (distance between any potential perch and the insulator shall be at least 60cm).

Similarly, to Minimum distance between Jumpers to tower will be maintained as: o 500 kV Tower: minimum 6 m distance (D-BIO-01).

Maintaining 1.5 meter (60-inch) spacing between energized components and grounded hardware or, where spacing is not feasible, covering energized parts and hardware (D-BIO-02).

442. Bird Collisions – The following measures are recommended to reduce the potential for bird collisions: Provision of line marking devices near the Gissar KBA / IBA to avoid birds’ collision with

transmission line (any area within 5km of the KBA / IBA) (D-BIO-03). It is vitally important that the markers are placed on the earth line on the top of the tower. According to some reports, this can reduce collision accidents by 50-85%. 32 At close range, birds recognize the relatively thick conductor cables and perform obstacle avoidance maneuvers, that can lead them crashing into the thin neutral cable.

Provision of bird’s reflector on top of every tower (D-BIO-04). Where technical specifications allow, consider the use of unguyed towers (D-BIO-05). 443. The supplementary F-BAP, summarised below, includes carcass monitoring during project implementation. If annual mortality exceeds the industry statistics, adaptive management measures will be implemented as described in the supplemental F-BAP.

31 Guidelines on How to Avoid or Mitigate Impact of Electricity Power Grids on Migratory Birds in the African-Eurasian Region. AEWA Conservation Guidelines No. 14. 2012

32 http://birdsandpowerlines.org/cm/media/Protecting_birds_on_powerlines.pdf


124

Figure 35: Ball Markers

444. Sensitive Habitats and Designated Sites - To prevent impacts to sensitive habitats, the following requirements shall be followed: Micro-alignment changes will be adopted where it is possible to avoid undisturbed areas

of Adyr habitat and locate towers on already disturbed sites (D-BIO-05). Where this is not possible the sensitive habitat will be mapped before construction and the

methodology in Table 55 below will be followed by the EPC Contractor (D-BIO-06). Construction Phase 445. General Construction Mitigation - The following is proposed to reduce or mitigate general construction impacts on ecology and nature conservation:

Table 54: General Mitigation Measures

Objective Actions

Minimize impact footprint

The worksite shall be fenced (C-BIO-06). Vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency) to reduce unnecessary impacts to habitat (C-BIO-07). Sensitive habitats that need to be avoided during construction will be marked for protection (C-BIO-08).

Minimize impacts on sensitive species

Pre-construction surveys will be undertaken along the route and at camp locations to identify any need for site or species-specific mitigation measures (C-BIO-09). Any notable species recorded prior to construction will be surveyed and translocated prior to construction if needed. The method for translocation shall be recorded in a plan approved by the Contractor (C-BIO-10).

Tree Protection Compensation planting will be undertaken to off-set the essential removal of any trees (C-BIO-11). An inventory will be made of all trees felled during the Project construction phase, in accordance with the requirements of national legislation. Any Red Book species will be identified and protected via fencing or bunting throughout the construction phase in the specific location of works (C-BIO-12).


125

Avoid invasive species

No species that are considered likely to out-compete the indigenous plant species will be used in seed mixes. No invasive species will be used in seed mixes for erosion control or bio-restoration (C-BIO-12). The Contractor shall inspect and wash all plant and equipment prior to shipping to the country of use with the aim of ensuring, as far as it is free from soil and plant material (C-BIO-14).

Reinstatement of works areas

Temporary works areas will be reinstated to near original condition (as compared to preconstruction survey reports or adjacent areas) (C-BIO-15). Reinstatement will be undertaken as early as practicable and in accordance with the Reinstatement Implementation Plan (C-BIO-16).

Recontouring Recontouring should be sympathetic and in keeping with the surrounding landscape, and as approved by the Project, where this is not precluded by risk to integrity of the pipeline or erosion considerations (C-BIO-17).

Monitoring and restoration

A monitoring plan will be developed to determine the success of bio-restoration activities, including the appropriateness of species composition. The re-establishment of vegetation will be monitored following reinstatement until it has reached Project near- and long-term re-vegetation targets (C-BIO-18). The Project will seek to achieve an increasing trend in vegetation re-growth and species diversity (specifically species composition) in reinstated areas with reference to nearby areas undisturbed by Project activities, as recorded by the percent similarity and commonality indices (C-BIO-19).

Erosion control Any areas that have a high erosion risk will be reseeded using an appropriate seed mix (C-BIO-20).

Poaching Worker training sessions (C-BIO-21) and implementation of a strict code of conduct with regards to treatment of local fauna (C-BIO-22).

Bird Nesting Periods

Avoidance of construction activities during the nesting season near sensitive sites (C-BIO-23).

Figure 36: Example of a Fenced Tower Worksite

Source: Consultants own photo, Stockholm, 2020

446. In the event that trees are to be removed, compensation planting will be undertaken based on the number of trees to be removed and using an appropriate re-planting ratio


126

(species and region specific) (C-BIO-24). Translocation of existing individuals may also be considered and suitable protection will be provided to protect them from grazing (C-BIO-25). 447. Special Status Species - During the construction activities, identify places where the Desert Monitor are most often crossing the roads and install warning signs for drivers (C-BIO-26). Where practical camp sites and laydown areas will be sited in areas Camp sites and laydown areas shall be surveyed prior to their use to identify the presence or potential presence of Picipes rhizophilus. If found the site shall be demarcated and avoided (C-BIO-28). 448. Sensitive Habitats and Designated Sites - To prevent impacts to sensitive habitats, the following requirements regarding siting of facilities shall be followed: Construction camps shall not be located:

o Within 100m of any irrigation channel. o Within 250m of any natural surface water course. o Within any of the identified areas of natural habitat or any other sensitive habitat

identified by the EPC Contractors ESO. o Within 200m of any of the Gissar KBA/IBA (C-BIO-29).

No construction works, vehicles or staff will be allowed within the zone of the Gissar KBA/IBA (C-BIO-30). All staff working in this area will be given specific toolbox training on this issue (C-BIO-31).

Table 55: Sensitive Habitat Specific mitigation

Mitigation Method Description Post restoration

Adryr

Seed will be collected from the target habitat community prior to works commencing. The collected seed will be spread on the restored areas around the tower sites during the ecological restoration phase and properly watered if required during rain-deficient periods.

Monitoring of the success of ecological restoration measures will be undertaken for a minimum of 12 months intervening as appropriate if corrective measures are required to support the restoration of habitats. During establishment, invasive species will be controlled.

Operational Phase

449. Biodiversity Action Plan - Based on the data available at this stage, should there be any material increases in local populations, two species have the potential to trigger CH in the future and a watching brief should be maintained on these species (Saker Falcon and Egyptian vulture). For the latter in particular, the range and abundance in the AoA of the species is already close to the IFC GN6 thresholds. 450. Further up to date data collection is recommended for these species (as well as the Steppe Eagle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle and Asian Houbara). This should include some long-term field surveys that would allow an adaptive management approach to the species to be adopted if required. 451. A precautionary approach has therefore be taken to these species and a F-BAP prepared to help manage and monitor the possible impacts on special status species during implementation of the Project. 452. NEGU will retain overall responsible for implementing the requirements of thethe F-BAP. During the construction phase the EPC Contractor (through his ESO) will update the F-BAP and convert to a full BAP and undertake the stakeholder engagement activities currently outlined in the F-BAP (C-BIO-32). Additional field surveys will be completed by national


127

independent experts (e.g. baseline surveys of Egyptian Vultures) (C-BIO-33). If monitoring during construction indicates that populations are declining and / or nesting success falls and / or dead birds are observed, the Project will adopt an adaptive management approach which includes detailed species action plans or specific adaptive management (C-BIO-34) ) which will be prepared by national specialists and groups (e.g. Uzbek Society for the Protection of Birds (UzSPB)) including; bird perch preventers on certain towers where bird electrocutions are identified and feeding stations for vultures located at a safe distance from the Project alignment. Conservation awareness and support may also form part of any adaptive management. Monitoring will continue through the first three years of operation with support from NEGU and national independent experts, and adaptive management measures applied if needed (O-BIO-01). 453. A budget for implementation of the F-BAP has been added to the Project EMP costs to ensure monitoring is undertaken effectively and to provide for any required adaptive management measures. A Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (BMP) will be prepared by the EPC Contractor to monitor the implementation of the BAP (C-SEMP-11). The requirements of the BMP are outlined in the supplemental F-BAP. Residual Impacts

Table 56: Habitat and Flora Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Impacts on Natural Habitats

Low In general, only small areas of natural habitat are anticipated to be impacted permanently along the corridor. Given the range of the Adyrs in the region which extend for hundreds of hectares or more, the loss of around 0.5 hectares is not considered to be significant.

Not significant

C Impacts on Goitered Gazelle and Marbled Polecat

Medium Neither species is abundant in the area and both are shy and that will actively avoid human actives and disturbance, e.g. construction sites. However, without management they could be at risk of poaching. Construction worker training and management of activities, including the citing of any compounds away from their preferred habitat will further reduce risks.

Low

C/O Impacts on Asian Houbara, European Turtledove and Yellow-eyed pigeon

Medium The loss of 0.5 hectares is not considered to be significant and the requirement to manage habitat outside the nesting season will avoid direct harm. Further, ball markers and bird reflectors on each tower will reduce the risk of collision for the Asian Houbara. The other species are small and agile and the risk of collision is negligible. The adaptive nature of the Framework BAP prepared for the Project will ensure that any issues arising during the operational phase of the Project can be managed accordingly.

Low

O Impacts on migratory species

Medium Birds are known to migrate through the Gissar Range but no known sites for bottlenecks or stop overs are present in

Low


128


Potential Impact Significance


or around the AoA, Further, the species that are at a greater risk of collision or electrocution are present in very low numbers. Further, ball markers and bird reflectors on each tower will further reduce risks. The adaptive nature of the Framework BAP prepared for the Project will ensure that any issues arising during the operational phase of the Project can be managed accordingly.

O Impacts on Egyptian Vulture and Saker Falcon

Medium Without mitigation measures impacts, bird collisions could occur with consequences for these species, although as noted above the risk to these species is generally considered to be low by local NGOs. Electrocution is considered less likely than collisions with towers. It is noted that this is essentially a rehabilitation project and implementation of the proposed best practice mitigation measures for birds will result in a lower likelihood of collisions and electrocution than on the old line. Notwithstanding the above, it is possible that some collisions (and even electrocutions) may still occur despite the proposed mitigation. A Framework BAP has been prepared which will includes a program for surveying the bird population and mortality rates during the operational phase. The adaptive nature of the Framework BAP will ensure that any issues arising during the operational phase of the Project can be managed accordingly.

Low

6.4. Socio-economic Environment

6.4.1. Economy, Employment and Livelihoods

454. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on the economy, employment and livelihoods during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. A discussion of land acquisition and compensation is provided below under the section on Land Use. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause impacts to the economy, employment and livelihoods

455. Project activities will provide opportunities for companies at the international, national, and possibly regional, level to supply goods and services. The Project is expected to affect the local economies, employment, skills and livelihoods primarily by: Employing local people temporarily to carry out construction work on the Project.


129

Local purchases of goods and services directly by the Project and workers, particularly in communities located in the vicinity of construction workforce camps.

Potential in-migration of individuals/households to take advantage of economic opportunities created by the Project.

456. Other Project activities that have the potential to affect livelihoods are: Atmospheric emissions (especially dust) that cause a decline in crop productivity. This is

discussed above in the section relating to Air Quality. Impacts to productive land. This is discussed below under the heading of Land Use.

Key Sensitivities

High expectations among local people that they will be employed. Concern that jobs should be given to local people and only to non-locals where nosuitably

qualified locals are available. Concern that jobs will not be allocated fairly between communities. Job availability for women. Food and healthcare costs.

Potential Impacts

Pre-construction / Construction Phase 457. In the construction phase the following beneficial impacts may occur: Increase in available jobs and incomes. Enhanced skills among local workforce. Increase in sales for local businesses.

458. The following adverse impacts may occur:

Un-met employment expectations. Resentment between local people who are employed by the Project and those whose

applications were unsuccessful. Frustration and resentment if local workers perceive that foreign workers are receiving

better pay or conditions for exactly the same job. Resentment from business owners whose offer of goods and services is refused. Tensions resulting from cultural differences, anti-social behavior of construction workforce,

potential prostitution and attraction of ‘economic migrants’ at camp sites. This is discussed further below under Community Health and Safety.

Increased inflation, particularly of food and housing costs. Accidents to livestock resulting in loss of income/adverse livelihood impact. This is

discussed further below under Community Health and Safety. Local small- and medium-sized enterprises and public-sector organizations ’losing’ key

workers to the Project. Subsistence farmers taking up jobs and land being neglected making it difficult to re-start

farming when jobs cease following retrenchment.


459. Table 57 Table 71 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts

to the local economy, employment and livelihoods before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.


130

Table 57: Potential Impacts to Local Economy, Employment and Livelihoods Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Increased jobs Local and Regional communities

M H H - MAJ ST INTER MED DEF M

C Enhanced skills

Local and Regional communities

M M M - MOD LT INTER HIGH DEF H

C Increased sales for local businesses

Local businesses

L M M - MOD ST SMALL LOW DEF L

C Unmet employment expectations

Local communities

L H H - MAJ ST SMALL MED POSS M

C Loss of key workers to the project

Local communities

L M M - MOD ST SMALL LOW POSS L



460. Employment - Targets for local recruitment from the local communities will be agreed with the EPC Contractor and NEGU (C-EEL-01). The Project will seek to manage employment expectations by explaining the number and type of opportunities in advance to local communities via the NEGU PMU Safeguards Specialist. Unskilled labor will be preferentially recruited from the Project affected communities (C-EEL-02). Applications for employment will only be considered if submitted via the official application procedure (C-EEL-03). 461. Recruitment procedures will be transparent, public and non-discriminatory and open with respect to ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability or gender (C-EEL-04). Clear job descriptions will be provided in advance of recruitment and will explain the skills required for each post (C-EEL-05). Job vacancies will be advertised in the local communities through appropriate and accessible media (consistent with employment targets) (C-EEL-06).

462. Procurement of goods and services - Environmental considerations will be included in the Project procurement process (C-EEL-07). A plan will be developed and implemented that will aim to discourage and prevent the workforce from purchasing goods from informal vendors, to discourage vendors from establishing themselves at construction camp fence-lines in the hope of securing additional business (C-EEL-08).Taking into account relevant commercial considerations as appropriate, the Project will seek to purchase goods and services from within Uzbekistan and will monitor such purchases (C-EEL-09).

463. Community relations - A Company policy limiting alcohol consumption in construction camps will be applied (C-EEL-10) by the EPC Contractor. An employee Code of Conduct will be prepared and issued to all recruits and camp residents during the employee induction process (C-EEL-11). The Project will review measures to mitigate community health and safety impacts regularly, and consult community leaders every six months, informing them on


131

the status of implementation and results, and discussing any changes needed to the ‘Pollution Prevention Plan’ or the ‘Community Health, Safety and Security Plan’ in advance of proposed changes (C-EEL-12). 464. The Employee Code of Conduct will prohibit the workforce from participating in illegal activities, including use of illegal drugs, bribery and corruption or requesting or receiving gifts from communities (C-EEL-13). The EPC Contractor company policy limiting alcohol consumption in construction camps will be applied (C-EEL-14). 465. Workforce training will include a briefing on camp rules and awareness of local social issues and sensitivities (C-EEL-15). No unauthorized access to, or use of, camp facilities will be allowed (C-EEL-16). 466. No hunting, fishing and unauthorized gathering of products (including plants and cultural heritage artefacts) by the workforce will be allowed (C-EEL-17). 467. A range of recreational facilities will be provided within the camps to reduce the need for finding recreation in the local community (C-EEL-18). Residual Impacts

Table 58: Economy, Employment and Livelihoods Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Unmet employment expectations

Medium Although efforts will be made to manage employment expectations, it is likely that members of the local community who are not selected for job are likely to be disappointed with the selection process. However, the numbers are likely to be relatively small and therefore the impacts not be significant.

Not significant

C Loss of key workers to the project

Low No significant residual impacts are anticipated.

Not significant

6.4.2. Land Acquisition and Compensation

468. This section discusses the issue of land acquisition and compensation and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause Land Acquisition and Compensation

469. This project will require: Permanent land acquisition required for the construction of power transmission

towers; and Temporary land acquisition for tensioning electric wires on power lines. Sensitive Receptors and Potential Impacts

28 affected households and their agricultural land.


132

Summary of Impacts

470. Permanent land acquisition for supports – The permanent and temporary land requirements for the Project are outlined in Table 17 and Table 18. Land acquisition region will not affect tribes or minorities (i.e. there is no tribal or communal property). Consequently, the indigenous population, as described in the ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009, is not affected by land acquisition for this project.


471. Table 59 provides an assessment of the significance of potential land acquisition and

compensation impacts before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 59: Potential Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C / O Land Acquisition

Land owners and users

M M H L HIGH LT Small MED DEF M



472. Land Use (permanent and temporary) - The key mitigation for land use is implementation of the LARP (C-LU-01). The LARP will be updated during the detailed design phase by the EPC Contractor. 473. LARP Implementation will start after the endorsement of the final LARP by the government and approval by ADB. The EA shall plan all activities related to the land acquisition and resettlement to ensure that compensation is paid before taking possession of land and commencement of civil works. Public consultation, monitoring, and grievance redress will be undertaken intermittently throughout the project duration. Construction will be initiated when all compensations and entitlements are fully paid. The completion of LARP implementation will be documented through the LARP implementation compliance report submitted by the EA/PMU and approved by ADB. 474. In addition to the LARP, the following general mitigation measures shall be applied by the EPC Contractor, however, in general impacts to agricultural areas will be limited: Providing advance notice to harvest the crops and where feasible, adjust the construction

schedule harvest crops; construction works shall not exceed more than one crop season at a particular stretch (sections’ design and land handover can be considered) (C-LU-02).

Saving the top-soil and restoration of land will be done by the EPC Contractor to previous use and farmers will be allowed to continue their cultivation post the construction (C-LU-03).


133

Ensure continuous consultation with affected households and residents; the schedule of the civil works shall be consulted with the farmers to schedule irrigation supply during the irrigation season (C-LU-04).

Residual Impacts

Table 60: Land Acquisition and Compensation Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Land Acquisition and Crop and tree loss

Medium No significant impacts are anticipated if the LARP is implemented correctly. A GRM has been prepared to manage complaints received during this process. Other temporary impacts during the construction phase will be managed by the LARP as noted above.

Not significant

6.4.3. Waste Management

475. This section discusses the impacts of waste management during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to generate waste

476. The following aspects of the Project are likely to generate waste: Construction camp waste, including domestic and liquid wastes. Hazardous and non-hazardous waste from construction sites. 477. The following table illustrates the estimated types of waste from construction camps and work sites.

Table 61: Estimated Waste Types Type Non-

Hazardous Hazardous Liquid Medical

Camp Activities

Food/kitchen X Domestic waste X Paper X Plastic X Sewage water X Vehicle washdown water X Medical waste X

Construction Activities

Industrial packaging X Metal X Wood X

Concrete X

Paint sludge and waste X Solvents and chemical waste X Paint and solvent cans X Oil filters X Oil and Lubricants X X Batteries X Tyres X Oily rags X Oily soils X


134

Type Non-Hazardous

Hazardous Liquid Medical

Light bulbs X

478. There will be no PCB waste generated by the Project. Key Sensitivities

479. The key sensitivities are the local environment along the alignment and the local communities that are located close to the alignment. Improper management and disposal of liquid and solid wastes could result in localized pollution of soils and groundwater. Pollution of surface water is considered unlikely. Potential Impacts

Pre-construction / Construction Phase 480. Disposal of waste materials from worksites can be difficult to manage due to the de-centralized nature of the works. Without suitable waste containers and without adequate training, workers could dump waste materials haphazardly around the work sites which could create pollution events.


481. Table 62 provides an assessment of the significance of potential waste management

impacts before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 62: Waste Management Potential Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al S

cale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Improper management and disposal of solid / liquid waste

Local community / agricultural land

L M L L MIN MF SMALL LOW POSS L

C Improper management and disposal of hazardous waste

Local community / agricultural land

L H L L MOD MF SMALL LOW POSS L



482. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Waste Management


135

Plan (C-SEMP-10). The Plan will include measures to limit impacts of waste during the construction phase of the Project. The plan shall include the following items listed below.

General Measures

To ensure waste management is adequately controlled during both the construction phase of the Project, the EPC Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the waste hierarchy is followed including prevention, minimization, reuse and recycling (C-WA-06).

The impact of waste generation on environment during construction will be mitigated by proper storage, maximum reuse and recycling of waste and timely removal of unusable waste to agreed location according to national waste management regulations (C-WA-07).

The EPC Contractor has an obligation to provide regular training of staff in waste management issues (C-WA-08).

Recycling

All recyclable waste (plastic, metal, paper, etc.) will be sorted on source and sent for recycling where facilities for recycling of these materials exist (C-WA-09).

Liquid Waste

Provide septic tanks for the camp sites servicing less than 150 employees. State authorized company to remove the liquid waste regularly (C-WA-10). For larger sites, provide multiple septic tank facilities, or package wastewater treatment plants (C-WA-11).

Domestic and Inert Waste

Collect domestic waste in containers fitted with lids to avoid attraction of scavengers, scattering around. The lid will also protect waste from rain and snow (C-WA-12).

Remove domestic waste to the nearest landfill under agreement with state authorized waste management companies (C-WA-13).

Provide garbage bins and facilities within the project site for temporary storage of domestic solid waste and construction waste (C-WA-14).

Waste storage containers will be covered, tip-proof, weatherproof and scavenger proof (C-WA-15).

Ensure that wastes are not haphazardly dumped within the project site and adjacent areas (C-WA-16).

Hazardous Waste

At worksites and camps where, hazardous waste is generated the EPC Contractor will ensure compliance with the following safety measures:

o Use containers suitable for each type of waste (C-WA-17);

o Prohibit use of damaged containers. Check integrity of containers – regularly (C-WA-18);

o Mark containers adequately specifying the waste types (C-WA-19);

o Provide secondary containment for hazardous waste liquids (C-WA-20);

o Do not mix various waste streams (C-WA-21).

Hire state authorized contractor for hazardous waste removal and keep agreements with hazardous waste management company’s active (C-WA-22).

Keep copies of waste manifests on site (C-WA-23). Keep a record of waste on-site and waste removed (C-WA-24).


136

Residual Impacts

Table 63: Waste Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Improper management and disposal of solid / liquid waste

Low None identified. Not significant

C Improper management and disposal of hazardous waste

Low None identified. Not significant

6.4.4. Noise and Vibration

483. This section discusses the impacts of noise and vibration during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to generate noise and vibration

484. The following planned Project activities could generate noise and vibrations in the Project area: Construction

o Logistics and use of access roads by construction vehicles. o Construction camp operations (including generators). o Use of construction plant on the construction sites of the towers. o General activities in construction camps. o Line stringing.

Operation o Corona noise.

Sensitive Receptors

485. In general, the alignment does not interfere with residential areas. However, several settlements maybe affected by construction traffic and construction plant activities. The following table indicates the potentially affected areas and the approximate number of properties within 200m of the potential tower sites.

Table 64: Sensitive Noise Receptors # Village Approximate number of properties within 200m of

the potential tower sites

1 Oy-Borik 0 2 Kara-Shuluk 10 3 Tortuli East 0 4 Tortuli West 10-15 5 Shargun 0 6 Karluk 1 7 Khodzhasoat 0

Potential Impacts



137

486. The Corridor generally passes through adyrs with very few noise-sensitive receptors, where the background noise is mainly generated by wind or agricultural activities. However, the line will pass through several settlements. Most of the properties in these settlements are located more than 500 m from the tower sites. As indicated above, some are located closer than this and are also situated close to potential access routes (access routes will be determined by the EPC Contractor, although they would need to pass through some villages in order to access some work sites). The following paragraphs discuss the potential noise issues associated with construction works at the tower sites themselves as these will be the main sources of construction noise. 487. The combination of machinery being used at any one time during the construction process at the tower sites will vary and noise levels will fluctuate accordingly. The following table indicates the timescale for various activities and the types of equipment required.

Table 65: Construction Activities and Sound Levels # Activity Timescale

Per Tower Equipment Typical Sound

Level Data at 10m*

1 Access roads 2 days Grader** Bulldozer (20t) Pick-up truck

82 81 75

2 Clearing and grading activities

2 days Grader** Bulldozer (20t) Pick-up truck

82 81 75

3 Transporting materials to the tower site

2 days Pick-up truck Lorry (4 axle)

78 80

4 Constructing foundations and anchors

2 weeks Excavator (22t) Bulldozer (20t) Backhoe (8t) Pneumatic Tools Pick-up truck Lorry (4 axle)

71 81 88 95 75 80

5 Assembling and Raising the towers

1 week Crane (110t) Pick-up truck Lorries (4 axle)

67 75 80

6 Earthing Tower 2 days Auger drill Pick-up truck Backhoe (8t)

79 75 88

7 Unreeling and Installing the Conductors

2/3 days Mobile Bullwheel tensioners Crane (110t) Mobile Winch Pick -up trucks Lorries (4 axle)

85 67 85 75 80

8 Restoring the Site 2 days Bulldozer (20t) Backhoe (8t)

81 88

* Based on BS 5228 – 1:2009 – Assumes each piece of equipment working 25% of the day ** Based on data from US DOT FHA (https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1805/ML18059A141.pdf)

488. Based on these activities the following noise levels can be assumed based on each piece of equipment in operation for 25% of a ten-hour working day. 33

33 Assumptions are based on the consultants experience of High Voltage transmission line construction projects in Uzbekistan

(Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project). Construction noise levels are also aligned with other recent ESIAs prepared by NEGU for EBRD (Navoi - Besopan Transmission Line Upgrade, Uzbekistan).


138

Table 66: Estimated Noise Levels for Various Construction Activities Activity Sound Level dBA LAEQ 10 HR

10m 100m 150m 1/ Access Roads 79 59 55 2/ Clearing and Grading 79 59 55 3 / Transporting materials to the tower site 75 56 53 4 / Constructing foundations and anchors 90 70 67 5 / Assembling and Raising the towers 75 55 52 6 / Earthing Tower 83 63 59 7 / Unreeling and Installing the Conductors 83 63 59 8 / Restoring the Site 83 63 59

489. The table above indicates that most of the construction activities are likely to result in some intermittent elevated noise levels for short periods of time (approximately 3 weeks in the location of each tower), the most significant of which will be during the construction of foundations and anchors. Few residential receptors have been identified along the route within 200m of potential tower sites which further reduces the significance of construction phase noise impacts. 490. It is possible that some construction traffic moving through the villages to the tower sites may induce some very low levels of vibration – however, the volume of heavy construction vehicles travelling will be low and as such no significant vibration impacts are anticipated. No vibration impacts from tower construction are anticipated due to the distance of properties stipulated by the safety protection zones, i.e. greater than 30 meters. Operational Phase 491. Recent studies showed that lines above 400kV produce corona noise effects under certain conditions (predominantly at night under humid or wet conditions). Accordingly, there is potential for noise impacts from such corona effects on properties located in quiet rural locations. Note however that many noise measurements show evidence of higher noise levels near towers (especially near angle towers) than at mid-span on the transmission line. 34


492. Table 67 provides an assessment of the significance of potential noise and vibration impacts before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

34 EirGrid Evidence Based Environmental Studies Study 8: Noise. Literature review and evidence based field study on the noise effects of high voltage transmission development. EIRGrid, 2016


139

Table 67: Noise and Vibration Potential Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ec

ep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ece

pto

rs

Le

ve

l o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xc

ee

din

g L

eg

al T

hre

sh

old

Ma

gn

itu

de

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Sca

le

Co

ns

eq

uen

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Land clearing / earthworks

Local community

L M L M MOD ST SMALL MOD DEF M

C Construction Camp noise

Local community

L M L M MOD ST SMALL MOD POSS L

C Tower assembly

Local community


C Vehicle movement noise

Local community

L M L M MOD ST SMAL MOD DEF M

C Line Stringing Local community


C Vehicle movement vibration

Local community

L M L L MOD ST SMALL MOD POSS L

O Corona Noise Local community

L M L M MOD LT SMALL MOD POSS M



Design Phase 493. Conductors shall be designed to operate below the inception level for corona discharge (D-NV-01). To further limit the potential impacts of corona noise, where practical seek a separation distance of 200m between any property and a 500-kV tower, and 100m between any property and the overhead line (C-NV-02). Pre-construction / Construction Phase

494. Camp sites shall not be located within 500 meters of residential or other sensitive receptors (C-NV-01). 495. The following general measures to manage noise levels are required. Equipment and vehicles will be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's

recommendations to help minimize noise emissions (C-NV-02). During construction, work will be undertaken in daytime hours only – in accordance with

WBG definitions (C-NV-03). Mobile noise barriers will be provided around the construction zones for towers located

within 250m of residential properties for the duration of construction in that location (C-NV-04).


140

Driver training will include advice on behaviors to reduce the potential for disturbance, including use of horn, loud radios with windows open, switching engines off when not in use, strictly observing speed limits and not accelerating or braking aggressively (C-NV-05).

Project induction training will include instructions about minimizing noise disturbance (C-NV-06).

Local residents will be forewarned of planned activities that are considered by the Project to be noisy (e.g. tower construction) (C-NV-07).

496. No significant vibration impacts are anticipated during the construction phase. However, the EPC Contractor will ensure that all unpaved access roads are kept as far as possible from residential properties to avoid vibration from the movement of heavy construction vehicles (C-NV-08). Residual Impacts

Table 68: Residual Noise and Vibration Impacts Phase Potential



C Land clearing / earthworks

Medium Some short-term elevated noise impacts may occur in the identified villages during the daytime. The use of temporary mobile noise barriers should reduce the noise levels to acceptable levels during the working day.

Low

C Tower assembly Medium Low C Vehicle

movement noise Medium Low

C Line Stringing Medium Low

C Construction Camp noise

Low No significant impacts are anticipated as long as correct siting of camps is undertaken.

Not significant

C Vehicle movement vibration

Low Vibration impacts from construction vehicles are anticipated to be low. Measures to ensure access routes follow less sensitive routes further eliminates the potential for residual impacts.

Not significant

O Corona Noise Medium Implementing the proposed design measures along with the measures to locate towers and OHL away from residential sites will mean residual impacts are not significant.

Not significant

6.4.5. Physical Cultural Heritage

497. This section discusses the impacts upon physical cultural heritage (PCR) during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to generate impacts to PCR

498. The following planned Project activities could affect cultural heritage in the Project area: The removal of topsoil and subsoil during preparation of the foundations for tower pads,

access roads, construction camps and equipment lay-down areas. Movement of heavy vehicles and equipment.


141

Sensitive Receptors

499. To date no PCR has been identified by the NCC (as part of national EIA documentation) in the Project corridor. Potential Impacts

500. At this stage of the Project no impacts to PCR are anticipated. However, it is possible that chance finds could occur during excavation works.


501. Table 69 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts to PCR before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 69: PCR Potential Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

bli

c C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xceed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Loss/disturbance of previously unknown archaeology during construction

Unknown archaeology

L M L L MOD ST SMALL MOD UNLIKE L



502. In the event of any chance finds during the construction works procedures shall apply that are governed by GoU legislation and guidelines (C-PCR-01). A chance finds procedure shall also be developed by the EPC Contractor (C-PCR-02). 503. The chance find procedure is a project-specific procedure that outlines actions required if previously unknown heritage resources, particularly archaeological resources, are encountered during project construction or operation. A Chance Find Procedure, as described in IFC Performance Standard 8, is a process that prevents chance finds from being disturbed until an assessment by a competent specialist is made and actions consistent with the requirements are implemented. The procedure is applicable to all activities conducted by the personnel, including EPC Contractors, that have the potential to uncover a heritage item/site. The procedure details the actions to be taken when a previously unidentified and potential heritage item/site is found during construction activities. Procedure outlines the roles and responsibilities and the response times required from both project staff, and any relevant heritage authority.


142

504. Appendix D provides a sample chance find procedure which the EPC Contractor could adopt. Residual Impacts

Table 70: Residual PCR Impacts Phase Potential



C Loss/disturbance of previously unknown archaeology during construction

Low No significant impacts have been identified and no significant residual impacts will remain if the chance find procedure is implemented correctly in the event of chance finds.

Not significant

6.4.6. Utilities and Infrastructure

505. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on utilities and infrastructure during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause impacts to Utilities and Infrastructure

Undertake earth-moving/excavation works that may inadvertently damage existing infrastructure

Use existing infrastructure and utilities for construction camps and other temporary or permanent above ground facilities.

Vehicle movements on access roads. Transport of materials and equipment. Key Sensitivities

Utility consumers Road users Potential Impacts

Pre-construction / Construction Phase 506. The main potential impacts during construction are as follows: Temporary loss or reduction in utility supply to consumers.

Wear/degradation of road surface - by using local roads for access to the alignment, construction vehicles will cause wear of the surface.

Traffic congestion and delays (road closures), particularly during movement of long or heavy loads.


507. Table 71 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts to utilities

and infrastructure before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.


143

Table 71: Potential Impacts to Utilities and Infrastructure Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nse

qu

en

ce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Temporary loss of utility supply

Local community / businesses

M M L - MOD ST SMALL LOW POSS L

C Wear / degradation of road surface

Local Road Users

L M L - MOD ST INTER MED POSS L

C Road congestion / delays

Local Road Users

M M L - MOD L/F SMALL LOW POSS L



Pre-Construction / Construction Phase

508. The EPC Contractor will be responsible for preparing and implementing his Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which will be approved by both the PIC and the relevant regulatory authority in Uzbekistan for the control of traffic (C-SEMP-05). 509. In addition, the EPC Contractor will: Provide information to the public about the scope and schedule of construction activities

and expected disruptions and access restrictions at least 72 hours before the disruptions (C-IU-04);

Allow for adequate traffic flow around construction areas via diversions or temporary access roads (C-IU-05);

If temporary access roads are to be constructed with a gravel surface, they will be routinely watered by the EPC Contractor during dry weather to reduce dust impacts (C-IU-06);

Provide adequate traffic signs, appropriate lighting, well-designed traffic safety signs, barriers and flag persons for traffic control (C-IU-07); and

The authorities will be notified when oversize heavy loads need to be transported and the

loads will be escorted by the Project (C-IU-08).

510. Regarding utilities, during construction all electricity and gas supply networks in the Project area will be kept operational, particularly during the winter months (C-IU-09). Some lines may require temporary relocation during the construction phase and as such the EPC Contractor will be responsible for liaising with the relevant utilities operators to ensure they remain operational (C-IU-10). Should utilities need relocating in a different location the EPC Contractor will consult with the relevant utilities and local community to ensure that there is no change in supply as a result of these changes (C-IU-11).


144

Residual Impacts

Table 72: Utilities and Infrastructure Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Temporary loss of utility supply

Low No significant impacts have been identified. Additional mitigation measures will ensure impacts remain of low significance.

Not significant

C Wear / degradation of road surface

Low Not significant

C Road congestion / delays

Low Not significant

6.4.7. Workers’ Rights and Occupational Health and Safety

511. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on workers’ rights and occupational health and safety during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause OHS issues

512. The main Project-related activities that may result in OHS issues are: Accidents involving the use of heavy equipment. Accidents involving working at height. Accidents involving live power lines. Accidents involving construction vehicles. Accidents due to lack of, or poor application of, personal protective equipment (PPE). Poor sanitary conditions at camps and work sites. Lack of first aid and medical facilities. Exposure to EMF. 513. Workers’ rights including occupational health and safety need to be considered to avoid accidents and injuries, loss of man-hours, labor abuses and to ensure fair treatment, remuneration and working and living conditions. These issues need to be considered not only for workers who are directly employed by the Project but also sub-contractors. Potential Impacts

514. The Project is expected create at least 200 direct employment opportunities during the peak of the construction period, the duration of which is currently unknown. The majority of workers will be engaged by the EPC Contractor and will consist of an unskilled, semi-skilled to skilled workforce.

515. The expected impacts on worker rights and H&S as a result of construction, activities and Project operation are as follows:

Risk to workers H&S due to hazardous construction activities; and Violation of workers’ rights.

516. Construction activities will involve the operation of heavy equipment and trucks, working at height, construction traffic, use of electric devices, handling of hazardous materials and other hazardous activities. Due to the nature of the activities being undertaken during


145

construction, worker H&S is a key risk with the potential for accidents that may result in injuries and fatalities as well as lost man-hours. 517. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other US government agencies do not consider EMF a proven health hazard.35 However, according to the WBG electric utility workers typically have a higher exposure to EMF than the general public due to working in proximity to electric power lines.36


518. Table 73 provides an assessment of the significance of potential OHS impacts before

implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 73: Potential Workers Rights and OHS Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al S

cale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Accidents involving workers

Contractors staff / sub-contractors

M M L M MOD ST SMALL MED POSS M

C Workers’ rights ignored.


M L L L MIN ST SMALL LOW POSS L

O Accidents involving workers

NEGU Staff M M L M MOD LF SMALL MED POSS M




519. Occupational Health and Safety - An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan will be prepared by the EPC Contractor to manage worker safety (C-SEMP-06). The OHS Plan will include a specific section relating to Emergency Response Procedures. The EPC Contractor shall ensure that the OHS plan is strictly implemented through his Health and Safety Officer. 520. In addition, the EPC Contractor will provide a series of safety training courses and meetings as follows: Initial Safety Induction Course: All workmen will be required to attend a safety induction

course before they are allowed access to the work site (C-OHS-01). Periodic Safety Training Courses: Periodic safety course will be conducted not less than

once every two months (C-OHS-02). All EPC Contractor (and any sub-contractor)

35 https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/96-129/default.html 36 WBG EHS Guidelines. Electric Power Transmission and Distribution. 2007.


146

employees will be required to participate in relevant training courses appropriate to the nature, scale and duration of the works. Training courses for all workmen on the Site and at all levels of supervision and management. A list of training participants names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training will be provided by the EPC Contractor to the PIC for his records.

Safety Meetings: Regular safety meetings will be conducted on a monthly basis (C-OHS-03). The PIC will be notified of all safety meetings in advance. The PIC may attend in person or by representative at his discretion. The minutes of all safety meetings will be taken and sent to the PIC within seven (7) days of the meeting and will include a list of participants names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training.

521. The EPC Contractor will regularly inspect, test and maintain all safety equipment (including firefighting equipment), scaffolds, guardrails, working platforms, hoists, ladders and other means of access, lifting, lighting, signing and guarding equipment (C-OHS-04). Lights and signs will be kept clear of obstructions and legible to read (C-OHS-05). Equipment, which is damaged, dirty, incorrectly positioned or not in working order, will be repaired or replaced immediately by the EPC Contractor (C-OHS-06). 522. Workers will be provided (before they commence works) with of appropriate PPE suitable for electrical work such as safety boots, harnesses, helmets, gloves, protective clothes, goggles, and ear protection at no cost to the workers (C-OHS-07). 523. In addition to the above, the following general OHS measures shall be implemented by the EPC Contractor: All construction plant and equipment used on or around the Site will be fitted with

appropriate safety devices (C-OHS-08). These will include but not be limited to: o Effective safety catches for crane hooks and other lifting devices, and o Functioning automatic warning devices and, where applicable, an up-to-date test

certificate, for cranes and hoists. Zones with noise level above 80 dBA must be marked with safety signs and appropriate

PPE must be worn by workers (C-OHS-09). Portable toilet facilities for workers at road work sites will be provided (C-OHS-10). Fencing on all areas of excavation greater than 2 m deep will be installed along with

warning signs (C-OHS-11). Ensure sufficient fresh air supply to confined workspaces (C-OHS-12). Keep air inlet filters clean and free of dust and microorganisms (C-OHS-13). Ensure reversing signals are installed on all construction vehicles (C-OHS-14). Implement fall prevention and protection measures whenever a worker is exposed to the

hazard of falling more than two meters, falling into operating machinery or through an opening in a work surface (C-OHS-15). Note: fall prevention/protection measures may include installation of guardrails with mid-rails and toe boards at the edge of any fall hazard area, proper use of ladders and scaffolds by trained employees, use of fall prevention devices, including safety belt and lanyard travel limiting devices to prevent access to fall hazard, fall protection devices such as full body harnesses, etc.

Mark the areas where risk of injuries from falling objects exist with rope or flagging to minimize risks and injuries (C-OHS-16).

Provide spotters. Employ flag persons to control traffic when construction equipment is entering or leaving the work area (C-OHS-17).

A suitably staffed and equipped health clinic for all workers is to be provided on site (C-OHS-18).

First aid kits (compliant with OSHA standard 1910.266 App. A) will be provided at all work sites (C-OHS-19).


147

524. The Contractor shall keep a log of both training records and safety incidents including near misses (C-OHS-20). 525. The following specific mitigation measures for OHS, based on WBG guidelines shall be implemented: 526. Live Power Lines - Workers may be exposed to occupational hazards from contact with live power lines during construction, maintenance, and operation activities. Prevention and control measures associated with live power lines include: Only allowing trained and certified workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical

equipment (C-OHS-21); Deactivating and properly grounding live power distribution lines before work is performed

on, or in close proximity, to the lines (C-OHS-22); Ensuring that live-wire work is conducted by trained workers with strict adherence to

specific safety and insulation standards. Qualified or trained employees working on transmission or distribution systems should be able to achieve the following:

i. Distinguish live parts from other parts of the electrical system ii. Determine the voltage of live parts iii. Understand the minimum approach distances outlined for specific live line voltages iv. Ensure proper use of special safety equipment and procedures when working near or

on exposed energized parts of an electrical system (C-OHS-23); Workers should not approach an exposed energized or conductive part even if properly

trained unless: i. The worker is properly insulated from the energized part with gloves or other approved

insulation; or, ii. The energized part is properly insulated from the worker and any other conductive

object; or, the worker is properly isolated and insulated from any other conductive object (live-line work) (C-OHS-24);

Where maintenance and operation are required within minimum setback distances, specific training, safety measures, personal safety devices, and other precautions should be defined in an OHS safety plan (C-OHS-25).

527. Working at Height and on Poles and Structures - Workers may be exposed to occupational hazards when working at elevation during construction, maintenance, and operation activities. Prevention and control measures for working at height include: Testing structures for integrity prior to undertaking work (C-OHS-26); Implementation of a fall protection program that includes training in climbing techniques

and use of fall protection measures; inspection, maintenance, and replacement of fall protection equipment; and rescue of fall-arrested workers, among others (C-OHS-27);

Establishment of criteria for use of 100% fall protection (typically when working over 2 meters above the working surface, but sometimes extended to 7 meters, depending on the activity). The fall protection system should be appropriate for the tower structure and necessary movements, including ascent, descent, and moving from point to point (C-OHS-28);

Installation of fixtures on tower components to facilitate the use of fall protection systems (C-OHS-29);

Provision of an adequate work-positioning device system for workers. Connectors on positioning systems should be compatible with the tower components to which they are attached (C-OHS-30);

Hoisting equipment should be properly rated and maintained, and hoist operators properly trained (C-OHS-31);

Safety belts should be of not less than 16 millimeters (mm) (5/8 inch) two-in-one nylon or material of equivalent strength. Rope safety belts should be replaced before signs of aging or fraying of fibers become evident (C-OHS-32);


148

When operating power tools at height, workers should use a second (backup) safety strap; Signs and other obstructions should be removed from poles or structures prior to

undertaking work (C-OHS-33); and An approved tool bag should be used for raising or lowering tools or materials to workers

on structures (C-OHS-34). 528. Workers’ Rights - Regarding workers’ rights, the development of the Project the EPC Contractor shall: Set targets for local employment based on initial assessment of the labor market for

unskilled and semi-skilled work force (C-OHS-36). For unskilled the EPC Contractor shall use a ‘ballot’ system to ensure that employment is

fair and not weighted to connected people for unskilled roles. Repatriation of locals through recruitment measures will use online resources (C-OHS-37).

Provisions in the EPC Contractors contract are to include as far as practicable items to address the collective bargaining, retrenchment, worker accommodation and non-employee worker gaps, to ensure that ILO and Lender requirements are met (C-OHS-38). At a minimum, the EPC Contractor shall ensure the following measures are followed: o The development and implementation by the EPC Contractor of Human resources

policies to hire, train, assess, and reward the project workforce. These policies should prevent any form of discrimination in the workplace and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally.

o Policies should exclude the use of child or forced labor in the project, and that national and international requirements for non-employee workers and supply chain workers are also reflected in these policies.

o A grievance mechanism for workers will need to be provided for the workforce to be able to raise reasonable workplace concerns. The EPC Contractor will inform the workers of the grievance mechanism at the time of hiring and make it easily accessible to them.

o The workers will additionally not be restricted from joining or forming workers organizations or from bargaining collectively, and the EPC Contractor will not discriminate or retaliate against workers who form or join collectives or bargain collectively.

o Prepare a retrenchment plan, with the aim of reducing the impacts of cessation of employment contracts including for example and as appropriate, the implementation of a transparent retrenchment process and mechanisms of consultation with the workforce. The Contractor will explain the temporary nature of jobs during the recruitment process and explain to workers the need to prepare for losing jobs and to manage their income wisely while employed.

529. All employees will receive at least the minimum wage as defined by Uzbek legislation (C-OHS-39). All workers will have contracts describing their job description and conditions of work and will have the contents explained to them (C-OHS-40). 530. The EPC Contractor will hire a team of Health and Safety Specialists to implement and manage the tasks listed above. 531. Sub-Contractors - All Project sub-contractors will be supplied with copies of the SEMP (C-OHS-41). Provisions will be incorporated into all sub-contracts to ensure the compliance with the SEMP at all tiers of the sub-contracting (C-OHS-42). All subcontractors will be required to appoint a safety representative who will be available on the Site throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract unless the PICs approval to the contrary is given in writing (C-OHS-43). In the event of the PICs approval being given, the PIC, without prejudice to their other duties and responsibilities, will ensure, as far as is practically possible, that employees of sub-contractors of all tiers are conversant with appropriate parts of the


149

SEMP. To implement the above items the EPC Contractor will designate a qualified environmental, health and safety personnel (C-OHS-44). Operational Phase

532. EMF - Electric utility workers typically have a higher exposure to EMF than the general public due to working in proximity to electric power lines. Occupational EMF exposure will be prevented or minimized through the preparation and implementation of an EMF safety program based on WBG guideline (O-OHS-01) including the following components: Identification of potential exposure levels in the workplace, including surveys of exposure

levels in new projects and the use of personal monitors during working activities; Training of workers in the identification of occupational EMF levels and hazards; Establishment and identification of safety zones to differentiate between work areas with

expected elevated EMF levels compared to those acceptable for public exposure, limiting access to properly trained workers;

Implementation of action plans to address potential or confirmed exposure levels that exceed reference occupational exposure levels developed by international organizations such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Personal exposure monitoring equipment should be set to warn of exposure levels that are below occupational exposure reference levels (e.g. 50%). Action plans to address occupational exposure may include limiting exposure time through work rotation, increasing the distance between the source and the worker, when feasible, or the use of shielding materials.

533. All other occupational health and safety will be managed according to national regulations during the operational phase of the Project (O-OHS-02). However, it is recommended that a long-term program of OHS training by International OHS specialists is provided to NEGU to help strengthen their OHS knowledge and procedures (O-OHS-03). Residual Impacts

Table 74: OHS Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Accidents involving workers

Medium Inclusion of specific mitigation measures recommended by the WBG for transmission line projects as well as the requirements for preparation and implementation of an OHS plan, training of staff and provision of health and safety specialist on the EPC Contractors team should ensure that no significant residual OHS impacts remain during the construction phase. In addition, the EPC Contractor will be responsible for following all of the relevant national health and safety standards.

Not significant

C Workers’ rights ignored.

Low Impact significance is considered to be low. Residual impacts will be low.

Not significant

O Accidents involving workers

Medium Mitigation measures proposed should help reduce the potential for accidents to occur. However, based on the experience of the Consultants preparing this Project IEE, accidents cannot be completely ruled out during the lifecycle

Low


150


Potential Impact Significance


of the Project. A training program will help NEGU in the longer term.

534. Regarding COVID-19, the situation regarding the disease changes on a daily basis globally. In addition, the practices to ensure the safety of the population vary from country to country. At this stage of the pandemic, and until ADB provide specific guidance on COVID-19 in the workplace this IEE can only indicate that the EPC Contractor will be responsible for following the Presidential Order on this matter.

6.4.8. Community Health and Safety

535. This section discusses the impacts of the Project on community health and safety during construction and operation of the Project and associated mitigation measures to be adopted. Aspects of the Project that have the potential to cause impacts to community health and safety

536. The main Project-related activities that may result in impacts to community safety and security are: Increased vehicle movements, especially heavy goods vehicles and small light utility

vehicles. Presence of construction equipment unfamiliar to local people. Accidental spillages of chemicals. Behavior of security personnel. Presence of high voltage lines in settlements.

537. The main Project-related activities that may result in impacts to community health are: Introduction of non-local workers, almost entirely males, to certain localities. Provision of early works accommodation and construction camps for these workers with

operating rules that allow for interaction between workers and local people. Storage and handling of food and drinks in accommodation/camps. Solid and liquid waste disposal.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF). Key Sensitivities

538. In general, the alignment does not interfere with residential areas. However, several settlements maybe affected by construction and operation of the line: Oy-Borik Kara-Shuluk Tortuli East Tortuli West Shargun Karluk Khodzhasoat Potential Impacts

539. The Project has the potential to increase the threats to community safety and security. The key types of impacts are likely to be:


151

Potential conflict between security personnel and local community members resulting in injuries.

Increased hazards (e.g. open excavations) and increased risk of accidents causing injuries or fatalities.

Increased risk of road/traffic accidents causing injuries or fatalities. Project activities will result in increased traffic flows on certain roads that are used by local residents (e.g. where such roads are used as access routes).

540. The most likely potential impacts on community health are: Hazards most directly related to power transmission and distribution lines and facilities

occur as a result of electrocution from direct contact with high-voltage electricity or from contact with tools, vehicles, ladders, or other devices that are in contact with high-voltage electricity.

Increase in disease vectors such as rodents (if food/drink is not stored properly and solid/liquid wastes are not managed adequately) with accompanying increased incidence of vector-borne diseases.

Increased risk of enhanced incidences of communicable diseases arising from interaction between workers living in the construction camps with local people. With potentially a peak of 200 people (mostly men) living in construction camps there will be a risk of communicable diseases (e.g. TB, and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS) passing through the workforce and possibly into the community.

Increased risk of water-borne diseases if liquid and solid waste management is not implemented effectively.

541. EMF - Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. 37 542. In general, the alignment passes through unoccupied adyrs for most of its length. However, the current alignment proposed by NEGU does pass over residential areas as follows: Oy-Borik – One property within 30 meters Kara-Shuluk – Two properties within 30 meters Tortuli West – Approximately 7 properties within 30 meters Tortuli East – One property within 30 meters Shargun – Approximately 4 properties within 30 meters 543. In addition, the alignment passes close to properties in the following locations: Karluk – One property approximately 60 meters east 544. Despite the conclusions of the WHO regarding EMF health impacts, the Project will adhere to all national and international standards on EMF, as described in Section 2.5 Sanitary Protection Zones and Electro Magnetic . As the Project comprises 500kV OHL, 30m minimum clearance from the conductors will apply according to national SanPin regulations. 545. Figure 37 shows levels of electric and mean magnetic field around a typical 500 kV transmission line up to a distance of 91m. This indicates that application of 30 m buffer (either side of the OHL) is sufficient as EMF levels outside this area will be below the more stringent (national) limit of 1 kV/m and 100 µT for living areas, and well below international limits. It should be noted that electric fields may be shielded and further weakened by buildings, trees, and other objects that conduct electricity, thereby increasing the attenuation of electric fields with distance from the transmission line.

37 https://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index1.html


152

546. As noted above, 16 properties are located within 30m of the proposed alignment. This is within the 30m buffer.

Figure 37:EMF Levels Associated with Typical 500 kV Transmission Lines

Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf

547. Infectious Disease - Regarding infectious disease and specifically COVID-19, the GOU have created a Special Republican Commission on preparation of the Programme of measures to prevent the introduction and spread of coronavirus in the Republic of Uzbekistan (Commission) in accordance with ORDER President of Uzbekistan (On the formation of a special republican commission to prepare a program of measures to prevent the import and spread of a new type of coronavirus in the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 29, 2020, № Р-5537).


548. Table 75 provides an assessment of the significance of potential impacts to

community health and safety before implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that are discussed in the rest of this section.

Table 75: Potential Community Health and Safety Impacts Phase Potential

Impact Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level o

f P

ub

lic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xceed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al S

cale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

C Accidents at work sites

Local community / Livestock

L M M - MOD ST SMALL LOW UN L

C Accidents involving construction vehicles

Local community / Livestock

M M H - HIGH ST SMALL MED UN M

C Exposure to potentially hazardous materials / waste

Local community

L M L M MOD ST SMALL LOW UN L

C STDs Local community

L M L - MOD ST SMALL LOW POSS L

C Spread of Infectious Disease


M H H - MAJ ST INTER MED POSS M


153


Receptors

No

. o

f R

ecep

tors

Aff

ecte

d

Sen

sit

ivit

y o

f R

ecep

tors

Level

of

Pu

blic C

on

cern

Ris

k o

f E

xce

ed

ing

Leg

al

Th

resh

old

Mag

nit

ud

e

Tim

efr

am

e

Sp

ati

al

Scale

Co

nseq

ue

nce

Pro

bab

ilit

y

Sig

nif

ican

ce

O Accidents at Project sites

Local community

L M L - MOD LT SMALL LOW UN L

O EMF Local community

L M L - MOD LT SMALL LOW UN L



Design Phase 549. EMF – The Project will respect all national safety protection zone regulations, including those for EMF (D-CHS-01). The final alignment will be determined during the detailed design. Where properties cannot be avoided in the design (either through realignment or increasing the height of the towers) and where they are present within the 30m sanitary protection zone (60m buffer around the line) the properties will be expropriated following the procedures outlined in the Project LARP. The LARP will be updated during the design phase to include any such properties (D-CHS-02). Pre-construction / Construction Phase

550. Management Planning – The EPC Contractor will, as part of his Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), prepare and implement a Community Health and Safety Plan (C-SEMP-07).

551. The EPC Contractor will be required to implement the Grievance Procedure provided in Section 9.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism, to provide opportunity for local residents to raise concerns (C-CHS-03). 552. Standards and Safety Codes - The EPC Contractor shall ensure that all Project infrastructure are constructed in accordance with national safety codes. This will ensure that residential properties are protected from any potential accident at any of the Project sites (C-CHS-04). This shall include: Use signs, barriers (e.g. locks on doors, use of gates, use of steel posts surrounding

transmission towers, particularly in urban areas); Grounding conducting objects (e.g. fences or other metallic structures) installed near

power lines, to prevent shock. 553. Community Liaison - The Project will review measures to mitigate community health and safety impacts regularly and will consult with local communities every six months, informing them on the status of implementation and results, and discussing any changes needed to the Pollution Prevention Plan or the Community Health and Safety Plan in advance of proposed changes (C-CHS-06). The EPC Contractors Environmental and Social Officer will participate in, or deliver safety

awareness training to, local children and their parents and/or their teachers (C-CHS-07).


154

Particular emphasis will be placed on talking to children and explaining the dangers of construction sites and open excavations.

Tower worksites and any additional temporary workspaces will be surveyed and set out (i.e. marked out and, where necessary, fenced off). The contractor will be required to keep within the designated footprint (C-CHS-08).

Construction traffic warning signs will be positioned at road crossings and other appropriate locations as determined by the Project, for example along access routes before they are used by construction traffic (C-CHS-09).

554. Risk of accident to local people and livestock particularly from traffic

A strict Project speed limit of 30km/hr will be enforced for Project vehicles using unmade tracks (C-CHS-10).

Temporary traffic control measures will be employed at road crossings and junctions (flagmen, temporary traffic lights) where a safety risk assessment has identified traffic control measures will reduce the risk of traffic accidents (C-CHS-11).

Random drug and alcohol testing of the workforce will be conducted, recorded and audited regularly (C-CHS-12).

At sensitive locations where traffic will be using local roads, and particularly where schools and markets are close to the road, awareness of safety issues will be raised through village meetings and classroom lessons (C-CHS-13).

Temporary traffic control (e.g. flagmen) and signs will be provided where necessary to improve safety and provide directions (C-CHS-14). Where traffic is diverted around crossings, traffic control or careful selection of the exit from the working areas will be provided with the aim of ensuring vehicles join the road in a safe manner (C-CHS-15).

Night-time driving will be by exception only, as approved by the PIC, to minimize driving risk and disturbance to communities (C-CHS-16).

People will be actively discouraged from using Project access roads unless deemed necessary to reach homes or other important sites (through use of signage, public education, leaflets etc.) (C-CHS-17).

Vehicle movements will be restricted to defined access routes and demarcated working areas (unless in the event of an emergency) (C-CHS-18).

555. Risk of conflict between community members and security personnel leading to injury

The Project will implement the ‘Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights’ (C-CHS-19).

During construction, due diligence will be applied to selection of security providers, rules of engagement will be devised, and training provided to all personnel. Performance will be monitored and audited periodically (C-CHS-20).

556. Sexually transmitted Disease A worker education and awareness program regarding the risks and prevention measures

associated with STDs including HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases (e.g. TB) will be implemented (C-CHS-21).

The Project will make information on communicable diseases and STDs available to communities’ close to the camps (C-CHS-22).

557. Infectious Disease The EPC Contractor will be responsible for implementing and following the requirements

of the afore mentioned Presidential Order on COVID-19. Operational Phase


155

558. During the operational phase NEGU shall provide education / public outreach to prevent public contact with potentially dangerous equipment (O-CHS-01).

Residual Impacts

Table 76: Community Health and Safety Residual Impacts Phase Potential



C Accidents at work sites

Low The distance of local population from the site means than potential impact significance is low. No significant residual impacts identified.

Not significant

C Accidents involving construction vehicles

Low No significant residual impacts identified.

Not significant

C Exposure to potentially hazardous materials / waste


Not significant

C Exposure to contaminated water


Not significant

C STDs Low No significant residual impacts identified.

Not significant

O Accidents at Project sites

Low The Project will be designed to ensure that all relevant safety codes are used. No significant residual impacts identified.

Not significant

O Poor management of hazardous liquids and waste materials

Low No significant impacts have been identified and no residual impacts are anticipated

Not significant

O EMF Low Any impacts, however small, will be negated by ensuring that all sanitary protection zone distances are respected in the design phase, which may require expropriation as a last resort.

Not significant

559. Regarding COVID-19, as noted above under OHS, the situation regarding the disease changes on a daily basis globally. In addition, the practices to ensure the safety of the population vary from country to country. At this stage of the pandemic, and until ADB provide specific guidance on COVID-19 in the workplace and the interactions between Contractors and the local community this IEE can only indicate that the EPC Contractor will be responsible for following the Presidential Order on this matter.

6.5. Cumulative, Transboundary and Induced Impacts

6.5.1. Cumulative Impacts


156

560. No other infrastructure projects have been identified within the vicinity of the Project that may result in significant cumulative impacts, e.g. the rehabilitation of the road network in the Project area.

6.5.2. Transboundary Impacts 561. The Project ends close to the border with Tajikistan. No works will be undertaken that cross the border. Accordingly, no transboundary impacts are anticipated.

6.5.3. Induced Impacts 562. The aim of the Project is to rehabilitate an existing transmission line which links an existing portion of transmission line in Tajikistan with the transmission network in Uzbekistan. The Project is not anticipated to lead to any induced impacts in the Project area as the OHL will simply pass through it. Access tracks will be constructed where existing track are not currently present, however they are not anticipated to induce development in these areas.

47296-001: Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project

Documents