Korporata Energjetke e Kosovȅs - World Bank€¦ · Web viewSolubility in water: 82 g/l at 15 °C Saturation conc. in the area: 0.77 g/m³ at 20 °C; 2.0 g/m³ at 30 °C Human

Korporata Energjetke e KosovȅsKosovo Energy Corporation

CLEAN-UP AND LAND RECLAMATION PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

January 2009

Containment Quality Associates Ltd33 Rodney RoadCheltenhamGloucestershire GL50 1HXUnited Kingdom

CQA

E1395V4


Environmental Impact Assessment Ash Pile and Waste DumpClean-up and Land Reclamation Project

Contents

1 Executive Summary 51.1 Background 51.2 Regulatory Background 51.3 Project description 61.4 Alternative design options and changes 71.5 Baseline Environmental Conditions 71.6 Baseline Social Conditions 81.7 Remediation Objectives 81.8 Principal Environmental Risks 91.9 Additional Mitigation Measures 91.10 Revegetation Proposals 101.11 Public Consultation 101.12 Environmental Management Plan 101.13 Significant Project Impacts 11

2 Introduction 152.1 Background 152.2 Summary of scope 15

3 Regulatory Requirements 173.1 National Legislation Overview 173.2 Relevant Kosovan legislation 173.3 World Bank Framework 173.4 World Bank EA Policy Context 18

4 Site Description and Environmental Baseline Conditions 194.1 Regional Geography 194.2 Site Description 194.3 Physical Geology 194.4 Hydrology 204.5 Hydrogeology 224.6 Groundwater sampling points 244.7 Seismicity 284.8 Climate and Air Quality 28

5 Social and Environmental Conditions 405.1 Site Conditions 405.2 Human Interactions 405.3 Employment 415.4 Related impacts on health: 415.5 Flora and Fauna 425.6 Archaeology 425.7 Summary of Historic Mining Activities 42

6 TPP A Ash Dump and Dragodan Overburden Dump 446.1 Summary of current impacts 446.2 Proposed Mitigation Activities 456.3 Infrastructure Upgrades 48

7 Outside Dump South 507.1 Summary of current impacts. 50

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7.2 Proposed Mitigation Activities 507.3 Implementation of Vegetation and Reforestation Plan 527.4 Infrastructure Upgrades 52

8 Kalaja and Lugu I Thell Outside Dumps 538.1 Summary of current impacts. 538.2 Proposed Mitigation Activities 538.3 Implementation of Vegetation and Reforestation Plan 548.4 Infrastructure Upgrades 54

9 Vasilev Outside Dump 559.1 Summary of current impacts. 559.2 Proposed Mitigation Activities 559.3 Implementation of Vegetation and Reforestation Plan 569.4 Infrastructure Upgrades 56

10 Public Consultations 5710.1 Hearings 57

11 Alternatives considered in the design process 5911.1 Overview 5911.2 Results of initial evaluation of design 5911.3 Potential coordination with mining activities 6011.4 Other factors 6111.5 Summary of alternative project designs 6211.6 Selection of the preferred alternative 6611.7 Summary of recent design changes 6711.8 Project Priorities 6811.9 Conversion to Wet Ash Handling 69

12 Environmental Management 7012.1 Mitigation of Impacts arising from Proposed Remediation Activities 7012.2 Institutional Arrangements 7312.3 Project Monitoring Plan 7412.4 Summary action list 77

Figures

Figure 1 Project Location 19Figure 2 Delineated River Catchments in the Project Area 20Figure 3 Surface Water Quality 2001 – 2003 21Figure 4 Sample Locations 21Figure 5 Hydrogeological Units 24Figure 6 Locations of Water Sampling Points 25Figure 7 Monthly average precipitation 28Figure 8 Average monthly range of precipitation 29Figure 9 Average and extreme monthly temperatures 30Figure 10 Distribution of annual temperatures 2002-2006 30Figure 11 Wind rose for the site 31Figure 12 Soil map of the mining area around Obiliq (N. Povicevic et al, 1974) 34Figure 13 KEK Operations main features and settlements 40Figure 14 Schematic Illustration of the preliminary concept 59

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Figure 15 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 1 62Figure 16 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 2 63Figure 17 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3a 64Figure 18 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3b 64Figure 19 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3c 65Figure 20 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3d 66Figure 21 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3e 66

Tables

Table 1 Chemical and physical analysis of surface water bodies November 2005 22Table 2 Chemical and physical analysis of surface water bodies December 2005 22Table 3 Location of water samples 26Table 4 Reasons for Sampling 27Table 5 Kosovo Seismic Zones 28Table 6 Statistical storm events 29Table 7 Air Analysis Dec. 2005 & Jan. 2006 (ug/m3) Bardh Mine 32Table 8 Average S02 and soot measurements Dec. 2005 & Jan. 2006 Bardh (ug/m3) 32Table 9 Total Deposited Dust Dec. 2005 & Jan. 2006 33Table 10 Noise measurements taken at Bardh and Hade Villages 33Table 11 Noise measurements taken at Bardh Mine (Mechanical Workshop) 33Table 12 Concentration of Metals in Soil Samples [mg/kg] 35Table 13 Chemical analysis on a soil sample from CLR-2 at 24m depth 36Table 14 Content of BTEX and PAH in the Ash 37Table 15: Characteristics of Phenols 38Table 16 Affected Settlements 40Table 17: Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations, TPPA Ash Dump and Dragodan Overburden dump 44Table 18: Ash dump and Dragodan fly tipped waste 49Table 19: Outside Dump South, Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations 50Table 20: South Dump fly tipped waste 51Table 21: South Dump reforestation 52Table 22: Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps, Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations 53Table 23: Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps fly tipped waste 53Table 24: Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps reforestation 54Table 25: Vasilev Outside Dump, Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations 55Table 26:Vasilev Dump reforestation plan 56Table 27: Public Hearings 57Table 28: Mitigation of impacts arising from ash handling 70Table 29: Mitigation of impacts arising from earthworks activities 71Table 30:Mitigation of impacts arising from plant operations 71Table 31:Mitigation of impacts arising from drainage works 72Table 32:Mitigation of impacts arising from general works 72Table 33 Baseline monitoring costs 76Table 34 Annual monitoring costs 77Table 35 Summary of responsibilities for EMP implementation 77

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Plates

Plate 1 Collapsed ventilation shaft 43Plate 2: Dry stacking of ash 46Plate 3: Dry stacked ash 47

Appendices

Appendix 1 Terminology Used to Describe Environmental ImpactsAppendix 2 Public Hearings RecordsAppendix 3 Site Investigation Report

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1 Executive Summary1.1 Background

The Government of Kosovo has received financing from the World Bank/International Development Association (IDA) and co-funding from the Government of The Netherlands towards the costs of the Energy Sector Clean-up and Land Reclamation Project. The Clean-up Project (CLRP) aims to support Kosovo Energy Corporation j.s.c. (KEK j.s.c.) and the Kosovo authorities to address environmental legacy issues related to open dumping of ashes on land, enable KEK j.s.c. to free land for community development purposes currently taken by overburden material and to enable KEK j.s.c. to remediate the Kosovo A ash dump.

The first objective of the pilot project is to develop a methodology and approach that will enable the most important institutions for environmental regulation and resettlement to gain experience in the assessment, preparation and monitoring and a project that contains elements that are similar to those that can be expected when new mining activities and/or the construction of a new power station will be developed.

The second objective is that the pilot project will deal with environmental issues that exist in mining and power generation today and will take away some of the existing environmental impacts and make land available after clean-up to be used for future possible purposes possibly agriculture or resettlement.

The third objective is that the pilot project will have elements that are reproducible and can be applied to other existing issues in mining and power generation.

Based on the relevant selection criteria, the following scope of work is proposed.

Component A Preparation of Mirash OPM for ash reception, including modification of water management system

Component B Remediation and partial relocation of Kosovo A ash dump facility

Component C Adaption of ash disposal system of Kosovo A TPP for direct discharge into Mirash OPM by hydraulic ash transport

Component D Reshaping and grading of South and West Overburden dumps (circa 9 km2)

An investigation and design study has been carried out by Vattenfall/DMT who proposed a remediation design to mitigate the most critical of the negative environmental impacts. The scale of the remediation required is considerable and will be carried out concurrently with KEK’s planned mining operations over a period of several years. The scale of the problems and therefore the size and duration of the proposed remediation measures will generate their own environmental and social impacts.

1.2 Regulatory Background

The design of the Cleanup and Land Reclamation Project (CLR) is compliant with legislation passed by the Kosovo Assembly, including laws on Environmental Protection, Air Protection, Water, Waste Law, Noise Protection, Special Planning, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment.

The Category A classification (see World Bank OP/BP 4.01) requires the Client to prepare a full Environmental Assessment. Accordingly, the Environmental Impact Assessments and the EMPs were prepared in accordance with both World Bank and Kosovo regulations, including the organisation of public hearings at locations close to the site.

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In common with most remediation projects, the design process had multiple objectives:

Reduce potential harm

Comply with legislation

Take note of operational and social factors

Execute works within the required time frame

Do not exceed budget

The various approaches that were proposed, and which are summarised briefly in this document, were determined by a method that was consistent with the above.

This assessment is based on the following activities, in conjunction with other parties in the project team.

Review of the Report produced by Vattenfall/DMT entitled “Site Investigation, Technical/Organizational Planning and Determination of Environmental Impact Assessment and Preparation of Environmental Management Plans” dated 4th July 2008.

Inspection of the project site on the 25th September 2008 Preparation of a draft Environmental Impact Assessment. Participation in public hearings conducted by the PMU Director Mr Michael Feiss and

held in Obiliq/Obilic and Fushe Kosovo/Kosovo Polje on the 25th and 26th of September 2008 respectively.

Preparation of a revised draft Environmental Impact Assessment Preparation of this final version of the Environmental Impact Assessment

1.3 Project description

As the result of detailed investigations of the environmental impact of the existing situation by Vattenfall/DMT regarding the ash and overburden dumps and the ongoing ash dumping practice and under consideration of several variants of potential remediation and mitigation measures the following project design has been developed:

Conversion of present dry dumping of TPP-A ash to wet ash disposal

Dust formation will considerably reduce due to the stopping of the ash dumping operation on the dump. Wet ash disposal in the residual pit of the former Mirash East opencast mine field avoids dislocation of source of emission at the same time.

Removal of ash and overburden from the instable areas of the ash dump

This measure especially refers to the south-western area of the ash dump where ash- and overburden masses were dumped. The masses are removed to other safe areas of the ash dump via short transport distances. The removal and re-shaping will be done by mobile earth moving equipment.

Overburden dump recultivation

Some 9 km² of old overburden dumps will be partially reshaped and re-cultivated. The re-cultivation includes the construction of access roads, the establishment of forests and the establishment of nature reservates. This work will be done by standard earth moving equipment.

The suggested concept represents an optimal adjustment to the present situation and fulfils the posed project aims entirely. Just the conversion to wet ash removal leads to a reduction of the dust emissions caused by the ash dump by around 80%. This corresponds to the portion,

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which is caused by transporting and dumping of dry ash. The remaining 20%, caused by the ash body itself are likewise reduced by a partial covering with cohesive material.

1.4 Alternative design options and changes

Several alternative designs were considered.

Two options included the removal of the TPP-A ash dump materials: in one case to the future mined-out area of the existing mines in the other to the planned widening of the Mirash-East area. These were large scale schemes. These options had to be rejected because of the unavoidable and unacceptable dust emissions of the ash relocation, the duration of the operation of some 10 years and the questionable technical feasibility.

A third alternative, including several sub-options, was developed to expedite the improvement of the environmental situation. These options include the partial removal of the ash dump (most instable and therefore most dust-generating areas), with relocation to other areas of the ask dump, and capping of the re-located ash.

The option of taking no action needs to be considered. In this case there will be ongoing dust emissions for the entire lifetime of TPP-A. In addition to the air pollution problem, the geotechnical instability of the dump will increase and more and more houses would be endangered or destroyed.

The following changes were proposed during the design process. The original design, involved the relocation of the ash and continuation of the ongoing dry ash dumping. This will be replaced by conversion to hydraulic ash transport, as described above.

1.5 Baseline Environmental Conditions

The site is located in a wide valley, surrounded by hills. The area is largely dormitory and small-scale agricultural with human habitation in small towns, villages and scattered housing. The main industry is the lignite mining (indirect subject of this assessment) and the associated power generation. There was also previous gas generation from the coal. There is potential for moderate seismic activity.

The area has a continental climate. The average annual temperature is 10oC, typically ranging from 0oC to 20oC between winter and summer. The extremes of temperature can be ten degrees or more above and below these figures. Precipitation is typically 600mm/yr, much of this being rain. There is moderate seasonal variation and relatively large annual variation. Winds are generally light to moderate and mostly from the NNE.

Air pollution varies with time, no doubt as a result of weather conditions and industrial activities. The main concerns are soot (i.e. carbon PM10) and SO2, with contaminated dust deposition as an issue. Measured data for the design study showed generally low SO2 levels and moderate soot with occasional elevations. However, anecdotal data suggest that soot levels over a full year are higher, and exceed EU limits. Dusty periods can deposit airborne pollutants from mine and power.

Ambient noise of 45-50 dB has been measured in some villages. This is higher than generally recommended in EU states (35-40 dB) and in some instances close to conversational levels (50-55 dB). Therefore, the noise may cause some inconvenience. However, the levels are some way below the threshold for potential damage from long-term exposure (80 dB) and conditions are not, therefore, directly hazardous to health.

The area is a single surface water catchment, drained by the River Sitinca and its tributaries. The typical flow in the main river is 1 to 2cumecs, but a peak of 90 cumecs occurred about 40 years ago. When the river floods, the stream occupies the flood plain to a width of 1km.

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The geology of the area comprises a sedimentary sequence of an underlying clay aquiclude overlain by lignite deposits with interbedded mudrocks and a clay overburden. The lignite deposits have secondary permeability but are not used for water supply. Inflows into the mines are very variable. There are some shallow wells in the area that provide small yields of groundwater for domestic purposes from localised minor aquifers. However, some shallow wells are contaminated by organic chemicals from disposed tar.

28 groundwater and surface water monitoring points have been set up. The results of monitoring are so far indeterminate. Major ion concentrations are moderate. There is an indication of some high metal concentrations, which need to be studied further during the environmental monitoring of remediation activities.

Sampling and analysis results indicate that the soils on the ash dumps can have high levels of PAH and heavy metals, and that there is also a risk of contamination by volatile organics and phenols. Some samples of ash were shown to have high residual levels of carbon, sulphur and volatile compounds. The presence of former gasworks wastes suggests that cyanides, sulphates, ammonia compounds and tar residues may also be present. Further analysis for these materials will be carried out during remediation activities and as part of the monitoring plan.

These results suggest that remediated sites should be restored to forestry use without restrictions regarding the use of the wood. Agricultural use of the land is not recommended due to the presence of persistent contaminants, such as heavy metals and PAH, even at low concentrations after remediation, which may bio-accumulate.

1.6 Baseline Social Conditions

It is estimated that 45000 people live in the affected area. Approximately 10% of this total are employed in the mine and power industry. Assuming that all workers are local, up to 40% of the population (i.e. families) may be dependent on the industry.

Unemployment in the area is officially 40%, but possibly higher. Therefore, the coal and power industry is dominant in the life of the local populace.

The main negative health effects are related to air pollution from the same operations that provide livelihood for many. The coal and power industry is important in this area and thus there will be great benefit from remediation and environmental improvements.

Some people live close by the ash dumps. Some of these are believed to be squatting in properties that were vacated. The proposed remediation design has been formulated such that it does not require the relocation of any residents. The environmental monitoring will provide data on potential impacts on these residents.

Local opinion appears to favour the restoration of the ash piles to agricultural status. However, this is unlikely to be possible unless long term monitoring proves that there is an acceptable low risk of potential bioaccumulation of low concentration contaminants.

1.7 Remediation Objectives

The Vattenfall/DMT report proposes a number of remediation objectives including, but not limited to, the following:

Kosovo A Ash Dump and Dragodan Overburden Dump

o Cessation of dry ash disposal

o Establishment of wet ash transport and disposal system

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o Regrading and capping of existing ash dump

o Drainage at toe of overburden dump

o Closure and capping of tar ponds

Outside Overburden Dump South

o Dump stabilisation measures

o Reshaping of dump to improve runoff and minimise infiltration

o Installation of drainage measures

Kalaja and Lugu I Thell Outside Overburden Dump

o Regrading

o Drainage Measures

Vasilev Outside Overburden Dump

o Regrading

o Drainage at toe

o Surface water run-off control

1.8 Principal Environmental Risks

The Vattenfall/DMT report identifies a number of key environmental concerns relating to the existing situation as follows:

Thermal Power Plant A Ash Dump and Dragodan Overburden Dump

o Dust emissions from dry ash transport and disposal

o Slope instability

o Infiltration of precipitation

o Co-disposal of tars and phenols within the ash dump

Outside Overburden Dump South

o Slope instability

o High metals content

o Infiltration of precipitation

Kalaja and Lugu I Thell Outside Overburden Dump

o Infiltration though sinkholes

Vasilev Outside Overburden Dump

o Slope instability

o Infiltration through tension cracks

o Uncontrolled overtopping of lake

1.9 Additional Mitigation Measures

A number of general environmental mitigation measures beside the main objectives of the project have been proposed in the Vattenfall/DMT report as follows:

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Removal of fly-tipped waste

Dust control

Road repairs

1.10 Revegetation Proposals

Extensive revegetation and reforestation proposals have been made with the intention of minimising the amount of restored land taken back into agricultural use due to heavy metal content of the soil. The proposed land use will be fixed in the relevant spatial planning documentation (Sibovc Development Plan).

1.11 Public Consultation

Public consultations were conducted in Obiliq/Obilic and Fushe Kosovo/Kosovo Polje in September 2008. Both meetings were well attended by members of the public. A number of comments were made by the consultees but they were general in nature and not specifically related to the scope of the project.

Matters arising from the public consultations related to historic grievances including compensation for land compulsorily purchased and were judged to lie outside the scope of the project.

Minutes of the public consultation meetings are attached in annex II.

1.12 Environmental Management Plan

1.12.1 Mitigation of Impacts arising from Proposed Remediation Activities

An outline plan for the mitigation of the environmental impacts caused by the proposed remedial works has been prepared in and is summarised in Section 12 of this Environmental Impact Assessment.

The most significant impacts during works will be as follows:

Dust arising from the transportation of the ash and the reforming of the ash dump

Increased infiltration during earthworks

Accidental seepage and instability during regrading and installation of drains

Community impacts

The impacts will mostly occur on site and will be mitigated by additional activities in the remediation works. Examples are water sprinkling to reduce dust generation and runoff management to reduce infiltration.

Community aspects will be largely mitigated by threes measures, although issues such as traffic and noise levels will also be addressed.

1.12.2 Institutional Arrangements

The current plan is to place the manpower and equipment under the control of the KEK mining department. If this plan is enacted it is probable that the mining department will come under pressure to reallocate the resources to maximise coal production.

Consideration should be given during the structural reorganisation of KEK, to the creation of a restoration department so that the project resources can be ring fenced and dedicated to the restoration works.

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1.12.3 Monitoring

Proposals for the monitoring of the remediation works are presented as follows:

TPP A ash dump

o Wind speed

o Wind direction

o Dust (PM10)

All dumps where slope stabilisation works carried out

o As-built survey

o Establishment of survey markers and stations

o Periodic survey to monitor slope movements

Water quality

o Discharges from drains

o Discharges to rivers and streams

o Groundwater quality from wells in Dardishte

Soil and dust quality

o Analysis of composite dust samples

o Analysis of restored soils

A cost estimate for the environmental monitoring is presented in this EIA, divided into a sum for the baseline readings (which includes equipment procurement) and an annual cost.

The responsible parties for the various environmental management and monitoring tasks are indicated.

1.13 Significant Project Impacts

1.13.1 Approach

The possible impacts of the entire project were examined based on existing data. This was done by assessing the environment in terms of the existing conditions, the impact of the proposed project components and the measures to mitigate these impacts. The positive impact that this project will have on the environment significantly outweighs any negative impacts. This is uniform through all facets that were examined. Any negative impacts that were denitrified will be temporary and will be adequately mitigated.

1.13.2 Human Beings

The proposed project will lead to employment during the construction stage, some 150 engineers and workers will be involved. Positive impacts are expected as regards the local economy. There are no implications for health and safety.

The project will be positive for the local and national economy providing much needed employment both directly and indirectly. No mitigation measures are required.

1.13.3 Landscape

The sites in question as part of the project are all located in the Obiliq area which is heavily industrialised.

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The Mirash OPM is currently a significant exhausted open cast mine with considerable void space. The project will contribute to ultimately returning the void space back to its natural form and contouring as possible. The development of Mirash OPM will thus have a positive impact on the landscape.

Kosovo A Ash Dump is a considerable structure and is visible from all roads and dwellings in the area. It is currently having a negative impact on the existing landscape. Its remediation, reshaping and partial removal will have a significant positive impact on the landscape.

The adaption of the existing ash disposal system will have a minimal negative impact on the landscape. The set of two parallel plastic pipes used for the future ash transport will use existing belt conveyor or water pipe trestles. Where it visually intrudes on dwellings etc. adequate screening will be put in place.

The overburden dumps have been naturally re-vegetated and to the naked eye would not be noticeable as made structures. They currently, resulting from the re-vegetation, do not have a significant impact on the landscape. The shaping and grading of the overburden dumps will enable the areas in question to be utilised for forestry use as well as nature reserves which was their original use prior to the commencement of mining activities. The overall development of the overburden dumps will this have a positive impact on the landscape.

1.13.4 Ecology

The landscape in the environs is dominated by industrial activity. Unlike carrying out an environmental assessment of a green field site for development which may contain an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, the sites that make up this project have been stripped of most, if not all, of the flora and fauna that may have existed prior to development.

There are no significant measures of any kind necessary. In essence the project is in itself the mitigation measure necessary to bring the land back to its natural form both in topographical and ecological terms.

The project will have a significant positive impact on the ecology of the region both at a micro and macro scale

1.13.5 Air Quality and Climate

The air quality in the Obiliq region is clearly not acceptable at present. Much of the poor air quality, and in particular high dust levels in the area may be attributed to the Kosovo A ash dump. The overall project will have a significant positive impact on the air quality in the region in removing one of the single largest emitters of dust i.e. the ash dump.

Furthermore, adaption of the Kosovo A ash disposal system will also have an extremely positive impact in that ash will no longer be disposed of in an ad-hoc fashion but to a properly constructed, managed and maintained ash disposal site at the Mirash mine.

The engineering works for and development of the Mirash mine will have a positive impact eliminating emissions arising from spontaneous combustion of remaining coal seams in the exhausted mine.

Any temporary emissions arising from excavation, construction and sundry engineering works will be fully mitigated for.

The project will have an overall positive impact on the air quality eliminating dust emissions from one of the most potent polluters of air in the region.

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1.13.6 Noise

Currently noise emanates from activities regarding the transport of ash from Kosovo A TPP to Kosovo A ash dump and from the disposal of ash at the afore mentioned ash dump.

All sites apart from the conveyor belt system are at a distance from existing dwellings that would illustrate that any engineering works at the Mirash OPM, Kosovo A ash dump and overburden dumps would not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment. The existing belt conveyor system will be replaced by slurry pipes operating without any noise.

Full mitigation measures will be in place to ensure that any increase in noise levels emanating from construction and excavation works at all sites would be kept to a minimum.

All movement of trucks, loaders, etc to and from the sites i.e. Mirash OPM, Kosovo A ASF and the overburden dumps will be done during daytime (normal working) hours and will be kept to a minimum.

All vehicles and mechanical plant will be fitted with effective exhaust silencers and maintained in good working order

Machines that are used intermittently will be shut down or throttled back to a minimum during periods when they are not in use

The impact that increases in noise levels resulting from the implementation of the project is deemed to be minimal.

1.13.7 Soil

In the area of Mirash OPM none of the formerly existing soils are preserved, as mining activities have removed the original materials to several tens of meters below original ground level. In the mine itself no significant soils have developed yet, vegetation is largely absent and confined to few extremophile species of herbs and crippled trees.

Thus no negative impacts are expected for natural soils. A positive impact is expected as the backfill operation will create stable surfaces to allow the installation of soil covers and recultivation of land.

Currently the ASF poses a negative impact on soils beyond its immediate area. These situations will be mitigated by the planned re-shaping, remediation and partial ash removal and result in a net benefit for the current ASF area.

The adoption of the ash disposal system of the Kosovo A TPP will have very limited and localised impact on soils. In comparison to the existing ash dump the total effect will be positive.

The South Field overburden dump has been undisturbed for several decades, thus a renaturalisation of the surface cover may have progressed to a state where a characteristic soil type has developed again. However, strictly speaking the dump is not original soil, but artificial ground.

The reshaping activities planned under the project will cause the disturbance of the original soil stratification and damage the surface soil layer, but the reshaping activities are limited to instable areas that are affected by ongoing self-induced movements or probable incidents (slope failure) anyway.

The impacts by the project on soils will be temporary, localized, limited to relatively small areas and can be mitigated by following fairly simple procedures.

After the conclusion of the project the land gain for the formation of new topsoil will be

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considerable, thus the project will constitute a net environmental benefit.

1.13.8 Groundwater

The main area of concern regarding threat to groundwater is the disposal of ash into Mirash OPM. Without the necessary engineering works the ash disposal into the mine would be a major concern. However the Mirash OPM has already been prepared in line with EU landfill design guidelines. Thus there will be an overall positive impact on the groundwater environment due to it being sealed and lined with clay.

The partial removal and reshaping of ash is not deemed to be a significant threat to the groundwater environment at the Kosovo A ash dump. Any potential danger would be the existence of hazardous materials that have been co-deposited at the ash dump during the last thirty years. If such chemicals do exist and are stored in barrels, these containers could be cracked during excavation works. If this were to coincide with heavy precipitation or snowmelt, sufficient quantities of water might cause the dispersion in soil and groundwater. To ensure against such an occurrence all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that such containers do not exist. There are hazardous materials deposited without containment. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that this materials will be treated properly during the remediation works.

No major impact is foreseen for the groundwater, but a perceptible positive impact expected by resetting to a state closer to the previous natural conditions.

1.13.9 Surface Waters

It is not envisaged that the preparation of the Mirash OPM will have any negative impact on surrounding water bodies. Any potential impact would be through dust being deposited on the surface waters of the Sitnica resulting from construction activities. The relevant mitigation measures, through sound engineering practices, will mitigate against this occurring to any significant extent.

It is not envisaged that the relocation of the Kosovo A ash dump will have a negative impact on the surrounding surface water bodies other than the possibility of ash falling into the Sitnica River from the conveyor belt bridge or increased turbidity whilst the bucket wheel excavator is being relocated to the ash dump for operations. The adaption of the Kosovo A ash disposal system will not have a negative impact on the surrounding surface water bodies.

The reshaping and grading of the south and west overburden dumps will have an overall positive impact as, when completed, the sloping of the overburden will be less conducive to run-off and the soil will be more firmly rooted with vegetation thus preventing any erosion that may be occurring at present.

The project will have an overall positive impact on the surface waters in the area.

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2 Introduction2.1 Background

The efficient operation of the KEK mining complex and the associated power generation facilities are a key element of the successful development of the Kosovo economy and the social and economic wellbeing of its citizens.

The Kosovo government is taking steps to secure long term power supply and have set aside reserve areas for future mining operations.

Past mining and power generation operations have resulted in a wide range of negative environmental and social impacts arising from the disposal of overburden wastes and thermal power station ash in several external large waste dump structures.

The Government of Kosovo has received financing from the World Bank / International Development Association (IDA) and co-funding from the Government of The Netherlands towards the costs of the Energy Sector Clean-up and Land Reclamation Project. The Clean-up Project (CLRP) aims to support Kosovo Energy Corporation j.s.c. (KEK j.s.c.) and the Kosovo authorities to address environmental legacy issues related to open dumping of ashes on land, enable KEK j.s.c. to free land for community development purposes currently taken by overburden material and to enable KEK j.s.c. to remediate the Kosovo A ash dump.

A remediation design carried out by Vattenfall/DMT provides a number of solutions but the scale of the problems and therefore the size and duration of the proposed remediation measures might generate their own environmental and social impacts.

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) addresses the environmental impacts arising from the remediation works themselves. The entire and ongoing mining and generation activities are not subject of this EIA.

The EIA addresses also the institutional arrangements to implement the EMP, other project alternatives and related impacts, consultation with project affected people and other stakeholders, and the monitoring of proposed mitigation measures to reduce project impacts during and after the works are completed.

2.2 Summary of scope

In line with the restrictions of the implementation agreement between the World Bank and the Kosovo Government, the remediation design addresses the following items:

- Re-mediation, partial reshaping and partial re-location of the Kosovo A Ash dump

- Partial re-shaping and re-cultivation of the outside overburden dumps

- Re-direction of the ongoing ash dumping from Kosovo A outside ash dump the exhausted Mirash East open cast mine and conversion from dry ash transport to hydraulic ass transport

The works will be implemented by KEK.

The project study and design, on which this EIA is based, was been carried out by a joint venture comprising Vattenfall Europe Mining AG and Deutsche Montan Technologie GmbH (DMT) working in association with their Kosovan subcontractor INKOS. The scope of the studies were as follows:

Site Investigations and topographic survey for the eastern area of the Mirash opencast mine, the TPP A ash dump, the South field and Western Bardh overburden dumps.

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Detailed design, cost estimation, equipment and personnel planning for

o Mirash ash disposal area

o Excavation of the Kosovo A ash dump

o Reshaping and recultivation of the South Field overburden dump

o Reshaping and recultivation of the Western Bardh overburden dump

Determination of Environmental Impacts and preparation of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) including mitigation measures for the projects and works listed above.

Land use survey of the overburden dump areas.

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3 Regulatory Requirements3.1 National Legislation Overview

The Cleanup and Land Reclamation Project (CLR) is concerned with the improvement of the environmental conditions in the area surrounding the open pit mines and thermal power stations owned and operated by KEK. The objective of the project is to rehabilitate the existing TPP-A ash dump and thereby minimize emissions to the environment.

The Environmental Impact Assessments and the EMPs are to be prepared in accordance with both World Bank and Kosovo regulations.

3.2 Relevant Kosovan legislation

There are a number of pieces of legislation passed by the Kosovo Assembly that relate to the project, including:

The Law on Environmental Protection (Law No. 2003/1)

The Law on Air Protection (Law No. 2004/30)

The Law on Water (Law No. 2004/24)

The Waste Law (Law No. 2005/02-L30)

The Law on Noise Protection (Law No. 227/02-L102)

The Law on Special Planning (UNMIK/Reg/2003/30)

The Law on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment (UNMIK/ Administrative Directive/2003/33)

In addition to the above laws there are implementing regulations relating to the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments.

Administrative Directive No. 9/2004 specifies that the proponent of a scheme is responsible for the preparation of the EIA which is a mandatory component of the project documentation requiring proper dissemination and public participation.

The regulations also specify the required contents of an EIA as follows:

An assessment of the types and magnitudes of environmental impacts and risks

A forecast of environmental changes arising from the proposed project

A description of environmental protection measures to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

An evaluation of the impacts on human health arising from environmental changes resulting from the project

The directive also describes the EIA process and stipulates the need for a public hearing to be held at a convenient location close to the site.

The Regulations on Mines and Minerals in Kosovo (2005/3) apply to all mining and mineral exploitation and processing activities in Kosovo.

3.3 World Bank Framework

Guidance for the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments for World Bank funded projects is provided by the Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (1999). The following sections of the sourcebook are of particular relevance to the KEK project:

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The Environmental Review Process (Chapter 1)

Energy and Industry (Chapter 10)

Environmental Assessment of Mining Projects (Update 22)

Health Aspects of EA (Update 18)

3.4 World Bank EA Policy Context

At the time of project identification the Bank classified the project as a Category A having diverse and significant environmental impacts. Category A projects require the preparation of a full Environmental Assessment by the Client and carry-out of public meetings at the project sites to consult the population on the findings of the EIA report

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4 Site Description and Environmental Baseline Conditions4.1 Regional Geography

The project site is located to the northwest of Pristina between the villages of Obilic and Fushe Kosovo in the valley of the River Sitnica.

The area has been worked for high grade lignite for many years and since 1964 has been the source of fuel for the two thermal power plants which supply electricity to the population of Kosovo. Reserves at the two operating mines, the Bardh mine and the Mirash mine are now less than 30mt and are insufficient to provide long term security of supply. Plans are in hand for the development of a new mine to satisfy on-going demand.

Past mining and power generation activities have generated significant tonnages of soil material, arising from overburden stripping, and large quantities of ash residues from the power stations. The solid wastes have been disposed of in a number of external, above ground spoil piles which are the source of ongoing environmental contamination. Tar wastes from a former gasification plant have been disposed of in lagoons within the external dumps.

The site area is located in the southern part of the Kosovo Basin. The site is approximately 10km from the capital Pristina and is surrounded by agricultural land and small settlements.

The climate of the area is continental with dry warm summers and cool wet winters.

4.2 Site Description

The project site location is illustrated in Figure 1. The site is in a broad, flat plain surrounded by hills and mountains. The plain near the site has an elevation of approximately 550 metres.

Figure 1 Project Location

A number of small settlements surround the mine sites. The residents (several 100) are generally engaged in small scale farming working the land immediately adjacent to their homes. Agricultural activities include cereal and vegetable crops and small scale mixed livestock husbandry.

4.3 Physical Geology

The geology of the area is dominated by a deep basin in which a thick sequence of sediments of Pliocene age was deposited. The basement formation at the site is described as a green clay

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comprising interbedded silts and clays and is 100m thick. The green clay has a low coefficient of permeability and resists groundwater flow.

The green clay is overlain by 70 m of lignite with interbedded zones of calcareous mudstones. The primary permeability of the lignite is described as being low but the presence of extensive fissures and joints within the lignite gives rise to a significant secondary permeability.

The overburden is described as a silt and clay formation with occasional sand horizons and frequent shelly horizons. This formation is generally described as a grey clay but is locally oxidised to a yellow clay. Similar to the lignite the overburden clays are of low primary permeability, but the presence of tension cracks, desiccation cracks and joints which connect to the higher permeability shelly horizons give rise to a higher secondary permeability.

4.4 Hydrology

The Kosovo Basin forms a smoothly shaped plain that is bordered by hills and mountains. The Basin includes a well developed hydrological network with the main collector being the river Sitnica. This river crosses the basin from South to North and drains about 80% of the accumulating surface water flowing in a northern direction. Major tributary rivers in the vicinity of the site are the River Drenica in the west and the River Lab in the East. The Sitnica run-off varies between a minimum of 0.5 – 1.5 m3/s and a maximum of 50 – 120 m3/s with an average of 5 – 10 m3/s. In flooding periods, the course of the river reaches a width of up to 1000m in the flooding areas. On 3rd May 1958 a maximum run-off for the Sitnica river near to the mines was measured at 90.3 m3/s.

Figure 2 shows the results of delineating catchment areas for different run offs. The colours in the figure indicate major catchment areas which are subdivided e.g. numbers 310 to 380 representing smaller areas which together feed the run-off directly north west of the Bardh mine.

Figure 2 Delineated River Catchments in the Project Area

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Surface water quality data is available from INKOS Institutes monthly measurements for the main catchments, Drenica and Sitnica. The measurements compiled for the years 2001 to 2003, presented in Figure 3, can be taken as baseline data to assess the impact of any future development in the Area.

Figure 3 Surface Water Quality 2001 – 2003

The parameters shown in Figure 3 are found adequate to represent the up to date quality of river water. With reference to heavy metals or other trace elements, no statements are possible to date because analytical data are not available on these parameters.

Figure 4 Sample Locations

Figure 4 illustrates the locations of where water samples are taken in the environs of the sites that make up this project. Samples used for the purpose of this study include numbers 1 – 7.

The following tables illustrate sample results taken from seven positions in the environs of the mine. Table 1 presents results from November 2005.

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Table 1 Chemical and physical analysis of surface water bodies November 2005 Parameter M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 EU Limits

Temperature oC 6.0 7.2 9.5 6.7 11.2 10.6 8.4Electric conductivity µS 560 500 1300 555 1550 2750 700 10001

pH 8.3 8.3 8.2 8.4 7.9 7.8 7.9 6-92

Nitrates mg/l NO3 5.42 5.42 4.52 2.71 13.56 72.32 4.52 251

Dissolved Oxygen % saturation O2

92.70 95.78 96.6 94.56 95.91 123.83 88.16 80-1202

Chlorides mg/l CL 36 31 152 28 83 123.83 40 2001

Suspended Solids mg/l SS 105 70 340 85 250 285 125 251

Sulphates mg/l SO4 69.34 42.38 168.92 83.55 250 1270.71 108.22 1501

Phenols mg/l C6H5OH 0.0035 - 0.010 - 0.013 - 0.005 <0.0052

Source: INKOS1Council Directive (75/440/EEC) concerning the quality of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water 2Council Directive (76/160/EEC) concerning the quality of bathing waters

Table 2 presents results that were obtained one month later in December 2005, from the same monitoring points. In both cases, some typical EU normative limits are presented for comparison.

Table 2 Chemical and physical analysis of surface water bodies December 2005Parameter M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 EU Limits

Temperature oC 11.76 7.2 11.33 7.0 10.8 10.67 7.1Electric conductivity µS 410 425 985 450 16550 3350 555 10001

pH 7.5 7.7 8.2 7.8 7.9 7.5 7.3 6-92

Nitrates mg/l NO3 3.61 2.26 5.87 2.26 14.46 54.24 3.61 251

Dissolved Oxygen % saturation O2

77.63 80.61 100.61 81.46 72.31 96.72 82.23 80-1202

Chlorides mg/l CL 37 33 134 29 85 101 48 2001

Suspended Solids mg/l SS 125 95 225 100 200 675 140 251

Sulphates mg/l SO4 68.51 50.61 233.32 51.44 796.25 1450.33 111.31 1501

Phenols mg/l C6H5OH 0.005 - 0.0035 - 0.0075 - 0.006 <0.0052

Source: INKOS1Council Directive (75/440/EEC) concerning the quality of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water 2Council Directive (76/160/EEC) concerning the quality of bathing waters

This dual snapshot of water quality indicates that quality is impacted in some locations, with specific note of M6, and to some extent M3, particularly for sulphates and nitrates. Both sets of readings were taken in winter-time and so may not represent a full annual cycle. However, the variation, even in this short period, is noteworthy and does not show clear trends.

4.5 Hydrogeology

Soils that favour the development of useful groundwater reserves are poorly developed in the Kosovo Basin. Groundwater may be associated with the more fissured parts of the Pliocene and Quaternary deposits.

The hydrogeological situation of the area is defined by three main hydrogeological units. These are illustrated in the hydrogeological map in Figure 5. They are described below, from the lowest to highest in stratigraphical terms.

The basic hydrogeological unit is made up by the “green clay” consisting of clay and silt with general thickness of more than 100 m. Hydrogeologically it can be classified as an aquiclude, i. e. a non water bearing horizon.

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The second hydrogeological unit is the overlying Lignite coal with a thickness of up to 70 m. The coal is generally described to have poor permeability but, due to fissures and cracks within the coal, can be classified as a discontinuity controlled aquifer (i.e. an aquifer with secondary permeability as opposed to primary – porosity related - permeability). The non-unifromity of the deposits is implies that permeability / hydraulic conductivity will be heterogeneous, with different values spatially and in different (x/y/z) directions. Thus, conditions of groundwater percolation may be locally unconfined or confined.

Before the main drainage sump in Mirash OPM was constructed, the lignite layer was in fact observed to be water bearing by means of observation wells. However, specific numerical data on the groundwater head or any observed water ingressions from the Lignite layer were not available during the preparation of this EIA.

The third and uppermost unit, following in the sequence as overburden above the coal layer, is made up mainly by silt and clay (termed “grey clay”) with occasional layers consisting of sand, gravel or detritus of fossil gastropod shells. Generally the clay material can be classified as an aquiclude. However, faults, fissures and cracks can reportedly reach depths of 10 to 15 m from the surface, forming potential pathways for groundwater migration.

In the Mirash OPM groundwater was observed to appear either from faults and other discontinuities, especially when connected to coarser, permeable, water bearing intercalations (such as the above mentioned sand, gastropod shell or gravel layers). The resulting hydraulic conductivity thus varies widely according to material composition (grain size) and frequency / persistence / spacing / orientation of the discontinuities.

Locally enhanced pathways can be created by erosion of the overburden (by river channels) to a thickness of a few meters, or the collapse of abandoned underground works, exposing the Lignite layer to accelerated infiltration by precipitation or seepage from river Sitnica.

Groundwater utilisation is restricted to private wells dug to a depth of 10 to 15 m below ground level in the overburden clay. Production quantities are shown by the Rudaski Institute (1985) with Q=3 l/min to Q=11 l/min with a maximum of Q = 54 l/min, which correspond to hydraulic conductivities in a range of Kf=10-9 m/s to Kf=10-6 m/s. Inhabitants in the area describe the wells as unproductive but sufficient for private use. The water collected in these wells is expected to source from precipitation and seepage, rather than the water table of a regionally developed aquifer.

A fourth hydrogeological unit might be defined as the quaternary fluvial sedimentary deposits along the river Sitnica. Regarding their composition some areas, e. g. where the natural valley narrows, are expected to be dominated by sand and gravel as main constituents, with a resulting hydraulic conductivity of up to Kf=10-4 m/s. Other areas with lower flow velocities will be made up mainly of silt and lay fraction from the grey clay. Also towards the depth silt and clay contents increase and permeability decreases, grading into the typical “grey clay” lithology. The latter prevents a direct contact between surface waters and coal seam.

Infiltration rates from Sitnica river into the groundwater are expected to be low due to above presented lithological situation. The groundwater table in the grey clay is said to lie some 10-15 m below ground level and no hydraulic connection to smaller surface runoffs exist (DMT/Vatenfall: Main Mining Plan for New Sibovc Field, Part III Environmental Impact Study, June 24th, 2005).

The hydrogeological units at the surface are presented in a map elaborated by the Rudarski Institute in 1996, see Figure 5. The map shows in brownish colour elevated and hilly plains

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with minor or no groundwater content, in blue colours the valleys of the rivers with higher groundwater occurrence. The area hatched in yellow is the current Bardh/Mirash OPM.

Figure 5 Hydrogeological Units

It should be noted, that the original groundwater flow regime (about which very little is known) is today disturbed and changed by the Bardh / Mirash OPM operation. The mine acts as a large groundwater sink / sump, thus regionally flow directions will have adjusted towards the mine.

The quantities of groundwater ingressions into the mines are not known. Waters pumped from the mines consist of precipitation as well as seepage / ingressions from groundwater. In Bardh the pumped monthly quantities are well under the expected amount of 80,000m³/month. In Mirash the pumped amounts (387,000 m³/m) exceed the amount expected by precipitation only (~150,000 m³/m) by factor 2.5. This difference is attributed to groundwater ingressions, most of which however appear to stem from a confined area where the mine boundary has cut the Sitnica river sediments. The considerable discharge is probably due to their higher permeability and the proximity of Sitnica, which creates a direct, “short circuit type” hydraulic connection.

4.6 Groundwater sampling points

To identify potential contaminations especially with hydrocarbons 28 water samples were taken from wells and surface waters on the ash dump, beside the ash dump and at the overburden dumps. The sampling locations are illustrated on Figure 6 and listed in Table 3. The rationale for each water sampling point is summarised in Table 4.

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Figure 6 Locations of Water Sampling Points

The results of analyses give no clear indication for ongoing pollutions. Enriched BTEX and PAH contents were measured at newly erected monitoring wells, where the contents of hydrocarbons might derive from the handling of the used iron pipes (PVC or HDPE pipes and screens were not used)

Only one private well (WP30) showed enriched hydrocarbon content with 0.5mg/l, whereas all other private wells and surface waters remained inconspicuous.

Besides the samples from the drill cores, additional samples of soil and water from the drillholes and free water surfaces have been taken. Various soil samples were taken and analysed for their organic content and heavy metals in a German laboratory. Altogether 28 water samples were taken and analysed.

The results of these analyses are shown in the Site Investigation Report, a copy of which appends this EIA.

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Table 3 Location of water samples

Sample Location X Y

WP-1 CLR 2007-27 7508197.0 4724023.4

WP-2 CLR 2007-27 7508197.0 4724023.4

WP-3 CLR 2007-26 7508136.6 4724030.5

WP-4 CLR 2007-26 7508136.6 4724030.5

WP-5 CLR 2007-9 7508538.5 4724034.6

WP-6 CLR 2007-9 7508538.5 4724034.6

WP-7 CLR 2007-2 7508443.0 4724837.1

WP-8 CLR 2007-2 7508443.0 4724837.1

WP-9 CLR 2007-6 7508561.7 4724318.0

WP-10 CLR 2007-6 7508561.7 4724318.0

WP-11 Surface water, lake downstream of Ash Dump 7508050.0 4724513.0

WP-12 Surface water, lake downstream of Ash Dump 7508050.0 4724513.0

WP-13 Small river beneath bridge near engine shed 7507820.0 4724886.0

WP-14 Small river beneath bridge near engine shed 7507820.0 4724886.0

WP-20 Mirash East (water flowing out of the coal) 7506068.0 4724392.0

WP-21 Mirash East (water flowing out of the coal) 7506021.0 4724215.0

WP-22+23 Small northern River 7506546.0 4724915.0

WP-24 Well at fire department 7507611.0 4725189.0

WP-30 a+b Farmer’s well west of ash dump 7507816.0 4724269.0

WP-31 Farmer’s well west of ash dump 7506952.0 4724127.0

WP-32 Farmer’s well west of ash dump 7507952.0 4724127.0

WP-33 a+b Southern end of new Sitnica river channel 7506757.0 4724701.0

WP-34 a+b Southern end of new Sitnica river channel 7506816.0 4724527.0

WP-40 Well west of ash dump 7507695.0 4724377.0




WP-44 Ash slurry from TPP-B in the Mirash East Mine

7506218.0 4724179.0

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Table 4 Reasons for Sampling

Sample Reason for sampling

WP-1 New drillhole

WP-2 New drillhole

WP-3 New drillhole

WP-4 New drillhole

WP-5 New drillhole

WP-6 New drillhole

WP-7 New drillhole

WP-8 New drillhole

WP-9 New drillhole

WP-10 New drillhole

WP-11 Discharge from ash dump via coal layer

WP-12 Discharge from ash dump via coal layer

WP-13 Surface water discharge

WP-14 Surface water discharge

WP-20 Mine water quality

WP-21 Mine water quality

WP-22+23 Surface water probably not affected by ash dumping

WP-24 Groundwater quality in the Quaternary deposits

WP-30 a+b Well probably affected by tar dumping

WP-31 Well probably affected by tar dumping

WP-32 Well probably affected by tar dumping







WP-44 Quality of water used for ash transport

For groundwater analysis as performed under the design and investigation study, please refer to the individual site investigation reports

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4.7 Seismicity

Kosovo is located within a moderately active seismic region. The main seismic zones of Kosovo are listed in Table 5.

Table 5 Kosovo Seismic Zones

Seismic Zone Magnitude CommentsPrizren Peje zone 6.6Ferizaj-Viti-Gjilan zone 6.1 10/08/1921 intensity 9 event with

intensity 7-8 aftershocks for a yearKopaonik 6.0Remainder of Kosovo <5.0

The project area is not included in the most highly active zones of Kosovo. Nevertheless, the area has a reasonable risk of seismicity, which may have a negative impact on the stability of the saturated sections of the overburden dumps. Consideration and mitigation of such risk is an important element of design in such conditions.

4.8 Climate and Air Quality

4.8.1 Climate

The climate of the area is classified as continental and is characterized by warm summers and cool winters, with moderate quantities of precipitation.

4.8.2 Precipitation

Average long-term precipitation for the Kosovo Basin is 590 mm; ranging from a minimum annual precipitation of 372mm and a maximum of 1028m over the period 1948 to 2006. The monthly average precipitation records are presented in Figure 7.

Figure 7 Monthly average precipitation

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On average, every month has moderate rainfall: the driest months being January to March with long term averages of 35 mm; and the wettest months being May and June with average precipitation more than 70 mm. Monthly variations in precipitation are considerable with every month of the year showing variations in precipitation between a trace and more than 100mm of rain. The average monthly range of precipitation record is presented in Figure 8.

Figure 8 Average monthly range of precipitation

Daily precipitation records are available for the period 2001-2004 and these data indicate that intense precipitation events resulting in 24 hr rainfall greater than 40mm occurred in April 2001 and August 2002. The absolute maximum 24hr precipitation recorded in the Kosovo Basin was 64.1mm in September 1954.

Statistical Storm Events

The published 24-hour storm events for the site area are as shown in Table 6

Return Period (years) Storm (mm)2 35.44 43.010 52.8100 74.6

Table 6 Statistical storm events

4.8.3 Temperature

Temperature data indicate that the average temperature at the mine site is 10°C with the lowest temperatures occurring in January and the highest in July. The absolute minimum temperature recorded is -25°C.

The average and extreme monthly temperatures for the periods 1979-1991 and 2002-2006 are presented in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

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Figure 9 Average and extreme monthly temperatures

Figure 10 Distribution of annual temperatures 2002-2006

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4.8.4 Wind

The predominant winds are from the north and northeast with an average velocity of 3 m/s. The maximum velocity recorded is 34.3 m/s from the north. The wind strength and direction distribution is shown on the wind rose Figure 11.

Figure 11 Wind rose for the site

4.8.5 Air Quality

The main air quality problem is dust, which can occur at any time of the year. Principle modes of dust generation related to the mining activities are wind erosion of ash piles (due to thin or absent soil cover), transportation and tipping of ash, mining activities and both materials and personnel transport. Other important sources of air pollution are the lignite fired power stations (which do not appear to have effective emissions filter systems), traffic, erosion from unpaved roads and the heating of private houses with lignite and wood.

Table 7, Table 8 and Table 9 illustrate air analysis taken in December 2005 and January 2006 from stationary air analysis units in the Obiliq area. These units are located at the Bardh Mine and in the grounds of the INKOS office which is equidistant between Kosovo A TPP and Kosovo A ASF. Both locations give a good indication of the ambient air quality at the sites in question as part of this preliminary environmental assessment. Analysis was carried out to measure SO2, soot and total deposited dust.

The air analysis was carried out in compliance with British Standard 1747 (1979), which is in line with EU Council Directive 99/30/EC. All sampling for SO2 and soot was carried out over a 24 hour period for each sample.

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Table 7 Air Analysis Dec. 2005 & Jan. 2006 (ug/m3) Bardh MineDecember 2005 January 2005

Date SO2 Soot Date SO2 Soot1-2 10.47 10.91 1-2 6.99 1.392-3 3.66 4.73 2-3 4.89 2.83-4 2.61 5.85 3-4 10.49 1.394-5 3.14 1.04 4-5 12.59 1.395-6 4.19 5.61 5-6 4.89 1.396-7 2.09 2.85 6-7 4.87 1.377-8 5.23 3.14 7-8 1.39 2.798-9 2.61 3.14 8-9 8.35 3.499-10 3.63 0.94 9-10 9.05 3.4910-11 9.52 4.78 10-11 18.8 4.1711-12 11.42 3.82 11-12 22.95 4.8812-13 7.14 3.82 12-13 11.84 5.2513-14 10 10.55 13-14 8.49 6.614-15 11.9 9.3 14-15 12.74 7.1115-16 14.28 5.32 15-16 10.61 18.5716-17 4.96 2.49 16-17 9.9 24.9217-18 7.44 0.98 17-18 11.9 38.6418-19 6.44 1.99 18-19 3.35 4.9119-20 3.96 11.66 19-20 4.95 3.5520-21 9.92 20.73 20-21 16.29 18.7821-22 2.48 21.59 21-22 18.33 39.7622-23 5.95 24.25 22-23 8.14 2.0323-24 3.13 16.33 23-24 10.86 3.4124-25 3.91 15.3 24-25 14.25 3.4125-26 2.35 44.29 25-26 10.18 4.7626-27 3.13 6.28 26-27 14.93 33.227-28 4.7 3.93 27-28 3.55 54.1728-29 2.35 3.93 28-29 19.92 72.7429-30 3.91 1.55 29-30 29.88 81.2230-31 4.19 2.09 30-31 17.79 50.8631-1 13.29 4.9 31-1 5.69 20.51

Average SO2 and soot measurements were measured over the course of the two months. The SO2 values are not especially high, although soot, if this represents PM10, exceeds the EU limit on 4 days. This is within the allowed exceedences in the EU and, in any case, average values are well below the threshold. These are winter data and summer levels may be higher.

Table 8 Average S02 and soot measurements Dec. 2005 & Jan. 2006 Bardh (ug/m3)Month S02 Soot

Min Max Average Min Max Average

December ‘05 2.09 14.28 5.93 1.39 29.98 11.25

January ‘06 0.94 44.29 8.325 1.37 81.22 16.86

31 measurements were taken for each of the parameters in both months in questions

Total deposited dust has been measured during December 2005 and January 2006 at Bardh and at a location equidistant between the Kosovo A TPP and Kosovo A ash dump.

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Table 9 Total Deposited Dust Dec. 2005 & Jan. 2006Bardh

Parameter Total Dust

Inorganic Particles

Soluble materials

pH Chlorine Sulphate

December ‘05 Mg/(m2 d) 131.30 70.66 60.64 7.09 1.55 2.47

January ‘06 Mg/(m2 d) 482.52 287.77 194.75 7.67 2.83 8.88

Separation FacilityDecember ‘05 Mg/(m2 d) 1128.06 782.11 345.95 7.78 2.32 9.97

January ‘06 Mg/(m2 d) 2009.16 1768.21 240.95 8.07 3.09 6.69

Air quality monitoring activity carried out in June 2007 in the Kastriot monitoring station, reported the following average concentrations:

SO2: 24.36 μg/m3;

Soot: 6.7 μg/m3.

4.8.6 Noise

The word noise is generally used to convey a negative response or attitude to the sound received by a listener. There are four common characteristics of sound, any or all of which determine listener response and the subsequent definition of the noise as ‘sound’. There characteristics are: intensity, loudness, annoyance and offensiveness.

Of the four main characteristics of sound, intensity is the only one that is not subjective and can be quantified.

As part of an ongoing study regarding the development of a new mine at Sibvoc field, a number of noise measurements were taken on behalf of KEK as baseline measurements. These measurement where taken at Bardh Village, Hada Village and at a mechanical workshop at the existing mining facility at Bardh. These measurements, although not carried out specifically for this project, give a clear indication of noise levels at villages in the environs of the sites concerning this project and also give an indication of noise levels that emanate from mining activities which themselves give an indication of noise levels that may emanate from the engineering works to be carried out at the ash dump, Mirash OPM and overburden dumps.

Table 11 and Table 12 illustrate the measurements taken. All measurements were taken between 11am and 12 noon on the dates outlined below.

Table 10 Noise measurements taken at Bardh and Hade VillagesDate Noise Level Bardh

Village (dB)Noise Level

Hade Village (dB)Temperature

28.12.2005 25 46 7.4oC4.01.2006 47 48 2.9oC6.01.2006 48 50 2.1oC11.01.2006 49 52 0.2oC12.01.2006 45 51 -3.9oC

Table 11 Noise measurements taken at Bardh Mine (Mechanical Workshop)Date Noise Level Bardh Mine Temperature

31.01.2006 55 2.1oC1.02.2006 54 1oC

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2.02.2006 56 -1oCNoise levels are usually regulated for the workplace (for example EU Directive 2003/10/EU) rather than for the general environment. However, comparison is useful, and these values indicate that the level of noise in the village streets is higher than generally recommended in EU states (35-40 dB) and in some instances close to conversational levels (50-55 dB). Therefore, the noise may cause some inconvenience. However, the levels are some way below the threshold for potential damage from long-term exposure (80 dB) and conditions are not, therefore, directly hazardous to health.

4.8.7 Soil

A general description of types of soils is given with the “Soil Map of SAP Kosovo”, scale 1:50,000 (N. Povicevic et al., Institute for Development of water resources, Belgrade; 1974). An update of soil classification on FAO standards was presented by the agricultural faculty of Pristina University. A summary is presented in Figure 12.

Figure 12 Soil map of the mining area around Obiliq (N. Povicevic et al, 1974)

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The soil quality on the dumps has been investigated in the course of the project design phase.

On the outside dump South close to Lizmir three soil profiles near to the surface were opened for the analyses of the soil quality of dumped material. Totally 10 individual soil samples were taken from these profiles. The work was carried out and a corresponding report was prepared by Prof. Dr. Xhevdet ELEZI, Dipl. eng. Muhamet ZOGAJ, Mr. sc. Agran HALIMI (Fushë Kosovë, November, 2007).

The following parameters were analysed in the local laboratory Lab SC “AGROVET”:

- Characteristics of soil reaction (pH value)- Organic matter content (% of humus and nitrogen)- Available phosphorus and potassium (mgP2O5 or mgK2O/100g soil)- Carbonate content (% CaCO3)- Heavy metals content Ni, Pb, Cd, and As (mg/kg)- Phenols index (mg/kg)- Soil texture (mechanical properties)

The report about the investigation is enclosed in the Site Investigation Report. It describes the analytic procedure principal used, and the soil classification, based on the corresponding methods. The report gives clear indications, that the soil itself has a good potential to be developed into fertile farmland with minor measures of shaping the grade and following regular fertilizing. But the report shows also unexpectedly high values of metals as shown in Table 12.

The report suggests that the metal levels are “toxic”, and they are certainly higher than typical remediation criteria. A full remediation design would need to be based on a risk assessment, which would include toxicity information.

The phenol levels are not high, and are described as “optimum”.

Table 12 Concentration of Metals in Soil Samples [mg/kg]

NoDepth

[cm]Ni Pb Cd As Phenol

Profile 1 – 1 0-28 1790,21 143,86 9,77 17,09 1,92

Profile 1 – 2 28-48 517,79 155,94 11,9 11,6 1,92

Profile 1 – 3 48-63 431,91 145,97 9,94 15,93 1,29

Profile 1 – 4 63-73 526 128 10,94 15,03 0

Profile 1 – 5 73-93 507,49 181,82 8,99 7,51 0

Profile 1 – 6 93-120 454,64 154,85 8,1 26,58 0

Profile 2 – 1 0-10 432,88 164,81 8,86 21,26 0

Profile 2 – 2 10-45 411,74 153,66 7,57 7,54 0

Profile 3 – 1 0-16 419,22 114,69 10,16 23,12 0

Profile 3 – 2 16-50 489,02 129,74 9,99 6,23 0

Minimum 411,74 114,69 7,57 6,23 0

Average 598,09 147,334 9,622 15,189

Maximum 1790,21 181,82 11,9 26,58 1,92

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NoDepth

[cm]Ni Pb Cd As Phenol

Threshold LÖLF1 100 300 2 40 - -

Limit following ICRCL2 35 550 3 10 - - 1 Threshold, where further investigations are advised before agricultural use starts following LÖLF (1988): Mindestuntersuchungsprogramm Kulturboden zur Gefährdungsabschätzung von Altlasten und Altstandorten im Hinblick auf eine landwirtschaftliche oder gärtnerische Nutzung, Recklinghausen, Germany2 ICRCL (1986):38/80, Redevelopment of contaminated land. DOE – Central Directorate on Environmental Pollution, London

As an example Table 13 presents a chemical analysis, in terms of major constituents, on a soil sample from one of the ash piles (at a depth of 24m). This shows that the ash has a mineral composition similar to clays (largely silica and aluminium), which were probably mixed with the lignite. However, despite the coked nature of the material, there is still a considerable proportion of carbon and sulphur, and also of volatile materials. This suggests that combustion was not complete and that the materials are contaminated.

Table 13 Chemical analysis on a soil sample from CLR-2 at 24m depth

Parameter Value UnitMoisture 33.77 %Ash 32.47 %Volatile material 18.57 %Calorific value 6203 kJ/kgTotal carbon 18.35 %Fixed carbon 15.19 %Total sulphur 1.13 %Organic sulphur 0.42 %Inorganic sulphur 0.82 %Hydrogen 5.05 %Silica 40.42 %Aluminium oxide 24.47 %Iron oxide 6.25 %Calcium oxide 17.56 %Magnesium oxide 3.23 %Sodium oxide 0.27 %Potassium oxide 1.17 %

4.8.8 Ash dump contamination data:

Resulting from the non-continuous operations at the TPP the dry ash dumped in the central and southern part appears rather inhomogeneous with a range from nearly unburned coal to totally burned ash. In addition the residues of restarting the plants have been brought to the dump. This resulted in recurrent spreading of limited volumes of ash intensively combined with incineration residues from the use of Diesel fuel.

Field investigations in the central part of the dump showed clearly, that besides the ash also hydrocarbons were deposited, derived from the gasification plant. Those materials, which

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appear similar to tar, can be found on the surface of the dump either filled into unsealed basins with floor spaces of more than 100 m² or brought into especially erected drillholes.

During intensive site visits on the ash dump storages of these by-products could be found on the following places:

- 25 drillholes filled with tar-like by-products on the western corner of middle ash dump part

- 2 flat scrapes filled also with tar-like by-products directly eastern of the above mentioned drillholes

- 1 flat pond filled with the same substances directly in front of the active dumping slope

- 1 shaft filled with the same material in the contact zone between middle part of ash dump and dumped overburden material on the ground surface

Exploration drillings, carried out to identify the presence of hydrocarbons inside the ash or inside the grown soil did not detect any additional pollution.

Specific samples were taken from the tar between August and December 2007 to investigate the contents of BTEX and PAH. The results are as shown in Table 14.

Table 14 Content of BTEX and PAH in the Ash

Dry substance 74.5 Mass-% BTEX :Benzene 63 mg/kg Toluene 39 mg/kg Ethyl-benzene 3.4 mg/kg1,2-Dimethylbenzene 4.1 mg/kg1.3+1.4-Dimethylbenzene 6.1 mg/kgSum BTEX 115.6 mg/kgPAH:Naphthalene 1,700 mg/kg TR Acenaphthylene 54 mg/kg TR Acenaphthene 160 mg/kg TR Fluorene 1,200 mg/kg TR Phenanthrene 4,400 mg/kg TR Anthracene 1,200 mg/kg TR Fluoranthene 1,500 mg/kg TR Pyrene 1,300 mg/kg TR Benz(a)anthracene 790 mg/kg TR Chrysene 590 mg/kg TR Benzo(b)fluoranthene 480 mg/kg TR Benzo(k)fluoranthene 97 mg/kg TRBenzo(a)pyrene 310 mg/kg TR Dibenzo(a,h) –anthracene 47 mg/kg TR Benzo(g,h,i)perylene 130 mg/kg TR Indeno(1,2,3-c,d) –pyrene 170 mg/kg TR

Sum PAH following US EPA 14,128 mg/kg TR

These results show that the soils are heavily contaminated with PAH (as expected) and that in

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this particular case, benzene levels were also elevated.

As phenols are explained by KEK to have formed a major pollution in the past, a description of phenols collected from different sources is presented in Table 15.

Table 15: Characteristics of Phenols

Solubility in water: 82 g/l at 15 °C Saturation conc. in the area:

0.77 g/m³ at 20 °C; 2.0 g/m³ at 30 °C

Human odour perception:

about 0.18 g/m³

Manmade sources, excreted by man:

in urine 0.2 - 6.6 mg/kg body wt/day

in faeces 0 - 3 mg/kg body wt/day

in sweat 2 - 8 mg/100mlWastewater treatment: oxidation by activated sludges acclimated to the

following aromatics: 250 mg/l influent, 30 minutes aeration: Phenol: 39% theor. oxidationo-cresol.: 34% theor. oxidationm-cresol: 37% theor. oxidationp-cresol: 20% theor. oxidation

Aquatic reaction: photooxidation by UV light in aqueous medium at 50 °C: 10.9% degradation to CO2 after 24 hours. autooxidation at 25 t½ 286 h at pH 9

t½ 629 h at pH 7Biological effects: human oral ingestion: 1g dose may be lethal Human Health Effects from Eating or Drinking Phenol Levels in Water (ppm or µg/l)

Length of Exposure

Effects

5000 Once Death 100 Minimal Risk Level (derived from

animal data)Levels in Food

Length of Exposure

Effects

Short term (<=14 days)

Not known

Long term (>14 days)

Not known

Animal Health Effects from Eating or Drinking Phenol Levels in Water (ppm or µg/l)

Length of Exposure

Effects

20,000 Once Muscle tremors, loss of co-ordination, death in rats

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24,000 9 days Decreased fetal body weight in rats

28,000 9 days Birth defects in mice Levels in Food

Length of Exposure

Effects

Short term (<=14 days)

Not known

Long term (>14 days)

Not known

Note: Effects at the lowest level at which they were first observed.

In summary, phenol can be toxic by ingestion of a high dose of the pure product. The product is slowly biodegraded by autooxidation or by photooxidation in the environment. Phenol is also a by-product in the biosynthesis of carbohydrates and is excreted which means that the compound can be found in domestic wastewater and subsequently in surface waters of rivers receiving untreated wastewater effluents.

Chloroderivatives of phenol (chlorophenols) are more toxic than phenol itself. The chlorination of water containing small quantities (microgrammes) of phenol to form chrolophenols, although a theoretical possibility, is highly unlikely in circumstances of low temperatures encountered, for example, at water pumping stations since the rate of reaction would be extremely slow.

Much of the soil and water data presented in the project reports show low to zero levels of phenols. However, where tar is encountered, or where water is contaminated by tar, elevated levels of phenol may occur.

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5 Social and Environmental Conditions5.1 Site Conditions

Site conditions are dominated by the legacy of historic deep mining, open-pit coaling (that has been active since the mid 1960s) and dumping of combustion products including fly ash and bottom ash arising from the operation of the nearby thermal power stations.

5.2 Human Interactions

There are a number of settlements in close proximity to the operating mines and the TPP facilities. The main settlements affected are as presented in Table 16.

Table 16 Affected Settlements

Fushe Kosove Kuzmin Obilic Lismir Uglar Nakarade Bresje Krushek (Dardhishte) Bardh Caravadice Hade Lescovcic Shipitula Cerkvena Vodic Sibovc

In addition to the named villages there are a numbered of scattered and unnamed farms and settlements. All of the settlements suffer negative impact from the current mining operations. The total population of the affected area is approximately 45,000 people of whom 31,000 live in Obilic. The locations of the settlements are shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 KEK Operations main features and settlements

A report entitled ‘Kosovo and its population’, prepared by the Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK), estimates the population of Obiliq to be in the region of 31,000.

The area of project implementation is in what would be classified as an industrial zone dominated by the two power stations. The main populated areas in the region are Obiliq,

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Palaj, Hade, Lismir, Kuzmin and Fushe Kosovo. There has been no detailed population census carried out since the 1980s. It is therefore not possible to give accurate details of the demographic make up of the area, however, it is estimated that the total population of the area is in the region of 45,000 people. The impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding population will be predominantly positive. Although all of these areas are directly or indirectly affected by the present generation and mining activities, all of which have been well documented, the negative impacts (if any) of the proposed project will be minimal on the surrounding population.

5.3 Employment

Current economic activity in the Region is dominated by KEK activities, primarily those involving coal production and power generation. 3,703 are employed in all KEK mining activities and a further 1,597 at both Kosovo A and Kosovo B TPPs. This means that 10% of the locally population are employed by the coal and power industry, with possibly up to 40% of population dependant on these jobs. No exact statistics are available on the general economic activities of the area. However unemployment in the region is high and based on information available from the Statistical Office of Kosovo is approximately 39%. However unofficial figures put the rate of unemployment in the Obiliq at circa 70%.

Much of the area in and around the generation and mining activities/facilities is used for agriculture with a mixture of arable and livestock development apparent. The agricultural activity consists predominantly of small properties and carried out, due to lack of affordability of modern agricultural machinery and facilities, in a simple manner.

5.4 Related impacts on health:

Ash from the both power plants is currently transported by open belt conveyors and is deposited at dumpsites, without any environmental protection measures taken at the dumpsites to prevent ash spreading by wind. It is estimated that the handling and transport currently causes about 19,500 tons of dust and the disposal about 50,000 tons of dust. Typically, the total deposited dust has been measured during December 2005 through January 2006 at the Bardh location between the thermal power plant and the ash dump. The measurements clearly illustrate the overall negative impact of the Power generation and the Ash dump. The total dust, measured in mg/m2 per day, means the amount of dust that settles per m2 in a day in this location amounts to 1,128 in December 2005, and 2,009 in January 2006, which is much higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) no-effect limit of 300 mg/m2 per day.

It seems to be generally agreed that the largest contribution to health damage is caused by particulate matter (PM). Approximately 31,000 people are estimated to live in Obilic municipality of which approximately 21,000 are estimated to be affected by the dust coming from the ashes. According to air measurements of PM10 presented herein, the air quality values (attributable to the ash dump) are occasionally in excess of EU limits. However, these data were obtained in winter and anecdotal information suggests that the annual average is higher than the EU limit of 50 ug/m3, which would suggest a risk of adverse health effects. Estimates for the quantitative effect of air pollution on mortality, cases of chronic bronchitis and lesser health impacts such as respiratory hospital admissions etc. were based on international studies examining the dose response relationships between exposure to fine particles and health impacts. These dose response functions present a change in crude mortality rates and DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) attributable to a change in 10 ug/m3 of annual mean concentration of PM10.

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The number of DALYs for Obiliq and the Obilic municipality caused by the ash dump amount to 182 cases per year. This represents a benefit of US$1,600,000 per year, once the ash dump is fully removed.

5.5 Flora and Fauna

In the course of investigations in the surrounding area most species of plants (trees, bushes and herbs) were identified. The natural plant communities and the plant communities which are a result of anthropogenic factors were also identified. The biotopes of which the plant communities form a part was also identified. The fauna, vegetation and biotopes were described, showing the prevalence of typical habitats and their vicinities regarding the ecological value.

This biotope diversity is reflected in a high biodiversity of fauna and flora, indicated by protected and endangered species at a national level (fide Dr. Schneider-Jacoby, Euronature), such as the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Garganey, (Anas querquedula), Redshank, (Tringa totanus) and the likelihood of the especially endangered Corncrake (Crex crex) and Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus). Moreover the White Stork, Little Bittern and Corncrake are listed in Annex I of the EU-Wild Birds Directive as endangered species. Based on the survey it was found that most of the investigated locations are under anthropogenic influence, i.e. influenced by man. Most parts of (semi)natural meadows and forest vegetation are found among the agriculture associations. In the vicinity of villages ruderal vegetation is found. Natural biotopes are found close to the river Sitnica. Examples are the wet meadows between Bivolak and Prilluzha, willow forests around the river Sitnica and other wet places, bushland around Bivolak and west of Bivolak the natural plant community oak forest.

The Ash dump has not been investigated as it is in its entirety an industrial area without any natural values. The vegetation on the ash dump is very poor, the fauna is dominated by lots of wild dogs.

A very similar situation is given at the overburden dumps. The surface is used for agriculture or cattle (cows, sheep and goats). So the natural flora and fauna is very limited. There is no evidence of special habitats or endangered species.

The situation at the Mirash mine is even worse. Due to the mining activities and the ongoing hydraulic ash dumping there is very limited flora and fauna.

Detailed information on the floral and faunistic population as well as a specific catalogue of endangered species was not available, therefore it was not possible to quantify adequately the indicator.

5.6 Archaeology

There is no information available with regard to the existence of any relicts, monuments or areas with archaeological importance.

5.7 Summary of Historic Mining Activities

The earliest phase of mining undertaken at the site was developed during the 1950s in the area of Dardhishte (Krushevc) and comprised shallow underground mining that accessed the main lignite seam be a series of declines initiating from what is now the Kosovo Defence Force compound progressing in a north easterly direction under the area now covered by the ash pile. The mine was operated by the room and pillar method. During the retreat phase the pillars were mined out and the roof allowed to collapse. The supports along the main roadways were left in place and as a result it is believed that some sections of the main declines are still open. When underground mining was discontinued in the early 1960s the

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entrances to the declines were blocked for the first 50m. Ventilation shafts were also capped and covered. Recently the capping of one of the ventilation shafts collapsed due the rotting of the timber cover. The condition of the collapsed shaft is shown in Plate 1 below.

Plate 1 Collapsed ventilation shaft

During the post mining phase the declines became filled with groundwater. At a later date the galleries were used for the disposal of tars and phenol rich wastes from the now defunct gasification plant.

The extent and condition of the underground mine beneath the ash dump is unknown but the project team believes that the openings have collapsed.

Current open pit operations occasionally intersect the main galleries and encounter the waste tar deposits.

Collapse of the old underground mine workings continues resulting in the localised displacement of contaminated groundwater into private wells and remains a concern to the residents of Dardhishde the remediation of these workings lies beyond the remit of the current project

Open pit coalmining commenced in the 1960’s and has been in progress ever since. The principle workings have been the Bardh and Mirash open pits and the extension Mirash East pit all of which are close to being worked out. At the present time the prestrip for the forthcoming Sibovc SW pit is in progress. The River Sitnica is also being rerouted to accommodate an extension of the Mirash east pit close to the Obiliq/Obilic to Fushe Kosovo/Kosovo Polje road near the village of Dardhishte. Consideration of the rerouting of the river lies outside the remit of the project.

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6 TPP A Ash Dump and Dragodan Overburden Dump6.1 Summary of current impacts

The assessment of impacts has been carried out using an empirical system, the key parameters of which are defined in Appendix 1

The environmental and social impacts arising from the dry disposal of TPP A ash and the external disposal of mine overburden are summarized in Table 17 below:

Table 17: Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations, TPPA Ash Dump and Dragodan Overburden dump

Source Scope Resources Affected SignificanceSurface Water Erosion of ash pile

FrequencyLikelihoodExtentDurationMagnitudeAction

InfrequentUnlikelyLocalShortMediumDirect

Pathways Run-off

LowReceptors Tributary streams and Sitnica river

Ponds originating from the formation of collapse structures in the abandoned Krusevec underground mine east of Dardishte village.


InfrequentLikelyLocalLongMediumDirect

Pathways Accumulations of leachate and infiltration MediumReceptors Groundwater

Depressions formed by settlement within the overburden sections of the dump filled with rainwater



Pathways Ponds within the dump, leading to increased infiltration and leachate production

Medium

Receptors Groundwater

Infiltration of precipitation into the ash sections of the dump


InfrequentCertainLocalLongMediumDirect

Pathways Ash sections of the dump

MediumReceptors GroundwaterSitnica River

Dust emissions arising from the deposition of ash from the conveyors and spreaders


FrequentCertainProvincialLongHighDirect

Pathways Air

HighReceptors Workers

ResidentsLivestockWildlifeSoilCrops

Dust emissions arising from previously placed ash due to wind erosion and breakage of surface crust.


FrequentCertainProvincialLongHighDirect

Pathways Air

High

Receptors WorkersResidentsLivestockWildlifeSoilCrops

Noise from mining vehicles, garage trucks and personnel transport.

FrequencyLikelihoodExtentDuration

FrequentCertainLocalShort

Pathways Air Medium

Receptors Workers

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Source Scope Resources Affected SignificanceMagnitudeAction

HighDirect

ResidentsLivestockWildlife

Operating noise and atmospheric emissions from thermal power plant


ContinuousCertainLocalLongMediumDirect

Pathways Air

MediumReceptors WorkersResidentsLivestockWildlife

Noise from operation of conveyor belts and worn rollers on lignite conveyors


FrequentCertainLocalLongMediumDirect

Pathways Air


Noise from operation of conveyor belts and worn rollers on ash conveyors



Pathways Air


Noise form site locomotive on shunting operations



Pathways Air


Noise from operation of ash spreader



Pathways Air

HighReceptors WorkersResidentsLivestockWildlife

Tar leachates, and eluates BTEX Napthaline


ContinuousCertainProvincialLongMedium/LowDirect

Pathways Groundwater

High

Receptors Ground Groundwater WorkersResidentsLivestockWildlife

Windblown debris, odours, vermin, health hazards. Discharge of refrigerants from fly tipping of domestic garbage


FrequentCertainLocalLongHighDirect

Pathways Air,

MediumReceptors Ground

WorkersResidentsLivestockWildlife

6.2 Proposed Mitigation Activities

6.2.1 Summary

The project, outlined in the CLR terms of reference (TOR) and detailed by the Vattenfall/DMT report, proposes the following measures:

Conversion of the present dry ash handling of the TPP A to a wet ash handling

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process

Partial Reconfiguring of the Existing External Ash and Overburden Dump

Drainage measures

Replacement of Static Plant with Mobile Equipment

Restoration of the Reconfigured External Ash and Overburden dump

These measures are described briefly below.

6.2.2 Conversion of the present dry a<sh handling of the TPP A to a wet ash handling process

A survey report prepared by Poery for the EAR estimates that 80% of the air pollution from the ash dump is generated during the placement of the ash on the external ash dump using spreaders as shown in Plate 2. Vattenfall/DMT proposes to decommission this activity and establish wet ash disposal in the Mirash East open pit.

Plate 2: Dry stacking of ash

6.2.3 Partial Reconfiguring of the Existing External Ash and Overburden Dump

This measure will involve the removal of unstable portions of the external ash and overburden dump particularly the south western part of the dump. The original plan was to remove the unstable materials and transfer them to the Mirash East pit. For environmental reasons, technical reasons and budgetary reasons the plan has been modified and unstable materials will be relocated to more stable areas of the external dump.

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Plate 3: Dry stacked ash

The south western section of the ash dump comprises interbedded ash and overburden layers Differential movement along the ash layers has given rise to vertical discontinuities in the overburden which has allowed water to penetrate the mass of the waste causing instability. Vattenfall/DMT proposes to remove nearly 1m bank m3 of material from this part of the dump and redistribute the material to the central part of the dump. The material will be shaped to allow runoff to discharge to the northwest. The work will be carried out during the rainy months to minimise the generation of dust.

Approximately ½ million loose m3 of cohesive overburden soils will be removed from the western part of the dump and will be used for the capping of various sections of the dump that represent particular environmental hazards. They include:

Part of the northern section of the dump contaminated with phenols

Areas of redeposited ash in the central-eastern section of the dump

Construction of a supporting bund to improve stability in front of the ash dump in the north and north-eastern sections

Capping of south-western area of the dump stripped of unstable material

Capping of central section of dump and the closure of abandoned tar ponds and tar filled boreholes.

Drainage and backfilling of water filled boreholes

6.2.4 Drainage Measures

A number of drainage measures are proposed to control run-off from the dump and reduce erosion. The measures proposed are also designed to minimise ponding of run-off in low areas around the foot of the dump slopes. The drainage measures proposed by Vattenfall/DMT include the following:

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Installation of drainage ditch and a concrete cascade on the north-eastern part of the ash dump

Installation of drainage ditches and a concrete cascade in the north-western part of the ash dump

Installation of a ditch system on the newly designed south-western wing of the waste dump.

Installation of a ditch along the north-eastern toe of the ash dump

6.2.5 Replacement of Static Plant with Mobile Equipment

The original plan to refurbish the existing fairly old heavy equipment including bucket wheel excavators, belt conveyors and spreaders has been abandoned for environmental, financial and scheduling reasons. Vattenfall/DMT proposes that a fleet of mobile equipment comprising trucks and shovels be used instead.

6.2.6 Restoration of the Reconfigured External Ash and Overburden Dump

The restoration and closure of the external ash and overburden dump is a major component of the Vattenfall/DMT scheme. The proposed works will backfill the depressions that have formed and allow water to infiltrate into the ash and by compacting the surface of the ash and overburden will reduce the potential for erosion of the waste materials.

6.3 Infrastructure Upgrades

6.3.1 Overview

A number of infrastructure improvements are required to facilitate the restoration works proposed on the ash and overburden dump. These are:

Demolition of houses

Road restoration

Removal of tar deposits

Removal of fly-tipped wastes

Protection of mine collapse structures

Dust control

Brief descriptions of these improvements are as follows:

6.3.2 Nearby residents

There are five partially demolished houses at the foot of the Dragodan section of the ash pile. The owners of the houses have abandoned the properties and have been compensated under a previous agreement, outside the terms of this project. Some properties are reported to be occupied by squatters from time to time. These buildings would be at serious risk should further slope instability occur. Further relocation of people would be difficult because the original inhabitants have been compensated and the current occupiers have moved in illegally after the properties were emptied.

The proposed remediation scheme will avoid this question by concentrating activities on other parts of the site. The slopes near these houses will not be disturbed.

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6.3.3 Restoration of the Dardhishte to Fushe Kosovo unpaved road

On completion of the bulk excavation and the drainage works it will be necessary to install a number of culverts under the road and then reconstruct the road. The road will be reconstructed s a 3 m wide unpaved single track road with passing places.

6.3.4 Remediation of Tar Deposits

Tarry wastes from the gasification plant were deposited in lagoons at the foot of the active western wing of the ash dump and also in the central western sector of the dump. Vattenfall/DMT estimates that there is approximately 2000 m3 of tar. Vattenfall/DMT proposes to cap the tarry wastes with 1 m of compacted clay soils.

6.3.5 Removal of Fly Tipped Wastes

The locations and estimated quantities of fly-tipped waste on the Ash dump and Dragodan overburden dump are listed in Table 18 below.

Table 18: Ash dump and Dragodan fly tipped waste

Type Location QuantityMunicipal waste south of Dragodan section of the ash

dump1000 m3

Municipal waste western edge of the ash pile 500 m3

Construction Waste access road to the Dragodan dump 400 m3

Municipal, scrap metal, building waste and insulation

north-western edge of ash dump 45,000 m3

Scrap metals and conveyor belt debris

along the conveyor lines to ash dump unknown

Municipal and building waste North-eastern slope of ash dump 100 m3

6.3.6 Protection of Underground Mining Collapse Structures

The collapse structures remaining from past underground mining activities include an old ventilation shaft that collapsed in March 2008 and was found to contain water contaminated by the disposal of waste from the old gasification plant.

The investigation and design of remedial works for this problem lies beyond the scope and budget of the present project. The provision of security fencing is the limit of remedial works proposed under this project. Additional funding will be required to facilitate the long term remediation of the former underground mine, waste disposal and the associated groundwater contamination.

6.3.7 Dust Control

Dust is a major environmental issue with widespread health impacts on workers and residents alike. The overall measures proposed by Vattenfall/DMT will result in a significant reduction in dust generation. There is however a significant potential for dust generation during the remediation works and Vattenfall/DMT are proposing the following dust control measures during the works:

Water sprinklers trucks to work with mobile equipment for dust suppression

A system of static water sprinklers to be established in the area of the dump where ash is being excavated or placed.

Excavation and placement of ash to be cancelled in dry and windy weather. In such conditions work to concentrate on the handling of overburden soils

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7 Outside Dump South7.1 Summary of current impacts.

The environmental and social impacts of the current mining operations are summarized in Table 19 below.

Table 19: Outside Dump South, Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations

Source Scope Resources Affected SignificanceDump slope instability in the Lizmir sector of the dump


FrequentLikelyLocalMediumMediumIndirect

Pathways Mass earth movements

MediumReceptors Agricultural land and nearby properties.

Dump slope instability in the Kuzmin sector of the dump


FrequentLikelyLocalMediumMediumIndirect


MediumReceptors Agricultural land

Dump slope instability adjacent to River Sitnica. River erodes toe of dump in high flow conditions




HighReceptors River Sitnica

Infiltration of precipitation into the of the dump through sink holes


InfrequentCertainLocalLongMediumDirect

Pathways Ash sections of the dump

MediumReceptors GroundwaterSitnica River

Water filled sink holes used by farmers for watering livestock


ContinuousLikelyLocalLongMediumIndirect

Pathways Mass earth movements, precipitation MediumReceptors LivestockWildlife

High metals content in soils used for agricultural purposes


ContinuousLikelyRegionalLongMediumIndirect

Pathways Soils , dustVegetation

MediumReceptors LivestockVegetablesHuman food chain


7.2.1 Summary

Vattenfall/DMT propose a number of mitigation measures to improve the situation of the Outside south Dump. These include the following:

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Dump slope stabilisation works

o Reshaping of the dump to improve runoff and reduce infiltration


Removal of fly tipped waste

7.2.2 Slope Section West of Lizmir

Instabilty in this section of the dump has been caused by the formation the dump in such a manner that has encroached into a small valley containing a stream. The absence of drainage measures has resulted in instability at the toe of the slope.

The measures proposed to stabilise the slope include the installation of a herringbone array of rock drains to intercept the stream and conduct it safely to the toe of the dump slope.

The dump west of Lizmir will also be regrading to allow water to run-off and reduce infiltration. Following the regrading two trapezoidal section drainage ditches will be excavated will be excavated to control run-off from the regraded section of the bund. The two ditches join close to the crest of the dump and a single channel carries the run-off down the slope.

Vattenfall/DMT have also identified the need to reduce the overall height of the dump to further improve stability. This measure is dependent on the end of coaling in the existing open pits and the use of the void for the disposal of spoil.

7.2.3 Slope Section between Lizmir and Kuzmin

Vattenfall/DMT propose to carry out remedial works in three areas of this section of the dump margin which show evidence of instability and have slope angles of more than 10°. Approximately 155 tcm of soil will be removed from these areas and used to construct a compacted soil bund at the toe of the slope.

7.2.4 Eastern Slope Section North of Lizmir

The dump is more than 50m high in this section and there are sections of slope standing at 18° to 20°.The flood protection at the toe of the slope has been overtipped and in periods of high flow the River Sitnica erodes the overtipped material. Vattenfall/DMT proposes to remove 620tcm of dumped soil and restore the dump slope to a series of terraces. An area of land outside the dump has been selected for the disposal of the excavated material.

The terraced slopes will be graded to ensure that they are free draining. Ditches will be installed on the benches to control erosion. The water collected in the ditches will be drained to a cascade that will be directed to the River Sitnica.

The area of excavated material will be graded to a landform that will direct runoff to a central channel from where flow will be directed to an existing stream channel.

7.2.5 Removal of Fly Tipped Wastes

The locations and estimated quantities of fly-tipped waste on the South dump are listed in Table 20 below.

Table 20: South Dump fly tipped waste

Type Location QuantityMunicipal waste Along Lizmir to Bardh road 1000 m3

Municipal waste In a sink north east of Lizmir 3000 m3

Municipal waste West of Lizmir 100 m3

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7.3 Implementation of Vegetation and Reforestation Plan

Vattenfall/DMT propose extensive reclamation measures of 88 ha of the South Dump area in addition to the area already used for pasture and fields. The restoration proposed includes the following:

Details of the reforestation plan are presented in Table 21 below.

Table 21: South Dump reforestation

Area Location Proposed Works After use11.8 ha Eastern slope terraced

slopesGrass mixture and shrubs (sloe and berberis) 5000 shrubs in total

Closed area fencing and thorny plantings to prevent access to livestock

8.7 ha Eastern slope terraces Tree planting (mountain pine, sycamore and common oak) 39,000 trees in total

Timber in long term

4.9 ha Eastern part of dump area Tree planting (robinia, douglas fir and poplar) 20,000 trees in total

Fenced to deny access to livestock Firewood in long term

10.7 ha Western part of dump area Tree planting (robinia, douglas fir and poplar) 45,000 trees in total

Fenced to deny access to livestock Firewood in long term

2.6 ha Nature reserve in centre of outside dump

Tree planting (common oak, black pine, Norway maple, large leaved lime and wych elm) 13,000 trees in total. Shrubs including sloe and berberis 760 plants in all for long term protection

Fenced to deny access to livestock

South eastern side of nature reserve

Plantings clustered around small ponds plantings to comprise sloe, berberis, white willow, grey alder and European ash

Protected plant and wildlife habitat

0.7 ha Lizmir-Bardh road Protective strip comprising 2000 shrubs of berberis and sloe

Fenced to protect against grazing livestock.

1.3 ha North western side of nature reserve

Protective strip comprising 708 shrubs of berberis and sloe and 6500 trees (Scotch pine, northern red oak, robinia and poplar)

Fenced to protect against grazing livestock. Oak and pine used for timber in the long term

6.5 ha South of nature reserve in outside dump area

Protective strip and wind barrier comprising 32,300 trees (Scotch pine, northern red oak, robinia and poplar) protected by 1700 shrubs of berberis and sloe

Fenced to protect against grazing livestock. Oak and pine used for timber in the long term.

Hiking trail 160 trees (Norway maple and Spanish chestnut)

Individual trees stakes and protected

40 ha Levelled dump area west of Lizmir

Seeded with grass No defined use.

20 ha Leisure reserve Probably seeded with grass Public access


Infrastructure improvements proposed for the dump south project are limited to the repair of the existing road between Lizmir and Bardh.

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8 Kalaja and Lugu I Thell Outside Dumps8.1 Summary of current impacts.

The environmental and social impacts of the current mining operations are summarized in Table 22.

Table 22: Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps, Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations

Source Scope Resources Affected SignificanceKalaja dump water filled sinkholes


ContinuousLikelyLocalShortSmallIndirect

Pathways Infiltration

LowReceptors Agricultural land and groundwater.


8.2.1 Summary

Vattenfall/DMT propose no measures for the Lugu i Thell dump, which will be subject to undisturbed natural development. Dumping of ash in this location ceased about 30 years ago. Only minor mitigation measures to improve the situation of the Kalaja dump.

These include the following:

Reshaping of the dump and partial backfilling of deeper sinkholes

Removal of fly tipped waste

Drainage measures

8.2.2 Regrading

The shallow sinkholes are not considered to present an environmental risk and have positive benefits as a source of water for livestock. At area of approximately 80 ha of the Kalaja dump will be regraded including the deeper sink holes.

8.2.3 Removal of fly tipped waste

The locations and estimated quantities of fly-tipped waste on the Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps are listed in Table 23.

Table 23: Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps fly tipped waste

Type Location QuantityMunicipal and construction waste Bardh to Kajala track 1000 m3

8.2.4 Drainage measures

Vattenfall/DMT propose to improve drainage by installing a network of drainage ditches over the entire Kajala dump area. The ditches will be connected into the existing stream network and drain into the River Drenica

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Vattenfall/DMT proposes extensive reclamation measures of 88 ha of the South Dump area in addition to the area already used for pasture and fields. Details of the reforestation plan are presented in Table 24.

Table 24: Kalaja and Lugu I Thell outside dumps reforestation

Area Location Proposed Works After use3.9 ha Tree nursery on north

boundary of Kajala dump

Tree planting (Poplar) 180 trees and shrubs (sloe and berberis) 720 shrubs in total

Wind shelter.

34.3 ha Tree plantation in central part of Kajala dump

Tree planting (robinia, Douglas fir and poplar) 140,000 trees in total

Firewood in long term

39 ha Northern slope of Kajala dump

Grass Grazing


No infrastructure improvements are proposed for the Kajala dump project.

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9 Vasilev Outside Dump 9.1 Summary of current impacts.

The environmental and social impacts of the current mining operations are summarized in Table 25.

Table 25: Vasilev Outside Dump, Summary Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Current Operations

Source Scope Resources Affected SignificanceSlope instability caused by under drainage system. Dumping has been extended beyond the limits of the drainage system.


InfrequentLikelyLocalMediumMediumDirect


MediumReceptors Agricultural land, nearby propertiesSurface water

Infiltration of precipitation into the dump through tension cracks


InfrequentLikelyLocalMediumMediumDirect


MediumReceptors Agricultural landSurface water

Uncontrolled overtopping of lake on the top of the dump


InfrequentUnlikely LocalShortMediumIndirect

Pathways Run off

HighReceptors Agricultural landNearby properties


9.2.1 Summary

Vattenfall/DMT proposes a number of mitigation measures to improve the situation of the Vasilev Outside Dump. These include the following:

Dump slope stabilisation works

o Reshaping of the dump to improve runoff and reduce infiltration


9.2.2 Northern Edge of Dump

The Vasilev dump was formed in a number of dumping blocks. The mining waste was placed by conveyor and the last block to be placed resulted in a steep sided block 15 m high. The placement of the block has resulted in the underlying waste slopes becoming unstable. Vattenfall/DMT propose to re-excavate and relocate this block of waste using mobile equipment. Approximately 320 tlcm of waste will be removed. The excavated material will be placed against the eastern margin of the dump. This work will involve the drainage of a small lake.

9.2.3 Regrading of the dump

Vattenfall/DMT propose to regrade the entire slope of the Vasilev dump adjacent to the valley to remove slope irregularities and close tension cracks.

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9.2.4 Drainage works

A network of drainage ditches is proposed for the management of surface water from the Vasilev dump. In addition to collecting surface run-off from the dump the ditches will act as an overflow to the existing lakes on the dump.

Vattenfall/DMT also recommends that the condition of the overtipped valley drain be further investigated. Locating, repairing and extending this drain would help to drain the toe of the dump and improve the stability of the side slopes.

A network of finger drains is proposed to drain and stabilize the dump slopes along the north west margin of the dump.


Vattenfall/DMT propose extensive reclamation measures of 88 ha of the South Dump area in addition to the area already used for pasture and fields. Details of the reforestation plan are presented in Table 26.

Table 26:Vasilev Dump reforestation plan

Area Location Proposed Works After use60 ha North west regarded

areaSeeding with grass None

9 ha Newly dumped area Tree planting (black pine, Norway maple, wych elm, large leaved lime and common oak) 44,500 trees in total. Shrubs including sloe and berberis 13000 plants in all for long term protection

Forest

Hiking trail and lookout point

Tree planting (Norway maple and Spanish chestnut) 140 trees in total

Recreation

Southern lakeshore Clusters of trees and shrubs comprising white willow, grey alder and common ash surrounded by berberis and sloe

Recreation


Infrastructure improvements are proposed for the Vasilev dump project are limited to the repair of the existing unpaved road between Bardh and Vasilev.

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10 Public ConsultationsPublic consultations were conducted in accordance with World Bank project requirements.

10.1 Hearings

Public Hearings were conducted as shown in Table 27.

Table 27: Public Hearings

Location DateObilic/Obiliq 25th September 2008

Fushe Kosovo/Kosovo Polje 26th September 2008

Both hearings were well publicised in the community and were well attended by concerned members of the public. The project team was represented by members of the KEK environmental department, the PIU and the environmental consultant. The Obilic meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Emin Krasnici, from the Kosovo Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP). A register of attendees from the public was maintained and is presented in Appendix 2 of this report.

The format of the meetings was as follows:General Introduction Michael Feiss, PMU Director

Ministry Statement Emin Krasnici, Deputy Minister of MESP*

Project Description Fatmir Gerguri, KEK/PMU

Environmental Issues Andrew Leach, Environmental Reviewer

Questions from the Public Moderated by Michael Feiss

* Obiliq meeting only

A several members of the public made statements and raised questions. In the majority of cases the issues raised were outside the remit of the project, these issues revealed grievances and concerns between the community and KEK. The principle issues raised were as follows.

Return of land to agricultural use.

Several members of the public expressed the view that land taken over by KEK in the past should be returned to the former landowners so that the land could be put back into agricultural use.

There is already limited agriculture on the overburden dumps. Limited work has been carried out to determine if this is an appropriate uses for the land due to the possible presence of contaminants in the overburden material.

The return of the ash pile to agriculture should be prevented if possible, and the reforestation plan proposed carried out. If there is continued pressure from the community for the release of the restored ash dump to agricultural use this should be prevented until further work has been carried out. Consideration should be given to the establishment of planting trials over several growing seasons followed by toxicological analysis of the crops to determine if the soil is suitable for agriculture.

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On-going liaison with the community leaders will be required to explain the risks associated with returning the land to agriculture and the benefits to the community of reforestation.

Compensation for the Compulsory Purchase of Land

Several participants in the meeting at Fushe Kosovo expressed concern at the historic levels of compensation paid by KEK for land subject to compulsory purchase in the past.

It is believed that whatever the levels of compensation paid, the transactions were carried out in accordance with the legal system in force at the time. This issue is considered to lie outside the remit of the project.

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11 Alternatives considered in the design process11.1 Overview

The final project design is a result of the evaluation and comparison of several alternatives that have been drafted during the design process.The different alternatives have been assessed and compared under consideration of environmental, social and technical issues.

The design process is based on the evaluation of the basic project design that had been drafted in a pre-feasibility study in the course of the project appraisal phase.

The preliminary design aims for the complete removal of the ash dump by utilisation of used KEK’s conventional main mining equipment. The material has to be transported via belt conveyors to the dumping point in the mined out area Mirash-East. Simultaneously the active process ash removal must be incorporated in this system.

In the preliminary concept, originally described in the Pre-feasibility study, three BWE (SRs 315 respectively SRs 470) were proposed for removal of ash dump. The route of the belt conveyor system consisting of 1,200 and 1,400 mm belts leads along the former corridor of outside dumping from the ash dump in south-western direction and afterwards in western direction up to the boundary of the Mirash-East area. The belt conveyors of the active TPP A process ash removal must be relocated along the main road to the mine to be finally connected with the removal system at the boundary Mirash-East area. Both volume streams will be dumped in the Mirash-East area by using a spreader. Figure 14 shows a general overview of the preliminary concept.

Sitnica

O CM Mirash

M irashEast

plan nedSitnicaField1

25

3

3

Hade

Nakarade F Kushe osove

Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A1 - Sanitary Landfill

3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dum ping5 - Overburden from Sitnica F ield ??

2 - T P P B A s h S p o i l i n g

Ash R elocation

Process Ash

4

Figure 14 Schematic Illustration of the preliminary concept

11.2 Results of initial evaluation of design

The results of the evaluation of the original design are summarised below:

Equipment issues

The annual performance of the excavators and the whole system, calculated in the pre-feasibility study is definitely too high and exceeds the real performance by about 200%.

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The selected equipment has already reached the normative service time including life extension. A further use of this equipment for about 15 to 20 years under difficult application conditions can be realised with expensive refurbishment measures.

In the original concept only one belt conveyor system is planned for ash dump removal and process ash removal. In case of a breakdown of this system, the process ash of TPP A cannot be removed and must be stored. The volume of the bunkers comes to about 2,000 m³, corresponding to an operation time of 15 to 20 hrs only. After this time the operation of the TPP has to be stopped.

The availability of pre-selected equipment is uncertain, because KEK needs additional equipment for the new Sitnica field and for compensation of the delay of the refurbishment measures for the equipment in the future Sibovc mine.

Technical and timing issues

The working method of the CME impedes the selective removal of the contaminated material.

The available dumping volume in the Mirash-East area is already nowadays lower than the volume of the ash dump, considering an inside dumping up to the pre-mining surface level. Up to begin of operation the available volume will be further reduced.

The selective removal, transport and dumping of the contaminated parts of the ash dump were not considered. The contaminations reach down to the lignite seam under the ash dump.

The operation would not start before 2010

If the whole removal of the ash dump could be finished, than the best possible environmental result will be achieved, but however this process needs 15 to 20 years.

The close interaction with several activities in this area (inside overburden dumping, ash spoiling of TPP B, sanitary landfill) will leads to hindrances between all these operations.

Environmental issues

In direct vicinity of the of the planned belt conveyor axis new private houses were built in the last years. The quality of life will be reduced for these families for a long time.

The endangering of private properties by the squeezed out dumping masses will be lasting in minimum for the next 3 to 5 years. The public safety cannot be reached until then.

The main dust emissions can be reduced earliest in 2013. Simultaneously new sources of dust emissions will be created by re-excavation and the long transport distances of ash. So the situation regarding dust emissions would be even worse for the next 5 to 10 years. For this reason this proposal/solution is quite unacceptable from an environmental point if view.

Financial issues

The necessary initial investment exceeds the available World Bank budget.

The operational cost including all other necessary investments for refurbishment have to be taken over by KEK.

In conclusion, a number of issues were identified which could reduce the effectiveness of hte project and possibly impact upon the chance of success. These issues were taken forward into the revision of the design process.

11.3 Potential coordination with mining activities

KEK plans the opening-up of a new lignite field, the so-called Sitnica field. The opening-up

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overburden of this mine has to be dumped in the Mirash-East area too.

One question was: will KEK be able to allocate the necessary funds for the long-time operation of these systems, besides the main activities? On of the most important fact will be the costly refurbishment of equipment regarding a service time of totally 60 years. A complete refurbishment will come to about 25 MEUR for the whole system; this cost position alone corresponds to a specific burden of 0.6 EUR per m³ ash.

The repair of the equipment falls in the same time like the refurbishments of the big CME systems, which are planned for the Sibovc mine. A question was: will KEK be able provide the corresponding skilled personal and auxiliary equipment?

The final assessment of the feasibility of the original design ended with the result that this concept is not feasible.

11.4 Other factors

The assessment of the Concept has shown that a realisation would have been connected with a lot of difficulties and uncertainties. These are not only related to the changed situation in KEK, but also to the international price and market development in the last two years. A further important factor influenced the assessment are the contaminations in ash dump body caused by the former gasification plant. Moreover wrong assumptions were made in the pre-feasibility study, which led to a distortion of the results. And in the end also the available World Bank budget was exceeded.

Basis of the original concept were the results of the pre-feasibility study, prepared in 2005. The situation has been changed particularly with regard to the following items:

The contaminations of the ash dump by tar-like by-products and phenol of the former gasification plant are more spacious and manifold as originally expected. Not only sporadic selectively contaminations could be proved, but also tar-filled flat ponds, drillholes and shafts. The contaminations reach down to the former underground galleries in the basis of the ash dump.

The order situation of the international mechanical engineering companies is currently very good with the result of escalated delivery and refurbishment times.

The steel and other metal prices are currently on a very high level. The current non-ferrous metal prices are partly up to 3 times higher as in the year 2005 when the pre-feasibility study was prepared (please see next figure). Also the prices for steel, steel profiles and steel sheets are escalated by up to 50%. This development has considerable consequences for financing of the planned refurbishment measures of KEK’s main mining equipment.

The time delays of the refurbishment measures will have consequences for the opening-up performance of the Sibovc-SW mine. It cannot be excluded, that KEK will use more equipment for the opening-up operation of Sibovc-SW than originally planned to compensate the delay and the lower performance and to ensure the coal supply to the existing power plants.

The technical status of the main equipment (especially the smaller equipment) has been further deteriorated, caused by insufficient running maintenance.

KEK plans currently an expansion of the former Mirash-East mine with the aim of additional lignite extraction to secure the fuel supply of the TPP A. The opening-up overburden of the so called Sitnica-Field must be dumped in the mined out Mirash-East area. Therefore the overburden dumping of the existing mines, the TPP B ash spoiling, the waste dumping (sanitary land-fill) and the dumping of opening-up overburden will be concentrated in the

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Mirash-East area in the following years. The installation of an additional ash dumping system in this area will lead to an additional mutual hindrance of operation. Already now the available dumping space in the Mirash-East area comes to a volume of 30 mcm only, considering a dumping up to the pre-mining surface.

The corridor between the TPP A ash dump and the Mirash-East mine is an intensive builtup area. Besides a huge number of houses a main road and a railway line passes along this corridor. In the last years additional houses were built, also in direct proximity of the planned belt conveyor axis.

Based on the items mentioned above, the original project design would generate serious environmental and social problems for a period of 5 to 10 years. During this time the environmental situation would be even worse than the existing situation. Beside the negative environmental and social impact, the realisation of this concept would have serious technical, organisational, logistical and budget problems.

11.5 Summary of alternative project designs

Following the fact that the original project design was not feasible, the technical consultants drafted and evaluated the following alternative designs. These are summairsed below because the consideration of the various options is relevant to the selection of the chosen approach and the assessment of environmental impacts considered in this document.

Alternative 1

The variant in Figure 15 prefers the removal of the TPP A ash dump masses to the future mined-out area of the existing mines. The dumping space in this area is nearly unlimited, but the transport distance will be extended. The equipment use will be analogue to the ToR-Concept.

OCM M irash

M irashEast

plan nedSitn icaField1

25

3

1 - Sanitary Landfill

3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dum ping5 - Overburden from Sitn ica F ield ??


Hade


Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A

4

Figure 15 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 1

Alternative 2

The variant in Figure 16 prefers the removal of the TPP A ash dump masses to the planned widening of the Mirash-East area. This widening, named Sitnica-Field, is planned by KEK’s CPD for additional mid-term lignite extraction. The transport distance will be shortened,

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because of closer location of this field to the ash dump. The equipment use will be analogue to the ToR Concept.

Sitnica

OCM M irash

M irashEast

SitnicaField1

25

3


3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dum ping5 - Overburden from Sitnica F ield ??


Hade


Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A

Ash R e locationReserve

4

Figure 16 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 2

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 including different sub-alternatives was developed to achieve as fast as possible an improvement of environmental situation on the one hand and to meet the available World Bank budget on the other hand.

Alternative 3a

In the base alternative 3a, as shown in Figure 17, is planned a partly removal of the western part of the ash dump, which is contaminated with by-products of the former gasification plant. The removed masses can be distributed to other parts of the ash dump, respectively to an interim dumping place in case of the contaminated material. The higher flexibility regarding the selective removal, as well as the short transport distances prefers the application of mobile equipment. To reduce the dust emissions as fast as possible the rearrangement to a wet ash handling of active process ash in TPP A is proposed.

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Si tn i c a

MirashEast

plannedSitnica

Field1

25

3

F Kushe osove

Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A


3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dumping5 - Overburden from S itnica Field ??

2 - T P P B & A A s h S p o i l i n g

Wet Ash

4

Figure 17 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3a

Alternative 3b

This alternative corresponds to Alternative 3a, but without re-arrangement of active TPP A process ash system to hydraulic transport, as shown in Figure 18. The ash dumping will be continued by spreaders, the location of dumping will be the Mirash-East area, as planned in the original ToR.

Si tn i ca

MirashEast

plannedSitnicaField1

25

3

F Kushe osove

Krushec

O utside D um p

Ash D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A


3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dum ping5 - Overburden from S itn ica Field ??


ReserveD ry P rocess Ash

4

Figure 18 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3b

Alternative 3c

With the alternative 3c a variant with minimum expenditures and fastest possible realisation of environmental goals of the CLR-Project was developed. As shown in Figure 19, the active

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TPP A process ash is to be rearranged for spoiling in the Mirash-East area together with the ash from TPP B. With the remaining budget a limited ash removal is planned to reduce the pressure to the underlying dumped outside dump masses. Simultaneously the contaminated ash dump areas will be covered with cohesive material from the squeezed out overburden dump.

S i tn i c a

MirashEast

plannedSitnica

Field1

25

3

F Kushe osove

Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p


3 - Inside Dumping4 - Ash Dumping5 - Overburden from S itn ica F ield ??


TPP A

W et Ash

4

Figure 19 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3c

Alternative 3d

Alternative 3d, in Figure 20, is a modification of alternative 3c regarding the spoiling location of active process ash. To shorten the hydraulic transport distance, a spoiling location within the ash dump area was selected.

Si tn i c a

MirashEast

plannedSitnica

Field1

25

3

F Kushe osove

Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A


3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dum ping5 - Overburden from S itnica Field ??


Wet A sh

4

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Figure 20 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3d

Alternative 3e

Figure 21 illustrates alternative 3e, which is based on the before described alternatives 3c, but the active dry ash dumping with the spreaders will keep. Dumping location will be the Mirash-East area, as originally planned.

Si tn i c a

MirashEast

plannedSitnica

Field1

25

3

F Kushe osove

Krushec

O utside D um p

A sh D um p

O utside D um p

TPP A


3 - Inside Dum ping4 - Ash Dum ping5 - Overburden from S itnica Field ??


4

D ry P rocess A sh

Reserve

Figure 21 Schematic Illustration of Alternative 3e

A detailed description and analysis of these alternatives is part of the Vatenfall report.

In addition, the option of taking no action needs to be considered. In this case there will be ongoing dust emissions for the entire lifetime of TPP A. During this time the emissions are estimated to be 1000 kg/hour in average. Beside the dust problem, the geotechnical instability of the dump will increase and more and more houses would be endangered or destroyed.

11.6 Selection of the preferred alternative

Based on the evaluation of the original project design and the drafted alternatives, the final selection of the project design has been done by KEK in close cooperation with the consultants.

The assessment of the original concept has shown that meanwhile serious difficulties und uncertainties have been emerged. In order to ensure the fulfilment of the overall project development objective of World Bank the Consultant has made suggestions for adjustment of the project approach and realization concept of the ash removal project at its best knowledge and professional experience.

Changes identified regarding the original concept are not only reduced to the changed situation at KEK, but also to the international price and market development of the last two years. A further important factor that influenced the assessment are the detected contaminations in ash dump body caused by the former gasification plant disposing liquid waste products and phenols. Moreover wrong assumptions were made in the pre-feasibility study, regarding the performance calculation of the main equipment, which led to a distortion of the results. And in the end also the available World Bank budget will not be sufficient, even not for the planned equipment rehabilitation.

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At first the consultant made some suggestions in the Inception Report for possible adaptations while maintaining the base ToR Concept (alternative 1 and 2). But with these adaptations, improvements could be achieved in some cases only. The main dust emissions, caused by dumping and transport of active TPP A process ash, can be reduced, but simultaneously new sources of dust emissions will be created by re-excavation and the long transport distances of ash for a long time.

In a second step wider adaptation options were carried out by the consultant, regarding the volume of masses to be removed and the selection of equipment. An alternative with high flexibility and mobility could be achieved by using mobile equipment. For this base variant different sub-alternatives were developed. The sub-alternatives 3a and 3b aimed at a selective removal of the contaminated parts of the ash dump. The large mass movement of totally 24 mcm can be balanced by the chance of additional lignite extraction (7 mt), deposited under the ash dump, but however both alternatives are disadvantaged by the high initial investment or subcontractor costs. That’s why the sub-alternatives 3c, 3d and 3e were developed with the aim of minimising the costs and simultaneously optimum environmental results. These alternatives were based on the following concepts:

Rearrangement of TPP-A process ash removal

Minimal mass removal on the ash dump to avoid further slope movements of the squeezed out dumped overburden

Covering the contaminated parts of the ash dump to avoid the penetration of surface water in the ash dump and therefore to avoid the contamination of groundwater with dissolved harmful substances

For these alternatives there is the chance for realisation within the planned World Bank budget. In view of the costs the sub-alternatives 3c, 3d and 3e are essentially better balanced than the preliminary concept and the other alternatives. But the alternative 3c, which is based on the rearrangement of TPP A process ash removal to hydraulic transport, shows the best environmental improvements. That’s why the consultant suggested alternative 3c as preference alternative. This variant bears much less difficulties and risks for its practical implementation. The realisation is predominately independent from KEK’s main activities and is therefore independent of changes in the mid-term development of KEK. Moreover the alternative is partially independent of KEK’s financial situation and will lead to real environmental improvements achievable within the World Bank budget. Another big advantage – in contrast to other alternatives - is the fast realisation and the fast achievement of the project goals.

Under consideration of the most important issue of the project –the reduction of the dust emissions caused by the ash dump and ongoing dry ash dumping- the assessment of the basic alternatives is very clear:

11.7 Summary of recent design changes

In summary, the discussion above has resulted in the following changes to the proposed remediation design.

Original project design – relocation of the dump, ongoing dry ash dumping

Due to improved technical standards and EMM the specific dust emissions would be lower in comparison to the existing situation. But this reduction of the specific emissions would not be enough for the compensation of the much higher ash transport volume during the relocation of the ash dump (factor is between 6 and 10). So the dust emissions would not be reduced for the next 5 to 10 years. After 10 year the lifetime of Kosovo A TPP is exhausted, anyway. So,

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regarding dust emissions, there would not be any benefit.

Final project design – partial removal of the ash dump, conversion to hydraulic ash transport.

The conversion to hydraulic ash transport will reduce the ongoing dust emissions dramatically. Finally, after the partial relocation and reshaping of the ash dump will be finished, the remaining dust emissions will be marginal. Following the results of dust emission calculations the termination of the current dry ash dumping technology the dust emissions will be immediately reduced from 1000 kg/hour to 200 kg/hour. The remaining 200 kg/hour will finally disappear when the partial removal, reshaping and covering of the ash dump is finished. During the partial re-location and reshaping of the ash dump, the specific dust emissions as well as the total ash volume that will be re-moved, will be very low in comparison to both of the other variants.

11.8 Project Priorities

Issues relating to the restoration of the Ash pile and the Dragodan dump have been given a high priority because the hazards including the flying dust and the instability of the overburden dump are both evident and close to Obilic.

The planned change to wet disposal of the ongoing ash is a relatively low cost option and will result in a very noticeable improvement in overall conditions.

The conversion from dry handling to wet handling of the ash will result in an estimated 80% reduction in pollution. The proposed capping will result in a future 18% reduction in ash pollution.

The drainage of the toe and the regrading of the Dragodan overburden dump will reduce the threat to properties in Dardishde village.

Issues relating to the integrity of the Vasiliev overburden dump are of particular concern. The dump was constructed by end tipping of overburden material into a valley. The material was placed over a stream resulting in continued toe instability. The formation of a lake on the crest of the dump is of particular concern.

The project team have correctly identified the two greatest risks associated with this dump, the continued instability at the toe of the dump and the potential for overtopping of the lake leading to a catastrophic discharge. Remedial works have been proposed to address these risks drains at the toe and the provision of an emergency spillway for the lake.

The presence of sinkholes and tension cracks in the surface of the dump permits the ingress of precipitation into the overburden. The proposed remediation works include the installation of drains and the regrading of the surface of the dump. Unless the drainage measures are sufficient to fully stabilise the dump further movement will occur and will result in further cracking and will permit further ingress of precipitation into the dump toe.

Although the potential for catastrophic failure is only moderate the consequence of such an event would be potentially highly damaging. An extreme precipitation event leading to the overtopping of the lake may lead to uncontrolled discharge of water resulting in the creating of a mudflow resulting in the displacement of the waste material beyond the current footprint of the Vasiliev waste dump.

The project team have identified the risk and have proposed mitigation measures within the limitations of the project budget. In view of the high significance of any failure consideration should be given to the provision of additional measures.

Appropriate measures might include regular inspection and instrumentation of the dump with

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financial provision for further remedial measures.

Consideration should be given to the establishment of a further externally funded project to remove the lake and regrade the dump to ensure drainage of the dump.

11.9 Conversion to Wet Ash Handling

The proposed conversion of the ash handling system from conveyor based dry ash transport to a piped slurry transport system is central to the reduction of atmospheric contamination from the TPP A. This modification will bring TPP A into line with TPP B which has used wet ash disposal for a number of years.

The ash will be transported as a piped slurry using water from the power station to form the slurry. The slurry will be piped to a lagoon for disposal. Water will not be decanted from the lagoon and there will be no recovery of water. There will be some loss of water during the summer months due to evaporation but the ash will be generally be kept damp to prevent dusting of the surface.

The water used for transport would otherwise be discharged directly to the Sitnica without treatment.

The detailed design of the ash slurry transport system will be done in a separate design study. The design will be done in a matter that minimizes water consumption and water losses. No excess water will leave the slurry ponds.

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12 Environmental Management12.1 Mitigation of Impacts arising from Proposed Remediation Activities

A list of mitigation measures for the environmental impacts that are expected to be caused by the proposed remedial works has been prepared in and is presented in Table 28, Table 29, Table 30, Table 31 and Table 32.

12.1.1 Ash Handling

Table 28: Mitigation of impacts arising from ash handlingSource Resource Affected Significance MitigationDust generated by excavators and bulldozers

Pathways Air

High

Use of sprinkler system at dump face (both stationary/semi mobile and mobile sprinkler systems). Avoid works in very windy conditions Avoid opening a large working face. Avoid works in dry (summer) time.Masks to be used by operators, truck windows to be kept closed in dusty conditions. Trucks are equipped with air condition/air filtering system.

Receptors Agricultural land livestock, residents employees

Dust generated by trucks in transit

Pathways Air

High

Trucks to be modified to accommodate low density loads. Loads to be fully covered during transit. Main transit routes across the ash dump to be surfaced with geotextile and gravel to minimise dust. Trucks not to be overloaded. Dust suppression sprays to be used where necessaryTemporary works to be constructed to prevent ash falling into surface water. Avoid weekend working near villages and the transportation of materials near villages at weekends. Establish liaison committees and liaise with civil authorities

Receptors Agricultural land livestock, residents employees

Leaching of chemicals contained within the ash

Pathways Ash, groundwater

Medium

Minimise potential by working methods that do not open large areas of ash to infiltration. Prevent ponding of water. Use temporary lagoons and sedimentation ponds where necessaryConsider monitoring of wells in Dardishte to identify any changes in water quality

Receptors GroundwaterSurface water

Leaching of tar and naphtha co-disposed with the ash

Pathways Ash, groundwater

High

Detailed investigation to identify areas with chemical contamination. Establish safe working practices and exercise careful control of the works Consider monitoring of wells in Dardishte to identify any changes in water quality

Receptors GroundwaterSurface waterWellsLivestockResidents

The principal potential environmental impacts of these mitigation operations will be increased usage of water for dust suppression and some increased emissions from extra works. Operational impacts will be increased costs for pumping and for imported materials (e.g. geotextile) and also additional works (time and fuel costs).

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12.1.2 Earthworks

The principal potential environmental impacts of these mitigation operations will be increased emissions from vehicles undertaking additional works. Operational impacts will be increased costs for the additional works (time and fuel costs).

Table 29: Mitigation of impacts arising from earthworks activitiesSource Resource Affected Significance Mitigation

Increased infiltration due to precipitation during works


Medium

Minimise potential by working methods that do not open large areas of ash to infiltration. Prevent ponding of water. Use temporary lagoons and sedimentation ponds where necessary

Receptors GroundwaterSurface waterLivestockResidents

Deposition of contaminated materials into previously uncontaminated areas


Medium

Detailed investigation to identify areas with chemical contamination. Establish design that allows for safe encapsulation of more contaminated materials in low permeability cells. Establish safe working practices and exercise careful control of the works

Receptors GroundwaterSurface waterLivestockResidents

Accidental discharges of contaminated water due to slope instability during slope remediation

Pathways Surface water

Medium

Establish safe working practices and temporary works plans. Provide temporary bunds and lagoons for the control of water. Unload slopes from top down.

Receptors Surface watergroundwater

Increased discharge of sediment

Pathways Surface water

Medium

Establish safe working practices and temporary works plans. Provide temporary bunds and lagoons for the control of water. Unload slopes from top down.

Receptors Surface water

12.1.3 Plant Operations

Table 30:Mitigation of impacts arising from plant operationsSource Resource Affected Significance Mitigation

Emissions from construction plant

Pathways AirLow

Establish and adhere to equipment maintenance schedulesReceptors Air

Spillage of fuel and lubricants during works

Pathways Infiltration

Medium

Establish controlled bunded refuelling pointsReceptors Soil

GroundwaterAgricultural land workers

Operational noise Pathways Air

Low

Establish seasonal working schedules compatible with local population. Avoid weekend working near villages and the transportation of materials near villages at weekends. Establish liaison committees and liaise with civil authorities.Hearing protection for equipment operators.

Receptors ResidentsWildlifeWorkersLivestock

Movement of heavy plant on public roads

Pathways

Low

Schedule movements during quiet periods, use look-out vehicles front and rear for oversize vehicle movements. Check routes for overhanging cables and other hazards

Receptors Road users,residents

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Source Resource Affected Significance MitigationDeposition of debris onto public roads

Pathways Keep site roads clean. Establish a washing station if debris adheres to vehiclesSchedule regular road inspections and sweep roads when necessary

Receptors Road users,residents

The principal potential environmental impacts of these mitigation operations will be increased emissions from vehicles undertaking additional works. Operational impacts will be increased costs for the additional works (time and fuel costs). There may be some additional management costs, and possible slight reduction in productivity at key times.

12.1.4 Drainage Works

Table 31:Mitigation of impacts arising from drainage worksSource Resource Affected Significance Mitigation

Arisings from clearance of drainage ditches

PathwaysLow

Ensure that arisings and vegetation remaining from drainage works are removed

Receptors Residents Agricultural Land

Accidental loss of water and sediment during the installation of drainage works on overburden dumps

Pathways Surface water Use of temporary drainage and sediment control measuresReceptors Surface water

Agricultural landReceptors

12.1.5 General Works

Table 32:Mitigation of impacts arising from general worksSource Resource Affected Significance Mitigation

Loss of ecologically significant habitats during remediation of ash dump

Pathways Disturbance

Low

Research flora, fauna, ecology and identify sensitive areas before works begin and provide protection.Establish and adhere to transport corridors

Receptors WildlifeVegetation

Loss or accidental damage of private or community property

Pathways Structure damageLoss of accessdemolition

Low

Establish liaison committees and liaise with civil authorities. Identify and avoid wherever possible sensitive sites. Carry out condition surveys of at–risk properties. Establish monitoring regime and publish results. Establish protection zones where possible. Establish procedures for remediation and or compensation

Receptors Private propertyPublic and cultural property

Community Disruption

Pathways Community life

Medium

Liaison with community leaders.Control of traffic speedsTraffic controls near schools mosques and village stores. If appropriate.

Receptors ResidentsWildlifeWorkersLivestock

Waste disposal Pathways debris, fires

Medium

Encourage use of existing district landfill, Establish community facility and waste drop off point.Community education and liaison to stop fly tipping. Metal and white goods to go for recycling. Encourage home composting of putrescible wastes.

Receptors GroundwaterResidentsWildlifeWorkersLivestock

Loss of Heritage Pathways Medium

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Receptors12.2 Cost impacts of mitigation measures

The main impacts from these mitigation measures will mainly be financial (appointment of consultants) and time (to manage liaison). This may impact on corporate operations, if resources are already over-utilised.

The cost estimations for the EMP mentioned above are as follows:

- Completion of stationary water spray systems (the main pipes are already in place): 50.000 €

- Mobile dust suppression equipment (two water tank trailers 10 m³ capacity with two tractors): 200.000 €

- Cover/canvas for the trucks: Included in the truck budget of some 1 Mil. €, estimated costs are 5000 € for each of the 5 trucks or 50.000 € in total.

All of these costs is included in the project budget estimations. The budget estimations are covered by the budged made available by the donors and KEK. In addition there is a budget for monitoring (some 100.000 €) available referring to the procurement plan of the project.

The detailed project schedule, including all initial measures as well as the EMP, has been prepared and is available as appendix 4.

All measures, EMP as well as initial project measures, will be done under full responsibility of KEK. The KEK environmental department will supervise the works regarding environmental issues and monitoring.

12.3 Institutional Arrangements

The success of the restoration works will depend upon the institutional arrangements that are in place to implement and fund the works. The current operational pressures facing the company may result in difficulties for priotising these works. Therefore, the structure of the company, and separation of tasks and budgets from operations, may be necessary to ensure integrity of the restoration works activities.

The current plan is to place the manpower and equipment under the control of the KEK mining department. If this plan is enacted without structural changes, it is probable that the mining department will come under pressure to reallocate the resources to maximise coal production.

KEK is underperforming in terms of power generation due to lack of mining and generation capacity. The lack of adequate resources results in seasonal brownouts and power cuts. As a result the company is under pressure to increase output. Mining operations generally dependent on fixed equipment such as bucket wheels and conveyors and suffers from a shortage of trucks, shovels, dozers and other mobile equipment

KEK is to provide a fleet of support plant as required including a fuel truck, road construction equipment including a vibro roller and a grader; plant for drainage works including an excavator with a trenching bucket; crew buses and a low loader for moving tracked plant.

KEK is also to provide the fuel for all the plant and a crew of 130 personnel.

Consideration should be given to revising the institutional arrangement proposed for the implementation of the remediation phase of the project. The existing plan is for the Bank to fund the repair of two bulldozers owned by KEK and the purchase of a fleet of articulated

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mine trucks, tracked backhoes, a bulldozer and a water truck.

Consideration should be given during the structural reorganisation of KEK, to the creation of a restoration department so that the project resources can be ring fenced and dedicated to the restoration works.

12.4 Project Monitoring Plan

12.4.1 General

A Monitoring Plan should be established as part of the EMP to determine the effect of the remedial works on the environment and the population. Such a programme will provide a definitive record of the impacts of the remedial works and will provide the start of a long term record of statistics that will demonstrate the efficacy of the project. The following draft could form the basis of such a monitoring plan.

12.4.2 Air Quality

The settlements of Oblic, Fushe Kosovo and especially Dardishte are downwind of the TPP A and under prevailing wind conditions and are badly affected by dust. Directional dust monitoring stations should be established in each of these settlements and also close to the working area on the dump. Dust deposition, wind speed and wind direction should be monitored on a daily basis. The monitoring results can be used to monitor the remedial works and to confirm that the mitigation measures presented in Table 15 are effective. Long term monitoring should be used to confirm the overall improvement is atmospheric conditions due to the completion of the remedial works at the TPP A ash dump.

Parameters

Wind speed and direction

Air temperature

PM10

Dust

Dust chemistry (SVOC, heavy metals)

Frequency

Set up stations and take baseline readings prior to works commencing

Wind speed and direction, air temperature – daily at the restoration site

PM10 and dust quantity – daily at the monitoring stations

Dust chemistry – quarterly on agglomerated samples

12.4.3 Slope Stability Monitoring

Slope stabilisation measures are proposed for all of the dumps in the project. In some cases the works proposed are limited to drainage but in others regrading or reforming of the slopes is proposed. In all cases the long term objective of the measures proposed is to eliminate or minimise the risk of further slope movements.

On completion of the slope stabilisation works an as-built survey of each or the restored slopes should be prepared in order to confirm that the works have been completed in accordance with the design intent and also as a basis for future monitoring to confirm that the

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slopes are stable.

Method

Topographic base plans shall be established for potentially affected slopes and surrounding land, with 1m contour and minimum 5m observation grid

A series of survey pins should be established on each of the stabilised slopes for future survey purposes.

Frequency

Survey and pins prior to work starting

Quarterly readings of pin locations

Ad-hoc readings and resurveys in case of movement

12.4.4 Water Quality Monitoring

Monitoring should be periodically carried out to determine variations in the quality of water discharged to the environment due to the proposed remediation works. This includes water discharging from the toe drains and the surface water channels on the external overburden dumps and any water draining into the rivers and streams as a result of the remediation. Monitoring points should be chosen to represent potentially impacted waters, especially surface water that will flow off-site. Nearby previous monitoring points used to establish the baseline should also be utilised.

Testing carried out to date suggests that the presence of residues from the former gasification plant that were disposed of into the abandoned underground workings has not adversely affected the quality of water in the wells in Dardhishte village. The issue of water quality is likely to remain an issue of concern to the residents. It would therefore be prudent to establish a regular programme of monitoring to establish if the groundwater quality deteriorates.

The following monitoring schedule is suggested.

Parameters

pH, temperature, TDS (or EC)

Major ions

Total phenols, ammonia (fixed and free), cyanide (simple and complexes)

SVOC, including PAH, by GCMS or similar

Suite of heavy metals (by AAS)

Frequency

Prior to works commencing

Quarterly during restoration

Ad-hoc if obvious changes in water quality are noticed

12.4.5 Soil Quality Monitoring

Soil quality monitoring will be carried out to verify the composition of the final restoration soils. It is anticipated that the restoration will be to forest. However, if return to agricultural purposes is envisioned, a much more comprehensive testing programme would be required in order to assess the likely uptake and bioaccumulation of potential toxins.

The following monitoring schedule is suggested for the forestry end-use option.

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Parameters

SVOC, including PAH, by GCMS or similar

Suite of heavy metals (by AAS)

Frequency

Quarterly during restoration, in finished areas

12.4.6 Monitoring cost estimate

The following tables provide a preliminary cost estimate for the monitoring plan described above. This is related to alternative remediation plan 3b.

The baseline costs in Table 33 include the procurement of monitoring equipment and the first round of sampling and analysis.

Table 33 Baseline monitoring costs

Item Unit Quantity Rate, € Amount, €

Procurement of equipment

Weather station (inc installation) sum 1 7500 7500

Dust / PM10 meter sum 1 10000 10000

Field water meters sum 1 2000 2000

Install survey stations sum 1 2500 2500

Water analysis

Major ions sample 10 120 1200

Phenols sample 10 30 300

Ammonia sample 10 30 300

Cyanide sample 10 30 300

SVOC sample 10 300 3000

Heavy metals sample 10 300 3000

Soil and dust analysis



Misc costs

Sampling consumables sum 1 150 150

Transport sum 1 300 300

Survey and processing sum 1 1500 1500

Personnelperson day 10 600 6000

Expenses sum 1 200 200

Cost of baseline monitoring 41850

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The information presented in Table 34 is the estimated annual cost of environmental monitoring during the remediation works. These are based on 10 groundwater / surface water sample points and six air monitoring points, with quarterly sampling. Some ad0hoc soil samples are also included. It is assumed that the daily data acquisition would be carried out by the remediation team.

Table 34 Annual monitoring costs

Item Unit Quantity Rate, € Amount, €

Water analysis

Major ions sample 40 120 4800

Phenols sample 40 30 1200

Ammonia sample 40 30 1200

Cyanide sample 40 30 1200



Soil and dust analysis



Sampling consumables sum 1 600 600

Transport sum 1 1000 1000

Consumables and calibration sum 1 2500 2500

Survey and processing sum 1 2500 2500

Personnelperson day 40 600 24000

Expenses sum 1 2000 2000

Cost of monitoring 83000

This estimate is intended for planning purposes, and will need to be confirmed as the EMP is finalised, preferably by obtaining competitive quotations. Some of these items are included in current monitoring and remediation works, and it will be important to avoid duplication.

12.5 Summary action list

The key requirements of the above discussion, and general obligations, may be summarised as an action list. Table 35 indicates the general responsibilities.

Table 35 Summary of responsibilities for EMP implementation

Task Responsibility Timing

Form restoration department and allocate management, personnel and equipment resources

KEK with PMU support

Prior to commencement of restoration operations

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Establish organisational structure that enables restoration department to carry out the necessary works

KEK with PMU support

Prior to commencement of restoration operations

Establish liaison committees KEK with PMU support

The work of compiling lists of people and organisations should start soon in order for the groups to be prepared.

Environmental monitoring – establishment of networks and baseline readings

PMU, in liaison with KEK, under supervision of KEK environmental department

In conjunction with approval of final design of restoration works

Many of the actions on this list have a significant technical component, and therefore it will be necessary that KEK have appropriate support and advice before taking major actions. Also, some related issues will carry additional environmental issues, such as attempting to deal with the fly-tipping issues. These may need further study and liaison. These will need to be coordinated with the EMP preparation and implementation.

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Appendix 1 Terminology Used to Describe Environmental Impacts

Parameter Terminology DefinitionFrequency Continuous

FrequentInfrequentRareOnce

UninterruptedOne or more events per dayLess than one event per dayEvents much more than one day apartSingle event in project lifetime

Likelihood CertainLikelyUnlikelyVery Unlikely

Impact probability close to 100%Impact probability between 50% and 100%Impact probability between 0% and 50%Impact probability close to 0%

Extent LocalProvincialRegionalInternational

Within 3 km (nearby villages or farming activities)Within 25 km (e.g. Pristina)Within Kosovo Outside Kosovo

Duration ShortMediumLong

Less than or equal to life of projectUp to 5 years from start of projectGreater than 5 years from start of project

Magnitude LowMediumHigh

Few noticeable or measurable effectsEffects measurable, mitigation requiredObvious effects, mitigation required urgently

Action DirectIndirect

Impact caused solely by project activitiesImpact caused by responses to project activities

Significance LowMediumHigh

Unlikely to attract social and political interestMay attract social and political interest in some casesLikely to attract social and political interest

All terms refer to the duration of impact, not the activity causing it



Appendix 2 Public Hearings Records

Records of Public Hearings

Report(Public hearing in Obilic)

On 25th of September, 2008, a public hearing with the citizens regarding Clean-up and land reclamation project, known as the ash project was held on Fushe Kosova Municipal Assembly Building. The following key objectives were presented in this Project presentation:

Treatment of Environmental hot spot areas in the KEK area, and the effort to rehabilitate legacy-Environmental problems within KEK area, in order to pave the way to solve the problems at the Environmental hot spot areas.

To rehabilitate land and landscape to that extend to use this areas for KEK and communities needs around KEK properties (forestation, agriculture, resettlement, recreation).

Impact on water and air improvement through land and landscape reclamation, to have a positive impact on life quality of KEK employees and communities living around KEK affecting areas.

The representatives of KEK, KFOR, KTA, WB, MESP, Obilic municipality officials, MEM-LAPTAP, IMP, ICMM, KTA and NGO “Çohu” participated in the public hearing along with the citizens.

After a short briefing by Mr. Michael Feiss-project manager the technical part of the project was presented by Fatmir Gërguri, mining engineer. Then the Environmental Impact Assessment report of this report was presented by Phd. Andrew Leach- hired by the World Bank to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment.

The public discussions opened:

Muhamet Aliu - deputy minister of MESSP - congratulated the debate and thanked the WB for support given to KEK regarding to the project.

Director for Agriculture Management of Obilic municipality made the following questions:



Why the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development does not participate in this public hearing?

Have the Environmental laws and regulation of Republic of Kosovo been applied during the execution of the project?

Have the laws for Land reclamation of Republic of Kosova been taken into consideration?

Regjep Kelani - The mayor of Obilic municipality

Commented: there are some confusions regarding to arrangements of the project and he asked the following:

Why the project did not start in May 2008? Why the project has been postponed for 5 month?

He was also concerned about the project maintenance.

Sejdi Halimi - the initiative “Environmental Protection” requested a special status for communities living around KEK facilities.

Daut Gashi - citizen:

Comment: He commented why there are no citizens participating in the public hearing, this is the lack of confidence in the Institutions and KEK about inhabitants protection from pollution caused by KEK activities into the community.

Shyqëri Dumani

Why the initial concept has not been taken into consideration?





Report(Public hearing in Fushe Kosova)

On 28th of September, 2008, a public hearing with the citizens regarding Clean-up and land reclamation project, known as the ash project was held on Fushe Kosova Municipal Assembly Building. The following key objectives were presented in this Project presentation:

Treatment of Environmental hot spot areas in the KEK region, and the effort to rehabilitate legacy-Environmental problems within KEK area, in order to pave the way to solve the problems at these Environmental hot spot areas.

Land and landscape rehabilitation to that extend to use this areas for KEK and community needs around KEK properties (forestation, agriculture, resettlement, recreation).

Impact on water and air improvement through land and landscape reclamation, to have a positive impact on life quality of KEK employees and communities living around KEK affecting areas.

NGO, KFOR, and Media representatives participated also along with the citizens.

After a short briefing by Mr. Michael Feiss-project manager the technical part of the project was presented by Fatmir Gërguri, mining engineer. Then the Environmental Impact Assessment report of this report was presented by Phd. Andrew Leach- hired by the World Bank to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment.

The public discussions opened:

Hilmi Gjigoli - Chairman of Bardh village

Remark: information about public hearing was confusing for meeting date and place.

He invited the project managers (WB, KEK) to visit Bardh village to see closely the unemployment rate and poor living standard of the villagers, which according to him have been affected by KEK activities in this area.

He made two proposals:

Converting all these lands-ash dumps-to agriculture land, Returning the land to the previous owners.



Avdi Breznica: He mentioned the agreement prior to starting of mining activities which included:

1. Construction of water-supply system in village, 2. Employment of the youth from the families which their land has been taken,

3. Education of children,

4. Returning of lands to previous owners after the depletion of mining.

Mehmet Qyqalla:

He demanded the land compensation, because the land has not been paid, and at the same time he demanded returning of the lands to the previous owners.

Brahim Berisha:

He mentioned the following two concerns:

By-passing of Grabovc village into mining documents Why Drenica overburden dump was not part of this project

He also mentioned the noise impact and water pollution as two main problems which currently this village feels.

Haki Gjinofci:

He emphases that KEK mines confiscated him about 6ha of first class land with the minimum-unreal compensation.

He made two requests:

1. Employment of village youth within KEK 2. Reclamation these dump as fast as possible of and returning of properties to the

previous owners.

Isuf Kostanica:

He presented a new concern: according to him, somebody is selling the ash dump lands and asked the question who is buying our lands.

It was also a general suggestion that if the land of these dumps does not return to the previous owners the previous owners shall be the first persons to buy it, and if they cannot buy it then it should be offered to somebody else.





Appendix 3 Site Investigation Report



Appendix 4 Detailed planning of project measures and EMP

Documents

Korporata Energjetke e Kosovȅs - World Bank€¦ · Web viewSolubility in water: 82 g/l at 15 °C Saturation conc. in the area: 0.77 g/m³ at 20 °C; 2.0 g/m³ at 30 °C Human