Environmental Monitoring Report

Bi-annual Report (January – June 2014) July 2014

TAJ: Nurek 500 kV Switchyard Reconstruction

Project

Prepared by: State Establishment “Project Management Unit for Electroenergy Sector”.

Contents

I. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1. Project Description 1 1.2. Objective and Methodology Of Bi-Annual Report 2 1.3. Changes in Project Organization and Environmental Management

Team 3 1.4. Relationships with Contractors, Owner and Lender 4 1.5. Construction Activities and Project Progress during

Previous 6 Months 4 1.5.1. Construction facilities 6 1.5.2. Construction activities 12

II. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 16

2.1. Noise and Vibration 16 2.2. Water Quality 16 2.3. Air Quality 16 2.4. Flora and Fauna Monitoring 17 2.5. Monitoring of Occupational Health and Safety, and HIV-AIDS Issues 17

III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 18

3.1. EMP and Work Plans 18 3.2. Site Inspections and Audits 18 3.3. Non-Compliance Notices 18 3.4. Consultations and Complaints 18 3.5. Corrective Action Plan 18

APPENDIXES

Annex 1. Template for Noise Monitoring 20

ABBREVIATIONS ADB - Asian Development Bank EA - Executive Agency EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environmental Management Plan ES - Environmental Safeguards ESMS - Environmental and Social Management System IA - Implementation Agency IEE - Initial Environmental Examination LLC - Limited Liability Company MES - Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist MOT - Ministry of Transport Republic of Tajikistan OJSC - Open Joint Stock Company PAM - Project Administration Manual PIU - Project Implementation Unit PMC - Project Management Consultant PPTA - Project Preparation Technical Assistance TA - Technical Assistance

PART I. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Project Description

1. Nurek HPP, incorporating 220 kV and 500 kV switchyards, produces over 70% of Tajikistan's

electricity.

2. The existing switchyards were built more than 30 years ago with Soviet technology and

replacement parts are no longer available. They are therefore in need of complete replacement.

The works comprise mainly: earth excavation (ca. 5,000 m³); construction of a new GIS building covering a total area of about 700 m²; construction of 500 kV cable ducts; demolition of the old

switchyard; mainly busbars, electrical equipment and air-insulated circuit breakers; and demolition

of pylons with conductors.

3. Around the switchyards, severe soil subsidence has been occurring over many years, requiring

major continuous remedial measures. This is due to an extensive salt dome in the vicinity of the

switchyards that destabilizes the ground conditions during snow melt and rain. There are risks for

both switchyards that a catastrophic event may occur at any time, thereby destroying major parts

of the switchgear. Ground stabilization measures are considered impractical.

4. The Government of Tajikistan (the Government) considers reconstruction of these switchyards

to be an emergency project due to the deteriorating equipment and unstable geological site

conditions with the potential for a major loss of output from the Nurek HPP for lengthy periods. A

2006 feasibility study recommended that the equipment in both switchyards be retired, with new

switchyards built on stable ground. The study recommended that the least-cost option was to

utilize a portion of the land where the existing 220 kV switchyard is currently located for both new

switchyards. The ground conditions of the proposed new site have been verified as satisfactory by

geological investigation. Gas-insulated switchgear technology, which uses approximately 10% of

the area required by conventional air-insulated switchgear technology, is required due to the

restricted area of the proposed new site.

5. The Government signed a loan agreement with the German Development Cooperation through

Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (Credit Institute for Reconstruction) in August 2008 for financing of

the new 220 kV gas-insulated switchgear switchyard, with a projected completion date of April

2011. The Project under Asian Development Bank (ADB) financing will complete the required

rehabilitation of the switchyards. The outcome will be a sustainable and reliable electricity supply

to support economic development. It will mitigate the risk of natural disasters disabling the

switchyard, and will stabilize the flow of electricity coming from the strategically important Nurek

HPP.

6. The project for reconstruction of the 500 kV switchyard at Nurek HPP comprises construction of a

new transformer substation with SF6 insulation and dismantling of the existing 500 kV switchyard.

Figure 1 below shows the project area.

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Figure 1: Project Area

7. However, for many years, soil subsidence has been occurring around the substation site which

could result at any time in a collapse, with destruction of major parts of the substation and power

supply disruption, so relocation of the 500 kV transformer substation at Nurek HPP is of critical.

8. A contract was signed on 06.10.2009 with the consulting company FICHTNER (Germany). A

contract was signed for project implementation with ALSTOM (Germany) (Contractor) on

15.10.2011. Subcontracts for performance of Lot 1A and Lot 1B 2 were concluded with Integral,

for implementation of Lot 1B 1 with Tajikgidroenergostroy, for Lot 2 and Lot 3 with Bozdemir, and

for Lot 5 with Zumrat.

1.2. Objective and Methodology of Bi-Annual Report

9. In May 2011, an updated Initial Environmental Examination regarding the Nurek Rehabilitation Project was prepared. This also contains an Environmental Management Plan (in the following called EMP) stipulating mitigation and monitoring measures for the design, construction, commissioning and operation phases. One of the requirements within this EMP is that the

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construction contractor shall set up a safety plan to the construction activities. 2012 Alstom Grid GmbH, the contractor, has prepared a report called Health, Work and Environmental Protection

Planning‘ applied to the Nurek 500 kV GIS Project for the avoidance of risks to the health of the workforce on the job site as well as for the protection of the environment’ (in the following called HSE Plan). The purpose of semi-annual environmental monitoring is to monitor compliance of project activities with the EMP and the HSE Plan. This Report was prepared for the first half of 2014. 10. Additionally, the purpose of this third bi-annual environmental monitoring report is to satisfy the environmental safeguarding requirements of the Government of Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as well as to fulfill the requirements written into the loan document for the Government (Joint Stock Holding Company “Barki Tojik”, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources) of the Republic of Tajikistan.

11. The findings are based on a review of monthly engineering progress reports and quarterly monitoring progress reports submitted by the Contractor (ALSTOM Grid GmbH, Germany), and findings obtained during the supervision and monthly inspections by PMU environmental experts for monitoring environmental impacts prepared intermittently between January and June 2014. Further, the PMU environmental specialists regularly supervised environmental monitoring of relevant parameters administered by the Contractor (ALSTOM Grid GmbH) as well as additionally reviewed project design, social and associated documents. The Contractor's environmental reports include monitoring data and analysis of noise as advised in the EMP.

1.3. Changes in Project Organization and Enviromental Management Team

12. The Executing Agency (EA) is the Joint Stock Holding Company “ Barki Tojik” (BT). The EA has set up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to manage day-to-day coordination, implementation, monitoring and administration activities of the project. The schematic below shows the structure of the environmental management team.

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Figure 2. Institutional Chart of the Environmental Safeguards Arrangement

13. As per TOR the Consultant has one international and one national expert foreseen for the environmental matters of this project. The international expert of the Consultant has prepared of the Consulting Services Contract an update of the IEE in May 2011. Within OJSHC ‘Barki Tojik/PMU’ an Environmental Monitoring Department exists that is in full operation. This department is responsible for the implementation of the mitigation and regular monitoring measures as outlined in the IEE Report. In addition to his duties (as outlined in the TOR), the international environmental expert of Fichtner is supporting PMU experts with annual inspections and additional training on all environmental issues related to this project within the frame of the available person-months. 14. In October 2012, the Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring Department within the (PMU consisted of 8 persons. Currently it consists of 5 specialists including Head of Department. This department is responsible for all foreign financed projects except for one World Bank Energy Loss Reduction Project that set up its own PMU. The Social Sector and Environmental Monitoring Department shall: work within the Barki Tojik/ PMU to ensure all statutory environmental submissions under CEP requirements and other environmentally related legislation are fully implemented; work within the Barki Tojik /PMU to ensure all environmental requirements and mitigation measures resulting from the environmental assessment of the project are included in the contract prequalification and bidding documents for suppliers and contractors; support the development of any additionally needed IEE and IEE requirements that become apparent following fine tuning; provide training and project awareness for Barki Tojik PMU and PIU staff and project stakeholders; communicate with the CEP and people affected by the Project; initially supervise and monitor Contractor’s first construction measures; investigate complaints. 15. One environmental specialist was appointed by the PMU to ensure project activities are in compliance with the EMP, Mr. Aziz Dustov (tel.988002772), responsible for EMP implementation. 16. For other positions, no changes to the project organization structure were made during this reporting period. There were no changes to the CSC project organization team. 1.4. Relationships with Contractors, Owner and Lender

17. During this reporting period, the PMU of Joint Stock Holding Company “ Barki Tojik” closely collaborated with ADB, Consultant (FICHTNER (Germany)) and the Contractor (Alstom) to review the Environmental Reports for the Program. The Contractor submitted 6 progress reports and the Consultant submitted 2 quarterly reports over 6 months. Communications with the PMU pass directly to and via Team Leader Mr. Urgenc and by e-mail exchange.

1.5. Construction Activities and Project Progress during the Previous 6 Months

18. The construction activities in the previous six months are summarized below (Table 1).

Table 1. Construction activities implemented during reporting period N Month Construction activities

1 January

2014

Excavation work Placing of reinforcement for walls Placing of reinforcement for slabs Pouring concrete in slabs, walls and foundations

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Installation of steel frame for erection of 500 kV switchyard 2 February

2014

Excavation work Placing of reinforcement for walls Placing of reinforcement for slabs Pouring concrete in slabs, walls and foundations Erection of steel framed structure Civil works for cable tunnels Civil works for construction of tunnel, last section of Lot 1b1 60 m to 72 m tunnel construction, cross road

3 March

2014

Excavation work Placing of reinforcement for walls Placing of reinforcement for slabs Pouring concrete in slabs, walls and foundations Erection of steel framed structure Civil works for cable tunnels Lot 1a (remaining works), Lot 1b1, Lot 1b2, Lot 1b2.2, Lot 5b Lot 2 completion of concrete tunnels Erection of steel framed structure Erection and commissioning of the overhead travelling crane Installation of building services in the GIS hall

4 April 2014 Excavation work Placing of reinforcement for walls Placing of reinforcement for slabs Pouring concrete in slabs, walls and foundations Civil works for cable tunnels Lot 1a (remaining works), Lot 1b1, Lot 1b2, Lot 1b2.2, Lot 5b Lot 2 completion of concrete base supports for electrical equipment Lot 2 completion of concrete tunnels Erection of steel framed structure Erection and commissioning of the overhead travelling crane Installation of building services in GIS hall

5 May 2014 Installation of outdoor equipment Construction works: reinforcement, installation of formwork (timbering) and concrete filling Basement construction Installation of lighting and air supply system Civil works for cable tunnels Lot 1a (remaining works), Lot 1b1, Lot 1b2, Lot 1b2.2, Lot 5b Lot 2 completion of concrete base supports for electrical equipment Lot 2 completion of concrete tunnels Erection of steel framed structure Erection and commissioning of the overhead travelling crane Installation of building services in GIS hall

6 June

2014

Installation of outdoor equipment Lot 2 completion of steel structures installation for electrical equipment Installation of 500 kV switchyard equipment

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Installation of cabinets Relay protection Civil works for cable tunnels Lot 1a (remaining works), Lot 1b1, Lot 1b2, Lot 1b2.2,Lot 5b Installation of protection panels at REGAR substation Installation of gas-insulated switchgear equipment in SF6 insulated switchgear/control gear building Installation of lighting and ventilation system Installation of cable trays in GIS basement building

19. The works for installation of the lighting and ventilation systems are now completed and works

for installation of gas-insulated switchgear equipment in the SF6 insulated switchgear/control gear

building are ongoing. At the present status, the company "Integral" has completed the civil works

under Lot 1 A to a general distance of 48 m, which is 100%, and for the Lot 1B2 cable tunnel to a

distance of 112 m, which is 87% of the total work.

20. Under Lot 1B1, «Tajikhydroenergostroi» has executed the civil works at the cable tunnel to a

distance of 110 m, which is 92% of the total work.

21. The civil works under Lot 2 for the cable tunnel were completed to 100% by «Bozdemir».

22. 100% of the basement construction and steel GIS building under Lot 3 was completed by

"Bozdemir".

23. Construction works on Lot 5 comprising construction of the foundations for the single

installation of outdoor equipment were completed to 100% by "Zumrat."

1.5.1. Construction facilities

a. Construction camp

24. The project is being implemented on HPP property. This is well laid out and possesses its own

quite sound infrastructure. Hence, no additional construction camp has been set up under the

project, and engineering personnel as well as construction workers use the existing facilities. The

HPP compound is fenced and only authorized persons are permitted to enter.

25. 150 persons are assigned to this construction project of which 120 are local residents who live

in their own houses. Others rent apartments in Nurek town. No separate construction camp has

been set up.

26. Canteen and kitchen facilities are located in the HPP compound, as well as sanitary

installations, showers and a medical unit. The photographs below show the condition of these

facilities.

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Figure 3. Canteen and kitchen

Figure 4. Bathroom and medical unit

27. However, no book to record complaints has been placed at the construction site.

b. Warehouse facility

28. Tools needed for the project together with the extensive equipment for the switchyard are in

storage. For this purpose, the construction contractor uses the warehouse in the HPP compound,

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in which mainly construction supplies are stored (Figure 5), together with rented warehouse space

2 km from the HPP for storing equipment. This warehouse facility is located on open as well as

enclosed plots (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Warehouse facility

Figure 6: Temporary warehouse for switchyard equipment

c. Construction site

29. As noted above, the HPP compound is fenced, it has security guards and only authorized persons are permitted to enter. Nevertheless, construction sites within the HPP compound are enclosed by wooden fencing (Figure 7 below).

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Figure 7. Status of construction sites

30. Construction and demolition wastes are generated in the course of ongoing works, which are managed collected, transported and disposed of in compliance with IEE requirements. 31. An agreement has been concluded with a local company for the removal of municipal waste and this company disposes of the wastes in the Nurek municipal waste landfill, which is 3.5 km from the construction site. 32. The construction works involve disposal of spoil (inert waste). The spoil bank is located just outside the Nurek HPP compound in an area that was once the borrow area for excavating materials for construction of the dam body (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Excavated and inert materials used for infilling near the Nurek HPP to reinforce the

surrounding slopes

33. Figure 9 below shows the Google image of the spoil material location near the HPP, which is in compliance with EMP requirements.

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Figure 9. Spoil and inert materials location – in compliance with EMP requirements

34. Equipment and material from dismantlement of the switchyard will be used as spares at other hydro stations in Tajikistan. As for the ferrous and small amounts of non-ferrous scrap – steel, copper, and aluminum – these will be sold to local recycling companies. 35. The sewerage system of the hydro power station is linked to the Nurek municipal sewerage system. Sanitary facilities – toilets, bath, washing sinks – are installed and in compliance with EMP/HSE PLan requirements (see Figure 10 below).

36. No oil leakages were observed on the project site.

Figure 10. Sanitary

facilities for project

workers with fire

extinguisher

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37. There are various types and classes of waste arising during construction, and these are

disposed of temporarily on construction sites (Figures 11, 12). As can be seen from the pictures

that were taken during the reporting period, hazardous waste in small quantities is dumped,

uncontrolled, in the open in the HPP compound. The contractor was advised to make

arrangements for proper storage of these wastes.

Figure 11. Construction wastes Figure 12. Hazardous construction waste

38. The plot on which the secondary protective container is to be located should be set aside for storing hazardous waste and should be roofed over. All plots should be fenced in line with requirements and the construction workers should wear proper protective closing.

d. Concrete plant 39. For the project, the construction contractor rented a plot on the Nurek concrete plant property where the construction contractor’s concrete plant was installed (Figure 13). The construction contractor buys the inert material needed as concrete aggregate from the quarries owned by the Nurek concrete plant.

Figure 13. Concrete plant installed on the rented plot of the Nurek concrete facilities

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40. As can be seen from the picture, there is no settlement tank on the concrete plant property and excess water is discharged straight onto the ground. The Consultant recommended that the Contractor install a concrete settlement tank adjacent to his concrete plant, in which the water would be clarified by settlement. 41. Figure 14 below shows a Google image of the concrete plant location..

Figure 14. Location of the concrete plant installed for project construction needs

42. The volume of concrete produced during the reporting period from March to July 2014 was 3341 m3. All documentation required from the Department of Environmental Protection for concrete production for the Project to remain within the maximum allowable emissions was issued in time, with the documents submitted to the PMU. 1.5.2. Construction activities

a. Civil works for 500 kV cable tunnels

43. The figures below show the status of the works during the reporting period. No accidents were reported and EMP/HSE Plan requirements were observed, like setting up warning signs and fencing, and issuing protective clothing and equipment to the workforce.

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Figure 15. Civil works status – mainly in compliance with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

b. Erection of gas-insulated facility in the 500 kV insulated switchgear/control gear building

44. All environmental requirements for the above works were complied with, like setting up warning signs, issuing safety instructions, providing protective closing and equipment, daily induction training for the workforce, and fire prevention measures. The figures below show the status of project construction.

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Figure 16. Erection of gas-insulated facility in the 500 kV insulated switchgear/control gear building – in

compliance with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

45. Protection measures can be seen in more detail in the figures below.

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Figure 17. Protective clothing and equipment as well as fire prevention measures are in compliance

with EMP/HSE Plan requirements

c. Construction of 500 kV insulated switchgear/control gear building

46. Construction of the insulated switchgear/control gear building is proceeding in compliance with

the principal EMP/HSE Plan requirements: fencing of construction plots, setting up warning signs,

and safety training for the workforce.

Figure 18. Protection measures for construction of the 500 kV insulated switchgear/control gear

building

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47. The Contractor showed evidence of attendance at training sessions by books containing the workers’ signatures (see Figure 19 below).

Figure 19. Attendance book for safety instruction sessions for the workforce

PART II. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

2.1. Noise and Vibration

48. Construction equipment used for excavation and foundation works was equipped with

silencers or mufflers.

49. According to EMP requirements, noise level testing should be carried out at the main

construction work locations. During the reporting period, no noise level measurements were

conducted at relevant equipment.

50. It should be noted that all construction works take place on the Nurek HPP property at an

appropriate distance from human settlements. Installation works do not give rise to high levels

of noise. However, the Consultant did recommend conducting routine noise level

measurements at selected construction site locations by procurement of noise meters or by

contracting an analytical laboratory, so as to record monitoring data for the remaining 6

months of 2014. Annex 1 provides a template for noise level measurement data.

51. Regarding vibration, no cracks or other damage to buildings and facilities were observed

during the site visits conducted during the reporting period.

2.2. Water Quality

52. A water quality monitoring is not needed as all construction is proceeding within the

boundaries of the Nurek HPP property, and the project works do not additionally contaminate

the water sources.

2.3. Air Quality

53. Excavation works were conducted mainly from February to April when there was sufficient

precipitation. During the dry period of June, access roads and construction sites were damped

down where needed.

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2.4. Flora and Fauna Monitoring

54. No disturbance to fauna was observed during the reporting period as, within the area of the

project site, there are no protected areas or environmentally sensitive habitats.

55. When constructing the GIS and cable channels, about 25 shrubs of Euonymus gen. were

removed. This vegetation type is shown below. These shrubs have no high environmental value

and can be easily replanted. The Consultant advised the Contractor to undertake replanting after

completion of the cable tunnels works – preferably in February-March 2015.

2.5. Monitoring of Occupational Health and Safety, and HIV-AIDS Issues

56. No accidents were registered during the reporting period. Relevant measures were

undertaken by contractors during implementation of project works to comply with all the

requirements and measures for the protection of occupational health and safety:

The Contractor developed and had approved a safety training program, consisting of an initial course on health and safety. All workers attended the safety training courses starting from the first week of occupancy of the construction camps. Technical safety instructions courses were held on a monthly basis.

Workers and engineers were issued with protective equipment and clothing, e.g.

helmets, special work wear, safety belts, gloves, protective glasses etc. in good

time. A first aid center has been equipped. Air conditioning is provided within the

building (over 200C).

In March 2014, the Contractor held an instruction course on HIV / AIDS. This is

repeated at three month intervals.

Briefings on technical safety, labor and environmental protection (including electro-

magnetic fields) are held for the workforce on a daily basis.

Arrangements have been made for proper sanitary facilities.

Figure 20. Type of shrubs removed during

civil works for the cable tunnels

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III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 3.1. EMP and Work Plans

57. Assessment of compliance with the Environment Management Plan (EMP) and the Constructor’s Health, Work and Environmental Protection Planning (HSE Plan) commenced with a review of the environmental management requirements for compliance during the construction stage of the project.

58. The Contractor submitted 6 progress reports with HSE sections for January-June 2014.

3.2. Site Inspections and Audits

59. Six site inspections and audits were conducted to verify the effectiveness of environmental

protection measures in achieving the results specified in the EMP and HSE Plan during the

reporting period and starting from January 2014 (29.01.2014, 26.02.2014, 19.03.2014,

23.04.2014, 21.05.2014, 18.06.2014). During the inspections, visual surveys on site as well as

meetings with workers, the Contractor, engineers and specialists were conducted.

3.3. Non- Compliance Notices

60. Non-compliance notices were issued as follows: The construction contractor had not placed a Book of Complaints at the construction site.

Small amounts of hazardous and non-hazardous waste were dumped uncontrolled and

can be found on the construction site.

The Contractor’s progress reports should contain more details on health, safety and

environmental issues.

There is no water settlement tank provided adjacent to the construction company’s

concrete plant in which water could be clarified by settlement of solid matter.

No noise level measurements have been conducted to date as required by the EMP.

61. More detailed recommendations to correct the issues raised in these notices, stating the entities responsible for their implementation, are given in the Correction Action Plan (para 3.5.).

3.4. Consultation and Complaints

62. No complaints were received from the workers and beneficiaries during the reporting period.

3.5. Corrective Action Plan

63. A more detailed corrective action plan, coordinated with the PMU and the Contractor, is set

out in Table 2 below.

Table-2: Corrective Action Plan – July 2014

Environmental issues identified Corrective actions to be taken Deadlines to resolve

issues Responsibilities for

implementation/supervision

1 No Book of Complaints at the construction site

Place a Book of Complaints at the construction site By 1 September 2014

Contractor

2 Small amounts of hazardous and

non-hazardous waste dumped

uncontrolled can be found on the

construction site

All waste types shall be temporarily placed at a specially designated plot in an orderly manner. A special plot shall be assigned for temporary placement of hazardous waste. This must be roofed over and located at the site of the secondary protective container.

By 1 September 2014 Contractor

3 Insufficient details of HSE issues in

the Contractor’s progress reports

The Contractor’s progress reports should contain more details of health, safety and environmental issues: - waste management - flora monitoring - warning signs, other protective measures

With progress report for August 2014

Contractor

4 No water settlement tank adjacent

to the construction company’s

concrete plant where water could be

clarified by settlement

A water settlement tank must be installed adjacent to the construction company’s concrete plant where water could be clarified by settlement to avoid soil contamination.

By November 2014 Contractor

5 No noise level measurements

conducted to date as required by

the EMP

Contract an analytical laboratory to conduct routine noise level measurements in accordance with EMP requirements or purchase a noise meter Data on noise monitoring should be presented in the fourth bi-annual report

By November 2014 PMUES

6 Some shrubs were removed during

the cable tunnel works

Shrubs should be replanted – preferably in November-December 2014 or February-March 2015

Contractor

Annex 1

Template for Noise Monitoring

Month__________Year

N Location Noise Standards in dBA (max)

Baseline measure Monitoring of measuring data

07.00-23.00 23.00-07.00 When was this done? State the date

State the time period for noise measurement here

1 data Data (measured by device)

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Standards: 55-45 dBA (max) - Residential area

75-75 dBA (max) - Commercial area

80-80 dBA (max) - Industrial area

50-40 dBA (max) - Hospitals

55-55 dBA (max) - Schools, Library