environmental impact assessment of the 400 kv overhead … · 2016. 7. 13. · environmental impact...

The European Union's CARDS Programme for the Western Balkans

Western Balkans Infrastructure Projects Facility TA1-MKD-ENE-01 Environmental Impact Assessment of the 400 kV Overhead Transmission Line SS Stip (Macedonia) – SS Nis (Serbia) Section: SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian Border

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wb371432Typewritten TextE2638 V1

The European Union's CARDS Programme for the Western Balkans

Western Balkans Infrastructure Projects Facility

T

Environmental Impact Assessment of the 400 kV Overhead Transmission Line SS Stip (Macedonia) – SS Nis (Serbia) Section: SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian Border

The project is financed by the EU

The project is implemented by WYG International

Report Issue Record Project Title: Infrastructure Projects Facility for Western Balkans

Project Number: TA1-MKD-ENE-01

Report Title: Environmental Impact Assessment 400kV OHL SS Stip (Macedonia) – SS Nis (Serbia)

Section: SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian Border Issue Number: 1 Revision 1

Date 04-03-2010

Detail

Prepared by EIA expert team

Checked by Konstantin. Siderovski

Approved by Martyn Osborn

Environmental Impact Assessment Study for 400 kV OHL SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian Border

Contents PART A - Environmental Impact Assessment Study for 400 kV Overhead Transmission Line

SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian Border ....................................................................6 Acronyms ............................................................................................................................7 Non – Technical Summary .......................................................................................................8 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................22

Responsible Expert and Team of Experts for Preparation of the Study.............................23 Rationale ..........................................................................................................................25 Relevant Legislation for Environmental Impact Assessment .............................................27 The Process of Environmental Impact Assessment in Macedonia ....................................29 Methodology and Approach during the Preparation of the EIA..........................................30

1 Alternatives Concerned ..................................................................................................35 1.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................35 1.2 Starting and End Point of the Transmission Line....................................................36 1.3 Alternative 1 of the Transmission Line Route .........................................................36 1.4 Alternative 2 of the Transmission Line Route .........................................................37 1.5 Selection of Optimal Corridor for the Route of the Transmission Line....................37 1.6 Zero Alternative (Do Nothing Alternative) ...............................................................40

2 Description and Characteristics of the Project................................................................41 2.1 Existing Power Transmission Grid in Macedonia ...................................................41 2.2 Scope and Project Life Cycle .................................................................................42 2.3 Technical Characteristics of the Transmission Line ...............................................42

2.3.1 Towers ............................................................................................................43 2.3.2 Foundations ....................................................................................................45 2.3.3 Grounding .......................................................................................................45 2.3.4 Phase Conductors ..........................................................................................45 2.3.5 Protective Wires..............................................................................................45 2.3.6 Insulators ........................................................................................................46

2.4 Construction Works ................................................................................................46 2.5 Starting with Operation ...........................................................................................49 2.6 Operation and Maintenance ...................................................................................49 2.7 Termination of Operations or Replacement of Equipment......................................49

3 Description of the Living and Social Environment ..........................................................50 3.1 Geographical Position and Relief of the Route Area ..............................................51 3.2 Climate Conditions in the Area ...............................................................................53 3.3 Geology of the Area................................................................................................55

3.3.1 Geological Characteristics of the Area ...........................................................55 3.3.2 Hydrogeological Characteristics of the Area...................................................56 3.3.3 Engineering - Geological Characteristics of the Area .....................................60 3.3.4 Contemporary and Registered Engineering - Geological Appearances and

Processes .......................................................................................................62 3.4 Tectonics and Seismics of the Area .......................................................................64

3.4.1 Tectonic Conditions in the Area......................................................................64 3.4.2 Neotectonic Regions.......................................................................................68 3.4.3 Seismic Conditions in the Area.......................................................................70

3.5 Hydrography and Quality of Surface Waters in the Area........................................73 3.6 Air Quality in the Area.............................................................................................77 3.7 Noise in the Environment of the Area.....................................................................79

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3.8 Ecological Components, Biodiversity and Conservation Status .............................81 3.8.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................81 3.8.2 Biomes............................................................................................................81 3.8.3 Habitats, Flora and Fauna ..............................................................................82

3.8.3.1 Biomes of Pontoon-Caspian Steppes and Forest-Steppes (PCS)..............82 3.8.3.2 Biome of Mediterranean semi Deserts (МSD) ............................................84 3.8.3.3 Biome of Submediteranean – Balcans Forests (SBF) ................................87

3.9 Population, Settlements, Economic and Social Parameters...................................89 3.10 Use and Categorization of Land around the Route of the Transmission Line ........92 3.11 Existing and Planned Infrastructure on the Route of the Transmission Line ..........93 3.12 Natural Heritage .....................................................................................................96 3.13 Cultural Heritiage....................................................................................................97

4 Environmental Impacts from Project Implementation .....................................................98 4.1 Safety Aspects........................................................................................................99

4.1.1 Safety from Electrical Hazards .......................................................................99 4.1.2 Electric and Magnetic Fields...........................................................................99 4.1.3 Risk of Fire....................................................................................................101 4.1.4 Vibrations of the Transmission Line..............................................................101 4.1.5 Safety Aspects from Geological Hazards .....................................................102

4.2 Impacts on Biological Diversity .............................................................................103 4.3 Impacts on Geology and Soils..............................................................................106 4.4 Impacts on Air quality and Climate .......................................................................108 4.5 Impact on Quality of Surface Waters....................................................................109 4.6 Impacts from Noise...............................................................................................110 4.7 Solid Waste Management ....................................................................................112 4.8 Property Aspects and Impacts on Incomes ..........................................................114 4.9 Visual Aspects ......................................................................................................115 4.10 Impacts on Natural Heritage.................................................................................116 4.11 Impacts on Cultural Heritage ................................................................................117 4.12 Cumulative Impacts ..............................................................................................118 4.13 Matrix of Environmental Impacts ..........................................................................119

5 Mitigation Measures .....................................................................................................122 5.1 Mitigation Measures for Electro-magnetic Fields..................................................123 5.2 Mitigation Measures for Reducing the Impact on the Biodiversity ........................124 5.3 Mitigation Measures for Reducing the Impact on the Geology and Soils .............129 5.4 Mitigation Mesures for Reducing the Impact on the Air Quality............................131 5.5 Mitigation Measures for Reducing the Impact on the Quality of Surface Waters .132 5.6 Mitigation Measures for Reducing the Impact from Noise ....................................133 5.7 Mitigation Measures for Sustainable Waste Management ...................................134 5.8 Mitigation Measures for Reducing the Impact on the Cultural Heritage ...............135 5.9 Overview of the Mitigation Measures....................................................................136

6 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan........................................................140 A. Mitigation Plan ......................................................................................................141 B. Monitoring Plan.....................................................................................................145

7 Project Justification and Conlcusion.............................................................................148 7.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................148 7.2 Sustainable Development.....................................................................................148 7.3 Environmental Impact Assessment ......................................................................149 7.4 Conclusion............................................................................................................152

References and Used Literature ..........................................................................................153

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PART B - Annexes

Annex 1 – Decision for determining the need for environmental impact assessment and its scope

Annex 2 – Geographical review of referent points along the route of interconnective 400 kV transmission line SS Stip - Macedonian - Serbian border

Annex 3 – Sectoral study for biological diversity impact assessment Annex 4 – Overview of plant species along the corridor of the route of the interconnection

400 kV transmission line SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian border

Annex 5 – Thematic maps Annex 5.1 – Land use

Annex 5.2 – Geological maps

Annex 5.3 – Biological Diversity

Annex 6 – Public announcement and public hearing Annex 6.1 – Non – technical Summary

Annex 6.2 – Presentation on public hearing

Annex 6.3 – Presentation on public hearing for Biological Diversity

Annex 6.4 – Public announcement and public hearing


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PART A - Environmental Impact Assessment Study for 400 kV

Overhead Transmission Line SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian Border


Acronyms

ASP Agency for Spatial Planning EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMF Electromagnetic Fields EU European Union ICNIRP International Commission for Non-Ionic Radiation Protection IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature masl metres above the sea level MEPSO Macedonian Power Transmission System Operator MN Monument of Nature MEPP Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning OHL Overhead Line PA protected area RM Republic of Macedonia RP reference point (along the transmission line) SEE Southeast Europe SS Substation (Transformer) UCTE Union for Coordination of Transmission of Electricity UTM Universal Transversal Mercator (coordinative system) WB World Bank

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Non – Technical Summary

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Introduction This environmental impact assessment study supports the process of planning and implementation of an interconnection project for a 400 kV transmission line between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia. The study covers the part of the planned transmission line planned on the tetriritory of the Republic of Macedonia, from an exisiting 400 kV transmission substation SS 400/110kV Stip to the connection point at the Macedonian-Serbian border. The Macedonian Power Transmission System Operator – MEPSO is the proposing party of this project and its investor, The World Bank, has requested the EIA in respect of its commitment to potentially provide financing for the implementation of this project. This planned internconnection of the power grids of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia will significantly improve the quality and flexibility of the power supply in the region, improving security of supply and power trading potential in the region. This EIA study was prepared by team of consultants of WYG International, under the Infrastruture Project Facility for Western Balkans, financed by the European Commission. The study is in compliance with the requirements of the Macedonian legislation concerning the EIA and the guidelines contained in the Report for Defining the Scope and Contents of the EIA, submitted to MEPSO by the MEPP. Purpose of the the EIA This EIA study is to serve as main input for project permitting process by the competent Macedonian regulatory authorities and environmental appraisal by the World Bank for funding decision. Additionally, this study identifies more specific obligations concerning the environment relevant to the engineering (designing), tender and construction documents for the construction of the line, as well as for the documents for operation and maintenance of the transmission line. This will enable the design, construction and operation of the transmission line to be realised in the manner compliant to the standards for environment protection. National EIA Requirements Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of certain projects is required to be carried out in Macedonia in accordance with Articles 76-94 of the Macedonian Law on the Environment. This law and the associated secondary legislation set out the requirements for undertaking environmental assessments of potential environmental impacts of public and private projects which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment before development consent / construction permit is granted in the form of approval for project implementation. Impacts on the environment can include impacts on human beings and biological diversity; soil, water, air and other natural resources and climate; historical and cultural heritage as well as the interaction between these elements. Hence, it is required that before development consent is granted for certain types of projects, an EIA has to be carried out. The EIA process is meant to anticipate potential environmental harm and to avoid or mitigate such harm while balancing environmental, social and economic objectives. The Macedonian Ministry for Environment and Physical Planning (MEPP) is a national competent authority for the EIA procedure.

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The types of projects that require an EIA are determined in the “Decree for Determining Projects for which and criteria on the basis of which the screening for an environmental impact assessment shall be carried out“. This Decree was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 74 on 5 September 2005. Under the Decree projects are classified in two groups: projects listed in Annex I are all subject to compulsory EIA while for projects in Annex II, the assessment contains and element of discretion, noting that an EIA procedure will, in any event, be required for projects with potentially significant environmental impacts. The project proposal for construction and operation of the 400 kV cross-border overhead transmission line between Macedonia and Serbia is included in the above Decree, in Annex I, item 17 – Installing transmission lines and other power facilities of 110 kV voltage or higher, and longer than 15 km. As such, the project is subject to EIA procedure. MEPSO submitted to the MEPP a notification of intention for implementation of the project as well as an EIA scoping document. The MEPP has determined the scope of the EIA and on 1 June 2009 submitted to the MEPSO an EIA scoping decision. Consequently, an EIA was undertaken for the project in accordance with EU, IFI and Macedonian requirements. The main findings of the EIA process are summarized in this report. World Bank Context The World Bank requires environmental assessment (EA) of projects proposed for financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound and sustainable, and thus to improve decision making. EA is a process whose breadth, depth, and type of analysis depend on the nature, scale, and potential environmental impact of the proposed project. EA evaluates a project's potential environmental risks and impacts in its area of influence; examines project alternatives; identifies ways of improving project selection, sitting, planning, design, and implementation by preventing, minimizing, mitigating, or compensating for adverse environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts; and includes the process of mitigating and managing adverse environmental impacts throughout project implementation. EA is initiated as early as possible in project processing and is integrated closely with the economic, financial, institutional, social, and technical analyses of a proposed project. The borrower is responsible for carrying out the EA. The World Bank advises the borrower on the EA requirements. The World Bank reviews the findings and recommendations of the EA to determine whether they provide an adequate basis for processing the project for financing. When the borrower has completed or partially completed EA work prior to the WB’s involvement in a project, the World Bank reviews the EA to ensure its consistency with this policy. The World Bank may, if appropriate, require additional EA work, including public consultation and disclosure.

(i) Environmental Screening and Determining the Level of EA The World Bank classifies the proposed project into one of four categories, depending on the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project and the nature and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts:

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(a) Category A: A proposed project is classified as Category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, adverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. EA for a Category A project examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental impacts, compares them with those of feasible alternatives (including the "without project" situation), and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance. For a Category A project, the borrower is responsible for preparing a report, normally an EIA.

(b) Category B: A proposed project is classified as Category B if its potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas and other natural habitats, are less adverse than those of Category A projects. These impacts are site-specific; few if any of them are irreversible; and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for Category A projects.

(c) Category C: A proposed project is classified as Category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Beyond screening, no further EA action is required for a Category C project.

(d) Category FI: A proposed project is classified as Category FI if it involves investment of World Bank funds through a financial intermediary, in subprojects that may result in adverse environmental impacts.

While the project for the 400 kV overhead transmission line SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian border falls under category B for EA (sector – Electrical Transmission), the level of attention to this EIA approximated that used for Category A projects under World Bank Operational Policy 4.01 (1999). A thorough field survey, physical inspection of the whole transmission line corridor and presentation of the findings in a geo-referenced manner with graphic representations (thematic maps, drawings, schemes) have been conducted. This allowed precise location of environmental information to the layout of the project area and the area of influence.

(ii) Public Consultation For all Category A and B projects proposed for financing, during the EA process, the borrower consults project-affected groups and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) about the project's environmental aspects and takes their views into account. The borrower initiates such consultations as early as possible and consults with such groups throughout project implementation as necessary to address EA-related issues that affect them.

(iii) Disclosure For meaningful consultations between the borrower and project-affected groups and local NGOs on all Category A and B projects proposed for financing, the borrower provides relevant material in a timely manner prior to consultation and in a form and language that are understandable and accessible to the groups being consulted.

(iv) Implementation During project implementation, the borrower reports on (a) compliance with measures agreed with the Bank on the basis of the findings and results of the EA, including implementation of any EMP, as set out in the project documents; (b) the status of mitigation measures; and (c) the findings of monitoring programs. The World Bank bases supervision of the project's environmental aspects on the findings and recommendations of the EA, including measures set out in the legal agreements, any EMP, and other project documents.

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Description and Characteristics of the Project The planned transmission line will be designed and constructed in compliance with the current Regulation on the Technical Rules for Construction of Overhead Power Lines with Nominal Voltage of 1kV to 400 kV, as well as the current standards, rules and regulations applicable in the Republic of Macedonia The entire life cycle of the project includes the following phases:

o Selection of an adequate corridor for the route of the transmission line This phase has been realised through (i) identifying the potential alternative routes, (ii) assessment of the feasibility thereof and (iii) selection of the most favourable alternative.

o This phase is underway (being undertaken by an electrical contractor appointed by MEPSO) and includes preparation of relevant planning documentation, including technical and design documentation and analysis of the environment aspects. The planning documentation will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the current Macedonian and international legislation for these type of facilities.

o Construction phase. Activities of this phase will include construction activities and installation of the necessary infrastructure and equipment.

o Operational phase . This project phase will include actual operation of the transmission line, including maintenance and control.

o Decommisioning and closure of installation. This phase will include measures for recultivation and future use of the area, as well as measures for managing the impact on the environment during the post-project period.

All the components of the interconnection 400kV transmission line SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian broder (towers, foundation, conductors, protective wires and insulators) and their elements will be designed, produced, tested and installed according to the standards of the 400 kV grid in Macedonia. The entire equipment must be designed and constructed in the manner that will ensure safe operation in the ambient conditions that exist in the area where the transmission line is to be built, and under various energy transfers and voltageconditions that might occur during the operaton of the transmission grid. The basic technical parameters of the transmission line are presented in the following table: Table – Review of technical parameters of the 400kV interconnection transmission line Parameter Characteristic Nominal voltage 400 kV Type of towers Steel-bar hot zinc-coated, with horizontally placed conductors, two per phase

and two protective wires Foundation Typical solutions, depending on the engineering and geo-mechanical

parameters of the ground. Reinforced concrete - brand of concrete acording to the valid regulations. Protection against corrosion of anchor segment, 50 cm above the level of the terrain.

Conductor √ Number per phases: 2 √ Material: AlFe √ Section: 490/65 mm2 √ Maximum work strain: According to valid regulations

Protective wire Two earth-lead wires in horizontal lowland: • First: Alumoweld hawser with diameter of 126.1 mm2, labeled AWG 19/9 • Second: Protective hawser with optic fiber, OPGW with 48 fibers (Mechanical and electric characteristics will correspond to classic protective hawser)

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Insulators • Type of insulator: - On the line: Phase, massive, porcelain insulator of the type

75/21+20=160 or glass hanging insulators U-160 - On the portal: Glass hanging, of the type U-160

• Type of insulator chain: According to the regulations Earthing of towers • Specific resistance of the ground: According to the terrain measurements

of specific places and use of typical earthing • Material: Circular zinc-coated steel • Dimensions: Minimum diameter ∅10 mm

Connective equipment Connective materials for the planned insulators are hot zinc-coated. Climate parameters √ Wind pressure: 75 daN/m2

√ Burden from ice and snow: 1,6 x 0,18√d daN/m2 √ External temperature:

- Maximum + 40 °С - Minimum - 20 °С

Safety hight At least 1 m higher than the prescribed in the Regulation, ,to take into account conductor fatigue, intensive construction of near-by facilities, use of agricultural machinery, etc.

The corridor of the route for the transmission line is in Eastern Macedonia, on the territory of five municipalities: Stip, Karbinci, Sveti Nikole, Kumanovo and Staro Nagorichane. The route runs from the newly planned portal in the existing SS 400/110kV Stip, in the area “Ramnishte” to the area “Jelena Glava” at the Macedonian-Serbian border. The route is approximately 70 km long. According to its morphology, the route of the transmission line passes through several valleys, while part of the route passes through low mountain regions.

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Project Alternatives Considered During the preparatory phase of the project, MEPSO prepared several pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies about the interconnection 400 kV transmission line, including a study for selecting the most optimal route thereof. Based on the analysis of proposed variants and the selection process, MEPSO identified the best corridor for the route of the transmission line.

ТС 400/110 ШтипkV

II варијанта

I вари јанта

400 kV ДВ ТС Штип - М

акедонско -Српска граница

Selected route

A summary of the reveiwed alternative variants for the selection of the best corridor for the route of the transmission line is presented in the adjacent map. The corridor of the selected route passes through favourable low mountain terrain, which runs in the direction north - south, avoiding the direct positioning of the transmission line toward the wind blow. The route avoids the fertile areas of the region Ovche Pole and does not pass through environmentally important areas.

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Description of the Environment

Climate Conditions The route of the transmission line passes through terrains with different climate conditions. The biggest part of the corridor where the route passes is characterized by moderate continental climate, with micro-climate characteristics in the some areas it passes through, the Ovche Pole and Kumanovo Valleys. The average annual temperature during certain years varies between 10 °С and 14 °С. The coldest month is January with average monthly temperature od 0.4 °С to 1.3 °С. The warmest month is July, with average monthly temperature that varies between 22.3 °С and 23.8 °С. According to the temperature indicators, the conclusion is that the area along the route of the transmission line is characterized by hot summers and moderately cold winters, with occasional extremely high and low temperatures, some considerable temperature variations, and a warmer autumn than spring. During the year, the rainfalls are uneven. The southern part of the corridor is an area with little rainfall (annual quantity – 472 mm), while the northern part - with larger annual quantities of rainfall (average annual quantity – 549 mm). The average annual relative humidity is 67% in the southern part of the corridor and 72% in the northern part. With respect to winds, the north-west wind is the most frequent in the southern part of the route, while the northern wind is more frequent in the northern part.

Geological Conditions The majority of the route of the transmission line belongs to the sheets Stip, Veles and Kumanovo of the Basic Geological Map (1 : 100.000). Within the area, several main sediments have been identified: (i) Upper Eocene flysche sediments, represented by basalt series (conglomerates of sandstones and marls), above which there is the lower flysche series and yellow sandstones and on top - the upper flysche series (consisting of carbonates and clastic rocks); (ii) volcanic rocks and sediments in layers among which (various andesites, ignimbrites, tuff sandstones, volcanic breccias); aluvial sediments along some woterflows and by the river Pchinja and (iv) deluvial sediments recognized at certain locations in the subject area.

Hydrography and Quality of Surface Waters Wider area of the corridor where the route of the long-distance power linces spreads is part of the territory of two bigger regional river basins: • The basin of River Bregalnica, with the following rivers: (i) River Sudichka, (ii) Rivers

Stanulovska and Burilovska, (iii) River Nemanjica, (iv) Rivers Orelska and Mavrovica, (v) River Madzarica and (vi) the rivulets Boshkov Dol and Drenov Dol. A dam was built on the River Mavrovica, near to Alin Dol, which covers an area of 7 km2 and has a volume of 2.7 million m3. The dam is used for water supply of Sveti Nikole.

• The basin of River Pchinja, with the following rivers: (i) River Luka, (ii) Vranjak, (iii) Murgashki Brook, (iv) Slatinski Dol, (v) Serava Brook, (vi) Muralovski Dol and (vii) Sejdin Dol.

The pollution of rivers and rivulets on the route of the transmission line comes from the communal waste waters from inhabited places and pollution from stock beeeding and

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agricultural activities. The quality of surface waters in the direct surrounding of the route of the transmission line is not significantly deteriorated by emission of industrial activities.

Air Quality The majority of the route corridor runs through rural areas. Bearing this in mind, as well as the fact that no data are available from measurements of air pollution in the immediate area along the route, it can be assumed that the air along the route of the transmission line is of good quality, first of all because of the nature of the area and the distance from the main polutors – industrial facilities and the main traffic infrastructure in the region.

Environmental Components and Biological Diversity Along the route of the transmission line a certain number of habitats have been identified, plant communities, plant and animal species. There are more than 250 registered plant taxons (autumn aspect) that are part of various plant communities and habitat types that develop along the route of the transmission line. Among them, there are 3 Macedonian endemic species that are the most valuable from botanical point of view. (i) Salvia jurisicii Koshanin, (ii) Verbascum lesnovoensis Micev and (iii) Onobrychys megalophylia Boiss, as well as two other types that can are listed in the World Red List: (i) (Salvia jurisicii Koshanin and (ii) Alkanna pulmonaria Grisebach). The fauna diversity includes a number of invertebral groups and all vertebra groups (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). All species that are listed in the international lists of important species have been defined and identified in this study with the aim of assessing the impact on the environment.

Land Use The route of the transmission line passess through a terrain with different purposes, where part of it is used for land cultivation. All inhabited places near the corridor of the transmission line are typical agricultural societies. There are no significant industrial capacities that may interactively impact the planned transmission line. Impacts on the Environment and Mitigation Measures

Electromagnetic Fields EMF are the result of the generation, transfer, distribution and use of electric power. They are present in the environment where there is operational electric equipment. The intensity of the electric field is measured by the unit measure “Volt per metre” (V/m) and it may vary depending on the differences of potentials between the conductors, the land and the near-by objects. The concept of density of flux (magnet induction) is used for describing the magnetic fields. These fields are measured by the unit measure “Tesla” (T). The power of EMF from transmission lines depends on the voltage level of the line and it decreases with the increase of distance from the conductors. The level of limit values for exposure to EMF according to the guidelines of the International Committee for Protection from non-ionic Radiation, which are accepted by the EU, are presented in the table bellow.

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Exposure of public Industrial exposure electric field magnetic field electric field magnetic field 5 kV/m 100 µT 10 kV/m 500 µT

The measurements of EMF values to date, by different institutions, for a relatively low safe hight of phase conductor of 10 m above the terrain, determined electric field of 6.7 kV/m and magnetic induction of 42.9μT. Taking into consideration the defined border values of EMP exposure, it may be concluded that this height of phase conductors and even higher are not harmful for the health of people who are temporarily near to a transmission line of 400kV. By carrying out appropriate design and operational measures, MEPSO will provide conditions for eliminating the impact from EMF on people’s health. These measures include: (i) relevant choice of locations for the towers / route in relation to inhabited places, (ii) respecting the technical specifications for minimal heights of conductors and (iii) monitoring and measuring the EMF levels – control of exposure values within the acceptable limits during the operational phase of the transmission line.

Habitats, Flora and Fauna By undertaking adequate measures and activties in the phases of design, construction and operation, the transmission line will not cause any serious negative effects on the biotope contents of the area, the natural habitats, flora and fauna. With careful planning of the route of the transmission line, the need for clearing the vegetation, trees and forest layer is reduced to the minimum. Geology and Soils The expected impact of the transmission line on the geological structures and soils during the construction phase would be in the form of degradation and erosion of the soil and deterioration of certain geological formations. The risk from erosion of soil is limited, mainly in the areas where the preparation, assembling and installation of transmission line towers is to be carried out. By applying the good construction practices, the probable impact will be controlled and they are not expected to cause any serious negative effect. Air Quality The probable impact of dust emission into the local air during the construction phase will be reduced through the proposed measures. During the operation of the transmission line, there will be no emission of harmful gases in the surrounding air.

Hydrography and Quality of Surface Waters A potential impact on the quality of surface waters may result due to erosion and sedimentation and inappropriate waste management during the construction phase. Measures have been proposed for reducing this potential impact, while their implementation through good construction practices will ensure insignificant effect on the quality of waters. During the construction of the transmission line, no impact is expected on the subterranean waters, since the consutrction activities anticipate only shallow excavations.

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During the operational phase, the transmission line will not release harmful pollutants in the waters.

Noise Emission of noise during the construction phase is inevitable. If we take into consideration the distance of a larger number of individual locations of towers from the inhabited places and the fact that the emission of construction noise is of short-term and discontinual nature, the significant and irreversible impact on the environment and the local population is not expected. By adopting good construction practices, the level of noise will be within the emission limit values. During the operational phase, the transmission line will not release harmful noise in the near-by surrounding and the environment. In this phase, there is a possibility for occurrence of upsetting noise due to the corona effect, i.e. electric discharge around the conducting cables. The corona effect is a common phenomenon, related to all power transmission lines. The noise from the corona effect is directly dependent on certain physical parameters of the environment, especially the presence of forest area, the morphology of the terrain, etc. The corona effect in cases of transmission lines has been analyzed in detail during the past couple of decades and completely resolved as a problem. During the design of transmission lines, measures are incorporated for minimizing this effect, especially for high voltage lines that exceed 300 kV. Adequate choice of dimensions of the conductors for the transmission line will reduce the localized electric impact on the air at the surface of the conductor and will additionally reduce the surface gradient thereof to the level that will cause small and insignificant corona activities.

Property Aspects and Impact on the Revenues Bearing in mind that (i) the largest part of the route of the interconnection 400 kV transmission line passes along the existing borders of agricultural blocks, (ii) the distance between two neighbouring towers is quite big (approximately 400 m), (iii) the ground area necessary for positioning the towers is very small with respect to to the surrouding agricultural areas, as well as the fact (iv) that the long-distance power lines are objects that are completely compatible with all forms of agricultural activities, i.e. that such activities may continue during the operation phase of the lines, it is envisaged that the project will have no significant impact on the agricultural processes and revenues. Therefore, no significant measurable effect would be created on the revenue generation of effected farmers and agricultural companies. The permanent loss of land, forest and other property, as well as the eventual damage during the construction phase or during the maintenance of the transmission line would be subject of compensation pursuant to the current Macedonian legislation. MEPSO will conduct an appropriate process of land acquisition with each natural person or legal entity that is a land owner, which is necessary for implementing the project.

Visual Aspects At certain locations, the new interconnection 400 kV long-distance power line will cause limited visual changes in the current landscape. Due to the (i) relatively thin design of the towers and (ii) the principle of selecting a corridor of the route which is parallel with already existing structure / power lines, and due to the (iii) significant distance from inhabited places, the visual effect casued by the transmission line is expected to be low. It is considered that the visual amenity of the study area in general would not deteriorate to a significant degree and the overall impact upon the population of the study area is therefore limited.

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Visible changes will occur only in places of intersection of the transmission line with roads and places for bridging deep gullies and ravines. Based on the past experience it can be concluded that the visual aspects associated with OHL developments do not represent crucial aspect for their acceptance by the local population and it is likely that the majority of the community will regard the visual impact as being acceptable. Consultation to date with residents in the vicinity of the OHL route has been generally positive.

Cultural Heritage If during the earth works, existence of artefacts is determined or indications occur that in certain locations there is potential archaeological goods, the construction works will be stopped, and the locations in questions will be protected and temporarily fenced, in order to avoid eventual negative implications concerning their safety and condition.

Waste Management During its life cycle, the transmission line will generate various types and fractions of waste, including communal waste, waste from packaging and construction activities. Additionally, it is expected that minor quantities of certain fractions of hazardous waste be created. During its entire life cycle, there will be appropriate approach, for the purpose of ensuring proper waste management. This approach will take into consideration the requirements and obligations defined in the Macedonian legislation in the field of waste management.

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Environment Management Plan The project's environmental management plan (EMP) in standard Worl Bank format consisting of the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation to eliminate adverse environmental impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels has been developed as part of the EIA process. The plan also includes the actions needed to implement these measures. The EMP is an essential element of the EIA study. It has been developed based on (i) identification of the set of mitigation measures to potentially adverse impacts, (ii) determination of requirements for ensuring that those measures are made effectively and in a timely manner, and (iii) description of the means for meeting those requirements. The EMP provides an essential link between the impacts predicted and mitigation measures specified within the EIA study and implementation and operational activities. It outlines the anticipated environmental impacts of the project, the measures to be undertaken to mitigate these impacts, institutional responsibilities for mitigation and the time frame. The EMP has been formulated in such a way that it is easy to use. The following aspects are addressed within the EMP:

• Description of mitigation measures. The EMP identifies feasible and cost effective measures to reduce impacts to acceptable levels. Each mitigation measure is briefly described with reference to the impact to which it relates and timeline under which it is required.

• Description of monitoring program: Environmental performance monitoring has been designed to ensure that mitigation measures are implemented and have the intended result. The monitoring program clearly indicates the linkages between impacts identified in the EIA study, parameters to be measured, methods to be used, monitoring locations, frequency of measurements and timeline of the monitoring activities.

• Institutional arrangements: Responsibilities for mitigation and monitoring are defined. The EMP identifies arrangements for coordination between the various actors responsible for mitigation. It also identifies the competent governmental agencies responsible for specific environmental management areas.

The EMP will be implemented during the construction and operaton of the interconnection 400 kV transmission line. The environmental management section contained in the EIA main report details, as far as possible at present stage of planning, the mitigation and monitoring measures as well as institutional responsibilities to be taken during project implementation. This includes subsequent project activities: detail design process, construction and operation. It will be task of the appointed contractors to further detail the issues addressed in this EIA study, depending on the progress of the project planning, until construction (details for storing the construction and other materials, the access roads for transport, locations for assembling / installation of towers). It is recommended to MEPSO that environmental issues addressed in this EIA study are used for detailing of the environmental specifications in the tender documentation for selection of the construction contractor(s).

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Furthermore, each requirement that will result from the process of obtaining decision by the MEPP and other competent bodies, will have to be included in the final documentation for construction. The detailed design and construction provisions for environmental protection and mitigation will be agreed by MEPSO with competent authorities. The defined requirements for protection of the environment will be an obligatory part of the contracting conditions for the construction contractor who will be also obliged to adopt and follow the good management and environmental practices during construction activities and maintain the minimum possible impact on the vegetation, soil, ground and surface waters, air, wild life and landscape, including the impact on the inhabited places and local communities. With the aim of ensuring effective implementation of the EMP, MEPSO will appoint staff to undertake environmental supervision and moniotirng during the construction phase. Key responsibilities of this staff will be to ensure that measures and control as defined in the works contract and issued permits and decisions are applied in an appropriate manner. This also includes coordination with Adminsitration for Environment Protection within the MEPP and the Cultural Heritage Protection Office (CHPO) within the Ministry of Culture. Environmental management during the operational phase of the interconnection 400kV transmission line will generally consists of monitoring the efficiency of measures incorporated during the design and monitoring the operational performance. The operation management and monitoring will be organized and conducted by MEPSO.

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Introduction

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Responsible Expert and Team of Experts for Preparation of the Study

Request for implementation of the project

Name of the requesting party:

Address of the requesting party:

Macedonian Transmission System Operator - MEPSO

str. Orce Nikolov bb 1000 Skopje Macedonia www.mepso.com.mk

re: Project for construction and operation of 400 kV interconnection transmission line SS Stip – SS Nis

(section: SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian border) Responsible expert for preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment Study:

Name and surname: Konstantin Siderovski MSc Position: Senior Consultant for Environment Address: str. Razlovechko vostanie no. 26/А – 27

1000 Skopje Macedonia

Date: 15 February 2010 Signature:

Team of experts for preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study: Expert Project component Mitko Dimov Hydro / geology, soils and water aspects Vlado Matevski Ph.D. Biological diversity (habitats and flora) Branko Micevski Ph.D. Biological diversity (biomes and fauna)

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EIA license document issued by the MEPP

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Rationale The development of Trans-European Power Grid is one of the political and economic priorities of the EU policy for the South-East Europe (SEE) region. The power connection of Balkan countries and reconstruction of national grids is underway. Expansion of the Union for Coordination of Transmission of Electricity – UCTE) towards SEE is an essential step towards establishment of regional energy market in the countries of this region. Bearing in mind the fact that the exchange of energy between and through power grids of Macedonia and Serbia continually increases on annual basis, and the conditions with burdended operations that occur depending on the seasonal needs in the countries of the region, the need for planning a construction of a new 400 kV interconnection transmission line between the power grids of Macedonia and Serbia is more than evident. This project idea has dated 30 years ago. The interconnection 400 kV transmission line would enable realisation of the following goals:

1. Ensuring better operational safety of the power grid in the region of SEE and strengthening the power connection between the north and the south, especially during the summer periods, when there is intensive power exchange along this corridor, as well as in case of significant surpass of transmission capacities in the region.

2. Ensuring conditions for safe and secure exchange of increased quantities of electric power, both between the Macedonian and Serbian power grid, and between grids of the Balkan countries.


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Picture – Planned development of interconnection power grid in SEE

Source: UCTE Transmission Development Plan, Edition 2008

Interconnection 400 kV OHL

Macedonia - Serbia


Relevant Legislation for Environmental Impact Assessment National legislation: • Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (Official Gazette of RM no. 52/91, 01/92,

31/98, 91/01, 84/03 and 107/05) and the Constitutional Law on the Republic of Macedonia (Official Gazette of RM no..52/91 and 4/92);

Legislation in the area of the environment:

• Law on the Environment (Official Gazette of RM no. 53/05, 81/05 and 24/07) o Decree on determining the projects and criteria based on which the need for

environmental impact assessment procedure is determined (Official Gazette of RM no. 74/05)

o Regulation on information that is to be included in the notification for expressing interest for implementation of the project and the procedure for determining the need for environmental impact assessment of the project (Official Gazette of RM no. 33/2006)

o Regulation on the contents of requirements that should be fulfilled by the EIA Study (Official Gazette of RM no. 33/2006)

o Regulation on the contents of announcement concerning the notification for expression of interest for implementation of a project, the decision concerning the need for environmental impact assessment study, the environmental impact assessment study, report about the relevance of the environmental impact assessment study and the decision by which an approval or rejection is pronounced for mplementation of the project, as well as the manner of consulting the public (Official Gazette of RM no. 33/2006)

o Regulation on the form, contents, procedure and manner of preparation of the report concerning the relevance of the environmental impact assessment study study and the procedure for authorizing persons from the List of Experts for environmental impact assessment who are to prepare the report (Official Gazette of RM no. 33/2006)

• Law on the Ambiental Air Quality (Official Gazette of RM no. 67/04 and 92/07)

o Regulation on the criteria, methods and procedures for assessing the quality of ambiental air (Official Gazette of RM no. 67/04)

o Decree on the limit values of level and types of substances that pollute the ambiental air and tresholds for alarms, deadlines for achieving the border values, margins of tolerance of limit values, target values and long-tem goals (Official Gazette of RM no. 22/05)

• Law on Waters (Official Gazette of RM no.87/08)

o Decree on the Classification of Waters (Official Gazette of RM no. 18/99) o Decree on categorizing the water flows, lakes, accumulations and ground waters

(Official Gazette of RM no. 18/99 and 71/99)

• Law on Waste Management (Official Gazette of RM no. 68/04, 71/04 and 107/07) o List of waste (Official Gazette of RM no. 100/05)

• Law on Noise Protection in the Environment (Official Gazette of RM no. 79/2007)

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o Regulation on Locations of Measuring Stations and Measuring Locations (Official Gazette of RM no. 120/08)

o Regulation on Border Values of Level of Noise in the Environment (Official Gazette of RM no. 147/08)

o Decision on Defining the Cases and Conditions under which the Peace of Citizens is Distorted by Harmfull Noise (Official Gazette of RM no. 01/09)

• Law on Nature Protection (Official Gazette of RM no. 67/04, 14/06 and 84/07)

Other relevant legislation:

• Regulation on Technical Principles for Construction of Overhead Lines with nominal voltage of 1 kV to 400 kV (Official Gazette of SFRY no. 68/1988)

• Law on Energy (Official Gazette of RM no. 63/06 and 36/07) • Law on the Local Self-Government (Official Gazette of RM no. 05/02) • Law on Spatial and Urban Planning (Official Gazette of RM no. 51/05, 37/07 and 24/08)

o Regulation on the Standards and Principles of Spatial Planning (Official Gazette of RM no. 69/99);

o Regulation on the More Detailed Contents, Proportions and Graphic Processing of Urban Plans (Official Gazette of RM no. 78/06 and 140/07)

• Law on Construction (Official Gazette of RM no. 130/09) • Law on Protection of Cultural Heritage (Official Gazette of RM no. 20/04 and 115/07) • Law on Expropriation (Official Gazette of RM no. 33/95, 20/98, 40/99, 31/03, 46/05 and

10/08) Relevant International Multilateral Agreements:

• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (New York, 1992) o Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

• UN Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio de Janeiro, 1992)

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn, 1979)

o Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (London, 1991)

• European Convention on Landscape (Florence, 2000) • Convention of the Conservation of European Wild Life and Natural Habitats (Bern,

1982) Relevant Directives of European Council:

• Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC)

• Directive on Habitats (92/243/EEC)

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The Process of Environmental Impact Assessment in Macedonia The EU Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended by 97/11/EEC) defines the requirements for assessment of potential effects on the environment by some public and private pojects that are expected to have significant impact on the environment. EIA is conducted prior the issuance of construction permit and approval for project implementation. The envrionmental impact may be the impact on human beings and biological diversity, soil, water, air and other natural resources and climate, hystorical and cultural heritage, as well as the interaction among these elements. This EU Directive has been transposed into legislation in the Republic of Macedonia. Thus, prior to issuing construction permit or approval for implementation of certain types of projects, it is mandatory to conduct the EIA. The EIA process is intended to anticipate the potential risks and avoid or mitigate eventual damage, while at the same time to balance the social and economic goals with the goals for environmental protection. The environmental impact assessment of certain projects is an obligation that has to be conducted in Macedonia, pursuant to Article 76 – 94 of the Law on the Environment. The whole EIA process includes three specific procedures. They are the following:

1. ‘screening’ (i.e., the stage of determining whether an EIA is required)

2. ‘scoping’ (i.e., the stage of determining the scope or extent of the environmental impact assessment), and

3. ‘review’ (i.e., the stage of reviewing the EIA study to see if it has been undertaken to an acceptable standard and in accordance with the legal requirements).

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Methodology and Approach during the Preparation of the EIA This EIA study has been prepared according to the requirements contained in the Macedonian legislation and international financial institutions. The project proposal for construction of the 400 kV cross-border transmission line between Macedonia and Serbia is included in the Decree on Defining Projects and Criteria Based on Which the Need for EIA is conducted (Official Gazette of RM no, 74/2005), in Annex I, item 17 – Installing transmission lines and other power facilities of 110 kV voltage or higher, and longer than 15 km. In the Republic of Macedonia, there are national sector guidelines for conducting EIA for power lines [Ref.19]. The guidelines in this document were used in the course of preparation of this EIA study. Additionally, some international guidelines and instructions for this type of projects were reviewed and used. The methodology of preparation of EIA study included planning and realization of three main groups of activities: Activity 1: Data Collection and Preparation of “Baseline” Study The data collection provided a fund of relevant information and clear picture about the status of the environment and social surrounding along the route of 400 kV transmission line, as a main precondition for comprehensive analysis of possible impact on the environment by the project, and consequently, the necessary measures to be undertaken for its mitigation. This activity involved desk study, as well as activities for field survey, and consequently, preparation of the “baseline” study. Analyses were focused on the review of available design and technical documentation for the power line. The field survey was conducted with the aim of evaluating the natural and ecological resources of the wider corridor of the transmission line. Activity 2: Conducting a Study for Environmental Impact Assessment The EIA study is based on the following technical requirements:

√ Overview of the considered alternatives

√ Identification and evaluation of probable direct and indirect impacts during the basic phases of the project life cycle:

- Engineering design (planning stage) in coordination with the MEPSO design team

- Performing construction works (construction stage) and

- Functioning of the transmission line (operational stage).

√ Cumulative effects

√ Protection of the environment, flora / fauna and other natural resources

√ Proposal of applicable mitigation measures, giving preference to avoidance and prevention measures and use of compensation as a last resort.

√ Definition of an Environment Management Plan (EMP), pursuant to the standard EMP format of the World Bank

The approach of the expert team for EIA study involved coordination and synergy of activities with the MEPSO design team for the transmission line. The goal of the aforementioned was

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to ensure practical application of the preventive principle on the entire design process of the power line, which in the long-run helps in avoiding eventual conflicts or harmful effects on the environment during the future practical implementation of the project.

a) Anticipation of impacts on the environment and their description Methodology used to identify and assess potential environmental impacts includes:

• Review of published literature

• Acquisition and review of the unpublished documents and reports from various organizations (governmental agencies, universities) and other similar projects

• Interviews with representative of MEPSO, resource persons and representatives of interest groups

• Review of relevant statistical and cartographic databases and various census data

• Site visits and field investigations Impacts are likely to be significant if they:

• Are extensive over space or time

• Are intensive in relation to assimilative capacity of the environment

• Exceed environmental standards or thresholds

• Do not comply with environmental policies / land use plans

• Affect ecological sensitive / important areas or natural heritage resources

• Affect community lifestyle, traditional land uses and values

b) Measures for mitigating the effects Mitigation measures are required when significant adverse effects are likely. Mitigation activities proposed in this EIA study are consistent with the requirements of the relevant legislation and policies as well as with best international practice. The principles of mitigation, including its hierarchical manner are as follows:

• Preference to avoidance and prevention measures

• Consideration of feasible alternatives to the proposal

• Identification of customized measures to minimize each major impact

• Ensure they are appropriate and cost-effective

• Use compensation as a last resort

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Picture – Hierarchy of mitigation

Activity 3: Consultaton and Finalisation The expert team that prepared this EIA study, is in charge to participate in the process of presenting the study before the interested public and during the consultations with the public, as well as in the review process of the EIA study, which is to result with final acceptance of the Study by the MEPP. The Macedonian legislation concerning the EIA defines the rules and detailed procedures for including the public in the decision-making process. The practical public involvement is performed through: a) disclosing of the information to the public, b) public participation where public can actively be involved in public discussions and submitting its written opinion within the different EIA phases of the procedure and c) through the mechanism of access to justice, when public could influence the decision making with submitting appeals to the Court or Second Instance Commission of the Government. According to the Macedonian national legislation, the public is involved in every stage of the EIA procedure. Every decision made during the process should be published in appropriate media and the public could follow and participate through the different steps of the procedure. This applies for the following documents:

• Notification for the intention for project implementation

• EIA Screening decision

• EIA Scoping decision

• Announcement for availability of the EIA study

• Non-technical summary of the EIA study,

• Report on the adequacy of the EIA study,

• Decision on granting consent to or rejecting the application for the project implementation.

Alternative sites or technology to eliminate adverse effects and loss

Actions during design, construction and operation to minimize or eliminate adverse effects and loss

Used as a last resort to offset loss

Avoidance

Mitigation

Compensation Rare, undesirable

Common, desirable


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The public could express its opinions about the EIA study during the public hearing event(s), organised by the MEPP, and through submitting written opinions to the MEPP. These requirements will be respected by MEPSO. All relevant documents produced in the course of prepration of this study are available to the public, timely delivered and placed in locations that are easily accessible to the local population. An overview of the public consultations process in Macedonia is given in the following picture.


Picture - Overview of the EIA public consultation process in Macedonia

Source: Macedonian Green Center (www.zeleni.org.mk)

Public participation in the EIA process in Macedonia

Submitting of written opinions

Announcement for the availability of the study MEPP

Public hearing(s) for the EIA study

EIA study

MEPP

Informing of the public and the NGOs

Availability of information for participation in the public hearing

MEPP

MEPP

Minutes Participants, conclusions, stenographic notes, video and audio records

Investor, State Authorities, Local- self Government(s)

Publishing of the Minutes

MEPP

Web page on MEPP

MEPP, developer, experts who have prepared the study

Public, NGOs

Legend: EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment Public participation Competent Authority Institution to which activity is directed Participants in the public hearing Activity Where information is published MEPP – Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning

Public

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1 Alternatives Concerned 1.1 Introduction The overhead 400 kV transmission line for connecting the power grids of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia will significantly improve the quality and flexibility of the power supply in the region. This cross-border connection will improve the conditions for a safe and secure transfer of greater power potential between the two countries. The construction and future operation of this transmission line between Macedonia and Serbia, in combination with implementation of projects for the new 400 kV transmission lines to Greece (Bitola – Florina) and to Bulgaria (Stip-Chervena Mogila) will strengthen the entire capacity of the power system corridor North-South. During the preparatory phase of the project, MEPSO prepared several pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies about the interconnection 400 kV transmission, including a study for selecting the most optimal route thereof.1 [Ref. 7]. Summary of reveiwed alternative variants for selection of optimal corridor for the route of the transmission line is presented in the following picture. Picture – Alternatives for the route of the 400 kV interconnection transmission line Macedonia-Serbia

Source: MEPSO

1 Report: “Selection of optimal corridor for the route of the 400 kV interconnection transmission line

SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian border”, MEPSO, October 2008



I варијанта

400 kV ДВ ТС Штип - Македонско -Српска граница

Legend:

• Alternative I - • Alternative II -


Selection of optimal route for overhead power transmission line is a serios challange in terms of planning, due to (i) the environmental aspects of the process, (ii) the various legal principles and standards and (iii) growing interest and expectations of the public. Due to these reasons, the optimisation of one transmission power line includes a set of criteria for selection of the most favourable solution and represents a complex process that needs to be conducted according to the national legislation and technical regulations, the experience to date and the best international practices. In this context, the key issues that have to be addressed in the course of selection of the transmission line route according to the worldwide experience, may be graded according to their importance in the following way:

(i) Impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the human health (biological effects from the EMF).

(ii) Visual aspects / effects

(iii) Use of space and corridors

(iv) Ownership aspects and property value

(v) Social aspects, particularly in the context of rejection by the local community

(vi) General and public interest – justification and feasibility of the project

(vii) Administrative procedures and licenses

(viii) Biological diversity (habitats, flora and fauna)

(ix) Consultations with the local communities

(x) Noise and electromagnetic interference 1.2 Starting and End Point of the Transmission Line In the course of the selection of route for the interconnection 400 kV transmission line, two variants of the route corridor were analysed. The starting and end point on the Macedonian territory are defined and constant in both variants. The starting point is 400 kV transmission line field (spatial reserve) in the new SS 400 / 110 kV Stip. The end point, i.e. the point of connection at the border with Serbia is agreed to be east of the highway Kumanovo-Tabanovce, i.e. west of the River Pchinja, very near to the triangulation point "Jelena Glava”. Location of the border point resulted from the route definition on Serbian territory. Namely, starting from Nis, the route of 400 kV transmission line passes near the cities of Leskovac and Vranje, where construction of transformers 400 / x kV is planned in the future. 1.3 Alternative 1 of the Transmission Line Route After the exit from the SS Stip, this variant of the corridor of the 400 kV transmission line route follows the existing 110 kV transmission line to SS Sveti Nikole, parallely with the regional road from Stip to Kumanovo. At the point where the regional road forks near the junction to Veles, the corridor continues to follow the regional road to Sveti Nikole, i.e. Kumanovo until the point where the road forks to Village Kokochinje, where the same corridor continues, with the second variant. Here, the corridor passes through the fertile land of Ovche Pole.

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1.4 Alternative 2 of the Transmission Line Route At the very exit from the SS Stip, this variant follows the direction of the newly built 400 kV transmission line to Bulgaria, and turning to the north-west, it spreads bellow the hills and the mountain Mangovica until the point where the road forks to Village Kokoshinje, where it continues in the same corridor with the first variant. The initial line of the second variant is more favourable than the second one because it avoids the fertile land of Ovche Pole. The corridor of the route continues near the regional road Sveti Nikole – Kumanovo, but near the Village Pezovo, east of the regional road, it spreads to Zebrnjak, where in north direction to Village Algunja, it cuts the regional road Kumanovo – Kriva Palanka and gets closer to the Macedonian - Serbian border. The positioning of corridor near the eastern part of Kumanovo has been made with the aim of future construction of a transformer of 400 kV Kumanovo near the line Tromegja – Zebrnjak. Picture – SS Stip - Starting point of the Interconnection 400 kV OHL Macedonia – Serbia

1.5 Selection of Optimal Corridor for the Route of the Transmission Line The second variant, which is more favourable because it avoids the fertile areas of Ovche Pole, has been proposed as an optimal corridor for the route of the 400 kV transmission line. The corridor of the selected route passes through favourable low mountain terrain, which spreads in the direction north - south, along the lateral parts of the hill terrain, thus avoiding the direct positioning of the transmission line toward the wind direction. Along the entire corridor, the average altitude varies between 400-550 m. The proximal length of the route of the transmission line is 70 km. The selected route for the transmission line includes 16 reference point (RP) The geographical outline of RP is presented in Annex 2. In direction from south to the north, the reference points are the following:

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UTM coordinates

Reference point (RP) X Y (starting point) RP 1 598097.9863 4626336.8289

RP 2 597541.5055 4627784.8906 RP 3 595834.5120 4630640.0057 RP 4 594954.2294 4633347.0920 RP 5 591473.9164 4635865.9097 RP 6 589597.5774 4638521.6589 RP 7 587091.4433 4641887.9379 RP 8 584826.2356 4643197.3885 RP 9 581973.8748 4645362.5548

RP 10 578294.9308 4651227.2462 RP 11 575157.8886 4655450.4374 RP 12 573136.2530 4658269.7143 RP 13 568428.0075 4664437.5981 RP 14 566417.0278 4666677.0862 RP 15 566543.0379 4679334.8599 RP 16 563648.9657 4683952.7325

Generaly, the entire route of the transmission line and its reference points are selected by the MEPSO planning team, in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner. The selected route of the transmission line (alternative 2) avoids the most important areas with indigenous halophyte vegetation that grows along the line between village Erdjelija, the railway station “Ovche Pole” and Sveti Nikole, which to a certain extent would have been endangered shoud the alternative 1 had been accepted. These are important habitats with specific halomorphic soils (salty soil), where very rare and endemic halophyte plant communities grow, adjusted to the extremely solty soil. The importance of these plant communities is confirmed by the fact that the habitat type to which they belong is on the list of EU Habitat Directive. The selected route was not able to avoid some minor areas with halophyte vegetation in the first half of the route (along the line between Stip and village Mechkuevci), but these are small and insignificant fragments with low biological significance and are in deteriorated condition. Halophytic plants with poor biological vitality are present in these fragments. No real possibility for their revitalisation exists. These areas are very limited and surrounded with agricultural plots. The present natural halophytic vegetation in these areas are remains of former vegetation that existed before the period of intensive irrigation and alteration of the land use for agricultural purposes. Still, relevant protection measures are envisaged for protection of these areas during implementation of the project activities. The proposed optimal corridor of the route is presented in the following picture.

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Picture - The selected route of the 400 kV OHL SS Stip – Macedonian – Serbian border

Source: MEPSO



I вари јанта

400 kV ДВ ТС Штип - М

акедонско -Српска граница

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1.6 Zero Alternative (Do Nothing Alternative) In case of termination of implementation of the project, the effects would be the following:

• Unchanged conditions for transfer of electricity between Macedonia and Serbia.

• Unchanged quality, safety amd flexibility of the power supply systems in the region.

• Unchanged total capacity of the power corridor north-south. • Unchanged voltage profiles of power grids.

• Unreduced presence of energy overloads in the existing power supply grid.

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2 Description and Characteristics of the Project 2.1 Existing Power Transmission Grid in Macedonia The existing power transmission grid in Macedonia includes 400 kV, 220 kV and 110 kV sub-stations and power transmission lines. The Macedonian power grid is connected with Serbia (Kosovo) with interconnection lines of 400 kV and 220 kV, with Greece – 400 kV and with Bulgaria – 400 kV and 110 kV, and provides electricity for all users of the transmission network. The system is three-phase, with frequency of 50 Hz, and direct neutral point for grounding and voltage levels of 400 kV, 220 kV and 110 kV. Within this sytem, the existing 400 kV grid has been designed and constructed according to the following data:

Network voltage level – 400 kV

Equipment rated voltage – 420 kV

Lighting impulse withstand voltage – 1425 kV

Frequency – 50 Hz

Grounding on a neutral point – solidly(direct) grounding

Short circuit current – 40 kA

Duration of the short circuit – 1 sec

Coordination of the insulation – IEC 71-1, 71-2, JUS 130.130

Degree of pollution – normal/middle

Maximum air humidity – 100% Picture – Map of electric power in Macedonia

Source: www.mepso.com.mk

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2.2 Scope and Project Life Cycle The scope of the project includes planning, construction and operation of the interconnection 400 kV transmission line from the existing substation 400 / 100 kV near Stip to the Macedonian – Serbian border. The project involves construction of new OHL field in the existing substation. The entire life cycle of the project includes the following phases:

o Selection of adequate corridor for the route of the transmission line This phase has been realised through (i) identifying the potential alternative routes, (ii) assessment of the feasibility thereof and (iii) selection of the most feasible alternative.

o Planning and design phase. This phase is underway and includes preparation of relevant planning documentation, including technical and design documentation and analysis of the environment aspects. The planning documentation will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the current Macedonian and international legislation for this type of facilities.

o Construction phase. Activities of this phase will include construction activities and installation of the necessary infrastructure and equipment.

o Operational phase. This project phase will include operational activites of the transmission line, including maintenance and control.

o Decommisioning and closure of the installation. This phase will include measures for recultivisation and future use of the area, as well as measures for managing the impact on the environment during the post-project period.

All components of the interconnection 400 kV transmission line SS Stip – Macedonian-Serbian border (towers, foundations, conductors, protective wires and insulators) and all their elements will be designed, produced, tested and installed according to the indicated conditions of the 400 kV grid in Macedonia. The entire equipment must be designed and constructed in the manner that will ensure safe operation in the ambiental conditions that dominate in the area where the transmission line is to be built, and under various energy burdens and voltages that might occur during the operaton of the transmission grid. 2.3 Technical Characteristics of the Transmission Line The planned transmission line will be designed and constructed in compliance with the current Regulation on the Technical Rules for Construction of Overhead Power Lines with Nominal Voltage of 1kV to 400 kV, as well as, with the remaining valid standards, rules and regulations. The length of the transmission line is approximately 70 km.

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The basic technical paramteres of the transmission line are presented in the following table: Table – Review of technical parameters of the 400 kV interconnection transmission line Parameter Characteristic Nominal voltage 400 kV Type of towers Steel-bar hot zinc-coated, with horizontally placed conductors, two per phase

and two protective wires Foundation Typical solutions, depending on the engineering and geo-mechanical

parameters of the ground. Reinforced concrete - brand of concrete acording to the valid regulations. Protection against corrosion of anchor segment, 50 cm above the level of the terrain.

Conductor √ Number per phases: 2 √ Material: AlFe √ Section: 490/65 mm2 √ Maximum work strain: According to valid regulations

Protective wire Two earth-lead wires in horizontal lowland: • First: Alumoweld hawser with diameter of 126.1 mm2, labeled AWG 19/9 • Second: Protective hawser with optic fiber, OPGW with 48 fibers (Mechanical and electric characteristics will correspond to classic protective hawser)

Insulators • Type of insulator: - On the line: Phase, massive, porcelain insulator of the type

75/21+20=160 or glass hanging insulators U-160 - On the portal: Glass hanging, of the type U-160

• Type of insulator chain: According to the regulations Earthing of towers • Specific resistance of the ground: According to the terrain measurements

of specific places and use of typical earthing • Material: Circular zinc-coated steel • Dimensions: Minimum diameter ∅10 mm

Connective equipment Connective materials for the planned insulators are hot zinc-coated. Climate parameters √ Wind pressure: 75 daN/m2

√ Burden from ice and snow: 1,6 x 0,18√d daN/m2 √ External temperature:

- Maximum + 40 °С - Minimum - 20 °С

Safety hight At least 1 m higher than the prescribed in the Regulation, as a result of tiredness of the materials, intensive construction of near-by facilities, use of agricultural machinery, etc.

2.3.1 Towers According to the current concept in Macedonia, all single 400 kV power transmission lines have been constructed by connecting two conductors per phase and symetrically positioned cables. Prusu

environmental impact assessment of the 400 kv overhead … · 2016. 7. 13. · environmental impact...

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