Armenia: Irrigation Dam Safety II Project
E943
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
1.
Introduction
The project is designed as a four-year program for improving, through rehabilitation/
reconstruction, the safety of 47 dams (including safety measures for Kechut and Kaps dams),
providing control measurement devices at 56 dam sites, providing minimal requirement of O&M
equipment for 55 dams, preparing the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) for the Yerevan lake
dam, providing the minimal needed telecom. equipment for implementing all EPPs, improving
the access to 16 dam sites, providing training on dam safety issues to operators of 60 dams,
providing training and support on dam regulatory issues to the Dam Maintenance branch of the
Water Supply Agency.
The EMP identifies the major relevant structural work operations of the project and indicates the
types of impacts expected; the types of mitigation measures likely to be necessary; the
institutional responsibilities for program execution, supervision, and monitoring; and the timing
for implementation.
2.
Project Objective
The development objective of the Irrigation Dam Safety Project, which is “to protect the
population and the socio-economic infrastructure down-stream of dams facing the highest risk of
failure” is also the PDO for this repeater project, Irrigation Dam Safety Project but on a much
more extended geographic scale. The project will also contribute to enhance the sustainability of
economic activities which are dependent on a reliable supply of water. Proceeds of the Project
will be used exclusively to assist in financing interventions aimed at significantly lowering the
safety risk of those dams. These interventions are deemed necessary on the basis of the findings
of technical investigations undertaken under the Irrigation Dam Safety Project, which called for
urgent action to prevent many of the investigated dams from entering into an emergency state in
the near future.
3.
Major Work Operations
Overall project structural and physical works are classified in 6 categories as follows:
(i)
upstream protection works;
(ii)
spillway capacity increase and rehabilitation;
(iii)
leakage reduction;
(iv)
irrigation/bottom outlet repairs and installation of safety equipment;
(v)
in some cases construction/rehabilitation of small buildings for emergency generators,
watchmen and workshops; and
(vi)
improvement of access roads
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The major work operations identified for their potential environmental impacts are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
construction of new spillways to increase, where needed, discharge capacities;
rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing spillways;
slope stabilization and strengthening;
rehabilitation of irrigation outlet; and
rehabilitation of access roads.
Construction of new spillways: According to current plans and designs, new spillways will be
required and constructed at 9 dams (Kechut, V. Sasnashen, Gegharkunik-1, Katnaghbiur-2,
Khashtarak-2, Hovk-1, Hovk-2, Hovk 1A, N. Bazmaberd). The new constructions will bring
their total spillway discharge capacity (existing plus new capacities) to socially acceptable levels.
This is badly needed for safety purposes as overtopping is considered the most critical failure
mechanism for embankment dams.
The major environmental issue related to the spillway construction work would be the disposal of
excavated materials (soil, stone, gravel, spoils, etc.). In general, volumes of excavated materials
are relatively small and manageable.
Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Existing Spillways: Rehabilitation/reconstruction work is
currently planned on 20 existing spillways (Akhurian, Spandarian, Tolors, Shamb, Aghavnadzor,
Tsilkar, Kosh, Agarak, Ashnak-2, Vosketas, Metsavan, Maralik, Khashtarak-1, Getik, Shenik,
Angechakot, Yerevan Lake, N. Talin, Karaglukh, Martiros-1). The work will vary from site to
site from complete reconstruction to minor repair. The major environmental issue of the spillway
rehabilitation/reconstruction work would be the transport and disposal of the concrete rubble and
debris.
Slope Protection/Strengthening: The project is currently expected to improve the slope protection
of 22 dams (Spandarian, Tolors, Aghavnadzor, Tsilkar, Katnaghbiur-1, Davidashen, Talish,
V. Talin-1, Ashnak-2, Maralik, Ashnak-1, Irind, Katnaghbiur-2, V. Sasnashen, Saralich, Artavan,
Khashtarak-2, Hovk-1A, Hatsashen, Shgarshik, V. Talin-2, Gegharkunik-1). Depending on each
case, this would require the strengthening of one (generally, on the reservoir side) or both of the
dam slopes. Damaged slope concrete covers will have to be removed and either disposed off or
reused, if suitable.
Rehabilitation of irrigation outlet: Rehabilitation of irrigation outlet is currently planned on 20
existing dams (Joghaz, Akhurian, Kechut, Shenik, Tsilkar, Aghakchi, Kosh, Talish, V. Talin-1,
Metsavan, Ashnak-1, Gegharkunik-1, Egnik, Hovk-1, Kaps, Aragats, Angechakot, Aknalich,
Yerevan Lake, Hatsashen). The major environmental issue related to the spillway construction
work would be the disposal of excavated materials (soil, stone, gravel, spoils, etc.) and
construction wastes (concrete rubbles and debris). In general, volumes of excavated materials are
relatively small and manageable.
According to current plans and designs, new safety equipments will be installed at all dams
included in this project and no major environmental problems are anticipated during this process.
Rehabilitation of access roads
The project is currently expected to improve the access roads of 16 dams (Aghakchi, Davidashen,
Metsavan, Irind, Agarak, V. Sasnashen, Arpilich, Saralich, Aygedzor, Tavshud, David-Bek,
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Aparan, Karnout, Mantash, Hakhoum, Akhurian). The major environmental issue related to the
rehabilitation of access roads would be the disposal of excavated materials (soil, stone, gravel,
spoils, etc.). In general, volumes of excavated materials are small and manageable.
4.
Potential Impacts
Considering the rehabilitation nature of the project and the type of works considered to be carried
out at this stage, the negative impacts on the environment are expected to be insignificant or
minor. Based on the preliminary assessment, these impacts would be limited to:
(i) The transport and disposal of inert materials and construction concrete rubbles and
debris; and
(ii) The use and transport of materials (stone, gravel, soil, etc) from old and/or new
quarries.
The positive impacts are, on the other hand, expected to be significant. Over 23000 persons
(affected population) would enjoy better protection and safety after completion of the project.
The water resource and the Dam-based socio-economic activities and infrastructures and those in
downstream areas would also be better protected. Dam operations will be better managed and
sustained (reducing the need for new dams and for more impacts on the environment). Dam
warning and emergency systems will be improved and O&M function will be strengthened
5. Mitigation Measures
Based on the preliminary assessment, key mitigation measures recommended under this
preliminary Environmental Management Plan (EMP) are listed as follows per item and issue:
a)






b)




Spillway
Construction, where possible, of tunnel waterways in place of open trenches which are
more exposed to hill stone and landslides and garbage dumping and which change/damage
the landscape;
Widening, where possible, existing spillways to increase capacity and avoid construction
of new ones;
Obtain permits from the Ministry of Nature Protection (MNP) and as needed from the
local/regional authorities for disposal of excavated materials and construction wastes;
Obtain permit from the MNP and concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for opening
and/or use of quarries.
Transport and disposal of construction concrete rubbles, debris and spoils in approved
paths and landfills/dump sites;
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of landscape after completion of construction and
rehabilitation works.
Slope, outlet
Reuse of suitable excavated and dredged materials (e.g. from spillway operations) for slope
protection and strengthening works, limiting the need for old and new quarries;
Use, where possible, existing quarries for required additional materials;
Obtain permits from the Ministry of Nature Protection and as needed from the
local/regional authorities for the opening and/or use of quarries;
Obtain permits from the Ministry of Nature Protection and as needed from the
local/regional authorities for disposal of excavated materials and construction wastes;
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
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of landscape after completion of construction and
rehabilitation works and after use of quarries.
c)


Access roads
Rehabilitation, where possible, of existing access roads avoiding construction of new ones;
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of landscape after completion of construction and
rehabilitation.
6.
Environmental management
Mitigation Measures and Institutional Responsibilities for Implementation
For each potential impact Table 1 identifies:
 the proposed mitigation measure(s); and
 the parties or agencies charged with implementing those measures, separated into:
-- executing agencies, responsible for executing the measure;
-- supervising agencies, responsible for supervising the executing agencies to ensure
that they execute the mitigation measures as planned; and
-- monitoring agencies, in charge of monitoring the extent of implementation and the
effectiveness of the mitigation measures and of adjusting the program if needed.
The proposed mitigation measures and institutional responsibilities are grouped as follows,
depending on the identity of the monitoring agency:
World Bank (WB): includes all measures calling on the PIU and associated design
institutes to obtain EA conclusion, permits for water use and discharge and for the
disposal of excavated materials, wastes, and demolition debris. The World Bank will
need to ensure that such permits are obtained from relevant agencies (MNP, Local
and regional authorities) before the construction works are tendered out;
PIU: includes all measures implemented by contractors/operators, and other
institutes, supervised by institutes affiliated with the SCWM, and monitored by the
PIU; and
Partner agencies to the PIU and SCWM: includes all measures requiring some sort
of monitoring by key partners of the PIU/SCWM for this project, in particular the
MNP and its affiliated agencies (Water Resources Protection Agency, Historic and
Cultural Monuments Protection Agency, etc.).
7.
Contracting
Most construction phase impacts will be possible to mitigate by including appropriate clauses
into the civil works contacts. Clauses should cover, but not limited to, the following issues:
 Compliance with general national environmental guidelines;
 Protection of Historic-cultural monuments;
 Adequate disposal of construction and excavation wastes;
 Location of construction camps, etc.
The construction site, potential negative impacts, mitigation measures, implementing institutions
and timing are presented in Table 1.
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SITE
POTENTIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OR
MONITORING MEASURES
EXECUTING
AGENCY
SUPERVISING
AGENCY
MONITORING
AGENCY
TIMING
MONITORING
AGENCY
TIMING
Armenia: Irrigation Dam Safety II Project
Table 1: Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
SITE
POTENTIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OR
MONITORING MEASURES
EXECUTING
AGENCY
SUPERVISING
AGENCY
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SPILLWAYS
* Kechout,
* V. Sasnashen,
* Gegharkunik-1,
* Katnaghbiur-2,
* Khashtarak-2,
* Hovk-1,
* Hovk-2,
* Hovk 1A
* N. Bazmaberd
Open cuts and
trenches may damage
landscape.
Pollution of water and
soil as a result of
improper disposal of
excavated materials
and construction
wastes
Construct tunnel waterways, where
possible, in lieu of open trenches.
Design Institute/
Contractor
PIU
Ministry of Nature
Protection (MNP)
Investigate during
design phase and
implement
according to
Time-schedule
Widen existing spillways, where possible,
in lieu of new ones.
Design Institute/
Contractor
PIU
MNP
Investigate during
design phase and
implement
according to
Time-schedule
Obtain permit from the MNP and
concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for
construction and disposal operations.
Provide for zones of preliminary
accumulation of wastes that will cause no
damage to the vegetation cover and other
components of the environment
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
MNP
After obtaining of
permit, during
construction work
Arrange disposal all types of wastes
according to the established procedure and
in the area designated for the specific
purpose.
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
MNP
Local/Regional
Authority
After obtaining of
permit, during
construction work
Recuperate suitable excavated materials
for slope protection/ strengthening works.
Contractor
PIU
MNP
Local/Regional
Authority
As per Timeschedule for slope
protection/
strengthening
works
5
SITE
POTENTIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Loss of top soil due
to temporary access
roads and work areas
Temporary air
pollution (dust)
related to the
transportation of
construction materials
and truck traffic
Impacts on historiccultural monuments
(in case of Kechut
dam)
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OR
MONITORING MEASURES
EXECUTING
AGENCY
SUPERVISING
AGENCY
MONITORING
AGENCY
TIMING
Delineate access roads/ work areas
carefully and prevent their expansion
Contractor
PIU
MNP
Local/Regional
Authority
During
construction works
Restore temporary roads re-using
excavated soil up to the restoration of the
vegetation cover
Rehabilitate access roads and work areas
after work completion (scratch soil with
special engine, put fertile topsoil in place,
etc.)
Use closed/covered trucks for
transportation of construction materials
Contractor
PIU
MNP
During
construction works
Contractor
PIU
MNP
After works
completion.
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
Contractor
PIU
MNP
During
construction works
PIU
MNP
During/ after
construction works
Contractor
PIU
MNP,
Historic and
Cultural
Monuments
Protection
Agency
During
construction works
Contractor
PIU
MNP,
Historic and
Cultural
Monuments
Protection
Agency
During
construction works
Clean the surrounding area from dust by
water sprinkling , removal of excess
materials and cleaning of sites upon
completion of activities
Arrange necessary preservation measures
(establish protection zones, by-pass these
areas during transportation and other);
Cease the works as soon as historical and
cultural monuments are encountered
during earthworks and provide relevant
information to the State Agency for
Historical and Cultural Monuments
Protection.
6
SITE
POTENTIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Landscape
degradation
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OR
MONITORING MEASURES
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of
landscape after completion of
reconstruction and rehabilitation works
and after use of quarries.
EXECUTING
AGENCY
SUPERVISING
AGENCY
MONITORING
AGENCY
MNP
TIMING
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
After works
completion.
Recuperate suitable construction rubbles,
debris and spoils for slope protection
work.
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
MNP
Local/Regional
Authority
As per
Time-schedule for
slope protection/
strengthening work
Obtain permit from the MNP and
concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for
opening and/or use of quarries.
Obtain permit from the MNP and
concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for
construction and disposal operations.
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Transport and dispose off leftover
materials in approved paths and dump
sites
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
MNP
Local/Regional
Authority
After obtaining of
permit and during
rehabilitation/
reconstruction work
Use closed/covered trucks for
transportation of construction materials
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
Contractor
PIU
MNP
During construction
works
PIU
MNP
During/ after
construction works
REHABILITATION/ RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING SPILLWAYS
* Akhurian,
* Spandarian,
* Tolors,
* Shamb,
* Aghavnadzor,
* Tsilkar,
* Shenik,
* N. Talin,
* Kosh,
* Davidashen,
* Agarak,
* Ashnak-2,
* Vosketas,
* Metsavan,
* Maralik,
* Khashtarak-1,
* Karaglukh,
* Getik,
* Angechakot,
* Yerevan Lake,
* Martiros-1
Pollution of water and
soil as a result of
improper disposal of
excavated materials
and construction
wastes
Temporary air
pollution (dust)
related to the
transportation of
construction materials
and truck traffic
Clean the surrounding area from dust by
water sprinkling , removal of excess
materials and cleaning of sites upon
completion of activities
7
SITE
POTENTIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Landscape
degradation
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OR
MONITORING MEASURES
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of
landscape after completion of
reconstruction and rehabilitation works
and after use of quarries.
EXECUTING
AGENCY
SUPERVISING
AGENCY
MONITORING
AGENCY
MNP
TIMING
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
After work
completion.
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
Contractor
PIU
PIU
MNP
To be decided
during detailed
design phase
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
MNP
After obtaining of
permit and during
rehabilitation/
reconstruction work
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
Contractor
PIU
MNP
During construction
works
PIU
MNP
During/ after
construction works
Contractor
PIU
MNP
After completion of
protection/
strengthening work
SLOPE PROTECTION/ STRENGHTENING
 Spandarian,
 Tolors,
 Aghavnadzor,
 Tsilkar,
 Katnaghbiur-1,
 Davidashen,
 Talish,
 V. Talin-1,
 Ashnak-2,
 Maralik,
 V. Sasnashen,
 Ashnak-1,
 Irind,
 Katnaghbiur-2,
 N. Bazmaberd,
* Saralich,
* Artavan,
* Khashtarak-2,
* Hovk-1A,
* Hatsashen,
* Shgarshik,
* V. Talin-2,
* Gegharkunik-1.
Requires volumes of
gravel, stones, soil,
etc.
Recuperate suitable materials from other
rehabilitation and reconstruction works
(e.g. new and old spillways, slopes).
Requires use of either
existing quarries or
the opening of new
ones.
Possible production of
construction
debris/spoils.
In priority, use old quarries for additional
materials and if not possible, open new
quarries located, where possible, in
reservoir flood areas.
Obtain permit from the MNP and
concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for
opening and/or use of quarries.
Obtain permit from the MNP and
concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for
construction and disposal operations.
Arrange disposal all types of wastes
according to the established procedure and
in the area designated for the specific
purpose.
Temporary air
pollution (dust)
related to the
transportation of
construction materials
and truck traffic
Landscape
degradation
Use closed/covered trucks for
transportation of construction materials
Clean the surrounding area from dust by
water sprinkling , removal of excess
materials and cleaning of sites upon
completion of activities
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of
landscape after completion of
reconstruction and rehabilitation works.
REHABILITATION OF IRRIGATION OUTLET
8
After completion of
work on spillways
SITE
 Joghaz,
 Akhurian,
 Kechut,
 Kaps,
 Shenik,
 Talish,
Tsilkar,
 Aghakchi,
 Kosh,
 V. Talin-1,
 Metsavan,
 Ashnak-1,
 Gegharkunik-1,
 Egnik,
 Hovk-1,
 N. Bazmaberd,
 Aragats,
 Angechakot,
 Aknalich,
 Yerevan Lake
* Hatsashen
POTENTIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OR
MONITORING MEASURES
Possible production of
construction
debris/spoils.
Obtain permit from the MNP and
concerned Local/ Regional Authorities for
construction and disposal operations.
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Arrange disposal all types of wastes
according to the established procedure and
in the area designated for the specific
purpose.
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of
landscape after completion of
reconstruction and rehabilitation works.
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
Contractor
PIU
MNP
PIU
MNP
After obtaining of
permit and during
rehabilitation/
reconstruction work
After work
completion.
Obtain permit from the Ministry of Nature
Protection and concerned Local/ Regional
authorities for disposal operation.
Arrange disposal all types of wastes
according to the established procedure and
in the area designated for the specific
purpose.
Design Institute
PIU
WB
During detailed
design phase
Contractor,
Construction
sub-contractor
organizations
PIU
MNP
After obtaining of
permit and during
rehabilitation/
reconstruction work
Restoration to quasi-original conditions of
landscape after completion of
reconstruction and rehabilitation works.
Contractor
PIU
MNP
After work
completion.
Landscape
degradation
EXECUTING
AGENCY
SUPERVISING
AGENCY
MONITORING
AGENCY
TIMING
IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESS ROADS
 Aghakchi,
 Davidashen,
 Metsavan,
 Irind,
 Agarak,
 V. Sasnashen,
 Arpilich,
 Saralich,
 Aygedzor,
 Tavshud,
 David-Bek,
 Aparan,
 Karnout,
 Mantash,
 Hakhoum,
 Akhurian
Possible production of
construction
debris/spoils.
Landscape
degradation
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DISCLOSURE REPORT
This report presents the Minutes of the disclosure addressing the
“IRRIGATION
DAM
SAFETY
II
PROJECT”
and
particularly
the
“ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN”, that was held at the PIU Meeting
Room on April 30, 2004. The report includes the following principal sections:
1. Pre-requisites of the disclosure
2. Disclosure Program
3. Objectives of the disclosure
4. List of participants
5. Key questions and opinions expressed during the disclosure
1. Pre-requisites of the Disclosure
The RA Government, International Development Association and World Bank
support implementation of the Environmental Management Plan under the ”Irrigation
Dam Safety Project IIl”.
The present Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared by the
PIU specialists with the World Bank assistance.
2. Disclosure Program
The Seminar Program consisted of the following.

Opening speech – Adibek Ghazaryan, director, WSDII PIU SI

Presentation of the Project – Karen Grigoryan, project coordinator,
WSDFII PIU SI

Presentation of the Environmental Management Plan – Armine
Simonyan, environmental specialist, WSDII PIU SI

Discussion
3. Objectives of the Disclosure
The objectives of the disclosure were to:

Present the activities to be conducted under Irrigation Dam Safety II
Project.
10

Present the activities to be conducted under the IDSP II Environmental
Management Plan

Keep concerned parties informed about the Project from its starting
point.
The seminar was organized in two parts. During the first part, after the
opening and welcoming speech, Dr. Karen Grigoryan (Project coordinator) presents
general information on the
proposed project, identify the key activities to be
undertaken, focus participants attention on Marmarik, Kaps and Kechout dams.
During the second part Ms. Armine Simonyan presented the IDSP II
Environmental Management Plan, indicate the types of of impacts expected, identify
the types of mitigation measures likely to be necessary, institutional responsibilities
for measures execution, supervision and monitoring.
4. List of Participants
No
Organization
Name and Surname
Position
1.
State Committe for Water
Management under RA Government
Rudik Ghukasyan
Deputy minister
2.
WSA, Dams department
Robert Andreasyan
Head of department
3.
WSA, Dams department
Aram Melkumov
Chief engineer
4.
Technical Consultative Commission
Hovhannes
Tockmajyan
Head of Commission
5.
WSA, “Aknurian - Araks” branch
Slavik Ishkhanyan
Head of branch
6.
Emergency management Agency
Artak Hakobyan
Representative
7.
WSDII PIU
Adibek Ghazaryan
Director
8.
WSDII PIU
Karen Grigoryan
Project Coordinator
9.
WSDII PIU
Edik Gndolyan
Chief engineer
10.
WSDII PIU
Armine Simonyan
Environmental
specialist
5. Key questions and opinions expressed during the disclosure
Question: Operation agency needs typical standard regulations on dam
operation, safety certificate as well as ranges of safety indicators.
11
Answer: Consulting services on study of regulatory framework for dam safety
is already included in the project. Abovementioned issues will be included in TOR as
far as possible and will get relevant solution.
Question: Was the dam Bartsrouni included in the IDSP II?
Answer: Dam Bartsrouni is not included in the project due to the following
reasons. Dam possess no risk in it’s current state as it is not filled. It is located on a
landslide. Even in case of dam failure no threat is anticipated due to the dam small
storage. No measures are provided as a result of technical investigations, it isn’t
subject to rehabilitation.
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