45299-001: water supply and sanitation sector project ... · water supply and sanitation sector...

Initial Environmental Examination

March 2014

ARM: Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project —

Additional Financing Improvement of Vayots Dzor Region Settlements Water Supply System

This Initial Environmental Examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or Staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation

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

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

STATE COMMITTEE OF WATER SYSTEM UNDER THE RA MINISTRY FOR TERRITORIAL GOVERNANCE “ARMWATERSEWERAGE” CJSC

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FUNDED

WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR PROJECT -

ADDITIONAL FINANCING

Date of preparation 17.10.2013

Date of revision 26.02.2014 Date of approval 18.03.2014

VIII SUBPROJECT L2860-ICB-1-08: IMPROVEMENT OF

VAYOTS DZOR REGION SETTLEMENTS WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

Yerevan, March, 2014

HGSN Ltd. -JINJ Ltd. Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project - Additional Financing

Subproject VIII 3

STATE COMMITTEE OF WATER SYSTEM UNDER THE RA MINISTRY FOR TERRITORIAL GOVERNANCE “ARMWATERSEWERAGE” CJSC

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FUNDED

WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR PROJECT - ADDITIONAL FINANCING

Subproject VIII IMPROVEMENT OF VAYOTS DZOR REGION WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

Subproject VII

(Vayk, Jermuk towns and Zaritap village of Vayots Dzor region, RA)

HGSN Ltd, Director V. Hovasapyan

SOS MM Ltd, Director M. Hakobyan

Environmental expert K. Sahakyan


Subproject VIII 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Scope of Work ................................................................................................................ 5

2. Description of the Existing Water Supply and Sewage Systems ............................ 6

3. Geographical Location and Climate of the Settlements ........................................... 8

4. Biodiversity and Specially Protected Areas ................................................................. 11

4.1. Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................................. 11

4.2. Special protected areas .................................................................................................. 13

5. Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................................ 14

Appendix 1. Checklist for Quick Environmental Evaluation ........................................................ 15

Appendix 2. Vayotys Dzor subproject layout ............................................................................. 19


Subproject VIII 5

1. Scope of Work

The aim of the project subcomponent is to improve the drinking water supply systems of the

settlements in Vayots Dzor Region, RA /Jermuk and Vayk towns, Zaritap village/ within the

framework of the project.

Taking into account the fact, that Vayk and Jermuk towns have central sewage systems, and

Zaritap village has a partial sewage system, the priority is given to the improvement of the water

supply systems of the mentioned settlements.

Studies show, that the proposals of the water supply system improvement of the settlements

included in the subproject are based on construction and reconstruction of DRRs, distribution

networks of Vayk, Jermuk towns and Zaritap villages. It will result in reduction of leakages,

provision of the required water demand and more rational use of water resources. The following

work is to be carried out:

Vayk t.

Construction of DRRs with the capacity of W=2x1000m3,

Construction and reconstruction of Ø500 steel water main coming from “Herher”

catchments with de280, de300 polyethylene pipes with approximately 1.40 km length.

Construction of DN300 valve junction.

Construction of DN1200 simple dissipating basin from steel pipe.

Jermuk t.

Construction of DRRs with the capacity of W=2x500m3 ,

Construction of DRRs, the fence (about 815m) of the sanitary zone of “Jrat”

catchments feeding the DRRs (4 ha).

Zaritap v.

Construction of a chlorination station fed from “Yot Achkani” water springs in the area of r\c

DRRs with the capacity of W=2x100m3

Construction of DRRs and a chlorination station with the capacity of W=2x300m3 fed from

“Terter’ water springs in the area of deteriorated r/c DRR with the capacity of W=100m3

(which should be out of operation).

Construction of the fences of sanitary zones of catchments - 240m.

Repair of water intake wells of catchments-concrete - 9.5m3.

The total number of the population in the towns of Vayk, Jermuk and village Zaritap by 01.01.2012

was 5914, from which the urban population is 14314. In the urban communties the total number of

the consumers is 3960.

The anual population growth, according to “Armenian demographic collection 2007”, is 0.43%.


Subproject VIII 6

As a result of the project implementation the inhabitants of the communities will be provided by

drinking quality water and stable water supply.

2. Description of the Existing Water Supply and Sewage Systems

Town Vayk is served by AWS. The water sources of the town are “Herher” catchements. They

are situated in the southern parts of Herher village administrative area, distributed in almost 1485

points and occupies about 1.4ha area. The total length of all the branches of catchment

underground water gallery is 20m, and the discharge is 180 l/sec.

As the water quality in the water springs corresponds to the requirements presented by the state

standards to the “Drinking water” (“Sanitary norms and regulations N2-III-A2-1” approved by

decree 786 of RA Ministry of Health), so no treatment structures are foreseen, only water

disinfection is to be carried out.

Water disinfection is carried out in the chlorination station located in the area of the catchments by

means of chlorination equipment operating by the vacuum principle.

The disinfected water is transmitted to the regulation node in the south-east of Vayk town, from

where the distribution network of the towns is fed. The water mains have been constructed in

1960s. The routes of the water mains pass by the two sides of Herher-Vayk road, in some

sections by the banks of Arpa river, which is water-logged during the months when the snow melts;

before reaching the regulation node it also passes through the area of Vayk town cemetery.

The existing DRR, doesn’t have a dominant position and the required design capacity, so it has a

direct influence on the operation regime of the water main and distribution network.

The water supply distribution network of the town (about 19.2km) is carried out from 50-400mm

diameter cast-iron, steel and polyethylene pipes. In recent years “AWS” CJSC has carried out

reconstruction work of some waterlines of the distribution network at his own expense.

Since there is not enough pressure in the water main in Shinararner street, the water doesnt reach

“Mozi” DRR located in the north-west of the town. As a result the north-western section of the

street is deprived of water. “Mozi” DRR, which has a capacity of 500m3 capacity is situated on the

elevation of 1345m.

Pressure regulation and water volume distribution is not possible to carry out in the distribution

network as a result of the DRR’s lack of capacity, installation mark, as well as the extremely cut

relief of the settlement.

Water supply service are provided to 1700 consumers in the community, about 75% of which has

water meters. The community has a 27 hour water supply.

According to the measurements already carried out, the town of Vayk gets 100-110l/sec water

volume, which exceeds the design norm about 5 times.


Subproject VIII 7

The town has a sewage system; the existing sewage network is about 9.0km, and is carried out

from 100÷400mm metal, cast-iron and asbestos-cement pipes. The wastewater removal system is

not in satisfactory condition and needs to be partially repaired. There are houses which have a

wastewater removal system in the town, which are not connected to the central sewage system

(houses in the streets of Shinararner and Melikyan). They are connected to the storm sewage

ditches flowing along these streets.

Jermuk town is served by AWS. “Jrat” catchments serve as a water spring for the town. The

water springs are located in the north-west part of the administrative area of Jermuk town, located

on the elevations of 2200-2220 and occupy about 4.0ha area. The discharge of the water springs

is 90-100l/sec.

Water disinfection is carried out in the chlorination station in the area of the head structure based

on the vacuum principle.

In the area of the catchments there are 2 reinforced concrete reservoirs, each with the capacity of

250m3, which serve for the contact of choline. After the reservoirs the water is transmiited to the

distribution network of Jermuk through two Ø300 and Ø200 diameter steel and cast-iron water

mains. After passing the sanitary zone of DRR the above mentioned water mains serve as

distribution network pipes.

In the area of the head structures there is no fence of the sanitary zone.

The town water supply system is about 15km, carried out from 50-300mm diameter cast-iron, steel

and polyethylene pipes. In recent years AWS CJSC has carried out reconstruction work of some

waterlines at his own expense.

Water supply services are provided to 2260 consumers in the community, about 85% of which has

water meters. The community has 24 hour water supply.

According to the measurements, this town gets 80-90l/sec water volume, which exceeds the

design norm about 4 times.

In the town of Jermuk there are consumers (complexes of hotels, workshops), which are not

consumers of AWS CJSC; their water supply is carried out from their own springs.

The town has a sewage system, the wastewater removal network is about 13.5km, which is made

from 100÷500mm diameter metal, cast-iron, ceramic and asbestos-cement pipes.Currently,

construction work of the sewage treatment plant and reconstruction of sewage the town system is

being carried out.

Zaritap village is not served by AWS CJSC. The water supply of the village is carried out from

“Yot Achkani”, “Terter” and “Babo” springs.


Subproject VIII 8

“Yot Achkani” springs are located in the north-eastern section of the village adminstrative area,

located on the elevations of 2845-2851 and occupy about 0,5 ha area, and the discharge is 7 l/sec.

The water is tranmitted from “Yot Achkani” springs to the r/c reservoirs, which are in satisfactory

condition, each of which has capacity of 100m3 .

“Terter” springs are located in the soutyh-eastern part of the administrative area of Zaritap village,

located on the elevations of 1865-1874m and occupy about 2x0.3ha area, and the discharge is 17

l/sec.The water is transmitted from these springs to the r/c reservoir with the capacity of 100m3 ,

which is in emergency state.

“Babo” springs lack water and have large seasonal fluctuations. These springs feed immediately

the distribution network.

All the water mains have pipes of various types and diameters, connections of private house entry

lines constructed at the expense of the inhabitants and in accordance with BC norms.

The distribution network of the village is carriefd out (about 11.3km) from 32-150mm diameter steel

and polyethylene pipes.

According to the carried out measurements the village gets 25-30l/sec water volume, which

exceeds the design norm about 7 times.

Disninfection is not carried out in the water supply system.

Entry lines of the private houses are mainly fed from aboveground flumes, which don’t have a heat

insulation, as a result of which they often freeze and cause water supply interruptions during the

winter time. No calculation of water volume is carrie out in the private houses of the village.

The village partially has a sewage system, the central sewage system is missing. There are

sewage lines constructed by the inhabitants of their own accord towards Pshonk river. Some

inhabitants use yard toilets.

Zaritap community is to be included within the service area of AWS CJSC based on the mutual

agreement of the community authority and AWS CJSC.

3. Geographical Location and Climate of the Settlements

All the communities included in the subproject are located in Vayots Dzor occupying the south-

western part of the republic of Armenia. The region has three urban and 52 rural communities. The

provincial centre is town Yeghegnadzor. Diversity and zoning of the relief are characteristic to the

region.


Subproject VIII 9

Town Vayk is located in the central part of Vayots Dzor Marz, 20km far from provincial centre

Yeghegnadzor and 140 km far from city Yerevan. The town is situated on Yerevan-Yeghegnadzor-

Sisian-Iran and Yerevan-Yeghegnadzor-Sisian-Stepanakert interstate road and it has transit

nature.

The current area of the town is situated at the middle river course of Arpa river, relatively at the

wider part of the river overflow. The area is surrounded by extremely cut and inclined slopes of

Yeghegis mountain range branches in the North and the North-West, and the slopes of Vayots

Dzor mountain range branches in the South, and only in the north-western part one can meet

areas reletavily leveled by overflow and less cut. The absolute elevations vary from 1200-1300m.

The city stretches for about 1.5 km. The climate of the area is dry, it is surrounded by mountains

from the South to the West and there are forests nearby. The town area is located in the natural

landshaft zones of semi deserts and dry steppes.

The climate is dry, severely terrestrial, with big flunctuations in daily temperature, up to 400mm

precipitations anually. Hot and dry summer, warm and long autumn, mild winter with thin snow

layer are characteristic to the town of Vayk.

The average annual temperature is 10.80C, average minimum is -8.10C, absolute minimum is -

300C; average maximum is +310C, absolute maximum is +400C (information from Yeghegnadzor

station). The absolute maximum air temperature reaches +390C. The absolute minimum air

temperature is -260C.

The ground freezing maximum depth is 0.81 m. The snow layer is distributed totally

disproportianate: in low areas it reaches 20cm and persists for about 2-3 months, and in the other

months the snow layer persists for about 8-9 months with 2m layer in upland areas. The weight of

the snow layer is 70 kg/m2.

The annual atmospheric railfalls are 426 mm, in winter and in summer the south-eastern winds

dominate.

From geomorphological viewpoint the area is located in tectonic corrugated zone with non-

ubiquitous deluvial, proluvial and aluvial cover.

The geological section is extremely diverse, it is represented by rocks of different age, which have

ephusive, intrusive and weakly metamorphizated, sedimentary, volcanic sedimentary formations.

The hydrogeological conditions are quite complicated, mostly anhydrous. Along with crack waters

underground layer waters are possible, which are connected to main rock layergroups.

The earth cover of Vayk area is extremely poor. The areas located in the north- east and south-

east from the city are represented with extremely sliced steep slopes devoid of earth cover, and


Subproject VIII 10

the earth cover of other places is of small thickness and is represented by light brown soils, mainly

extemely erosioned. In the town areas there are technogenic phenomena, from which, areas of

deluvial origin are dangerous, as they relate to the natural slope angles or infraction of slope

stability.

According to BC II-2.02.94 and RA seismic zone map, town Vayk is situated on the III zone and

has 0.4g acceleration and 9 points of seismic magnitute.

Town Jermuk is located in north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor Marz 50km far from provincial centre

Yeghegnadzor, and 173 km far from the city of Yerevan. The city is 2070m above sea level, it is

surrounded from 3 sides by volcanic highlands. One of the rivers, which is the richest witth water

volume, Arpa runs through this area, flowing through the town it disparts into two streamlets:

Dzakhap and Ajchap. Jermuk watercourse flows into river Arpa, which generates a wonderful

waterfall of 84 m height at its outfall.

The administrative area of the city is for about 5500 ha. According to the information provided by

the statistic service of the municipality the population of the city is 7500 people.

The climate of the city is typical rocky with cool summers, cold, snowy and long winters. The

average temperature of the month July is 150-160 C, the exteme temperature used to be 320 C,

and the average temperature of January is -8.10C, the lowest temperature -350 C. The quantity of

atmosphere precipitations during the year is 600-800mm.

Jermuk is a place rich with water. In the area of the town there are many cool and warm springs,

which are used for drinking. But Jermuk is especially known with its for about 40 sulfate-

hydrocarbonate – natrium springs with their curable, rich in ingredients peculiarities.

Jermuk is rich in series of mineral resources, such as andezite-bazalt ore, which is exploited,

quartzite, which has a reserve imporatance and also reserves of volcanic scoria.

Town Jermuk belongs to the 2nd seismic zone and has 0.3g background acceleration.

The village conmmunity Zaritap is located in southers part of Vayots Dzor Marz and in

southeastern part of Vayk mountain range. The village is spread over seven hills, 1400-2100m

above sea surface. The distance from the region centre Yeghegnadzor is 30km, and from capital

Yerevan 140km. It is situated 6km far from Vayk-Meghri highway. The climate conditions are the

same as in the town of Vayk.

The area of the village is 56.50 km2, it has 479 households. According to the information provided

by the village municipality, the population of the city is 1600 people.

From north-east the area borders the state forest-reserve, from the east village Gomk, from the

south village Martiros, and from the west villages Por and Azatek. River Arpa flows along the

northern border, and Pshonk (Martiros) river flows through the village, which joins 4 small brooks.


Subproject VIII 11

The village is situated in the 3rd seismic zone, has 0.4g acceleration and 9 magnitude seismicity.

The observed area from the mountain-graphic point of view is located at the southern slope of

Sandukhkasar and is considered to be a high rocky area with a sliced relief.

From the geomorphologic viewpoint it is located around river Arpa and its affluent.

In the geological structure of the area there are groups of sedimented volcanic rocks of Middle

Eocene Oligocene period, that is to say porphyrites, andesite-basalts, and naturaly cemented

sands, which are covered by the layer groups of fourth age aluvial, elvial, diluvial-proluvial, diluvial

formations, such as clay, sand, coarse soils. The thickness of clastic formations vary between 0.5-

5m.

From water-geologiacl point of view the area is included within the region of waters of various

erupted rock fissures.

From hydro-geological point of view the area lacks water. The underground water is composed of

both volcanic and sedimental rocks not distributed into groups, and belongs to the types of fissure-

voids, perforated-voids, and partially escarpment water.

The underground wtaer related to the set of volcanic rocks, according to the published data, are

located t the depths of 15,0-20,0m, and the water related to the sedimented rock layer groups at

the depths of 3.0-8m, which may form a significant flow.

According to the tectonic map of Armenia, a tectonic deep disruption passes in the east-west

direction through the bed of Arpa river and its left brook. The area is considered to be one of the

most active seismic zones of Armenian Highland.

Among the dangerous physical-geological processes in this area there is widely spread surface

washout by surface water, erosion volcanic weathering and deterioration, as volcanic rocks are

easily deteriorated, causing formation of eluvial rocks with occurrence of sand and coarse soils.

4. Biodiversity and Specially Protected Areas

4.1. Flora and Fauna

The observed area belongs to Daralagyaz floristic region of Armenia. Mountainous-steppe and

mountainous-forest landscapes are typical to the middle zone 1400-2800m.The upland zone is

characterized by Alpine meadows, which occur mainly on the rough slopes of high mountains, on

wavy and narrow mountain tops. Main types of vegetation are are subalpine meadows and damp

inhabitations.

The region of Vayots Dzor is a unique corner of the Armenian landscape with its rich biodiversity,

pecularities of fauna and flora, high scientific value of geological and landscape units, obvious

prerquisites of health recreation. Natural forests make up the 4,6% of the territory. The region is

rich with 1650 plant species; about 225 out of 460 species of animals registered in Armenia occur

in this area.


Subproject VIII 12

The forest flora on the slopes of Jermuk plateau consists the eastern oak, ash, hornbeam and

bsuhes of brier, pistachio, berries, 4 type sof wild pear and 2 types of juniper.

Approximately 330 species of vessel plants are spread in this region, including such species,

which are registered in RA Red Book and are considered endemic in Armenia. They are Beet

large-rooted (Beta macrorrhiza), meadow saffron (Colchicum szovitsii), Gladiolus (Gladiolus

kotschyanus), Caucasian lily (Lilium armenum), etc.

In this area there are 81 species of Armenian upland, 7 Caucasian endemic, 26 Transcaucasian,

18 endemic Southern Transcaucasian (Artemisia araxina, Cousinia daralaghezica, Tomanthea

daralaghezica, Astragalus hajkastanus, Alcea sosnovskyi, Stelleropsis magakjanii, etc.), as well as

18 endemic species of Armenia, 6 of which occur only in Vayots Dzor Marz (Carthamus

tamaschianae, Scorzonera safievii, Sameraria odontophora, Gypsophila takhtajanii, Minuartia

daralaghezica, Onobrychis takhtajanii).

Wild fruit species are widely spread, such as Pyrus, Crataegus, Prunus, Amydgalus, etc.

In this region among the most important and unique species of flora there are two wild wheat

families (Triticum boeoticum and T. araraticum), as well as numerous endemic wild plants and

flowers, which are mainly used by the local people as a food and medicine.

The invertebrate representatives of fauna make about 1900 species. Among the mostly

investigated groups are mollusks (Mollusca), among insects the beetles (Coleoptera), orthopteroid

insects (Orhtoptera) and diurnals (Lepidoptera-Rhopalocera).

In this region among the seldom and endangered types of animals there are bezoar goat, (Capra

Aegagrus), Armenian mouflon (Ovis ammon Gmelin), Caucasian leopard (Panthera pardus

sicaucasica), Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), etc.

In the area of Jermuk reserve there were discovered also Large Blue (Maculinea arion L.),

Southern Swallowtail (Papilio alexanor), Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne), Seathorn

Hawk-moth (Hyles hippophaes Esp.) Willowherb Hawkmoth (Proserpinus prosperpina Pall.) as

well as Great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo L.) included in the Appendix II of Berne

convention.

The region is rich in mammals, various wild animals and birds. Noravank canyon is selected as the

most important bird area. More than 190 (56%) from approximately 345 species registered in

Armenia occur in the area of Gnishikadzor. 35 of these species are registered in RA Red Book.

Among them are the Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius), Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus

barbatus), Eurasion Griffin (Gyps fulvus), Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), Lesser Kestrel

(Falco naumanni), Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), etc.

There are 4 amphibious and 22 reptiles species registered in this area.

https://www.google.am/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agroatlas.ru%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Frelated%2FBeta_macrorhiza%2F&ei=DirUUfnADIOFOM_egPAE&usg=AFQjCNE8mkEgpuyHGJizd2jXGHG_miR8lQ&bvm=bv.48705608,d.ZWU

https://www.google.am/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agroatlas.ru%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Frelated%2FBeta_macrorhiza%2F&ei=DirUUfnADIOFOM_egPAE&usg=AFQjCNE8mkEgpuyHGJizd2jXGHG_miR8lQ&bvm=bv.48705608,d.ZWU

http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?t=761699_1_2&s1=%E4%ED%E5%E2%ED%E0%FF%20%E1%E0%E1%EE%F7%EA%E0

http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?t=3505595_1_2&s1=%EF%F0%FF%EC%EE%EA%F0%FB%EB%FB%E5

http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?t=3505595_1_2&s1=%EF%F0%FF%EC%EE%EA%F0%FB%EB%FB%E5

http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?t=3625029_1_2&s1=%E1%E5%E7%EE%E0%F0%EE%E2%FB%E9%20%EA%EE%E7%B8%EB

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/Cerambyx%20cerdo%20factsheet%20-%20SWIFI.pdf


Subproject VIII 13

Currently mountainous and subalpine zones of Yeghegnadzor are inhabited by 30 types of

mammals. There are wild pigs, bears, rabbits (Lepus europaeus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), wolf (Canis

lupus), badger, chamois, deer, quail, etc.

4.2. Special protected areas

The area of Vayots Dzor Marz is characterized by amazing samples of Armenian architectures

(monastery complexes and structures typical to the local area). The region is one of locations with

the most historical and cultural monuments of Armenia, where there are numerous churches,

ancient bridges and castles /Gndevank, Vardani Kar, Gladzor medieval university, Noravank

Complex, etc. Here the nature peculiarities also include the unique system of caves, which has not

been completely discovered yet.

There are 4 protected special nature areas in Vayots Dzor Marz:

«Jermuk jrabanakan» reserve, located in the area upstream of Arpa river, to the north-

east of Jermuk town, and covers the lands of Jermuk town, Karmrashen and Herher

villages.

“Jermuk” reservoir, located on the eastern slopes of Teksar Mountains, on the right bank

section of Arpa River.

“Herher” reservoir, located in the reservoir of right bank Herher brook of Arpa river, on

the elevation of 1400-2000m above sea level.

“Yeghegnadzor” reservoir, located in the reservoir of right bank Yeghegis brook of Arpa

river, on the elevation of 1200-2800m above sea level.

Soon the region will have one more state reservoir “Gnishik”, mapping of which was completed in

February-March of 2013. The borders of the reservoir have already been defined, and the

decisions of community leaders regarding the borders have already been accepted. The

implementation of the reservoir manegement and buisness plan will start after receiving the

Government decree. The completion of the project is foreseen in 2014. Formation of this reservoir

intends to provide reservoirs feeding mineral water warm waters, relict juniper and large stamen

oak mountainsous forests, as well as more efficient preserving of the fauna and other valuable

systems, such as (Asian leopard, Armenian mufflon, Bezoar Goat, gray bear, boar, etc.).

Though there are numerous historical-cultural monuments spread in the vicinity of Jermuk and

Vayk towns, however they are all situated outside of the subproject areas and will not bear any

harmful impact as a result of the project implementation.


Subproject VIII 14

5. Environmental Impact Assessment

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has revealed that no damage is expected to be caused to

the landscape, flora, fauna, land and water resources of the area where works on improvement of

the water supply systems will be impelemented.

The sub-project will be implemented mainly in the built up areas of the settlements, and new areas

will not be used for the purposes of the works implementation.

As to the initial environemntal esamination the sub-project was classified as B category project.

Along with the Detailed Design an Environemntal Management Plan has to be elaborated for this

project, which shall cover all the communities that are included in the Detailed Design.


Subproject VIII 15

Appendix 1. Checklist for Quick Environmental Evaluation

Country/ Subproject Title Sector division

Screening Questions Yes N/A No Remarks

A. Project Siting

Is the project area…

densely populated?

+

Vayots Dzor Marz is considered one of the not densely populated regions of RA, 24,2 person/square km

heavy with development activities? +

2 urban settlements have urban development project documentation /master plans/, in the rural settlements ther is no such issue

adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas?

+

“Jermuk” and “Jermuk jrabanakan’ reservoirs are situated in the vicinity of Jermuk town, however the project does not relate to the latter.

cultural heritage site

+

In the subproject settlements there are historical-cultural monuments, but the project does not interfere with the latter.

protected area +

wetland +

mangrove +

estuarine

+

Arpa river flows across Jermuk town, and Martiros (Pshonk) river flows across Zaritap village, which separate the mentioned settlements into right and left bank sections.

buffer zone of protected area +

special area for protecting biodiversity

+

The approximate distance of “Yeghegnadzor”, “Jermuk”, “Jermuk Jrabanakan” and Herher” reservoirs from the town of Vayk is correspondingly 40, 31, 31 and 15 km.

Bay +

B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause…

pollution of raw water supply from upstream wastewater discharge from communities, industries, agriculture, and soil erosion runoff?

+

Water supply of the settlements is carried out from underground springs

Improvement of water supply and sanitation systems of RA settlements

Subproject VIII - Vayk, Jermuk towns and Zaritap village of Vayots Dzor Marz, RA


Subproject VIII 16


impairment of historical/cultural monuments/areas and loss/damage to these sites?

+ In all the settlements covered by the subproject there are historical-cultural monuments, however the project doesn’t interfere with the latter

hazard of land subsidence caused by excessive ground water pumping?

+ Is not applicable for the subproject.

social conflicts arising from displacement of communities?

+ Not expected

conflicts in abstraction of raw water for water supply with other beneficial water uses for surface and ground waters?

+ Within the framework of the subproject the drinking water supply is carried out from underground springs, which mustn’t be used for irrigation or other purposes.

unsatisfactory raw water supply (e.g. excessive pathogens or mineral constituents)?

+ Within the framework of the subproject the drinking water supply is carried out from underground springs by disinfection

delivery of unsafe water to distribution system?

+

inadequate protection of intake works or wells, leading to pollution of water supply?

+ Improvement work involves the reconstruction of DRRs, which can not cause in water pollution.

over pumping of ground water, leading to salinization and ground subsidence?

+ Water intake of ground water is not foreseen in the design; therefore the implementation of the project can not result in salination or ground settlement.

excessive algal growth in storage reservoir?

+

increase in production of sewage beyond capabilities of community facilities?

+ Currently the communities don’t have any wastewater treatment plants yet, however the construction of a plant in Jermuk town is currently ongoing.

inadequate disposal of sludge from water treatment plants?

+ Is not applicable to the subproject.

inadequate buffer zone around pumping and treatment plants to alleviate noise and other possible nuisances and protect facilities?

+

impairments associated with transmission lines and access roads?

+ Impairment associated with access roads, and crossings with transmission lines will be carried out according to the required norms

health hazards arising from inadequate design of facilities for receiving, storing, and handling of chlorine and other hazardous chemicals.

+ Safety measures will be included in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

health and safety hazards to workers from handling and management of chlorine used for disinfection, other contaminants, and biological and physical hazards during project construction and operation?

+ While working with chlorine or other contaminants prescribed technological procedures shall be followed.

dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people?

+ Not foreseen

disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups?

+ Not foreseen

noise and dust from construction activities?

+ Mitigation measures will be developed in EMP (Environmental Management Plan).

increased road traffic due to interference of construction activities?

+ Not significant increase is predicted for the construction period.

continuing soil erosion/silt runoff from construction operations?

+ Detailed measures of construction management will be described in the EMP


Subproject VIII 17


delivery of unsafe water due to poor O&M treatment processes (especially mud accumulations in filters) and inadequate chlorination due to lack of adequate monitoring of chlorine residuals in distribution systems?

+ Mud accumulation issue is not applicable. Monitoring of chlorine residuals in distribution system will be performed according to established procedure.

delivery of water to distribution system, which is corrosive due to inadequate attention to feeding of corrective chemicals?

+ During operation of this system corrective chemicals for water treatment are not used.

accidental leakage of chlorine gas?

+ Not anticipated.

excessive abstraction of water affecting downstream water users?

+ The implementation of the design is developed to exclude such cases.

competing uses of water?

+ The aim of the project is to mitigate the water consumption competition.

increased sewage flow due to increased water supply

+

increased volume of sullage (wastewater from cooking and washing) and sludge from wastewater treatment plant

+ There are no treatment plants in the settlements covered by the subproject; however, the construction of the treatment plant in Jermuk town is ongoing.

large population influx during project construction and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?

+ The project relates to the reconstruction of the existing system, new social impact is not foreseen.

social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries are hired?

+ Involvement of the local labor force is recommended.

risks to community health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during operation and construction?

+ If safety measures of explosives, fuels and other chemicals used within the framework of the project are maintained, risks will be minimized.

community safety risks due to both accidental and natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

+ If safety measures associated with the transport, storage and use of explosives, fuel and other chemicals used within the framework of the project are maintained, community safety risks due to both accidental and natural hazards will be minimized

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Questions

The following questions do not concern the ecological classification. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks.

Yes No Notes

Is the Project area subject to hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, tropical cyclone winds, storm surges, tsunami or volcanic eruptions and climate changes (see Appendix I)

+ Armenia is situated in an active tectonic zone and can undergo dangers with all the possible consequences

Could changes in temperature, precipitation, or extreme events patterns over the Project lifespan affect technical or financial sustainability (e.g., changes in rainfall patterns disrupt reliability of water supply; sea level rise creates salinity intrusion into proposed water supply source)

+ The shortage of precipitations can cause water shortages in the resources which will result in changes of the water supply stability


Subproject VIII 18

*Hazards are potentially damaging physical events.

Are there any demographic or socio-economic aspects of the Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g., high incidence of marginalized populations, rural-urban migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or children)

+

Could the Project potentially increase the climate or disaster vulnerability of the surrounding area (e.g., by using water from a vulnerable source that is relied upon by many user groups, or encouraging settlement in earthquake zones).

+


Subproject VIII 19

SUBPROJECT 8 IMPROVEMENT OF VAYOTS DZOR REGION

SETTLEMENTS WSSS

Appendix 2. Vayotys Dzor subproject layout

45299-001: water supply and sanitation sector project ... · water supply and sanitation sector...

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